With what kind of renewed spirit and perspective are catechists called to share the Catholic faith with the faithful and those preparing for baptism?
According to Jesuit priest Fr. Ignatius Ismartono, the answer lies in promoting the spirituality of Laudato Si’, the encyclical released by the late Pope Francis (1936–2025), which, since its publication in 2015, has inspired countless people around the world, both Catholics and non-Catholics, to act for the care of our common home, the Earth.
“In Indonesia,” Fr. Ismartono, SJ, explained, “Laudato Si’ has been widely recognized, even by many from the Muslim community, as one of the Church’s brightest contributions to the world, inspiring humanity to respond and act to prevent the destruction of our planet.”
Speaking before 560 catechists from the Archdiocese of Jakarta who gathered last week for the 2nd Catechists’ Day at the Samadi Retreat House in East Jakarta, Fr. Ismartono offered a clear message: catechists are invited to integrate the spirituality of Laudato Si’ into their ministry as a concrete expression of faith and repentance.
“If we are asked from what perspective we should proclaim the Catholic faith in today’s critical times, my personal advice is this: study Laudato Si’ and live out its core spiritual values as your own commitment to conversion,” urged Fr. Ismartono, who is widely regarded as one of the leading animators of the Laudato Si’ Movement in Indonesia.
The gathering, organized by the Commission for Catechists of the Archdiocese of Jakarta (KomKat KA), serves as an annual forum to strengthen and inspire both professional catechists and volunteer religion teachers who serve in 70 parishes across the archdiocese.
Fr. Ismartono emphasized that Laudato Si’ offers a new way to interpret and live biblical teachings in the present context.
“The Scriptures tell us that God is the Creator and owner of the universe, and that humankind has been entrusted with its resources. Unfortunately, this has often been understood in a way that encourages domination and exploitation rather than care and stewardship,” he explained.
“Through Laudato Si’, Pope Francis invites us to use the Earth’s resources wisely, with conscience and responsibility, so that future generations may still enjoy their fruits. We are not to act like greedy exploiters but as faithful guardians of God’s creation,” Fr. Ismartono reminded the participants.
His message received warm appreciation from the hundreds of catechists present.
Gratitude and Encouragement
Representing the Archdiocese of Jakarta, Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo expressed deep gratitude to all catechists for their dedication to teaching the faith and promoting ecological awareness.
“On behalf of the Archdiocese, and personally, I thank you for your wholehearted commitment to becoming influential catechists who bring faith to life among the people of God,” said the Cardinal during the event’s closing Mass.
The event was also attended by 12 priests from various parishes and Fr. Yohanes Kartiba, Pr., who serves as the Executive Secretary of the Catechetical Commission of the Indonesian Bishops’ Conference (Konferensi Waligereja Indonesia, KWI).
