Saturday, 25 Mar 2006     With less than a month till baptism on Easter Vigil, the RCIA Elects of Assumption PJ participated in a retreat at Dominic Villa. Dominic Villa, located near Genting View resort, is within an hour's drive from Kuala Lumpur. With a cool climate, it is an ideal venue for retreats.

The drive up the hill was uneventful. Car pooling was the obvious choice. With rising fuel costs and toll to pay, it makes sense to share the cost. Upon arrival at the villa, we were greeted by the familiar sight of the villa backdropped against a beautiful clear blue sky. But, we had limited time to admire the scenery as our program for the weekend started at 9:00 am. As they arrived, the Elects registered themselves and immediately dumped their bags in the dormitory, staking their claim on the sleeping bunks. First come, first served, and you get to choose if you are early.

After everyone had settled in, we gathered at the main hall and the program kicked off with praise and worship. Then Sr Jane gave the welcome speech and laid the ground rules for the weekend. This retreat was different from the first retreat we had. It is more serious this time, as there will be deeper reflection and searching in preparation for baptism. Also, for the very first time, Sr Jane brought a monstrance with the Consecrated Host placed within.

As it was Lenten season, our meals were mainly vegetarian with some fish. After lunch, the Elects gathered again at the main hall for a short movie of the Passion of our Lord. It is a reminder of how Christ died for our sins and this was followed by prayers and reflection session.

The highlight of the evening was the Liturgy of the Cross. After a deep reflection into our own selves, one by one the Elects, sponsors and facilitators knelt in front of the cross to touch the the nails and wounds of Christ, to symbolically pin our sins to the cross. But to most, the experience was real enough, as though our very own sins had nailed Christ to the cross. However, by realising that Christ had done it willingly for us, a heavy burden was lifted off our shoulders. And as if on cue, the sky opened up and it started raining heavily. As one Elect later shared, it felt like our sins have been washed away by the rain. How very symbolic indeed.

The next morning, the program started at 7:30 am with morning prayers followed by breakfast. Some of us were bleary-eyed, as the decibels throughout the night proved most challenging! (The sound of a freight train does come to mind)

Fr Simon and Bro Etienne drove up from PJ to celebrate mass for us. After the Liturgy of the Word, Fr Simon celebrated the Rite of Second Scrutiny for the Elects. This occassion was indeed special to us because we originally could not get a priest to come up to Dominic Villa. However, by the grace of God, Fr Simon's departure to Perth was postponed till July and we managed to celebrate mass and the rite at the villa. Sorry Fr Simon, I think we must have prayed too hard!

The retreat was concluded with a round of sharing by everyone and a group photo session. By the time we finally departed from Dominic Villa, it was 6:30 pm. For the Elects of RCIA 15, this retreat will remain a memorable event.