The Catechist, Witness to the Mystery: Chronicle of the Second International Congress on Catechesis

Abstract

This conference report recounts the Second International Congress on Catechesis, held in Rome from 20 to 23 September 2018 under the theme “The Catechist, Witness to the Mystery,” bringing together approximately 1,500 catechists from 48 countries. Focusing on the celebration of the Christian mystery, the second part of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the congress explored the relationship between the profession of faith, liturgy, and Christian life. Through presentations, working groups, and shared experiences, participants examined the mystagogical and kerygmatic dimensions of catechesis, the sacraments of Christian initiation, the catechumenate, narrative and symbolic language, the liturgical year, and popular piety as a means of evangelization. The author emphasizes the need to understand catechesis as an ongoing process of encounter with Christ, participation in sacramental life, and integration into the ecclesial community. The report also highlights the catechist’s vocational identity as a witness to the mystery and the importance of the catechist’s evangelizing mission in the contemporary context.