SUMEDHA OUTREACH IN THAILAND

Since Sumedha Centre is closed in winter, we are able to avail our services outside the Centre during those months.

In January Jose Parappully, the Director of the Centre was invited to facilitate two programmes in Thailand.

The first was at the “Sisters Centre” at Sampran, some two hours journey by road from Bangkok. This programme “Midlife Dynamics and the Spiritual Journey” was organised by the Conference of the Major Religious Superiors of Women of Thailand and Laos. Thirty nine women religious from seven different congregations attended.

After presenting the dynamics and transformational processes of midlife Parappully focused more on different aspects psychosexual integration and celibate maturity. The topic that was found to be most helpful was “Celibate Friendship.”

Parappully was assisted by Sr. Ruangkanjana Chinnapha who, although called to translate from English to Thai, was able to explain things in her own inimitable and exciting style, which made it so much easier for the sisters, many of whom were not very fluent in English to better grasp the ideas presented. I am very grateful to Sr Ruang for her presence and help.

The second programme was held at “Baan Phu Waan” Pastoral training Centre of the Archdiocese of Bangkok in Bangkok . The facilities and services at Baan Phu Waan are at par with that of a five star hotel!

The programme there entitled “ Healing from the Effects of Sexual Abuse” was originally meant for the formators of two women’s congregations – Sisters Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” and the Sacred Heart Sisters of Bangkok. Sisters from these Congregations had earlier attended programmes at Sumedha Centre. The programme was eventually extended to others as well.  There were all together 36 participants – 6 priests, one lay man, and 29 religious women, including some Mother Generals, representing 14 congregations and the Archdiocese of Bangkok.

Participants of both programmes found them extremely relevant and useful for their personal and professional growth and well-being. Participants of both programmes received Certificates of Participation.

Parappully had also the opportunity do some sightseeing and experience the culture of Thailand. He was also very happy to have met a few of the sisters who had participated earlier in programmes at Sumedha Centre – Sr. Subha, Pornthip, Nurjara, Panarat, Chavala, and Waraporn and visit their communities. They send their good wishes to their fellow participants in Sumedha programmes.