By Paul Zaher
Fifth and sixth year seminarians recently took part in a senior celibacy seminar amidst the hilly countryside surrounding Pallotti College retreat centre in Millgrove. This seminar was facilitated by Fr. Hoa Dinh and Hien Bui. This seminar enriched their understanding of celibacy. The seminar covered: tradition; sexuality; adult intimacy; human development; and solitude. The seminarians had to draw up a genogram (family tree), which for some involved many phone calls and discovering relatives they never knew before. Through this exercise the seminarians uncovered their family origin, who they are and how they came to be, physically, genetically and emotionally. The seminar wasn’t all academic. There was a lot of time for prayer and meditation. The seminarians also enjoyed great food and an incredible atmosphere on the hills. We were lucky to be able to enjoy extraordinary spiritual walks, some kick to kick of the footy and soccer ball and some cricket. There was also an opportunity to catch up on sleep. It was an emotional and spiritual journey.
CAPTION: From left to right: Seminarians Andrew Choi, Simeon Anthony and Chathura Silva on the celibacy seminar. PICTURE: Jude Ezeme.