Archdiocese of Goa Hosts Catechetical Sunday, Urges Catechists to Be Witnesses of Hope

The Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, southwest India, celebrated Catechetical Sunday on January 31 and February 1, bringing together more than 200 catechists from across the archdiocese and urging them to become authentic witnesses of faith and hope to the children entrusted to their care.

The weekend-long celebrations, organised by the Diocesan Catechetical Centre, featured formation sessions, faith-sharing, praise and worship, and concluded with a solemn Eucharistic celebration on February 1 at Sts Cosme and Damian Church, Bogmalo. The Mass was presided over by Auxiliary Bishop Simião Fernandes.

The Eucharist was concelebrated by Fr Marcelino Rodrigues, Director of the Diocesan Catechetical Centre; Fr Kenneth Teles, Episcopal Vicar for the South Zone; Fr Teo Fernandes, Parish Priest of Sts Cosme and Damian Church, Bogmalo; Fr Lucas Rodrigues, SFX, along with other priests.

“Let Us Proclaim Hope Through Catechesis”

Reflecting on the theme “Let Us Proclaim Hope Through Catechesis,” Bishop Fernandes called catechists to be credible witnesses of hope in a world marked by challenges and uncertainties. Drawing from the Sunday readings, he said that God consistently stands with those pushed to the margins of society—the weak, the poor, and the vulnerable—offering them hope and dignity.

He reminded the faithful that those who strive to live according to the Beatitudes truly experience the blessedness promised by God.
“Those who live the life of the Beatitudes receive the blessedness of God,” the Bishop said.

Inviting catechists to love and remain faithful to their vocation, Bishop Fernandes explained their mission through the acronym HOPE, grounding it in sound pastoral practice and the Church’s synodal vision.

H – Hear (Listen)

 The Bishop urged catechists to listen attentively—not only to the spoken words of children, but also to their silence, which often reveals hidden struggles, pain, and confusion. Recognising the goodness present in every child, he said, becomes a powerful source of hope.  “When we listen to our children, we give them hope,” he affirmed, adding that listening is a defining element of synodality.

O – Offer

 Bishop Fernandes stressed that catechesis goes beyond textbooks and examinations. Catechists are called, above all, to offer Jesus Christ to the children they serve. In this context, he recalled the motto of the Diocesan Catechetical Centre: “Let Jesus be formed in you.”

P – Plant (Sow)

 Highlighting the formative and long-term nature of catechesis, the Bishop said catechists are sowers of faith, patiently planting seeds in young hearts. By helping children embrace the values of the Beatitudes, catechists prepare them to face life’s challenges with faith and resilience.

E – Example

 Emphasising the primacy of personal witness, Bishop Fernandes urged catechists to guide children through the example of their own lives.  “No one is perfect, but we must strive to be exemplary,” he said.

Words of Appreciation and Encouragement

Bishop Simião expressed deep appreciation for the selfless service of catechists in the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman and encouraged them to persevere in their calling.
“Do not get discouraged when criticisms come your way,” he said.

“Thank you for your faith, thank you for your service, and thank you for responding to your call as catechists,” the Bishop added.

He also conveyed his gratitude to the parish priest, parishioners, ACAZ members, priests-animators, the dean, and all those involved in organising the Catechetical Sunday celebrations.

During the programme, 62 catechists were felicitated in two categories: those with 15 years and above of service, and those with 40 years and above, in recognition of their long-standing commitment to catechetical ministry.

Celebration Rooted in Faith and Communion

The 23rd weekend Catechetical Sunday celebrations began on January 31 with an inaugural programme led by Fr Teo Fernandes, Parish Priest of Sts Cosme and Damian Church, Bogmalo, and included a time of praise and worship.

A total of 205 catechists were warmly welcomed by parishioners through the Small Christian Communities. Two catechists were hosted by each family for an overnight homestay, offering a meaningful experience of fellowship, faith-sharing, and communion.

The February 1 programme began with Eucharistic Adoration, followed by the solemn Mass. Catechetical and faith-filled presentations—including a welcome song, mando (a traditional Goan song), skits, biblical enactments, and prayer dances—were performed by catechetical units from parishes of the Mormugao Deanery, to which Bogmalo parish belongs.

Rasifo D’Souza and Charlene Noronha shared their experiences as catechists on behalf of those felicitated in both categories, while Natasha Nadaf spoke about her experience of participating in the weekend celebrations.

Fr Marcelino Rodrigues expressed heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed to the success of the event. In all, 106 parishioners—including catechists, youth, children, the elderly, and members of various parish associations—served as volunteers. Fr Xavier Braganza, Dean of the Mormugao Deanery, was also present.

The programme was efficiently compered by Cynthia Rodrigues and Fini Fernandes, making the Catechetical Sunday celebrations a vibrant expression of faith, hope, and communion in the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman.