By Anna/Herald Malaysia
Oct 18 2023
1st – 3rd October 2023
Fraterna Domus retreat house in Sacrofano
ROME(Herald Malaysia) – All the participants have participated in a spiritual retreat from October 1-3 as a personal spiritual preparation before entering into the actual Synod of Bishop on Oct 4. It is also a space for everyone to be familiar with the Spiritual Conversation which takes place every afternoon. For me personally, the retreat gave me the orientation of what to do in the coming weeks of the Synod. The sessions shared byFr Timothy Peter Joseph Radcliffeand Mother Maria Ignazia Angelini really strengthened my mission and meaning for being here.
1. What are my significant moments?
a)Sessions by Fr Timothy Radcliffe I really love the way Fr Timothy put his sessions together from sharing with us about hope to the topic about the Spirit of Truth. I would like to share what struck me the most:
“What kind of Home the Church is?”
For me, when we talk about home, it is a home where I can be myself. It is a place where I am accepted despite who I am and the mistakes that I have made. The door of that ‘Home’ will always be opened for me to go back to.
But for some, home can be a fearful and dangerous place. A place where you have been hurt the most with no one there to ‘rescue’ you.
The same goes to the Church. The Church can be a ‘home’ of hope and at the same time she can be a ‘home’ that pushes people away.
The question that I am reflecting on is, am I a ‘home’ to everyone?
“Friends first, others will follow.”
When we talk about friendship, it reminded me my Ex-Diocesan Youth Apostolate (DYA) members who journeyed with me and with me, serving whole heartedly with the young people in our Diocese.
The Diocese of Sandakan was just erected in 2007 and in the process of setting up commissions. The Diocesan Youth Commission was set up in 2009. I was appointed as the coordinator by Bishop Julius Dusin Gitom. It took me three years to build friendship with the members of my team. We came from all walks of life, and we have different views and have our own uniqueness.
The early days of the DYA was tough as most of the times we did not click with each other. But we stayed. Although there are times when others wanted to withdraw from the commission. But we ‘gave a chance’ to everyone.
Along the way, we began to be more open. We shared deeper conversations, we cried, we laughed, we understood and embraced each other as they are. We allowed ourselves to be ‘naked’ and vulnerable. Our recollections helped us to see and accept that everyone is special. Since then, we have been inseparable.
True friendship creates ‘home’ for one another and because of our friendship we have brought Jesus to the young people and accompany them.
b)Spiritual Conversations
The small group that I belong to consist of two women (lay and consecrated woman), one lay man, Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops, and a priest. It was quite challenging at first for the spiritual conversation because most of us did not understand how it worked. But our facilitator was very good. He made sure that all understood the process and ensured that everyone had a voice. The second and third day was even better. This method will be used throughout the Synod.
c)The food and Beverage
My jet lag is beginning to dissipate, and my body clock is adapting to the new timing in Rome. My appetite is getting better and I am enjoying eating everything that is shared on the table and, of course, the wine too. I hope I do not gain weight with all the pasta, cheese, breads, risotto, pizza, gelato I have been consuming.
2. What are my challenges?
a)The language. It would be much better listening to the sessions if you understand the language. You can feel what they are trying to say. I have to use the translation equipment and I find it hard to understand sometimes.
b)I am with 20 others who are staying at Casa Per FerieRogate. It is a 30 – 40 minutes’ drive toFraterna Domus retreat house in Sacrofano. The majority of the participants are staying where the retreat is held. For us who are travelling, the distance does not allow us to return for a siesta. This makes me a bit tired especially in the afternoon sessions.
3. What God’s invitation for me?
Carpe Diem! (Seize the Day)!This is a once in a lifetime opportunity – to come to Rome and participate in the Synod. And God’s invitation for me is to seize the day everyday! – Herald Malaysia
