In circle time with the children age 2-5
before going up for communion I asked if we had anyone who was new. Xavier’s
hand went up. Xavier is three years old and had been attending our atrium since
he was an infant. Thinking to myself that Xavier was only trying to get my
attention I only responded to those children who were indeed new and visiting
and continued with introducing the new children to the group. Meanwhile Xavier
's hand continued to wave persistently until after the last new child had been
introduced, and with some exasperation, I finally said, "Yes Xavier."
Xavier 's response was "I'm new." I responded, “Xavier you are not
new. I have known you ever since you were a baby." At that Xavier looked
me straight in the eye and slowly rose to his feet saying with all the
seriousness of a three year old going on 33. "I am too new. Every morning
when I wake up I am new. We are all new every single day." I humbly
said,"Yes, Xavier you are right. Thank you for pointing this out to
us."
Listening to the child with respect and humility was the foundation of educator Maria Montessori’s work. We invite you to read through these posts from our collection of art, theological comments and prayers of children, and share your own reflections. Considering these responses together may help us deepen our understanding of the mysteries of the child and God.
from the
Children have a deep relationship with God, rich in love and profound joy. They know God, even before God's name is spoken to them. God dwells in the heart of the child. The spirituality of the child has so much to teach us as adults, yet often we are in too much of a hurry to truly listen.
With this blog, we at the Center for Children and Theology invite you to listen for God with children. For over twenty years, we have collected theological reflections, artwork and prayers of children, generally in response to their work in the Montessori-based religious formation program called the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. The names of children have been changed to protect their privacy.
With this blog, we at the Center for Children and Theology invite you to listen for God with children. For over twenty years, we have collected theological reflections, artwork and prayers of children, generally in response to their work in the Montessori-based religious formation program called the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. The names of children have been changed to protect their privacy.
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