National Catechetical Month

SEPTEMBER is National Catechetical Month in the Philippines. During this month, we celebrate the feast of Lorenzo Ruiz, who is considered the first catechist-saint and martyr of the country. This year’s theme is “Catechists: Agents of Renewal in the Parish” in line with this year’s celebration of the Parish as the communion of communities. The catechist is a pastoral worker, an agent contributing to the renewal of the church. In various levels of church: from the diocesan level, to the vicariate, to the parish and the home, the catechist contributes his/her share in the life of catechesis and evangelization.

Catechists have played a notable work in the life of the Church. A National Association of Catechists in the Philippines was launched last July 27, 2017, at De La Salle University which was graced by His Excellency, Archbishop Salvatore Rino Fisichella, DD, president of the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization, and Bishop Roberto Mallari, chairman of the Commission on Catechesis of the CBCP.

The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, in celebrating the National Catechetical Month, also wishes to acknowledge the contribution of the great icons in the catechetical landscape in the country. They are Cardinal Rufino J. Santos, DD, Bishop Alfredo Verzosa, DD, Archbishop Jose Ma. Cuenco, DD, Bishop Alfredo Obviar, DD, Mother Francisca del Espiritu Santo de Fuentes, Brother Andelino Manuel Castillo, FSC, Cardinal Jaime L. Sin, DD, Ms. Mathilde Beckers, Fr. Lino Banayad, SJ, Sr. Angelina Lim, FMM, and Archbishop Leonardo Z. Legaspi, OP, DD.

The Church in the Philippines is alive because of the women and men who were led by the Spirit of God to set the world on fire with the love of God. The catechists are at the forefront of this mission. Pope Francis said in his message to them: “Even when the task seems too much, the resources too few, the obstacles too great, it should never be forgotten that yours is a holy work. The Holy Spirit is present wherever the name of Christ is proclaimed. He is in our midst whenever we lift up our hearts and minds to God in prayer. He will give you the light and strength you need! The message you bring will take root all the more firmly in people’s hearts if you are not only a teacher but also a witness.”