Penang Diocese leaders EMPOWERED

Dec 21, 2024

KAMPAR, Perak: The Church of the Sacred Heart played host to the PDYN (Penang Diocesan Youth Network) Leadership Retreat from November 22 to 24. It was a gathering that brought together 82 young leaders from across the Diocese of Penang. Aged between 18 and 29, the participants engaged in three days of spiritual growth, leadership development, and personal reflection.

The retreat, titled PDYN Leadership Retreat 3.0, aimed to nurture, conscientise, and equip young people to become the "Now of God." Each day of the retreat centred on a unique theme, guiding participants through introspective journeys and actionable lessons.

The retreat began on Friday, Nov 22, with an atmosphere of excitement as participants arrived for registration. The day’s highlight was a keynote address by PDYN head, Fr Simon Anand, setting the tone with the theme Called for a Purpose. The opening session, “Who Am I?”, facilitated by Jonathan Charanraj from SEEDS Ministry, encouraged participants to explore their identity and God-given purpose.

Saturday’s activities began with Lauds (morning prayer), fostering a reflective start to the day. The sessions that followed addressed various aspects of leadership and personal growth. Johnny Bong led a thought-provoking talk on Financial Literacy, equipping participants with practical tools for managing finances responsibly while aligning with Christian values. Paul Julianose delved into Emotional Well-being, offering strategies for maintaining mental and emotional health amid life’s pressures. The sensitive topic of Sexuality was handled with care, with Samuel and Monica Merli conducting separate sessions for male and female participants. The evening concluded with Mass and Confession, celebrated by Fr Simon Anand and Fr James Pitchay, offering participants a chance to renew their spiritual connection.

The final day, themed In the World but Not of the World, provided participants with practical insights for living their faith in daily life. Paul Julianose returned to deliver an inspiring session on Faith and Reason, bridging spirituality with intellectual understanding. The featured session, titled The Psychology of Social Media, was led by Raymund Jagan, who discussed the profound psychological impact of social media and urged participants to use these platforms responsibly.

The retreat culminated in a Missioning Mass, celebrated by Fr Simon, symbolising the participants’ commissioning to be lights of the world. The event closed with heartfelt testimonies and reflections, leaving participants inspired and renewed.

This leadership retreat stemmed from a Youth Council held last year at Stella Maris, where youth leaders from parishes and university campuses across the Diocese of Penang gathered to discuss the challenges faced by young people, particularly those on campus. The council identified key concerns that shaped the foundation of this retreat, with each session designed to address or prepare participants for these challenges. While the retreat concluded successfully, it also marked a step in a larger journey, with follow-up events and programs planned to build on this momentum and continue empowering young leaders to serve their communities.