Pope Paul VI established Motu Proprio the Ministries of Acolytes and Lectors in 1973 with the apostolic letter Ministeria Quaedam. They are requirements for all candidates for the clerical Orders. In addition, they are open for the male members of the laity not aspiring for the Orders. The candidates for clerical Orders receive these ministries through the Bishop or, in clerical institutes, through the Major Superior. In the Liturgies of the Church, the lectors concentrate on the Liturgy of the Word while the acolytes focus more on the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Through these ministries, the candidates lead the faithful in prayer and fulfil their calling.
Thus, on the 10th of February 2018, at the Claretian Theology House, Elerumoke, Ibadan, the Superior of the Claretian Missionaries, West Nigeria Delegation, VRF Daniel Onyeayana CMF, in the presence of Fr. Francis Ilonwa, CMF, the Spiritual Director of the community, installed ten young men into these ministries in this order:
Eight of the brothers were installed Lectors. Four from the West Nigeria Delegation:
- Enebuse Moses, cmf
- Nweke Ignatius, cmf
- Ogbu Bernard, cmf
- Ogundare John, cmf
And four from the East Nigeria Province:
- Madunagu Michael, cmf
- Obiadazie Augustine, cmf
- Okonkwo Charles, cmf
- Okoye Vincent, cmf.
However, three from the West Delegation were installed Acolytes:
- Agada Philip, cmf
- Ameh Paul, cmf
- Ofuani Jude, cmf.
Prior to these installations, the Delegation Superior, Fr. Daniel CMF, on the 29th of January 2018, received 15 aspirants into the Postulancy at the Claretian Postulate House, Ibefun, Ijebu-Ode diocese, Ogun State. As they begin the process of answering their call to the as Claretian Missionaries, may the Lord grant them the grace for good discernment.