A VERY FRUITFUL “PSYCHOSIRITUAL WELLBEING IN THE POST-MIDLIFE YEARS” PROGRAMME AT SUMEDHA CENTRE

 The 2^nd “Psychospiritual Wellbeing in the post Midlife years” Programme at Sumedha Centre, Jharmari, concluded on the 5^th June. This four-week residential programme commenced on the 9^th May, 2026

There were 7 participants – 6 men and 1 woman (from Brazil).

The programme was based on the book “Psychospiritual Dynamics at Midlife and Beyond: Pathways to Health and Happiness in the Second Half of Life” authored by Dr Jose Parappully, the Director of Sumedha Centre. 

The programme content included:

·         An Assessment of the current state of one’s psychospiritual journey

• Self-Awareness and Self-Transformation
• Somatic Meditation
• Holistic and Process Spiritualties
• Awakening to Post-Midlife
• Psychospiritual Dynamics During Post-Midlife years.
• Post-Midlife Journeying  Inward and Outward
• Emotional Awareness of Mortality
• Awareness of Time Limitation
• Assessment of Life and Priorities
• 
  
• 
  
  
• Post-Midlife Transformational Processes
• De-Illusioning
• Mourning Losses
• Atonement
• A Re-Look at  Sexuality, Intimacy and Celibacy
• Enhancing Interiority
• Attaining Integrity/Wholeness
• Spiritualties for the Post-Midlife Years.

Methodology was very experiential, using a four-fold approach of Input, Introspection, Interaction and Intercession. This was supplemented by Expressive Arts and Dance, Bioenergetics, Yoga, Qigong and creative liturgies.

Course requirement included reading assigned material and writing Journals and time spent in introspection and integration and active participation in group work and sharing of responsibilities.

Life at Sumedha included celebrations and visits to tourist spots and famous town nearby and a full-day group picnic to Chandigarh.

The participants found the programme immensely beneficial and life at Sumedha very satisfying. Some feedback observations:

·         “It was truly a journey inward and journey outward. It helped me get in touch with myself and plan for the future. I feel more connected with myself now and more energetic. I got help to improve my relationships. It was a wonderful programme. Well thought-out and well executed. I received more than I expected.” R. 53 years

·         “It was helpful to integrate my psychological, emotional, spiritual and relational life. It was helpful to develop appropriate intimacy, empathy, listening skills and healthy boundaries. It helped me look honestly at my life journey. It assisted me to accept my past without regrets, live in the present with gratitude, and face the future with hope” J. 56 years

·         “Sumedha is a powerhouse for body, mind and spirit. The programme led me into the core of my being. It touched me deeply. It has opened up some of the dormant or stagnant areas of my life. It has helped me to get rid of some resentment, doubt, fear, rather helped how to deal with these. It has helped me to turn “crisis” into “Kairos.” It has helped me to deal with declining health and strength and stress.” G. 62 Years

·         “I was really surprised that the programme offered me what I was genuinely longing for. It led to an overhauling of my rigid values and convictions, particularly my perfectionism which were destructive to my happiness and my relationships.” J. 65 years.

·         “Sumedha caused a thorough churning within me – backward and forward. I was amazed at the selection of topics. Just at appropriate depth each topic was covered. The process was just right. It was engaging. The facilitator was awesome. Kindness, acceptance, availability was the hallmark of the Centre. What I carry with me as a result is real joy.” J. 68 years

·         “The programme has brought me healing and wellbeing. It really helped me to look into myself and make an evaluation of my life and prepare myself to grow old gracefully. It helped me let go of my rigid values and expectations and accept people as they are. The input sessions were deep.” A. 69 years.

·         “It was providential I came to Sumedha. The programme helped me to reflect on the emotional awareness of mortality and the brevity of time available. It opened my eyes to a broader and deeper understanding of realities and paradoxes of life and their implications for future life. It helped me understand the nuances of various psychological dynamics of and the scope for gaining gracefully.” J. 73 years.

Workshop on Post-Midlife Wellbeing

 Dr Jose Parappully, Director of the Sumedha Centre, Jharmari, facilitated a three-day workshop on “Post-Midlife Wellbeing” for a group senior Jesuits of the Karnataka Province from 9 to 11 January 2026, at Prerana- Ignatian Spirituality Centre, Bangalore.

There were 21 participants, aged between 50 and 60years.

The content of the Workshop was based on Parappully book, “Psychospiritual Dynamics at Midlife and Beyond.”

All the participants said in their closing feedback that they found the Workshop very useful for them at this stage of their life. They were able to understand the dynamics occurring in them at this period and plan for the future, making necessary adjustments to age gracefully, while continuing to contribute to the wellbeing of society. They found the topics and the methodology used very apt and helpful.

Some comments from the participants are given below.

“This workshop was very useful. Very appropriate at this stage of my life. Made me reflect on my own life. Some aspects of my life need attention. Your presentation was very good and meaningful. It was like a retreat. Spiritually rich.”

“I feel very good. It was an excellent workshop to do an honest introspection and accept certain realities of my life non-judgmentally. I could relate several topics to my own life experience.”

 “I feel very happy about topics dealt these three days. Benefit is I’m aware of many things which will help me specially now to prepare myself to enter into evening of life. It’s a road map for my future years.

 “The workshop helped me to slow down and take a note of my present state of spiritual well-being. It showed me areas that I need to focus on, and the attitudes, perspectives that I need to nurse.”

“The workshop was informative, experiential helpful to look into myself. It showed me how to grow gracefully, what way I need to pay attention to my inner self, behaviour and attitudes, the need to move from activism to becoming a compassionate person.”

“I am happy that I attended this workshop. There was enough time to reflect, pause, and interiorise the input. Deep-down I felt very positive and good. It was extremely beneficial for my growth at this stage of my life.”

“I am extremely happy that I attended this workshop. It has helped me to accept certain aspects of my life like loneliness, inability to concentrate as before, slowing down. Being aware of these aspects I would be able to do better in life.”

“I feel happy and enhanced – psychologically, spiritually, and socially, feel energised/strengthened. All religious/priests should go through this workshop for a better tomorrow in their lives.”

 “It was a good three days spent reflecting on my past and looking into my likely future. Relaxing and insightful. Felt rejuvenated and assured of my self as I move into the slower side of life. It opened up a lot of dimensions and layers of my life for me, and possibilities to look into, contemplate.”

“It was excellent. It brought lots of awareness and insights into my life. I befitted a lot to understand myself, to develop my own post-midlife spirituality, and to prepare myself for the sunset years of my life.

“Dr Parappully is excellent. He is well-read, resourceful. His content is well-researched. His insights are great.”

                                                                                **********

Dr. Parappully’s next workshop is for the Salesians of the Hyderabad Province at their Provincial House from February 3-5, 2026

SUMEDHA OUTREACH - TWO WORKSHOPS FOR KARNATAKA JESUITS

 Workshop on PSYCHOSPIRITUAL DYNAMICS AT MIDLIFE FOR KARNATKA JESUITS

45 Jesuits of the Karnataka Province attended a Three- day workshop on Psychospiritual Dynamics at Midlife in two batches. In the first batch there were 27 participants in the second 28 participants. The workshop was held at Prerana- Jesuit Spirituality Centre at Bangalore from 21 to 26 October.

Dr Jose Parappully, Director of Sumedha Centre, Jharmari, facilitated the Workshops.

Topics covered included: Awakening to Midlife; Loss and Recovery of Meaning and Purpose; Midlife Questioning; Midlife Journeys; Emotional Awareness of Mortality; Reassessment of Life and Priorities; De-Illusioning; Loneliness; Sexuality and Intimacy; Boundary Violations; Celibacy and Chastity; Friendship.

These topics were based on Dr Parappully’s recently published book: “Psychospiritual Dynamics at Midlife and Beyond.”

Feedback from the First Group

The feedback from the participants indicate that they had found the workshop – content and methodology -- followed very useful.

On scale of 1 to 10 on Usefulness of the Programme, one representing “Very little useful” and 10 representing “Immensely useful” the participants in the first Workshop gave the following grades:

Nine participants gave a perfect 10 out of 10. Three gave a 9. Ten gave an 8. Three gave 3, one 6 and another 5.

Some typical comments from the First Group

“It was very useful to discover some of them areas I am struggling with.” Age. 44.

“What was most useful was the way the programme was conducted. It had sharing, reading, discussions, which helped me to understand the content better. All content from beginning till end was useful.”  Age 44

“In terms of my knowledge and understanding of midlife transformation, the sessions were very informative and thought provoking.” Age 41.

“The course has provided me with innumerable insights into midlife journey.” Age. 41

“It helped me to reflect on myself. It clarified a number of questions. It deepened my thirst to explore more.” Age 40

“The workshop created an awareness in me, clarified my doubts and widened my horizon on the transitions taking place during midlife.”  Age 41

“Personally I feel grateful because it helped me to see many aspects of my own life closely.” Age 43

 

Feedback from the second group

Five participants gave 10 out of 10 on usefulness, six gave 6, nine gave 8, and 2 gave 2. (6 participants had to leave early and was not present for the feedback session.

Some typical comments

“Well structured, thought provoking. Lots of insights on the afternoon of life.” Age 45.

“It was quite an eye-opener for me. What I liked most is that it was a sort of evaluation of life for me. … A lot of scope was given for personal reflection, and sharing in which we could express ourselves. Your answers to questions were also very appropriate and to the point.” Age 62.

 “This programme was useful, insightful, informative an enriching. It clarified many of my doubts and answered many questions regarding midlife and its different aspects. It opened up my horizon and accept and reconcile with my midlife transition.” Age 44.

“I found this programme very timely and apt. I have benefitted immensely from it. I could see the many examples from the book reflected in my own life. I got insights as to how to proceed from now on.” Age 45.

 “I liked the personal reflection, group discussions, the relaxed time-table. These things helped me to go through these 3 days’ of seminar in a very peaceful and meaningful manner. I am now personally equipped with a new way of looking at my life, my relationships, with people, my ministry, etc.” Age 49.

“All the sessions were very useful and thought provoking. It was a time for me to know myself and to see where I stand, what precautions I need to take an be vigilant when it comes to the aspect of friendships.” Age 45.

“I got newer perspectives on religious life. It helped me to know at a deeper level my past and present and reclaim and renew my present and future. It helped to reconcile with my past and purify my friendships. It invited me to give priority to God, community and ministry. I felt invited to cultivate healthy friendships.” Age 43.

 

The topics explored in these three-day workshops are dealt with in greater detail and depth during the 12-week “Sumedha Sadhana - A Psychospiritual Wellbeing Journey” conducted at Sumedha Centre, Jharmari, Punjab.

The next programme is from February 07 to May 01, 2026. For a brochure and other details please contact: sumedhacentre@gmail.com

 

SUMEDHA OUTREACH: ONE-DAY WORKSHOP IN KOLKATA

 Dr Jose Parappully, Director OF Sumedha Centre, Jharmari, was invited to conduct a one-day workshop on the topic “Psychosexual and Celibate Maturity” for a group of Salesian Sisters in their 30’s and 40’s. There were 43 participants.

The programme was organized by the FMA Province of Kolkata at its Provincial House in Dum Dum, Kolkata on 5^th October, 1925.

The workshop content included The Dynamics of Midlife, especially the Emergence or Re-Emergence of Sexuality and Intimacy needs, Sex, Sexuality and Intimacy. Celibate Chastity and Celibate Friendship and Heterosexual Attachment Dynamics.

The workshop was highly interactive, with ample time for participants to introspect and share in groups their response and reaction to the topics explored in the light of their own personal experiences of these.

Participants found the workshop immensely helpful. They were able to resonate with the topics explored as these reflected their own experiences of sexuality, celibacy and intimacy.

Twenty three of the 43 participants gave a perfect 10 on a scale of 1 to 10 on Usefulness.

Some typical comments;

“The workshop was most useful for me because it made me reflect more about my state of life especially on chastity, relationships and friendships, and celibate loneliness.” (Age 42)

 “I realised that many of the topics explored are in line with my own experiences. It has helped me to understand myself better and also to assess my approach towards my struggles in the past. Now I have been enlightened to face my inner struggles which I couldn’t share openly with others before.” (Age 47)

 “It was useful because it was very interesting, and interactive and it is related to our own life which we face everyday of life.” (Age 39)

“It helped me to review my life and change for the better.” (Age 44)

“It helped me to overcome my past life of pain.” (Age 40)

“Sharing was very enriching and gave me the realization that I am not the only one experiencing these struggles.” (Age 38).

”It was a clear presentation that I could understand easily.” (Age 24)

“Many examples throughout the presentation helped me to understand things in a better way.” (Age 41)

The topics explored in this one-day workshop are dealt with in greater detail and depth during the 12-week “Sumedha Sadhana - A Psychospiritual Wellbeing Journey” conducted at Sumedha Centre, Jharmari, Punjab.

The next programme is from February 07 to May 01, 2026. For a brochure and other details please contact: sumedhacentre@gmail.com

 

 

HELPING SURVIVORS HEAL FROM THE EFFECTS OF SEXUAL ABUSE.

 

37 religious women and men and priests participated in a training workshop on “Protection of Minors from Sexual Abuse (POCSO” and “Helping Survivors to Heal from the Effects of Sexual Abuse.”

Dr. Jose Parappully, Director of Sumedha Centre, Jharmari, Punjab, facilitated this five-day workshop at the National Vocation Service Centre, Pune. Participants were doing a 9-month Diploma Course on Religious and Priestly Formation and Counselling Skills.

This Training  Workshop was held from October 13-17, 2025.

Feedback from the participants showed that all found the workshop immensely useful.  24 of them gave perfect 10 out of 10 on Usefulness of the Workshop for them personally. Four gave a 9. Six gave an 8 and 3 gave a 7.

Some typical comments:

“I would like to give a 10- “Immensely Useful” because this is the first time I got detailed awareness about POCSO Act 2012, and related topics., especially Trauma of Sexual Abuse and its Effects, and Approaches to Healing.” F 28

“I learned many things I was ignorant about, such as professional boundaries, the importance of human formation.” M. 37

“I was ignorant about many things. Through this class I am enriched and enlightened.” F. 35

“It gave me skills and means to support those who have been abused.” M. 43

“The programme was very useful. I really liked it so much.” F. 33

 “Through this class I came to know many aspects of trauma, how sexual abuse can affect the person. I learned about POCSO.” M. 29

“When I came here I was deeply troubled because many of my candidates had been sexually abused. I had many doubts about how to help them. Now my doubts are cleared and I feel confident.” F. 40

“The relevant studies, videos, detailed explanation by the facilitator were very apt. It provided clarity on the topic. I feel it my privilege that such a scholar taught me this subject. I am happy to be a student of such an Enlighted person. ” M. 40

 

HEALTH AND HAPPINESS IN THE POST-MIDLIFE YEARS

 The first “Health & Happiness in the Post Midlife Years – Aging gracefully” programme at Sumedha Centre Jharmari concluded on the 13^th September. This 4-week-long residential programme had commenced on the 17^th August, 2025.

The programme was based on the book “Psychospiritual Dynamics at Midlife and Beyond: Guide Posts for a Healthy and Happy Second Half of Life, “authored by Dr. Jose Parappully, the Director of Sumedha Centre.

The content of the programme included: Self-Awareness; Awakening to Post-Midlife; Psychospiritual Dynamics at Post-Midlife; Transformational Processes, and Spirituality for the Post-Midlife years.

The process was experiential. Besides input there were much time devoted to introspection, journaling and Expressive Arts, Sharing Circles and somatic meditations. Relevant movies, videos and songs helped to better understand the dynamics as they played out in the lives of people. There was also time for fun, to relax together.

All participants expressed great appreciation for the programme. They all observed that they had benefitted immensely from the programme. It had truly helped them, providing insights and practices to make their post-midlife years healthy and happy.

Some comments from the participants.

“The programme was very helpful to understand that there is in the post- midlife years a great opportunity to make life better. It provided me all the ingredients needed for aging gracefully.” Bhasker

 “I found this course much useful for me. It provided me new insights with regard to aging gracefully and has helped me understand and live the post-midlife spirituality. The topic “Burnout” was an eye-opener.” Deepak

“The programme helped me slow-down and reflect on my life, deepening my awareness of the connection between body-mind and spirit. It provided deep insights into the inner shifts that occur at midlife.  It offered practical tools for aging gracefully. The importance of both psychology and spirituality in this process was enlightening. The programme taught me to see post-midlife not as decline, but a time to live more meaningfully.” George

“I benefitted a lot through the insightful inputs, the introspection, the journaling and the sharing. These helped me to go back over the way I had lived so far and decide to make changes so that I will not repeat the mistakes of the past that led to burnout.” Jose

 “The programme on the whole was well designed and executed. It exceeded my expectations. The rich, relevant and well-researched inputs, the meditations and reflections helped me to see my life in perspective, accept my past journey as unique and plan my years ahead to be spent in gratitude and praise. The somatic exercises made my body flexible, and I feel healthier and more energetic.” Thomas

The next “Health and Happiness” programme is from May 09 to June 05, 2026.  Registration is open. Contact: sumedhacentre@gmail.com.

 

 

PSYCHOSPIRITUAL DYNAMICS AT MIDLIFE AND BEYOND - Guideposts for a Healthy and Happy Second Half of Life.

 I am very happy to introduce  a  new book I have authored and  published by St. Paul's on Psychospiritual Dynamics at Midlife and Beyond. 

Brief Description of Content

Psychospiritual Dynamics at Midlife and Beyond presents pathways to health and happiness in the second half of life. After presenting the experiences that indicate awakening to psychological midlife, the author goes on to describe some of the major dynamics of midlife and the transformational processes that we have to engage in during midlife in order to make the second half of our life meaningful, satisfying and fruitful. In the last few chapters of the book he describes the dynamics of the post-midlife years, particularly those related to aging gracefully, and the types of spiritualties relevant to that period of our lives. Each chapter has real life stories to illustrate its contents and introspective questions for readers to stay with in order to make the reading itself a personal transformative process.

 

Appreciation for and endorsement of the book

No work on mid-life that I have come across contains such a thorough, detailed and panoramic treatment of such a vast range of topics in such a practical manner. I am so grateful to Jose Parappully for giving us this work, and I recommend it whole-heartedly to the seeker of life.

Br. Philip Pinto CFC

Former Superior General of the Christian Brothers

 

The unique merit of this book is that it combines admirably both psychology and spirituality. In order to find the water that will quench the thirst of our minds and hearts, Fr. (Dr) Parappully draws from two wells – psychology and spirituality.

This book is a treasure. You will do well to buy copies to gift to your friends who are at midlife or have gone beyond it. They are sure to thank you for such a gift. Bishops and Major Superiors can achieve what they have failed to achieve over the years simply by getting their priests or religious to read and discuss the contents of this book.

M.A. Joe Antony, SJ

Editor, JIVAN and former Editor, The New Leader

 

In Psychological Dynamics and Midlife and Beyond, Dr Parappully invites us to take a long, lingering look at ‘mid-life,’ in the context of our adolescent dreams, as he sets to work ‘on the shattering of illusions, our false and idealized notions about self, others and the world,’ with a view to making the life that remains ‘satisfying and generative in meaningful ways.’

 

This book invites candid introspection; it helps expose the illusions we live by; it pulls the plug from under the carefully cultivated self-images and storylines that we create, project and maintain, showing in the process how fragile is our hold on balanced living.

 

Stephen Mavely, SDB

Former Vice Chancellor, Assam Don Bosco University

 

the book is available from St. Paul's Book Stores in most towns and cities and online at the link below:

https://stpaulsbyb.com/.../psychospiritual-dynamics-at.../

St Pauls BYB:

Call Us On: 099694 03426

Email Us At:

Mumbai: sales@stpaulsbyb.com

Bangalore: sales@betteryourselfbooks.com

On Amazon:

 https://www.amazon.in/s?k=Psychospiritual+Dynamics+at+Midlife&i=stripbooks&crid=2MNV67EB6UZJ9&sprefix=psychospiritual+dynamics+at+midlife%2Cstripbooks%2C2353&ref=nb_sb_noss

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!

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.

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.

TEACHERS’ WORKSHOP ON ENHANCING INSTITUTIONAL EXCELLENCE

Dr. Jose Parappully, Director of Sumedha Centre for Psychospiritual Wellbeing at Jharmari, Punjab was invited to facilitate a training workshop for teachers of Jesus and Mary School at Bhurewala, Haryana, on April 2, 2024.

Bhurewala is a very remote farming village in Haryana. The school caters to students from poor families. There are about 300 students and 19 teachers at Jesus and Mary School, Bhurewala. There is also a small hostel.

All the teachers, including the Principal Sr. Kusum, attended the workshop. The topic was Enhancing Educational excellence.

Dr. Parappully used data from organizational psychology research, exercises and group activities to discuss the significant contributors to institutional excellence.

He helped teachers to assess the current scenario in regard to institutional excellence at Jesus and Mary and helped them plan measures to enhance institutional excellence at the school.

The participants were unanimous in their feedback that the workshop was immensely useful. It had not only provided them ways and motivation to enhance excellence, but also insights and skills that will be useful for classroom management.