The New (Illustrated) Catechism

If you haven't heard already, some really interesting news about the newest release of the catechism, carefully overseen by Benedict XVI.

There is an unexpected novelty in the new "Compendium" of the catechism of the Catholic Church presented by Benedict XVI on June 28. It features prominently, in full color, fourteen sacred images.

As the pope has explained, the images are not there purely for the sake of illustration. They are an integral part of the new catechism.

They are to be reproduced in all the translations of the "Compendium." And each time they are to be placed in the same position with respect to the text. Each of the images is accompanied by a detailed commentary, with extensive citations from the Bible and the Fathers of the Church.

The first image comes at the beginning of the book, right after the title and the papal "motu proprio" of approval and publication. It is the icon of Christ painted by Theophane of Crete in 1456 for the Stavronikita monastery on Mount Athos.

The whole article is definately worth a read.