A
Religious Formation workshop entitled "Healthy Sexual Integration in
Religious Life" was held at Whitefriars Hall in Washington, DC on
January 29-30, 2016. The presenters were Fr. Quinn Conners, O.Carm and
Dr. Kathy Galleher. Both
presenters are psychologists who have worked at the St. Luke Institute
(a psychological treatment center for men and women religious) and have
been co-presenting this workshop to various inter-community novitiates
for more than 10 years. This two day workshop focused on sexual integration in consecrated life for men and women preparing for religious life. It
approached sexuality from a holistic psychological perspective and
stressed the importance of self-awareness, self-acceptance, integration,
and integrity for healthy life-giving celibacy. The
workshop included sections on psychosexual integration, , human
development, and healthy relationship skills and boundaries. Practical
skills for dealing with loneliness, desire, and attractions as well as
for deepening relationships inside and outside community were presented. The workshop had educational, self reflection, and discussion components.
Our
novice Sr. Pia Ignatius along with her director, Sr. Helena of Mary and
Sr. Mary Vianney, O.Carm, participated with the Carmelite novices of
the Saint Elias and Most Pure Heart of Mary Provinces. There were also
novices from the Congregation of the Marian Helpers, the Pallotines,
along with their Formators. On
Sunday, January 31st, we visited and toured the Basilica of the
National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. It was an opportunity we
could not miss and were thankful for!
