While Pope Leo VXI’s message to Catechists is specifically addressed to those in Vietnam. It reflects the key role they play in the life of the Church and in passing on the faith. This certainly is the experience of SMA Missionaries in African and it is something that is likely to become more and more important here in Ireland as catechesis moves from school to parish settings.
MESSAGE OF THE HOLY FATHER LEO XIV
TO VIETNAMESE CATECHISTS ON THE OCCASION OF THE
400th ANNIVERSARYOF BLESSED ANDREW PHÚ YÊN’S BIRTH
My dear friends,
It is with immense joy that I greet you today, catechists of Vietnam, gathered with His Excellency Archbishop Joseph Nguyễn Năng, the Metropolitan of Saigon and President of the Bishops’ Conference. I thank each of you who have logged in from every province of Vietnam—and beyond—just days before the Jubilee of Youth in Rome. I am especially grateful that we are united in prayer in the presence of the holy relic of Blessed Andrew Phú Yên. On this solemn occasion, the 400th anniversary of his birth, we celebrate a great son of Vietnam – a catechist and martyr whose witness still inspires us. May the Lord bless this moment of encounter and grace.
On such an occasion it is important to reflect on Andrew Phú Yên’s life. Born in 1625, he became an invaluable assistant to the Jesuit missionaries who brought the Gospel to Vietnam after his baptism. Pope Francis reminded us in Christus Vivit that Andrew “was imprisoned for his faith, and since he refused to renounce it, he was killed. Andrew died uttering the name of Jesus.” [1] In giving his life at only 19 years of age, Andrew answered Christ’s call to return “love for love” [2] to our Lord. His heroic witness earned him the title of Protomartyr of Vietnam, and he was beatified by Saint John Paul II in 2000. Today, we ask the Patron of Catechists to intercede for us, so that like him we may, with unshaken faith, invoke the name of Jesus, even when we find ourselves in difficulty.
In Vietnam, the Church is brimming with dedicated catechists—lay men and women, most of you young—who teach the faith to children and adolescents every week. Indeed, there are over 64,000 catechists in and outside your country. This vast group of faith-educators is a fundamental part of parish life. I am thankful for your generosity, each and every one of you. Never underestimate the gift you are: by your teaching and example, you draw children and youth into friendship with Jesus. You are sent by the Church to be living signs of God’s love: humble servants like Blessed Andrew, full of missionary zeal. The Church rejoices in you and encourages you to walk with joy in this noble mission.
It is said that while in prison, Andrew encouraged his fellow Christians to remain steadfast in their faith and asked them to pray that he might remain faithful to the end. Indeed, that profound moment reminds us that the Christian life, especially catechetical service, is never a solitary endeavour: we teach, and our community prays; we witness, and the Body of Christ sustains us in trial. This unity of prayer and service underscores the Church’s unity and the peace Christ gives us.
Furthermore, your ministry is deeply rooted in a strong family and cultural heritage. Pope Francis once spoke to you about the word “home” and all that it means. [3] Keep alive your love for your family and your native land. These treasures of culture and faith were passed on to you—especially the heroic faith of your parents and grandparents, who, like Blessed Andrew, bore witness in suffering and taught you to trust in God. Your roots and traditions are gifts from God; may they fill you with confidence and joy as you share the faith with others.
In a few days, the Church will celebrate the Jubilee of Youth in Rome as part of this year’s Jubilee of Hope. “In the heart of each person, hope dwells as the desire and expectation of good things to come.” [4] Let this hope encourage you in your service. I invite you to be united in spirit with the young pilgrims in Rome and with all your brothers and sisters in Vietnam. Share with them the joyful confidence that “Christ is alive and he wants you to be alive!” [5]
My dear catechists, you are beloved by God and treasured by his Church. May Blessed Andrew Phú Yên guide you by his example. May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church and “Mother of Hope” [6] accompany you. And may the blessing of Almighty God, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit come down on all of you and remain with you for ever. Amen. [26 July 2025]
_______________________________________________
[1] Francis, Christus Vivit, 3 March 2019, 54.
[2] John Paul II, Homily at the Beatification of 44 Servants of God, 5 March 2000, 6.
[3] Cf. Francis, Video Message of the Holy Father to young Vietnamese, 20 November 2019.
[4] Spes Non Confundit, 9 May 2024, 1.
[5] Francis, Christus Vivit, 3 March 2019, 1.
[6] Spes Non Confundit, 9 May 2024, 24.