Italian bishops propose to conduct catechesis under the stars

Pastoral Material “Start Together. Tips for Catechesis in Italy during COVID-19, published by the bishops of the Roman Catholic Church, suggests, among other things, to catechize with children while looking at the night sky with them. 'Why not talk to the children about the creation of the Lord God, looking at the stars?' - quotes the text of the brochure 'Siberian Catholic Newspaper'.

The new teaching method has already attracted a positive response from many practicing ministers. Father Jose Gabriel Funes, a Jesuit astronomer, recalled that looking up is characteristic of people who have a habit of prayer and expressing gratitude. This is a wonderful habit, says Father Jose, and it is even better if it is supported by knowledge - both theological and scientific. Let's say about the origin of the world, of which man is also a part.
“In catechesis, we must come to the following synthesis: God created the stars, galaxies and planets, God revealed Himself in Jesus Christ, who reminds us that we must take care of both the entire planet of our dwelling and the smallest and neediest, and the present the pandemic has exposed it especially sensitively, ' notes Father Funes, and continues, recalling the Magi (Kings in the Catholic tradition) from the Gospel narrative, who did not hesitate to follow the light of the star of Bethlehem: “Their example can also be a lesson in catechesis under the starry sky - to go on a journey, following the signs of the times to find true God. '
People of science, among whom, as you know, also many believers, are in solidarity with the opinion of the Italian bishops. “Faith does not close, but opens horizons. The gaze to the sky has always raised the greatest questions about the meaning and purpose of man, ”the former director of the Vatican Astronomical Observatory said in an interview with Vatican News.