Diocese carries out survey and wants to “certify” acolytes in Viseu parishes

Daily

National Pilgrimage of Acolytes recently took place in Fátima. Diocese is carrying out a survey in parishes

Photographer: Diocese of Viseu

The Diocese of Viseu is carrying out a survey of the number of acolytes in parishes, after around 50 assistants – accompanied by priests – represented the ecclesiastical institution in the National Pilgrimage of Acolytes, which recently took place in Fátima.

The meeting brought together nearly four thousand acolytes from across the country, who prayed and socialized, promoting exchanges between the various dioceses. It was “a moment to privilege and highlight the Ministry of Acolytes”, revealed Pedro Miguel, responsible for acolytes in the Diocese of Viseu.

The program was based on the theme “Acolytes, companions on the path”. The acolytes began the day on a walk that ended at the Capelinha das Apparições. After the rosary prayer, there was a convivial lunch and a mass in the Basilica of the Holy Trinity, presided over by D. José Cordeiro, archbishop of Braga and responsible for the Episcopal Commission for the Liturgy.

During the homily, D. José Cordeiro highlighted that “the group of acolytes can be, in fact, a true expression of what it means to be a synodal Church, a Church that walks together, with each other, for each other, just as the disciples of Emmaus who, two by two, walked with Jesus and recognized Him as He broke the bread, rejoining the community of disciples.”

Pedro Miguel highlighted that “the acolyte is the priest’s accomplice, that is, his right hand in guiding the liturgy, with a fundamental role in the relationship between what is the altar and the assembly itself”.

The diocesan official adds that the ministry “has to be a priority in the Diocese, an idea already defended by the bishops themselves” and calls for “more consistent work”.

After completing the survey of acolytes in the parishes, Pedro Miguel argues that the next step is to focus on training.

“We have already started training trainers and we want to create trainers in several parishes, certifying these people”, he explained, confiding that his great desire, as responsible for the acolytes, “is to make the acolyte in the parishes an established ministry”, he says.

Those interested in becoming acolytes can follow this vocation after their first communion and undergo training from the age of 15. To do this, they should approach the parish priest and contact the Diocesan Service of Acolytes of Viseu, via social media or by email at [email protected].