Media Release
Bogmalo, Feb 2: Calling catechists to be authentic witnesses of faith and hope, Bishop Simiao Fernandes, auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, urged them to listen attentively to children, understand their lived realities, and accompany them with compassion and sensitivity. He was delivering the homily at the solemn Eucharistic celebration marking the Archdiocesan Catechetical Sunday at Sts Cosme and Damian Church, Bogmalo.
The weekend-long Catechetical Sunday celebrations, organised by the Diocesan Catechetical Centre (DCC) of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, were held on January 31 and February 1. The Eucharistic celebration on February 1 was presided over by Bishop Simiao Fernandes.
The Eucharist was concelebrated by Fr Marcelin Rodrigues, director of the Diocesan Catechetical Centre; Fr Kenneth Teles, episcopal vicar for the South Zone; Fr Teo Fernandes, parish priest of Sts Cosme and Damian Church, Bogmalo; Fr Lucas Rodrigues SFX; and several other priests of the archdiocese.
‘Let us proclaim hope through catechesis’
Reflecting on the theme ‘Let us proclaim hope through catechesis,’ Bishop Fernandes reminded catechists that God always stands with those who are weak, poor, and marginalised, offering them dignity and hope. Drawing from the Sunday readings, he noted that those who strive to live the Beatitudes truly experience the blessedness promised by God.
“Those who live the life of the Beatitudes earn the blessedness of God,” the bishop said.
Explaining the vocation of a catechist through the acronym HOPE, Bishop Fernandes highlighted four essential dimensions of catechetical ministry:
H – Hear (Listen): Catechists are called to listen not only to words, but also to the silence of children, which often reveals pain, confusion, or struggle.
“When we listen to our children, we give them hope,” he said, underlining listening as a core element of synodality.
O – Offer: Catechists must go beyond textbooks and examinations to offer Jesus Christ Himself to children, echoing the DCC motto: “Let Jesus be formed in you.”
P – Plant (Sow): Catechesis is a patient sowing of faith. By instilling Gospel values and the Beatitudes, catechists prepare children for life and its challenges.
E – Example: Emphasising personal witness, Bishop Fernandes urged catechists to guide children through the example of their own lives.
“No one is perfect, but we must strive to be exemplary,” he said.
Words of appreciation and encouragement
Expressing deep gratitude, Bishop Simiao thanked catechists for their selfless and voluntary service, encouraging them not to lose heart amid criticism or challenges.
“Thank you for your faith, thank you for your service, and thank you for your call as catechists,” he said.
He also acknowledged the support of the parish priest, parishioners, priests, animators, the dean, parish associations, and all those involved in organising the celebrations.
Archdiocese honours catechists for years of faithful service
During the celebrations, 62 catechists were felicitated for their long-standing commitment to catechetical ministry. Of these, 50 catechists had completed 15 years and above of service from selected deaneries, while 12 catechists from across all 19 deaneries were honoured for 40 years and above of service, including three catechists with over 50 years of dedicated service.
Rasifo D’Souza and Charlene Noronha shared their sentiments and journeys as catechists among those felicitated, while Natasha Nadaf shared her experience of participating in the Catechetical Sunday celebrations.
Celebration rooted in faith and communion
The 23rd Weekend Catechetical Sunday celebrations began on January 31 with an inaugural programme led by Fr Teo Fernandes and included praise and worship. A distinctive feature of the celebration was the parish homestay experience, during which 205 catechists were welcomed into homes through Small Christian Communities, with two catechists hosted by each family.
Through shared meals, prayer, and faith-sharing, catechists experienced the Church as a living domestic community. Nearly 100 parishioners volunteered to make the experience meaningful and welcoming.
On February 1, the day began with Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, followed by the Eucharistic celebration. Catechetical units from the Mormugao Deanery presented faith-filled performances, including songs, Mando, skits, biblical enactments, and prayer dances.
Fr Marcelin Rodrigues, director of the Diocesan Catechetical Centre, expressed heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed to the success of the celebrations, noting that catechesis is a shared mission of the entire Church.
The programme was efficiently anchored by Cynthia Rodrigues and Fini Fernandes, making the Catechetical Sunday celebrations a vibrant expression of faith, hope, and communion in the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman.