In a solemn and joyous occasion, 15 seminarians were officially conferred the ministry of the acolyte by Cardinal Angelo de Donatis, the major penitentiary of the Holy See, at the St. Apollinaire Basilica on the Feast of All Saints. The ceremony marked a significant milestone in the seminarians' journey toward priesthood, as they enter their final year of theological studies in Rome.
The role of the acolyte includes assisting the priest and deacon during the celebration of the Eucharist and other sacraments. Acolytes are responsible for preparing the altar, handling sacred vessels, and ensuring the smooth conduct of the liturgy. As instituted ministers, they serve as an link between the clergy and the lay faithful, underlining the communal nature of the Church’s worship.
In his homily, Cardinal Angelo de Donatis spoke to the seminarians about the significance of their new ministry, emphasizing that it is a call to holiness and to a deeper engagement with the Church’s liturgical life. He reminded them that through the ministry of the acolyte, they are attuned to the spiritual rhythms of the Church, and he quoted St. Josemaría Escrivá, saying, “There is no other way, my daughters and sons: either we learn to find our Lord in ordinary, everyday life, or we shall never find him.”
The new acolytes are Francisco Bucardo from Nicaragua, Agustín Chaicovsky from Argentina, Nataniel Diogo and Eduardo Kalei from Angola, Chris Iradukunda from Burundi, Evaristus Mmadudiri, Celestine Okoye, Johnpaul Oraefo, and Emmanuel Thomas from Nigeria, Alberto Estrada and Román Solís from Mexico, Melvin Pineda from Honduras, Rajeesh Latha from India, Michael John Shokolo from Tanzania, and Cesar Veras from Brazil.
This significant event brings joy to the seminary community, as they continue their formation in preparation for the priesthood. The presence of the seminarians' families and friends in the Basilica deepened the sense of celebration, reflecting the unity and happiness of all members of the Church.
Best wishes to the new acolytes on their vocational journey!