My First Experience Of Attending A Retreat At Kemah Tabor-Mataloko

By: Epifania Benedicta Gawan

Class: 12 IPA 4

There are many ways for humans to get closer to the Creator, to listen deeply and sensitively to the voice of God. People take a break, get away from the crowd and virtual world or anything that makes them too busy, and then meditate on the meaning of life. I felt how it happened in my first experience attending a retreat program at Kemah Tabor-Mataloko provided by the Syuradikara Catholic School.

The retreat was an annual program that students in grade 12 waited for since it happened once in three years as high school students. The retreat was held in Kemah Tabor Mataloko-Ngada Regency from 7 March-12 March 2024, divided into two batches. The first batch was from 7-9 March, and the second was from 10-12 March.

It was 7 March 2024. I was in the first batch and felt less excited to go because it would be very dull. However, this feeling immediately disappeared when I was entering the bus. It was certainly exciting to go out of town with friends. We were joyful, singing together until the bus stopped at Kemah Tabor.

After arriving, we immediately collected our phones and all of our snacks. Then, Ms. Emi Kemba, our teacher, immediately read out the division of bedrooms, and we started mingling with each other, being close to other friends. Then, we were allowed to walk around the place while waiting for the opening mass at 6 pm. What a beautiful view there was. Kemah Tabor had an incredible atmosphere, tall buildings, and many trees uniquely shaped around.

The opening mass of retreat started. We entered the very unique and beautiful chapel. It was presided over by Fr. Fredy Sebho, SVD, who facilitated the retreat. The students followed the mass solemnly and gave a deep impression. I learned to start everything by asking for God’s Presence.

After mass, we had dinner and continued our first reflection. Everything was fascinating! We were allowed to give thanks, reflect on being born as humans, and realize God’s grace for us. After the reflection, we prayed together, returned to our bedroom, and rested.

The second day, 8 March 2024, was a day that was very full of activities but very memorable in all of our hearts. We all woke up at four and prepared for morning worship in the chapel at 6 am. After the morning worship, we had breakfast. This time was an opportunity to get to know each other better, and I started to enjoy sitting with my friends from different classes. After breakfast, we continued our reflection. Fr. Fredy guided us to meditate on a topic related to our daily life as students and teenagers.

Furthermore, we were allowed to share so that the dialogue of life and faith awakened. After the reflection, we attended and prayed the way of Jesus Christ’s sorrow. Then, we returned to the hall to have another reflection. We began to feel warmth for each other. After dinner, each class has to present a creative reflection.

The last day arrived, 9 March 2024, and soon, we would have to return to Ende. Honestly, it was hard for me to leave Kemah Tabor. I wish I could be there longer. The retreat was closed by mass. I remembered what Fr. Fredy said, “If life is just about living. The monkey in the forest can also live. If work is just work, the buffaloes in the rice field can also work.” I realize that I don’t want to live just to live; I want to be a teenager who lives with God. I am ready to be a better person and continue my dreams as a student, especially in 12th grade, while constantly surrendering my life to God.

It rained all day, but our hearts were full of joy. Even though the temperature had been freezing, our hearts had always felt warm in Kemah Tabor-Mataloko. Thank you, Kemah Tabor Mataloko, for accepting and hosting us for three days and giving us such a warm and excellent impression. What a wonderful and amazing spiritual tour. Finally, we returned to Ende, and we enjoyed the trip.

Editor: Fr. Aris Mada, SVD