“Know what you read, love what you read, and be transformed by what you read.”
With this exhortation, Most Rev. Roberto Gaa, DD reminded newly instituted lectors and acolytes that ministry in the Church is not merely about fulfilling liturgical functions, but about allowing the Word of God and the Eucharist to transform one’s life.
Presiding over the Institution to the Lectorate and Acolytate on the Feast of the Conversion of St. Augustine, April 24, 2026, at the Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Chapel of the Recoletos Formation Center, the Bishop of Novaliches emphasized that the true distinction of instituted ministers lies in their intention to become holy and faithful servants of the Church.
Ministry Rooted in Intention
At the beginning of the Eucharistic Celebration, Bishop Gaa posed a reflection to the congregation: what differentiates those merely trained to read and serve at Mass from those formally instituted into these ministries?
The bishop explained that the difference lies in intention. While many may competently proclaim the readings or assist at the altar, those instituted do so with the desire to become “good and holy priests,” allowing their service to shape and transform their lives.
Returning to this theme during the homily, Bishop Gaa stressed that ministry should never remain external or functional. Rather, the Word proclaimed and the Eucharist must affect the ministers interiorly.
Addressing the lectors, he said, “Know what you read, love what you read, and be transformed by what you read.” To the acolytes, he likewise reminded them “Your service is not simply a refinement of duties, but of being more in love with the Eucharist.”
Ten Instituted Lectors
Ten friars and seminarians were instituted into the Ministry of Lectorate during the celebration.
The candidates for Lectorate were:
Fray Kline Kysser V. Asentista, OAR
Br. Rhaian S. Ayuban, CSJB
Br. Francis B. Bilaro, SdC
Sem. Ian Christopher D. Dela Peña
Sem. Rheymar Angelo A. Domingo
Sem. Joshua A. Mendez
Br. Winston C. Quilaton, ESHT
Fray Joshua Miguel Y. Salmon, OAR
Fray Norman S. Salolog, OAR
Fray Jayson A. Solmayor, OAR
The newly instituted lectors came from the following congregations and dioceses:
Order of Augustinian Recollects
Emmanuel Servants of the Holy Trinity
Servants of Charity
Congregation of Saint John the Baptist
Diocese of Talibon
Diocese of Urdaneta
Diocese of Laoag
Sixteen Instituted Acolytes
Sixteen friars and seminarians were likewise instituted into the Ministry of Acolytate.
The candidates for Acolytate were:Fray Jesse Meer E. Alipes, OAR
Br. Jeros G. Amparo, CMPB
Br. Reggie F. Escaño, OC
Br. Peter Ha Quoc Thang, SdC
Sem. John Carl A. Infesto
Sem. Ryan P. Lagria
Br. Francis Le Van Toan, SdC
Fray Nestor R. Lloren, Jr., OAR
Br. John the Baptist Nguyen Dinh Cuong, SdC
Br. Henry Mark S. Peñafel, CFIC
Fray Christian J. Peralta, OAR
Sem. Jefferson T. Pisec
Fray June Clark D. Solas, OAR
Sem. Jerald F. Tello
Br. Peter Tran Van Tam, SdC
Fray Justine Luis C. Zafra, OAR
The newly instituted acolytes represented the following congregations and dioceses:
Order of Augustinian Recollects
Servants of Charity
Cenacle of the Most Precious Blood
Opifices Christi
Congregation of the Sons of the Immaculate Conception
Diocese of Talibon
Diocese of Baguio
Diocese of Tandag
Diocese of Laoag
Gratitude and Fellowship
Before the final blessing, Rev. Fr. Ian Anthony Espartero, OAR, Prior of the Recoletos Formation Center, expressed the community’s gratitude to Bishop Gaa for presiding over the celebration, noting that his presence underscored the importance of the institution rites in the life of the Church.
In his concluding message, Fr. Espartero said, “May this moment remind us that ministry is not merely a role we receive, but a life we continually offer in loving service to God, His Church, and His people. To all of you, thank you for walking with us in this meaningful step of our vocation. All glory be to God!”
Following the Mass, the celebration continued at the St. Ezekiel Moreno Refectory where the community shared a fellowship dinner with the newly instituted ministers, their families, formators, religious communities, diocesan representatives, and guests.
