Last Sunday, 21January, the Sunday of the Word of God, sixth year seminarians Samuel Aquilina and Marlon Victor Bajada were instituted lectors by H.L. Mgr Anton Teuma Bishop of Gozo. The seminarians Samuel and Marlon hail from the Parish of St George Martyr in Victoria, and the Parish of Our Lady of Perpetual Help and St Gregory the Great in Ta’ Kerċem, respectively.
The ceremony took place during a solemn mass celebrated at 8.30am in the Parish Church of the Shipwreck of St Paul in Munxar. After the homily, Bishop Teuma prayed upon the candidates and presented to them the Sacred Scripture. Several priests, including the Seminary formators concelebrated. The mass was attended by the newly-instituted lectors’ families and friends and members of the parish community of Munxar.
As readers and bearers of God’s word, the new lectors have been given a responsibility in the service of the faith, which is rooted in the word of God. It is their duty to proclaim this word in the liturgical assembly, instruct children and adults in the faith and prepare them to receive the sacraments worthily. They are also charged with bringing the message of salvation to those who have not yet received it. Thus, by their help, men and women will come to know God the Father and his Son Jesus Christ, whom he sent, and so be able to reach eternal life.
