Young Priests’ Meeting: A Journey of Reflection and Renewal
The annual gathering of young priests, held from 21st to 23rd January 2025, proved to be a profound journey of spiritual reflection and vocational renewal. This year’s meeting, marked by thoughtful sessions and deep personal introspection, which was guided by Fr. Provincial, the Prefect of Formation, and attended by six young priests, all united in their quest for growth and strengthening of their faith.
The three-day meeting opened with a prayerful invocation to the Holy Spirit, setting a reverent tone for the days to come. Fr. Arul Sivan SJ, the keynote speaker on the first day, led a reflective session focused on the union and communion with God. In his talk, Fr. Arul urged the participants to revisit and cherish their most joyful life moments, reminding them of the importance of gratitude and purpose in their priestly journeys.
On the second day, Fr. Stanislas CMF the Prefect of Formation explored the various challenges of consecrated life. Through an insightful and thought-provoking presentation, Fr. Stanislas called the young priests to engage in deep self-examination, encouraging them to reflect on the personal and communal aspects of their vocation. Group discussions followed, where participants shared their experiences and the difficulties they face, fostering a sense of mutual support and camaraderie among the group.
The final day of the meeting featured by Fr. Yesudass CMF the Provincial who articulated four guiding principles that defined the purpose of the gathering. These were:
1. To halt and proceed
2. To seek and find
3. To listen and learn
4. To break and build
Drawing parallels to the crossroads in the life of Jesus, Fr. Yesudass invited the participants to reflect on their own pivotal moments of transformation, encouraging them to approach their mission with renewed clarity and courage. This session was particularly moving, leaving the young priests with a deeper understanding of their calling and a revitalized commitment to their vocation.
As the meeting came to a close, it was evident that the experience had been one of spiritual enrichment and personal growth. The gathering, rooted in prayer, introspection, and fraternity, strengthened the participants’ bond with God and each other, while providing a fresh perspective on their consecrated lives.The 2025 Young Priests’ Meeting has left a lasting impact on all those who attended, reaffirming the power of reflection, fraternity, and faith in shaping the future of the Church.
