Papa Luciani (Pope John Paul I) was noted for his catechetical manner of speaking to the people. It seemed as if each chance he had would be seized by him as an opportunity to catechize whoever happened to be listening.
In 1961, while still bishop of Vittorio Veneto, he wrote a book entitled Nuove Briciole di Catechetica which translated means New Grains of Catechesis. In it he said,
“Blessed be the Catechism! It is the ‘king of books’ Pius XI used to say, while Pius XII said: ‘That small book is in itself more valuable than a huge encyclopedia; it contains the truths that are to be believed, the obligations that are to be fulfilled, the means for one’s sanctification. What is there of more importance on earth? It is the book of wisdom, the art of living well, the peace of the soul, security in one’s trial. It teaches us how to please God’ (Pius XII, 8 June 1952).”
Of course, Luciani is quoting his predecessors here, but what he deemed quotable expressed, I believe, his affection for catechesis and the catechism available to them at that time.
I write about this for two reasons: first, because of my affection for Papa Luciani and secondly, because I too believe that the Catechism of the Catholic Church is a volume that needs to be better read by all of us. It is a well organized, easily read source of all our Catholic beliefs. It is a book that should be in the homes of each of us, right along side with the Bible, from which it draws its source. It is part of the teaching magesterium.
Pick up a copy if you do not have one yet. You won’t be disappointed.
