The article analyzes the role of emotions in catechesis in light of the most recent “Directory for Catechesis”, which advocates a holistic approach to religious formation. A historical overview shows that emotions, though con-stantly present in religious teaching as a link between doctrinal knowledge and the personal experience of faith, were often regarded as a disturbance to the objective reception of doctrine. Contemporary Church documents, however, position emotions as an indispensable part of the catechetical process, as they enable a deeper personal connection with religious content and strengthen the evangelizing dimension of catechesis. Among the methods that implement this approach are interactive learning, reflective techniques, art, music, storytelling,and role-playing, all of which create space for emotional experience and per-sonal reflection while fostering empathy and communal learning. Looking ahead, a stronger integration of catechists’ emotional intelligence is anticipated,whereby appropriate formation should cultivate sensitivity to the emotio needs of those they serve. The article concludes that emotions are not merely an addition to catechesis but rather its constitutive element, making possible the formation of a holistic faith in which intellect, heart, and spiritual experience are interwoven.
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