Bishop Persico presides over Installation of Lectors at Saint Vincent Seminary

04/01/2025

(Latrobe)- On March 26, 2025, Saint Vincent Seminary in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, held the Installation of Lectors during a special liturgy at the Saint Vincent Archabbey Basilica. The ceremony, which began at 5:00 p.m., was presided over by Bishop Lawrence T. Persico, Bishop of Erie and an alumnus of the seminary. This significant event marked an important step in the formation of seven seminarians as they continue their journey toward priesthood.

During the liturgy, the following seminarians were formally installed into the Ministry of Lector:

Brother Emanuel da Costa, O.S.B., Saint Vincent Archabbey
Samuel Ivkovich, Diocese of Steubenville
Christopher McGurn, Diocese of Steubenville
Brother Anthony Olajide, O.S.B., Saint Benedict Monastery
Brother Roman Pallone, O.S.B., Saint Vincent Archabbey
Din Cong Pham, Diocese of Pittsburgh
Michael Schulte, Diocese of Covington

The Ministry of Lector entrusts seminarians with the role of proclaiming Sacred Scripture during liturgical celebrations, except for the Gospel. This ministry calls them to a deeper engagement with the Word of God, both spiritually and pastorally, as they prepare to serve the Catholic Church more fully. The installation marks a profound moment in their vocational journey, affirming their readiness to embrace this responsibility in service to the liturgy and the faithful.

While none of the seminarians from the Diocese of Erie were installed, Deacons Michael Scanga and Brandon Fiekles were present to support their fellow seminarians. They also had the meaningful opportunity to connect with Bishop Persico, who traveled to Latrobe specifically to celebrate the Mass and preside over the ceremony.

Deacons Scanga and Fiekles are preparing for their ordination to the priesthood on May 23 at Saint Peter Cathedral. Their upcoming ordination is a joyful and much-anticipated moment for the entire diocese, marking the culmination of their formation and commitment to serving the Catholic Church.

The installation ceremony was attended by faculty, family, friends and members of the Saint Vincent community, who gathered to support and pray for the seminarians as they embraced this important ministry.

Click here to view photos from the ceremony.
Watch the ceremony here.
Photo credit: Saint Vincent Seminary