CONFERENCE ON PSYCHOSEXUAL INTEGRATION AND CELIBATE MATURITY AT BANGALORE

A conference on Psychosexual Integration and Celibate Maturity, the theme of the book recently published by the Salesian Psychological Association and the South Asia Formation Commission of the Salesians, was held at the Don Bosco Renewal Centre in Bangalore from April 12-14.

One of the featured speakers at the Conference was Jose Parappully, the Director of Sumedha Centre, whi is also one of the editors of the book. He took two sessions on “Psychosexual Integration and Celibate Maturity: Some Behavioural Challenges.”

Parappully’s topic covered five of the 29 chapters in the book. Based on the participant’s need he focused on the following behavioural and existential challenges: (Re) Awakening of Sexuality and Intimacy Needs at Midlife and Beyond; Celibate Loneliness, and Celibate Friendship.

A number of other contributors to the book were also featured at the Conference. These included Jose Kuttianimattathil ( Psychosexual Integration, Celibate Maturity, Formation and the Formator), Anton Paul (Canon Law and Sexual Boundary Violations), Marie Gabrielle Riopel (Spirituality, Psychosexual Integration and Celibate Maturity), Joe Mannath (Celibacy: Meaning, Motives, and Formation), John Tharakan (Ethical Issues for Formators and Pastors), and Joe Thannickal (Accompaniment, Resilience and Formation).

The Conference was organised by Joe Thannickal, Programme Director at Don Bosco Renewal Centre,  Bannerghatta Road, Bangalore and the President of the Salesian Psychological Association.

The Conference was open to all perpetually professed religious. Forty-one participated

A similar conference will be held at Don Bosco Provincial House, Hyderabad, on June 3-4, 2013.

WORKSHOP ON PSYCHOSEXUAL AND CELIBATE INTEGRATION

Jose Parappully, Director of Sumedha Centre, facilitated a workshop on Psycho-Sexual and Celibate Integration for young Salesians at the Provincial House, New Delhi from July 9-11, 2011. There were 13 participants.

The first day was spent in looking at what is happening in their lives at this period, especially in regard to sexual and celibate integration. The topic for exploration and introspection on the second day was “Sex, Sexuality, and Intimacy,” Some common problems faced by young religious in the area of psychosexual and celibate integration were explored on the third day.

Feedback from participants indicates that they found the programme very useful and relevant.

Some comments:

“Practically all the topics were directly relevant to my life. Therefore it was useful.”

“There was learning, reflection and integration. It was very systematic and informative.

“It has opened my mind in a broader sense about sex, sexuality and intimacy.”

“It was useful for me because it helped me to clarify some of my doubts and provided more information regarding sex, sexuality and intimacy. It helped me look in to my self as a sexual being and helped me to integrate my feelings especially my sexual life with my religious life.”

“I felt very positive about the session. You have organised the session according to our level of thinking. You have conducted it according to our situation.”