Contributed by Joan Pang
KOTA KINABALU: A total of 40 children of St Simon Catholic Church Likas took part in a retreat themed “Come To Jesus” at the Montfort Youth Training Centre, Lok Kawi, on May 27-29.
The children, aged between nine and 12 years old, fared much better than expected, said event coordinator Theresa Ham.
“Amazingly, the very active children were able to sit in silence, through guided prayer, for one hour!” she said.
The retreat, held at the beginning of the recent school holiday and organised by Ministry of the Liturgy of the Word for Children, culminated during the Evening Mass on May 29. The rector Fr Cosmas Lee asked the children if they had a good retreat and they answered a unison “yes”.
Meanwhile, Theresa expressed hope that the children would bring home with them the experience from the retreat to their family and friends.
“We hope that the children, having encountered the presence and love of our Lord at the retreat, will be inspired to spread His love and mercy to their family and friends.”
She also thanked the parents and guardians for supporting the event.
Among the highlights of the retreat included prayer, worship, group performances, composing prayers, rosary recitation at the grotto of St Paul’s Chapel on the Hill and teachings on appreciating the God-given nature, among others.
On hand to accompany the children were 11 adults and four young adults from the Liturgy and Youth ministries.
Theresa also expressed her heartfelt appreciation to Fr Cosmas for his guidance as well as those at Montfort Youth Training Centre for their “kind assistance”.
St Simon Catholic Church Likas 