Latest news with #StBenedict
The Citizen
9 hours ago
- Health
- The Citizen
New Bedfordview moms' club promotes wellness and community connection
A new moms' club in Bedfordview brought local mothers together for a special day of connection, relaxation, and wellness. Held on June 1 at the Spa and Wellness Retreat, the event featured a picnic and a variety of fun, interactive activities designed to foster a sense of community and sisterhood. Organised by Rizwana Aboobaker, the gathering was created in response to a lack of baby-friendly spaces for mothers in the Bedfordview and Edenvale area. ALSO READ: St Benedict's rugby team trains with top UK clubs on international tour 'There are plenty of moms' clubs, but not all of them welcome babies. So I decided to host a moms' picnic, not just for a day out, but to help moms get out at least once a month. 'People often don't realise that moms who are constantly alone with their babies can experience depression,' said Aboobaker. The initiative aims to become a regular fixture in the community, with monthly outings planned to encourage connection and provide mothers with much-needed social interaction and support. 'Next month, we're planning a trip to the zoo or another outing where we can include not only babies but also toddlers and older siblings. We'll be doing another picnic in September, hopefully even bigger than this one. 'The goal is to help moms meet other local moms and build a support network,' Aboobaker added. ALSO READ: St Benedict's rugby team trains with top UK clubs on international tour One of the highlights was a self-defence demonstration by Blackbelt Martial Arts Taekwondo Academy, aimed at empowering both the mothers and children with basic safety skills. Fitness and well-being were also front and centre. Pilates instructor Natasha Cordeiro led the moms through a gentle session designed to refresh both body and mind. 'As a mom myself, I know how exhausting and overwhelming it can be when your children are still little,' said Cordeiro. 'We give so much to our families, but it's crucial to prioritise our health. The stronger and more balanced we are, the better we can care for our children.' Cordeiro emphasised the importance of taking time out, even if it's just for an hour for Pilates or yoga. 'So many women prioritise their families and forget themselves. To care for others, we need to be well ourselves. You can't pour from an empty cup.' At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Daily Mail
03-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
I'm a monk and people always ask me one question about life - it has nothing to do with God
A monk has opened up on a question about life - and it has nothing to do with God. A father from Ampleforth Abbey in North Yorkshire was asked whether monks are allowed to support a football team and his answer may surprise you. Life at the monastery is structured the rule of St Benedict which emphasis prayer, work and community living. The day begins early with Matins - a service of morning prayer, particularly when sung and chanted at 6:00 AM. Mass is celebrated at 9:00am on weekdays and 9:30am on Sundays. After Mass, monks engage in various work-related roles, such as preparing homilies, leading retreats, or fulfilling other community duties. The day includes periods for personal prayer, manual labour, and recreation. Meals are taken in silence, with one monk reading aloud, often from non-religious texts, to the community. But what people may not expect is that monks actually support football teams. In a video shared on the page for the Abbey, this was touched upon when someone asked if they follow sports. The person replied: 'Well, yes we do we have one monk who supports Leeds. 'We have two who support Manchester United, one who supports Stoke, and one who died last year at 93 supporting Newcastle, so he just missed out on Newcastle's triumph. I'm sure he is rejoicing in Heaven.' But he explained that they have tried to bring some sport to the Abbey for their enjoyment. He explained: 'Behind me is our attempt at a game that we brought across when we moved here 200 years ago from our community in France. It's a strange form of squash with sort of flattened wooden paddle and a cork ball covered in leather.' However the father went on to compare the relationship between a sports fan and their team and people with their religious beliefs. 'It has always struck me it's always struck me that supporting a football team particularly is a bit like a sort of religious commitment. 'You have to suffer with your team in order to rejoice with your team, you die when they're relegated, and you rise again when they're promoted. 'So I've always seen a sort of religious connotation to the commitment that people show in really supporting teams.' He then shared he has been unlucky with his choice in football teams. 'I don't have that commitment. I've sort of been a bit promiscuous in my sports. Spurs, Newcastle, Man City, I am afraid. 'But I think when it comes to understanding that that sense of commitment, I think in the monastery as well. We try and support each other through difficulties.
