There are many qualities which must flow from the foundational virtues already mentioned. The Montessori Adult must be trustworthy and reliable in the eyes of both the parents and the children or he will never be able to come close enough to touch any of them. This trust is the basis of his ability to guide and direct his charges. In addition, he must be both friendly and gentle. Empathy and a sense of humor also add to the Montessorian's ability to communicate with children, parents and the community. The courage to pursue ideals and goals is necessary as well as is a profound sense of wonder at the beauty God has instilled into all of life but particularly into each person's soul. Obtaining these characteristics involves a process identical to that which assists in the acquiring of the virtues previously mentioned. They come about through an open heart which is grounded in humility and love. Through them God is able to use the Montessori adult to further the spread of His truth and love to the world, touching one child, family, and community at a time.
“The treasure of the Montessori Method is not the apparatus in itself, not the prepared environment in itself, nor the Method itself. They are only expressions and instruments of the NEW RELATION between child an adult, the changed attitude towards the child. CHANGE, not of method first but of OUTLOOK, of attitude. The adult's heart has to change, an attitude of reverence, of awe in relation to the mystery of the child, of human life in process of development has to guide all his endeavors... [Dr. Maria Montessori's] was a relation of reverence in the face of God's marvels wrought in human development, revealed to her by the child. She realized in this relation that life in general, and human life in particular, means growth and that this development in any form of life is caused from within and not from without. Dr. Maria Montessori's greatness is in attuning her heart so well to God's design and revelation with regard to the child as to receive the message about human life and its development. And what is this message? First, childhood is a mystery, a secret in the unfolding, potentialities in process of realization which is accomplished from within according to the dictates of an inner guide. Second, that the adult is privileged to HELP in the unfolding, assist but not force and form. The educator's prerogative is to be a servant and not the master. What actually is the Montessori Method? It is obedience to God's design for human development. Obedience not understood, as it usually is understood in connection with education, that the child (the pupil) has to do as the teacher (the adult) says and commands. No, the Montessori Method appeals to obedience of the adult world to the laws of life and development laid down by the Creator... From this obedience will naturally follow the attitude of NON-VIOLENCE towards the child and also the readiness to fulfill his request ‘Help me to do it myself.’ Obedience to God's design manifested in the child's needs has led Dr. Maria Montessori to prepare a conducive environment” (Sr. M. Elisabeth, “The Montessori Method an Instrument to make Education a Help to Life,” from Maria Montessori’s Contribution to Educational Thought and Practice, ed. AM Joosten, p59).
All that we do with the children becomes part of God’s work through them for our own personal transformation. Their closeness to Him often allows us to discover things about ourselves which allow healing and growth. What a life-changing journey we have begun.