St Joseph’s Interdiocesan Seminary celebrated an important occasion in the spiritual and ministerial formation of its brothers, as the Ministries of Reader and Acolyte were conferred during the Eucharistic celebration at 6.30 p.m. The Holy Mass was presided over by Most Rev. Dr Aloysius Paul Dsouza, Bishop Emeritus of Mangalore.

During the celebration, 19 brothers of II Year Theology received the Ministry of Reader, while 29 brothers of III Year Theology were instituted as Acolytes. These ministries represent significant stages in their preparation for ordained ministry and invite them to serve the Church with greater responsibility and dedication.

The Ministry of Reader entrusts the brothers with the responsibility of proclaiming the Word of God, apart from the Gospel, during liturgical celebrations. The Ministry of Acolyte calls them to assist at the altar and serve the Eucharistic celebration with reverence and devotion.

In his homily, Bishop Aloysius Paul Dsouza encouraged the newly instituted ministers to dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to God and His people. He emphasized that receiving these ministries involves more than fulfilling liturgical duties; it requires a life of humility, obedience, and sincere commitment to the mission of the Church. The rites of institution were conducted prayerfully, with appropriate commentaries highlighting the significance of the ministries. The celebration concluded with intercessory prayers and a vote of thanks by Br Judhin, as the seminary community prayed for God’s blessings upon the newly instituted Readers and Acolytes.