By Fr Philip Chua
PENANG – Clergy from the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur and the Diocese of Malacca Johore gathered for their annual retreat from Sep 14–19 at the Stella Maris Retreat House. The retreat was led by Archbishop Socrates Villegas of the Philippines.
Over six days, participants reflected deeply on the renewal of their vocation, the call to live celibacy faithfully, the demands of pastoral fidelity, and the cultivation of a rich interior life.
The retreat combined biblical reflection, practical formation, daily Mass homilies, and prolonged times of prayer, inviting priests to a renewed surrender to Christ and a deeper commitment in service to the Church.
Key Themes Explored
Vocation and Mission: The retreat opened with searching questions that invited deep personal reflection: “What makes you happy? What makes you afraid? Where are you going?” Priests were challenged to rediscover their joy, confront their fears, and clarify their vision for mission. The invitation was clear: “You will be empowered to run the race — and to complete it.” A central refrain echoed throughout the week: “Lord, do not give up calling me” and “Lord, change me even if I am not ready.”
Scripture and Formation: Drawing from the lives of David, Samuel, Bathsheba, and Nathan, Archbishop Socrates reflected on vocation, holy indifference, authenticity, and the perils of pride and temptation. He invited priests to identify the “Samuels, Bathshebas, and Nathans” in their own lives — those who call them forth, those who tempt them, and those who correct them with truth and charity, leading them toward deeper conversion.
Conversion and Mercy: Using the account of the raising of Lazarus (John 11), the clergy were urged to confront the “convenient darkness” of sin and the habits that keep them bound. The archbishop exhorted them to “come forth” from their personal tombs of complacency and to allow brother priests to “unbind” them through fraternal correction and support — an act of mercy that restores freedom and life.
Celibacy and the Interior Life: Special attention was given to the graces and trials of celibate living. Archbishop Socrates described ce-libacy as both a contemplative and loving commitment to Christ, and he acknowledged that it remains one of the wounds of the priesthood. Despite its challenges, priests were reminded that Christ’s love for them never falters. They were encouraged to root themselves in daily Eucharist, personal prayer (including the Divine Office, Rosary, and Angelus), monthly confession, and to continually cultivate a deep interior intimacy with God.
Praise, Perseverance, and Purification: Through Scripture — from David’s psalms to the courage of the three young men in the furnace, and the perseverance of the apostles — as well as the insights of spiritual writers such as St Teresa of Jesus, St John of the Cross, and the Church Fathers, participants were reminded that praise is a spiritual weapon against desolation. Purification, while often demanding, was presented as the ongoing and tender work of God, shaping the soul into greater freedom and fidelity.
Daily Prayer and Reflection
Holy hours, contemplative silence, and Eucharistic adoration formed the very heartbeat of the retreat. The homilies — including one for the Mass of Our Lady of Sorrows — invited priests to experience the maternal tenderness of Mary and to embrace their vocation to serve God’s people with both fatherly guidance and motherly compassion.
The retreat concluded with a call to daily self-denial so that the life of Christ might grow ever more fully within them. The renewal of priestly promises, the reception of candles symbolising the “Light of Christ” to be carried into the world, and the solemn benediction of the Blessed Sacrament brought the retreat to a profound and grace-filled close.
Rite of Prostration
On the final day, the priests participated in the Rite of Prostration before the altar, symbolising total surrender to God. One participant reflected, “As priests, we are called to be bridges of grace — carrying the prayers of the world and the mercy of Christ. This moment of surrender renewed my spirit and reminded me that my vocation is never my own achievement, but always a gift from God. I leave this retreat inspired, humbled, and strengthened for the mission ahead.”
Conclusion
“Priesthood is not comfort or status but a costly call to be a bridge for God’s people,” Archbishop Socrates reminded us. “Even in temptation and failure, God’s call to conversion and mission remains.”
This message became the heart of our retreat. Together, we rediscovered the joy of our vocation and the courage to face its challenges. The days of prayer, silence, and fraternity renewed our spirits, strengthened our commitment to pastoral service, and deepened our communion with one another.
For me, this retreat was a deeply meaningful journey of reflection, prayer, and spiritual growth. It renewed my spirit and reaffirmed my commitment to the priesthood. I am grateful to Archbishop Socrates, our retreat master, whose wisdom, humility, and deep faith led us closer to the heart of the Lord and reminded us that, despite struggles, our vocation is always a gift of God and a mission to embrace daily. – Herald Malaysia
