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Emily Hess's avatar

It's interesting reading this right now. Someone gave me a copy of Emily Post's book of etiquette circa 1946. This reminded me of her chapter on secretaries traveling with their male bosses on business trips-- she recommended being VERY proactive as to figuring out lodging, situations you're expected to engage in, and how you'd react in a situation that begins to blur those lines, ahead of time.

I know that's not a complete answer, but it does seem like having those sort of societal expectations and cautions "built in" helps make an environment where it's more difficult for abusive grooming type behaviors to blend in and hide.

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Bob's avatar

While visiting my Mom and Aunt in their apartment in an assisted living facility I needed to provide some feedback to a female staff member on a minor issue in a bathroom. I wanted to do this confidentially in a bathroom in my Mom's and Aunt's apartment so as not to embarrass them. I explained to the young female staff member that I'd like to show her the bathroom but that I'd like to partially close the door for some privacy, and I wanted to be sure that she'd be comfortable with that and if not we could get a second staff member to accompany us if she'd prefer that so she would not be out of view of others with me, an older male she barely knew. Perhaps this follows the idea of safeguarding? I've become more sensitive to this idea from our Diocesan training for volunteers and training received as a volunteer track and field coach form USA Track and Field.

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Sisters of the Little Way's avatar

Bob, this is a great example of how being sensitive to potentially unsafe situations can create safer environments. Thank you for sharing.

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Holly Donaldson's avatar

My family has various wounds that need healing. My children need these prayers probably the most. Please remember them and us in your valued prayers. God go with you as you visit France and these holy sites. 🙏♥️

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Sr. Theresa Aletheia's avatar

We will certainly pray for your family.

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Laura T's avatar

Glorious! I feel the work of your patron saints in every word, the two-edged sword of the Truth! It is fitting that you now undertake this pilgrimage. You are blessed and have a great work before you... but you always knew that. We all know that, and that is why we love you.

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Laura T's avatar

Actually, we love you just because. ::>>))) xoxooxox

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Sisters of the Little Way's avatar

Thank you, Laura! We are so grateful for your friendship. We love you just because too!

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Thomas Groot's avatar

I am grateful for the blessing of your time in Rome. We look forward to having you back in the US. I have three intentions to share: for the protection of democracy in the US and around the world, for our care for our common home, and for an end to all war, violence and abuse. Bon voyage à France!

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Sisters of the Little Way's avatar

We will certainly keep this intention in our prayers Thomas. God bless!

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Melanie Bettinelli's avatar

Thank you so much for your thoughts on safeguarding. I look forward to learning more as you share the fruits of what you have learned and are learning in prayer and pondering.

I've always been close to St Therese and St Joan, recently I've been drawn more and more to St Charles de Foucauld. The more I learn about him, the more I love him.

Sisters, can you please pray for my family, especially for my children's mental health and for us to come to the root of what is wrong with my son who has been fatigued and sick for more than a year without an apparent cause. Also will you please pray for a speedy resolution to a dispute I am having with a particular medical provider and for my peace of mind and heart as I seek a just decision.

I am also praying for you in your journey. May your pilgrimage draw you ever closer to the heart of our Lord Jesus.

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Sisters of the Little Way's avatar

Of course, your family will be in our prayers Melanie.

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Theresa C's avatar

Since listening to Sr. Orianne read Story of a Soul on the Hallow app, I’ve drawn closer to my name saint. As St. Thérèse was devoted to her postulants, please pray for me to receive the grace to provide the same loving yet firm guidance needed by the students in my charge.

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Sisters of the Little Way's avatar

We will pray for you and your students through the intercession of St. Thérèse, Theresa!

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John Ruiz's avatar

Please pray on your pilgrimage for 37yr old nephew who was recently diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. His wife is expecting a child next month. He is suffering from the Ill effects of his treatment thank you

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