On Tuesday, June 17, 2025, in the Church of Our Lady of the Annunciation in Beit Jala, Msgr. William Shomali, General Vicar, presided over a solemn Mass during which he conferred the Ministry of Acolyte upon three seminarians of the Latin Patriarchal Seminary of Beit Jala: Fadi Qandah from Mafraq (Jordan), Malek Hijazin from Ader (Jordan), and Jeries Abu Khaleel from Jerusalem.
Among the concelebrants were Msgr. Giacinto-Boulos Marcuzzo, Fr. Bernard Poggi, Rector of the Seminary, as well as several priests. Seminarians and faithful also took part in the celebration. Due to the current political and security challenges, the families of the candidates followed the ceremony via livestream.
"Here I Am” – A Vocation of Readiness
At the beginning of the rite, Msgr. Shomali called each candidate by name. They responded in unison, “Here I am,” expressing their readiness to embrace this sacred ministry and to commit themselves to a journey of holiness and service.
The Homily: “Be Like Christ”
In his homily, Msgr. Shomali reflected on the Gospel reading, particularly Jesus’ words: “Be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” He emphasized that Christian perfection is rooted in universal and heroic love, as preached by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount. He reminded the faithful that such love includes both neighbor and stranger alike and said: “Jesus calls us to imitate the heavenly Father, who makes no distinction between His children, but loves them all… not because they are perfect, but because He wants His love to transform them and lead them to repentance.”
Turning to the candidates, he added: “The ministry you are receiving today grants you the privilege of carrying the Holy Eucharist—a great honor. You carry the bearer of this world.”
The Role of the Acolyte: Serving the Eucharist
Msgr. Shomali explained that the Ministry of Acolyte is a formal ministry within the Church, instituted to assist in the service of the altar and the Eucharist. Acolytes are entrusted with reverent responsibilities such as carrying the Blessed Sacrament in processions, distributing Holy Communion, particularly to the sick and homebound, and assisting priests and deacons during Mass. They may also prepare and guide altar servers, ensuring that the sacred liturgy is carried out with devotion and dignity. Above all, the Acolyte is called to be a guardian of the Eucharistic mystery, serving with deep awareness of Christ’s true presence under the appearances of bread and wine.
“This honor,” he said, “requires that you become ever more conformed to the image of Christ, whom you carry and offer to others. Imitating Christ the Good Shepherd, who knows His sheep and lays down His life for them, is the heart of the priestly vocation.”
He concluded: “Soon, you will receive the vessel with the bread and wine and hear the words: ‘Make every effort to be worthy to serve the table of the Lord and of the Church.’ This is a call to imitate Christ, who came not to be served but to serve, and to offer Himself to the end.”
A Word from the Rector of the Seminary
In a moving closing message, Fr. Bernard Poggi said: “Yes, we are living in a time of war, but today we gather to say: we are responding to God’s call and to the service of His people.”
Addressing the newly instituted Acolytes, he added:
“No one is perfect. But Christ, whom we approach in the Eucharist, is the only one who is perfect: true God and true man. From Him alone do we draw our perfection. Today, you are entrusted with the service of the Eucharist. Preserve this grace with joy and fidelity, persevering in your journey toward the priesthood.”
He thanked the “Shepherds Choir,” led by Mr. George Salsaa, for animating the liturgy with sacred music, and extended heartfelt gratitude to the families of the Acolytes for their support and accompaniment. He also thanked the Seminary priests and the Sisters of the Incarnate Word for their presence and service to the seminarians.
Congratulations on Behalf of the Patriarch
The Mass concluded with a message of congratulations on behalf of His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, delivered by Msgr. Shomali. He encouraged all to accompany the new Acolytes with prayer and spiritual and moral support, that they may continue their path toward the sacred priesthood with joy and steadfastness.
