Fulfilling the mission of Christ

Every year in September, clergy members from Peninsular Malaysia come together for their annual spiritual retreat, held across three locations.

Oct 04, 2024

The clergy with retreat master Fr John McGowan, ODC (front row, fourth from left), during their retreat at MAJODI Centre, Johor, from September 15 to 20.


By Fr George Packiasamy

Every year in September, clergy members from Peninsular Malaysia come together for their annual spiritual retreat, held across three locations. The year the retreat took place in the first week at Cameron Highlands, in the second and fourth weeks in Penang, and in the third week at MAJODI Centre in Plentong. This six-day retreat, beginning on Sunday evening and concluding on Friday evening, serves as a time for reflection and renewal. Twenty-three of us attended the retreat at MAJODI Centre led by Fr John McGowan, ODC, a Carmelite priest from England. With 42 years of priesthood, Fr McGowan currently serves at the Church of St Joseph in England.

On the first day, the retreat master emphasised key insights from Presbyterorum Ordinis, the Vatican II document on the Ministry and Life of Priests. He reminded us that the Sacrament of Holy Orders imparts an indelible mark, calling us to embrace our role in representing Christ, Persona Christi (cf. PO #2). He further highlighted that our primary duty as priests is to communicate the Gospel in a way that resonates with people, ensuring that Christ’s message is conveyed through both words and actions (cf. PO #4). Additionally, he underscored the importance of celibacy as a precious gift to the priesthood, along with the virtues of humility and obedience (cf. PO #16), all guided by the Holy Spirit.

The following day, Fr McGowan guided us through the teachings and spirituality of St Paul’s Epistles, emphasising that “love is all you need.” As priests, we often face obstacles and challenges in our ministry, but St Paul deeply understood the suffering of Christ. For Paul, “to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Phil 1:21). This was his central message, as from his conversion to his martyrdom, he proclaimed the Gospel, imitated Christ, and sought the knowledge of Christ. Jesus, who called us to the priesthood, is the source of our strength and wisdom in ministry. Whoever lives for Christ will never be disappointed by His love (cf. Rom 5:5).

For the next two days, our focus shifted to the Synod of Synodality 2023. This provided an excellent opportunity to review key documents such as Evangelii Gaudium, Christifideles Laici, Evangelii Nuntiandi, and Instrumentum Laboris. These texts are meant to help us uncover our unique charisms and draw inspiration from our love for Christ and the Church. They also emphasise the vital role of collaboration with the laity and our shared responsibility in strengthening the Church and fulfilling Christ’s mission.

As our retreat drew to a close, we explored in depth the spirituality of St Thérèse of the Child Jesus and the vital role of prayer in the life of priests. Her profound influence, rooted in her teachings on humility, love, missionary zeal, and prayer, is both remarkable and inspiring. We look to her for guidance, seeking to embody her exemplary virtues of humility and unwavering love for the Church and its missionaries. As the patroness of missions and missionaries, we humbly ask for her intercession, that we may be nurtured in the spirit of love, humility, and prayer.

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