Matanao Catechist is a Woman of Mercy

A Catechist coordinator, a mother, and a woman of mercy.

Petronilla Gella is from San Vicente Ferrer Parish in Bangkal, Matanao who is in church service for almost 2 decades already. As a mother, she juggles between her being a volunteer, a wife and a mother.

According to her, “In my almost 20 years as a catechist, I have observed that a lot of people are afraid of availing our Church’ sacraments especially the Baptism because they thought that these are expensive.”

This thought moves every member of her group to find means for the parishioners avail the said grace. “It hurts us (catechists) when young children who accomplish their First Communion, yet who will not be baptized because some of them are children of live-in couples,” she added.

There were many barriers in her duty as a leader, but together with her team, they always find a way to continue their service to the community. “Apart from Baptism, we also wish that hopefully there will be a wedding for live-in couples, though some of them are afraid to comply with the requirements, expenses, and the long process of paper transaction.”

Since many Lumads are under the parish, she commented: “The B’laan dialect is a common barrier, but I am happy that there are people who aren’t tired of helping us understand it.” Aside from the dialect, traveling from the parish to far-flung GKK to teach catechism continue to become a challenge. “There are assigned catechists to handle a Christian teaching program in every fiesta recollection not only in the 27 GKKs but also to 13 schools, as well.” This is to ensure that children in the district are taught the basic catechism.

As the Year of the Family and the Eucharist enters, they remain to strengthen their bond so that every family shall receive the good news. (Amor Toroba)