By Lucia Lai
Sixty-one members of the Society of St Vincent de Paul (SSVP), from across the Diocese of Penang, gathered at the YMCA from Aug 8–10, for a weekend of formation organised by the Diocesan Council of Penang. The program carried the theme Celebrating, Listening, Walking Together in a Spirit of Communion, Participation and Mission.
The formation began on Friday afternoon with a talk by diocesan spiritual adviser, Msgr Jude Miranda, titled Called to Serve in the Mission of Christ (Vincentian Vocation). He reminded participants to keep God at the centre of their lives, emphasising that the Vincentian vocation must be missionary and not stationary. “Understand your destiny in Christ. Serving the Lord is a divine assignment,” he stressed. His session concluded with testimonies from three full-time missionaries of Kasih House of Mission, who shared their personal call stories.
The second session, Walking with the Poor – Encountering Christ in Service, was delivered by Fr Raymond Raj, parish priest of the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit. He explored biblical and Catholic foundations on service to the poor, definitions of poverty, and practical ways to respond. Fr Raymond highlighted the Hebrew word ‘anawim’, meaning “little ones” overwhelmed by want, and explained the five types of poverty: absolute, relative, situational, generational, and urban/rural.
The second day opened with Fr Fabian Dicom presenting Beacons of Hope – To Bear the Seeds of Hope. Linking each point with Scripture and Church documents, he reminded Vincentians that when visiting the poor, they bring companionship and assurance. He cautioned against hope that does not intercede or intervene, calling it “spiritual self-interest” or a “hollow promise.”
Next, Fr Michael Raymond, OFM, Cap, parish priest of the Church of the Divine Mercy, spoke on Renew in Spirit, Rooted in Service. He described conversion as a process involving the mind, heart, and behaviour, often marked by restlessness, resistance, surrender, and eventual commitment. He emphasised experiencing God’s mercy as a transformative force that changes perspectives and actions.
The afternoon featured testimonies. Betty Kow, president of Christ the King Conference, shared how she opened her home to migrant workers during the pandemic, offering them space to pray, rehearse for weddings, and build community. Another moving testimony came from Joseph Arokeim of Kedah, who shared how SSVP support enabled him to rise from poverty, earn a university degree, and secure stable employment as a teacher.
Former national president Watson Peters then led an engaging session on Visioning and Planning as a Vincentian Leader. Through interactive dialogue, he highlighted distinctions between equality and equity, servant and authoritarian leadership, and managers and leaders. “Equality gives everyone the same resources,” he said, “but equity recognises individual needs and addresses them accordingly.” He also challenged members to rethink leadership selection, urging discernment of character, competence, and compassion over mere charisma.
After an intense day, members enjoyed leadership-themed games led by Mary Williams under the title Redefining Jesus’ Leadership. The activities encouraged teamwork and reflection on cooperation in problem-solving.
That evening, a session on Healing, Forgiveness and Renewal was held by Msgr Jude, assisted by his Shalom Team and lay preacher Jude Antoine, who spoke on spiritual obstacles — obsession, possession, and oppression — that block God’s mercy, reminding members of their free will in resisting evil. The session concluded with healing prayers before the Blessed Sacrament, where many experienced renewal and some were “slain in the Spirit.”
On Sunday morning, Fr Oliver Tham, OFM, presented the final session, Being Salt and Light – Vincentians in the World. Using everyday metaphors, he reminded members that Christ enhances ministry as salt and enables vision as light. He urged Vincentians to maintain zeal and authenticity in service: “We need to be seen and to see people’s suffering,” he said.
The weekend concluded with the Eucharistic Celebration, presided by Msgr Jude. Participants left renewed in spirit and inspired to continue their Vincentian mission with greater zeal, wisdom, and compassion. – Herald Malaysia
