APRIL 13, 2003, vol 53, no 8 by CatholicNews

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e M.I.T.A.(P) No.105/01/2003

PPS 201/4/2004 VOL 53 No. 8

“J ESUS, I TRUST IN YOU” “Believers musj that hands aos and opprei owers; the last word fo ;s to the just and strong the pope said April 2 at his weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square, c,vs

A SLOWING economy and fewer jobs, falling share and property prices, terrorism, war, Sars...How to cope? In times of difficulty say “Jesus, I trust in you’” advises Pope John Paul II.He explains: “In the heart of Jesus, those anguished by life’s sorrows find

peace; those afflicted by suffering and illness find relief; those who feel constricted by uncertainty and anguish feel joy, because Christ’s heart is filled to overflowing with consolation and love for those who turn to it with trust,” he said. “Jesus, I trust in you” is the

invocation taught by the Polish mystic Faustina Kowalska (19051938), messenger of Divine Mercy. The pope entrusted the world to Divine Mercy last August 17, when he dedicated the new shrine in Lagiewniki, Poland, next to the convent where St Faustina lived and died. □

Pope: God loves us even in our ‘dark night of the soul’ - When God seems to be silent amid oppression, injustice and suffering, He still loves human beings and comes to their aid when invoked, says John Paul II. “To discover, with the eyes of faith, this divine presence in space and time, but also in ourselves, is the source of hope and trust, even when our heart is troubled and shaken,” the pope said during his April 2 general audience. In the presence of several thousand pilgrims gathered in St Peter’s Square, the Pope reflected on the canticle in Chapter 42 of the Book of Isaiah, which mentions the mysterious “silence of God,” an experience of the believer in times of trial. ’’The prophet makes us VATICAN CITY

conscious of the fact that even when [God] seems to be silent before oppression, injustice or other forms of evil that touch man, he never ceases to love man and comes to his aid if man turns to Him in trust,” the pope said. ”It might seem to the believer, especially if he bears the weight of a painful experience, that God is silent,” he added. “Even the great mystical saints experienced this state, which St John of the Cross called the ‘dark night of the soul.’” ’’The prophet Isaiah teaches us that, whoever believes with confidence, despite everything, that God is near and acts, will survive the time of trial and will give thanks to God with joy for his constant love, which

delivers from all evil,” he said. God’s silence does not indicate “absence, almost as if leaving history in the hands of the perverse, while the Lord remains indifferent and impassible,” the Holy Father said. When the trial is over, the eyes of the believer, “who was blind are opened, so that he can enjoy the bright light. The way becomes easy, and hope flowers, making it possible to continue to trust in God and in his future of peace and happiness,” the pontiff continued. Therefore, the believer “must know how to discern the signs of divine action, even when it is hidden by the apparently monotonous and pointless flow of time.” □ z e n i t

FAITH JOURNEYS: WENDI OOI, MICHELLE NG Page 14

Sundays April 13 and April 20, 2003 Catholic News

News

IRO celebrates 54th year with concert for harmony By Geraldine Bangit

Special Correspondent

helped different religious organizations and leaders to understand each o ther. Mr Sunny Wee, a Catholic, said he was happy to “see a gathering and concert where different religious organizations participated and attended. For him, the harmony concert “implies unity among the people.” Master Lee Zhiwang President of the Taoist Mission saw the gathering as a way of

HARMONY concert on March 29 to continue ongoing efforts to promote inter-religious unity saw members of various religious communities performing songs, dances and other cultural items. The evening’s guest of honour was Minister of Trade and Industry and MP for Aljunied GRC George Yeo who spoke on uniting people of different beliefs, races and colour. Mr Yeo emphasised the role of the IRO (InterReligious Organisation) in promoting peace and understanding among people of various religious groups and organizations throughout its 54 years of history by bringing religious leaders to organise inter-faith Minister George Yeo receives a souvenir from IRO president Sister Theresa Seow during prayer services, the peace and harmony concert on March 29. gatherings, talks and others. promoting peace, understanding “These activities help and respect among different Singaporeans of different faiths religious organisations. to understand and respect one IRO President Sr Theresa another. Although our religious Seow encouraged awareness and mix can cause problems, well respect for one another in managed, it can also be worship and rituals. She also beautiful,” he said. asked people to help those who He added that mutual have less in life, those who are tolerance and respect should be despairing because of the taught at home and in the school invasion of Iraq and to be through life examples. mindful of the effects of Sars on Buddist Monk Wu Ping said people. □ that the gathering and concert

Indonesian students from NTU perform a traditional dance during the March 30 concert at the Victoria Theatre. Photo: Anthony Chan

Talents raise funds for migrant shelter By Mel Diamse-Lee

IMBLE fingers dancing on the keyboards,

Shyama and Swinly Perera of Sri Lanka opened the March 30 concert with a rousing classical tune, followed by other energetic numbers. Sustaining the momentum were Indonesian students of Nanyang Technological University rhythmically weaving complex patterns with thengraceful bodies and expressive hands moving to the quickening tempo of their chants. The entertainment goes on to a Filipino traditional dance of women fleeting gracefully between bamboo poles; a choir of Indonesian and Singaporean young adults singing Indonesian and English favourites; an African-Filipino-Singaporean trio of Gospel songs; and a group of ballroom dancers swooning and

bowing to tango and waltz music. Such was the variety presented in “Out of Love” concert to raise funds for a shelter for abused migrant workers. “Nothing can be more beautiful than to find people of diverse talents and gifts reveling in a project that brings hope and comfort to the many broken and violated among our foreign workers,” noted Mrs Bridget Lew, chairperson of the Archdiocesan Commission for Migrants and Itinerant People (CMI) which organised the event. All those involved in the concert including the crew and host, Joe Augustin, rendered their services free. Remarked Mrs Lew, “ It was a memorable experience to work with such a committed and enthusiastic team.” Most prominent among the performers was Ms Shyama Perera, who has a licentiate and is

OUR PRIEST IN AFRICA Scheut Missions Father Anthony Lim, 38, is on mission in Zambia. The third in a family of five boys, he was ordained at Holy Cross Church in May 1999. He spoke recently to CN volunteer Don Gurugay about his work in Africa. ATHER Anthony’s last posting was in Chibuluma, in the Ndola diocese of Zambia, near the Congo border. In Chibuluma, his main task was to oversee the completion of the Church of St Mary Immaculate and to build up the parish community. His first challenge was learning Cibemba, the language of the Bemba tribe he ministered to. Then came the task of constructing the church building. With no building fund or contractor, he took on the

responsiblity of supervisor, enlisted the help of some experienced builders in the community and together they built the church. “In Zambia, the priests’ responsibility is not just to look after the people’s spiritual needs,” Fr Anthony said. “We also help them to build roads and form farming cooperatives.” The farming cooperatives supply seeds, fertilizer and other farming needs. The community has no telephone or running water. Electricity is not available in many places. Priests usually take the lead to dig wells for the parish. HURCHES in Zambia are organised differently from Singapore because of the great distance between villages, according to Fr Anthony. Priests are able to visit outlying villages only once a week and daily communion services are

ministered by laypersons. In Zambia, as in many parts of Africa, the importance of Small Christian Communities (SCCs) is recognised and much emphasis is placed on them. A parish may have many church buildings, “outstations”, spread over the parish territory. These outstations are essentially simple huts. Parishioners often have to bring their own chairs along when attending a gathering or service. Zambians still view females as the weaker sex. It is normal to see males sitting on chairs while females squat on the floor during Mass.

representatives present offerings of tomatoes, sweet potatoes and other produce. On big occasions, parishioners may give a live IHE MASS is a two-hour goat, chickens and soft drinks. celebration. Cash The main musical instruments donations are collected by the altar boys. A group or SCC are drums. Off the Lenten

a fellow of the Trinity College of Music in London. A proprietor of an organ school in Sri Lanka, she said it “was a wonderful opportunity” to be able to “perform for charity”. Her 15-year-old niece, Swinly, is an accomplished singer, pianist and violinist studying at the Royal School of Music in London. Mrs Lew hopes to raise $20,000 from the event. While the majority of the tickets for the matinee and evening shows were sold, many ticket holders did not turn up due to the fear of SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome). However, American national Ron Miller, 43, braved the SARS threat to watch the performances. He said, “I enjoyed the concert. It’s a very good thing for people of different nationalities to come together to help others in need.” Present at the concert were Archbishop Nicholas Chia, Nominated Member of Parliament Braema Mathi, representatives from religious congregations and embassies in Singapore. □ CMI also invites pledges to support its various welfare projects fo r migrants. To find out more call 6280-5424.

Fr Anthony Lim (left) and Archbishop Dennis de Jong bless the grounds before constructing the church.

season, the choir leads the congreagation in dancing and singing during the Gloria, Thanksgiving and Offertory. The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults takes two years and attracts youth more than adults . Zambia has four main spoken languages and as many as 70 dialects. English is used by the young and educated population. The country is famous for Victoria Falls, which is situated at the border with Zimbabwe. Some 20% of the population are HIV infected and 80% live below the poverty line. □ To fin d out m ore a bout the CICM or S ch eu t M issions visit:

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Catholic News

Sundays April 13 and April 20,2003

News C H U R C H E S H ER E T A K E E X T R A P R E C A U TIO N A G A IN S T SAR S By Mel Diamse-Lee

immersion unless directed not to In another directive, the do so by the archbishop. archbishop asked that deceased a t e c h is m classes The measures taken by the victims of Sars “be sent directly and children’s liturgy archdiocese have met with by the casket company or funeral programs in Singapore widespread support and much undertakers to the crematorium have been suspended, as relief among priests and for cremation.” have handholding when praying parishioners in Singapore.They Funeral rites in churches or the Our Father at Mass and are regarded as “commom sense” homes should be “dispensed with receiving Communion on the and responsible. for such cases but prayers or tongue. Masses can be conducted after These are some of the RCHBISHOP Nicholas the funeral for the repose of the precautionary measures parishes Chia has since issued (soul) of the deceased,” the have taken against the spread of additional advisories as second advisory said. Severe Acute Respiratory further steps to contain the spread Priests and special ministers Syndrome (Sars).The measures of Sars. of the Church who deal with were taken following a March 28 One directive concerns the funeral services are “exempted directive from Archbishop Lenten penitential service. from being present in Nicholas Chia. Priests have been asked to give a crematorium or burial grounds Archbishop Chia’s directive general absolution instead of during such services to avoid was read out during Masses on individual confessions and airborne infection.” the following days. It requested absolution. Dispensation was The archbishop has also those suspected of having the granted by Rome in view of the instructed that there be no kissing illness or who have been in current situation so that the of the crucifix during the contact with infected people to “priests will not be in contact veneration of the cross on Good “refrain from attending Mass” with individual penitents.” Friday. □ and advised that people not shake hands during the sign of peace. Several parishes, however, have taken further steps to No Holy Communion on tongue prevent the disease spreading. Holy water fonts at the doors No hand holding during the Our Father of the Church of Our Lady of No shaking hands during Sign of Peace Perpetual Succour and the Church of the Nativity of the No kissing of crucifix at Good Friday Veneration Blessed Virgin Mary were General absolution for Lenten penitential rites emptied, and doors and windows No funeral rites in church or home for Sars victims are being kept open even with airconditioning turned on. Body of Sars victim to be sent directly “This is to facilitate free flow from undertaker to crematorium of air,” said Father Gregoire van Special ministers exempted from going to Giang, parish priest of Our Lady crematorium in case of funeral for Sars victim of Perpetual Succour. No catechism classes Father John Sim, parish priest at the Church of St Francis Xavier, said that the parish canteen and library have been shut down indefinitely, and talks and most other functions canceled. However, he added, weddings would still go on and wedding told CN. He explained that in the By Al Dizon receptions could still be held at Special correspondent event that an instruction comes the canteen. from His Grace to avoid “Although it makes us THE DANGERS and threats of immersion, the liturgy won’t be nervous, we cannot bar the the SARS epidemic altered. “All we have to do is to wedding couple from using the notwithstanding, the Church of follow the same liturgical canteen for their reception. We the Holy Spirit is earnestly movements, and pour water on leave it to the bride and groom to preparing for baptism by the candidates in the pool itself,” decide that matter,” he said. immersion for its candidates. said Fr Joe. Father Sim also noted that his “We will only resort to CN understands that the parish choirs have reduced the baptism by pouring when RCIA ministry in the parish had number of their singers to less specifically instructed by His asked him whether he would opt than five at each Mass to allow Grace,” said parish priest Fr for immersion or pouring this more space between them. Joseph Tan. year. “The liturgy calls for Meanwhile, parishes with “At the moment our liturgy immersion, unless instructed facilities for Baptism by for the Easter Vigil will assume otherwise for pastoral reasons.” immersion are generally holding baptism by immersion,” Fr Tan back on the idea of using them during the Easter Vigil Mass. However, Holy Spirit parish plans CROSS STITCH PATTERNS COMPLETE KIT to proceed with Baptism by

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Sundays April 13 and April 20, 2003 Catholic News

Interview

News Pope says encyclical will remind church of Eucharist’s importance — Pope John Paul said he wrote a new encyclical on the Eucharist as a reminder of the importance of the sacrament for the church. The Eucharist is a lasting reminder of God’s love, which was so great that he sent his only son to die for the redemption of all people, the pope said March 30 during his midday Angelus address. The encyclical is to be released on Holy Thursday, April 17. “Christ died and rose for us, sealing with his blood the new and definitive alliance with humanity,” the pope told a crowd in St. Peter’s Square. “The sacrament of the Eucharist is the lasting memorial of this supreme sacrifice,” he said. “In it Jesus, the bread of life and true ‘manna,’ sustains believers on the journey through

VATICAN C ITY

the ‘desert’ of history toward the ‘promised land’ of heaven.” Pope John Paul said he planned to sign the new encyclical in St. Peter’s Basilica during the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, the Holy Thursday evening liturgy commemorating the institution of the Eucharist. The document, he said, would be a reminder of “the intrinsic value and importance for the church of the sacrament left to us by Jesus as the living memorial of his death and resurrection.” □

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Peter Fleetwood made headlines when he appeared to give the Vatican’s official blessing to the Harry Potter series. At a February news conference on a Vatican document on New Age, he was asked about the fictional adolescent wizard. Monsignor Fleetwood, who helped draft the New Age document when he was a member of the Pontifical Council for Culture, responded: “Harry Potter does not represent a problem.” That seemed to cap — or reignite — the debate among Christians over the appropriateness of the Potter series for children. Some have condemned its author J.K. Rowling for promoting relativism and sorcery. Catherine and David Deavel see things differently. Professors at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota, they have written and spoken on the merits of the series. They share their views with Zenit. o n s ig n o r

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put oneself in danger for another’s sake, is one of the constant threads running through the series. Q: How should readers understand the use of magic and witchcraft in the books? Professors: Magic really is a talent, something like mathematical ability or perfect pitch, but with a much greater possibility for good or evil use. Rowling certainly uses details from the history of the occult, but it is not the case that Rowling is promoting “real-life magic.” Most of her spells have no real-world parallels; and perhaps the only one that does, divination, is represented by a figure — professor Sibyl Trelawney — who has only made a couple of accurate predictions in her life,

As we pointed out, divination and fortune telling are pretty much dismissed out of hand — and for what seems to be a sound philosophical observation about the complexity of free will. Q: The books have been often criticized for allegedly promoting relativism and teaching children to subvert authority. Why do you think the books promote freedom in the service of truth and the good?

Professors: The books clearly assume that goods such as love and truth are objective. But generally the complaints about the Potter books focus not on any real evil deeds, but on infractions such as breaking the school curfew; and these cases of rule-breaking are overwhelmingly attempts to block some great harm. Even if Harry did get away with real moral mischief, the point of literature is not to show that in every case crime, or perhaps sin, doesn’t pay. Sometimes it does in the short run, but it never does in the long run. Q: Father Fleetwood The way one portrays noted that J.K. Rowling moral development in was Christian in her literature is to make it like manner of writing. What moral development in real do you think he was life. People make choices describing? for good or ill. Sometimes they learn Professors: The books lessons immediately and are Christian in at least sometimes they don’t. two senses. First, the Mostly they grow morally books place love and in fits and starts as they truth as the objective Harry Porter seeks victory through universal virtues reflect on long chains of goods at the heart of such as courage in the service of honesty or events in the light of good friendship. what it means to be a advice. And even the human. good advice is not always and is generally treated with The initial premise of the comprehended immediately. skepticism by students and series is that the infant Harry has But with the advice that has faculty alike. survived the attack of the evil already been given by wizard Voldemort through his Dumbledore regarding the duty to Q: Is the interest in the books parents’ sacrificial love. always seek and tell the truth, and endemic of the growth in New And Albus Dumbledore, the always use one’s freedom to Age spirituality the Vatican wise headmaster of Hogwarts, recently condemned? serve that truth, we can see that cautions Harry repeatedly to the lessons Harry can and will always prize truth. Give things gain are significant. Professors: Undoubtedly some their proper names, is For example, Harry refrains children (and adults) are going to Dumbledore’s advice. In other from an act of vengeful killing at be interested in the books words, don’t be afraid to name because of their magical quality. the end of the third book. The evil for what it is. person in question set up his What is so intriguing about fairy Second, the books are parents’ murder and the murder tales is that they assume, coming-of-age stories that follow of numerous others, yet Harry roughly, the same rules of logic the development of Harry Potter refuses to take this revenge and morality, but don’t assume and his friends, particularly their that the world of physics or himself. moral development. It’s He cannot articulate why, but biology or chemistry have to be important to note that nowhere in he concludes, from reflecting on the way they are in our world. the books published thus far does his parents’self-sacrificial lives, This is the basic story of these Harry or any of his friends defeat that such acts of vengeance are books. the forces of evil through their They could be thought of as a wrong. This type of moral own magical skills. learning is profoundly Catholic in world in which magic simply Instead, the characters always that one watches virtuous lives proved to be like the natural find victory through universal and learns to do as they do, while sciences, another way of virtues such as courage in the the intellect catches up with the manipulating the world around service of honesty or friendship. habit. □ us. Self-sacrifice, the willingness to

Catholic News

Sundays April 13 and April 20, 2003

--------------------- News

Free Gospel link for any web page M O NTERREY, Mexico - Any web page will be able to offer the Gospel of the day free and automatically updated, thanks to a new service launched by “Gospel of the Day”

Xanana Gusmao at prayer after winning the presidential election. CNS photo

Gusmao wins peace award NEW YO RK — The 2003 Path to Peace Award will be given to Xanana Gusmao, president of the Democratic Republic of East Timor. Gusmao worked hard and served years in prison to further human rights and the rights of people in East Timor. He played the role of a moderate in the struggle for independence, and supported dialogue of the East Timorese with Indonesia and international participants. A former Portuguese colony taken over by Indonesia in 1975, East Timor is a predominantly Catholic country of about 800,000 people. Following Gusmao’s election April 14, 2002, he expressed his “enormous appreciation” for the contribution the church had made, and said he saw “a very important role” for it in the task ahead of building a democratic state. □ c n s

w w w .daiIygospel.org.

By introducing a code line, interested Internet sites can automatically include the readings of the liturgy and saint of the day, as well as other spiritual services, according to

POSTPONED - ASSISI HOME & HOSPICE CARNIVAL 2003

their language. The new service was presented at the continental congress on the Church and Information Technology. This free service is available in English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, German and Dutch. It will soon be available in Italian and Arabic. Technical information is available through contactam @ dailygospel.org. □

ZENIT

Day’s Gospel via mobile phone AM STERDAM - Dutch Catholics can dedicate more time to prayer and works of charity this Lent — with the help of their mobile phones. The SMS — “short message service” — has been turned into a “short meditation service,” in keeping with a proposal of the Church in the Netherlands. “Every day at noon, an excerpt of the Gospel of the day is received,” a spokesman said. “We hope to offer the recipients a moment of meditation and reflection on the Gospel,” he added. The service costs 70 euro cents a day. Half of this amount is allocated to organizations in charge of aid to the Third World. In this way, one offers a contribution for a good cause and receives spiritual food in return. A related initiative is the downloading of religious tunes in mobile phones. A Catholic Tunes Web page offers “classics” such as the Ave Maria and Salve Regina. This service is available only in the

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Netherlands. The two initiatives are part of the 2003 campaign C atholics with H ea rt and Soul, promoted by the Dutch bishops to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the ecclesiastical hierarchy’s return to the country, □ ZENIT

Catholic search engine upgraded M ONTERREY, Mexico - A new version of an Internet search engine of Catholic sites was unveiled this week. A continental meeting of RIIAL, the Information Network of the Church in Latin America, held in early April presented the latest version of http://

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affected by the war. In northern Iraq, problems are arising within the communities of people who were routed by the war. Fuel for heating is scarce in an area where nighttime temperatures dip below freezing. A lso in short supply are m edicines, warm clothing, potable water and an adequate toilet system. The Caritas center at Dohuk

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lives after the war. The charity has also been stepping up efforts to get support to Dominican novices and sisters who are devoted to social and pastoral work in the country. In February, A C N approved an aid package for seminarians from Iraq studying for the priesthood in Lebanon. This support com es on top of ongoing help for Iraq’s Christian population. Since 1998, the charity has given out 21 million for social and pastoral work in Iraq. The funds were used to provide transport for people to get to Mass and to support priests. CH theuniverse

Malaysians protest, church plans to help KUALA LUMPUR — Thousands of Malaysians o f different religions and races protested the invasion o f Iraq at a rally on March 29 in Kuala Lumpur despite the heat, humidity and downpour. M eanwhile, Archbishop Anthony Soter Fernandez o f Kuala Lumpur has said in a letter that the archdiocese is waiting for directives from Caritas Intemationalis on the kind o f aid to provide, before acting. Caritas is a worldwide confederation o f Catholic charitable and social service organizations. □ ucan

Our Christian duty to help war-torn Iraq winds o f war, and the best we ITH the world can do now is to make the case reeling from the for peace, and a better world for t e r r i b l e the battered people o f Iraq. consequences of This year, as a guide for our war in Iraq, the Lenten journey Lenten m editation, the H oly has been especially poignant this Father offered a phrase taken year. Dramatic im ages o f the from the Acts o f the Apostles: injured and dying, many o f them “It is more blessed to give than children, remind us - as our to receive”. Holy Father has said from the “The efforts o f Christians to outset, that the taking up o f arms p ro m o te j u s t ic e , their is n ev er a so lu tio n ta the commitment in defence o f the problems o f human conflict. pow erless, their humanitarian Each time there’s a war we work in providing bread for the see these im ages, and promise hungry and their care for the o u rselves that it m ust never sick by responding to every happen again, but time and time emergency and need, draw their again it does, and the pain and An Iraqi woman cries over her strength from that so le and suffering just go on. A s w e pass demolished home on the outskirts of inexhaustible treasury o f love through the war on our private Baghdad. Air strikes pounded the area, where Iraq’s Republican Guard which is the com plete gift o f Lenten journeys, these images was believed to be hiding, cnspi„„„ Jesus to the Father,” said John o f suffering, death and hope o f Paul in his Lenten address. a better tomorrow bum into our hearts, because Iraq and its people w ill need to rebuild their they mirror the road to Calvary so closely. country, and their lives, when the dust has finally C hristians around the w orld v o ic e d their settled on this terrible conflict. They w ill turn to opposition to the war. W hen Pope John Paul II the West (and anyone else who will listen) to fulfil recently met with the 170 ambassadors to the Holy its prom ise o f humanitarian aid and logistical See, he said “N o to war!”, and Vatican spokesman support. Catholic charities and aid organisations are Joaquin Navarro-Vails said the direction for the already busy formulating their strategies, and will Vatican’s efforts to broker a peace came directly be calling on us all to support their efforts. from the Holy Father: “The P ope’s basic position It’s a chance for us to contribute to repairing rests on this premise: war in the 21st century is the W est’s moral failure, and a m essage o f hope not the way to resolve problems.” for the future. I J t h e u n i v e r s e Sadly our voices went unheard in the growing

A r c h d i o c e s a n

K e y S p e a k e rs :

LONDON - THE CATHOLIC charity, Aid to the Church in Need has announced a relief mission for Christians in Iraq who have been devastated by war. A C N said its m oney was sure to reach the most needy because o f its close links with the country’s 700,000 Christians, and especially the papal nuncio in Iraq, Archbishop Fernando Filoni. The archbishop’s decision to stay in Iraq despite the war will faclitate the distribution o f aid by clergy and other Christians A C N plans to provide long term help for the Christians, about 70 percent o f whom are Catholic, so they can rebuild their

reported that many people are leaving the city in anticipation o f an invasion by the Turkish and American armies. In the northern towns of Qaradagh, Jafaran and Sangaw there are 700 displaced families, for whom Caritas teams have prepared em ergency aid. Caritas m obile m edical teams are also working in this area. □

Catholic News

Sundays April 13 and April 20,2003

-------------------------------- ------ PhotoNews

Pope says Iraqi war must not turn into religious catastrophe VATICAN CITY - A s the toll o f death and destruction in Iraq mounted, Pope John Paul II repeatedly called Catholics to pray the rosary for peace and said the conflict must not be allowed to become a “religious catastrophe.” The pope, who strongly opposed an attack on Iraq, made the comments as photos of civilian victims in Iraq provoked sadness and indignation in much o f the world, especially Muslim countries. The pope said the world was experiencing a moment in which “painful armed conflicts are threatening humanity’s hope in a better future.” Addressing bishops from predominantly M uslim Indonesia, the pope expressed deep concern about the interreligious impact o f the war in Iraq.

“War must never be allowed to divide world religions. I encourage you to take this unsettling moment as an occasion to work together, as brothers committed to peace, with your own people, with those of other religious beliefs and with all men and women o f good will in order to ensure understanding, cooperation and solidarity,” he said. The pope also told military chaplains meeting in Rome that recent worldwide peace protests against the Iraqi war showed that a large part o f humanity rejects war — except in legitimate selfdefense — as a means to resolve conflicts between countries. □ cns

Above: An Iraqi father and son stand in front of a house damaged by a missile during an air strike in Baghdad. As casualties rose, Pope John Paul II said his affection and prayers were with all those suffering from the US-led war in Iraq.

Right: Iraqi men rush to get food packages from British soldiers in the town of Safwan in southern Iraq.

Below: An Iraqi woman cries after prayers at the Sheikh Abdul Kadir Mosque in Baghdad after enduring another night of US bombs and missiles.

Right: Christian women pray at a church in Baghdad. Citing a heavy toll of wounded civilians, Catholic and other Christian leaders of Baghdad appealed for a cease-fire and called for humanitarian aid. Below: A U.S. Marine doctor holds a young girl separated from her family during crossfire in central Iraq. Iraqi soldiers appeared to use the family as a shield as they headed toward U.S. tanks. In the confusion, a mother was killed and her daughter injured. □ C N S photos

Bottom: Iraqi families flee as Coalition forces surrounded Basra. The city suffered from unreliable water and electricity supply.

“Let us not perm it a human tragedy also to becom e a religious catastrophe.” - Pope John Paul II speaking to Indonesian bishops about the war

Sundays April 13 and April 20, 2003 Catholic News

Special Report

HOW GREAT CHRISTIAN VISUALIZE TH E RESURI Y RISING from the dead, Christ defeated the power o f sin and death. B elief in this event is key to the Christian faith. Yet, in the face o f death that w e experience daily the death o f famous persons, actors, royalty, and even members o f our ow n fam ily how can w e believe in the resurrection? That would be difficult, perhaps im possible, using only our intellect. But with the gift o f faith from God, the im possible becom es possible. Even in our b elief though, w e are still uncertain as to what actually happened at the resurrection moment. To visualize that moment, w e use our imagination and a little help from the great Christian artists. Piero della Francesca’s fresco o f the risen Christ is a solemn portrayal o f that momentous event. Looking at the painting, w e are drawn into eye-to-eye contact with Christ’s image. The intensity o f his gaze reminds us o f that person-to-person encounter in which the risen Christ asked Saul “W hy do you persecute m e?” and challenges us to believe that He has indeed risen. The artist has also made the wound caused by the soldier’s spear a focal point o f the painting. It is as if he wants to remove the doubting Thomas in us by inviting us to place our finger into that wound to confirm that the Lord has indeed risen, and declare “My Lord and my God” as Thomas did. Piero della Francesca has painted Christ with one foot planted firmly on the tomb to show his dominance over sin and death. What o f the soldiers who were guarding the tomb? When the resurrection took place, were they asleep as Piero della Francesca seemed to think. Or were they blown over, knocked down, stunned — as found in som e other paintings? The answer may satisfy our curiosity but is really o f no importance. The only one who matters is the risen Christ.

p v v /'a Pierro della Fransesca’s Resurrection

. ’

Catholic News

Sundays April 13 and April 20,2003

Special Report

ARTISTS ECTION

Above: Tintoretto’s The Resurrection o f Christ

Right: Titian’s Noli me Tangere (Do not touch me)

Left: El Greco’s Resurrection El Greco, another o f the great Christian artists, painting for the faithful o f 16th century Spain, has a risen Christ o f irresistible energy, an immaculately graceful body capable o f instantaneous and multi-dimensional movement, a perfect 10. This m agnificent visualization o f the risen Lord is also to be seen in Tintoretto’s The Resurrection o f Christ. Tintoretto imagines angels participating in the resurrection. But then, again, this is o f no significance. Christ appeared to the apostles and disciples many times after the resurrection. O f these, Mary M agdalene’s meeting with the risen Christ has been a favourite with

many artists. When she first saw Christ at the tomb, Mary Magdalene thought he was the gardener. But he w asn’t the gardener; he was the risen Lord. Titian has painted a physically m agnificent Christ with a face o f great com passion in N oli me Tangere (Do not touch m e) to capture this encounter. So what does Easter mean for us? Jesus who died is alive. Our faith in His resurrection means all His words are true; w e can put our trust in Him; all that He has promised us w ill be fulfilled. The risen Christ is a preview o f what we too will inherit. But no visualization, even by the greatest artists, w ill ever com e close to the glory o f that state. □

Sundays April 13 and April 20, 2003 Catholic News

The Word Of God

A time for gratitude, joy and hope April 13, Passion Sunday

Mark 14:1-15:47 TODAY w e not only celebrate our redemption, w e begin a w eek-long celebration o f Jesus’ love. A ll week, w e w ill commemorate the reasons why He died for us. This is not a w eek for sorrow, but for gratitude, joy, and hope. St Mark tells us that as Jesus breathed His last, the veil in the temple was tom in two, from top to bottom (M arkl5:37-38). This veil was a thick curtain that separated the people from the holiest and most sacred portion of the temple (Exodus 25:8). Only the high priest had access to this holy place, and even he could enter it only once a year to make atonement for the sins o f the people (Hebrews 9:7). So, by tearing this veil, God was making a powerful statement: There was no longer any separation between Him and His people. Just as the veil in the temple separated the people from the

presence and holiness o f God, so did a thick veil o f guilt and sin hang between us and our Creator. But when Jesus died, this veil was also tom from top (heaven) to bottom (earth). The way to heaven was opened, and G od’s life and love were free to flow to every one o f us. Now, finally, w e all can hear His voice and experience His presence personally. This sounds so wonderful, and yet each o f us has known the feeling o f separation or distance from God. Veils can still shroud our lives, blocking our access to the Father’s throne. Brothers and sisters, Jesus wants to tear apart these veils during this Holy Week. He wants to remove the obstacles that still exist between us and His heavenly Father. We have only to com e to Him and ask. The whole reason Jesus died was so that we could gaze on His glory and be filled with His love. Let us not moum this week, but rather open our hearts to Jesus. Let us not be sad, but hopeful. Our God can remove every veil that keeps us from being transformed into His image (2 Corinthians 3:18).

“Jesus, words fa il me when I look at your cross. All 1 can do is praise you fo r your love and ask you to come and rend the veils in my life. Lord, I want to see your glory and be made more like you!"

Jesus’ resurrection ensures that all his promises will be fulfilled TODAY is the Sunday o f all Sundays, the great celebration o f the resurrection o f Jesus! On this day, w e join with the disciples as they race to the

obtained everything w e need. We can rest in His arms, knowing that w e are secure. Let’s stay close to Jesus in the joy o f the resurrection. Though world events may be cause for serious concern, though the “unpredictables” o f

tomb and discover it empty. We don’t have to linger on the outside with our doubts and fears. We can accompany the beloved disciple who went into the tomb and “saw and believed” (John 20:8), Then, with Mary Magdalene, w e can embrace Jesus as our risen Lord. During Lent, w e searched our hearts to find the stones that block us from the resurrection life. N ow Jesus has rolled back these stones so that w e can enter into a life o f freedom and hope and joy. Let this be a day o f celebration! Jesus has triumphed over every obstacle, He has

daily life may challenge our patience and trust, Jesus is with us. He wants the joy and stonem oving power o f this day to be available to us always. In faith, we can pursue the lifetim e goal o f continual resurrections over everything that keeps us from recognizing our privileged position as “beloved disciple.” N ow is the time to raise your head and “set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” Why? Because “you have died, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also w ill appear with Him in glory”

April 20, Easter Sunday

John 20:1-9

(Colossians 3:2-4). Just as John looked inside the empty tomb and believed, w e believe that the same Jesus who died and was thought to be gone forever is now alive. Our faith in His resurrection means w e can put our trust in His entire life. All His words are true. A ll His promises and all o hopes and dreams - will be fulfilled. As the light o f the resurrection dawns with increasing brilliance, let your Easter alleluia burst forth!

“W hat a beautiful life you have given me, Lord Jesus! Let me sing o f the glorious hope that comes from your resurrection. With each day - but especially today - make my jo y a gift to you, a grateful acknowledgment o f the love you have fo r me."

The human race in its limitations

U N D ER S TA N D IN G TH E O LD TESTA M EN T BY REV A M BR O SE VAZ SSL Professor Of Sacred Scripture St Francis Xavier Major Seminary

Gen 3:8-24 THIS SECTION has a structure that follow s universal legal process TIdentification (or detection) o f the culprits, hearing (or trial), defense, and sentence.

2. How honest am I in evaluating my response to God, to others, to myself? 3. W hat are the masks I wear in the attempt to “hide" my true se lf from God, neighbour, and self?

Gen 3:8-13 : “Adam, where are you?”

Gen 3:14-19 describes human existence apart from God.

P u n ish m en t d o e s not f o llo w im m e d ia te ly on transgression : God is not only a judge, but is the m erciful One (cf. Ps 103); He follow s man where he is questioned and able to defend him self. Trial and judgement face-to-face with God, almost as a peer, is alien to our reality (cf. also Gen 4 and Mt 25). A legal trial is pictured, but in the primal event there is as yet no difference between law and religion. What is said here and in Gen 4 is true not only o f sins against God (Gen 3), but also o f transgressions or offenses against others (Gen 4).

Gen 3:14-15 : The curse contains an old explanation o f why the serpent crawls rather than walks, and why people are instinctively hostile to it. The serpent became a sym bol o f sin based on its Canaanite cultic sym bolism : cultic prostitution, etc., which,ensnared the Israelites upon entry into the land.

“He w ill strike your head” : “he” refers to offspring, which is masculine in Hebrew. Christian tradition has so m etim es referred it to C hrist, but the literal reference is to the human descendants o f Eve, who How much do I recognise and accept God w ill regard snakes as enem ies.

1. as a merciful, loving Father?

Human Reaction: Guilt and anxiety prompt an attempt to hide from God (cf. Ps 139:7); it leads to a refusal to admit to the transgression. It leads

> "1 M ichaelangelo’s The serpent

them to lay the blame on others (here, each o th e r)... cf. an ironic contrast to Gen 2:23. £ Only the serpent is not interrogated. This fact points out the full significance o f m an’s accountability for his own d eed s: the origin o f evil cannot be explained; in the face o f this inexplicability, the man is held responsible.) »

Gen 3:16 : Childbearing, a constituent part o f a w om an’s nature, w ill be attended with great pain, sym bolizing the loss o f original ease with oneself and on e’s environment. W oman’s original equality with the man is part o f the lo ss , su g g estin g that the f subordinate place o f woman in Israelite society .was not intended by God, but is rather a result o f human sin!

N ext: The human race in its limitations: The effects of sin

Catholic News

Sundays April 13 and April 20, 2003

Viewpoints CatholicNews

Where have all the children gone?

ED ITO R: M sg r E ugene Vaz M ANAGER: Rev. Fr. Jo h n so n F ern an d ez STAFF C O RRESPO N D EN T:

M s. M el D iam se-L ee

For administrative matters: 2 Highland Road #01-03 Singapore 549102 Tel: 6-858-3055 Fax: 6-858-2055 Email: cathnews@catholic.org.sg For editorial matters: email: cnedit@catholic.org.sg Please include your full name, address, telephone no. and e-mail address.

“Even when God seems to be silent before oppression, injustice or other forms of evil that touch man, he never ceases to love m an and comes to his aid if man turns to him in trust,” - Pope John Paul II

By Jacintha Stephens

Damien looked worried each day as I set off to cover yet another Sars story. Mummy IIRST THE WAR in Iraq and now be careful! It’s been hard on the children th is Sars p la g u e . W h y oh w hy especially those old enough to understand a m ust the tim es w e liv e in be so fuller extent o f w hat’s happening. I too cursedly interesting? It’s been quite worried a as I sat there at a press conference fortnight. At press time, in sunny, squeaky listening to a visibly tired Health Minister clean Singapore - three people had died tell us to brace ourselves for a long haul. from the highly contagious Sars, 89 were Every day seem s to bring more bad news. down with it from five index cases, and One can’t bear to think at length o f those som e 600,000 children were having to stay affected familes. I am glad each night when home from school. I return home to my cooped up kids. It’s difficult not to wonder why this is Singapore looks eerie when you look happening. What has the world done wrong around and see hardly any children. to deserve such a scourge? What is even It’s sad to think o f all that exuberance more difficult, is to explain to the children, and spirit locked away in homes. But no without alarming them too much. Parents on e’s taking chances with these our most needed to clue in the children and answer vulnerable and precious. their m any q u e stio n s. T he c h ild r e n ’s Like many parents, I was relieved that euphoria in suddenly having an unexpected the Singapore Catholic Church was quick 10-day holiday, was pretty-m uch short to respond and how sensible a response it lived. But why can’t w e go to the malI?Why was. Not panic but plain good sense and must I stay at home? W hy can’t they find a efficien tly executed. N o catechism for cure for Sars? children, no holy water, no receiving Holy Mummy I hate Sars! declared eight-year Communion on the tongue and no shaking -old Daniel after two days o f having his style or holding hands. It came at a time when se v er ely cram m ed. H is old er brother the country needs every one to be socially

CN lacks Inconsiderate parents local news and unruly children I AGREE with Ronald Lee (CN March 30-April 6) that CN lacks local new s and, I would add, local experiences. W hile I admire our universal church and her apostolic work, ordinary Catholics cannot relate to such matters as dogma and bioethics even though such issues are important. I suggest that CN include these types o f articles: personal interviews with ordinary and prominent Catholics to show how they live their faith ; how our lifestyle affects the lives o f others and o f the environment; stress management, alcoholism and health m atters; evangelisation-how to reach out to non Catholics in concrete and simple ways. □

Sebastian Liew

B e tte r , b u t n o t good enough I CONGRATULATE you on the refreshing and more readable format o f the Catholic N ew s. Ronald Lee has a point in observing the lack o f local news. I am sure there is much information to publish about the activies going on in our parishes, the work carried out by our religious orders, and the history of the Catholic Church in Singapore. □

Lee Kip Lee

KU D O S to the article “Not enough reverence, too much n oise.” (CN March 30-April 6). Every time I attend Mass at my parish, there are inconsiderate parents who allow their kids to play at the pews, make noise, talk, eat, drink. On som e occasions, some parents have even allowed their kids to play at the open space near the altar during Mass. I have on occasions politely drawn the attention o f parents to their kids when they became too boisterous. But on those occasions, I was the one who got told off and not the kids. If parents cannot even teach their kids to behave respectfully in a place o f worship, I cringe to think o f the kind o f values they impart to them. Perhaps these parents are taking advantage o f the tolerant attitude o f the priests and most people who attend Mass. I hope that they w ill be more considerate to other worshippers. We need silence to concentrate on our prayers. I hope that this is not too much to ask for and that,as a fellow woshipper, I am not being unreasonable. For a short period last year at my parish, announcements were made during M a s s , notices were pasted on the church doors and a special bulletin advising parents how to handle their kids during Mass was printed. I am grateful to the hardworking staff o f my church

for makingthe effort to solve this problem .But it seem s that after the announcements at Mass were stopped, the noise started again. I do hope that this issue of noise pollution can be resolved. I believe there are many persons who share my view. If I seem to be intolerant and biased against fam ilies with young children, I would also stress that there are other sources o f noise highlighted in your article (mobile phones, people talking, shifting o f kneeling benches and pew s, late arrivals...) which I believe have driven other churchgoers to distraction and frustration. I hope and pray, and appeal to all fellow Catholics to be considerate to their fellow worshippers. After all, as stated in Scripture, there is a time for everything....”a time to keep silence and a time to speak”.... (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8) □

Teo KW (Ms)

Well done WELL DONE! I am pleasantly surprised that CN has tremendously improved on the write-ups, colours and design. I have been a subscriber for more than ten years and I dare say this version is good, and every page is worth reading. □

Mark

responsible in helping contain this scourge. I didn’t take the children to church this Sunday. Daniel still had a niggling cold and D am ien a co u g h . T his Sunday, it w as sufficient cause not to go. We turned to the Bible and read about the 10 plagues, the Passover and deliverance. It’s in keeping with Lent. The children who had grumbled about the extra long prayers in lieu o f Mass were suddenly riveted. The part about the plagues suddenly sounded more real than it ever did. A s for the d eliveran ce, being reminded that God protects and delivers His children, was most comforting. We prayed that all survive this ordeal. Hopefully, we are delivered from it soon and it leaves us stronger. We w ill all probably be more appreciative o f the hum-drum o f life as it w as, a mere tw o w eeks ago before this nightmare began. Even having homework again may not feel as bad. And the laughter o f the children when they congregate once again to learn and play, should be something to behold. □ Jacintha Stephens is a media consultant and freelance journalist. She wrote this article March 31when serious concern over Sars appeared.

G o o d s h o w , M e l G ib s o n I LOVE the interview with Mel Gibson. It is so heartwarming. I believe (CN March 30-April 6) it is the Holy Spirit at work. I feel so proud o f Gibson for the courage and conviction to want to portray the truth. May many come to know the greatest lover, our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Indeed,

“there is no greater hero story than this one — about the greatest love one can have, which is to lay down one’s life for som eone.” Faith, hope, love and forgiveness are things that the world could use more of, particularly in these turbulent times. □ Irene Rose Wee

W hy aren’t Confirm ation practices standardised? I NOTE that different parishes adopt different practices when it com es to Confirmation. Some children are confirmed at Secondary Two while others are confirmed at Secondary Four. Shouldn't this be standaardised? A lso, holding Confirmation during the middle o f the year when children are preparing for their O ’ level exams (with the GCE ‘O ’ mother tongue language tested in June) is a strain as they need to go for retreat to prepare for Confirmation. Perhaps Confirmation should be done at a less stressful time in order for them to realise the full benefits. Otherwise they may view this as a stressful event. □

Florence Ang Christina Ying, Archdiocesan Religious Education Coordinator, SPI, replies: The Religious Education Office in Singapore has recommended a 3-year Confirmation preparation programme for teens. This was done after studying many confirmation curriculum and

m odels. The m odel we have adopted has been tested here in a few parishes and feedback from catechists and parents have been positive. The 3- year programme also helps teenagers to live out their faith more effectively. We have noticed that many who completed the 3 year programme, after confirmation, continue to be active in youth ministry or join the choir, the catechists or other youth groups in their parish or do volunteer work in old folks or children’s homes. A number o f parishes have chosen the 3 and '/2 -year model. In this model the sacrament o f Confirmation is celebrated the following year during the Easter season. While there is no common archdiocesan policy regarding the number o f preparatory years, we see a growing number o f parishes moving in this direction. Regarding the time of celebration, the date is left to the parishes. I have adviced parish catechist coordinators to take into account the exam schedules when planning the parish celebration. □

Sundays April 13 and April 20,2003 Catholic News

In Loving Memory

HOLY WEEK SCHEDULES • Holy Thursday (April 17) • Good Friday (April 18) • Holy Saturday (April 19) • Easter Sunday (April 20) Parishes in Singapore CITY DISTRICT CATHEDRAL O F THE GOOD SHEPHERD Holy Thursday: Mass 6.30 pm. Adoration till 12 M n .

G ood Friday: W ay of the Cross 2.30 pm, Service 3 pm.

Holy Saturday: Easter Vigil 8 pm. Easter Sunday: 8 am, 10 am and 6 pm. CH U RCH O F SS PETER & PAUL Holy Thursday: Mass 6 pm. Good Friday: Service 4.30 pm Holy Saturday: Easter Vigil/Mass 8.30 pm. Easter Sunday: 10 am and 5.30 pm. ST JO SE P H ’S CH U RCH Holy Thursday: Mass 6 pm. Adoration till 12 M n .

Good Friday: W ay of the Cross 9 am, Service 6 pm.

Holy Saturday: Easter Vigil 9 pm. Easter Sunday: 8.30 am, 10 am and 5 pm. CHU RCH OF OUR LADY O F LOURDES Holy Thursday: Mass 6 pm. Good Friday: Service 11 am (M alayalam ), 3 pm. Holy Saturday: Easter Vigil 8 pm. Easter Sunday: 8 am (Tam il), 10 am.

CH U RCH OF THE SA CRED HEART Holy Thursday: Mass 6 pm Good Friday: W ay of the Cross/Service

CHU RCH O F THE HOLY FAMILY Holy Thursday: Mass 6.30 pm. Good Friday: W ay of the Cross/Service 8.30 am , 11.30 am, 2.30 pm. Holy Saturday: Easter Vigil 8 pm with adult Baptism. Easter Sunday: 7.15 am, 9.15 am 11.15 am and 6 pm.

CH U RCH O F T H E HOLY TRINITY Holy Thursday: Mass 5 pm, 6.30 pm. Good Friday: W ay of the Cross/Service 8 am (M * ), 10.30 am, 1 pm, 3.30 pm, 6pm. Holy Saturday: Easter Vigil/M ass 7 pm, 10 pm with adult baptism. Easter Sunday: 6.45 am , 8 am , 9.30 am, 11 am, 12.30 pm w ith adult baptism in M a n d a rin and 6 pm.

CHU RCH O F OUR LADY Q U EEN O F PEACE Holy T hursday:M ass 6.30 pm. Good Friday: W ay o f the Cross/Service 9 am ( M * ) 3 pm. Holy Saturday: Easter Vigil 7.30 pm (M * ) , 10 pm. Easter Sunday: 7.30 am (M * ) , 9 am, 10.30 am and 6 pm.

CHU RCH O F ST STEPHEN Holy Thursday: Mass 6.30 pm. Good Friday:W ay o f the Cross/Service 3 pm.

Holy Saturday: Easter Vigil 9 pm. Easter Sunday: 7.30 am, 10 am and 5.30 pm.

WEST DISTRICT

10 am ( M * ), 3 pm.

CHURCH O F ST MARY O F THE ANGELS Holy Thursday: Mass 5 pm, 6.30 pm,

Holy Saturday: Easter V igil 7.15 pm

8.30 pm.

(M * ), 10 pm.'

Good Friday: Service 9 am, 11 am (M * ) ,

Easter Sunday: 8 am (M * ) , 9 am , 11 am

I pm, 3 pm and 5 pm . W ay of the Cross 7 pm. Holy Saturday: 7 pm, 10.30 pm both with Baptism. Easter Sunday: 7 am (M * ) , 8.15 am, 9.30 am , 11 am 12.30 pm and 5.30 pm.

and 5.30 pm.

CH U RCH O F ST BERN AD ETTE Holy Thursday: Mass 7 pm. Good Friday: W ay of the Cross/Service 9 am (C * ), 3 pm. Holy Saturday: Easter Vigil 9 pm. Easter Sunday: 8 am (C * ), 9.15 am , 10.45 am and 5.30 pm.

CHU RCH O F ST M ICH AEL Holy Thursday: Mass 8 pm. Good Friday: W ay of the Cross/Service 8.30 am ( M * ) , 11 am , 3 pm. Holy Saturday: Easter V igil/M ass 8 pm. E aster Sunday: 7.30 am ( M * ) , 9.30 am and 6 pm.

CH U RCH O F ST TERESA Holy Thursday: Mass 7 pm. Good Friday: W ay of the Cross/Service 10 am , 2.30 pm. Holy Saturday: Easter V igil with Baptism 9 pm Easter Sunday: 8.30 am, 10 am and 6 pm.

BLESSED SACRAM ENT CHURCH Holy Thursday: Mass 6.30 pm. Good Friday: 10 am and 3 pm , 12.30 pm (M * ) .

Holy Saturday: Easter Vigil 9 pm E aster Sunday: 7.30 am, 10.30 am and 5.30 pm and 8.45 am (M * ).

CH U RCH O F THE HOLY CROSS Holy Thursday: Mass 6.30 pm. "Good Friday: 8.45 am (M * ) , 11 am , 2.30 pm, 5.30 pm W ay of the Cross 7.30 am Holy Saturday: Easter Vigil 8 pm. E aster Sunday: 7.15 am ( M * ) , 8.45 am, 10.30 am , 12.15 pm and 6 pm.

CHU RCH O F ST FRANCIS O F ASSISI Holy Thursday: Mass 7 pm. Good Friday: W ay o f the Cross 8 am

NORTH DISTRICT CHU RCH O F CHRIST THE KING Holy Thursday: Mass 6.30 pm. G ood Friday: W ay o f the Cross/Service 7.30 am , 10 am including children's special liturgy, 12.30 pm ( M * ) , 3 pm including children’s special liturgy, 5.30 pm. 11 am (T*, basement chapel). Holy Saturday: Easter Vigil 7 pm, 9.30

pm with Baptisms. E aster Sunday: 7 am, 8.15 am (M * ), 9.45 am, 11.30 am with infant baptism and 6 pm with Rite o f Acceptance.

pm, 5.30 pm.

Holy Saturday: Easter Vigil 8.30 pm Easter Sunday: 7.45 am , 9 am , 10.15 am 11.45 am and 6 pm.

CH U RCH O F TH E RISEN CHRIST Holy Thursday: Mass 4 pm. 6 pm. Good Friday: Service 7.30 am (M * ) , 10 am, 12.30 pm. 3 pm and 5.30 pm. Holy Saturday: Easter Vigil 7 pm with adult baptism, 10 pm. Easter Sunday: 7 am, 8.15 am ( M * ), 9.30 am , 11 am and 6 pm.

CHU RCH O F ST ANTHONY Holy Thursday: Mass 7 pm. Good Friday: Service 9 am , 12 noon ( M * ), 3 pm.

For those who have no one to pray for them we pray to the Lord.

FRANCIS FE R N A N D EZ

Baptism. am and 6 pm.

ST JO SE PH ’S CHURCH Holy Thursday: Mass 6.30 pm. Good Friday: Service 10 am and 3 pm. Holy Saturday: Mass 9 pm. E aster Sunday: 7.30 am ( M * ) with baptism, 9.30 am , 11 am and 5.30 pm.

SERANGOON DISTRICT CH U RCH O F ST FRANCIS XAVIER Holy Thursday: Mass 6.30 pm. Good Friday: Service 10 am , 1 pm , 3 pm. Holy Saturday: Easter Vigil 7 pm. E aster Sunday: 7 am, 9 am, 10.45 am and 6 pm.

8.30 am, 11 am , 2.30 pm, 5 pm (M * ). Holy Saturday: Easter Vigil 9 pm with Baptism. Easter Sunday: 7.30 am (M * ) , 8.45 am, 10.15 am 12 noon, 2.30 pm (children’s Mass) and 6 pm.

I I am (Ignatius H a ll), Service 3 pm (Ignatius H all). Holy Saturday: Easter V igil 8 pm (Ignatius H all). E aster Sunday: 7am, 8 am, 10.45 am and 6 pm (Ignatius H all).

5 IB T em p le S tre et

In loving memory of

Easter Sunday: 7.30 am (C*), 9 am, 11

4.30 pm.

Holy Saturday: Easter V igil 7.30 pm (C *

8.45 am, 10 am , 11.15 am, 5.30 pm.

H a ll).

A D V O C A T E S & SOLICITORS S in g ap o re 0 5 8 5 9 6 Tel: (6 5 ) 6 3 2 3 2 -5 6 5 Lawyers F ax: (6 5 ) 6 3 2 3 2 -3 7 3 Colin Kang www.grck.com .sg Premchand Soman law @ grck.com .sg

Departed: Apr 20,1978 Rest in peace, dear loving husband and father, Twenty-five long years have passed away You’re gone, but are still loved In the hearts of those who stay. Always remembered by family and loved

Twentfth Anniversary

Holy Saturday: Easter Vigil 8 pm with

at Church Centre).

GANESH & COLIN

Tenth Anniversary

A LL E N TAN K H O O N K EE

10 am and 3 pm. Holy Saturday: 8 pm with baptism. E aster Sunday: 7 am , 9 am , 11 am and 6 pm.

E aster Sunday: 6.15 am , 7.30 am , 8 pm

GRANT OF PROBAT E & LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION

Departed: Apr 21,1994 Our thoughts are always with you, Our hearts are sore with pain; This world would be like heaven If you were here again. Dearly missed and always remembered by Grace and Desiree and all loved ones.

Good Friday: W ay o f the Cross/Service

CH U RCH O F ST IGNATIUS Holy Thursday: Mass 7.30 pm (Ignatius

W I L L S

D A N IE L T A N SZE OON

hour 8 pm.

CHU RCH OF O U R LAD Y OF PERPETU A L SUCCOUR Holy Thursday: Mass 5 pm, 6.30 pm. Good Friday: W ay o f the Cross/Service

Good Friday: W ay of the Cross 10 am,

Twenty fifth Anniversary

In loving memory of

HOLY SPIRIT CHURCH Holy Thursday: Mass 6.30 pm , H oly

CHU RCH O F THE NATIVITY O F THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY Holy Thursday: Mass 6.30 pm (C*), 8 pm. G ood Friday: Service 2.30 pm (C*),

EAST DISTRICT

I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me shall * never die.

CHU RCH OF OUR LADY STAR OF THE SEA Holy Thursday: Mass 6pm, 7.30pm. G ood Friday: Service 9.30 am ( M * ), 3

(T * ) W ay o f the Cross/Service 10 am, 5.30 pm, 3 pm ( M * ). Holy Saturday: Easter Vigil 6.30 pm ( M * ) and 9 pm both with Baptism. Easter Sunday: 7.30 am, 9 am , 10.30 am and 6 pm (M * ).

NO VEN A CHU RCH Holy Thursday: Mass 7 pm. G ood Friday: Service 3 pm. Holy Saturday: Easter Vigil 8 pm. Easter Sunday: 7 am , 8.30 am and 5.30 pm.

Ninth Anniversary

In loving memory of

CHURCH O F ST VINCENT DE PAUL Holy Thursday: Mass 7 pm followed by adoration till 12 midnight. Good Friday: W ay of the Cross/Service 3 pm, 5 pm. Holy Saturday: Easter V igil 8 pm with baptism. Easter Sunday: 7 am, 9 am , 11 am , 6 pm.

CHU RCH OF THE IM M ACULATE HEART O F MARY Holy Thursday: 6.30 pm. Good Friday: 10 am w ith special children service in the hall, 3 pm. Holy Saturday: 8 pm E aster Sunday: 7 am, 8.30 am, 10.45 am and 6.15 pm.

CH U RCH O F ST ANNE Holy Thursday: Mass 6 pm and 8 pm. Good Friday: Service 8 am, 10.30 am, 2.30 pm. W ay o f the Cross 6 pm. Holy Saturday: Easter Vigil 8 pm with baptism Easter Sunday: 7.30 am, 9 am, 10.30 am. N o te : (T * ) Tam il. (M * ) M a n d a rin , (C * ) C hinese.

Classified Advertisements Minimum S$25/- for first 25 words. Additional words: 500. Hyphenated words are considered two words. Post, fax or deliver. No phone advertisments.

THANKSGIVING O Holy St Jude, apostle and martyr, great in virtue and rich in miracles, near kinsman of Jesus Christ, faithful intercessor of all who invoke your special patronage in times of need. To you I have recourse from the depth of my heart and humbly beg you to whom God has given such great power to come to my assistance. Help me in my present urgent petition. In return I promise to make your name known and cause you to be invoked. St Jude pray for me and all who invoke your aid. Humbly in need of your intercession. Amen. Thank you for answering my prayers. Most Holy St Jude, we thank you for helping our son to complete his doctorate. It has been a long hard road, and at times it seemed that he would never make anything of himself. Through your powerful intercession, however, he has become a responsible member of society. We will honour you as our special patron. The Tan Family

Departed: Apr 17, 1993 Rest in peace, dear loving father, Ten long years have passed away; You’re gone, but are still living In the hearts of those who stay. Deeply missed and always remembered by wife, Celine Fernandez, children, and loved ones.

G EO R G E V IC T O R SANTH O U

Departed: Apr 13, 1983 Your presence is ever near us, Your love remains with us yet; You were the kind of father, Your loved ones will never forget. Always remembered by wife and children.

Third Anniversary

In loving memory of

Second Anniversary

In loving memory of

IN M EMORIAM RATES

Cost of a memoriam insertion (with or without) a photograph) is S$55. An insertion exceeding a ten-centimetre column will have an additional charge of $6 per cm.

FR E D D Y JO H N NEO

Departed: Apr 23,2000 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. Sadly missed by wife and children and all loved ones.

A N T H O N Y LE O N G

Departed: Apr 13,2001 His smiling way and pleasant face Are a pleasure to recall; He had a kind word for each And died beloved by all. Some day we hope to meet him, Some day, we know not when, To clasp his hand in the better land, Never to part again.

N inth E ighteenth A nniversary A nniversary In loving memory o f

C EC ILY SE B A ST IA N FERNANDEZ FERNANDEZ Departed: July 8, 1994 Departed: Apr 6, 1985 You are both gone, dear parents, Gone beyond the world o f tears, But the memory o f you both will ever linger Through the passing years. Fondly remembered by children and grand-children.

Catholic News

Sundays April 13 and April 20, 2003

In Loving Memory In loving memory of

Fifth Anniversary

In loving memory of

Twenty-fifth Anniversary

Departed: Apr 18, 2000

Our thoughts are always with you Gone is your kindness beyond recall: Gone to a world of peace and love But in our hearts forever near. Mass will be celebrated at the Church of St Theresa’s on Apr 18, 2003 at 10 am. Always remembered by loving wife, children, grandchildren and loved ones.

Departed: Apr 19,1978 Dearest Dad, you are one of the Best who deserves God’s eternal heavenly rest. Lovingly remembered by son: Lazar, Jeanette and Sarah Ann, daugher: Christina and family. Mass will be offered on Saturday, April 19, 2003 at Church of St Anthony.

Fourth Anniversary

Twelfth Anniversary

In loving memory of

Loving memory 29 years

Called home to be with the Lord on April 23, 1999 Deeply missed and always remembered by loved ones.

In loving memory of

K A T H E R IN E LO H JOO G EK

Departed: Apr 15, 1977 Just a thought of sweet remembrance, Just a memory sad and true, Just the love and sweet devotion, Of one who thinks of you. Inserted by loving daughter Lucy and family. Seventeenth Anniversary

In loving memory of

H IL D A S H AKUNTALA BAI D/O FA TEH SINGH

Departed: Mar 31, 1998 My heart is sore As time goes by I miss you more. Your loving smile, your gentle face, No one can fill your vacant place. Dearly missed and remembered by family and loved ones. Eighth Anniversary

Third Anniversary

In loving memory of

X A V IE R CHARLES G A B R IE L A R O K IA S A M Y

G EO R G E IG N A T IU S KESSLER

First Anniversary

In loving memory of

Departed: Apr 25,1995 Tender thoughts silent tears JO H N PETER The month of April KENNEDY comes with deep regret Departed: Apr 22,1974 It brings back the day we will never forget. His smiling way and So sudden pleasant face was the shock, Are a pleasure to recall; So great He had a kind word was the sorrow, for each to part with the one And died beloved by all. we loved so dear Some day we hope to It’s been eight years meet him, since you left us Some day, but the memories of we know not when, you will always remain. To clasp his hand in Fondly remembered the better land, by wife Bessie, Never to part again. daughter, son-in-law From your loving and grandchildren. family and loved ones.

M A R T IN S TE W A R T F E L IX G OM EZ

Departed: Apr 12, 2000 Close to our hearts you will always remain we still often talk about you and cry each time when we miss you. Rest in peace dear. Forever cherished by family and loved ones.

In loving memory of ETH E L K E N N E D Y

Departed: Apr 2, 2002 The depths of sorrow we cannot tell, Of the loss of one we love so well, And while she sleeps a peaceful sleep, Her memory we shall always keep. Always remembered by children, grand children, great grand children, sister, brothers, in-laws and loved ones

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MARY AUGUSTINE Departed: Apr 18, 1994 Take her in Thy arms, dear Lord, And ever let her be A messenger of love Between our hearts and Thee. Fondly remembered by Stella and Julius loved ones. Mass will be held at the Church of the Holy Spirit at 6.30 am on April 18, 2003

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Departed: Apr 24,1991 His smiling face and pleasant way Are a pleasure to recall; He had a kind word for each And died beloved by all. Some day we hope to meet him. Some day, we know not when. To clasp his hand in the better land, Never to part again. Lovingly remembered by wife Ivy Sebastian nee Ivy Paglar, sons, daughters-in-law and grandchildren. Mass will be celebrated at the Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary at 6.15 pm on April 24, 2003. Please treat this as a personal invitation.

Tei: 6 4 5 5 - 9 9 0 9

SOLOMON JACOB Departed: April 14, 2001 Not only today but every day we can feel you in our lives. We know y o u ’re watching and praying for each o f us. We love you and w ill always m iss you. A lw ays cherished by your loving w ife, children and all loved ones.

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Twelfth Anniversary

Departed: Apr 25, 1991 Our thoughts are always with you. Our hearts are sore with pain. This world would be like heaven If you were here again. Dearly missed by beloved wife Jamuna, son, daughters, and all loved ones. Mass will be held at the Novena Church on April 25 at 5.30 pm.

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Departed: Apr 21, 1986 God knows how much we miss her, Never shall her memory fade; Our loving thoughts ever wander, To the spot where she is laid. Always remembered by husband, parents and family.

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FEAST OF DIVINE MERCY : Sunday April 27, 2003

DATE

CELEBRANT: Archbishop Nicholas Chia

: Church of Our Lady Star of the Sea

VENUE

PROGRAMME 3.00 pm Exposition of Blessed Sacrament The Hour of Greatest Mercy Chaplet of Divine Mercy and Litany 3.30 pm Eucharistic Celebration

NOVENA TO THE DIVINE MERCY 1.30 pm 3.00 pm 8.00 pm

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Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Good Friday Apr 18 :6.45 pm Sat, Sun Apr 19,20, 26 :7.15 pm Mon-Fri Apr 21-25 :6.45 pm

Good Friday Apr 18 Sat-Sun Apr 19,20, 26 Mon-Fri Apr 21-25

10.30am 3.00 pm 6.30 pm

5.15 5.15 6.00 5.15

Good Friday Apr 18 Sat-Sun Apr 19, 20, 26 Mon-Fri Apr 21-25

A death in the family

pm pm pm pm

WITH CRUISE m issiles, smart bombs, stealth planes, attack helicopters and other aw esom e technology em ployed in the war on Iraq, we som etim es forget that there are several hundred thousand young men and w om en engaged in the fighting. And they get hurt and killed. One o f the early fatalities was US Army Spc. Greg Sanders, 19 (right), who died after being hit by sniper fire about 70 m iles outside Baghdad. Here, his mother, Leslie Sanders clutches his sister, Clare, and w ife, Ruthann, during Mass celebrated for his intention. □ c n s p h o t o s

3.00 am 3.00 pm 5.30 pm

St Joseph (Bukit Timahi) Good Friday Apr 18 Sat-Sun Apr 19,20, 26 Mon-Fri Apr 21-25

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a normal child. ORRAINE LEE was four months pregnant But Zachary, their second child, was bom with w hen she found out her baby had an many abnormalities. Since his birth, he has had abnormal-looking head. A scan revealed four major operations - two for his skull and two that her baby had many abnormalities - fused more to separate his fused fingers. According to fingers, bulging eyeballs, a retruded mid face and doctors, he w ill continue to require m ultiple extra toes on his feet. He was diagnosed with surgeries and m edical care until he turns 18. Carpenter’s syndrom e - a rare genetic defect Yet, the couple said that Zachary, now 20 affecting the cranial facial development. months old, is a blessing. “I kept hoping that it was a bad dream and “Through him w e got to really experience love that I would awake from it,” said Mrs Lee. - love o f God, our parents, Scared and confused, Emmanuel and Lorraine Lee with their son relatives, friends and the sh e and her h u sb an d , Zachary, left, and daughter Jordan. good n ess o f p e o p le ...I f E m m a n u el, co n sid er ed ■ n w e had made the decision aborting their baby. But to abort Zach, it w ould despite the difficulties, the have been our loss.” Catholic couple decided to D escribing him as a have the child. “lovely, beautiful child” S aid M rs L ee, “The who is always smiling and faith that if God wanted to h appy, th ey said: “H e give us such a child, He remains a source o f hope w ill also give us the means and inspiration to a lot of and strength to go through people around him, and with the pregnancy. And w e believe that he is part He w ill be there for us as o f G od’s plan.” we raise our little boy.” The Day for Life Mass They named their baby w a s o rg a n iz ed by the Z achary, w h ich m ean s Pregnancy Crisis Service “remembered by God”. in memory o f more than Sharing their touching 500,000 babies who have experience at the Day for b een aborted sin ce the Life Mass on March 28, at legalization o f abortion in the N oven a Church, the Singapore in 1970. □ couple said they prayed for

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Holy Spirit Good Friday Apr 18 Holy Sat Apr 19 Sun, Sat Apr 20, 26 Mon-Fri Apr 21-25

A LO V E STO RY

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Blessed Sacrament Good Friday Apr 18 Sat Apr 19 Sun-Sat Apr 20-26

‘Life is a gift from God’

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St Francis Xavier

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Catholic News

Sundays April 13 and April 20, 2003

Young Catholics WENDY OOI’S JOURNEY:

FROM TELEVISION STUDIO TO CONVENT

communications media. “I said to m yself, “If ever I join a R eligious congregation, it would be that,” she stated. A series o f events led to more encounters with the Daughters o f St Paul. At a bookshop she picked up a rosary only to discover it was produced by the

An advertisem ent in a Catholic m agazine changed the life of W endy Ooi, a successful television producer. From telling people how to m ake money, she now tells them how to let Christ into their lives. Bv Peter Ooi ISTER Wendy made her perpetual profession as a Daughter o f St Paul at a concelebrated Mass led by Archbishop N icholas Chia on March 25. The ceremony at the Church o f the H oly Trinity is the first one to be held locally by the Religious Institute. The 35-year-old recounted how she was drawn to the congregation. Sr Wendy said, “I was already in M oney Mind from Friday Background and was doing a lot o f stories on how to make more money, what sort of stocks and shares to invest in.

Sr Wendy Ooi is flanked by Archbishop Chia and her family members at her perpetual profession on March 25. Soon, I began to tire o f this. And I said, ‘If only I could use my broadcasting skill to evangelize.” It was around that time that she spotted a small advertisement about the Daughters o f St Paul in the Catholic D igest. The advertisement spoke about communicating the Gospel through the social

Institute. W hile clearing her room at home, she cam e across a cassette tape o f Marian songs sung by the same congregation. One day a friend invited her to join a vocation weekend organised by the archdiocese. That same friend later gave her a book on the Daughters o f St Paul. “I was really amazed when I read it. It had pictures o f all these nuns going around with microphones and tape recorders. I never knew such nuns with such an apostolate existed,” she

MICHELLE NG’S JOURNEY:

From darkness to light M ichelle Anne Ng was baptised last Easter. Here, she shares her conversion experience. OD WAITED 17 years for me to becom e a Catholic. I first heard His “call” at 15 while studying in a convent. I had a strong desire to convert but com ing from a non-Catholic family, I knew my parents would disapprove. Fr Simon Pereira then told me, “D on’t worry m y child, honour your parents for God w ill call you again.” So I continued to attend Mass and novenas to Our Lady and to help out at St Vincent’s Home. But this did not last long. I became too caught up with work and the material world. I led a high life. Instead o f going to church and visiting St Vincent’s Hom e, I busied m yself checking out the latest pubs, clubs and discos on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights. At work, I was prideful and not the nicest person to work with. I was defensive, highly temperamental and my words were often razor-sharp. Despite my imperfections, God continued to call me. By then I had becom e afraid o f

committing m yself to the Catholic faith. I thought to m yself, “God can wait. My material life is more important”. Three years ago things came crashing down, my career, relationships and finances. I was devastated and became depressed. I was filled with anger and hurt. It was then that God sent an ex-colleague, A ngie, w ho brought me back to church. I began to attend Mass again. I had a burning desire to know God and seek His forgiveness again. N 2 0 0 1 ,1 joined the Rite o f Christian Initiation o f Adults (RCIA) at the parish o f Our Lady Queen o f Peace. There were temptations to either keep me busy or to distract me during the journey. I constantly reminded m yself to keep m y eyes on Jesus. I also gave up my nightlife and abstained totally from alcohol. In the RCIA I learned about humility, forgiveness, selfless love and the need to see Christ in everyone. I picked up praying and listening skills. The m ost beautiful thing that happened was I gained better control o f my temper. I became more conscious o f my words and their effect on others. M y mother and m y boss were the first to

Michelle Anne Ng with goddaughter Claudia at the latter's baptism. remark about my change. I also learned that this inspired my colleague to look into his

gradually it came. The desire to enter (the convent) cam e.” She recalled, “That evening I was alone in m y room, weeping. It was like saying goodbye and grieving but there was inner peace within. After that I left for the Philippines with no regrets.” She was in the Philippines from 1993 to 2001. She did not have an easy time adjusting. The culture, the language, the lifestyle and the food were totally different from what she was used to. “There were times when companions left. Som e were asked to leave. Som e chose to leave. Those moments were very painful. The Lord always provided me the necessary graces, especially for m e to adjust,” she noted. “For anyone in Religious life, prayer life is the one that HE EVENTUALLY went sustains,” Sr Wendy declares. to the Philippines, She discovered other talents spending three weeks with pre-postulants o f the Daughters during her years in formation. She used to sketch and draw with no o f St Paul. art background. N ow she designs A s she was leaving for book covers, does book Singapore, she was assured of illustrations and uses various prayers to enter the congregation. design software much like an “I told them, ‘D on’t pray that I expert. enter the convent but rather that I Regarding the Institute’s local would do G od’s w ill, whatever m ission, she says, “Our main His w ill for m e.” apostolate in Singapore involves Back home, she went for a parish and school outreaches. We retreat and knelt in front o f the also give media animation and B lessed Sacrament. “I prayed for workshops.” □ the grace to have the will. And

remarked. At the vocation weekend conducted by two R eligious o f the Cenacle Sisters, she asked about the Daughters o f St Paul and was told it had a big network in the Philippines but were not in Singapore yet. At the end o f that weekend she was introduced to Pauline Sister Theresa Lim, who was in Singapore for a brief stay. “I felt the Lord was saying, ‘Wake up. Here I am showing you all the signs. What else do you need?’ ” Her parents were not enthusiastic but were not against her entering the convent either. “Whenever I talked about it, Mum would cry. Within me, I resisted. I really did not want to be a nun,” she recalled.

relationship with God. After m y Easter Vigil baptism, I became active in the parish’s Art Ministry, taking care o f the church’s decoration, especially the key seasons in the Liturgical Calendar. My Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights o f pub hopping were replaced with art ministry meetings, attending talks or classes like Little Rock Scripture Study and being a sponsor in the RCIA. I have also bought some spiritual books, CDs to know Christ better. Attending a Choice weekend also helped me better understand the importance o f family and self. I am very much in love with God and am very grateful for His mercy. I look forward to receive Him and listen to His Word each day. In prayer I communicate

with Him like a friend, sharing my joys and woes. M y test o f faith resurfaced with the outbreak o f SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome). I found m yself asking, “W hy do I fear? How much do I really trust Him?” But I was reassured after reading Psalm 91. Proclaiming G od’s word is something very new to me. Yet His Spirit has given me courage to suggest to m y colleagues during a recent training camp to pray for another colleague who has cancer. Occasionally, I also invite my mum to SFX Retreat Centre for a Teochew retreat which she enjoys. Come Easter, I w ill no longer be the only Catholic at home. My brother-in-law, sister and niece w ill be baptised during the Easter Vigil. □

Young and humane Many of the coalition soldiers sent to fight in Iraq are not even 20 years old and many are Catholic. Here, US Marine chaplain Father Bill Devine blesses a soldier during Mass at a camp 93 miles north of the Iraqi town of An Nasiriyah. Pope John Paul II has encouraged military chaplains to educate soldiers in the ethical values that underlie humanitarian law and promote respect for the dignity of military adversaries and civilians. □ C N S photo

Sundays April 13 and April 20, 2003 Catholic News

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BIBLICAL BATTLEFIELD W ar brings suffering to places of Old Testam ent N IRAQ, the US military advance toward Baghdad cuts a swathe through biblical sites where som e o f the earliest chapters o f the Old Testament were written. Vatican officials were follow ing the forward troop m ovem ent with concern over the human suffering, but also with a deep sense o f sadness that these ancient lands o f Scripture had turned into a m odem battlefield. For som e fundamentalist Christians, the war on Iraq seem ed to tally with biblical prophecies and raised the specter o f impending apocalypse. Archeologists, meanwhile, were worried that the fighting could irreparably damage artifacts and excavation sites dating to ancient times. “Christians feel a special attachment to this land (in Iraq) because it is where salvation began, just as they are attached to the Holy Land where Jesus lived. N ow the tragedy o f war has com e to both places,” said Swiss Father Georges Cottier, papal theologian at the Vatican. A s soon as the invasion o f Iraq was launched, tanks began rolling through places that date to the Book o f Genesis.

The presumed location o f the Garden o f Eden, traditionally thought to lie in Mesopotamia between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, turned into a combat zone and was soon littered with burned-out military hardware. Many believe that Adam and Eve lived near the confluence o f the two rivers at the m odem city o f A1 Qumah, where warplanes bombed heavily in early April. Jets and helicopters were patrolling the skies over Ur, the birthplace o f the patriarch Abraham and the city from which he led his people on the long journey to Palestine som e 4,000 years ago. Som e o f the fiercest fighting has taken place around the port city o f Umm Qasr. Some biblical scholars think the nearby remains o f an early ziggurat, a high worshiping platform, may have been a model for the Tower of Babel. And at the site o f the ancient city o f Babylon, King Nebuchadnezzar’s capital in the sixth century B.C., U.S. ground forces had their first major clash with Iraq’s Republican Guard. According to Pentagon officials, the guard was routed and scores o f Iraqi soldiers killed.

24th Anniversary Mass

FAMILY UNITY BEACON TO COMMUNITY

Soldiers with the U.S. Army’s 3rd Infantry kneel in the sand as they guard a convoy on its push toward Baghdad.Vatican officials following media coverage of the troop movements were concerned about human suffering from the war in Iraq, but also expressed sadness that ancient biblical lands had turned into a modern battlefield.

Babylon was where the Israelites were exiled and where the prophet Daniel lived some 2,600 years ago. Near the ruins of the old city, according to Iraqi authorities, more than 50 civilians were killed and more than 200 injured during two U.S. bombing raids. IHE W AR’S lethal progression through biblical lands and the feared use o f weapons o f mass destruction have led some apocalypse watchers to suggest that the end o f the world and the second com ing o f Jesus may not be far off. The speculation has focused on the N ew Testament Book of R evelation’s prophecy o f the destruction o f one-third of humanity in a climactic battle in the Euphrates River valley. The name o f the “angel o f the abyss” who unleashes suffering upon the world is Abbadon, or Destroyer, which is also a translation o f the name Saddam. End-of-time Web sites are full o f conjecture about all o f this. The “Rapture Index” at the fringe www.raptureready.com, which tries to gauge how fast the world is closing in on Armageddon, registered 174 in early April. That’s considered high — “fasten your seat belt” territory — but the Web site, popular among fundamentalist Christians, seems to be playing down the Iraqi apocalypse scenario. At the Vatican, fears about the war reflect more mainstream thinking. Church officials hope

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for a quick end to the conflict because o f the destruction and loss o f life in Iraq. They are also alarmed that the war may displace the remnants o f a Christian community that traces its roots to the second century. The Assyrian Church o f the East, although a minority, flourished for many centuries in Persia, which encompassed the territory o f modern Iraq. In the fifth century, Persian Christians fell out o f communion with Rome — in part because they began to follow Nestorian beliefs declared heretical by Rome, and in part for political reasons, since their country was often at war with the Roman Empire. Most o f m odem Iraq’s 280,000 Catholics belong to the Eastern-rite Chaldean church, which split o ff from the Assyrian church in the 1500s. The first Chaldean patriarch, ordained a bishop by the pope in Rome, was captured and executed soon after

A passage from Psalm 23 is scrawled on the helmet of a US Army combat engineer. Coalition forces, in their aim to topple the regime of Saddam Hussein, have cut a swathe through ancient biblical sites in Iraq. c n s photos he arrived back in his homeland. But the Chaldean church gradually grew, and by the time Iraq emerged as a m odem state in 1932 Chaldean Catholics formed the bulk o f the Christian population there. Today, the Vatican yearbook still lists the patriarch o f the Chaldean Church under “Babylon.” It’s an important link to the early chapters o f the faith. But with the number o f Catholics in Iraq rapidly declining — more than 250,000 have emigrated since the Gulf War in 1991 — Vatican officials are worried that this ancient Christian community could becom e a hidden casualty o f the new war. □ cm

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