Young adults called and enlightened with CYAN KL

Young adults, like everyone else, are facing challenging times. In addition to their daily battles, these youngsters are also striving to discover their place in the world. They often lose track of making time for themselves, their families, friends, and God.

Mar 31, 2023

KUALA LUMPUR: Young adults, like everyone else, are facing challenging times. In addition to their daily battles, these youngsters are also striving to discover their place in the world. They often lose track of making time for themselves, their families, friends, and God.

As a chance to pull young Catholics away from their busy jobs and campus lives into a contemplative time before the Lord, the Catholic Young Adults Network (CYAN KL) recently organised and hosted a stayin retreat themed God Calls and Enlightens Us at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Centre March 3–5. The retreat also served as a gentle reminder that it’s alright to take a break sometimes.

Facilitated by the Archdiocesan Single Adults and Youth Office (ASAYO KL) Pastoral Team, the group was taken through a reflective activity based on the reading from Genesis 12:1-4 on the first night. The theme of blessings and potential growth (fresh start) for new opportunities and hope served as the basis for the reading.

Retreatants saw how Abram demonstrated his confidence in God by obeying His request. He accepted a task that would change his life and, even though he was advanced in age, did not let that keep him from carrying it out. Participants were asked to reflect on their feelings of anxiousness and worries and to associate them with Abram’s feelings in the reading, where he didn’t fear the adventure he was to embark on. They were encouraged to be attentive and to put their faith in the living God and the Holy Spirit, to find their calling and mission.

They headed to Sisiran Floria, Putrajaya to witness the sunrise the next morning. The young group also enjoyed a picnic by the lake and learnt some self-care techniques to manage their well-being.

Later, they discussed the passage from Timothy 1:8–10 and were asked to remember the kind of friendship Paul and Timothy shared, and how they should try being Paul or Timothy to their friends.

Their final reflection session was on the Gospel of Matthew 17:1-9 where they had to jot down their feelings or emotions if they were to witness the Transfiguration of the Lord. — ASAYO KL

“After reflection, some said they experienced a sense of renewed faith during the retreat. Others spoke of the value of having a strong youth group that could routinely plan retreats, camps, or even get-togethers to prevent them from drifting away from God. New acquaintances and connections were forged throughout the retreat.” – By Anita Fernandez, Church of the Holy Family

“It was an opportunity to let go of my daily life tasks and spend more time (than usual) with God. While waiting for the sun to rise, I reflected on my life. “It felt like time had slowed down at that point and I had a clearer view of what was happening in my life. I had fun and it was nice meeting everyone at the retreat.” – Joanne Lim, Church of St Francis of Assisi