On Saturday, November 9, 2024, the feast day of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica, the conferral of the formal ministry of acolyte was celebrated at the Seraphicum College in Rome.
During Mass presided over by the Minister General, Friar Carlos TROVARELLI, eight solemnly professed members of the Seraphicum formation community received the ministry of acolyte.
On the formation path toward the priesthood, such ministries are steps along the way. They help a friar discern his calling and respond generously, configuring himself to Christ the prophet (the ministry of lector) and Christ the servant (the ministry of acolyte). The ministry of acolyte is the last step before ordination to the diaconate and the priesthood.
The new acolytes are Friars Arun MANGALY, Dibin NALLUKUNNEL and Alan PARAYIL from the Province of St. Maximilian M. Kolbe in India; Friars Lucien BASSOLE and Windpidisda-Alain ZOUNGRANA from the Provincial Delegation in Burkina Faso; Friar Anthony Romanus DONKOH from the Provincial Custody of St. Anthony of Padua in Ghana; Friar Peter PIKULÍK from the Provincial Custody of the Immaculate Conception of the B.V.M. in Slovakia; and Friar Fakhridin IBRAGIMOV from the Provincial Delegation in Uzbekistan.
The term acolyte comes from the Greek word akolythos, meaning: “to go behind, to follow, to accompany.” The ministry of acolyte is a ministry of service to the Mass and therefore the altar. During the rite of institution of an acolyte, the Church invokes a special blessing on the candidate so that he may faithfully carry out his service, and increasingly conform his life to the Eucharistic Sacrifice, offering himself daily in Christ as a spiritual sacrifice pleasing to God. He is called to genuinely love the mystical Body of Christ, which is the people of God, especially the poor and the sick. Thus, this ministry is a specific task and mission within the Church, rather than merely an honorary title.
The acolyte lives out this calling through both liturgical moments and the concrete experiences of daily life, recognizing the Christ of the altar and the Christ present in others, especially those in need. Engaging in this ministry helps the acolyte to actively participate in the liturgy, to cultivate a deeper spiritual life, to grow in awareness, and to bear witness through his actions.
The acolyte is called to assist the priest and deacon during liturgical celebrations. They commit to serving the local community where the bishop sends them, dedicating their time, availability, and effort. Their service extends beyond liturgical celebrations; it also involves bringing what they have received from the altar to the faithful.
In this way, the acolyte seeks to be an instrument of Christ’s love and the Church’s compassion toward those who are most in need— the weak, the poor, and the sick—fulfilling Jesus’ command to the Apostles during the Last Supper: “Love one another as I have loved you.” While performing liturgical ministry, the acolyte is expected to wear the typical vestments of his role, which include an alb or a white surplice.
We thank the General Minister for his visit and his inspiring words, and we thank the friars in formation for their testimony and their commitment to serving at the altar. Let us pray for them and for all those who are on the path of discernment toward the priesthood, that they may persevere in their journey.
Friar Adam MĄCZKA
