Rome (Italy). Continuing the path begun in 2022, the Framework for Youth Ministry of the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians continues to accompany the formation of the FMA, lay people, and all those interested in catechesis through a series of Webinars that are held in March and December.
From 9 to 12 December 2023, the 3rd edition of the Webinar was held in different languages on the theme “The identity of catechesis” in which the second chapter of the New General Directory for Catechesis was deepened, where it clearly reiterated that, “At the heart of every process of catechesis is the living encounter with Christ. […] Catechesis is oriented to form people who more and more know Jesus Christ and His Gospel of liberating salvation; that they may live a profound encounter with Him and that they may choose His lifestyle and His own sentiments, committing themselves to realize the mission of Christ in the historical situations in which they live” (NDC 75).
In fact, Catechesis is not ‘out of fashion’. This is not possible, because it brings in the heart the first proclamation, “Christ did not die; He is alive and gives us salvation”, a message so transcendent that it cannot be easily silenced by the changing times or by the lack of visibility of Christian values.
Giving a new impulse to catechesis is the commitment undertaken by General Chapter XXIV with the 3rd priority choice and, through various initiatives, we try to “continually bring Easter to mind in the heart of every person, so that their life may be transformed” (NDC 55).
The Webinar brought together about 400 people from five continents. Welcoming the participants and recalling the imminent anniversary of the bicentenary of Don Bosco’s “dream at 9 years” (1824-2024) the Webinar stated, “This is the function of catechesis: to accompany people to a personal encounter with Jesus, because He is the model and inspiration of a life of virtue and gives us the necessary strength to live this life.”
At the end of the various meetings, the participants shared their proposals to encourage the encounter with Christ in the catechesis groups in which they carry out their own service of evangelization.
The International Commission of Catechesis, which coordinates and takes care of these meetings, is encouraged by the joyful participation in this 3rd edition Webinar and continues with hope the journey to “give a new impulse to catechesis” inviting everyone to the next meeting in March.
Videos in languages are available on the YouTube channel of the FMA Youth Ministry (FMA Sector PG).
