The origins of the internationalisation of Montessori pedagogy: the ascetic circle of Montesca

Authors

  • Letterio Todaro Università degli Studi di Catania (Italia)

Keywords:

Montessori, Modernism, Neo-Christianity, Theosophy, Active School.

Abstract

The essay highlights the role of “La Montesca” circle and its main protagonist, Baroness Alice Hallgarten Franchetti (1874-1911), in triggering the initial internationalisation of Montessori pedagogy. Exploring the cultural connections gathered around the Umbrian circle—a true meeting point for refined souls suggesting an atmosphere of spiritual retreat—it is possible to discern a prophetic mark establishing the immediate confidence shown in Montessori’s challenge to education, devoted to driving wide-ranging spiritual reform. The “Franciscan flame” underlining Alice Hallgarten Franchetti’s approach within an extensive devotion to the ideals of human elevation and universal brotherhood reflects the pursuit of a spiritual light, around which modernist, neo-Christian, theosophical feelings interwove motivating drives and cultural languages. In this sense, the formidable support initially provided by Alice Hallgarten Franchetti in exporting Montessori’s pedagogy should be read and valued as the sign of a larger belief in human elevation, based on a confidence in the secret treasures of the child and embracing a cosmic sense of spirituality.

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Issue

No. 40 (2022): juliol-desembre

Section

Monographic theme

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