Rayagada Catechists Renew Faith and Mission at Diocesan Formation Programme

RAYAGADA, September 26, 2026: Nearly 200 catechists from the Rayagada and Gunpur deaneries gathered for a three-day diocesan renewal and formation programme from September 13 to 15, focusing on their vocation as witnesses of faith and their role in the Church’s mission of evangelisation.

Organised by the Diocese of Rayagada under the pastoral leadership of Bishop Aplinar Senapati, the programme was held at St Little Teresa Church, Don Bosco, Muniguda, under the theme, “Catechists: Called to Witness, Formed in Faith, Sent to Evangelize.”

The programme opened with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, presided over by Fr Wilson Jose, SDB, Correspondent of Don Bosco, Muniguda. In his homily, he highlighted forgiveness, reconciliation and peace as essential elements of Christian life and ministry.

Fr Pradeep Singh, diocesan catechetical in-charge, welcomed the participants and introduced the programme. The formation sessions addressed key areas of catechetical ministry, including sacramental life, presented by Fr Pradeep Singh; Magnifica Humanitas, by Fr Wilson Jose, SDB; catechists and catechesis, by Fr Pramod Baghsing, SDB; and the Word of God and practical Christian life, by Prakash Tripathy.

Bishop Senapati addressed the catechists on Christian witness, forgiveness and the responsibility of living the Gospel in daily life. He also reflected on the Seven Sorrows of Mary and encouraged the catechists to promote Marian devotion in families and villages.

The programme provided opportunities for prayer, formation and fellowship, while strengthening the catechists’ commitment to their ministry in the parish communities.

Participants expressed appreciation for the hospitality, accommodation and arrangements provided by the Don Bosco Muniguda team. Bishop Senapati thanked the organisers and volunteers for their teamwork and service in facilitating the programme.

The three-day gathering concluded with a renewed emphasis on faith formation and the catechists’ role as committed witnesses of Christ and collaborators in the Church’s evangelising mission.

By Catholic Connect Reporter