St Peter Canisius, 1521-1597. Doctor of Catechetical Studies, Feast Dec 21st.

The doctors have something tremendously important to share with us when we read the new catechism. For a summary of the official Catechism see the link, near the end, below. It was primarily for that reason that the late Pope John Paul II was inspired to have a new version updated and published. It is a precious, current resource and a treasure of antiquity because it contains many fundamentals and is the foundation of our faith. At the same time, it provides a solid foundation to build on. Any spiritual growth and expression of that holiness must have a sound infrastructure and preparation. Jesus spent thirty years in preparation for only three years of activity.

Any criticism or scholarly critique about the new catechism, done in charity, will enhance deficiencies. When the church or anyone writes about a new subject, there will normally be shortcomings. The new catechism is no exception. The 1998 Catholic Almanac edition cites ten specific weaknesses.

All who have ever read a catechism, prayed the rosary or had devotion to the sacred heart of Jesus and Mary might thank Peter for his major contributions in safeguarding these powerful devotions. They are instruments of holiness and sources of consolations. More importantly, they have contributed to growth of our catholic faith. Why does the church decide to write a new catechism, emphasize the rosary continually and promote new devotions to the merciful heart of Jesus and the immaculate heart of Mary? It is the cornerstone of our faith and its embellishments. It also increases our opportunity for sanctity and intimate union with God which is the main reason for our creation.

Peter was brilliant, talented and an indefatigable worker for the church. He taught, wrote and established schools and colleges. He was papal theologian during the Council of Trent and called upon by the Pope to be a secret Nuncio. Father Christopher's book found in the doctoral sources informs us that Peter was the first German Jesuit, the first Jesuit to publish a book and the first to start a Jesuit educational institute in Germany.

Canisius, above all, set a marvelous example by acting humble, charitable and always strove for holiness by his kindness. He preached extensively and was constantly under pressure and criticism from friends and foes alike. Even the Pope, the emperor and the king censured him for the truth he spoke which they did not want to hear or they thought was exaggerated. Being scolded by the Holy Father would normally distraught one's morale and motivation. Not so with the humble and feisty St Peter. The challenges and criticism only inspired him all the more because he knew that the Spirit guided and enlightened him. He was enormously confident and obedient and had great resilence to bounce back under human opinion and trials.

Anyone who has ever said the rosary might remember Peter not because he started this devotion but rather because he revived it as a renewal effort toward Marian devotion. This was during the Counter Reformation period which caused separation and division in the church. Peter united the church and its members by modeling holy devotion to both Jesus and Mary.

It was Peter who promoted the IHS acronym for the Sacred Heart devotion. Originally St Bernardine of Siena, a Franciscan, introduced this devotion about 100 years earlier. The letters represent the first three letters of the name of Jesus Christ. Not only that, through a homily, I heard that it was because of the great love and preaching of St Bernardine on the name of Jesus, that the name of Jesus was added to the Hail Mary prayer. Previously in the Hail Mary Prayer, the first part ended with ...blessed is the fruit of thy womb. (no Jesus) But after St Bernardine's passion for the name of Jesus, and his extensive use of the name in his renewal efforts through Italy with his preaching, the church adopted the new version of the Hail Mary.

Thus began Peter's binding devotion to the person of Jesus Christ's divine and human heart. In fact, Peter was favored and supported by heavenly gifts to sustain him during this time of conflict and turmoil that the church and its members were experiencing during the Counter-Reformation period.

The Lord and his mother, Mary, who St Peter was always devoted to, had given him a personal mandate and he strove mightily to live up to all of its expectations. He was always outdoing himself and remained as the Provincial of the Jesuits (the highest position of the Order) for thirteen years-an unusually long time. He acted as confessor to the Queen of France and advisor to the Pope. He was unafraid of correcting the faults of the clergy in an attempt to set good example. He always found time to assist all those who needed help or charity. He even asked to be relieved of certain of his duties because he appeared to be in an espionage role, arrogant or interfered in politics. Peter had great discernment. He was often accused of usurping parochial rights because he was involved in so many important church missions and assignments. This was a period of time when thousands were leaving the church and switching to Protestantism.

At the early age of nineteen he had already earned his master's degree. Soon afterwards, Peter was influenced by another gifted Jesuit to join him in the recently formed Society of Jesus. St Ignatius, its founder, kept him by his side for five months. On the day of his final vows in St. Peters at Rome, he was favored with a vision of the Sacred Heart.

The Jesuits have taught many. The Jesuits and the catholic church since the time of its founder St Ignatius Loyola, although not a doctor yet, are a remarkable group excelling in many areas especially education, scholarship and leadership in social action.

Scores of books have been written about Ignatius, the soldier, in the military, who became the soldier for Christ. He was converted and transformed by reading about the saints during a leg injury and convalescence. He prayed to God to help him be like the saints. This is a classic example how intercessory prayer works. The Jesuits number well over 20,000 members and they are located in hundreds of countries. They take religious vows and a special vow to the Holy Father. Ignatius was a spiritual and mystical genius displaying outstanding leadership and evangelization abilities. He fulfilled Jesus' request when our Lord said: "I have come to bring fire to the earth. How I wish it were already blazing" Taken from the Communion Antiphon on his feast day, July 31, 2001 in the Magnificat publication.

One can not possibly imagine St Ignatius not becoming a "Doctor of the Church" when and if God ordains. His spirituality is world known and the Jesuits are a marvelous organization and religious society of dedicated and consecrated individuals.

Their periodical, America, and Ignatius' masterpiece in writing, The Spiritual Exercise, a classic (blending the practical and the mystical) are invaluable resources for genuine Catholic spirituality, personal growth and authentic enjoyment. They also keep us updated, renewed and attuned to the times. The Jesuits are men of action and prayer. They challenge us to excellence in education to be wise. They ask us to risk more than others think is safe. They encourage us to dream more than others think is practical. They are men of hope in the supernatural but they want us to expect more now than others think is possible. Peter Canisius is but one example of many Jesuits.

Another marvelous Jesuit, the only other Doctor of the Church at this time, entitled the "Prince of Apologists" among other titles, is St Robert Bellarmine whose link is below:

http://www.doctorsofthecatholicchurch.com/RB.html

They never stop urging us to do more for Christ. They spend themselves exhaustively for the church and its members. That is but one reason families send their sons and daughters to Jesuit universities and colleges whether they are catholic or not.

Peter was always pushing himself to the limits because of his personality and the movement of grace. There has been a tradition that the pope’s confessor must be a Jesuit priest who visits the Vatican once a week and who absolves the pope of any possible sins. Is the church reminding us of the importance of the sacrament of Reconciliation and to find time for this sacrament? Who is busier than the Pope with a church that claims a billion members? Yet, he finds time to go to confession and receive the sacrament of Reconciliation. Who has that amount of responsibility?

Over thirty years ago I took a course at Georgetown University. This university is a Jesuit institution of higher learning in Washington DC. The course was entitled Religion and Modern Psychology. The instructor was a Jesuit, Juan Cortez, Ph.D. For the final exam I answered the essay question: Are we entirely free to believe? The answer I gave on the exam was yes but only entirely free to believe when one’s faith is active with charity. This question is an important question for anyone's faith. There are many forces that challenge us to doubt or deny God's existence. These insidious forces also challenge our freedom to believe and Christ's role in our salvation. Catechetical studies are vital for the enrichment of our faith and the foundation for our belief in God because it educates us with solid truths. After teaching in religious education for many years, I felt as a student who was only getting started. The more one knows the more one is aware how little he truly knows.

Peter realized the grave importance of catechetical instruction in his day. He tackled this ageless challenge as John Paul II was doing with the new catechism in his day. The catechism will enhance our faith with new insights and make us realize with Peter that faith is made perfect through love and it is powerless without charity. Faith is also reinforced and fortified with love. Faith also gives us the courage and freedom to accept God’s commandments and the gospel especially when it is difficult.

Our new catechism is aimed to be a total “snapshot” or summary of our faith as much as it is possible. As the rosary is a compendium of the joyful, the new, luminous or mysteries of light (proclaimed by the Holy Father in 2002), sorrowful, and glorious mysteries of our Lord’s life, so does the catechism aim to express the unity of our faith. The rosary and our new catechism strengthens and reinforces our faith every time we read it, and pray with it, as we apply its principles and truths. As the Trinity of Three Persons is united, moves and graces us from within and without, so too the catechism imparts blessings, gifts, and favors when we apply the principles of the mysteries of God. The Pope also stated beginning in late 2002, the "Year of the Rosary".

God is a hierarchy of truth, love and power for us to share. Our unity of God in space and time and our consciousness of it is increased when we practice our faith with faithful devotion, fulfill our duties, and act generously and compassionately whenever possible. Christians are gifted to be the light of the world.

St. Peter was one of the most important figures in the Counter-Reformation in Germany and is referred to as the second apostle to Germany next to St Boniface who lived nearly a millennium before him. He had a strong literary bent and wrote a catechism which was translated into many languages. He wrote clear information about our faith by explaining it so that anyone could grasp it. This happened at a time when the church was in most need of this service. He founded many colleges and seminaries, taught in universities, addressed a major Council of the Church and preached extensively. In his letters, which fill eight volumes, are contained wisdom and counsel to people in all walks of life. He even wrote critical letters to leaders of the church in a spirit of charity.

Peter's English biographer, James Broderick, S.J., remarks: "By the close of the century, when he had been dead only three years, his brethren had forty flourishing colleges or missions in northern lands, scarely one of which but owed its existence, directly or indirectly, to his influence with secular princes or dignitaries of the Church." (St Peter Canisius , James Brodrick, S.J.,London, 1935; Carroll Press, Baltimore, 1950, p337). Taken from Rengers, see sources.

Peter was a great reconciler between disputing parties. He had tremendous diplomatic skills because of his agile, quick-witted mind and sensitive heart. Peter's zeal and unflagging interest in the defense and spread of the faith caused him to preach and write until his death when he was around seventy-seven. He suffered a stroke at seventy but continued all of his ministries with the aid of a secretary. The courage that Peter received from catholic devotions to Jesus and Mary is exemplary.

Listen to the beautiful prayers and supplications of the catechetical teacher taken from Renger's book listed in the sources.

"To be sure, walking in the footsteps of the Holy Fathers, we not only salute the praiseworthy and admirable Virgin, who is as a lily among thorns, but we also believe and profess her to be endowed with such great power that she can listen to, assist and favor poor mortals as long as they especially commend themselves and their desires to her and suppliantly expect daily grace through her motherly intercession."

"Most August Queen, and most true and faithful Mother Mary, whom none implores in vain, I beg of thee reverently from my heart that thou, to whom all mankind are bound in everlasting gratitude, wouldst deign to accept and approve this poor testimony of my love of thee, graciously measuring its littleness by the good will that went to its making..."

St Peter Canisius is also considered one of the creators and patron of the Catholic Press. He is one of the greatest opponents of the Reformation through his preaching and publication of books in defense of the faith. He never failed to make an offering of all his work to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. He confessed that God would always help us find time to serve, the Supreme Being, even if we are not able. However, it should always be done for the greater honor and glory of God. That is the motto of the Jesuits: doing everything for the greater honor and glory of God.

He had tremendous enthusiasm for the apostolate. He could often be found visiting the sick and prisoners. He was always attempting to instruct the ignorant. He cared for those burdened with hardships such as the plague stricken during this time and those living in great poverty. He did all this despite the fact he already had enough to keep most people fully occupied. He was an ardent follower of Christ who took his responsibilities seriously. He overlooked his own health because of other's needs. God embedded in his heart and mind intense love for neighbor and members of the church. He loved God passionately through his neighbor and the church.

Why does charity act so impetuously at times? Charity doesn’t think of itself. She is a servicer; She spends herself for others. She sees the church in all creatures, especially the poor, forgotten and overlooked. When love calls us, one doesn’t ask why, when, or who needs us? We simply do it. Service to the church means service to humankind. Service and support to others in any manner promotes goodwill, peace and unity. It can be civic, social, political, humanitarian or any just cause. Our conscience is like a religious sanctuary and wants to share, give and assist others. When we help others, we recognize and embrace Christ. The more we act unselfishly, the more we are acting charitably and God will be seen in us. Our actions will be like a catechical instruction book that teaches a lesson. We will be acting with the spirit that animated St Peter Canisius and his colleagues in their concern toward unity. This is even more vitally important today than it was in Peter’s day. Why?

Amazingly, there are twice as many non-Christians in the world as Christian! Think about it! Are Christians scandalous because of their division? Even within Christendom we are split, separated and divorced. For a chart of the different religion as a part of the world population, click below on

http://www.gem-werc.org/

Christianity's membership slipped from 32.2percent to 31.2percent but it spread to become the first truly universal faith with adherents in every country. The second-ranking Islam expanded its sector from 12.3 to 19.5. These figure come from the Global Evangelization Movement's website listed above.

The more we become truly educated, the more we realize that we need to act educated by helping all creatures toward unity. On the natural level, everything strives toward survival of the fittest. On the spiritual level, everyone survives by sharing, acting virtuously and being generous. The more we behave, as Christ would have us, the more we are truly educated. Our catechism and St Peter would have us put service to the church and others as important goals. If we share our gifts, we will share the treasure-peace, contentment, interior satisfaction, and unity. Our work is always beginning and never ending. Eternal viligance must be the safeguard of our liberty. We are always free to love unlimitedly. When we sin, however, we are prisoners of our choices and our passions are misspent.

Our Jesuit friend has much to share with us if we petition him and his school of thought for wisdom and dedication toward others as he did. The reasons that Jesuits and all religious groups and sincere catholics love the church is because She is Christ’s beloved One. she is the bride; She is the 'Mistress of Christ'. Our faith and the catechism that Peter assisted in establishing, and others are doing today, state this truth. St Peter Canisius, among many who teach, write, and speak of the catholic faith, is the Doctor of Catechical Studies par excellence for numerous reasons.

According to the 1998 edition of the Catholic Almanac, which is listed in the sources, the Catechism is a systematic presentation of the fundamentals of catholic doctrine regarding faith and morals. Some of the major sources are sacred scripture, tradition, the magisterium (teaching authority of the church), the writings of Fathers and Doctors of the Church and liturgy. The new Catechism of the Catholic Church, published Oct 11, 1992 consists of four principal sections: the profession of faith, (the Creed), the sacraments of faith, the life of faith (the Commandments) and the prayer of the believer (the Lord’s Prayer). The 16th century Council of Trent mandated publication of the Roman Catechism. Catechisms such as these two are useful sources for serving particular needs of the faithful and persons seeking admission to the catholic church.

The catechism issued by the first Archdiocese of the United States was the Baltimore Catechism. This became the basic means of religious instruction in this country in catholic elementary school from the marvelous Sisters of Notre Dame, among many other nuns and Orders that the church established. St Martin’s elementary school in the Washington Archdiocese, for example, used the Baltimore Catechism. It was for many students the written text and introduction to the ABC’s of the catholic faith. Faith in God, regardless of the denomination, is first transmitted by example. Parents, family and one’s relatives generally have the first opportunity to express and show who God is. They do this by their words, examples and lifestyles. If one’s words or actions are not virtuous, then that bad example can be injurious and impair interest and growth in loving God and neighbor. Even if one is knowledgeable in the faith but does not exemplify it by good and holy living, than bad example can negate what one teaches. Christian faith is a gift that is not necessary only taught. It is also caught. Teaching counts. But holy living, most of the time, counts more in the transmission of that faith.

Generally speaking, one’s teacher can have a marked influence on one’s faith in God especially if that knowledge is lived out and showed by charity in one’s words and action. Nothing teaches like good example. As I look back on my teachers, the Baltimore Catechism, and my religious instructors, not only of the Jesuits but also of the Sisters of Notre Dame of Namur, I felt privileged that I was exposed to a rich tradition, holy examples and religious instruction that many children today lack due to no fault of their own.

Today learners have more opportunities to gain knowledge from sources that were not available when I was young. For example, the Internet, is an indispensable, educational and learning tool that is practically unlimited as a source to learn about religion and God. At the same time, parents need to guard and guide their children how to search for the good and avoid the evil that lurks surreptitiously behind what appears to be good but really isn’t. Emails abound with unwanted spamers and increasing x-rated invites. There are an unbelievable numbers of pornographic websites that are created daily in the thousands and permitted by hosting companies which have no restrictions. However, the Internet can be a profound blessing when used to grow in virtue, knowledge and the common good for all.

TV, VHS, DVD, Internet, IPODS and and a host of other multimedia exposures are excellent ways for religious education to be known, retained and enjoyed. Our morals usually start with our parents at home, then school, in our work and social enviorments, and always with the great example that Jesus Christ showed us in the gospels and that the lives of the saints imitated. Jesus achieved his commendable modeling, most amazingly and attractively, despite deep hatred and determination to kill him through his public ministry and even when he was born. It persisted through his entire public life from day one not only from his own home town but by the religious groups and priests of the day at that time.

Doctors of the church, such as Peter Canisius, and all those teachers and spiritual guides and directors, who have helped others gained knowledge in their faith, are to be appreciated, cherished and treasured. Where would we be without a moral compass in life, with no Christian values or without little or no ethical standards? Those who teach Christ by word and example are explaining the 'Millennial Man,' 'The Man for all Seasons and Ages', and 'The Everlasting Man'. Those who live Christlike are as beacons of light guiding others to their eternal home and ultimate destiny. All new insights and directions in life are helpful because sin and ignorance abound and causes us to lose our way and get sidetracked. Human nature is notorious for taking detours. In fact, it loves to explore in hidden and forbidden territories because its pride makes it think it doesn't need restraints, discipline and Christian guidelines. Obedience to the church to some seems cumbersome, outdated and old fashion.

St Canisius and the new catechism is a sure guide for catechesis. On this subject, the church has also placed before us the Doctor of Catechesis, St Cyril of Jerusalem, Doctor of the Church, to highlight for us the orgin of instruction in Catholic faith from which the catechism has as its source. St Canisius followed devoutly in the footstep of St Cyril who was born 1200 years before Peter. St Cyril's link is below.

St. Cyril of Jerusalem 3/18

St Peter followed Cyril's legacy not only by what he wrote and taught but also by how he lived out the gospels and the scriptures. The first catechism in the first archdioceses of the USA, Baltimore, has left us many additional examples as Peter. Saints Elizabeth Ann Seton and John Neuman are two examples. These and other brave and generous catechists and teachers have perpetuated the privilege of our faith through their imitation of Jesus Christ.

Peter was not hostile to his attacker. He never ridiculed or scolded Martin Luther who at that time was attacking the catholic church. Many wrote vicious comments about Peter and called him a cynic and even threw stones in the church were he said mass. He was derided and calumniated and bore it patiently and kindly.

Canisius had a deep devotion to Mary as all the doctors of the church had as well as all faithful Catholics. Many hold this fundamental and foundational devotion to their holy Mother and Queen. See link below:

THE DOCTORS AND ST MARY

Our Jesuit saint was particularly devoted to Our Lady of Einsiedeln. This is one of many Mary’s holy shrines in Switzerland where she is greatly honored as Lourdes, Fatima, Knock, and many other countries. His faithfulness to Mary and his good example can be clearly seen by his ardent charity to all. Peter’s reaction to other’s hostility was exactly as Mary’s Son. When Jesus hung dying, he said, Father forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.

Ignorances of the basics-faith, religion, prayer and Mary leaves us in a pitiful state. Peter replaced ignorances with continual study, reflections, teaching, writing and daily prayer. He helped eradicate anything that was contrary to the love of God and neighbor. He serves as an example for those who are always busy. Those active in business, government, politics or workaholics can learn from him immeasurably. With St Francis de Sales, another Doctor of the Church, Peter can serve as a model for journalists and writers.

The opening prayer on his feast day: Lord, you gave Saint Peter Canisius wisdom and courage to defend the Catholic faith, by the help of his prayers may all who seek the truth rejoice in finding You, and may all who believe in You be loyal, in professing their faith.
      http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/saintp08.htm

For the official Jesuit link, click below:
      http://www.jesuit.org/
      http://www.udmercy.edu/htmls/Jesuits/saints/saints.htm

The Company Magazine contains the words and actions of Jesuits and their friends-Call the 24 hour number 1-800-955-5538 or email to subscribe: subscribe@companysj.com

For a summary of the official Catechism click below:
      http://www.vatican.va/archive/catechism/ccc_toc.htm

For population estimates of world religions:
      http://gem-werc.org/

Catholic Dossier:
      http://www.ignatius.com/
      Credit Card orders 1-800-651-1531

This link fits Peter perfectly 1) Sacred Heart, 2) catechism 3)alive when Mary appeared in Mexico: http://www.shjolg.com/

Your most important work may not begin until after you retire. Investigate the below link on the Ignatian Lay Volunteer Corps:

Ignatian Lay Volunteer Corps.

New Information
The below web site contains comprehensive resources on our church, faith, the bible, saints, writings, apologetics, evangelization, family issues, links, and many pertinent services. This superior and highly organized web site (see Table of Content) is a most fascinating site with beautiful prayers, devotions, and really too much to enumerate. A truly universal catholic site.

http://www.ourladyswarriors.org/