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The Catechism Explained

The Catechism Explained

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"The Catechism Explained" by Fr. Francis Spirago, updated with modern references, serves as an essential resource for clergy, catechists, and parents. This thorough text, first published in 1899, provides in-depth explanations of Catholic teachings, supported by scripture and Church authorities. Designed for easy understanding, it guides readers seeking a complete knowledge of the Catholic Faith with relevant footnotes to modern catechism. See more...

Product information
  • Incredibly thorough reference text
  • Look up any Catholic subject for in-depth explanation
  • Priest's resource for homilies, catechists & parents for statements of the Faith
  • Classic reference text first published in 1899 and updated 
  • Authoritative resource for every Catholic home

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.


SKU: 1011197

  • Author: Fr. Francis Spirago
  • Imprint: TAN Books
  • Format: Hardcover
  • Pages: 1040

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Delivers by: Aug 13 - 16

Overall rating: 4.5 / 5 from 4 reviews.

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the catechism explained

"this was an excellent book/content. very interesting also. a somewhat lengthy read/but worth taking the time to read it. it explains the catechism/regarding/details that you won't find in any other book of the catholic catechism. such topics explained/such as/the church/virtue/clergy/decalogue/etc. i highly recommend to anyone interested in catholic catechism. well worth the price also. read this/you will enjoy it."

— matthew w. (5/5)

Not what I expected

"A word of warning- this book is based on the council of trent from the 1500s. The description states that it incorporates the newest teachings despite being published in 1899. I didn't find this to be so. It only refers to the current catechism with reference points-it's not incorporated. It even states in the foreword that it might have outdated teaching. I think it's more of a historical book than a useful tool for parents. I missed the return deadline because I ended up setting up a meeting with my deacon to clarify some things. That's when he explained that this is very outdated and the church has better developed explanations of our faith, rather than something 100+ years old, based on something 500+ years old. Again, I don't see any purpose in owning this book except historical value. If you want to use it to understand your faith, get an actual current catechism. I regret not just purchasing a regular catechism, I thought I'd want this one- but you need both, as the new one serves as sort of a "companion" text. Wish I just bought that."

— Gina (3/5)

This text is a true

"This text is a true blessing and help. It gives explanation of and further insight into the Catechism. I highly recommend it to anyone that wants to deepen not only their understanding of the faith but their faith as well. Additionally, it is important to note that the references to the Catechism align with the 1992 version of the Catechism so if you have a more recent version the references may not line up. However, it is still a great resource!"

— CODY L. (5/5)

Great Tool for review when reading the Catechism

"My overall experience with the book is great. I noticed on the back cover that this book may be for someone else as I see the Initials ‘TAN’. I was sent a personalized with the wrong initials. My initials are MBP"

— Michael P. (5/5)

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