Catechists in Bissau-Guinean Diocese Urged to Be “living instruments of God’s love, signs of hope”

“This hope comes from Christ’s love and resurrection. It is this certainty that should animate every Catechist to bring a living and transformative message to their students,” he said.

In his June 7 homily, the Local Ordinary of Bissau since his installation in January 2022 underscored the importance of peace and reconciliation.

He said, “Catechists are not mere transmitters of content, but true heralds of hope, reconciliation, and peace. To live out this vocation, they must be rooted in faith, nurturing their relationship with Jesus daily, and ready to share that faith with love and conviction.”

“We cannot teach what we do not live. The Catechist is called to be a living witness of the Gospel, showing through their example the power of a faith that reconciles, brings peace, and sustains hope,” Bishop Lampra Cà said.

He said, “Reconciliation and peace must begin in the heart of the Catechist. True peace is born from the sacrament of reconciliation and the constant practice of forgiveness—an essential attitude for anyone who wishes to be a messenger of peace and communion.” 

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He warned that “a Catechist who holds grudges or refuses to forgive cannot transmit the Gospel message of hope, reconciliation, and peace.” 

The Catholic Church leader emphasized that “it is essential to cultivate humility and mercy daily so that the word we preach becomes a living reality in our community.”

On their mission, he said that Catechists are called to “form the conscience of the citizens of tomorrow,” noting that their role is essential in shaping the values of “workers, domestic professionals, and politicians who desire to build a more just and united environment, especially for the most vulnerable.”

“This formation goes beyond the transmission of doctrine: it is a commitment to social transformation, grounded in Christian hope and the living out of Gospel values,” the Bissau-Guinean Catholic Bishop said.

He added, “This formation goes beyond the transmission of doctrine: it is a commitment to social transformation, grounded in Christian hope and the living out of Gospel values.”

Bishop Lampra Cá emphasized that “Catechesis must be limitless, with the clear mission of igniting hope and promoting deep spiritual practices among children, young people, and families.” 

He urged Catechists to build “schools of new life and peace,” adding that, “Catechesis is not just the transmission of teachings, but an experience that transforms the heart, strengthens faith, and nurtures community life.”

The Catholic Bishop challenged the Catechists to assume their mission “with courage and love,” insisting that their commitment has an impact on both the Church and society.

“Do not let fatigue or difficulties silence your commitment. You are the light and salt of the earth, called to be faithful witnesses of the Gospel in every home, school, and street of our Diocese,” Bishop Lampra Cá said.

Regarding challenges Bissau-Guineans face, the Local Ordinary of Bissau, who started his Episcopal Ministry in the same Episcopal See as Auxiliary Bishop in November 2011 called upon Catechists to embrace their “social mission, especially in a context marked by violence and division.”

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 Bishop Lampra Cá encouraged Catechists to be “active agents in building a united Church that is open to dialogue.”

“We must walk together toward the peace that God has prepared for us, that being a Church that builds bridges, welcomes, and stands close to those who suffer,” Bishop Lampra Cá said.

João Vissesse is an Angolan Journalist with a passion and rich experience in Catholic Church Communication and Media Apostolate.