(ZENIT News / Buenos Aires, 23.08.2022).- On the occasion of the “Day of the Catechist,” which is observed on Saint Pius X’s day, Pope Francis sent a letter to Argentine catechists. Although the letter was dated August 1, it was published on Sunday the 21st, the day in 2022 in which the catechists are specifically celebrated. 

Here is the text of the letter:

 

Vatican, August 1, 2022

Dear Friends,

As we prepare to celebrate the Day of the Catechist, I reach out to you to greet you and to thank you for taking on such an important vocation with commitment. This year you are accompanied by a motto, which is also a mission: “Catechist: Embrace and Word of Jesus on the Way.”

In the first place, the motto makes me think of Jesus, the first catechist, who was an expert in “giving catechesis on the way.” Contemplating His journeys, how much we in the Church must learn from Him, from His style, from His pedagogy, from His tenderness! Jesus did not stay giving “indoors catechesis.” He made His proclamation of the Kingdom above all “while He was on the way.”

Moreover, it also makes me think that the catechist, as all the baptized, is called to proclaim the Kingdom, not only from theory but above all, from a personal encounter with the Lord in the Sacraments and in His Word, and in the daily journey, whether we are on the way or “on the hard shoulder.” Encountering Jesus in our day to day and letting ourselves be transformed by Him, we are then able to make catechesis be the embrace and Word of Jesus in others’ journey, especially for those that, weighed down by fatigue, find it difficult to keep going. 

Thank you for all that you do to share the faith. I ask you not to cease praying for me. May Jesus bless you and the Holy Virgin take care of you.

 

Francis

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