ARCHBISHOP ABEGUNRIN ENCOURAGES GUANELLANS TO FOLLOW FOUNDER’S EXAMPLE

ARCHBISHOP ABEGUNRIN ENCOURAGES GUANELLANS TO FOLLOW FOUNDER’S EXAMPLE

THE ARCHBISHOP OF Ibadan Archdiocese, Most Rev Gabriel Abegunrin, has advised the new candidates, lectors and acolytes of the Servants of Charity Congregation, to conform to the example of Don Luigi Guanella, their founder.

He said this during homily while admitting some members of the religious Congregation as candidates, lectors and acolytes on 19 December at their Yemetu residence.

Out of the ten candidates presented to the archbishop, three of them made declaration to become candidates for the priesthood, four were received as lectors, while the other three were received as acolytes.

Archbishop Abegunrin reminded them that their elevation meant service.  According to him, to be a priest, you must be ready to serve, if not, the Church would discontinue with you because you are raised to work. He said they should bring the message of God to those who have not known him, emphasising that their service should be done in obedience.

The prelate explained that the ministry of acolyte is the last stage in the formation of one who wants to be a priest before a deacon. The acolyte serves at the altar and can also distribute Holy Communion as an extra-ordinary minister of God.

According to him, acolytes can also expose the Blessed Sacrament without Benediction, saying they can assist the deacon and priests in liturgical functions. The Acolytes can equally preside over prayers, and direct the faithful to participate actively in the liturgy.

The archbishop said lectors proclaim readings of the Mass. He explained that lectors are also to instruct the faithful on the doctrines of the Church and the word of God.

The prelate enjoined the faithful, friends and collaborators of the congregation to assist them in prayers to carry out their duties. “Assist them in prayers, don’t discourage them,” he said.

At the end of the ceremony, the Superior of the congregation, Rev. Fr Lawrence Putonor, thanked all who attended the occasion.

-MARGARET OBOGO

Our Social Media