By Friar Gerald Terrence Saimel
BUNDU TUHAN – Bishops, priests and a deacon from the three dioceses of Sabah gathered at Bundu Tuhan Retreat Centre (BTRC) for their Annual Clergy Retreat, held in conjunction with the Franciscan Jubilee Year commemorating the 800th anniversary of the passing of St Francis of Assisi on Sept 21-25, 2026.
The five-day retreat, themed “Priesthood in the Spirit of Saint Francis of Assisi,” was conducted by Friar Robert B. Manansala, OFM, a Franciscan friar from Manila, Philippines.
Friar Robert currently serves as President of Our Lady of the Angels Seminary-College (OLAS) and Dean of the Franciscan School of Theology. He holds a Doctor of Ministry (DMin) in Spirituality from the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, a double MA/STL degree in Spirituality and Systematic Theology from the Netherlands, and a Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry from the Philippines. He also holds certificates in Spiritual Direction and Religious Formation from Chicago. In addition to his academic and formation responsibilities, he serves in the Archdiocese of Manila Office of Exorcism (AMOE).
Drawing inspiration from the life and spirituality of St Francis of Assisi, the retreat invited the clergy to rediscover the meaning of their priestly vocation through the Franciscan values of humility, poverty, fraternity and a profound relationship with Jesus Christ.
As the Church commemorates the 800th anniversary of the passing of St Francis, the retreat provided a timely opportunity for the clergy to reflect on their calling to follow Christ more closely. The life of St Francis serves as a reminder that priestly ministry is not merely about pastoral responsibilities and activities, but fundamentally about one’s relationship with God and the willingness to serve others with humility and love.
Silence formed an essential part of the retreat, providing an atmosphere of prayer, contemplation and personal encounter with God. Away from their daily pastoral commitments, the clergy were invited to embrace moments of solitude, examine their spiritual journey and renew their commitment to their vocation.
Throughout the retreat, participants were given opportunities for personal reflection, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Holy Hour, the Liturgy of the Hours and the Rosary. These spiritual exercises provided space for interior renewal and a deeper awareness of God’s presence in their lives and ministry.
The retreat also highlighted the importance of fraternity, an essential dimension of Franciscan spirituality. Towards the conclusion of the five-day gathering, the clergy came together for community fellowship, strengthening their bonds of brotherhood and communion across the three dioceses of Sabah.
Beyond personal spiritual renewal, the gathering served as a meaningful expression of unity among the bishops, priests and deacon, reminding them of their shared mission in serving the local Church.
As the retreat concluded, the Franciscan Jubilee offered a timely reminder of the enduring witness of St Francis of Assisi: to live the Gospel faithfully, embrace simplicity, cultivate fraternity and allow oneself to be continually transformed by Christ.
Renewed in spirit and strengthened in fraternity, the clergy returned to their respective pastoral ministries, carrying with them the invitation to become instruments of God’s peace, compassion and love among the people entrusted to their care.
