The CRI Andhra APRCRI regional executive felt responsible to organize an inter-congregational joint novitiate common formation programme on “Psycho Sexual Integration” for 7 novitiates of Archdiocese of Hyderabad at CRI Secretariat, Hyderabad from 7-11, February 2012. Fr. Devadass CMF was the resource person.
The future religious were offered the possibility of reflecting on the role of sexuality in the divine plan of creation and salvation to appreciate their sexuality, to come to a fuller understanding of their own identity and promote maturity in relationships.
One can easily see its importance since there is a question of forming men and women who, through a special grace, have made a free choice for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven.
Inaugurating the unique combined programme for novices, Sr. Mary Leena CSSA, vice- president of APCRI and provincial superior of St. Ann’s congregation, gave the orientation. She invited them to be broad minded while participating in the programme and feel free to express their feelings, doubts and questions.
Formation in this area is particularly important due to apostolic contacts of all kinds and the greater collaboration which has begun between religious men and religious women as well as present cultural currents.
“Creating the human race in his own image… God inscribed in the humanity of man and woman the vocation, and thus the capacity and responsibility, of love and communion. Love is therefore the fundamental and innate vocation of every human being”, said Fr. Devadass.
In the plan of life which represents each person’s vocation, love is also a precious source for the self-giving which all men and women are called to make for their own self-realization and happiness. Love is a gift of God and is thus a positive force directed towards growth and maturity in persons,
Femininity and masculinity are complementary gifts, through which human sexuality is an integrating part of the concrete capacity for love which God has inscribed in man and woman.
Sexuality is a fundamental component of personality, one of its modes of being, of manifestation, of communicating with others, of feeling, of expressing and of living human love.
The whole meaning of true freedom, and self-control which follows from it, is thus directed towards self-giving in communion and friendship with God and with others.
72 novices were divided into 5 groups for discussions and sharings. They also animated the liturgy very creatively everyday. Each day began with the meaningful ‘morning prayer’ and Holy Eucharist and the day ended with a silent healing adoration.
Without spirituality there is no sexuality and without sexuality there is no spirituality. All are sexual beings and the sexual feelings are not above but within.
These kinds of various enriching explanations and the reality of life, which Fr. Devadass shared with them, helped to be alert, awake and attentive now and in the future mission.
The interactive sessions were very helpful to know each other’s opinions and the open discussion brought out the need to change their way of thinking about sexuality and to contribute their knowledge to the people who suffer due to various sexual problems and diseases.
They became aware of sexual abuse in the church and society and its adverse impact on individuals and the Gospel ministries.
They were all united and experienced lot of freedom to express as well as to discuss the questions given to them on sexuality.
The different knowledge on Homosexuality, Masturbation as well as the dimension of sexuality, increased in them the desire to be more positive, self-disciplined and self controlled. There was lot of family spirit and more of brotherly and sisterly concern.
You are precious in the sight of God. This assurance will strengthen us in all our sexual struggles. Focusing our eyes on Jesus we can be more fruitful and faithful religious, said the group.
Source: CRI – Sr. Jesuina
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