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

SUMEDHA OUTREACH TO THAILAND – 6

The 6^th Outreach programme that Jose Parappully, Director of Sumedha Centre facilitated in Thailand this year was a module on “Psychological Dynamics on the Spiritual Journey” from 3^rd to 12^th March.

This 10-day module was part of a one-month Sabbatical Programme held at the Redeptorist Institute for Spirituality at Minburi, organized by the Association of Major Superiors of Men and Women Religious of Thailand and Laos.

The Institute of Spirituality is located on the sprawling campus of the Ruamrudee International School, run the Congregation of the Holy Redeemer. The provincial House of the Congregation in Thailand is also located on the school campus. Close by there is also the Church of the Holy Redeemer, a very popular place for Christian worship.

There are some very upscale housing complexes close by around a huge lake.

There were 24 participants – 22 women and 2 men- doing the Sabbatical programme. Their age ranged from late thirties to the sixties and seventies.

Topics covered during the Module included: Midlife and Post-Midlife Dynamics and the Spiritual journey, Psychosexual and Celibate Integration at Midlife and Beyond, Celibate Friendship and Holistic-Ecological Spirituality.

Participants were very appreciative of the programme and found the immensely useful, many of the giving a 10 out of 10 on Degree of Usefulness.

SUMEDHA OUTREACH TO THAILAND – 4 &5

The Director of Sumedha Centre, Jose Parappully, was invited by the Congregation of Infant Jesus in Thailand to animate two programmes there.

Psychospiritual Integration During the Post-Midlife years.

The first was for 29 Senior Sisters of the Congregation on 29^th February and March 2. The theme of the programme was “Psychospiritual Integration During the Post-Midlife years.”

On the first day, Dr Parappully presented the psychological Dynamics of the post midlife years and their impact on one’s spiritual journey.

The second day focused on “Graceful Aging.” Parappully presented latest research data on successful aging and provided practical strategies and tools to help the participants to find meaning, satisfaction and enjoy good physical and mental health.

He also presented the characteristics of a “Holistic Spirituality for the Post-Midlife Years.”

Participants found the two days’ programme very meaningful and useful.

Educating with the Heart

The second programme on March 2^nd was for the teachers of the Infant Jesus Convent School, an institution that offers vocational training for young women.

Fourteen teachers participated along with the Manager of the School, who is also the Provincial of the Congregation in Thailand.

The theme of this one-day Workshop was: “Educating with the Heart.”

 Dr. Parappully presented the psychological dynamics of late adolescence and early adulthood and some useful guidelines that help teachers deal more effectively with the emotional reactions of students.

Teachers had the opportunity to reflect on the way they handle their own and the student’s emotional responses, share them in groups and come up with some concrete action plan to enhance their relationship with students.

SUMEDHA OUTREACH TO THAILAND – 3

The third programme that Jose Parappully, Director of Sumedha Centre, facilitated in Thailand this year was a Spiritual Retreat organized by the Congregation of the  Sacred Heart of Jesus of Bangkok. Thirteen Sisters of the Sacred Heart attended. They were joined by three Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres.

The Retreat was held between the 22^nd 28^th of February at the Hadharuthai Retreat House at Hua Hin, owned and operated by the Sisters of the Sacred Heart. It is a beautiful facility on the ocean beach, providing a very conducing atmosphere for prayer and reflection (and good sea- food!).

Keeping in mind the Year of Consecrated Life, the theme of the Retreat was “Consecrated Life: A Journey into the Desert.”

Topics covered included: Retreat as a Desert Journey; Call to Renewal of Love and Devotion; Consecrated Life; Community: Journeying Together; Forgiveness, Reconciliation & Healing, and Jesus of Nazareth – Sacrament of the Father.

The Day of Forgiveness and Reconciliation concluded with a Healing Service.

Each day began with the Eucharist during which the theme of the day was introduced. This theme was further elaborated during the talk in the morning.

Participants spent the rest of the day in personal prayer around the word of God. Participants were given specific passages from Sacred Scripture in keeping with the theme of the day to reflect on and pray with.

At the end of the day participants had opportunity to bring all their experiences before Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament during an hour of prayer together.

Many of the participants found the Retreat very useful and meaningful. For many of them this was a different kind of retreat than the ones they were used to.

What they appreciated most was the time to be alone with God in quiet meditation on the Word of God and personal prayer.

Some said this was the best retreat they had ever made.

SUMEDHA OUTREACH TO THAILAND – 2

The second Sumedha Outreach Programme in Thailand this year was at the “Sisters Centre” at Sam Phran, some two hours journey by road from Bangkok. 

This programme “Renewing Our Consecrated Life: Journeying Toward the Fullness of Life” was organised by the Conference of the Major Religious Superiors of Women of Thailand and Laos. 

Twenty nine women religious from twelve different congregations attended.

The programme was held between January 10 and February 10. It was facilitated by Jose Parappully, Director of Sumedha Centre.

The topics covered during this one-month on-going-formation programme included the following: Process Spirituality, Prayerfulness, Midlife Dynamics & the Spiritual Journey, Characteristics of a Mature Spirituality; Psychosexual Integration: Sexuality, Intimacy and Celibate Chastity, and Religious Life as a Journey to God Together. The programme concluded with a Spiritual Retreat on the theme: “Religious Life: Wilderness and Paradise.”

The method followed was of Input, Introspection, Interaction and Intercession. There were films, music, recreation and outings - and good food!

Participants found the entire programme immensely helpful. Fifteen of the 29 participants gave the programme 10 out of 10 on the Degree of Usefulness, and seven gave it 9 out of 10.

Some typical comments:

“The programme changed my life. Feel more confident. The content was very inspirational. Plan to apply in life and community. More energy to walk with community. Renewed my spirituality. Retreat very meaningful.”

 “It was an exciting journey. Deep experience of God. The liturgy was inspiring and helped develop taste for prayer. There was time to reflect and discover more of self. A new awareness of Spirituality. Liked sharing experiences by others, it enriched me. Retreat, mature spirituality most helpful.”

“Helped to overcome the disturbed, anxious, sad state I arrived in. Life has become joyful again…. The sessions touched my heart and peace began to come. Loved the community life here. Glad and grateful I came.”

“The process followed was very exciting. The input followed by reflection time very helpful. Feeling renewed.”

“Every topic was excellent…. Would like every religious in Thailand to have this experience, especially superiors.”

“This was a very powerful experience…”

WAY OF THE CROSS AT DAWN - JOURNEYING TOWARD SUMEDHA CALVARY

 The 31st edition of Sumedha Sadhana commenced on March 15. It will conclude on May 16.

There are 18 participants - the maximum we could accommodate - 13 women (3 from Thailand) and 5 men,

This morning at dawn, the Sumedhans made their Way of the Cross, journeying together toward Mount Sumedha, at the top of which is a representation of Calvary.

This Way of the Cross, was one that was specially composed by the Director of Sumedha Centre, Jose Parappully, and based entirely on Sacred Scripture, with commentary that connects the everyday realities - daily crucifixions - that are part of our world today, to the suffering that Jesus of Nazareth endured on his painful road to the infamous Calvary/ Golgotha where more than three thousand unfortunate ones had been crucified before him by the Romans and whose skulls and bones littered the hill.

SISTER AGNES PASSES AWAY

Sister Agnes passed away in the early hours of Sunday 21st February at Holy Family Hospital, New Delhi.

Sister Agnes, a Medical Mission nun, was a visiting faculty at Sumedha Centre for the past several years. She used to facilitate the module "Trauma & Healing" of Sumedha Sadhana.

Even though she was fining it difficult to walk and require a cane, she had very readily come to Sumedha Centre even last year to facilitate the module.

In December last year, only a few months after she had been at Sumedha Centre, Sr.Agnes had a stroke. Her left side was totally paralyzed. However, she could speak. She was in ICU at Holy family Hospital since then. She would lapse into unconsciousness now and then.

Just a few days ago I had visited her in the hospital. Fortunately for me she was fully awake. She recognized me and was able to follow whatever I said to her.

Sr Agnes had served as the Administrator of Holy Family Hospital for several years and held other key positions in her Congregation.

She facilitated healing and renewal  programmes for several religious congregations and also used to see clients in a private psychotherapy practice in her convent Jeevan Jyoti on the premises of Holy Family Hospital.

For the last few years she was a counselor at a Cancer Hospice in New Delhi and was also involved in counsellor training.

Sr. Agnes was a  very loving and compassionate human being. We will certainly miss her at Sumedha Centre.

Her funeral will be held on Wednesday 24th February.

May she rest in peace in the loving arms of her God whose faithful and compassionate servant she was.

Thank you Sr. Agnes. Adieu.


Jose Parappully
Director