Angélique is a regular participant of Moms Breaks. She comes to take some time for herself, stop to catch her breath, talk, pray and get support. She describes how, basically, the sessions take place. They give her an opportunity to meet other people and relax, as well as meet again the person who provides spiritual counseling to her during the times devoted to listening.
In practical terms, what is a moms break?
At moms breaks, “the best is to book in as early as possible.” As Angelique points out, the groups include small numbers of persons, enabling you to take your time right from your arrival. “You have plenty of time to pick up your room key, and to get to know other people”, she explains. The setting is great to have simple, informal relationships: “As we are only a few women, we are really able to talk to each others. We are really like friends, there is a friendly atmosphere.”
The practical arrangements favor such availability. Participants describe their rooms as comfortable and enjoy having their meals catered. “We get served, everything is ready and the food is always delicious.” This logistics allows an inner availability. “What I like here is that I have nothing to take charge of.” Angelique also marvels at the place itself. “The shrine is gorgeous. And its beauty is also because the light keeps changing.” She refers to the colors – red, green, blue – this atmosphere conducive of treasured moments.
What are the moments during a moms break?
A moms break comprises several moments, with some teachings offered. “There are talks about God and how to find Him in our days of mothering.” Even if you don”t spend two hours praying, you can easily give thanks through the smile of one of your children, for instance. Angelique describes a session which had three parts. A first briefing discussed some theological considerations. “During our session, she says, the three theological virtues were explained to us.” In the second part, practical life experiences formed the basis of the discussions. Finally, the third briefing was about some notorious women saints, who were faced with ordeals during their lives. The goal is not to imitate them but to gain inspiration from them and realize that being both a saint and a mother is possible.
Spiritual support and listening
A place to put down concerns and pray
One reason why Angelique comes regularly to the shrine is the spiritual support she finds there. Her wish in particular was to have a sister from the shrine to counsel her, because, according to what she was explained, the sisters live in the village permanently. Now Angélique felt the need to confide in somebody over several days. Choosing a sister to get spiritual counseling was the ideal solution for her because “it takes time to start talking”. Each dialogue lasts about two hours. Angélique is particularly fond of that time when she gets listened to, because she feels very free. “I know that I express all my concerns and it does a world of good.”
“I am able to come here, put down all my concerns and it does a world of good.”
Angélique regards moms breaks as a means to put down all our burdens. “I know that I can put down everything here”. Prayer is a natural part of this framework, with no obligation.
The Shrine offers a space where time slows down. Dialogues, listening and silence find their place. “It does a lot of good.”
Thus, moms breaks become a time to catch your breath, let yourself be supported and counseled and pray, in a simple setting, just right for this.
