Catechists across Thailand have pledged to become “Missionaries of Hope,” renewing their call to evangelization in response to Pope Leo XIV’s appeal and the Jubilee 2025 theme, “Pilgrims of Hope.”
More than 500 bishops, priests, religious, and lay catechists from all 11 dioceses and archdioceses 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.
The congress, organized by the National Catechetical Commission under the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Thailand (CBCT), sought to strengthen the unity and missionary zeal of catechists who play a vital role in parish life and faith formation.
Archbishop Francis Xavier Vira Arpondratana of Bangkok, president of the CBCT and chairman of the National Catechetical Commission, urged participants to support the Holy Father’s call 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 said. “Through our prayers and concrete support, we can help missionaries proclaim the Gospel and sustain pastoral and catechetical programs throughout the Church.”
For participants, the three-day congress served as a moment of renewal and reflection. Rungruthai Wongchom, a catechist from Phraharuthai Don Mueang School in Bangkok, said the event deepened her understanding of missionary work.
“Our catechism work is missionary work,” she said. “We are more than willing to become Missionaries of Hope among the people, especially our students.”
From the Diocese of Udonthani, Pornthipa On-nim emphasized the spirit of unity and prayer shared during the gathering. “We are united in prayer for all missionaries and become Missionaries of Hope ourselves,” she said.
Fr. Augustin Prempri Wapiso, chairman of the organizing committee from the Diocese of Nakhon Ratchasima, said this year’s theme reflected Pope Francis’ call for all Christians to be “pilgrims of hope.”
“In a world filled with despair and division, catechists are those who rekindle the light of faith in the hearts of others,” he said. “We walk with children, youth, and families in faith, proclaiming that Jesus Christ alone is our true hope.”
As the congress concluded, catechists returned to their dioceses renewed in their mission — ready to share faith, nurture hope, and accompany others on their journey toward Christ.
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