Fr. Willy narrates a day of recollection at Batang Benakitan, an encounter of Jesus as God’s family. The day spent together with evaluation of mission, planning of annual retreat, delicious lunch, and recreational time.
The morning air felt fresh and full of enthusiasm. Three cars and several motorbikes slowly departed from Kudangan Pastoral House, heading to Batang Benakitan, a remote area in the Batang Kawah District of Central Kalimantan on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. On a 21-hectare piece of land owned by the Redemptorist Tabor Community, stood a humble hut that became our resting place for the day.
Gathered there were priests, sisters, and some lay faithful. We began the day with the breviary prayer, followed by a shared recollection. This reflection was led by Fr. Kanis, CSsR, who invited us into a deep contemplation on the theme: “My Testimony about Jesus in the Paschal Mystery.”
Through his reflection, we were encouraged to know Jesus through words and truly experience His love and His work in our daily lives. “If we genuinely encounter Him, we will feel like part of God’s family,” was the core message Fr. Kanis shared with us.
The recollection was even more vivid when Fr. Kanis shared his personal story. He spoke about his faith journey when he was still an adult catechumen. He was deeply inspired by the witness and spirit of service shown by two Redemptorist missionaries: Fr. Berthold Ney, CSsR and Fr. Gerhard Baggeler, CSsR, who at that time were serving in Elopada, Sumba. Witnessing their dedication to serving communities in remote villages despite many limitations moved Fr. Kanis’s heart. That experience planted the dream in him to become a priest. Years later, to his own amazement, he found himself serving as the parish priest of Elopada—the very place where he first felt the stirrings of his vocation.
After the recollection session, we continued with the Redemptorist community meeting. While the sisters and laypeople engaged in other activities, we discussed several important matters.
First, we evaluated the Misi Umat (People’s Mission) held in the Parish of Riam Kota, particularly in the Riam and Setipayan outstations, from March 23 to 30, 2025. Many valuable experiences and lessons were learned, especially in reaching out to the Dayak people in that area.
Second, we began drafting plans for the next annual retreat, discussing potential speakers and venue options. Third, we deliberated on strengthening the community’s self-sustainability, particularly by optimising a 6-hectare plot of land in Kenawan for agricultural development.
Our meeting concluded with a Eucharistic celebration led by Fr. Gervas, CSsR. Afterwards, all of us—priests, sisters, and lay participants—enjoyed a joyful lunch and recreational time together. The warm and familial atmosphere affirmed one thing: in every step and every act of service, we truly are witnesses to God’s redeeming love.
Copiosa Apud Eum Redemptio
Fr. Willy Ng Pala CSsR
