Asunción, Paraguay, Aug 22, 2006 / 22:00 pm
During the celebration of Catechists Day on August 20, Archbishop Pastor Cuquejo of Asuncion, Paraguay, said the role of catechists is vital, because they should spread the knowledge Christ to children, young people and even to adults.”
“Being a catechist is no small matter,” he told some 200 Catholic instructors of the Archdiocese of Asuncion. “You have in your hands that salvation of children, young people and adults.”
During his homily, the archbishop said prudence and common sense should be the response of Christians to people who do evil.
Referring to St. Paul, who warned of difficult times, Archbishop Cuquejo noted that the apostle did not speak of earthquakes, floods or other catastrophes, but rather of evil people, and he urged the catechists to be careful of such individuals.
He also encouraged them not to be too hard on children or to mistreat people who do not have Christ in their hearts, and he urged them to have the patience of Jesus, who was never harsh with people or made them keep quiet. The Christian catechist, he said, should be understanding and show concern and dedication.