Indian Lay Catechists Among 39 Worldwide Conferred Permanent Ministry by Pope Leo XIV

Vatican City, September 28, 2025 – Three Indian lay catechists were among 39 individuals from across the globe who received the permanent ministry of catechist from His Holiness Pope Leo during the Catechists’ Jubilee Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica on Sunday.

The newly instituted catechists from India are:

• Mr. Sunil Anthony Thomas, catechist and YOUCAT India member from the Archdiocese of Bangalore.
• Mrs. Larisa Peter, YOUCAT India member from the Archdiocese of Hyderabad.
• Mr. Boban Cletus C., catechist and National Council member of the CCBI Commission for Faith Formation from the Diocese of Alleppey, Kerala Region.

Rite of Institution

The Rite of Institution followed the proclamation of the Gospel, during which the candidates were selected and examined. Pope Leo XIV then formally instituted them into the permanent ministry of catechist.

As a visible sign of their new mission, the Holy Father presented each catechist with a Crucifix, symbolising their call to witness and teach the faith with dedication and love.

Pope’s Address: Faith, Justice, and Love

In his homily, Pope Leo XIV urged catechists to be “filled with faith” and to listen carefully to the “desire for justice and truth” within the human conscience. He highlighted this as an essential guide for accompanying others on their journey of faith.

The Pope stressed that catechists are entrusted with a mission that transforms hearts: “The catechist’s task is to teach with power – to lead others from believing to hoping, and from hoping to loving.”

Indian Church Welcomes Recognition

The Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) Commission for Faith Formation and YOUCAT India issued a joint statement congratulating the three Indian catechists. The statement described their institution as a moment that “gives glory to Christ” and acknowledged it as a significant recognition of the lay vocation in transmitting the faith.

Fr. Vijay Machado, representing the CCBI Commission for Faith Formation, noted that this institution affirms the growing role of lay catechists in the life of the Church in India.

A Global Witness of Faith

This conferral marks a major step in strengthening the role of lay people in the Church’s mission. By instituting 39 catechists from diverse countries, Pope Leo highlighted the global vocation of catechists as witnesses of faith, builders of hope, and instruments of love in their communities.

For the Indian Church, the event carries special significance, affirming the work of lay catechists who, in parishes and dioceses, accompany countless faithful in deepening their knowledge and practice of the Christian faith.

By Fr. Vijay Machado

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