Two Filipinas were among 39 new catechists from around the world formally instituted by Pope Leo XIV during a Mass at St. Peter’s Square on Sept. 28, 2025.

Charlita Tabigue of the Diocese of Surigao and Rodina Anonuevo of the Diocese of San Pablo each received a crucifix from the pope, symbolizing their lifelong mission of teaching and witnessing the faith.

In his homily, the Pope described catechists as “disciples who become witnesses,” stressing that catechesis begins at home and continues as a lifelong journey of faith.

Tabigue, who has served as head catechist for over three decades in Surigao del Norte, spoke of finding “peace and joy” in balancing family life and parish service. Anonuevo, a lay coordinator in Laguna with 14 years in catechetical work, highlighted the power of small acts of kindness as expressions of evangelization.

Established as a lay ministry by Pope Francis in 2021, the catechist ministry is recognized as a stable and enduring vocation of service in the Church.

𝑃𝑜𝑝𝑒 𝐿𝑒𝑜 𝑋𝐼𝑉 ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑠 𝑎 𝑐𝑟𝑢𝑐𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑥 𝑡𝑜 𝑛𝑒𝑤𝑙𝑦 𝑖𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑡𝑢𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑐𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑐ℎ𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑠 𝑅𝑜𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑎 𝐴𝑛𝑜𝑛𝑢𝑒𝑣𝑜 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐶ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑎 𝑇𝑎𝑏𝑖𝑔𝑢𝑒 𝑑𝑢𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑀𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑖𝑛 𝑆𝑡. 𝑃𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟’𝑠 𝑆𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑎𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑉𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑛 𝑜𝑛 𝑆𝑒𝑝𝑡. 28, 2025.

𝑅𝑜𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑎 𝐴𝑛𝑜𝑛𝑢𝑒𝑣𝑜 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐶ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑎 𝑇𝑎𝑏𝑖𝑔𝑢𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑆𝑡. 𝑃𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟’𝑠 𝑆𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑎𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑉𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑛 𝑜𝑛 𝑆𝑒𝑝𝑡. 27, 2025.