By Herald Malaysia
PETALING JAYA – A group of single-again adults (separated, divorced, single parents or widowed) together with some of their children; gathered for the Finding Me retreat organised by Moving On Single Again (MOSA), with the ICPE Missionaries of Kuala Lumpur, from Mar 14-16. Many came carrying different burdens, searching for different things. Some were seeking answers about the Church’s teachings, others hoped to support those on similar journeys, and many were simply looking to find themselves again. Yet, beneath all these reasons, one desire united them all — the desire to feel God’s love, to heal, and to move forward with hope.
The retreat held at the Church of St Ignatius and led by Rachael D’Rozario, was rooted in the Ignatian psychospirituality guided through a book written by Margaret Silf called Landmarks. It was not just a series of sessions but a sacred space for restoration. Over the weekend, hearts opened, tears flowed, and souls were gently reminded that they were not alone, that God had been with them through every storm, and He was still walking beside them now.
The retreat began with icebreaker games, helping participants to set aside their initial hesitation, which then led into the first session on The Desire for God, inviting everyone to reflect on their longing for Him.
Throughout the retreat, worship sessions became moments of deep encounter — where voices rose in praise, hands lifted in surrender, and hearts softened in God’s presence. These times of worship were more than just songs; they were prayers, unspoken cries, and silent whispers of trust. In the melodies and words, many found comfort, and some even found the strength to let go of long-held pain.
The next morning began with a choice between Centering Prayer or Lectio Divina. Those who chose Centering Prayer practised the art of waiting on God, embracing the stillness that is often missing in their busy lives. Others engaged in Lectio Divina, allowing Scripture to speak deeply and personally into their hearts. In those quiet moments, God’s voice seemed clearer, His presence nearer.
The next session, River of Me, was a turning point for many. Participants were invited to draw their life’s journey as a river — its twists, turns, calm waters, and turbulent rapids. As they looked at their drawings, memories surfaced — some joyful, some painful. But in that reflection, many began to see something they had overlooked before — that even in the roughest parts of the river, God had been their current, carrying them through.
Then came one of the most powerful sessions: Emptying Our Water Jar. Inspired by the story of the Samaritan woman at the well, this session was about surrender — laying down the burdens, fears, and wounds that had been weighing them down.
On the second day, some wept as they confronted hurts they had long suppressed. Others felt an unexplainable peace wash over them as they let go of resentment, shame, and self-doubt. It was in that sacred space of vulnerability that true healing began.
This final day was about receiving and embracing God’s promises. Each participant was given a personalised Scripture passage — words divinely chosen for them. Many held their Scripture pieces close to their hearts, some with tears in their eyes, as they realised how perfectly God’s message spoke to their situation. It was as if He had written those words just for them, reminding them that they were seen, known, and deeply loved.
The retreat concluded with a reflection on the new desires for their lives and the steps they could take to respond to it. It wasn’t about having all the answers or knowing exactly what the future held — it was about trusting that they were not walking alone. They left, not as the same people who had arrived, but as individuals who had begun to heal, who had encountered love in its purest form, and who now had the strength to take the next step in their journey.
As participants said their goodbyes, there was a sense that this retreat was not an ending but a beginning. The healing, the growth, and the rediscovery of self would continue. They left with lighter hearts, renewed spirits, and the assurance that no matter what lies ahead, they are deeply cherished by a God who never stops pursuing them.
And as they returned to their daily lives, they carried with them a simple but profound truth: they are not alone. They never were, and they never will be. – Herald Malaysia
