Sunday, September 20, 2009

Clergy Retreat 2009

Majodi, Plentong. 14th to 20th September 2009.
Preacher: Fr. Savio Hon SDB

For the past week, Fr. Savio brought the retreatant priests on a profound hagiographical journey of faith and spirituality, that spanned from the patristic age (St. Augustine), through the Middle Ages (Ss. Bernard, Thomas Aquinas,John of the Cross) then on through the age of the missionary expansion (Matteo Ricci), right down to modern times (St. John Bosco and Teilhard de Chardin). He not only drew from their inspiring life stories but also elucidated and expounded the theology, spirituality, mysticism of these great men who shared a common identity of being priests. It was a refreshingly different experience for many who were used to thematic presentations, and yet a profoundly rich one which was deeply rooted in Catholic tradition. He helped us delve deep into the treasures of the church in order that we may rediscover the essence of our priestly identity and mission.

Perhaps, the wisdom of the St. John of Cross best summarises this whole experience:
"Though holy doctors have uncovered many mysteries and wonders, and devout souls have understood them in this earthly condition of ours, yet the greater part still remains to be unfolded by them, and even to be understood by them.
We must dig deeply in Christ. He is like a rich mine with many pockets containing treasures: however deep we dig we will never find their end or their limit. Indeed, in every pocket new seams of fresh riches are discovered on all sides."


Fr. Savio speaking to retreatants in Conference

Retreatants in Conference

Retreatants at Mass
Fr. Savio preaching at Mass
Group photo after Concluding Mass
Retreatants in the refrectory

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