Pre-trip classes: November 28-30, January 16-18 2009

Travel & Study in India:  February 8- March 8 2009

Post-trip class: April 26-28

(tuition includes:  Winnipeg/India transportation, all in-country transport, all in-country meals

twin accommodation, visas, and entrance fees while in India)

Weekend 1: Friday November 28  6:00-9:30 p.m. (Dinner included)

Introduction to course, (syllabus and trip itinerary), participants, professor

Pre-trip essentials: visas, health, luggage, food                                             

Lecture/Discussion: History and Religions India

Saturday November 29  9:30 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. (Lunch and snacks included)

Introduction to contemplative prayer                                                             

Transpersonal model of Spiritual Growth, part1

Sunday November 30 24 9:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. (Lunch included)

Meditation practice                                                                                         

Liberation Theology, part 1                                                                    

Weekend 2: Friday January 16  6:00-9:30 p.m. (Dinner included)

Liberation Theology, Part 2                                                                             

Saturday January 17 9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (Lunch and snacks included)

Introduction to contemplative compassion practice "Tonglin"                         

Trip Preparation: logistics, travel arrangements, program updates

Transpersonal model of Spiritual Growth, part 2

Sunday January 18 9:30 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. (Lunch included)

Who we are: discussion of personal understanding and experience              

of spiritual growth and theology

Travel and Study in India:  Sunday February 8- Sunday March 8

(all air and ground transportation, meals in India, and accommodation included)

Feb 8-9:  Travel from Winnipeg to Aurangabad

Feb 9-13: Aurangabad:

                    While in Aurangabad, we have a chance to get acclimatized to the sight, sounds, and climate of India. We also have an opportunity to become grounded in some of the rich religious history of India through our visits to the Ellora and Ajanta Caves. 

Feb 14: Transfer to Pune

Feb 14-19: Pune:

                    We will be guests at Jnana-Deepa Vidyapeeth (Pontifical Institute of Philosophy and Religion). Here we will meet with Theology students and faculty to discuss issues of colonization, globalization, and inculturation. We will attend both  Syro-Malabar and  Syro-Malankara rite masses.

Feb 19: Transfer to Goa

Feb 19-22: Pilar Seminary, Goa

                     In Goa we will visit the tomb of St. Francis Xavier and explore the tremendous influence of European culture on the expression of Christianity in this state. We will be hosted by the Re-animation Centre at Pilar Seminary. There we will have an opportunity to explore the vital role of the arts in the expression of spirituality and in spiritual development.                  

Feb 22: Transfer to Hospet

Feb 22-23: Hospet

                    Hospet is simply a home base from which we can visit the ruined ancient city of Hampi. Our day trip will include greeting the sunrise, a visit to two Ganesh temples, and a cycle round some rice paddies.

Feb 24: Transfer to Bangalore

Feb 24-27: National Biblical Cathetical Liturgical Centre (NBCLC) Bangalore

                    NBCLC has been at the forefront in the work of inculturation and of the promotion of the arts in religious and spiritual practice. They are home to the liturgical dance troupe "Nrityavani," have been blessed with the work of Artist in Residence Joyti Sahi and artist and doll maker Francoise Bosteels and many gifted pastoral theologians. At NBCLC we will have discussions with Fr. Samy on inculturation, attend a mass which includes the use of traditional Indian Dance, and examine some of the effects of globalization in this the fastest growing city in the country. While in Bangalore, we will also visit a major Krishna temple

Feb 28: Transfer to Mysore

Feb 28-March 4: Satya Seva Sisters and children, Mysore

                        The Satya Seva Sisters have taken on a special outreach to the impoverished children living in the neighborhood. Dozens of children gather at their convent every evening for tutoring in their school work and diner. While we are there, we will have chance to interact with the children over arts and crafts projects.

March 4: Transfer to Dubare Elephant Camp

March 4-6: Elephant Camp:

                        The hill country of Coorg is the home of the Dubare Elephant Camp. This will be our retreat centre where we will reflect on our journey, discussions, discoveries. Of course, we will have time to play with the elephants as well!

March 7: Transfer to Mumbai for return to Canada

March 8: Arrive home

Post-trip class: Friday April 26, 6:00-9:30 p.m. (Dinner included)

Sharing of pictures and stories

Evaluation   

Saturday April 27, 9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (Snacks included)

Theological reflections on the journey, liberation, and spiritual growth

Evaluation 

Sunday April 28, 9:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Meditation Practice

Our personal discoveries

Send mail to l.graves@iitheoed.com with questions or comments.
Copyright © 2007 Institute for International Theological Education