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Memorization in catechesis
(11)
154. Catechetics forms part
of that "memory" of the Church which vividly maintains the presence
of the Lord among us.(12) Use of memory, therefore, forms a
constitutive aspect of the pedagogy of the faith since the beginning of
Christianity. To overcome the risk of a mechanical memorization, mnemonic
learning should be harmoniously inserted into the different functions of
learning, such as spontaneous reaction and reflection, moments of dialogue and
of silence and the relationship between oral and written work.(13)
In particular, as objects of memorization,
due consideration must be given to the principal formulae of the faith. These
assure a more precise exposition of the faith and guarantee a valuable common
doctrinal, cultural and linguistic patrimony. Secure possession of the language
of the faith is an indispensable condition for living that same faith. Such
formulae, however, should be proposed as syntheses after a process of
explanation and should be faithful to the Christian message. To be numbered
amongst them are some of the major formulae and texts of the Bible, of dogma,
of the liturgy, as well as the commonly known prayers of Christian tradition: (Apostles'
Creed, Our Father, Hail Mary...).(14)
"The blossoms—if we may call them that—of
faith and piety do not grow in the desert places of a memoryless catechesis.
What is essential is that texts that are memorized must at the same time be
taken in and gradually understood in depth, in order to become a source of
Christian life on the personal level and on the community
level".(15)
155. Again, more importantly,
the learning of the formulae of the faith and their profession must be
understood in the traditional seed-bed or context of the traditio and
the redditio, for which the handing on of the faith in catechesis (traditio)
corresponds to the response of the subject during the catechetical journey and
subsequently in life (redditio).(16)
This process encourages a greater
participation in received truth. That personal response is correct and mature
which fully respects the datum of faith and shows an understanding of the
language used to express it (biblical, liturgical, doctrinal).
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