Shine with Sai: Mid-Central Region
The SSSIO-USA Mid-Central Region held its annual retreat at the Sri Sathya Sai Center of Greater St. Louis over Memorial Day weekend, 2025. The retreat, themed "Shine with Sai," featured guest speaker Dr. Ramadevi Sankaran. She captivated attendees with inspiring stories of dedicated service at medical camps worldwide. Dr. Sankaran emphasized the grace and blessing of being instruments of love, reminding everyone that "He is the doer."
Devotees gathered to sing praises of Sai, share His love, and were inspired to renew their commitment to shine through service. Dr. Sankaran's accounts of life-saving miracles, unfolded through divine grace, deeply touched and stirred hearts, prompting attendees to experience the Sai within. Her integration of Sai teachings into her medical practice also served as an inspiring example.
Activities and Service
The weekend was filled with joy, especially during devotional singing. Center Presidents provided updates on the impactful service projects and activities zealously carried out by their members. The Women's Wing also shared their latest initiatives.
A highlight of the retreat was Saturday evening's service project: knitting 100 baby caps in honor of Sri Sathya Sai Baba's 100th birthday. Participants eagerly learned new skills, engaging in a three-step sadhana:
-
Purifying oneself by identifying negative thoughts.
-
Surrendering all negativity to Sai.
-
Sending love to the newborns who would receive the caps.
An Uplifting Close
The retreat concluded on Sunday morning with more heartfelt words of wisdom from Dr. Sankaran. The morning program showcased the talents of young Sai devotees, including an engaging presentation by the Sai Spiritual Education (SSE) children and an interactive activity on the five koshas by the older Group 4 SSE children (aged 15-18). The program also celebrated the graduation of high school seniors and their transition to the Young Adult Program. It culminated in a dynamic skit and musical performance by the Young Adults.
Voices from the Retreat
A first-time attendee, a young adult, found the retreat profoundly uplifting. She particularly enjoyed Dr. Ramadevi's stories, which perfectly embodied the retreat's theme. She cherished connecting with other young adults and participating in the skit that powerfully conveyed the message: Follow the Master, Face the Devil, Fight to the End, and Finish the Game.
Another devotee shared, "Twelve of us from Nashville just returned from a beautifully blissful weekend retreat in St. Louis. It had deeply recharged our souls. When we begin to see Sai in everyone, everything within us begins to transform. We don’t choose to walk Sai path. He lovingly chooses us. Never take that for granted. It is a privilege, not a right, to have a community we call our Sai Center. Let’s cherish it with gratitude."
A third attendee noted, "Spiritual retreats are an opportunity to recharge, and the last couple of retreats have been very special. I would like to think it is because of where I am in my journey, but I cannot understate the love that permeates the group, truly reflecting His life and His message. I did not want to travel back home from that space, but here I am."