During the first weekend of October, 13 mothers and 15 daughters gathered at the Diocesan Youth Center in Ktiš to deepen their mutual relationship. The Diocesan Family Center prepared a program focused on communication between mother and daughter, spiritual encouragement, rest, and fun. On Friday, after introductions, we asked the mothers what they were traveling for and what expectations they had. Most of them answered that they feel exhausted or burnt out, that caring for multiple children in the family and working for that is very draining, and so they want to enjoy a weekend where they will be with only their daughter or daughters and discuss things that there is no time for in the cycle of ordinary days.
\nThe weather was beautiful for all three days, so mothers and their daughters could enjoy the beautiful nature and discuss on a walk what works well in their mutual relationship, what truly brings them joy, but also what weighs them down and how they could help each other. They also strengthened respect and help together, because each mother had to bake her own pizza with her daughter. They had it made more difficult by having one hand tied to each other, and so they had to cooperate a lot so that after baking they could enjoy their own pizza.
\nOn Saturday evening we all laughed a lot when the mothers and daughters demonstrated snippets of their lives, but in reverse. The mother played the daughter and the daughter played the mother. This “role-reversal” game was very important because both could try out what it is like when at home they run into misunderstandings with each other.
\nThen we went to the chapel, where Father Rafael Kaca prepared a beautiful adoration for us, during which we could hand Jesus over all our suffering, fears, disagreements, and especially ask the Lord to protect and bless our families.
\nOn Sunday the mothers told us how important this weekend spent with their little girl was for them, how much they rested, and what important things they understood in their relationship. The daughters, in turn, had the opportunity to meet new friends and, when saying goodbye, when tears fell, they at least exchanged contacts so that they could stay in touch.
\nWe thank you for these days with the words of one mother, Zlaty: “Thank you very much, it was a special time for me.”
\nMgr. Martina Fürstová
