SUMEDHA OUTREACH: "TRAUMA & HEALING" PROGRAMME AT NVSC, PUNE

 Dr. Jose Parappully, the Director of Sumedha Centre, Jharmari,  was invited to facilitate a training workshop on “Trauma & Healing” at the National Vocation Service Centre (NVSC), Pune from October 23 to 28, 2023.

There were 36 participants, 26 religious women and 10 priests, most of whom are involved in the field of religious and priestly formation and who are currently doing a certification course of 9 months.

During the workshop Dr. Parappully explored with the participants the nature of psychological trauma, particularly that arising from sexual exploitation, its prevalent rates in India, its consequence, and presented 15 specific approaches to the healing of trauma. He also presented the Protection of Children from sexual Offences (POCSO) Act of 2012 and a critique on it.

Participants found the workshop immensely helpful and observed that such a workshop is very necessary for them as formators. They came to know many things that they were unaware of. Eighteen of the 36 participants (including a survivor of trauma) gave a perfect 10 out of 10 on Degree of usefulness. Seven gave a 9, and another seven an 8.

Some typical comments:

·         “it was such a beautiful class on trauma and healing. I could heal myself.”  (F)

·         “Very informative on this very sensitive issue that’s increasing rapidly day by day.” (M)

·         “It was useful for me to understand the real struggles that the abused person goes through. My opinion about them changed. I also gained some useful skills and knowledge. Now I have kind of confidence to deal with people who come to m for help in this regard.” (F)

·         “It was very much informative, and has created an interest in the subject. It has helped me to become more sensitive and supportive towards the victims. It has moved my heart and mind to be much more caring and compassionate. It is love that heals.  To make the client to feel loved, accepted, cared for, listened to, brings about healing. It will be useful to be a good human being, in the ministry.” (M).

·         “I came to know what is sexual abuse and trauma.; how to help the client who comes for healing; I came to know the methods or techniques to help the client.” (M)

·         “it was very useful to know the methods to heal the person and also I was able to reflect on my own life and see if I were abused anywhere, or if it is so how to heal.” (F)

·         “This class made me aware in many ways that to be a good listener, to be compassionate and kind is very important, not to have judgmental attitude but to have an open mind to accept survivors as they are.” (Gender not indicated.)

·         “I realized the gravity of the effects of sexual abuse and therefore it evoked compassion, and need to give up my judgmental attitude.” (F).

·         “This workshop evoked in me a great desire to know more about the topic.” (F.)

47th SUMEDHA SADHANA CONCLUDES

The 47^th Sumedha Sadhana – A Psychospiritual Wholeness Journey – concluded on September 18. This 80-day programme had begun on July 1, 2023.

There were 16 participants from 9 religious congregations and three dioceses.

The programme comprised of seven different modules. Psychological Dynamics on the Spiritual Journey which included Somatic Meditations, Process Spirituality, Prayerfulness, Midlife Dynamics, Sexuality, Celibacy and Intimacy, Trauma and Healing facilitated by Jose Parappully; Unconscious Dynamics and the Spiritual Journey facilitated by Johny Dominic Padinjar; Yoga and Cosmic Spirituality facilitated by Alba Rodrigues; Breath, Spirit and Wellbeing facilitated by Thomas Kurianthanam; Challenges of Consecrated Life facilitated by Philip Pinto; Group Therapy facilitated by Joe Parakkad and Jose Parappully; and an Integration Retreat facilitated by Jose Parappully.

The participants expressed immense satisfaction with the programme.

Some excerpts from the participants’ feedback on the programme:

“Sumedha Sadhana was a journey from the cocoon to a butterfly. It has given me a fresh new beginning. It was a deep experiential journey inward, of soul-searching to discover who I really am. I go back rejuvenated, reenergized, renewed. The combination of psychology and spirituality was par excellent.”

I came to Sumedha with a deep desire to renew and refresh myself. Sumedha experience has done it for me.”

“Sumedha journey was for me a pilgrimage that led to a new life, inviting me to be a happy and joyful seeker of God.”

“A very significant transformation journey. I came with a lot of chaos within me. Group therapy, module on Consecrated life and the Spiritual Retreat has transformed me.”

I came troubled. I return with peace. The Sumedha Integration Retreat was a deep God experience.”

“I came broken, wounded, and troubles and wanted healing and peace. I have found both at Sumedha.”

“All the modules blended beautifully. The me that I came and the me that is leaving is a very different person.”

“Very practical modules. Not just theory. Lots of time from reflection. Creative liturgies. Calm and quiet atmosphere.”

“I am immensely enriched by Sumedha Sadhana programme. The facilitators were highly qualified professionals with knowledge and expertise. Competency was the hall mark. Dynamic way of teaching brought home many insights for my onward journey. The programme was excellent, systematic, wholesome, synchronised well to lead to psychospiritual wholeness in a very effective way. The classes have touched, healed and transformed me into a better human being.”

 

“A very enriching experience. All modules relevant, with very competent resource persons. Comfortable stay. Excellent food.”

 “I felt very much at home Every need was taken care of. Wonderful hospitality.”

“Delicious food. Lovely atmosphere.”

“Excellent environment and hospitality.”

 “A unique experience.”