Kicking off the catechetical year with grace, growth, and a little bit of gravy!
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On 1st June 2025, 15 catechists from Carmelite Monastery, Margao set off bright and early for a retreat at Avila Jyoti Carmelite Monastery, Mapusa. What followed was a day filled with spiritual depth, vibrant fellowship, meaningful teachings—and food so good, it felt like a heavenly bonus.
This retreat wasn’t just a tradition—it was a powerful launchpad for the new catechetical year. And yes, there was laughter, learning, and lots of second helpings.
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☀️ Morning Kickoff – Faith and Food in Full Flow
We left Margao at 7:45 am and reached Mapusa by 8:45 am, greeted by a sumptuous breakfast that was both soul-soothing and stomach-satisfying. The energy was buzzing—not just from the coffee, but from the anticipation of a beautiful day ahead.
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🙏 Session 1 – The Concept of God and Its Visionary Effect
Speaker: Fr. Ronald Dsouza, OCD
Fr. Ronald’s session helped us reflect on how our understanding of God shapes our mission as catechists. It wasn’t just theory—it was a heart-stirring, vision-expanding reminder that we are not just teachers, but witnesses of divine hope in a weary world.
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✝️ Holy Mass at 11 AM
Celebrated by Fr. Stany Pinto, the Eucharist brought us together in prayer and purpose, anchoring the retreat in the presence of Christ and setting the tone for the sessions ahead.
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📖 Session 2 – The Identity and Vocation of the Catechist
Speaker: Br. Malvino Alphonso, OCD
Br. Malvino unpacked the vital difference between Catechism (the content), Catechesis (the process), and Catechist (us!). He reminded us of the power of personal witness, especially when teaching children foundational prayers like the Our Father.
And the line that stayed with us:
“The interior life of the catechist is vital: daily prayer, sacraments, Eucharistic adoration, and ongoing formation.”
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🍛 Lunch – Heaven on a Plate
After being fed spiritually, it was time to be fed gastronomically. Let’s just say the food was so delicious, even the saints would’ve asked for seconds. With warm conversation, full plates, and lots of laughter, we were thoroughly recharged.
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📜 **Session 3 – Understanding the 2025 Pastoral Letter: “Hope Does Not Disappoint Us”**
Br. Malvino returned post-lunch to break open the vision of the Pastoral Letter 2025, rooted in CCC 1817 and inspired by Pope Francis’ call to live hope actively.
🕊️ Models of Hope:
• Mother Mary
• St. Joseph Vaz
• Blessed Carlo Acutis – the teen tech evangelist!
🔄 Synodal Pathways for the Year:
With focus on real people and real needs:
• Prisoners (Koidi)
• People with disabilities (Oglem boll aslole)
• The Sick and Elderly (Piddest ani Zannttim)
• The Poor (Gorib)
• Youth (Tornnattim)
• Migrants (Stholantori)
• Families (Kuttumb)
• Creation (Xristti)
These were not just bullet points—they were invitations to action, grounded in mercy, justice, and stewardship.
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📌 Why This Retreat Mattered
This wasn’t just a catechist meet-up. It was a mission briefing, a spiritual refill, and a joyful recommitment to the work God has called us to. The 2025 Pastoral Letter isn’t just another document—it’s a call to action, urging us to:
• Teach with clarity
• Guide with compassion
• Live with hope
• Build unity at every level—Archdiocese, deanery, and parish
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🙏 Heartfelt Gratitude
We extend our deepest thanks to Fr. Marlon Rodrigues, our Superior and Spiritual Director, for his unwavering support, kindness, and guidance. His steady presence continues to nurture our calling as catechists and remind us of the importance of leading from the heart.
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💬 Final Reflection
As we journeyed back to Margao—spiritually nourished, intellectually enriched, and physically very full—we couldn’t help but feel grateful. For the talks. For the food. For the fellowship. And above all, for the hope that truly does not disappoint.
So here’s to the new catechetical year—filled with joyful teaching, daily prayer, and desserts worth remembering.
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