Regional Catechists Formation Held in Ranchi

Ranchi, November 5, 2025 — With a vision to deepen the missionary zeal of catechists, the Regional Catechists’ On-going Formation Programme convened from 3 to 5 November 2025 at the Social Development Centre, Ranchi, under the theme “Empowered by the Spirit, Anchored in the Word, Sent Forth to Transform.” The event brought together 106 participants from eight dioceses of Jharkhand, including the JHAAN Regional Chairman and Secretary, Diocesan Secretaries of the Commissions for Faith Formation and Proclamation, pastoral sisters, and catechists.

 Organised by the Regional Commission for Proclamation and facilitated by Fr. Paul D’Souza, Executive Secretary of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMO), Bangalore (CCBI), and Fr. Raju Mathew, National Executive Secretary of the CCBI Commission for Proclamation, the programme offered an immersive experience in the Church’s missionary heart and purpose. The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Archbishop Vincent Aind of Ranchi, concelebrated by Bishop Anand Jojo of Hazaribag, setting a prayerful tone for the days ahead. 

In his homily and keynote address, Archbishop Aind urged catechists to live lives of integrity and sensitivity, rooted in prayer and personal holiness. Quoting Evangelii Nuntiandi (EN 15), he reminded them that “to evangelise is first of all to be evangelised,” encouraging them to embody the Gospel and become living witnesses of Christ’s transforming presence.

Fr. Paul D’Souza delivered a detailed presentation on the Pontifical Mission Societies, outlining their origin, purpose, and vital role in promoting the Church’s universal mission. He emphasised their unifying role in supporting missionary outreach and proclaimed, “You are the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit” (1 Corinthians 6:19), reminding catechists of their sacred identity as living temples called to continue the Spirit’s transformative work.

Reflecting on the dynamic relationship between the Word and the Spirit in the Church’s mission, Fr. Raju Mathew urged catechists to remain deeply rooted in Scripture and open to the Spirit’s guidance amid contemporary challenges. Drawing on Evangelii Gaudium (EG 10, 27), he called for evangelisation marked by mercy, joy, and an impulse capable of transforming everything.

Interactive sessions throughout the programme encouraged group reflection and dialogue, enabling participants to internalise the Church’s missionary mandate. On the second day, Bishop Anand Jojo celebrated the Eucharist, reinforcing the need for spiritual depth in mission. The sessions that followed emphasised the Word of God as the unshakeable foundation for evangelisation and the Holy Spirit as the source of wisdom and courage in facing modern challenges, echoing St Paul’s vision of the Church as the temple of the Spirit (Romans 8:9).

The programme included a solemn oath-taking ceremony in which catechists renewed their commitment to their sacred calling. This gesture reflected the Church’s missionary identity as described in Evangelii Nuntiandi (EN 14): 'The Church exists to evangelise,' and echoed Pope Francis’ call in Evangelii Gaudium (EG 27) for a 'missionary conversion' that transforms the life of every believer.

The success of the formation programme was attributed to the leadership of Bishop Anand Jojo, Regional Secretary Fr. Robert Dungdung, and Regional Deputy Secretary Fr. Valerian Lobo, whose coordinated efforts ensured its smooth conduct. The support of the Pontifical Mission Societies reflected the universal Church’s solidarity in mission.

Participants were reminded that the true fruit of formation lies in transformation. Empowered by the Holy Spirit and anchored in the Word of God, catechists were sent forth not merely to teach but to renew hearts and communities with holiness, zeal, and joy. As Evangelii Nuntiandi (EN 20) states, “The urgent and persistent task of evangelisation is secondary only to the personal holiness of those who evangelise,” and Evangelii Gaudium (EG 262) affirms that mission remains ever new under the guidance of the Word and the Holy Spirit.

The programme stood as a powerful testimony to the Church’s enduring mission — a community enlivened by the Spirit, rooted in the Gospel, and joyfully sent to proclaim Christ’s transforming love to the world.

By Fr. Valerian Lobo