Preparation Talk and Conferral of the Ministries of Lector and Acolyte 2026

As part of the preparation for receiving the ministries of Lector and Acolyte, a spiritual and formative programme was organized for the brothers. In the evening at 7:00 p.m. in the Main Chapel, the community gathered for the Way of the Cross, which helped the brothers to prayerfully reflect on the passion of Christ and prepare themselves spiritually for the ministries they were about to receive. This was followed by a talk by Fr. Cyprian Crado, OP, who spoke about the meaning and importance of the ministries of lector and acolyte in the life of the Church. He explained that the ministry of lector involves proclaiming the Word of God during the liturgy and therefore requires love for Sacred Scripture and careful preparation, while the ministry of acolyte is closely connected with service at the altar and assisting in the Eucharistic celebration. The session concluded with Eucharistic Adoration in the chapel, followed by an opportunity for the brothers to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation, helping them to prepare themselves spiritually for the reception of these ministries.

The Conferral of the Ministries of Lector and Acolyte was celebrated on 21 February 2026 with a solemn Holy Mass at 7:00 a.m. in the Main Chapel. The ministries were conferred by Most Rev. Elias Gonsalves, Archbishop of Nagpur. On this occasion, 19 brothers from First Year Theology were instituted as Lectors, and 15 brothers from Second Year Theology were instituted as Acolytes. Through these ministries, the brothers were entrusted with greater responsibility in the liturgical life of the Church, especially in the proclamation of the Word of God and in assisting at the altar during the celebration of the Eucharist. After the Holy Mass, a felicitation programme was organized in the Vianney Garden, where the community gathered to congratulate the newly instituted brothers. The celebration concluded with a spirit of joy and gratitude as the seminarians continued their journey of formation and preparation for future service in the Church.