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…”
