Some 162 men and women religious from Malaysia and Brunei discuss vocations in Purak

The event was held between 15 and 17 February. The seminar began 10 years ago as a way for men and women religious in the Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu to work together. Five years later, organisers opened it to other dioceses in the country and abroad. Six female religious congregations and eight male orders are present at this year's edition.

Kuala Lumpur (AsiaNews/HeraldMalaysia) – A seminar on vocations was held at the Pace Bene retreat centre in Kampung Purak, Papar District (Sabah State) between 15 and 17 February.

It brought together 162 religious (62 men and 100 women) from various parishes in the Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu, the Diocese of Keningau and even neighbouring Brunei.

Fr Thomas Paul, of the Brothers of Christian Instruction of St Gabriel (SG) led the event, which was organised by the Council of Religious (COR) of the Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu.

Organising committee member Fr Valentine Gompok (OFM Cap) said that COR started this vocational seminar ten years ago as a way for the various congregations to work together to serve the Archdiocese and promote vocations.

Five years later, the Committee invited more congregations from other Malaysian dioceses. This year, for the first time, the Order of the Pious Schools (Scolopi) obtained permission from the archbishop to participate.

Six female religious congregations and eight male orders were present in Kampung Purak to show or share their respective charisma and mission.

The seminar began with an opening Mass, concelebrated by six priests from different religious communities.

The following day, Fr Gompok held a symposium on the topic of vocation to the consecrated life in which he stressed the importance of prayer and vows. Br Egbertus Jaikol FSC contributed by speaking about vocational discernment. On the last day of the seminar, Fr Raphael (OFM Cap) Involved the participants in another discussion about spiritual life.

During the seminar, participants shared the task of cleaning the refectory and washing the dishes after each meal.

The event also included group activities, praise and worship, personal and community prayers, an hour of adoration and other time dedicated to spiritual direction.

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• catholic church
• vocation
• religious orders
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