Raphael Temitope FAOLA

 

The Ibadan Archdiocese League of Lay Readers gathered for their 2026 bi-annual retreat at St Monica Catholic Church, Ologuneru on Saturday, 22nd August, 2026.

The retreat, facilitated by Rev. Fr. Johnpaul Nnajiofor, centered on the theme: “Speak Lord, your servant is listening”, taken from 1 Samuel 3:9-10.

 

In his address, Fr. Nnajiofor presented the role of the Lector in three dimensions: a Job, a Ministry, and a Vocation.

 

As a Job: The lector’s role demands competence and skill. Those who appoint readers are encouraged to do so based on merit, not favoritism. It is a job, but more importantly, a labour of love in service to the Church.

 

As a Ministry: It calls for humility. To proclaim the Word is to serve, and we are simply servants of the Word of God.

 

As a Vocation: The word ‘vocation’ comes from the Latin ‘vocare’, meaning ‘to call’. God Himself is the Caller. He calls us to proclaim His Word. Knowing that we are called by God gives us the foundation to stand firm against opposition and setbacks in this ministry.

 

Key Reminders for Lectors:

Proclaim, don’t just read: The author of the text is divine. The goal is to edify souls, not to seek human applause. There is a difference between shouting and projecting the Word.

Modest Appearance: Our dressing must be modest, decent, and not distracting. It should not reflect secularism or modernism. Our appearance must not draw attention away from the Word of God. We must not, by our manner of dressing, send away those seeking conversion. Cultural relativism has no place in worship.

Prepare adequately: Always go through the text before proclamation. Internalize the message so that the Word first ministers to you. Effective proclamation requires Study, Prayer, and Practice – SPP.

Continue the work of Evangelization: The ministry of the lector is an extension of the Church’s mission to spread the Word of God.

Persevere: Do not be discouraged by negative comments. Proclaim with your heart and soul.

 

The retreat ended with prayers for God’s continued guidance, that all lectors may be faithful and effective proclaimers of the Word through Christ our Lord. Amen.