INSTRUCTION. — By this name, in the language of sacred eloquence and also in the CIC, is understood a certain manner of expounding the truths of the faith in such a way as to direct them immediately toward the practice of Christian morality. I. thus relates to Christian practice, whereas conferences limit themselves to demonstrating the soundness of the truths of faith. I. develops according to the traditional plan of the catechism, with the twofold aim of instructing and impelling to action. It is addressed to all the faithful and must consequently adapt itself to the different conditions encountered. Hence the almost infinite variety of its forms.
The principal qualities required are clarity and the authority of a true teacher, together with the gentleness and affection of a good shepherd. But above all, simplicity, together with unction, remains the fundamental law of i.
In the CIC, special i. are prescribed periodically (twice a month) for lay brothers and for the domestic staff (that is, servants) of Religious Orders and Congregations, suited to their capacity; responsibility for carrying them out rests with the local superior (can. 509 § 2, n. 2). During the novitiate, a weekly i. must be added for lay brothers (can. 565 § 2). The subject matter of all these i. must be the catechism itself (christianae cathechesis... instructio). Likewise, a weekly non-strictly catechetical religious i. (de rebus spiritualibus) must be given to seminary students, under the direct responsibility of the bishop (can. 1367, n. 5). The choice of preacher is left to the discretion of the religious superior or the rector of the seminary and presupposes an appointment for a certain period (e.g., ad annum), so that it may be possible to carry out a program in an orderly manner. For religious i. to the people, V. PREDICAZIONE; to children, V. CATECHESI.