REKINDLING THEIR RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST

These past two months, the Spiritual Retreat Working Committee 2018, has gone all-out to recruit parishioners and non-parishioners to register for the Spiritual Retreat. In total, they recruited 221 people (156 from our parish and 75 from other parishes). Despite a long weekend break, I am really happy to hear the total number of people who have signed up for this three-day Spiritual Retreat, which commenced on 31 August - 2 September 2018.

Oh yes, we all ought to take our hats off to the organising committee led by Alan Jong for their tireless effort and excellent commitment. I personally take pleasure in congratulating all the participants who have showed their interest in attending the retreat. Our Retreat Master, Rev Fr Roni George and his companion Bro Milen from Divine Retreat Center in Sydney, Australia were both pleased to guide us during this spiritual retreat, and they were happy with the well-planned coordination of the whole event.

I didn't sit through the entire retreat, but I was fascinated with the Eucharistic Adoration, the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the Anointing of the Sick, which were added into the programme. The Eucharistic Adoration was held for three days at the respective hour, and it helped participants to listen with their hearts, intercede for their many needs and for encourage transformation in their personal lives. The adoration was a time of grace, a time of repentance and a time of renewing their hearts.

On the second day, there was time set aside for individual confession. Six priests were available to hear confessions – Fr Roni George, Fr Eugene Benedict, Fr Mari Arokiam, Fr Michael Chua, Fr Dominic Tan and I. We managed to hear the confessions of all participants within 2 hours. Most of the penitents came with deep regrets at how they have failed to live their Christian lives and after confession they felt much relief and they have come to realise how much God loves them.

On the third day, Fr Roni administered the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick for the participants as a closing of the retreat. It was a special moment to experience the elimination of anxiety, abolishing fear, inspiring confidence in the Lord Jesus and healing of physical body, mind, body and spirit. For me, these three spiritual activities were undoubtedly the most touching and inspiring.

Many participants have personally shared with me that the retreat has enriched their faith and rekindled their relationship with Christ. It has given our participants the discipline to create a time for prayer, every day in their lives and be focused on the presence of God. I hope all of them will enthusiastically carry out the mission of Christ in their particular circumstances, and remain faithful to Him.

Once again, a big thank you to all who attended and participated in our parish retreat. Thank you also to the team of helpers, including Altar Servers and Youth, who contributed to the success of the retreat.

We thank God for His guidance and blessings. May He continue to bless the participants, organising committee and in particular, the preachers of our retreat - Fr Roni and his companion, Bro Milen - abundantly!