Tomorrow is the memorial of St. Teresa of Calcutta, more commonly known as just Mother Teresa.
This is an important day for us at Hilltop Children’s House because we have entrusted our work to the intercession of St. Teresa for two reasons:
- Mother Teresa worked among the underserved, underprivileged, and forgotten people of Calcutta, India. Our situation in Labelle and Pleasant Heights isn’t quite as destitute as Calcutta, but there certainly are children who could benefit from Montessori.
- Since 2008 the Missionaries of Charity have incorporated Catechesis of the Good Shepherd into the formation of their sisters and into their programs for children. We will offer all three levels of CGS.
The latter point began in 2008.
Sofia Cavaletti, a Hebrew and Scripture scholar, worked with a student of Maria Montessori, Gianna Gobbi, to develop a “version” of the Montessori method specifically to teach Christianity.
Just as Montessori isn’t just reviewing tables and facts and listening to the teacher give lessons, Catechesis of the Good Shepherd isn’t just learning the words in the Bible. CGS includes looking at dioramas of important places—the Holy Land, the ancient city of Jerusalem, Mary’s house where Jesus grew up, etc.—seeing and working with the implements used in liturgy, and other physical learning aids.
Mother Teresa knew that Christ wanted her to work with children.
By adopting CGS the Missionaries of Charity have fulfilled this desire and directive.
We believe the work of the Hilltop Children’s House—the Montessori programs as well as the CGS—can be a light on the hilltops of Steubenville.
Mother Teresa, pray for us!