SH youth leaders ‘follow the Passion of the Lord’

BUNDU TUHAN – Forty-six young people from the various youth ministries of Sacred Heart Cathedral Parish gathered together at Bundu Tuhan Retreat Center for a retreat, which was called for by Archbishop John Wong, the parish priest. The attendees were “core team” members of the respective youth ministries in the parish.

The theme for the weekend was “Following the Passion of the Lord”. The purpose was for the leaders to deepen their understanding of their mission and role as leaders in service of the youth in the parish, as well as to get to know fellow leaders from other ministries better. It was also the first of such a weekend that was held for youth leaders in the parish.

Anthony Lim was  the speaker and retreat master of the weekend. The sessions that were given were drawn out from the movie, “The Passion of the Christ” and were given over five main “reflections”, which emphasised on mission, conversion and discipleship, the nature of sin and evil, the passion of God’s saving love, and the seven last words of Jesus. Time was given for everyone to ponder on all they have heard through personal reflection, group sharing, and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and the Sacrament of Reconciliation for those who required.

Archbishop John Wong, together with Deacon Joshua Liew, were present with the youth throughout the whole weekend.  In his homily, the prelate said he was happy to see the response of the youth leaders for the weekend. He drew out from the Gospel on how Jesus revealed the glory of God through a blind man with impediment, and encouraged everyone to be open to be used by God in any way that He wants. – Aline Lim

Throughout the retreat I can really feel God’s love  pouring out for me and increasing my desire to serve Him and His people. It was an amazing experience where I learned so many things just by reflecting on “The Passion Of Christ.”  Words can’t express how blessed I feel to be God’s instrument even when I am weak and broken. I am looking forward to the next leadership retreat for all the youth leaders for this is a good place where all of us can come together to be renewed, to draw closer to God, and to bond with our brothers and sisters in Christ. – Edna Thecla

I was excited and eagerly waited for what Jesus has in store for me on this retreat. The Passion movie has helped to deepen my knowledge about faith. The explanation and sharing by Uncle Anthony Lim about the role of each person who was with Jesus along the way has helped me to reflect my own relationship with Jesus and my service to Him. The words, “Jesus was born to die, and to save people from sin, the veil of the Temple is opened for everyone,” made me ask myself, “What then is my purpose?” The answer is to find, know, love and serve like Jesus. I am also moved by the presence of our Archbishop who was always with us, treating us, providing us with lots of snacks, just like Jesus treating the children with full of love and patience. – Lily Yaacob

I will sum the weekend in a few words, Friendship, Unity, Love and Truth.  I’ve learned and also have been reminded again how important friendship with one another is in our service for the Lord and that we ought to ‘die’ (losing or giving up what we hold dear) to the people we call friends or neighbours.  The Year of Mercy is once again reminding me of God’s mercy for all and therefore, I too should be merciful to others. – Denis Tsen

The details of the retreat were kept well by the organisers, for it was only when I was in the retreat that all excitement was unveiled and I enjoyed the retreat. I have watched the Passion movie more than five times. The movie has always given me the message of Jesus’ love, and it had always made me cry. However, I had a whole new insight when I watched it this time. This time I realised the beauty of ‘gaze’.  Mother Mary’s gaze upon the suffering of her Son Jesus, the disciples’ gaze upon their master, Simon helps Jesus with the cross, Veronica wipes the face of Jesus and other scenes had help me to realise the beauty of ‘gaze’. I am an active youth and occasionally will organise community activities in the church. With this, I started to reflect on my personal relationship with Jesus. Did I gaze into Jesus’s eyes? Did I communicate with Him? Did I gaze upon the face of Jesus in the silence of my heart? All this had helped me to examine my relationship with Jesus, and how to communicate with Jesus in stillness. I am so thankful that the organiser had arranged such a warm hearted retreat as it refreshed me and redeveloped my relationship with Jesus. I’m looking forward for the next youth retreat. – Margaret Chung