Melaka youth gather in faith to pray and discern vocations

May 03, 2024

Sr Shanti Mariadass, FdCC
In the stirring embrace of the thematic call “Called to sow seeds of hope and to build peace,” 90 youthful souls, from the Malacca Vicariate, gathered for the observance of the World Day of Prayer for Vocations at the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe Alongside them stood a multitude of religious priests, brothers and sisters and our diocesan priests.

The vigil commenced at 9.00pm with the solemn enthronement of the Bible, an act laden with significance, followed by a poignant elucidation of the Pope’s message for the Day.

The Single Adult ministry from the parishes of St Francis Xavier, Our Lady of Guadalupe, and St Theresa, Gajah Berang, imbued the evening with luminosity and empowerment through a captivating display of praise and worship. Their harmonious melodies, delivered with fluency in both English and Bahasa, captivated our senses and ushered us into the very essence of the day — a dedicated period of prayer.

The introduction of the various religious orders in the Diocese of Malacca Johore (MJD), together with the diocesan priesthood, provided a profound opportunity for the young attendees to gain a deeper understanding of the diverse religious landscapes within our diocese. The unique customs and traditions observed by each order were showcased with both reverence and delight, leaving a lasting impression on the youthful participants. Their eagerness to inquire further and engage with the representatives underscored their genuine appreciation for the rich tapestry of religious life within our community.

Following the spirited interlude of games and skit plays, participants gleefully showcased their talents, eliciting hearty laughter from the audience. The sharing of vocational stories proved to be another poignant highlight, offering a profound insight into the nurturing and eventual answering of one’s calling despite the inevitable hurdles encountered along the way.

As the night wore on, the atmosphere remained charged as participants embraced moments of Adoration and Taize prayer, despite the late hour. Their palpable eagerness to forge a deeper connection with the Divine illuminated the sanctity of the occasion, reaffirming the unwavering bond between the Good Shepherd and His flock.

The culminating Eucharistic celebration, presided over by Fr Adrian Francis and concelebrated by fellow clergy in attendance, served as a reminder of the importance of cultivating a closer relationship with the Good Shepherd. In his impassioned homily, Fr Adrian, the MJD Vocation Director, urged the young attendees to shed their inhibitions and courageously respond to the call that beckons them.

No gathering would be complete without the nourishment of both body and soul. Gratitude abounded towards the parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe, special thanks to the clergy of the parish, Frs Joseph Heng, Fr Neville Arul Sinnappah and all the volunteers, whose generous hospitality extended not only to the sharing of their premises but also to the provision of sumptuous meals, ensuring that every aspect of the day was attended to with care and abundance.

The final tally revealed a robust attendance of 124 individuals, comprising participants alongside the esteemed presence of priests, religious brothers and sisters, and devoted volunteers. Their collective presence enriched the event, fostering an atmosphere of camaraderie and spiritual fellowship that resonated deeply with all who were fortunate to be in attendance.

A heartfelt expression of gratitude extends to the dedicated priesthood, as well as the religious congregations, whose steadfast commitment to their vocation and unwavering dedication to the nurturing of youth needs cannot be overstated. Indeed, their selfless service has laid the foundation for our collective journey of sowing seeds of hope and peace, igniting a flame of inspiration that shall continue to illuminate our path forward.