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Catechesis and popular devotion
(93)
195. As a vital dimension in
Catholic life, there exists in Christian communities, particular expressions of
the search for God and the religious life which are full of fervour and purity
of intention, which can be called "popular piety". "For it does
indicate a certain thirst for God such as only those who are simple and poor in
spirit can experience. It can arouse in them a capacity for self dedication and
for the exercise of heroism when there is a question of professing the faith.
It gives men a keen sensitivity by virtue of which they can appreciate the
ineffable attributes of God: his fatherly compassion, his providence, his
benevolence and loving presence. It can develop in the inmost depths of man
habits of virtue rarely to be found otherwise in the same degree, such as
patience, acceptance of the Cross in daily life, detachment, openness to other
men and a spirit of ready service".(94) This is a rich yet
vulnerable reality in which the faith at its base may be in need of
purification and consolidation. A catechesis, therefore, is required which is
of such religious richness as to be quick to appreciate its inherent nature and
its desirable qualities and zealous to direct it so that the dangers arising out
of its errors or fanaticism, superstition, syncretism, or religious ignorance
may be avoided. "When it is wisely directed popular piety of this kind can
make a constantly increasing contribution towards bringing the masses of our
people into contact with God in Jesus Christ".(95)
196. Multiple forms of
devotion to the Mother of God have developed in different circumstances of time
and place, in response to popular sensibilities and cultural differences.
Certain forms of Marian devotion however, because of long usage, require a
renewed catechesis to restore to them elements that have become lost or
obscured. By such catechesis the perennial value of Marian devotion can be
emphasised, doctrinal elements gleaned from theological reflection and the
Church's Magisterium assimilated. Catechesis on the Blessed Virgin Mary should
always express clearly the intrinsic Trinitarian, Christological and
ecclesiological aspects of mariology. In revising or drawing up materials for
use in Marina peity account should be taken of biblical, liturgical, ecumenial
and anthroplogical orientation.(96)
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