In a serene corner of Goa, 47 women religious from across India gathered for a five-day immersive experience that proved to be both formative and transformative. Hosted by the Conference of Religious Women India (CRWI) in collaboration with Christ University, the Training of Trainers (TOT) on Basic Counselling Skills marked a significant milestone in CRWI’s ongoing initiative titled WWRSI – Wellbeing of Women Religious Sisters in India.
A Vision Rooted in Healing and Empowerment
The program, held at the Institute of Mater Dei (IMD), aimed to equip sisters with essential tools for understanding mental health and offering primary support within their communities. The sessions were designed not merely to inform but to form hearts capable of listening, guiding, and accompanying others through life’s challenges.
Resource persons Fr. Varghese CMI, Dr. Patric Jude, and Dr. Sabu John, under the coordination of Sr. Renjitha CTC, delivered a curriculum rich in compassion, clarity, and competence.
Highlights of the Program
🧠 Understanding and Assessing Distress
The first step was learning to recognize stress and distress among women religious—an often silent struggle. Participants explored the emotional, physical, social, and behavioral dimensions of distress through interactive discussions and group activities.
🛡 Risk & Protective Factors
Using practical tools like games and real-life case studies, the sisters were trained to identify risk factors such as low self-esteem or social isolation, and to strengthen protective factors like emotional regulation and community support.
🎭 Counselling Skills in Action
Hands-on sessions focused on:
- Observing skills using the SOLER method
- Questioning techniques to facilitate deep reflection
- Empathic confrontation, reframing, and positive asset search to guide clients toward clarity and healing
Daily role plays and group counseling practices helped participants internalize and practice these techniques with one another, building both confidence and competence.
🧩 Suicide Prevention and Safety Planning
One of the most profound sessions covered suicide risk assessment, safety planning, and psychological first aid. The sisters were trained as “gatekeepers” — attentive to warning signs and prepared to support those in crisis with compassion and skill.
🕊 Embracing Self-Compassion
A deeply spiritual dimension of the program encouraged participants to practice self-compassion, reminding them that healing begins with self-awareness, prayer, and the unconditional love of God. “Cling to your call,” Fr. Varghese urged, “and be present—truly present—at the Eucharist and in your mission.”
A Joyful Conclusion
The program concluded on April 5 with a Eucharistic celebration, followed by a certificate distribution ceremony and an oath-taking ritual where each sister pledged to continue the journey as a compassionate listener and healer in her community.
As the participants dispersed, hearts full and spirits renewed, one truth stood clear: when sisters are equipped and empowered, entire communities are transformed.
Looking Ahead
This program is one among many in CRWI’s commitment to the holistic formation of women religious. With ongoing training and support, CRWI envisions a network of sisters across India who are mentally healthy, emotionally resilient, and spiritually grounded—ready to be beacons of hope in a world that longs for healing.