Only when we miss something, it is then that we realize how important and valuable it is.  This is how I perceive College to be, looking at it from the outside.  I look forward to our time of reflection in College, once every 5-6 weeks, on the average.  As there are only two of us in the Pastoral Year, we process and reflect on our experiences in our respective parishes.  Besides reporting to our coordinator on our involvement in the parish, we also further discern our vocation with the Spiritual Father of College.  To come back to familiar grounds, the wide open space of College, is always rejuvenating. 

Life in the parish is where we put into practice what we have gained in College.  This is the reality, what we are being trained for.  Since 15th January this year, I have been assigned to St Michael Church, Alor Setar, Kedah.  I live with a China-born priest, ordained in Malaysia when we gained independence 40 years ago, Rev Fr Peter Shyu.  From Friday afternoon  till Sunday night, I am in Changlun, a predominantly Chinese community. Here, I try to share my faith with the youth and take time to visit and to get to know the parishioners.  For me, it is indeed a challenge to communicate in Mandarin, a language I hardly speak.  On Sunday morning, I will travel to Arau, about 19km. from Changlun where I am with the Sarawakian community for catechetics. Then in the afternoon, I return to Changlun.  After the evening Mass, I return to Alor Setar with Fr Peter.  Being sent to this parish has opened me up to the reality of what it is to be a diocesan priest.  Being with peoples from all  walks of life and with various spectrum of personalities and opinions, put me in a good state of understanding and has mde me aware of the hardships and, at times, the unjust realities of life of people. 

The feeling of  being immersed into a new and unknown territory has compelled me to cling and seek the only One who can give comfort, Jesus.  As a result, my walk with Him has grown closer and more intimate.  I continue to place all my trust in God to lead and guide me, as I remain open to His grace.

What is my opinion? Well, after more than six months here in the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, Silibin, I must admit that it has been a continuous eye-opening experience for me. The many facets of  the Diocesan Priesthood have been gradually unveiling before me ever since. January 15, 1997, the day I commenced my pastoral year in this parish and the unveiling of the realities of this particular nature can only be described as a practical discernment for me. And therefore my opinion is that the pastoral year of formation is best carried out after two years of philosophical studies.  

As my first and longest stay in Ipoh, these past months have allowed me to grow in appreciation of the surroundings, especially the environment, both in and out of the parish. There are times of course when some of what I have learnt through my formation in the Seminary since '94 come in handy over here in my pastoral experience. A little of Philosophy, Psychospirituality, Scripture, Liturgy  etc, play their respective roles when the need arises. I must admit though, that a big part of what I'm learning now is mainly from the vast capabilities of both the Parish Priest and Assistant Parish Priest here in Our Lady Of Lourdes Church. The parishioners, both young and old, are also my teachers in the various aspects of life and there's no doubt that I'm gaining much knowledge from these experiences. I have yet a few months to complete my pastoral experience over here in Silibin and with an open heart and mind I shall with 'His' grace continue to be nurtured and guided towards the Vocation 'He' intends for me.