The Santa Magdalena de Canossa Early Childhood Centre in Paraguay celebrated Missionary Month with a rich educational and spiritual journey involving the three levels of Pre-Jardín (age 3), Jardín (age 5) and Preescolar (age 6).
The children were divided into groups represented by the colours of the continents: red for the Americas, blue for Asia and Oceania, and green for Africa and Europe.
Praying for the Continents
Each week was dedicated to praying for one continent. Through guided reflections and classroom activities, the children discovered the faces of the people who live there, their traditions, typical foods, wildlife and aspects of their cultural identity.
At the end of every week, each group offered Jesus coloured hearts — symbolising the continents — accompanied by small commitments made in class and, above all, by a prayer for the children of that region of the world.
A Marian Pilgrimage
The month concluded with a Marian pilgrimage held in the school courtyard, during which the community prayed for peace in the world.
Each group carried a cloth in the colour of its assigned continent.
Throughout the month, the children learned and joyfully sang the hymn:
“Dale que somos la Sal, dale que somos la Luz y juntos anunciamos a Jesús.”
They sang it daily and again at the conclusion of the pilgrimage.
A Celebration with Families
One of the most meaningful moments was the final celebration with the parents.
In an atmosphere of joy and sharing, the community reflected on the missionary theme in the light of Scripture, a message from Pope Francis, and the activities carried out by the children. Families were able to admire the work produced during the month, listen to the songs and relive the Marian pilgrimage.
The closing gesture carried a strong symbolic value: each family received the heart their child had offered to Jesus — an invitation to continue, even at home, the journey of becoming a small missionary community.
