Catechetical ministers reflect on Year of Faith

Msgr. Gerardo O. Santos, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines–Episcopal Commission on Catechesis and Catholic Education (CBCP-ECCCE) Executive Secretary shared his reflection in his keynote address in the Joint Assembly of Annual Meeting of Catechetical Ministers and ACCCRE (Association of Catechetical Centers and Colleges/Universities with Religious Education) about the Lumen Fidei, the recent encyclical of Pope Francis.

He began his sharing with John 1:1 and quoted “what was from the beginning, what we heard, what we have seen in our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the word of life.” He said that John speaks with his experience of faith.

In his sharing, Msgr. Santos reviewed the 10 things that Pope Benedict XVI wants the catechists to know. First is, God is Love. Second, Jesus is Lord. Third, truth and freedom are two sides of the same coin. Fourth, Faith and Reason need one another. Fifth, the Eucharist is the heart of Christian life. Sixth, Christianity is a positive message. Seventh, the Church forms consciences but stays out of politics. Eight, the importance of Catholic identity. Ninth, Christ and the Church are inseparable. And tenth is the virtue of patience.

Msgr. Santos further presented the 10 things that Pope Francis wants the catechists to know. First, a poor church for the poor. Second, humility. Third, stay close to the people. Fourth, never give up on God’s mercy. Fifth, we are all Franciscans now. Sixth, faith must be proposed, never imposed. Seventh, we are not an NGO. Eight, never give into pessimism. Ninth, have a sense of humor. And tenth, the importance of unity.

Rose Flores from the Diocese of Marbel said that “maganda yung keynote address niya, actually yung lahat ng sinabi niya was taken from the Synod of Bishops.”

Catechetical ministers from all over the country gathered for the Annual Meeting of Catechetical Ministers and Association of Catechetical Centers and Colleges/Universities with Religious Education in Davao City, August 5 to August 9 at the Charles Borromeo Sisters Retreat House in Matina Aplaya.

The event started with the Eucharist presided over by Bishop Francis de Leon, the Auxiliary Bishop of Antipolo. Ray Aguas, a catechist from ADMU said that Bishop De Leon reminded the participants of looking forward for something in the future, but it is very important that people should do it today. (@dcherald)

By Leah Rose Ann Umbay/Correspondent