He added in reference to the New Directory for Catechesis, “It is a precious tool for the first part offers new perspectives in Catechesis that are important and relevant for the total catechetical process in whatever cultural context.”
Bishop Mejía who is a member of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) went on to clarify during the online session organized under the theme, “New Directory of Catechesis,” “The New Directory for Catechesis, though duly approved by Pope Francis, has not the authority of a Canon Law document but it has the great value of being a source of inspiration that makes the reader understand more deeply the importance and value of Catechesis in the mission of Evangelization.”
“All those pastoral agents in the Church, either in parishes, in schools, in chaplaincies or any other pastoral situations and ministries will find in the New Directory a great source of renewal and inspiration for their renewal, particularly in the formation of catechists for which they are directly responsible,” the 82-year-old Colombian-born Prelate added.
Bishop Mejía continued during the Nairobi virtual implemented under the theme, “New Directory of Catechesis,” “It is the Church as a community and as a mystery of Communion that is the first evangelizer and the first instrument and place of evangelization.”
“Therefore, Catechesis is not the individual action of a catechist alone but should be integrated into the mission of evangelization entrusted to the whole Church, both universally and locally,” the Bishop said.
On June 25, the Vatican published a new directory for catechesis, emphasizing both its continuity with two previous directories and its new content on contemporary issues such as gender and medical advancements.
“The new Directory for Catechesis offers the fundamental theological-pastoral principles and some general orientations, which are relevant for the practice of catechesis in our time,” Archbishop Rino Fisichella wrote in the introduction to the directory.
Speaking during the December 19 webinar, Bishop Mejía highlighted the importance of the formation of the Catechist or his or her ministry “not only intellectually, for a good understanding of the content, but also spiritually in order to become a witness to the light with his or her example of life.”