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 18th 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.
