SUMEDHA CENTRE COMPLETES 10 YEARS!

Today, 19^th March, marks the completion of 10 years since the Foundation of Sumedha Centre for Psychology and Spirituality. In the Liturgical Calendar of the Catholic Church 19^th March is the Solemnity of St. Joseph, who is the Patron Saint of Sumedha Centre.

Sumedha Centre, a venture of the Salesian Province of New Delhi, was set up in New Delhi in 2003.

In 2008 the Centre was shifted to the present location, Jeolikote, near Nainital, Uttarakhand, in the Himalayan foothills.

The Centre at Jeolikote was officially blessed on 19^th March 2009, the Solemnity of St. Joseph, the Patron of the Centre, by Most Re. Anthony Fernandes, the Bishop of Bareilly, in the presence of a large number of priests, religious and well-wishers, including many Salesians from the New Delhi Province.

 In 10 years, the Centre has conducted 22 Sumedha Sadhana (Psychospiritual Wholeness Journey) the 60-day flagship programme of the Centre. It has also conducted annually a number of shorter programmes. The Centre has also done many outreach programmes in different parts of the country and abroad.

Sumedha is a centre for renewal of body, mind and spirit through the integration of insights and practices from psychology, spiritual traditions and social sciences. It focuses on the healing, growth and transformation of individuals, groups and

organisations.

Sumedha Centre marked the 10^th anniversary with an International Conference on “Psychosexual Integration, Celibate Maturity & Religious and Priestly Formation” in New Delhi from 14^th 22^nd February this year.

Another Anniversary event is a Workshop on “Body Practices, Authentic Movement and Personal and Professional Well-Being” in New Delhi on March 31 and April 1, 2013. It will be facilitated by internationally reputed somatic psychotherapist Don Hanlon Johnson and Jungian Analyst Barbara Holifield, both from the California Institute of Integral Studies, San Francisco.

Sumedha Centre is grateful to all those who have been supporting the Centre in different ways through these years. Thank You!

SUMEDHA CENTRE MARKS 10th ANNIVERSARY WITH AN INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE

Sumedha Centre marked its 10th Anniversary of Foundation with an International Conference.

Sumedha, a centre for renewal of body, mind and spirit through insights and practices from psychology and spiritual traditions, was set up in 2003 by the Salesians of Don Bosco in New Delhi.  In 2008 the Centre was shifted to Jeolikote in the Himalayan foothills, near Nainital, in the North Indian State of Uttarakhand. 

The Conference theme was “Psychosexual Integration, Celibate Maturity &Religious and Priestly Formation” and was held at Bosco Psychological Services, New Delhi from 14^th to 22^nd February.

Thirty seven delegates from India and abroad attended the Conference. 

The Conference was inaugurated with a concelebrated Eucharist at which Most Rev. Anil Couto, the newly installed Archbishop of Delhi, presided. He was joined at the altar by Most Rev. Thomas Mar Koorilos, Syro-Malankara Archbishop of Tiruvalla, and Fr. Michael Peedikayil, the Salesian Provincial of New Delhi.

Fr. Peedikayil introduced the two Archbishops and welcomed them and the delegates on behalf of the  the Salesian Provincial Conference of South Asia, co-sponsors of the Conference.

Commenting on the theme of the Conference in his homily, Archbishop Couto emphasised the need for all priests and religious, especially those involved in formation,  to be conformed to the image of Jesus of Nazareth and to abide in him, if they are to become integrated persons and witness to the beauty of consecrated celibacy.

Eleven of the 17 authors who contributed chapters to the book  "Psychosexual Integration and Celibate Maturity" co-edited by Jose Parappully, the Founder-Director of Sumedha Centre, made presentations based on their respective chapters.

There were also two panel discussions in which Bishop Koorilos, Sr. Inigo, former Superior General of the Sisters of St. Anne, and a number of Major Superiors and Formators shared their experiences related to the theme of the Conference and answered questions from the delegates. A third panel consisted of a number of the the presenters.

On the last day of the Conference the delegates had opportunity to relax by visiting the sprawling and artistic Akshardham Temple on the banks of the Jamuna River and the India Gate and surroundings. A visit to the Taj Mahal in Agra was also organised after the Conference for those who wished to go there . 

The delegates expressed great appreciation for the quality of the Conference both in terms of the presentations and the overall organisation.

DIRECTOR OF SUMEDHA TO ATTEND GENERAL CHAPTER OF THE SALESIANS IN ROME

The 6^th Provincial Chapter of the Salesian Province of New Delhi concluded on 8^th February evening, charting a radical new course for members as ‘Mystics in the Spirit,’ ‘Prophets of Fraternity,’ and ‘Servants of the Young.’

The Chapter members resolved to deepen the experience of God and to witness to the primacy of God radically in the way members live, relate and minister.

They resolved to give greater emphasis on deepening and giving witness to communion in community through greater self-disclosure about personal vulnerabilities and struggles, making efforts to heal from hurts that often are at the root of dysfunctional behaviours in community and counter-witnessing in ministry.

Members  are challenged to make a radical change in mindset and practice in youth ministry by becoming ‘Servants’ of the young in addition to the traditional ‘father, teacher, and friend” identity.

The Chapter elected  Jose Parappully, Director of Sumedha Centre, as the Delegate to represent the Province at the General Chapter to be held in Rome from 12 February to April 22, 2014.

BOOK EDITED BY THE DIRECTOR OF SUMEDHA CENTRE RELEASED

Psychosexual Integration and Celibate Maturity: Handbook for Religious and Priestly Formation” edited by Jose Parappully SDB, PhD, the Director of Sumedha Centre, and Jose Kuttianimattathil SDB, Rector and Professor of Theology at Kristu Jyoti College, Bangalore, was released simultaneously in several Indian cities, on Jan 31, the feast of St. John Bosco, the Founder of the Salesians of Don Bosco.

The book was released in New Delhi, by Msgr Romanus of the Vatican Embassy along with Syro-Malabar Archbishop of Delhi, Most Rev. Kuriakose Brahmikulangara, in Chennai by Archbishop George Antonysamy, in Pune by Bishop Thomas Dabre, in Nashik by Bishop Lourdunada Daniel, in Kolkata by Fr. Thomas Ellicherayil, Provincial, in Bangalore by Most Rev.Thomas Menamparampil, Archbishop Emeritus of Guwahati, and Fr. Paul Puthenangady, Episcopal Vicar for Clergy and Religious and in Hyderabad by Rev. Suvarna Bernard, Vicar General, during large gatherings of religious and priests.

Conceived about ten years ago and intensely worked on during the past four years, the book meets the long-felt need of priests and religious to have an up to date, complete and reader friendly resource book on formation to sexual and celibate maturity. 

  

Containing 29 chapters and authored by 17 religious men and women with years of experience and expertise related to the topic, this book is a veritable mine of information coupled with very practical suggestions and exercises for growing in maturity.

The book, published by the Salesian Psychological Association and the South Asia Formation Commission of the Salesians of don Bosco,  has 29 chapters divided into two volumes.

The book has received critical acclaim from eminent personalities in the field of religious and priestly formation.

Most Rev. Bosco Penha, Former Auxiliary Bishop Archdiocese of Bombay, expressed the view that this "book should be of great help in the seminaries, presbyteries and religious houses" and that it "would certainly help to give us better integrated priests and sisters.” 

Rev. Francesco Cereda, General Councillor for Formation of the Salesians of Don Bosco, considers the book to be  "a precious help to anyone interested in the area of psychosexual maturity and celibacy, especially superiors and formation guides." 

M. C. Abraham, psychologist and former Programme Director at Sadhana Institute, Lonavla ,described it as  "a precious hand book for formees, formators, psychotherapists as well as decision makers" and recommended it "whole-heartedly to anyone who is seriously interested in the ministry of formation for mission.” 

Sr. Inigo, Former Superior General of the Sisters of St. Anne, described the book as  "a 'must read' and a brilliant guide for all those who are formators, spiritual directors, bishops, superiors, priests and religious.” 

For Brother Joseph Philip Pinto, Congregation Leader of the Christian Brothers, this is a  book that is "thorough in its research and all-encompassing in scope" and which "helps us to face our sexuality, accept it and live it with courage and freedom." 

The book can be ordered from  from: Kristu Jyoti Publications. Kristu Jyoti College. Bosco Nagar. K. R. Pura, Bangalore. 560036. India. kristujyotipub@yahoo.co.in   Phone. +91- 80- 28474139 

SUMEDHA OUTREACH IN THAILAND

Since Sumedha Centre is closed in winter, we are able to avail our services outside the Centre during those months.

In January Jose Parappully, the Director of the Centre was invited to facilitate two programmes in Thailand.

The first was at the “Sisters Centre” at Sampran, some two hours journey by road from Bangkok. This programme “Midlife Dynamics and the Spiritual Journey” was organised by the Conference of the Major Religious Superiors of Women of Thailand and Laos. Thirty nine women religious from seven different congregations attended.

After presenting the dynamics and transformational processes of midlife Parappully focused more on different aspects psychosexual integration and celibate maturity. The topic that was found to be most helpful was “Celibate Friendship.”

Parappully was assisted by Sr. Ruangkanjana Chinnapha who, although called to translate from English to Thai, was able to explain things in her own inimitable and exciting style, which made it so much easier for the sisters, many of whom were not very fluent in English to better grasp the ideas presented. I am very grateful to Sr Ruang for her presence and help.

The second programme was held at “Baan Phu Waan” Pastoral training Centre of the Archdiocese of Bangkok in Bangkok . The facilities and services at Baan Phu Waan are at par with that of a five star hotel!

The programme there entitled “ Healing from the Effects of Sexual Abuse” was originally meant for the formators of two women’s congregations – Sisters Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” and the Sacred Heart Sisters of Bangkok. Sisters from these Congregations had earlier attended programmes at Sumedha Centre. The programme was eventually extended to others as well.  There were all together 36 participants – 6 priests, one lay man, and 29 religious women, including some Mother Generals, representing 14 congregations and the Archdiocese of Bangkok.

Participants of both programmes found them extremely relevant and useful for their personal and professional growth and well-being. Participants of both programmes received Certificates of Participation.

Parappully had also the opportunity do some sightseeing and experience the culture of Thailand. He was also very happy to have met a few of the sisters who had participated earlier in programmes at Sumedha Centre – Sr. Subha, Pornthip, Nurjara, Panarat, Chavala, and Waraporn and visit their communities. They send their good wishes to their fellow participants in Sumedha programmes. 

JOYOUS AND GRACE-FILLED CHRISTMAS TO ALL

God becoming human in Jesus was the beginning of a process of healing of a ruptured world.

That process has been carried on over the centuries by individuals and organisations committed to extending God’s designs for humanity.

Sumedha Centre is glad to be part of that process and contribute in a small way to the healing and transformation of individuals and organisations.

Christmas is an invitation to us to be or continue to be part of this healing and transformative process and be agents of peace, harmony and reconciliation in a world that continues to be ruptured and fragmented.

A JOYOUS AND GRACE-FILLED CHRISTMAS TO ALL!

SUMEDHA SADHANA Sept 25- Dec 03, 2012

Sumedha Sadhana (Sept 25 – Dec 03) brought to conclusion the Sumedha programmes for the year 2012. The Centre will remain closed for winter till March 2013.

The climax of the 70-day Sumedha Sadhana were the 10-day Group Therapy and the 5-day Spiritual Retreat. Most participants observed that these were the most transformative experiences they had at Sumedha.

Participants were divided into two groups for group therapy. One group was led by Dr. MC Abraham and the other by Dr. Peter Lourdes, both highly qualified, yet very humane, professionals with years of experience as psychotherapists. Their rich inputs as well as experiential exercises and their gentle, sensitive approach to each one were found to be extremely helpful in facilitating healing and transformation. The eight weeks of inner journey (see previous blog postings for details) that preceded group therapy was also a major factor.

Dr. Jose Parappully, the Director of Sumedha facilitated the spiritual retreat as a “desert journey.”  Taking his cues from the late Henry Nouwen, he helped the participants to experience the retreat as “wilderness” (the “wild beasts” of St. Mark’s Gospel) and “paradise” (the “ministering angels”). Besides the insights provided by rich inputs on the theme, praying with sacred scripture, including a day of prayer and fasting alone literally out in the wilderness helped participants to experience in a very bodily-felt way Jesus’ 40-days in the desert, encountering their inner demons and experiencing the intimate presence of God.

Some typical comments from participants about their Sumedha Sadhana experience:

Sumedha Sadhana provided human, spiritual, pastoral, physical, ecological, emotional, intellectual and sociological understanding and growth… I am able to move forward with hope and trust. I came here with a negative approach to the course and self... Group therapy changed my life. Alex

I have got what I came for. The module on spirituality helped me the most. It helped to deepen my quest for a felt sense of the Divine at this point in my life… The spiritual atmosphere of Sumedha is growth promoting. Although I came to learn, the spiritual journey gripped me and led me to renewal and transformation. Celine

God brought me to Sumedha to heal me. My lamp, whose oil had nearly run out and turned dim, has been replenished and the lamp is burning bright again. Chavala

Sumedha programme helped me to accept myself, recognise and reconcile with my ‘shadows,’ change my attitude toward self and others, gain appreciation for prayer and scripture, develop more positive attitude to life and feel empowered. Christina

Psycho-Spiritual healing and wholeness journey was a well integrated course…. On the whole, it was a lovely and wonderful experience for me… Welcome and hospitality was remarkable. Accommodation, services and facilities were very good. All our needs were taken good care of. The environment and the beautiful scenery were soothing and refreshing. I got what I came for. Emy

Sumedha has brought me a new springtime. I have grown deeper and discovered a new self… I feel vibrant, alive, having touched the edge of divinity... The modules were well connected and the facilitators were excellent. Group therapy was the best part of Sumedha Sadhana—a moment of new birthing, new awareness of unhealthy ways of being and relating. I take with me a totally transformed self.  Gregory

As a whole this programme was very useful and meaningful. It has been an important journey of my life, a great time which I never thought possible. I went through a transformation… My life changed at Sumedha … Every aspect of our needs were taken care of immediately, carefully. Onila

I am grateful for the grace of coming over here. The programme was genuine and  useful for me in every way. This is the best programme…I came here stagnated and broken. My experiences here helped me to transform my life and become an integrated person. Poornima

Sumedha Sadhana helped me to find true meaning in my life and led me to clarity and maturity. It challenged me and made me to begin de-constructing and re-constructing my life at this stage and enter into a more meaningful and purposeful life as a celibate religious….. I feel a kind of satisfaction that the purpose for which I came to this course has been fulfilled. Reena

My stay at Sumedha is a memorable one… I am able to renew myself both spiritually and psychologically. The meaningful Eucharistic celebrations touched me…. The climax of the course was the Retreat… The resource persons were wonderful with lots of experience …. Everything was available for a comfortable stay. I appreciate the warm welcome, the hospitality, the love and care I received during my stay here. Tresa

I needed to reflect on my life, discover what went wrong and why and make corrections. Found the Sumedha programme very useful for this…. It has provided a new light on my path. I feel more free and happy. Gained courage and conviction. Varghese

I came to Sumedha with lots of anxiety, fear, confusion, meaninglessness and stagnation. Sumedha experience banished all these and completely changed my attitude toward self, people, God. My life is really renewed. Vimala

I never experienced life like I did at Sumedha. It was a time to clean up my life, throw the garbage out, experience healing, gain new energy to move on… Waraporn

At the conclusion of the Sumedha Sadhana the participants organised a very fine felicitation function in which they expressed their appreciation to one another and the staff, acknowledging especially the very fine contribution of the various resource persons, all of whom they found to be “excellent.”

The next Sumedha Sadhana is from March 12 to May 10^th, 2013.