By Paul Ejime
At a time when the Christian religion is in decline in the Western World, which ironically sent missionaries that evangelised Africa, it was encouraging for believers to witness the investiture of some 200 young people into the Altar Servers Association at Our Lady Queen of Nigeria Catholic Pro-Cathedral, Abuja on Sunday.
Such a large number of Altar servers being initiated at a single ceremony is considered rare, especially in a Gen Z age, when youths are either pre-occupied with or glued to their digital appliances or devices for almost 24/7.
Primarily, an altar server is a lay assistant to the clergy during a Christian liturgy or Mass.
S/he performs supporting tasks at the altar or sanctuary such as fetching, carrying, and ringing the altar bell, helping bring up the gifts, lighting the incense fire and bringing up the liturgical books, among others.
Until the 1983 Code of Canon Law altered the juridical situation without distinguishing between male and female,the role of the altar server was associated with males.
However, the Pontifical Council for the Interpretation of Legislative Texts issued in June 1992, further clarified that Canon by “declaring that service of the altar is one of the ‘other functions’ open to lay persons in general, without distinguishing between male and female.”
If young, the altar server is commonly called an altar boy or altar girl, but there is no longer any age limit. In some Christian denominations, altar servers are also known as acolytes.
Given the young age of some of the initiates on Sunday, it was obvious that they were probably unaware of the demands or full import of what they were signing up to, and there is no certainty that the number that started this journey will remain faithful to their vows.
Even so, the innocence and enthusiasm of the new set of alter servers were palpable.
Before the investiture ceremony, the officiating Priest Charles Odiniya, who doubles as a lecturer at the Benue State University, enjoined the initiates to “always seek to serve God,” in line with Joshua 24:15, one of Sunday scripture readings: “As for me and my house we will serve the Lord.”
He told the new altar servers that it was always rewarding to serve God, which is synonymous with doing His will or following the teachings of Jesus Christ, His son.
Father Charles said although the functions of an altar server might look simple they
were of great spiritual significance and that extending and combining the spiritual role
with similar secular conduct would make them good Christians and great assets to
the society, their country and the world.
Echoing a similar sentiment, the Pro-Cathedral Administrator and Parish Priest Nick Onyema told the new altar servers that “there is no good man anywhere, not even at the Sanctuary, so they must never allow themselves to be misled by anybody, but only “to seek and follow God’s direction.”
He noted that in today’s world of sexual promiscuousness seeing young impressionable children embrace an association comprising male and female members for selfless service was heartening.
The priest however, warned those coming to the association with bad intentions that it was not too late to renounce their vows.
He urged the congregation to pray for the new altar servers, saying that among them will emerge eminent spiritual and secular leaders and good citizens for the continuation of service to God and humanity.
