Of Peter Canisius, the Most Published Book by a Dutch Author in History

Quaerendo 36,1-2_465_51-84 5/2/06 8:29 PM Page 51

Paul Begheyn, SJ

The catechism (1555) of Peter Canisius, the most published book by a Dutch author in history

The catechism of the Dutch Jesuit Peter Canisius (Nijmegen 1521-Fribourg 1597)1 is not only one of the most successful publications in the history of the Catholic Church, but also the most published book by a Dutch author in history.2 First published in Latin in 1555, the text appeared in three editions, each meant for a diﬀerent audience: the Summa doctrina christianae (1555; ‘Summary of the Christian doctrine’; large catechism), the Catechismus minimus (1556; ‘smallest catechism’) and the Catechismus minor (1558; ‘small catechism’). From this point on the catechism was reprinted time and again in numerous languages and the author’s name became synonymous with the book itself. Knowing your ‘Canisius’ meant to be educated in religion. Given this background, it is not surprising that Canisius was recently listed as one of the 53 best-known Dutch authors worldwide by the literary critic Jan Pieter Guépin.3

the catechism: a new phenomenon in a new era

The first catechism of the Modern Age appeared on 20 July 1504, published by Valentin Fernandes and João Pedro Bonhomini of Lisbon under the title Cathecismo pequeno da doctrina & instruiçam que os christianos ham de creer & obrar pera conseguir a benaventurança eternal (Small catechism on the doctrine and education that Christians must believe and practise to reach eternal happiness). The author was Dioguo Ortiz de Villegas, bishop of Ceuta in Northern Africa. Less than a quarter of a century later explosive growth could be discerned in the number of publications of catechisms within the broad spectrum of a dis- integrating Church, especially in the German-speaking areas. The fast growing stream of publications can be attributed to at least three causes. The leaders of the Church, in particular bishops and theologians, realized the insufficiency of religious knowledge amongst believers. An alarming situation had arisen, not only in the area of knowledge, but also regarding experience. Furthermore, the conflicting parties were convinced of the great importance of formulating their points of view with authority and clarity and having them publicized. Thirdly, the invention of the printing press made it more than ever possible to disseminate

1 This article includes corrections to my recent book: Paul Begheyn, Petrus Canisius en zijn catechismus. De geschiedenis van een bestseller. Peter Canisius and his catechism. The history of a bestseller (Nijmegen 2005). 2 Many would in stead point at The Imitation of Christ by Thomas a Kempis, the most read book in world literature after the Bible, but its author was born in Kempen in Germany. 3 Jan Pieter Guépin, Drietaligheid (’s-Hertogenbosch 2003).

52 Paul Begheyn, SJ

1. Portrait of Peter Canisius at his desk on which a copy of the catechism. Copper engraving (1614) by Raphael Sadeler.