First of all, I’d like to thank you the Thanh Nien team for organising such an amazing event. The retreat has been an uplifting spiritual experience for me. It was also a fun social event where I met so many young exciting youths who share the shame beliefs and faith in God. Through these inspiring youths I find my faith has strengthened.

 

The retreat starts off with fun activities and a lecture from Fr Hong who makes us laugh so much even just to learn the name of a random person. Each of us was given a candle to make and decorate our own unique candle which represents our light throughout the retreat. The room was darkened. We slowly, person by person, came up to the altar, light our candle and put them together to make a Cross.

 

Looking at the cross shines brightly through the darkness of the room, it reminds me that Christ is the light of the world and he is always with us.

 

The next day is full of insightful lectures from Bishop Long, fun group discussions, reflection time, and hilarious social games which brought everyone together so that we can see and recognise the light of Christ always within ourselves and each other. It also reminds me that God has given each one of us our own unique special gifts and talents. There is the light of Christ within each one of us. Even though, there are challenges with living our faith especially in a multi-cultural society, we need to recognise that light and we need to find ways to let that light shine unto others.

 

The retreat allows a rare opportunity for me to open up to God, so that he can reignite his light in me, the light that has been gradually diminished from all stresses of everyday life. I have become more aware of the gifts God has given me, and I promise to find ways to let my light shine onto others… I have initiated my first step, I joined Thanh Nien.

 

By Vang Pham