I share a little about the influence of the Venerable Educator Sr. M. Emilie on my mission as Pedagogical Director at the Raio de Sol Daycare in Atibaia, São Paulo, Brazil, where we serve 238 children from 2 to 4 years old, full-time.
Since adolescence, I felt drawn to work in the educational field. This desire deepened when I learned about the life and history of Sister M. Emilie Engel. I was strongly impressed by her work as a teacher and longed to be like her. I did not know that, in this way, Divine Providence was preparing me not only to follow a professional career but also to walk the same path of consecrated life as Sister M. Emilie.
Over time, my admiration grew into a deep spiritual friendship. Sister M. Emilie, from heaven, became my guide, helping me discern my personal vocation and mission, a path that embraced the entirety of my existence. I became a Sister of Mary during the 75th jubilee year of our community, the Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary. Today, 25 years after entering, I celebrate the immense joy of preparing, together with all the Sisters around the world, to celebrate our centennial jubilee.
To Educate Is to Illuminate: The Pedagogy of Trust
Sister M. Emilie, a light that illuminated the beginning of our Family, is my model for the pedagogical management of the Raio de Sol Daycare. In the challenges of my work with children, teachers, and staff, her advice guides me: “To the extent that we are children of trust, we can be, for others, the staff, the support, the light, and the sun.”
So that the administrative demands of leadership do not disrupt my inner balance, I reserve several days for a “creative and refreshing pause”: teaching music and religious classes to the children in all 10 groups. This is my opportunity to bring the light and sun of faith to the little ones. In return, I am filled with the pure and innocent light that radiates from their hearts. Teaching children the truth that they are princes and princesses, as children of the Heavenly Father, is an invaluable gift on my journey.
The Sister is the “Little Mother of Heaven”
I am amazed by the affection with which the children speak to the Mother of God, calling her “Little Mother of Heaven,” as we sing in a simple and beautiful Marian song. What surprises me even more is how often they address me with the same name: “Little Mother of Heaven!”
This, while bringing me immense joy, also makes me tremble within. For this is exactly the great goal and greatest aspiration of my life: to be a living presence of Mary, a “Little Mother of Heaven,” for the children, the teachers, and everyone around me.
To celebrate the first century of our foundation, acting in the name of the Mother of God as an educator and assisting her in the noble mission of forming so many people, adults and children, is an immense and – humanly speaking – undeserved joy. Only in heaven, one day, will I have all eternity to give thanks and grasp the fullness of such a great gift.