For more than four centuries it was known simply as "The Roman Catechism" - the source, guide and standard for all other catechisms. Commissioned by the Council of Trent, written under the supervision of St. Charles Borromeo, and promulgated by St. Pius V in 1566, it was the most comprehensive and authoritative statement of Catholic doctrine ever published.
Originally intended for parish priests for use in instructing the faithful, today it is a godsend to priests and laymen - offering precise, simply-worded answers to questions about the Faith in a style different from more recent catechisms. This 1923 translation by Dominicans John A. McHugh and Charles J. Callan is unsurpassed for accuracy and readability, and features many useful extras.
All the doctrines of the Faith are expounded under four heads: The Apostles' Creed, The Sacraments, The Ten Commandments, The Lord's Prayer.
Why does this catechism still tower above others?
Fathers McHugh and Callan supply the answer: "The Roman Catechism is unlike any other summary of Christian doctrine, not only because it is intended for the use of priests in their preaching, but also because it enjoys a unique authority among manuals. ... In addition to Popes and Councils, many Cardinals, Bishops and other ecclesiastics, distinguished for their learning, vied with one another in eulogizing the Catechism of Trent. Among other things, they have said that not since the days of the Apostles has there been produced in a single volume so complete and practical a summary of Christian doctrine as this Catechism, and that, after the Sacred Scriptures, there is no work that can be read with greater safety or profit ... The Roman Catechism is a handbook of moral theology, a confessor's guide, a book of exposition for the preacher, and a choice directory of the spiritual life for pastor and flock alike."
EXTRAS
PRIESTS: Complete "Sermon Program" for
Sundays and Feasts linking doctrinal material
in the Catechism to Epistles and Gospels
APPENDIX: Complete texts of definitions and dogmatic
statements since Trent
- Subheadings for ease of reading, quick reference
- Useful citations to passages in St. Thomas Aquinas and others
- Translator's introduction gives vital historical background
- Extremely detailed Table of Contents and Subject Index
