By Emily Clark
BRIDGEPORT–Three men from the Diocese of Bridgeport were instituted in the Ministry of Acolyte during a special Mass celebrated by Bishop Frank J. Caggiano at St. Augustine Cathedral on Sunday, October 22. Walter Avitabile, Edward Carrillo, and Frank Mantero took the final step in their formation to the permanent diaconate. Their ordination as deacons is set to take place on June 29, 2024.
After many years of discernment and study, these men can now assist the priest at the altar during Mass and assume other duties as well. “Acolytes have a special role in the Church’s ministry, which continues after ordination: to be in the service of the Holy Eucharist, the summit and source of the Church’s life,” said newly appointed acolyte Frank Mantero of Shelton, who is a member of St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Trumbull. “(This) is an important milestone in my formation. Not only is it the final rite prior to being ordained a deacon, but it is also an opportunity to serve at the altar.”
As this Mass coincided with the diocese’s 70th anniversary commemoration, Bishop Caggiano in his homily referred to the acolytes as a reminder of “why we are celebrating the founding of our diocese.”
“Jesus Christ came, not for glory or power, not to be served but to suffer and to die in love for those who could not ever merit that love,” he said. “The gift of the Lord in love – to suffer, die, and rise from the dead – is the foundation of our church. It is the reason we exist. And you, my dear brothers, are reminding us of the very reason we exist.”
He said that in this role, these men will be a sacramental sign of what Jesus invites all Catholics to do – to give, to love, and to serve.
“My brothers, you were chosen from before you were born for this ministry and you will be blessed in your ordination,” the bishop said. “And what will happen to you? You will always be a sign of what everyone Christian is called to live, and in your ministry, you will do it in a particularly beautiful way.”
Speaking directly to the men seated before him with their wives and families, Bishop Caggiano explained the significance of the role they were to assume, saying, “When you come and kneel before me, I will hand you the patten and I will hand you the chalice, and you will be wedded in your ministry to this mystery.”
Immediately following his homily, the bishop called each of the men by name, at which time they came forward individually to be instituted as an acolyte. They received from the bishop a ciborium with the bread to be consecrated, a moment which had a profound impact on Mantero.
“As the bishop handed me the sacred chalice which holds within it God himself, I was struck by the seriousness of the moment,” he said.
Before Mass ended, the bishop congratulated Avitabile, Carrillo, and Mantero and gave special recognition to their families for ongoing love and support, particularly their wives, who he said, give up “a tremendous amount” so their husbands can go through this formation.
In their approach to the day of ordination, the men will continue their preparation as they serve as acolytes.
“Over the next few months, as I become more comfortable with some of the duties that will be performed by a deacon, my eyes, heart, and body point to the Lord in the sacrament of the altar,” said Mantero. “I know that is when I am truly fulfilling my vocation.”
