“Raise your eyes and look about; they all gather and come to you; your sons come from afar, and your daughters in the arms of their nurses. Then you shall be radiant at what you see, your heart shall throb and overflow, for the riches of the sea shall be emptied out before you, the wealth of nations shall be brought to you.” Isaiah 60: 4-5
Epiphany is the one-year anniversary of our podcast and 114 years since Maria Montessori dedicated a space specifically for the poor children of San Lorenzo which began her lifelong work of discovering the child and their absorbent minds. Sherry Mock joins us today to tell us the spirit filled story of that beautiful Epiphany 114 years ago!
Sherry Mock lives in Texas with her husband. She has been trained as a Montessori guide and in all three levels of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. She is a wife, mother, grandmother, Godmother, Bible teacher, and church and community volunteer.
Gianna Gobbi worked with Dr. Maria Montessori and was responsible for the two year old children in the Casa dei Bambini (Children’s House) of Professor Adele Costa Gnocchi in Palazoo Taverna, in Rome. It was Gianna who brought the original Atrium materials, the instruments and means that distinguish the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd from all other methods and programs. The materials reflect the methodological character of our work, which is based on the educational principles of Maria Montessori. This special Commemorative Journal allows Gianna Gobbi’s voice and spirit to remind us of the beauty, value, and gift of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and how we as adults, must behold, must “See” the child before us and their contemplation and enjoyment in the presence of God.
Sherry mentions the article “A Modest Virtue” by Margaret Dornay in the 2020 CGSUSA Annual Journal. Sherry also shares quotes from The Child in the Church. In this reprint of a spiritual treasure, E.M. Standing, Montessori biographer and disciple, gathers a thoughtful collection of works focused on nurturing the spiritual life of the child through Montessori educational philosophy. You may also enjoy Montessori: On Religious Education, a compilation of 3 books that Montessori wrote on involving children in the Liturgy and opening the door to their own religious experience. All titles are available for purchase from the CGSUSA Online Store!
We are committed to providing resources and services int the living out of our mission to support catechists, parents, and others in the Church and beyond, as they grow in their understanding of the religious potential of children. Even while we see a decrease in income (loss of course registration fees, book sales, new memberships, and the sales of resources and materials from Shepherd’s Closet.) The Light of Our Good Shepherd sustains us in these times. May you feel inspired to help others to rejoice in His Sustaining Light please donate today. Thank you!