By Friar Nelson Evarinus Sipalan OFM
KUCHING — In a world rushing ever faster, silence is a rare and radical act. Yet from 12 to 16 May 2025, 51 priests from the Archdiocese of Kuching and the Dioceses of Miri and Sibu chose to press pause—leaving behind their parishes, responsibilities, and noise—to seek something deeper: the voice of God in the stillness.
Gathered at St Peter’s College, they entered into their Annual Priests’ Retreat under the theme drawn from Romans 12:2: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”
It was more than just a pause. It was a pilgrimage inward. A retreat of the heart.
For five days, the rhythm of life changed. Early morning prayers broke into quiet moments of contemplation. Familiar faces—fellow laborers in the vineyard—shared meals not just as colleagues, but as brothers. There was no rush, no schedules to keep, just a gentle unfolding of grace.
The retreat master friar Mathew Purayidathi OFM Conventual led with wisdom and tenderness, inviting into silence, into Scripture, and into self. And in that sacred space, the priests were reminded of who they are—not first as administrators or problem-solvers, but as beloved sons of God.
One of the retreat’s central themes was the gift and mystery of celibacy. Far from being a denial, celibacy was explored as a radical affirmation—a deep and joyful “yes” to love. Through the lens of Scripture, particularly Matthew 19 and 1 Corinthians 7, the priests delved into its many layers: prophetic, missionary, spiritual, and charismatic.
As one priest reflected, “Celibacy isn’t about what we give up—it’s about who we give ourselves to. It’s not a burden; it’s a burning love that fuels everything we do.”
In a world that often misunderstands the priesthood, these days of retreat became a quiet reclaiming of identity. Celibacy, they were reminded, is not emptiness—it is fullness. It is not cold detachment—it is blazing communion with Christ and His people.
And as the retreat unfolded, another powerful call echoed through their hearts: the call to preach.
But not just with words.
Inspired by the life of St Francis of Assisi—who once said, “Preach the Gospel at all times. When necessary, use words”—the priests were challenged to become living homilies. Every Mass, every act of kindness, every confession heard or sickbed visited could become a sermon louder than any words.
One priest put it beautifully: “We are not just proclaimers of the Word—we are meant to be the Word, written in flesh and blood for others to read.”
There was also a refreshing honesty throughout the retreat. The grind of ministry can take its toll—not just spiritually, but physically. The concept of “physio-spirituality” was introduced as an invitation to care for the whole self. Body and soul, spirit and strength. Because a weary priest cannot pour from an empty cup.
They were encouraged to return to the basics: rest, silence, confession, spiritual direction. Like a garden that needs good soil, the soul too must be tended gently and consistently. Burnout is real—but so is the healing grace of slowing down.
Yet even in the quiet, there was joy.
Laughter around the table. Deep conversations late into the evening. A sense of rediscovered brotherhood. The retreat didn’t just renew individuals—it rekindled the fraternity of the priesthood. In each other, they found mirrors of their own joys and struggles, and the comfort of knowing: I am not alone.
As the retreat drew to a close, the priests did not leave with grand strategies or complicated plans. They left with something deeper: a renewed heart, a clearer sense of purpose, and a quiet fire to keep going.
Because sometimes, the most important ministry begins not with action, but with stillness.
And from that stillness, the whisper of God can be heard again:
“Come away and rest awhile.”
