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EXCERPTS FROM THE CSECNG WEBINAR
SUMMARY FROM THE CSECNG WEBINAR – click here to download document
SUMMARY FROM THE CSECNG WEBINAR
Date: 21st February, 2026
Speakers: Rev. Fr. Dr. George Kwasi Kyeremeh – (PhD in Religious Studies and Master of Arts in both Religious Studies and Mental Health Counceling.) and Rev. Fr. Francis Fourjour – (Master of Arts in the Study of Religion and Spiritualities.)
Moderators: Sr. Mary Assunta Zaagbeb and Sr. Immaculate Lugugia
Session 2: Spirituality and Psychological Well-being
Theme: Rooted in God: Inner Strength in the Season of Aging
Session Goal
To help participants recognize that their spiritual life is not diminished by aging but can become a profound source of psychological resilience, peace, and fulfillment.
- Prayer, Contemplation, and Sacraments as Anchors for Mental Resilience
Key Ideas:
– Prayer as emotional regulation: bringing fears, frustrations, and loneliness before God.
– Contemplation as a space of rest — allowing the mind to slow down.
– The Eucharist and Reconciliation as healing encounters that renew identity.
– The Rosary, Divine Office, and silent adoration as stabilizing daily rhythms.
Psychological Insight:
– Regular spiritual practices create structure, which reduces anxiety.
– Silence and contemplative prayer lower stress levels and enhance inner calm.
– Confession fosters emotional release and reconciliation with self and others.
Discussion Prompt:
– How has your prayer life changed as you have grown older?
– What form of prayer now brings you the most peace?
Practical Suggestions:
– Introduce breath prayer (“Lord Jesus, you are my peace.”).
– Encourage shorter but deeper prayer times if concentration decreases.
– Normalize distractions in prayer as part of aging, not failure.
- Finding Meaning and Purpose in Reduced Ministry
Key Ideas:
– Identity is rooted in vocation, not productivity.
– Transition from active apostolate to ministry of presence and prayer.
– The hidden apostolate: suffering offered in union with Christ.
– Becoming spiritual elders — witnesses of perseverance and faith.
Theological Reflection:
– In Scripture, elders are bearers of wisdom (cf. Titus 2:2–3).
– Jesus’ hidden years were as meaningful as His public ministry.
– The Cross shows that apparent weakness can become redemptive strength.
Psychological Insight:
– Loss of roles can trigger sadness or depression.
– Purpose is essential for mental health at any age.
– Mentorship and storytelling preserve meaning.
Activity Idea (Mini-Exercise):
Participants write down:
– “What gifts do I still have?”
– “How can I serve in small but meaningful ways?”
Examples:
– Praying intentionally for younger members
– Writing encouragement letters
– Sharing community history and charism
- Embracing “Being” Over “Doing” in Later Years
Key Ideas:
– Moving from achievement to communion.
– Accepting limitations without shame.
– Living as a sign of God’s faithfulness across decades.
– Interior fruitfulness rather than external productivity.
Reflection Questions:
– Who am I when I can no longer “do” what I once did?
– Can I accept help with humility and grace?
Spiritual Integration:
– Aging mirrors Christ’s surrender on the Cross.
– The elderly religious becomes a contemplative witness.
– The ministry of presence — simply being there — is powerful.
Practical Tools:
– Practice daily gratitude journaling.
– Short examen prayer at night focusing on “Where did I experience God today?”
– Gentle acceptance prayer: “Lord, I receive this day as it is.”
Structure:
- Gentle breathing (2 minutes)
- Scripture reflection (Isaiah 46:4 – “Even to your old age I am He…”)
- Visualization:
– Imagine walking with Jesus through different stages of your life.
– See Him walking beside you now.
– Hear Him say: “You are still my beloved servant.”
- Silent personal prayer.
- Soft closing prayer.
Purpose:
To reinforce security, identity, and belonging in God.
Additional Optional Activities
- Spiritual Timeline Exercise
Participants draw a simple timeline of their vocation:
– Moments of joy
– Times of struggle
– Major turning points
Then reflect: “Where was God most present?”
- Affirmation Exercise
Invite participants to:
– Write one spiritual strength they see in another participant.
– Share it aloud.
(This builds dignity and combats feelings of uselessness.)
- Communal Prayer of Surrender
Together pray:
> “Lord, I give you my past with gratitude,
> my present with trust,
> and my future with hope.”
Key Takeaway for Participants
– Aging does not weaken vocation; it deepens it.
– Mental well-being grows when we accept this stage as a sacred calling.
– In later years, religious life becomes less about activity and more about communion, surrender, and quiet fruitfulness.