An elementary catechism for Romany children was presented in recent days at the research centre for Romany culture in Bjelovar (Croatia). The catechism forms part of the “Romany Weekend” programme. The director of the Catholic weekly Glas Koncilia, Nedjeljko Pintariæ, Sister Karolina Miljak, chairperson of the Committee for pastoral activities among Romanies of the Croatian Episcopal Conference, the translator and president of the Association of indigenous Croatian Romanies of Bjelovar, Lovara Gorana Duroeviæ, and the illustrator Stjepan Mokatelo, have all “emphasized the importance of this book”. In particular, said Duroeviæ, “this truly unique catechetical enterprise at the world level can contribute in a significant way to the inculturation of the Romanies and to the safeguard and conservation of their language and identity”. The catechism was prepared by amalgamating the texts of two already published documents entitled “Bog je s nama” (God is with us) and “Uèimo ljubiti Boga i ljude” (Let’s learn to love God and our fellowmen), and proposes the foundations of the faith expressed in the Romany and Croat languages. The treatment of the various questions is accompanied by illustrations inspired by Romany culture. The last chapter is dedicated to Ceferino Jimenez Malla, martyr and first Blessed of the Romany people.
