This book is a Catholic classic that needs no introduction. It was written by Francis Spirago and edited by Richard F. Clarke, S.J. 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. It thorough, interesting and is considered of its own kind. 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. TAN Books, the publisher for this book explains: “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 that should always be ready at hand in every Catholic home and office. It is only through steady use and reference will it achieve the tremendous results the book was designed to achieve.
