Final lap towards the priesthood. One more month to go before their ordination to the priesthood and Deacon Vincent and Deacon Sylvester were blessed with the privilege of being able to spend one entire week of retreat with the man who have seen it all -- Archbishop Datuk John Ha.
Bishop Richard last week sent our two deacons to Kuching to spend some personal time with Archbishop John in the Carmelite Chapel in Kuching.
Archbishop John was the mentor to Bishop Richard when our Bishop was still Father Richard serving in the Kuching Archdiocese.
Bishop Richard considers Archbishop John as one of those who had inspired him the most in his spiritual life.
So it came as no surprise that he sent Deacon Vincent and Deacon Sylvester to Archbishop John to help prepare the two young men spiritually during this crucial month as they make their final lap towards the priesthood.
Deacon Sylvester described the one week spent with Archbishop John as an important experience.
The Archbishop imparted valuable words of wisdom to Deacon Sylvester and Deacon Vincent.
Archbishop John reminded them that they must be prepared to serve Christ and His Church with full humility.
Be humble at all times, pick up your cross and follow Christ and serve as Christ did, the Archbishop advised the two deacons.
Deacon Sylvester said he learned a lot from the Archbishop during the one week of spiritual preparation.
''Archbishop John is a man of wisdom, with plenty of knowledge and experiences about life.
''During the one week of retreat, we spent a lot of time with The Lord in prayers, meditation and reflection.
''We also serve at the chapel during daily mass at 5.55am every morning with the Archbishop.
''It was an important spiritual preparation,'' said Deacon Sylvester.
Our two deacons will be ordained by Bishop Richard on May 1 at the St Dominic and The Rosary Church at Taman Tunku.
Compiled by Ben Chang
