Participants with organisers and speakers Joanne and John Ooi (front row 4th and 5th right) and Archbishop Simon Poh (front row 6th right)
By Paul Wong
Jan 2 2024
KUCHING — The Commission for Christian Family Life organised a seminar called “Enjoying your Golden Years” at the Mater Domini Auditorium on 4–5 November, attended by 120 participants. The seminar started off with an opening Mass presided by Archbishop Simon Poh.
The topics delivered were particularly tailored to senior citizens and retirees from the Archdiocese of Kuching. Mr John Ooi together with his wife Joanne from Singapore, were the main speakers.
Core messages mainly touched on phases of retirement, confronting fears and death as we age, dealing with loneliness and depression, living out a happy and meaningful life, and having a positive mindset presented in a very simple, down-to-earth approach, using the fundamentals of the Catholic faith.
Testimony from participants
“This insightful and encouraging workshop helped us realise that our golden years have inherent meaning—new opportunities, dignities and privileges. It proposed to us new ways to think about old age, so that our golden years can be the best years of our lives. All the videos were relevant and clearly enhanced our understanding of the topics. The exercises induced participants to think more deeply. The sharing of life experiences were most edifying and fun, with lots of laughter.” – Gilbert Sim and Annette Loh – Today’s Catholic
