The Jesuits’ contribution in promotion of catechisms in the Republic of Poland in the 16th century

Abstract

The author presents participation of the Society of Jesus in development of catechisms in the 16^th century, the role of Roman catechism in the Polish territories, catechisms’ functions and receivers in the Republic of Poland. The Jesuits in the 16^th century perceived catechism as a perfect tool of re-evangelisation. Particular attention is put to the first Polish catechism of Benedykt Herbest. It was published in 1566 by Mateusz Siebeneicher. The article describes its origin and content. A similar analysis is offered of the Polish translation of the „Compendium doctrinae christiane” (titled “Sumariusz nauki chrześcijańskiej” – Summary of Christian doctrine) of Robert Bellarmin, printed for the first time in 1611 by Andrzej Piotrowczyk (in total 32 reissues in Poland).