Preface

THE memorable Encyclical “Casti Connubii,” of December 31, 1930, has astonished the world by its apppropriateness and the richness of its content.

It contains and promulgates anew the entire Christian doctrine on marriage.

It has evoked the enthusiastic admiration of some, the wanton criticism of others. Like the Master whose word it announces, it is at once a sign of resurrection and of contradiction, that out of many hearts thoughts may be revealed.

The Pope whose firm hand signed it wishes that the teachings which he has given in the name of Christ and of the Church shall receive the greatest possible diffusion.

To correspond with this desire of the Supreme Pastor, to contribute in our very humble way to its realization, is our only ambition.

It seemed to us that the catechetical form would best suit our purpose, since it puts each point in clear relief and favors precise answers.

Since it is a catechism according to the Encyclical, it must include all the doctrine of the Encyclical and nothing else. Yet our questions and answers cannot be content merely to formulate that doctrine; they must besides give the reasons for it, especially those which the Holy Father himself adduces. Only thus can they furnish an explanation of that doctrine, the solution of doubts which may arise in connection with it, and in case of need, defense and justification for it.

This in itself will indicate that we do not propose to write a popular catechism but rather to furnish the material for one.

Our work is destined for priests and the educated laity.

Without a doubt the motherly eye of the Virgin, no less attentive than at Cana, observes how the world, even the Christian world, is in want of the wine of holy doctrine. We may therefore invoke her with confidence begging her to aid the propagators of the Encyclical, as doubtless she aided the august Pontiff who published it.