JANUARY 19, 2003, vol 53, no 2

— M.I.T.A. (P) No. 105/01/2003 PPS 201/4/2003

N ew s

M a y th e y be one ... so th a t the uVortd m a y betieiSe...

(John 17:21)

The O fficia l Newspaper o f the Roman C atholic Archdiocese o f Singapore

Fortnightly: SUNDAYS, JAN. 19 - Jan. 26, 2003 SINGAPORE 500 / WEST MALAYSIA RM1.20 Vol. 53 No. 2

FOCUS

UNITY

T r e a s u r e in C la y J a r s

INSIDE

PONTIFICAL COUNCIL FOR PROMOTING CHRISTIAN UNITY

Program for the Week of Praver for Christian Unitv : 18-25 January 2003 R e g io n a l NEW S

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page 6, 7

Faith in Life -------- page 8

FORMATION

Vatican II __ page 9

Children’s Corner ------- page 10

The Family — page 15

Young Catholics — - page 15

Unity W eek — page 14,16

Organising the Week of Prayer - Adapting the text

The theme chosen for this year's Week of Prayer for Christian Unity by the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity is "We have a treasure in clav iars. " (2 Corinthians 4:7) and it is applied to the practical issue of migration.

The movement for unity among Christian Churches is not considered only in terms of praying that we might all come together, but it is perceived as striving through common action and witness. Hence the theme is a practical one on which all Christians can surely agree, come together for and work on.

The material is offered with the understanding that, whenever possible, it will be adapted for use at the local level. In doing this, account must be taken of local liturgical and devotional practice, and of the whole social and cultural context. Such adaptation should normally take place ecumeni­ cally.

In some places ecumenical structures are already set up for adapting the material. In other places, we hope that the need to adapt it will be a stimulus to creating such structures.

Using the Week o f Prayer material Introduction Migration, a complex issue, is having a growing impact on the lives of many people, countries and churches around the world.

Argentina is one of the countries where there have been many waves of immigration that have affected not only the national context but also the lives of the churches.

The initial project for this year’s prayer for unity comes from an ecumenical group in Argentina that chose the biblical text and theme that arises out of a reflection on the fact that Argentina is a nation built by native peoples and immigrants. We in Singaproe can certainly identify with that situation as our own.

In the world today, several reasons for immigration can be adduced, such as famine, wars, religious persecutions, the need to find work and a better living. These situations show the need for the churches to work together to seek unity in order to respond in common witness.

Such situations led the preparatory group to reflect on how the word of God gives us strength in difficult circumstances and even reminds us that all of God’s people are pilgrims on the way to the kingdom. The Bible presents us with many examples of peoples who migrate from place to place for many of the same reasons as the populations of today. Abraham and Sarah, Jacob, Amos, and Joseph, Mary and Jesus are biblical examples of immigrants.

The paradigm for unity The experience of immigration reveals a world that is divided. The unity of Christians needs to be the paradigm for the unity of human­ kind. Christians possess a «treasure in clay jars» (2 Cor 4:7) which is the glory of Jesus Christ the Lord, namely his victory over sin, death, persecution and hatred, his treasure is, as Paul says in 2 Cor 4:5-6, the knowledge of God’s glory that burns brightly in Jesus as he has revealed the depths of God’s love and mercy for all creation, especially the poor.

The text of 2 Cor 4:5-18 calls us to recognise that we carry a treasure that does not belong to us but which has been given to us as a gift from God to strengthen us when we are suffering and encourage us when we are sad. We carry this treasure within the fragility of our human existence so that it

becomes clear that this gift has its origin in God and is not of our own making. God invites us to witness to him through our human weakness.

The body of Christ is undivided and for this reason we must overcome the divisions among Christians that are a counter-witness to this truth.

We recognise that the barriers are great and that our own intellectual and physical force is not enough to heal our sins of division. The unity of the church must be brought about by the power of the Holy Spirit working in us, so that each step toward unity is seen as God drawing us nearer to his kingdom.

The challenge We need to accept the challenge of the apostle Paul who said that «we believe so we speak* (2 Cor 4:13). Not to speak is to hide the visible reality o f Christ at work in us, which is the basis of the church’s action in the world. So with the strength that is given to us, we have to go toward our neighbour to share the light of Christ and to recognise that together we are in debt to God who gave the life of his Son for the salva­ tion of humankind.

At present, the PCPCU is engaged in an interna­ tional theological dialogue with each of the follow­ ing Churches and World Communions: The Orthodox Church The Coptic Orthodox Church The Malankara Churches The Anglican Communion The Lutheran World Federation The World Alliance of Reformed Churches The World Methodist Council The Baptist World Alliance The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Some Pentecostal groups.

The Council also seeks to promote meetings with Evangelicals.

Archdiocese of Singapore home page, Veritas: http://www.catholic.org.sg

For churches and Christian communities which observe the week of prayer together through a single common service, an order for an ecumeni­ cal worship service is provided.

Churches and Christian communities may also incorporate material from the week of prayer into their own services. Prayers from the ecumenical worship service and the «eight days» can be used as appropriate in their own setting.

Communities which observe the week of prayer in their worship for each day during the week may draw material for these services from the «eight days».

Bible reflections Those wishing to do Bible studies on the week of prayer theme can use as a basis the biblical texts and reflections given in the «eight days».

Each day the discussions can lead to a closing period of intercessory prayer.

Those who wish to pray privately may find the material helpful for focusing their prayer inten­ tions. They can be mindful that they are in communion with others praying all around the world for the greater visible unity of Christ’s church.

The search for unity: The traditional date for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is 18-25 January. Those dates were proposed in 1908 by Paul Watson to cover the days between the feast (not any more) of St Peter and the feast of St Paul (Conversion o f St. Paul Jan 26), and therefore have a symbolic meaning. In the southern hemisphere where January is a vacation time churches often find other days to celebrate the week of prayer, for example'around Pentecost (which was suggested by the Faith and Order movement in 1926), which is also a symbolic date for the unity of the church.

But the search for Christian unity is not limited to one week each year. We encourage you therefore, says the Council, not only to be flexible concerning the date but also to under­ stand the material presented here as an invitation to find opportunities throughout the whole year to express the degree of communion which the churches have already received, and to pray together for that full unity which is Christ’s will.

Note: We will be publishing the Biblical reflections in subsequent issues. Editor.

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Be informed as Catholics of the Church’s stand . .

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V A T IC A N In Summary

. . . on current international issues.

The Epiphany

Garbage Collectors' Audience It has been the annual tradition of the Holy Father to visit the Crib of the Garbage Collectors, as it is called, at the Municipal Agency for the Environment in Rome. This year, our Holy Father invited the Garbage Collectors themselves, together with their families, to visit his Crib in the Vatican Apostolic Palace on the Feast of the Epiphany and addressed them.

"Dearest Brothers and Sisters, welcome to the home of the Holy Father! My most cordial greetings to you and your families." He then thanked them for the words of address of the President of their Association. He recalled how it had been his tradition to visit their Crib, though this time he had to content himself with admiring it in the photographs and the miniature model of the Crib that they had made and presented to him on this occasion. He had invited them this time to return their courtesy and welcome that they had always extended to him, and to give them the occasion to see the various Cribs in the Apostolic Palace, with the different kinds of stutues which illustrated the universality of the Church.

Continuing the Holy Father said,"My dearest, I thank you, with all my heart for having accepted my invitation. This meeting, which I wanted to be simple and informal, gives me the opportunity to renew my grateful appreciation to your President, the Directors and all the staff of your organization for the important service which, day and night, you render to the City of Rome and to its inhabitants. May God help and bless your efforts and dedication.

We are at the beginning of a new year and I extend to you, with affection my sincere good wishes: may 2003 be for all of you, a year of serenity and peace. The solemnity of the Epiphany which we celebrate reminds us of the manifestation of Jesus to the world.

May the most holy Mary, who showed Jesus to the Magi for their adoration, protect you, and all those who are dear to you, your work and your endeavours. With all my heart, I impart to all of you, my Blessing."

Vatican Press Reports sorts

I

Vatican Ambassador to the UN in New York

Message to Children Our Holy Father briefly traced the history of the Association called the "Work of the Holy Childhood" founded in 1843 by Bishop Charles de Forbin-Janson, Bishop of Nancy in France. The feast of the Epiphany this year marked the 160th Anniversary of its foundation. From being a missionary support group of "child missionaries" who prayed "one Hail Mary a day" for the Missionaries in China, the Association had extended itself also to material support., and spread from France throughout the world and is now found in 110 countries. The association offers to children in all dioceses of the world a programme based on prayer, sacrifices and concrete gestures of solidarity to become evangelizers of children of their own age.

The Holy Father praised the children for their great commitment to helping their fellow children who were less fortunate than themselves - children who were forced to work because of poverty, children who were recruited as child soldiers for the wars of adults, and those who had become victims of those wars. They prayed that the faith which they had received may one day be shared by their millions of little friends who have yet to come to know Jesus. Especially during this time of Christmas, children of the Work of the Holy Childhood went carolling, knocking on the doors of homes to sing their carols and to seek assist­ ance for the solidarity projects, thus evangelizing even the adults. Even outside Christmas time, they sold "stars" and collected stamps in order to raise funds for their projects. At present there were 3,000 projects funded by the Holy Child missionaries - a veritable miracle of the love of God Our Holy Father reminded the children that their zeal and activity should extend throughout their lives. Their missionary work helps them to grow in faith to become joyful disciples of Jesus. Solidarity with the less fortunate opens the heart to the great needs of humanity. It is in the faces of poor and needy children that one can recognize the face of Jesus. That is what inspired the great missionaries like St. Francis Xavier, Matteo Ricci, Charles de Foucauld, Mother Teresa of Calcutta and so many others in every part of the world.

The Pope concluded with the wish that their pastors, the Bishops and priests, their catechism teachers and their parents would encour­ age the Work of the Holy Childhood missionaries.

##» o u r t o t f e , J e t u s p ra y , fo r th e m

Rev. Fr. Claude Barreteau, MEP Rev. Fr. Felix Brygier, MEP Rev. Fr. Balthazar Chang, CICM Rev. Fr. Francois Dufay, MEP Rev. Fr. Edmund Dunne, CSsR Rev. Fr. James Wallace, CSsR Rev. Bro. Casimir, CSsR Rev. Fr. Gerard Keane, SJ Rev. Fr. Alfred Chan Rev. Fr. Frank Depoorter, Cl

His Excellency Archbishop Celestino Migliore replaces Archbishop Renato Martino, who is now the President of the Pontifical Commission for Justice and Peace at the Vatican.

European Parliament President visits Pope The President of the European Parliament, Patrick Cox, was received in audience by Pope John Paul II and later held talks with Vatican Secretary of Sate, Cardinal Angelo Sodano.

The visit of President Cox afforded a good occasion for an exchange of views on Europe.

In particular, in relation to the admission of new countries to the union, the Secretary of State underlined the fact that this would constitute an enrich­ ment for all Europeans and the basis of hope for other peoples.

During the course of their discussions they also spoke of future constitutional agreements and the interests of the commu­ nity of believers in the European countries where Christians are not the majority, with regard to their identity and the specific contribution which they offer to society The Holy See, however, emphasizes that it is not a matter of receiving in any way a privileged juridical status, but rather a question of guarantee­ ing the effective exercise of religious freedom, whilst guaran­ teeing, at the same time, respect for the independence of civic and community institutions and organizations.

Normally, the Pope recites the "Angelus" on Sundays, from the window of his study overlooking St. Peter's Square (which for those who may not know, is not square but circular!) However, on Monday January 6, the Solemnity of the Epiphany, he ordained 12 new Bishops and Archbishops, after which he appeared at the window of his study to recite the Angelus and address the crowds of pilgrims who had gathered.

Before the Marian prayer, he spoke on the implications of the Epiphany.

Dearest Brothers and Sisters, he began, today, the solemnity of the Epiphany of our Lord, the Baby, born in the night at Bethlehem, manifests himself to the world as the light of salvation for all people.

Some wise men, narrates the Gospel of St. Matthew come from the Orient , adore the Infant and offer symbolic gifts: gold, for the King, incense for God and myrrh for Man, who will be buried.

To this episode the Fathers of the Church soon added two others, in which Jesus manifests his glory: the Baptism in the river Jordan and the wedding feast of Cana.

These two events in the life of Christ are part of the cycle of the Mysteries of the Rosary - the Mysteries of Light - recently proposed for the meditation of all the faithful. Through the eyes of Mary, let us contemplate these mysteries in the Epiphany of the Lord, the light and salvation of the world.

In today's solemnity, there emerges the universal and missionary vocation of the Church. She is called to diffuse in the world the light of the Good News, fount of life and the renewal for every person and for the whole of humanity.

It is precisely this which is the duty of the Apostles and their successors, the Bishops: it is for that reason that I wished to ordain some new Bishops. I renew my cordial greetings to them, the members of their families and to those who accompanied them. I invite all of you as well, to pray for them that they may always be the "Epiphany" - the Manifestation of Christ, the Way, the Truth and the Life.

The Gospel narrates that a star guided the Magi to Jerusalem and then to Bethlehem. The ancient prophets had foretold that the Messiah would come with a celestial star. Also to Mary this symbol has been attributed: if Christ is the Star that leads to God, Mary is the star that leads to Jesus.

I entrust, today, the new Bishops and the whole Christian people to the Maternal protection of Mary. In particular I invite you to pray for our dear brothers and sisters of the Oriental Churches who, following the Julian Calendar, celebrate in these days the Birth of Christ. To all these ecclesial communities, may the Lord, born for us of the Virgin Mary, be filled with serenity and peace.

World Day of Peace At the end of the Mass of the Solemnity of Mary, the most Holy Mother of God and on the occasion of the 36th World Day of Peace, our Holy Father addresses the crowds before the recitation of the midday "Angelus".

At the beginning of the new year, let us raise our hearts in thanksgiving to God for this "New Time", gift of his merciful love, in the name of Jesus and His Holy Virgin Mother, Mary. Today, in fact, the octave day of Christmas, we celebrate the feast of the divine maternity of the Madonna and the Gospel reminds us that the Baby, born in the grotto of Bethlehem "was given the name Jesus" which means "God saves".

Yes, only from God can the world obtain salvation. Only Christ knows the innermost depths of the heart of man: it is only by welcoming the force of his grace that each one can fully realize himself.

Sustained by this awareness, believers do not lose hope, even when obstacles to peace efforts are multiplied.

Forty years ago, in a situation of grave threat to world peace and security, Blessed John XXIII published with great courage his Encyclical "Peace on Earth".

It is to this significant event, that I wanted to make reference to, in the Message for today World Day of Peace. I make the same appeal today as I ask each and every one to make his own contri­ bution to the promotion and realization of peace, through generous choices of mutual understanding, of reconciliation, of forgiveness and of thoughtful attention to those in need. Such concrete gestures of peace are necessary in families, in places of work, in the com­ munity, in civic life, in social, national and international meetings. It is necessary, above all, not to cease to pray for peace.

We cannot, yet again, not express the hope that, on the part of those who are responsible, everything possible be done to find peaceful solutions to the many tensions that exist today in the world, particularly in the Middle East, so as to avoid further suffering to populations who have already suffered so much. Let us hope that human solidarity and law will prevail.

Dearest Brothers and Sisters, we entrust this unceasing request to Mary, whom we venerate today with that beautiful title of Mother of the Saviour, who in the shadow of the Cross became the Mother of every human being.

May she obtain for us a year of serenity and fruitfulness in which "gestures o f peace" will be multiplied which will always have a prophetic character of humility, not for self glory but to proclaim the great ideal of peace.

TH E C A T H O L IC NEW S - 3

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Vocation Camps

TU u a o ju i I

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PLEASE CROSS O UT THE ABOVE ACCORDINGLY

A total of sixty-three young men spent three days at the St Francis Xavier Major Seminary in early December to discover their vocation to the Diocesan priesthood. Separated into two different groups according to ages, the first camp was held from November 29th to December 1st for those aged 18 and above, and the second was from December 2nd to 4th for teenagers aged 14 to 17 years.

Upon registration, the thirty-one men attending the first camp were led to the seminary chapel for Praise and Worship conducted by the seminarians. A solemn dinner followed, served by the Rector, Rev Fr Anthony Ho, with seminarians serving as waiters. After the welcome dinner, the Vicar-General, Mgr Eugene Vaz, addressed the participants in the opening talk, “The Call to Holiness: Vocation & Vocations”. The participants were given a clearer understanding that holiness is not so much about being pious and devout, but actually doing what God wants us to do in our lives.

Besides the Rector and the Vicar-General, the other speakers for the weekend were priests from the seminary - Fr Henry Siew, who enlightened the participants about the differences between “Priestly and Religious Vocations”, and Fr William Goh who shared about the “Distinctive Features o f a Diocesan Vocation.” Apart from them, Frs Richards Ambrose and Erbin Fernandez both shared about their joys and trials of their years in the apostolate, with Fr Fernandez later leading the participants in a Holy Hour and a ‘praying over’.

Sunday morning saw the participants being guided through a 'Discernment' process by Fr Michael Arro and Fr Anthony Ho who later led all present to make a “Decision o f Faith.”

Participants were taken through Moses’ experience in the Old Testament, and each asked to identify their “burning bush” encounters, if they had any, in their lives. The camp concluded with a mass presided by His Grace Archbishop Nicholas Chia at 3.30 pm., at the end of which, he thanked all who participated and planned for the camp, in particular, the lay volunteers.

Many found the sessions to be “an eyeopener and an affirmative experience,” as Jovita Ho, aged 27, from Our Lady of Perpetual Succour shared. In addition, the weekend also allowed for brief moments of recreation and prayer exercises with the seminarians, namely, Lauds, Vespers and morning meditation.

After the camp, Terence Yong, 22, from the Church of the Holy Cross, said that he “strongly encourages all who are searching for direction in their spiritual life” to attend these camps because for him, the camp “had been truly a wonderful experience.” Joel Yuen, 19, from Holy Trinity Church, added that the camp helped “one to realize the invitation from Jesus to journey with Him.” Patrick Chan, 26, also from Holy Cross, noted that the camp was “not just about being a priest”, but rather about “discovering one’s inner self and learning to discern what is God’s will for all of us.” It seems that most who attended the camp left the seminary on a high note. 22 year-old, Andrew Yang, from St Joseph’s, (Bukit Timah), shared, “I have seen truth here and have

started a beginning in addressing issues in my faith journey.”

Immediately following the camp for young adults, the second camp for teenagers began the next morning. The thirty-two youngsters were treated to lots of games and group activities to help them interact with one another.

Through the fun and games, the teenagers were reminded that social interaction was not the ‘end all’, but the means to being a priest, because, besides a disciplined prayer life, the priest would also need to interact with his people and be a figure of unity for the different groups and parish communities within the church.

Br Michael Broughton, a La Salle brother, gave the opening session, “Why me, Lord?”, which was well received by the participants who tremendously enjoyed Brother’s lively and humorous anecdotes of his own call to the religious life. He shared that we may not think we are worthy enough, or feel inadequate to offer ourselves up to serve God as a priest or a religious, but he stressed that God will ultimately bless us with gifts that will see us through the ministry. The other speakers for the camp were Fr Richards Ambrose who shared about our Christian identity and Fr Frederick Quek, who gave an overview about the different forms of prayer.

The highlight of the junior camp was the Feast Day celebration held on December 3rd.

The participants were each given a personal letter from St Francis Xavier telling them about his life's ambition, the purpose for his mission to the Far East in the early 16th century, and of his desire to spread the Gospel message to non-believers in Asia. The camp participants were then asked to reply to this letter. Their replies were later offered up during the presentation o f the gifts at the Feast Day Mass, celebrated by the Archbishop and nine other concelebrants.

Just before the end of the camp on Wednesday, the participants were shown a video entitled, “One Life to Live, One Life to Give,” which is about the joys and challenges of the ministry of some of our local diocesan priests.

Marcus Neubronner, 16, from Our Lady Star of the Sea, described the camp to be “very enriching and enlightening.” He felt he benefited from the three days as he was able to “both learn and enjoy” himself. He strongly recommends fellow youths to attend it. Another 16 year-old, Joseph Princetenn, from Blessed Sacrament Church agreed, saying that “the camp is so informative that we can learn almost everything about the priesthood.” An altar server from our Lady Star of the Sea, Rajiv Jude lllesinghe, 17, was glad that “these days in the vocation camp have actually answered my questions that I had for a few months. The programme was enriching and beneficial too.”

Another altar server, Aidan Ang, 15, from Holy Cross Church, gave a profound observation that “the camp really makes you question your faith and allows us to understand how to overcome the obstacles which prevent us from discovering our vocation.” This was echoed by his fellow-parishioner, Christian Chong, 17, who said that the camp is a “starter for men to realize their true vocation.”

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from

THE PEWS

Last year, the Church and the world at large was rocked by an abhorrent scandal generated by no less than the very ministers of the Church. Far be it in our intentions to down-play the enormity of that scandal, but there is an even greater on-going scandal in the Church, for centuries now. We refer, of course, to the scandal of disunity among Chris­ tians. All of us claim to be disciples of Christ, yet we are so disunited among ourselves to the point of unhealthy rivalry, even to the point of acrimony, even to the point, in some parts of the world, of killing each other.

Yet, all of us dare to claim to be members of his one Body. The Body of Him who became incarnate to be­ from come one with us - He who The E ditor died on the Cross to redeem us so that we might become Dr (Rev) Robert P. Balhetchet one with Him. He who prayed to His Father that we may all be one, as He and the Father were one. He who prayed for unity among all his disciples, so that the world would know that it was His Father who had sent Him. Need we wonder why, after 2 millennia, Christian­ ity is not the religion of the majority of people in the world? Need we wonder why after almost 2 centu­ ries, all the different Christian denominations put together make up only 15 percent of our country's population? It's a wonder that we are not the laughing stock of the rest of the world, because we who claim to have the true religion can't even agree among ourselves.

Year after year, we hold a Week of Prayer for

Christian Unity. We need to ask ourselves, though, how serious are we about praying for unity? Is it some perfunctory exercise consisting of a mumbled prayer for eight days, by those who frequent daily Mass or, as has been pointed out by the Pontifical Council for Christian Unity, is it an earnest prayer on the part of all Christian communities throughout the year, acknowledging, in all humility, our human frailty and beseeching the God of unity to touch the hearts of us all with his grace.

Are we only praying and doing nothing? The same Pontifical Council for Christian Unity is urging all Christians this year on the occasion of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity to unite on a global issue which is affecting all countries of the world. An issue which is causing untold misery to millions of people, an issue which has to do the fundamental human rights of every individual - the issue of migration, which has at its roots the violation of the basic rights of human beings.

Are we even conscious of the issue that the Council is drawing our attention to? Are we con­ scious of the implications involved? Do we see it as an issue for all Christians to be concerned about?

Do we see it as an area which summons all of us to witness to the Gospel?

The Pontifical Council for Christian Unity has drawn up a beautiful set of Biblical reflections for use in communities and small groups in the Church. We haven't the space in this issue to publish all of it, but we will do so in parts, in coming issues. Hopefully, individuals and groups will use the material and be spurred on to action, not just as individuals but above all as a united Church of Christ.

Responses are fro m the Editor.

Praying for Peace Kudos to you for spreading the Pope's message for world peace in CN Jan 5-12 titled “A Permanent Commitment”, and in your Editorial, “Being at Peace”. Your Page 1 article pin-pointed the four pillars of peace which are truth, justice, love and freedom, while your Editorial showed us the way to peace which is to be at peace with God and within ourselves.

If we look at our troubled, confused and fearful world, the call for peace cannot be over-emphasised. All the essential elements for peace are missing. Instead, a belligerent attitude prevails among many coun­ tries.

Warring nations continue to tear at one another’s throat, new threats of war loom on the horizon, and terrorism wreaks havoc in many lands. Innocent people are needlessly suffering and dying from the mindless atrocities.

I think pride, the desire to show who is boss and impatience may be some of the reasons why peace is a remote hope. Hostile nations seem to be saying, who cares about truth, justice, love and freedom? We have our own agenda and we are determined to accomplish it, come what may.

Sadly, God is the farthest thing from their minds. Yet the Good Lord is the only one who can bring world peace, if we would only be humble enough as to ask Him. The new year is the time for resolutions. For me, my resolution must be to pray for world peace every single day. I pray that: * Our world leaders will turn to God for wisdom. * They will think of peace, rather than war, and sink their differences through peaceful means. * In their agendas, they will take into consideration the essential ingredients for peace. * The United States, as the sole superpower, will lead by example by being a peacemaker, not a warmonger. * Rich nations will use their resources towards alleviating the plight of the millions suffering from poverty, hunger, malnutrition, disease, wars and terrorism.

This is not idealistic, for with the Almighty all things are possible. We have only to ask Him. May peace be upon us.

A. O.

Thank you for your comments. The situation in the world is really tragic. When one follows all the news o f the world and, now, with websites o f major newspapers available, one begins to wonder what is happening to peace and goodwill. There would seem to be hardly any country where man-induced tragedies o f all sorts, poverty, hunger, disease epidemics and senseless killings, actual wars and threats o f war, are not taking place. Yet, at the same time, there is a whole lot o f talking going on, endless negotiations, innumerable conferences and meetings. Results, however, don't seem to be forthcoming - certainly they don't seem to match the efforts being made, not to mention the money being spent for all these meetings and confer­ ences.

Yes, indeed, we humans seem to think that we can achieve everything with our own efforts. Our Holy Father, on the other hand, is constantly pointing out that it is only God who can touch the minds and hearts o f man. He is constantly appealing to all o f us in the Church and to all men o f every religion, to pray ear­ nestly and constantly for this action o f God to move men in the right direction.

He declared the Year o f the Rosary for that reason, to urge Catholics to pray to our Holy Mother to bring peace to our world. Since declaring it in October 2002, already 4 months have gone by, nearly h alf a year. But one can wonder whether his appeal is being heard and listened to.

And now, the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, is urging all o f us to pray unceasingly for unity in action and witness, so that Christians can witness effectively to the Word o f God in our society. It has suggested as a theme for this year, the question o f migration and the causes for it, which are precisely wars, religious and racial intolerance, inequalities, poverty and suchlike. It has urged prayer all year long.

But again, will that call be heeded?

From Mynmar The calender with the new Mysteries of Light and including also thoughts for contemplation and meditation for all the other mysteries was the very idea I had in mind (though not including the latest mysteries) to bring out on paper to help in praying the rosary. This idea had been in my mind since many years and now would it be presumptious to say devine intervention? - that the Lord Himself has brought it about through His Shepherd of the flock, the Holy Father.

I photo-copied the four-front pages and the mysteries, and cut out the complete icon and text of each mystery to form booklet of half an A4 size for easy reference, and give it to the parish priest. He was very taken up with the contemplative prayers and meditation and the presentation format. So much so that about 100 copies were made and distributed at the 2003 new year eve midnight mass.

M. T. It is very consoling to know that our Holy Father's wish for the Rosary to be said by all to bring peace to the world is being implemented. The Virgin Mary certainly knows how to get things done, but then, she is the Mother o f God, and mothers can be very persuasive.

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Foundress Beatified

By Marian Benny, sfo January 5 saw the Religious congregation of the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary celebrating the beatification of their foundress, Mary of the Passion,at the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd.

The foundress was beatified by Pope John Paul II in Rome on Oct 20 last year.

On Jan 5 at 10am, the cathedral choir led by conductor Peter Low burst into song and the Sisters processed into the cathedral, many dressed in the traditional clothes of different nations.Their common accessory was a scarf specially designed and presented by their Mother General.

Leading the concelebrated Mass was Archbishop Nicholas Chia, who was assisted by

five other priests, one of whom is a Franciscan.

The Mass had many highlights. Most significant was the offertory procession where Sisters from different cultures brought up their national flags to the altar to signify the presence of the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary in many parts of the world. A flame was lit at the altar at the same time that the choir sang Flame of Fire in English, French and Spanish.

The archbishop reminded the faithful to pray for the Sisters and support them in their work.

FMM provincial, Sr Mary Soh, presented to the archbishop the latest General Chapter Orientations while the rest of the people were given a copy of the book The Short Life of Mary of the Passion.

Nativity Church Centre closed

By Mel Diamse-Lee At a Dec 27 thanksgiving Mass at the Nativity Church Centre on Lorong Low Koon, Sr Janet Wang, provincial of the Canossian Daughters of Charity, revealed that her community was to return the Centre to the Church of the Nativity.

The parish will, in turn, will give it back to Archbishop Nicholas Chia.

After 23 years of running the Centre, including a kindergarten, on behalf of the Nativity parish the Canossians will discontinue activities related with the Centre.

However, six Sisters will remain at the Formation House located at the back of the Centre. This place will continue to be used for women and men discerning their life options, according to Sr Janet.

Also to continue operations is the Morning

Star Family Care Centre located at the ground level of the Formation House.

The celebrant at the evening Mass, Archbishop Emeritus Gregory Yong, who also inaugurated the Centre in November 1980, noted that people in the area have “benefitted from the activities and outreaches of the Sisters and their lay co­ workers.”

According to Nativity Church parish priest, Fr Augustine Tay, the archbishop intends to turn the Centre into an archdiocesan youth centre. The Centre was built in 1978 at the initiative of Fr Matthias Tung, former parish priest of the Nativity Church, to give parishioners a place to hold religious and social activities. Today, these activities are now held at the former CHIJ Ponggol School at the back of the church.

Christmas Pageant

By Gwyneth Har An 800-strong crowd, led by vicar general Monsignor Eugene Vaz, turned up for the choral concert staged by the St Francis Xavier (SFX) Youth Choir on Dec 21 in celebration of their 15th anniversary.

Some 160 choristers from three guest choirs combined to render songs ranging from 17th century motets to modern melodies under the theme, “A Single Voice”.

The guest choirs were Illuminate from the Church of St Francis of Assisi, the Edward Becheras Choir from Catholic High School and the Magnificat Chorale from the parish of St Teresa.

The finale, a musical by the SFX Youth Choir, was a colourful rendition of the significance of the Nativity of Christ.

The musical “Saying Yes” was a celebration of Mary's “yes” to God. Amidst the many struggles youths face today, the message to those present was strong - that keeping faith in God’s plan will help them confront the challenges they face daily.

Like Mary’s, the youths’ lives can always be a celebration of trials and joys.

It included original compositions by Denis Leong, conductor and overall coordinator of the combined

choir. Choreography was also done by the youths of the parish.

Members of SFX Youth choirs felt that the event was not only a celebration of their 15th anniversary. It was more a celebration of the special lives that they are called to live. In the face of mounting materialism and vices, they can witness God’s loving compassion by keeping faith in the single voice of the infant Christ.

Recent efforts undertaken by the group this December include an Outreach Programme at Changi Prison and a faith formation cum musical tour to Malacca.

For Rebecca this event was a step in their spiritual discovery. The 15 - year member of the choir said the songs this year affirm the many blessings the choir has enjoyed.

Monsignor Vaz was encouraged by this inter­ parish effort. He said the theme of the evening was developed well to reflect the message of Christmas.

Denis felt overwhelmed by the support and teamwork exhibited by the youth. “It is amazing what young people can achieve today for the kingdom of God if they are committed to the love God gives to each of us,” he said.

Silver Jubilee Submitted by the FMDM Sisters When Sr Geraldine Ee celebrated her 25th year as a Religious of the Franciscan Missionaries of the Divine Motherhood (FMDM) on Dec 8, parishioners of the Church of the Blessed Sacrament were one with her and her Sisters in rejoicing.

Amidst a capacity crowd, Sr Geraldine renewed her vows at the 10.30 am Mass concelebrated by Monsignor Francis Lau, Blessed Sacrament priests Albert Renckens, Anthony Hutjes and Fabian Lieshout, Jesuit Father Charles Sim and Frs Andrew Wong and Moses Lui. Sr Geraldine heeded God’s call to the Religious life in 1975 and since then has been travelling between Singapore, the United Kingdom

and Ireland as a missionary serving in a variety of ministries such as nursing the elderly chaplainship in the British Army and caring for children in a children’s home.

She is currently doing pastoral work at the parish of the Blessed Sacrament here. She has been a beacon of hope and love to all those who have the privilege of knowing her and being placed within her care in her many ministries.

The concelebrated Mass was followed by a buffet lunch at Damien Hall, where a multimedia presentation on the life of Sr Geraldine kept more than 200 well-wishers and family members entertained.

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"Hate Speech"

Concern over film

"I can see"

PAKISTAN, Lahore, (UCAN) — The National Commission for Justice and Peace of the Catholic bishops' in Pakistan has issued a statement voicing deep concern about “hate speech" and other provocations against non-Muslim religions.

Repeated acts of such inflammatory public speaking have incited violence against women, minority religious groups and sects in Muslim majority Pakistan, the commission said in a press statement issued on Jan. 9.

The statement was signed by Archbishop Lawrence John Saldanha of Lahore, the commission chairman, and Peter Jacob, the commission's executive secretary.

Their statement accuses authorities of turning a blind eye in the past “on hate crimes” against Christians and minority Ahmadis, Zikris and Shiite Islamic sects, seen as non-Muslims by Pakistan’s majority Islamic Sunni sect.

The statement also asserts that the kind of hateful public speaking they want to see ended resulted in the killing of worshippers on Christmas Day at a Protestant church in Daska, about 250 kilometers southeast of Islamabad.

SRI LANKA, Colombo (UCAN) — A Church media official has expressed concern about a film allegedly portraying Buddhists as perpetrators of violence in Sri Lanka’s ethnic war, saying the Church condemns any attempt that fosters discord.

The film, “In the Name of Buddha,” was directed by an Indian and jointly produced by a Sri Lankan Tamil and an Indian Catholic. It was first screened last November at the Twelfth International Film Festival in Oslo, Norway, and a month later to a select audience in London.

Father Cyril Gamini Fernando, secretary of the National Catholic Commission for Social Communications, pointed out in a press statement released Jan. 8 that critics say the film attempts to interpret the war as one between Buddhists and the non-Buddhist indigenous Tamil minority.

The Catholic statement says, “We are aware that due to the war that raged in this country for over 20 years, all creeds, communities and languages have suffered.” However, attempting to see Buddhism or Buddhists as perpetrators of the war not only distorts truth, it is also a calculated attempt to create religious strife that never existed in the country. If the film was making such a mean allegation, the statement asserts, then the Church denounces it.

Father Fernando, besides working for the Sri Lanka Catholic commission, is also secretary of the Asian chapter of SIGNIS, the international Catholic organization for the audiovisual, film, radio and television apostolate.

His statement explains, “The Catholic Church always emphasizes that cinema too, like all other forms of popular art, should be used to promote peace, harmony and unity among people in order to create a better human society.”

Noting that the Church categorically condemns any attempt to create discord by misusing cinema, he added that at a time when peace talks are being pursued between the Sri Lankan government and Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, the Church could never approve of a provocative film based on outright falsehood.

BANGLADESH, Chittagong, (UCAN) — Hasna Begum, a 14-year-old slum dweller, has every reason to rejoice. The formerly blind teenager can now see after being the recipient of Bangladesh's one-millionth eye operation on Jan. 2.

Rosi Gollman, founder and honorary president of Andheri-Hilfe, a German aid agency based in Bonn, told UCA News that once the bandages were removed, the girl started running around shouting, “I can see! I can see!”

The 75-year-old German aid worker told UCA News Jan. 8 that though Begum had sight restored to just one eye, she was ecstatic about being able to see flowers, trees, the sun and sky two days after the operation.

Begum’s operation marked Bangladesh’s onemillionth eye operation performed under a program of the Bangladesh National Society for the Blind (BNSB).

The society aims to restore full or partial sight to the visually impaired. Andheri-Hilfe has been supporting BNSB and Caritas Bangladesh since 1974 in their various eyesight improvement programs.

The one-millionth eye operation was performed at Chittagong Eye Infirmary and Training Complex, 210 kilometers southeast of Dhaka. It was one of 12 million cases of eye treatment performed over the past 40 years under BNSB. Begum’s other eye is expected to be operated on in the near future.

In Bangladesh, according to Andheri-Hilfe's website, about 30,000 to 40,000 children under the age of 15 suffer from blindness. For adults older than 30, the number is between 500,000 and 600,000.

Eighty-four percent of cases are due to cataracts, which are often caused by poor nutrition.

Gollman told UCA News she did not think she would ever witness this one millionth eye operation. In the early years after 1974, when she began her humanitarian work in Bangladesh, she said that “going through Dhaka’s streets, we could not but notice huge numbers of blind people — not only old ones but also young people, even children.”

Lazarus Rozario, a Caritas employee and a BNSB coordinator, told UCA News Jan. 8 the three organizations have worked as partners to bring sight to the blind through nine eye hospitals in different parts of the country.

Nun formation CHINA, Macau (UCAN) — The number of women Religious in mainland China has increased dramatically since the 1980s, but their development is being severely hampered by inadequate formation and ineffective direction within their communities.

This assessment comes from a Hong Kong sister scholar who has visited and studied the situation of nuns and convents in different parts of the mainland.

Precious Blood Sister Beatrice Leung Kit-fun has ex­ pressed these concerns at various forums, including an international symposium late last year in Macau.

According to Sister Leung, an associate professor at Hong Kong Lingnan University, the number of nuns rose from about 250 in 1986, when religions began to revive in the mainland, to some 4,000 in 2000. She says that about half the nuns are in the open Church, the rest in the underground Church, but the quality and formation of all the young nuns leaves much to be desired.

Lenten campaign INDONESIA, Jakarta (UCAN) — Jakarta archdiocese looks forward with confidence to an action packed campaign in Lent after a comparable program recently provided gifts and cash to poor people who live near its Catholic institutions.

Parishes and schools of the archdiocese offered help to their poor neighbors during the Muslim festival of Id al-Fitr, celebrated last Dec. 6, and on Christmas Day in a program called “Aksi Peduli Sesama” (care for neighbour action). The archdiocese’s Committee for Socio-Economic Development funded it.

Ignatius Masiya Suryataruna, the committee’s executive secretary, said that the success of last year’s program prompted his commission to launch a comparable Lenten Real Action aid program this year.

“We hope that parishes will be even more active in developing the program and seek more participation of non-Catholics in their localities,” he said. Suryataruna said the earlier program, launched before last Advent and in the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, aimed to empower impoverished families who sought aid from Catholic parishes, schools, organizations and institutions.

According to Suryataruna, the committee gave 1.5 billion rupiah (US$167,973) to Catholic centers all over the archdiocese. The money was raised by Catholics in last year’s Lenten campaign. In addition, he said, some parishes took the initiative of raising funds directly from their own parishioners.

The Church institutions were free to arrange how to disburse the money to help the poor. Suryataruna said many gave food parcels or organized cheap-price bazaars to help the poor buy goods at affordable prices.

Distributing the aid to Muslims and Christians, he noted, was done cooperatively with local community leaders or religious groups who know the people’s situation best.

Many people near Church centers benefited from the program. In one instance, slum dwellers got food packages during Ramadan from parishioners of Leo the Great Church in Jatibening, East Jakarta. In another, parishioners at St. Mary’s in Tangerang donated about

500,000 rupiah (US$56) to help people celebrate Id alFitr.

St. Arnoldus Church in Bekasi distributed some 400 food packages, Christmas parcels to 100 orphans and scholarship to 20 students. “Most people receiving assistance were poor Muslims,” Johanes Nugroho, a parishioner, told UCA News. It was all possible because each parish family donated 10,000 rupiah, he said.

Some parishes coordinated with people and groups of other faiths in helping the poor. Jesuit Father Stephanus Bratakarnata of St. Mary’s in Tangerang said his parishioners held a bazaar for Muslim families during Ramadan. It was organized by the Tangerang branch of the Catholic Woman of the Republic of Indonesia in cooperation with Buddhist, Hindu and Protestant women.

Fransiskus Sugiarto of Christ the Salvator Church in Slipi told UCA News that his parish provided more than 300 packages of basic household supplies to poor Muslims for Id al-Fitr. Catholics and Christians also received the same kind of help to celebrate Christmas and New Year’s.

Suryataruna said lessons gained from the past program are helping the archdiocese gauge how much each parish can afford and thus mobilize funds more effectively. Some parishes could only spend 50 million rupiah, while others paid out double that sum. Some large parishes reported that they were able to help some 30,000 people, others could barely help 500.

“It was a humanitarian aid program, so we did not set a target for parishes to fulfill,” Suryataruna observed.

“We let them run the program according to their own capacity. Anyhow, the program ran well and was successful.”

He also commented that the Church has also learned how to handle negative feedback from people who suspect their motives. “We should assure people our assistance is purely humanitarian. There is no political or religious motive behind the aid,” he explained.

“We want to help the needy, regardless of their religious background, without any intention to proselytize them.”

Preferring solitude KOREA, Seoul (UCAN) - Multi-million dollar homes built for retired diocesan priests in South Korea are almost empty because the retirees prefer to live “alone.”

A 75-year-old pastor said “Priests cannot live together simply because they have lived alone as priests for 30 or 40 years. They do not know how to live together, myself included.” He explained that many priests lack the discipline for community living.

He said they feel angry or resentful even if someone were to visit them. “I do not think that building houses for retired priests is a good idea,” he said. “That is why this kind of a plan in Suwon diocese and in Seoul archdiocese has not worked.”

Priest Village in Suwon diocese, 20 kilometers south of Seoul, was built in 1997 at a cost 2 billion won (US$2.3 million). It was the first place the Church in South Korea ever built to accommodate its retired priests. However, no retired priest lives at the 1,450square-meter complex, whose facilities include five individual homes, a chapel, separate house for expatriate priests, and a refectory, recreation and exercise room.

Father Kim who presently directs the village said, “Retired priests prefer to live in an apartment near the parish from which they retire. Priests do not want to be lonely, so they live where they can easily meet their former parishioners. That is why the idea of Priests Village does not work well,” the Suwon priest added.

The same predicament is faced by House of Taegon (name of the first Korean priest), which Seoul archdiocese built for retired priests in 1998.

Sister Virginia Kim Yeo-sim, superior of the Good Shepherd Sisters, said, “We need an alternative for retired priests unaccustomed to living together.

Attempts by Suwon diocese and Seoul archdiocese were not smart.”

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AROUND AND ABOUT

16x8

by Diana Koh Every third weekend of January, (this year it is Sat/Sun 18/19), a special collection is made in all parishes to support missionary activities handled through the Archdiocesan Commission for Missionary Activity (A.C.M.A.) - ACMA projects Out of a small office, 16 feet by 8 feet, with a part-time Administrative Assistant and 12 members belonging to the Commission, the following activities have taken place in the past 12 months : ft Mission Assistance to 19 projects in mission bases in nine countries. Each request, which has been made either to the Archbishop or directly to ACMA, is carefully scrutinized and ACMA's recommendations for financial assistance are submitted to the Finance Commission of the Archdiocese. ft Mission activity among young children from 11 parishes. ft Mission Awareness for laity : Mission Orientation Programme and Mission Exposure trips (the formation programme is subsidized by ACMA but the trips are at the expense of those participating) ft Printing and distribution of news, tracts and booklets to introduce non-Christians to the Catholic faith. ft Promoting Mission Awareness and Participation through sharing and talks in parishes. ft Maintaining contact with Singapore missionaries abroad. ft Co-operation and collaboration with certain churches in China through members of China Catholic Communication (Zhonglian Centre) ft Mission to non-Christians in Singapore through the ALPHA programme at Novena Church (organized and funded by NET and through donations) ft Forming and equipping the laity to be better catalysts of evangelization through the NET School of Evangelization, a project which falls under the umbrella of ACMA. ft Supporting the Parish System Groups in three parishes, which in turn are cells of evangelization and re-evangelization.

First Missionary Activity is Witness

by Diana Koh Thirty six lay Catholics attended a Mission Education Weekend organized by the Archdiocesan Commission for Mis­ sionary Activity (ACMA) a week ago. This took place at the FMM House of Prayer, Holland Road. .The participants came from 16 parishes. Through this formation, they had a better understanding of the Catho­ lic Church's stand and practice of mission and evangelization Resource persons included religious sisters and lay persons experienced in missionary work and evangelization. The workshop kicked off with a session by Fr Paul Staes, CICM who traced the history of mission in the Church and what the Church says today about mission.

Participants a t the Mission Education Weekend organized by the Archdiocesan Commission for Missionary Activity - (ACMA)

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EXECUTIVE SECRETARY

5 Other topics for the weekend included the Church’s teaching on Mission, Evangelization and Witnessing, Inter-religious issues, and mission opportunities, not only abroad, but also in Singapore.

It was not just a time for input, but also for deep prayer to discover how God is inviting each participant and how they are to respond. Br Dominic Chong helped them with the process of discernment.

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Unusual Cold Wave BANGLADESH, Dhaka (UCAN) — Two Christian organizations in Bangladesh have rushed blankets and warm clothing to victims of a cold wave that has already caused the deaths of at least 119 people.

Caritas Bangladesh, a Catholic relief agency, and World Vision Bangladesh, a Christian organization, have stepped up their relief efforts particularly in the northern part of the country.

Bangladesh’s official news agency unofficially put the death toll at 119 as of the first week of January. Children and elderly people are the most vulnerable, with many dying from ailments such as pneumonia and diarrhea.

Media have reported that temperatures in some areas have dipped to an unusual low of just 5 degree Celsius. The country’s average temperature during this time of the year is between 11 and 29 degrees Celsius.

Caritas Bangladesh, the national social welfare and human development agency of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Bangladesh, is spending 1.2 million taka (about US$20,900) to start an “emergency winter clothes distribution program” for some 3,500 families.

Benedict Alo D’Rozario, Caritas Bangladesh’s director of disaster management and development, told UCA News Jan. 6 that the organization has allocated 7,000 cloaks for men and women, and 3,500 sets of warm baby clothing in the “first phase” of its relief efforts.

According to D’Rozario, the seven regional offices of Caritas are involved in the distribution

effort, but the relief work is mainly concentrated in Dinajpur and Rajshahi, the most affected areas.

Caritas, he said, has already distributed new and old clothes donated by various individuals and organizations. In one case, Mondial, a multinational company, gave Caritas more than 2,000 pieces of clothing for distribution. Caritas plans soon to launch its “second phase” of relief efforts, so as to reach even more families affected by the cold wave.

World Vision Bangladesh (WVB), a Christian relief and humanitarian agency, has also started door-to-door distribution of 2,500 blankets to the victims under its Area Development Program. They include female heads of households, breast-feeding mothers and disabled beneficiaries, WVB zonal coordinator Dominic Ronjon Purification told UCA News Jan. 6.

Purification noted that the unusually cold winter has resulted in a “mortality rate” that is “higher than previous years.”

According to media reports, more and more people are visiting clinics and being admitted to hospitals for cold-wave related illnesses. In Dhaka, 250-300 children on average have been visiting each of the four government-run hospitals daily.

This is four times more than the number seeking such services before the cold wave began in December.

Among others, Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia has recently encouraged wealthy citizens and other organizations to aid victims of the cold spell.

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FA ITH IN LIFE

Call and Response SUNDAY 19 January 2003

LAM B

2 ORDINARY A pplication in Life

TEXTS FIRST READING I Sam 3:3-10. 19 RESPONSORIAL Ps. 39 SECOND READING 1 Cor. 6:13-15. 17-20 GOSPEL John. 1:35-42

CELEBRATIONS OF THE WEEK Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Sat Jan 18 - Sat 25 January Mon 20: St. Fabian, Pope, Martyr St. Sebastian, Martyr Tues 21: St. Agnes, Virgin Martyr Wed 22: St, Vincent, deacon Thur 23: Ordinary week 2 Fri 24: St. Francis de Sales, Bishop, Doctor Sat 25: Conversion of St. Paui,

Apostle

JESUS CALLS. He doesn't command or order. He invites. But like any invitation there is an RSVP. The trouble with many of us in Singapore is that we often don't bother about the RSVP. We receive the invitation all right, but just can't be bothered to take the trouble to reply.

Hopefully we are not transferring that attitude to the invitations of Jesus. At least with the cards we get, we receive them, we read them but just don't answer. With Jesus' invitations, we might not even receive them, let alone attend to them.

Of course, we easily excuse ourselves by saying that we didn't hear Him calling and inviting. That might not be as lame an excuse as it sounds. Again, here in Singapore there is so much bustle and noise around us that we tend to just switch off to the point that we don't hear the sounds any more. Or else we just stick earphones (either from our mobiles or from some "music device") into our ears and then we really don't hear anything else! If we have reached the point of not hearing anything around us, it's going to be very hard to hear Jesus also!

The very first disposition has to be "wanting to hear". There is a saying which goes: "There is none so deaf, as he who will not hear."

Then "hearing" is not quite enough, we need to "listen" and indeed, not just with the ears, but with the mind, (with understanding), and above all with the heart (with feeling and emotion) and "ready to do God's will."

There won’t be a voice calling us, or a card, or an SMS! We must learn to recognize the call of God in the persons and situations we encounter daily in our lives. God “speaks’ to us and “calls" us through personal encounters, situations and events.

The cycle of ‘Ordinary Sundays’ is concerned with the living of Christian life which can be seen as a response to Christ. The texts of this Sunday fittingly focus on the call of Christ.

First Reading: Already in the Old Testament God was calling those he chose. Here we have an account of how God called Samuel. His mentor Eli, the High Priest, instructed Samuel how he was to react to God’s call: “... when someone calls say, “Speak, Lord, your servant is listening”.

Responsorial: Having heard God's call in the First Reading we respond in the words of the psalmist: "In the scroll o f the books it stands written that I should do your will. Here I am Lord, I come to do your will."

Second Reading: is a warning about sins of impurity, though the selection of the passage seems out of line with the rest of the texts.

Alleluia: The necessary response to God's call is obviously the attitude of listening. Speak , Lord, your servant is listening.

Gospel. Christ chooses his first disciples. The call of these first disciples is in a sense "indirect" unlike those he will call later. But it is an invitation all the same: “Come and see”. Later when he calls others it will almost be a command: “Come, follow me".

OUR HOLY FATHER'S PRAYER INTENTIONS FOR JANUARY

General: "You are the salt o f the earth light o f the world'. - That Christian communities, in this and the particular moment of our history, may welcome ever more completely the Lord’s invitation to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world (cf. Mt 5,13-14) Mission : The Christian communities o f China.- That the Christian communities of China, docile to the Word of God, may strengthen their ties and cooperate more effectively in spreading the Good News.

GRAPHICS: COPYRIGHT - THE ORDER OF ST BENEDICT

t

The Message SUNDAY 2 6 Jan u a ry2003

WHATEVERyOU

3 ORDINARY

DOINWORD orinwork;

TEXTS FIRST READING Jonah 3:1-5.10 RESPONSORIAL Ps. 24 SECOND READING 1 Cor. 7:29-31 GOSPEL Mark 1:14-20 CELEBRATIONS OF THE WEEK Mon 27: St. Angela Merici.Virgin Tues 28: St, Thomas Aquinas, priest, Doctor Wed 29: Ordinary week 1 Thur 30: Ordinary week 1 Fri 31: St. John Bosco, priest Sat 1 FEB; Ordinary week 1

The previous Sunday's Liturgy focussed on the call of Christ to which we need to be dis­ posed to listen to and which we must be • prepared to respond to. Today the focus is on the content of that call, or the actual message.

DOMUN THEN/ME /

Green is the liturgical colour used for the "Ordinary Time* of the year which has 33 Sundays, covering most of the year. However, a number of Sundays are big feasts or Solemnities and the colour for them would be Gold.

Green is the colour for "Hope” - the hope of eternal life, Sunday Cycle 2-B Weekday Cycle: 1

A pplication in Life

First Reading already gives us a hint as to what the message is all about. The Prophet Jonah was given instructions by God to pass a message to the people of Nineveh, a city noted for its corruption. The message was: “Nineveh is going to be de­ stroyed". But the people of Nineveh listened to the warning, believed in God and repented of their ways.

THE CONTENT of the message is quite clear - it is the constant message of the Gospel - Repent, turn back to God - change . IT is a message that we are soon going to hear very often when we come to the Season of Lent, which will be upon us in a little over six weeks' time.

We might only be at the beginning of the year, but it is always time to work on change in our lives. The message to repent is not only meant for Lent but is valid for all our lives. We are not about to changeeverything in our lives that needs changing - all at one go as it were. It is a process that has to go on thoughout our lives.

Responsorial: We need the disposition of the Psalmist. We are supposed to respond, but we need the humility to learn from Jesus, the best of teachers. 1Lord teach me your paths, make

The Responsorial prayer: "Lord teach me your paths, make me know your ways", is a prayer that we should make our own, con­ stantly.

OFTH ^

me know your ways."

Second Reading: The urgency of this message is also stressed: *our time is growing short ...the world... (our personal world) is passing away".

Acclamation: Urgency again. "The Kingdom o f God is close

GREE

TEXTS: COPYRIGHT - DR. (REV) ROBERT P. BALHETCHET

at hand. “

Gospel: Very explicit about the content of the message. We are told that Jesus proclaimed the Good News from God: ‘Repent and believe the Good News’. We note the parallel between this direct message of Jesus and the message to the people of Nineveh. Essentially it is the same: it is a question of repenting or changing one's ways - a question of turning back to God - a question of acknowledging our sinful ways and renounc­ ing them to follow the path of God, The Kingdom of God is close at hand. “ There is the same pattern of calling other disciples.

Our time is growing short we heard in the Second Reading.

Surprising how time flies. It seems that we just started a new year, but it won't be long before we come to the end of the month. Yes, the world is passing away - nothing to do with the end of the world as such - but certainly our world, our time, our personal lives are passing away. It is not a question of being "morbid" - but we do not know the day nor the hour!

We have celebrated the great mystery of the Incarnation - the beginning of the implementation of God's plan of salvation for us. The period of the so-called "Ordinary Time o f the year" which we have entered, is a time when we have to live out our response to God's call to repentance and salvation.

Let us take seriously the message of Jesus in today's Gospel: "Repent and believe the Good News."

F o r tn ig h t ly : S u n . J A N . 1 9 a n d S u n . J a n . 2 6 , 2 0 0 3

TH E C A T H O L IC NEW S - 9

FORM ATION

GENESIS The Story of C R E A T IO N : Ch. 1, v. 1 to £ h . 2, v. 4

TEACHES

"1%.

“The Seventh Day" [Gen 2:1^3]:

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PQ PQ W

THE OLD TESTAMENT BIBLICAL PRIMEVAL HISfORY Gen 1 -1 1 recounts events that ranged from creation to around 1850 BC. • • •

Not a detailed history.

Not a history of mankind.

Primary objective - theological

The Storv of CREATION - covered in past segments:-

if If if if

“The first day’ [Gen 1:3-5] “The second day’ [Gen 1:6-8] "The third day’ [Gen 1:9-13] “The fourth day’ [Gen 1:14-19] “The fifth day" [Gen 1:20-23] "The sixth day [Geo N e x t: “the seventh day”

H

By Rev. Ambrose Vaz, SSL Professor of Sacred Scripture St Francis Xavier’s Major Seminary

"... he (God) rested” : The verb tes te d ” (in Hebrew shabat) is the basis of the noun “Sabbath” (cf. Ex 31:1217). The holiness of the seventh day is related to the whole of the now-completed work. It establishes an order for humanity that organises and separates time into a) the daily measure of time, and b) ‘Sacred” or holy time. This separation completes the account of creation Which began with three separations. God completes his work on the seventh day; the formula “evening came, morning cam e” is missing : the “rest” of God has no-end! Mqn is called to share in and prepare for this rest : “Let us therefore make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one may fa ll...” (Heb 4:11) Conclusion : [Gen 1:1 - 2:3] ‘P’s account of creation preserves the mystery about the creator and creation, a mystery not accessible to human imagination. He knows he does not have either the first or the last word to say about creation.

An interpretation that did not grant to creation its own significance, but saw its meaning only in relation to soteriology, has inevitably caused the particular acts of God in creation to be ignored; this has caused the Creation story to appear to have lost its credibility ... the scientific explanation taking its place!

But, the ‘P’ account of creation speaks its own, language. ‘P’ differs from modern scientific conceptions, which typically focus on the formation of the'planet in its solar system, and leave out the consideration of animate life and human culture. Ancient Near Eastern cosmogonies, on the contrary, are mainly interested in

the emergence of a people; ‘nature’ is only the environment for the human community.

Gen 1:1 - 2:3 therefore stays within the categories of the ‘science’ of its time and attempts to see in those categories divine power and purpose, and the unique place of humans. The ‘P’ creation story has something to say about the beginnings of the world and the human race that natural science cannot say!

On the other hand, the Creatipn story is completely open to the scientific explanation of the origins and the beginnings of the world and the human race, and a lrea d y inclu de s it in a n utsh ell. An 'either-or' opposition between the biblical account of creation and the scientific explanation of the world is therefore unnecessary.

Conflict between chaotic? forces ' * (sea, darkness, etc.) which characterises many other biblical and Near Eastern accounts, is absent. There seems even to be a polemic against such conflict cosmogonies. Creation follows effortlessly from God’s mere word.

Because Gen 1 is a portrait of what God intends, it is also an eschatological statement. This serene, beautiful world, in which all is ordered to humans, and humans are ordered to God, is how it will be at the end. The stories of human sin, which follow Gen 1, cannot permanently disfigure the original divine intent : God’s world will triumph! Rev 21-22, the description of God’s new world, appropriately draws on this chapter.

Gen 2:4a is not the conclusion of the ‘P’ creation story, but a separate caption introducing the following material, namely, the entire complex of Gen 2:4b 4:26, as elsewhere in Genesis (cf. Gen 5:1:6:9, 10:1)

TEXTS: Copyright - Rev. Ambrose Vaz and Dr. (Rev.) Robert P Balhetchet

TEACHES

Chapter 1 - The Mystery of the Church Article 7 - The Body of Christ

The Documents of Vatican II Dogmatic Constitution the Church “Lumen Gentium " - Light o f the Nations

We are considering the various images of the Church, . Our current piece deals with Art. 7 which explains the image of "Body of Christ" based mainly on St. Paul’s use of this image in his Letters.

This is not new to Vatican H, as it has been used very much by the Fathers of the Church and ex­ pounded in the classic Encyclical of Pius Xil, "The Mystical Body of Christ" (1943)

By Dr. (Rev) Robert P Balhetchet, Ph.D. (TheoJ,)

The article establishes a "physical" and, therefore, very real application of this "image", which, in a sense makes it more than an "image". "In the human nature united to himself (through the incarnation), the Son of God, by overcoming death ... redeemed man and changed him into a new creation . For by communicating his Spirit, Christ mystically constitutes as his body, those brothers of his who are called together from every nation."

The Council stresses the REALITY of this incorporation into the Body of Christ. This it does more emphatically than does Pius XII in "The Mystical Body of Christ". "The life o f Christ," the Council says, "is communicated to those who believe and who through the Sacraments (of Baptism and the Eucharist) are united in a "mysterious"AND REAL way to Christ..."

In Baptism we are joined with Christ's death and will be fully joined with him in the resurrection of the body. In the Eucharist, we partake of the Body and Blood of Christ and REALLY PARTAKE of the Body of Christ, and so are elevated into communion with Him. This is, one might say, pushing to the limits, the significance of the Eucharist and the Consecration of the bread and wine. We have the tendency, perhaps, to just use the expressions, maybe, even in a sort of figurative way, when we say, "In Baptism we die with Christ and rise with him to newness o f life" Similarly, when we talk of Holy Communion, we just say that we receive Christ "spiritually. But that’s not what our theology has always taught. We are really baptized INTO the death of Christ.

Transubstantiation is not just some sort of "symbol" of the Body of Christ as some Protestant theologians would teach. The bread IS changed

into the Body of Christ and the wine IS changed into His Blood. Either we believe this or we don't!

If we DO believe, as we are supposed to, then communicating would make us in a REAL sense, part of Christ's Body. This is what Baptism and the Eucharist are about. This is why St. Paul spoke so emphatically about us being the BODY and BLOOD of Jesus. This is why he taught so vigourously about the sanctity of our bodies.

But just as these Sacraments unite us with the Body of Christ, so too, they necessarily unite us with our fellow Christians through the Body of Christ to whom we are all conjoined. Hence one appreciates why the same St. Paul again, feels so strongly about "unity" in the Christian community.

This is why we said that "Body o f Christ' is more than an image, it is a REALITY, though we tend to view it as an "image" or "analogy" for the Church. No, the Church IS the Body of Christ, in a mysterious and perhaps incomprehensible way a mystical way!

What follows in the rest of the article is a treatment of the various "similarities" in the image comparison of the human body and the Church, the Body of Christ. This are the more familiar image similarities - The head and the members of the human body are like Christ and us in the Church, superiority and subordination, yet all necessary and one cannot do without the rest.

The diversity of function of the different parts of the body yet the necessary co-ordination of all, etc. This is what we usually think of when we use the image of the "Body of Christ". But, in a sense, this is secondary. What the Council sets out in the first part of the article is what is the core of this reality of the "Body of Christ". If we have assimilated this, the other, might we say "superficial similarities", follow necessarily.

1 0 - T H E C A T H O L IC NEW S

F o r tn ig h t ly : S u n . J A N . 1 9 a n d S u n . J a n . 2 6 , 2 0 0 3

C H ILD R E N ’S CORNER C R O S S W O R D

C O N T E S T

No 18 MOSES

2. T h e _____ of the little baby knew this and also knew that the king’s daughter did not have a child of her own.

3. At that time an Israelite woman gave birth to a b a b y ____ , but she didn’t want him to be killed, so she hid him.

4. She called the baby 8. One day he saw an Egyptian man a man of Israel, and he hit and killed him.

10. Moses knew that the king would be very _ with him and so he ran away from Egypt.

11. The king’s daughter used to go to the river t o _____ .

13. He never forgot that he was a man of Israel and it made him very sad and angry to see his people b e in g ____ treated.

1.

2.

3.

5.

6.

7.

9.

12.

She guessed that it must be an Israelite baby, but as she had no child and the baby was so beautiful, she decided t o _____ it as her own.

There was a cruel king in Egypt who was afraid because the people of Israel were getting to be to o ____ .

True enough, the king’s daughter came along and found th e _____ with the beautiful little baby in it.

So Moses grew up in th e ____ of the king.

Moses is a v e ry _____ important man in the Old Testament.

He was born in where the people of Israel were living.

So the king ordered e v e ry ____ child born to be killed.

She put the little baby in a basket and him near a river.

S p e c ia lt y

fo r

Children, you must follow these RULES

1

A C RO S S

y o

u

2

This contest for children preparing to receive Holy Com­ munion and attending classes at their Parishes.

S 4

Hey! It looks as though I have to say sorry everytime I write to you! I have to say sorry again this time, children. I was wondering why there were so few entries for the Crosswords. Then, when I was correcting those that did send answers, I realized that there were mistakes in both No. 16 and No. 17. Well, actually they were not real mistakes. What happened is that I forgot to take away the words that you are supposed to fill in. So, I actually gave the answers! There were two like that in No. 16 and one in No 17.

Gee! Fr. Bob is really getting old! The trick is to try all the words with the same number of letters,to see which one fits, and then you would have got it. I suppose that is what those who got it right must have done. Anyway, I am terribly sorry! I've got to try even harder not to do that again! Usually, after completing everything, I do the crossword myself to be sure it's correct.

Sometimes, though, I have no time, and that's when mistakes happen.

Bye, for now!

God love you all. Fr. Bob.

Prizes will be awarded to the first three correct entries to reach the Editor, AFTER midnight Wed/Thur 22/23 Janu­ ary 2003, by e-mail to steeple(S)sinonet.com.sa. The first three correct entries will be based on the date and time as recorded in the "Inbox". The Editor's decision is final.

8 8

7

8 0

Closing Date: midnight. Fri/Sat 24/25 January 2003.

10 11

To send the answers, just use the numbers of the clues and give the answer for each clue.

12

You must give your full name, address, and the Commun­ ion Class you are attending at your Parish.

13

Winners, for the first three correct entries, (according to the "Inbox") and the Consolation prizes will be announced in the following issue of the Catholic News.

Created by Catholic News with EclipseCrossword © 2000-2002 by Green Eclipse Software

No.

1 6 -

O Holy Night

1 Joseph and Mary had promised to get married.

2 3

4 5 6 7 8

Hi, Girls and Boys!

How's school?

For some of you, a new school, a new class, new friends, new teachers. Hope you're settling down and are happy! Time passes very quickly, doesn't it. We're now well into a new year - Gee! We're already into the second half of January and very soon you'll be celebrating the Lunar New Year and, oh yes! - looking forward to "those little red things"!!

It has to be the children's own effort and parents are asked to use this opportunity to teach the children the value of honesty.

9 10 11 12 13

14 15

Before this could take place, Mary was expecting a baby.

Joseph knew that he was not the father.

But he was embarrased because people started to gossip.

One night he had a dream.

In the dream an angel told him not to worry, because God had chosen Mary to be the mother of his Son Jesus.

Joseph believed the message of the angel and married Mary.

At that time, everyone had to register themselves at the town they came from and since Joseph came from Bethlehem, he had to go there with Mary to register.

When they reached the town, they couldn’t find a place to stay so they had to go and rest in the stable for animals.

That n ig h t, Mary gave birth to Jesus.

Mary and Joseph wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger.

Meanwhile some shepherds were watching their flocks at night.

Suddenly there was a bright light and an angel appeared and told them that a Saviour had been born in Bethlehem.

Angels sang: Glory to God on high. Peace to all good men.

The shepherds then went to the town and found Mary and Joseph and the baby Jesus.

No. 17 - The Wise Men Not long after Jesus was born, three wise men from the East saw a new star rising.

They followed it to Jerusalem, because they knew it was the star of the new-born King of the Jews.

When they reached Jerusalem, they went to see King Herod of Judea.

They told him they had come to pay their respects to the new-born king.

This made the king very worried.

He wondered who this new king was.

So the king asked his experts if they knew where this new king was to be born.

These clever fellows told hm that he was to be born in Bethlehem.

Herod then called the wise men and told them to search for the new­ born king.

10. He asked them to return and tell him where they found him so that he too could go and pay his respects.

11. As soon as they left the king, the wise men saw the star again and followed it.

12. The star led them to the home of Jesus.

13. They went in and saw the holy family.

14. They bowed down, worshipped Jesus, and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

15. They didn’t return to Herod, bcause an angel warned them not to.

THE W I N N E R S Chan Yen Fern Marianne St Bernadette - Nos. 16 & 17 Charisse Foo Tsien Mei Queen o f Peace - 16 only Felicia Tan Queen o f Peace - 16 only

C o n so la tio n P r iz e s No one for the Consolation prizes.

1 entry for both Nos. 16 and 17 had mistakes unfortunately - Don't give up!

You tried, and that's what matters.

Congratulations to ALL of you for your efforts!

COLLECTION OF PRIZES Please contact Catholic News Office, 2 Highland Rd. #01-03, S 549102 (next to Immaculate Heart Church) TEL: 6-858-3055, FAX: 6-858-2055 e-mail: cathnews(a)cathoHc.ora.sa.

Monday to F riday: 9.00am-6.00pm ( except lunch: 12.00-2.00pm ) and ask for Auntv Veronica

L e s s o n s fr o m "T H E W I S E MEAT' The three wise men, or kings, followed a star! And what did they find? They found Jesus! Wonderful isn't it, children?

If only we too had a star to follow! But we do have a star to follow. Wait! Don't run to the window tonight and look for a star that's moving! The star we have is Jesus and we should be following Him. The three kings had to follow a star to find Jesus.

We don't need to go looking for Jesus. We've already FOUND JESUS! We have been baptized in his name.

We are his children.

More than that, we have this wonderful privilege of receiving Jesus in Holy Communion. If you haven't had

your First Communion, you will be receiving Jesus soon, since you must be preparing to receive him now.

Hopefully you will receive him every Sunday without fail, and maybe you might even get Mummy and Daddy to go along with you to Mass every day so that you can receive Jesus every day! I'll let you into a little "secret'. I received my First Communion when I was 5 years old and my Mummy and Daddy brought me along to Mass and Communion every morning before bringing me to school. Maybe that might be too difficult for you, but at least at the weekends and during holidays, you could try to go more often to Mass and receive Jesus.

So, since we have found Jesus already, it should not be too difiicult to follow Him. Following Jesus means trying to be like Him - trying to do what he taught us. He doesn't ask us to do difficult and unpleasant things. He asks us to love one another as he loves us. He loved the poor, the sick, he loved those who were not too nice either. Surely, loving others is not unpleasant!? It's nice to love Daddy and Mummy, to love your brothers and sisters if you have them, to love your classmates in school, to love the children in your block or neigbourhood, to love and be kind to the poor you meet, to the old people, helping them when you can. Learn to follow Jesus, children!

F o r tn ig h t ly : S u n . J A N . 1 9 a n d S u n . J a n . 2 6 , 2 0 0 3

T H E C A T H O L IC NEW S - 11 "------ i

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Red Mass

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By Mel Diamse-Lee SINGAPORE - Members of the newly established Catholic Lawyers Guild (CLG) began the new legal year with a Red Mass Jan 4 to “invoke divine assistance in their administration of justice.”

Archbishop Nicholas Chia, who celebrated the Mass with CLG spiritual director, Franciscan Friar John-Paul Tan, said the Red Mass highlights the importance of the legal system and prayed that the Holy Spirit may guide and inspire those in the legal profession in the administration of justice.

He noted in his homily that the Guild, formed Dec 5 to bring together Singapore’s 500 Catholic lawyers and other legally trained personnel, aims to help them increase their faith and find its place in their practice of their profession.

“Without laws there will be chaos and disaster but all laws originate from the eternal law of God,” he reminded some 100 legal practitioners at the morning Mass.

“Whatever law is passed must be in accordance with the law of God... In applying and administering laws, we must seek the spirit behind the law to ensure justice,” he stressed.

He noted that red vestments worn during Mass symbolise the Holy Spirit who is invoked in the Mass.

The tradition of the Red Mass goes back more than 700 years. It was first recorded in France in 1245 when it was celebrated at the La Sainte Chapelle (Chapel of the Order of Advocates) built by King Louis IX. During the reign of Pope Innocent IV, the Roman Rota was instituted as the supreme body of the Roman Catholic Church and the auditors of the Rota were appointed jurists for the provinces of the Pontifical States. The Red Mass was inaugurated to call down divine assistance in the work of the Rota and invoke the Holy Spirit to inspire the judges in the conduct of their ecclesiastical affairs.

At the inaugural Mass formalising the establishment of the CLG on Dec 5, Archbishop Chia said Catholic lawyers and other legally trained personnel, which form 10% of the legal professionals in Singapore, “should not just be a strong force in numbers but should profess their faith because before they are citizens of the world, they are God's children first.”

Being a lawyer is not just a profession but a ministry because they minister to people in need, he said. “If you bear this in mind, you will not do what you are doing out of monetary reward but out of your own goodness,” he said.

A strong faith foundation is necessary to exercise compassion and mercy, he noted, adding he fully supported the formation of the CLG so that the lawyers and other legal personnel can be helped to enrich their spiritual lives and be transformed and also be a blessing to the Church in its various ministries.

Also at the inaugural dinner on Dec 5, Friar

Tan said members of the CLG executive committee would be working with him to organise spiritual programs such as retreats and doctrinal classes.

“We will attempt to help lawyers to understand a faith that is consistent with their lives as lawyers, as citizens and as members of the People of God,” he told lawyers, their families and guests.

“My vision is that the Guild will provide a platform where the work of lawyers can be reflected upon in the light of Gospel values.

This in turn should lead lawyers to live out in their lives the imperatives of the Gospel. Their experiences will then in turn feed our reflection so that we can gain a deeper insight into the challenges and struggles of their vocation - a balance between the letter and the spirit of the law,” added the Canon lawyer.

CLG president Jimmy Yim, in his Dec 5 speech, noted that Singapore “lawyers have come to be known ...as skilled professionals, trained in the law but skilled in pursuit of money.

Many people see lawyer as having “been swept away by the current of materialism in the pure pursuit of wealth to the exclusion of moral values and the concepts of justice and mercy.”

He said the CLG “will enable the Catholic lawyers to rediscover, renew and deepen their faith to renew and orientate our profession.”

He said CLG chose for its patron saint Thomas More, whose famous line “I am the King’s good servant but God’s first” is a restatement of the Lord’s direction “to seek first the Kingdom of Heaven and all the other things we desire will also be added unto us.”

He hoped that with the formation of the CLG “eventually, we too can each claim, ‘We are Singapore's good servants and God’s first’.”

Mrs Magdeline Pereira, 60, a teacher turned litigation lawyer, is happy to with the formation of the CLG and said she is looking for spiritual formation programs. “I feel we do not have that spiritual backing because we have become so materialistic. When we go for these programs, we would be brought back and realise money is not everything. “ Ng Yuih Ein, 24, a corporate lawyer said she joined the CLG because “I want to learn how to incorporate the faith into my practice and get spiritual guidance.”

She feels it is important for lawyers to come together as a group, get to know each other and share experiences.

Glenn Glothy, 34, who has been practising law for nine years, feels that there are important areas lawyers need to be guided spiritually.

Noting that Catholic professional groups like nurses, teachers and doctors have been in existence for many years, he said it is timely to bring lawyers together spiritually and for fellowship.

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age: phone: e-mail:

occupation:

1 2 - T H E C A T H O L IC NEW S

to

F o r tn ig h t ly : S u n . J A N . 1 9 a n d S u n . J a n . 2 6 , 2 0 0 3

W h y not include a P ilg rim ag e in y ou r itin erary?

4 to 8 days out o f L o n d o n .

LOURDES F A T IM A - R O M E 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

COM ING UP PRAISE AND WORSHIP SERVICE FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY Date: Wed. Jan 22, 8 pm - 9.30 pm.

Venue: Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer, 30 Duke’s Rd. Service will be presided by Pastor Nick Singh with five other Christian ministers participating. All are invited.

Please bring your Christian friends along.

Jointly organized by Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer & Church of St Ignatius.

ANNUAL PERANAKAN MASS Annual Peranakan Mass on Chinese New Year eve at 11 pm in Church of the Holy Family. All are welcome.

VEHICLES WANTED Private & Commercial.

Part & Non-Part.

Immediate confirmation and cash payment.

Please call Henry

9674-1842/9218-3289 Come visit us at Wellsprings Catholic Books 201 Goldhill Centre, Thomson Road, Singapore 307637.

Tel: 6252-3390 email: wellsp@singnet.com.sg web: www.wellsprings.com.sg Books, CDs, C an d ies, In c e n s e , S ta tu e s ...

IN M EM ORY D ear St Jude, Faithful intercessor of all who invoke your help, Thank you for 1istening to my prayer and com ing to my help. It is a wonderful blessing and great com fort that you are there for us when we need your 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 Special thanks to holy apostle, St Jude for prayers answered. Also grateful thanks to Our Father, Sacred H eart of Jesus, M other M ary, O ur Lady o f Perpetual Succour for the countless intercessions, m iracles and prayers answ ered during most difficult and troubled times. Please continue to bless us and intercede for us. Jordana and W iny Holy St Jude, I am grateful to you for helping and guiding me to excel and succeed for the past years. Please bless me.

Grateful thanks to St Jude for all petitions answ ered. Please continue to intercede for me in the success of my studies to your cousin Jesus. M. Ho .

Grateful thanks to Sts Joseph, Gerard, Anthony, Francis Xavier, Sacred Heart of Jesus and M other o f Perpetual Succour for all petitions answered.

Please continue to look after us alway. K. Ho and fam ily.

M any thanks and gratitude to St Jude for prayers answered.

Please continue to bless me. Hua My deepest gratitude to St Jude for answ ering m y prayers. Please continue to bless us and intercede for us.

Tong Thank you St Jude for m any favours answ ered. Please continue to bless me.

S.L.

MAY THEY REST IN PEACE In loving m em ory o f

C E C IL Y PEREIRA Departed: Jan 23, 1987 O ur thoughts are alw ays with you, O ur hearts are sore with pain; T his w orld would be like heaven If you were here again.

M ass will be celebrated at 6.15 pm on Thursday Jan 23, 2003 at the Church o f Imm aculate H eart o f M ary.

T hank you St Jude for answ ering my prayer.

J.G.

Sadly m issed by your loving children, in-law s and grandchildren.

Please treat this as a personal invitation from the Pereira family.

Seventh Anniversary In loving m em ory of

M AYM A M IRANDA Departed: Jan 23, 1996 The depths o f sorrow we cannot tell, O f the loss o f one we love so well, A nd while she sleeps a peaceful sleep, Her memory we shall alw ays keep.

Sadly m issed by your loving children, in­ laws, grandchildren and great-grandsons.

A m ass will be offered at Imm aculate Heart o f Mary Church, on Thursday Jan 23, 2003 at 6.15 pm.

Please treat this as a personal invitation from the M iranda family.

LOURDES FEAST at 50 Ophir Road, Singapore 188690 The Church of Our Lady of Lourdes commemorates its Patronal Feast with a Novena from Saturday Feb 1 to Sunday Feb 9, 2003.

Daily Novena Masses at 6 pm.

ON THE FINAL DAY Healing Masses at 8 am (in Tamil) and 10 am (in English).

(5T9)nR5)(0°]d9D Cr0"}6U^CJD^0Cir)o ‘INNER HEALING’ RETREAT (in Malayalam)

In the evening Mass and candlelight procession presided by Archbishop Nicholas Chia.

By Nirmala Retreat Center (NRC) Kulathuvayal Team from India Date

: C hinese New Year holidays Feb 1 ,2 & 3 (Sat, Sun & M on) 9 am to 6 pm

Team : Fr. Abraham K adiakuzhy, Br. G eorge G loria, Sr. Jose M ary Sr. Tessin A ndrew s Venue:

I.J. Sisters (CH1J, Bukit Timah), (St Joseph’s Church Bus Stop) 4A, Chestnut Drive, Singapore 679330

A LL ARE W ELC O M E.

from NRC Kulathuvayal Tearn, Kozhikodu, Kerala, India

CHURCH OF STS PETER & PAUL $ 2 /- D O N A T IO N T IC K E T S D R A W W IN N IN G N U M B E R S

Enquiries: Sajan 98520430

Or

DATE: Sat, 28 Dec 02 TIME: 3pm VENUE: Church of Sts Peter & Paul

Rita Thom as 62589844

PRIZE NO. TICKET NO. PRIZE NO. TICKET NO. PRIZE NO. TICKET NO. 1st 160427 2nd 287355 15th 154157 28th 130684 3rd 283734 16th 208641 29th 221611 4th 171765 17th 184971 30th 107565 5th 229508 18th 147429 31st 283838 6th 157929 19th 222643 32nd 305885 7th 111991 20th 217480 33rd 304735 8th 180474 21st 162892 34th 314420 9th 132014 22nd 152740 35th 160171 10th 193636 23rd 299580 36th 142197 11th 118757 24th 221716 37th 156918 12th 25th 304889 215796 38th 234838 13th 245896 26th 172804 39th 287607 14th 187233 27th 129916 40th 196501

A L L ARE WELCOME.

"Cast alt your u/orries upon Him because He cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7)

Annual Marian Retreat of the Magnificat Marian Centre T h is r e t r e a t is f o r p e o p l e w h o a r e s e r io u s a b o u t i m p r o v i n g t h e i r p r a y e r a n d i n t e r i o r lif e Date : C h e ck in 6 pm fo r 7 .3 0 p m Friday 2 4 Jan 2 0 0 3 Ends 6 pm on S unday 2 6 Jan 2 0 0 3 Venue : The M a jo r S em inary, Ponggol Retreat Master : Fr L iam B arr fro m USA.

Topic

1. Total Tickets Issued and Q ualifying for the Draw are N os. "100001" to "250000" and Nos. "275001" to "325000".

2. The prize o f a W inning N um ber m ust be claim ed only by the B earer o f the W inning Ticket and upon presentation o f the W inning Ticket.

: JOHN PAUL ll'S YEAR OF THE ROSARY

3. The W inner m ust show a form o f official identification for the record w hen claiming

O n e d a y w ith th e Rosary and B ro w n Scapular, I w ill save the w o r ld ." O u r Lady to St D om inic

a prize. This will be the accepted W inner o f the Prize.

4. All prizes m ust be claim ed by 4 March 2003 at the Church o f Sts Peter & Paul 225-A Queen Street Singapore 188551. Tel: 63372585 Fax:6334-5414

O p tio n o f staying-in or out. Get the most out o f it by staying-in because o f Eucharistic Exposition th ro ug h ou t botn nights.

You choose yo ur ow n one hour block.

5. All prizes are non-transferablc and cannot be exchanged for cash.

6. The payment o f any prize w on by the person presenting that Ticket, shall constitute a complete discharge o f the O rganizing C om m ittee's liability in respect o f that Ticket, 7. No person shall be recognized by the Organizing C om m ittee as holding any Ticket

Call Marian Centre for information: 6 3 3 7 - 3 2 7 7 W e b s ite : m a g m c

upon trust for some other person(s), and the Organizing Com m ittee shall not be

E - m a il: m a g m c & s in g n e t. c o m .s g

bound or required to recognize any interest in respect o f the Ticket other than the absolute right o f the holder o f the Ticket to the entire interest in the Ticket.

MARIAN MASS FOR POPE'S INTENTIONS Celebrant: Fr Liam Barr Homily on: THE IMPORTANCE OF THE YEAR OF THE ROSARY 8 pm, Thursday 23 Jan 2003 at Church of the Risen Christ, Toa Payoh

8. The 1st Prize o f a C ar does not include COE, Road Tax, Reg Fee and Insurance.

\

9. Any unclaimed prizes o f W inning Tickets will be forfeited and donated to Catholic Welfare Services.

✓

F o r tn ig h t ly : S u n . J A N . 1 9 a n d S u n . J a n . 2 6 , 2 0 0 3 "1 am the resurrection and the life H e who believes in m e shall never die."

F o u rte e n th A n n iv e rsary In loving m em ory o f

| Bkl 1P I

|U | C I U I IV IC IV I w

TH E C A TH O LIC NEW S - 1 3 D V ■% ¥

For 3,1 those who 1 have no one to pray for them - we t pray to the Lord.

Sixth A n n iv ersarary In loving memoryny of

In loving memory of

A__ J O H N C H IN SIN C H O Y Departed: Jan 23, 1989 Fondly remembered by wife, children, grandchildren and loved ones.

Second A n n iv e rsary In loving memory o f

MR FRANCIS JO SEPH PETER Bom: Nov 27, 1899 Departed: Jan 20,1965

BABY TERESA PETER Bom: Jan 31, 1935 Departed: Mar 15,1935

MDM ANTONIA PETER Bom: July 18, 1910 Departed: Feb 26,1988

MR JO E ALOYSIUS PETER Bom: Sep 21, 1930 Departed: Feb 1, 1972

R IC H A R D GERARD H O O Departed: Jan 20, 191997

E lev en th A n n iv e rsary In loving m em ory o f

Sev en th A n n iv e rsary In loving m em ory o f

In loviving memory of

O L IV E R CARVALHO Departed: Jan 25, 1996 The sun be warm and kind to you, The darkest night some stars shine through, T he dullest m om a radiance brew And where dusk falls G o d ’s hand to you.

Still missed by June, Jam es and John.

F ifteen th A n n iv e rsary In loving memory o f

M A R Y SIM Passed away peacefully on Jan 19, 2000 Peacefully sleeping, resting at last, T he w orld’s weary troubles and trials are past.

In silence she suffered, in patience she bore, Till G od called her hom e to suffer no m ore.

M ay she rest in peace, Amen Sadly missed by all loved ones.

s

R E G IN A M A R Y Departed: Jan 21, 2000 Peaceful be your rest, dear m other, It is sweet to breathe your name; As in life we loved you dearly, So in death we do the same.

M ay she rest in peace.

Sadly m issed by your loving nephews and nieces.

E lev en th A n n iv e rsary In loving memory o f

LEE AH SECK LEE ALBERT JO SEPH Departed: Jan 27, 2002 Departed: Jan 22,2001

Take them in Thy arms, dear Lord, And ever let them be A messenger of love Between our hearts and Thee.

Fondly cherished and remembered by loved ones and friends.

First Anniversary

Please turn to page 12 for more “ In Memoriam” announcements and classified advertisements.

f

S J

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

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

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YVONNE E KEE SOH KHIM Departerted: Jan 16, 2001 God lookeded around His garden and foundnd an empty place.

He then lookeded down upon this Earth Mvd saw w your tired face.

He put hies arms around you and lifted you to rest.

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L E E W A I SIM Departed: Jan 24,1992 W e often think o f bygone days W hen we were together; The fam ily chain is broken But m em ories live for ever.

(John 11:5 5 ) Deeply missed and alw ays rem em bered by w ife A urelia and daughter Grace.

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In loving memory of M. ANTHONY P IL L A I Departed: Jan 26,1988 Jesus said “ I am the resurrection and the life: he that believes in me though he were dead yet shall he live.”

A lw ays rem em bered by wife Theresa, sons, daughters, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law , grandchildren and relatives.

M ass will be offered at Church o f the Risen C hrist on Jan 26, 2003 at 6 pm.

Ninth A nniversary In loving m em ory o f

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JUDE AMOS MOGAN

W hat would we give to clasp her hand, Her happy face to see.

To hear her voice and see her smile, That meant so much to us.

In our home she is fondly remembered, Sweet memories cling to her name; Those who loved her in life sincerely.

Still love h er in death just the same.

A lw ays rem em bered by daughters, son, daughter-in-law , grand-daughters and all loved ones.

FIRST A NNIVERSARY

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In your absence, happy memories and your music fill our hearts and minds.

Always believing that we will meet again and be a family once more in our L ord’s K ingdom

In loving memory of SECOND ANNIVERSARY

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M RS EL IZ A B E T H PESTA N A Departed: Jan 21,1994

Colleen, M orris, Stephen and Gary.

• Complete & dignified funeral arrangements by professional and caring staff.

O p e n

C H R IS T IE JO S E P H Departed: Jan 31,2002

M uch missed and forever loved.

For:

• Catholic guidance counsellor Ms Olivia Stravens Pg: 9524-9940

In lovbving memory of

M A R K S. P E R E IR A Departed: Jan 26,1992

D early m issed by loving wife, children and grandchildren.

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Secondnd Anniversary

In loving m em ory o f our dearest Aunt

The depths o f sorrow we cannot tell, The loss o f the one w e love so well, In our hom es he is fondly rem em bered, Sweet m em ories cling to his name, Those who loved him in life sincerely, Still love him in death just as dearly.

Forever in our hearts:

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Sixth h Anniversary

We give our loved ones back to God. And just as He first gave them to us and did not lose them in the giving, so we have not lost them in returning them to Him... for life is eternal, love is immortal, death is only a horizon... and a horizon is nothing but the limit o f our earthly sight.

Deeply missed and fondly remembered by Martin, Edward, Charles, Raymond, their families, relatives and friends.

M AY THEIR SOULS REST IN PEACE.

M IC H A E L Y IP P A K K IO N G Departed:Jan 23, 2001 Only the m em ory o f bygone days And a sigh for a face unseen; A constant feeling that G od alone K nows best what should have been.

A lw ays rem em bered by sister, brother, sister-in-law and nieces.

G od took him home, it was His will, But in our hearts W e love him still, His memory is as dear today As in the hour he passed away.

We often sit and think o f him W hen we are all alone, For memory is the only friend That grief can call its own.

Dearly missed by m other and all loved ones.

1 1

N. STEPHEN D’CRUZ

Departed: Jan 28, 2002 Peacefully sleeping, resting at last, The world’s weary troubles and trials are past.

In silence he suffered, in patience he bore, Till God called him home to suffer no more.

Remembered by wife Theresa, children and loved ones.

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F o r tn ig h t ly : S u n . J A N . 1 9 a n d S u n . J a n . 2 6 , 2 0 0 3

E cum enical W orship S ervice PONTIFICAL COUANCIL FOR PROMOTING CHRISTIAN UNITY Introduction This worship service celebrates the flame lit by God our Father in the hearts of believers and of their communities though they come from many different cultures, peoples and nations spread throughout the earth, in a state of perpetual migration and fresh settlement.

Jesus Christ shares the light of faith with us. This faith is «knowledge of the glory of God which shines on the face of Christ». It is the treasure which Paul evokes in 2 Cor 4: 5-18. Every believer and community of believers shares this treasure and bears witness to it in all its richness and from the frailty of the human condition.

'From an ecumenical point of view it is most important that we can joyfully celebrate the risen Christ but it is no less important to raise to God our Father through Jesus our only mediator, our prayers for the

many men and women, young people and children traumatised by displacement. This will be the theme of the intercessions which, together with our confession of Christ, the light of our lives, is the most important aspect of this worship. Communities of believers have experienced and still experience division, joys yet tribulations, yearnings and hopes that make them painfully aware of the sufferings of people who know the ordeal of emigration.

This is why our prayer of intercession for the unity of the churches and our prayer for migrant communities are one and the same.

It is particularly recommended: To issue invitations beyond the normal circle of Christians who are usually to be found in ecumenical meetings, so as to form a united but diverse assembly of prayer, especially with the migrant Christian communities which are to be found in Singapore.

Order of Service 3. Proclamation of the Word o f God L. Worship leader

C. Congregation

5. Intercessions

R. Reader

1. Opening It is recommended that the service take place in the evening.

Invitation to pray L. Light and peace in Jesus Christ our Lord!

C. Glory be to God. L. Alleluia, Christ is risen!

C. Truly the Lord is risen.

A clay ja r containing a lighted candle is placed on the communion table/altar or in some other visible place in front o f the congregation while the text 2 Corinthians 4: 5-6, is read. Some members o f the congregation come forward to light other candles at the flame and pass the light around to all.

Hymn - on the theme o f light The hymn accompanies the sharing o f the light.

C. Be our light in the darkness, Lord, and in your great mercy, protect us from all danger throughout our journey on this earth. Revive in us and in our communi­ ties the light of faith shining in our hearts: the knowledge of your glory in the face of Christ, he who reigns with you and with the Holy Spirit for ever and ever. Amen.

2. God's mercy and confession of our sins L. Let us confess our sins towards God and towards each other.

(Several readers in succession) • Merciful Lord, We confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, deed and through omission.

• Pardon our sins of disunity through pride, our sins against our brothers and sisters of other faiths, cultures, peoples, those whom we have oppressed and excluded.

• Pardon our apathy and our blindness to the distress of the immigrants among us. Christians of different denomi­ nations, we must ask ourselves if we have diligently sought ways of common witness «for Jesus’ sake» to struggle against the suffering and injustices suffered by our immigrant brothers and sisters in our homeland.

• Forgive our superficiality and laziness, ignoring or even denying the riches offered by the other, rather than seeking a true sharing of values and faith.

C. We have not loved you with our whole heart. We have not loved our neighbour as ourselves. We sincerely regret and humbly repent of our sins. For the love of your Son, Jesus Christ Have pity on us and forgive us, that we may joyfully follow your will, walk in your ways and lead a life which shows forth your mercy to the glory of your name. Amen.

L. Our Almighty God is merciful. He pardons your/our sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, he strengthens you/ us in all goodness and by the power of his Holy Spirit gives you/us eternal life. Amen.

Old Testament: Lev 25: 35-43 or Ruth 1: 1-18 (cf introduction to the service) Ps 43 (read antiphonally) New Testament: 2 Cor 4: 5-18 (cf introduction to the service) C. Alleluia!

Gospel : Matt 28: 16-20 or Matt 8: 5-13, or 4: 3-15 or Mark 7: 1-9 (As a sign that the good news o f Christ is destined to be proclaimed in every tongue and received in every culture, the Gospel could be read in the language o f one o f the guest communities present.)

Sermon: § To highlight not only the dramatic nature of migrations and their sinful causes, but the fact that, as disciples of Christ on earth, we are also migrants.

Avoiding condescension or insincerity, we will welcome each other during this worship as sisters and brothers in the faith. We have so much to share of that which gives us hope during times of trial and our wonderment at that treasure which is God-given faith. Where would our ecumenical pilgrimage be without the exchanges and dialogues provoked by contemporary migrations? We will allow ourselves to be welcomed by Christ, himself a nomad on this earth.

Our earthly journey also becomes a pilgrimage with our brothers and sisters towards the house of God. But we have to make sure to be like him and not to exclude anyone from the banquet which the Holy Spirit has set within the heart of the baptised. And that is why we have to hear, and hear all over again, his call to be­ come witnesses of the Gospel while becoming itinerant bearers of the good news, as Ruth, for example, antici­ pated in her own way.

4. Confession of faith L. O God, who through Jesus Christ the Lord of all the world and of the Church, calls us to be one single body and to express our love, in the confession of the same faith, we pray to you in all humility.

R. Grant us light and strength of faith to overcome the shadows of evil which harm our communion of faith.

Hymn to the Holy Spirit (as desired) R. Pour out your love into our hearts that we may know you and discern your creative and reconciling presence In the lives of those around us.

Hymn to the Holy Spirit R. Renew in us the gift of your Holy Spirit So that by that same Spirit we may now proclaim together Jesus Christ as Lord; and that each human heart be touched In such a way that the barriers which divide us fall down; that rumours fade away; that hatred cease and the wounds of disunion are healed; so that we may live in justice and in peace, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Hymn to the Holy Spirit Nicene Creed (or another confession o f faith)

Representatives o f immigrant communities come forward and present their intercessions. Each intercession is preceded by a b rief recital o f their experiences. The lights are lowered while their voices rise to ask for better understanding o f their situation, and to express their faith and their hope in God’s deeds.

The great clay ja r containing the candle will be passed from one reader to another as a sign o f faith and solidarity before being re-placed on the altar/ communion table.

We offer the treasure of our faith in the frailty of our personal witness, our communities and our ecumenical achievements. May the Lord renew in us his gifts of light, strength and communion.

C. Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts o f your faithful

and kindle in them the fire o f your love.

Confronted by so much suffering and evil we are submerged by despair, and we are aware of our weakness even to the point of doubting whether it is worth reacting in favour of justice. May the Lord help us to hear the witness of people and communities who, under pressure from all sides, have continued to hope and to act in the midst of distress.

C. Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts o f your faithful

and kindle in them the fire o f your love.

Faced with the demands of mission in the world and conscious of the importance of the gospel which is entrusted to us, we can feel quite overwhelmed.

May the Lord give us confidence to confess our faith.

C. Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts o f your faithful

and kindle in them the fire o f your love.

The ecumenical movement, like migration, is a part of the «globalisation» with which the world is seeking to cope today. Through the coming together of our churches may the Lord inspire this search for oneness.

C. Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts o f your faithful

and kindle in them the fire o f your love.

L. Lord, you have given us grace to offer these common prayers with one heart. You have promised to grant the requests of two or three gathered in your name. Fulfil now the petitions of your servants for our benefit, giving us the knowledge of your truth in this world, and granting us eternal life in the world to come. Amen Sign of Peace C. Our Father...

C. Hymn Collection The collection can take place during the hymn. It is a liturgical gesture expressing communion in faith, charity and solidarity and its significance can be recalled when its intended use is indicated.

BLESSING AND SENDING FORTH Blessing (Num 6: 24-26) L. May God bless you/us and keep you/us.

C. Amen L. May the Lord make his face to shine upon you/us and grant you/us his grace.

C. Amen L. May the Lord turn his countenance towards you/us and give you/us his peace.

C. Amen L. And may the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit be with you/us now and for evermore. C. Amen.

Sending forth Reading of Matt 28: 18-20 and a call to common witness in the name o f Christ L. And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age’.

C. Hymn

Suggestions: a song from the migrant communities

To signify the pilgrimage that is our life in the light o f Christ and our willingness to respond together to Christ's sending us forth in mission, the congregation leaves the church in procession behind a person bearing the clay ja r with the lighted candle.

TH E C A TH O LIC NEW S - 1 5

F o r tn ig h t ly : S u n . J A N . 1 9 a n d S u n . J a n . 2 6 , 2 0 0 3

M a n ila

4th WORLD M EETING of tHie FAM ILIES

2 5 -2 6 J a n . 2 0 0 3

The Christian Family - Good News for title Third Millenium PONTIFICAL COUNMCIL FOR THE FAMILY

22-26 January In Philippines, Manila 4th International Congress of the F a m ily We will feature the various themes in coming issues

The mystery of the «beginning», which is revealed to spouses in Christ’s love for His Church, is received in the Word and in the Sacrament and makes them witnesses to the Good News in family life.

The inspirational motto, «The Christian Family: Good News for the Third Millenniums, was chosen by the Holy Father John Paul II. In the Apostolic Letter Novo Millennio Ineunte. (At the beginning o f thee New Millennium) His Holiness states that «the relationship between a a man and a woman - a mutual and total bond, unique and indissolublele - is part of God’s original plan»,(No. 47)

THEMES FOR REFLECTION AND DIALOGUE I)

The Family Welcomes and Announces the Good News

II)

The Christian Family: Witness to the Paschal Covenant

III) The Family: Heart of Evangelization IV) The Christian Family: Domestic Church V) The Holiness of the Family at the Service of the Gospel

It was so from the beginning, though obscured throughout history by our «hardness of heart», but which Christ came to restore to its pristine splendour, disclosing what had been God’s will «from the beginning* (Mt 19:8). Raised to the dignity of a Sacrament, marriage expresses the «great mystery» of Christ’s nuptial love for his Church (cf. Eph 5:32). Our Holy Father states that as a result «on this point the Church cannot yield to cultural pressures, no matter how wide­ spread and even militant they may be»

VI) The Eucharist: Sian and Nourishment for Unconditional Conjugal Love VII) Reconciliation and Forgiveness in the Family VIII) The Family: Community of Prayer IX) The Family: Nucleus and Source of Social Good

It is necessary to ensure that through an ever more complete Gospel formation Christian families show convincingly that it is possible to livee marriage fully in keeping with God’s plan and with the true good of thee human person — of the spouses, and of the children who are more fragile. Families themselves must become increasingly conscious of theie care due to children, and play an active role in the Church and in society in safeguarding their rights.

X) The Family and Love for the Weakest XI) The Family Prepares and Follows Young Families XII) The Family: Sanctuary of Life

Christians also have the mission of proclaiming with jo y and convictionn the Good News about the family, for the family absolutely needs to hear ever anew and to understand ever more deeply the authentic words that reveal its identity, its inner resources

YO UN G C A TH O LIC S ARCHDIOCESAN YOUTH CHAPLAINCY

Going to Melbourne ?

PRAYER FOR THE FAMILY ( for the World Congress )

Archbishop Nicholas Chia Archdiocesan Youth Co-ordinator Rev Frederick Quek

“Calling all students who are planning to study in Melbourne, Australia! We have just the club for you!

COSDU (Catholic Overseas Students Down Under) is a catholic club on campus at the University of Melbourne for all students who seek a family and a home away from home.

We have monthly masses every first Friday, and sessions on other Fridays. Furthermore, we have an Easter Camp, charitable work programmes, praise and worship sessions, and also lots of bonding and camraderie with one another.

City District: Rev Albert Ng Rev Cary Chan North District: Rev Adrian Yeo & Rev Andrew Wong Serangoon District: Rev Brian D’Souza, Rev Frederick Quek Rev Luke Fong West District: Rev Colin Tan, Rev Ignatius Yeo, Rev John-Paul Tan East District: Rev Alex Chua Rev Erbin Fernandez

Please come down to the University of Melbourne Clubs and Society Days (27 - 28 Feb 2003) to find out more about us and sign up!

Please contact: Adrian (mobile: +65 98365217, email: adrianfann(a)vahoo.com) Alison (mobile: +65 94388113, email: alisonioannelee(d)hotmail. com). or you may wish to contact our Chaplain, Sr. Theresa Ryan, Mailing Address: Sr Theresa Ryan Chaplain to International Students University of Melbourne 786 Swanston Street Parkville VIC 3010. Australia. e-mail:

trrvan(a)unimelb. edu. au

phone: +61 3 8344 4825.

Vine & Branches: Hope to see you there!”

Bro Celestine Toh

Lord God, from you every family in heaven and on earth takes its name.

Father, you are Love and Life.

Through your Son, Jesus Christ, bom of woman, and through the Holy Spirit, fountain of divine charity, grant that every family on earth may become for each successive generation a true shrine of life and love.

Grant that your grace may guide the thoughts and actions of husbands and wives for the good of their families and of all the families in the world.

Grant that the young may find in the family solid support for their human dignity and for their growth in truth and love.

Grant that love, strengthened by the grace of the sacrament of marriage, may prove mightier than all the weakness and trials through which our families sometimes pass.

Through the intercession of the Holy Family of Nazareth, grant that the Church may fruitfully carry out her worldwide mission in the family and through the family.

Through Christ our Lord, who is the Way, the Truth and the Life for ever and ever. Amen.

- John Paul II

1 6 - T H E C A T H O L IC NEW S

F o r tn ig h t ly : S u n . J A N . 1 9 a n d S u n . J a n . 2 6 , 2 0 0 3

W EEK OF PRAYER FOR C H R IS TIA N U N IT Y The value of prayer for unity cannot be stressed enough since through it, all Christians, through the power of the - Holy Spirit, humbly recognise that the unity that God wills for the church is itself a gift. Let us then pray continually that we may be ready to receive this gift and carry it in the clav iar of our human frailty.

miiinimiiMH Day 6 - 2 Cor 4:15 You see, all this is for your benefit, so that the more grace is multiplied among people, the more thanksgiving there will be, to the glory o f God. It is the mission of the church in society to be a sign of God's grace. The values of this passing world are not necessarily those of the kingdom of the blessed. Jesus has entrusted to each Christian and the churches together, the mission of living out the integrity of the kingdom of God as a new force, renewing human society. The justification that we have been freely given through God’s grace obliges us to live as justified in the world.

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Day 1 - 2 Cor 4:7 We are only the earthenware jars that hold this treasure, to make it clear that such an overwhelming power comes from God and not from us.

In his letter to the Corinthians Paul encourages his Christian brothers and sisters with the message of hope represented in Jesus Christ. Jesus is God’s message, revealing God’s glory and the light that continues to shine in a world of darkness (2 Cor 4:5-6). This is the hope born in the hearts of men and women who are aware that its source is in God and not in ourselves. It is this treasure that sustains the pilgrims and the migrants in their fragile human condition Prayer: Our Father, Despite our weakness, you have made us witnesses to hope, faithful disciples of your Son, who desires to show evidence of his victory in a sceptical and troubled world. We carry this treasure in clay jars and we fear that we shall bend in the face of suffering and evil. Sometimes we even doubt the power of Jesus’ word when he says «that all may be one».

Restore in us the knowledge of that glory which shines on the face of Christ so that by our actions, our commitment and our whole lives we proclaim to the world that he is alive and that he is working among us.

Amen.

Day 2 - 2 Cor 4:8-9. We are in difficulties on all sides, but never cornered; we see no answer to our problems, but never despair; we have been persecuted, but never deserted; knocked down but never killed.

■ ■ ■ ■ m m

Common faith in Christ is our hope and our treasure.

In our world, many men, women and children experience the weight of persecution, affliction and abandonment as they are forced to leave their homes and live on the streets, constantly separated from their familiar surroundings. Paul reflects on the experience of persecution, offering the consolation of Christian faith; since Jesus assumed our human condition that it might be lifted up, the strength of God is revealed in our weakness. Hence we are neither crushed nor driven to despair, we are not forsaken or struck down because we have faith.

Prayer: God our Father, whose Son knew exile in Egypt. We ask you to accompany the migrants of our times. May the Holy Spirit touch each human heart; May the barriers that separate us fall, suspicion founder, hatred cease. May your Spirit breathe new life into your churches in their pilgrimage towards unity and help them to overcome their divisions and go forward in justice and in peace. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Day 3 - 2 Cor 4:10. Always, wherever we may be, we carry with us in our body the death o f Jesus, so that the life o f Jesus, too, may always be seen in our body.

The mystery of redemption is revealed in situations where, through God’s grace, the human spirit makes visible the image of Christ in the fragility of our bodies.

In this fragility we see the death of Christ carried in the body but through God’s mercy the image of Christ is also revealed. Too often the sinfulness of discrimination reveals a culture of death, that is nothing more than a desire to eliminate difference, which is the other. The mission of the churches is to find ways to affirm together the image of Christ in the other as a source of riches, a valuable gift. The presence of Christ manifested in our bodies renews us so that we make visible the image of God, a dignity that cannot be erased. It is only when we appreciate this treasure that all bear in their human nature that we can welcome others, recognising their resemblance to God Prayer: God of love Powerful creator of all life Encourage us to discern in ourselves and in each of our brothers and sisters Your image and resemblance. Give us the strength necessary to obey the imperative of your all-embracing love.

God of love, We pray that our witness will lead to the unity of the churches; and that with one voice we may call upon all humanity to be responsible for creation and for our neighbour. Amen.

Ropix

Day 4 - 2 Cor 4:11. Indeed, while we are still alive, we are consigned to our death every day, for the sake o f Jesus, so that in our mortal flesh the life o f Jesus, too, may be openly shown. So death is at work in us, but life in you.

Prayer: God, thank you for your grace, which makes us your daughters and sons in Christ. You call us as your children to be advocates of your grace-filled justice in the world. Grant us grace to work, without fear, for the justice which is the only way to a real peace and a human society. Loving God, strengthen the bonds which unite us, and call us to a life where the unity of believers is reflected in the actions of every community of faith. Powerful God, steer us once again to come nearer to each other, so that your will and not ours be put to work. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Day 7 - 2 Cor 4:16.

That is why there is no weakening on our part, and instead, though this outer man o f ours may be falling into decay, the inner man is renewed day by day.

It seems like a contradiction but as long as there is life in us, we must learn to be given over to death, to die to self that Christ might live in us. In doing so, we open our minds to the very importance of life itself - a life that has been entrusted to Christ that his life might be visible in us. All Christians are called to witness to the fact that sin no longer has power over us. This is where the churches must witness together in the world to the dignity of life, new life in Christ.

In spite of many difficulties and persecutions, we must not lose heart. Saint Paul encourages us to remain strong because we not only bear the death of Christ in our body but also his life. The church is called to show forth the victory of Christ over death by being a community of courage. The perseverance of those seeking Christian unity is an important reality for the faint hearted and those tempted to give up the struggle, for it illustrates the strength of God’s grace in spite of many difficulties. Jesus prayed for the unity of all those Prayer: O God, we commit ourselves to you as we who bear his name precisely so that the world might have confidence only in your strength. Quieten our come to believe. In spite of obstacles on the path to bodies and our minds, Come into our hearts, And in our Christian unity, in the face of adversity the churches daily tasks help us to appreciate the power of renewal must act together with courage and perseverance to which you offer us. offer this divided world a paradigm of unity and to be a O God, open up for us the road to unity Lead us by sign of the power of the death of Christ over all the the hand along the way of your kingdom to be witnesses forces of sin and darkness. of hope. May we not succumb to despair for through his own resurrection Christ has overcome death.

Prayer: Almighty God, we are united in our belief that O God in whom we hope Give us your Spirit of truth, you are present alongside all who suffer and are courage and strength That we may go forward together oppressed, united in the call to be instruments of hope towards the full, visible unity of the church. Through and compassion to all in need: Direct our hands Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen. towards those of the downtrodden, the poor, the refugee. When we are inclined to ignore our neighbour in need, open our eyes and hearts yet again to their MBMUjiiuiiiiniua Day 5 - 2 Cor 4:14. We too believe and pain. Encourage the faith and hope of those struggling with discouragement or despair, those whose lives therefore we too speak, knowing that he who raised the have been bruised by hardship. Lead them with Lord Jesus to life will raise us with Jesus in our turn, tenderness to find you even in the midst of their and put us by his side and you with us. darkest experience. Amen.

In the precarious conditions in which both pilgrims and immigrants find themselves, Christian churches united «in the same spirit of faith» offer their voices to foreigners and the dispossessed. It is because we Day 8 - 2 Cor 4:17. The troubles which confess this same faith that we are able to find words to are soon over, though they weigh little, train us for the speak out. The theme encourages Christians to reflect carrying o f a weight o f eternal glory which is out o f all on the necessity to speak out courageously against the proportion to them. desperate situations of the homeless, the refugee, the immigrant, the street person, migrant populations and We reflect on how the suffering that we endure indeed, all who are in distress. We believe in the prepares us for «glory beyond all measures (2 Cor renewing power of God in Jesus Christ and so together 4:17). This is not a utopian vision of how all human we speak out with courage against all that destroys the struggle will end since Paul calls us to reflect on how, if dignity of the human person. we are united by faith to the sufferings of Christ, we will be transformed by the grace of his resurrection. We Prayer: O God you inspired your servant Joshua to bear both his suffering and resurrection in our body. speak out with courage in a time of need and lead your This is why Paul exhorts us to look beyond what we people to the promised land. Your Son, Jesus Christ, see with mortal eyes to the eternal truth that is revealed reached out across barriers of culture, class and gender in the glory of Christ. The unity of all those who believe giving healing and hope to those in need. He is our in Christ is made visible when Christians truly take up peace and in his flesh he has broken down dividing walls their task in the world through which they are passing. and created in himself one, new humanity. We pray with faith for Christ’s body, the church in the world today.

Prayer: Lord, show us your mercy and by the power of You have entrusted us with the task of advancing your Spirit remove the divisions amongst Christians so your kingdom here on earth, help us to do so united that your church may appear more clearly as a visible and not divided. Allow us to hear your voice and not sign in the midst of all nations. insist on our own priorities. Move us to overcome our Lord, grant us renewed love, a true wisdom, and a new divisions and live according to your law of love. impulse for that unity so that the eternal message of Strengthen us to reaffirm our commitment to you. Allow your Son may be received as good news for all. us to share your love. Lead us to meet all those in need Lord, rekindle our faith and our hope, that we may of your blessing especially the refugee and the stranger journey with joy towards your heavenly kingdom, trusting in our midst. Together we form the body of Christ in in your promise of eternal glory. Through Jesus Christ, whose name we pray. Amen.

Our Lord, Amen.

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