Anthonia OKERE

         

The Catholic Archdiocesan league of lay readers held its annual seminar on Saturday, 21st of June, 2025, at St. Thomas Catholic Church, Agbowo, Ibadan. The theme of the seminar is: “The Necessity of deepening the spirituality of Catholic lectors through love for the scripture.”

          Fr. Iwuala Johnson, the Guest Speaker, stated that lectors (lay readers) hold a vital place in the Church’s liturgy, being the voice through which God’s word is proclaimed to the faithful, and that it’s recognized historically as one of the minor orders. Their role today, though no longer clerical, remains essential and sacred. Their responsibility also goes beyond reading. It involves embodying the word they proclaim.

          According to him, ‘this seminar serves as a reminder for lectors to renew their commitment to their calling, especially in this “Year of hope”’. He invites lectors to self-examination: Why did they become lectors? Do they proclaim God’s word with reverence or for personal pride? And is their lifestyles drawing others towards God or away from this ministry?

          He further says that, despite visible progress in participation across parishes, lectors should not forget the danger of becoming “functional alterists”, those who outwardly serve but inwardly lack faith and reverence, thereby dishonoring God by treating the lectionary casually, reading without understanding or preparation as well as approaching the sanctuary irrelevantly.

          Fr. Iwuala concluded his talk by urging lectors to focus on God in all they do, strengthen their prayer lives, engage in Lectio Divina (scriptural meditation) and that they should prioritize eternal life as the ultimate goal.

          Fr. Ethapeme, the Archdiocesan Chaplain congratulated the lectors and appreciated the executives for making the day a successful one, with over 260 participants present. He stressed that every lector must embrace this responsibility of proclamation with seriousness and joy, knowing the beauty of those who bring good news. And that lectors are not mere readers but vessels through which Christ speaks. Their spirituality must be deep, sincere, and grounded in love for scripture. And that they should fulfill their prophetic mission to the Church and the world through prayer, reverence and personal holiness.