A major awareness that has emerged during this Bridges and Confluences encounter since last week is that we are building on the shoulders of our predecessors from the Founder, Mgr.  De Marion Bresillac, Frs. Augustine Planque,  Borghero, Bishop Pellet and others.

The complementary part of this interdependence and transmission of charism of the Society is also the consciousness that our shoulders must also be available to carry the younger generation from Africa, Europe, Asia and the Americas. Hence, the need to have healthy and strong shoulders that others can climb on in order to continue the mission entrusted by the Lord through the Church to our Founder and faithfully handed over to us…It is in the light of this awareness and commitment to passing on the baton of passion for mission that the programme of this week is tailored around holistic self care, physically, spiritually, Psycho-sexually.

The morning session on Monday was on physical care. Dr. Beatrice MENARD, a member of the Fraternite Laics Missionaires (the lay missionary group affiliated to Lyon Province) helped participants with a better understanding of the importance of healthy living which according to her involves, healthy diet, regular exercise, healthy relationship and healthy sleep….The important managing stress effectively. Avoiding sugar, salt, tobacco, drinking a lot of water and eating five different kinds of fruits a day helps us to remain healthy and same with healthy social life and interactions. Breathing exercises,  Yoga and similar stress managing techniques contribute positively to health.

The afternoon session was on psycho spiritual health care. Emphasis was laid on how to indentify, own and manage our stress. This includes having a positive image of God trusting Him as the one leading our lives..There was the possibility for those who wanted to acquire some basic techniques in stress management to attend a workshops given by Tom and Dermot

Basil Soyoyé, sma