This year marks the 30th anniversary of Pope Saint John Paul II’s promulgation of a new Catechism of the Catholic Church to provide the modern world with an authoritative compendium of Catholic teaching on matters of faith and morals.
“This collection of Catholic faith and morals is a privileged gift in which we have a convergence and a collection in a harmonious synthesis of the Church’s past, with its Tradition, its history of listening, proclamation, celebration and witness to the Word, with his counsels, doctors and saints”, explained Saint John Paul at the launch of the Catechism on December 7, 1992.
“Thus, through successive generations, resounds the enduring and ever-present evangelical magisterium of Christ, light of humanity for 20 centuries.”
A new catechism had been requested by a synod of bishops in 1985. On this occasion, bishops from all over the world had gathered in Rome to mark the 20th anniversary of the conclusion of the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965).
The bishops had asked for a new catechism so that the Church could ever better explain the Truth “in the light of the Vatican Council as it is believed to be celebrated, lived and prayed by the Church and does so with the intention of fostering a unfailing adherence to the Person of God”. Christ.”
In this month’s FAITH magazine, popular Catholic writer and lecturer Pete Burak explains why he will be devoting his regular column to exploring the Catechism of the Catholic Church over the coming months.
“Fasten your seatbelt, my friends, we are beginning at least a four-part series on catechism, so prepare to be wowed by the incredible generosity, wisdom and love of God found in the teachings of the Church,” writes Pete.
“Catechism isn’t boring, it’s not just for theologians, and it’s not purely existential. It’s a gift. Who’s ready to open it together?
Do you want to start exploring the Catechism with Pete Burak? Click here to read an online copy.
You can also read Pete’s article in FAITH Magazine, the official publication of the Diocese of Lansing, in full here,
* Pete Burak is the director of id, the young adult outreach program of Renewal Ministries. He has a master’s degree in theology and is a frequent speaker on evangelism and discipleship.
