As reported by ZMB communications department:
Lusaka (ZAMBIA) 10-14/04/2013.- ANNUAL RETREAT FOR SALESIANS PARTICIPATING IN THE VII PROVINCIAL CHAPTER.
Fr. Sahaya Selvam SDB from AFE Province has directed the first annual retreat of ZMB Vice-Province after an invitation from Fr. George Chalissery [Provincial Superior of ZMB]. The retreat took place at the provincial house in Lusaka.The retreat facilitator, Fr. Selvam, PhD in Psychology of Religion, shared wonderful thoughts on ministry, mission and the personal experience with Jesus Christ. He insisted on the need of a personal encounter with Jesus as the basis of any ministry. Fr. Selvam also presented some dynamics which -if overlooked- normally threaten any ministry.
The seven-step-retreat presented by Fr. Selvam helped the participants to get in touch with themselves and reality. In some of his talks, the facilitators emphasized the idea of moving towards a closer relationship with God in Jesus as […]
Spirituality
Spiritual Exercises
God in the City – Weekend Retreat
DBYES, Nairobi, 9 Mar 2013.
“God in the City” is one of the weekend programmes offered by DBYES in the current year. This weekend (8th-9th March) 28 youth from Upperhill Parish, accompanied by two brothers from Utume, participated in God in the City. They were led in the 24-hour retreat by Selvam. The topics included: What is the city like; the role of silence in today’s world; Jesus Prayer – praying continually; Journaling – as a means to transform events into experiences; Recognising God in nature; Prayer-Garden Experience; God in the web – websites and apps useful for prayer. The participants were also given opportunity to celebrate the sacrament of reconciliation. The programme concluded with the Eucharistic Celebration. What the youth, most of who were university students, enjoyed most during this weekend was silence!
Reflection on the Prodigal Son based on the painting by Rembrandt
There are several books written on this theme. But the parable and the painting still speak more, hence the following reflection. This reflection has to be used together with the painting. The texts within brackets invite the reader to focus on details of particular parts of the painting. The following text is to be treated as an original writing of Sahaya G. Selvam, sdb. The copy of the painting is now in public domain, hence no copyright is required.
This is my story.
It is our story.
It is the story of how I negotiate with my self, my Father, and my brother.
It is the story of my life.
The story of my encounters with the self, God, and the other!
(The feet of the kneeling boy, the younger son, notice the torn […]
Spiritual Direction for All
The Visitation: a model for spiritual direction
A reflection by Fr Sahaya G. Selvam, sdb, for “The Day with Mary” –London, 24 March 2011
Luke 1: 39 Mary set out at that time and went as quickly as she could into the hill country to a town in Judah. 40 She went into Zechariah’s house and greeted Elizabeth. 41 Now it happened that as soon as Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leapt in her womb and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 She gave a loud cry and said, ‘Of all women you are the most blessed, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. 43 Why should I be honoured with a visit from the mother of my Lord? 44 Look, the moment your greeting reached my ears, the child in my womb leapt for joy. 45 Yes, blessed is she who believed that the promise made her […]
Mindful Journaling
Journaling as a psycho-spiritual exercise – Guidelines
Quieten yourself.
Spend a few moments breathing in and out.
As you breathe out, relax the different parts of your body.
Get in touch with your thoughts and feelings at this moment.
When you are ready, begin to write your thoughts and feelings down.
If you find it difficult to begin somewhere, just begin by describing the events of the day or the past few hours.
What people have you met?
What events have you witnessed?
What touched you most during the day?
Were there insights that cropped up in your mind during the day?
How were your quiet moments, including the contemplative practice?
Generally, were you serene and centred (focussed) during the day?
(You might want to follow a particular style of journaling from among the different approaches described in Appendix B).
Consider your diary as a faithful listener and companion.
Consider your diary as a safe space where you can be yourself.
Consider your diary as the […]