“Mary hurriedly left…When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leapt in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.” ( Lk 1, 39. 41)
Apartment blocks in San Matías, Puente Alto Parish, Chile, where María Angélica lives. Photo: Fr George Hogarty SSC
One of the concerns during the first months of the pandemic and of “staying at home” was how to provide support with self-care and mutual care for women from the Columban parish communities that belong to the most vulnerable sectors of society. Because these women are the ones who carry the burden of the family on their shoulders as mothers, wives, caregivers of grandparents, grandmothers and neighbours.
During the quarantine period these women often felt isolated and insecure without their support network. Our Columban Mission Centre in Santiago, Chile, offered a virtual workshop to accompany these women which was based on faith, the body and emotions expressed through dance.
Here are two testimonies from the women who participated:
Monica, Alto Hospicio, Iquique, Chile
Hello, my name is Monica and I live in Alto Hospicio, Iquique, Chile.
I want to thank God for allowing me to participate in this beautiful workshop. I had the opportunity to discover aspects of myself, learning how to handle my feelings of fear, sadness and frustration.
I was able to transform these feelings into attitudes of trust, tranquility and happiness through the different dance sessions. I felt in harmony with myself and with nature. It freed me from the worries of everyday life, identifying myself as a woman who dreams with her feet and dances with her heart. I remember how I looked forward to Friday which was filled with new forms of expression, prayer and music. I felt very happy.
I thank God and my friends who prepared this workshop with so much love and knowledge for our benefit. From the bottom of my heart and soul I am eternally grateful.
María Angélica, San Matías, Puente Alto Parish, Chile
I am María Angélica and I participate in the San Matías, Puente Alto Parish, Chile.
In difficult times it is natural and normal to see how women become silent pillars in their families, homes and jobs. It is much more difficult to find space for oneself in dark times.
The “Women taking care of each other" workshop was a wonderful meeting place for women. It provided a space where we got to meet friends in similar situations. We discovered ourselves as traveling companions and our company made us stronger.
Each of us contributed from our own experience without judging the other. Dance allowed us to express emotions and desires such as joy, peace and justice.
We were told to take a deep breath, hold and exhale gently, go through each part of our bodies and listen to them. Yes, listen to your body, it is speaking to you.
I hope that many more women can begin to take care of themselves and grow. We all need these spaces.
Adriana Curaqueo is the coordinator of the Columban Mission Centre in Santiago, Chile.
Listen to "Women taking care of each other" Workshop"
Related links
- Read more from The Far East - January/February 2021
