Bishop Apigo to Catechists: “You contributed greatly to the exercise of our mission of evangelization”

Mati’s Bishop, Most Rev. Abel Apigo, DD, said on Saturday, August 12, that catechists have the most vital role in leading the faithful to a personal encounter with Jesus through prayer, the sacraments, and Scripture, in his inspirational message during the 15th Diocesan Catechists Convention at Lupon, Davao Oriental.

In his talk, Bishop Abel cited important services that catechists share in the field of catechism.

“Kung wala kining mga katekista wala ni sila, unsa kahay dangatan sa atong mga kabataan karon. Kung wala ning tawo nga self-sacrificing nga mga tigulang nga mapadayunon nga nagalagad unsa kahay dangatan sa mga kabatan-onan karon.”

The Bishop also mentioned the Motu Proprio entitled Antiquum Ministerium apostolic letter issued by the Supreme Pontif Pope Francis instituting the ministry of the Catechist. The history of evangelization over the past two millennia clearly shows the effectiveness of the mission of catechists (Antiquum Ministerium 3).

Beginning with the Second Vatican Council, the Church has come to a renewed appreciation of the importance of lay involvement in the work of evangelization (Antiquum Ministerium 4).

“Niila ang simbahan, giila sila sa ilang pagpangalagad, wala hikalimti sa simbahan ang pag-ila sa ilahang pag-alagad, because this is their concrete personal expression of charism nga nakatampo diha gayud sa simbahan. Sayod ako nga kamo nga naa diri ang inyong pagpangalagad dili gayud mabayran”, Bishop said.

The church wished to acknowledge this service as a concrete expression of a personal charism that contributed greatly to the exercise of her mission of evangelization (Antiquum Ministerium 2).

“Naay mga katekista nga dugay na kaayo nangalagad naay uban dili matagad sa pari ug sa obispo apan mapadayunon nga nagsangyaw bahin kang Kristo”, he added.

Bishop Abel also encouraged school heads who were joining the convention to let the catechists visit the schools, empower the students about catechisms, and continue the transmission of faith.

His Excellency Most Rev. Abel Apigo, D.D., delivered his message through an audiovisual presentation in his absence due to his health condition. A total of 1,068 catechist delegates joined this year’s DCC. (Kyrie Jacky Sobrecarey)