Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

A religious formation program that began in 1954 by Sofia Cavelletti and Giana Gobbi, Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is based on Maria Montessori’s approach to education. This program is based on two strong pillars. The first pillar is the theological foundation focusing on the reverence for the Bible and the liturgy as sources of God’s communication with us. The second pillar is the pedagogical foundation based on respect for the person and the potential of the child. The Atrium is the space where the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd takes place. Sofia and Giana developed the Atrium, the environment, and its materials, according to the developmental needs of the children.

Students visit the Atrium to experience the environment and materials and be presented with the essential themes of the Christian message. These experiences allow them to encounter God and foster their relationship with Him. During their many years of work, Sofia and Gianna discovered that children of the same developmental age worldwide responded similarly to their Atrium experiences. These children were filled with joy after encountering God! It is our hope and prayer that in the Atrium, the children experience an encounter with God, the true teacher!