Acolyte Installation 2017
On Sunday, February 26th, the men in the class of second theology at the Pontifical North American College were instituted as acolytes. As noted by the rector Fr. Peter Harman ’99 in his opening remarks, 63 men were to be instituted on a beautiful 63-degree day. It was final Sunday before entering into the season of lent and the final step for the second year men before diaconate ordination.
The ceremony itself was also beautiful. The Celebrant was Most Rev. David Kagan ’75, C’79, Bishop of Bismarck. Bishop Kagan addressed the men about to be instituted, “Remember that your service is never to be about you [rather] for the people of God whom you will serve look to you to model fidelity, devotion and humble joy in your service to Almighty God, and what a privilege you have in this vocation.”
Following the homily, Bishop Kagan instituted the men, and during the Rite presented each candidate with a paten filled with hosts. While doing so, he instructed them: “Take this vessel of bread for the celebration of the Eucharist. Make your lives worthy of your service at the table of the Lord and of His Church.”
Over the season of lent, the men will serve in the house and will also have the opportunity to serve at the Station Churches throughout the city of Rome.
