Inspired by the Pope’s message and the Jubilee 2025 theme, catechists renew their mission to spread faith and hope across the nation.
Catechists from all 11 dioceses and archdioceses in Thailand have pledged to become “Missionaries of Hope,” responding to the call of Pope Leo XIV and inspired by the Church’s Jubilee 2025 theme, “Pilgrims of Hope.”
More than 500 participants — including bishops, priests, religious, and lay catechists — gathered for the 7th National Catechists’ Congress, held from October 13 to 15 at the Shrine of the Seven Martyrs of Songkhon in the Archdiocese of Tharae-Nongsang in northeastern Thailand.
The gathering, organized by the National Catechetical Commission under the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Thailand (CBCT), aimed to strengthen the faith, unity, and missionary spirit of catechists who serve at the heart of parish life throughout the country.
Archbishop Francis Xavier Vira Arpondratana of Bangkok, president of the CBCT and chairman of the National Catechetical Commission, encouraged participants to join the Holy Father’s global invitation for World Mission Sunday on October 19, themed “Missionaries of Hope Among the Peoples.”
“We will call on all Catholics in Thailand to support the Holy Father’s appeal,” Archbishop Francis Xavier told LiCAS News. “Through our prayers and concrete support, we can help missionaries proclaim the Gospel and sustain pastoral and catechetical programs throughout the Church.”
Faith in action: Catechists as witnesses of hope
For many catechists, the congress was a profound moment of renewal — a time to rediscover their vocation as witnesses of faith and bearers of hope in their communities.
Rungruthai Wongchom, a catechist from Phraharuthai Don Mueang School in Bangkok, said she was deeply moved throughout the three-day event.
“Our catechism work is missionary work,” she said. “We are more than willing to become Missionaries of Hope among the people, especially our students.”
She added that sessions on the Catechism of the Catholic Church helped participants rediscover the foundations of their ministry.
“We exchanged ideas and experiences, learned new methods, and strengthened our ability to pass on the faith and moral values to the young,” Rungruthai said.
From the Diocese of Udonthani, Pornthipa On-nim expressed her commitment to promoting unity and prayer among catechists.
“We are united in prayer for all missionaries and become Missionaries of Hope ourselves,” she said. “The congress helps us build collaboration and friendship among catechists, priests, religious, and laypeople who share the same mission.”
Building a church of hope and encounter
The National Catechists’ Congress was first established during the Church in Thailand’s celebration of the 350th anniversary of the Apostolic Vicariate of Siam (1669), marking the long history of Catholic faith and mission in the country.
Fr. Augustin Prempri Wapiso, chairman of the organizing committee from the Diocese of Nakhon Ratchasima, said this year’s congress echoed Pope Francis’ call for all Christians to be “pilgrims of hope.”
“The Holy Father speaks of us catechists as ‘heralds of hope,’ leading others to encounter God through teachings filled with faith, love, and compassion,” Fr. Prempri said.
He added that the Church today is called to be a builder of bridges and a place of dialogue and mercy.
“In a world filled with despair and division, catechists are those who rekindle the light of faith in the hearts of others,” he said. “With words that touch the hearts of today’s generation, we walk with children, youth, and families in faith — proclaiming that Jesus Christ alone is our true hope.”
As the congress concluded, participants returned to their dioceses renewed in spirit — ready to continue their mission of sharing faith, nurturing hope, and accompanying others on their journey toward Christ.
