11 Laypersons Instituted as Lectors by Archbishop Bejoy N. D'Cruze, OMI on the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Dhaka, September 14, 2025 – In a solemn and joyful celebration held at the Holy Spirit Major Seminary Chapel, Archbishop Bejoy N. D’Cruze, OMI, Archbishop of Dhaka, instituted eleven laypersons into the ministry of lector on the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.

The ceremony, deeply rooted in the Church’s liturgical tradition, marked an important step in recognizing the vital role of the laity in the proclamation of the Word of God. In his homily, Archbishop D’Cruze reflected on the significance of the Cross and its power to transform lives through sacrifice and service — themes he connected to the mission of the newly appointed lectors.

“The ministry of lector is not merely a function; it is a call to live and proclaim the Word with integrity, clarity, and deep faith,” the Archbishop said, addressing the candidates and the gathered seminary community. “To be a lector is to be a witness to the living Word, especially in a time when the world needs truth and hope.”

The 11 lay candidates, selected through a period of discernment and formation, publicly committed to serving the Church by proclaiming Scripture during liturgical celebrations. The event also highlighted the seminary’s growing effort to involve laypeople more intentionally in ecclesial ministries.

The celebration concluded with a special blessing over the new lectors, as they begin their service in their respective communities, helping to build a Church ever more rooted in the Word of God.