53rd SUMEDHA SADHANA CONCLUDES

 The 53^rd edition of the Sumedha Sadhana – A Psychospiritual Wellbeing Journey at Sumedha Centre, Jeolikote, concluded successfully on August 02. This 12-week residential programme had begun on May 11.

There were 9 participants from five religious congregations and 2 dioceses.

The programme consisted of several modules, all related to psychospiritual wellbeing. Among these were: Self-Awareness, Midlife Dynamics, Unconscious Dynamics, Emotional Hygiene, Breathwork, Somatics, Trauma and Healing, Psychosexual and Celibate Integration, Holistic Spirituality, Prayerfulness and Meditation Practices. The final concluding modules integrating all the previous ones were group therapy and a psychospiritual retreat.

The process followed during the Sadhana was very experiential, using dance, expressive drawing and movement, time for introspection and journaling and weekly day of Recollection and Integration, as well as creative liturgies and sharing circles.

There were also moments for relaxation through recreation and picnics. The trip to Chandigarh included a visit with the newly appointed Bishop Sahaya Thatheus, The Cathedral and the Church of Our Lady of Miracles, beside the tourist places such the Sukhna Lake and the Rock Garden.

Participants stated in their feedback that they were immensely satisfied with the programme.

Some typical comments:

 “Every module brought me more and more healing. I came alive again.” A.

“Sumedha Sadhana was a sacred pilgrimage for me. Every module helped me to transform myself into a better and more loving and compassionate human being.” A

“I came very angry, with myself and others. My heart was broken into bits through hurt and pain. Life had become meaningless. Sumedha has helped to put back the bits and make me more whole.” A.

“I came broken and bruised, weeping. I go back joyfully. I’m able to let go all the hurts and woundings. I journey forward with hope. I have bounced back.” C.

“Sumedha Sadhana was a time of grace. I cherish my time at Sumedha” D.

“The best programme I have attended so far.” D.

“At Sumedha I experienced god in a profound way. Sumedha is a healing powerhouse.” L.

“Lot of suppressed emotions and negative energy released. Confusion has disappeared. Wonderful insights. Brought me freedom.” M.

“Here I got what I needed. A palace where I felt loved.  Where I could be myself, express myself the way I wanted. My life as priest is going to be different. Sumedha was more useful to me than the many programmes I have attended abroad” Y.

We were fortunate to have had Archbishop Emeritus of Raipur, Most Rev. Joseph Augustine, with us on the last two days of the programme. He attended the final session of the presentation by the participants of the fruits of their labour though expressive arts. The archbishop was very appreciative of the work Sumedha Centre does and the way each of the participants had benefitted. He observed Centres like Sumedha is the need of the Indian Church today to help priests and religious.

The next Sumedha Sadhana is from 25^th September to December 17, 2025. Registration is open. A few seats re available. Contact: sumedhacentre@gmail.com

52nd SUMEDHA SADHANA CONCLUDES

 The 52nd Sumedha Sadhana – A Psychospiritual Wellbeing Journey --, the first of the year, concluded at Sumedha Centre, Jharmari (Punjab) on 3^rd May. This 12-week programme had begun on 9^th February.

There were 14 participants – 9 women and 5 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 52d edition included: An assessment of the current state of one’s psychospiritual journey, Self-Awareness and Self-Transformation, Holistic and Process Spiritualties, Prayer and Mediation Practices, Psychological and Spiritual Dynamics at Midlife and Beyond, Psychosexual and Celibate Integration, Trauma and Healing (all facilitated by the Director of the programme Dr Jose Parappully) 

Breath work (by Thomas Kurianthanam  M.Ph) , Emotional Hygiene (by Dr Joe. Kokandathil), Challenges to Consecrated Life Today (Philip Pinto MA, BEd.), Intensive Group Therapy (Maria Goretti MA, BEd.).The programme concluded with an Integration Retreat (Dr Parappully)

Participants found the programme immensely useful for their psychospiritual journey. Ten of the 14 participants gave a 10 on 10 on a Scale of Usefulness, I gave a 9 and three gave an 8.

Some illustrative comments on the programme by the participants:

It was an enriching experience from day 1. I had come with lots of negativity. I am rejuvenated to march ahead, with clarity and purpose. A

I came to Sumedha with lot of burden and pain. Everything seemed chaotic. Emotionally I was falling apart.  Sumedha helped to put me back together, move from chaos to clarity. I feel free within. F.

Sumedha Sadhana has been more than just a programme. It has been as sacred inner pilgrimage. I am enriched emotionally and spiritually. A

My goal was self-transformation. I realized it through the various offerings and their dynamics. I became more vibrant. My horizons are expanded. L.

I came for a spiritual renewal. I achieved what I wanted. Everything helped. A bird has been released from the cage. J.

I came with lots of emotional baggage. Sumedha helped me to get rid of them. Sumedha Sadhana has been an encounter that renewed me. J.

“The whole programme – modules, facilitators, topics covered and processes followed – is excellent. Very meticulously planned and executed. I enjoyed the programme. F

If I had received what I did at Sumedha before my religious profession or priesthood, my life would have been so much more beautiful and meaningful. R.

I feel truly blesed. The programme helped me to come out of my woundedness and get healed. It has helped me to be serene, whole, and helped to increase my faith in God and to be positive in life. Sumedha will always remain a precious part of my spiritual journey.” F.

It was a journey with the heart and through the heart. Sumedha is the best place for self-exploration and self-transformation. Achieved 100% of what I wanted. Everything has been so perfectly planned. V.

I leave with enthusiasm and love in my heart. I had a God experience I never had ever in my life before. Jesus has become my Superhero! J.

Services and Facilities excellent. Food delicious. Campus very beautiful, neat and clean, eco-friendly. Building elegant. A.

Our stay was very comfortable because every detail was taken care of and meticulously planned well. Remarkable welcome and hospitality. Food was tasty. L.

 

Sumedha has given me a new perspective on life. M.

Remaining 2025 Sumedha Sadhana programmes

SS. 53: May 11 – August 02

SS. 54: September 25 - December 17

Our New Programme: Health and Happiness in the Post-Midlife Years – Aging gracefully. August 17-September 13, 2025

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

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

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