Sample pages from Pictorial Cathechism

A Pictorial Catechism After original designs by

Engraved by

G.R. Elster

Richard Brend’Amour

Under the direction of

AbbĂŠ M.B. Couissinier 2015

St. Augustine Academy Press Hom e r G l e n , I l l inois

iv

A Pictorial Catechism

This book is newly arranged based on the tandem editions published in 1862

by A.W. Schulgen in Paris as Le CatĂŠchisme en Images and by John Philp in London as A Pictorial Catechism.

The text and layout of the English version was compared against that of the original French and where they differed, the latter was typically preferred.

In some instances, this resulted in a slightly updated wording that is nevertheless faithful to the original sense.

All Bible quotations taken from the Douay-Rheims version; in some instances quotes were modified to use names in the place of pronouns.

In the interest of brevity and flow of text, passages were sometimes appended without the use of ellipses.

No Imprimatur is found in the orignal versions of this book.

A letter of approbation from the local Bishop appears instead.

In the original French version, this approval was granted by the Most Reverend Patrice Cruice, then Bishop of Marseilles; in the English version, it was granted by His Eminence Cardinal Wiseman.

His letter of enthusiastic approval is reproduced on page vii.

This book was originally published in 1862 by A.W. Schulgen.

This edition Š2015 by St. Augustine Academy Press.

Editing by Lisa Bergman.

ISBN: 978-1-936639-43-4 Library of Congress Control Number: 2015944094 The illustrations in this book are those found in the original French edition of this book, and have been carefully restored.

Contents Truths to Believe.

The Apostle’s Creed.

1

The Ten Commandments.

42

Duties To Practice.

The Commandments of the Church.

64

Original Sin.

78

The Seven Deadly Sins.

80

Sins against the Holy Spirit.

94

The Theological Virtues.

108

The Cardinal Virtues.

114

The Spiritual Works of Mercy.

124

The Corporal Works of Mercy.

138

The Beatitudes.

154

The Evangelical Counsels.

170

vi

A Pictorial Catechism

Means To Believe And To Practice.

Grace.

178

The Sacraments.

182

Public prayer: The Mass.

198

Particular prayer

200

The Lord’s Prayer.

202

The Angelic Salutation.

218

The Invocation of the Angels.

226

The Invocation of the Saints.

228

The Veneration of Relics.

230

The Four Last Things.

232

H

AVING carefully examined the PICTORIAL CATECHISM, we hereby most earnestly recommend it to the Clergy and Laity of our Flock. We desire to see it in every school and in the hands, if possible, of every child in every school, of whatever class.

The beauty of conception, design, and execution of its illustrations render it fit to be used in places of the highest education, in colleges and convents; while the simplicity of treatment and intelligible presentation of their subject make the work most valuable for the instruction of the illiterate, and of poor children. To these considerations must be added the extreme reasonableness of the price at which the work has been brought out.

We therefore approve of this work with a feeling that it will be one more means at the command of those engaged in Catholic education for facilitating sound instruction, diffusing good taste, and blending recreation with solid improvement.

NICHOLAS CARDINAL WISEMAN. London, May 8, 1862

Preface.

T

he book which we offer to the public is not, as might be supposed at first glance, a mere album intended to amuse children or lovers of engravings. It is a serious work on which we have meditated long, that we have only undertaken at the recommendation of a great number of eminent prelates (ten Archbishops, five of whom are Cardinals, and twenty-two Bishops). It is one, indeed, from which we expect the best results for the religious instruction of all Christians.

In publishing a Pictorial Catechism, we do not claim to substitute it for ordinary Catechisms, which are, and always will be, an essential need. Our more modest goal is to help individuals who devote themselves to teaching the first elements of Christian Doctrine, and provide them with the means of rendering easy, pleasant, and even attractive, a study which some souls unfortunately experience with aversion or disgust.

Educating by images that represent the stories of the Old and the New Testaments is not a new method. In all ages the Church has followed it in practice, and the Council of Trent recommends it in the most express manner: “Let the bishops diligently teach that by means of the stories of the mysteries of our redemption portrayed in paintings and other representations, the people are instructed and confirmed in the articles of faith, which ought to be borne in mind and constantly reflected upon.� (Council of Trent, Session XXV.) But it is not sufficient that a method is acknowledged to be excellent; the need still exists to make it of common use.

However, so far it does not seem to have been done successfully.

Evidently the frescoes, paintings and stained-glass windows of our churches are insufficient, and despite the efforts attempted since the invention of engraving, illustrated books have never

ix

become accessible to the means of the poor, who nevertheless are the class most in need of them. What then is to be done? Is this an insurmountable difficulty, which should prevent for always a means of instruction that everyone recognizes as so effective?

Such is the problem we proposed to ourselves, and which, by the aid of some generous friends, and the disinterested co-operation of the Editors, well known for their artistic publications, we believe we have successfully solved, giving for a very moderate price one hundred twelve engravings, executed according to the drawings of a distinguished artist of the Düsseldorf School, and forming a complete body of Christian Doctrine.

Many, perhaps, will charge our enterprise with presumption and temerity. But we are convinced that the clergy, and all those engaged in religious instruction will understand our intention and will consider it a duty to propagate our work. Moreover it is in God that we have placed our confidence, and it is from Him that we expect the success, if success is to contribute to His glory.

M. B. Couissinier, Professor, Petit-Séminaire, Marseilles.

8 December, Feast of the Immaculate Conception, 1861.

Of the one hundred and twelve subjects of which our Catechism is composed there are only two which are not taken from the Holy Scriptures.

But it will be remarked that the first “The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin in the Temple, or Mary consecrating her Virginity to God,” is in perfect agreement with the Creed, in which there is no superfluous word, and in which it is expressly said that Jesus Christ was born of the Virgin Mary; and also with St. Matthew (1:23, 25), and St. Luke (1:27-34). As to the second, the example of the Apostles who implore the help of the Blessed Virgin, at the moment when she is about to leave the earth, is justified by the dream of Judas Machabeus, and by the various texts of Holy Scripture which refer to the intercession of the Saints. (Jerem. 15:1, Apoc. 5:8, &c.)

x

A Pictorial Catechism

The Most Holy Trinity. “Now it came to pass, when all the people were baptized, that Jesus also being baptized and praying, heaven was opened; And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape, as a dove upon him; and a voice came from heaven: Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.�

(Luke 3:21-22)

The Most Holy Trinity

xi

The Apostles’ Creed.

I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; he descended into hell; on the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.

Truths to Believe.

The Apostle’s Creed.

2

A Pictorial Catechism

Article 1

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.

“God...made the heaven, and the earth, and the sea, and all things that are in them.”

(Acts 14:14.)

“And God created man to His own image” (Gen. 1:27.)

“Then the Lord God cast a deep sleep upon Adam: and when he was fast asleep, He took one of his ribs,...

And the Lord God built the rib which He took from Adam into a woman: and brought her to Adam.”

(Gen. 2:21-22)

Truths to Believe

3

4

A Pictorial Catechism

Article 2

And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord. “For he received from God the Father honour and glory: this voice coming down to him from the excellent glory: This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.�

(2 Peter 1:17.)

Truths to Believe

5

6

A Pictorial Catechism

Article 3

Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit.

“And Mary said: Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it done to me according to thy word” (Luke 1:38.)

“And the Word was made flesh.”

(John 1:14.)

Truths to Believe

7

8

A Pictorial Catechism

Article 3

Was born of the Virgin Mary. “And it came to pass, that when they were there, her days were accomplished, that she should be delivered.

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him up in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.�

(Luke 2:6-7)

Truths to Believe

9