Fr Delphin Ndungu Kahemba, SDB
Young priests from Malaysia and Singapore came together for a shared journey of prayer, reflection and fraternity at the Young Priests Gathering 2026 (YPG 2026), renewing friendships and reflecting on their mission of serving God’s people.
Held from Oct 5–9 under the theme Celebrate, Listen and Walk Together, the gathering welcomed 51 priests who had been ordained for five years or less. “Young” referred to their years of priesthood rather than their age, recognising that the call to priestly ministry can be answered at different stages of life.
Based at St Peter’s College, Kuching’s major seminary, the gathering offered an opportunity to step back from daily pastoral responsibilities, share the realities of ministry and strengthen the bonds of brotherhood. More than a program, it became a shared pilgrimage of faith.
The gathering opened with Mass at St Joseph’s Cathedral, celebrated by Msgr William Sabang. A welcoming dinner hosted by the St Joseph’s Parish Council at Awah Café brought participants together with Archbishop Emeritus John Ha and Fr Nicholas Ng. Local delicacies and lively conversations offered a warm introduction to Sarawakian hospitality.
At the heart of the gathering were formation sessions that invited the priests to reflect on their vocation and the communities entrusted to their care.
Fr Patrick Heng, rector of St Peter’s College, spoke as an elder brother in the priesthood, sharing the joys, struggles and challenges of ministry. Drawing on the Rite of Ordination to the Priesthood and his own experience, he reflected candidly on the realities of early priesthood and the perseverance required to remain faithful to the calling.
Through Conversations in the Spirit, participants were invited to listen attentively and share openly with one another. These exchanges offered space to voice concerns, support their brother priests and reflect on what it means to live a holy, healthy and happy priestly life. They also underscored the value of having companions with whom to share both the burdens and blessings of ministry.
The missionary dimension of priesthood came into focus during Duc in Altum — Put Out into the Deep — presented by Fr Ramon Borja, SDB, at Holy Trinity Church, Kenyalang. Drawing from the work of Fr Robert S. Rivers, CSP, he encouraged participants to move from a mentality of maintenance to one of mission, embracing renewal, creativity and openness to change in pastoral ministry.
Prayer gave these reflections their foundation. Lauds, Vespers and daily Eucharistic celebrations shaped the rhythm of the gathering. On Oct 7, the Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary, participants prayed the Rosary together, entrusting their priestly vocation to Mary’s intercession.
Eucharistic Adoration at the Carmelite Monastery of the Immaculate Heart of Mary provided time for quiet prayer. The day concluded with Vespers and Mass at St Ann’s Church, Kota Padawan, celebrated by Fr Don Don Romero Ramirez, OFM.
Encounters with parish communities added another dimension to the gathering. Mass at St Peter’s Church, Padungan, was followed by a parish-hosted dinner with Fr Vincent Chin, while Holy Trinity parishioners generously prepared lunch for the participants. Time spent exploring Kuching also offered opportunities to appreciate the city’s cultural heritage and culinary traditions.
A lively Cultural Night brought together local cuisine, traditional rice wine known as tuak, music, dance and cultural performances. Affectionately dubbed “PGT” — “Priests Got Talent” — the evening revealed hidden talents and the joyful spirit of priestly fraternity.
The visit to Kampung Pasir Hulu, Lundu, on Oct 8 offered an encounter with local Church history and the heritage of the Salako community. The villagers’ warm welcome and traditional foods, lovingly prepared over several days, reflected the generosity of the people. Their hospitality was a reminder that the Church’s mission grows through relationships, listening and the sharing of faith across generations and cultures.
The gathering concluded with Vespers, Mass celebrated by Msgr William Sabang and a final fellowship dinner at the seminary. Participants expressed gratitude to the bishops, parish priests, communities, volunteers and benefactors whose dedication made the gathering possible, assuring them of their prayers and asking for continued prayerful support.
As they returned to their dioceses, the priests carried renewed friendships and a shared aspiration: to be holy, healthy and happy. YPG 2026 reaffirmed that priestly ministry is never meant to be a solitary journey. By celebrating, listening and walking together, priests support one another in their vocation and service to God’s people. – Herald Malaysia
