Fra Yosef Ma. Amedo, OFMConv., Instituted Into The Sacred Ministry of Lector

July 23, 202643 Views

On July 22, 2026, the Feast of St. Mary Magdalene, the community of St.

Maximilian Friary gathered in faith and joy at San Agustin Parish, Brgy. Moonwalk, Parañaque City, for the Holy Mass and the Rite of Institution to the Sacred Ministry of Lector of Friar Yosef Ma. Amedo, OFMConv.

The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Rev. Fr. Dennis Ma. Vargas, OFMConv., Provincial Custos, with Rev. Fr. Paulus Ma. Sabater, OFMConv. as concelebrant. The celebration was attended by the Junior Friars and the de famiglia friars of St. Maximilian Friary, who joined in prayer and thanksgiving for this significant step in Fra Yosef’s journey of formation and service.

In his homily, Fr. Dennis reflected on St. Mary Magdalene, the first witness of the Risen Lord and the Apostola Apostolorum. Her proclamation, "I have seen the Lord," reminds us that every proclamation of faith springs from a personal encounter with God.

He emphasized that the ministry of the Lector does not begin at the ambo, but in a personal encounter with the Lord:

“The ministry of the Lector does not begin at the ambo. It begins in the heart of one who has personally encountered the Lord and continually seeks to be united with Him, even amid failures and disappointments. As Fra Yosef now receives the ministry of proclaiming the Word of God, may he always remember that the power of the Word is not found merely in the clarity of one’s voice, but in a heart wholly given to God and moved by His Spirit.”

May Fra Yosef, like St. Mary Magdalene, become a faithful witness who can truly proclaim: He emphasized that the ministry of the Lector does not begin at the ambo, but in a personal encounter with the Lord:

May Fra Yosef, like St. Mary Magdalene, become a faithful witness who can truly proclaim: "I have seen the Lord." May the Word of God, proclaimed with faith and lived with fidelity, continue to bear fruit in his life and ministry.