Missionary Pedagogy and the construction of the idea of a sacred childhood: The records of a Crônica do Jardim de Infância Cristo-Rei (Santa Catarina – 1960 to 1970)

Abstract

With the objective of promoting a closer look to the assisting and educational practices, set by the religious congregations of the Instituto Coração de Jesus, with the children of the workers of a coal company in the south of Santa Catarina (Tubarão – Brazil) between the years of 1960 and 1970, the study analyses the missionary pedagogy and the production of the idea of a sacred childhood in the records of Crônica do Jardim de Infância Cristo-Rei. The document contains detailed information about the daily activities of the children institution and the actions of the religious congregations. The kindergarten was made into a privileged place for giving religious assistance to the workers families, since various activities were organized, aiming to awaken the “religious feeling”, the “sense of God” in the children. Besides approaching the idea of purity, joy and innocence to the childhood, having as reference the model constructed by the Catholic Church symbolized by the Menino Jesus, this is reassured as the main element of the future of Brazil.