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"> Rooted in Faith, Blossoming in Purpose: Junior Seminar

Rooted in Faith, Blossoming in Purpose: Junior Seminar
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you.”
— Jeremiah 1:5

As the morning sun cast its gentle glow across the earth, another kind of light prepared to illuminate our seminar hall—one born not of nature, but of spirit and purpose. With hearts full of expectation and reverence, our Junior Seminar commenced with the symbolic lighting of the lamp—an enduring rite signifying wisdom and enlightenment. This sacred moment marked the beginning of a transformative three-day journey: a time of deepened faith, shared learning and personal reflection.

Day One: Self-Awareness and Mindfulness
On 19 May, we were privileged to open the seminar with a stimulating session led by Rev. Sr. Amala, who explored the twin themes of defence mechanisms and mindfulness. With poise and clarity, she introduced us to a range of psychological defences—denial, repression, projection, displacement, rationalisation, reaction formation and intellecttualisation—bringing each to life through vivid, real-world examples.
Turning to mindfulness, Sister urged us to step back from the clatter of daily life—to metaphorically “switch off notifications”—so we might truly inhabit the present moment. She guided us through breathing exercises, encouraged steadfastness in prayer, and emphasised patience with ourselves and others as foundations for sustained focus and inner calm.
Small-group discussions then enabled us to delve deeper, sharing reflections on thought-provoking prompts. These intimate circles fostered honest dialogue, mutual encouragement and genuine inspiration—inviting us into a more prayerful, attentive way of living.
“When hearts gather and voices rise in honest sharing, heaven listens. In every story told, every silence held, Christ walks among us.”

Days Two and Three: Vocation, Community and Conflict
Between 20 and 22 May, our gathering benefitted from a series of enriching presentations delivered by Fr Justin, Fr Guptha, Mr Jeevan and Mr Voym. Employing Scripture, interactive tasks and creative teaching methods, each speaker inspired deep reflection and spirited participation.
The Joy of Religious Vocation – Fr Justin
Fr Justin offered a moving reflection on the gift of religious vocation. Stressing that a vocation is not earned but bestowed by God, he unpacked its threefold dimensions:
1. The universal vocation to holiness
2. Each individual’s particular call to live that holiness
3. One’s personal mission or ministry in service of others
He reminded us that our entire lives constitute a vocational journey, responding to God’s call at different seasons. Authentic joy arises not from pursuing our own designs, but from discerning and embracing God’s purpose for us.
“We are chosen by God to serve His people.”
Conflict Management – Mr Jeevan and Mr Voym
In their engaging workshop on conflict resolution, Mr Jeevan and Mr Voym observed how overreliance on mobile technology can breed irritability and disconnection. They encouraged moderation in our digital habits, asserting that true peace stems from intentional living.
Highlighting that conflicts most often arise within our closest relationships—among our community, our families and our sisters—they urged us to confront rather than avoid disagreements. Simple gestures—a smile, a kind word, attentive listening—can serve as powerful tools for reconciliation.
Through role-play and partner activities, we practised these principles, learning to support one another, communicate with respect and nurture harmony in our shared life.
A Thanksgiving Finale
Our Junior Seminar drew to a close with a heartfelt thanksgiving prayer service, a time of praise, gratitude and renewed commitment. As hymns of worship resonated through the hall, we offered thanks to the Lord—for His guiding presence, for the wisdom imparted by our speakers and for the fellowship we shared.
We remembered with gratitude all who contributed behind the scenes—whose efforts made this experience possible—and celebrated the journey we had undertaken together.
“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures for ever.”— 1 Chronicles 16:34
Carrying the Flame Forward
This seminar was far more than a gathering; it was a pilgrimage of the heart. It reminded us that in community we are never alone, that our lives are woven into a divine narrative, and that every shared step strengthens our purpose.
“Together we walked, not as many but as one, each soul a spark beneath the same sun. In shared steps and united song, we discovered where true joy belongs.”
May the spirit of these days continue to flourish in our hearts, bearing fruit in our prayer, our relationships and our daily witness.

FaLang translation system by Faboba