The Diocesan Catechetical Centre of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman organized a one-day Advent recollection on December 14 for lay catechists across the Archdiocese. The recollection was held simultaneously in all 19 deaneries, bringing together catechists from 204 catechetical units across parishes and chapels. Nearly 2,000 catechists participated in this annual spiritual programme, centred on the theme “Hope Is Yet to Be Born.”
In the respective deaneries, resource persons conducted two sessions focusing on “The Preparation of Mother Mary to Receive Jesus” and “Preparing Our Mangers to Receive Jesus.”
Initiated in 2003 during the tenure of Fr. Alfred Vaz as Director of the Diocesan Catechetical Centre, the Advent recollection aims to help catechists pause, pray, renew themselves spiritually, and recommit to their ministry during the Advent season. Through this annual initiative, catechists are strengthened and prepared to help others welcome Christ, Emmanuel, God-with-us.
The recollection was held on the same day in all deaneries to express the unity of catechists across the Archdiocese. The programme followed a model inspired by the early Christian communities, beginning with the “breaking of the Word” through two Advent-focused reflections linked to catechesis, followed by the Eucharistic celebration. The day concluded with a Christmas fellowship in the evening.
Sharing his experiencesaid that catechists eagerly look forward to this annual recollection. He noted that it plays a vital role in helping those engaged in catechetical ministry prepare spiritually for the celebration of the birth of the Saviour. He added that the Christmas fellowship also fosters a strong sense of family and bonding among catechists within each deanery.
Representatives of the Diocesan Catechetical Centre, including its Director Fr. Marcelino Rodrigues, visited all the deaneries and shared Christmas messages with the catechists.
From Reflection to Mission: Catechists Share Their Experiences
Suzy Rebello, a catechist from Our Lady of Desterro Church, Desterro, described the programme as a moment of spiritual renewal. Participating in the recollection held at Sancoale, she said the experience strengthened her faith and renewed her sense of mission. “It helped me return to the core purpose of my vocation, to lead others to Jesus Christ,” she said.
Kizzy Nunes, a catechist from St Andrew’s Church, Goa Velha, shared that the recollection helped her rediscover the true meaning of the season, the celebration of the Birth of Jesus. Attending the recollection in Goa Velha, she said that as both a catechist and a parent, she felt inspired to guide others beyond worldly attractions and towards kindness, generosity, and deeper faith. “It reminded me to focus on celebrating Jesus and to help children live Christmas through kindness, joy, and faith,” she said.
Samson Fernandes, a catechist from St Christopher’s Church, Tivim, who participated in the programme at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Valpoi, described the day as a grace-filled personal encounter. He said the recollection helped him prepare spiritually for Christmas by cleansing his heart and mind to welcome the Lord amid a world often distracted by external celebrations. Spending the day in prayer and reverence, united with fellow catechists as one Body in Christ, renewed his sense of gratitude for his vocation. “Setting aside a day in prayer helped me rediscover the true joy of Christmas and the grace of being a catechist,” he said.
Karen Coutinho Desilva, a catechist from St Agnes Church, St Inez, who attended the recollection at Our Lady of Help Church, Ribandar, described the day as a blessed and holistic experience. The reflection on the meaning of LOVE touched her deeply. “LOVE means listening to the Holy Spirit, being open to sharing God’s Word, valuing one another, and finding joy in our catechist ministry,” she said. Prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, the Eucharistic celebration, and fellowship with catechists from other parishes warmed her heart and transformed her spiritually, emotionally, and physically, inspiring her to respect all people, safeguard creation, and serve both rich and poor with love.
Sr Tecla, HC, of the Congregation of the Handmaids of Christ, Calangute, and a catechist at St Alex Church, Calangute, described the day as one of deep spiritual renewal. Reflecting on the call of the Blessed Virgin Mary helped her rediscover the power of total surrender to God and the grace to face life’s challenges with faith and trust. The Christmas reflection reaffirmed her vocation to communicate Christ to children through both word and witness, strengthening her commitment to joyful and dedicated service. “This recollection renewed my call to give Jesus to children with joy and fidelity,” she said.
The Advent recollection served as a grace-filled moment of unity, renewal, and hope for catechists across the Archdiocese, preparing their hearts to welcome Christ more deeply. Strengthened by prayer and reflection, they returned to their parishes renewed in faith and recommitted to joyfully proclaiming Jesus, the hope born anew this Christmas.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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