JANUARY 06, 2002, vol 52, no 1

T h e C h r is t c h ild i n th e m a n g e r r e f l e c t s t h e f a c e o f ‘e v e r y little c h i l d w h o is b o r n \ SUNDAY, JANUARY 6 - 13, 2002

SINGAPORE 500 / WEST MALAYSIA RM1.20

- Pope John Paul II

Vol. 52 No. 1

N e w F a m ily S e r v i c e C e n t r e i n M a r in ® P a r a d e

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Fellowship, cheer abound in Muslim-Christian celebration Photos: ANTHONY CHAN

Representatives of the Catholic and Muslim faiths at the joint Hari Raya-Christmas celebration on Dec 27.

From left: Vicar General Monsignor Eugene Vaz; Mr Maarof Salleh, president of the Islamic Religious Author­ ity Of Singapore; Archbishop Nicholas Chia and Mufti of Singapore, Mufti Syed Isa bin Mohd Semait.

IT WAS a wet and rainy evening on Dec 27. But inside the Singgahsana Hall of the Malay Village in Geylang Serai, fello w sh ip and cheer abounded as Muslims and Catholics greeted one another warmly.

The special dinner, w hich brought together some 300 mem­ bers of the Muslism and Christian communities, is believed to be the first-ever joint celebration of Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Christmas in Singapore.

Also present were members of the Inter-Religious Organisation.

The event, the fourth in a series of Christian-Muslim dialogue sessions which started in April last year, aimed to create a deeper sense of fellowship, understanding and collaboration be­ tween members of both faiths.

And this desire was amply dem­ onstrated in the warm speeches given

by Archbishop Nicholas Chia, head of the Catholic Church in Singapore and Mr Maarof Salleh, president of the Islamic Religious Authority Of Sin­ gapore (MUIS); the exchange of gifts between Archbishop Chia, Mr Maarof and the Mufti of Singapore, Mufti Syed Isa bin Mohd Semait; the prayers prayed and the musical performances put on by both communities.

Canossian Sister Theresa Seow, an organiser of the event, shared with the crowd that the dinner was not a response to the Sep 11 terrorist attacks, but the crisis “has deepened our resolve to work at a relationship already begun”.

“It is important to dialogue, pray and learn from each other during good times,” she stressed. “When relationships have been established, it is easier to clarify when doubt arises... No one is expected to com­

promise his faith. No religions are the same and for this reason we need to dialogue.”

She said it is hoped the joint celebration will open more avenues for dialogue and collaboration, and create opportunities for Muslims and Christians “to rejoice when we rec­ ognise similarities in our beliefs and to learn to celebrate even our differ­ ences”.

Agreeing with Sr Theresa, MUIS president Maarof Salleh said, “We cannot make all religions into one.

This is a very fundamental teaching of Islam. God mentioned in the Holy Koran that He has created men of different kinds, different groups.

So they have to get together to know each other and to build fellowship.”

• Continued on Page 13

Archbishop Chia presenting a gift of a model ship to Mr Maarof Salleh (above) symbolising a journey of inter-religious dialogue and collabora­ tion, and the Holy Bible to Mufti Syed Isa bin Mohd Semait (below). He received, in return, books on Islam and Muslims in Singapore.

JANUARY 6 -1 3 , 2002

THE CATHOLIC NEWS

:

LOCAL NEWS

Catholic Church, government team up for comprehensive community services WHEN the Marine Parade Family Service Centre (MPFSC) was opened in July, the Church here began a new way of reaching out to people in need, right in their own neighbourhood.

At the centre’s blessing on Dec 15, A rchbishop N icholas Chia commended the Catholic Welfare Services (CWS) and Gabrielite Brothers for initiating the project with the government.

The presence of the centre shows that the “Church is showing that it is a light in a place where there is certain darkness”, such as in areas where there are problems with the youths, families and others, he said.

He added that with the stresses families undergo today, there is a need for trained people “who can reach out and care for them”.

The centre, located at the void deck of Block 53 in Marine Terrace, is headed by executive consultant Samuel Ng, who was once involved in one of the pilot projects of the Gabrielite Brothers.

At the time when CWS was look­ ing into expanding its services, the idea of a community-based centre was already being discussed by the Gabrielites, Mr Ng said. The two groups came together and with the government subsiding 90% of the set up cost, the centre was realised.

The Gabrielite Brothers gave pro­ fessional input in social work during the initial stage of the centre, Mr Ng added.

Planning for the centre started in

Archbishop Chia gives a red packet to an elderly woman at the party organised by the centre.

Archbishop Nicholas Chia blesses the Marine Parade Family Service Centre on Dec 15.

2000. Half of the cost of running it is shouldered by the Marine Parade Community Development Council (MPCDC) and the other half by CWS. The centre boasts the first cyber counselling programme for youths in Singapore. Manned by three fully qualified staff and certified volun­ teers, the cyber counsellors offer advice in real time from Monday to Friday, 2.30-5.30 pm.

S tudents of St A n th o n y ’s Canossian Secondary School and Serangoon G arden Secondary School have found the site helpful.

Youths can log onto the site by typing http://www.metoyou.org.sg.

The centre’s executive consultant Samuel Ng.

In addition to the cyber counsel­ ling service, the centre specialises in peer work and counselling and offers a day care service for primary school students.

In his address, chairman Gerard Ee said the centre “was created to give a comprehensive range of social services” to individuals and families.

The collaboration with the Ma­ rine Parade CDC is a brilliant strat­ egy, he said. “The project shows the pro-active stance of the Catholic com­ munity in working alongside the gov­ ernment in the areas of family foun­ dation and communal living.

“The centre has extended the arm of the Catholic community in reaching out to the poor and the community at large,” he said.

“But while we are trying to

achieve effectiveness and efficiency in service, we are also mindful of what our objective is: to be the living testimonies of God and ambassadors of His healing and unconditional love,” Mr Ee told some 60 guests.

Also present at the blessing cer­ emony were the Gabrielite Brothers, led by Brother Emmanuel Gaudette, and representatives of variousCatholic charitable institutions.

That day, the centre also organ­ ised entertainment for some 100 senior citizens from the neighbour­ hood. Later on, the archbishop and the guests stopped by the party, where the prelate handed out red packets to the elderly.D The Marine Parade Family Serv­ ice Centre is located at Blk 53, Ma­ rine Terrace, #01-227 (tel 445-0100).

Prelature of Opus Dei to celebrate 100th birth anniversary of founder

By Eric Valles

ARCHBISHOP Nicholas Chia will be the main celebrant at the Mass commemorating the centennial of the birth of Prelature Of Opus Dei founder, Blessed Josemaria Escriva de Balaguer (right) on Jan 9 at the Church Of The Holy Family.

Pope John Paul II has described Blessed Josemaria’s call for men and women to sanctify themselves and to cooperate in the sanctification of oth­ ers in their daily ordinary life.

The Opus Dei Prelature’s apostolate in Singapore began in 1982.

There are now four local Opus Dei centres, two for women and two for men.

The Prelature’s spiritual activi­ ties comprise retreats, recollections, talks, meditations, doctrinal classes and spiritual direction.

Its members, mostly lay and mar­

Changes in The Catholic New s

ried, also organise informal academic classes, professional get-togethers and family enrichment seminars.

Frs M ichael Chan, Conor Donnelly and Jose Luis Lopez are priests of the Prelature based in Sin­ gapore.

For enquiries on Opus Dei, call 775-4513 or 779-0652.

W hy not include a P ilgrim age in your itinerary?

4 to 8 days out o f London.

10

LOURDES FATIMA - ROME

For details contact: St Peter’s Pilgrims 87a Rushey Green, London, SE6 4AF, UK Web site www.stpeter.co.uk E-Mail info@stpeter.co.uk Tel: 44 20 8244 8844 Fax: 44 20 8697 2466

YOU now have in your hands the first issue of The Catholic News in 2002. We hope you will enjoy its improved mast­ head and eight full colour pages as much as we did editing and laying them out for you.

In the forthcoming issues, you can expect more inspiring articles on living our Catholic faith as well as more up-to-date news from the Vatican and the rest of the Catholic community around the world.

All this is being made possi­ ble by the new web offset printer we have engaged. The new printer has CPT (colour to print) technology that makes it possi­ ble to print the paper within a short span of time.

This also means that our partnership of 35 years with T iger Litho O ffsetprinting comes to an end. We will miss the friendship and dedication of Mr Foo, whose company served us through thick and thin.

We at CN are clearly in the midst of transition as we expand

our mission of bringing the latest news in the Catholic world and feature articles communicating the values of Christ.

More important than the look of the paper are all the people who make up the CN family.

We know that we cannot do this work alone, but only with God’s help and the support of our read­ ers, co-workers, volunteers, clergy, Religious and all who assist us in any way.

We want to single out two special persons who have been a part of the family for many years.

With the last issue of CN for 2001, Fr Cyril Lee completed six years as editor of our paper.

In his own quiet and unassum­ ing way, he faithfully wrote each issue’s editorial. We are proud that some of his editorials have found their way to a larger Asian readership in the weekly Asian Catholic newsletter Asia Focus, based in Thailand.

Fr Richards Ambrose, our staff writer, ismakingabig tran­ sition as a parish priest to head

the growing community of St Anne’s Church.

God bless you abundantly, Fr Lee and Fr Richards!

As we begin a new chapter in our 65 years of existence, we w elcom e Rev Fr R obert Balhetchet as our new editor.

You will be reading his edito­ rial in the next issue.

Please let us kow what you think of the paper. In fact we want you to be involved in it.

Here are some ways you can do that: After reading this issue, please feel free to send us a letter or e-mail expressing your thoughts and comments. Per­ haps you enjoyed our feature article and would like to share your own experiences with our readers. Or maybe you would like to comment on the youth page. If space allows, we will publish your letter.

Fr Johnson Fernandez Manager

THE CATHOLIC NEWS

JANUARY 6-13, 2002

LOCAL NEWS

Archbishop Chia expresses solidarity, urges concrete action for Afghan refugees ARCHBISHOP Nicholas Chia ex­ pressed solidarity with Afghan refu­ gees during a special Mass on Dec 14 and urged Singapore Catholics to take concrete action to help the needy and suffering and pave the way for peace.

He set the tone for the event held at the Church Of St Bernadette when he said in the opening prayer: “We are appalled by the springing up in the world today of terrorist attacks and conflicts. But we must ask ourselves, ‘What can we do in such situations?’ ” During the homily, he noted the pope’s concern for world peace that led him to designate Dec 14 a spe­ cial day of prayer and fasting.

Said the archbishop: “The Sep 11 terrorist attacks brought about innumerable suffering, death, de­ struction of homes, sickness and disease, rendering millions of peo­ ple starving and homeless.”

He noted how media reports made people aware of the Afghan situa­ tion. “We know what is going on but it is not enough to be aware. The important thing is to ask ourselves, ‘What are we doing about it?’

Quoting from the Letter Of St James, he said: “ Faith without good works is dead. It is not sufficient for us to say we are believers, we have faith...We have to live our faith. Faith must be concretised with action.”

The pope’s call to prayer and fasting is to help one do something concrete, he said. “We join in prayer for the suffering children of God, for although they are not Catholic, we know they are still children of God and we fast as an act of penance for our own sins of omission in failing

A child hands a toy to Archbishop Nicholas Chia during the offertory at the Dec 14 Mass.

The toy symbolises the joys of childhood Afghan children have been deprived of.

to reach out to the needy.” What was saved in the fasting must be given to the poor and suffering, he added. ' He urged the congregation to pray for world leaders to rely on God. “We must pray for the leaders who are so important to world peace, that they may be enlightened and know the way that God wants them to tread,” he said.

Jesus shows the way to lasting peace, but “He will need our coop­ eration for he has no hands and feet except yours and mine,” he stressed.

Concelebrating with the arch­ bishop were Monsignor Eugene Vaz, Frs Patrick Goh, Michael Arro, Anthony Ho, Paul Tong, Michael Sitaram, Joachim Chang, Luke Fong and Jesuit Father Colin Tan. On Dec 10, the archbishop sent a note to parishes suggesting the setting up of a special collection box for the poor and suffering in conjunction with the pope’s call for prayer and fasting.

Mr Jimmy Lim, a Filipino pro­ fessional, attended the Mass in soli-

darity with the Afghans. “I feel for the people. I understand their suffer­ ing,” he said, adding “it is a good idea to raise funds for the Afghans”.

Mr and Mrs Peter Tan, from the Church Of The Risen Christ, attended the Mass with their three daughters.

“It is important for us to come to­ gether as a family, a small church, to join the big Church in the event,” he said, noting the happy faces of the congregation on a fasting day.

Mrs Sonia Aboud, a Brazilian who attends the Church Of St Ignatius Church, said: “I loved the Mass, it was very inspiring and timely. ” Her Canadian husband, Ken, added that the Mass “raised awareness of the plight of Afghan refugees. Now it is time to think about, pray about and most importantly, do something about their situation.”

Mr Richard Koh of the Church Of The Holy Trinity, said: “This is a very significant Mass. We should have this kind of Mass periodically to remind us of war-torn countries and the victims of war.” □

Students from Canossian School For Hearing Impaired score high for PSLE

O B ITU A R Y

Carmelite Sister Mary Euphrasie called to the Lord at 86 CARMELITE Sister Mary Euphrasie Of St Joseph, also known to many friends as Sr Mary or Sr Fussy, served as an Extern Sister (Sisters whose duties include marketing and receiv­ ing visitors) for 52 years until 1996 when she had to give up her duties due to weakening health.

And so the enclosed Sisters had more opportunities to enjoy her happy and pleasant company until the Lord took her away on Dec 6.

Bom in Feb 18, 1915, Sr Mary intended to join the Good Shepherd Sisters as a young girl, but the Lord had other plans. She made her profes­ sion as a Carmelite Sister in Jan 1948.

She was very diligent in the preparation for the Mass and the Divine Office. Each day, she would take pains to prepare for the next day’s liturgy and if she was not sure of anything, one could rest assured that she would find help from any Sister who was available, until she got everything right!

Any duty or message entrusted to her was sure to be taken care of with utmost diligence and promptness.

Sr Mary also had a grateful heart and was ready to thank anyone for the least service rendered to her. And if she offended any Sister, she would not let the sun set before she had made peace with her. Many will remember her famous and contagious smile,

Sr Mary Euphrasie passed away on Dec 6.

which came so spontaneously to her and her charming ways which would make one do any favour for her.

In July, Sister had a fall and from then we noticed that her health started to fail. After a mild stroke, she was admitted into hospital on Nov 10 due to a chest infection and other complications.

She was on oxygen during her hospitalization and was in a stable condition. But on Dec 6, at about 4.15 pm, her health took a bad turn and she passed away peacefully to meet her Lord. ! Submitted by the Carmelite Sisters

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By Owen Cheong

FIVE students of the Canossian School For The Hearing-Impaired were overjoyed to learn they got excellent results in their Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE).

The students, Li Dun Rui, Ong Jing Yun, Cornelia Tan Yii Lin, Lim Jin Wen and Kuo Ning Y i ’s aggre­ gate scores ranged from 231 to 261.

They acknowledged that there will always be room for improve­ ment in their grades, but were pleased with their results all the same.

They attributed their success to the teachers at the Hearing Im­ paired School and St Anthony’s Canossian Primary, where they were integrated, for believing in them.

Their friends and parents provided the support, they added.

Ning Yi, who scored 261, said the school gave them “assessment books and more assessment books”.

“We couldn’t watch our favour­ ite television programmes like Drunken Angels and Detective In­ vestigation Files,” chimed in the others. Computer games at home had to be given a miss too.

And what did their proud parents say? “I was elated when I saw the

Sr Geraldine Lim with her PSLE high scorers.

From left: Ong Jing Yun, Lim Jing Wen, Li Dun Rui, Cornelia Tan Yii Lin and Kuo Ning Yi.

results,” said Mrs Tan, Cornelia’s mother.

They also expressed apprecia­ tion of the efforts of the schools and the teaching staff, especially of Miss Han Chun Lan of the School For The Hearing Impaired, who super­ vised the students closely.

To the girls, Miss Han has been an inspiration, role model, and great friend, to whom they will always be grateful.

“She always bought food for us when we had extra lessons on Sat­ urdays,” they said.

Said school principal, Sr

Geraldine Lim: “I’m extremely thankful and am confident that the girls will be able to enter the schools of their choice.”

The girls have decided to con­ tinue their studies at St Anthony’s Canossian Secondary School in Bedok, to which they have become very attached.

Their experience of the last few years has taught them some valuable lessons, they said. Among them were the need to constantly believe in one­ self and to draw strength from prayer.

“Not being forgetful would be nice too,” said Li Dun Rui. □

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JANUARY 6 -13, 2002

THE CATHOLIC NEWS

ASIA

Catholic groups in Pakistan minister to Afghan refugees

CHURCH

Christians, Muslims in eastern Indonesia pledge end to hostilities CNS photo from Reuters

MULTAN, PAKISTAN - Catholic

schools and Church-based social groups have been distributing relief goods to Afghans in refugee camps as well as in urban areas of Pakistan.

Church sources say that Muslim and Christian girls of the St Mary’s Convent School in Multan, run by the Dominican Sisters, donated money for the school’s drive to buy food and warm clothes for displaced Afghans.

Dominican Sister Marian Roshan Lai presented the goods to mayor Faisal Mukhtar of Multan on Dec 13. Mr Mukhtar said he appreciated the gesture and called on other people also to come forward to help the Afghan refugees.

A day earlier, Caritas Lahore, finished distributing relief items among 100 Afghan refugee families in Lahore. Caritas is the Church’s confederation of relief agencies.

The families settled in a munici­ pal garbage dump area after fleeing their country in the wake of attacks by the United States, according to Mr Raymond Rozario, director of Caritas Lahore. The items they re­ ceived include winter tents, food, mattresses, blankets, quilts and warm clothing.

Mr Rozario told UCA News that the situation of the refugees is “ter­ rible”. Noting that this is his agen­ cy’s first involvement with Afghan refugees, he said Caritas aims to set up a large tent for use as a temporary mosque on an area the refugees demarcated and cleaned for prayer.

He added that Caritas will also provide medicines to a nearby char­ ity hospital where refugees have registered for medical treatment. Ac­ cording to Mr Rozario, such help would continue in several areas of

Afghan refugee children play in an alleyway of a refugee camp in Paki­ stan. Church-based groups are giving relief goods to the refugees.

Lahore archdiocese.

Mr Ayub Sajid, director of Caritas Multan, explained to UCA News that there are three types of Afghan refugees in Pakistan. While some live in border camps, others can either buy homes and start a business or else try to find jobs as labourers wherever possible, especially in the main cities of Lahore and Karachi.

IN IN D O N E S IA

However, most of the latter group survive by hunting through trash for items that they can use, he said.

He noted that his group is col­ lecting data on Afghan refugees in Multan diocese. He said, “Soon we will start a relief programme for these urbanized refugees in the dio­ cese”, for which “we have the full support of our bishop”. □ u c a n

POSO, INDONESIA - Representa­ tives of Christians and Muslims locked in fighting for three years in Poso, eastern Indonesia, have signed a peace agreement to end hostilities and restore co-existence and mutual respect.

The Malino Declaration was signed by representatives of both sides at the end of a conference held from Dec 19-20 in Malino, a moun­ tain resort area about 40 km east of Makassar, capital of South Sulawesi province.

Both sides pledged to halt all conflict and disputes and to abide by due process of law. They asked the state to implement firm and im partial measures against all •violators.

After the representatives - 25 Muslim, 23 Christian - signed the text, they shook hands and embraced.

Among them were religious and tribal leaders, along with field com­ manders of militias from each of the two camps.

Both parties pledged to elimi­ nate mutual slander and dishonesty, and to maintain mutual respect and forgiveness for the creation of har­ monious common life. They also agreed to respect each other’s religion in accordance with the prevailing rules, and to help return refugees to their place of origin.

They further promised to work with the government to rehabilitate the economy and overall infrastruc­ ture of the area.

This is the fifth peace agreement reached by the two groups involved in ongoing sectarian conflict in Poso.

Archbishop John Liku Ada of Makassar from the Bishops’ Confer­ ence Of Indonesia attended the event.

He told UCA News that both parties

seem serious about working for peace.

“I am optimistic it will be suc­ cessful if both parties are really faithful to their agreement,” he said.

“However,” he cautioned, “both par­ ties must trust each other and not be easily provoked.”

One priest who attended the event, Fr Jimmy Tumbelaka of St Theresa Church in Poso, told UCA News that he fully supports the dec­ laration, “but most important is con­ crete implementation in the field”.

President M egaw ati Sukar­

President Megawati Sukarnoputri said she hopes the peace agree­ ment could serve as a model for conflict settlements elsewhere.

noputri welcomed the Malino Dec­ laration with hopes that the meeting could serve as a model for conflict settlements elsewhere.

Central Sulawesi is a remote province wedged between the pre­ dom inantly Christian north of Sulawesi island and the mainly Mus­ lim south. Christians and Muslims have traditionally lived side by side in harmony until a few years ago when inter-communal hostilities broke out. □ u c a n

Catholics, Protestants in Philippine Muslim-Christian forum hopes W. Timor work towards unity to promote dialogue through media desk

OZAMIZ CITY, PHILIPPINES - A forum of Muslim and Christian lead­ ers in the southern Philippines is setting up a media desk to further the “meaning of dialogue”, says the Catholic archbishop who co-convened the group.

A ccording to A rchbishop Fernando Capalla of Davao, the Bishops-Ulama (Islamic Scholars) Forum is scouting for people to help publicize what it is doing and what it is working for, and “in that way promote dialogue”.

He told UCA News on Dec 18 that the desk will be based in Davao City, 965 km south-east of Manila, and staffed by one person.

Correspondents would be based in three other provinces in Mindanao, the southern Philippine region, with personnel to include Muslims and Christians.

The World Conference on Reli­ gion and Peace pledged an initial 250,000 pesos (S$8,750) in 1997 to fund the desk, Archbishop Capalla added. He said these funds are avail-

Philippine hostages released by an Islamic group last November.

Plans are underway to promote further dialogue between Chris­ tians and Muslims, c n s file photo

able at any time.

Meanwhile, the challenges of responsible journalism in Mindanao, where more than half of Filipino Muslims live, were considered at a Church meeting in Manila.

Muslim journalist Samira Ali

Gutoc said that when the Mindanao Bureau of the Philippine Daily In­ quirer was considered the national newspaper’s best bureau from 19961997, the team’s coverage was mostly “bad news”.

“I was in the Islamic City of Marawi in Mindanao to write fea­ tures on women and children there, and all the editors wanted me to write about was political and vio­ lent stories,” she told Church workers in October.

She called it dangerous when journalists who define what people talk about “do not know how to read Mindanao’s conflict beyond the black and white”. They “have to help people understand the roots of the conflict,” she said.

She suggested that understand­ ing could begin with journalists and Mindanao residents acknowledging that there are more than 100 ethnic groups in the region and that peace and development there means more than just peace between Christians and Muslims. □ u c a n

KUPANG, INDONESIA - Catho­ lic and Protestant leaders in a pre­ dominantly Christian region in eastern Indonesia have jointly is­ sued a Christmas pastoral letter for the first time.

The letter, issued by Archbishop Petrus Turang of Kupang and Rev Thobias Messakh, chairman of the executive synod of Timor Evangelical Messiah Church, was read in churches on Dec 2, the first Sunday of Advent.

In the letter titled Be At Peace Among Yourselves, the leaders asked Christians to avoid violence and to give priority to dialogue in settling disagreements and conflict. “Any difference of opinion should be sin­ cerely accepted and conflict should be wisely managed towards justice and peace,” the leaders wrote.

They urged Christians to sup­ port and participate in movements and activities for peace in the family, community and society.

“Show respect for others’ reli­ gion and their religious practices, and build cooperation with all reli­ gious believers in the spirit of rec­ onciliation and peace,” they said.

The two leaders also reached an

agreement by which the Protestant Church has used liturgical readings of the Catholic liturgical calendar for Advent, and homilies in both Churches have been based on the theme of the joint pastoral letter.

The two Churches also arranged the exchange of preachers on Sun­ days, particularly in Kupang town, with Catholic priests preaching in Protestant churches and vice-versa.

A joint Christmas celebration is scheduled in Kupang for Jan 4. Arch­ bishop Turang told UCA News that the ecumenical celebration of Ad­ vent and Christmas was designed because “Christians must be united in principles without sacrificing thenown Church traditions”.

Rev Messakh said, “We, the Prot­ estants, have longed for this joint activity with our ‘elder brother’, the Catholic Church. We are very happy that we can cooperate so closely with the Catholics.”

Mr Onesimus Jaman, a Catholic, said he was deeply impressed by the joint pastoral letter. “This is the begin­ ning of the real implementation of the ecumenical movement in Kupang archdiocese,” he said. □ u c a n

5

THE CATHOLIC NEWS

JANUARY 6 -1 3 , 2002

world :

Padre Pio, Opus Dei founder and Guadalupe seer headed for sainthood

In signed report, Fatima seer denies rumours linking Fatima message to Sep 11 attacks VATICAN CITY - Carmelite Sister

The pope has cleared the way for the canonization of (from left) Padre Pio, Josemaria Escriva de Balaguer and Juan Diego, c n s photos VATICAN CITY - Pope John Paul II

ordered the publication of decrees clearing the way for the canonization of the founder of Opus Dei, Blessed Padre Pio and Blessed Juan Diego.

The decrees, issued on Dec 20, recognize scientifically unexplain­ able healings related to intercessory prayers to the three men.

Acceptance of a miracle is the last step needed for canonization; dates for the ceremonies will be set only after Pope John Paul discusses the causes in late January or early February with cardinals living in Rome.

The three decrees were among 13 read at the Dec 20 ceremony.

Blessed Padre Pio, an Italian Capuchin, was invoked by an eightyear-old Italian boy’s parents, doc­ tors and staff members at the hospi­ tal Padre Pio founded in San Giovanni Rotondo in January 2000.

The boy was in a coma in intensive

NEW ZEALAND V IS A

care suffering severe organ damage as a result of meningitis.

Prayers for the intercession of Blessed Josem aria Escriva de Balaguer, the Opus Dei founder, were credited with saving the life of a Spanish physician suffering from endstage skin cancer as a result of years of exposure to X-ray radiation.

The doctor was not a member of Opus Dei and although he had been given a holy card with Monsignor Escriva’s image on it, he did not begin praying for healing until finding similar holy cards in a church in Vienna, Austria.

The miracle in the case of Blessed Juan Diego, the peasant who saw Our Lady of Guadalupe, involved a 20-year-old man who suffered a crushed skull in a suicide attempt; his mother’s prayers for her son’s life were answered over the course of a week in 1990.

Introducing the decrees. Cardinal member of

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Jose Saraiva Martins, prefect of the Congregation For Saints’ Causes, described Blessed Escriva as an “emi­ nent figure of the Church in the 20th century. He promoted with untiring fervour the holiness of the laity and, with many initiatives, brought the leaven of the Gospel to modem society”.

Referring to Blessed Padre Pio, the cardinal read from Pope John Paul’s homily at his beatification: “This humble Capuchin friar sur­ prised the world with his life totally dedicated to prayer and to listening to his brothers and sisters. ... His body, marked by the stigmata, dem­ onstrated the intimate connection between death and resurrection.”

The cardinal said Blessed Juan Diego, an indigenous Mexican who converted to Christianity in adult­ hood, devoted the rest of his life to bringing others to the faith after having the vision of Our Lady Of Guadalupe in 1531. □ c n s

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Lucia dos Santos, the only surviv­ ing Fatima visionary, denied she has had new visions related to the Sep 11 terrorist attacks and denied that the Vatican had published only part of the so-called “third secret of Fatima”.

Archbishop Tarcisio Bertone, secretary of the Congregation For The Doctrine Of The Faith, issued a signed report on Dec 20 on a meeting he had with the 94-year-old Portuguese nun in November. Sr Lucia also signed the report.

During his two-hour meeting with the Carmelite nun in Coimbra, Portugal, Archbishop Bertone said Sr Lucia told him she had read eve­ rything the Vatican published about the third secret in June 2000 “and confirmed all that was written”.

‘To those putting forward the doubt that some part of the third secret has been hidden, she responds: ‘Everything was published. There is no longer anything secret,’ ” he said.

who emanated brightness, held a heart in her right hand and the ro­ sary in her left hand.’ ” The archbishop said Sr Lucia believes the heart “is a sign of love which protects and saves. (Our Lady) is the mother who sees her children suffer and suffers with them, even with those who do not love her”.

Sr Lucia told the archbishop: “Her heart is a safe refuge. Devo­ tion to the Immaculate Heart Of Mary is the means of salvation for the difficult times of the Church and the world.”

The archbishop asked Sr Lucia explicitly if she had implied to an Italian priest, Fr Luigi Bianchi, and a Portuguese priest, Fr Jose dos Santos Valinho, that she doubted the Vatican’s interpretation of the vi­ sion as relating to the suffering of the Church and believers under Nazism and communism in the 20th century.

Fr Bianchi had told an Italian news agency he believes the vision

‘They p u t so m a n y words in m y m outh. They have m e doing so m a n y things. ’ -

Fatima seer Sr Lucia on rumours that she had indicated that the Fatima message predicted the terrorist attacks in New York, among other things.

“To those who speak and write about new revelations, she says: ‘None of this is true. If I had new revelations I would have told no one, but I would speak directly to the Holy Father,’” the report said.

Archbishop Bertone said he asked the nun how she had felt when the Blessed Virgin relayed the third secret’s vision in which Sr Lucia had described seeing “a bishop dressed in white, we had the im­ pression it was the Holy Father,” going up a steep mountain, passing “through a big city half in ruins” and stopping to pray for “the souls of the corpses he met on his way.

“Having reached the top of the mountain, on his knees at the foot of the big cross he was killed by a group of soldiers who fired bullets and arrows at him,” the nun had written in her account of the vision.

Although the vision was terrify­ ing, she told Archbishop Bertone in November, “I felt safe under the protection of Our Lady who would watch with care over the Church and the pope.”

Then, Archbishop Bertone said, “She added an unpublished detail to her account of the famous prophetic vision: ‘During the vision Our Lady,

of the city in ruins, which could be New York on Sep 11, was a proph­ ecy that evil and disbelief would threaten the world and not just the Church, which was the focus of the Vatican interpretation.

He said when he told Sr Lucia his interpretation, she nodded her agreement.

“It is not true,” she told Arch­ bishop Bertone. “I fully confirm the interpretation given in the jubilee year" by the Vatican.

He also asked what she thought about the efforts of Canadian Father Nicholas Gruner and his Fatima Apostolate to gather signatures ask­ ing the pope “to finally consecrate Russia to the Immaculate Heart Of Mary, which was never done”.

Sr Lucia said, “I have already said that the consecration desired by Our Lady was done in 1984 and was accepted in heaven.”

Archbishop Bertone also asked if the reports were true that she had not been able to sleep since Sep 11.

“It is not true,” she said.

“How could I pray during the day if I had not rested at night? They put so many words in my mouth.

They have me doing so many things.” ' c n s

JANUARY 6 -13, 2002

THE CATHOLIC NEWS

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Mid-East Catholic leaders urge respect for Israeli, Palestinian rights VATICAN CITY - Middle East peace hinges on respect both for Israel’s right to security and Palestinians’ right to an independent state. The Vatican said this in a statement fol­ lowing a meeting between the pope and the Holy Land’s Catholic leaders.

The Dec 13 meeting, which took place amid a sharp escalation of Israeli-Palestinian violence, focused on ways to preserve the region’s tiny Christian presence, which officials said was shrinking largely because of the conflict.

One key participant, Latin Patri­ arch Michel Sabbah of Jerusalem, said Israel held the key to defusing Palestinian violence, and warned that extremist resistance would continue as long as Israel maintained its oc­ cupation of Palestinian territories.

The patriarch said Israel’s cam­ paign against Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat would only worsen the conflict and fuel extremist movements.

The Vatican meeting’s closing statement called for “necessary” in­ ternational efforts to return Israelis and Palestinians to the negotiating table, which it said must be based on respect for accords and interna­ tional resolutions already reached.

The statement said peace de­ pended on respect for “security for the state of Israel, the birth of a state for the Palestinian people, the evacu­ ation of the occupied territories, a special internationally-guaranteed statute for Jerusalem’s more sacred places, (and) an equitable solution for Palestinian refugees”.

The pope called the develop­ ments in the Middle East worrying and “dramatic”. Middle East Catho­ lics, who are mostly Palestinians, “seemed to be crushed by the weight of two diverse extremisms that, in­ dependently of the reasons that fuel

The Dec 13 meeting in Rome also focused on ways to preserve the re­ gion’s tiny Christian presence, which Church officials said was shrink­ ing largely because of the ongoing conflict, c n s photo

A senior Vatican diplomatic official said that the Vatican rejected recent characterizations of Mr Arafat as a terrorist by some Israeli and USpoliticians. them, are disfiguring the face of the Holy Land”, he said.

“You are not alone; the whole Church is with you,” he told the region’s Catholic leaders.

Cardinal Angelo Sodano, Vati­ can secretary of state, said the meet­ ing’s primary focus - the problem

of the future of Christians in the Holy Land - was inseparable from the question of Middle East peace.

Because of constant emigrations from the troubled region, he said, Catholics there numbered only 117,000, or less than 2% of the population, and Christians as a whole counted for no more than 3%.

“Many are suffering,” he said, “and we should consider how to help them concretely to have a house, obtain a job and adequate schooling for their children.”

A senior Vatican diplomatic of­ ficial told CNS that the Vatican re­ jected recent characterizations of Mr Arafat as a terrorist by some Israeli and US politicians.

The official said the pope was one of the first world leaders to receive Mr Arafat in audience, “above all because Arafat represents a cause that to us seems just and one to pursue”. □ c n s

Religious leaders to sign ‘peace commitment’ in Assisi VATICAN CITY - Pope John Paul II and religious leaders will sign “a common commitment to peace” at the end of their day-long meeting in Assisi later this month.

The statement will be read in English, Arabic and Italian during a Jan 24 ceremony outside the Basilica Of St Francis, the Vatican said.

The Vatican press office on Dec 19 published the schedule for the January inter-religious gathering, which will include speeches by the pope and “testimonials to peace” by representatives of Orthodox, Angli­ can and Protestant Churches, Hindus, Buddhists, Jews, Muslims and fol­ lowers of traditional African religions.

A Vatican official said on Dec 19 it was too soon to make any reason­ able estimate of the number of reli­ gious leaders who will participate.

However, he said, the Dalai Lama, the leader of Tibetan Buddhists, had written the pope a letter saying he regretted that a previous important speaking engagement would force

The Basilica Of St Francis in As­ sisi covered in fog. The pope and other religious leaders will meet here on Jan 24. c n s photo

him to miss the Assisi event. He promised to send a representative and a message to the gathering.

The pope and his guests are sched­ uled to travel to and from Assisi by

train, a journey of two hours each way.

The first event in Assisi will be the morning reading of the testimo­ nials and a papal speech. Afterwards, members of each religion will hold their own prayer services for peace.

The pope will lead the Christian prayer in the Basilica Of St Francis.

Most of the other prayer gather­ ings will be held in various rooms of the city’s Franciscan convent. The re­ ligious leaders will meet with the pope at the convent afterwards for lunch.

In the afternoon, outside the ba­ silica, the leaders will gather for the reading of the common commit­ ment to peace and for the ceremo­ nial lighting of a candelabra.

While the other religious lead­ ers make their way back to Assisi’s train station, Pope John Paul will pay private visits to the Proto-Mon­ astery of St Claire, to meet the cloistered nuns who live there, and to the Basilica Of St Mary Of The A ngels, w here he w ill greet Franciscan friars. □ c n s

THE CATHOLIC NEWS

JANUARY 6 - 13, 2002

■ ■

Scholars affirm role of Catholic Church in Macau’s future MACAU - Church and China schol­ ars studying the future of Macau af­ firm the Catholic Church has a role to play in the territory as it marks the second anniversary under Chinese rule.

Some 30 scholars from various academic fields shared this vision during a meeting to discuss Macau On The Threshold Of The Third Mil­ lennium.

The Church-run seminar was held from Dec 14-15 to mark the anniversary of M acau’s handover from Portuguese to Chinese rule on Dec 20, 1999.

The newly founded Jesuit-run M acau Ricci Institute and Hong Kong-based French Centre For Re­ search on Contemporary China di­ rected the meeting.

In a keynote presentation, Macau Still Exists! But Will It Survive? Mr Jean-Pierre Cabestan, director of the French centre, highlighted Macau’s uniqueness and explored the territo­ ry’s chances to preserve its identity.

He affirmed the role that the Church in Macau plays in the cur­ rent difficult period of dialogue be­ tween the Holy See and the Chinese government, thanks to the strong presence of Catholicism in Macau.

Jesuit Father Luis Sequeira, co­ chair of the Macau Ricci Institute, told the seminar that two years after Macau’s return to China, life remains m uch the same, but the M acau Church “needs to reform (and) to be more alive”.

The C hurch in M acau, Fr Sequeira said, has to “incarnate much more our faith in our Chinese cul­ ture” and to reform itself so as to be more alive to the need for profound inner renewal and growth in the mis­ sionary spirit.

Fr Sequeira, the conference or­ ganizer, said the scholars from West and East discussed Macau’s future from intercultural perspectives and focused on the challenges it has to face in the third millennium.

Various aspects of Macau were raised including its history, political and legal systems, international rela­ tions, economy, society and cultural and religious identities. In all, 14 papers were presented at the conference, which drew more than 30 scholars from various parts of the world.

The Macau Ricci Institute is named after Jesuit Father Matteo Ricci, a missionary to China in the 16th century. □ u c a n

Outgoing Portuguese Governor Vasco Rocha Vieira is presented with a Portuguese flag during a 1999 ceremony marking the return of Macau to China. Scholars say the Church in Macau has a role to play in dialogue between the Holy See and the Chinese government, c n s file photo

Buddhists, Christians raise funds for needy in Christmas concert IPOH, MALAYSIA - Carols and parts of an oratorio sung by Bud­ dhists and Christians rang through the wards of a Catholic-run hospital in central peninsular Malaysia two weeks before Christmas.

The evening presentation of Christmas songs and excerpts from George Frideric Handel’s Messiah by a 36-member choir had an in­ vited audience of 250 people in the chapel of Fatima Hospital in Ipoh.

The choral concert, organized by the Perak Society Of Performing Arts, ran for an hour and included inspirational readings, solo rendi­ tions and popular carols before end­ ing with the famous Hallelujah cho­ rus.

Choir director Chin Yoong Kim noted that Buddhists in the choir did not mind singing Christian songs.

Some of them auditioned for the

role, he said.

A collection was taken among the audience to raise funds for needy patients. Fr Maurice Surmon, resi­ dent chaplain of the hospital in Ipoh, 175 km north-west of Kuala Lumpur, received and blessed the collection.

The readings, some from the Bible, were selected by Ms Sandy Hutchinson, chairman of the Perak Society of Performing Arts.

She told UCA News that selec­ tions from Messiah were included in the musical program because the oratorio “is a wonderful piece for a choir” that “allows each person to know a lot more about music and how to sing in parts”.

She said the society holds two stage productions every year and they plan to have a bigger Christmas production next year, which they hope to take to other towns. ,□ u c a n

'WORLD

Argentine bishops urge protecting democracy during national crisis Looters walk away with goods from a supermarket as police attempt to control the situation in Cordoba, Argentina, on Dec 19.

Rioting and looting broke out in the country as people appealed for government help after four years of economic decline.

CNS photo from Reuters

BUENOS AIRES - Argentine bish­ ops called on their compatriots “to protect the institutions of an authen­ tic democracy” after several days of violent protests caused by a deterio­ rating economy forced the resigna­ tion of President Fernando de la Rua. The bishops also asked rival political parties to work together to resolve the political and economic turmoil facing the country.

The Dec 20 statement was read on television by A rchbishop Estanislao Karlic of Parana, presi­ dent of the bishops’ conference.

About 89% of Argentina’s 36 million population professes Catholicism.

The bishops said the country faces a “tremendous crisis”.

“We need to save the nation,”

they said. “Let us reject whatever is unjust and ruptures fraternal relations in society. May political and social leaders accept with a wideopen spirit the responsibility demanded by their vocation and the gravity of the current situation,” they added.

The bishops reiterated their call earlier in the year for dialogue within the nation’s democratic structures as the method for resolving problems.

Mr De la Rua resigned on Dec 20 after several days of police ac­ tion to disperse crowds in the capi­ tal of Buenos Aires and other cities left at least 24 people dead.

Police used rubber bullets and water cannons on people looting stores for food and protesting tight economic policies by a government

strapped for foreign currency needed to meet payments on a US$132 billion (S$240 billion) foreign debt.

Banks faced restrictions that pre­ vented many people from withdraw­ ing funds.

Four years of recession resulted in falling production, the bankruptcy of many companies and an unem­ ployment rate of 18%. The eco­ nomic problems began before Mr De la Rua took office in Dec 1999.

The bishops criticized Argen­ tine economic policy before Mr De la Rua took office.

They said the free market and heavy foreign borrowing policies of the previous government of Presi­ dent Carlos Menem were prejudicial to the poor and working class. □ c n s

US Catholic leaders call American anti-terrorism war ‘immoral’ WASHINGTON - More than 60 US

Catholic leaders have called for an end to the US military war on ter­ rorism, calling it “immoral” despite the justice of the cause.

“The bombing and the war against Afghanistan must stop and no new theatre of military action should open,” the leaders said in a statement released on Dec 19.

Using classical norms of just war, they judged that the warfare undertaken since early October has violated principles of last resort, noncombatant immunity, proportion­ ality and probability of success.

“In our judgm ent over two months of daily bombings with all of their attendant human and mate­ rial costs, including tremendous mili­ tary expenditures that rob from the poor, are not proportionate to our legitimate right to seek out and bring before an international court of jus­ tice those responsible for the Sep 11 attacks,” they said.

Most of the statement’s signers were members of religious orders or leaders of Catholic missionary, peace and justice organizations.

The statement said that when

‘To us it is clear that no country, even one as powerful as the US, can successfully end terrorism by the warlike actions we are witnessing today. ’ the US Catholic bishops issued a pastoral statement in November on the world situation after Sep 11, “it is unfortunate that some media in­ terpreted the bishops as judging this military campaign to be ‘moral’.

Instead, what the bishops did was offer guidelines for making such a moral judgment.”

The leaders contended that the socalled “collateral damage” to civilians in the daily bombings has violated “the strong moral requirement of

immunity for noncombatants and the inadmissibility of indiscriminate attacks on innocent people”.

While acknowledging that prob­ ability of success “is admittedly a difficult criterion to apply” in as­ sessing the morality of warfare, the statement said, “To us it is clear that no country, even one as powerful as the US, can successfully end terror­ ism by the warlike actions we are witnessing today.

Reviewing the immediate mili­ tary and political preparations for war after Sep 11 and President Bush’s refusal to negotiate any elements of his pre-war demands on the Taliban regime in Afghanistan, the statement questioned whether all alternatives had really been exhausted before turning to war as a last resort. □ c n s

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T e rro ris t a tta c k s , th e In te rn e t, g e n e tic s ... h o w does th e C hurch v ie w th e s e d e v e lo p m e n ts ? Fr R o b e rt L. K inast o ffe rs an analysis.

FEW weeks after the Sep 11 terrorist attacks in New York, W ashington and Wr Pennsylvania, I was visited by two women who were Jehovah’s Witnesses. They wanted to convince me that these attacks were a sign from God warning us to rely on God to save us or else we would all be punished for our sins.

I told them I didn’t think God was responsible for the terrorist bombings but I did believe we need God’s help to understand why peo­ ple would do such a thing and how we should address the source of the problem. In effect, we were inter­ preting what Vatican Council II might call “a sign of the times”.

That phrase gained widespread popularity at the time of Vatican II. Pope John XXIII used it in his 1961 apostolic exhortation officially con­ voking the council and two years later in his encyclical Pacem In Terris (Peace On Earth). The bishops at Vatican II incorporated the concept of “the signs of the times” into a major document, The Church In The Modem World (nos 4 and 44).

Neither the pope nor the council set down a precise method for inter­ preting the signs of the times but they did describe in general terms what is involved. Basically it is a three-step process: ■ Identify and describe the signs of the times.

■ Interpret them in the light of the Gospel.

■ Offer meaningful responses to the questions and concerns people have.

Each of these steps involves a number of others.

1. A sign of the times is a trend or development that shapes the life of people in a particular culture or throughout the world. Today we might focus on the emergence of the Internet and the spread of computer technology, the exploration and use of outer space by satellites, the star­ tling discoveries of medical science in the field of genetics, including stem-cell research and cloning.

Vatican II believed the Church should call upon the help of experts in such areas to identify and de­ scribe the trends that constitute the signs of our times (Church In The Modem World no. 44).

2. Interpreting the signs of the times in the light of the Gospel is a slower and more complex process than it may at first appear. The council made clear that this is a task for the whole Church (Church In The Modem World no. 44). The goal is to discern what the Holy Spirit is saying, and the Spirit often speaks through unexpected sources.

The key to interpreting any sign of the times is to focus on the ques­

A sign of the times is a trend or development that shapes the life of people in a particular culture or throughout the world.

Today we might focus on the emergence of the Internet and the spread of computer technology, the exploration and use of outer space by satellites, the startling discoveries of medical science in the field of genetics, including stem-cell research and cloning.

tions and concerns people raise. As Vatican II said, "It is the human per­ son who is the key to this discussion” (Church In The Modem World no. 3).

Take the questions about the Internet, for example. This technol­ ogy is revolutionizing how we learn, do business, spend our time and relate to one another. Parents are concerned about what their children are exposed to; adults are concerned that computers isolate teenagers and prevent their inter-personal development; many people fear that computers are making us impatient and self-centred.

Such questions become the agenda for interpreting a sign of the times. The main objective is to dis­ cern in a positive way the presence and purpose of God in the midst of current developments.

Obviously this does not mean overlooking harmful effects or dam­ aging implications. For example, glo­

balization and a global economy is mize the harms and continue pro­ ble. The women who came to visit surely a sign of the times. It has claiming the saving message of me already had the answers figured enabled new groups of people to Christ in the contemporary world. out before they knew what my ques­ prosper but it has also excluded Many studies have shown that tions were. The task which the Vati­ large segments of the population, many people, especially in the US, can Council puts before us is more eliminated distinct aspects of native have a high degree of interest in complicated than that, but also more cultures and continues to threaten spirituality and prayer but do not rewarding. □ c n s the environment. feel the need to participate in Fr Kinast is director o f the Center Interpreting the signs of the organized religion, for example.

For Theological Reflection in Largo, times has benefits for the Church, What can the Church do to re­ Florida, USA. The document, The enabling it to proclaim the Gospel in inforce this spiritual desire while Church In The Modern World, can new and more effective ways (Church conveying the importance of com­ be accessed at http://www.vatican.va/ In The Modem World no. 44). munal religious life? archive/ hist _councils/ Take rapid global transportation Interpreting the signs of the times ii_vatican_council/documents/vatand communication: They not only is not a precise science and does not ii _ c o n s_ l 9651207_gaudium -ethave aided business, education and proceed according to a strict timetaspes_en.html cultural exchanges, they have also enabled the pope to visit nearly every C O U N T I N G OUR B L E S S IN G S nation on earth and to bring the A blessing from God signifies Church’s presence to the world in a By David Gibson God’s presence. Someone wrote that personal way.

WITH events of dire consequence a blessing is a sign and recognition 3.

The final step in interpretingunfolding around us, how could we that something or someone has a the signs of the times is to decide take time out to talk about our bless­ purpose in God’s eyes. To recognize how to maximize the benefits, mini­ ings? Is it even the right thing to do? blessings, then, means recognizing Often the idea of a blessing gets the purpose in things, people or diminished. Maybe we think a bless­ events, and God’s presence in them. ing we receive is good luck or that Blessings, we are assured, giving a blessing to someone’s plans abound. To recognize them is to re­ merely means giving our approval, member who God is. If we can’t rec­ accepting the situation. ognize them, or don’t think we We do seem to have the instinct should at the moment, wouldn’t we that something that is blessed should risk being controlled by events by be appreciated, given good care, that forgetting who God is and thus who someone we consider a blessing has we are too? real meaning to us.

Gibson is the editor of the Faith But what meaning?

Alive! series.

The main objective is to discern in a positive way the presence and purpose of God in the midst of current developments. Obviously this does not mean overlooking harmful effects or damaging implications.

THE CATHOLIC NEWS

JANUARY 6 -1 3 , 2002

!FEATURE

i

Christmas carolling spreads message of unity, hope, love Three Catholic groups embarked on various carolling projects to bring the message of Christ to different groups of people.

Catholics, Baptists jointly sing carols in HDB estates

The Harvesters raise funds for missionaries, evangelise by carolling

By Merilyn Dasson

CATHOLICS and Baptists blended their voices together to sing carols in the housing board estates on King’s Road.

The joint carolling was initiated by the Evangelization Committee of the Church Of St Ignatius headed by Ms Anne-Marie Ang, 45.

They met up with the leaders of the neighbouring International Bap­ tist Church (IBC), decided to rope in 25 members from each of their choirs and select the songs for the carolling.

After separate practices, the re­ spective choirs came together just 1 /2 hours before they were to per­ form at one of the void decks of a Farrer Court and Queen’s Close housing block on Dec 16.

Under the baton of music direc­ tor and Pastor Tom Anderson from IBC, the combined choir blended harmoniously a cappella.

Curious residents from the quiet neighbourhood stopped to watch as the carollers, attired in black and white with a touch of red or green, began their first song. M any remained and many more families came to enjoy the carol singing.

A 20-something young woman from IBC, Miss Marj Claravall, said she joined the carolling because she felt “Christmas time is the best start

Catholics and Baptists singing carols on Dec 16.

to share unity”.

Ms Esther Tan, also from IBC, said, “I am glad that we could send the Christmas message through songs.”

Anna Williams, 16, one of the youngest IBC members, said it was a good experience to be able to “minister” to some people through Christmas songs.

Ms Suzanne Jarzabkowska, who attends St Ignatius, was asked by the church to join the carolling. Al­ though she noted the technical difficulty of singing in the open air, she said the ecumenical effort really made the event special.

This is not the first time both groups had come together for events.

The International Baptist Church joins the annual ecumenical gather­ ing organised by the St Ignatius parish during the Week Of Chris­ tian Unity in January.

Mr Joey Lee and other parish­ ioners of St Ignatius church and also join the Bible study sessions in IBC. “We believe in one God and one Bible whether we are Baptist or Catholic,” he noted.

The event, which was a novel experience for many, ended with a buffet meal at the St Ignatius church canteen.

Deacon Hodges Wayne from the Baptist community later remarked, “It was truly a joyous Christmas with the singing spirit.” □

Hosanna! Music Ministry continues public outreach with Christmas carolling HOSANNA! Music Ministry (H!MM) continued its public outreaches this year by carolling in busy shopping centres and country clubs.

“Christmas presents a unique op­ portunity for our ministry to continue in its mission to spread the love and message of God,” noted H!MM executive director Andrew Tan. From Dec 1-23, H!MM sang car­ ols at five different locations, including the Village Market @ Orchard, Ngee Ann City, Fort Canning Country Club and Northpoint in Yishun,.

The group’s repertoire included songs that welcomed the audience, such as O Come All Ye Faithful, Go Tell It On The Mountain and Do You Hear What I Hear?”

A second series of songs told the Christmas story with readings of the Nativity verses from Luke’s Gospel.

Songs included One Small Child, Sweet Mary, Away In A Manger and Silent Night.

In the final segment, the carollers challenged the audience with mes­ sages of peace and love through the songs Let There Be Peace, Feliz Navidad and I Wish You Jesus.

“Each of the carolling outreaches

SINGING CAROLS at commercial establishments has enabled The Har­ vesters to raise funds for a mission­ ary group and evangelise the general public about Christmas.

“We started carolling for fund­ raising purposes last year as an ex­ tension of our evangelistic minis­ try,” said Ms Jane Lau, who coor­ dinated the carolling.

The group, whose mission is to evangelise, raised some $2,000 last year for the Catholic Welfare Serv­ ices and the Missionary Community Of St Paul The Apostle.

This year, between Dec 7-23, the group carolled at three commercial establishments, CK Tang, Serangoon Garden Country Club and Straw­ berry And Spice Restaurant, and in the homes of some group members.

Ms Lau added: “We hoped not only to raise funds but also to spread the Good News during the Christmas season.” She added that the group agreed to sing at CK Tang because it is a very popular public place.

“We hoped to tell the Christmas story of Jesus as the light of the world without being too obviously evangelistic,” Ms Lau said.

The $3,000 raised this year will go to the Missionary Community Of St Paul The Apostle based in Africa. One of its members, Fr Francis Teo, is a Malaysian who studied in Singapore.

Ms Lau said that part of the

group’s objective is evangelization but “since we can’t go out to evan­ gelize full-time, we are doing it through the missionaries”.

They also sold personalised books to aid their fund-raising effort even after the Christmas season.

The Harvesters is looking into doing fund-raising and helping out at Catholic charitable institutions as a year-long activity.

“We do not have a lot of money and time but we have lots of energy so we want to do something on a regular basis,” Ms Lau said of the group, whose members’ ages range from the mid 20s to mid 30s.

Their carolling of the past two years was made more poignant when they were asked to sing carols at the bedside of two terminally ill patients.

“It was really an outreach. It was an experience for us because Advent is about preparing for the coming of Jesus and here we were carolling to people who were going to meet Jesus,” Ms Lau remarked.

“It reminded us of the reason we wanted to do the carolling, to spread the message of the birth of Jesus, of hope, of love,” she added. □ For more information on The Harvesters, email: info@harvesterscommunity.org.

• Page 10: Images of Christmas around the world

HOLY CHILD SPEECH & DRAMA CENTRE

centre in Yishun.

was a heart-warming experience for us, especially seeing folks stop by to listen and even sing along the more familiar carols with us! The overall response was good: our au­ dience and the organisations which engaged us have been appreciative,” Mr Tan added.

Carolling is likely to remain a mainstay project for the music min­

The Harvesters carolling outside CK Tang on Dec 7. The group carolled to raise funds and evangelize.

Conducts speech and drama classes istry, he said.

To this end, H!MM is always on the lookout for new and committed members who can help out as art designers, web editors, journalists and business development personnel. !_

Submitted by H!MM

For more information, visit http:/ lw w w .hm m online.org or em ail Tammy Ho (ta_mee@hotmail.com).

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10

JANUARY 6 -1 3 , 2002

THE CATHOLIC NEWS

PEACE FOR WORLD’S KIDS! .... urges the pope in his C hristm as message.

VATICAN CITY - In Christmas cel­

ebrations shadowed by war and vio­ lence around the globe, Pope John Paul II pleaded for the world to save its children and deliver them from situations of hunger, suffering and conflict.

Like the newborn Jesus more than 2,000 years ago, today’s chil­ dren can remind people of the need to overcome divisions, the pope said at his Christmas blessing in St Pe­ ter’s Square.

He said the Christ child in the manger reflects the face of “every little child who is born, of whatever race or nation: the little Palestinian and the little Israeli; the little Ameri­ can and the little Afghan; the child of the Hutu and the child of the Tutsi”.

But too many children today are condemned from birth to suffer the effects of “cruel conflicts” around the globe, he said. “Let us save the children in order to save the hope of humanity,” the pope said to the ap­ plause of some 50,000 people gath­ ered in the square.

Throughout the pope’s Christ­ mas activities, which included mid­ night Mass in St Peter’s Basilica and an annual meeting with Vatican officials, the theme of hope alter­ nated with deep concern over what he called the “dark clouds of vio­ lence and war” at the start of the new millennium.

On Dec 22, speaking with mem­ bers of the Roman Curia, the pope

The Christ child in the m a n g er reflects the fa c e o f 1every little child who is b o rn . .. the little P alestinian a n d the little Israeli... the child o f the H u tu a n d the child o f the T utsi’. rwo Polish children stand with the pope during Christmas midnight Mass at St Peter’s Basilica. CNS photo from Reuters

said he wanted to underline the con­ nection between peace and prayer when he called for a Dec 14 day of fasting for peace. The Vatican an­ nounced that it had raised more than US$650,000 (S$l. 19 million) that day for victims of terrorism and war.

The 81-year-old pontiff moved slowly but spoke clearly during mid­ night Mass, a nearly two-hour lit­ urgy that was enlivened when 12 children from every continent brought up flowers at the offertory.

In his sermon, the pope said, “Our hearts this Christmas are anx­ ious and distressed because of the continuation in various parts of the world of war, social tensions and the painful hardships in which so many people find themselves. We are all seeking an answer that will reassure us,” he said.

He appeared tired the next morn­ ing when he came to the central outside balcony of the basilica to give his blessing urbi et orbi (to the

- Pope John Paul II

city and to the world).

Again, he mentioned the con­ flicts in various parts of the globe, and in particular said that “day after day, I bear in my heart the tragic problems of the Holy Land”.

The day before, the Vatican an­ nounced that it had taken what it called a “diplomatic step” over Isra­ el’s refusal to allow Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat to attend mid­ night Mass in Bethlehem, the Pales­ tinian town where Jesus was bom.

The Vatican said the Israeli ban on Arafat’s movement was “arbi­ trarily imposed”. Israel had con­ fined Arafat to the city of Ramallah, demanding that he arrest two Pales­ tinians suspected of killing an Is­ raeli Cabinet minister in October.

In his Christmas blessing, the pope said he also was anxious this Christmas for “all those who are dying of cold and hunger” in the world.

“Every day there reaches me the desperate cry of those who, in so many parts of the world, call for a fairer distribution of resources and for gainful employment for all,” he said.

He called for cooperation and tolerance between cultures and reli­ gion, saying: “May God’s holy name never be used as a justification for hatred. Let it never be used as an excuse for intolerance and violence.”

He prayed that the face of the baby Jesus would “remind everyone that we all have one Father”.

Greeting people in the square from his apartment window on Dec 26, he said the image of the baby Jesus carries deep meaning, repre­ senting the start of a life that ended on the cross.

“He is a demanding child, the one we contemplate in the manger.

But he is also understanding and patient. If we are open to his action, he takes us by the hand and accom­ panies us. We shouldn’t be afraid,” he said. □ c n s

IMAGES OF CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS AROUND THE WORLD

IN BETHLEHEM: Catholic Palestinian children from Bethlehem’s Terra Sancta school march past the Church Of The Nativity in Manger Square on Dec 24. Bethlehem Streets were void of tourists and the mood was quiet due to Israeli-Palestinian violence of the last 14 months.

IN AFGHANISTAN; US Navy chaplain Father James Danner offers Mass for a group of Marines on Christmas Day at the Kandahar International Airport in Afghanistan on Dec 25. Boxes of rations provided an altar for the service.

IN VIETNAM: Cardinal Paul Joseph Pham Dinh Tung leaves St Joseph’s Cathedral in Hanoi after Christmas Day Mass.

IN INDIA:

a Catholic nun serves a bowl of rice to a poor woman in Calcutta, India, on Dec 25. The Missionaries Of Charity, founded by Mother Teresa, offered free food to the poor during Christmas.

IN CHINA: Women pray during a Christmas Day Mass at the Southern Cathedral, which is affiliated to the Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association, in Beijing.

11

THE CATHOLIC NEWS ■T H E !

JANUARY 6 -13, 2002

rrn "

CATHOLIC NEWS EDITORIAL EDITOR

Dr (Rev) Robert Balhetchet MANAGER

Rev Fr Johnson Fernandez STAFF CORRESPONDENTS

Rev Fr Richards Ambrose Christopher Khoo Mel Diamse-Lee 2HIGHLANDRD#01-03, SINGAPORE549102 TEL:858-3055, FAX NO. 858-2055 e-mail: cathnews@catholic.org.sg

Letters to the Editor: From time to time, we publish letters/e-mail which we receive from readers. If you wish to write to us, please include your full name, address and contact number. Letters will be edited.

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Listening to God in our lowest moments IN HER autobiography, The Long Loneliness, American Catholic social activist Dorothy Day shared how she once prayed at a very low time in her life.

Dorothy Day wasn’t raised into the faith. She entered her 20s convinced that if anyone had the courage to look life squarely in the eye she or he would not believe in God. She had support in that. Her lover shared her views. She moved in with him and bore his child outside of marriage. The birth of this child, a daughter, changed her. She was so overcome with awe and gratitude that she prayed spontaneously: “For so much joy, I need to thank someone!”

She took instructions and was baptised a Catholic. The father of her child, upset by the change in her, warned that GUEST if she had their child baptised he would leave her. The EDITORIAL child was baptised and he left. So did many of her friends.

BY FR So, even as she was buoyed-up by her new-found faith, she found herself very much alone, a single mother RONALD lacking money and without any practical vision of what R0LHEISER she should now do with her life.

One day she couldn’t take it any more. She left her child in the care of friends and took a train to Washington, DC, where she spent the day praying at the National Shrine Of The Immaculate Conception.

Her prayer that day was one of utter helplessness. In essence she said to God: “I’ve given up a lot for you, and you haven’t done anything for me! I’m lost, alone, unsure of what to do, and running out of energy and patience. I need help - and need it now, not in some distant future! Help me! Help me now! I can’t go on like this!”

When she got back to New York that night and walked up to her apartment, a man was sitting on the steps waiting for her. He told her he had heard about her, had an idea, and needed her help.

He then explained the concept of the “Catholic worker”. The man’s

name was Peter Maurin and the rest is history. From that moment on, she had a vision for her life.

Not everyone gets so quick and clear an answer in prayer. Martin Luther King shared how he once prayed at a low-point in his life: “One night, I settled into bed late, after a strenuous day. (His wife) Coretta had already fallen asleep and just as I was about to doze off the telephone rang. An angry voice said: ‘Listen, nigger, we’ve taken all we want from you. Before next week you’ll be sorry you ever came to Montgomery.’

“I hung up, but I couldn’t sleep. It seemed that all of my fears had come down on me at once. I had reached the saturation point.

“I got out of bed and began to walk the floor. Finally I went to the kitchen and heated a pot of coffee. With my cup of coffee sitting untouched before me, I tried to think of a way to move out of the picture without appearing a coward.

"In this state of exhaustion, when my courage had all but gone, I decided to take my problem to God. With my head in my hands, I bowed over the kitchen table and prayed aloud.

“The words I spoke to God that midnight are still vivid in my memory: ‘I am here taking a stand for what I believe is right. But now I am afraid. The people are looking to me for leadership, and if I stand before them without strength and courage, they too will falter. I am at the end of my powers. I have nothing left. I’ve come to the point where I can’t face it alone.’

“At that moment I experienced the presence of the Divine as I had never experienced Him before” (Martin Luther King, Stride Toward Freedom).

When we hurt all over, live in a shame we can’t bear, and are on our knees because we’re too weak to stand, we’re in the perfect posture for prayer. God hears prayers of helplessness. □ Reprinted with permission from The Catholc Herald (Oct 26, 2001). Published by Catholic Herald Ltd., Herald House, Lamb's Passage, Bunhill Row, London EC1Y 8TQ.

F EATURE

Holy Family is role model for family with Down’s syndrome child OMAHA, NEBRASKA, USA -M rs Jill Rotella sees the Holy Family as much more than figurines used for decorating during the holidays.

For the American woman who - lives in Omaha, Nebraska, Joseph, Mary and Jesus - uncertain of their future, but firm in their faith in God - are role models and a source of unimaginable peace.

She and her husband, Lou, have also dealt with the uncertainties of a difficult pregnancy and the birth o f a child who has brought unexpected challenges and joys.

Their son, Louie, was bom on Sep 14,2000, with Down syndrome.

His birth followed about three months of bed rest for Jill, who spent some of that time in the hos­ pital. But one of the first nights there, she remembers receiving a special gift.

“I was by myself. That’s when the fear set in. I was trying to be strong for everyone else, but they were gone,” she told The Catholic Voice, Omaha’s archdiocesan news­ paper.

“That’s when I had a vision of Mary and Joseph looking at Jesus right after he was bom... and I felt so calm.”

She said there were still wor­ ries, and “I still felt that things weren’t right (with the baby), but I knew I was going to be able to bring him home and things would be all right.”

Friends and family provided moral support during the remaining months by bringing movies, prepar­

Mr and Mrs Rotella and their baby, who is suffering from Down's Syndrome, look at the baby Jesus in a manger near their family Christmas tree.

The family has relied on the example of the Holy Family as a source of peace in their daily struggles, c n s photo

ing meals and visiting.

Still, she felt as if she was “be­ ing carried through it” and that “Je­ sus was there with me”.

When Louie was delivered, his appearance immediately confirmed what she had suspected. He had Down syndrome.

Her first reaction was: “What am I going to do? How will I care for this child?” she said. Almost immediately the voice of gratitude countered.

“People began saying, ‘I ’m so sorry about your baby,’ ” Jill said. “I thought, ‘No. I have been in bed for three months praying for this baby.

Today I get to walk out of here and

hold this baby that I prayed would simply be alive.”

Louie has made great progress during his first 14 months. His mum said he is exceptionally healthy and has begun to navigate their home via the “commando crawl”.

He recognizes his name, mimics sounds and knows his parents and other significant family and friends, she said.

Husband Lou admits that he ini­ tially mourned his hopes for a healthy, “normal” child.

“You imagine the worst when you first face something like this, but I draw my strength from just seeing Louie. My love for him is

unconditional,” he said.

“It doesn’t matter if he doesn’t accomplish things ‘on time’ or ever at all,” he added. “I love it when he says, ‘Dada,’ when I hold him and when I play with him on the floor. I can’t imagine him any other way.”

Jill said they are seeing Louie’s character and personality emerge.

“He’s got this laugh — it just makes your heart shine,” she said.

“It takes children with Down syn­ drome longer to laugh ... so when they do, you really feel like they’ve done it.”

The couple is expecting another child in June. E3 c n s

12

JANUARY 6 -1 3 , 2002

th e fa m ily

THE CATHOLIC NEWS

I

I

I

1

Bulletin o f the Fam ily Life Society, Archdiocese o f Singapore

FAMILY LIFE SOCIETY The Family Life Society is a non-profit j organisation registered under the Societies Act | of Singapore in 1985. It was established under j the auspices of the Catholic Archbishop of 1 Singapore to make the family apostolate a priority of the local Church.

We aim to promote a deeper understanding

I7 a m i l

By D r Ian Snodgrass, N F P co-ordinator

and respect for marriage, family and human I life and to make our services available to all.

conform their activity to the creative intention o f God..." Humanae Vitae, 1968.

PROGRAMMES AND SERVICES Family and Marital Therapy (Counselling Services) 488 0278 | A confidential service managed and provided by | experienced family and marital therapists for those I with marital, psychological and social problems.

Celebration of Life 488 0287 I A Pro-life programme on human sexuality | education for chastity and the promotion of the 4 sanctity of life message, thus promoting the culture I of life in society. If you would like to book a session, j please contact COL f Pregnancy Crisis Service339 9770/ 488 0281 jl A hotline service for teenagers facing unwanted j pregnancies, and who are likely to turn to abortion j as an easy way out.

Youth Life-Line 252 6300 1 A youth crisis hot line offering to help youth in f distress.

Joyful Parenting 488 0286 A hot-line service to help women cope with their j | role as parents and breast-feeding mothers and | 1 parents.

Catholic Legal Aid Services 488 0278 Provides legal advice on family-related matters to j ; members of the general public.

AFFILIATE ORGANISATIONS ; Marriage Encounter 281 6468 ’ A weekend stay-in programme for married couples |j to look more deeply into their relationship with each other and with God. Engaged Encounter 245 8371 5 A marriage preparation stay-in weekend 1 programme for engaged couples.

Choice 9307 7752/9671 0767 • A weekend stay-in programme for singles between i 18 and 32, with the aim of helping one know j oneself and in relationships with family, friends | and the larger community.

Marriage Preparation Course 256 6353 ; A six-weekend programme for engaged couples j preparing for marriage. ; Retrouvaille 346 1927 (Hotline)/752 5057 ■For troubled marriages (including separated or I divorced couples) who want their marriage to I work.

Couples For Christ 386 3836

■A family life renewal programme for singles and ; married couples to look more deeply into their ;i relationship with each other and with God. if 1 | j

Natural Family Planning 256 8123 Based on the knowledge of the fertility periods during a woman's menstrual cycle, it is the only morally acceptable form of family planning allowed by the Church as it is in accordance with the moral natural law, HOPE 488 0278 A peer support group for the divorced, separated and widowed.

CONTACT US For more information, pis check our website at http://www.familylife.org.sg

Balancing Work and Family --------------------------- by John Ooi Is your New Year resolution to strike a better balance between work, family and various other commitments? If so, a good starting point is to be clearer about your key roles. Each of us has multiple roles - for example at different times, I am husband, father, son, brother, relative, friend, employee, worker, supervisor, volunteer. A role tells us our place in each community that we belong to - it indicates the type of relationships we have, our responsibilities and areas of contribution. A clear

If you are married or planning to marry and have yet to make a commitment, I hope that you will adopt Natural Family Planning (NFP) in your marriage.

The following testimonies speak a lot about NFP:

His was a call for faith in God's bounty and for generosity in having as large a family as you can support using whatever talents God has given you.

We are reminded too that cyclical fertility and infertility are both gifts from God to be used in accordance with His design. "There is a season for everything ... a time for embracing, a time to refrain from embracing" (Ecclesiastes 3:1,5).

"After 25 years o f marriage we are still in love.

NFP has enriched our marriage and made our love grow." - ES

W hat is the Billings O vulation M ethod of NFP?

"Although abstinence is sometimes a pain, my wife makes all the waiting worthwhile. Every month is a honeymoon." - BN

We can use the Billings method to chart these fertility cycles by recognising the presence or absence of a normal vaginal mucus discharge and regulate our behaviour accordingly.

“ When my husband waits for me, I feel cherished and loved. The tenderness and the intimacy continue beyond individual contacts." - EL Security, Fidelity and Responsible Parenthood

These are the bywords of longevity in marriage and family but what are these things? Pope Paul VI called for responsible parenthood in these memorable words: "In the task o f transmitting life, therefore, they are not free to proceed completely at will, as if they could determine in a wholly autonomous way the honest path to follow; but they must

Contraception - which means anti-baby - is a sin and Catholics cannot use it. NFP is also natural and free from health risks and does not damage your fertility or threaten your health.

Unless used only to prevent pregnancy, it is also acceptable to the Church.

By using NFP, you will also be practising the same qualities that you need to make your marriage itself a success - such as respect, patience, fid e lity , regard, self-m astery, understanding, consultation and love. Thus will NFP enrich your marriage, cultivate intimacy between you and your spouse and enable you to love all your children with an unconditional love.

Up to 20% of married Singapore women already desire some form of natural method.

In these times, when contraceptives and abortion are threatening the family and even the existence of society, NFP offers you a way of Peace.

N FP is Effective

If the rules are kept, the Billings method is an effective way to space, postpone and to achieve pregnancy.

For example, only 0.5% to 1.1% couples participating in the two most recent trials of the Billings Method in India in 1996 and in China in 2000 had unexpected pregnancies. Additionally, in the China trial the Billings method helped 32% of those who could not get pregnant to have a baby.

Where you can learn the Billings Method?

It w ill Em pow er you r Marriage

A n invitation to you

NFP is not a contraceptive either in intent or in substance but a way to build your family.

You and your spouse are very welcome to come and see us. I know you will never regret it.

Since the first Parish Centre in 1973, the Service has grown and there are now 15 Centres run by a corps of about 30 trained and dedicated instructors who are waiting to help you. Details are available from your Parish Priest or by contacting NFP or Family Life Society. Those of you who have internet access will also be able to find on the webpage the times and centres where NFP is taught.

A Smashing Success - "We Are Family!' Volunteers' Night and Christmas Party!

Family Life Society kicked off its inaugural Volunteers' Night and Christmas Party on 14 Dec '01 at OLPS Church with resounding success.

More than 200 FLS Programme and Affiliate Coordinators and Volunteers attended the event, together with FLS Staff, aptly fulfilling the theme: "We are Family!"

"This is the first time FLS has organised such a Christmas Party - we are indeed very pleased with the response and support we received from everyone. The role of FLS as an umbrella organisation is to help promote all our programmes and services and to optimise the potentially great synergy between our various programmes and affiliates. More importantly, this event is our way of saying a big Thank You!' to our dedicated team of coordinators and volunteers," said Mr James Wong, Executive Director of FLS. The even in g began w ith a Mass concelebrated by Fr. Erbin Fernandez, Fr. Martin

Low, Fr. Greg van Giang and Fr. Ambrose Vaz, who is the Spiritual Director of FLS and also the main celebrant. In his homily, Fr Vaz thanked all present fo r th e ir "w o n d e rfu l s p irit of volunteerism".

Guests were then treated to a delicious dinner, which was followed by an exciting evening programme that included dance performances put up by Couples for Christ and CFC Kids, line dancing by The Bronco Beat (featuring our very own counselor Sue Richmond!), a magic show by resident magician Andrew Kong of CbL, and table games organised by live-wire MC Raslyn that had everyone in stitches!

Later in the evening, Santa made a special appearance and thrilled the kids with his gifts.

A carolling session by CFC and Choice had the guests singing and dancing home to the energetic tunes of Jingle Bell Rock and other Christmas carol favourites, rounded off the night.

set of roles helps us to organise our lives. When a person feels that his life is not balanced, it is often because he senses that he may be succeeding in one role at the expense of another, which is also important to him. For instance, he may be doing well in his career in his role of entrepreneur or professional, but feeling guilty because he has been neglecting his wife and children in his roles as spouse and parent.

To live a balanced life is to align the things we do to the important roles. We can do this by planning on a weekly basis and identifying specific goals for each of these key roles, for when these goals have been identified the activities or events to follow are often clear. Many people already plan and set job-related goals for themselves each week. Applying this idea further, have you ever asked yourself, what is your goal as a spouse

this week? As a parent? The goals need not be ambitious.

For instance, one goal could be to take your spouse out on a date, for dinner or a movie. As a parent, the goal could be to take a child to buy a pair of shoes or to see the dentist, or to attend a school function.

One may object that it is already a struggle to achieve job-related goals - why stress oneself further by adding in family-related goals? Imagine that suddenly you had 50 hours in a day. Would this solve your prpblem of trying to find time for your family? Initially it might. But eventually, you would try to fit more things into your daily schedule. Before long, you would be as busy as you are now.

By identifying our goals and scheduling the events that go with these goals into our programme for the week, we can be confident that we are organising and

"I thoroughly enjoyed myself and my daughter even won an exercise bike in the lucky draw. I am definitely looking forward to FLS' next Party of the Year!" said Al Dizon, FLS volunteer.

Attention, especially to those who attended! Photographs of the Christmas party are now on sale! Please log on to our website www.familylife.org.sg for more details. devoting our time to the important things that are consistent with or aligned to our mission, vision, key roles and goals. Around these first things, we can fit in all the other activities. And we should not really be bothered even if there is no time left for such other activities, for we have already catered to our first things.

Some goals, it is true, may be difficult to schedule, for instance, having a talk with your adolescent on a particular matter. It is nonetheless useful to set this as your goal and to indicate this as a priority for the week. This way, you are looking for the right occasion, and if it surfaces spontaneously, you are ready to take advantage of the opportunity. If it hasn't happened and you're almost at the end of the week, you know you may have to create the occasion.

13

THE CATHOLIC NEWS

LOCAL NEWS

WHAT’S ON R E T R E A TS / SEMINARS ONE TO EIGHT DAYS DIRECTED RETREATS Life Springs Canossian Spirituality Centre at Jalan M erbok offers directed retreats from one to eight days. Retreat directors are available for accom panim ent. Contact Sr Lily Tan (466-2178 or e-mail sclily@ pacific.net.sg) for arrangements.

CHRISTIAN LIVING EMPOWERED

BY THE HOLY SPIRIT Them e: You are the Tem ple o f the Holy Spirit. Venue: OLPS Church, Verbist Hall, 4th level. Date: Jan 18, 7.30 pm to 10 pm, Jan 19, 2 to 9 pm , Jan 20, 10 am to 7 pm.

O rg a n ise d by the O L P S C h a rism a tic R e n e w a l G ro u p . R e g is tra tio n fre e .

Enquiries: 4490505 (M aureen/Stephen).

RCIA/ RCIY RCIA AT CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL SUCCOUR Com m encing on Jan 15, 2002 every Tuesday at 7.30 pm for those w ho w ant to know Jesus. Catholics w ho wish to deepen their faith or to jo in as sponsors are welcom e. Enquiries: Andy (448-7477) email: ongkatherine@ hotm ail.com .

RCIA AT CHURCH OF THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY

Gift exchanges taking place between Muslims and Christians during the event.

Fellowship, cheer abound in MuslimChristian celebration • From Page 1

He emphasized that it is important for the two faith communities to get to know one another during times of peace and stability and stressed that MUIS would continue to support efforts in building com­ mon understanding among people from different religious back­ grounds.

Archbishop Chia, in his speech, shared his joy in being able to participate in such a celebration.

He noted that “sorrows shared are sorrows halved, while joys shared are joys doubled” and that “tonight is a double joy because w e’re cel­ e b ra tin g H ari R aya and Christmas”.

He stressed, “It’s important for us not only to celebrate but to know the meaning of our celebration,” and shared with the Muslims a short story of what Christmas means to Christians.

Referring to the pope’s invita­ tion to leaders of various faiths to attend a prayer meeting for world peace in Assisi, Italy, on Jan 24, Archbishop Chia said, “We see the need for peace which comes from the heart, and which must be ac­ companied with love.”

An exchange of gifts between

Archbishop Chia, Mr Maarof and Mufti Syed Isa bin Mohd Semait then took place, followed by a simi­ lar gift exchange between Chris­ tians and Muslims.

In a spirit of harmony, the St Joseph’s Choir from the Church Of Our Lady Queen Of Peace and the Qasidah group of seven men from the Ba’alwi Mosque put on per­ formances which included religious and secular songs.

Muslims and Catholics inter­ viewed said they feel it is important to continue such a dialogue.

Mr Ansari A. S., 64, a Muslim, told CN that he would like to see more of such sessions organised. He said he felt the speeches given were “wonderful”, especially Archbishop Chia’s sharing of what Christmas means.

For Mr Peter Tan, 34, a Catho­ lic, the best part of the evening was when he made a Muslim friend, and both of them “felt the need to celebrate commonalities rather than differences”. He said he found the gift exchange a powerful symbol of fellowship but stressed that “we need more action” in this area of unity.

He told CN this was his first time taking part in a Christian-Muslim gathering. □

RCIA will be conducted at the above church by Fr Jam es Y eo every W ednesday at 7.45 pm, beginning from Jan 9.

Registration forms are available at the Parish office or contact V eronica (288-9140).

RCIY AT CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL SUCCOUR F or non-baptised youth who want to know Jesus, an RC IY journey will begin in February. For details, c i l B em ie (241 -9565) or em ail us at bem iechua@ olps.org.sg.

PASTORAL COURSES PRAY ALL WAYS C om e and explore different styles o f prayer and a way to live contem platively in these tim es... Dates: Jan 9, Jan 16, Jan 23 and Jan 30,7.45 to9.45 pm. Facilitator: SrFlorence W ong, FM DM . Contribution: $20/- only.

R egister w ith SPI (858-3011) or em ail: spirecp@ veritas.org.sg).

M ASSES REGULAR LUNCH TIME MASS At The Rock, 3rd fir, Suntec City Tow er 4 (above Carrefour). Organised by The Catholic Prayer Society every Tuesday at 12.15 pm and 1.15 pm. Please spread the word to friends working in this vicinity.

REGULAR WEEKDAY MASSES T he Catholic Prayer Society is having regular masses at the M edical Alumni Building at SGH (junction of College Rd and O utram Rd) every Wed. at 12.15 pm and 1.15 pm in the Hall on Level 2. Enquiries: Susan (9321-427) or A licia (9491-7282).

YOUTH PRAISE® WORK Looking for a com m unity o f believers to grow with in your faith journey? Come, join us at Praise@ W ork, a charism atic prayer group where a bunch o f young adults meet every W ednesday, 7.30pm to praise and w orship the L ord. Q ueries? E m ail us at w elc o m e @ p ra ise a tw o rk .o rg o r c o n ta c t Juliana at 9799-9184.

PRAYER SESSION AND ENQUIRY W EEKEND FOR YOUNG WOMEN The Daughters o f St Paul invite single wom en, aged 18-28 for a m onthly prayer session at: 47 Jurong W est St 42, on the first Saturday o f each month, 3.30pm-5pm.

Enquiries: Sr Jocelyn Veritas (560-8003) or em ail: pauline.fsp@ pacific.net.sg.

CHOICE WEEKEND Calling young adults 18 to 35 years. Take a break from urgency-driven activities.

Recharge your batteries, focus on people and think w hat m atters most. Call Jennifer (9671-0767), Terence (9695-6599) or surf www.choice.org.sg.

LEGION OF MARY INVITATION TO OBSERVE OR JOIN LEGION OF MARY C H URCH OF THE H O LY SPIRIT, Com forter o f the A fflicted Praesidium.

M eeting: Thursday weekly, 8 pm. Venue: Meeting Rm. Activities: Home visitations, visit the sick, rosary devotion. Enquiry: Josephine Leong (9568-3493).

CH URCH O F ST IG NA TIU S, M other o f M ercy Praesidium . W eekly m eetings, sharing and organising'outreach activities.

Enquiries: Ligaya Tejada (737-7196) or Elvie R eyes (473-5964.)

BLESSED SA CRAM ENT CHURCH. Look for the group M other M ost Faithful.

Every Sunday 10.45 am, St John’s Rm, Dam ien Centre. Contact: Fely (738-8987), Lilia (323-5621), Violy (468-6186).

C H URCH O F IM M A C U LA TE H EART O F M ARY, Our Lady Heavenly Protector Praesidium (for those doing their National Service) Venue: Old SJC building, First fir, HOD room M eeting: Sunday weekly, 11.30 am. Enquiries: N ick Chui (9844-7115) or Andre W ai (9777-3768).

CH URCH O F ST JO SEPH (U pper Bukit Tim ah), Mary o f the W ay Praesidium.

Meeting: M onday (weekly) 8 pm. Venue: Church com m unity Hall Basem ent Rm 2.

Activities: Home visitations, visiting the sick, rosary devotion. Enquiries: Lourdes Joseph (9258-9186).

CH ARISM ATIC PRAYER GROUP OLPS CHARISMATIC PRAYER GROUP Every W ednesday at 8 pm. Prayer & Worship in the Power o f the Holy Spirit followed by faith-increasing talks. Praying over for healing after meeting. Open to everyone.

Enquiries: Steven/Maureen (449-0505)

INDONESIAN CHARISMATIC PRAYER GROUP E very Thursday at 2.30 pm and last Friday of the month at 7.30 pm. Venue: Holy Spirit Church, 248 Upp. Thom son Rd. Enquiries: Lenny (9002-7692), Jane (459-6409),Hedy (9660-1947), Julia (455-8055).

SFX RETREAT CENTRE Venue: SFX M inor Sem inary (Retreat Centre) 1261 U pper Serangoon Road.

CONCERT BY ABBEY & SWAPNA Theme: Bless O ur Nation. Date: Sat, Jan 19, 7-10.30 pm. Venue: SFX Retreat Centre, 1261 Upper Serangoon Rd. All are welcome.

“KEEP WATCH WITH ME” - OVERNIGHT VIGIL Prayer Vigil from Saturday 11.30pm to Sunday 6am (except for the 5th Sat/Sun).

Venue: above. All are welcome. Please bring a sweater. Children not allowed.

FRIDAY GROWTH SESSION Dates: 7.30 pm to 10 pm. Venue: above.

COUNSELLING AND PRAYING-OVER SESSIONS Every W ednesday, 7.45 pm -9.30 pm & every 4th Saturday o f the month, 5.45 pm7.30 pm. Venue: above.

I

PRAISE & WORSHIP MASS WITH HEALING SERVICE Venue: above. Every 4th Saturday o f the month, 6.45 pm - 10 pm.

DAILY INTERCESSORY PRAYER Venue: above. Intentions: F or the Church, W orld Evangelisation and Conversion of Sinners. M onday to Thursday: 10.30-12.30 pm, 1.30 pm -3.30 pm, 7.45 pm -9.30 pm; Friday: 10.30 am -12.30 pm.

SINGLES/MARRIAGE PROGRAMMES BEGINNING EXPERIENCE (BE) WEEKEND For those who have lost a spouse, through separation, divorce or death, here is an opportunity to turn pain into a journey of grace. Enquiries: Lilian (582-9233) Bredan (9617-1338), M argaret (9502-6223).

MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEKEND Add sparkle to your family life! You can achieve this through more open and honest com m unication. Family closeness begins with better couple com m unication. How to start this process? Com e for a Marriage Encounter W eekend. Fee:$20/-. W eekend dates: Jan 4-6, Feb 1-3, M ar 1-3, 2002.

Call M ike & Lisa Koh (451-2468/ 9639-9394) Stephen & Juliana (382-5676) Francis & Christina (458-8112).

RETROUVAILLE WEEKENDS (A lifeline for m arried couples).

A re you th in k in g about sep aratio n or divorce? Are you frustrated, hurt and angry with each other? Are you constantly arguing and fighting? Have you given up on talking it out? D o you feel cold, alone and distant and you don’t know how to change or where to turn to? A Retrouvaille weekend can help. Enquiry: 346-1927. Next weekend: Apr 19-21, July 19-21, Sept 18-20,2002.

CATHOLIC ENGAGED ENCOUNTER Planning to m arry in Church? Register at least 6 m onths before your preferred weekend date to ensure a place. Available weekend: Jan 11 - 13 (strictly for Catholic couples) and Jan 18 - 20 (for all couples).

Dates & forms available from any Catholic Church or Website http:// ww w.catholic.org.sg/ceespore Call 782-3912 David/Allyson. Email ceespore@ catholic.org.sg

O THERS ACTIVITIES ORGANISED FOR INDONESIANS Spiritual Director: Rev A lfred Chan.

At Church o f St B ernadette, 12 Z ion Rd. IN D O N ESIA N M ASS every 2nd and 4th Sunday at 3.30 pm. Contact Adi Surya - Agnes (552-2049/9666-0227), Handojo - Josephine (235-2820) G ALILEA PRA YER G RO UP, every W ednesday at 10 am to 12 pm. Contact Deasy (Siok) (344-3983) W iwy (462-3400).

EFATA PRA Y ER G RO UP, every 1st Saturday at 5 pm. Contact: Tay W ijoyo (836-3430) D aniel Setiadi (9667-8055) PD EFA TA HOM EPAG E http://w ww.geocities.com /efata_kkis LEG IO N O F M A R Y , every Sundays.

Interested contact Sunny (9752-6939), G race (9380-7513).

Y O U TH /Y O U NG A DULTS FAITH ENR ICH M ENT Interested call Hendro (9851-0945) M U DIKA-KKIS HOM EPA GE http://w ww .geocities.com / mudikakkis. Need help? E-mail moderator: m udika-o wner @ yahoogroups.com

CHRISTIAN LIVING | EM POW ERED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT WEEKEND SEMINAR

Business opportunity and accommodation in Perth Catholic Singaporean lady has rooms available for rental.

Call Majella @ 280-5481

VEHICLESWANTED Private & Commercial.

Parf & Non-Parf.

Immediate confirmation and cash payment.

Please call Henry Members of the Qasidah group performing a musical item.

JANUARY 6 -1 3 , 2002

9674-1842/9218-3289

You are the Temple of the Holy Spirit Come and Receive * The Empowerment o f the Holy Spirit in your life and ministry * The Enlightenment o f the Holy Spirit in the Word o f God * The Enablement o f the Holy Spirit in Kingdom Work O L P S C h u rc h —V erb ist H a ll (4 th L e v e l) F rid a y J a n 18, 2 0 0 2 : 7 .3 0 p m to 10.00 p m S a tu rd a y Ja n 19, 2 0 0 2 : 2 .0 0 p m to 9 .0 0 p m S u n d a y Ja n 2 0 , 2 0 0 2 : 10.00 am to 7 .0 0 p m a n d i/z s J8 zic/& sat/,

" (^ o m s f'

01/20 flo a ts i/z is m us.£ a /.zo sa y , r(2 o n z£ {’ (2onz£, a j/zc ^ tr^z is t/zizs£ y ; a a a s fii i/z£ ctratsz o f / i’ f a s a g i f t , cu/zo£cr£Z cvan.£z i t " cz/x’z w 2 2 : 7 7 Organised by the OLPS Charismatic Renewal Group Registration: Free. Enquiries: 449-0505 (Maureen/Stephen)

14

JANUARY 6 -1 3 , 2002

THE CATHOLIC NEWS

IN MEMORIAM Second Anniversary In loving memory of

“We h a v e l o v e d th e m

Sixth Anniversary In everloving memory of

A S IA C A S K E T

Sixth Anniversary In loving memory of

Eighth Anniversary In loving memory of

Second Anniversary In loving memory of

d e a r l y d u r i n g life; le t u s n o t a b a n d o n

'Vv #,

1^

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c o n d u c t e d th e m b y o u r p r a y e r s in to m

th e H o u s e o f th e L o r d . ” — St

Ambrose

Peaceful be your rest, dear mother, It is sweet to breathe your name; As in life we loved you dearly, So in death we do the same.

Dearly missed by husband Joachim Tan Poh Soon, children, grandchildren and loved ones.

Mass will be celebrated at Church of St Michael on ANNIE NG Sunday, Jan 13, 2002 Departed: Jan 16, 1997 at 9.30 am.

Fifth Anniversary In everloving memory of

Ffith Anniversary In loving memory of

MRS CONSTANCE MARSH NEE GOMES CONSTANCE Bom: Mar 28, 1926 Called to eternal rest on Jan 10, 1997 in Singapore Age: 71 The years may wipe out many things But this they’ll wipe out never; The memory of those happy days Which we had spent together.

Always remembered by loved ones.

JAMES KENNETH PODISINGHO Departed: Jan 17, 1998 We cannot forget you Our loved one so dear; You memory grows Sweeter year after year.

Always remembered by wife, children and loved ones.

Fifteenth Anniversary In everloving memory of

____

An insertion ex­ ceeding a ten-centimetre column will have an additional charge of S$6.00 per centimetre.

FR MOSES TAY .

Ordained on Jan 3,1965 Called home on Jan 3, 1990 “O precious in the eyes of the Lord is the death of his faithful.”

(Psalm 115).

With all our love, John, Marie Therese, Moses, Joseph, Anne Marie, Therese Marie, Claire Maria and loved ones.

First Anniversary In loving memory of

“Only the memory’s left o f the happiness we knew, But the love that kindled memory’s torch will feed our whole life through”

CATHERINE HENG Departed: Jan 12, 2000 Just a thought of sweet remembrance.

Just a memory sad and true, Just the love and sweet devotion, O f one who thinks of you.

Dearly missed and always remembered by family and all loved ones.

Third Anniversary In loving memory of

In loving memory of

ESTHER TAN LI MIIN Born: Nov 27, 1977 Departed: Jan 8, 2001 “See! I will not forget you... I have carved you on the palm of My Hand... I have called you by your name...

You are mine...

You are precious to Me... I love you.

Isaiah.

Always remembered

by Dad B enjam in, Mum Valerie, Grandma Mabel and sister Ruth and all loved

MR SANDANA RAJ Departed:Jan 15,2001 A requiem Tamil Mass will be offered for the repose of the departed soul at the Church of Our Lady Star of the Sea, 10 Yishun St 22 at 7.30 pm on Sunday January 20, 2002.

Please join us in prayers.

Always remembered by loved ones.

ERNEST JOHN GOMEZ Departed: Jan 18, 1999 Rest in peace, dear loving dad, Three long years have passed away; You are gone, but still are living In the hearts of those who stay.

Always remembered by wife Marjorie, sons, daughters-in-law, granddaughters and loved ones.

“God is love and where there is love, there is God” Sixth Anniversary Fifth Aniversary

THANKSGIVING

Dear St Jude, faithful intercessor of all who invoke yo u r help, Thank you for listening to my p ray er and coming to my help. It is wonderful and a great comfort that you are there for us when we need to seek divine help. I am very grateful for your intercession and all the graces shown to my family and me. Please continue to bless and guide me.

Thank you. Joshua

Second Anniversary In loving memory of

Rest in peace, dear loving mother Two years have passed away.

You’re gone but are still living In the hearts of those who stay.

CYRIL VICTOR JOSEPH REUTENS Our caring father Our loving grandpa and great grandpa Bom: Nov 4, 1898 Departed: Jan 4, 1991 Aged: 92 years “God took him home eleven years ago, As it was His holy will; But in our hearts we hold him close And dearly love him still; His memory is as dear today As in the hour he passed away; We recall being by his side that day As God took him from earth away.

We often sit and think of him When we are all alone; For memory is a precious friend To treasure and to own” .

THERESA DENNIS FERNANDEZ Departed:Jan 12, 2000

Forever cherished by: Sons: Francis, Johnson and Merwyn Daughters: Shirley and Silvia Son-in-law, daughter-in-law and grandchildren.

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Fifth Anniversary In loving memory of

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JUDE AMOS MOGAN Departed: Jan 19, 1997 In our hearts your memory lingers, Sweetly tender, fond and true, There is not a day, dearest Jude, That we do not think of you.

Always remembered by papa, mummy, godma, Judy and all loved ones.

• Affordable air-conditioned memorial chapels with microphone, electronic organ & appropriate furnishing & lighting.

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In loving memory of

In loving m em ory o f

Thanksgiving to St Jude Thank you St Jude for answering my prayers.

Please continue to bless my grand-daugthers with good health. PEG

MARY ANG MUI CHENG Departed: Jan 13,2000 In our home she is fondly remembered, Sweet memories cling to her name; Those who loved her in life sincerely, Still love her in death just the same.

Always remembered by loved ones.

In loving memory of

KILLIAN TAN PENG ANN Departed: Jan 11, 1987 Rest in peace, dear Killian Fifteen long years have passed away You’re gone but still living in the hearts of those who stay.

Always remembered

by Mum Helen, Dad Bernard, Brother Kervin and loved ones.

.

MABEL ONG POH KIM Departed: Jan 7,1994 Time takes away the edge of grief.

But memory turns back every leaf Her memory is as dear today As in the hour God took her away.

Always remembered by loved ones.

Second Anniversary In loving memory of

IN MEMORIAM RATES Cost of a me mo r i a m insertion (with or without a photo­ graph) is S$55.

PAUL S/O ANTHONY NATHAN AROKIASAMY Departed: Jan 8, 1996 Born: June 19, 1954 Departed:Jan 9,1996 Our hearts are sore As time goes by Our thoughts are We miss you more. always with you, Your loving smile, Our hearts are sore your gentle face, with pain; No one can fill your This world would be vacant place. like heaven Mass will be If you were here celebrated at Church of again. the Holy Spirit, Forever beloved Singapore on Tuesday, and unforgettable Jan 8, 2002 at 6 pm. wife, Jennifer Paul.

Fondly remembered by wife and children.

In loving memory of

T hank you for answering my prayers.

I simply like to say, p lease co n tin u e to shower your blessings upon my family and guide us in the right path. I thank the Lord Jesus, all the saints, St Anne, St Anthony, the dearest St Jude and our B lessed M other for g uiding me and granting my prayers.

Christine T hanks you Holy Trinity, Mother Mary, Saints Jude, Anthony, Joseph and Christopher for prayers answered.

P lease continue to p ro tect and guide my family. Aloysius Chee

Blk 38, #01-527/531, Sin Ming Drive, Singapore 575712 Tel:

Always remembered by family and friends Mass will be offered at the following churches on Tuesday, Jan 15, 2001 IJ Chapel (Bukit Timah) at 7 am Cathedral of the Good Shepherd at 1.15pm Church of the Sacred Heart at 5.30 pm Church of St Bernadette at 6 pm Church of St Teresa at 6 pm.

451-4496

DOBIAS D'CRUZ RENNAL D’CRUZ BENJAMIN D’CRUZ Departed: Jan 10, 1972 Departed:Oct 9, 1997 Departed: Jan 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.

ffl THERESA KOH PETER LAU YOKE LIN PENG KUAN Departed: Jan 14,1996 Departed: Jan 16,1997

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THE CATHOLIC NEWS

JANUARY 6 - 13, 2002

YOUNG CATHOLICS!

After Shine Jesus Shine, what next?

Photos: BENEDICT TANG

ALL of us, Christians and non-Christians alike, experience turning points in our lives. You may have heard of the term metanoia, turning away from sin and turning back to God and His love.

This may seem incredible but numerous people, youths and adults, have experienced this turning point in their lives and responded to the altar call during Shine Jesus Shine (SJS) rallies.

What happens to them? A group of Catholics called The Befrienders, trained by the New Evangelization Team, then gets to know them better and leads them to the parishes near their homes where they may want to attend the Rite Of Christian Initia­ tion Of Adults and get to learn about our faith.

Those who have problems at­ tending regular classes but are keen to know more about Catholicism are introduced to facilities like the cor­ respondence course in catechism.

SJS rallies aim to reach the youths through a variety of ways: music, praise and worship, skits, talks and of course the Eucharist and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

It may seem just like an isolated yearly event but the way in which God touches the lives of so many during the rally makes it so worth­ while for those who help organise it - youths who want to reach out to others their age.

In fact the number of youths (some 3,000 this year) who packed the halls to participate in the SJS rallies is a sure sign of hunger for spiritual food.

It is up to us to provide it in ways that appeal to them and SJS does so in style through vibrant

(Above)The Christian a cape Ila group Akatones performs at the Shine Jesus Shine rally on Nov 29. Left: Behind the scenes, youth volunteers manning the sound and video equipment at the rally.

music and song, role playing, the Eucharist, the whole works!

The youths I spoke to after the Nov 29 event shared that they felt happy to participate. In the words of one, the “Shine Jesus Shine rally was not a one-off happening but it was an experience that brought an awareness of God’s presence in our lives and a deepening of faith”.

Although many young people do not join youth groups, the SJS helps them to become aware of the need to come together and to grow in faith together.

I know that these youths have grown stronger in their faith, participate actively at Mass and are open to the presence of God in their lives. The annual rally has helped

Indonesian youths of various faiths join Muslim youths in breaking fast

them in their spiritual journey and has enabled them to walk closely with Jesus.

But hold on. The SJS rally is not the only event for Catholic youths to look out for. Don’t forget the quarterly Emmaus Evenings which are on a smaller scale but with the same focus: to reach out to youths in ways that appeal to them.

The year 2002 is now here and what do I have in mind for you apart from the Shine Jesus Shine rally, Emmaus Evenings and faith forma­ tion programmes?

This year I hope to reach out to you through other avenues so that you

SPEAKING about the New Year, I am sure that you have a whole string of resolutions, just as I have mine.

Since the year has just begun, I feel that it would not be too late to consider adding some resolutions, which I feel are important, to your list (that is, if you have left them out): ■ Set aside some time for prayer every day.

■ Put God first. You will in time realise that things work better when you focus on God. ■ Live a good Christian life by always asking and doing what God wants you to do.

■ Make a regular effort to share God’s love with others.

One piece of good news for this year is a new Catholic Youth Centre which will enable us in the youth ministry to reach out to you better and facilitate your reaching out to us as well.

I will tell you more about this later but for now my wish, dear young friends, is that you will be able to experience God’s love and presence in your lives more fully and let His light shine through you for all to see “...so that seeing your good works they may give the praise to your Father in Heaven. ” (Matthew 5: 16) Best wishes for the year ahead and may God bless you all.

Fr Michael Sitaram is one o f two youth chaplains o f the Singapore Archdiocese. To contact him, email: cathyctr@pacific.net.sg.

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YOGYAKARTA, INDONESIA -

Some Catholic youths joined Mus­ lim youths in breaking the daily Ramadan fast on Dec 20. Youths of other religions also joined.

Breaking the fast is part of Mus­ lims’ daily ritual during the Ramadan fasting month. It is held at home with the family or jointly with groups where, on some occasions, non-Mus­ lims are invited.

Catholic youths of St Anthony’s parish, Yogyakarta, organized the event to strengthen ties with Muslim youths and youth groups associated with the inter-religious Community Of Youth Fraternity.

On Dec 2 evening, the parish youths hosted some 150 Protestant, Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim youths in breaking the fast at the parish building in Yogyakarta, 405 km south-east of Jakarta.

P articip an ts cam e from the Interfaith Youth Com m unity of Yogyakarta’s state-run Institute of Islam ic Studies, Java C hristian Church, B atak H uria C hristian Church, Buddhist Vidyasena Com­ munity, Hindu Dharma Students Community, Papua Students Com­ munity, Street Children Community, and the parish youth group.

Before the meal, the groups took turns praying and singing according

It is now 2002.

What do I have for youths apart from the SJS rally, Emmaus Evenings and faith formation programmes?

One piece of good news for this year is a new youth centre which will enable us in the ministry to reach out to you better and facilitate your reaching out to us as well.

will be able to realise that the words of Christ are a reality in your life: “I have come that you may have life and have it to the full. ” (John 10:10)

'God has many ways of addressing His people.

Addressing God by different names will not make Him angry, so why don't we happily accept the differences?'

- Listia, a Muslim participant at the Dec 2 event.

to their religion, meditating, and sharing on the theme, We Are Equal.

Ms Listia, a Muslim participant, said in her sharing that differences among religions must not make peo­ ple fear each other. “God has many ways of addressing His people. Ad­ dressing God by different names will not make Him angry, so why don’t we happily accept the differences?” she asked.

“Our differences should motivate

us to learn about each other’s faith,” she added. She then asked her fel­ low participants to avoid being sus­ picious of each other. “Such fear and suspicion could be used by a politi­ cal elite or religious hard-line group to create communal conflict for their interests,” she said.

Fr Yohanes B aptis W idodoprayitno of St Anthony Church wel­ comed the youths’ initiative that made the inter-religious gathering possible. “I hope this small event will lead to a wider awareness among Indonesian society about the beauty of friendship and fraternity,” he said.

Mr Antonius Sandra Hudiyanto, coordinator of the event, told UCA News that the parish youth group tried to organize a similar event last year, but it was stopped by members of Ka’abah Youth Movement, a Mus­ lim group.

On Dec 9 the youth groups jointly visited Nurul Umahat Islamic boarding school for girls, Vidyaloka Buddhist monastery, Jagad Nata H indu tem ple, Java C hristian Church, and St Albert The Great Catholic Church in the area.

“During the visits to the centres, we introduced the Community Of Youth Fraternity and its activities to the local leaders,” Mr Hudiyanto said. O u c a n

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JANUARY 6 - 13, 2002

THE CATHOLIC NEWS

OCAL NEWS Photos: ANTHONY CHAN

‘I t is w ithin fa m ilie s that y o u p rodu ce goodpersons. I f y o u strengthen the fa b ric o f society, y o u can look fo rw a rd to a healthy society a n d Church in Singapore. ’ - Jesuit Father Charles Sim who was ordained on Dec 29

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Newly ordained Jesuit’s ministry to centre on the family NEWLY-ordained Jesuit Father Charles Sim believes that strong families are the backbone of a strong Church and healthy society.

That is why he will be actively involved in family and individual counselling and therapy in the course of his priestly life. He spent the year 2000 studying for his Masters Of Science in family therapy at the Institute of Psychiatry at King’s Col­ lege, London.

Fr Sim, 37, will go back to Lon­ don soon for further clinical training.

The Jesuit, ordained on Dec 29 at the Church Of The Blessed Sacra­ ment, said: “I see families as the fabric of society, unless you strengthen them, you will not be able to raise good Christians and good citizens.

“It is within families that you produce good persons. If you strengthen the fabric of society, you can look forward to a healthy soci­ ety and Church in Singapore.”

It is within families that parents promote vocations, he notes. “Small examples of love within the home

h e a rt o f th e

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re m e m b e r, re c o lle c t a n d

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many remarkable Jesuits, which speaks of the whole ideal of being companions of Jesus. I benefited a lot from them.

The friendship never goes away. I really cherish that in the Society.”

After two years of novitiate for­ mation in Singapore, Fr Sim spent more than three years in the Philip­ pines studying Philosophy and Counselling Psychology.

Most of his two-year regency, from 1996-98, was in Cambodia. For 18 months he worked with the Jesuit Service Of Cambodia at a school for handicapped former soldiers and taught part-time at a university.

In the school, soldiers from the rebel group Khmer Rouge and from the government troops live and study together. For one year, they are taught skills in farming, carpentry, weld­ ing, electrical, and others, and given free food and lodging.

“It is a place for reconciliation, understanding and learning to for­ give each other,” Fr Sim added. He notes that without a skill, the people would have been social outcasts, treated like modern-day lepers.

The other six months were spent in Singapore, as a counsellor at the Family Life Society in Selegie Road.

He spent the last three years of his formation in Dublin, Ireland, studying Theology. From there he volunteered to go to Bosnia with European Jesuit seminarians.

During their month-long stay Fr Sim building a chimney in there, he helped clear out debris Bosnia in 1999. from houses damaged in the Bosnian war. He also helped senior citizens dedication to the family influenced prepare for winter by assisting with and encouraged us to consider becom­ household chores. ing Religious, although he never His experiences in Cambodia and mentioned that to us,” he said.

Bosnia left a very strong impression Fr Sim’s older sibling, Canossian on him.

Sister Elizabeth Sim, 41, helped him “What impressed me most was to discern his vocation. “She guided the generosity of the people despite me in my search. We had some very deep conversations about my strug­ their poverty, the willingness to share from the little they have. They have gles,” he added. a sense of goodness despite what Fr Sim, who served as an altar they went through... It is amazing to boy at the Church Of The Blessed experience so much goodness amidst Sacrament, came to know the Jesuit destruction, poverty and pain.” community only a year before he Before joining the Jesuits, Fr Sim joined them. was a marketing executive in a phar­ As if to affirm his choice, he said: maceutical company for two years. □ “In my years in the Society, I have met

go a long way in bringing up chil­ dren with faith.”

He observes that family life work encompasses many areas. However, he would like to focus on helping families cope with their problems by teaching them coping skills.

“I’ve learned that families are unique and have their own resources to cope with difficulties,” he said.

Fr Sim joined the Jesuits on March 19, 1989, after realising his call a year earlier.

The second in a family of three children, his vocation, he said, was probably planted by his father, Mr Alexander Sim. “He is a very prayerful man. He did not call us to pray every day but he said his own prayers. In a way, his examples of daily prayer and

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Fr Sim’s family members... standing (from left): brother Louis and his wife Elene and their children; Fr Sim; older sister Canossian Sister Elizabeth and adopted brother Johnson and wife Janice. Seated: parents Mary and Alexander.