The Salesian Psychological Association (SPA), South Asia organised a training Workshop at Ashir Bhavan, Ernakulam Kerala, from 15 to 19 November 2024. Ashir Bhavan is the Pastoral Centre of the Archdiocese of Verapoly
This Workshop titled “Growing Toward
Psychosexual and Celibate Maturity” is part of the programmes related to the 25th
Anniversary of the SPA. Those responsible for the organisation were Dr. C. M.
Joseph, current President of SPA and N. K. George, member of SPA.
The Workshop was inaugurated by the newly
consecrated auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Verapoly, Dr. Anthony
Valumkal.
It was facilitated by Dr. Jose Parappully,
currently Director of Sumedha Centre for
Psychological and Spiritual Wellbeing at Jharmari, Punjab. Parappully was
the founding Secretary of SPA for nine years and it’s President for six years.
The content of the Workshop Included:
Understanding Sex, Sexuality and Intimacy; Chastity and Celibacy; Heterosexual
Attachment Dynamics; Some contemporary Challenges—Pornography, Masturbation,
Homosexuality and Sexual Abuse.
The methodology was process-oriented. There
was ample time after the presentations for introspection and group sharing,
both micro and macro.
There were 22 participants – 12 religious men and 10 religious women from different congregations and dioceses.
Participants expressed immense satisfaction
with the Workshop, its rich content and helpful methodology. Thirteen of the 22
participants in their feedback gave a perfect 10 on a scale of 1-10 on
Usefulness, one indicating “Very Little useful” and 10 “Immensely Useful.”
Some illustrative comments:
- “This workshop is more of learning, understanding and also an eye-opener on very many topics at a very deep level. What was most helpful was sharing in groups.” M.
- “I could clarify many of my doubts about
sexuality and celibacy.” F.
- “It was very practical, simple, easy to understand. Benefitted immensely from the sessions. I am extremely blessed and happy that I chose to attend it. Thanks for making it so interesting and scholarly.” M.
- “The facilitator explained these sensitive
subjects in a unique manner.” F.
- “This workshop was useful for me: systematic and
well-prepared sessions; new information with clarity; quite a few of my
doubts are cleared.” M.
- “These were really eye-opening sessions for me.
My perception of and attitude toward certain persons have changed in a
meaningful way.” F.
- “I would say this workshop is a transition event
in my priestly life, to love celibate chastity at a deeper level. All the sessions
were useful to me personally as well as for my ministry of formation.” M.
- “The workshop was excellent. The way the
facilitator explained things enriched me. It is very useful in my life” F.
- “Personally, I could clarify many of my wrong
notions about sex, sexuality, genitality, sexual orientation, etc., and I
learned the psychological way of dealing with those who need our
guidance.” M.
- “This workshop helped to look deep into my
personal life. I was able to go through my childhood, adolescence, teenage
and adult life. It helped me to evaluate my religious and priestly life. I
was able to understand my sexuality more and appreciate it. The values of
my celibacy and developing healthy friendships became clearer to me. The Workshop
also helped me to understand more those suffering from sexual
difficulties, especially with regard to masturbation and homosexuality. In
short I am very much enriched by this workshop. The most useful part of
the Workshop was the Introspection and personal reflections after every
topic. The group sharings were very enlightening. This Workshop should be
offered to more groups of priests and religious.” M.
All the participants were given a Certificate of Participation.
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