SHALOM everyone! My name is Navinia Anneta, and I come from the Chapel of Christ the King in Selayang, part of the vibrant Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur. I’m actively involved in several ministries close to my heart: catechism, the choir, and our youth group.
The recent MCYD program has truly left a profound mark on me. It was my very first experience with the beautiful concept of a foster family and an incredible opportunity to connect with fellow young Catholics from all corners of Malaysia, and even some international attendees! Let me share a glimpse of my MCYD journey.
MCYD was an eye-opening experience, allowing us to recognize our identity and the immense power we possess as united youths in Christ. We were given a safe and supportive space to pour out our innermost thoughts, our deepest feelings, our moments of disappointment, and even our disagreements. It wasn’t solely a spiritual endeavor; the organizers thoughtfully included games that helped us relax and connect on a more casual level.
The very heart of MCYD, and undoubtedly my favorite aspect, was the “Conversation in Spirit” (CIS). I was particularly drawn to its focus on four fundamental pillars of our Catholic faith: Family, Church, Ecology, and Society. During these sessions, we were divided into smaller groups and encouraged to share our perspectives based on the given topic. It was during this time that I was deeply moved by the heartfelt sharing of my fellow young people. Their words revealed such incredible passion, unwavering determination, and profound love for the Church, their communities, and ultimately, for God. Hearing stories of young individuals traveling great distances – by boat or on foot – to evangelize and actively live out the work of Christ was truly inspiring. This was our chance to voice our needs, our aspirations, and our desires, and to collectively brainstorm how we, as the youth, can contribute to overcoming the challenges and issues we face.
I truly believe the entire program was meticulously planned and flawlessly executed. As a delegate, I felt incredibly welcomed by every MCYD member, the local church community, and the warm people of Sabah. Living with a foster family for the first time was a beautiful experience. My foster family was so incredibly kind and caring, ensuring I had everything I needed and looking after me so well throughout the six days. As I mentioned, the CIS sessions were the emotional core of the program. So many personal stories, thoughtful reflections, dreams for the future, and heartfelt desires were shared during those moments. I sincerely hope that these conversations will bear fruit and that we will witness positive changes as a result. I now feel a greater sense of support and connection, having met so many new Catholic friends who are actively serving within their own churches. It was undeniably a great blessing and an enlightening experience to be part of the MCYD program, which truly clarified the minds, touched the hearts, and nourished the souls of us young people. Father Simon’s homily resonated deeply when he said, “We should not just wait for the change; we need to be the change.” And Archbishop Julian Leow’s powerful words reminded us that “we are not just the future leaders of the church; we are the current leaders who will bring about change for the future.” Not forgetting the inspiring words of Archbishop John Wong, who urged us to cast aside fear and be ready to wholeheartedly spread the mission of Christ. It is my sincere hope that, as a delegate of MCYD, I can contribute to building a brighter future of worship and carrying out the mission of Christ for the generations to come.
