Bearing in mind the importance of formation programme of the Congregation, Sr.Nancy Augustine, General Councillor for Formation called for a five-day updating programme for the formators of various stages of formation from 22-26 April at Hatigaon. Sr. Mary Thadavanal, the former Superior General was the main resource person for the programme.

Taking stock of the present day situation and its dominating influence on individuals Sr. Mary Thadavanal spoke on the need of giving emphasis on psycho-spiritual integration. The art of getting in touch with one’s feelings, ways of releasing ones feelings and emotions, dealing with losses in life and the art of listening were some of the ways proposed to the formators.

Stating ‘love’ as the core of human being, and which remains as the single purpose of religious life Sr. Mary Thdavanal pointed out that, the duty of a formator is to draw the formees to God’s love as deep as possible. She said, “Loving oneself is another important aspect in order to become personally integrated, socially involved in the lives of people, emotionally balanced, intellectually well informed, spiritually alive in touch with God and to become more aware of the soul’s thirst for God.”

Sr. Mary Perunilam, the Assistant General and Sr. Nancy Augustine, the General Councillor for Formation had sessions with the formators on the last day. Sr. Mary Perunilam shared from the lived experiences as well as quoted from the Constitution. She emphasized on giving focus to Jesus in formation and insisted on guiding the formees to centre their thoughts always in Jesus. She also said, “Ability to live in diverse group, true spirit of mission, deep spiritual life and personal sanctification are essential elements to be cultivated by the formees.”

Defining formation as self-transformation, Sr. Nancy Augustine said, “Quest for God, spirit of generosity, apostolic availability, sound motivation and inner freedom are the psycho-spiritual requires for self-transformation.”