The Doctrine of the Faith
The Catechism
Trent (1566) & the Catechism of the Catholic Church (1992)
The Catechism of the Council of Trent
Catechismus Romanus — the Roman Catechism
Ordered by the Council of Trent (1545–1563), issued by Pope St. Pius V in 1566, and prepared for pastors for the instruction of the faithful.
The Roman Catechism was not written for children but for parish priests, that the same doctrine might be preached with one voice throughout the Church. It is a pastoral book: each article is set down to be explained from the pulpit.
Its plan is fourfold, following what a Christian must believe, receive, do, and pray: the Apostles' Creed, the Sacraments, the Decalogue, and the Our Father.
Select any words in the text below to highlight them. Tap a highlight to remove it.
Full Text
Catechism of the Council of Trent, 1566 (Donovan translation, public domain)
Read the complete text✠ Ad maiorem Dei gloriam