Mission and Catechesis

Overview

Mission and Catechesis explores the life and work of Alexander de Rhodes (1593-1660) the Jesuit considered the founder of Vietnamese Christianity. In his time, de Rhodes personally baptized thousands, organized the church in Tonkin and Annam, launched the "order of catechists," and successfully lobbied Rome to establish the local hierarchy. Also included is the complete text of de Rhodes "Catechchismus" an eight day catechism for those seeking baptism, a remarkable example of inculturation of the Gospel and its universal message of salvation.

Peter C. Phan, a native of Vietnam, is Ignacio Ellacuria Professor of Catholic Social Thought at Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. He is the author of Being Religious Interreligiously, Christianity with an Asian Face and In Our Own Tongues, all from Orbis.