Pakistan: Archdiocese of Karachi Conducts Ongoing Training for Catechists

The Catechetical Commission of the Archdiocese of Karachi, southern Pakistan, organized an professional training session for 60 diocesan catechists on May 11, 2026.

Held at the historic Catechetical Centre in Karachi, the program gathered mission workers from across the city to reflect on the life, spirituality, and monumental historical contributions of St. Jerome (c. 342–420 AD).

The session, conducted by Catechist Dr. Anthony Felix and his team, focused on St. Jerome's identity as a scholar, monk, and Doctor of the Church.

Dr. Felix provided an in-depth look at Jerome’s life, from his time as a hermit in the desert of Chalcis to his later years in Bethlehem, where he dedicated himself to the mastery of Hebrew and Greek to better understand the sacred texts.

A significant portion of the training was dedicated to St. Jerome’s literary legacy. Dr. Felix highlighted the Latin Vulgate, Jerome's landmark translation of the Bible, which served as the standard text for the Church for over 1,500 years.

During his presentation, Dr. Felix emphasized that St. Jerome’s life serves as a reminder that biblical literacy is essential for spiritual growth, famously stating, "Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ."

To facilitate an engaging environment for the 60 participants, the staff of the Catechetical Centre displayed various quotes from the Saint throughout the venue.

The program’s question-and-answer format allowed catechists to discuss the practical challenges of teaching the Bible in a modern context.

Participants expressed appreciation for the session's impact.

Samson Boota, a participating catechist, remarked: "This training provided a fresh perspective on how to bring the Word of God to the grassroots level. Learning about St. Jerome’s perseverance in the face of hardship has renewed my own commitment to the ministry."

Similarly, Javaid Thomas praised the interactive nature of the program, stating: "These ongoing sessions are vital for keeping mission workers spiritually and intellectually equipped to serve our parishes effectively in a changing world."

Fr. Arthur Charles, Director of the Catechetical Commission, highlighted St. Jerome’s role as a "bridge" between ancient languages and the common people, noting that Jerome's mission was to ensure the Word of God was not confined to the elite.

"Just as St. Jerome translated the Scriptures into the common language of his time, modern catechists are called to be 'living bridges' who make the Gospel accessible and relatable within our local communities in Pakistan," Fr. Charles remarked.

He further encouraged the participants to maintain a continuous, prayerful relationship with the Bible, noting that an effective teacher must first be a dedicated student of the Word.