Unbeknownst to many, the new catechism published in 1992 is far from the only catechism. St. Peter Canisius wrote the first catechism in 1555. Less than a decade later in 1562, the Roman Catechism was commissioned by the Fathers of the Council of Trent, who saw the need for an authoritative explanation of the Faith for the universal Church. Prepared under St. Charles Borromeo's supervision and issued by Pope St. Pius V in 1566, it remains the most authoritative catechism in print.

For modern readers however, the Roman Catechism is rather verbose and hard to read. To remedy this, over one hundred years ago Fr. Francis Spirago authored The Catechism Explained.

Now a century later, Mr. Matthew Plese has done the same for our day.

In The Roman Catechism Explained for the Modern World, Plese seeks to present the teaching of the Roman Catechism anew. Augmented by the Catechism of St. Pius X, the Baltimore Catechism, the Sacred Scriptures, and the writings of the saints, this new Catechism Explained will make this forgotten catechism available, accessible, and understandable for the crisis we find ourselves in.

Mr. Plese has done a great service in transmitting this classic catechism for the modern world. - Bishop Athanasius Schneider, Auxiliary Bishop of Astana

Mr. Plese has performed a great work for the Church by completing this detailed and deep explanation of this treasure of the Church. - Dr. Brian McCall, editor-in-chief, Catholic Family News

The Roman Catechism Explained for the Modern World gives an excellent introductory commentary on the Catechism of Trent. - Hugh Owen, Director, Kolbe Center for the Study of Creation