The festival of Navratri celebrated at Kripa Vasai

Navratri Celebrations

On 29^thOctober 2012, a Navratri program was organized for the beneficiaries of Vasai Region AIDS Control Society (VRACS) and In-house clients of Vasai. The Guest of Honour was Mrs. Evette Coutinho who presided over the function.

A day’s effort by staff and beneficiaries was put in making preparations for the event. There was a pooja followed by the traditional ‘Garba’ dance. Clients and Staff of VRACS and Kripa Vasai participated in the dance. Another event was a fancy dress competition. The programme was well attended by about 150 men, women and children.

Prizes were given to the winners of the dance and fancy dress competition. Gifts and Snacks were distributed to all including health tonics to the children. The programme concluded with snacks and refreshments served to all.

Submitted by
Kripa vasai
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Mozen H.

Awareness for confirmation students at Infant Jesus Church- Vasai

On 24^th October 2012, Kripa Vasai conducted an awareness programme for around 30 students of Confirmation class at Infant Jesus Church, Vasai. The students along with their family listened with rapt attention to the resource team who gave sessions on Addiction, HIV AIDS, Risk Perception and Behaviour.

Submitted by
Kripa Vasai
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Awareness Programme for students at Kripa Goa

An Awareness Programme was held for Nursing Students of VRMF College of Nursing, Margao at  Kripa Anjuna. They were briefed on the De-Addiction Management & Rehabilitation based on the Kripa Model of Treatment for Substance Use Disorder (SUD). The batch of 25 students were shown the Documentary 'God's Grace', which was followed by Q & A Session. The students were accompanied by two Professors in attendance.

Submitted by :
Rhea and Paul Noronha
Kripa Anjuna.
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Fr. Joe conducts a retreat on Meditation & Yoga " Loving the Body back to life" at Manresa Jesuit Retreat Centre, Bloomfields Hills, Michigan

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Manresa Jesuit Spiritual Renewal Centre in Pickering. Manresa is not a thing but a place – a small town in Spain near Barcelona where St. Ignatius of Loyola stopped to meditate and pray in 1522. He had already laid aside his sword and his worldly ways but his path to conversion was still incomplete. He spent several months in a small cave doing battle with his fiercest opponent: himself. He struggled with feelings of worthlessness and despair as well as scrupulosity. In his autobiography he made it clear that he was near collapse. But he weathered the storm and having achieved a breakthrough he set off on the rest of his spiritual journey. The rest of his life would be marked by this experience. It was characterized by a sense of balance and the avoidance of extremes as well as the ability to see God in all things. Today one can visit the small cave where he passed those difficult months. It is now part of a large Jesuit church. During an Ignatian pilgrimage to Spain led in May by Fr. Scott Lewis S.J., director of Pickering’s Manresa, the pilgrims were able to celebrate Mass in this very cave.

But a trip to Spain – though very desirable and rewarding – is not necessary to appreciate Manresa. Many Jesuit retreat houses throughout the world take their name from this sacred place so it has come to denote an experience of spiritual awakening. The retreat is about deepening one’s relationship with God. Manresa has two very important tools for this quest. The first is the beauty of God’s creation manifested in its 21 acres. The second is something that our own culture cannot provide – silence. Unplugging from a frenetic and noisy environment can refresh and renew the body, mind, and spirit. Many who come for retreats wonder what two days of silence will be like and whether they are up to the challenge. Most agree that it was one of the richest and most consoling aspects of the retreat. The silence helps to create the conditions for listening to the inner voice of the Spirit. It is in these serene surroundings that Fr. Joe Pereira conducted a Meditation and Yoga   workshop “ Loving the body back to life”  through Intense Kripafoundation Iyengar Yoga®. The programme consisted of a talk and a practicum on using the body for Meditation.  This workshop was arranged with the help of Ms. Liz King WCCM co-ordinator, Ms. Grace Seroka- Yoga teacher at Manresa retreat Centre and Mr. Donald D’Mello, and supported by Fr. Gregory Hyde- Director Manresa Retreat Centre.

Fr. Joe also met many prominent personalities and Friends of kripa, especially Chief of Police Mr. Richard Matott city of Bloomfield Hills in Michigan, prominent lawyer Mr. Patrick Cleary of Bloomfield Hills and three girl students of theology who were particularly interested in “Contemplative Prayer”

The workshop was a grand success with participants returning home soaked in “The Silence of the Spirit” taught through prayer and meditation by Fr. Joe, many looking forward to his next visit to Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.

Photographs and Inputs submitted by

Donald D’Mello

Michigan, Detroit.

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Fr. Joe the Guest of Honor at a Fund Raising Dinner -Hosted by Dr. Ashok Bedi and Mrs. Usha Bedi at their residence.

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Oct 19 Night, A Fund Raising Dinner for Kripa Foundation was held at Dr. Bedi's home.Several dozens of people attended the dinner. Dr Ashok Bedi introduced Fr. Joe Pereira and the work of Kripa, after which Fr. Joe responded and addressed the gathering, who listened with apt attention and were appreciative of the work that he was doing. The guest  were treated to a sumptuous meal specially prepared with the ingredient of LOVE by Chef Usha Bedi (Wife of Dr. Ashok Bedi).  Fr.Joe was the Guest of Honor at this event. Indeed a day to rememeber with a proud "Salute" to Dr. Ashok Bedi and his wife Mrs. Usha Bedi for being a great host for that evening.

Submitted by
Bryant Mascarenhas
Photographs Curtesy
Dr. Ashok Bedi
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Fr Joe conducts Intense Kripafoundation Iyengar Yoga® in Milwaukee

 

 

Over 25 to 40 yoga students, doctors and yoga teachers attended four of Kripafoundation Iyengar Yoga® workshops conducted by Fr. Joe in Wautasowa, Milwaukee and Winconsin. His

dynamism was so contagious, that  everyone felt uplifted. says Bryant  Mascarenhas of  Santosh Yogai "I  personally felt so much of love pouring out of Fr.Joe teaching that I was moved by tears of joy." 

 23 yoga teachers of Bryant Mascarenhas attended these events ,where  everyone felt the joy, love and the expertise of Fr.Joe, who covered many topics of yoga healing, and how we are all in need of healing. He expounded on Gods love and Christ as the source of healing for all Christians. Fr. Joe said " whether we believed or not in a God, at the end of the day do we have peace in our hearts and minds. Do we live with gratitude for what we have and have become..........and much much more?"

Many of the group members said "We can't wait to meet Fr. Joe again, possibly in Goa, India. ". All faith expressions were moved by Fr.Joe amplification of 'love', expressed through taking care of your body, as the vehicle of God's spirit.

With inputs from
Bryant Mascarenhas
Milwaukee
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Fr. Joe presents Kripafoundation Iyengar Yoga® workshop at AURORA PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITAL, WAUWATOSA .

On October 19th morning Kripafoundation Iyengar Yoga® workshop was held at a leading group of Hospitals in Wauwatosa, WI. presented by Fr.Joe Pereira, Dr.Ashok Bedi (Jungian Psychoanalyst), and Kripa' presence in the  US lead by Bryant Mascarenhas.

Dr.Ashok Bedi, Dr.Murthy, Director of Integrative Medicine, Aurora Sinai - Nancy Conway, Fr. Joe, Bryant Mascarenhas, Vice President of Aurora Psychiatric Hospital, Larry Lenz in the photograph

Fr.Joe presented for 2 hours with Dr.Ashok Bedi opening the presentation to a large group of medical doctors, hospital administrators, nurses, care givers, yoga practitioners and yoga teachers.
Fr.Joe expounded on how the Kripa Model of Recovery embraces the technologies of the 12 step progam and helps to bridge the body and  Kripafoundation Iyengar Yoga®  with 'healing the spirit'.
There was a lot of interest created by Fr.Joe in the group on the importance of 'Loving the body back to life' and how breathing, meditation and the entire psychology of yoga is used.

Dr. Ashok Bedi opened the talk in welcoming Fr.Joe to Aurora Group of Hospitals. Dr. Bedi presented the important steps in the healing process. Prayer, Humour and Yoga being a part of the larger whole.

Bryant Mascarenhas demonstrated the Kripafoundation Iyengar Yoga® model as a practice of healing, rather than a quick fix of techniques, under the instructions and guidance of Fr.Joe.

Submitted by
Newsdesk
 

Durga Puja celebration By Kripa Kolkata

 

 

Durga Puja festival marks the victory of Goddess Durga over the evil buffalo demon Mahishasura.

Durga Puja is widely celebrated all over in the state of  West Bengal which has a majority of Bengali Hindus, it is the biggest festival of the year, and spread over a five day annual festival.Not only is it the biggest Hindu festival celebrated throughout the state, it is also the most significant socio-cultural event in Bengali society. Thus, Durga Puja festival epitomises the victory of Good over Evil.

 Kripa Kolkata also celebrated the festival by pledging a drug free life and held a Durga Puja at the Counseling Center in Rasbehari Avenue which had the presence of a large gathering of Kripa Family Kolkatta headed by  Ms. Debjani Guha and Dr. Sandip Mitra.

Submitted by
Dr. Sandip Mitra
Kripa Kolkatta
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Mayor Marathon 2012

 

 

 

Mayor Marathon 2012

On 14^th October 2012, Kripa Vasai took active part in the Marathon, under the theme, ‘Save a Girl Child’.

The Staff and In-house clients set up an awareness stall at Papdy junction. The team displayed banners and posters while cheering the runners. They also gave valuable information on Kripa, VRACS, Kripa Nursing Home and its facilities to those who visited the stall. Pamphlets on Addiction and HIV AIDS and Red Ribbons were also distributed to the passersby’s.

 

Writeup and Collage by

Mozebn H

 

Awareness program in School- Kripa Assam

 

 

Awareness Programme on Substance Abuse

On 10^th October 2012, Kripa Assam conducted an Awareness programme on Substance Abuse for students of Geetanagar High School.

Topics on Addiction; its relation to HIV AIDS and other infections, Kripa Model of Recovery, Holistic Methodology and Changes in lifestyle were explained to the students. The testimonies shared by the resource team could serve as an eye-opener for the participants. The students were impressed with the programme and gave their feedback

Submitted by

Kripa Assam

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Fr. Joe felicitates Jim P in Oakville, Ontario, Canada

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Awareness Programme for College Students in Vasai

On 5^th October 2012, in collaboration with Vasai Industrial Association & Lions Club of Vasai, Kripa conducted an awareness programme for around 500 Students of Viva Engineering & Management College.

Topics on Addiction, Kripa Model of Recovery, Distribution of Pamphlets, HIV-AIDS were conducted and In-house clients shared their life stories. The students showed keen interest followed by a question-answer session. The students promised to extend their support and cooperation by identifying their relatives and friends as addicts and referring them for treatment.

 

Submitted by

Kripa Vasai

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Fr. Joe offers Mass and meets with Friends of Kripa in Vancouver

During his on going visit abroad, Fr. Joe offerred mass for Friends of Kripa at Sacred Heart Church, Vancouver, Canada. His homily was much appreciated by one and all who participated in the Eucharist celebration.
After the mass Fr. Joe met many of the years friends and well wishers of Kripa from Mumbai and Goa. Most touching was to meet many from the musical play "WITNESS".

Submitted & collage by
Newsdesk.

 

Awareness on Visarjan day in Vasai

On 29^th September 2012, Kripa Vasai commemorated the ‘Visarjan’; immersions of the Elephant God by setting up at Awareness stall near the Vasai Highway.

 

The resource team distributed pamphlets, ribbons, and slogan printed head bands to the participants of the ‘Visarjan’. Posters were displayed at the stall. The team gave information on Kripa & VRACS, its facilities and services to those who visited the stall. Recovering A.A. Members and In-house clients also gave their valuable support in interacting with the community.

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Kripa Vasai

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Awareness for school children by Kripa Assam

On 3rd October 2012, Kripa Guwahati conducted an awareness programme on Chemical Dependency for the students of Bhaskar Vidyapith Higher Secondary School .-Guwahati

The students were explained the various aspects of addiction, benefits of Holistic ways and changes in lifestyle. They also shared their personal experiences that greatly enriched the student’s knowledge.

 

Submitted by Kripa Assam

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Awareness for a school in railway colony by Kripa Assam

Awareness Programme for School Children

 

On 28^th September 2012, Kripa Assam conducted an Awareness Programme for the Students of Adarsha Hindi Vidyalaya Railway Colony, Guwahati.

 

The students were oriented  on Chemical Dependency and its effects on Self, Society and Family, its relation to HIV/ AIDS ,changes in lifestyle and testimonies of clients in recovery, which ended with a question-answer session.

 

Submitted by

Kripa Assam

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Mozen H

Fr. Joe conducts a yoga retreat in Moose Jaw

 

Father Joe's Moose Jaw Retreat 2012

For Thanksgiving weekend, many yoga students came from across Canada to the "Forest" in Moose Jaw to be able to practice and soak up Father Joe' teaching. Retreating into the quietude and the nature gave us a chance to slow down and to tune in.

 

Father Joe asked us not to "work out", but rather to "work in" and guided us to move beyond our left brain mind and to experience the "Cloud of the Unknowing." Throughout the retreat we were asked to let go of our ego and our masculine side which wants to "play God", force and control everything. Instead were were asked to honour and respect our feminine side which has the infinite capacity to receive and to "Let God." and to access the COLLECTIVE CONSCIOUSNESS through our inner knowing and intuition.

 

Father told us that gratitude is the best attitude as a yogi. Father constantly asked us and challenged us become steady and relaxed without losing our connecting to our heart and the earth, even when the poses became difficult. It was amazing to experience our connection to the 5 elements in our bodies and the universe through Father's guidance.

We all felt so blessed to be able to spend 5 half days with such a beautiful guide and master. Over the 5 days, by the Grace of Father Joe and God we moved toward and met with the Antaryamin or the "inner controller" through spending the day practicing asana, pranayama, praying and meditating.

 

The teachings and compassion of Guruji and Mother Theresa flowed through Father Joe, each day we were gifted a song from "The Singing Priest and on Saturday we were also blessed to receive a Thanksgiving Mass, it is always a beautiful experience feeling the love and connection emanating through Father from "His Supreme Yogi, Jesus."

 

On the final two days many people did things they never thought possible and moved from the known to the unknown through the instrument of our bodies. God made things happen when we let our self limiting self go!

During the Final Session Father Joe looked out the window of the "Blue Room" and pointed out to us all our brother and sister (white tailed deer) had come to wish us a happy thanksgiving and hopped back into the forrest.

 

I am always amazed at Father Joe's vitality, he told us he has "banished the word tired from his vocabulary" and he has miraculous capacity to access each one of us at our core. Each person I talked to seemed to have the same feeling as I, that Father Joe spoke directly to our souls.

I know I can speak for the others at the retreat when I say, We are all truly thankful for Father Joe and His Joy of Loving, Joy of Living and Joy of Serving.

 

I know that we are supposed to stay "Present" as yogis, but we are already looking forward to HIS retreat in 2013!

 

With Love and Gratitude

Ryan

Article and Photographs submitted by

Ryan Leier.

Moose Jaw

 

Awareness along the route on the final day of emersion of Ganapati by Kripa Dharavi

On 29^th September 2012, Kripa Dharavi set up an Awareness Stall at Dharavi on the route of  Ganapati's being taken for  immersion.

The Kripa team of  staff and street children reached out to the community by putting up a drining water stall, which was patronized by a large number of devotees along the route of emersion.

Display of Banners and IEC Materials were put up at strategic points, information on addcition as well as slogan printed ribbons and pamphlets on ill effects of addiction were also distributed.

 

Submitted by

Kripa Dharavi

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Mozen H.

Awareness Programme during the festival of Ganapati in Vasai

 

On the occasion of Ganpati festival, Kripa Vasai conducted awareness programmes on 25^th and 26^thSeptember 2012 in different areas of Vasai for members of the General Community.

There was an Awareness stall well displayed with posters and pamphlets and other Informative reading materials. In-house clients helped at the stall while staff interacted with the community to answer the queries posed to them. Anti Drug Slogans were shouted out at regular intervals. The local leaders who supported the stall showed their appreciation and requested for more such programmes in the forthcoming festivals.

 

Submitted by

Kripa Vasai

Mozen H

Training Programme on Child Counselling at Kripa Guwahati

Training Programme on Child Counselling at Kripa Guwahati

 On 25^th September 2012, a training programme on child counselling was conducted for the staff  by

 Dr. Rita Rani Talukdar, Prof. Department of Psychology, Gauhati University.

 

The training  consisted of various techniques of Child Counselling like Drawing, story telling, and Puppetry  which can be utilised while conducting programmes for Street and School Children.

 

Submitted by

Kripa Guwahati

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Fr. Joe conducts intense Kripafoundation Iyengar Yoga® in Vancouver

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