Seminarian receives Ministry of Acolyte

Anthony Vera of Le Mars and seminarian studying at the Pontifical North American College in Rome received the Ministry of Acolyte March 1 as the next step in his priestly formation. 

His Excellency, Archbishop Samuele Sangalli, Adjunct Secretary of the Dicastery for Evangelization conferred the Ministry of Acolyte on 33 seminarians in the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception at the Pontifical North American College, Vatican City State.

"This was a very special day for me. It was such a gift to receive the love and support of our seminary community as I was able to renew my 'yes' to God's call for me to his priesthood," Vera said. "This marks three out of the five 'yesses' towards the priesthood and it's exciting for me knowing he diaconate is next."

In his homily on the Second Sunday of Lent, when the Installation of the Ministry of Acolyte took place, Archbishop Sangalli preached on the Gospel passage of Matthew 17:1-9: “As Jesus brought the disciples to the high mountain to witness His transfiguration as a beloved Son, he has brought you to Rome to be transfigured by His glory that is revealed in you as beloved Sons.”

 Archbishop Sangalli continued to address those who would be receiving the Ministry of Acolyte and encouraged them to live out the gospel by evangelizing through the example of their lives: “Remember, that it is the Lord who has chosen you for this ministry to serve at His altar, and you are called to respond by giving of yourself completely in service of His body and blood.” He went on to exhort those who were to be installed as Acolytes, “Give of yourselves as bread to the Church as Jesus gave of himself as bread for the world. The portion that has been given to you, is to be shared with others.”    

In the rite of the Institution of Acolyte, Archbishop Sangalli placed the paten, which contains the hosts for the celebration of Mass, in the hands of each candidate. He then said, “Take this vessel with bread for the celebration of the Eucharist. Make your life worthy of your service at the table of the Lord and of his church.”   

The seminarians, currently in their second year of formation at the college, have two additional years of theological studies before being ordained to the priesthood in their home dioceses.  

"Becoming an acolyte allows me to serve the Lord in a more intimate way at the altar. We've received some beautiful reflections on how to pray through service for the church," Vera said. "I extend a word of thanks and gratitude to all the people who have supported me throughout the diocese, who have made it possible for me to make it to this day."

The Pontifical North American College serves as the American seminary in Rome. Founded in 1859 by Blessed Pius IX, the College has formed over 5,000 priests in the heart of the Church for service in dioceses around the United States and Australia. The College strengthens the bonds between Rome and local Churches worldwide, and it allows its students a first-hand encounter of the Church’s rich religious and cultural heritage. 

For more on vocations in the Diocese of Sioux City, go to: www.siouxcitypriest.org.

Photo credit: Pontifical North American College.

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