08/25/2026
Yesterday, at mass, Abbot Valerian conferred upon Brother Stephen the ministry of lector. This is one of the earlier preparatory steps toward ordination. The ceremony involves blessings and handing the candidate a bible. Abbot Valerian prayed over Br. Stephen, “Grant that as he meditates constantly on your word, he may grow in its wisdom and faithfully proclaim it to your people”. If this ceremony is only thought to give someone the ability to proclaim the word of God in church, it is redundant. Most lectors in the monastery and parish churches never go through this process. Its broader meaning has to do with our relationship with holy scripture. While all monks commit themselves to prayerful reading of the scriptures and conversion toward God who speaks in them, this ceremony was a good reminder that the life of a monk or priest, even a quiet one, should proclaim God’s word to others.
