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Young Priest Gathering 2025
Personal Sharing by participants
’You’re not superheroes. You’re not the saviour of the world. Someone’s already done that and you’re serving him.’ This powerful reminder came during one of our sessions of the Young Priests’ Gathering 2025 (YPG) held in the Melaka-Johor Diocese from 6-10 October 2025. It was a fitting reminder to us priests not just to focus on the one who called us to our current state of life but also of our own vulnerabilities and weaknesses as human persons. It wasn’t just the little nuggets of wisdom and consolation such as this that made the YPG such a valuable programme for all of us involved.
The YPG is an annual event that brings priests who have been ordained for 5 year and under from the dioceses of Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei together for several days of meeting, seminars, prayer and fellowship. This year, the organisers from the Melaka-Johor Diocese brought us on a pilgrimage from Johor Bahru to Melaka, via Kluang, stopping at the pilgrimage sites of the diocese and celebrating masses at the various parishes that we visited. The generosity and hospitality of all the families and parishioners we met was quite overwhelming and that too gave an insight into the role of the priest in the lives of the people we minister to.
The other moving aspect of the YPG was the convivial sense of collegiality that we all experienced. Being able to be with others who have also experienced the ‘growing pains’ of initial priestly ministry gave us the space to share the joys and challenges of who we are and what we do. It was a privileged moment of grace as we were able to both give and receive encouragement on our journey as priests, knowing that we have companions on our journey, despite being spread throughout the dioceses and parishes that we minister in.
A highlight of the programme for many of us was the homestay and programmes with the parish of St Mary’s in Ayer Salak, Melaka. Being able to stay with and interact with our host families and seeing the vibrancy of the parish as we prayed and ate together allowed us an insight into the lives of the very close-knit Catholic community there.
We left Melaka with hearts filled with gratitude for the people we met and experiences gained but also with a renewed sense of mission, to bring everything that the YPG offered to us back to our lives and ministries. We thank God for the gift of the priestly vocation and also for the gift of all the people who support our priests through assistance, work and prayer. – Fr Stanley Goh, SJ, Archdiocese of Kuching
This was my first time attending the Young Priests’ Gathering since my ordination around eight months ago. The program was truly beneficial, especially in promoting ongoing formation essential for academic, spiritual, and communal growth. It also highlighted the importance of caring for both physical and mental well-being to serve more effectively in the Lord’s vineyard. – Fr Nelbart Peter, Diocese of Keningau
Since it was my first time at the Young Priests’ Gathering, I did not know what to expect. I was struck by the hospitality of my Malaysian brother priests, many of whom I was only meeting for the first time. I also was grateful for the time spent with our host families – sharing a little of their lives and exchanging stories of faith. My favourite moment was a short Eucharistic adoration session we had as young priests – together giving thanks to the Lord for His priesthood in which we share. What a grace amidst our own unworthiness! – Fr Timothy Soo, Archdiocese of Singapore
YPG2025 reminded me that I am not alone in this vocation, and more importantly, that God walks with us in very real ways. In prayer, laughter and honest sharing with my brother priests, I felt Him healing parts of me I didn’t realise were tired. Staying with families humbled me—being loved as a son, not just a priest. I leave renewed, grateful and hopeful for the Church. – Friar Crispus Mosinoh,OFM, Diocese of Penang
A mild, overcast sky enveloped YPG 2025, as the Religious or Diocesan Priest from the different settings of Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei gathered once more in order, but also the experience of gathering and sharing can re-energize for us a young priest to promote vocation, and to journey together with hope. And this year was hosted by Malacca Johore Diocese.
What Bishop Richard Ng (Bishop of Miri) said the “Under 5 years gathering of was a wonderful opportunity for those who are relatively new, to catch up and spend some time together”.
It was time to come together and share our story of our ministry in our perspective fields. We were given an opportunity to share our joys and challenges in ministry.
Generally, the place is very nice, the food is very good and the accommodations are prepared well. The talks are very interesting and very challenging for us and also for the young. Through different enjoyable, adventurous and memorable the place of Melaka ( it’s a very historical place) and the other events especially visiting local communities, participate in local customs,to enjoy, dance and eat with them. And celebrate events like Mass to connect with the people or parishioners.
Most of all, many deep happiness. On behalf of my fellow young priests of Miri Diocese, we are deeply appreciative of all the hard work and dedication that went into making this gathering a spiritual success. Fr. Sixtus and Fr. Aaron, the rest of the community of Malacca Johor Diocese, your hospitality and thoughtful planning made this a truly special and memorable for us. Thank you for providing us with such a blessed and spiritual experience. May God bless you.- In Christ through Mary, Fr. Glenn Flores, MHM , Diocese of Miri
The experience of the YPG was one of convivial collegiality, where connections were renewed and new contacts forged. The fellowship also gave us much needed consolation as we were able to share the joys and challenges of priestly ministry. I’m very grateful for the opportunity to be able to connect in such a way with my brother priests. Fr Ricki Boy Hasim – Diocese of Sandakan
This year again. My 4th YPG. It’s always a blessing to be part of Young Priests Gathering. I look forward to meet all my friends and to treasure the past. This year Melaka Johor diocese is the host. A remarkable effort and arrangement by our priests of that diocese. Personally I treasure and cherish the mental health formation where I learn that mental health is vital in my Journey as a young priest. As a broken and wounded priests I look forward to meet my brother priests for support and love. During these days I encountered God through our fellowship and Mass. In my opinion, young priests are often seen as new kid on the block. Through this YPG we as young priests encouraged one another. I feel that this gathering should continue so we look for inspiration and encouragement. – Fr Michel Dass, Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur
Organizing YPG2025 wasn’t always easy, but seeing the priests genuinely connect, support one another and feel at home made it deeply worthwhile. The simple moments—meals, conversations, prayers—were the most meaningful. Watching them leave with lighter hearts reminded me why this gathering matters. It quietly renewed my own faith and love for the priesthood too. – Friar Sixtus Peter,OFM, Diocese of Malacca Johore
Flying from Sabah to join YPG2025 was worth every kilometre. It wasn’t just a series of talks—it was real conversations, real friendships. Being with brothers who understand the joys and struggles of priesthood gave me strength I needed. We prayed, laughed and shared honestly—no masks, just genuine support. It was comforting to be understood without needing to explain. – Fr Terans Thadeus, Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu
I came to YPG2025 with an open heart, and it became a beautiful pause in my priestly journey. Stepping away from parish life allowed me to simply be a brother among brothers. In the quiet moments, the shared stories, the laughter and even the travelling together, I felt God reminding me of the joy and purpose of my vocation in a very gentle and real way. – Fr Johanaz Ling, Diocese of Sibu
By Friar Sixtus Peter
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