Carmelites Friars – North of American Province of St. Elias in allegiance to Jesus Christ
Five Brothers Installed into the Ministries of Lector and Acolyte at Whitefriars Hall
Washington, D.C., November 12, 2025 — The Carmelite Community at Whitefriars Hall gathered in joy and thanksgiving today for the Mass of Installation into the Ministries of Lector and Acolyte for five of its student friars. The liturgy took place in the community chapel and was presided over by Fr. Joseph Trung Tran, O.Carm., formator of the student friars. Brother Robert Chiulli, O.Carm., Prior Provincial, was also present and officially installed the brothers into their respective ministries.
During the ceremony, Brothers Joseph Tung Nguyen, O.Carm., Joseph Trung Do, O.Carm., and JB Minh Duc Tran Nguyen, O.Carm., were installed into the Ministry of Lector, while Brothers John Truc Nguyen, O.Carm., and Joseph Tuan Bui, O.Carm., were installed into the Ministry of Acolyte.
Presiding over the rite, Brother Robert reflected on the beauty and responsibility of these ministries as concrete expressions of service and commitment in the brothers’ vocational journey. He reminded them that these steps are not simply formal rites but signs of their growing participation in Christ’s mission and the Carmelite call to serve God’s people in contemplation, community, and ministry.
The Ministry of Lector entrusts the brothers with the proclamation of the Word of God in the liturgical assembly. As lectors, they are called to immerse themselves in Sacred Scripture, allowing the Word to dwell richly within them so that they may bring its light and truth to others through both proclamation and witness.
The Ministry of Acolyte draws the brothers into deeper service at the altar and into closer communion with the Eucharistic mystery. Acolytes assist the priest and deacon during liturgical celebrations, prepare the sacred vessels, and, when necessary, distribute Holy Communion to the faithful. Their service calls them to live lives shaped by reverence, love, and devotion to the Eucharist—the heart of Christian life.
As the Carmelite community joined in prayer and thanksgiving, the celebration became a moment of grace and renewal. The brothers’ installation stands as a visible sign of God’s ongoing work in forming servants for His Church. Strengthened by the prayers of their community and inspired by the examples of Mary, the Mother of God, and the Prophet Elijah, the newly installed brothers go forth ready to serve with humility, zeal, and love.
SEL Media
