Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Nairobi (Agenzia Fides) - Following the publication of “The Catechism of the Catholic Church” and the “Compendium to the Catechism of the Catholic Church,” in English and Swahili (the two official languages in Kenya), the Bishops’ Conference decided to publish a “local” catechism for Kenya, also available for use in other English-speaking countries in Africa. Thanks to the work of a team of theologians, catechists, and priests dedicated to pastoral ministry, under the direction of Bishop Patrick Harrington of Lodwar, President of the Doctrinal Commission, the new official “Catholic Catechism” was presented on April 2, 2008 at the close of a Mass celebrated in Saint Thomas Aquinas Major Seminary in Nairobi and presided by Cardinal John Njue, Archbishop of Nairobi and President of the Kenyan Bishops’ Conference. In the presence of all the Bishops of Kenya, as well as many religious and laity, the Cardinal distributed copies of the new Catechism to Bishops, priests, religious, and catechists for use in the evangelization of Kenya and expressed his hope that this Catechism would be a fresh driving force in the missionary effort of bringing the Gospel message to all people.
The new Catechism is noted for its constant reference to the Bible, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and the Compendium. The Congregation for the Clergy has praised the new Catechism for its Christological centrality and for its frequent references to the Scriptures and Magisterium of the Church. The new Catechism reflects the organization of the Catechism of the Catholic Church in its four parts: The Creed, The Liturgy (beginning with the Sacraments), Christian Activity, and lastly, Prayer. The main feature of the Catechism is that it takes into consideration Africa’s situation. The Catechism helps African Catholics to recognize the values in their culture and the symbols of the presence of the sacred. At the same time, it is meant to help them to open themselves to the Gospel and to place in question those elements of the culture that are not in harmony with the Christian faith.
Thanks to the long-range experience of the Pauline Editions that has been working in Africa for over 25 years, the new Catechism has come out with a creative and attractive style. The graphics design, that has been carefully made in order to facilitate learning and memorization of the content - with “lesson format,” illustrations, simple and clear vocabulary- and a reasonable price make this Catechism a truly useful instrument in re-evangelization of the Christian communities and Christian formation for all people. Gratefully received by those working in pastoral ministry, it has sold over 2,000 copies since April 2. The Catechism will be published in Swahili before the year’s end. The Doctrinal Commission has already programmed the preparation of four smaller volumes of the catechesis for younger students preparing for entrance into the Catholic Church or for receiving the Sacraments. (SL) (Agenzia Fides 15/4/2008; righe 37, parole 474)
