Ijazah Doctor in Theologia dari Pontificia Universitas Lateranensis Katarina Bangi Disetujui setara Doktor (S-3) oleh Pemerintah Indonesia

Archbishop Villegas commissioned 800 students and 900 catechists. Photo credit: Author.

By Sr. Charito A. Quinones, OP

On August 4, 2025, Archbishop Socrates B. Villegas, OP, D.D. commissioned 800 Junior and Senior High School students from Catholic schools across the Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan, Philippines, together with 900 official catechists. 

The commissioning Mass, held at St. John the Evangelist Cathedral in Dagupan City, affirmed the mission of these young people to serve as youth evangelizers—bringing the Gospel to others through word, witness, and service.

This event highlighted the Catholic Church’s ongoing commitment to forming students not only in academics but also in faith, shaping them into future leaders and evangelizers. 

The archbishop’s homily underscored that being a catechist is more than teaching—it is living the faith with authenticity and passion.  

Three Core Responsibilities of a Catholic Catechist

In his homily, Archbishop Villegas outlined three essential responsibilities for every catechist: Example, Excellence, and Empower.

1. Example – A catechist must be a living witness of the faith. Words alone cannot inspire if they are not matched by a life rooted in prayer, obedience, and friendship with Jesus. Children observe not only what is taught, but how it is lived.
2. Excellence – True catechists give their best in teaching, never settling for mediocrity. Passion and dedication are essential to ignite in children a deep love for God and the Church.
3. Empower – A good catechist inspires others to become catechists themselves. The presence of 800 student catechists was a testimony of how faith can be passed on to the next generation with zeal and joy.

These principles serve as a guide for Catholic educators and volunteers, ensuring that the faith is shared effectively and meaningfully. 

Inspiring Testimonies of Youth Catechists

The impact of Catholic schools in forming evangelizers was evident in the story of a third-year college student from St. Camillus College of Manaoag, Pangasinan. His journey began in Grade 8, when he was inspired by his catechist to volunteer in the ministry.  

Over the years, he experienced the joy of teaching children the basics of the faith and witnessing their eagerness to participate in Church life—whether in the choir, as lectors, or as altar servers.

During the ceremony, the awarding of the Certificate of Canonical Mandate marked an important milestone for all catechists present.  

With renewed zeal, these young evangelizers returned to their schools ready to bring Christ to others, embodying the Church’s mission of evangelization in the modern world. 

The author is a Religious Sister from the Congregation of the Dominican Sisters of Blessed Imelda. She is an educator, and a missionary who served for six years in West Borneo. Currently,  she is teaching in St. Vincent Catholic School of Bayambang, Pangasinan,  Philippines..