July 15, Dominic Villa, Genting Highlands – The Capuchin friars of the Malaysia-Singapore Custody convened for their week-long annual retreat at Dominic Villa in Genting Highlands. This event brought together friars from various fraternities across Malaysia, although some were unable to attend due to prior commitments. The retreat master, Br. William Chang from the Capuchin Province of Pontianak, Indonesia, led the retreat.
Upon arrival at Dominic Villa, the friars were assigned rooms and had the opportunity to connect and socialize before Vespers. The serene environment facilitated meaningful interactions and a sense of community among the brothers.
The retreat offered a chance to step away from daily routines and rejuvenate spiritually. After Vespers and dinner on the first evening, Br. William outlined the schedule, focusing primarily on Pope Francis’s encyclical Gaudete et Exsultate (Rejoice and Be Glad).
Day 2: The first session concentrated on the prophetic figures of Jeremiah, St. Paul, and St. Francis of Assisi. Br. William highlighted their unique callings and God’s personalized plans for each individual. The second session delved into the origins and significance of the Capuchin reform, emphasizing how the Capuchin way of life attracts people due to its distinctive nature.
Day 3: The retreat master explored the content of *Gaudete et Exsultate*. In the first session, he provided background on this encyclical and compared it with others by Pope Francis, such as Evangelii Gaudium and Laudato Si’. Br. William emphasized that these writings encourage living a holy life inspired by St. Francis of Assisi and Jesus Christ. The second session focused on the path to holiness, explaining that it is accessible to everyone by adopting a Christ-centered perspective. He noted that our struggles often stem from talking more than listening, referencing the biblical advice of using our ears more than our mouths.
Day 4: Br. William presented a video on St. Francis of Assisi and discussed the nature of holiness, stressing that true perfection is measured by the depth of one’s love rather than by knowledge. He addressed the enemies of holiness, including Gnosticism and Pelagianism, and continued with a discussion on the Beatitudes from the encyclical. He encouraged a life filled with love and humility, using the example of Jesus and emphasizing solidarity with others.
Day 5: The focus shifted to the Last Supper and the washing of feet, underscoring the value of brotherhood and solidarity. Br. William encouraged the friars to reflect on their responses to Jesus’s call to holiness. He also compared Capuchin spirituality to the durian fruit—distinctive and perceptible. He discussed humility and its role in holiness and provided examples from the lives of Mother Mary and Jonah to illustrate how joy, passion, and prayer contribute to spiritual growth.
Final Day: The retreat concluded with a discussion on discernment and recognizing the Holy Spirit’s influence versus other spirits. Br. William highlighted the importance of silence and prayer for understanding God’s guidance. He spoke about the role of religious vows in shaping a distinct way of life and emphasized the mission of the Capuchins in adapting to diverse needs while promoting justice and salvation for all humanity.
Following the retreat, the brothers enjoyed a day at the Genting Highlands theme park and shared a final meal together at the retreat house. This retreat served as a valuable period of reflection and renewal, allowing the friars to return to their daily lives with a deepened sense of spiritual commitment and unity.
In the spirit of Jesus Christ, the retreat underscored the importance of finding peace amidst life’s challenges and embracing God’s presence in all circumstances.
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