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Three Scholastics in Graz Instituted into the Ministry of Lector
Friday, June 5, 2026
The visit of Fr Roberto Turyamureeba, Provincial Superior, to the formation community of Graz-Messendorf reached a small yet significant milestone on Trinity Sunday, on 31st May 2026, with the institution of three scholastics into the ministry of lector: Jesús Daniel Osuna Félix, from Mexico; Wilson Wairimu Njoroge, from Kenya; and Blondel Ilolube Tandir, from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
During the Mass celebrated in the church of Graz-Messendorf, the brief rite proved to be a special experience for many of the faithful. In his homily, Fr Roberto spoke about the mystery of the Trinity, emphasising that only God can reveal to us who He truly is, and that He has done so through Sacred Scripture, both in the Old and the New Testament. Furthermore, the history of the Church is rich in individuals who have left us countless clear testimonies of lived faith—some of whom we have met personally, while others we have come to know through reading or hearing about them.
Sc. Wairimu Wilson Njoroge (KE), Sc. Ilolube Tandir Blondel (CN), Provincial Superior Father Turyamureeba Roberto,
Sc. Osuna Félix Jesús Daniel (M), and Father Zeitz Michael Martin.
“From today, through your ministry as lectors, you are officially entrusted with proclaiming this Triune God. In every biblical passage that you proclaim, a concrete aspect of God’s work and essence will be made present,” Fr Roberto reminded the three scholastics who are preparing for their future priestly and missionary ministry.
He continued: “The Word of God must occupy a central place in the lives both of those who proclaim it and of those who hear it when they participate in a liturgical celebration. Saint Daniel Comboni was convinced that wherever the Gospel is planted, it transforms hearts. Therefore, dear Daniel, Wilson and Blondel, embrace this precious service, especially in the celebration of the Eucharist, the sacraments and other liturgical celebrations. And remember that effective proclamation requires clarity, inner conviction and a persuasive tone.”
Addressing the concelebrants, Fr Roberto asked them to accompany and support the three scholastics in their new ministry within the Graz-Messendorf community and throughout the Graz South-East pastoral area: “Support them through your attention, your prayers and your openness, so that they may proclaim the Word of God effectively, clearly and audibly. Help ensure that the Good News is communicated in a language that is relevant and close to people’s daily lives and, above all, that it is lived out by them as well.”
The Rite of Institution into the Ministry of Lector for the three scholastics then followed, including the solemn prayer of the Church and the presentation of the Lectionary.
At the end of Mass, each of the three scholastics received a certificate attesting to the ministry they had received.
The parish community participated in the celebration with great enthusiasm. The Schola St Peter from the mother parish of Graz-St Peter accompanied the Eucharistic celebration in a solemn and dignified manner.
Words of thanks from the chair of the parish council, Mrs Monika Greiner, together with announcements made by Mrs Rosemarie Krisper, complemented the address of the Provincial Superior. Mrs Greiner particularly highlighted a thought from the homily: “God accompanies us. He watches over us, is with us and within us, and leads us ever more deeply into the mystery of the Most Holy Trinity.”
During the reception that followed, with refreshments and a variety of cakes prepared by the youth group of the Graz-Messendorf chaplaincy, numerous members of the community congratulated the three scholastics on their new ministry. They also extended their best wishes for the remainder of their formation journey towards priestly ministry as Comboni Missionaries.
Fr Roberto Turyamureeba, MCCJ, and Fr Michael Zeitz, MCCJ