KUCHING — The Catholic Singles Women Ministry (CSWM), formed in August 2016, headed by their spiritual advisors Fr Jerome Juleng and Sr Marie Celine SSFS, had their first retreat themed ‘Daughters of Light’ on 18 -19 November 2017.
Wendy Louis (inset photo), the speaker, is the Executive Secretary of Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC) Office, Singapore. She has been a formator and trainer for more than 20 years. Her rich experiences in working with various church organisations and speaking from the perspectives of a lay person yet in total conformity with church teachings, makes her an exemplary speaker.
Wendy took the 55 retreatants to a new level of understanding of what it means to be beloved Daughters of Light. She shared on how to be a light to others and how to exercise our common priesthood in our daily lives. In other words, how to be Church with a mission.
She opened the minds and hearts of the participants to the tender gaze of God and helped them experience the joy and fruitfulness of the single life and to be a gift to others.
Wendy reminded all that there are challenges in every state of life. Nevertheless, the singles can stay engaged and connected in their lives with God through contemplative prayer, a ministry of presence and a culture of love and service.
Each lay ministry in the church must embody the four hallmarks of the church: One (united to the parish), Holy (God centred), Catholic (being inclusive) and Apostolic (servant leadership).
Retreatants were also given time for self-reflection and personal resolution.
Fr Albert Jacobse, MHM who presided over CSWM first anniversary Mass and the Sunday Mass preached on using our talents for the good of others. He reminded the daughters of light to always walk in the light of God.
The feedback from the retreatants was very positive and encouraging. It was indeed a privilege to have been given the opportunity to listen to such a knowledgeable and experienced laywoman as Wendy Louis.
Contributed
Today’s Catholic Vol.29 No.10 January 2018
