I received a copy of "An Illustrated Catechism" earlier this week and am utterly captivated by it. The combination of crisp, orthodox text and beautiful illustrations is masterful. Biffi and Vignazia have created not just a catechism, but a work of art. The illustrations, especially those of the sacraments, have a timeless, iconic quality that invites contemplation. The chapter on the Eucharist could have come from a medieval Book of Hours, as it features exquisite representations of the Apostles and worshippers integrated with 300 well-chosen words on the Mass. Here's a sample of the text: "At Mass, through prayer and the working of the Holy Spirit, the bread and wine are changed, or 'transubstantiated,' into the body and blood of Jesus. In this way, we are united to the Paschal sacrifice offered by Christ on the cross to his Father for our salvation — so that we too receive the strength to love all others like brothers and sisters."
Biffi's text continues, reminding the faithful that the Eucharist is both a prize and a responsibility: "The Mass, like all the liturgy of the Church, involves the whole people of God: in this all believers are bound together. But not everyone can receive Holy Communion. Only those who live in friendship with God — and are not prevented by serious sin — can approach the table of the Body of Christ, in anticipation of the heavenly banquet."
"An Illustrated Catechism" is a perfect choice for family reading hour, as mothers and fathers could read — and show — this book to children of a wide range of ages. It comes with the Archdiocese of Chicago's imprimatur, an imprint that guarantees a text is free from error. Highly and unreservedly recommended.
August 3, 2007
