The University of Mary has launched the world's first Catholic Montessori Institute (CMI). This institute aims to be a hub for certification, networking, and mentorship within the Catholic Montessori community. It will offer various programs, including undergraduate and graduate, and professional development opportunities. The initiative seeks to integrate faith and learning in early childhood education. Montessori education emphasizes holistic development and community engagement.
14 days ago
The University of Mary (UMary) has announced the launch of the world's first Catholic Montessori Institute (CMI) 1 3. This initiative aims to become the leading center for certification in Catholic Montessori education 1.
The CMI is envisioned as a hub for networking, mentorship, and connection among Montessori educators 1. JoAnne Schulzetenberg, the executive director, hopes to create a worldwide network to support and inspire future generations in the Montessori tradition 1. The institute will offer both in-person and online courses, with training run by the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) 1 3. UMary already provides a fully online master's degree in Catholic Montessori 1 3.
The Montessori method, developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, emphasizes respect for each child's unique development 1 3. It prioritizes holistic development, emotional and cognitive growth, intrinsic motivation, community engagement, and global citizenship 1. The method is designed to be adaptable across cultures and influence both mainstream and special education 1.
UMary hopes the CMI will revitalize and strengthen Catholic schools, potentially preventing closures and breathing new life into Catholic education worldwide 1. Schulzetenberg aims to cultivate a global community of Montessori educators committed to integrating authentic Montessori pedagogy with the Catholic faith 1 3. Currently, there are an estimated 22,000 Montessori education programs across 110 countries 1 3.
The Church supports holistic education integrating faith and reason.
The Catholic Church indeed supports a holistic approach to education that integrates both faith and reason . This integration is seen as essential for the full development of the human person and for a comprehensive understanding of truth .
The Church emphasizes the importance of dialogue between faith and reason, highlighting that they are not in conflict but rather mutually supportive . As Pope John Paul II stated in Fides et Ratio, faith and reason are like "two wings on which the human spirit rises to the contemplation of truth" . This dialogue is necessary because faith without reason risks superstition or fanaticism, while reason without faith may not reach the full heights of what can be known .
The foundation for the integration of faith and reason lies in the belief that all truth comes from God . The truths embraced in faith and those discovered by reason originate from the same source and, therefore, cannot ultimately contradict each other . Instead, they enlighten each other, with reason establishing the grounds of faith and faith freeing and protecting reason from error .
Catholic universities play a vital role in promoting this integration of knowledge . These institutions are called to foster a dialogue between faith and reason, demonstrating how they bear harmonious witness to the unity of all truth . While each academic discipline retains its integrity and methods, this dialogue reveals that methodical research, conducted scientifically and in accordance with moral norms, can never truly conflict with faith .
The integration of faith and reason leads to a greater love for truth and a more comprehensive understanding of human life and God's creation . The Church supports the quest for truth, as it allows individuals to seek not only knowledge but also a deeper understanding of themselves and the mystery of God . Furthermore, a better understanding of reality benefits social life and allows for a more enlightened and mature practice of faith .
In contemporary culture, where there is often a fragmentation of knowledge and distrust in reason, the Church emphasizes the need to defend the power of reason to attain truth . Faith supports reason, encouraging it to move beyond isolation and pursue what is beautiful, good, and true . Collaboration between faith and reason is essential for cultural and intellectual renewal, providing a secure foundation for individuals and communities .
In summary, the Church advocates for an education that harmonizes faith and reason, as they are both essential for pursuing truth and understanding the human condition more fully.