Catequese e liturgia: diálogo com a mistagogia de Cirilo de Jerusalém

Abstract

This work analyzes the relationship between catechesis and liturgy, highlighting its experiential dimension and catechumenal inspiration based on patristic tradition, especially the Catecheses of Cyril of Jerusalem. The Cyrillian method thus emerges as a fruitful reference for the renewal of contemporary catechesis. The research initially adopts a bibliographic approach aimed at identifying, in Cyril's texts, the structuring elements of Christian initiation in the early centuries, marked by the profound integration between Kerygma, experience of the Word, participation in rites, and community life. This articulation gave catechesis an integral and mystagogical dimension, capable of progressively leading catechumens to the Paschal Mystery. In a second moment, the historical decline of the catechumenate and the progressive separation between catechesis and liturgy are examined, especially from the Middle Ages onwards, a process that resulted in practices centered on the deductive teaching of doctrine, the memorization of content, and the loss of the experiential and celebratory dimension of faith. Finally, the biblical, liturgical, and catechetical renewal movements of the 20th century, driven by the Second Vatican Council and subsequent Magisterium, are analyzed. These movements proposed a return to patristic sources and reaffirmed the centrality of liturgy as the source and summit of Christian life. It can be concluded that the Cyrillian method allows us to identify fundamental elements for the renewal of current catechesis. The organic connection between catechesis and liturgy, supported by mystagogical pedagogy, constitutes a fruitful path, based on catechumenal inspiration, to lead catechumens and catechumens to a living participation in the Paschal Mystery, favoring the formation of mature, conscious, and committed Christians, especially in the face of contemporary challenges marked by secularization and religious pluralism