Friday, June 25, 2010

The Installation of Lectors and Acolytes


Today marks the beginning of life for the new comers at SAT Davao community to the ministry of Lectors and acolytes. The installation process started the night before when Fr. Cruz – the Prefect of Student in SAT – gave the orientation regarding this ministry of lectors and acolyte. He explained to us the value and dignity that these offices hold. Over and above, in my limited capacity to recall the whole discussions, I learned that these offices are sacred and should be held with reverence, honor, and respect. He further emphasizes proper decorum on the actual practice of it since it is sacred and should be held with esteem.


Back to the Eucharistic celebration on the installation to these sacred offices, the students to be installed with the main celebrant (Fr. Ben, the superior) and the con-celebrant (Fr. Michael, formator) had their procession to the altar followed by the proper of the order of the Eucharist. Before Fr. Ben delivered his homily, the rite of installation to the order of lector and acolyte took place.


Fr. Ben in his homily shared to us his inspirational reflection on the simple and ordinary drift wood he saw during his personal time in the day chapel. The way he describes to us the drift wood was something one may loose interest. However, as he continues that while the drift wood was used as base for flower arrangement, its beauty starts to be revealed. Something extraordinary happened to that very simple and ordinary drift wood.


As he connects his reflection to us who will get installed, I realized my unworthiness and imperfections as human. And I believe it’s true with the other brothers who will be receiving the order. Yet, in the midst of all these imperfections and unworthiness we have, God desires us to be unique and made us something that catches one’s attention. God designed us, like the drift wood used as base for flower arrangement, to be honorable and dignified in the order of lector and acolyte. It’s not about feeding one’s ego, rather having that privilege to be chosen to serve despite one’s imperfection. It is out of reverence and respect that one observes after his installation. With these, one desires to become closer to God in his knowledge of God’s word by frequent reading of the sacred scripture and his intimacy with the Eucharist.


This elevation to the order of lector and acolyte gave one the opportunity to be closer to people because he now identifies himself as Christ’s disciple. He now has Christ in his life. This can be manifested by his dedication and faithfulness to his duties and obligation to the church. And everyday in his practice to this ministry – with the people –he will have better knowledge and understanding with the one behind this ministry who is Jesus Christ. From there, he will draw his energy and hope to become faithful to the call.

(Choy)

1 comment:

  1. Congratulations brothers !! I am a Redemptorist Student in Theology i will be receiving my ministry of Lector tomorrow Aptil 1. May Our Holy Father Alphonsus continue to guide us and our mother or perpetual help continue to watch over our vocation!!!
    Fra. Kevin Bellot,C.Ss.R,

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