The role of religious in catechesis

Feb 14, 2025

The dedication of the Religious to catechesis
A study of the history of the Catholic Church leaves no doubt as to the immense and important contribution made by the religious in the field of catechesis. In Catechesi Tradendae (1979), St John Paul II highlighted this point by stating that throughout history, men and women religious have been deeply committed to the catechetical ministry (CT, 65). According to the Directory for Catechesis (2020), in the history of the Church, the religious have been recognised “among the figures most dedicated to catechetical outreach” (DC, 119).

The contribution of the religious in catechesis is well-documented. Special mention has to be made of members of the Society of Jesus, such as, Peter Canisius (1521-1597), Edmond Augur (1530-1591) and Robert Bellarmine (1542-1621) who, by writing catechisms, played a prominent role in countering the teachings of the Protestant Reformers. In recent years, J.A. Jungmann (1889-1975) and Johannes Hofinger (1905-1984) helped re-discover the kerygmatic dimension in catechesis.

In Peninsular Malaysia, the contribution of the numerous religious congregations in the areas of education and catechesis among children and young people cannot be ignored. Here, many will recall with fondness and appreciation the dedicated work of the Brothers of the Christian Schools (De Salle Brothers) and Sisters of the Infant Jesus (IJ). The Canossian Daughters of Charity, Marist Brothers, Brothers of St Gabriel, Franciscan Missionaries of Mary and others also contributed to these areas.

Cassian Pappu (1927- 2009), a La Salle Brother, wrote in his book, Malaysian Catholic Schools at the Crossroads (1996): “From the historical point of view, the schools run by the Brothers and Sisters were unique. They were fully integrated into the educational system existing during that period. They had the distinction of welcoming children of labourers and those of lesser social status” (pg. 9). He also adds that in this context, Catholic parents were encouraged to send their children to religious classes “so that they might grow up as responsible and Godfearing citizens” (pg. 21).

Over the last few decades, much has changed with regard to the role and contribution of the religious to education and catechesis in their schools due to certain educational policies set by the government and other factors. As a result, the Church in Peninsular Malaysia has been deprived of a crucial context of catechesis, namely, the Catholic mission schools. The work of catechesis in schools is meant to complement the catechetical efforts in the home, parish, Basic Ecclesial Communities and other church communities. In spite of these challenges, the religious continue to make a valuable contribution to catechesis through their involvement in the diocese and parishes. It is a contribution which is still needed in the present times.

The unique contribution of the religious
This why the General Directory for Catechesis (1997) calls those in religious life to become involved in catechesis as much as possible, while according to the Directory for Catechesis, “Catechesis represents a privileged setting” for the apostolate of the religious (DC, 119). The Directory adds: “The Church summons persons of consecrated life in a particular way to catechetical activity, in which their original and specific contribution cannot be replaced by priests or laity” (CD, 119). Basically, it means that the religious have something unique to offer to the ministry of catechesis. So, what form does this unique contribution take?

By bearing witness to the evangelical counsels
In Vita Consecrata (1996), a major document on religious life, St Pope John Paul II wrote, “The first duty of the consecrated life is to make visible the marvels wrought by God in the frail humanity of those who are called. They bear witness to these marvels not so much in words but by the eloquent language of a transfigured life, capable of amazing the world” (VC, 20). In this regard, said the Pope, the religious catechise others by their very lives, that is, by witnessing to the reality that the fullness of life in Christ is possible (DC, 119).

Therefore, the unique contribution of the religious to catechesis is based on their “specific condition”, that is, the profession and living out of the evangelical counsels of poverty, voluntary chastity and obedience which, according to the Church, is “a special path to holiness” (VC, 36). The General Directory for Catechesis states that the profession of these counsels is not only a gift to the community in which they serve but also to the ministry of catechesis because it is “born of public witness to their consecration, which makes them a living sign of the reality of the Kingdom of God” (GDC, 228).

By exercising their particular charisms
In addition, the religious also make a unique contribution to catechesis by the way they exercise their particular charisms. The Directory for Catechesis points out that while the religious often work together with the clergy and laity in the ministry of catechesis in the parish and diocese, they “inject” into this common task the particular charisms of their religious congregation or religious order as intended by their founders. As such, the Church draws strength from their “unique” service (CD, 119).

Conclusion
Today, the Church continues to depend on the contribution of the religious in catechesis. As in the words of St John Paul II to those in religious life:

“I wholeheartedly exhort you, whose religious consecration should make you even more readily available for the Church’s service, to prepare as well as possible for the task of catechesis according to the differing vocations of your institutes and the missions entrusted to you, and to carry this concern everywhere. Let the communities dedicate as much as possible of what ability and means they have to the specific work of catechesis” (CT, 65).

Dr Steven Selvaraju, STD, STL, holds a Doctorate in Theology with Specialisation in Catechetics and Youth Ministry from Pontifical Salesian University, Rome. He serves as Director of the Archdiocesan Catechetical Centre, Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur.
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The key ideas in the article are presented in an illustrated format below. The illustrations are by Dr Steven Selvaraju.