Catholic Church initiatives focus on catechesis and synodality in Portugal

The National Catechists' Journeys took place in Fátima on October 17 and 18, 2026, gathering approximately 1,400 participants from various Portuguese dioceses. Held at the Paulo VI Pastoral Center, the event focused on the new Catechesis Itinerary, emphasizing a catechumenal inspiration to renew faith formation in Portugal. Father Paulo Alves, director of the Department of Catechesis for Children, Adolescents, and Adult Basic Faith Formation, noted that the gathering served as an opportunity for reflection and sharing during the implementation phase of new educational materials.

In a separate development, the Catholic Culture Center (CCC) and the Portucalense diaconate have organized a cycle of sessions titled ‘Forming a synodal Church.’ This cycle addresses the implementation of the Synod on Synodality and the beginning of the diocesan synod. A scheduled conference on November 3 will feature Vítor Ramos, a canon law expert and parish priest of Rio Tinto, discussing the diocesan synod through the lens of canon law. The program includes subsequent sessions through June 2026 covering topics such as Pauline synodality and pastoral reciprocity.