By Fr Galvin Richard Ngumbang
KUCHING — The Presbyteria from the Archdiocese of Kuching, the Dioceses of Sibu and Miri, and also the Apostolic Vicariate of Brunei Darussalam, gathered at the Sibu Pastoral Centre, Kemuyang from 13 to 17 May, with another session from 20 to 24 May at St Peter’s College Major Seminary, Kuching for their annual retreat under the guidance of Friar Michael Raymond, OFM Cap.
In his talks, he invited the clergy to go deeper into the divine consciousness and the human consciousness in order to see the stumbling blocks that might hinder them from giving their total commitment in their ministry. He also challenged the clergy to “hug their cactus”, acknowledging their brokenness so as to allow God’s grace to heal them.
It is with God’s healing grace that a priest can be transformed into a wounded healer, effectively bringing about God’s mercy and love to those he is ministering to.
This retreat gave an opportunity to the clergy to spend time for self-reflection during the day and to bring it in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament in the evening. Sacrament of Reconciliation was also offered during the Adoration.
It was indeed a time of grace for the Presbyteria of the Sarawak dioceses to recharge themselves and to be renewed in their priestly commitment.