The annual recollection and renewal course for catechists of the Archdiocese of Yangon concluded on October 20, 2026 at St. Peter and St. Paul Catholic Church.

His Eminence Cardinal Charles Bo of the Yangon Archdiocese encouraged catechists to renew their commitment to Christ and serve as witnesses of hope and peace.

The program, held from October 13 to 20, brought together 79 catechists. They gathered for spiritual reflection, prayer, and renewal of their mission in the Church.

A Lifetime of Faithful Service

According to archdiocesan figures, Yangon Archdiocese has 101 catechists, including 55 full-time and 29 part-time catechists, while 17 are elderly. One catechist has been serving for more than 66 years. Five catechists have served for more than 50 years, and three others have dedicated more than 25 years to catechetical ministry.

The closing ceremony took place in the catechists’ building within the church compound, where Cardinal Bo delivered an encouraging message to the participants.

‘You Will See Greater Things’

Reflecting on the Gospel of John 1:43–51, the Cardinal highlighted Jesus’ words to Nathanael: “You will see greater things than these” (John 1:50), presenting them as a message of hope and encouragement for catechists serving in the challenging circumstances of Myanmar.

Cardinal Bo expressed heartfelt gratitude for the catechists’ faithfulness, prayers, sacrifices, and dedication to Jesus Christ and the Church. He reminded them that a retreat’s conclusion marks not the end of their spiritual journey but the start of a renewed mission.

“You came here to renew your strength. Now you are being sent out to renew the faith of others,” he said, urging them to return to their parishes, villages, chapels, and communities with renewed courage and hope.

Called to Help Others Encounter Christ

The Cardinal emphasized that catechists are called not merely to teach about Jesus but to help children, young people, and families encounter the living Christ through their teaching and personal witness.

He assured the catechists that their efforts are valuable even when they receive little public recognition or see few immediate results. Comparing their ministry to planting seeds, he encouraged them to trust that God would bring growth from their faithful service.

Cardinal Bo also acknowledged the challenges faced by catechists, including financial hardship, limited resources, difficult travel, and the struggles of communities affected by insecurity and displacement. He encouraged them to remain faithful while also caring for their spiritual, physical, and emotional well-being.

Messengers of Hope and Peace

He stressed that catechesis involves more than the transmission of religious knowledge. Through kindness, patience, forgiveness, and practical love, catechists help children understand the Gospel and recognize the dignity of every human person.

In the context of Myanmar’s ongoing difficulties, the Cardinal urged catechists to become messengers of hope and peace by teaching children to reject hatred, discrimination, and violence, and to embrace forgiveness, compassion, and reconciliation.

He further encouraged them to strengthen their friendship with Jesus through prayer and Scripture, love every child entrusted to their care, continue their formation, work collaboratively with priests, religious, parents, and fellow catechists, and promote peace in their communities.

A Hidden but Valuable Service

The Cardinal reminded the participants that the value of their ministry does not depend on public recognition but on their faithfulness to Christ and their love for the people they serve.

Concluding his message, Cardinal Bo thanked the catechists for their often-hidden service to the Church, particularly those who have dedicated many years to passing on the faith in parishes, villages, and remote mission stations.

He encouraged them to carry forward the promise of Jesus, “You will see greater things than these,” trusting that their sacrifices and dedication would bear fruit in the lives of children, families, and future generations of the Church in Myanmar.

The ceremony concluded with the blessing imparted by His Eminence Cardinal Charles Bo.

By RVA Sgaw Karen Service