The Leadership Gathering

Apr 06, 2015

By Sharon Lee
The Leadership Gathering (LG) for the Johor Campuses was successfully held from March 12 - 14 at MAJODI Centre. As many as 31 participants from the various institutions of higher education attended this annual programme which aims to build up Jesus- inspired leadership values in the student ministries in their respective campuses. They came from the Catholic Student Societies and Christian Fellowships of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn, Universiti Teknologi Mara, Institute Pendidikan Guru Kampus Temenggong Ibrahim and Politeknik Ibrahim Sultan.

The camp began with Mass celebrated by Campus Ministry Assistant Director, Fr Richard Anthonysamy SJ. He also presented the first two sessions. Based on Genesis, the young people were asked to reflect and share on the priorities in their lives. The next session, Vine & Branches, the young people were posed the question: Who is Jesus Christ to you? Fr Richard also introduced them to Imaginative Prayer and Examen of Conscience.

On behalf of the Religious Association Vocation Promotion Team, Fr Arul Mariadass OFM gave a talk in conjunction with the year of Consecrated Life. The young people had unusually many questions, often veering off the topic of vocations. Deacon Adrian presented Shepherd, Servant and Steward the biblical images of Christian Leadership. The young people reflected on their current leadership and were invited to pray for each other in areas needing attention.

After a whole day of sessions, it was time for team building and all of them were excited as they played the ‘Slipper game’.

At night, the young people watched a movie on the life of Mother Teresa. It deeply touched many of them as they saw how humble Mother Teresa was in serving the poor. This was followed with a very creative and memorable Stations of the Cross as they took turns in groups to carry a large cross, prayerfully, all around MAJODI.

On the last day, Clement presented the session Mission in Society. The Catholic Social Teaching was introduced and each CSS and CF were asked to share on the mission that currently they were doing. A video on how native land had been confiscated was shown and participants were asked to respond. In the last session, Developing a Compass for your CSS, Fr Richard wrapped up the Leadership Gathering by proposing some strategies for the Catholic and Christian communities to implement.

During meal times, Sweet Sour Fish (Hi-Low-God moments) reflection was introduced making for even more interesting conversations as the participants were encouraged to practise regularly identifying God’s presence in their lives.

The young people shared that they grew a lot in faith and confidence through the sessions. Raymond from UTM said, “I learned that to be a good leader you must also be a good follower.” We look forward to more Leadership Gatherings where we may learn to be leaders like our Good Shepherd Jesus Christ.