By Ms Alisha Khemali and Cl. Jittin Mathew for BISMumbai

The Salesian Catechetical Centre at Don Bosco Youth Centre, Pune, hosted the convocation event for the catechists of the Catechist Basic Training Course (CTBT) and Catechist Training Course (CTC) on 12 March 2023. His Lordship Bishop Thomas Dabre, the main patron, graced this momentous occasion. He was accompanied by the Vicar General of the Diocese, Fr Malcolm Sequeira and the Judicial Vicar, Fr Roque Green.

Before presenting the qualified candidates from the Diocese of Poona to His Lordship to receive their convocation certificates, Fr Osborn Furtado, Director of the Catechetical Centre, gave a brief overview of the activities held in the Centre during the academic year 2022–2023.

Hailing from different parishes in Pune, there were 76 catechists who received awards for the CTBT and 40 catechists who received awards for the CTC.

Bishop Dabre commended the Salesians for their commitment to training the diocese's catechists and helping them become more effective in their ministry. He also urged the Catechists to be ardent in their work of sharing the gospel with the children they serve in their parishes.

“It was a very fruitful and educative enriching experience we had during the year; we are very grateful to His Lordship and the Salesians for accompanying us through this great faith building journey," Mr Darryl D'Sliva remarked on behalf of the graduates.

All the catechists jointly agreed that the sessions were meticulously planned and delivered in the most professional manner. It was unarguably mindful learning through the lens of the best who were carefully chosen to share their individual expertise.

Fr Furtado said that this was indeed one of the most special and, definitely, the highlight of the year. He added: “It was a humbling experience to guide this group of catechists in their faith formation.”

The event concluded with a group photo session of the delighted graduates holding aloft their medals and certificates, eager to share the Light of Christ with others.