In a meeting where Pope Francis said that he enjoys the Wednesday morning audiences because a bishop is “first and foremost [a] catechist,” called “to make the Gospel resonate in the heart of every person,” he went on to recall the nun and two laywomen who prepared him for First Communion.
And I would not like to end – I consider it good and right – without remembering my catechists. There [was] a religious sister who [led] a group of catechists; sometimes she taught, sometimes [it was] two good women — both named Alicia, I always remember.
And this religious sister laid down the foundation of my Christian life, preparing me for First Communion, in the years 1943 to 1944. I don’t think any of you were born at that time.
The Lord also gave me a very great grace. She was very elderly [when] I was a student… studying abroad, in Germany, and after I finished my studies I returned to Argentina, and the day after she died.
I was able to accompany her that day. And when I was there, praying before her coffin, I thanked the Lord for the witness of that sister who spent her life almost entirely in giving catechesis, preparing children and youngsters for First Communion. She was named Dolores.
I let myself say this to bear witness that a good catechist leaves a trace; not only the trace of what he or she sows, but the trace of the person who has sown. I hope that your young people, your children, your adults, those you accompany in catechesis, will always remember you before the Lord as a person who sowed good and beautiful things in their heart.
