A Seminar on Discernment…
THE ART OF PSYCHO-SPIRITUAL DISCERNMENT IN RELIGIOUS LIFE
Discernment is the quality of being able
to grasp or comprehend what is obscure. It is an act of perceiving or
discerning something. Discernment has many dimensions, such as,
Religious, Moral, Mystical, Ignatian and Psychological.
In Christianity, Discernment is a seeking of God’s will in my life
through the inner movements of the spirit. We are all called to
discernment because Christian life is precisely a response to God’s will
and call to discipleship. Hence it is important that I learn to be in
touch with myself and get to know myself better. Discernment of spirits
is also a challenging task. It requires maturity, inner quiet, and an
ability to reflect on one’s interior life.
Discernment acts as a means of protection, guarding us from being
deceived spiritually. It also acts as an instrument of healing, when
exercised in grace. Further, discernment functions as a key to Christine
freedom by forming and educating our conscience.
Finally, discernment serves as a catalyst to spiritual development.
Hence, we should pray always, “Lord, I am your servant; give me
discernment” (Ps. 119:125).
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On January 21, 2018, Dhyanavana, International Institute of
Spirituality, in association with CRI Mysore Diocese, organized a full
day seminar on Discernment…The Art of Psycho-Spiritual Discernment in
Religious Life, in Pushpashrama Auditorium, Mysore. At 9:00 a.m. the
seminar started with registration and at around 9:15 am the programme
began.
The Seminar commenced by invoking God’s blessings. Rev. Sr. Juanita CSST
Provincial, Inaugurated the Seminar. The CRI Provincials were the Chief
Guests and Rev. Fr. Dominic Vas OCD - Director of Dhyanavana welcomed
the gathering and briefed the audience about the purpose of the seminar.
The lighting of the lamp was done by all the dignitaries of the Seminar.
The Seminar was a grand success for which many priests, religious and
brothers from near and far attended the seminar accounting to around 400
in number.
The First Session was dealt by Very Rev. Fr. Charles Serrao, OCD,
Provincial, Karnaataka-Goa Province, on “The Pedagogy of Discernment for
the Religious and Priestly Formation” (Religious Perspective).
The Second Session was dealt by Rev. Fr. Archibald Gonsalves, OCD, on
“Discernment of Conscience – Voice of God” (Moral Perspective).
The Third Session was dealt by Rev. Fr. Gregory D’Souza, OCD, on
“Discernment of Mystical Contemplation / Mystical Phenomena” (Mystical
Perspective).
The Fourth Session was dealt by Rev. Fr. Fredrick D’Silva, SJ, on
“Discernment of Spirits” (Ignatian Perspective).
The Fifth Session was dealt by Rev. Fr. Praveen D’Souza, OCD, on
“Discerning Psychological Problems and Differentiating between
Psychological Disorder and Demonic Possession” (Psychological
Perspective).
Deliberations and Valediction was done by Rev. Fr. Sylvester D Souza,
OCD, Provincial Secretary, Karnaataka-Goa Province.
Vote of Thanks was done by Rev. Sr. Theresina Vadakkekara, USS, CRI
Secretary, Mysore Diocese.
Thus, by 5:30 p.m. the seminar concluded by singing the anthem of
Dhyanavana followed by tea. All the participants were happy about the
seminar being organized on “Discernment” through which they gained a lot
of information on the various topics dealt by the eminent speakers of
the seminar. They were in praise for the organizers of the seminar,
namely – Fr. Dominic Vas, OCD, the Director of Dhyanavana, International
Institute of Spirituality, Mysore, as well as the CRI President, Mysore
Diocese along with the CRI team.
The Programme was compeered by Rev. Fr. Rovel D’Souza, OCD, and the
physical nourishment of the participants was looked after by Rev. Fr.
Victor Pais, OCD. We express heartfelt gratitude to Pushpashrama
community for their whole hearted cooperation.
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DHYANAVANA, INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF SPIRITUALITY
(AFFILIATED TO THE PONTIFICAL INSTITUTE OF SPIRITUALITY ‘TERESIANUM’, ROME; AND ST. PHILOMENA’S COLLEGE (AUTONOMOUS) MYSORE)
Address: Rev. Dr. Rathan Almeida OCD, Director DHYANAVANA, R.S. Naidu Nagar, Mysore - 570 007, Karnataka State, India
Telephone: + 91 – 821 – 2492623; Mobile Numbers: 6361666598 / 9113241882
E-mail: dhyanavanainstitute2023@gmail.com / dhyanavana@gmail.com Website: www.dhyanavana.com
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2014 DHYANAVANA.
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