India. On 21 September 2024, an international webinar was held on the theme “Educating for a meaningful meaning: An inspiration from Meaning Therapy”, promoted by the Auxilium Arts and Science College for Women, in Chittampatti, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, one of the Institutes of Higher Studies of the FMA of the Indian Province Our Lady of the Snow (INT).
The event – with the aim of talking about the importance of finding a deep meaning in one’s life – was attended by 345 people, mostly young academics, educators, and FMA, from 12 ISS-FMA coming from 5 countries in Asia and Africa.
Sister Sundaram Bernadette Neha opened the webinar with a short prayer and praise song. Among the guests were Sister Ivone Goulart Lopes, ISS-FMA contact person for the Youth Ministry Sector; Sister Lolia Neli, Sector Collaborator; and Sister Regina Rathinasamy, responsible for English-speaking Asia and Africa region. Sister Vedamuthu Saveriammal FMA, Director and Secretary of the Auxilium Arts and Science College for Women, welcomed the participants; and then Sister Jennifer Samson Gnana presented the theme.
During the event, Sister Jennifer highlighted key aspects of the “Therapy of Meaning”, elaborated by Dr. Paul Wong, based on the positive existential psychology of Viktor Frankl. He stressed the importance of self-transcendence and its four characteristics, presenting practical tools to help people find meaning in life. Among the strategies discussed, the “PURE Intervention Strategy” stands out, which includes four main elements: P-Positivity: Focus on positive aspects and promote an optimistic mentality. U – Usefulness: Recognize the purpose of experiences, even difficult ones. R – Report: Valuing social relations for emotional well-being. E – Hope: Encouraging a positive vision of the future.
Participants were encouraged to reflect on the “Four Meanings of Life Trials” and performed practical exercises that stimulated acceptance and commitment. Sister Jennifer asked provocative questions about what really gives meaning to life and how one can cope with difficult times.
The event concluded with the participation of young women from Mary our Help Technical Institute for Women, from the Philippines, who raised interesting issues for debate. It was concluded that everyone can find meaning in their lives, regardless of their origins or the circumstances they are living.
This webinar not only offered a chance for an exchange of ideas, but also strengthened the belief that through Meaning Therapy everyone can discover the light that guides them on their life path.
At the end of the webinar, Sister Neha expressed her gratitude to all participants. Sister Ivone Goulart Lopes and Sister Lolia Neli also thanked all those who were involved, highlighting the importance of positive psychology in personal transformation.
This statement, “Life never becomes unbearable because of circumstances, but rather for lack of meaning and purpose” by Viktor Frankl reflects the central idea of Logotherapy, which Frankl developed, underlining the importance of finding meaning in life, even in difficult situations. For him, the search for meaning is fundamental to mental and emotional health, and the ability to find purpose can help individuals overcome even the most extreme challenges.
“Taking care of others is not only a skilled job, but a true mission that is fully realized when scientific knowledge meets the fullness of humanity and translates into tenderness that knows how to approach and take care of the other” (Pope Francis, 2021).
