National Catechetical Day

On May 10, 2021 Pope Francis issued an Apostolic Letter, Motu Proprio, “ANTIQUUM MINISTERIUM”, instituting the ministry of catechist. This is to remind us of the vital role catechists play in the pastoral life of the Church. “The history of evangelization over the past two millennia clearly shows the effectiveness of the mission of catechists” (AM 3).

Popes, bishops, priests, religious and laity have passed through the hands of catechists. They have become who they are now because of the teaching of catechists. As they were formed catechists, they now become formators for the Church.

Today, we pray for more catechists, for their good health and zeal in spreading the Good News in every stage of the life of the faithful, so that believers may grow in the practice of faith. We remember our catechists who traverse different terrains in the city and rural schools. We salute our catechists who prepare their lessors and practice patience in class management these days. We recognize our selfless catechists in the urban and far-flung Gagmay’g Krsistohanong Katilingban (GKK’s) as they open the young and the old, children and adult, the love of God for all.

“Catechists are called first to be expert in the pastoral service of transmitting the faith as it develops through its different stages from the initial proclamation of the kerygma to the instruction that presents our new life in Christ and prepares for the sacraments of Christian initiation, and then to the ongoing formation that can allow each person to give an accounting of the hope within them (cf. 1 Pet 3:15)” (AM 6).