India: Formation Expert Sr. Anna Mary Thumma Highlights Psychological Integration for Future Mission

“Formation must move from information to transformation,” said Sr. Anna Mary Thumma, SCCG, as she addressed Church leaders and formators at the National Conference on Formation held from February 27–28 at the Institute Mater Dei in Goa, southwest India. She called for deeper psychological and spiritual integration in preparing men and women for religious life and mission.

Sr. Anna Mary, a provincial councillor of her congregation, also heads the Safeguarding Office of the Conference of Religious Women India (CRWI). She delivered a session titled “Pastoral Psychological Perspectives on Healing of a Fragmented Society: Forming a Heart of Integrity / Connected Relations for Effective Mission 2035.”

Her presentation focused on pastoral psychology as a framework for integral formation. She argued that the Church’s future mission depends on forming individuals with emotional maturity, interior freedom, and the capacity to build healthy relationships.

Describing the social context in which formation takes place, she referred to Generation Z as “digital natives” who are creative and searching for meaning, yet often shaped by fragile family experiences, superficial online connections, and spiritual disconnection. These realities, she said, can contribute to anxiety, loneliness, mistrust, and identity confusion.

Quoting Pope Francis’ apostolic exhortation Christus Vivit, she emphasized that young people are “not a problem but a gift and a resource.” However, she noted that effective accompaniment requires formators who themselves are emotionally integrated and capable of empathetic listening.

A central theme of her address was the integration of the four pillars of formation, human, spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral. These dimensions, she stressed, must function as a unified process rather than as separate tracks. The human dimension is foundational, she said, and includes self-awareness, healing of trauma, resilience, and growth toward what she described as self-transcendent love.

Sr. Anna Mary outlined three interconnected levels of formation. First, it is a personal journey in which each candidate assumes responsibility for his or her growth. Drawing from the spirituality of St. Ignatius of Loyola, she highlighted the importance of discerning between immediate attractions and choices that lead to lasting maturity and authentic freedom.

Second, formation is communal. She called for formative communities to be structured as safe environments, supported by clear safeguarding mechanisms and accountability. Safeguarding compliance, she said, is not optional but integral to the credibility of Church institutions.

Third, formation is lifelong. She described it as an ongoing pilgrimage sustained by prayer, discernment, and participation in the sacramental life of the Church.

Addressing sexuality, she stressed the need for a mature and positive understanding of sexuality as part of human development. Education in sexuality, chaste living, and celibacy must be approached with clarity and depth, she said, noting that unresolved issues can affect both personal integrity and ministry.

Within this broader context, Sr. Anna Mary emphasized that credible mission begins with integral formation. In societies marked by fragmentation and mistrust, she said, the Church’s effectiveness will depend on forming men and women capable of responsible relationships, emotional maturity, and sustained commitment to service.