Blessed Josaphata Hordashevska Proclaimed Patroness of Catechists in the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church
On Saturday, September 27, during the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at St. Sophia Cathedral in Rome, presided over by Bishop Michael Kwiatkowski, Eparch of New Westminster and Chairman of the Patriarchal Catechetical Commission, Blessed Josaphata Hordashevska was solemnly proclaimed Patroness of Catechists in the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church.
The decision was made by the Synod of Bishops of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, which convened in Rome from June 30 to July 10, 2025, considering the request of the Patriarchal Catechetical Commission.
During the Liturgy, Bishop Michael read the respective Decree of His Beatitude Sviatoslav. The document states that a catechist is a person who “by example of spiritual life and acquired knowledge shares faith in God and transmits it to those he catechizes.” That is why Blessed Josaphata, who “intended for the light of Christ’s teaching to spread wherever there is a human heart,” became a model of catechetical ministry.
“We call on all catechists of our Church to imitate the Blessed Josaphata in their lives and ministry. May she intercede for you, that you may receive the graces you need so that, strengthened in your faith, you may fulfill the commandment of Jesus Christ: ‘Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations…’ (Mt 28:19),” the decree states.
More than 300 catechists of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church from different countries took part in the celebration, which marked the Jubilee Year of Catechists.
Greeting the catechists, Bishop Hryhoriy Komar, Apostolic Administrator of the Apostolic Exarchate in Italy, recalled that human salvation depends to a large extent on catechists, as Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky said. “Now, perhaps more than ever, your example can be healing for our people,” he said, thanking the catechists for their generosity in service.
Sister Sofia Lebedovych, Superior General of the Congregation of the Sisters Servants, co-founded by Blessed Josaphata, noted that the newly proclaimed patroness is an example for catechists of prayer, devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and education of the heart. “She was always close to her people, attuned to their needs… and sent sisters on missions wherever people needed care, help, education, and prayer,” she added.
The UGCC Department for Information
Source: Vatican News
