Catechist as Stewards of the Word in the Synodal Church

The 9th DaDiTaMa Convention was held last September 19-21, 2024 at the Sedes Sapientiae Auditorium, Holy Cross of Davao College, hosted by the Archdiocese of Davao with its theme “Catechists as Stewards of the Word in the Synodal Church”.

The three-day convention was a memorial experience of the delegates from Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, namely, Richie Reyes, Edith Asis and Elenita Biag, and all 200 delegates for the warm welcome. Visitors were accommodated at the Pinnacle Hotel.

Bro. Noelvic H. Deloria, S.C., President of the Holy Cross of Davao College, Inc., shared a very inspiring topic, “Catechists-Stewards of God’s Word as Peace Champions”, and emphasized on the Ouch and Touch attitudes, which means Obedience, Understanding, Care, Humility and Trust particularly on discipleship as leaders who could influence people in a good way. He ended his topic by saying that “Catechists as peace champions should become inspiration to others.” The first day activity culminated with a Holy Mass at the Sta. Ana Shrine celebrated by Most Rev. Abel Apigo, D.D., Bishop of Mati.

On the second day, Most Rev. George Rimado, D.D., Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Davao, discussed the topic, “BEC an Expression of Renewing Synodal Church in Mission.” He highlighted that “we are sacramentalized but not evangelized”, reviewing the Vatican II Lumen Gentium and Evangeli Nuntiandie 1975 of Pope Paul VI words that “the church is a mystery open to new and greater exploration, and called to be evangelizing and evangelized. BEC or Basic Ecclesial Communities are locust of pastoral unfolding (Matt. 5:13-16) “Salt of the Earth, a Light to the World”. BEC are meant to make a difference as disciples of Jesus engaged in the art of living out of the values of stewardship as stewards of life and faith.

Another speaker, Dr. Allan G. Farnezo, CESO IV, Regional Director of the Department of Education, lectured on the “Challenge of the Harvests”. The outline included Department of Education in numbers, Getting to Know the Learners, Challenge to Catechists and Teachers, The Need for Catechists and How to be a Catechist. He also provided tips for inspiring learners. The day’s event also ended with a Holy Mass at the venue celebrated by Most Rev. Medil Aseo, D.D., Bishop of Tagum, with the other DaDiTaMa Bishops, Most Rev. Romulo G. Valles, Most Rev. Guillermo Afable and Most Rev. Abel Apigo.

After the mass, a social gathering followed where each diocese showcased entertainment. Archbishop Romulo Valles of the Archdiocese of Davao extended his heartfelt gratitude for the positive response and active participation of the delegates in the convention.
On the last and final day of the convention, the delegates joined the celebration of the 55th founding anniversary of the John XXIII Catechetical Center held at the HCDC gymnasium with over 3,000 catechists in the Archdiocese of Davao until 4:00 in the afternoon. A Holy Mass was celebrated by Most Rev. Guillermo Afable, D.D., Bishop of Digos, as its opening salvo for the special event. As the key speaker, Bishop Afable emphasized on the “Word of God, Pastoral Conversion and being Pilgrims of Hope.” He said in his parting words, “Let us be advocates and champions as we make the memory of Jesus alive today and tomorrow”, which left traces of friendship and belongingness, and revitalizing the memories of the participants on the three-day experience.

Thank you, Father Roy, Sister Bles, Sister Lydia, volunteers and JCC scholars and facilitators, Brother Armand Dura and company, especially to our Parish Priest, Fr. Henry Campeon for the support and love to the stewards of the Word of God of OLLP. God bless us more. (Elenita Biag, OLLP-PSP/School Catechist Coordinator)