“And there are diversities of operations, but the same God, who worketh all in all.” 1 Corinthians 12:6 

When we look through a book of saints, we see a beautiful mosaic of different personalities, cultures and stories. The saints were all called to holiness, but their circumstances meant that they followed God in different ways. The martyrs possessed a courage that was both similar and distinct to the religious who died daily to themselves for the kingdom of God. God works in different ways: “there are diversities of operations, but the same God, who worketh in all.” 1 Corinthians 12:6

God has been working through many of us in Proclaim, and He has been working through those in various Lay Ecclesial Movements and Associations throughout the Archdiocese. Their stories remind us of the zeal of the first call, the wisdom of perseverance and the fruit of trust in the Lord. Check out Odilia Lee‘s story from the Western Canada Chinese Catholic Living Camp (WCCCLC), as she details her own transformation from tepid or lukewarm to a missionary disciple on fire with the love of God.

“I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly.” John 10:10   

I was in grade 6 in Hong Kong when the teacher of our parish’s faith formation for children asked the class to memorize the above Bible verse. She explained how the chapter and verse number made it so much easier to memorize. Since then, it has become the motto in my quest to seek abundant life.

From East to West 

It was 1993 when I first attended the Eastern Canada Chinese Catholic Living Camp or 加東 (pronounced as Ga Tung in Cantonese, which means Eastern Canada) when I studied at Queen’s University.  The fellowship of young adults and the clear presentation of the teaching of Catholic doctrine by the speakers attracted my wandering soul like bright light in the dark.

After my graduation and move back to Vancouver to work, Gus Yam, a GT friend, and I casually discussed bringing GT to Vancouver.  On March 14, 1997, Archbishop Adam Exner gave us his blessing.  We frantically but prayerfully put our heads together with a group of enthusiastic young people to realize the first 加西 (pronounced as Ga Sai, which means Western Canada) living camp over the Labour Day long weekend in 1997.

Our awesome God gathered over hundreds, if not a thousand, young adults through this annual living camp over the past 24 years.  Empowered by the sacraments and together with faith and friendship, many of us discovered God’s unique vocations and we embarked on an adventure in pursuit of holiness. As for me, from an overall coordinator of the first GS to a stay home mom of six children, God opened up an unimaginable and yet ordinary path to sanctify my married and family life.

Early Christians Communal Life 

GS is modeled after early Christians communal life as described in Acts 2:42-27.  We celebrated Mass, prayed, sang praise and worship songs, attended talks, shared meals, and played… together.  The communal experiences resound with my husband and children.  Fostering unity within a family has never been straightforward, especially when individualism is valued more than the common good in our culture.  Knowing that no one can ever get to heaven alone, my husband and I have been struggling to work together as a team.  By intentionally building and nurturing the family with homemade meals, daily prayers and Mass, fun family games, inspiring books, recreational outdoor sports, memorable family vacations and various service projects, we humbly experience God’s presence in our simple and messy family life.

Confession and Spiritual Direction 

Like my peers, as a young adult, I had high ideals of life.  Hadn’t Jesus promised me a life to the fullest?  However, when I set foot to navigate the real world, there were many unfulfilling gaps. The confessions I made at GT and GS healed and lifted my soul. The merciful gaze was so tangible that I started looking forward to pouring my heart out in the confessional even more frequently after the camps.  I also received fatherly and wise advice from the priests, urging me to walk courageously out of my comfort zone in the Spirit to love God’s love; to will God’s will; and to dream God’s dreams.  Confession was and continues to be a truly powerful sacrament of healing and strength, especially when I am easily discouraged, disappointed, and depleted by my own weaknesses and demands of family life.  St. Francis de Sales recommended weekly confession and I totally agree with him! 

Docility to the Holy Spirit 

“Being docile to the Holy Spirit” was a phrase I stumbled across when I studied the Apostolic Letter from St. John Paul II to prepare GS before the Jubilee Year 2000.  I repeated what he reflected upon like a poll-parrot and used the phrase in many prayers or other occasions, but I did not understand nor fully comprehend the meaning.  Gratefully, while I was reading a spiritual book one day, it dawned on me that being docile meant being teachable.  As “the wind blows where it wills....” John 3:8, having a fixed time and duration for daily mental prayer allows me to remain in tune to the whisper of the Holy Spirit.  The silence becomes my strength to respond frequently and promptly to what the Holy Spirit asks for, too.  Most of the time, I am asked to pay attention to the little details and finish tasks with greater love for God, my family, and any intentions entrusted to me.

GS Family Camp 

To pass along the faith, fun, and friendship we experienced in GS, eight GS families, a total of 16 adults and 22 children, gathered for the first GS Family Camp over the Labour Day long weekend in 2016.  For the past 5 years, we continued to use the first GS camp song 與你同行 (Walk with You) as the recessional hymn for the Mass at the GS Family Camp.  I can only give my heartfelt thanks to God and the friends we met along the journey of faith on earth.

Has God given me an abundant life?  Absolutely! And I am called to lead others, especially my family, to Him.  As you can imagine, my letters to my children always start with John 10:10!

Photo by Miguel Bautista on Unsplash