49th SUMEDHA SADHANA CONCLUDES AT SUMEDHA CENTRE, JHARMARI

The 49^th Sumedha Sadhana – A Psychospiritual Wholeness Journey concluded at Sumedha Centre, Jharmari, Punjab on 4^th May. This 12-week programme had commenced on February 11^th.

Sumedha Sadhana is an inner journey in quest of greater healing and wellbeing.

Insights from faith and wisdom traditions, various psychological theories of development as well as experiential tools and techniques from Bioenergetics, NLP, Intensive Journal, Expressive Arts, Multi-Media, Qigong, Breathwork, Prayer and Meditation practices, and Sacred Scripture are used to explore and enhance one’s psychospiritual wellbeing.

There were 13 participants – 4 men and 9 women from 10 different religious congregations and one diocese in this edition of the Sumedha Sadhana.

The various modules were facilitated by Alex Clement, Edison Fernandes, Johny Padinjar, Jose Parappully, Philip Pinto and Thomas Kurianthanam.

Besides the academic programme there was time each weekend for integration of the week’s experiences, as well as for relaxation in group through picnics and visits to famous tourist locations.

There were two special events during the programme. One was the celebration of the Sumedha Foundation Day on 19^th March, the Feast of St. Joseph who is the Patron Saint of Sumedha Centre. Most Rev. Ignatius Mascarenhas, Bishop of Simla-Chandigarh Diocese was the main celebrant on the occasion.

We also had Br. Kurias Cyriac SDB, a great friend of Sumedha Centre and who had helped to renovate the building to make it suitable for conducting the Sumedha programmes, as chief guest on the occasion.

The second was the visit of the Extraordinary Visitor to the Salesian Province of New Delhi, Rev. Fr. Biju Michael, a member of the General Council of the Salesians of Don Bosco in Rome. He met the participants and interacted with them.

The participants were immensely happy with their entire Sumedha exprience. Five of them gave a perfect 10 out of 10 on a scale of 1 to 10 on Usefulness of the Programme. Four gave 9, three gave 8 and one gave 7.

Some typical comments;

“The programme helped me personally to open up myself. I was able to let go of many things, forgive many people who have hurt me, accept situations, and move on with my life. I feel I am healed of many things, especially emotional wounds. As I go back, I want to begin a new life, looking at things in new ways with the insights I received here. I am leaving this place with a light heart and full of happiness.”

 “I am fortunate to attend this programme. It has changed my perspective about my life and it gave me new life. It gave me opportunity to look back at where I am and challenged me to live a better life. I could work with my hurts and emotional imbalances and discover the root cause for it. This programme has changed me a lot.”

“When I entered Sumedha there was lot of questions in my mind, my heart was heavy, full of confusion, no clarity etc… But at the end now all my questions are answered. I feel light hearted, and have clarity into my life.”

“I am so delighted that I am enlightened and awakened, to be a better version of myself – to be fully human with a compassionate heart. I am grateful.”

“I came to Sumedha at a time when I was searching for greater understanding of myself. At the end of the programme, I feel my objective has been realized.”

“I was at breaking point when I arrived at Sumedha. This was where I needed to be at this time in my life. I experienced healing of body, soul and spirit.”

“Sumedha enabled me to accept my past and my present and learn to see God in the bits and pieces of my life’s journey.”

“This is the place where I was purified, renewed and felt that I needed to follow Jesus more passionately.”

Living together with fellow Sumedhans has been a very enriching experience of community life.”

“Welcome and hospitality was excellent. Felt very much at home.”

“Sumedha provided the best for our stay here.”

The 50^th edition of Sumedha Sadhana is from June 23 to September 14, 2024. Registration is open. A few seats are available for this programme. Please contact sumedhacentre@gmail.com.

Please go to our updated web-page for more information: https://sumedhacentre.org  

 

A LONG AWAITED DAY - BLESSING OF FOUNDATIONS OF NEW SUMEDHA CENTRE

Today, 19^th March 2017, was a long awaited day- An important milestone toward realization of a big dream!

On this feast day of St. Joseph, the Patron of Sumedha Centre, we held the Ground Breaking Ceremony and Blessing of the Foundation Stone for the new Sumedha Centre buildings.

The Ceremonies began with the Holy Eucharist at 10.30 am.  His Lordship, Most Reverend Dr. Ignatius D’Souza, Bishop of Bareilly, presided. He was joined by Most Rev. Antony Fernandes, Bishop Emeritus of Bareilly, Rev. Fr. Jose Mathew Koorappallil, the Provincial of the Salesians of Don Bosco, New Delhi, Fr. Charles Lobo, former Salesian Provincial of Delhi, Fr. Harry D’Cunha, the Vicar General of the Diocese of Bareilly, Fr. Julian Pinto, the Episcopal Vicar for development in Uttarakhand and former Vicar General, Fr. John Kuzhikottayil, Salesian provincial Economer of Delhi, Fr. Arnold OFM, Cap, four priest participants of the ongoing Sumedha Sadhana, and Fr. Jose Parappully, Director of Sumedha Centre.

Fr. Parappully introduced all the celebrants at the Mass and welcomed them and all the congregation. There were about 30 invited guests, mostly religious nuns from the diocese, besides the 15 participants of the Sumedha Sadhana in the Congregation.

In reflecting on the Word of God for the 3^rd Sunday of Lent, Bishop Ignatius D’Souza focused on the metaphor of water and how Jesus entered into a very intimate conversation with the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well, leading her to reveal her very personal and private life and thus open herself to healing and transformation.

This is a work that Sumedha Centre is engaged in, Bishop Ignatius said. Sumedha participants are encouraged to face up honestly to their inner world, disclose them in their interactions with one another and in the process open themselves to the transforming grace of God.

The participants of the ongoing Sumedha Sadhana had organized the liturgy very beautifully, including a well-choreographed and executed liturgical dance at the Offertory.

At the conclusion of the Eucharist all  to the site where new buildings for Sumedha Centre will be constructed proceeded reciting the holy Rosary, led by Bishop Ignatius. Fr. Parappully carried the Foundations Stone, which had been offered at the altar during the Eucharist to the building site.

The Ground Breaking Ceremony and the Blessings of the Foundation Stone began with Prayer Service led by Bishop Ignatius. He was assisted by Fr. Jose Mathew, Fr. Charles Lobo, Fr. Harry D’Cunha, Fr. Julian Pinto, and Fr. Jose Parappully. These had climbed several meters up the hill to the site where ground would be broken and the Foundation Stone placed. They were joined at the site by Shri Ram Dutt Chaniyal, the Gram Pradhan of Jeolikote, and local police chief.

Fr. Parappully read aloud the “Time Capsule” which would be embedded in the Foundation Stone. 

Bishop Ignatius then blessed the building site and the Foundation Stone and he along with Provincial Fr. Jose Mathew initiated the construction work, breaking ground by shoveling some mud and creating space to place the Foundation Stone.

The Ceremony ended with blessing imparted by Bishop Ignatius on all those gathered at the site.

A festive lunch concluded the day’s celebrations.

This was indeed a long awaited day. Since Sumedha Centre started functioning at Jeolikote on 19^th March 2009, from the Pastoral Centre belonging to the diocese of Bareilly, the Salesians had been wanting to have their own buildings for Sumedha Centre. A big step toward realization of that dream was taken today.

Sumedha Facilitates Rectors and Leaders’ Meet

Sumedha Centre was invited to facilitate the annual Rectors and Leaders’ Meeting at the Salesian Provincial House, New Delhi on 7-9, September 2016. There were 29 participants.

Johnny Dominic, the Assistant Director of Sumedha Centre facilitated sessions on “Spiritual Accompaniment.” He provided an understanding of spiritual accompaniment” emphasising especially the mystical dimension of spirituality. He also explained the recent document from the Councillor General for Formation on “Personal Accompaniment of Salesians.”

Jose Parappully, the Director of Sumedha Centre, presented the revised “Periodic Assessment of Salesians in Formation (PASIF). Parappully had been involved in the construction, testing and revision of this evaluation instrument from its inception. He described the evolution of the PASIF, explained how it is to be administered and scored and conducted a practice session.

There were also sessions by other Resource Persons. K. C. John, the Economer of the Province presented a letter from the Economer General on the spirituality of stewardship. He also presented the financial status of the Province.

A. M. Jose, Director of Don Bosco Tech, presented the activities of the Organization and the possibilities that are opening up for collaboration with the government and corporates in the area of skills development.

There were report from the chairpersons of the various Provincial Commissions an also an Open Session led by the Provincial, Jose Mathew, where the participants had the opportunities to discuss various issues related to the Province.

The three day meeting ended with the Silver Jubilee Celebrations of the Priestly Ordination of two members of the Province – Hilarius Kullu and James Pazhayajpallil and that of the Religious Profession of two – Thankachan Kollapallil and Mukul Kujur.

Thank You, Sumedha!

Dear Sumedha,

Each companion of mine and I came over here with our own inner story of struggle and pain, and slowly, we began to realize that we hold our destiny in our own hands. The one thing needed was for us to open our palms and let go of our past self and feel the new energies in our souls wanting to burst out in freedom.

Sumedha Sadhana, the psycho-spiritual course renewed our body, mind and spirit and gently evoked in us desire to enter deep down into our own well and centre in it in order to move toward greater healing and wholeness.

We began by looking at ourselves and all that was happening on our spiritual journey. We gradually moved on to explore our inner struggles and strove hard to achieve healing and holistic integration.

All the modules of this course, the Eucharist, Adoration, reflection times, sharing, recreation, meals, and evening walks with our companions were holistic helps on our psycho-spiritual wholeness journey.

The early morning somatic meditation, dance, and Qigong let our old spirits out of ourselves into freedom and the new energies rejuvenated us with greater well-being and wholeness.

Sumedha Sadhana is indeed a holistic programme with well-planned modules aiming toward helping those seeking healing, wholeness and fullness of life to achieve them.

Terrific of the Salesians of Don Bosco to set up the Sumedha venture to provide these wonderful services for wounded seekers like us.

We pray with uplifted hearts and hands to Almighty God that the dream of a new Sumedha Centre, with land and buildings of its own, become a reality soon, so that this beautiful venture can continue and develop further.  

Thank You, Sumedha!

Flavia Fernandes, RJM

(On Behalf of Sumedha Sadhana Participants. June-August 2016)

31ST SUMEDHA SADHANA CONCLUDES

The 9-week-long Sumedha Sadhana – A Pychospiritual Wholeness Journey – concluded on May 16. It began on March 15. There were 18 participants, including three from Thailand and 2 Salesians from the Province of New Delhi.

There were nine different modules in this programme. The first was “Psychological Dynamics on the Spiritual Journey” facilitated by Dr Jose Parappully, the Director of the Centre. This was followed by “Feminist and Women’s Spirituality” by Dr Shalini Mulackal; “ Unconscious Dynamics” by Dr Johny Dominic, the Asst. Director of the Centre; “Jungian Perspectives on Personality” by Dr Ajoy Fernandes; “Word & Stories” by Gerard Alvarez; “Midlife Dynamics and the spiritual Journey” and “Psychosexual and Celibate Integration” by Dr Jose Parappully.

The two culminating Modules were “Group Therapy” facilitated by Dr Jose Parappully and Dr Johny Dominic and the Spiritual Retreat, directed by Dr Jose Parappully.

The last two days of the programme were devoted to integration of the soul-work of the 9-weeks and the presentation of the same.

Besides all the serious inner work, there was time to relax with weekly recreation, outings and picnics to the lakes. The open spaces around the Centre provided lots of opportunities for long walks, bird and butterfly- watching and exploring the hills, and even encountering wild animals!

All the participants found the entire programme immensely useful.

Some comments from the participants:

“Sumedha experience was the best thing that has ever happened in my life. It helped me go through the process of healing and transformation in such a gentle and peaceful way….It was simply amazing to see how everything was functioning so smoothly and well.”

“It was thrilling to be at Sumedha. A unique, precious, wonderful experience.”

"From beginning till end it was an “Emmaus Journey.”  Sumedha provided a holding environment for some deep soul work.”

“I discovered more of myself, became aware of my behavioural patterns and able to change myself… My spiritual activities became more meaningful”.

“The programme on the whole was very good. The modules were arranged systematically… and the module facilitators were too good. I really enjoyed each and every bit of the programme. I really relished and cherish the two months’ programme”

“I was really grateful to God for the welcome that I received. Super hospitality, good accommodation and delicious and tasty food that I enjoyed, good services and facilities provided at the Centre.”

“Helped to reflect on my life journey – past, present and future. Blend of practical, spiritual, intellectual, psychological learning.”

“The retreat as a desert journey was truly touching – an experience of deep intimacy with God.”

“Here I experienced family atmosphere, peace, love and freedom. The staff were very welcoming persons, very simple and hospitable.”

“I feel that each and everything was well organized with welcoming spirit, great hospitality, comfortable accommodation, delicious food facilities, and excellent services.”

The next Sumedha Sadhana begins on June 1^st and concludes on August 2. The last one for the year begins on September 28 and concludes on November 29.

For further information, contact: sumedhacentre@gmail.com

FEAST OF ST JOHN BOSCO AT SUMEDHA

The feast of St. John Bosco on Jan 31 was celebrated with added splendor this year, being the bicentenary year of his birth.

Johnny Bosco was born on the 15^th of August 1815 in the hamlet of Becchi, northern Italy. His parents were Francisco and Margaret. His father died when little Johnny was two years old.

Despite great poverty and many difficulties in the family Johnny grew up to be a great priest and saint, founder of two of the largest religious congregations in  the Church – the Salesians of Don Bosco and the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians and inspired the foundation of several other congregations, belonging to the vast Salesian Family.

The celebrations at Sumedha had been meticulously planned and organized by Fr. George Malayil, the Administrator with the help of the parish priest Fr. Johnny, the sisters from the two next-door convents, the parish council and the girls from St. Anthony’s hostel.

The day turned out to be bright & beautiful. Holy Mass started at 10.30 am and got over at 12. There were 10 priests (diocesan and religious)  to concelebrate with the newly consecrated Bishop of Bareilly, Most Rev Ignatius D’Souza.

It was a privilege to have Bishop Ignatius honouring the celebrations with his presence and presiding at the Eucharist. He gave an inspiring homily on Don Bosco about his love for young people and their love for him.

There were about 40 Sisters, several members of the parish and choir girls from St. Anthony’s convent school.

After the Mass a delicious cake was cut and a sumptuous lunch followed. Our cook Punita Kujur and & her culinary team did a fantastic job preparing the delicious meal.

Fr. Jose Parappully, Director of Sumedha, was away in Thailand facilitating a one-month programme on “Renewing Consecrated Life: Journeying TogetherToward Wholeness.”

He joined the celebration of Don Bosco’s feast at the Salesian Novitiate (Ricaldone) at Samphran. There was a solemn Holy Eucharist in the evening, followed by dinner. There were about 300 people – priests, religious, candidates to religious life and mostly lay people.