Director of Sumedha Centre, Jose Parappully, was invited to
do a three-day renewal programme on “Psychosexual and Celibate Integration” for
the members of the Helpers of Mary Congregation in Mumbai.
The programme was held at Shradha Ashram on the campus of
the Generalate of the congregation at Andheri, Mumbai on September 22-24, 2015.
There were 47 participants who were in the age bracket of 60-70.
Parappully explored the topic in the context of the dynamics
of midlife and the post-midlife years which these Sisters were experiencing or
had experienced.
The topics covered included: Dynamics of Midlife and Later
Years; Sex, Sexuality and Intimacy; Celibacy and Chastity; Man-Woman
Friendships within Celibate Living and God’s Second Call to a Deeper spiritual
Life.
What the participants found most useful was the clarity that
was provided on the various concepts and dynamics covered. The opportunity to
share in groups what they had experienced and were experiencing brought relief
and comfort.
One common observation was that it would have been very
beneficial if the programme had been offered when they were experiencing these
dynamics and confused during their midlife years.
A second common observation was that there was no one with
whom they could share their experiences at the time and seek guidance and had
to cope and make sense on their own.
Since most of the participants were leaders of communities
or of organisations, they felt the knowledge they gained was very useful to
understand and help those they were leading, besides helping make sense of
their own experiences.
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