Communing with the Lord in silence

Nov 14, 2019

SEREMBAN: The core teams of both the Youth Ministry (SJYM) and Young Adults Ministry (SJYAM) of the Cathedral of St John the Evangelist came together for a time of prayer and contemplation, imbued with Carmelite Spirituality. After a late dinner, Carmelite Fr Kenneth Gopal gave a short prelude to the retreat. Compline (night prayer) followed.

The next day, everyone gathered for the office of Lauds followed by Mass and a short time of silent prayer in thanksgiving for the gift of the Eucharist.

After breakfast, the first talk introduced Carmelite spirituality, its history, the charism of its congregation and a look at the Rule of St Albert (the rule by which they live their vocation). Learning the lives of great saints such as St Therese of Lisieux and St John of the Cross inspired the youths to build a life of prayer founded on a firm knowledge of the Word of God and a love for silence.

Lunch was held in silence. This would be the first experience of table reading for almost everyone. Table reading, a commonplace practice in monasteries, is an exercise where one eats while listening to a reading read by a fellow group member. The understanding is that as the body is being  nourished with physical food, so must the mind be enlightened by spiritual nourishment.

Participants were then introduced to the exercise of Lectio Divina, a method that they could use as a potential tool for their personal meditations. Using the verse, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross and follow me,” (Mt 16:24), Fr Kenneth gave some pointers and guidelines for the youths to make this method of meditation their own.

Next was an open discussion on how they could improve the spirit of belonging within their ministries, with Fr Kenneth moderating and steering the discussion. This was an avenue for many to voice out not just problems but also words of encouragement and affirmation, both for efforts past and future.

As evening fell, silence prevailed once again. For the next few hours, the retreatants came one by one to Fr Kenneth for confession and spiritual direction.

The home at this point fell still, as those who were waiting or had completed their appointments with Fr Kenneth stayed in reverent prayer and sacred silence. Near midnight, everyone gathered for a communal rosary.

The Lord’s day began with Lauds and Mass, with Fr Kenneth delivering a memorable sermon on the gospel of the Ten Lepers.

After a period of thanksgiving, the retreat ended on a lighter note. A scrumptious breakfast of doughnuts and coffee (amongst other things), led to a day of rest and recreation.

For young people to develop an appreciation for this sense of spirituality is remarkable, to say the least. But inner silence is key to encountering the Lord Jesus amidst our busy schedules.

Our thanks and gratitude to Fr Kenneth Gopal for taking the time to guide and nourish us throughout the weekend. All praise and thanks to God for his blessings in abundance upon our ministries. May we continue to put Him first in all that we do!