EMPTINESS, HOPELESSNESS, DARKNESS -- AND THEN A BURST OF LIGHT AND LIFE!

       GOOD FRIDAY

On that fateful Good Friday, so many years ago,  the story had apparently ended. Whatever hopes Jesus of Nazareth had evoked in his disciples and those around him, are shattered. Remember the words of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24, 21): “We had hoped…..” They had hoped  that this Jesus was the one who would set them free from the tyranny of Rome, and of the priests and the Rabbis. But that afternoon they had seen him hanging there on the cross, brutally killed for his attempt to create a new society. They saw him dead and buried. Hope had turned to despair.

HOLY SATURDAY

Holy Saturday is like a dead end, a time when nothing seems to be happening, when one sees no light at the end of the tunnel. Good Friday looks like the end of the story. But not really. The story will continue, although there is nothing to indicate that. There is only an aching emptiness, a painful silence.

But all that will change.

Holy Saturday is the in-between time – between something old dying and something new emerging. Holy Saturday is the time between the seed falling to the ground and dying and then germinating new life. 

EASTER SUNDAY

Light appears at the end of the tunnel. Death is conquered. Despair turns to wonder. The silence and gloom of Holy Saturday is shattered in a blaze of glory. Out of darkness streams of colour break forth - in the dazzling brightness of  the Resurrection.

There is death. But there is also re-birth.

As a popular song says, “there is sunshine after the rain, there is laughter after the pain.”  

.........

When have we felt life to be a long, long Holy Saturday, when we felt like we have reached a dead end – with no way forward, no light at the end of the tunnel? …. And then surprised – at the happy turn of events? 

 May your Good Fridays and Holy Saturdays turn to Easter Sundays!

51st SUMEDHA SADHANA CONCLUDES

 The 51^st Sumedha Sadhana – A Psychospiritual Wellbeing Journey --, the last of the year, concluded at Sumedha Centre, Jharmari (Punjab) on 14^th December. This 12-week  programme had begun on 22^nd September. There were 9 participants – 6 women and 3 men.

Sumedha Sadhana is an inner journey in quest of greater healing and wellbeing. This programme is offered three times a year.

The topics in this 51^st edition included: Self-Awareness and Self-Transformation, Holistic and Process Spiritualties, Psychological and Spiritual Dynamics at Midlife and Beyond, Unconscious Dynamics and the Spiritual journey, Psychosexual and Celibate Integration, Breath Spirit and Wellbeing, Emotional Hygiene, Challenges to Consecrated Life, Prayer and Mediation Practices, Intensive Group Therapy. The programme concluded with an Integration Retreat.

Moments of deep reflection and introspection were interspersed with  qigong, yoga,  recreation, dance, expressive arts, movies, birthday celebrations and picnics – fun and laughter.

Participants found the programme immensely useful for their psychospiritual journey. Four of the participants gave a 10 on 10 on a Scale of Usefulness, and three gave a 9.

Some illustrative comments:

·         “The programme is indeed great. Hats off to Sumedha! I am renewed, revived, rejuvenated. I came with anxiety. I go back bubbling with joy. I enjoyed every moment here.”

·         “I came disgruntled with life. I felt I was in bondage, struggling with lots of negativity. Here I learned to love myself and celebrate my life.”

·         “I have overcome those inner struggles that I was going though. I could let out grief and sadness and experience mental, physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing.”

·         “I came here with lots of fear and sorrow. I return with courage and confidence. I experienced healing. Good atmosphere and environment.”

·         “Topics are well covered, modules are well chosen, we were happy with the facilitators, process followed were also good.”

·         “I came with fear and anxiety, restlessness. Here I gained lots of awareness which enriched me. I feel liberated. I am physically and emotionally healed. I am going back renewed, energised, with hope, with a desire to share my life.”

“    "The psychospiritual wholeness journey helped me to journey within myself through the various modules. Sumedha gave me an opportunity to understand myself better. I feel revived, experienced healing and wholeness. The module facilitators were good and experienced persons, well-informed and knowledgeable.”  

·         “I was very much welcomed here. I experienced homely atmosphere. Food was good. I will miss it in my community. Very good accommodation. Nice place to live in. Friendly atmosphere. I liked the community spirit. All the services were provided.”

·         “I have not experienced anywhere else sessions of this sort. I am very happy.”

 

The module facilitators were: Johny Dominic Padinjar PhD, Joe Kokandathil PhD, Jose Parappully PhD, Philip Pinto MA. B.Ed, Thomas KC Kurianthanam MPh.

2025 Sumedha Sadhana Schedule:

SS-52: February 9 – May 3

SS. 53: May 11 – August 02

SS. 54: September 25 - December 17

Registrations for the 2025 programmes are open: Contact sumedhacentre@gmail.com

See also our webpage: https://sumedhacentre.org

Conclusion of Psychological Dynamics and the Spiritual Journey Module at Sumedha Centre

 The Psychological Dynamics and the Spiritual Journey module (5 weeks) of the Sumedha Sadhana (12 week) programme concluded at Sumedha Centre today – 9^th November..

This module had several sub-modules, such as Self-Awareness, Prayerfulness, Process Spirituality, Midlife Dynamics, Sexuality and Intimacy, Celibacy and Hetero-Sexual attachment Dynamics, Trauma and Healing, and Holistic Spirituality. 

All these sub-modules were facilitated by Dr. Jose Parappully, the Director of Sumedha centre.

Participants expressed immense satisfaction with the module. They found it very beneficial Six of the nine participants gave a perfect 10 out of 10 on the Usefulness of the Module.

Some comments:

“The module enabled me to journey within, challenge some of my negative thought patterns, healed me of painful memories and overcome my restlessness.”

“I have experienced physical, mental and emotional healing. I am experiencing peace and harmony within.”

“The module was very practical and interesting. It helped me to let go of the past painful memories. I received a lot of healing. Somatic Meditation, Spirituality, Midlife Celibacy and Intimacy gave more clarity about religious life.”

“From all the modules I benefitted a lot: new insights and awareness.”

“The module facilitator was gifted with various capacities and taken the class in an excellent manner and I am enriched by the classes.”

“The facilitator has been Excellent!! His classes have been deep and meaningful.”

The Sumedha Sadhana concludes on December 14,2024.

The next Sumedha Sadhana begins on February 9, 2025. Registration is open Contact: sumedhacentre@gmail.com

SUMEDHA OUTREACH AT NVSC, PUNE – “Immensely Useful.”

 Dr. Jose Parappully, the Director of Sumedha centre at Jharmari, Punjab, was invited to facilitate a training workshop on the “POCSO Act 2012 and Helping Survivors of Sexual Abuse.” The Workshop was held at the National Vocation Service Centre (NVSC), Ramwadi, Pune from October 28 to November 1, 2024.

There were 41 participants – 16 male and 25 female -- from different parts of the country. This workshop was part of a 9-month training programme for Formators (Trainers of Candidates to the Priesthood and Religious Life).  NVSC is an institution under the auspices of the Conference of Carbolic Bishops of India (CBCI).

Topics covered in this Workshop included: Personal and Professional Boundaries and Boundary Violations, Prevalence Rates of Child and Adult Sexual Abuse in India and in the Catholic Church, Effects of Sexual Abuse on the Survivor, The POCSO Act 2012 and Church Laws on Sexual Boundary Violations, and Pathways to Healing and Recovery.

The methodology included: Inputs with relevant Case Studies, Videos and Songs, Reading and Sharing of Related Texts in Small Groups, Sharing and Discussion in Macro Groups, Introspection Exercises and Journal Writing."

Feedback from the participants show that they benefitted immensely from the Workshop. Twenty seven of the 39 who provided feedback, 27 gave a perfect 10 on a scale of 1-10, one indicating “Very Little Useful” and 10 indicating “Immensely useful,” and four gave a Nine."

Some Typical Comments:

• ·         “I have had such a wonderful workshop for the first time. The workshop enlightened me in so many ways. I gained lots of knowledge on various issues. I liked the methodology of this course. You were to the point, systematic and clear and open for clarification. I enjoyed freedom to express what I wanted to say.”
• ·         “This workshop was really useful for me, because it was so much informative… The way you explained, was really good. Your way of methodology. Explaining each topic, making me share in the smaller group and bring it to the larger group were much appreciated.”
• ·         “So many of the topics were eye-openers for me. Few of the things presented I was ignorant before.”
• ·         “Questions for introspection and group discussions together with participants of both sexes helped to have a sharing in depth and to get to know issues from different perspectives.”

• ·         “I had sometimes wrongly judged people and now I can grow as a compassionate and understanding person towards those who suffer emotionally. The classes gave me lot of awareness about the intensity of people’s traumatic experiences, which opened my eyes not to become a judge over such people.”
• ·       “The workshop increased my knowledge and gave me understanding how to deal with the persons who have experienced abuse without judging but helping the person to come out of it to live fully with happiness. It increased my compassion towards the victims.”

The next Sumedha Outreach Programme is at Ernakulam, Kerala. It is a residential training workshop on the topic “Growing Toward Psychosexual and Celibate Maturity.” Details and contact information on the workshop is given in the brochure below.

50th Sumedha Sadhana

The 50^th edition of the immensely popular Sumedha Sadhana- A Psychospiritual Wholeness Journey concluded on September 14.

There were 14 participants from different parts of India and one from Sri Lanka. There were seven priests and seven religious sisters.

Sumedha Sadhana is inner journey toward greater wholeness and wellbeing. Participants begin from where they, looking at what is happening on their psychospiritual journey. They then move on to explore the psychological dynamics affecting their wellbeing, to recognise and break through the blocks  on the path and heal from their brokenness , so that they can live and minister in more joyful, satisfying and fruitful ways.

Insights from faith and wisdom tradition, various psychological theories as well as experiential tool and techniques are used to explore and enhance one’s psychospiritual wellbeing.

There were several modules that facilitated this transformational journey. Among them were: Growing in Self-Awareness, Somatics, Prayerfulness and Meditation Techniques;  Midlife Dynamics and Transformational Processes; Sexuality, Intimacy and Celibacy; Breath, Sprit and Wellbeing, Emotional Hygiene, Enneagram, Challenges to Consecrated Life; Trauma & Healing; Group therapy and Spiritual Retreat.

Participants expressed immense satisfaction with the programme.

“On the whole all the sessions’ were very useful because they are related to our day to day life.”

“The whole programme was very fruitful. I have grown spiritually and emotionally.”

“The programme was incredibly useful in helping me develop a deeper understanding of myself, my values, and my passions. It provided a rare space for self-reflection, growth and transformation.”

“I came in emotionally disturbed. All the modules helped to deal with the inner disturbance, and see the truth of who I am and develop a new outlook.”

“The programme helped me to discern my relationship patterns and reconcile, and go through a body, mind, spiritual healing.”

“Sumedha was for me a transformational journey: liberation, letting go, self-discovery, spiritual growth, experiencing wholeness.”

“I befitted a lot from the programme. I came with a sad heart, with the mess I had created. The programme helped me have a joyful heart. “

 ““Group therapy was a unique, beautiful healing journey. It changed my life.”

“”I came disturbed, sad, my heart like a stone. I was helped to come out. I was able to get rid of the garbage and unburden myself.”

“Sumedha Sadhana was just what I needed at this juncture of my life. Living together was a unqiue experience.”

“All the facilitators were Excellent!”

 “I “I really appreciate the welcome, hospitality, accommodation, food, campus, building, services and facilities – all the things given to the participants. “

“I really enjoyed my stay here at Sumedha.”

“Sumedha was a wonderful journey of healing and transformation. I return with a joyful and grateful heart.”

 The 2025 programme schedule with in formation about the various modules and module facilitators is given below. Registrations are open. Contact: sumedhacentre@gmail.com. See also our webpage: sumedhacentre.org. 

WORKSHOP ON PSYCHOSEXUAL INTEGRATION AND CELIBATE MATURITY AT DON BOSCO INSTITUTE, GUWAHATI

 The Navoprerona Wellness Centre, Guwahati, organised a workshop on Psychosexual Integration and Celibate maturity, under the auspices of the Salesian Psychological Association, South Asia, at the Don Bosco Institute, Guwahati, from 16 to 19^th July, 2024. 

The Salesian Psychological Association, South Asia, is celebrating its Silver Jubilee this year. This workshop was the first of many that are planned as part of the Jubilee celebrations.

Dr. Jose Parappully, the Director of Sumedha Centre, Jharmari, Punjab, and former President of Salesian Psychological Association, was the main facilitator.

Sr. K. P. Shobha, and Dr. L. B. Anthony took a session each on the legal and moral aspects of sexuality and celibacy.

Topics covered in the Workshop included Understanding Psychosexual and Celibate Maturity, Sex, Sexuality and Intimacy, Sexual Boundary Violations, Abuse and Healing, Celibacy and Heterosexual Attachment Dynamics and Online Pornography.

There were 34 participants – 18 women and 16 men, from various parts of the North-East and Kolkata.

Participants found the workshop immensely helpful for their life and ministry.

Twenty four of the 34 participants gave a perfect 10 put of 10 on the Degree of Usefulness of the Workshop and another seven gave a 9 out of 10.

The general comment on the workshop shared by many was: “The sessions were fantastic!”

Some other comments;

“The workshop was very useful because I learned many things which were never openly discussed before. Everything was an eye-opener.” F.

“I came to know more about my own sexuality. Earlier I looked at it as my burden and problem in living out my vocation. Through the workshop I realise that I can live out my vocation meaningfully accepting the daily struggles involved in it.” M

“The workshop enlightened me about some aspects of sexuality of which I was ignorant of and needed necessary clarification. “M

“All religious (men and women) should be given a chance to attend such workshop.” M.

The workshop provided me with much knowledge, cleared many of my doubts and provided me with practical tips on how to deal with certain personal issues in living my religious life meaningfully. F.

“The workshop was useful me because first of all it helped me to understand the beauty of sexuality and also to accept my sexuality. “M.

“I have benefitted immensely from all the topics discussed. They were very apt for my life.” M.

 

The Salesian Psychological Association’s next Jubilee Workshop is on “Online Pornography” on 10^th and 11^th August at the Don Bosco Provincial House, Bangalore.

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