Sintang, October 18, 20224 – The Montfortian Region of West Kalimantan holds an Annual Retreat every year. This year's retreat was held on October 14-17, 2024, at the Tumenggung Tukung Retreat House, Kelam, Sintang and was attended by all Montfortians working in West Kalimantan. The retreat was themed Looking at Mary as a Model for My Priestly and Religious Life and was guided by Father Fidelis Bolo Wontan, SMM. The Montfortians arrived at the Retreat House on the afternoon of the 14th. The retreat was opened with a Eucharistic celebration led by Father Vian, SMM.
The first session was an introduction containing the majesty, greatness, and specialness of Mother Mary. This introduction is the basis for why Mother Mary is a model for priestly and religious life which will be explored in the themes in the following sessions. This introductory session was continued with a rosary prayer together. On the second day, Father Fidel's second session invited participants to reflect on the relationship between Jesus and the Virgin Mary. After the second session, participants entered into personal reflection guided by questions provided by Father Fidel. Then, the results of this personal reflection were shared in groups that had been divided beforehand. In the following sessions, Father Fidel brought participants to the role of Mary in the lives of Monfortian priests and religious; in the eucharist, holiness, and the tasks entrusted to Montfortian priests and religious.
This retreat was conducted using the semi-silentium method, so that in this retreat participants were also allowed to speak, especially during sharing. This method was considered suitable by the confreres because apart from the retreat, this was a time when the confreres could meet as brothers and share experiences with each other. Brotherhood and togetherness as one Montfortian family were indeed very much felt in this retreat, such as confreres who had made perpetual vows could joke happily with the brothers who were still making temporary vows.
We would like to thank Father Fidel, SMM who has guided us into a pleasant retreat atmosphere, bringing us into reflection on the enormous role of Our Lady in our lives as priests and monks of Montfortian. Hopefully the reflection provided can truly strengthen us as Montfortians and strengthen us in our duties.
Montfortian Communications Team