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M.I.T.A. (P) No. 032/0131/2002 PPS 201/4/2003
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This is my S on , th e Beloved. Listen to him .
The Official Newspaper of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore
( Mark: 9:8 )
Fortnightly:SUNDAYS, JAN. 05 - Jan. 12, 2003 SINGAPORE S5O0 / WEST MALAYSIA RM1.20 Vol. i. 53 No. 1
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P e r m a m e n t C o m m itm e n t MESSAGE FOR WORLD DAY OF PEACE -1 JANUARY 2003 - His Holiness Pope John Paul II
INSIDE V ie w p o in t
---------page 4 R e g io n a l NEW S
— pages 6, 7,11
Faith in Life --------
page 8
FORMATION Bible
Our Holy Father's Message for World Day of Peace was presented at a Press Conference at the Vatican on December 17 by His Excellency, the Most Reverend Archbishop Renato Raffaelo Martino, the newly appointed President of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace. The Pope took up as his theme, the famous Encyclical of his venerable predecessor, Blessed Pope John XXIII, who issued "Pacem in Terris’ ("Peace on Earth ) 40 years ago, on Holy Thursday, 11 April 1963. Hence, our Holy Father entitles his message: "Peace on Earth: A Permanent Commitment". He recalled the world situation at the time when Pope John XXIII wrote his Encyclical - a world in a profound state of disorder.
A new awareness of HUMAN DIGNITY and inalienable human rights
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C hildren’s C om er --------- page 10
The Family ------page 14-15
Young C ath o lics ------ page 14-15
Universal RIGHTS Pope John XXIII expressed particular appreciation of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which he considered “an
Looking at the present and into the future with the eyes of faith and reason, Blessed John XXIII discerned deeper historical currents at work - the promising beginning of a spiritual revolution. The end of colonialism and the rise of newly independent States, the protection of workers' rights, the new and welcome presence of women in public life, all testified to the fact that the human race was indeed entering a new phase of its history, one characterized by “the conviction that all men
are equal by reason o f their natural dignit/.
Vatican II
Two World Wars in the first half of the century, then in 1961 the Berlin Wall was erected, and six months before Pope John wrote his encyclical there was the Cuban missile crisis. It was at this time when peace seemed impossible that Pope John XXIII appealed to everyone in his great Encyclical "Peace on Earth". For the first time an Encyclical was being addressed not only to the Catholic Church but to everyone - to all men of good will.
The Pope knew that that dignity was still being trampled upon in many parts of the world. Yet he was convinced that, despite the dramatic situation, the world was becoming increasingly conscious of certain spiritual values, and increasingly open to the meaning of those pillars of peace - truth, justice, love, and freedom. Men and women were becoming more aware that their relationship with God, the source of all good, must be the solid foundation and supreme criterion of their lives, as individuals and in society (cf. ibid.). This evolving spiritual intuition would have profound public and political consequences. Pope John XXIII caught the potential of this phenomenon and understood its singular power to change history. The collapse of European Communism would confirm his insight. The road to peace lay in the defence and promotion of basic human rights, which every human being enjoys, not as a benefit given by a different social class or conceded by the State but simply because of our humanity: As history would soon show, this was not simply an abstract idea; human rights movements soon arose and gave concrete political expression to one of the great dynamics of contemporary history: the quest for freedom as an indispensable component of work for peace.
New In te rn a tio n a l O rder
These movements were instrumental in replacing dictatorial forms of government with more democratic and participatory ones. They demonstrated in practice that peace and progress could only be achieved by respecting
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the universal moral law written on the human heart. (John Paul II, Address to the United Nations General Assembly. 5 Oct. 1995).
Archdiocese of Singapore home page. Veritas; http:
approximation towards the establishment o f a juridical and political organization o f the world community".
H fiB M M N H THE FOUR PILLARS OF PEACE TRUTH will build peace if every individual sincerely acknowledges not only his rights, but also his own duties towards others. JUSTICE will build peace if in practice everyone respects the rights of others and actually fulfils his duties towards them. LOVE will build peace if people feel the needs of others as their own and share what they have with others, especially the values of mind and spirit which they possess. FREEDOM will build peace and make it thrive if, in the choice of the means to that end, people act according to reason and assume responsibility for their own actions.
The UNIVERSAL common good On another point to o Pacem in Terris showed itself prophetic. Because the world was becoming increasingly interdependent and global, the common good of humamity had to be worked out on the international plame. It was proper, Pope John XXIII taught, to spieak of a “universal common good ’ One of the consequences of this evolution was the obvicius need for a public authority, on the international level, with effective capacity to advance the; universal common good; an authority which could not be established by coercion but only by the; consent of nations. Such a body would have to hiave as its fundamental objective the “recognition, respect, safeguarding, and promotion of the rights of the human person” John XXIII looked writh hope and expectation to the United Nations Organization, which had come into being on June 26,11945. He saw it as a credible instrument for maintaining and strengthening world peace.
The Declaration set out the moral foundations on which the evolution o f a world characterized by order rather than disorder, and by dialogue rather than force, could proceed. He was suggesting that the vigorous defence of human rights by the United Nations Organization is the indispensable foundation for the development of that Organization’s capacity to promote and defend international security. Pope John XXIII’s vision of an effective international public authority at the service of human rights, freedom and peace has not yet been entirely achieved, but there is still in fact much hesitation in the international community about the obligation to respect and implement human rights. This duty touches all fundamental rights, excluding that arbitrary picking and choosing which can lead to rationalizing forms of discrimination and injustice. Likewise, we are witnessing the emergence of an alarming gap between a series of new “rights’ being promoted in advanced societies - the result of new prosperity and new technologies - and other more basic human rights still not being met, especially in situations of underdevelopment - the right to food and drinkable water, to housing and security, to selfdetermination and independence . Peace demands that this tension be speedily reduced and in time eliminated.
Universal DUTIES Another observation needs to be made: the international community, which since 1948 has possessed a charter of the inalienable rights of the human person, has generally failed to insist sufficiently on corresponding duties. It is duty that establishes the limits within which rights must be contained in order not to become an exercise in arbitrariness. A greater awareness of universal human duties would greatly benefit the cause of peace, setting it on the moral basis of a shared recognition of an order in things which is not dependent on the will of any individual or group.
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Precious Peace Our Holy Father recently addressed 7 new Ambassadors to the Holy See at the presentation of their credentials. The Holy Father spoke on the subject of peace in the world. Speaking in French, the Pope said that peace was one of the most precious things for individual persons, people and countries. Without it, the true development of individuals, families and societies and economies cannot be realized. Peace is a right for all. To want peace is not a sign of weakness but one of strength. Peace can only be realized by paying attention to respect for International law and order, which ought to be the priority of all who are in charge of the destiny of Nations. Common and multilateral action should be of primary concern in the resolution of conflict. Misery and injustice are sources of violence and contribute to the continuance and aggravation of local and regional conflict. "I am thinking," said the Pope, "in particular, of those countries where famine persists in an endemic manner." The International commu nity is called to work towards the elimination of such situations as much as possible. The help that is of the greatest importance would be to assist the local economies to develop to the point that they can sustain their own populations. Poverty weighs very heavily and alarmingly on the world today, threatening political, economic and social equilibrium. In the spirit of Vienna 1993, it is necessary to recognize the right of each one to have the basics and be able to enjoy part of the national riches. "Through your good offices, Your Excellencies, the Ambassa dors", the Pope said, " I wish to launch once again an appeal to the international Community to rethink as soon as possible, the double question of the distribution of the riches of our planet and technical and scientific assistance in respect of poor countries, which consti tutes a duty for the rich countries." It is in these areas that the Catholic Church wishes to pursue its own action in the diplomatic domain, by its presence in the different countries of the world, and to promote respect for persons and people, particularly through total education and social action.
Human Clone? In response to the request of journalists for comment on the report concerning a supposed human birth resulting from cloning, Press Director of the Holy See, Dr. Joaquin Navarro-Valls, released the following declaration: The announcement, without any element of proof has already raised the scepticism and moral condemnation of a great part of the international scientific community. The announcement itself is already an expression of a brute mentality devoid of any ethical and human consideration.
Papal Mass on New Year's Day On 1 January 2003, our Holy Father celebrated the Eucharist of the Solemnity of Mary, Most Holy Mother of God and the octave of Christ mas on the occasion of the 36th World Day of Peace, with the theme "Peace on Earth: a permanent Commitment." Concelebrating with him were Cardinal Angelo Sodano, Vatican Secretary of State, Archbishop Renato Martino, President of the Pontifical Council of Justice and Peace, Archbishop Jean-Louis Tauran, Secretary for Foreign Affairs, and Bishop Jean-Paulo Crepaldi, Secretary for the Pontifical Council of Justice and Peace.
Papal General Audiences General Audiences with the Pope take place almost every Wednesday throughout the year. The Prefect of the Papal Household has released some figures on these, which might be of interest. Throughout the 24 years of his Pontificate the Pope has held a total of 1064 General audiences which took in 16,636,500 persons. There were an average of 45 audiences per year with approximately an average of more than 600,00 people per year. The two highest years in terms of people at the audiences were 1979 with 1.5 million and Jubilee Year 2000 with a similar number.
. . . on current international issues. "U R B IE T O R B I" ( T o t h e C it y o f R o m e a n d t h e W o r ld ) M E S S A G E O F H IS H O L IN E S S P O P E J O H N P A U L II
CHRISTMAS 25 Dec. 2002 1. “To us a child is bom, to us a son is given’ (Is 9:5).
Vatican Press Reports HBBHHBHHMMIIINHHHUMMHI
The meaning of Christmas Speaking at the recitation of the Angelus on the 4th Sunday of Advent, Our Holy Father said that the most moving reminder of the birth of our Saviour must certainly be the Crib. However, the simplicity of the Crib contrasts with the image of Christmas that has come to be proposed with such insistence in commercial advertisements. Even the beautiful tradition of exchanging gifts between mem bers of families and friends, under the impact of a consumeristic mentality risks losing its authentic sense of "Christmas". The custom of giftgiving takes its origin from the fact that the Person of Jesus is the Gift of God to all humanity and that our gifts during this time are a reflection and expression of God's gift to us. It is for this reason that these gestures should manifest our solidarity with the poor and the needy. At the Crib we turn our gaze to the Virgin and Joseph who await the birth of Jesus. In the Gospel of the Fourth Sunday of Advent, in the account of the Annunciation, we are reminded of the attentiveness of Mary to the Word of God, and her willingness to accept his will. In her and her most chaste Spouse we see realized, the indispensable conditions to prepare for the Birth of Christ. First of all, interior silence and prayer which allow the contem plation of the mystery that we recall, and secondly, the disposi tion of attentiveness to the will of God, however that will be manifested to us. The "YES" of Mary and Joseph involves their whole person: spirit, soul and body. So let it be for us. May Jesus fill our cribs with resplendent joy and find a warm welcome in every Christian family!
Today the mvsterv of Christmas is renewed: this Child who brings salvation to the world is also born for the men and women of our own time, bringing joy and peace for all. We approach the crib with emotion; together with Mary we go to meet the Long-Awaited of the Nations, the Redeemer of humanity. With Mary let us contemplate the face of Christ: in that Child, wrapped in swaddling cloths and laid in the manger (cf. Lk 2:7), it is God himself who comes to visit us, to guide our feet in the way of peace (cf. Lk 1:79). Mary watches him, caresses him and keeps him warm, pondering the meaning of the wondrous signs which surround the mvsterv of Christmas. 2. Christmas is a mvsterv of jov! The Angels sang in the night: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom he is pleased" (Lk 2:14). To the shepherds they described the event as “a great jo y for all the people” (cf. Lk 2:10). Joy, despite distance from home, the poverty of the manger, people’s indifference, the hostility of power. A mystery of joy nonetheless, for in the City of David "to you is born this day a Saviour" (Lk 2:11). The Church shares in this same joy, surrounded today by the light of the Son of God: the darkness can never obscure it. It is the glory of the Eternal Word, who out of love has become one of us. 3. Christmas is a mvsterv of love! The love of the Father, who has sent into the world his only-begotten Son, to bestow on us the gift of his own life (cf. 1 Jn 4:8-9). The love of “God-with-us”, Emmanuel, who came to earth in order to die on the Cross. In the cold stable, wrapped in silence, the Virgin Mother, with prophetic intuition, already tastes the violent drama of Calvary, the traumatic struggle between darkness and light, between death and life, between hatred and love. The Prince of Peace, born today in Bethlehem, will give his life on Golgotha, so that love may reign on earth. 4. Christmas is a mvsterv of peace! From the cave of Bethlehem there rises today an urgent appeal to the world not to yield to mistrust, suspicion and discouragement, even though the tragic reality of terrorism feeds uncertainties and fears. Believers of all religions, together with men and women of good will, by outlawing all forms of intolerance and discrimination, are called to build peace: in the Holy Land, above all, to put an end once and for all to the senseless spiral of blind violence, and in the Middle East. to extinguish the ominous smouldering of a conflict which, with the joint efforts of all, can be avoided; in Africa too, where devastating famines and tragic internal conflicts are aggravating the already precarious conditions of entire peoples, although here and there signs of hope are present; in Latin America, in Asia, in other parts of the world, where political, economic and social crises disturb the serenity of many families and nations. May humanity accept the Christmas message of peace! 5. Adorable mvsterv of the Incarnate Word!
/e wish all of them Rev. Fr. Claude Barreteau, MEP Rev. Fr. Felix Brygier, MEP the Peace of Christ Rev. Fr. Balthazar Chang, CICM and the solicitude of Rev. Fr. Francois Dufay, MEP his BlesseckMother Rev. Fr. Edmund Dunne, CSsR “ie Year that lies Rev. Fr. James Wallace, CSsR Rev. Bro. Casimir, CSsR Rev. Fr. Gerard Keane, SJ Rev. Fr. Alfred Chan Rev. Fr. Frank Depoorter, CICM
Greetings in 62 languages After his Christmas message, Pope John Paul II sent his greetings to Peoples and Nations, live, through Vatican Radio and Television, in no less than 62 languages of the world.
Together with you, O Virgin Mother, may we stop and reflect at the manger where the Child lies, to share your own amazement at the immense “condescension” of God. Grant us your own eyes, O Mary, that we may understand the mystery hidden within the frail limbs of your Son. Teach us to recognize his face in the children of every race and culture. Help us to be credible witnesses of his message of peace and love, so that the men and women of our own time, still torn by conflicts and unspeakable violence, may also recognize in the Child cradled in your arms the one Saviour of the world, the endless source of that true peace for which every heart profoundly yearns.
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Archbishop's Cup 2002
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Traditionally held in June, this year’s Archbishop's Cup 2002 was held on the 7th in the wet month of December. A total of 24 teams from 17 Churches took part in this tournament: 9 from the Under - 13 years category and 15 from the Under 20 years category. The event, although held in Qifa Primary School located at the West Coast of Singapore, did not prove difficult to find as most of the Churches were there even before the organizers. Such was the enthusiasm of the players having waited patiently for this tournament for a good two years, (no tourna ment was organized last year). In fact one parent commented how his 9-year-old almost dragged him out of bed on a non-working Saturday to fetch him to the tournament, (one wonders if he does that when needed to serve morning masses). The entire school field was divided into two with the senior category occupying j of the length of the field whilst the junior category occupied the breadth of the remaining ” of the field. Although most parts of the school were out-of-bounds to everyone, space was never a problem for all the Churches, as many had brought their full load of logistic requirements in anticipation of staying throughout the duration of the tournament. This year the organizers decided that prior to each match both teams must come together to say a prayer. This was really the highlight of the tournament as it really displayed a spiritual dimen sion to the competition. It was indeed gratifying to see the Altar Servers gathered in prayer and never was a prayer shy of being said. It was indeed an occasion to be proud of being a Catholic under such competitive surroundings. Throughout the duration of the tournament, all teams displayed a strong sense of friendly competi tion and never once did an argument, fight or injury
take place as may have been observed in prewvious tournaments. Some servers attributed this to tithe countless prayers that were said prior to each i game. Perhaps another satisfying highlight of this yeaars’ tournament was the sdpport and encouragemeient displayed by the parents. They were really theie backbone of the teams providing the much neeeded back-room support and for some teams even tl the front-end support as coaches or strategists. In n fact even when the time came for the clean up, a ftfew parents requested us to leave it to them to ensisure that the school was kept tidy and clean. As in all competitions, some will win and soome will lose. This years’ Under 13 winners were frfrom the Church of St. Francis Xavier clinging the chanrnpions award after narrowly edging out the team fromn Church of Our Lady Star of the Sea with a scoore of 2 - 1; whilst in 3rd place was the team from Immaaculate Heart of Mary. The top scorer award wenlnt to Aaron Lim from the Church of Christ the King. In the Under 20 category, the eventual winners were e from the Church of St. Ignatius winning a very spiriteited match by a score line of 3 goals to nothing withith the team from the Church of the Immaculate Heartert of Mary. In third place was the team from St. Jososeph’s Bukit Timah (Team A) edging out the team frorrom the Church of Christ the King. The top scovet fov W iis age group was Joshua Ng from the Church of Immacu late Heart of Mary. In spite of the heavy downpour and occar nal lightning, the atmosphere was simply wondenul with most of the Churches remaining to watch the finals for both categories. It was against such a backdrop that the prize presentation was held with the eager but deserving winners collecting their prizes from the organizers.
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On several evenings, the participants walked through the neighbourhood praying the rosary at each house. At each stop, they learned about the lives of the families and how they were inspired by Mary. Many of the Singaporeans realized that although they held the Catholic view of Mary, she has never been a big part of their life. This rosary walk helped them to develop their relationship with Mary and to emulate her faith. Perhaps the most important thing the partici pants took back with them from this journey is the love of Jesus as exemplified by the people of Tagaytay. They came to understand that it is this love that makes one open to others and willing to embrace life with all its trials and tribulations. A young lady participant said “It’s been a spirit filled experience for me. Somehow, I felt him so close and near through the activities and the people at Tagaytay. Christ was indeed born again in me this Christmas.” A young man in the group added: “Beforre I went, I thought I’d be helping the people the?re. As it turned out, they ended up evangelising to me through their generosity, humility and faith im God’s providence. If we here in Singapore had evesn an ounce of what they have in those respects, \we would never ever grumble or gripe. The experience was truly humbling.” For more information on Verbum Dei Missionaries, call 6274-0251 or visit http://www.civo.com/verbumdeisinaapore
Mission overseas Submitted by FMM Sisters The first Bruneian to join the Franciscan Mission aries of Mary Sisters (FMM) in Singapore left for mission in the United States on Nov 25, some three months after making her final vows. Sr Philomena Yap joined the FMM Sisters here eight years ago. On August 10this year, she made her final vows at the Blessed Sacrament Church where she had been a catechist. Universal mission being the essence of the FMM vocation, at each final vows ceremony, a sister is sent on mission. The place of mission for
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By Desiree Hwang A scenic volcanic mountain lake in the Philippines was where 13 young adult Singaporeans began their journey into Advent on Dec. 1. The 10-day mission trip, organized by the Verbum Dei Missionaries, gave the participants insight into the more ascetic lifestyle of missionar ies. It also featured a colourful cultural exchange of songs and dances. In the mornings, the young adults were asked to journey with biblical figures such as Zacchaeus, the Samaritan woman at the well and the 10 lepers, all of whom met Jesus and had their lives dramatically changed by him. They were chal lenged to transform themselves through the love of Christ, to look at the world around them with the eyes, ears and heart of Jesus. In the afternoons, they undertook their own physical journey to encounter Jesus in the people they met. They joined residents and were taught how to make candles, harvest corn and how to plow fields. These encounters gave them a deep insight into the lives of the people. Although they were riddled with hardships - such as illness, abandonment, a lack of money and a lack food the people had an insurmountable faith in Jesus. The participants learned that it was this faith that allowed the people to take each new step and embrace each new day, to continue to love even in times of difficulty and most of all to give all that they had to offer even if it meant that they were left with close to nothing.
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Sr. Philomena was a tightly kept secret till ttne thanksgiving of the Mass celebrating her fin al vows. There was applause when FMM Provincial, Sr. Mary Soh, announced that Philo - as she is known - would be sent on mission to the United States! She left for Boston on Nov 25. Her simplicitty, straight-forwardness and skills as a “handy-woman” besides her other skills will be a loss for th e community but a gain for so many others a s she continues to proclaim the love of God for ev'ery person.
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V IE W P O IN T
ED ITO R
Dr. (Rev.) Robert R Balhetchet
Being a t Peace
M ANAGER R ev. Fr. Jo h n so n F e rn a n d e z STAFF C O R R ESPO N D EN T M s. M el D ia m se -L e e
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THE PEWS
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The first day of each new year is very appropriately designated "W orld D ay o f Peace". Many things may well be considered highly desirable in our world, but without "peace" none of these things would really be attainable. This year, our Holy Father issued a long message for this occasion, titling it "Peace on Earth: A P erm a n e n t C om m ittm ent." The permanent committment refers not only to the quest for peace but also to Blessed Pope John XXIII's Encyclical to the whole world of that same title. "Pacem in Terris" (Peace on Earth), in others words, a permanenet commitment to the path of peace initiated by Blessed Pope John. fro m In his message, our Holy The E ditor F a th e r re -e m p h s iz e s the points made by his venerable Dr (Rev) Robert P. Balhetchet predecessor and suggests a new basis for this permanent commitment - a new order in the world - a new international moral order. It is not a new "global super-State" that he proposes, but, as he well says: "peace is not essentially about structures but about PEOPLE." And, he continues: "Gestures of peace spring from the lives of people who foster peace first of all in their own hearts." This is precisely what we should be thinking about at the beginning of a new year - a time when, traditionally, "new year resolutions" are made. It would be a good idea if our "resolution" could involve "achieving peace in ourselves." Such an "exercise" must first of all begin with achieving "peace with God". We have all been called to be members of the new "Chosen People of God" - we received the Sacrament of Baptism so that we are now called "Children of God."
These are beautiful titles and designations, but they have to be expressions of a reality in our personal lives. We have two stupendous Sacra ments to help us achieve this union with God - the Sacrament of Reconciliation {to achieve true peace with God) and the Sacrament of the Eucharist (to realize in a most marvellous way, a re-lncarnation of Jesus in our lives). Do we, however, make the fullest possible use of these Sacraments? We cannot really begin to achieve real peace with God without their frequent reception. Then we need to achieve peace with ourselves. The best way to do that is to follow that great example of Mary who became the Mother of God, the title by which we honour her on New Year's Day, precisely by total submission to God's plan for her: "Let it be done to m e according to y o u r w o rd ." Much of the anxiety which we experience, much of the lack of "peace" within ourselves that we suffer from, is the result of trying to achieve our own wills, our own desires, our own ambitions and our own goals. If only we could make ours the great "fiat" ( let it be done..) of Mary. If we have achieved peace with ourselves, it would be a short and easy step to achieve peace with others. That, in itself, would bring even more peace to ourselves. It is then that we will be able to claim for ourselves that beatitude promised by Je sus: "Blessed are the peace-m akers: they shall be called children o f G o d ."
The promise of the angels: "Peace on earth to m en o f g o o d w ill" is not a utopian ideal. It can become a reality, but only if all of us begin to really work at achieving peace first of all with God and within ourselves. The rest will follow.
Responses are fr o m the Editor.
More Penitential Services? It is usual in our diocese to hold penitential services twice a year during the Lent and Advent season. I hope that we can have more of such sessions. The reason is that we, being so human, simply need to receive the sacrament of penance frequently to cleanse our souls. There are usually opportunities for one to make their confession as priests are normally available before Mass (and we should be very grateful to them for their generosity), but it is unfortunately true that some Catholics are lazy and make their confession infrequently. Something has to be done to encourage them. I suggest that our parishes hold penitential services regularly as means to encourage Catholics who do not confess regularly to do so. We could have sessions before important events such as Ash Wednesday (February), Easter Day (April), Corpus Christ (June), Assumption Day (August), All Saints’ Day (October) and Christmas (December). These suggested days are by no means exclusive since we should really receive confession as soon as we need it (as* a way to remove the mortal sins committed), and also frequently to help us to grow in holiness. But I think holding these sessions might at least encourage Catholics who do not go to confession frequently to do so more regularly over the year, instead of ‘accumulating sins’, and confessing them ‘at one go’ during Advent or Lent. Educating Catholics on the importance of confession and why one should receive it more habitually should also be more strongly emphasized during catechism, in homilies, etc. Let us not forget that Christ’s representative on earth, our pope, has been constantly reminding us of the importance of sacramental confession in his writings such as the "The beginning of the New Millenium", "The Mercy of God and "Letters to the priests" for Holy Thursday (2001, 2002).
JYBS A good suggestion. I am wondering, however, whether you are suggesting that such celebrations serve to motivate people to have greater recourse to the Sacrament o f Reconciliation. It could well be so. In any case, you could speak with your Parish Priest about that. Such celebrations would depend on the Parish. It does not have to be an Archdiocesan event.
In answer to S.L.'s comments on poverty in the last issue. " We should rather give them the tools to fish rather than the fish." Indeed! While this is a valid comment and is well recognized as sustainable development, the whole process is much more complex than appears at first sight. On a country scale more than just a fishing rod is required! Then too, before all the mechanisms and education can begin to produce self-sustaining results, a considerable amount o f "outright" material aid is necessary. As for "sharing the gospel and not ju s t' witness to love'. Witnessing to Christ’s love is
not something unique to Christianity. Buddhist, Hindus or Muslims can be loving people too. ’ You are indeed right when you say that people o f other religions can be loving too. One would also have to say that people o f no religion at all can also be loving people. That is wonderful and does indeed provide the common ground for dialogue. God IS LOVE. The Incarnation which we have ju s t celebrated, is the manifestation o f God's love. The supreme sacrifice o f Jesus on the Cross for our salvation is a further proof o f God's love for us. His Gospel is indeed a Gospel o f love: "Love one another, as I have loved you!" That is the "witness to love" that he has commanded us to give, and is by no means a "watering down o f the sharing o f the Gospel. It is precisely that "witness to love" that Mother Teresa has become so much a modern icon of. If by "sharing the Gospel" is meant telling people about Christ and his teaching, that is not to be put in opposition or in contrast to "witnessing to love". Evangelisation and Witness are mutually complementing elements. As for the merits or demerits o f being vegetarian and its impact on world poverty, I am not in a position to comment, though I c a n 't help wondering how this is going to alleviate poverty and prevent the tragedy o f millions o f people dying o f hunger in many regions o f the world. It is certainly recognized that there is a grossly unequal distribtuion o f the world's wealth and resources, as Our Holy Father has just pointed out in his message for World Day o f Peace 2003. That something can and should be done about it on world level is imperative, but,as the Pope points out, this requries a radical change o f heart on the part o f the world community, and, as he says, a new interna tional order. Your suggestion that there should be more "teaching" and "awareness creation" on these issues is a useful one. The Catholic News is certainly trying to do its part!
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Language to maintain cultural roots AUSTRALIA, Sydney ( UCAN) — A Vietnameselanguage programme coordinated by a De La Salle Brother in Sydney, Australia, is helping Vietnamese young people appreciate their cultural roots and enhance family ties. The need to learn Vietnamese is growing because grandparents and parents are eager to share their life experiences and sentiments with their children and grandchildren, Brother Vo Liem told UCA News at a celebration marking the 20th anniversary of the Vietnamese Cultural Schools Association. The celebration, held Dec. 7 at De La Salle Catholic College in Sydney brought together about 600 students, benefactors, priests and Religious. The language program that the association runs is supported by Sydney archdiocese and the Department of Education and Training. Classes are held on Saturdays in four Catholic and two public schools. Brother Liem, association founder and program coordinator, is an ethnic Vietnamese who came to Australia a few years after the Vietnam War ended in 1975. He said many find that youngsters who have taken the classes not only speak and write Vietnamese correctly, but also behave with greater respect toward their elders. Family members, he explained, have close ties with one another when expressing their emotions in the mother tongue. “We thought the need to learn Vietnamese would diminish after years of living in Australia because Vietnamese migrants would learn and speak English,” he said, but the need has grown since some who left Vietnam as small children know little about the culture and language. Brother Liem recalled that classes began in 1982 with 10 students and one teacher. There are now some 2,200 students and 80 volunteer teachers, who get only some transport allowance. Classes run from February to December and include some 35 sessions, each two hours long. The program lasts seven years,
starting at kindergarten level. At high school level, students can take Vietnamese as a seco:ond language, the De La Salle Brother pointed outjt. A parent told UCA News, “The program offers many benefits. Through it, my two childrdren know Vietnamese better and have an environment to make friends with other Vietnamese children. And we parents also get t to know each other when we bring our children tcto class.” But teachers, he added, must be more a attentive to pronunciation and writing, e s p e c ia lly the diacritical marks that indicate tone, since tithe Vietnamese language is tonal, unlike English. At the celebration, one student said, “We value our Vietnamese identity," and stressing ti the value of helping others, noted, “We raise and save money to help our less privileged studentnts in Vietnam to continue their studies.” Each year since 1992, parents and student3ts have donated to the association to provide scholarships and study materials to poor childnlren in Vietnam. Participants at the anniversary celebration also contributed money to buy Christmas presents for children in Vietnam thisis year. Besides its work with children, the associatation also introduces Vietnamese culture to other Australians with celebrations of Vietnamese festivals such as the Vietnamese Lunar New Year called Tet and the Mid-Autumn Festival. Peter Turner, regional director of the Cathoiolic Education Office, told UCA News that multi cultured Australia values the richness of the culture brought by Vietnamese people. “We hoppe the commitments of teachers, parents and students will enrich our country,” he commenteted. According to Tony Stewart, a parliam entarian from Bankstown where many Vietnamese live, the New South Wales state government has granted funds to the association for the next school year. Most of the 45,000 Vietnamese in Sydney and its suburbs came after 1975.
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Laity encouraging - Vocations bleak TAIWAN, Taipei (UCAN) — Lay participation plays a significant role in the growth of the Taiwan Church, but the scant trickle of priestly vocations remains a challenge for the local Church, accord ing to the bishops of Taiwan. Archbishop Joseph Ti Kang of Taipei says promotion of lay participation is a great success in his archdiocese. The initiative of lay people led to the setting up of Caritas Taiwan in 1968 and the Taiwan Catholic Mission Foundation, both of which try to witness to God’s love for the needy. The two lay organizations are now under the Chinese Regional Bishops’ Conference (CRBC) in Taiwan. Archbishop Ti, president of the CRBC Commis sion for Laity, also remarked that lay people contribute much to the success of most Catholic schools in Taipei archdiocese. Bishop Luke Liu of Hsinchu, commended Taiwanese lay people for their contribution to Church development. Bishop Liu, who is a mem ber of the CRBC Commission for Laity, said his diocese’s three lay formation centers train lay leaders in the spirit of Vatican Council II. Retired Bishop Andrew Tsien of Hualien in eastern Taiwan similarly remarked that laity formation has developed greatly and laypeople now are equally concerned about what is happen ing in society. In marked contrast to this upbeat assessment of laity, the bishops mainly expressed deep concern about the lack of priestly vocations in Taiwan. Archbishop Ti attributes the dilemma to family problems prevailing in society. “Many couples,” he noted, “opt for a childless family, and divorce, single-parent families and family violence are ever more common. How can vocations be nurtured in such situations?” Even some seminar ians require counselling because they also come from broken families, he added. Bishop Peter Liu of Chiayi in central Taiwan says the lack of vocations has prompted Sacred Heart Minor Seminary in his diocese to arrange a monthly gathering of young Catholics, particularly targeting the children of former seminarians. The
51-year-old bishop added that diocesan parishes also organize weekly prayer meetings to pray for more vocations. Despite all difficulties, Archbishop Ti insists the Church should not lose hope. He noted that one of his diocesan priests can still assemble about 80 young people each month for prayer and discern ment about their vocations. The picture is bright in Hualien diocese, whiere 95 percent of Catholics are indigenous and voca tions increasing. Many priests and seminarians in the area gave up their vocations in the 1960s ;and 1970s, so efforts have been made to give prieasts a more solid formation, Church sources say. In view of the realities facing families, the resolutions of the yearlong New Century New Evangelization Convention of the Catholic Churrch in Taiwan that ended in late 2001 made the faimily a major local Church priority. “In an effort to promote devotions and prayrers within families,” Archbishop Ti said, “we also have to do something for Catholics who find it difficult to do so, such as those whose family members aire not Catholics, or those who cannot afford to insstall a prayer corner at home.” The archbishop also noted that incorporating the veneration of ancestors and other Chinese traditions into the Catholic liturgy has been w e l comed by Catholics and has helped build a newv image of the Church for non-Catholics. However, he criticized “pro-independence” forces in Taiwan for advocating a departure from Chinese cultural identity. “This is artificial,” he ssaid. “If we take away everything Chinese, what else? is left? If we do not have a recognized identity, w/e have no culture,” he asserted. Bishop Tsien saiid that very few priests in Taiwan support independ ence, and he wants the bishops to clarify that such advocacy is wrong. Nonetheless, Bishop Peter Liu maintains th a t inculturation is difficult to define. “It is importantt to know our own identity. The Church cannot take root if people still regard Catholicism as a foreiign religion,” he said.
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Monument to French Martyrs KOREA, Seoul (UCAN) — Catholics in Seoul have produced a monument in honour of French missioners who were martyred in Korea in the 19th century. The 3.9-meter-high memorial comprises a white granite base supporting a vertical, rectangular block of black marble that is capped with a white granite stone carved with a dragon motif. Father Theophilus Choi Seung-ryong, dean of Myongdong Cathedral, where the structure has been on display since Dec. 8, says the Paris Foreign Missions Society (MEP) [the "French Fathers" we know so well here in Singapore] asked for a monument to install at its motherhouse in Paris. The society reportedly asked the Churches in Japan and Vietnam to do the same. Father Choi told UCA News that MEP said it would fund the work as part of the renovation of its motherhouse. But he added that the Church in Korea insisted on bearing the cost, amounting to 30 million won (about US$24,230). It is “an expression of Korean Catholics’ gratitude for the sacrifices of French missioners for the Korean Church,” explained Father Choi, also Deputy Director of the Research Institute for Korean Church History. “An Exalting Monument for Saintly Martyrs in Korea” is inscribed in Korean script on the front of the monu ment, which will be shipped to Paris after Dec. 20. On the back are the names of 12 French MEP missioners who were martyred in Korea during persecutions in 1839 and 1866. The martyrs include Bishops Laurent Marie Joseph
Imbert, (His relic is enshrined in the Cathedral o f the Good Shepherd in Singpoare), Simeon Francois Berneux and Marie Antoine Nicholas Daveluy, and Fathers Pierre Philibert Maubant and Jacques Honore Chastan. Pope John Paul II canonized 10 of them when he visited Seoul in 1984. Father Maubant entered Korea as the first MEP missioner in 1836, and 14 confreres followed before the persecution in 1866. The three who were not martyred in the two persecutions escaped to China. Many other MEP missioners worked in Korea after a 1886 treaty between Korea and France. Their presence has contributed much to the Catholic Church’s develop ment in Korea, some Seoul Catholics told UCA News. A young Korean lady said t, “I feel good after seeing the monument. I hope many Catholics will follow the noble spirit of the sacrifices of the French missioners." An older gentleman remarked that Korean Catholics should not forget the sacrifices of early foreign mission ers. “The present development of the Catholic Church in the nation is due to the sacrifices and devotional efforts of foreign missioners, including those of the Paris Foreign Missions Society. I’m really glad to see the monument, though it was made so late,” he said. According to statistics from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Korea, a total of 174 MEP bishops and priests have worked in Korea since 1836. Fourteen MEP missioners, including retired Bishop Rene Dupont of Andong, are still working in South Korea.
S a n ta v . J e s u s THAILAND, Bangkok (UCAN) — All around a huge Christmas tree at an up-market Bangkok shopping mall, one can find almost anything and everything that many consider essential for a good Christmas celebration. Santa costumes in red and white are there. So, too, are silver and gold tinsel, Santa puppets and Christmas cards. On the tree itself are lots of snow, stars, trumpets and silver and golden balls. The made-in-Thailand products bear labels in Portu guese. The “Colecao de Natal,” or Christmas collection, is designed for export to Catholic Brazil. Christians form only about 0.5 percent of Thailand’s 62 million people: almost 95 percent of whom are Buddhists. Nonetheless, Christmas is well known among people who connect it with New Year celebrations more than with the birth of Jesus,. Christmas, said one salesgirl at a shopping mall, is a time when foreigners celebrate their New Year and also a time for giving presents. The owner of one media company, also sees Christ mas as the time to celebrate “foreigners’ New Year," different from the traditional Thai New Year, which is celebrated on April 13. Pressed to say more, he simply added that the season has “something related to Jesus, but I am not sure.” Hawkers at night markets in tourist areas kick off the “festive season” as early as September. They offer Santa caps and puppets to tourists. By the end of October, the first stylized Christmas trees are installed in front of major shopping malls. But since it coincides with Halloween on Oct. 31, one set of trees last year was initially decorated with grinning red
pumpkins, which we! j removed after the “night of horrors.” Shopkeepers in Thailand, the only Southeast Asian country never to be colonized by a Western power, have discovered Christmas as an event that keeps their cash registers ringing. From convenient stores to supermarkets, green, red, gold and silver colours predominate. With Christmas tress at almost every corner, background music ranges from a jazzy “Silent Night” to a pop version of “Jingle Bells.” One Buddhist who works for a Church-run organiza tion humorously noted that “Westerners may or may not have a white Christmas, but we in Thailand always have a white Christmas — our snow is made of plastic.” Not everything about Thailand’s Christmas is so commercialized, however. For 44 years, the Bangkok Combined Choir has performed George Frideric Handel’s “Messiah.” This year, the main hall of the Thailand Cultural Centre was packed Dec. 6 for the free annual event, with Thais in the majority. As the lights dimmed, and the choir’s 150 local and international amateur voices began the first chorus, “For unto us a child is born," three young women in the audience strained to read the Thai translation of the libretto in their souvenir program. Still, this is not the only trace of “Christ” for Christ mas in Thailand. A young Caucasian schoolboy was handing out "comic books" of the New Testament story from the Annunciation to the Ascension, told in 35 picture panels, to passers-by at the stairs of the train station just beside a crowded market.
Family Consecration PHILIPPINES, Manila. (UCAN) — A prayer rally brought to a close a six-month movement of praying the rosary for national and world peace. The devotions to promote the recitation of the Rosary which have been held in schools, also included prayers for the Fourth World Meeting of Families to be held Jan. 22-26 in Manila. At the Dec. 12 afternoon rally, which coincided with the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, former President Corazon Aquino urged the young participants to continue praying the rosary and attending Mass “so that we can give a grand gift to our Lord Jesus Christ” with hopes that “he will answer our prayers.” After the rosary, President Arroyo led prayers for families to consecrate themselves to the Sacred Heart
of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The prayer power campaign is urging Filipinos to consecrate their families to both of them. Rosary praying in schools ended with the rally but the campaign for family consecration will continue until the end of the World Meeting of Families in January. By that time, organizers hope to have the signatures of at least a million people pledging to fulfill the consecrations. Parishes and Catholic organizations, such as the Legion of Mary, are now distributing the pledge forms, which are also available online. The organizers have also arranged with major cellular phone firms to allow families to make their consecration pledges through text messaging.
In search of an inn MANILA (UCAN) — The search of Mary and Joseph for an inn to stay was re-enacted by 3,000 urban poor people in Manila while praying for decent housing and safety from evictions. The people from Manila and the surrounding cities of Pasig, Navotas, Makati and Quezon also prayed for jobs, basic services, peace and Christian-Muslim unity as they marched Dec. 13 from Manila City Hall to Manila archdiocese’s cathedral, all the while carrying 12-foot puppets of Joseph and Mary. Inside the cathedral, the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, people sat on the floor preparing for a special “Panunuluyan” (temporary refuge) Mass. In the traditional Panunuluyan custom, Filipinos go to selected houses where they ask for shelter for Mary. They are turned away at each house until they end up at the local church. Hundreds of children filled the cathedral sanctuary for the special Mass, during which the Joseph and Mary puppets rested near the altar. Scavenging families with children, victims of demolitions, vendors and community leaders carried to the altar scavenger sacks, vending baskets, beggar cups and pieces of wood saved from demolitions. They prayed for land grants from the government and read verses from Isaiah proclaiming the liberation of the oppressed. During the Prayers of the Faithful, they implored God’s grace so they could have land, basic services, peace and unity among people of various religions. A Muslim woman in traditional dress carried a Filipino flag to express hope for unity in Mindanao, the southern Philippine region, where secessionist Moro (Mindanao Muslim) rebels and government troops are fighting. Bishop Teodoro Bacani of Novaliches in the homily called on the “rich and powerful” to share their wealth and land. “It is clear in the message of the Gospel,” he said, “that the world's goods were given for all human beings, and no one can have more than they need while others live in inhuman poverty.” He had been a Manila auxiliary bishop until his transfer Dec. 7 to head one of two new dioceses carved from the archdiocese. In a message read by a Manila priest after Communion, Cardinal Jaime Sin of Manila told the people, “This is your home,” and assured them that the poor are at the center of the Church’s concerns. The cardinal stressed society’s duty to respect the poor and help solve poverty, and said, “We will not allow anyone to trample on the rights of the poor.” Specifically addressing the issue of housing, he quoted from “Sollicitudo Rei Socialis” (“On Social Concerns”) by Pope John Paul II. The cardinal said that “ensuring a suitable home for everyone is demanded by the respect owed to every human being and therefore is the measure of civilization and the condition of a peaceful fraternal society.” According to Urban Poor Associates, an NGO, more than one-third of the metropolitan area’s 10.4 million people lives below the poverty level, and more than 4 million people in Metro Manila do not have decent housing. Ted Anana, the NGO’s assistant coordinator, agrees that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has done more for the urban poor than former leaders. But he told UCA News that the poor, despite Arroyo’s assurance of being “fully committed” to them, fear Arroyo may change her housing policies to favor big developers and the middle-class. Anana noted that she has already shifted her agricultural and economic policies to stress agri business over food security and supply over demand. During the Mass, social welfare secretary Corazon Soliman, who spoke on the president’s behalf, said there would be no demolitions on public lands and that the government would hasten land grants to the poor. That same day, Arroyo replaced her economic planning secretary, explaining that she wants her administration to boost easy credit for small and medium enterprises and step up housing development programs.
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Christmas Lights reflect Peace SRI LANKA, Colombo (UCAN) — Christmas lights along streets in Sri Lanka's capital reflect the longest period of peace the country has enjoyed in 20 years. John Amaratunga, recently appointed Christian Religious Affairs minister, switched on Christmas lights in Colombo Dec. 1 as part of an array of Christmas activities for which the ministry has received permission to spend some 10 million rupees (about US$104,000). The ministry has lined up musical shows, carolling, carnivals, open-air theatre and fireworks displays for Christmas and to usher in the new year. Amaratunga, who is also interior affairs minister, told media that the government decided to light up the city at this time because, for the first time in many years, fears formerly generated by the prolonged ethnic war are absent. The holiday activities are also aimed, he added, at boosting the
country’s image, and encouraging tourism and investments. Peace talks are now underway between the government and rebels who had been fighting since 1983 for a separate Tamil state on the majority Sinhalese island. The war claimed more than 64,000 lives, but a cease-fire has held for about a year. Some 35 private establishments are collaborating with the government to illuminate roads as well as churches, banks, hotels, and other private and government-run institutions in Colombo and its surroundings. With coordination provided by Colombo archdiocese’s chancellor Father Placidus de Silva, choirs will sing Christmas carols in various locales. Some 250 school and parish choristers will take part in a grand Christmas carolling affair on Dec. 21 at Catholic St. Lucia’s Cathedral, an event that
organizers expect government officials and parliamentarians to attend. A recreation park for children opposite Colombo Town Hall was designated as the venue for a special holiday evening to be enjoyed by some 500 street children in the capital. A Christmas party and a carnival for poor children will also be held Dec. 20-23 there. And a float with “Santa Claus” is to ply the roads, distributing sweets to children. Sri Lanka’s postal department announced the issuing of two new Christmas stamps that depict stained glass windows in two churches of Negombo, a Catholic enclave on the coast north of Colombo. The Christmas lights have drawn criticism as well as admiration. Some people have suggested that transport for late-night commuters would be more beneficial, or frugality more welcome in a country just recovering from a severe power crisis.
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X'mas Greeting from Buddhist Monk
Celebrating 25 years of Excellence in Education KOREA, Seoul (UCAN) — A leading Buddhist monk in South Korea greeted Christians worldwide in a Christmas message that highlights Jesus’ message of peace. Venerable Seo Chong-dae said in a message issued Dec. 17, “On behalf o f 20 million Buddhists in
the nation, I offer congratulations on the birthday of Jesus, a great teacher for human beings, to all Christians in the world." Jesus came to the world to save humans through his love, said Venerable Seo, executive director of administration of Chogye Order, South Korea’s largest Buddhist denomination. Once again, humans face violence and war, the Buddhist monk noted, so “Jesus Christ’s spirit of love and peace is urgently needed at this critical time in the prevailing crisis of violence and war.” His message also promised, “We, all Buddhists in the nation, pray for the permanent cessation of all types of violence, terrorism and war in the world through the true spirit of love and peace on the occasion of Christmas.” Chogye Order has been issuing Christmas messages since 2000. On Dec. 18, the Buddhist order also placed a banner declaring “Congratulations on the Birth of Baby Jesus!” in front of Chogye Temple in downtown Seoul.
Father John Bosco Hong Chang-jin, secretary of the Catholic bishops’ Committee for Promoting Christian Unity and Interreligious Dialogue, said he greatly appreciates the Buddhists’ Christmas messages. He told UCA News that Catholics “reciprocate by sending a congratulatory message on Buddha’s birthday.” Such interreligious harmony, he suggested, could be a model for people in societies where troubles and tensions exist. Park Jung-kyu, public information officer of Chogye Temple, explained to UCA News, “We have sent the message to the Catholic bishops’ conference, religious and secular press. Buddhists of our temple welcome and support the gesture of goodwill” that Venerable Seo’s Christmas greetings represent. He also remarked that Buddhists are tolerant toward other religions, especially the Catholic Church, and pointed out that lay Buddhists helped put up the congratulatory banner at the temple. Last May, Bishop Boniface Choi of Inchon, president of the Christian unity and interreligious dialogue committee, and Paik Do-woong, secretary general of the National Council of Churches in Korea, sent a congratulatory message to Buddhists for Vesak, which marks Buddha’s birth.
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The day after the announcement meeting, Reverend Lee Hong-yeol, president of the Lutheran Church in Korea, told UCA News that “the council will play a positive role in dialogue among Christians of different denominations and solving religious tension.” Reverend Lee also explained, however, that the new council has limits. “It is impossible for Christians from different denominations to be united in theology, organization and dogma,” he said, but they can find common ground to “do something good and right for the people in the country.” The same view was echoed at the meeting. The leaders acknowledged that the Church unity apparent before the development of the Orthodox and Protestant Churches cannot easily be restored. Therefore, they concluded, Christians should presently set their focus on common witness and mission. They also agreed to develop various ecumenical activities, such as prayer meetings, workshops for theologians and exchange programs for seminarians. The new ecumenical council has already planned a joint prayer meeting set to take place in January, as well as a workshop for theologians next May. Religious leaders involved in creating the new council began preparatory work last March, according to a report they produced. Among other points, the report notes that collaboration between Protestants and Catholics in Korea has not been as active as among Protestants.
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Catholics join Ecumenical Council KOREA, Seoul (UCAN) — Catholics have joined a new ecumenical council that eight Christian denominations recently established in South Korea. Representatives of the Christian denominations announced the formation of the Christian Ecumenical Council of Korea on Dec. 16 at a meeting in Seoul. Those involved in the council say their new organization emerged from the experience of ecumenical cooperation that they long shared in the country. Bishop Boniface Choi Ki-san of Inchon, who hosted the meeting, affirmed the value of past collaborative experience, saying, “We Christians have jointly held justice and peace activities, and workshops for theologians.” Bishop Choi explained to UCA News that given such ecumenical activities “from the bottom,” the ecumenical movement in Korea is “on the right track.” The bishop is president of the Korean Catholic bishops’ Committee for Promoting Christian Unity and Interreligious Dialogue. Besides the Catholic Church, the other seven members of the new council are Lutheran Church, Orthodox Church, Methodist Church, Salvation Army, Evangelical Church of Korea, Presbyterian Church of Korea and Presbyterian Church in the Republic of Korea. Most of them also belong to the National Council of Churches in Korea, a Protestant ecumenical group formed in 1924. The new council has no staff but its member Churches say they will work closely when organizing their programs.
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FA ITH IN LIFE
The Great Manifestation SUNDAY 5 January 2003
E P IP H A N Y Application in Life
TEXTS FIRS T READING Isaiah 60:1-6 RESPONSORIAL Ps. 71 SECOND READING Eph. 3:2-3, 5-6 GOSPEL Matt.2:1-12
The liturgical season of Christmas ends with today's Feast of the Epiphany, but it is the beginning of a new Season of Christian Witness. In fact, that is the meaning of "Epiphany". It means "manifesta足 tion". The manifestation of his plan of salvation. Christ was revealed to the nations, represented by the three foreign kings, or wise men from the East. They were not Jews and their being guided to discover the new born Christ means that God's love and plan of salvation was not meant only for the Jews, but it was meant for ail nations, for ail men. First Reading, the universality of salvation is emphasised. Isaiah says: "Arise, shine out, for your light has come. .. the nations come to your light ...a ll are assembling and coming towards you."
CELEBRATIONS OF THE WEEK
Responsorial: Chosen for the obvious references to the wise men or kings in the Gospel narrative.
Mon Tues Wed Thur Fri Sat
Second Reading, St. Paul says: "The mystery that has now been revealed was unknown to men in past generations. Pagans now share the same inheritance. The same promise has been made to them, in Christ Jesus, through the Gospel." Again the emphasis on salvation for all in contrast to the restrictive call to the Jews. He goes on to say:" I have been entrusted by God with the grace he meant for you ..." We can all make the same assertion.
6: Missal - 6 January 7; Raymond of Penyafort 8: Missal - 8 January 9: Missal - 9 January 10: Missal - 10 January 11: Missal - 11 January
Gospel: We have here the narration of the story of the "Three Wise Men" who come, led by a star, to find Jesus in the manger, just as they had been told by the angel. It is clear that the call to salvation of all mankind is not just the consequence of any sort of "rejection" of Jesus by the Jews. We are celebrating the universality of salvation immediately after the incarnation of Jesus as the start of the revela足 tion, the unfolding of God's plan of salvation.
Christmas has come and gone. One can quite easily get the feeling that one more hectic period of the year is over. Hopefully, for us Christians, it doesn't mean that! The Feast of the Epiphany heralds a new period of Christian living and witness. But just as we celebrate the promulgation of the Good News of Salvation to all nations, symbolized by the three kings, so too must we continue that promulgation or manifestation of Christ to the world by the witness of our Christian living. Isaiah the prophet said: "Arise, shine out, your light has come ... the nations come to your light, all are assembling and coming toward you." (1st Reading). St. Paul says:" The mystery has now been revealed... pagans now share the same inheritance ... the same promise has been made to them in Christ Jesus, through the Gospel." (2nd Reading). God's loving plan of salvation is meant for all. St. Paul in the Second Reading today declares: 7 have been entrusted by God with the grace he meant for you." We too, as disciples of Christ, have been entrusted with the grace he offers to all. That was the command that Jesus himself gave us; Go out to the whole world and proclaim the Good News of Salvation. Christ, the gift of God to man, the manifestation of the plan, came into this world nearly 2000 years ago. And yet there are countless millions in the world who do not know Christ, much less acknowledge him and accept him as their personal Saviour. What has gone wrong? In our own Asian continent there is still a vast proportion of people who have yet to hear of Christ - let alone know about him and come to acknowledge him as their Lord and Saviour. If the world has yet to know about Christ and the plan of God's salvation, the fault is ours in not giving a clear witness of Christian living to enable others to know that we have been transformed by the grace of Christ. We have an obligation to manifest Christ to the world. Are we aware of it? Are we fulfilling it?
GRAPHICS: COPYRIGHT - THE ORDER OF ST BENEDICT
TEXTS: COPYRIGHT-DR. (REV) ROBERT P. BALHETCHET
M y S o n , th e B eloved SUNDAY 12 January 2003
BAPTISM of the LORD
Application in Life TEXTS FIRST READING Isaiah. 55:1-11 RESPONSORIAL Isaiah: 12:2-6 SECOND READING 1 John 5:1-9 GOSPEL Mark 1:7-11
Today's liturgy emphasizes the identity of Jesus as Son of God, whose first manifestation we celebrated last Sunday on the Feast of the Epiphany. First Reading: A passage of Isaiah which refers to water which quenches thirst and gives life and provides growth. The .application to Baptism in the New Testament is obvious. Christ is that living water.
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Responsorial: The Psalm with its response again have this reference to living waters and the circumstances found in the Gospel narrative. CELEBRATIONS OF THE WEEK Mon Tues Wed Thur Fri Sat
13: 14: 15: 16: 17: 18:
Hilary, bishop, Doctor Ordinary week 1 Ordinary week 1 Ordinary week 1 Anthony, abbot Ordinary week 1
White or Gold is used for most of the big Feasts and Solemnities and Saints who are not Martyrs for whom Red is used to signify the blood they shed for the Faith. Red is also used for the Apostles. Sunday Cycle 2-B Weekday Cycle: 1
Today's celebration of the Baptism of our Lord is a good occasion for us all to reflect on the significance of our own baptism. For those of us who were baptized at infancy, or who were baptized a long time ago, it is even more neces足 sary, because many years living as Baptized persons could have dulled the impact of Baptism and its implications for ourselves. Like so many other things, when we become "used to something", we tend to fail to appreciate what we have and what we are. Baptism made us "children o f God", disciples of Christ". That is all very well, but what impact has that had on us? Sure, we "go to Church" and "receive the Sacraments". But ______f has all this made any real difference to our lives? To put it very bluntly, are we any different from our neighbours in the way we live? Do we have a different set of values and priorities in life as a result of being Christians? Are our attitudes and different? Are our relationships with our families, our colleagues at work, our friends, any different? If we cannot truthfully answer "YES" to all these questions we might very well have to say that the only difference is that we "go to Church and receive the Sacraments" while others who are not Christians don't. That would be a very sad conclusion to have to come to! As modern-day Christians, we have to do some serious reflection on what "being Christian" should mean for us, and what impact this should have on our day-to-day living. Being Christian is supposed to influence all areas and every aspect of our lives, it has got to be more than just fulfilling an obligation at the weekend and "saying some prayers", and going through certain celebrations and rituals at various times of our lives. We are supposedly "transformed" by the grace of Baptism, we claim to partake of the Body and Blood of Christ, no less, in the Eucharist, we maintain that we already share in the divine life of God. IF all this hardly makes any difference, we need to think again!" WE have been baptized in the Holy Spirit of Christ and have become sons of God. God's favour rests on us too. Are we conscious of our new identity as sons of God? Has this new identity been a confirmation of our decision to repent and change our lives? While we are already baptized disciples of Christ, can we really claim to have been transformed by his saving grace? That was the whole purpose of Christ's saving grace and our Baptism!
Second Reading: St. John speaks of three witnesses: Spirit, water and blood. A reference to the Crucifixion narrative and the blood and water which flowed from the side of Christ on the Cross when pierced by the lance of the centurion. But notice the warning that to be true children of God we need to keep his commandments. Gospel: the passage narrates the Baptism of Christ in the Jordan by John the Baptist. Note the second "official" manifestation of his identity - the divine confirmation as it were: "You are my Son the beloved; my favour rests on you." When speaking of the Baptism of the Lord, we must not imagine anything like Christ becoming a Christian. The Baptism of John was a sign of the people's decision to be converted and to change their lives. Christ's Baptism by John must be seen as a stamp of approval given to the preaching of John the Baptist - a preaching which essentially consisted of an appeal to conversion of heart to prepare a way for the coming of Christ the Messiah and his Father's plan of salvation. It provided another occasion for a manifestation (an "epiphany") of Christ's own identity and function. John the Baptist himself had pointed Christ out to his disciples as "the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world". Now God himself in the voice from heaven", reveals the gift of his love: "You are my Son,, the Beloved, my favour rests on you.".
T H E C A T H O L IC NEW S - 9
F o r tn ig h t ly : S u n . J A N . 0 5 a n d S u n . J a n . 1 2 , 2 0 0 3
FO RM ATIO N THE BOOK OF GENESIS
TEACHES
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T h e S t o r y o f C R E A T I O N : C h . 1 , v. 1 t o C h v .2 , v. 4 (Continuation) i
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BIBLICAL PRIMEVAL HISTORY Gen 1 -1 1 recounts events that ranged from creation to around 1850 BC. Not a detailed history. Not a history of mankind. Primary objective - theological
The Storv of CREATION - covered in past segments:-
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“The first day-[Gen 1:3-5] “The second day’ [Gen 1:6-8] "The third day’ [Gen 1:9-13] “The fourth day" [Gen 1:14-19] “The fifth day" [Gen 1:20-23] N e x t: “the seventh day” * _.§!*.
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“T h e S ixth D a v T G en 1:24-311
Gen. 1:27b : “male and female he created them” : this ensures the propagation of humanity, just as the making of the plants in 1:12, the fish and birds in 1:21, and the animals in 1:25, “according to their kinds” ensures the continuance of those groups. The human race is God's creation as male and .female; there can be no human existence apart from this existence in two sexes.
TESTA M EN T
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The human race receives a blessing which is primarily, as with the animals, fertility. The succes sion of generations of the human race, however, is different from that of the animals. Implicit in being created in the image of God is the capacity for language. The succession of human generations is a succession of names (cf. Gen. 5 and Gen 10), and in the succession of names lies the beginning of history. History grows out of the blessing conferred on the human family! 1:28 is tied closely to 1:27”, repeating the command already given to the fish/birds in 1:22, to “be fruitful and multiply’ Sexuality is viewed as a blessing from God. Fertility - often degraded by Israel’s pagan neigh bours - is raised to the level of participation in God’s blessing and is seen as a response to his desire that mankind multiply. Children are a blessing; mankind is good and therefore children are a good gift from God. -
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By Rev. Ambrose Vaz, SSL Professor of Sacred Scripture St Francis Xavier’s Major Seminary
“subdue the earth’ : “to master”, “to bring forcefully under control” - force is necessary at the beginning to make the untamed land serve hu mans, but they are to respect the environment and
all life. The rest of 1:28 shows the world is made for man and woman; they are the pinnacle of the created world. 1:29 : “ you shall have them for food" : In the concept of harmony, no living thing should have to destroy life for food. In the science of the time, vegetation was seen as being part of the “earth”, without an independent life of its own. In the opinion of the writer, both man and animals should ideally be vegetarians (without an independent life of its own. In the opinion of the writer, both man and animals should ideally be vegetarian Human dominion is limited, as shown by the vegetarian requirement; in fact, there is to be no killing - a command that was relaxed in Noah’s time (c f Gen 9:2-3), where, in the face of damaged harmoriy, God permits man to eat meat. Human dominion, corresponding to God’s rule, is to be benevolent and peaceful and reflects the ancient tradition of a ‘Golden Age’ when killing for the sake of living was not yet necessary. This primal motif corresponds to the eschatological motif of the peaceable kingdom (cf. Is 11:2-9) 1:31 : “very good’ : corresponding perfectly to God’s creative intention. In God’s sight, the entire creation is good. The goodness of creation is based solely on God’s authority; what it is good for, such as it is, only God knows fully. But, because it is good in God’s sight,-joy in God’s creation is set free in human beings. This affirmation of goodness continues to apply today to the extent that har mony and order are present in the universe among people. God sees and affirms all the “goodness” that exists.
TEXTS: Copyright - Rev. Ambrose Vaz and Dr. (Rev.) Robert P Balhetchet
TEACHES
Chapter 1 - The Mystery of the Church Article 6 - Various Images
The Documents of Vatican II Dogmatic Constitution on the Church "Lumen Gentium" - Light o f the Nations
Link with what has been covered: We began to consider the various images that the Vatican Council Document refers to. The Church is essentially a spiritual reality, and given the limitations of our minds to grasp such realities, images do help to have a better understanding of the Church of Christ. This segment touches on a variety of images from the Scriptures which have been applied to the Church in Tradition.
£ By Dr. (Rev) Robert P Balhetchet, Ph.D. (Theol.)
What we find in Art. 6 are various images for the Church which are taken from scripture. The first group consists of pastoral and agricultural images. Understandably, these may not mean very much to us in urban Singapore. The images involved are "sheepfold", "agricul tural land", "grape vine", "seed". All of these illustrate specific elements that contribute to an understanding and appreciation of the Church. In the "sheepfold" the sheep recognize the voice of the shepherd and answer to his call. Christ is the Shepherd who calls and gathers us into his fold. We have to learn to recognize his voice and answer to his call. The shepherd, on the other hand, is very protective of his sheep and is willing to lay down his life for them, as Jesus says of himself. Then there is a question of the "gate" through which the sheep have to enter in order to belong to the flock and enjoy protection. In the image of the "agricultural land", there is again this element of care that has to be taken by the farmer and the effort that has to be put in to sow the seed and tend the plants if produce is to be expected. Yet, there are elements beyond his control like the rain and the sunshine which are essential for growth and originating from God's power. The "grape vine" highlights another aspect. The vine is a creeper and can be quite v a s t, yet it comes from just one main stem (which is Christ). Cut off from that stem the whole extensive creeper withers and dies. Yet another image, more relevant to us, would be the "building" and the "cornerstone". But even here, with modern building methods, the "cornerstone" has evolved into a commemo rative plaque. Perhaps the concept of "founda tions" would bring across the point better. Christ
is the foundation of the building which is as lasting and strong as its foundation. Another angle to this image is the reference to the temple of Jerusalem, or just the "House of God". The last group of images uses family life. The Church is referred to as our "Mother". A common expression for the Church in the old days, especially in prayers, was "Holy Mother, the Church". The idea of motherhood and bringing into existence through birth and the care that goes into bringing up the child is, of course, suitable to illustrate the Church's relationship to Christ. Finally, still in the context of the family, there is the reference to the "bridegroom" (Christ) and his "bride" or "spouse" (the Church). This entails, of course, the whole idea of bethrothal, commitment, fidelity and "Marriage" itself, which is also an image of the Church's relationship with Christ. All these images, found both in the Old and New Testaments are useful images to bear in mind. They obviously do not fully describe the reality of the Church, but they do serve to underscore and illustrate various aspects of the relationship between Christ and the Church which he has founded and to which we belong. They certainly serve to take our minds away from just the physical place and building, the parish church in which we worship on Sundays and hopefully also, away from the structural organization (the corporation) that the Church of Christ might present itself as, to many. It is extremely important, as we keep repeat ing, that we always bear in mind the spiritual dimension of the Church as God's "Plan of Salvation" unfolding itself and leading us to its full realization in the Kingdom of Heaven
1 0 - T H E C A T H O L IC NEW S
F o r tn ig h t ly : S u n . J A N . 0 5 a n d S u n . J a n . 1 2 , 2 0 0 3
C H ILD R EN ’S CORNER C R O S S W O R D
5. 6. 8. 10. 13. 15.
No 17 - THE WISE MEN
They bowed down, worshipped Jesus, and gave him gifts o f____ , frankincense and myrrh. They went in and saw the holy_____ . These clever fellows told him that he was to be born in _______________. So the king asked his experts if they knew______ this new king was to be bom. They told him they had come to pay their _ to the new-born king. H e w ho this new king was. This made the king ve ry _____
Children, you must follow these RULES This contest for children preparing to receive Holy Com munion and attending classes at their Parishes. It has to be the children's own effort and parents are asked to use this opportunity to teach the children the value of honesty. Prizes will be awarded to the first three correct entries to reach the Editor, AFTER midnight Wed/Thur 8/9 January 2003, by e-mail to steeplet5)sinanet.com,sa. The first three correct entries will be based on the date and time as recorded in the "Inbox". The Editor's decision is final.
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1. As soon as they left the king, the wise men saw the star again and followed it. 3. They didn't return to Herod, because an angel _____ them not to. 4. Herod then called the wise men and told them to _____ for the new-born king. 7. When they reached Jerusalem, they went to see K ing_____ of Judea. 9. The star led them ot th e ____ of Jesus. 11. Not long after Jesus was born, wise men from the East saw a new star rising, 12. They followed it to Jerusalem, because they knew it was the star of the new-born____ of the Jews. 14. He asked them to return and tell him where they found him so that he too could pay his respects.
Closing Date: midnight. Fri/Sat 10/11 January 2003. To send the answers, just use the numbers of the clues and give the answer for each clue. You must give your full name, address, and the Commun ion Class you are attending at your Parish. Winners, for the first three correct entries, (according to the "Inbox") and the Consolation prizes will be announced in the following issue of the Catholic News. Created by Catholic News with EclipseCrossword © 2000-2002 by Green Eclipse Software
THE W I N N E R S VERY, VERY SORRY!
Specially fo r you
My Dear Children,
Greetings of the Season to all of you, Children! Did you have a Holy Christmas? Yes, "holy" and not just "merry"! You know, I often wonder whether we pay more attention to the Christmas Tree and the presents and the food, than to the Crib. It is the Crib which represents the real meaning of Christmas. It reminds us why we have Christmas - because Jesus, the Son o f God was born in a stable at Bethlehem to show his great love for all of us. Most of us, if not all of us, put up a Christmas tree in our homes, but I wonder how many of us put up a Crib at home, it doesn't have to be a beautiful, expensive set of statues. You could draw your own figures o f the Crib - the little Baby Jesus in a manger, Mary his mother, Joseph, Mary's husband, and a couple of shepherds and perhaps a cow and a donkey - then you could paste these on some cardboard so that they can stand and then make a carboard hut. There are plenty of Christmas Cards with a picture of the scene that you could use to copy. You see, a crib need not be a very expensive thing. It's a bit late to do one by the time you read this, but maybe you could make one for next Christmas. May I end with the beautiful prayer that our Holy Father, the Pope said for the Christmas message that he gave to the whole world on Christmas Day 2002.
"Together with you, O Mary our Mother, may we stop and think, at the manger where the Child lies, to share your own wonder at the very great love o f God. Grant us your own eyes, O Mary, that we may understand the meaning hidden within the delicate arms o f your Son. Teach us to see His face in the children o f every race. Help us to love all o f them so that they too may also see the Child in your arms as the Saviour o f the world, the one who alone can give that true peace and love which all o f us want to enjoy. Am en." May the Child Jesus shower you and all your family with his love and blessings for this New Year 2003. May all your days be filled with true happiness!
I have made a HUGE mistake in the last issue of your Corner! The dates for you to give your answers for the Crossword were wrong. I don't really know what happened but the dates were 2 weeks later than they should have been. Those are the dates for THIS Crossword. It is very strange, because the dates in my computer when I prepared the paper for publication are CORRECT, but I have just noticed that in the printed edition everyone has received, the dates are changed. Well, never mind! You can submit answers to BOTH, No 16 (O Holy Night) and this one, No. 17 (the Wise Men) together on the dates given above. So, I am holding back the answers in this issue and will give the answers for Nos. 16 and 17, in the next issue. See, I did tell you that we all make mistakes, including myself! What's important is to make the effort and try not to make the same mistakes again - but even though we may be trying hard, we will always make mistakes we can never really be perfect in this life - we can only try our best. Sorry again, Children. By the way your prizes in future will be "Gift Vouchers" which you can keep and add together and buy what you like from the bookshop. That's a great idea which came from the Aunty in the bookshop.
Because of the mistake in the dates there are no entries, and of course, no winners. Please send in your entries for both No. 16 “ That Holy Night” and No. 17 “The Wise Men” on the dates shown above AFTER midnight Wed/Thur 8/9 January 2003, and before mid night. Fri/Sat 10/11 January 2003. Of course, there will be two sets of prizes, one for No. 16 and another for No. 17. My apologies again, children!
COLLECTION OF PRIZES Please contact Catholic News Office, 2 Highland Rd. #01-03, S 549102 (next to Immaculate Heart Church) TEL: 6-858-3055, FAX: 6-858-2055 e-mail: cathnews(S>catholic.ora.sa.
Monday to Friday: 9.00am-6.00pm ( except lunch: 12.00-2.00pm ) and ask for Auntv Veronica
With loads o f love, Fr. Bob.
L e s s o n s fro m t h a t "H o ly N ig h t" "THAT" Holy Night is, of course, the night Jesus was born in Bethlehem. However, when Christmas comes around, we think of Santa Claus and Christmas trees and shops all decorated and stuffed with all sorts of "goodies" for Christmas. We probably also think of Christmas turkey and plum pudding and Christmas parties and the presents we receive. That's all very nice but the real centre of Christmas is often forgotten. THE centre is Jesus. For us, as Catholics, we should be thinking much more about that "Holy Night" when Christ was born in Bethlehem. We are all very familiar with the story, but we may not be thinking ehough about the meaning of that "Holy Night" for us.
What it means and should mean for us is that God himself became man - yes, that sounds very strange indeed! Why should God want to become man, in the first place? Why didn't he just remain where He is "up there" somewhere in heaven. Well, we did see, during the many months since we started this page for you, and the Crosswords, in particular, how God created the world and man - how he created everything and made everything very good. But we also saw how man disobeyed God and became bad, and how God punished everyone for their sins - their disobedience to Him. Then we saw, also, how he saved Noe and some of his creation so that they could start all over again. However, because
of this very serious "going away" from God, everything in Creation including Mankind had to be "saved" or "redeemed". To do this God had a "Plan of Salvation". This, meant getting his Son Jesus to become a man and offer himself as a sacrifice for all of us. What we celebrate on that "Holy Night", is just the beginning of that plan of God. The Son of God, Jesus Christ, started it all by being born like all of us, so that he could grow up and teach us the way back to God. What you are learning about in Catechism class is about how to get back to God, how to remain good, so that we can get to heaven and be together with Him. that is what that "Holy Night" is about!.
TH E C A T H O L IC NEW S - 11
F o r tn ig h t ly : S u n . J A N . 0 5 a n d S u n . J a n . 1 2 , 2 0 0 3
R E G IO N A L
Peace efforts commended MYANMAR, Yangon (UCAN) — A government leader in Myanmar has commended the peace building efforts of Christian leaders and advised all the nation’s religious leaders to refute false reports on the religious situation in the country. At a pre-Christmas service Dec. 18 at Anglican headquarters in Yangon, Lieutenant General Khin Nyunt, first secretary of the ruling State Peace and Development Council, lauded the collective efforts of Christian leaders and the people to restore peace as a remarkable and honourable achievement. Khin Nyunt said that such efforts by Christian leaders contribute to national peace and serve the interests of all ethnic groups in Myanmar. The State, he said at the Inter-religious event, believes that professing any religion in accord with its teaching will bring benefits and prosperity to mankind. He added that by upholding this belief, the State is promoting the freedom of religions to exist in accord with their religious teachings. Such a situation reflects the loving kindness prevailing among Myanmar’s people as they seek peace and tranquillity, development and unity, Khin Nyunt told the Buddhist, Catholic, Hindu, Muslim and Protestant representatives,
government ministers and others at the tuncWon. The top leader said that holding the Inter religious service commemorating Christmas would strengthen peace and unity in the country. He stressed that his government recognizes the value of religions, so it encourages and gives equal respect to all religions to ensure peace and progress in the country. In this regard, he said accusations that Myanmar has no freedom of religion are slanderous and seek not only to destroy the country’s unity but also tarnish the image of religions. He requested all religious leaders to refute such accusations and encouraged them to be proud of their country. Kindness, compassion and the will to enjoy each other's success, Khin Nyunt further asserted, enhance the reputation of religion and serve its interest, while hatred, prejudice and jealousy will lead to destruction of the world. He requested that all present pray for peace, love, forgiveness, justice and reconciliation this Christmas. After the speech, Reverend Saw Mar Gay Gyi, chairman of the Myanmar Council of Churches, offered a prayer. That was followed by Christmas songs sung by the Holy Cross Christian University of Myanmar and a dinner.
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Becoming more self-reliant VIETNAM, Ho Chi Minh City (UCAN) — Disabled children and those who work with them say that a Christmas-related event held to market the children’s handiwork has given them a new opportunity to become more self-reliant. The children from 10 centers and homes in and around Ho Chi Minh City showcased their handicraft at “Christmas Gala Night” on Dec. 21. Catholics are running most of those institutions. The “Culture and Faith” lay group and the coordinating committee of the adult catechism course in Ho Chi Minh City Archdiocese organized the affair. Unlike a similar event in 2001, which many regarded as a mere alms-giving exercise, the 2002 gala allowed the disabled children to sell their products. Its theme was “Affection and Development. ” On sale were wooden statues of people and animals, embroidered paintings and jewels, rosaries, Christmas cards, handbags, handkerchiefs and pyjamas. One deaf-mute child wrote, “We really enjoy making products that we know customers want to buy. We hope many people coming here will know more about our products, and in the future we can sell more.” A Buddhist social worker who teaches at one center for disabled children agreed. “Though the gala lasted only one evening, it was a valuable time to advertise our products and explore new markets.”
The event also was also a boost for people in charge of centres but who are not good at doing business, particularly with regard to marketing. A lady at a stall said, “Our products are sold cheaper, but they are not at all inferior compared with similar products sold in supermarkets and other stores.” Some 100 handicraft products were sold at the gala. The children are proud of their handicraft, which was highly praised by customers. Some of the children regretted not bringing more of their products to sell. The popularity of the products has prompted St. Paul de Chartres Sister Marie, deputy director of a center, to consider setting up a business to market the children's goods. The event was not only an opportunity for the disabled to sell their products, but also a chance to draw everybody's attention to the lot of disabled and marginalized children.” The gala night was attended by hundreds of guests. Besides the marketplace it provided for the children’s handicraft, it also featured organ solos, dances and circus acts performed by some of the disabled children. The event was part of a campaign, “Each Catholic’s Charitable Act as a Christmas Gift for the Poor,” launched in early December by the Catholic bishops’ Commission on Charitable and Social Services.
Schools shelter homeless INDIA, New Delhi (UCAN) — The archdiocese of Delhi has begun to open its schools as night shelters for homeless people in the Indian capital. Just three days before Christmas, Archbishop Vincent M. Concessao of Delhi formally opened the St. Columbus Night Shelter. This Church service to the homeless is being provided in collaboration with people of other faiths. Father Dominic Emmanuel, archdiocesan spokesperson, said the shelter is an interreligious venture with local Sikhs and Jains. Officials of a Sikh temple next to the Catholic cathedral offer the use of their ambulances, the Divine Word priest said, while a hospital managed by Jains promises to treat any patient sent by the shelter. According to Fathers Ravindra Jain and Fredrick D’Souza, who are in charge of the newly launched service, the archdiocese began the project after studies showed that some 100,000 people sleep along roads, in bus shelters and parks in New Delhi, whose estimated population is 13 million people.
In August, the archdiocese opened St. Anthony’s School building in a busy market area for homeless people “on an experimental basis.” He also pointed out that the homeless, including women and children, start coming in by 7 p.m., spend the night in the school hall and basement, and leave by 6:30 a.m., when school children start arriving. But on holidays, may stay as long as they want. Before leaving, however, they help workers clean up the place, he added. Most of the homeless are children who shine shoes or sell balloons and peanuts on roads, but some are just beggars. They are allowed to use school toilet facilities and shower rooms, and are provided hot water baths, blankets and shelves to keep their belongings. They also get a hot cup of tea in the morning, and counseling is offered to any who want it. But “the most important thing we try to do is bring back the sense of dignity that they lost” due to lack of security, Father Jain explained.
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: 20th January 2003 Date Time of Mass: 5.00 pm C A T H E D R A L O F T H E H O LY S P IR IT No. 1 Tingkat Besi Satu, Island Park 11600 Penang. Tel: 04-6584909
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VEHICLES WANTED
St Theresa’s Home For The Aged, 6256-2532 Fax: 6256-5610
Catholic Audio-Visual Centre, 6858-3077 Fax: 6858-2077
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St Joseph’s Home, Sr Maria Sim 6268-0482 Fax: 6268-4787 nc0071b@cyberway. com.sg
China Catholic Communication (Zhonglian Centre), Patrick Lee Kim Hwee 9060-5080/6286-1826 maii@zl.per.sg web: www.zi.per.sg
Christian Family and Social Movement, Francis Tamel Mane 9586-9938, 6792-6701
Carlo Catholic Society, 6337-7489 Fax: 6334-4370 cario@cams.org.sg Website: http://www.cams.org.sg
Family Life Society 6488-0278 website: www.familylife.org.sg
The Catholic News, 6858-3055 Fax: 6858-2055 cathnews@veritas.org.sg
Morning Star Family Care Centre, 6285-1377 Fax: 6285-2715
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Annual Marian Retreat of the Magnificat Marian Centre T h is r e t r e a t is f o r p e o p l e w h o a r e s e r io u s a b o u t i m p r o v i n g t h e i r p r a y e r a n d i n t e r i o r lif e D a te : C h e ck in 6 p m fo r 7 .3 0 p m Friday 2 4 Jan 2 0 0 3 Ends 6 p m o n Sunday 2 6 Jan 2 0 0 3 V e nu e : The M a jo r S em inary, Ponggol R e tre a t M a s te r : Fr L iam B arr fro m U SA. T o p ic : J O H N PA U L ITS YEAR O F TH E ROSARY O n e d a y w ith th e Rosary and B ro w n S capular, I w ill save th e w o r ld ." O ur Lady to St D om inic O p tio n o f staying-in or out. Get the m ost o ut o f it by staying-in because o f Eucharistic Exposition th ro u g h o u t botn nights. You choose yo ur ow n one hour b lock. C a ll M a r ia n C e n tr e f o r in f o r m a t i o n : 6 3 3 7 - 3 2 7 7 W e b s ite : m a g m c E -m a il: m a g m c & s in g n e t .c o m .s g
MARIAN MASS FOR POPE'S INTENTIONS Celebrant: Fr Liam Barr Homily on: THE IMPORTANCE OF THE YEAR OF THE ROSARY 8 pm, Thursday 23 Jan 2003 at Church of the Risen Christ, Toa Payoh
• Private residential houses (2yrs old) • 15 minutes walk to the university • 200 metres to Foodland Supermart/ Post Office and bank • Secruity/Fire Alarm systems installed « All windows and doors fitted with iron grills • Fully furnished rooms with heater/ fan provided • House fully furnished with Fridge, rice cooker, mircrowave oven, utensils, washing machine and clothes dryer • Gas heater and TV in common/ dining room • Rent at $80 per room per week For more detail info, please contact: Michael Chan: 9784-5963 (Singapore) 6844-0671 (res)
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Katong Catholic Book Centre Pte Ltd, 6345-1413 Fax: 6440-0272 katongcathoiic@padfic.net.sg Apostolate of the Media, 6892-1639 Fax: 6562-5857
Marian Centre (before and after school care), 6250-0877
Catholic News Book & Media, 6858-3066 Fax: 6858-2055
Marymount Boarding, 6354-2245/ 6253-6816 Fax: 6353-4809 Nazareth Learning Centre, Sr Anne May Chua, FMM 6276-3200 Good Shepherd Child Care Centre, Ms Helen Tan 6242-5695 Fax:6448-3454 H A N D IC A P P E D Catholic Office for the Hearing Impaired, Friar Rowland Yeo, OFM rowlandyeo@hotmail. com
Ang Mo Kio Home, Sr Jo 6459-4801
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KINDERGARTEN Catholic Kindergarten, Ms Edna Ng Poh Tiang 6283-3821 Fax: 6284-7783 cathkg@singnet.com.sg
M IGRANT C O M M U N ITY Filipino Catholic Community Nelly Faminialagao 9831-8044 / 6893-7609 French-speaking Catholics, Sabine et Jean-Baptiste Juery 68870564 jbsabine@singnet.com.sg German-speaking Catholics, 6468-1534 Fax: 6468-2402 Hong Kong Catholics, 6737-9285 Fax: 6737-8502 Indonesian-speaking Catholics, Josephine Handojo 6235-2820 Japanese Catholics, Kiyoko Jarnes 62548710 james@pacific.net.sg Korean Catholics, Esther You 6242-5607
Nativity Church Centre, 6285-6198, Fax: 6285-9556 nativity@pacific.net.sg
Comm, for Migrants & Itinerant People 6280-5424 migrants@singnet.com.sg
Magdalene’s Kindergarten, Mary Goh Boon How 6747-6554
Jesuit Refugee Service, Colin Tan 6463-6022
Canossian Convent Kindergarten, Sr Jane Chong 6469-2201 Fax: 64661307 cankdg@singnet.com.sg
China Catholic Communication, Patrick Lee Kim Hwee 9060-5080 mail@zi.per.sg
Holy Family Kindergarten, Mrs Agnes Lee 6440-4344 Fax: 6478-0402 Maris Stella, Sr Marjorie Almodiel, FMM 6474-3590 Marymount Kindergarten, Petrina Siow 6251-5049 Fax: 6252-67904 • St Francis Xavier Play Centre, Mrs Emily Goh Tel: 6280-8929 YOUTH Bakhita Search-lnn, Christina/Sr Veronica (6367-6264 / 6467-4290) yscchris@yahoo.com/canosis@pacific.net.sg
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Boys' Town Fraternity, gaudette@boystown.org.sg Br Dominic Kiong 6769-1618 Fax: 6762-7846
Life Direction Team, Sr Theresa Koh, FMM 6474-2422 Fax: 6472-5895 Sr Florence Wong, FMDM 6753-9602/ 9264-6733
Catholic Overseas Students Down Under Adrian (9836-5217) or Dennis (6274-2979) or cosdu@yahoo.com.au
LifeSprings Canossian Spirituality Centre, Sr Lily Tan 6466-2178 Fax: 6466-1307 iifspmg@singnet.com.sg
Choice, 9307-7752/9671-0767 choice@cheerful. com
SFX Retreat Centre, 6288-7901 Fax: 6858-2716 sfxrc@singnet.com.sg Website: http//www. catholic.org.sg/SFX
Harvesters Ann 6481-5912 Website: www.harvesterscommunity.org Hosanna! Music Ministry www.hmmonline.org Tammy 9747-8570. Catholic Students’ Society - NUS Mr Irving Teo 6296-0897 irvingteo@cathoiic. org N T U Catholic Students' Apostolate, Mr Budi Susanto 9478-7827. N I E Catholic Students’ Apostolate (NIECSA), Ang Mei Ling 96663234 Infant Jesus Retreat and Youth Centre, Sr Gerard Lee 6760-2461/92947521 Fax: 7699369 srtlee@yahoo.com Poverello Teen Centre, Sr Maria Sylvia Ng, FMM 6544-2603 jub2000@singnet.com.sg Praise@Work Juliana 9799-9184 email: wetcome@praiseatwork.org St Patrick House, (Boarding) Br Collin Wee 6345-5929 Fax: 6345-4635 Youth Life-Line, 6252-6300 Fax: 6285-5311 Youth Praise MinistryHelen Lee (9029-0118) email ypmsingapore@yahoo.com. Young Christian Students’ Movement (Mandarin-speaking), Mr Stephen Chia
The Sojourners' Companions, 9268-6723 sojourners_companions@yahoo. com P R O F E S S IO N A L Catholic Nurses Guild of Singapore, Miss Janet Chan Poh Goon 6442-8546 Catholic Teachers' Movement, Mrs Gail Siow (R) 6454-4094 Catholic Medical Guild Dr John Hui Keem Peng johnhui@cyberway. com. sg S P E C IA L S E R V IC E S Catholic AIDS Response Effort (CARE), Peter Lau 6353-4976, 9745-8991 Good Shepherd Centre, 6755-6496 Fax: 6752-0670 R. C. Prison Ministry, Sr Gerard Fernandez, RGS 6250-9151 Fax: 6250-1804
T H E C A T H O L IC NEW S - 1 3
F o r tn ig h t ly : S u n . J A N . 0 5 a n d S u n . J a n . 1 2 , 2 0 0 3 "I am the resurrection and the life I M H e who believes in m e shall never die."
Seventh Anniversary
In loving memory of
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Third Anniversary In loving memory of
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Second Anniversary In loving m em ory of
. For all those who have no one to pray for them - we pray to the Lord Sixteenth A nniversary In everloving m em ory of
Fourth A nniversary In loving m em ory of
Seventh A nniversary In everloving | m em ory of
Trinity Casket Pte Ltd Y our R ight C hoice.... F or: • Complete & dignified funeral arrangements by professional and caring staff. • Catholic male & female specialist embalmers. Note: Female embalmer will attend to all female deceased.
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LEONARD YEO AIK LEONG
Departed: Jan 16, 1996 Time passes fast Seven years have passed Though it seems like yesterday you said you were going away You promised to come home but little did we know we’d never see your smile again and till now we feel the pain. Avery will grow up not knowing the joy your love can bring. Mama and kongkong miss their only son In mum’s eyes you’re her only one. And in our hearts lie the memory of the greatest dad there could ever be. We will love and miss you always Your loving wife, Francis. Your 5 monsters, Ashton, Ashley, Alexandria, Andrew and Avery. Mum and Dad. Mass will be offered on Thursday January 16 at 6 pm at the Church of St Michael for the repose of Leonard’s soul. Ninth A nniversary In loving m em ory o f
Time may heal the broken heart, Time may make the wound less sore, B u t time can never stop the longing For the loved one gone before. In loving m em ory o f
M A BEL ONG POH KIM Departed: Jan 7, 1994 G od took h er home, it was His will, But in our hearts W e love her still, O n earth, she always did her best G rant her, Jesus, heavenly rest. A! ways remembered by loved ones.
m m Thank you dearest Heavenly Father, Jesus, Holy Spirit, M other Mary for helping my son obtain good passes for all his subjects in his final term exams. Holy Spirit, you m ake me see everything and show me the w ay to reach my ideal. Y ou w ho give me the divine gift to forgive and forget the wrong that is done to me and who are in all instances o f my life with me. I, in this short dialogue w ant to thank you for everything and confirm once more that I never w ant to be separated from you no m atter how great the material desires may be. I want to be with you and my loved ones in your perpetual glory. Amen. Anne
M ARY ANG M UI CHENG Departed: Jan 13,2000 In our hom e she is fondly rem em bered, Sweet m em ories cling to her name; Those w ho loved her in life sincerely, Still love h er in death ju st the same. Always remembered by loved ones. Fourteenth Anniversary In loving m em ory o f
CA TH ER IN E HENG Departed: Jan 12,2000 The blessed memories we have O f her w e’ll always cherish, And count them tenderly each day Lest for lack o f love we perish. Dearly m issed and alw ays rem em bered by fam ily and all loved ones. Second A nniversary In loving m em ory of
ER NE ST JOHN GOM ES Departed:Jan 18, 1999 Deep in our hearts, you w ill alw ays stay, Loved and remembered. In every way, N o tears, no verse. Can ever say, H ow m uch we miss you every day. A lw aysrem em bered by wife M arjorie, children and grandchildren.
ANTHONY NATHAN Departed: Jan 8,1996 O ur hearts are sore As tim e goes by O nly the m em ory of W e m iss you more: bygone days Y our loving smile, And a sigh for a face your gentle face, unseen; N o one can fdl your A constant feeling vacant place. that God alone M ass will be Knows b est what celebrated at C hurch should have been. o f the H oly Spirit, Always remembered Singapore on W ed., by M um Helen, Jan 8 ,2 0 0 3 at 6 pm. Dad Bernard, Fondly rem em bered K ervin and Jo-Ann. by w ife and children. KILLIAN TAN PENG ANN Departed:Jan 11,1987
Sixth Anniversary In everloving m em ory o f
A requiem Tamil Mass will be offered for the repose o f the departed soul at the C hurch o f O ur Lady Star o f the Sea, 10 Yishun St 22 at 7.30 pm on Sunday January 19, 2003. Please join us in prayers. A lw ays rem em bered by loved ones. Fifth Anniversary In loving m em ory of
JA M ES K ENNETH PO DISIN G H O Departed:Jan 17,1998
His helping hand was alw ays first M erry C hristm as. May To render any aid he could; G od dw ells in your hearts and in your home His voice was always raised in praise, through this daily readings the w hole year His words w ere wise through. Love, Gerard and good. D ear Father, and Piel since you w ent away, G rateful thanks to St The ones you loved Jude for all petitions so true, answ ered. Please Try hard to carry on continue to intercede for the way m e in the success o f my W e know you’d want studies to your cousin us to. Jesus. M . Ho A lw ays rem em bered by wife, children, G rateful thanks to Sts grandchildren, Joseph, Gerard, great-grandchildren A nthony, Francis and loved ones. X avier, Sacred Heart o f Jesus arid M other o f In Memoriam Rates Perpetual Succour for Cost of a memoriam insertion is $55. An all petitions answered. insertion exceeding 10-cm Please continue to look will have an additional after us always. K.H o charge of $6 per cm. and F a m ily .
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CASKET FAIRPRICE T e i: 6 4 5 5 - 9 9 0 9 Complete one-stop funeral arrangements CYR IL CHEW KENG JIN Departed.Jan 6, 1989 You believed it more important T o be humble Than to be important. You led by example By serving your fellow man. Today, we still Follow w hat you taught us Because we will always Believe in you. Y our beloved wife, G race and family.
E ST H E R T A N LI MIIN Bom: Nov 27, 1977 Departed: Jan 8,2001 “See! I will not forget you... I have carved you on the palm o f My Hand... I have called you by your name... You are mine... You are precious to Me... I love you.
Isaiah. Always remembered by'D ad Benjam in, M um Valerie, G randm a M abel and sister Ruth and all loved ones.
ANN IE NG Departed:Jan 16, 1997 Six years have passed Still m em ories o f you w ill alw ays stay in our hearts. E ternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, And let perpetual light shine upon her. M ay she rest in peace. M ass w ill be celebrated at C hurch o f St M ichael on Sunday, Jan 5, 2003 at 9.30 am.
G E O R G E D E N N IS FERNANDEZ
T H E R E S A D E N N IS FERNANDEZ
Departed: M ar 27,1973 Departed: Jan 12,2000
• Dear Papa and Mummy, You are fondly remembered and cherished. We love you dearly. Memories of you will never fade away. Forever remembered by: Sons: Francis, Johnson and Merwyn. Daughters: Shirley and Silvia sons-in-law, daughter-in-law and grandchildren.
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First Anniversary MR SANDANA RAJ Departed:Jan 15, 2001
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DO B IA S D ’CR U Z Departed:Jan 10, 1972
GRACE KOH SIA TIAN
Departed: January 3, 2002 In our hearts your memory lingers, Sweetly tender, fond and true. There is not a day, dear mother, That we do not think of you. Deeply missed and dearly remembered by sons, daughters, daughters-in-law, sons-in-law, grandchildren and all loved ones. “God is love and where there is love, there is God” Seventh Sixth Anniversary Anniversary
In loving memory of
R EN N A L D ’C R U Z Departed:Oct 9, 1997
BENJAMIN D ’CRUZ Departed :J an 11, 1998
God took them home, it was His will, But in our hearts we love them still; Their memories are as dear today As in the hour they passed away. We often sit and think of them The memories of those happy days. May they rest in peace. Fondly cherished and always remembered by family members and all loved ones.
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TH ERESA K O H PETER LAU Y O K E LIN PENG KUAN Departed: Jan 14,1996 Departed: Jan 16,1997
Always remembered by family and friends Mass will be offered at the following churches on Wednesday, Jan 15, 2003 IJ Chapel (Bukit Timah) at 7 am Cathedral of the Good Shepherd at 1.15pm Church of the Risen Christ at 6 pm Church of the St Ignatius at 6 pm Church of Sacred Heart at 6 pm Church of St Teresa at 6 pm.
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F A M IL Y
The responsibilities of Catholic Families in Society INDONESIA, Kupang (UCAN) — An Indonesian prelate has focused his message for Christmas on families, advising them to reach out to people “regardless of their ethnical, racial, educational, social, and religious back ground." The whole pastoral letter of Archbishop Petrus Turang of Kupang encourages Catholic families to reflect on how they should promote love, peace, justice and fraternity in society. “Catholic families of any social position and responsi bility should become agents of justice in society,” says the archbishop’s letter, issued Dec. 20. “That is real witness to Christian life,” Archbishop Turang said. He added that Christmas is an ideal time for families to renew their commitment to share in Jesus’ life and ministry. He also encouraged them to reflect on “eight responsibilities” of Catholic families — educational, religious, social, Church, missionary, disciplinary, faith and economic. He particularly urged parents to fight the materialism that is peddled by globalization through mass media, and warned against individualism, saying Catholic families should live their faith not in isolation but together with families of other religions. By doing so, he said, they truly become “the sign of God’s presence in society and the Church.” “Catholicfamilies," ArchbishopTurangsais, "w ho give witness through good deeds are engaged in the dialogue of life.” He explained that that involves “estab lishing cooperation with people of other religions, espe cially in common struggles to reach a just and welfare society.” He also urged Catholic families to promote the spirit of forgfveness, so as “to rebuild the unity and integrity of life based on justice and peace.” By actively helping to build and maintain justice Catholic families significantly contribute to the creation of peace in society.”
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Christmas - a school of faith and life O ur Holy Father's Homily at Midnight Mass in St Peter's Basilica 1. ”H.'?/7e earth was rapt in silence and night only half through its course, your almighty Word, O Lord, came down from his royal throne’ (Antiphon to the Magnificat, 26 December). On this Holy Night the ancient promise is fulfilled: the time of waiting has ended and the Virgin gives birth to the Messiah. Jesus is born for a humanity searching for freedom and peace; he is bom for everyone burdened by sin, in need of salvation, and yearning for hope. On this night God answers the ceaseless cry of the peoples: Come, Lord, save us! His eternal Word of love has taken on our mortal flesh. “Your Word, O Lord, came down from his royal throne”. The Word has entered into time: Emmanuel, God-with-us, is born. In cathedrals and great basilicas, as well as in the smallest and remotest churches throughout the world, Christians joyfully lift up their song: “Today is born our Saviour” (Responsorial Psalm). 2. Mary “gave birth to her first-bom son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid him in a manger" (Lk 2:7). This is the icon of Christmas: a tiny newborn child, whom the hands of a woman wrap in poor cloths and lays in a manger. Who could imagine that this little human being is the “Son of the Most High” (Lk 1:32)? Only she, his Mother, knows the truth and guards its mystery. On this night we too can “join” in her gaze and so recognize in this Child the human face of God. We too - the men and women of the third millennium - are able to encounter Christ and to gaze upon him through the eyes of Mary. Christmas niaht thus becomes a school of faith and of life.
3. “The grace o f God has appeared, offering salvation to all men’ (Tit 2:11). In tonight’s second reading, the Apostle Paul helps us to understand the Christ-event which we celebrate on this radiant night. The “grace of God” appearing in Jesus is God's merciful love, which dominates the entire history of salva tion and guides it to its definitive fulfilment. The self revelation of God who “humbled himself to come among us
as a man" (Preface o f Advent, I) is the anticipation, here on earth, of his glorious “appearing” at the end of time (cf. Tit 2:13). But there is more. The historical event which we are experiencing in mystery is the “wav” given to us as a means of encountering the glorious Christ. By his Incarna tion Jesus teaches us, as the Apostle observes, “to reject godless ways and worldly desires, and live temperately, justly and devoutly in this age as we await our blessed hope" (Tit 2:12-13). O Birth of the Lord, you have inspired Saints of every age! I think, among others, of Saint Bernard and his spiritual ecstasy before the touching scene of the Crib. I think of Saint Francis of Assisi, the inspired creator of the first live depiction of the mystery of Christmas night. I think of Saint Theresa of the Child Jesus, who by her “little way” suggested anew to the proud modern mind the true spirit of Christmas. 4. “You will find a babe wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger" (Lk 2:12). The Child laid in a lowly manger: this is God’s sign. The centuries and the millennia pass, but the sign remains, and it remains valid for us too - the men and women of the third millennium. It is a sign of hope for the whole human family; a sign of peace for those suffering from conflicts of every kind; a sign of freedom for the poor and oppressed; a sign of mercv for those caught up in the vicious circle of sin; a sign of love and consolation for those who feel lonely and abandoned. A small and fragile sign, a humble and quiet sign, but one filled with the power of God who out of love became man. 5. Lord Jesus,-together with the shepherds we draw near to your Crib. We contemplate you, wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in the manger. O Babe of Bethlehem, we adore you in silence with Mary, your ever-Virgin Mother. To you be glory and praise for ever, Divine Saviour of the World! Amen. [Original text: Italian]
Y O U N G C A T H O IC S
8th Annual Shine Jesus Shine Rally
Rosary for Peace
by Jonathan John Sim On Sunday, 15 December 2002, about 4000 people, mainly youths, Catholics and non-Catholics alike, gathered together in the Singapore Indoor Stadium to attend the 8th Annual Shine Jesus Shine Rally. The event started off with the Sunday mass celebrated by His Grace, Archbishop Nicholas Chia and concelebrated by all the archdiocese youth chaplains. After the dinner interval, the rally resumed with a praise and worship session conducted by Clement Chow and the Shine Jesus Shine band. Many participants sang with all their hearts and many present could feel the strong presence of the Holy Spirit. A video was shown after the praise and worship and got the participants of the rally into a reflective mood on how they should change - for the better. Fr. Simon Pereira, CSsR, than went up to the stage to give an inspirational talk tell everyone how they should change for the better. Using the theme, CHANGE, Fr. Simon taught everyone that in order to change, one must have, do or be the following: CHANGE = Christ Holy Adoration Never say die Giving Ethusiastic The talk given by Fr. Simon was not only educational, but also very fun and interesting. A participant commented, “Fr. Simon’s talk has inspired me to do something about my life and to change. I am now very much interested in joining a youth ministry.” A skit put up by students from the NUS Catholic Students’ Society, followed the talk. Combining portions of the Exodus story and the story of a person experiencing many failures in life, it tells us that we must change for the better and not be slaves to the world. After the skit, Akatones took the stage and sang ‘‘Man in the Mirror" by Michael Jackson. Their wonderful singing got quite a number of people into a dancing mood. Immediately after their performance, Andrea de Cruz gave her testimonial on how God helped her and her family and the power of prayer. Her testimony touched the hearts of many people present. A
participant commented that Andrea's testimony was so touching and inspiring that she would start changing her ways by becoming more prayerful after hearing how powerful prayer can be. Fr. Simon returned to the stage to give his testimony. He shared what we must do to change in order to improve our relationship with God. Both Andrea’s and Fr. Simon’s testimonies brought the message of God’s love across to all the youths and has inspired the many people present there to change. Some participants of the World Youth Day 2002 got together to dance and sing the theme song of the World Youth Day event. The Risen Christ choir returned to sing the song, “Remember Me”. A heartwarming song composed by Julian Kwok which asks Christ to never forget us and to help us always. During the Lpve Offering, the African Children’s Choir sang several very lively and highly energetic songs which brought everyone in the stadium to their feet, dancing and singing praises to God. With the featuring of the video on the Eucharist, everyone in the stadium went down on their knees in adoration to God through the Eucharistic Adoration. Again, the presence God was strong and many people were touched by His presence. The whole stadium was very silent throughout this part of the rally as everyone got together, united as one to worship the Lord. After the adoration of the Eucharist, non-Catholics attending the rally were called to come down and be prayed over followed by a brief one-to-one session with Befrienders, who told them more about the Faith. The rally ended with high praise and worship, which got almost the whole stadium so high in the Spirit that everyone was singing with all their heart and dancing for God. Many people enjoyed themselves and hope that there will be another next year as this sort of event does not happen that frequently. A participant commented that this is something memorable and would not be forgotten at all. Also, one participant was so touched by the rally that he has decided to convert and join the Catholic faith.
PHILIPPINES, Manila (UCAN) — Thousands of students in the Manila region joined former Philippine president Corazon Aquino at a prayer rally to bring to a close a sixmonth movement of praying the rosarv for national and world peace. On Dec. 12 at the Dominican-run University of Santo Tomas (UST) in Manila, Aquino told about 7,000 youths, “Today, we pray the rosary and ask our Blessed Mother to intercede for us so that we will have faith in our country and peace in the whole world.” She is chairperson of “Prayer Power Campaign 2002," which encourages people to pray the rosary daily, and to pray to Our Lady of Guadalupe, the country’s patron, to protect families and the unborn child. Under the theme “Peace for our Families, Peace for our Nation,"President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo joined Aquino to launch the campaign on Feb. 25 at a commemoration of the 1986 people power revolt that paved the way for Aquino’s presidency. In June, Aquino began touring Metro Manila and nearby provinces, including Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac and as far as Cebu in the central Philippines, to lead the praying of the rosary in schools there. Bishop Ramon Arguelles of the Military Ordinariate said in his homily at the rally Mass, “People power is really prayer power." He also said, “Today, we want to proclaim again what God has revealed to us in our own history.” The bishop encouraged the use of “people power” to promote peace in “every corner of the land.” Both Aquino and Arroyo had been sworn in by Supreme Court justices after Church-backed popular uprisings toppled their respective predecessors, Ferdinand Marcos and Joseph Estrada. “We see in our land so much confusion, trouble, dissent and disunity,” the bishop remarked, but “blessings will come to us if we continue to humble ourselves, submit to God’s power and do our share in building the nation.” Bishop Ramon Arguelles, who chairs the Bishops’ Commission for Migrants and Itinerant Peoples, also urged the students to pray for people of other religions.
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In coming issues we hope to bring you the outcome o f deliberations at this Congress.
It is a custom in Rome on the third Sunday of Advent for children and youth to come to St Peter's Square for the recitation of the Angelus and the Blessing of the Pope. They come carrying the images of the Baby Jesus for the Blessing of the "Babinelli" - "little babies" by the Holy Father. The "Bambinelli" are destined for the Cribs of the Roman par ishes, schools and families. As is usual, before the recitation of the Marian prayer, the Pope delivered a short address. In the Square of St Peter, one already senses the Christmas spirit. There stands already, the Christmas Tree, offered, this year by Croatia. I wish to express my thanks to our brothers and sisters of Croatia for their generous gift. Adding a certain liveliness, is, above all, your presence, my dearest childrenand youth of Rome, who have come here today, according to tradition, for the "Bambinelli" to be blessed by the Pope. I greet you with affection, and I thank you for your enthusiasm which is somuch in keeping with the spirit of joy typical of the third Sunday of Advent. My thoughts turn to the Cribs which, together with your parents and your teachers you have prepared in your homes and schools. In the Cribs, between the Madonna and St Joseph, you will place the Bambinello which you are holding in your hands now. The Crib will thus become the centre of your classrooms and the heart of your families.
CNS Photo
Christmas is, par excellence, the feast of families, because God, by being bom into a human family, has chosen it to be the first community to be blessed by his love. Speaking of the family, I am reminded with pleasure that from the 22 to the 26th of January 2003, the 4th International Congress of the Family will take place in Manila, the Capital of the Philippine The First such congress ( initated by the Pope him self) was held in Rome in 1994, the International Year of the Family. Three years later in 1997, there was the unforgettable gathering at Rio di Janeiro. In 2000, families of the whole world met in Rome for the Great Jubilee. The next meeting in 2003, will serve to launch
The "Bambinello" being placed in the Crib at St. Peter's during midnight Mass the Gospel of the Family in the Third Millenium. I thank all those who are working for the preparation of the most important meeting in Manila and I hope that the partifcipation of families will be as great as possible. The world has need of a sign of hope, which comes precisely from Christian Families. Meanwhile, I entrust this World Congress to the Most Holy Mary, Queen of Families. We ask of you to protect families in every part of the world, expecially those who live in situations of greater poverty and disadvantage. Enable every nuclear family to open its doors to the Lord who will come at Christmas to give to the world, joy, peace and love. This Sunday, the Diocese of Rome will launch a campaign for new churches and parrochial centres. Christmas reminds us that God wishes to dwell in our midst, in our homes so that we can encounter himand live in copmmunion with him. Families, moroever, know very well how important it is that there are centres of formation for the children and youth where they live. [Editor - from Vatican Reports]
The Christmas Tree in St. Peter's Square
YO UN G CATHO LICS YOUTH CHAPLAINCY
Archbishop Nicholas Chia Archdiocesan Youth Co-ordinator Rev Frederick Quek City District: Rev Albert Ng Rev Cary Chan North District: Rev Adrian Yeo & Rev Andrew Wong Serangoon District: Rev Brian D’Souza, Rev Frederick Quek Rev Luke Fong West District: Rev Colin Tan, Rev Ignatius Yeo, Rev John-Paul Tan East District: Rev Alex Chua Rev Erbin Fernandez Vine & Branches: Bro Celestine Toh
Exhortation to Catholic Youth On 20 December in the Clementine Hall of the Apostolic Palace, the Holy Father received in audience the children and youth of Catholic Action of Italy. While our Holy Father was addressing a particular group of youth, the content of his message is applicable to all youth. Dear Girls and Boys of Cathoic Action of Italy. I thank you for this traditional Christmas visit of your and for the gifts that you have brought me. I greet all of you with great love and I thank you for sharing with me your dreams and plans for the future. I greet your teachers, your leaders and your Chaplains who accompany you. A special greeting to your General Chaplain, Monsignor Francesco Lambiasi. I wish also to extend my warm greetings and wishes for the Feast of Christmas to the President of Catholic Action of Italy, who is unable to be prsent here with us this morning. You, my Dear Girls and Boys, represent all your fellow youth in learning how to follow Jesus through your experience of Catholic Action for Youth. Listen to His voice and become His friends. Only Jesus knows the secret of a life full of meaning, how to live life "to the fullest", which is what I think you desire in the depths of your heart.
At Christmas, which we will be celebrating in a few days time, the Baby Jesus will reveal the infinite love of his heavenly Father, who does not cease to seek out each one of his children. From the Crib of Bethlehem radiates the beauty of the Kingdom of justice and peace even in the world of today. Prepare your hearts to receive Jesus who will give you true happiness. Dear Boys and Girls! Your slogan for his year is: "Hands for all; all by hand." Hands are not meant to grasp with egoism, all material things as though they are to be grabbed. It is necessary to learn to hold your hands open to receive the love of god: your hans must be always ready to receive and give of his love. Strive to live in this way and show the way also to your fellow youth. In this way you will me making a very precious contribution to the renewal that Catholic Action of Italy is undertaking. Thank you again, my dearest, for your visit. I wish and extend my wishes to all your families and friends. I invoke on each and every one of you pesent here and on the whole Catolic Action of Italy a special Apostolic Blessing. Editor - Vatican Reports
Archbishop’s Cup 2002 Under 13 category winners: 1. Church of St. Francis Xavier 2. Our Lady Star of the Sea 3. Immaculate Heart of Mary Top scorer: Aaron Lim from the Church of Christ the King Under 20 category winners: 1. Church of St. Ignatius 2. Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. 3. St. Joseph’s Bukit Timah (Team A) Top scorer: Joshua Ng from the Church of Immaculate Heart of Mary.
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Pope suggests new International Order Boldly, but with all humility, I would like to suggest that the Church’s fifteen-hundred-year-old teaching on peace as “tranguillitas ordinis - the tranquillity of order*, as Saint Augustine called it (De Civitate Dei, 19, 13), which was brought to a new level of development forty years ago by Pacem in Terris, has a deep relevance for the world today, for the leaders of nations as well as for individuals. That there is serious disorder in world affairs is obvious, yet, the world, amid its disorder, continues nevertheless to be “ordered” and organized in various ways - economic, cultural, even political. Urgent questions to be faced remain:
■ What kind o f order can replace this disorder, so that men and women can live in freedom, justice, and security? ■ On what principles are these new forms of world order unfolding? ■ Is this not the time for all to work together for a new constitutional organization of the human family, truly capable of ensuring peace and harmony between peoples, as well as their integral development? The problem of order in world affairs, which is the problem of peace rightly understood, cannot be separated from issues of moral principle. This does not mean writing the constitution of a global super-State.
A new international moral order
Politics and Morality
Nevertheless it remains true that, despite many difficulties and setbacks, significant progress has been made over the past forty years towards the implementation of Pope John’s noble vision. The fact that States throughout the world feel obliged to honour the idea of human rights shows how powerful are the tools of moral conviction and spiritual integrity, which proved so decisive in the revolution of conscience that made possible the 1989 non-violent revolution that displaced European communism. And although distorted notions of freedom as licence continue to threaten democracy and free societies, it is surely significant that, in the forty years since Pacem in Terris, much of the world has become more free, structures of dialogue and cooperation between nations have been strengthened, and the threat of a global nuclear war, which weighed so heavily on Pope John XXIII, has been effectively contained.
Against those who think of politics as a realm of necessity detached from morality and subject only to partisan interests, Pope John XXIII, in Pacem in Terris, outlined a truer picture of human reality and indicated the path to a better future for all. Precisely because human bisings are created with the capacity for moral choice, no human
activity takes place outside the sphere o f moral judgment. Politics is a human activity; therefore, it too is subject to a distinctive form o f moral scrutiny. This is also true o f international politics. As the Pope wrote: “The same natural law that governs the life and conduct o f individuals must also regulate the relations o f political communities with one another." Those who imagine that international public life takes place somewhere outside the realm of moral judgment need only reflect on the impact of human rights movements on the national and international politics of the twentieth century just concluded. These developments decisively refute the claim that international politics must of necessity be a “free zone” in which the moral law holds no sway.
Keeping Promises
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THE PREMISES OF A LASTING PEACE There is an unbreakable bond between the work of peace and respect for truth. HONESTY in the supply of information, EQUITY in legal systems, OPENNESS in democratic procedures All of these give citizens a sense of security, a readiness to settle controversies by peaceful means, and a desire for genuine constructive dialogue. They constitute the true premises of a lasting peace.
Political summits on the regional and international levels serve the cause of peace only if joint commitments are then honoured by each party. Otherwise these meetings risk becoming irrelevant and useless, with the result that people believe less and less in dialogue and trust more in the use of force as a way of resolving issues. The negative repercussions on peace resulting from commitments made and then not honoured must be carefully assessed by State and government leaders. Treaties must be kept, says the ancient maxim. If at all times commitments ought to be kept, promises made to the poor should be considered particularly binding. Especially frustrating for them is any breach of faith regarding promises which they see as vital to their well-being. In this respect, the failure to keep commitments in the sphere of aid to developing nations is a serious moral question and further highlights the injustice of the imbalances existing in the world.
The suffering caused by poverty is compounded by the loss of trust. The end result is hopelessness. The existence of trust in international relations is a social capital o f fundamental value.
Rather, it means continuing and deepening processes already in place to meet the almost universal demand for
participatory ways o f exercising political authority, even international political authority, and for transparency and accountability at every level of public life. Pope John XXIII called the entire world to a nobler vision of public life and public authority, even as he boldly challenged the world to think beyond its present state of disorder to new forms of international order commensurate with human dignity.
The correct use of political power Nowhere today is there a more obvious need for the correct use of political authority than in the dramatic situation o f the Middle East and the Holy Land. Day after day, year after year, the cumulative effect of bitter mutual rejection and an unending chain of violence and retaliation have shattered every effort so far to engage in serious dialogue on the real issues involved. The volatility of the situation is compounded by the clash of interests among the members of the international community. Until those in positions of responsibility undergo a veritable revolution in the way they use their power and go about securing their peoples’ welfare, it is difficult to imagine how progress towards peace can be made._The fratricidal struggle that brings into conflict the forces shaping the immediate future of the Middle East shows clearly the need for men and women who, out of conviction, will implement policies firmly based on the principle of respect for human dignity and human rights. Such policies are incomparably more advantageous to everyone than the continuation of conflict. A start can be made on the basis of this truth, which is certainly more liberating than propaganda, especially when that propaganda serves to conceal inadmissible intentions.
A culture of peace In the end, peace is not essentially about structures but about people. Certain structures and mechanisms of peace - juridical, political, economic - are of course necessary and do exist, but they have been derived from nothing other than the accumulated wisdom and experience of innumerable gestures of peace made by men and women throughout history who have kept hope and have not given in to discouragement. Gestures o f peace spring from the lives of people who foster peace first of all in their own hearts. They are the work of the heart and of reason in those who are peacemakers (cf. Mt 5:9). Gestures o f peace are possible when people appreciate fully the community dimension o f their lives, so that they grasp the meaning and consequences of events in their own communities and in the world. Gestures o f peace create a tradition and a culture of peace.
Religion has a vital role in fostering gestures o f peace and in consolidating conditions forpeace.ti. exercises this role all the more effectively if it concentrates on what is proper to it: attention to God, the fostering of universal brotherhood and the spreading of a culture of human solidarity. The Day o f Prayer for Peace which I promoted in Assisi on 24 January 2002, involving representatives of many religions, had this purpose. It expressed a desire to nurture peace by spreading a spirituality and a culture of peace.
The legacy of "Peace on Earth" Blessed Pope John XXIII was a man unafraid of the future. He was sustained in his optimism by his deep trust in God and in man, both of which grew out of the sturdy climate of faith in which he had grown up. Moved by his trust in Providence, even in what seemed like a permanent situation of conflict, he did not hesitate to summon the leaders of his time to a new vision of the world. This is the legacy that he left us. On this World Day of Peace 2003, let us all resolve to have his same outlook: trust in the merciful and compassionate God who calls us to brotherhood, and confidence in the men and women of our time because, like those of every other time, they bear the image of God in their souls. It is on this basis that we can hope to build a world of peace on earth. At the beginning of a new year in our human history, this is the hope that rises spontaneously from the depths of
my heart: that in the spirit of every individual there may be a renewed dedication to the noble mission which Pacem in Terris proposed forty years ago to all men and women of good will. The task, which the Encyclical called “immense”, is that “of establishing new relationships in human society, under the sway and guidance of truth, justice, love, and freedom”. Pope John was referring to “relations between individual citizens, between citizens and their respective States, between States, and finally between individuals, families, intermediate associations and States on the one hand, and the world community on the other”. He concluded by saying that “to bring about true peace in accordance with divinely established order” was a “most noble task” (Pacem in Terris. V: I.e., 301-302). The fortieth anniversary of Pacem in Terris is an apt occasion to return to Pope John’s prophetic teaching.
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Catholic communities will know how to celebrate this anniversary during the year with initiatives which, I hope, will have an ecumenical and interreligious character and be open to all those who have a heartfelt desire “to break through the barriers which divide them, to strengthen the bonds of mutual love, to leam to understand one another and to pardon those who have done them wrong" (I.e., 304). I accompany this hope with a prayer to Almighty God, the source of all our good. May he who calls us from oppression and conflict to freedom and cooperation for the good of all help people everywhere to build a world of peace ever more solidly established on the four pillars indicated by Blessed Pope John XXIII in his historic Encyclical: truth, justice, love, freedom. From the Vatican, 8 December 2002. JOHN PAUL II (Edited and arranged)
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