Dr. Maria Montessori's Vision
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It began with a desire...
In 1950, two years before her death, Dr. Maria Montessori would be heard remarking, "when in any particular epoch there arises in human society some universal need, accompanied by a universal longing (conscious or unconscious) to have it met, then we find that, from the heart of the Catholic Church, there arises some new spiritual movement in response to it" (Child in the Church, 116). When this occurs, the Lord, in His great wisdom, often brings about new religious orders to respond to the need.
Montessori's desire was very clear. "In truth," she said, "what we need is a new religious order. Here I am, and I have been working all my life for the rights of the child, for the recognition of childhood as 'the Other Pole of Humanity.' For 50 years I have been doing this, and look how little really has been accomplished. An individual working alone can be compared to a man digging by himself in a field whereas the work of a religious Order, by comparison, is like that accomplished by a bulldozer" (Child in the Church, 117).
On January 6, 1907, Dr. Montessori opened her first Children's House in Rome. It was the great feast of Epiphany! And now, the Lord has indeed done great things, giving rise to this new religious community in this time and place in history. What a marvel that He has allowed us to share in this great mission begun by Montessori. This mission is great, and we need your help. Please prayerfully discern if Jesus is asking you to be part of this mission!
Please contact Mother Chiara Thérèse for more information or if you desire to learn more in regard to the long-term vision.
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