Tabigue, head catechist of Saint Augustine Parish in Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte said her journey began three decades ago, inspired by her family’s witness of faith and service.
Her service started in 1990 when she dedicated herself fully to catechesis, continuing even as a wife and mother of three, balancing parish, family and school commitments.
“At first I thought my family might hinder my service,” Tabigue said. “But with conviction and trust in the Lord, I found peace and joy.”
She embraced catechesis as both mission and joy, teaching in schools, leading adult formation programs and mentoring new catechists across several parishes in her diocese.
“Through all this, I found true joy even amid difficulties — I find peace in God,” Tabigue said.
Anonuevo, lay coordinator for the Shrine Parish of St. Vincent Ferrer – Mamatid in Cabuyao City, Laguna traced her vocation to early involvement in faith formation.
She said teaching has always been her passion, which grew stronger after completing a Certificate in Early Childhood Education and serving children in public and private schools.
Now overseeing catechist formation, training, and outreach in her district, Anonuevo said she serves with gratitude, always finding God’s presence in small, everyday acts of kindness.
“Through nearly 14 years in ministry, I’ve learned true impact comes through small actions,” she said. “A simple service, a smile, or a simple thank you — these, too, are expressions of catechesis and evangelization.”
Pope Francis established the lay ministry of catechist in 2021 through the apostolic letter Antiquum Ministerium. He described it as a “stable form of service” and a lifelong vocation of teaching the faith, distinct from temporary catechetical tasks.