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The Catechism Explained
The Catechism Explained
by Fr. Francis Spirago, edited by Fr. Richard F. Clarke, S.J., is such a well-known Catholic classic that it hardly needs any introduction. The book was written for three specific uses—to serve the preacher as a source book for sermons, the catechist as a thorough explanation of the catechism, and parents as a complete statement of the entire Faith, to assist them in instructing their children. Written to achieve these objectives, the book specifically does not contain technical language so that it is not difficult to understand. But it is large, it is thorough, and it is interesting! Plus, there is no other book quite like it.
A person has only to think of a Catholic subject he wants information on, look it up in The Catechism Explained , and there he will find a number of pages explaining this or that aspect of the Faith with a thoroughness that is truly enlightening—the more so because the treatment is always supported by pertinent quotations from Scripture and/or the Fathers and Doctors of the Church to reinforce what is being said. Although first published in 1899, the writing style and truths transcend their era so that they are still beneficial to all Catholics now, and the result is an amazing picture of the Catholic Faith, showing its reasonableness, comprehensiveness, beauty and charm—not to mention the challenge it presents to Catholics to live up to its teachings.
To make this 19th century text more accessible to the 21st century reader, miniscule changes have been made throughout the text, most having to do with style: the titles of the Books of Scripture have been updated to reflect current usage (e.g., 1 Chronicles in place of 1 Paralipomenon) and the spelling of common biblical names were revised to their more familiar Hebrew (e.g., Noah in place of Noe; Joshua in place of Josue). The most important editorial addition to Fr. Spirago’s text is the inclusion of footnotes directing readers to the appropriate paragraphs of the 1992 Catechism of the Catholic Church, where readers will find the most recent, magisterial articulation of the Church’s faith.
Additional footnotes have also been provided to indicate where, since Fr. Spirago’s writing in 1899, the Church has further clarified elements of Divine Revelation, such as the solemn definition of the Blessed Virgin Mary’s Assumption into Heaven, or made changes to Church discipline such as the necessity to fast from midnight before receiving Holy Communion or the absolute prohibition of cremation. At all times the editor has sought to maintain the integrity of Fr. Spirago’s original text. In a handful of instances, however, substitutions for antiquated terminology were necessary to successfully convey his meaning to today’s reader.
It is with great pleasure, therefore, that we are reissuing The Catechism Explained and have added footnotes directing readers to the appropriate paragraphs of the 1992 Catechism of the Catholic Church. We are convinced that every Catholic adult should own a copy—whether he be a priest, for his sermon writing; or a catechist, to help him know and teach the Catechism better; or a parent, to help with the instruction of his or her children; or any other Catholic, simply to enable him to know his faith more fully. For this book fulfills a unique role in Catholic literature.
It is a book, therefore, that should always be ready at hand in every Catholic home and office, because only through steady use and reference will it achieve the tremendous results it was designed to achieve—and which it most certainly will achieve if used on a continuing basis.
A person has only to think of a Catholic subject he wants information on, look it up in The Catechism Explained , and there he will find a number of pages explaining this or that aspect of the Faith with a thoroughness that is truly enlightening—the more so because the treatment is always supported by pertinent quotations from Scripture and/or the Fathers and Doctors of the Church to reinforce what is being said. Although first published in 1899, the writing style and truths transcend their era so that they are still beneficial to all Catholics now, and the result is an amazing picture of the Catholic Faith, showing its reasonableness, comprehensiveness, beauty and charm—not to mention the challenge it presents to Catholics to live up to its teachings.
To make this 19th century text more accessible to the 21st century reader, miniscule changes have been made throughout the text, most having to do with style: the titles of the Books of Scripture have been updated to reflect current usage (e.g., 1 Chronicles in place of 1 Paralipomenon) and the spelling of common biblical names were revised to their more familiar Hebrew (e.g., Noah in place of Noe; Joshua in place of Josue). The most important editorial addition to Fr. Spirago’s text is the inclusion of footnotes directing readers to the appropriate paragraphs of the 1992 Catechism of the Catholic Church, where readers will find the most recent, magisterial articulation of the Church’s faith.
Additional footnotes have also been provided to indicate where, since Fr. Spirago’s writing in 1899, the Church has further clarified elements of Divine Revelation, such as the solemn definition of the Blessed Virgin Mary’s Assumption into Heaven, or made changes to Church discipline such as the necessity to fast from midnight before receiving Holy Communion or the absolute prohibition of cremation. At all times the editor has sought to maintain the integrity of Fr. Spirago’s original text. In a handful of instances, however, substitutions for antiquated terminology were necessary to successfully convey his meaning to today’s reader.
It is with great pleasure, therefore, that we are reissuing The Catechism Explained and have added footnotes directing readers to the appropriate paragraphs of the 1992 Catechism of the Catholic Church. We are convinced that every Catholic adult should own a copy—whether he be a priest, for his sermon writing; or a catechist, to help him know and teach the Catechism better; or a parent, to help with the instruction of his or her children; or any other Catholic, simply to enable him to know his faith more fully. For this book fulfills a unique role in Catholic literature.
It is a book, therefore, that should always be ready at hand in every Catholic home and office, because only through steady use and reference will it achieve the tremendous results it was designed to achieve—and which it most certainly will achieve if used on a continuing basis.
1032 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1899
224 people are currently reading
196 people want to read
About the author
Francis Spirago
15 books5 followersAlso known as Franz Spirago
Father Francis (Franz) Spirago (1862-1942) was a 19th century Bohemian theologian with a sense of humor who wrote several works to remedy inadequate catechesis among the faithful. Born in the modern Czech Republic, Spirago was ordained a priest for the diocese of Trutnov in 1884 at the age of 22. He worked as a chaplain and a catechist before beginning teaching, during which he began to be a successful writer. Little was written about him, but the surviving anecdotes describe him as an unconventional man who used humor and a more colloquial style of speaking to convey the truths of the faith to the extent that he was called "a pioneer of popular catechesis." He allegedly "hated being bored," so, when he taught, his lessons were described as "an amusing recreation" as he sought to bring the heady truths of the faith down to a level anyone could understand by parables, anecdotes, explanations, and proverbs. Fr. Spirago wrote seven types of catechisms, the chief of which is The Catechism Explained, but he also wrote on a multitude of topics, ranging from works on the end times and prophecies, to rules of prudence and pastoral care.
Father Francis (Franz) Spirago (1862-1942) was a 19th century Bohemian theologian with a sense of humor who wrote several works to remedy inadequate catechesis among the faithful. Born in the modern Czech Republic, Spirago was ordained a priest for the diocese of Trutnov in 1884 at the age of 22. He worked as a chaplain and a catechist before beginning teaching, during which he began to be a successful writer. Little was written about him, but the surviving anecdotes describe him as an unconventional man who used humor and a more colloquial style of speaking to convey the truths of the faith to the extent that he was called "a pioneer of popular catechesis." He allegedly "hated being bored," so, when he taught, his lessons were described as "an amusing recreation" as he sought to bring the heady truths of the faith down to a level anyone could understand by parables, anecdotes, explanations, and proverbs. Fr. Spirago wrote seven types of catechisms, the chief of which is The Catechism Explained, but he also wrote on a multitude of topics, ranging from works on the end times and prophecies, to rules of prudence and pastoral care.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
March 20, 2022
An excellent follow up for one to read AFTER reading the Roman Catechism (Council of Trent). I only have two objections to Fr. Spirago’s work, one with the content and another with format.
(1) Content- Absolutely superb content. Orthodox and trustworthy for a traditional understanding of Catholic Dogma. The one exception is that he teaches the Limbo of the Infants as if it is itself a dogmatic teaching, which it isn’t (many whom I respect would disagree, but that’s neither here nor there).
(2) Format- Fr. Spirago has compiled a literal TREASURE CHEST of Patristic and Medieval quotations in this work to support his thoughts. But there are NO REFERENCES for one to find the primary source material. Maybe other editions of this work have this, but not this one. If other don’t, it would be a Nobel work to compile it as a companion volume or index for further research.
A MUST READ!
(1) Content- Absolutely superb content. Orthodox and trustworthy for a traditional understanding of Catholic Dogma. The one exception is that he teaches the Limbo of the Infants as if it is itself a dogmatic teaching, which it isn’t (many whom I respect would disagree, but that’s neither here nor there).
(2) Format- Fr. Spirago has compiled a literal TREASURE CHEST of Patristic and Medieval quotations in this work to support his thoughts. But there are NO REFERENCES for one to find the primary source material. Maybe other editions of this work have this, but not this one. If other don’t, it would be a Nobel work to compile it as a companion volume or index for further research.
A MUST READ!
January 20, 2025
The catechism itself is good, obviously, but the commentating author himself is woefully worldy, short sighted, and gullible. Very Victorian too, such as in saying nothing about the vast duties of parents towards children, but much about the reverse. Very full of Science worship, and silliness, such as repeatedly speaking as if Issac Newton is some great spiritual authority because he used the word 'God' with respect (actually referring to himself). Why should I laud some occultist? Why? Because he's a famous 'scientist'? Famous witch, more like.
Also makes the classic Lukewarm Catholic telltale error of referring to people as 'mere mortals' in comparison to saints. No saint or advanced Catholic could or does make such a statement.
Also makes the classic Lukewarm Catholic telltale error of referring to people as 'mere mortals' in comparison to saints. No saint or advanced Catholic could or does make such a statement.
December 14, 2023
Very good in some places, but uneven in others and you can see the influence of the American editors, such as in the Church-State relations section. Also this only lightly touches on sexual sins, possibly a product of the late "Victorian" era. So while good I would never recommend this work as a standalone.
December 18, 2025
I wanted to refresh my Catholic faith and review the catechism. This book did a tremendous job of sharpening my faith and understanding of what should be believed and followed as a Catholic. The concepts are beautifully explained, and also supported by scripture throughout the entire book. Highly recommend.
May 11, 2024
I would highly, highly, highly recommend this book if you want to discover a true understanding of the Catholic faith. I will never truly be finished with this book.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews