By Christine Cyrill
KUCHING — The annual apostolate event has come back again for 3 weeks from 16 February 2025 to 10 March 2025. Taking place at St Lukas Centre, Kota Padawan, this program gathered 88 participants and 76 servants of alumni KAYA, from the 12 parishes of Kuching Archdiocese and a few from Sibu Diocese. With the theme ‘Who do you say I am?’, this new batch of young Catholics have experienced Christ’s love that is very personal and very transformational.
The primacy of the Holy Mass and devotion to Mary through the praying of the Holy Rosary were the daily highlights of this faith-deepening youth camp… of course, along with the fun and friendships shared and experienced by these young enthusiastic Catholics. Varied programs through different methodologies, all for the holistic wellness and growth of these youth, were offered with one sole purpose – for them to deepen their relationship with Christ and respond with maturing in their faith, hope and love expressed through service and following Him in Church and society.
During the first week were sessions given by Haggai Malaysia, which brought a mix of practical advice and meaningful discussions. Covering topics like leadership, ethics, and communicating Christian values, their sessions resonated especially with the many SPM leavers among the participants. As they prepare for life after school, whether stepping into university or the working world, participants gain insights on navigating challenges with a strong sense of purpose. Sessions weren’t just about learning skills but also about understanding how faith plays a role in everyday decisions.
The participants also had a weekend dedicated to being more aware and appreciative, thus responsive, to God’s call. In this ‘Vocation Journey’, they engaged in sessions led by religious from different congregations and members of the lay community. This journey guided them in discerning their calling, whether to religious life, single life, or married life. Through personal testimonies, discussions, and reflections, they explored the different paths of vocation, gaining insights into how faith and commitment shape each journey. This weekend concluded with an evening of Vocation Symposium… with sharings and question and answer moments that made all ponder on God’s loving call.
The second weekend was the ‘Immersion-Outreach Weekend’. Participants were divided into groups. Groups were sent to parishes (within the city and in outstation kampungs) hosted by families, giving them the opportunity to experience life in a Catholic context different from theirs and thus see and share Christ in all they meet. The weekend started with a Holy Mass and a para-liturgy called ‘The Washing of the Feet’. It was a touching moment that moved them to fall in love with Christ more, He who loved and served them first, making them eager and ready to go out there and welcome Christ more and serve Him more through the church communities and families they would meet. The warmth and welcoming from the different households as host families and the appreciation and offering from the youth participants made this a meaningful way to foster connection, understanding, and a deeper sense of Christ-centered community.
Upon the second week, participants started to engage in various ministries, each focusing on 4 different aspects of ministry, namely, spirituality, personal growth, service, and solidarity. These ministries involved a range of responsibilities, encouraging participants to gain hands-on experience in giving their time, talents and treasures for their good and the good of others.
In KAYA, everyday is a fun faith day. Daily schedules included attending and assisting in Holy Mass and participating in group prayers. These activities were not just about learning but also about deepening and understanding faith, while also fostering a greater appreciation for prayer.
Beyond spiritual activities, participants took on practical duties such as maintaining cleanliness, preparing meals, managing kitchen needs, and handling other communal tasks. They were also involved in manual work, including cleaning and maintaining St. Lukas Centre, ensuring that shared spaces remained well-kept and functional. Meal preparation, in particular, required teamwork as participants worked together to cook and serve food for the group. These tasks ensured the smooth running of daily life while reinforcing the importance of responsibility and cooperation.
Through these experiences, participants gained insights into the different roles within ministry work, balancing spiritual development with practical service. This structured approach helped them develop discipline, teamwork, and a deeper understanding of what it means to contribute to a faith community.
Every Thursday evening, participants dedicated time to prayer through the Holy Hour, which included exposition, adoration, and benediction. They also had the opportunity for confession and care-giving, fostering a deeper spiritual connection. From Thursday after dinner to Friday before breakfast, they spent the night in sacred sweet silence—no talking, no phone usage, just uninterrupted moments of reflection and prayer. On Friday morning, they shared a simple monk’s meal, embracing a spirit of gratitude and mindfulness. This practice reflects on Pope Francis’ “7 reflections before meals”reminding them that every meal is a gift, a moment of community, and an act of humility that connects them to those with less.
One of the highlights of this year’s KAYA is the Nature Trip to a beach in Sampadi. We spent a lovely afternoon till evening, amazed by nature and the benevolence of people as we spent time in hearty bonding, group sharing, listening to testimonies, praying, playing and swimming, and dining… all hearty indeed! And all this was made possible through the big generosity of our sponsors, KAYA’s servant and benefactress, Esther Law Lee Poh, and her generous brother, Ah Bee Law Kee Hiang, owner of Red Bee Camp in Sampadi where we stayed. When one gets to appreciate creation more, how can one not appreciate the Creator even more!
Another highlight of KAYA camp is the Community Service which brought them to various communities beyond the grounds of St. Lukas Centre for exposure and service. And this happened on the fifth of March which is Ash Wednesday. Coincidence? Nay, providence! God must have made it so… letting His beloved youth experience deepening their faith through serving. Participants were sent out to serve in various locations like the Home of Peace, RCBM Hospital, Hospital Sentosa, Kuching Autistic Association, Sarawak Cheshire Home, and the Mary Immaculate Convent. These experiences allowed them to engage with different communities, offering support and companionship. Their service was not just about assistance but also about bringing joy and connection. Participants took part in fun service activities such as cleaning, visiting residents, singing, and dancing while interacting with the community. These moments of shared laughter and presence helped foster a sense of warmth and inclusivity, making the experience both meaningful and uplifting for everyone involved.
Before ‘graduating’ from KAYA, participants organized its highlight event—the Solidarity Night. This batch has chosen as its theme, Bonded in Hope. Reflecting on their journey, they came as individuals but grew together as one brother/sisterhood in Christ, strengthening their faith through shared experiences. This bond inspired them to spread God’s word while serving their church and community. The night began with the Holy Mass celebrated by Archbishop Simon with Fr. Ramon Borja, SDB and Fr. Leonard Yap as concelebrants. This was immediately followed by the Praise and Worship led by the youth themselves. Sumptuous dinner for more than 300 people was served. Big thanks to the youth who have prepared all day and night for this. Big thanks too to the many families who have contributed to this pot-luck meal. Colorful performances and from the heart testimonies and video presentations were offered after. It truly has been an evening to remember.
On the final day, St. Lukas was flooded, not with rain, but with tears as participants faced the reality that their three-week journey had come to an end. Between tight hugs and selfies for the last time, they shared moments of appreciation and reconciliation, expressing gratitude for one another’s presence and the bonds they had formed. As they reminisced about the past three weeks of KAYA, they reflected on the journey they had shared, growing, serving, and experiencing faith together. The KAYA 31 program concluded with the Closing and Commissioning Mass celebrated by Archbishop Simon Poh with Fr. Ramon Borja, SDB and Fr Leonard as concelebrants again.
KAYA is more than just a Catholic youth program focused on personal spiritual formation; it is a journey of growth that shapes and enriches both participants and servants alike. Beyond deepening faith, it builds character, strengthens community bonds, and fosters that spirit of learning and service, creating a space where everyone can grow together.
From prayer moments, sessions and sharings to group activities and afternoon recreations, every moment became an opportunity to connect, reflect, and embrace one’s true self. The Goodnight Sharing every night before bedtime offered a mix of life advice and moments of realization about the future, while Bible Sharing and group discussions created space for honest conversations, unexpected emotions, and the comforting truth that no one walks this journey alone.
Many arrived at KAYA unsure of what to expect: some encouraged by friends, others drawn in by a simple church notice. But as the days passed, it became more than just an event. In the end, no one wanted to leave, because somewhere along the way, KAYA had become more than just a meaningful program, more than just a memorable experience. It had become a second home, a safe space where faith, friendship, and personal growth flourished. What started as hesitation turned into a newfound purpose. Indeed, from ‘Kita Baru Saja Bermula‘ to ‘Kita Telah Bermula!‘
We are also deeply thankful to all the donors, especially the alumni of KAYA, who have generously offered their treasures, both in cash and in kind, making KAYA flow through with all its material expenses. Deep thanks too to all our guest sharers (lay, religious and clergy) who have shared their precious time and giftedness to enrich our youth. And our appreciation goes to our servants too (from AKAYA), the young men and women who have experienced the richness of KAYA and now have served their younger peers to make them get enriched by KAYA too. Special mention goes to the four sisters from the Sisters of St. Francis of Sarawak. Prayerful thanks to you all.
