Out off the Mouth of Babes
By Sister Virginie Fish, OSP

Art Linkletter expressed it thus: “Children ask the darnest things.”

Charles Dickens simply called it “The Childrens’ Hour”

Through the years the story of Mother Mary Lange has been offered to children in various settings: classroom instructional units, study groups, retreats, pilgrimages and classroom buzz sessions. The attentiveness and grasp of children of all ages to the faith and spirituality demonstrated in the Mother Lange story speaks of the relevance of grace then and now.  Could it be an innate gift given by God that resonates in the simplicity of heart found only in children? No matter how you “cut it” children have something to say. And their faith and understanding belies their tender years.

Following a presentation on Mother Lange and the Oblate Sisters of Providence, questions were broached by students of a seventh grade social studies class at Cardinal Shehan Catholic School, Baltimore.  (Questions and responses are summarized for brevity.)

Why did M. Lange come to Baltimore? After running from war in Haiti, Jason, her family first went to Cuba, but left to find a better life in America. God led her to Baltimore. There was work God wanted her to begin here.

Why didn’t she get discouraged when people put her down? She surely must have felt disappointed and upset; maybe even discouraged, Shanir, but she believed that God was keeping his promise to be with her always.

Was it hard sacrificing one’s whole life? Yes, it was hard, Erica, but that’s what Christians expect.  They know that God will give them strength to do what he wants.

Did she ever think that the sisterhood would one day fail? She could not see the future, Allena, so she had to take one day at a time and try to do her very best.

Many more questions were forthcoming, but the bell ended the session. Attentiveness seemed the benchmark for the inner workings of the Spirit upon God’s children.