Fostering spirituality in children in the Society of Christian Doctrine

Abstract

Children are spiritual beings. They can teach adults how to be holy. However, sometimes it is the world around children which actually hinders children from expressing their innate spirituality. Dun Ġorġ Preca (1880-1962) saw the need of taking care of children, of their spirituality and of their whole being. That is the reason why he founded the Society of Christian Doctrine M.U.S.E.U.M. He wanted everyone to know and to love the One whom everyone’s heart seeks. In his writings, Dun Ġorġ Preca leads the members of the Society of Christian Doctrine in order to be spiritual companions of children. He wanted children foster a strong union with God and he worked throughout his whole life to achieve this goal. The members of the Society of Christian Doctrine through the catechecism lessons, through formation sessions, through their own spirituality, through their encounter with children and through the example of a true Christian life which they set help children grow spiritually and become authentic witnesses of Christ in. In this research, I will first give examples of young saints, and define what is meant by children’s spirituality. Moreover I intend to write about the children’s world: their holisitic development and their spiritual world. I also intend to expound on Dun Ġorġ Preca’s meaningful thoughts on how one can foster spirituality in Children by analysing some of his writings and his life experiences. I will also show how the Society of Christian Doctrine is fostering spirituality nowadays. Finally, I will reflect critically on whether the method and pedagogy used by the Society of the Christian Doctrine respects the contemporary understanding of spirituality of children.