By Janet Brodie
KUCHING — A total of 32 members from St Joseph’s Cathedral Parish Ladies Guild committee had a fruitful Lenten Recollection on 9 and 10 March at Libiki Bamboo Resort, Bau. The recollection theme selected by Fr Nicholas Ng (the speaker and Guild’s Spiritual Director) was “Prayers”.
On Day 1, after registration and tea, the programme commenced with Talk 1 – “What is Prayer?” – opening our minds and hearts to God through Worship, Adoration, Petitions and Intercession. With 2024 being “Year of Prayer”, the Catholic journey in this present time is to be guided on how to live our faith. Fr Nicholas summed up his talk on how our prayer includes Adoration, Contrition, Thanksgiving and Supplication.
Talk 2 covered personal relationships with God and humility in our faith through prayer, such as the vocal and mental aspects in seeking the will of God. Fr Nicholas also reminded the attendees that the central worship of the Catholics is the Mass.
The participants also learnt about the Morning Prayer (Divine Office) which the Pope and Clergy pray for the whole world to sanctify the day. The Divine Office is offered for the Community and Laity. Similarly, the Evening Prayer offered is for the whole world.
Later, there was active participation from the floor during a Q&A session, followed by Sunset Mass celebrated by Fr Nicholas.
On the second day after the morning prayer, attendees participated in Rosary and Stations of the Cross, followed by free and easy activities such as aerobics, line dancing, and a dip in the stream at the resort.
