The National Conference for Catechists will start tomorrow, 3 November, in Fatima to reflect on the pastoral letter from the Bishops of Portugal published last May on “Catechesis: the joy of the encounter with Christ”. The event will start with a reflection by biblical scholar Father Mario Rodrigues de Sousa on “We have seen the Lord!” (Jn. 20:25), the words spoken by the disciples who had met the Risen Jesus to Thomas, and will continue with a speech by António Moiteiro, Bishop of Aveiro and President of the Episcopal Commission for Catechesis, in charge of presenting the “Programmatic guidelines for catechesis” for the next three years, as outlined in the pastoral letter. Jesuit Fr. Jose Frazão will then deliver an address on “The encounter with Jesus Christ”. The exchange of views will then continue with “study workshops” on the letter which will focus on three key areas: places, recipients and mediators of the encounter with Jesus, so that “the letter can reach all dioceses and Christian communities”. The Conference, which will close on 5 November, is taking place at a time when the Catholic Church in Portugal is celebrating the National Week for Christian Education, which began on Sunday, 29 October.