Lay Evangelists/Catechists in Uraguay

from Zenit, February 5:

In Uruguay, Laity Are Becoming Fishers of Men

Bishop Tells of Country's Shortage of Priests

Lay catechists are taking the lead to spread the Gospel in Uruguay, where only 5% of the population regularly attend Mass, says a bishop.

Bishop Luis del Castillo Estrada of the Diocese of Melo, citing the shortage of priests, explained that lay catechists are at the forefront of a plan to revitalize the faith in the South American country. Three-quarters of its 3.4 million people are baptized.

In an interview with the Germany-based charity Aid to the Church in Need, Bishop del Castillo pointed out that the Church faces a difficult mission in Uruguay, which has a long history of anti-clericalism.

The 75-year-old bishop explained how the lay faithful are increasingly taking their place alongside the clergy in developing programs of outreach and evangelization.

The prelate added that the role of lay leaders is becoming crucial. He said that in his diocese, in the northeast part of the country, just 18 priests, most of them foreign missionaries, serve 135,000 people.

Lay Catholics in rural areas are leading Liturgy of the Word prayer services, training catechists, producing religious education material and even appearing on the radio.