On Sunday, 14th December, 
2014, Seminarian Massimo Buttigieg (hailing form the Cathedral Parish, Victoria) was bestowed the ministry of the acolytate by H.L Bishop Mario Grech. The community of the Seminary, together with the relatives of the seminarians, were present for a Mass celebrated at the Basilica of the Visitation at Għarb.
Bishop Grech presided at Mass. During his homily he spoke of the mission each Christian has to be a source of light in a world which is often dominated by darkness. In his mission the Christian has to follow the example of John the Baptist, a central character in the Liturgy of the Word that day (the 3rd Sunday of Advent). Bishop Grech said that this invitation is addressed especially to all those who choose to accept to follow Jesus. For many, the young man who answers ‘yes’ and leaves every thing behind to become a priest or a member of a religious order, is wasting his time – ‘a waste of life’. The person of faith knows that this is not true. However, it is the mission of the seminarian and the priest to make people ask and reflect, and this is done by the way he lives!
At the end of the sermon, the rite of the bestowment of the Minstry of the Acolytate took place. Massimo was given the paten with the bread and the chalice with the wine. From this day on he will be able to administer holy communion and take out the Holy Eucharist from the tabernacle.