KUCHING — 84 priests from all over Sarawak and Brunei attended a 5 – day Annual Retreat at St Peter’s Seminary College, Kuching from 16 – 20 September.
The retreat was preached by Fr Antonio Pernia SVD, former superior general of the Society of the Divine Word (SVD). SVD is the largest congregation in the Catholic Church dedicated to mission work.
Fittingly, the retreat focused on mission and allowed the clergy to reflect on the Pope’s vision of mission, its challenges and new approaches in spreading the Good News.
Fr Antonio urged the priests to always be ready to move out of their comfort zones – and to especially welcome the stranger and the poor in their midst.
In addition, in a multicultural society, there is always a need to be more inclusive and to appreciate the diversity of cultures within the Church.
It was indeed a fruitful and fitting retreat as the Extraordinary Missionary Year draws to a close in October.
Also in attendance were Archbishop Simon Poh of Kuching, Bishop Joseph Hii of Sibu, Bishop Richard Ng of Miri, Bishop Cornelius Sim of Brunei and Archbishops Emeriti Peter Chung and John Ha of Kuching.
Fr David Au
