Shillong 7th August 2026: On 7 August 2026 at 7:00 a.m., Sacred Heart Theological College, Mawlai, Shillong, celebrated the conferral of the Ministries of Lector and Acolyte by Fr. John Zosiama SDB, Provincial of the Salesian Province of Shillong, during a Eucharistic Celebration.
The conferral of these ministries took place after the brothers had completed their annual spiritual retreat and just before the commencement of the new academic year, 2026-2027. As noted by the Provincial, the celebration was scheduled at the beginning of the academic year to lay the foundation for the seminarians’ priestly and theological formation.
In his homily, Fr. Provincial reflected on the Gospel passage from Luke, focusing on Jesus’ command to His disciples: “Give them something to eat.” He reminded the candidates that this invitation of Christ extends beyond physical nourishment, calling them to feed God’s people through the proclamation of the Word and their faithful service in the liturgy. He encouraged the newly instituted lectors to nourish the faithful with the Word of God and the acolytes to serve Christ and His Church with reverence at the altar.
Speaking about the Ministry of Lector, Fr. John Zosiama emphasized that a lector is called not merely to read or proclaim the Word of God during liturgical celebrations but also to allow that Word to penetrate his heart and mind, transforming his life. Only by living the Word can a lector proclaim it with conviction and authenticity.
Addressing those receiving the Ministry of Acolyte, Fr. Provincial explained that an acolyte is entrusted with assisting the priest and deacon at the altar with devotion, reverence, and dignity. Through this ministry, they participate more closely in the Church’s liturgical life, serving the Eucharistic mystery with dedication and humility.
Following the homily, Fr. Provincial conferred the Ministry of Lector upon 20 brothers who had completed their first year of theological studies. He also instituted 27 brothers who had completed their second year of theological studies into the Ministry of Acolyte.
The Ministries of Lector and Acolyte are significant stages in the formation of seminarians, marking their gradual preparation for the sacred ministry of the priesthood. As instituted ministers, they are called to deepen their commitment to Christ by faithfully proclaiming the Word of God from the ambo and serving with devotion at the altar.
INS Correspondent
