The Catechism Explained

The Catechism Explained by Spirago, was meant to fill the gap in Catechisms that explain and deepen the propositions of Catholic doctrine, rather than giving dry and rote memorization that by itself does little. The sequel goes to the next level. The Catechism Explained by Stories and Examples, is a collection of stories, histories, lives of the saints, and anecdotes illustrating the lessons of each point of Catechetical teaching. From the preface: "The great value of examples and illustrations in teaching children and the uneducated is universally acknowledged. The Romans used to say: Verba movent, exempla trahent (Words influence, examples attract). The reason of this is that examples stimulate the imitative instinct, which is strong in most people, especially in the young; consequently they are a powerful factor in education. In imparting instruction, also, examples are of no slight assistance, for they serve to elucidate the teaching, to render the lesson interesting and attractive, and keep the attention of the scholar from wandering. The teacher need only say: Now, children, I am going to tell you a story, and all eyes are forthwith fixed on him." Spirago's wonderful volume of Catechetical Stories has been arranged around the question and answer format of the Baltimore Catechism. This new addition has been supplemented by lives of the saints and historical anecdotes.