SUMEDHA CENTRE MARKS 10th ANNIVERSARY WITH AN INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE

Sumedha Centre marked its 10th Anniversary of Foundation with an International Conference.

Sumedha, a centre for renewal of body, mind and spirit through insights and practices from psychology and spiritual traditions, was set up in 2003 by the Salesians of Don Bosco in New Delhi.  In 2008 the Centre was shifted to Jeolikote in the Himalayan foothills, near Nainital, in the North Indian State of Uttarakhand. 

The Conference theme was “Psychosexual Integration, Celibate Maturity &Religious and Priestly Formation” and was held at Bosco Psychological Services, New Delhi from 14^th to 22^nd February.

Thirty seven delegates from India and abroad attended the Conference. 

The Conference was inaugurated with a concelebrated Eucharist at which Most Rev. Anil Couto, the newly installed Archbishop of Delhi, presided. He was joined at the altar by Most Rev. Thomas Mar Koorilos, Syro-Malankara Archbishop of Tiruvalla, and Fr. Michael Peedikayil, the Salesian Provincial of New Delhi.

Fr. Peedikayil introduced the two Archbishops and welcomed them and the delegates on behalf of the  the Salesian Provincial Conference of South Asia, co-sponsors of the Conference.

Commenting on the theme of the Conference in his homily, Archbishop Couto emphasised the need for all priests and religious, especially those involved in formation,  to be conformed to the image of Jesus of Nazareth and to abide in him, if they are to become integrated persons and witness to the beauty of consecrated celibacy.

Eleven of the 17 authors who contributed chapters to the book  "Psychosexual Integration and Celibate Maturity" co-edited by Jose Parappully, the Founder-Director of Sumedha Centre, made presentations based on their respective chapters.

There were also two panel discussions in which Bishop Koorilos, Sr. Inigo, former Superior General of the Sisters of St. Anne, and a number of Major Superiors and Formators shared their experiences related to the theme of the Conference and answered questions from the delegates. A third panel consisted of a number of the the presenters.

On the last day of the Conference the delegates had opportunity to relax by visiting the sprawling and artistic Akshardham Temple on the banks of the Jamuna River and the India Gate and surroundings. A visit to the Taj Mahal in Agra was also organised after the Conference for those who wished to go there . 

The delegates expressed great appreciation for the quality of the Conference both in terms of the presentations and the overall organisation.