By Jennifer Juanita Franklin
TAMPIN, Negeri Sembilan – The Church of St John Marie Vianney in Tampin became a place of warmth and community where 30 young people gathered in search of deeper connection and God’s presence recently.
Under the theme Empowering Youth, Building Bridges: Faith in Action, what unfolded over the two days was a transformative experience filled with love, laughter and profound moments of spiritual growth.
As we entered the retreat, each participant arrived with their own story, carrying hopes, burdens and questions in their hearts. Some came feeling lost or unsure, others seeking purpose while a few carried silent prayers that had yet to find their voice. Yet, as we gathered, it became clear that this was a journey we wouldn’t walk alone. In this shared space, we weren’t just a group of strangers, we were a family in faith, united by a deep yearning for God and for something greater than ourselves.
From the very first activity, we were encouraged to break through the barriers of uncertainty and step out of our comfort zones. The group dynamics, team-building, and ice-breaking activities weren’t just about fun. They were about forging connections. Slowly but surely, walls came down, and in their place, a beautiful sense of trust and belonging emerged. These moments taught us the power of vulnerability that when we open our hearts to others, we invite them to do the same.
As the retreat progressed, Fr Philip Tay OCD guided us on a journey of self-discovery and faith, sharing insights that resonated deeply within us. In his first session, The Psychological Self, he encouraged us to confront our true selves with compassion, embracing both our strengths and imperfections. He created a safe space for us to reflect on our feelings and experiences, reminding us that vulnerability is a strength.
In his second talk, The Spiritual Self, Fr Philip reminded us that our faith should be the cornerstone of who we are, inspiring us to nurture our spiritual lives.
Lastly, in Servant Leadership, he taught us that genuine leadership is about serving others with humility and love. His heartfelt words urged us to recognise the needs of those around us and to lead with open hearts.
Sabrina Marie Smith’s talk, Serve with Love, was one of the most heart-stirring moments of the retreat. With gentle grace, she invited us to release the fears and doubts that often weigh us down and trust fully in God’s call for our lives. Sabrina reminded us that we are all called to live with purpose. Our gifts are not just for ourselves but are meant to be shared with the world, to serve others and to spread the light of God’s love. She highlighted that the peace we so often search for in the busyness of life doesn’t exist in the world around us, it’s already within us, quietly residing where God’s love has always been. Her words were a gentle awakening, calling us to fully embrace this love, to trust it, and to live it out in everything we do.
One of the most deeply emotional moments of the retreat came during Adoration and Taizé prayer when hearts were laid bare before God. As we knelt before the Blessed Sacrament, the weight of our worries, pains, and silent battles seemed to dissolve in the stillness. The silence felt like a sacred gift, allowing us to simply be in God’s presence without judgment or expectation. Adding to the experience, we each had tea candles to light representing our prayers and needs. Seeing those little flames flicker while we prayed made everything feel even more special and heartfelt.
In that moment, we weren’t just a group in prayer, we were a family, united by faith, connected by love, and bound together in the divine presence, feeling God not only around us but alive within each one of us.
Saturday night was a celebration of the bonds we had formed. The BBQ dinner, games, and campfire were filled with joy and laughter, as the friendships that had begun in the morning were now deepened in the evening. As we gathered around the campfire, sharing stories and singing songs, there was a sense of warmth that went beyond the flames, a feeling that we had found something special here, a community built on faith, trust and love.
Parish priest, Fr Albet Arockiasamy, was a steady presence throughout the retreat, offering his quiet support and guidance. His love for the youth and his dedication to their spiritual growth was evident in every moment and we are so grateful for his leadership. He created an environment where we felt safe to explore our faith, fostering a sense of belonging that encouraged each of us to grow closer to God and to one another.
As the retreat came to an end, it was hard to say goodbye. Each of us was touched differently, but we all shared one thing in common, we were leaving changed. The experiences, the talks, the prayers and the connections had awakened something within us. A renewed sense of purpose, a deeper connection with God and a profound understanding that we are never alone on this journey. We left with hearts full of gratitude knowing that the bridges we had built with one another and with God would carry us forward, empowering us to live out our faith in action. – Herald Malaysia
