KUCHING — A group of Catholic teachers got together online on 1 May 2021 to share their challenging experiences during this time of the pandemic, which is into its second year.
More and more COVID-19 positive cases among students and teachers are happening in Malaysia with several school clusters. People are feeling stressed out with this situation.
“Sharing helps with the awareness that others are going through the same issues, and that we are not doing it alone. Sharing also benefits us in the sense we feel supported by each other, the objective of this recollection.
“It is hoped that through this event, teachers can look forward with hope amidst their hectic teaching and learning in school, whether online or physical, which at the same time is coupled with the fear of getting the virus,” said Fr Francis Lim, SJ, the Principal of St Joseph’s Private Secondary School who facilitated this sharing and recollection.
Participants entered the recollection with mixed feelings, for example, positive feelings like gratitude, open-mindedness, calmness, et cetera. At the same time, there were negative feelings such as anxiety, worry, apprehension, et cetera.
Fr Francis shared with the participants the Ignatian Examen, which can be a useful tool to help teachers seek God who is actively working in their daily lives. This examen needs daily practice in order to train ourselves to find God in all things. Over time we can be better at it.
“We need a more holistic and well-balanced life during the pandemic. The examen facilitates a better mental health. It helps with a more positive mindset. At the same time, it is also a prayer to converse with God in the ordinariness of our life. It can deepen our personal relationship with God who is very near to each and every one of us,” Fr Francis shared.
Google Meet Breakout Rooms were used as the platform for this event which was organised by the Sarawak Catholic Teachers’ Guild.
