15 New Catechists Commissioned for Evangelisation in Agartala Diocese

CHAMPAKNAGAR, Tripura, April 17, 2025 — 15 new catechists in the Diocese of Agartala were officially blessed, certified, and commissioned during a ceremony held on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at the Diocesan Pastoral Centre in Champaknagar, Agartala. The event marked the culmination of a three-month intensive training programme that began on January 5, 2025. The ceremony was presided over by Most Rev. Lumen Monteiro, Bishop of Agartala, and featured the presence of priests, religious, and lay faithful from the diocese.

The Certification and Sending Forth ceremony commenced with a solemn Eucharistic celebration concelebrated by numerous priests, with the presence of priests and nuns from neighbouring religious congregations adding joy and solemnity to the occasion.

During the homily, Bishop Monteiro urged the catechists to become “men filled with the Spirit of God.”He also encouraged them to embrace their role as “irreplaceable evangelizers” and “powerful co-workers of the priestly order,” drawing from Church documents such as Ad Gentes and Redemptoris Missio.

In a symbolic gesture of commissioning, each catechist was vested with a Mission Sending Cross, signifying their call and readiness to serve. They also received certificates marking the successful completion of their training.

Fr. Maxim Rodrigues SVD, Director of the Pastoral Centre and the training programme, praised the dedication and hard work of the catechists. He expressed deep gratitude to Bishop Monteiro for his visionary leadership and ongoing support.

Fr. Maxim also acknowledged the contribution of parish priests who nominated the candidates and the many resource persons who devoted their time and energy to the training programme.

The newly commissioned catechists expressed satisfaction and joy at their spiritual and academic growth, and reiterated their commitment to their upcoming ministry.

During their three-month training, the catechists engaged in rigorous catechetical formation, covering topics such as the Apostles’ Creed, the Sacraments, the Ten Commandments, and the Bible. They also developed pastoral skills through classes, project work, presentations, and leadership training, particularly in conducting prayers and Sunday services.

The new catechists, hailing from nine different parishes, are now set to begin their full-time mission of evangelisation across the diocese. Their commissioning marks a significant step forward in the Diocese’s ongoing mission of faith formation across Tripura.

By Fr. Maxim Rodrigues SVD

Director,

Pastoral Centre,

Diocese of Agartala