Clergy Retreat 2026: Priests Renew Their Vocation on Sideia Island Under Theme “Called, Chosen and Sent”

SIDEIA ISLAND, Alotau-Sideia — Far from the demands of parish ministry, surrounded by the quiet waters of Milne Bay, the priests of the Catholic Diocese of Alotau-Sideia gathered for their Annual Clergy Retreat from August 24 to 28, 2026, on Sideia Island.

Held under the theme “Called, Chosen and Sent,” the five-day retreat was a time of prayer, silence, fraternity and pastoral renewal.

Photomontage: Bishop Jacek Tendej CM and the Priests of Catholic Diocese of Alotau-Sideia during their Annual Clergy Retreat 2026

A Prayerful Welcome

The priests were warmly welcomed by Fr. JR Arreza, RCJ, Parish Priest of Sideia, together with the faithful of the Sideia Parish community. With generous hospitality, the community prepared not only accommodation but a prayerful home where the clergy could rest and encounter the Lord.

Sideia Island itself became part of the retreat. Surrounded by the vast sea that priests and missionaries regularly cross to reach distant communities, the setting offered a profound image of priestly life: the journey is not always calm, the sea is not always gentle, but Christ remains in the boat.

Returning to the Heart of Vocation

The retreat was facilitated by Fr. Matthew Panachipuram, CST, who led the clergy through Scripture-based reflections centered on the heart of their priestly vocation.

Rather than offering ready answers, Fr. Panachipuram placed before the priests questions that probe deeply into priestly identity: Why did God call me? Am I still listening to the One who called me? Is Jesus still at the center of my priesthood? Is my heart still burning for the mission?

Drawing from 1 Kings 19:9, the Lord’s question to Elijah — “What are you doing here?” — became an invitation for each priest to re-examine his vocation, ministry, and relationship with God.

The image of the disciples on the road to Emmaus offered a further point of reflection. Like them, priests can experience moments of weariness, disappointment and uncertainty. Yet, as the retreat recalled, Christ continues to walk beside His priests, opening the Scriptures, renewing their hope and setting their hearts on fire once again.

The days were characterized by the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, Eucharistic Adoration, praying the Holy Rosary, long intervals of silence, personal prayer, and fellowship.

Facilitator of the retreat: Fr. Matthew Panachipuram CST

Gratitude and Renewal

At the conclusion of the retreat, Fr. Matthew Ivenekula, Senior Priest of Alotau, expressed on behalf of all the clergy their sincere gratitude to Fr. Panachipuram for his spiritual accompaniment. He noted that the priests left spiritually recharged and renewed, strengthened by the wisdom and guidance received.

Most Rev. Jacek Tendej CM, Bishop of Alotau-Sideia, expressed his joy at the fruitful outcome of the retreat, a sentiment warmly affirmed by the priests present.

Bishop Tendej also extended heartfelt thanks to the Sideia Parish community for their exceptional hospitality, generous accommodation and loving service. In a special way, he acknowledged the deeply prayerful atmosphere fostered by the community and their angelic voices during the evening Rosaries, Adoration and celebrations of the Holy Mass, which made Sideia not simply a venue, but a true place of encounter with God.

Bishop Jacek Tendej CM and the priests after the retreat in the Catholic Diocese of Alotau-Sideia

Sent Forth Again

After five days on the island, the priests returned to their respective parishes and mission stations carrying more than memories of Sideia — they returned with a renewed awareness of their identity and mission.

CALLED by God.

CHOSEN by His grace.

SENT to bring Christ to His people.

From Sideia, they go forth once more to the islands, villages, families and communities entrusted to their pastoral care — with renewed strength, deeper fraternity and hearts burning again for Christ and His mission.

Let us continue to pray for all the priests and missionaries of the Catholic Diocese of Alotau-Sideia, that wherever the mission may lead them, they may always remember the One who CALLED them, CHOSE them, and SENT them.

Send, O Lord, Holy Apostles into Your Church!

Photos: Catholic Diocese of Alotau-Sideia | Sideia Island