By Peter Tan
SRI AMAN — On 14 and 15 March 2025, Holy Family Church Betong hosted a spiritually enriching seminar titled, “Pengidup Baru Dalam Roh” (A New Life in the Spirit). The event brought together 550 participants from various parishes, including Holy Family Church Betong, Our Lady Queen of Peace Church Sri Aman, St. Anthony Church Skrang, St. Anthony Church Bintulu, Sarikei, Sibu, Miri, Kapit, Song, Julau, Saratok, Lubok Antu, and Kuching.
The seminar, led by Friar Don Don Romero Ramerez, was a profound exploration of faith, temptation, and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit.
A Gathering of Faithful
Registration began at 1pm, and the event commenced at 2pm with a heartfelt praise and worship session. The atmosphere was filled with anticipation as participants from across the region gathered to deepen their understanding of their Catholic faith.
Insights from Friar Don Don
The seminar opened with a Gospel reading by Friar Don Don, setting the tone for a day of reflection and spiritual growth. In his talk, Friar Don Don shared powerful insights, using the example of a ring believed to possess supernatural powers, much like an amulet (ajimat) tied to dark spirits. He reminded the participants, “No matter how powerful such a ring or amulet may seem, it cannot compare to the power of God.” This message resonated deeply, emphasising the supremacy of divine power over any object or force associated with darkness or superstition.
Friar Don Don also explained the significance of the Bible and Holy Water in Catholics’ lives. Using a humorous example, he questioned why some people keep amulets under their pillows as if relying on a “Plan B” when their faith in God should be their ultimate “Plan A”. He highlighted that such practices stem from temptation, urging participants to reflect on their faith and reliance on God.
Reflections on Catholic Identity
A thought-provoking question was posed to the attendees: “As Catholics, do we truly understand what it means to be Catholic? Do we attend Church merely to fulfill obligations, or do we approach our faith like completing homework without truly grasping its meaning?” This challenge encouraged participants to examine their spiritual journey and deepen their relationship with God.
Themes of Forgiveness and Resistance to Temptation
The second session began with praise and worship, followed by another Gospel reading by Friar Don Don. The theme of this session was “Forgive Them,” focusing on the importance of forgiveness in the Christian life. Friar Don Don also shared a powerful reminder from Pope Francis: “Do not open the door to the devil. Instead, open the door to welcome Jesus into your hearts.” This message underscored the need to strengthen faith in God and resist the temptations of the devil.
A Story of Choice and Eternal Destiny
One of the most memorable moments was when Friar Don Don shared a story about St Peter offering two best friends a choice: to go up (to heaven) or down (to hell). This story served as a poignant reminder of the eternal consequences of our choices and the importance of living a life aligned with God’s will.
While the story itself is a teaching tool, it echoes the words of Jesus in Matthew 7:13-14: “Enter by the narrow gate, since the road that leads to destruction is wide and spacious, and many take it; but it is a narrow gate and a hard road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” Just as the two friends faced a choice between heaven and hell, we too are called to choose the narrow path that leads to eternal life, rejecting the broad road that leads to destruction.
A Proverb to Ponder
Friar Don Don Romero Ramerez left the participants with a thought-provoking proverb: “Sesiapa yg berjumpa dgn dukun, bermaksud kamu telah berjanji dgn kuasa gelap” (Whoever encounters a ‘dukun’ has made a pact with dark powers). This proverb warned against engaging in superstitious practices and reaffirmed the importance of placing our trust solely in God.
A Holy Conclusion: Mass and Holy Hour
The seminar reached its spiritual pinnacle when Fr Henry Jimbey concluded the event by celebrating a Holy Mass, joined by Friar Don Don Romero Ramerez. The Mass was a beautiful culmination of the two-day seminar, uniting participants in prayer and thanksgiving.
Following the Mass, Fr Henry conducted a Holy Hour, providing a sacred space for participants to reflect on the teachings of the seminar and internalise the lessons learned. This time of silent adoration and prayer allowed everyone to process the profound insights shared by Friar Don Don and to seek God’s guidance in applying these lessons to their daily lives.
Conclusion
The “Pengidup Baru Dalam Roh” seminar was a transformative experience for all who attended. Through inspiring talks, heartfelt worship, and profound reflections, participants were encouraged to embrace a new life in the Spirit, rooted in faith, forgiveness, and resistance to temptation.
The concluding Holy Mass and Holy Hour led by Fr Henry provided a fitting end to the event, leaving participants spiritually renewed and deeply connected to God. As the event concluded, the message was clear: true power and fulfillment come from God alone, and it is through Him that we find the strength to live as faithful Catholics.
