“I believe…” — The words we recite every Sunday, echoing a profession of faith that has shaped Christian identity for centuries. To mark the 1700th anniversary of the Nicene Creed, the Catechetical Unit of the Patriarchal Seminary of Rachol hosted a vibrant and enlightening Catechetical Seminar on 14th September 2025, drawing together catechists from across the region for a half-day of reflection, learning, and celebration.
Opening Hearts and Minds
The evening began in a spirit of prayer, calling upon the Holy Spirit to guide the proceedings and bless all participants. Rev. Dr. Donato Rodrigues, Rector of the Seminary, warmly welcomed everyone, emphasizing the importance of catechists in passing on the living faith of the Church. The atmosphere soon shifted from reflective to energetic with a lively action song, reminding all present that joy, too, is a form of witness.
Journeying Through the Creed
The heart of the seminar was its three insightful sessions, Sems. Nyron Naik, Abraham Fernandes and Ryan Mascarenhas, each shedding light on different aspects of the Nicene Creed:
- The first session explored the historical roots of the Creed, taking participants back to the First Council of Nicaea in 325 AD. It traced how the early Church, amidst theological challenges, united to define core truths that remain central to our faith today.
- The second session dove into the theological richness of the Creed’s second half — unpacking phrases that often roll off our tongues but are loaded with profound meaning. This session highlighted how the Creed remains not just a statement, but a lifeline of faith for believers across the ages.
- To balance depth with delight, the seminar also included a time of interactive games and fun-filled activities, promoting camaraderie among catechists and reinforcing key learnings in a relaxed setting.
- The third and final talk brought everything together, emphasizing the Catechetical significance of the Creed. It challenged catechists to go beyond memorization, inspiring them to help others understand and live the faith with conviction and clarity.
Gratitude and Grace
The seminar concluded on a note of thanksgiving, with a heartfelt vote of thanks extended to the speakers, organizers, and every participant who contributed to making the event a memorable and spiritually uplifting experience.
A Creed to Live By
As the day came to a close, catechists left with more than notes and handouts — they carried a renewed sense of mission, a deeper appreciation of the Nicene Creed, and a joyful commitment to share the treasures of our faith with others.
After all, the words “I believe” are not just spoken — they are lived.
Report by Sem. Andrew Louis
