CONFERMENT OF MINOR ORDERS

On the 23^rd of May, 2019 was a remarkable day in Good Shepherd Major seminary Kaduna, because the conferment of Minor Orders is a ceremony every seminarian always look up to. The ceremony signifies one of the customary steps on the path toward ordination. While the lectors are saddled with the responsibility of proclaiming the Word of God, the acolytes are to be uniquely tasked with the mission of serving.

In his homily during the Mass in which the institution of the lectors and acolytes took place, Most Rev. Dr. George Dodo, the Bishop of Zaria diocese spoke of the “real presence” of the Lord in the Eucharist. He admonished seminarians who were to receive the minor orders that, with the reception of this ministries they are being reminded that as ordained priests they will minister the mysteries of the faith from the altar. “You will become engaged in making real and present the saving mystery of the death and resurrection of the Lord.” He reminded the seminarians of the honor of their role as lectors and acolytes. “It is a great privilege to distribute the holy Eucharist, the new manna, to the faithful.” “As you know, as acolytes, you must show the greatest reverence for the most holy Eucharist with your behavior, your attire and the way you handle the body and blood of Christ.” Turning to the lectors he said “to you is also given the privilege of proclaiming the Word of God, make sure the Word you proclaim reflect in your lives.”

Seminarians, who after the Mass could not hide their joy affirmed that the event was an exciting and significant step in the journey to the priesthood. One needed to see how the younger students felt a moment of expectation and admiration. However, one of the newly lectors who could not hide his excitement acknowledged that “the event is essential because it tells us of the coming of something greater than this.”  While one of the newly acolytes affirmed that “becoming an acolyte is a step we have always looked up to, since it is a step to diaconate ordination.” “We feel like things are happening and we are almost there,” he said. The event came to a close at the school Terbena (canteen) where newly acolytes and lectors were celebrated by their friends. It was indeed an awesome event and we pray that the steps our brothers have taken in entering into the ministries of lector and acolyte be a moment of grace to prepare their hearts and lives for the service of God and the people in the future as priests (Amen).