A two-year study group at Italy's National Catechetical Office has completed its inaugural work on catechesis for people with disabilities. The group, established by the Italian Bishops' Conference, brought together experts to deepen understanding of how the Church teaches faith to disabled people.
I was invited to contribute as a psychiatrist at the Fatebenefratelli Institute in Genzano, bringing the specialized experience of the Hospitaller Order of Saint John of God to the discussions.
The study group was led with remarkable skill and passion by Msgr. Bassano Padovan, who is now moving to another significant responsibility. As he steps down, it seems right to take stock of what the group accomplished over these two years.
The work has unfolded across three main areas:
- The group created an informational website, hosted within the Italian Catholic Church's extensive online documentation at www.chiesacattolica.it. To access the site, navigate to the National Catechetical Office section, then look for the specific area dedicated to catechesis for people with disabilities.
- Members reviewed major publications—books and journals—in this field. The group catalogued high-quality and relevant material, noting the particular focus and value of each work.
- The group designed and conducted a pilot training program for catechists: an "Experiential Formation Course on Relating to People with Handicaps," held in Fiuggi from March 12–15, 2000.
The course, offered to coordinators working in diocesan catechetical offices, pursued two main goals:
- Help participants recognize—through direct, personal experience—the meaning and presence of disabled people in interpersonal relationships, parish life, and the broader Church and society.
- Deepen mutual knowledge and sensitivity in relating to people with disabilities, enriching catechesis as a whole.
The course used an active, experiential methodology centered on participant learning. The heart of the program was lived experience—both personal and within the group setting.
The training course proved strikingly original and positive. At its final meeting, the group decided to continue this formative work. Future courses will maintain the active workshop format while focusing on more specific themes.
The next training course is scheduled for September 2001, with the topic "Tools and Techniques for Building Community Openness to People with Disabilities."
- Corrado Dastoli, 2001