The daughter of the founders of Servants of the Cross, Dick and Maureen Herman, Germaine, is serving in several ways in the Indianapolis metropolitan area, most recently providing physical therapy for prisoners in the State Penal System in Indiana.
Germaine was presenting to the participants the perspective that being in tune with physical signs and awareness of bodily health can help us to know what is happening in our interior life, psychologically, spiritually and consequently influencing our relationships. Fertility awareness during adolescent development can help a young woman to know her uniqueness and to grow in self-awareness (two of the key areas of maturation of the adolescent years). Such awareness can lead to a deepening interior life of natural health as well as to spiritual development of a quiet and contemplative spirit. That environment of friendships and open communication between mother and daughter can be a perfect foundation for growing in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and humanity (as Jesus himself set out at age twelve and as the Church is called to do*).
The young gals pictured with Germaine in the center background. They are not enjoying the morning shade, but squinting in the late afternoon sun.
The young women were taught the indicators of fertility and how to graph their monthly cycles. They were not introduced to the methods of interpreting the graphs, since they will not need that information until they enter the vocation of marriage.
A highlight of the weekend unfolded as the group sat in the late morning shade and took the opportunity for daughters to verbally compliment and honor their mothers and mothers reciprocally, their daughters. Many commented that this produced a peaceful moment of appreciation of being a woman and of the blessings of the relationship between mother and daughter.
___________
Notes:
* Luke 2:52; Acts 2:46-47.