The journey of need for the re-formation of Lectors in Osogbo Diocese started with deliberate meeting Saturday 22 July 2017, when lectors all over the Diocese gathered on St. Benedict Catholic Cathedral, Popo Osogbo, Osun State.

The outcome of the meeting led to the first commissioning of Lectors in the Diocese on Saturday 30 June 2018 where about 480 lectors were commissioned after undergoing several phases of training. 

Three years after, the second edition of commissioning was recorded on Saturday 25th September 2021 where over 200 Lectors were commissioned.

The Sunday 8th September 2024 edition of commissioning is the third of its kind which presented about 167 lectors, six years after the maiden edition - at three years’ intervals.  

At the Cathedral, where the latest commissioning took place, the Bishop, Most Rev. John Oyejola stressed why it is important for Lectors to be familiar with the Bible.

According to him, there is need for those that will lead others to be educated in order for them to know what to teach and proclaim. He affirmed that those without eye cannot lead the blind.

While reminding them that the ministry they occupy is not a joke but a serious Ministry in the Catholic setting, the Bishop educated that God has called lectors to be partakers in the proclamation of his words, hence, lectors must first proclaim the words to themselves, assimilate it in their hearts, before they can then proclaim to others.  

Just as all Christians have been called to be witness to the word of God, lectors are among those sent to be witnesses; hence they must first live the word before they can proclaim. His reason is that it is not enough to proclaim the word with the mouth but by actions. 

While the Diocesan Chaplain, Very Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Ogundipe presented the candidates, the Prelate requested all lectors to be members of the Bible Apostolate group of their respective parishes, making it a more vibrant group and an avenue for further development.

Before they were commissioned, the Bishop discouraged those who will be ineffective after the ceremony from going further with commissioning. The commissioned Lectors will however be presented with Certificates, Identity Cards and Constitution.