In the early twentieth century, Maria Montessori began developing her distinctive approach to education. She opened the first Montessori school in 1907. By 1910, a model Children’s House had been established at a Franciscan convent on Via Giusti in Rome. This location served as a training center where the connection between Montessori education and religious formation was explored and practiced.
Montessori wrote extensively about the spiritual nature of children and how religious ideas could be presented in ways that children could understand and actively engage with. *
Through careful observation, Montessori realized that simply attending the Liturgy did not necessarily help children understand or participate fully in it. In response, she developed educational materials that introduced both the overall meaning of religious practices and their individual parts. By presenting these ideas step by step, she helped children develop deeper understanding. Montessori also closely observed how children responded to different religious themes, paying attention to those that inspired interest, reflection, and joy.
*Some of her important works include The Child in the Church (1922; English edition 1929), The Mass Explained to Children (1932, London: Sheed & Ward), and The Life of Christ in the Liturgical Year (1949, Hillside Education), along with many lectures and essays.
Although Maria Montessori often used examples from the Roman Catholic tradition—reflecting her own faith—she emphasized that her educational approach was grounded in the study of the child. Her methods were based on children’s development and natural characteristics rather than on any particular religious doctrine. For this reason, the Montessori approach is not limited to one denomination and can be used within many different religious traditions. In fact, Montessori’s educational principles can be applied to any area of learning, including secular subjects, because the method is fundamentally centered on the needs, abilities, and development of the child.
In 1954, biblical scholar and expert in Hebrew Scripture Sofia Cavalletti was invited to prepare a child for First Communion. During this process, she began collaborating with Montessori educator Adele Costa Gnocchi and later with Gianna Gobbi.
Drawing on the writings and educational principles of Maria Montessori, Cavalletti further developed Montessori’s ideas for religious education. She continued the Montessori practice of carefully observing children’s responses to new topics and presentations in order to understand what most deeply engaged their spiritual curiosity and understanding.
Through many years of collaboration and experimentation, their work eventually led to the development of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. Formally established in 1986, this religious education program has since spread around the world and continues to be used in many Christian communities
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