FLASH NEWS:

NEWS

Shillong

💖 Please note: This content is tagged as 'religious'.

47 Salesian Clerics Receive Ministries of Lector and Acolyte in Shillong

7 August 2026

Formation,

News reported by: Michael Makri (INS)

Forty-seven Salesian clerics received the Ministries of Lector and Acolyte during a solemn Eucharistic celebration at Sacred Heart Theological College, Mawlai, on Thursday. Fr John Zosiama SDB, Provincial of the Salesian Province of Shillong, conferred the ministries.

Preaching on the Gospel from Luke, Fr Zosiama reflected on Jesus' command to His disciples, "Give them something to eat," stressing that the call extends beyond providing material nourishment to feeding God's people through the proclamation of the Word and faithful liturgical service. He urged the candidates to embrace their ministries with dedication, encouraging the lectors to nourish the faithful through Scripture and the acolytes to serve Christ and His Church reverently at the altar, strengthening the Church's witness through their service.

Speaking on the Ministry of Lector, the Provincial said the role involves more than reading the Scriptures during liturgical celebrations. He noted that the Word of God must first transform the lector's life, enabling him to proclaim it with conviction and authenticity, so that the faithful may be guided and nourished by its public proclamation.

Addressing the new acolytes, Fr Zosiama highlighted their responsibility of assisting the priest and deacon at the altar with devotion, dignity, and reverence. He said the ministry offers them closer participation in the Church's liturgical life through humble service to the Eucharistic mystery, thereby supporting the Church's worship before the faithful.

During the rite, the Provincial instituted 20 brothers who had completed their first year of theological studies into the Ministry of Lector. He also conferred the Ministry of Acolyte on 27 brothers who had completed their second year of theology.

The celebration marked an important stage in the formation of the Salesian brothers, preparing them for greater responsibility in the proclamation of the Gospel and the service of the Church's liturgy as they continue their journey towards priestly ministry, strengthening their public witness in the Church.