“Time is not our own, and we must give a strict account of it” (St. Turibius of Mogrovejo).

Occasional paid time off (PTO) from work is essential to providing workers with balance. Some of us find it easier to save up our PTO each year for an ultimate trip. We see obtaining the “experience of a lifetime” as key to fully rejuvenating ourselves, yet does where we invest our gifted time reflect the collective spiritual state of our Church and trending secularization?

It’s easy to opt for a weekend retreat that might be within close range or recommended by our parish, but do we take the initiative to venture to other sacred places?

A Fluctuating Business

On a few visits to retreat centers and pilgrimages, I’ve made an observation about the people present: The large number of Catholics in our communities does not always translate into a large number of visitors at these holy sites. Unfortunately, the decrease in attendance can negatively impact these business’ program offerings.

I believe that as Catholic businesswomen, we have a duty to support (as much as we can) these contemplative spaces that provide healing, spiritual renewal, or a prayerful lodge. We may not realize that by overlooking these travel destinations, we also lose out on a gift we can provide for a person who may be wearing too many different hats.

Some retreat center owners have had to close their business, which is not something you will often see reported in the media—not the same way as when the Church celebrates an event or experience that attracts a great number of Catholics. These people and their apostolate efforts quietly fade into the background, yet they set a resounding tone for how current retreat leaders may struggle or adapt as time goes on.

When beautiful and breathtaking sites don’t hit their target number of visitors, they can become mere sites for relaxation, photography, or personal activities. They may be awe-inspiring or a moment of conversion for some people, but these instances will be hard to come by if the essence of the place is changing. If the unintended demographic of a site allows for financial stability, its leaders may begin to tolerate or offer activities that break away from its traditional roots. In the future, these sites could ultimately lose their religious value.

A Faltering Mission

Although some places market themselves as Catholic institutions through their name, identity, or spatial elements, some have begun to take on an approach that is more resort-like or inclusive of other religions, denominations, or spiritual backgrounds.

At one site, I saw Buddhists show up in numbers—a fascinating sight to witness. Welcoming all souls from all different walks of life can lead to evangelization, even by simply exposing them to the near and real presence of Jesus in an on-site chapel.

This traffic can give way to more outreach for the Church—something that should be mandatory in all places. Yet, if taken too far, this approach can become a way of opening a Catholic setting to unusual exercises, which can potentially risk diluting the doctrine. It can become difficult to ensure that practices remain consistent over time as the type and frequency of guests begin to change. 

Attempting to provide a unified experience for visitors from all religions will lead to a watered-down experience of the Catholic faith, which could confuse the faithful. I have seen a center that included in its design depictions different faith icons next to a crucifix—all on one wall. A place that was once a regular retreat for monks became a sporadic weekend attraction for laypeople.

On my visit to the Basilica of Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre in Paris—which was primarily to attend Mass—I saw tourists everywhere behind red velvet rope, lined around the perimeter of the pews and church interior. The rope was clearly out so we could walk around and gaze at the basilica, as we had to be very quiet. You might say the tourists who went to Mass there were in a place to evangelize the tourists who merely came to appreciate the historical context, architecture, or free view from the hilltop.

How sad it would be if there were more tourists standing in the lines around the inside perimeter of the church than in the pews kneeling for Mass. It is sad when fewer Catholics come to a famous destination meant for prayer. My visit to this basilica made me realize all the more that the way people flock to these places may have a serious bearing on their future, when it comes to reconstruction or maintenance for future use.

A Further Revival

To preserve these places and their heritage, we must make it a custom to visit them during our PTO for spiritual sustenance–which can, in turn, provide business support. We owe it to continually share these spaces with our networks, to encourage pilgrims to make reservations in the future. Overall, we should reconsider how our vacation hours impact our Catholic community.

When I saw another religious group attending a Catholic retreat center that looked like they were all associated through work by their attire, I thought to myself, “Perhaps their company paid for them to incorporate this retreat into their schedule.” What a wonderful opportunity, if your Catholic business could arrange a visit to reflect, heal, and spiritually connect as colleagues. This could encourage even larger groups to flock to these destinations, rather than just you, your friends, or family.

So much goes into preserving the history and tradition of our faith outside of our church. Finding enough people who will cherish and keep its memory alive is a momentous challenge. It starts with our precious time at these various holy sites—leading to our renewal as a Catholic Church.

Berthe Emmanuella Antoine is an interior designer who sees no distinction between her work life and devotion to God. She fine tunes others on how to create beautiful habitations in Christ from their domestic surroundings to the innermost parts of their being. Her rule of life has led her to launch INTERIOREM VITAM, a Catholic decor blog and boutique with a sleek and classic aesthetic. She is forever whisked away into the intricacies of hidden devotions and the silence of the interior life. She hopes to build a fruitful community around the brand’s mobile app. Feel free to join and start a conversation with your comments.