The St. Joseph Catechetical Training Centre, Malumfashi, Catholic Diocese of Katsina, held its graduation ceremony and commissioning of student catechists on Wednesday, 30 September 2026, marking a significant milestone in the formation and preparation of new catechetical workers for service in the Church.
The celebration commenced with a solemn procession led by the Chief Celebrant, Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Mamman Musa, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Katsina, alongside the concelebrants, Very Rev. Fr. Pius Duniya and Very Rev. Fr. Cyril Ibeh, together with other priests, seminarians, catechists, graduating student catechists, lay readers and altar knights.
A Celebration of Catechetical Formation
Welcoming the Chief Celebrant, clergy, graduating students and all present, the Dean of Malumfashi Deanery, Very Rev. Fr. Pius Duniya, expressed his joy at the occasion and thanked all those who contributed to the formation and preparation of the graduating catechists.
The Holy Mass continued with the Liturgy of the Word for the Feast of St. Jerome, with the Gospel taken from the Gospel according to Matthew.
Bishop Musa Presents Eight “Beatitudes” of a Catechist
In his homily, Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Mamman Musa began by inviting the congregation to sing the popular Hausa song, “Alherin Allah Ba Ta Kare Wa,” as an expression of gratitude to God for the occasion and for His enduring goodness.
The Bishop then presented what he described as eight ways of happiness, or the Beatitudes, of a catechist, highlighting the virtues and qualities that should guide the graduating catechists as they prepare to enter the field of ministry.
He presented them as follows:
1. Blessed is the catechist who prays persistently.
The Bishop emphasized that prayer is the first and most important equipment of a catechist and that a catechist who remains committed to prayer will find true joy in ministry.
2. Blessed is the catechist who is patient with the people.
He likened the patience required in catechetical ministry to that of a farmer who patiently waits for crops to grow, encouraging catechists to be patient with the people entrusted to their care.
3. Blessed is the catechist who is accountable, honest and trustworthy.
Such a catechist, he said, gains the confidence of both God and His people. The Bishop stressed the importance of integrity, accountability and responsibility in catechetical ministry.
4. Blessed is the catechist who exercises self-control.
He explained that self-control enables a catechist to remain a credible witness, reminding them that their conduct can either strengthen or weaken the message they proclaim.
5. Blessed is the catechist who gives time to raise a godly family.
The Bishop reminded the graduating catechists that their Christian witness begins not only within the Church but also within their homes, where they are called to leave behind a living testimony of faith.
6. Blessed is the catechist who prepares his sermons well.
He encouraged the graduating catechists to take preparation seriously, stressing that the Holy Spirit should never be used as an excuse for laziness. Effective catechetical ministry requires diligence, preparation and commitment.
7. Blessed is the catechist who is kind to other catechists and treats them as co-workers.
The Bishop called for solidarity, mutual support and cooperation among catechists, emphasizing that there should be no disparity but a shared commitment to the ministry.
8. Blessed is the catechist who suffers criticism on account of his good works.
He encouraged the graduating catechists to remain faithful to their mission even when they encounter criticism, difficulties or misunderstanding, reminding them that their reward ultimately comes from God.
“Your Life Must Speak Alongside Your Teaching”
Bishop Musa further reminded the graduating catechists that their ministry would require patience, sacrifice and a life of witness.
As they prepared to be commissioned and sent into the field, he emphasized that their effectiveness would not depend only on what they preach, but also on how they live, the works they do and the way they make people feel.
He stressed that the greatest legacy of a catechist is not merely the words spoken, but the lives touched and transformed through their witness.
Appreciation for Those Who Formed the Catechists
The Bishop expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to the formation of the catechists, particularly the former Rector, Very Rev. Fr. Kelvin Obineche, the current Director, Very Rev. Fr. Gabriel Saleh, the tutors, Veritas University, as well as the parents, family members and well-wishers who supported the students throughout their formation.
Student Catechists Commissioned for Ministry
Following the homily, the Director presented the graduating student catechists to the Bishop for commissioning.
The candidates subsequently took the Vow of Commissioning, committing themselves to the responsibilities and demands of their new ministry.
The Rite of Investiture followed, during which the newly commissioned catechists were invested with the surplice, signifying their commissioning and readiness to serve in the Church’s catechetical ministry.
The celebration continued with the Prayers of the Faithful, as the Church prayed for the needs of the newly commissioned catechists, the Church and the wider community.
The occasion marked not only the completion of a period of catechetical formation but also the beginning of a new phase of service, as the newly commissioned catechists prepare to bring the faith to the people entrusted to their pastoral care.