Abstract

The article presents the catechumenal theology of St. Ambrose and St. Augustine, highlighting in the former, four elements proper to the baptismal itinerary of Milan, such as the agonistic character of the baptismal preparation, the biblical catechesis related to the biblical characters of the Old Testament, the virtues and the rite of the Effetá. Thirdly, the importance of the Traditio Symboli in Milan with its theology is highlighted, and finally the secret that St. Ambrose kept on the rites of Christian initiation, in order to arise curiosity in those who were going to receive them. Subsequently, the theology of two rites belonging to the Easter Vigil, namely, the washing of the feet and the post-baptismal anointing with myrum, is discussed. The second part of the article, presents the Augustinian theology of the catechumenate, stressing three elements of the catechumenal process, namely, the fasting and other ascetic practices, the traditio symboli and the traditio orationis. On the post-baptismal rites the article emphasises the Eucharistic catechesis preached on Easter Sunday with its special characteristics and the final procession that was done on the last day of the Easter Week to a memoria martyrum.