In a solemn Eucharistic celebration today, September 1 2024, the Catholic Diocese of Enugu witnessed the installation of a new set of Lectors and Acolytes in Enugu Diocese. Presided over by the Bishop, Most Rev. Callistus Onaga, the event saw 15 seminarians appointed as Lectors and 13 as Acolytes, marking a significant moment in their spiritual journey to the Catholic priesthood and service to the Church.
In a powerful homily from Bishop Onaga, His Lordship echoed the recent communiqué issued by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) following their Second Plenary Meeting of 2024. Held from August 22-30 in Auchi Diocese, the communiqué, themed “A Call for Prayer and Action towards Repentance and Spiritual Renewal,” emphasized the need for a Year of Prayer and Repentance as the Church prepares for the Jubilee Year of Hope in 2025.
In his message, Bishop Onaga stressed the importance of spiritual renewal and called on the faithful to engage in personal and communal repentance. He highlighted the CBCN’s concerns over deviations from liturgical norms and the rise of private ministries, urging that all practices remain aligned with Church authority.
The Bishop also addressed pressing national issues raised in the communiqué, including economic hardship, rising debt, multiple taxation, and food insecurity. He called for urgent reforms to alleviate the suffering of citizens and supported initiatives aimed at boosting agricultural productivity.
Additionally, the CBCN urged the government to tackle corruption, reduce living costs, and ensure transparency, while condemning the use of violence and excessive force during peaceful protests.
Bishop Onaga further echoed the CBCN’s call for government support of Catholic educational and healthcare institutions, advocating for financial subsidies to enhance the Church’s ability to serve the public.
Turning his attention to the newly appointed Lectors and Acolytes, Bishop Onaga reminded them of their sacred responsibilities. Lectors, he said, are entrusted with the power to proclaim the Word of God, teach the Faith (Catechism), and prepare the faithful for the sacraments. Acolytes, described as exalted Mass Servers, are given the authority to assist at the altar, distribute communion, and, in the absence of a priest or deacon, expose the Blessed Sacrament during adoration.
His Lordship concluded by calling for continuous prayers for the young men stepping into these roles and for the Church as a whole, underscoring the vital role they will play in the spiritual life of the diocese.
This ceremony not only marks a milestone for the new Lectors and Acolytes but also reinforces the Church’s commitment to spiritual renewal, unity, and service amid the challenges facing Nigeria today.
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