Friday, July 27, 2018

FABC CONSULTATION ON ASSISTING PRIESTS IN DISTRESS


Dr. Jose Parappully, Director of Sumedha Centre, was one of the nine select experts invited to a “Consultation on Helping Priests Distress” organized by the Office of Clergy of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC).


The Consultation was held at the Baan Phu Waan Pastoral Centre of the Archdiocese of Bangkok on 23-25 July, 2018.

The Consultation meetings were facilitated by Most Rev. Mylo Vergara, Bishop of Pasig, Philippines and the Chairman of the FABC Office of Clergy. He was assisted by Fr. Philip Lazatin SDB, Ex. Secretary of the FABC Office of Clergy. Present and participating in the discussions was also Most Rev. Buenaventura Farmadico, Bishop of San Pablo, Laguna, Philippines and Chair of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of the Philippines.

There were four experts from the Philippines, three from India and two from Thailand.


Bishop Mylo Vergara explained the rationale for the consultation: Creation of a pan-Asian organization for information sharing, liaison with church leadership and synergy-creation out of best practices in regard to assisting priests in distress.

Bishop Mylo invited the participants to introduce themselves and then to share their “Best Practices” in helping priests in distress. This led to discussion of common problems and issues and actions that need to be taken in the Asian Context.

Based on these discussions, the group came up with four proposals that will be submitted to the Central Committee of the FABC and to the Chairs of the regional Conference of Bishops.



Friday, July 6, 2018

Sumedha Outreach at Assam Don Bosco University

Dr. Jose Parappully, director of Sumedha Centre, was one of the two invited resource persons at the Staff Enrichment Programme at Assam Don Bosco University, Guwahati. The other resource person was Dr. George Palamattam, the Director of Siloam, Shillong.


The programme was entitled: Developing a Growth Mindset... for Navigating Change." It was held at the Azara campus of the University on 5-6, July. There were 120 members of the teaching staff and the Management present. The programme was inaugurated by Dr. Stephen Mavely, the Vice Chancellor of the University.


Dr. Parappully focused on "Enhancing Institutional Excellence Through Creativity and Innovation."  Dr. Palamattam focused on "Growth Mindset."

The staff found the two days' programme - content and process- immensely useful and relevant and has evoked enthusiasm toward navigating change.


Sumedha Outreach at Bhopal

Dr. Jose Parappully, director of Sumedha Centre facilitated a three day seminar on "Psychospiritual Dynamics at Midlife and Beyond for 23 senior most priests of the Archdiocese of Bhopal from June 25-27.

There were 23 participants. Archbishop Leo Cornelio was present on the concluding day. The programme was organized by Fr. Mathew V. , the Vicar General of the archdiocese. The seminar was held at the Pastoral Centre of the Archdiocese.

Participants said they found the seminar immensely useful. The topics covered were very relevant for them at this period of their life and ministry.

Two more similar seminars are scheduled for the remaining priests of the Archdiocese later in the year.

38th Sumedha Sadhana

The 38th Sumedha Sadhana commenced on June 1, 2018. There are 13 participants including 2 from Thailand, and 1 each from Malaysia and Srilanka.

This programme will conclude on August 2.

Our next two progammes are:

Mini Sumedha Sadhana: August 6 - September 4.

39th Sumedha Sadhana. October 1 - December 2.

Seats are available for both.