An interpretation of the fourth commandement of the decalogue in Croatian catechetical literature during the Counter-Reformation

Abstract

The purpose of the following article is an interpretation of the fourth commandment of the decalogue in Croatian catechetical literature in during the counter-reformation. In the first part, the author presents the beginning of the catechetical literature in the Kingdom of Croatia. The second part is devoted to the representation of the image of a family in catechisms of Ivan Grličič, Jerolim Lipovčič, and Đuro Rapič. Drawing on source texts, the author attempts to analyse the model of
a Croatian family, specifically for the period of 16th to the 17th century. The fourth commandment concerns all aspects of family life. It encompasses the responsibilities of children towards parents, brothers, and sisters towards each other and the duties of adult children towards their aged parents. The catholic family creates an environment in which faith is practiced and shared. When family members gather for mutual prayers, they engage in learning throughout the whole life, forgive and serve each other, greet others, confirm and celebrate life, and build the community of justice and compassion, helping each other to live by faith and to grow in it.