ROME • Forty-two seminarians of the Pontifical North American College were instituted into the ministry of lector during a celebration of the Eucharist on Jan. 14.

     Ryan Williams, at right, and Gonzalo Meza-Razo, of the Archdiocese of San Antonio, who are in their first year of theological studies, were among those seminarians instituted. Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan, archbishop of Milwaukee and former rector of the college, celebrated the Mass and instituted the new lectors.

    During his homily, Archbishop Dolan commented that proclaiming the Word of God today will result in the “change, transformation, conversion and renewal” of those who proclaim it as well as hearers and the worldwide church.

    Handing the book of Sacred Scriptures to each seminarian, he said, “Take this book of holy Scripture and be faithful in handing on the Word of God so that it may grow strong in the hearts of his people.” The institution as lector is one of the ministerial steps leading towards diaconal and priestly ordination.
    As the rite indicates, a lector is charged with preaching the Word of God in the liturgical assembly, instructing children and adults in the faith, and preparing all to receive the sacraments worthily.