The III International Congress of Catechists, promoted by the Vatican’s Dicastery for Evangelization, will conclude with a meeting between catechists and Pope Francis.
Newsroom (11/09/2022 19:35, Gaudium Press) More than a thousand catechists from 81 countries are gathered in Rome for the III International Congress of Catechists, promoted by the Vatican’s Dicastery for Evangelization.
The Catechist, witness of the New Life in Christ
The objective of the meeting, which follows the theme “The Catechist, Witness of the New Life in Christ”, is to analyze the “vocation of the catechist” from the newly created ministry in the Church, besides presenting good practices of evangelization.
The Bishop of Aveiro and president of the Episcopal Commission for Christian Education and Doctrine of the Faith, Bishop António Moiteiro, presided the event’s opening Mass in the Church of Saint Anthony of the Portuguese, in Rome.
One is not born a catechist, we become catechists
In his homily, the prelate pointed out that the vocation of the catechist demands a daily yes, following Mary’s example. “Let us not forget that our ‘yes’ to the Lord was not given once. Just as Mary said ‘yes’ and did not know what would happen to her in the years of Jesus’ life, ours is also a ‘yes’ that is said in many, many moments throughout life.”
Bishop Moiteiro also affirmed that “we are not born catechists, we become catechists. Our daily ‘yes’ transforms us.” “Our mission involves teaching about God’s story of salvation. This requires putting in touch the one we accompany with Jesus Christ! We need to be available to listen, discern what God asks, and make a way.” The event will conclude with a meeting between the catechists and Pope Francis. (EPC)
Compiled by Teresa Joseph
