Wednesday, August 31, 2011

ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL MIDLIFE JOURNEY AT SUMEDHA CENTRE


Another Midlife Dynamics and the Spiritual Journey programme (August 17-31) was completed successfully at Sumedha Centre. The 14 participants, coming from different parts of the country, were very satisfied with the programmes and the arrangement at Sumedha Centre. Evaluating the usefulness of the programme on a 10-point scale, 1 indicating “very little useful” and 10 indicating “very much useful,” nine of the 14 participants gave a perfect 10, and the other five 9. The most useful modules were Midlife Dynamics and Transformational Processes, Characteristics of a Mature Spirituality, and Sexuality, Celibacy and Intimacy. This interactive workshop was facilitated by Jose Parappully, PhD, the Director of Sumedha Centre and assisted by John Minj, the Administrator.

The workshop will be offered again next year, August 17-31.

Some Comments:

“Being at midlife, this was a great opportunity for me for self-exploration, assessment of my life, and integration. I am quite happy with the accommodation, food and the facilities provided here. The beautiful green mountains and the pleasant weather was an added privilege.” Anu

“Inputs and reflection, meditation, liturgy, movies, music…everything was good and inspiring. Timetable was very relaxing. Had enough time for everything.” Celine

“It was a healing, learning experience for me. Gave me so much self-awareness. It helped me to reconcile with many aspects of my past.” Innamma

“The presentation on Spirituality was so enriching. It gave me a very different understanding. The presentation on Sexuality, Celibacy and Intimacy was marvellous…The programme gave me energy to move on in life.” Jeya

“It was a moment of grace and gift. I am so glad I came.” Lincy.

“The programme helped me find a new direction. I go back enriched.” Philo

“Celibate friendship, celibate chastity, and intimacy were explained in detail…The four fold dynamics of Input, Introspection, Interaction, and Prayer created greater awareness in me…The whole approach was excellent. The presentation were so good. Never felt bored or sleepy.”  Sriya

“I came here very worried and anxious… However, the programme turned out to be a great opportunity for me, for which I am deeply grateful. The inputs enriched me, gave great insights into self.” Vinaya.

SUMEDHA CELEBRATES BROTHER JOHN’S BIRTHDAY



August 8 was the Birthday of Brother John, the Administrator at Sumedha Centre. John manages the administration – taking care of the buildings, the gardens, marketing, and managing the accounts – all by himself.

Since 28th was a Sunday and the parish was celebrating the feast of St. Monica, we had a Mass for John on 27th Saturday evening, followed by the ceremonial cutting of the cake.

On 28th evening we had a Birthday dinner at which along with the participants of the Midlife Dynamics and the Spiritual Journey programme going on at the Centre, we had as guests sisters from the two nearby convents and Fr. Julian Pinto, the Chancellor of Barelly diocese and Fr. Pius Menezes, Director of Suchetana Social Service Centre, Kathgodam, and our parish priest Fr. Simon D’Cuna..