Father Bernard Overberg, 1754–1826, Master Teacher of Münster
Sister Maria Aloysia, Sister
Maria Ignatia, the other early Coesfeld sisters
and Father Theodor Elting all grew up in the Diocese of Münster with
a spiritual formation and a solid general education in the tradition of Father
Bernard Overberg. Those who received their teacher training in Münster
or in Coesfeld were able to absorb even more of the spiritual and pedagogical
legacy of the “Teacher of Teachers.”
For Father Overberg, a true education was one that helped people develop
the human gifts that their loving Creator had given, especially the capacity
to understand their world and to live responsibly in it. A true education
would also lead them to a genuine centeredness in and union with this
loving and provident God. Overberg taught teachers to see children as being
very
precious to God, and to realize that forming children’s minds and hearts
was a sacred calling. Instead of merely memorizing and reciting facts, children
should be excited about learning and actively involved in their own learning,
developing their analytical and appreciative powers. He believed that teachers’ primary
responsibility was to develop love in the children as the seed of happiness.
In the search for all that is lastingly good and beautiful, love for God,
self and others becomes an unending source of freedom, joy and peace.
Overberg’s compassionate wisdom as confessor and spiritual director,
his mastery of his own early learning problems, his wide reading in the field
of education and his books on theology and spirituality have all contributed
to the ongoing legacy of this master teacher.
