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…”