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Proclaiming the Word of God Requires Preparation, Reverence: Angolan Catholic Bishop to Lectors

Bishop Emílio Sumbelelo of the Catholic Diocese of Viana in Angola

Bishop Emílio Sumbelelo of the Catholic Diocese of Viana in Angola has called on lectors and liturgical ministers to approach the proclamation of the Word of God with preparation and reverence. 

Speaking during the Closing Mass of his Pastoral Visit to the Our Lady of Mercy Parish of Viana Diocese on Sunday of the Word, Bishop Sumbelelo emphasized the sacred responsibility of proclaiming Scripture during liturgical celebrations.

“Whoever proclaims the Word of God must always be on an elevated level, visible to the entire assembly,” the Angolan Catholic Bishop said on January 26. 

He added, “They must always be well prepared because they are not reading just any words; they are reading the Word of God.”

Bishop Sumbelelo underscored the importance of both spiritual and external preparation, explaining that a lector’s presence and demeanor should reflect the sacredness of their task. 

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“A young man with unkempt hair can be a distraction and shows little respect for the Word of God,” he cautioned. 

The Local Ordinary of Viana continued, “If it is a young woman, she should dress appropriately, avoiding extravagance, because she is proclaiming God’s Word.”

Bishop Sumbelelo also emphasized the solemnity of reading Scripture during Mass, saying, “The Priest opens the book with reverence, and the congregation stands to listen to the Word of God. This posture expresses our respect for the message being proclaimed.”

The Local Ordinary of Viana who also serves as President of the Episcopal Commission for Family and Life of the Bishops' Conference of Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe (CEAST) cautioned against treating Scripture readings as ordinary speech. 

“Reading the Word of God is not like reading a news broadcast. If the lector does not understand what they are reading, neither will the listeners,” he stressed. 

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He urged Priests to guide and prepare lectors properly, saying, “A Priest should never assume that just because someone knows how to read, they are automatically ready to proclaim the Word of God.”

Turning to the faithful’s participation in the Eucharist, Bishop Sumbelelo reminded them of the importance of attending the entire Mass. 

“We must arrive at the beginning of the celebration. If we arrive after the priest’s homily, we should not receive Communion. If we are absent for the homily, we miss the connection with the first table, which is the table of the Word,” he said.

Bishop Sumbelelo urged Catholics to develop a habit of daily Scripture reading, saying, “The Word of God gives us wisdom and helps us discern right from wrong.” 

He said, “When we internalize it and put it into practice, it becomes a guiding light in our lives. We should keep the Bible at our bedside and read a passage every morning.”

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João Vissesse is an Angolan Journalist with a passion and rich experience in Catholic Church Communication and Media Apostolate.