On Friday, May 7, 2021, Bishop Boulos Marcuzzo, Latin Patriarchal Vicar of Jerusalem, presided over the institution of Lectors and Acolytes of 16 seminarians. The Holy Mass was celebrated at the Studium Theologicum Salesianum at the Ratisbonne Monastery in Jerusalem.

During the Holy Mass which was organized by Fr. Stanislaus Swamikannu, SDB, Bishop Marcuzzo, in the name of the Church, presented six seminarians to the institution of Lector, and ten seminarians to the institution of Acolyte, in the presence of a few Salesian professors and the family of the Studium.

The investiture to the Soutane and the institution of Lectors and Acolytes are minor ministries in preparation for the major ministries of Deacon and Priest. 

In his homily, Bishop Marcuzzo stressed on the importance of the “Spirit of service”, on which His Holiness Pope Francis shed light following his establishment of the new lay ministry of catechists on May 11, 2021. The Bishop also focused on the meanings of this celebration, especially in this country which calls for peace and reconciliation, and during this time which is a time of “universal brotherhood.”

Seminarians come from all over the world to the Holy Land to study Theology. They later return to their respective countries to continue their liturgical services.