‘The Beloved’ Retreat for vocations to the priesthood
The Malacca-Johore Diocese- Diocesan Priesthood Vocation Promotion Team (MJD-DPVPT), organised a stay-in experience from January 11-12 for individuals aged 18 and above who are discerning a call to diocesan priesthood.
Jan 26, 2025

Br Gabriel Puvan
The Malacca-Johore Diocese- Diocesan Priesthood Vocation Promotion Team (MJD-DPVPT), organised a stay-in experience from January 11-12 for individuals aged 18 and above who are discerning a call to diocesan priesthood. The retreat, aimed at fostering deeper reflection and spiritual growth, saw the participation of 28 individuals from both within and outside the diocese.
The central theme of the retreat, The Beloved, was inspired by the Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord, where God the Father proclaims Jesus as His Beloved Son. The participants were reminded that, like Jesus, they too are beloved children of God through Christ. This theme was intended to help the participants understand that their own lives and vocations are part of a larger, divine call.
The retreat took place at the peaceful CDD Formation House in Pulau Gadong, Melaka, a serene location that provided an ideal setting for quiet reflection and prayer, away from the distractions of city life. The programme ran from Saturday morning until Sunday evening, giving participants ample time for spiritual formation and bonding.
Sessions during the retreat focused on three key sub-themes: called, chosen, and sent, all of which were closely connected to the participants' baptismal identity. The first session explored the universal search for joy, a joy that can be found in living out one’s divine calling. The second session delved into the theme of the divine call and the importance of listening attentively to God’s voice. This was followed by an engaging activity designed to help participants hone their ability to listen for God’s guidance in their lives.
The third session was centred on the theme of being chosen, and was followed by a guided Holy Hour. During this time, participants were invited to bring their personal petitions and prayers before the Blessed Sacrament, offering them a sacred space for reflection and communion with God. The final session, held the next afternoon, focused on being sent, empowering participants to respond to the call to serve and share God’s love with others.
Throughout the retreat, seminarians currently engaged in pastoral work led the various sessions and activities. The Vocation Director for the Diocese of Malacca-Johore, Fr Adrian Francis, played a pivotal role in guiding the retreat. He emphasised the importance of understanding one’s baptismal call, reminding the participants that through baptism, they too become beloved children of the Father and are invited to embrace the priestly vocation, should they feel called.
In addition to the deep spiritual practices, such as the Liturgy of the Hours, Rosary, Holy Hour, and Eucharistic Celebration, there were opportunities for light-hearted moments of fellowship. Icebreakers, singalongs, action songs, and games were interspersed throughout the retreat, helping the participants to get to know one another in a fun and relaxed setting. A santai session offered participants some free time to relax, reflect, and connect. These activities were carefully designed to give participants a glimpse of daily life in the seminary, helping them experience the rhythm and demands of priestly life.
A highlight of the retreat was a pilgrimage to the Church of St Mary, Ayer Salak, one of the three pilgrimage sites in the diocese for the Jubilee Year of Hope 2025. This pilgrimage added a special spiritual dimension to the experience, allowing the participants to walk in the footsteps of those who have gone before them in faith.
The retreat concluded with the “Baptised and Sent” ritual, a meaningful and symbolic act that beautifully wrapped up the weekend. The event was further graced by the presence of Msgr Peter Ng, the Vicar General of the diocese, who shared words of encouragement and blessings with the participants. His presence further affirmed the participants’ journey and strengthened their resolve in pursuing their vocations.
This weekend retreat provided valuable insights for those already serious about pursuing the priesthood and offered encouragement to those still discerning their call. It provided a space for reflection, growth, and mutual support, helping all involved to move forward in their spiritual journeys with greater clarity and confidence.
Total Comments:0