Sr Lavina Dsouza
The Catechism Seminar on the deepening faith through witness and mission was held with great devotion and enthusiasm, beginning at 9.00 am on 27.08.2025 with a prayer that invited the Holy Spirit to guide the day’s reflections.
The opening message was delivered by Sr Lilly Pereira the Provincial Superior, who reminded everyone that teaching faith is not merely about reading from a book, but about touching hearts, awakening souls, and leading children to Christ. Drawing from the words of St John Paul II, she emphasized that the true aim of catechesis is to put people “not only in touch, but in communion, in intimacy, with Jesus Christ.”
After Which the resource person of the day, Fr Joachim Fernandes, underlined that Catechism is not only about knowledge but about the conversion of the heart. Faith, he explained, is meant to transform lives. A Catechist is not just a teacher but a witness of faith—a prayerful person, joyful and compassionate, who lives as a missionary through word and example. He also highlighted three essential dimensions of catechesis: kerygmatic, mystagogical, and missionary.
The seminar provided time for the sisters to share their insights and experiences as Catechism teachers, making the session interactive and enriching.
Later, Sr Lilly Pereira, the Provincial Superior and Sr Flavia, led the evaluation, inviting reflections on how Catechism can be made more effective. Together , they emphasized that Catechism can be enriched by better preparation, the use of creative methods, and engaging activities that make learning both interesting and meaningful for children.
As a group, we then drew up an action plan—committing to use the YOUCAT (Youth Catechism) effectively as a reference, to support students through prayer and being creative in our teaching.
After which in a special moment of gratitude, the sisters who had given over 20 years of service as Catechism teachers were honored for their dedication and faith-filled witness.
The seminar concluded with joy and thanksgiving, leaving all sisters renewed in their mission to be Catechists who are not just teachers of doctrine, but living witnesses of Christ’s love.
