Stella Mons: Andorran Women's Group Grows to 75 Promoting Christian Values and Family

**Stella Mons**, an Andorran association of women advocating for Christian values, family, and the protection of life, has grown from a small WhatsApp group into a network of 75 members over the past three years.

President Eloïsa Ortega described how the group formed around three years ago when five friends, frustrated by media portrayals that they felt did not represent all women, began organising informal gatherings. "They realised that not everyone thought the same way as what appeared in the news," she said. Starting with discussions and events shared via the messaging app, the initiative expanded through word-of-mouth. Ortega joined two years ago, and the group formally became Stella Mons to host public activities.

The association's core mission centres on promoting life, family, and traditional Christian principles, including solidarity and support for the vulnerable. Activities include monthly conferences with speakers such as writer Pablo d'Ors, motivational expert Víctor Küppers, author Pep Borrell, and a UIC professor on empowered women. Recent events featured an Andorran doctor discussing abortion sensitivities, drawing 25-27 attendees, and plans for an online training on communicating faith alongside a screening of the film *Solo Javier*.

Ortega highlighted practical solidarity, noting that Stella Mons sent a carload of aid to Valencia flood victims within four days of the disaster—before wider mobilisation. The group also organises biannual lunches, community meetups for new arrivals in Andorra, and pilgrimages, fostering connections among women of all ages. Recent joiners include women aged 24 and 26, signaling growing interest among youth amid trends like music festivals with spiritual themes.

While not politically active, Ortega hopes politicians recognise diverse views beyond vocal pro-abortion advocates. "Not everyone thinks like the women from ADA or those with placards at protests; there is another group that has been silent until now," she said. The association emerged partly in response to perceived one-sided debates on issues like abortion, though Ortega stressed it predates recent polarisations.

Members view themselves as modern and free, rejecting narrow labels. "I consider myself a free woman," Ortega affirmed, critiquing shifts in feminism. On the Church's role for women, she distinguished personal faith from institutional matters, emphasising figures like the Virgin Mary as central.

Stella Mons remains women-only for ease of organisation but welcomes broad participation in its discreet yet increasingly visible efforts.