2 Filipinos receive catechist ministry from Pope Leo XIV

Pope Leo XIV on Sunday commissioned 39 new catechists worldwide, including two Filipinos who devoted years of service to the Church.

Charlita Tabigue of the Diocese of Surigao and Rodina Anonuevo of the Diocese of San Pablo received the catechist ministry during Mass in St. Peter’s Square.

Catechists from Brazil, India, Mozambique, South Korea, England, the United States and other countries each received a crucifix from the pope as a sign of their mission during the three-day Jubilee of Catechists’ closing liturgy.

In his homily, Pope Leo described catechists as “disciples who become witnesses,” saying their mission is rooted in both word and life.

“The name of your ministry comes from the Greek verb katēchein, which means ‘to teach aloud, to make resound,’” the pope said. “The catechist is a person of the word — a word that he or she pronounces with his or her own life. “

He stressed that the first catechists are parents who transmit faith at home, around the family table. “Just as we learned our mother tongue, so too the proclamation of the faith cannot be delegated to someone else; it happens where we live,” he said.

Pope Leo also called catechesis a lifelong journey, shared across all stages of life. He pointed to the Catechism as the “travel guidebook” of faith, safeguarding unity against individualism and discord.

“When we teach the faith, we do not merely give instructions, but we place the word of life in hearts, so that it may bear fruits of a good life,” he said.

Tabigue, head catechist of Saint Augustine Parish in Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte said her journey began three decades ago, inspired by her family’s witness of faith and service.

Her service started in 1990 when she dedicated herself fully to catechesis, continuing even as a wife and mother of three, balancing parish, family and school commitments.

“At first I thought my family might hinder my service,” Tabigue said. “But with conviction and trust in the Lord, I found peace and joy.”

She embraced catechesis as both mission and joy, teaching in schools, leading adult formation programs and mentoring new catechists across several parishes in her diocese.

“Through all this, I found true joy even amid difficulties — I find peace in God,” Tabigue said.

Anonuevo, lay coordinator for the Shrine Parish of St. Vincent Ferrer – Mamatid in Cabuyao City, Laguna traced her vocation to early involvement in faith formation.

She said teaching has always been her passion, which grew stronger after completing a Certificate in Early Childhood Education and serving children in public and private schools.

Now overseeing catechist formation, training, and outreach in her district, Anonuevo said she serves with gratitude, always finding God’s presence in small, everyday acts of kindness.

“Through nearly 14 years in ministry, I’ve learned true impact comes through small actions,” she said. “A simple service, a smile, or a simple thank you — these, too, are expressions of catechesis and evangelization.”

Pope Francis established the lay ministry of catechist in 2021 through the apostolic letter Antiquum Ministerium. He described it as a “stable form of service” and a lifelong vocation of teaching the faith, distinct from temporary catechetical tasks. (CBCP News)

A version of this article was first published by CBCP News.