Ecuador: thousands meet at the 17th National Meeting of Catechists

More than 1,500 catechists from all over Ecuador met in the city of Cuenca, from February 12 to 16, to participate in the 17th National Meeting of Catechists. The local archbishop, Mons. Marcos Pérez, said that “catechists are missionaries who want to change the world.”

“Estimated brothers, Cuenca, the Eucharistic city and Mariana, the land of the beautiful feast of the Child Jesus, welcomes them with joy as Missionary disciples of Jesus,” said Mons. Pérez in his homily of the opening mass.

“Let’s work together, let’s walk together and pray together, as pilgrims of hope that have put their confidence in the one who never disappoints. That Maria Immaculate, the first catechist, protects us in our walk and the Holy Brother Miguel (Febres Cordero), patron of Ecuadorian catechists, accompany us with their intercession, ”said the archbishop.

The meeting revolved around a series of conferences, dictated by international speakers, and were based on three major issues: methodology and catechetical pedagogy; Synod and Eucharist; and prevention of harassment and child sexual abuse. All oriented to the central motto of the event: Catechesis, communion and prevention.

The families of Cuenca opened the doors of their homes to receive the pilgrims. One of them was that of Wilfrido Bermeo, who welcomed two catechists from Quito. “For us to receive a brother is to receive Christ himself. It is a blessing to have other brothers in our house, ”Bermeo told Radio Católica Cuenca.

Being a catechist in Ecuador “is not easy, but it’s the most beautiful”

Karen Portocarrero has been a catechist for 30 years. After dedicating most of his life to this apostolate in his country, today he affirms that carrying out his mission “is not easy, but it is the most beautiful. Knowing Christ is the greatest happiness. ”

Portocarrero – and a good part of his catechist brothers – work in the marginal areas of all Ecuador. Over the years, he has had to face many obstacles.

What has given the most happiness, told Radio Católica Cuenca, is to see the boys change, change their rebellion for humility, because many come from violent homes, with drug use problems.

In addition, many times he had to run, escaping the bullets between gangs. The catechist asked all the faithful to pray for the liberation of all Ecuadorian children trapped in the violence of the neighborhoods. “In certain places the word of God is in diapers,” he said.

From Cuenca to all Ecuador

From the Sanctuary of María Auxiliadora, the archbishop of Quito, Mons. Alfredo Espinoza, reminded the participants of the 2025 jubilee, remarking the need to renew its commitment to the Catholic Church and with the country, always carrying it forward with love.

“You are teachers of faith, who not only teach doctrine, but live it and testify to your own life. Be creative in the mission, always update, never stop learning, above all, be passionate. They go from Cuenca to all Ecuador and communicate with joy the good news. It is the best news that you can offer to live life with meaning and joy, ”said Mons. Espinoza at the February 14 Mass.

The 17th National Meeting of Catechists closed with a walk on Sunday, February 16, in which bishops, priests, religious, speakers of the meeting and young students also participated. Cardinal Luis Gerardo Cabrera, presided over the closing of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception of Cuenca.

“Happiness is to know that God gives the poor the kingdom of God. God satisfies, comforts the sad and accompanies the tribulation, when we trust the Lord most, we are able to trust ourselves and others. Dear catechists if we are able to travel the path of Mary and Pedro, ”he said.

During the Mass, the sending of the catechists present was made “in a way of expressing that they do not act in his own name, but in the name of Christ and his Church,” said Radio Católica Cuenca.