Inspire – of New Beginnings

Jul 26, 2024

PETALING JAYA: As part of its parish feast day celebrations, the Church of St Ignatius, supported by parish priests and the parish pastoral council, organised a three-day, two-night young adults camp aptly named Inspire. Held from July 6 to 8 at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Centre, the event united youth from various ministries, spanning different languages and age groups, fostering a sense of unity and community.

The camp was facilitated by Domus Cordis of the Rumah Hati Community. Established in Indonesia around 2007, Domus Cordis is dedicated to supporting parishes through discipleship and community building. Their members, include, amongst others, Riko Ariefano, Lia Brasali Ariefano, and Ledis Kokoy.

Domus Cordis expertly managed the Inspire weekend, which featured engaging games, insightful faith input sessions, and meaningful sessions of prayer. Aligning with the parish feast day theme related to God's creation (Care for Ecology) and honouring our fellow beings (Care for the Elderly), participants were grouped and challenged to scavenge for reusable materials to create presentations. These presentations showcased a blend of innovation, humour, and enthusiasm, highlighting the participants’ creativity and teamwork.

Core themes of Inspire included reflecting on the multifaceted spiritual journey of a Disciple, the call to minister, and embracing discomfort and challenges in service (James 1:22-25). Participants were invited to contemplate our Lord’s ministry, emphasising preaching to the masses, providing encounters, and intentionally discipling and nurturing the spiritual lives of His followers.

The journey of discipleship was portrayed as encompassing various stages: spiritual death (Ephesians 2:1-3), spiritual infancy (John 3:3-8), spiritual childhood (Galatians 4:19), spiritual young adulthood (1 John 2:14), spiritual parenthood (1 Corinthians 4:15), and spiritual grandparenthood (2 Timothy 2:2). This comprehensive approach allowed participants to identify and reflect on their personal spiritual paths.

Throughout the week, it became evident that everyone, regardless of their spiritual stage, is continuously called to seek God. Whether new to the faith, a fresh eyed pastoral worker, a seasoned leader in the Church, a member of the religious, or even clergy, everyone has to continuously reencounter His love, receive His healing, and re-present His goodness. The journey of relying on God is the means by which we are brought closer to Him. This is a lifelong process; it does not end (1 Corinthians 10:13).

The Inspire committee members extend their heartfelt gratitude to the clergy of the Church of St Ignatius for their blessings. Special thanks are also due to the priests of the Church of St Anthony, Fr Clarence Devadass, and Fr Michel Dass, for graciously hosting the participants and facilitating the Benediction, praying over, and administering the sacrament of Confession. Deep appreciation goes to Domus Cordis for their exceptional facilitation, and finally, to the participants of Inspire for their openness and enthusiasm. May the Lord bless you and keep you close in your respective missions and ministries.