After Mass on Holy Trinity Sunday, an inquirer asked me to explain the Trinity. Standing on my left was a cradle Catholic parishioner, a pillar of our community, and on my right, a neophyte, recently baptized in the name of the Trinity. I first turned to the neophyte, asking if she’d like to share her understanding. She smiled, and sweetly declined. Then, I asked the pillar-of-the-community-Catholic; he immediately walked away and left me to explain the mystery of the Trinity to the seeker!
The exchange was a little amusing, but it also is an example of what Pope Leo XVI means by paying attention to the “sensus fidei” — the supernatural instinct of the People of God for truth in matters of faith.
I know that both the neophyte and the pillar-of-the-community-Catholic understand the mystery of the Trinity. I’ve seen them live it out in their daily lives. What they are perhaps unable to do is articulate that understanding in academic, theological language.
But as Pope Leo reminds us, the church’s understanding of faith is not based solely on scholarly definitions. We don’t have to expect the People of God, as individuals, to be able to explain the faith with the language of a theologian. Instead, popular piety, in its myriad forms, is a venerable and powerful method for expressing the truths of our faith.
As we said in a previous article, Pope Leo XIV, just days after his election, laid out a clear blueprint for the future direction of the church. And his vision has a direct impact on our work with catechumens. His priorities echo the teachings of Pope Francis, who also wrote about the sensus fidei in Joy of the Gospel.
Understanding the sensus fidei
Pope Leo’s vision emphasizes a renewed commitment to giving “attention to the sensus fidei” (Address of the Holy Father to the College of Cardinals (10 May 2025). This theological term describes the faithful’s supernatural instinct for truth in matters of faith.
It’s like spiritual common sense that the baptized receive through the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Even if most of the baptized have never read a theology textbook or can’t define beliefs in academic language, they nevertheless have divine access to God’s revelation through the anointing of the Spirit received in baptism.
This means that when the entire body of the faithful acts together, they “cannot err in matters of belief” (Catechism of the Catholic Church 92; see also Dogmatic Constitution on the Church 12).
When catechumenate teams and other parish ministries actively listen to seekers’ questions, doubts, and insights, we are trusting that the Holy Spirit might be speaking through them, even when their stories are complex or challenge existing assumptions.
When catechumenate teams and other parish ministries actively listen to seekers’ questions, doubts, and insights, we are trusting that the Holy Spirit might be speaking through them.
The power of popular piety
Both Pope Francis and Pope Leo XIV emphasize the significant role of popular piety as one of “the most authentic and inclusive forms” of the sensus fidei (Address of the Holy Father to the College of Cardinals (10 May 2025).
Popular devotions — such as processions, pilgrimages, and local celebrations — are core expressions of the church’s life and faith. These devotions and spiritual practices can seem strange to us if they come from cultures other than our own. Nevertheless, popular devotions reflect the faith and culture of the people that celebrates them. These forms of faith expression nurture and grow faith, reminding us that the truths of the faith are expressed in many different ways.
For catechumenate teams, this means embracing a more adaptable and patient approach to faith formation. Instead of rushing seekers into our own preferred cultural forms of prayer, we should take the time to discover what prayer forms or spiritual practices seekers might already have. If they have none, we can gradually introduce them to new practices, watching for signs of how the Holy Spirit might be nurturing their faith through popular spiritual practices or prayer.
Practical implications for catechumenate ministry
Pope Leo’s vision challenges us to re-think how we evangelize and accompany new Christians. It encourages us to cultivate a culture of radical hospitality, especially for the vulnerable. Our first stance must be to recognize their inherent dignity and the presence of Christ within them, shifting our perspective from judgment to genuine welcome.
We also need to pay more attention to popular piety, recognizing that the way people pray and practice faith in their everyday lives is an authentic expression of the sensus fidei. The church teaches that God gives the faithful an “instinct of faith” to discern what is truly of God. Catechumenate teams should actively listen to and learn from these forms of faith expression, acknowledging the Holy Spirit’s presence even in seekers not yet baptized. We will want to find the value in every encounter with Jesus Christ that our seekers may have.
By fostering an environment of deep listening to the sensus fidei and popular piety, catechumenate teams can help both the catechumens and our parishioners build the kind of missionary, synodal church Pope Leo XIV envisions. Even if they cannot come up with a precise definition of mystery of the Trinity when put on the spot after Mass.
The church teaches that God gives the faithful an “instinct of faith” to discern what is truly of God. Catechumenate teams should actively listen to and learn from these forms of faith expression.
What prayer forms does your community use?
I had never heard of Simbang Gabi before I moved to California. That’s just one example of the dozens of traditions I’ve learned about since living in a multicultural community. What popular devotions do you celebrate? What is one that is new to you? What is one that most of your friends or colleagues might be unfamiliar with?
Don’t miss this year’s Video Marathon!
Pope Leo’s six fundamental priorities are a call to action for every member of the baptismal priesthood, including you.
Each video in this marathon is 15 minutes or less, designed to deliver deep insights for catechumenate ministers in a way that fits into your busy schedule.
I always come away from these videos with a renewed vigor for helping to get our catechumens ready for complete immersion into the faith! Thank you!
Julie A Miles
Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, West Virginia
