Sumedha Outreach –Thailand 2018. 4. Bangkok SPIRITUAL RE-AWAKENING IN THE POST-MIDLIFE YEARS

The fourth invited programme Dr. Jose Parappully, Director of Sumedha, conducted in Thailand this year was also at Bangkok.

This programme entitled “Spiritual Re-Awakening in the Post Midlife years” was for the Infant Jesus Sisters. Thirty two Sisters including the Provincial Superior, Sr. Jane, participated. Most of these sisters were over 60 years. It was held on 17 and 18^th February.

The first day’s programme was held at the Provincialate of the St. Gabriel Brothers. Dr. Parappully explored with the sisters the psycho-spiritual dynamics of the post midlife years and proposed a spirituality that respects the dynamics of these years.

This included a Spirituality of Diminishment, Spirituality of Slowing Down, Contemplative Spirituality, Spirituality of Gratitude and a Spirituality of Mentoring.

The second day’s programme was held at the Provincial House of the Infant Jesus Sisters in Bangkok. On this second day Dr. Parappully explored with the sisters how Lent can be a time for spiritual Re-Awakening, by entering the metaphoric desert with Jesus to experience “Wilderness” and “Paradise” – to encounter one’s on “Inner Demons” and intimacy with God around the Word of God.

Two spiritual practices recommended for this spiritual re-awakening were Centering Prayer and the Lectio Divina. Both the practices were explained to the sisters and they had time to practice them.

Sumedha Outreach –Thailand 2018. 3. TEACHERS’ PROGRAMME: MEDITATIVE PRACTICES AND SELF-AWARENESS

The third invited programme that Dr. Jose Parappully, Director of Sumedha Centre conducted in Thailand this year was at Bangkok, the capital city.

It was for the teachers of the Holy Infant Jesus Convent School on 16^th February. Seventeen  teachers including the Manager of the School, Sr. Jane, participated.

The programme focused on personal growth of the teachers and was entitled: “Enhancing Personal and Professional Efficacy Through Meditative Practices and Self-Awareness.”

Keeping with the topic time was devoted to learning and practicing Meditation and Meditative Prayer, especially Centering Prayer, and growing in Self-Awareness through reflection on one’s life journey with the help of the video film “River Mee.”

A fourfold approach of Input, Introspection, Interaction and Intercession was followed.

Participants recognized the necessity of taking quiet time for themselves in their busy day for personal and professional effectiveness. They found Meditation and Centering Prayer very useful tools.

SUMEDHA OUTREACH –THAILAND 2018. 2. RATCHABURI Psychospiritual Dynamics at Midlife and Beyond.

The second invited programme that Dr. Jose Parappully, Director of Sumedha Centre, conducted in Thailand this year was at Ratchaburi, west of the country.

This programme was conducted at the Mother House of the Sister Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Congregation, a member of the Salesian Family.

This programme held between 9^th and 14^th February was on the topic: “Psychospiritual Dynamics at Midlife and Beyond.” There were 22 sisters participating including the General Superior of the Congregation, Mother Maliwan.

The topics covered during the six days included: Awakening to Midlife, Emotional Awareness of Mortality, Re-Assessment of Life and Priorities, Re-Visioning of Dreams, De-Illusioning, Loss, Redeeming the Shadow, Psychosexual and Celibate Integration, God’s Second Call.

Participants found the programme very useful at this time in their Psychospiritual journey.

SUMEDHA OUTREACH THAILAND 2018. 1. CHIANGMAI

The First invited programme that Dr. Jose Parappully, Director of Sumedha Centre, did in Thailand this year was at Chiangmai, in the north of the country, on 7^th and 8^th February.

This programme was held at the Sacred Heart Cathedral Hall and was attended by 115 religious and priests, on the 7th, and about 80 on the 8^th. 

Bishop Francis Xavier of the diocese of Chiangmai, attended sessions on both days.

On the first day Dr. Parappully presented a Portrait of Jesus, based on four postures of Jesus: Sitting Down, Bending Over, Reaching Out and Looking Up.

On the second day Dr. Parappully presented on “Lent: A Desert Journey with Jesus.”

The programme concluded with the Eucharist presided over by Bishop Francis Xavier at which Dr. Parappully spoke briefly on the Challenge of being a religious today.

The programme was well appreciated. General feedback was : It was excellent. The talks were characterised by wisdom and depth."

The second day was celebrated as Day of Consecration and the religious celebrating their Jubilees of profession were felicitated during the Eucharist.