MAY 23, 2004, vol 54, no 11 by CatholicNews

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CARDINAL Francis Arinze, prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments, during an April 23 conference on the Eucharist at the Vatican refused to answer a direct question about whether Massachusetts Sen. John F. Kerry should be denied Communion unless he goes to confession and repents for his position. “The norm of the church is clear,” he said. “The church exists in the United States. There are bishops there, let them interpret it.” However, when asked more generally if a priest should refuse Communion to a politician who supports abortion, Cardinal Arinze said, “Yes.” “If the person should not receive Communion, then he should not be given it,” the cardinal said. □

U.S. Dem ocratic presidential candidate Sen. John Kerry of M assachusetts. He is a Catholic who supports abortion and foetal stem -cell research.

ARCHBISHOP Raymond L. Burke of St. Louis told reporters in January that he would give Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts only a blessing if he came up in line for Communion.

CARDIN ALTheodore E. McCarrick of Washington is unwilling to presume that someone approaching the altar for Communion is not in a state of grace. Cardinal McCarrick heads a task force of the U.S. bishops that is considering how bishops might respond to Catholic politicians who publicly disagree with church teachings. “As a priest and bishop I do not favour a confrontation at the altar rail with the sacred body of the Lord Jesus in my hand,” he wrote. Cardinal McCarrick said the statement about worthy reception of the Eucharist that appears in missalettes explains that it is up to individual Catholics to judge whether they may properly receive Communion. 0

ARCHBISHOP Elden F. Curtiss of Omaha said those who publicly disagree with church teachings about the sacredness of life may not serve in any ministry or office in the archdiocese. “It may be that I or one of our pastors will have to inform a certain person that such continuing public dissent will be incompatible with continuing to receive the Eucharist,” he wrote. “This will remain a private matter between that person and me.” He said he would not make a public statement about refusing Communion to certain Catholics. □ OTHER bishops in recent months have also said politicians who publicly oppose church teaching should voluntarily stop receiving the Eucharist, but few have specifically said they would turn those Catholics away. □ Reports and photos from CNS

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A banner thanking past and present priests of Holy Cross hangs at the church on Good Shepherd Sunday May 2. It was part of the the parish community’s show of appreciation which included 150 letters to the priests.

Singaporean seminarians was on Some letters written by display. Vocation brochures and children were in the form of a pamphlet about Brother Kenny colourful drawings and others Tan’s vocation story (final year thanked the priests for their seminarian serving at Holy prayers to help pass exams and I Cross) were distributed. A Vigil mostly for teaching them to be for Vocations will be held from good. 9pm May 21 to 6am May 22 at Parishioners were reminded St. Paul’s Room, Church of the to pray for vocarions. A mini Holy Cross. □ exhibition showcasing the life of

PRESIDENTIAL candidates Raul Roco, Fernando Poe Jr., Sen. Panfilo Lacson and Philippine President Gloria M acapagal-Arroyo attend Mass in M anila M ay 9 on the eve o f general elections. About 43 million Filipinos elected a president, a vice president and other governm ent officials, cns photo

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is exciting!” “It makes me proud!” This was how Philippine nationals in Singapore described their participation in the recent Philippine elections from April 11 to May 10. “It’s a very historic event for us. In a sense this is an improvement in our electoral process because for many years Filipinos overseas were not able to take part in the elections. I ’m proud to be a part of this,” said Ferdinand Jovita, a post-graduate student at the National University of Singapore who has been here for 10 months. “I felt happy to vote because I was one of those who asked for the absentee voting,” Encar Montales, who has lived here as a

FERDINAND Jovita and company pray before starting work as pollcount volunteers. PHOTO: Anthony Chan

domestic worker for close to 19 years, said. Added Joycylyn Yu, a permanent resident who has lived here for 11 years, “I felt privileged to take part in the first absentee voting and finally practice my civic duty.” All three took part in the vote counting after the official close of polling booths. They felt it was their civic duty to “contribute their time and effort in the exercise” and ensure an honest election. Some 150 volunteers, including staff at the Philippine Embassy, rolled up their sleeves to ensure that the electoral process was orderly and honest. Several measures were put in place that made the counting process slow and tedious. Some volunteers stayed at the Philippine Embassy compound

from May 10 till the evening of May 11. Mrs Montales said: “I saw an honest and clean election in Singapore. But it was a tough experiment.” Added Ms Yu, “Now I know the difficult tasks our public school teachers go through every election.” According to Consul Crescente Relacion of the embassy, some 80% of 24,000 registered voters in Singapore turned up to vote. In the Absentee Voting Bill of the Philippines, Filipino overseas were for the first time empowered to elect into office candidates for the president and vice president, 12 members of the house of senate, and party-list representatives, organisations representing special sectors of Philippine society. Some Filipinos who turned up after the close of polling had to be turned away by security guards. However, an embassy staff noted that talks are widespread that those who did not vote would not be allowed to go back to the Philippines. “This is obviously untrue. Philippine nationals should not believe such rumours,” stated the staff who declined to be named. Election officials in the Philippines estimate that it will take a few more weeks before the winning candicates can be declared. □

C a th o licN e w s

S u n d a y s M ay 23 an d M ay 30, 2004

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SINGAPORE - The RCIA

ministry at the Church of the Holy Spirit is producing “We Are A Light”, a 90-minute musical May 29-30 as one of the highlights of the parish’s 40th anniversary celebrations. “It is the first time that such a musical is being staged in our parish,” said RCIA co-ordinator Tony See. “W hat makes it so special is that it is truly a concerted effort by parishioners of Holy Spirit Church,” said Fr Joseph Tan, Parish priest. “This musical is yet another manifestation of RCIA’s role as the centre of evangelisation in the parish,” added A1 Dizon, head of the RCIA music ministry in the parish. The musical will be performed by an ensemble of 30 parishioners from various ministries, including the RCIA, the Emmaus Youth Group, Hosea Music Ministry, Altar Servers, Sanctus Spiritus Choir, St D avid’s Choir, as well as some children from the primary

RCIA Ministry to stage Pentecost musical By Martin Rodrigues

catechism classes. “We Are A Light” is the story of P eter’s relationship with Jesus from the moment of his call to their reconciliation at the beach. It recalls their first encounter at the lake of Gennesaret and moves forward through the miracle stories, the Last Supper, Crucifixion, the Resurrection, the Ascension, and finally, Pentecost. Only when Peter fully forgives himself and rights his relationship with Jesus is he able to receive the Holy Spirit fullness. The musical was first

presented by the RCIA’s music ministry, together with the Emmaus Youth Group, during the RCIA retreat in February. Catechumens, candidates and sponsors who experienced the musical were touched by its message of discipleship, ministry, forgiveness, and love. Wayne De Roza directs the musical, while Zen Lee, a Catholic of 2 years, produces the musical which they said “renewed our faith and sense of mission and evangelisation”. “We invite all Catholics, Sunday or otherwise, and catechumens from the archdiocese, to come and experience this faith experience,” added Mr See. Performance Details: Gala Performance: 29 May, 8.00 pm, The Attic, Holy Sprit Church Matinee Performance: 30 May, 3.30 pm, The Attic For more information: call 9688-0920 (Tony); 9674-0341 (A l).D

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By TJ and Nicole Tan SINGAPORE - Formed only two months ago, the SFA Band hit all the right notes with guests at the Church of St Francis of A ssisi’s May 8 fund-raising dinner, which was part of the celebrations for the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima and M other’s Day. The 14-member band (comprising students, managers, computer programmers and a homemaker, whose ages range from 16 to 46) only had time for three practice sessions - not that one could tell, from their riveting performance and the encores they received! Archbishop Nicholas Chia

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A CLASS act - the SFA Band was the guest of honour at the dinner which was organized by the parish’s liturgical committee to raise funds to install retractable screens in the church. The delectable 8-course Chinese dinner was not the only thing for the guests to savour, as performances by the different

parish choirs, youth group and SFA’s “singing priest” Fr John van Dich added relish to the evening. Parish priest Fr John Lau said that a great deal of hard work had been put into the well-organized dinner and that he was encouraged by the good number of youths who turned up. □

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Freshmen orientation camp for new university students

SINGAPORE - Students joining the National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological Univeristy have been invited to begin their journey as a tertiary student with the Freshmen Orientation Camp (FOC) organised by the NUS Catholic Students’ Society (CSS), and the NTU Catholic Students’ Apostolate (CSA). The FOC is a place for them to meet people including those from their own faculty. They will also reach a pool of seniors who have been there and done that, and are thus in a good position to give them advice whenever they need it. Participants will get a feel of what it is like being involved with CSS/CSA and what they can expect out of it. In large campuses, it is easy to feel lost and alone. Through this camp, they will become part of the Catholic community on campus - a wonderful place to discover themselves and the ways in which they can serve God and his people. FOC activities range from Mass, praise and worship, sharing sessions, talks, and penitential services to games and fun. To sum it up, FOC brings the new university students’ spiritual life into focus before the academic year begins. Here are the details:

Catholic Students Society

Here’s a list of activities to help you prepare for the Eucharistic Congress and develop a stronger sense of the mystery of God’s presence in the Eucharist. A retreat by Fr Erasto Fernandez, SSS for Catechists, Liturgy Facilitators & Teachers At SFX Major Seminary

ARCHBISHOP Nicholas Chia invited all Catholics to participate in the various parish and diocesan reflection sessions, retreats and celebrations in his recent pastoral letter on the Eucharistic Congress. He asked that Catholics take this opportunity to deepen their love of the Eucharist. “Take some time for silence and prayer so that we can grow in our knowledge of this great mystery of the Eucharist,” he added. In addition to the many activities being held in each parish, all Catholics are invited to participate in the Archdiocesan events organised by the.Singapore Pastoral Institute and listed below. For more information on activities and the Eucharistic Congress, visit www.catholic.org.sg/spi

• Monday, June 7, 7.45 to 9.45 pm EUCHARIST IN DAILY LIFE FOR YOUNG ADULTS

A session with Fr Erasto Fernandez, SSS for Catholic Young Adults At Church of the Risen Christ • June 8 - 1 0 YOUTH WALK

Eucharistic C o n g re s s

• June 9 to 11 ,8 to 10 pm TRIDUUM AT CHURCH OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT

CALENDAR OF EVENTS S in g a p o re 2004

• Friday, May 28 (8 to 10 pm) EUCHARIST AS A SACRAMENT OF INITIATION

A talk by Fr Erasto Fernandez, SSS for laity, especially those involved in RCIA ministry At Church of our Lady of Perpetual Succour • Saturday, May 29 (9 am to 4 pm) & Sunday, M ay 30 (3 to 6 pm) DINING IN THE KINGDOM

A Retreat by Fr Erasto Fernandez, SSS for Eucharistic Ministers At SFX Major Seminary

Getting you ready for the

EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS

• May 31, June 2 & 4 ,9 .3 0 to 11.30 am EUCHARIST AS MEMORIAL

A 3-session course by Fr Erasto Fernandez, SSS for Laity At Singapore Pastoral Institute • Monday, May 31 from 6 to 10 pm EUCHARIST - A CELEBRATION OF G O D’S LOVE

Main celebrant: Fr. Lee Cher Siew from Taiwan At Church of Christ the King • Saturday, June 12, 3 to 5 pm THE BREAD THAT W E BREAK Talk w ith Eucharistic C elebration for youn g adults

Eucharist, Light and Life of the New Millennium At Singapore Indoor Stadium

The activities - talks, reflection session, retreats, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament - will culminate with the Eucharistic Congress at the Singapore Indoor Stadium Sunday June 13. The congress will begin at 4 pm and end at 8.30pm. There will be no evening Masses in the parishes on June 13. The Saturday sunset Mass and Sunday morning Masses will be held as usual. A ticket is required for admission to the Eucharistic Congress. Tickets will be allocated to the parishes in proportion to parish population. Please enquire at your parish office if you want to attend the congress. The number of tickets is limited due to the sitting capacity of the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

Date: June 15 - 18; Cost: $30; Venue: NUS; Register at: css_foc_2004@yahoo.com.sg Website: http:// cssfoc2004.port5 .com

A talk by Fr Erasto Fernandez, SSS for Laity with Catholic Prayer Society At Singapore Conference Hall

Catholic Students Apostolate

• June 1, 3 & 8, 7.45 to 9.45 pm EUCHARIST - LIGHT & LIFE OF THE WORLD

SEMINAR AND MASS (Mandarin) Talks by Fr. John Baptist Kang from Malaysia, Fr. Thomas Lim and Fr. Noel Chin Mass with Archbishop at 5 pm At Church of Our Lady Star of the Sea

A 3-session course by Fr Erasto Fernandez, SSS for Laity At Singapore Pastoral Institute

• June 2 & 4, 8 to 9.30 pm EUCHARIST AS SACRIFICE

• June 2, 8 am to 6 pm EUCHARIST & HEALING

A 2-session course by Fr Erasto Fernandez, SSS for Laity At Church of St Teresa

Date: June 29 - July 2; Cost: $30; Venue: NTU Register at: csafoc2004@yahoo.com Website: http:// www.csamusmin.org/foc □

• June 9 to 11, 8 to 10 pm EUCHARIST: LIGHT AND LIFE RALLY (Mandarin)

• Sunday, June 13, 4 to 8.30 pm ARCHDIOCESAN EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS:

A week of prayer in conjunction with the Eucharistic Congress Singapore

Main celebrant: Archbishop Nicholas Chia At Holy Spirit Church

June 9 - Eucharist: Mystery of Communion June 10 - Eucharist: Need for Sharing June 11 - Eucharist: Fount of Evangelization

Main celebrant: Fr Erasto Fernandez, SSS At Church of the Risen Christ

• May 30 to June 6 PRISO NS’ W EEK: THE EUCHARIST, OUR STRENGTH, OUR SOLACE

• Sunday, May 30, 7.45 pm PENTECOST RALLY: FOLLOW THE SPIRIT 2004.

A 3-day, 2-night walk with fun events for youths to inject spiritual elements relating to the Eucharist

• Friday, June 4, from 9 pm TASTE AND S E E ... that the Lord

is Good Eucharistic all-night vigil with Reconciliation, Consecration, talks & fellowship organized by West District parishes At Church of the Blessed Sacrament • Saturday, June 5 OR Sunday, June 6, 2 to 7 pm EUCHARIST AS PROCLAMATION

• July 8 and 9, 8 to 10 pm EUCHARIST & THE W ORD OF GOD

Talks by Fr. Peter Zhang At Holy Trinity Church □

More places for Eucharistic Adoration In addition to the list of places for Eucharistic adoration published in Catholic News of March 9 and 16, the following places are also open to Catholics: St Francis Xavier Minor Seminary (SFX Retreat Centre) 1261 Upper Serangoon Road Singapore 534796 Tel: 62887901 Perpetual Adoration Chapel open 24 hours. St Anne’s Church Adoration Chapel Opening hours: Mon - Sun: 8 am-7 pm.

r ie v 'A j

IN THE HEARTOF DARKNESS iiiSaSSSS Liberian children attend a vocational training class in a refugee camp.

The people in Liberia, West Africa live very short lives, and much o f it is economically unproductive as 90 percent are unemployed and life expectancy is only 47 years. A brutal 14-year civil war has killed 200,000 people and left 754,378 o f the total population o f 3.3 million either internally displaced or as refugees in neighbouring Ivory Coast and Guinea (source: UNHCR Oct 2003). Teresa Cheong spoke to F r C S A m al SJ, Director o f the Jesuit Refugee Service Liberia based in Monrovia about the humanitarian crisis there and wrote this story.

JESUIT priest Fr C S Amal has witnessed so much human suffering during his 14 years in refugee work - he was the former Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Director of Tamil Nadu, Sri Lanka and Nepal - that one would not expect him to be shakened by another humanitarian crisis. But he was. W hen he was sent to head the JRS Liberia office in Monrovia, the capital of Liberia, last October, he was completely overwhelmed by the devastation and despair he saw in the streets and in the eyes of the people he met. Said Fr Amal: “The hopelessness is in the streets, in the empty stares of thousands of children and in the ugly scenes of mountains scarred by thousands of miserable huts. What do we bring to a people who have seen only death and destruction? Everyone looked threateningly hopeless. We have to fight a deep sense of despair.. .There were no hopeful signs anyw here...” He found himself oscillating between hope and despair. What he saw in Liberia was “a sheer living hell” - a place where there were more guns than books, and where 40,000 children had been abducted or forcibly recruited by feuding warlords to be child soldiers. W hat could he and his small team do?

JRS Mission in Liberia The JRS mission is to accompany refugees, particularly in areas of greatest need and where no humanitarian

V'/o should all /involved in at o nu acti vity or ry that ces care of more needy H people among us.’ - Archbishop Nicholas Chia, asking Singapore Catholics to show solidarity with the poor by supporting the Eucharistic Congress committee’s project to help the refugees and internally displaced people of Liberia.

groups are present. However, escalating violence and chaos in 1998 and June 2003 had made it extremely unsafe for the mission to continue. The war in 2003 was the worst, resulting in a total collapse of law and order in the country. The United Nations (UN) was forced to intervene and former Liberian president, Charles Taylor, who had ruled the country with the help of militia and mercenaries for seven years, was sent to exile in Nigeria. JRS returned in August 2003 in response to a desperate appeal for help. By December, more than 320,000 Liberians had fled to other West African countries and over 430,000 had been displaced from their homes. The internally displaced persons (IDPs) live in camp shelters made of mud huts deep in the jungles. The resource-rich country now has no water, electricity, medical care and telephones. The 3.3 million population are largely dependent on food aid for survival.

Hope in the camps The situation seemed utterly hopeless to Fr Amal until he visited the mud-walled schools in the Monserrado and Salala camps for the internally displaced. He saw a glimmer of hope in the teachers who continued to conduct classes despite not having been paid for two years and having no proper classrooms, textbooks or blackboards. The children used plastic cans that were given by NGOs as water containers, as chairs. W henever the militia attacked the camps and

destroyed the school buildings, the teachers would rebuild the schools and start all over again. Fr Amal was moved by the teachers’ indomitable spirit. “I was much inspired by the example of the teachers.” The teachers had risked their lives to keep the camp schools open as the militia frowned upon education. Schools and books were systematically destroyed because an illiterate population were easy fodder for militia recruitment.

Education, a top priority One of JRS Liberia’s top priorities is to help local teachers rebuild the education system. JRS supplied the teachers with materials to rebuild their mudwalled schools, and paid them monthly salaries. JRS also started teacher-training programmes. Today, JR S’ education projects in seven camps have helped more than 14,000 Liberian students and 261 teachers. Another 1,500 are

attending adult literacy classes; out of which about 900 are young women attending vocational training sponsored by JRS. A number of these women had become pregnant under very unfortunate circumstances during the war, said Fr Amal. However, the rebuilding has only just begun. Looking at the seven months he had been posted to Liberia, Fr Amal said: “It was by G od’s grace that we survived and started work. We have so many projects going on. In a country known for wanton killing and looting, it is consoling to see so many people benefiting from our projects, especially women, whose fate has been mutilated by successive hordes of evil men. Looting and rape used to be the norm here. Woman is another commodity to be looted, used and thrown out in the whole saga of tears in this cursed land. During 14 years of war, the leaders of this country looted their country men and women, made them displaced.”

JRS Liberia plans to build seven more temporary schools that will support up to 7,000 students living in the Monserrado Camps. There are also plans to build temporary schools to educate children with no education in the Salala Camps. In addition, JRS also hopes to support village schools and start tuition centres in the camps. JRS Singapore has given 7,225 Euros (S$14,956) to expand JRS Liberia’s educational projects to more camps. “In concrete terms, we need to help them build schools, supply them with writing notebooks, books, uniforms, and give support to the teachers for at least two years. The Liberian child needs to be assured that there is a constructive path which leads him or her towards a bright future,” said Fr Amal.

Psychological scars While education can help restore a sense of normalcy and hope, the country also has to deal with the post-traumatic scars of a long brutal war, and the rehabilitation of 40,000 child soldiers who are not only addicted to drugs but programmed from childhood to kill and loot at random. □

JRS staff have been held hostage, abducted and attacked by militia. The road ahead remains fraught with danger and difficulties but Fr Amal and the JRS are determined to continue helping the refugees with the help o f Singapore Catholics and the international community.

The Eucharistic Congress committee’s social ministry project The Eucharistic Congress committee, together with JRS Singapore, is organising a social ministry project in aid of Liberian refugees and internally displaced persons. Donations will be used to support JRS projects in Liberia: HELP NEEDED FOR: • Rebuilding of schools for refugees and IDPs staying in camp shelters • Repairing and

rebuilding of village schools • Vocational training for teenage mothers who became pregnant during the civil wars • Teacher training • Salaries for teachers • Tuition centres in camp shelters • Basic teaching equipment and materials as none is available locally (e.g. textbooks, writing notebooks, libraries, laboratories) • Rehabilitation of 40,000 child soldiers

DONATIONS in the form of cheques should be made out to “SJ Kingsmead Hall” (write “Eucharistic Congress: Liberia Project” at the back of cheque) and post them to The Country Director, Jesuit Refugee Service Singapore, 8 Victoria Park Road, Singapore 266492. For enquiries, call 6463-6022 or email: jrs@ jesrefsg.org.

N e w s

Elections show Indians want secular democracy

“Horror and shame” VATICAN CITY - The abuse of

NEW DELHI, India - The electoral

defeat of India’s ruling pro-Hindu party demonstrates the nation’s belief in a secular democracy, said a spokesman for the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India. The results of the general election signal that India “by and large firmly believes in secular and democratic values,” said Father Babu Joseph, spokesman. India elected its people’s council, the lower house of Parliament, in four phases starting April 20 and ending May 10. The vote tabulation May 13 showed the ruling National Democratic Alliance with only 186 seats, 100 seats fewer than it won in 1999 elections. The alliance was led by the Hindu Bharatiya Janata Party. Many in India see the party as the political wing of extremist groups that want to make India a Hindu theocratic nation. One missionary said the victory of the main opposition Congress Party “has instilled a sense of security among the minorities, mainly Christians.” She said the previous government tacitly allowed fundamentalist violence against religious minorities and blocked missionaries’ work by alleging forced or unethical conversions of tribals and the poor to Christianity. Father Joseph said that after coming to power the alliance failed to pay proper attention to people’s “legitimate and basic aspirations.” He said the majority of Indians still live in rural villages dependent on farming. Media have reported hundreds of poor farmers committing suicide because of rising debt and a drop in the price of farm products. Father Joseph said the church looks forward “to a socially responsible, accountable, economically just and equitable government.” The 23-party National Democratic Alliance dissolved Parliament in February, seven months ahead of schedule. Claiming its five-year rule had made India shine on all fronts, the alliance campaigned with the

slogans “India Shining” and “Feel Good Factor.” The alliance’s hopes of returning to power were shattered when the Congress Party and its allies mustered a parliamentary majority.

INDIAN Party president Sonia Gandhi waves to supporters outside her residence in New Delhi May 14. The w orld’s largest democracy was stunned by the size of the Congress win over veteran Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, who was rejected by the disaffected poor angry at missing out on the benefits o f India’s economic boom, c n s photo

Italian-born Sonia Gandhi, 57, who became an Indian citizen in 1983, was slated to become India’s next prime minister. Gandhi, widow of former Prime M inister Rajiv Gandhi, was raised in a Catholic family. Cardinal Telesphore Toppo of Ranchi, president of the bishops’ conference, said the people’s verdict told the National Democratic Alliance “there was no feel-good” feeling during its rule. In Pakistan, Archbishop Lawrence J. Saldanha of Lahore, president of the Pakistani bishops’ conference, told the Vatican news agency Fides that the Congress Party’s victory was a “good omen for dialogue and peace.” □ cns

Bush to visit pope in June VATICAN CITY - Pope John Paul

II will meet with President George W. Bush in early June, and the top item on the agenda will be Iraq. Informed sources in Rome said Iraq and the Middle East would be at the top of the discussion agenda. It will be the third meeting between the two leaders, and the first since the start of the Iraq war, which was strongly

opposed by the pope and his aides. Vatican officials have said for months it would be unusual for a pope to meet with a sitting president during a re-election campaign, because of the risk that it could be seen as partisan. But after careful consideration, the reasons for such a meeting prevailed over the Vatican’s usual caution, a Vatican official said. □

Iraqi prisoners by U.S. soldiers is a “more serious blow to the United States than Sept 11,” Archbishop Giovanni Lajolo said. Archbishop Lajolo, the Vatican’s equivalent of a foreign minister, said the reports and photos of alleged torture by U.S. guards and soldiers in Iraq represented “a tragic episode in relations with Islam.” He said the prison scandal would fuel hatred of the West among Arab populations, with possible repercussions for Christians in the region. Archbishop Lajolo said what Iraq needs now is a strong U.N. role and a government that the Iraqi people can trust. The U.S. military should work in strict consultation with the U.N. Security Council to help restore order to the country, he said. “The United Nations has to become involved. It’s not easy, and it’s a sacrifice that’s being asked, but this generosity of spirit is needed,” he said. A wider U.N. role is in the United States’ own interest, he said. Earlier the Vatican newspaper expressed new condemnation of the abuse of Iraqi prisoners by US soldiers, saying that “inhuman acts of torture” had violated the dignity of inmates. In its May 10 edition, L’Osservatore Romano commented on the widely

A PHOTOGRAPH shows a hooded and wired man standing on a box at the Abu Ghraib prison near Baghdad. It is among the released photo graphs in which U.S. soldiers appear to be torturing and humiliating Iraqi prisoners o f war. The Vatican newspaper said the acts by U.S. soldiers represented an “unequivocal and inadmissible contrast with the principles of a great democracy.” CNS photo

published photo showing a US soldier holding a naked Iraqi detainee on a leash. Of all the images that have been released, this one is the most “tragically symbolic” because it shows a desire to treat the enemy almost as an animal, it said. The secondpage commentary was the third time in a week the newspaper vocied strong criticism about the alleged torture and abuse of Iraqi captives at the Abu Ghraib prison near Baghdad. Under the front-page headline, “Horror and shame,” on May 8, the newspaper said the war in Iraq, already marked by destruction and

pain, “now assumes even more tragic connotations with the discovery of inhuman acts of torture on Iraqi detainees.” “The abuse and cruelty against the prisoners represents the radical denial of human dignity and of fundamental human values. Brutal cruelty against one’s own kind is in tragic opposition to the basic values of civilisation and democracy,” it said. The newspaper said the whole world - including the US population - had been dismayed at the revelations and was watching the scandal unfold with “feelings of horror and shame.” □ cns

Hong Kong bishop visits China HONG KONG - After visiting his homeland for the first time since 1998, Bishop Joseph Zen Zekiun of Hong Kong said he hopes his recent “low-profile” visit to Shanghai, China, can help improve understanding and friendship between the Hong Kong church and authorities in the mainland. Bishop Zen said that his April 28-30 visit to Shanghai, his birthplace, was an opportunity to pave the way for future dialogue, but this would not keep him from speaking out on issues. Bishop Zen confirmed that government-recognized Bishop Aloysius Jin Luxian of Shanghai had written to invite him to make a pilgrimage to Sheshan basilica on the outskirts of Shanghai, but the Hong Kong bishop refused to say which authority or government official approved the invitation. He has told the media, however, that the Vatican was informed in advance about the trip, but the Holy See did not ask him to pass on any message. Bishop Zen said that the invitation was unrelated to the political situation in Hong Kong and that no preconditions on the

BISHOP Joseph Zen celebrates M ass at the Basilica o f St. Mary in Sheshan, China, cns photo

trip were set. “I have been longtime friends with those people (government officials and church personnel) in Shanghai,” said the 72-year-old bishop. “It felt good to return there after six years.” He said the visit “was a gesture of friendship and trust. I hope this is a starting point for us to have sincere dialogue in the future.” He also said that exchanges among Catholics on both sides will

become easier as China continues to relax restrictions on the travel of its citizens. During his three-day visit, Bishop Zen met and shared casual chats with Bishop Jin that included “things of the past.” Bishop Jin, now 88, was in a hospital for a heart problem, but Bishop Zen recalled Bishop Jin being “so welcoming” that he came to meet Bishop Zen outside the hospital. During his pilgrimage to the Marian shrine at Sheshan, Bishop Zen celebrated Mass in the Basilica of St. Mary. He then had lunch with priests and seminarians of the seminary in Sheshan, adjacent to the Marian shrine. Officials accompanied him throughout the visit, the bishop said, but “they were hospitable and took good care of m e.” He added that he did not discuss with them anything related to politics or the church. Bishop Zen is regarded as an opponent of the Chinese government because he has not only been critical of the mainland government for its religious policy, but also for what he regards as its interference in Hong Kong’s autonomy. □ vcan. cns

PlItKnaTuiuiiiJiiim Our churches are greying and em ptying because w e’ve lost a rom antic ideal for our faith and church lives. the artist. We need great saints and great T H E R E are m an y re a so n s w hy our artists, ideally inside the same person. ch u rc h e s are g rey in g and em p ty in g . We see this, for instance, in Francis of C o n s e rv a tiv e s a ttrib u te it to th e Assisi. Francis was not a great theologian intoxicating pow er o f secularity, to a by the standards of the academy of theology pampered culture that has lost its sense of and it was not his insights as a theologian self-sacrifice, to rampant individualism, to that so m oved history and transform ed the sexual revolution, and to an adolescent Christianity. He does not have major cities grandiosity in the adult children of the Enlightenm ent. L iberals suggest other By Fr Ronald n a m ed a fte r him and m ore th an 300 Rolheiser congregations of men and women trying to reasons: people are treating their churches live out his charism because of the books the way they treat their families and, today, he wrote. His greatness lay in his sanctity and in his family life has broken down in Western culture. art and in the particular way he brought those Little wonder the church is struggling. They also together. It was as a saint and artist that he was able point to what they see as a church out-of-step with to inflame the romantic imagination of the church the culture, a church too rigid, too patriarchal, too and the world. When he took off his clothes and much perceived as anti-life, anti-erotic, too much walked naked out of Assisi, he w asn’t preaching consumed with its own agenda. from a pulpit, lecturing from a university podium, T here’s some truth in all these assertions, but or writing a book. He was making an aesthetic, I ’d like to suggest another reason: w e’ve lost a saintly gesture, and, that gesture, complete with the romantic ideal for our faith and church lives. We’ve com m itm ent he made afterwards to back it up, no id ealistic fire left. W e’ve subjected faith, helped restructure the rom antic im agination of religion, and church to a scorching exorcism and Christianity and the world in general. Seven hundred have not yet moved on, to restore to them again years later, his gesture and his life their angels, their proper light, still speak. Such is the power of th e ir b eau ty . We n eed to regreat saints and great artists. rom anticise faith, religion, and We see this too, though to a church and give people something lesser extent, in the effect of great beautiful w ith which to fall in works of religious art. Take, for love. And to do this, we need more example, the painting of the last than good theo lo gy and good supper by L eonardo di V inci: p a sto ra l p ro g ra m m e s. G ood nobody today can not picture the theology stimulates and inflames Last Supper as he painted it, even the intellect. Thomas Aquinas and though scholars agree that Jesus Bernard Lonergan would add that and his disciples at table would not it also helps move the will. Love have looked anything like his needs vision. imaginative depiction of it. But one Thus, the Christian community great artist and one great painting is always in need of good academic can permanently brand itself into theology. As history shows, every the imagination. time the church has compromised It is this, saints and Gospel art, on its intellectual tradition, seeing that we most need to revitalise our faith and our it as unimportant, it has paid a heavy price. Good, churches today. Generally speaking, the theologians solid, academic theology is perennially the great are doing their part and so too are diocesan and corrective within church life and spirituality. Without parish program m es. But solid ideas and solid it we lose balance. programmes alone are not enough. They need to be Recently w e’ve been blessed with an abundance backed by saints and artists in way that can re of good theology. I t ’s hardly the academ y of inflame the romantic imagination. We need a new theology that is weak at the present time. The last Francis, a new Clare, a new Augustine, a new John 30 to 40 years have produced (literally) libraries of the Cross, a new Therese of Lisieux. of wonderful books on Scripture, church history, Intellectuals and artists come at conversion from liturgy, dogmatics, moral theology, spirituality, and d iffe re n t sid es: B e rn a rd L o n e rg a n , a g rea t pastoral practice. We’re not lacking for solid ideas. intellectual, used to say: “Conversion begins in the intellect.” Morris West, a great novelist, used to say: A la ck o f ro m a n tic im a g in a tio n “All miracles begin with falling in love!” I doubt they ever met, but I ’ve no doubt they would have W hat w e’re lacking is fire, romance, aesthetics, as respected each other because both are right. Without these pertain to our faith and ecclesial lives. W hat vision the heart doesn’t know where to go; but, needs to be inflamed today inside religion is the w ith o u t ro m an tic fire it d o e s n ’t w an t to go romantic imagination and this is not so much the anywhere, least of all to church. □ job of the theologian as it is the job of the saint and

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Evening Highlights 4th June 2004, Friday 9pm -1 1 .30pm :^ Mass by Fr. Erasto Fernandez; Confessions, Consecration Procession with the Blessed Sacrament 4th June 2004, Friday 11.30pm till 5th June Supper/Fellowship ~ Musical/i Rosary ~ Talk and Meditations Silent Adoration

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F A T H E R B o n a v e n tu r e T u n g , o fm , w a s in S in g a p o r e m id A p r il to c e le b r a te h i s G o ld e n J u b i l e e w ith F r . P a u l T o n g ( c e n t r e ) a n d F r . J o s e p h C h a o ( l e ft ) , h i s c lo s e “C h i n a ” f r i e n d s . T h e y to o w e r e c e l e b r a ti n g t h e i r G o ld e n J u b i l e e . W h e n S r W e n d y O o i w e n t to in te r v ie w h im , s h e f o u n d h im a s p r i g h tl y 7 6 y e a r o l d - o n l y h is w h it e h a i r b e t r a y s h i s a g e - w ith b r ig h t a n d s m ilin g e y e s w h o w a s h a p p y to m u s e o n h i s v o c a tio n

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BONAVENTURE TUNG entered the seminary at the tender age of 11. He received his call to the priesthood in his own backyard. “A priest in the old days would spend one to two months at his ‘station’, which was our village,” he explains. “In the evenings, he would visit different homes where people would gather to share on life and religion. On one of those evenings, this priest held the gathering in our backyard and he asked my grandma, ‘do you want this child to be a priest?’ That child was me and my grandma said, ‘Yes’ without hesitation. And spontaneously I prepared myself, and so did my family!” Fr. Tung’s grandmother was a great influence on his faith but his interest with the priesthood first came when he was shown a photograph of a Franciscan priest. “There was something about the Franciscan habit which attracted m e,” he recalls. As an altar boy, he was often awed at the solemnity of the priest’s rituals. “As I served Mass and saw the priest celebrating, it left me a great impression, a very nice feeling which translated deep within me to my call. I also saw the priest reciting his office, walking and praying with his book and this too left me with a lasting impression. I realised I loved to be a priest.” The lasting impact of a photo of a priest in his habit convinces Fr. Tung that parents today must make use of holy pictures and other religious signs to impress the mind and heart of children so that they can be brought closer to Jesus. He laments, “Parents today are so engaged in worldly things. They end up with very secularized children. They prepare them for everything except religion. Religion becomes an aside; it is considered secondary. Some parents complain that their children are hard to control, but this is because they did not control them from the beginning.” Fr. Tung admits that the

The happy Franciscan Fr. Bonaventure Tung, ofm

By Sr. Wendy Ooi, fsp

Catholic Church also does not pay enough attention to the young ones. His great love for music spurs him to suggest that music is one avenue to reach the youth. It was in the seminary that Father Tung learned to play the organ, and to this very day, he remembers the Latin hymns he used to sing. But while he still enjoys singing in Latin, Fr. Tung is a champion of the Council of Vatican II. “Vatican II was really a century event. It tried to adapt our church to the new way of being, socially and technologically. It has brought immense good, and the whole church has been renewed and has progressed. Yet after 30 years, the church is still not adapting as well as it should.”

community in Sydney, Australia where he is now assigned. In fact Father Tung is grateful to God for the opportunities to evangelise in many different countries. These have enriched his pastoral experience. He declares, “It’s a real gift, especially in my last assignment in Morocco. I was among M uslims for three years. We were able to dialogue with the people there, and we were one in that we were all children of

F o r m ore inform ation on the Priesthood, contact Fr. A n th o n y H o a t sfxm s@ pacific.net.sg a n d on the F rancisan O rder in Singapore, visit: w ww .franciscans.org.sg

HERE, THERE, EVERYWHERE Fr. Tung is currently assigned to Sydney, Australia, where he ministers to a five thousand strong Chinese community.

BORN Dec 22, 1928 in Tongjia, Nanqi, Shaanxi, China. ■

A longing for China Patience and perseverance is asked of Fr. Tung not only with regards to the impact of Vatican II but also to the opening up of China, his motherland. When he left China for Spain in 1949 with 24 other companions, he thought he would be away for just a few years. It was to be 30 years instead. China began to gradually open up only in 1980 and since then Fr. Tung has been back seven times to visit family members. “It’s always just a personal and private visit as I ’m not allowed to preach or talk about religious matter. I have always been waiting for China to be totally open so that I can work for my own people.” Yet he is glad that he is able to minister to the ‘diaspora,’ the Chinese nationals abroad, like the five thousand strong Chinese

Abraham. It was a sharing of Christ’s message by our way of life, in loving service.” Although Catholics form a small minority, and are comprised of only foreigners in the Muslim land, they contribute a lot in pastoral terms. “The religious sisters contribute to social work, education, women’s emancipation, and taking care of abandoned children which the government neglect as they see

them as the effect of their parents’ sin,” he elaborates. Witnessing to Christ is the challenge facing all consecrated persons, and Fr. Tung says this remains an ever greater task today. “Sometimes in today’s world, we feel weak and fail to see this gift of God. We don’t fully use and accept this gift. We don’t fully immerse ourselves in this gift - that we are chosen. We lose the boldness or courage to accept our dedication. All must be a people of prayer. There is a temptation to give priority to work and put aside prayer, saying our work is our prayer. But how much do we feel Jesus in our work? How much does prayer influence our life?” Prayer has played a major part in Fr. Tung’s life and he is grateful to God for the past 50 years of priesthood. He says that he is happy to celebrate this great milestone in his religious life as not all are able to have this opportunity. “It’s a witnessing of God’s love in my life, and for G od’s purpose,’ he says joyfully. “It’s also a chance for people to know that we need more priests, for the good of the community.”

■

Joined seminary in Dali, Shaanxi 1939 at 11 yrs. • After studies in 1947, at 19, joined Francisan novitiate in Beiquan, Hankou, Hubei assumed religious name Bonaventure. • Made first profession on September 8, 1948. • Studied Philosophy in regional seminary of St Bonaventure, Hankou. • Continued studies in Hong Kong, Macau, and Olite (Spain). • Studied theology in Aranzaza, Onate till 1954. • Ordained priest on Mar 13, 1954 in San Sebastian, Spain. • Went to Rome in September 1954 to study moral theology at Pontifical Athenaeum Antonianum. • Obtained doctorate’s degree DD in Sacred Theology. First came to S ’pore in May 1960 to work in the newly

founded Franciscan Sociological Studies in Jurong. • Edited Catholic social teachings under leadership of Fr. Gabriel Allegra, ofm. • Chaplain of Nanyang Univeristy in 1967 Nanyang University Catholic Students Assoc formed. ■

Assigned to Taiwan in 1968 for educational and pastoral work till February 1983.

■

Returned to Singapore as novice master at Franciscan Novitiate in Bukit Batok. • Parish priest of Queen of Peace 1984 -87. • Parish priest of St. Francis of Assisi 1987 - 1992. • Parish priest of Sacred Heart 1992 - 2000.

■

Assigned to Morocco 20002003.

■

Assigned to Sydney, Australia 2003 - present. □

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T h ird 1 5 m in u te s DEVOTE th e tim e to th o u g h ts and pra ye rs o f THANKSGIVING to God as you grasp th e wonder o f Jesus who is re a lly present. • Y our fa m ily • Special frie n d s • Thank him f o r his love f o r you, f o r his u n fa ilin g help in tr ia ls and d iffic u ltie s .

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• A sense of ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ belonging and pride that God has put me in Singapore • That educators develop ^CH moment you spend policies that encourage with Jesus in the and motivate youth Blessed Sacrament • That all ministers may brings joy, pleasure, and be spiritually wise in delight to His Sacred Heart! guiding the country. Imagine Jesus full of joy at seeing you visiting him.

A slow, thoughtful praying of the Rosary would be helpful during any phase of the Holy Hour. W ith Christ present before us in the Holy Eucharist, recall and consider those events in his life. Let us ponder all those things in our heart as we ask our Blessed Mother to pray fo r us.

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M :

cm EXCERPTS FROM THE MESSAGE OF THE HOLY FATHER JOHN PAUL II FOR THE 38TH WORLD COMMUNICATIONS DAY, MAY 23, 2004

The media and the family A riskand a richness • FAMILIES today face new challenges arising from the varied and often contradictory messages presented by the mass media.

T h e p o p e ’s f u l l m e ssa g e ca n be d o w n lo a d e d fr o m th e V atican w eb site:

• All communication has a moral dimension • People grow or diminish in moral stature by the words which they speak and the messages which they choose to hear. Consequently, wisdom and discernment in the use of the media are particularly called for on the part of communications professionals, parents and educators, for their decisions greatly affect children and young people for whom they are responsible, and who are ultimately the future of society. • Communication in any form must always be inspired by the ethical criterion of respect for the truth and for the dignity of the human person. • It is not so easy to resist commercial pressures or the demands of conformity to secular ideologies, but that is

www.vatican.va.

what responsible communicators must do. 1 Parents, as the primary and most important educators of their children, are also the first to teach them about the media. They are called to train their offspring in the “moderate, critical, watchful and prudent use of the media” in the home. ■ Above all, parents should give good example to children by their own thoughtful and selective use of media. ' May all engaged in the field of communications recognize that

they are truly “stewards and administrators of an immense spiritual power that belongs to the patrimony of mankind and is meant to enrich the whole of the human community” (Address to Communications Specialists, Los Angeles, 15 September 1987, 8). And may families always be able to find in the media a source of support, encouragement and inspiration as they strive to live as a community of life and love, to train young people in sound moral values, and to advance a culture of solidarity, freedom and peace. □

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

t th

By Sr. W endy Ooi, fsp

values and tradition. This is the concern o f Pope John Paul II in his message for W CD this year. To deepen our awareness of the threat of negative m edia values, we also have to pay close attention to m edia contours. These are images, movements, and sounds - all of which affect our senses - present in the media. When contours are used, values are communicated sub-

AROUND 50 years ago, our parents or grandparents were mainly influenced by the home, the school, and the church. Today, we are affected by a multi-faceted force known collectively as the media. M edia has become so much a part of daily life that we can be said to be living in a m edia culture. The media can be defined as tools for Family values can be eroded by communicating opposing media values when one is (especially to the frequently exposed to bad media. masses) information, ideas, attitudes, beliefs and values. The m ajor FAM ILY VALUES II M ED IA VALUES types o f m edia we Being Having currently have include Love Lust/Sex print media Age/Wisdom Youth/Energy (newspapers, Cooperation Competition magazines, comics, Quality Brand books, other printed Product/Content Package/Container materials), broadcast Others-Centred Self-Centred m edia (radio, television, Save Spend/Consume including cable TV), G iv e ....................... Take fiilm and video media Sensationalism Truth (VCDs. DVDs), music Spirit of sacrifice Pleasure m edia (CDs, MP3, iPod), and multi-media consciously. M edia contours are (CDRoms, Internet). used especially in subliminal The nature of m edia has advertising which are basically increasingly become instant - we commercials that “sell” (often with are able to receive “live” subtlety) something other than the broadcasts, global - we get to know actual product or service, for the news around the world and example, happiness, acceptance, much m edia content is shared success. globally, and sensorial - media So a soft drink TV commercial involves our eyes, ears, feelings. will use young, energetic people Ideally, the role o f m edia is to with catchy pop tunes to promote a communicate the truth to the mass drink. The hidden idea is that if you population. Other roles of the buy this drink, you are also media include acting as a tool youthful, hip or “happening” and (watchdog) of the government, to will be happy. provide vital information, be a These “claimed benefits” are voice for the voiceless, a vehicle for not put in words but are suggested education and for wholesome by background visuals, music, family entertainment through voice style, pace, mood. As a result, balanced programming. unnecessary needs are often Being an information source, created. The message m edia unavoidably affects our attitudes, values and behaviour.

It is important to be able to distinguish between good media and bad media.

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MEDIA when used positively can be the FA C ES O F M E D IA acronym for Means of Entertainment G O O D M ED IA BAD M EDIA Divulging Information Awareness. The media Informs Misinforms/deceives can be instruments to Educates Insults intelligence promote the dignity Entertains wholesomely Entertains negatively and development of Stimulates positively Stimulates negatively humanity, and as Pope Builds up reputation Destroys reputation John Paul II says in his Can be a true friend Fair-weather friend message for World Communications Day subconsciously given in most (WCD) this year, “The m edia of advertisements is the m ore you social communications have an possess, the more you are satisfied. enormous positive potential for The key to m edia awareness is promoting sound human and family to know the difference: be aware values and thus contributing to the whether the media you are using is renewal o f society.” building you up and forming you or On the other hand, when used breaking you down by distorting negatively, MEDIA can stand for your values. In short, the m edia is Merciless Equipments Distorting an powerful. Be critically aware of Individual’s Attitude. what you hear and see. Indiscriminate use of the media could lead to the deterioration of The Daughters of St. Paul conduct family and human values, and Media Literacy workshops for consequently the breakdown of youth and church groups. For more society. details, contact Constant exposure to bad media pauline.fsp@ pacific.net.sg. For or media which do not communicate online resources on M edia Literacy, truth and goodness, nor promote visit www.daughtersofstpaul.com/ positive principles, is likely to distort mediastudies □ and eventually even destroy family

Media savvy Paulines By T h eresa K hoo

SINGAPORE - It’s 10am in a packed chapel of more than 100 at the Infant Jesus Centre, in Jurong West on May 1. Friends, family and benefactors - both religious and lay - have gathered from all com ers of Singapore to celebrate the 10Ih anniversary of the Daughters of St Paul in the archdiocese. The Eucharistic celebration was presided by Msgr. Eugene Vaz, Fr. Albert Brys, and Fr. John Nguyen van Dich. In his homily, M sgr Vaz urged the Daughters of St Paul, as expert communicators of the Word, to help people communicate Christ. He hoped that they would be a more integral part of the local parish scene through their efforts to live what Pope John Paul II had called the Spirit of the Mission, re-catechizing Jesus in the archdiocese. Archbishop Nicholas Chia made a surprise visit later that morning and thanked the sisters for their good work over the last decade. Looking back ... In a presentation to the guests on the milestones of the congregation in Singapore, Sr Grace Lee, local superior, revealed that the Singapore community was set up in 1994 to mark the birth centenary of Sr. Thecla Merlo, the co-foundress of the Daughters of St Paul. The congregation decided to honour

and express their faith in her conviction in G od’s providence by embarking on a missionary project to set up foundations in 15 countries around the world, from China to Africa to South America. Through this project, they also wanted to draw young people to the way of living and working as Pauline apostles of the media totally dedicated to Jesus Master, Way, Truth and Life. Since then, the Singapore congregation has grown from four members to nine at present -

celebrate 10 years in Singapore also embarked on many local productions such as prayer books and a short fdm. W hat’s Next? Besides publications and audio-visual productions in the pipeline, Sr Grace said the sisters are preparing to deepen their charismatic life and mission in the archdiocese through professional upgrading, on-going spiritual formation and networking with the worldwide Pauline family to leverage their resources. Monthly “Journey

comprising five sisters, two junior sisters in temporary vows, and two postulants. From being totally unknown in Singapore a decade ago, parishioners have started seeing more and more of the sisters at work in the archdiocese, be it at their latest media centre at Risen Christ church, or during media fairs at the parishes, or at media awareness courses in schools. Besides bringing in books and audio visual material from the Philippines, India and the United States, the sisters have

10 THINGS YOU DIDNT KNOWABOUT THESE NUNS

1 . T H E Y 'R E n o t a b o u t s e llin g b o o k s a n d CDs. T h e y 'r e a b o u t b r i n g i n g C h r i s t t o p e o p l e . 2 . T h e s e n u n s a r e IT - s a v v y a n d d i g m a s s m e d ia . 3 . T h e y h a v e a u n iq u e a p o s t o l a t e o f c o m m u n ic a tin g C h ris t t h r o u g h m o d e r n m e d ia . 4 . 5 . B e s id e s b r i n g i n g in p u b l i c a t i o n s f r o m o v e r s e a s , t h e s is te r s in S i n g a p o r e a ls o d o r e p r in t s , e d i t b o o k s a n d p r o d u c e s h o r t f ilm s . 6 . T h e y v is i t y o u r p a r is h a t le a s t o n c e a y e a r. 7 . T h e m o s t p o p u l a r lo c a l p u b l i c a t i o n is t h e M i n i P r a y e r B o o k w i t h 3 0 , 0 0 0 c o p ie s p r i n t e d . 8.RA d o e s n o t m ean

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W ithin” sessions are also being planned to guide young women in seeking life’s choices. While some well-wishers pray for more vocations and an expansion to other forms of media like radio for the sisters, the youngest member of the community, postulant Lynette Chan, echoed the hopes of many as she prayed for the congregation to be more visible in Singapore and to bring the Word of God to more people in the next 10 years. □

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What is the impact of the media on Singapore families? How do they respond? Sr Wendy Ooi, fsp, finds out from the Wongs (below) and the Leongs (facing page). play them at all?

The Wong family: Max, commercial diver, 50; Claire, self-named ‘domestic engineer’ (i.e. homemaker), 36; Mandy, 12; Justine, 10.

Claire: Max and I play computer games. I was quite addicted to a game called Command and Conquer a couple of years ago. In fact I was totally hooked. You know we all go through different phases and get hooked on different things. Well, I was so hooked on this game that I would spend 3 to 4 hours playing it. And then I couldn’t sleep because I kept on thinking of new strategies. So I would get out of bed and continue with the game.

Newspapers

read in peace. Justine: I read Beverly Cleary, M ary-Kate and Sr Wendy: W e’re Ashley, and Jackie Wilson. basically here to discover Claire: Jackie W ilson’s what sort of media you use from the school library. and why. L et’s begin with Justine: Yes, Jackie Wilson newspapers. Could you tell books are like the Suitcase me what newspapers you kid, Dustbin baby... read and what sections Claire: Sounds so appeal to you most? pathetic, (we all laugh). Max: I read mainly non Claire: Straits Times, fiction, the last book I read Streats, Today, New Paper was “The Fearless” a realonly for hot news. life story of the holocaust. Mandy: Only ST - Life, Claire: I used to be into Comics, everything. Tom Clancy. Now it’s Clive Justine: Life, Sunday Cussler who writes Comics. adventure stories linked to Max: I only look at the TV history. I ’ve gained so section, and Movie guide. much information from his Claire: The girls usually books, I was able to answer read the papers to gather all the questions on “Who information for school ! wants to be a millionaire.” projects.

Magazines Sr Wendy: L et’s move on to another form of print media. Magazines. Which do you read? Claire: W omen’s Weekly. It has a little bit of everything, recipes, health, fashion, and not so many adverts. I also like New Idea because it has many household tips, DIY, and a giant crossword puzzle! (she giggles). Max: National Geographic. I used to subscribe to that but now that it’s on TV, I ’ve stopped subscription. Mandy and Justine: K id’s Company, Talking Science. Claire: They always fight for it. It’s basically educational with general information.

Books Sr Wendy: W hat about books? Any favourite authors?

Mandy: I have lots of books. My favourite authors are Carolyn Keene (Nancy Drew) and Enid Blyton. I also love Harry Potter. But sometimes I read until I forget to do my homework. Claire: I forbid them to read in the toilet. Mandy stays in the toilet just to read for more than an hour. (shakes her head) So in the end I had to install a clock with a timer! Mandy: Yes, I very often go to the toilet to read. That’s the only place I can

Sr Wendy: Well, thank God that phase is over!

SMS Sr W endy:W hat about the mobile phone. I understand each of you has one. Claire: The girls use it mainly to communicate with me.

Sr Wendy: So maybe you should enter the competition the next time it’s on. Claire: M aybe I will. But I must admit, I was so addicted to Tom Clancy until I had no time to cook dinner for the children. I ended up making sandwiches! Max: (shaking his head) She becomes oblivious to the surrounding. House not done, food not cooked. Claire: But that phase is over.

Radio Sr Wendy: W hat radio stations do you tune into? Max: I hardly listen to the radio. Even in the car I listen to my own CDs. ( I prefer) Jazz, classical, bossa nova. I like A1 Jarraeu, Russel Watson. I go for the arrangement and rhythm, and even lyrics. Some music touches me so much, I ’m moved to tears. Sr Wendy: So you’re very sensitive. Max: Yes, and very sentimetal. Claire: In the day, just to have some noise, I’d switch on to Class 95 or Gold 90.5. But I also like jazz, and music from the ‘70s and ‘80s, mainstream pop.

Television Sr Wendy:What sort of programmes do you watch and how much time do you spend in front of the telly every day?

WONGS

The

Here’re a family who actually enjoy reading Justine: Channel 5, Nickelodeon on cable. Mandy: Nickelodeon, and Cartoon Network. Claire: They both spend about 30 minutes each day but on holidays they have no restrictions. Max: I watch National Geographic, Discovery, Documentaries, American Idol. I spend about 2 hours each day on the TV. Claire: I think I spend about 3 hours on the TV. I enjoy Crime Scene Investigation, Reality Programmes like Survivor, Amazing Race. Just about everything except Chinese drama serials. They are such a waste of time, every episode, there’s crying, and bottom story line is the same. I have no energy to follow up. Mandy: But PohPoh (her grandmother) watches that.

Movies

computer-generated films like Lord of the Rings, Matrix. Claire: I watch everything except horror shows. Max: We make sure it’s family oriented when we bring the children and they always look forward to going to the movies.

Internet Sr W endy:W hat about the Internet? W hich sites do you visit? Justine: Neopets. I go online to feed the pets and play with them. Claire: But they have to earn points first to feed the pets. Mandy: There’s also a bank, a hotel, and a bazaar. Justine: There’s another site we go to called Flowgo. It’s got singing and dancing shows.

Sr Wendy: W hat about movies?

Sr W endy: How often do you girls go online then?

Claire: We go almost every week but the kids only on holidays. Max: I like action,

Claire: About 3 days a week. Usually it’s also because of school projects. Mandy: Our school has its

own website and we have tests and other things to do from the site. Max: For me it’s for Toto, email, games, general information. I spend about 2 hours a day on the net. Claire: W hy don’t you tell her what else you also do? Max: Yes, sometimes also a bit of pom sites. Claire: You know sometimes we get a lot of spam on our email. I ’d immediately delete all those vulgar sites but he would go through them one by one! (looking disgusted) So irritating! Sr Wendy: And what about you? How do you use the internet? Claire: Mainly for internet banking, research, like now that I ’m making a trip in June, I ’d research on the place, weather, airfares, money conversion etc. I also do online income tax, e-filing.

Computer games Sr Wendy: W hat about computer games? Do you

Sr Wendy: Do you SMS a lot? Mandy: Only to mummy. Justine: My best friend also sends sms quite often. Mandy: Very often. Max: I hate to use sms. I ’d rather make a direct call. Sms is so impersonal. Claire: Sometimes I use it when I don’t feel like talking for a long time. Mandy: But what if the sms is really long? Claire: Usually it’s short. T hat’s why it’s S-M-S Short Messaging Service!

Control Sr Wendy: W hat sort of control do you have in the family over the use of the media? Do you think some kind of control is necessary? Mandy: Yes. W hen I think too much of TV, I can’t do my school work already. Claire: When Mandy walks in front of the TV screen, her whole body shuts down, you know, like a freeze frame, everything is out of sight and mind except the TV show. Sr Wendy: W hat about Justine? Claire: No, she’s not so much into TV as Mandy. But we make sure that the kids have to ask permission before they turn on the TV or go online. □

The Leong family: Paul, teacher, 40; Seline, former teacher now home tutor, 37; Johnathan, 10; Geraldyn, 7 Newspapers/Magazines Paul reads The Straits Times but more on Sports section while Seline prefers the Chinese newspaper, WanBao - “it’s more exciting reading with more details, interviews with people”. Sr Wendy: Do you have any favourite magazines? Geraldyn: Kids Company! Johnathan: Kids Company and Young Scientist. They explain how to make things which are practical and applicable to daily life. Seline: They also read Zoo-ed which I think has changed its name to Wildlife now. I read Her World fashion, mainly for fashion and beauty tips, women’s stories. I also read the M andarin version of 8 Days “ai cho kang” (IWeekly), mainly for entertainment news. I also used to read Motherhood, and now that the children are bigger, I ’ve also moved up to Young Parents. Paul: My magazines are mainly IT related like PC Smart. Sr Wendy: Since you both have been buying magazines for some time now, do you think there has been a gradual shift in terms of the values inherent in the topics covered?

Books Sr Wendy: W hat sort of books do you read? Who are your favourite authors? Johnathan: Enid Blyton. Geraldyn: Enid Blyton for me too. Johnathan: I also like Pokemon Stories, and C.S. Lew is’ N am ia Tales. Paul: T hat’s his latest thing. I just got for him the whole set.

Sr Wendy: What about the latest craze all the boys have, the Gameboy? Does Johnathan also have one?

that. Actually I was wondering how come a writer like C.S. Lewis, known for his Christian works, was writing children’s books.

Johnathan nods his head. Paul: He used to be addicted to it. Even during dinner time. Immediately after eating, he would play so now I said only at week ends.

Sr Wendy: Oh, you’ve got to read them too. After Johnathan is done with them of course! Seline: I usually go for biographies, like the one I ’m currently reading on Wee Kim Wee. I also tend to choose books on parenting, how to discipline your child, and also medical books. Paul: Mainly spiritual books, IT books, books on children’s behaviour. Seline: I also read books on dogs.

Sr Wendy: But your DVD games are for Play Station?

The

LEONGS

An inclination to video games

Radio what do they do after dinner? Sr Wendy:W hat about the radio? Any favourite stations you tune into? Paul: Radio, not so often only in the car, 93.8 for news, sometimes 95FM. In fact even in the house, we don’t play much music. It’s mainly the TV on, otherwise just quiet. Geraldyn: I like Psalty, the Brentwood Kids. Seline: These are mainly kids’ Bible Songs but she loves the soundtrack from the Sound of Music - dances and sings with the music.

Television Paul: Well, yes I think if you look at the female magazines, they are getting more liberal, very close to the adult themes found in foreign magazines. But I notice that they are now all wrapped with plastic too.

Seline: No, only during holidays or week-ends.

Sr Wendy: What TV programmes do you watch? Geraldyn (her face lights up and she jum ps in her seat as she rattles off her list): Kids Central, Disney Channel, T hat’s so Raven, Powerpuff Girls. Seline: She’s also hooked on the Sound of Music. She can play the VCD over and over again. Before that, it was Iron Giant and Tom and Jerry - she’d watch them over and over again. Johnathan: I go for AXN Japanese anime (Japanese animation), Soccer, Pokemon, Hi Five.

Paul: School work. That’s the only time Seline can oversee them. Paul: I usually watch films on TV, news, and of course soccer (his eyes lit up on his passion). On Saturday nights, we w on’t go out but stay home to watch soccer. But on average I think I only spend about an hour day. Seline: I usually watch the TV with Paul for the films and news. I also watch Smallville. Sometimes the whole family eats dinner together in front of TV to watch Chinese shows like “Holland V.” Sr W endy:Apart from the restrictions to 2 hours before dinner, what other control do you have for the kids? Paul: Strictly no MTV. I ’m not comfortable with the images for them. Also no W W F - wrestling. It’s too violent for them.

Movies They seldom go. “In fact w e’ve gone less than five times in the last 10 years,” says Paul.

Internet Sr Wendy: And how often do the kids watch TV on average a day?

Sr Wendy: Hey, that’s my favourite too! Do you know that there are many Christian themes in the books?

Paul: About 2 hours a day, only between 5-7pm. Dinner is at 7pm.

Paul: Oh, I didn’t know

Sr Wendy: That’s good. So

Sr W endy: Which websites do you spend a lot of time at? Geraldyn: My Scene - it’s got Barbie dolls and how to dress them, beauty dress:— Kids Central to play games.

Johnathan: Neopets, Gunbound, BattleOn....

Paul: We usually keep tabs on what sites they visit.

Sr Wendy: That sounds pretty violent.

Other media

Paul: We spend a lot on Johnathan (he smiles): I CDRoms for the kids. also visit Soccemet, and Freeweb. (Freeweb) Sr Wendy: W hat kind of teaches you how to make CDRoms do you have? websites. Paul: It’s really quite good Seline: Educational, and it’s all for free. Chinese Language, Living Johnathan also uses the Books especially for Internet to chat with his Geraldyn - these are cousin in Hong Kong stories with moral values through Yahoo messenger. like A esop’s Fables. Seline: I just use the Internet for email, e{ Sr Wendy: Yes, the Living banking, check hotels, visit Books are usually dog websites, a bit of interactive and fun for the research, and video children. conferencing with relatives abroad. Johnathan: We have Paul: Internet banking, emany games too. mail, online library - to Seline: Yes we don’t mind renew books. I also getting the games, download free softwares, | especially the strategy and do IT shopping and games - Red Alert, browsing. And I ’ve bought Rollercoaster, Tycoon. books too from amazon.com. They help the children to make decisions. Sr Wendy:Do you both exercise any control over | Sr Wendy: And are they the children in terms of allowed to play these Internet usage? games any day?

Paul: Yes, I buy the games for Play Station because I don’t want them to go to the arcade. I also wanted to play some of the games but actually I can hardly find the time. Sr Wendy: W hat’s the difference between playing on Play Station and on the computer? Paul: The screen on the TV is bigger and the sound effects are better. And now Microsoft also has an alternative to Play Station called X-Box. Sr Wendy:So you really have to exercise control over these games. What do you think Johnathan? Johnathan: Yes, have to control. If too much play, don’t do anything else. But if we don’t play at all, then what’s the point of buying? (His parents laugh) Sr Wendy: So moderation is the word. Paul: But some games are really too gory and bloody for kids, like Dead or Alive and Resident Evil. Johnathan: Ya, too scary. I tried to play but after one minute, I dare not play anymore. Sr Wendy: Well, it’s good you’re able to decide for yourself. □

A last W O r d from Sr. Wendy Ooi As it is probably common in most households around the world, the homes I visited to conduct the interviews had their television set in a central position in their living room. The box was like the “king” of the house, and given great prominence. That already gave an indication of the major role of media in the lives of families today.

Although both families tend to indulge in the use of media, the Wongs more on books and the Leongs on video games, I was pleased that both pairs of parents had their own form of discipline and control over the use of media, especially for their children. Hopefully most families are as discerning on the use of media as the ones I met. □

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Bulletin of the Family Life Society, Archdiocese of Singapore

From the E D Dear Friends of Family Life, One morning, I met and said hello to a sweet little girl of about four years of age. She was running happily along the corridors of our Counselling Centre at Highland Road, and had just emerged from a visit her grateful mother had made to one of our counselors. A glance at the room and I could see that she had been busy playing with toys on the carpeted floor while her mother had chatted with our counselor. Was I pleased to find out that she was once a pre-born baby our Pregnancy Crisis Service had saved from being aborted several years ago! I said to myself, “If we could gather all the children we have saved from being aborted, and show the world how beautiful they are, it’d be wonderful testimonies to the great pro-family and pro-life work that our counselors and PCS ladles are doing in giving hope to mothers in crisis pregnancies, and in helping them to decide to give life, rather than death, to their unborn babies.” Who knows, this might come true one day. We must thank and compliment all our dedicated people - not only in our counseling services, but in every one of our family life programs, services and affiliated movements - for their unassuming, yet significant and selfless, contributions to God’s call to love one another as He has loved us. Without such generous hearts, minds, and willing hands, much less would be achieved in reaching out to all in need. The services we offer are either free of charge or voluntary contributions are made by members of the public. That doesn’t mean that they are free of cost there are staffing, facility and operational costs to be borne. However, we believe in our mission of promoting a deep understanding and reverence for family, marriage and human life and will continue to make our services available to all. This is where your donations - no matter how small - collectively help Family Life Society run its counseling and pregnancy crisis centres at Highland Road, as well as all its programmes, services and telephone hotlines. If you would like to help us with a contribution, please visit our website www.familylife.org.sg and click on “Donations”. Family Life Society is registered as a charity, and is a member of NCSS (National Council of Social Service) with an IPC (Institute of Public Character) status - that means your donations are doubly tax exempt under Singapore tax laws. Will you help us to help others? God bless you and your families James Wong Executive Director FLS

A F F IL IA T E A C T IV IT IE S

Marriage Encounter Weekend, 3 - 5 June, Salvation Army Changi Conference Centre A weekend marriage enrichment programme for couples to deepen their relationship. Tel: 6289 5349 Legal Aid 7 June, Monday, Family Life Society Free legal counsel on family related issues given by experienced lawyers. From 7 pm to 9 pm at 2 Highland Road. No appointment required. Joyful Parenting - Catholic Moms Support Group Meetings The monthly prayer meetings and support group is open to all Catholic mothers. • 30 May, 11.45 am to 12.45 pm at Church of the Holy Cross (St Matthew Room). Topic: “Parents As Role Models” Tel: 90227652 • 6 June, 4.30 pm to 5.30 pm at Church of Christ the King (Rm 109) Topic: “Discipline Without Shouting or Spanking” Tel: 92713335 “Parenting with Grace” Workshops 23 and 30 May, Sundays, 2 pm to 5 pm, St Anne's Church Organised by Joyful Parenting, the workshops address parenting issues for Catholic families. To register, call Pamela: 9271 3335 Choice Weekend 28 - 30 May at Choice Retreat House, 47 Jurong West St 42 A weekend programme for single adults to discover self and the importance of family relationships. Tel: 9307 7752/ 9671 0767 Family Life Society Roadshow 22 & 23 May at St Anthony’s Church An exhibition, talks and sharings on family and pro-life issues.

F a m ily L ife S o c ie ty Catholic Archdiocesan Education Centre 2 Highland Road, #LG-01, Singapore 549102 Tel: 6488 0278 www.familylife.org.sg

Our Programmes and Affiliates: Family and Marital Counselling; Pregnancy Crisis Service; Youth Life-Line; Joyful Parenting; Catholic Legal Aid; Celebration of Life; Marriage Encounter; Engaged Encounter; Couples for Christ; Marriage Preparation Course; Natural Family Planning; Hope, Retrouvaille and Choice.

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Down Memory Lane

with DML 3 i “Down Memory Lane” (DML) - the highly successful show that features the best of Singapore’s musical talents of the 60s to 80s is back by popular demand on Sunday, August 1 at Suntec City. Hosted by renowned radio personalities Brian Richmond and Tan Swee Leong, with Archbishop Nicholas Chia as the Guest-Of-Honour, Down Memory Lane 3 boasts a dazzling line-up of 12 artistes and top bands from the “good old days”. Among the groups performing are “Matthew and the Mandarins", “Jive Talking”, “Jerry ’N’ the Neu Faces” and BDS Jazztet. The event will also see “special reunions” for “Heather and the Thunderbirds” and “Tony and Terry”. Highlights also include special appearances by Linda Elizabeth, Robert Fernando, Joe Chandran, Reto, Zul of Tania and Talentime winners Dawn Yip and T F Tan.

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All the merriment, which includes a full-course Chinese dinner, will be for a good cause - to raise funds for Family Life Society. Family Life Society is a non-profit organisation which provides programmes and services that are available to all - regardless of age, race and religion. Amongst its 14 programmes and services are counseling and care services, educational resources, a pregnancy crisis service, help hotlines for youths and breastfeeding mothers, and free legal counsel on family matters.

The charity dinner show and dance is also aimed at raising public awareness of FLS so that more people may avail themselves of the programmes and services provided by FLS.

“Down Memory Lane 2” Dinner and Show - held at Suntec City Ballroom in 2002, saw a crowd of about 1,500 people and raised more than $100,000 for the non-profit organistion. This year, FLS hopes to raise the same amount from “Down Memory Lane 3”.

Down Memory Lane 3 - Dinner Show and Dance will be held at Suntec City Convention Centre Hall 602 on August 1. Tickets at $150 (single seat), $1,200 (table of 10 seats) and special charity tables at $2,000 and $2,500 will be available from 1 June. For ticket bookings, call the hotline: 6488 0280 from 1 June.

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WHY GOD MADE BABIES CUTE! By Pat Chong - an administrative officer and mother of four young children, age 9, 7,3 years old and 8 months. With their oversized heads, tiny hands and feet, rounded cheeks and that gorgeous baby smell, babies are irresistible. Human babies are also at their most helpless. In fact, their very survival depends on their care-givers - most likely, their mom. God made them cute and helpless for very good reasons. They are cute and attractive in order to endear themselves to adult humans who will care for them. They are helpless because they are born with an unfinished brain and central nervous system. Humans have the largest brains of all mammals. According to studies, when humans first started to walk upright, our pelvic bone structure changed to accommodate the change in locomotion. The change meant that the pelvis could not accommodate large headed, big-brained babies coming through. Therefore, human infants had to be bom with small brains with most of the development and brain growth taking place outside the womb after birth. Studies have shown that the human brain grows remarkably fast at this stage and learning also occurs more so at this time than at any other time in human life. This huge brain growth is also the reason why breastfeeding in the first year of life is crucial for infants - because they need the right proportion of DHA and AA that only human milk can provide. Because human infants are so vulnerable, a wonderful system exists to help them cope and survive until they are able to fend for themselves. A mother and her baby is a natural pair. This symbiotic relationship that started in the womb continues even after birth. And this shapes the relationship we call attachm ent parenting or instinctive parenting or natural parenting. At its crux is parental responsiveness. God has created the human baby to be helpless, dependent on his mother and father to respond sensitively and appropriately. He facilitates this through a dynamic interplay of hormones at birth and at lactation and creates a system of instinct and inter-dependency. But ultimately, we have the free will as parents, to decide if we choose to respond and to build a relationship. Research has shown that initial bonding is important, but whether attachment does happen depends on whether parents choose to engage in the interplay by interacting with their babies. It is the process of engagement and interaction that builds bonds.

To build these bonds, parents need to ensure their baby receives proper food, sleep, warmth, security and protection. Food - B rea s t M ilk In order to thrive, babies need milk. Breastmilk is species-specific - meant for human babies to thrive and grow, particularly so for brain growth. Artificial baby milk or infant formula today, despite the huge amount of research and advertising, cannot even come close to replicating the goodness of human milk with its immunological properties and its nutritional bio availability. Most of all, breastfeeding demands and promotes parental responsiveness - baby cries to indicate hunger, mom feeds. Mom watches baby's signals and not the clock - so she is in tune with his needs and his signals. Sleep When it comes to sleep, parents should co-sleep with babies and children in the same room if not in the same bed. Studies today show that there are strong biological advantages for doing so. Sleeping together helps an infant regulate his breathing, lessening the risks of apnea and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Research has shown that when babies sleep with their mothers, the levels of carbon dioxide and oxygen exchange are similar, as are their sleep cycles. When baby is in a light sleep, cycling towards wakefulness, so does mom. They are that much in tune! A baby longs to replicate that warm, safe, snug sensation in the womb, close to mom’s heartbeat, lulled by her movements. Using a sling or baby-wearing helps replicate this. The snugness of the sling holds the baby close to mom's chest. Mom is free to move around, walk, cook, talk and baby participates in this when he is awake. The gentle rocking movement caused by walking or standing helps baby to sleep. He feels secure and warm.

mean most parents work, leaving babies in the care of maids and child care centres. Mothers stop breastfeeding when they return to work. Such factors impact parenting by promoting detachment rather than attachment. The relationship between a parent and a child begins at infancy. While a child may not have conscious distinct memories of events or people earlier than age 3, there is also research to support that their memories are “imprinted” onto their psyche by these events. What they learn about people, relationships and the world around them, their attitudes and personality is shaped very early on in life. The responsive parenting dance teaches babies the rudiments of communication - they cry to indicate their needs and mom responds. In time, they gain confidence to know that their needs will be met, that someone will respond. They grow confident and secure and even as they grow older, they have the confidence to venture on their own. Contrast this with a baby whose needs are ignored because its parents believe that babies should be taught independence. When babies cry and no one comes, they do not understand that mom could be in the next room nor can they understand that this is “for their own good”. They may be left with an overwhelming sense of fear and abandonment. This breaks the cycle of trust and promotes insecurity and uncertainty. Attachment parenting is more than just breastfeeding, slinging and co-sleeping with your baby. It is a system of mutual respect and instinctive trust. It is the seeds of a foundation of trust sown in babyhood and infancy, gently cultivated through the early years of childhood and hopefully, will reap confidence and security in your child even in adolescence and adulthood.

Parent-Child D e tac h m e n t Modem living and trends of thought do not foster parentchild bonding. Parenting gurus tell us not to spoil the baby, to teach them independence, to let them sleep alone. We are told that infant formula is as good as breastmilk, and so we substitute what is natural and normal. The predominance of dual income households

To learn more about “Attachm ent Parenting’’ and other parenting issues, attend the “Parenting With Grace Workshop” by Joyful Parenting on Sundays, 23 and 30 May from 2 pm to 5 pm at St Anne's Church. For enquiries or registration, call Pamela: 9271 3335.

VCD o f 10th HLI Asia-Pacific Congress ON SALE NOW! M is s e d t h e H u m a n L if e I n t e r n a t i o n a l C o n g r e s s in N o v e m b e r la s t y e a r?

Here’s your chance to catch the presentations by our panel of international speakers on VCD or in our Human Life International Book of Proceedings

HLI Book of Proceedings: $25 per copy Single CD / Talk costs S $12.90 each Set of 6 CDs fo r Each Day costs S$40.00 Full Set costs SS144.00 To order call 9876 5091 or e-mail: video.ed@ post1.com

'4 & liii

Are Singapore teenagers

L in us K oh, 17

M E D IA C R A Z Y ? What do our teens read? Listen to? Watch? How media savvy are they? To get a peek into their world, Sr Wendy Ooi, fsp, spoke to five students. She was pleased to find that they had their own form of media censorship as to what is right and appropriate for consumption and what should be avoided. N e w sp a p ers The teens have verylittle interest in newspapers. Nicole and Jon use the dailies to look up TV programmes, and Deborah reads the sports pages. Linus reads the dailies in the toilet - “mainly the comics, current affairs, especially disasters”. Gabriel doesn’t like to read, prefering cycling and rock climbing.

Oldies and Hip-Hop Jon Desker, 18

All nod their heads.

“On Wednesdays, I can spend up to nine hours in all because all my favourite TV shows are on, and I also play games on the computer.”

M a g a zin es Nicole reads Seventeen “mainly the life story articles - teenage life stories, plus the fashion and beauty tips”. Deborah reads mainly Seventeen too, as well as her m um ’s magazines like Her World and W omen’s Weekly. Jon and Gabriel read only computer games magazines which “teach you how to develop better strategies in these games”. Linus says - to the surprise of the guys, - “I read women magazines like W omen’s Weekly, 8 Days - because my sister puts them in the toilet so I just read them instead of being bored to death”.

B ooks Gabriel reads the encyclopedia weekly for general knowledge. Nicole is into hobby books, as well as mystery, and novels. “For me, books on leadership, and right now I have a book on angels,“ says Linus. As for Deborah, “In the toilet, I read Archie comics, have always loved them. I also like Sweet Valley High and Harry Potter.”

R a d io a n d M u sic Most of them listen to 98.7 if they do tune in which is not often.

G abriel L ee, 17 Sr Wendy: Do you play close attention to the lyrics?

Occasionally they listen to the oldies on 90.5. The teens regard music from the 70s, and 80s as oldies, especially music from the 80s. (I cringe inside because that’s my era - i.e. when I was a teen and kept on top of the charts).

Sr Wendy: What if you come across a song with lyrics that are not particularly moral or go against your values? Jon: I don’t sing at all to songs like that. Linus: Yes some of the lyrics are quite vulgar. Gabriel: I actually hide all these sort of CDs if I find them at home - they are my brother’s CDs. I ’d prevent him from listening.

D eborah L im , 18

Gabriel: No choice, my parents tune into the oldies 90.5 and sometimes Class 95 but I prefer to listen to my own CDs. Sr Wendy: So what sort of music is your favourite, especially in your CD collection? Jon: Japanese Music ( Jon does not understand the language. Gabriel, who understands Japanese, likes Japanese music too).

“About 3 to 4 hours in all fo r TV and 1 to 2 hours fo r computer, so that’s about 5 to 6 hours a day.”

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Sr Wendy: W hat kind of Japanese Music?

Sr Wendy: Now we come to TV programmes

Jon: Not only Pop, but Rock, Techno, Eurobeat, Trance. Eurobeat is like techno but with a Brazilian beat, a salsa feel.

All: HEY! (Everyone comes more alive, welcoming the topic like a best friend) Nicole: I go for my soap operas - Bold and Beautiful (“argh”groan the guys), Smallville, the OC (Orange Country), Dark Angel, and action or light hearted comedies, and mystery or crime. Jon: CSI (Crime Scene Investigation) and CSI Miami, Relic Hunter, Buffy, Documentaries, MTV Nicole: Yes how could I forget MTV. I like MTV too.

Sr Wendy: And Trance? Linus: T hat’s ‘Ah B eng’ music. Gabriel: No, its not. Its got lots of dram and bass. It starts with high pitch and then goes onto a low pitch ... it stays low. It’s basically re-mixes”. Linus: Pop, Hip-Hop; Nicole: Rock, Hip-Hop, Pop, Oldies and Jazz. Deborah: Pop, Rock,

“TV - 30 seconds! Computer games, about 3 hours, and email or M SN at the most 1 hour to l 1!2 hours a day.”

Linus: MTV, Discovery, National Geographic, Simpsons, Friends, Smallville, CSI, CSI Miami Gabriel: The only time I watch TV is when I ’m at someone’s house. I ’m more the outdoor type cycling, rock climbing Deborah: Charm, CSI, CSI Miami, Friends, Smallville, MTV, OC Sr Wendy: Most of you mentioned MTV. What is it about MTV that makes it popular? Linus: Latest music, collaborate music which is what we like with dance moves, can get glued to that channel, very comfortable to watch that if there’s nothing else to watch, very fast, each video lasts only a few minutes Sr Wendy: A ren’t some of the scenes of some music videos rather sexy or raunchy? Nicole: No, they’re all censored for viewership here.

In tern et Sr Wendy: OK we come now to the Internet. What sort of sites do you visit? And how much time do you spend on the web? Nicole: Everyday for l'/2 to 2 hours - for email,

values (all of them nod their heads), so what do you do when you come across values that are immoral or contrary to yours? N icole K ow , 18

“About l 112 hours if I have work to do. I f I have no work, the TV is on the whole day, the computer is on the whole day.” MSN, and I also visit movie sites. Jon: About 2 hours. I use the MSN messenger and I like the Nature sites, as well as the Songs/Lyrics sites. Linus: At least 3 hours. I use MSN, I hardly e-mail. I like Friendster but I play mainly online games. Sr Wendy: W hat sort of games? Linus: Day of Defeat, Gunbound Gabriel: It’s the “I shoot you, you shoot m e” kind. Sr Wendy: Is that with real life players? Linus: Yes, I play it with someone else w ho’s online. Gabriel: I use the Internet very rarely, mainly for MSN and e-mail. Deborah: I usually spend about 2 hours a day, using MSN and sites with entertainment news. I tend to get carried away.

L ife w ith o u t m ed ia Sr Wendy: Obviously media is so much a part of your lives, with the exception of Gabriel. Can you imagine life without the media? Nicole: No. I tried it before. I ’m not an outdoor person, always indoors. Jon: I would miss the media but I like nature so I can always go out. Linus: I will miss the media but I can fall back on my skating. I love skating. Gabriel: No, I w on’t miss it. I ’m living without it! Deborah: I cannot live without it. Life would be very dull. Sr Wendy: The media contains many values which are contrary to family and Christian

“ I spend about 7 hours a day (5 fo r TV and 2 fo r Internet), and sometimes it’s overlapped because I ’m sitting in fron t o f the computer and I have the TV on next to it - so it’s “multi tasking”.

Nicole: Well, I communicate a lot with my parents about life situations so they also help in guiding me in terms of values. So for the media, I try to absorb what is good and dispose of what is not good in terms of morals. There are things that can pollute my mind, so I stay away from those, like heavy metal music, satanic music, films that are pornographic - 1 don’t touch those. Linus: I also censor m yself - not only programmes that are sexually distorted but also programmes that make you doubt your faith. There was a programme on Discovery Channel about Spirits which made me uneasy so I changed channels.

A d v ertisin g The teens seem to be largely untouched by advertising, most find it disruptive and... boring (Jon), entertaining sometimes (Deborah), disgusting (Gabriel - “For example, those ads on bras and bust enhancement. They also de-moralize us and make our self-esteem low: a woman has to be an hour-glass shape, a guy has to be tall. There is only one body type.”) Linus says, “I like watching them because I ’m planning to take up Interactive Media Design so I like to look at the creative side of the commercials.” □

'2004

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The Youth Ministry Office (YMO) invites you to join in the celebration of Catholic Youth Week from 7 to 11 June 2004. The Catholic Youth \ * t

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When I th in k o f you, I am filled w ith hope because you possess th e know -how to offer new ways to carry the message o f Christ to the w orld at the dawn o f this new m illennium . Yet, to carry His message is very dem anding. It requires you to encounter Him, accept His message and also to bear the mark o f the Cross. The W orld Youth Day them e chosen by the Pope this year is "We wish to see Jesus" (John 12:21). In choosing this them e, the Pope is urging us to have a deeper relationship w ith Jesus. A llow yourselves to encounter the living Christ for in Him, you w ill find true freedom . Jesus is th e supreme friend and the teacher o f tru e friendship. I urge you, my young people, to com e to Him. Fix your eyes on Him and do as He tells you.

Dear young people, Proclaiming the Word of God is not the responsibility of priests or religious alone, but it is yours too. You must have the courage to speak about Christ mi your families and in places where you study, work or recreate.. .There are places and circumstances where you alone can bring the seed of God's Word Message Of Holy Father To Youths On 7th World Youth Day

Youth Walk Tuesday, June8th 10th2004 -

In conjunction with Youth Week and the Eucharistic Congress on 13 June, the Youth Ministry Office is hosting a Youth Walk from 8 to 10 June. The walk aims to bring together youths from across the Archdiocese for a 3-day 2-night experience. The youths will be brought to locations on the island that they would not otherwise have ventured on their own. It promises to be fun and adventurous w ith many moments for soul-searching. For registration information, call the Youth Centre or check out the website. Registration doses on 2 June 2004.

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The request made by the Greeks to the Apostles: "We wish to see Jesus" fully expresses the deep desire that young people hold in their hearts. It is a desire that urges them to look around them, to search and to question. Our youths are asking the Church not only to “speak" of Christ, but in a certain sense to "show" Him to them. The youth ministry sector does not allow for any pause in witnessing to Christ. The authenticity and the very credibility of this witnessing must constantly reach the level of expectations that are always very "demanding". Methods and pro grammes alone are not enough if we are not able to take a look at our attitudes. Youth ministry must not become routine. We need to contemplate the face of Jesus. We must resist the temptation of "doing for the sake of doing" by trying "to be" before trying "to do". We need to "Encounter" Christ, be “Discipled" by Him and live our “Mission" of showing Christ to our youths. Likewise, as youths, the invitation is given to direct their gaze towards Jesus. Youths are called to contemplate His image (Encounter), to place themselves in His school (Discipleship) and to put themselves under His direction (Mission).

I . Celebrate a special liturgy to recognize the giftedness of youth using appropriate readings, music and prayer of the faithful 2.Have the youth create and display a banner to celebrate their gifts or add a festive atmosphere with other decorations J.lnvite youth to recommit themselves to living as disciples of Jesus in the world today and offer a special blessing for them 4.lnvite youth to participate as liturgical ministers (lectors, Eucharistic ministers, greeters, church decoration, and liturgical banners) S.lnvite a youth (or several) to give a personal witness about their involvement in parish life during the weekend liturgies tf.Create a handout to highlight youth events or general youth information.

SldeasForAffirmation&RecognitionOfYouth 1 Choose prayer partners for the upcoming year and have the youth and adults pray for each other's needs.

Choose an image or photo out of a magazine that makes you think of each youth leader. Glue it to a construction paper, add a relevant scripture passage and share it with the youth.

Create a newsletter or web site highlighting youth events.

4 Send an email sincerely thanking someone for his or her contribution - and "cc" everyone. Birthday greetings need not be boring. Give everyone a piece of paper and have everyone to draw what they would love to give to the birthday boy / girl. Give each one a bit of time to share about their drawing.

6 Have pictures of youth leaders or catechist taken. Glue it on a large piece of paper and display it in a prominent place. Invite youths to publicly write words of affirmation.

wFaithfi In prayer and thanksgiving for the support God provides for all those who give of themselves so willingly to the service and support of youth in our archdiocese. For all young people that we will come to encounter the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. For ail young people that they have the courage to express and explore their faith and never be afraid to question. For all youth of the Archdiocese, that they may grow to know God in a personal way and realize their vital role in the Church today.

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For Pope John Paul II, Archbishop Nicholas Chia and all Church leaders that they may continue to walk in the footsteps of Christ with wisdom and compassion. We pray for all those young people who have lost someone they love this past year that they are comforted by the presence of God. For all youth suffering from fear, anger or loneliness, that through the Lord's love they encounter courage, peace and a realization that they are a part of the Body of Christ. For all youth considering the priesthood, religious or lay missionary life that through God's guidance they allow themselves to be open to His call.

For ail youth that struggle from damaging peer pressure that they are able to stand up for their beliefs in the face of adversity and come to realize there are other people out there who accept them for who they are.

For all young people who struggle with poor self-esteem and don't love themselves for who they are that they realize they are truly gifts from God and not take their gifts and talents for granted.

During these unsettling times that our world leaders strive for peace and justice and reflect on the teachings and practices of Jesus when making decisions.

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H ere a re 12 p a re n tin g tip s th a t c an h e lp p a re n ts affirm th e ir te e n a g e r a t h o m e . This m a y g o in to th e p arish b u lletin . ® W h en y o u r te e n a g e r c o m e s h o m e fro m sch o o l to d a y , sm ile w h e n h e o r sh e w alks th r o u g h th e d o o r. Do th a t sev eral d a y s in a row a n d y o u r kid will ac tu a lly look fo rw a rd to c o m in g h o m e! « N ext tim e y o u r te e n a g e r trie s to b e f u n n y ... la u g h , • M ake a list o f all th e th in g s y o u r te e n a g e r d o e s th a t m a k e s y o u m a d . Now, g o th r o u g h th e list a n d cro ss off ail th e stu ff th a t d o e s n 't really m a tte r. Save y o u r a n g e r o n ly for th o s e th in g s w h ich h a v e lastin g m o ral c o n s e q u e n c e s . » Take y o u r te e n a g e r o u t for b re a k fa st o r lu n c h o n c e a w eek . P ro m ise y o u r self th a t y o u w o n ’t u se th a t tim e to le c tu re o r n a g . J u st listen a n d talk a b o u t g o o d stuff. * n v ite y o u r t e e n a g e r ’s frie n d s t o y o u r h o u s e for pizza, so ft drin k s a n d a m o v ie ren tal. Extra p o in ts if y o u can se c u re a b ig -screeri TV o r v id e o p ro je c tor. « Ask y o u r te e n a g e r to play h is /h e r fav o rite m u sic o n y o u r ste re o . Listen a n d d iscu ss t h e m u sic w ith him o r her. Find o u t w h y h e /s h e likes it so m u c h . Try to av o id criticism . • Think o f s o m e th in g p o sitiv e y o u can say to y o u r te e n a g e r t o d a y ... a n d say it. » P ut a love n o te (from you) in y o u r t e e n a g e r ’s b a c k p a c k o r lu n ch sack. * B efore y o u criticize y o u r te e n a g e r 's b eh avior, try re m e m b e rin g y o u r o w n t e e n a g e years. C h a n c e s a re it will h e lp y o u c o m m u n ic a te b ette r. • Love y o u r sp o u se . A stro n g fam ily p ro v id e s se cu rity for te e n a g e rs . * R e sp e c t y o u r te e n a g e r's privacy. S n o o p in g w ith o u t a le g itim a te re a s o i? is a n o -n o . » C o m m u n ic a te y o u r p la n s to y o u r te e n a g e r fre q u e n tly . Let h im /h e r k n o w w h e re y o u are, w h e n you'll b e h o m e , w h a t y o u ’re d o in g . This sets a g o o d e x a m p le th a t will e n c o u r a g e th e m to d o t h e s a m e th in g for you.

B o n u s T ip s F o r A ffir m in g

What'sltAHAbout? •

T h e w e e k o n J u n e 7 - 1 1 ,2 0 0 4 h a s b e e n d e s ig n a t e d as C a th o lic Y o u th W e e k in o u r

b r in g t o u s • A s p e c ia l th a n k y o u th is w e e k , C a th o lic Y o u th W e e k , t o a i l th e v o lu n t e e r s t h a t w o r k w it h t h e y o u t h o f o u r p a r is h : c a te c h is ts , y o u t h g r o u p le a d e r s a n d a d u lt s w h o s h a r e t h e i r g if t s o f f a it h , lo v e a n d l a u g h t e r w it h o u r y o u n g p e o p le .

• D u r in g th is C a t h o lic Y o u th W e e k , J u n e 7 - 1 1 , 2 0 0 4 , w e c e le b r a te th e y o u n g p e o p le o f o u r p a r is h , a n d th a n k th e m e s p e c ia lly f o r t h e i r jo y , t h e i r f a i t h a n a t h e i r g if t s t h a t t h e y s h a r e w it h o u r p a r is h c o m m u n ity . W e a r e b le s s e d t o c e le b r a te th e s e w o n d e r f u l y o u n g p e o p le in o u r p a r is h fa m ily .

Y o u th s

TIP # 1 Provide on-going thanks and apprecia tion. D on’t wait for a special occasion to recognize the youiA ,om o f others, especially TIP #2 Make sure the you f group gets singlr _ _______ during the year - birthday cards, web site or in newsletter. T IP # 3 Take and display pictures o f p a nish TIP #3 events. If you don't already take picture;% pledge to sta rt this year. 1

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B o n u s T ip s F o r P a r e n ts

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Be patient w ith your teenagers. Growing up takes time... but they will grow up. Learn to trust your teenagers more. The more trust you give them, the more opportunities they w ill hove to prove themselves trustworthy. Keep your sense of humor. Healthy families are laughing families! Pray da ily fo r your kids. Remember, God loves them even more than you do!

"When children learn that happi ness is not found in what a person has but in who that person is, they will be blessings to those who know them, and worthy : n y . models for all the wonId" Osfvtef L W e m h e r f a f d

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It is n o t difficult to learn to p lay the piano. W ith in terest an d co m m itm en t, You can fu lfil y o u r dream .

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T h e W o t cl o f G o d Sunday, May 23 □

Acts 7:55-60; Psalm 97:1-2, 6-7, 9; Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20; John 17:20-26

May they all be one “May they all be one. Father, may they be one in us, as you are in me and I am in you, so that the world may believe it was you who sent me.

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E L - S H A D D A I <dsd«overS) C> H o u s e & O f f i c e M o v e s O S to ra g e S e rv ic e s I n t 'l D o o r t o D o o r O D is p o s a l S e r v ic e s

POPE John Paul II and heads o f the Anglican and Orthodox churches kneel before the door o f St P eter’s. CNSfilephoto

ONE of the greatest blessings of the Second Vatican Council was an increased focus on Christian unity. Throughout his papacy, Pope John Paul II has been a passionate supporter of ecumenism and has written and spoken often about his desire for unity among all Christians. O f the Orthodox churches, the Holy Father has prayed that “the memory of the time when the Church breathed with ‘both lungs’ would spur Christians of East and West to walk together in unity of faith... accepting and sustaining each other as members of the one Body of Christ.” And concerning our Anglican and Protestant brothers and sisters, John Paul continued: “Theological discussion on essential points of faith and Christian morality, cooperation in works of charity, and above all the great ecumenism of holiness will not fail, with God’s help, to bring results” (At the Beginning of the New Millennium, 48). Ultimately, however, ecumenism has to move beyond the work of church leaders alone. It must trickle down to parishes and communities. This is why Pope John Paul II has said that if all Christians “meet more often and more regularly before Christ in prayer, they will be able to gain the courage to face all the painful human reality of their divisions, and they will find themselves together once more in that community of the church which Christ constantly builds up in the Holy Spirit.... In the eyes of the world, cooperation among Christians becom es... a means of evangelization” (That They May Be One, 22, 23). The need is great, and the call is high. So let’s each make a personal commitment to Christian unity. Let’s each look for the opportunities God will give us to help unite a divided church. □ “J e su s , so fte n m y h e a rt to w o rk m o re c lo se ly w ith m y b ro th ers a n d siste r s o f o th e r d e n o m in a tio n s. L e t m e b e o p en to w h a t I ca n le a rn fr o m o th e r b e lie v e rs, a n d le t th is o p e n n e ss b e c o m e a sig n o f th e u n ity y o u w a n t f o r a ll o f u s."

Sunday, May 30, Pentecost □ Acts 2:1 -11; Psalm 104:1, 24, 29-31, 34; 1 Corinthians 12:3-7, 12-13; John 20:19-23

M o ses D e L a u re

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What the Holy Spirit wants to tell us

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Mandy LAI B.Sc. Optom [AUS]

TANG Fei Lan

“When Pentecost day came round.... they heard what sounded like a powerful wind from heaven; and something appeared to them that seemed like tongues o f fire; these seperated and came to rest on the head o f each o f them. They were filled with the Holy Spirit...”

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AS Christ ascends into heaven, the Holy Spirit descends from the hand of the Father in Jesuit Father Marko Rupnik’s mosaic in the Redemptoris Mater Chapel of the Apostolic Palace, cns photo

ON this great day of celebration, we are brought back to the upper room to be with the disciples when they first met the risen Jesus. John tells us that when Jesus came to them, he showed them his hands and side, and that this is what caused the disciples to rejoice (John 20:20). T here was som ething about seeing J e s u s ’ w ounds-now glorified-that pierced their hearts. We don’t have to look too hard to identify the work of the Holy Spirit here. It was the Spirit who showed the disciples that Jesus didn’t just come back from the dead but that he had defeated death and had been declared Lord of heaven and earth. A nd this revelation filled them w ith jo y and excitem ent. By the Spirit, they realized that because of Jesus’ wounds, they too could be filled with divine life, just as Jesus their Master was. This is the kind of revelation that the Holy Spirit wants to give all of us. This is what Pentecost is all about. Whenever we pray, whenever we go to Mass, . He wants to break down the walls in our hearts that keep us trapped in a narrow, shallow understanding of Jesus and his plan for us. And he does this so that he can form us into a people so on fire with love for him that we would risk anything for him. We don’t have to fear the Holy Spirit. He may come in fire, but only to bum away the things that keep us from seeing Jesus. We can carry so much “baggage” in our hearts-fears, anxieties, and resentments that keep us from Jesus. By the power of Jesus’ cross, the Holy Spirit wants to lighten our load so that we can embrace Jesus as our just and loving Savior who wants the very best for us. □ “J e su s , I w a n t to be a fla m e w ith lo v e f o r y o u . I w a n t to rejo ice in y o u ju s t a s th e a p o stle s d id. H o ly S p irit, b u rn a w a y e v e ry th in g th a t k e e p s m e fr o m y o u r p re se n c e . C o m e, S p irit, a n d g iv e m e a n ew re ve la tio n o f J e su s . ”

CatholicNews

ew pTM tf

p ||e x

Fortnightly newspaper of the Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore Managing Editor

Fr Johnson Fernandez Staff correspondents

Ms. Mel Diamse-Lee Fr Frederick Quek Sr Wendy Ooi, fsp Layout: Ms. Elaine Ong Consultant: Mr Francis Yeo TO CONTACT US Editorial

Email: cnedit@catholic.org.sg Please include your full name, address and telephone number. Advertisements: Ms. Elaine Ong

Email: elong@catholic.org.sg In Memoriam: Ms. Susan Lim

Email: suslim@catholic.org.sg Subscriptions: Richard Paul Email: rpaul@catholic.org.sg Address: The Catholic News Office 2 Highland Road, #01-03 Singapore 549102. Telephone: 6858-3055 Fax: 6858-2055

SFX Adoration Chapel left out The article “Come, spend an hour with me - A guide to Eucharistic Adoration” (CN, May 9 and 16) serves to remind Catholics that we have to find time to sit at the feet of Jesus. The sidebar “Places for Eucharistic Adoration” is helpful but, alas, our archdiocese’s 24hour Adoration Chapel at the SFX Retreat Centre in Ponggol was not mentioned. Pity, because our Lord is for the adoring even in the wee hours of the night and early morning.

Diana Tan Singapore 470736

Keep personal intentions private EVER since the onset of Fr Joachim K ang’s court case, some over-zealous Catholics had been turning their personal and private intentions of praying for Fr Kang into public intentions by reiterating them at public praying sessions like the rosary and diverse devotions. This is done without the general consensus of the prayer groups. I feel that personal and private intentions for individuals should only come from individuals concerned and should not be made at public praying sessions. Moreover there are already general intentions for peace and justice and other worthy intentions for the poor, sick, unemployed, victims of war, and the like. Individuals may pray for their own personal intentions, but they should not involve others.

Joseph Lucas Lee Singapore

Receiving Communion: Better to kneel or stand? I READ with interest the article “Grave abuses against Eucharist” (CN, May 9 and 16). Most of the points given in the document “Redemptionis Sacramentum” were included. However, the posture for receiving Communion was left out. The relevant paragraphs state: (90) The faithful should receive Communion kneeling or standing... However, if they receive Communion standing, it is recommended that they give due reverence before the reception of the Sacrament. (9 1 )...” Therefore it is not licit to deny Holy Communion to any o f Christ’s faithful solely on the grounds, for example, that the person wishes to receive the Eucharist kneeling or standing. Paragraph (90) shows that the posture of kneeling is to be preferred, (after all, if “at the name of Jesus, every knee shall bow” why do we not bend our knees before the Real Presence of Jesus before we receive him?) Before receiving him, while standing, we have to either bow our heads or genuflect. In paragraph (91) - though no

one has been refused Communion while standing, there has occurred, in Singapore, many instances or refusal to give Communion to those who kneel. There was even the cause of one parish priest who announced to his parishioners that he would not give Communion to any one who knelt! Many are afraid to kneel because they are afraid of rejection. It is to be hoped that after this document, the parish priests would assure their parishioners that there will be no objection to receive while kneeling. It is also of interest to note that in paragraph (92) it is stated that “If there is a risk of profanation, then Holy Communion should not be given in the hand.” Since there is always risk of particles remaining on the hand it is to be wondered why anyone should want to receive on the hand in the first place. How did this custom come about in Singapore? What excuse was given to introduce it here? I am curious to know the answer.

Cecilia Hon Singapore 289402

Congratulations for a wonderful newspaper! CONGRATULATIONS from Down Under! My family emigrated to Australia almost 3 years ago and recently my mother-in-law visited us in Perth and one of the goodies she brought from Singapore was past issues of Catholic News. W hat a pleasant surprise I had when I turned the pages of your newspaper. Firstly, the paper quality is so much better and most of all, the

Western Australia

Best CN issue so far I WOULD like to congratulate you and the staff of CN for more recent improvements. The latest edition (May 9,16) was the best yet. We are seeing more local coverage. Important and relevant issues are being discussed. CN is looking ever more truly “our” paper. It is starting to come alive. I would especially like to commend you all on the use of photographs. Even when a report or article is taken from overseas, a photograph taken in a local context is used. This helps us to relate better with the report. The photographs are crisp and clear, and are well chosen.

Sales & Rental o f Landed Properties, Apartments, Offices & HDB Efficient and Responsive Service. Higher R eturns and G reater Savings for You!

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However, none of the photographs is credited. We are not told who took them. None of the CN staff are listed as official photographers either. W hoever he or she is, may I say: well done and keep up the good work! But it would be nice to know who took them though. I also think it is standard practice in all newspapers to say which source the photograph comes from. May CN continue to grow and improve.

Augustine Chen Singapore

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By Elaine Myers SINGAPORE - Every year for the

last seven years, The Cyrenes have celebrated a Mass in honour of St Peregrine, the patron saint of those with cancer or any other life-threatening illness. There are now Masses in Ipoh and Penang also, a sign that devotion to St Peregrine is growing in this region. This y ear’s Mass was celebrated at St Joseph’s Church on Victoria Street by Fr Gerard Weerakoon and attended by 400 worshippers. In his homily, Fr Weerakoon spoke about the need for caregivers to ask God for patience and humility, and for the sick to bear their sufferings with dignity. That the faithful continue to respond to this Mass shows that this medieval saint - he lived in 1265-1350 - is meeting a need in the world today. One absentee at the Mass was Molly W ijeysingha, the founder of The Cyrenes.She died April 5 from cancer of the appendix. Molly left the corporate world some 20 years age to care for people who are marginalized in society. She set up Catholic Aids Response Effort (CARE), a support group for people with AIDS. After a number of years, she left to begin another AIDS support group, The Cyrenes, which she remained with till her last day. It was at about this time that her first experience with cancer occurred. Undeterred, she reached out to innumerable people with AIDS and their families, regularly going out of her way to meet their needs, totally fuelled by her love for Jesus. She had a charisma and

Molly Wijeysingha missed at Cyrenes Mass

empathy that allowed anyone who met her feel like they were her best friend. This quality served her well during her many

THE MOVIE “BROTHER SUN SISTER MOON” St. Clare’s Fraternity of the SFO is screening the movie “Brother Sun Sister Moon” in Risen Christ Auditorium on Sat. May 22, at 8 pm. All are welcome. Contribution: Love Offering. Enquiries: MaryClaire Fan, sfo 9620-7768 / Pauline Tan, sfo 6323-9306 R.C.I.A CLASSES Church of St Vincent De Paul. Commencing June 17, every Thursday, 8 pm. Non-Catholics who wish to know the Catholic Faith and Catholics who wish to deepen their understanding of the faith or to journey as sponsors with the catechumens are welcome. 25th ANNIVERSARY Holy Mass in Tamil on Sunday, May 16 at 6.45 pm in Blessed Sacrament Church. Celebrant by Fr A. Ponnudurai.

visits to the Communicable Disease Centre, where she brought joy to many patients. Molly embraced poverty, living a simple life completely dependent on Divine Providence.She had no income, no financial security and she ran The Cyrenes in this spirit also. To this day the group has not actively raised a single cent and has always had enough. She dressed simply, ate simply, shared all that she had with others, including her own home, and took the ups and downs of this ministry in stride. Sometimes what appeared to be ‘failure’ by human standards, she could see as ‘success’ in G od’s terms. The Cyrenes are a Catholicbased, inter-religious support group for people with AIDS and, when called upon, cancer and other terminal illnesses. For St Peregrine prayer leaflets or medals, contact thecyrenes@yahoo.com or Elaine at 65-97988295. □

CHINA BISHOP DIES Guo Zhengji of Bameng, China, died May 3 of lung failure. He was 90. The funeral of the papally approved and governm ent-recognized prelate, held May 7, attracted about 30 underground C atholics despite tight security. A source said their presence was wellre c e iv e d by m e m b ers o f the government-approved church. China’s underground church, which p ro fe s s e s lo y a lty to the p o p e, is estimated to number in the millions. The government-approved church officially spurns ties with the Vatican, but two-thirds of its bishops are said to have reconciled secretly with the Vatican. Bishop Guo is pictured in a 2002 photo. CNSphoto

14TH YOUTH IN THE SPIRIT SEMINAR Date: June 10-13. Venue: St Gabriel’s Primary School, 30 Parry Avenue Cost: $40 (course materials included) Organised by: Youth Praise Ministry For a copy of registration form, please visit www.youthpraiseministry.org SPECIAL MEMORIAL MASS In remembrance of our late beloved principal, Br Joseph Mcnally, FSC. Venue: St Patrick’s School Chapel. Date: May 27,7 pm. A 2-YEAR FORMATION PROGRAMME FOR SPIRITUAL DIRECTORS (Sept 2004-Sept 2006) Conducted by the Life Direction Team to provide skills and on-going Supervision for Spiritual Direction. To develop a framework for understanding and fostering spiritual growth in others and to foster integration of content and participant’s lived experiences. Closing date: June 5. For information: Sr Francisca Tan (65652895 email: frantan01@yahoo.com) or Sr Elizabeth Lim (9541-6166 email: lizabeth_lim@yahoo.com) MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEKEND Weekend Dates: Jun 4-6, Jul 2-4, Aug 6-8, Sep 3-5. Enrollment: Mike & Lisa (6451-2468 / 9639-9394) or email to mkohlou@singnet.com.sg website web.singnet.com.sg/~mespore/

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A nd found an empty place H e then looked down upon this Earth And saw your tired face. H e put his arms around you And lifted you to rest G o d’s garden m ust be beautiful He alw ays takes the best.

R 11A W O N G W A IY U Departed: May 22,1996 God looked around His garden

Remembered lovingly and prayerfully by husband, children, son and daughter-in-law, grandchildren, godchildren and relatives.

In loving m em ory o f

In loving m em ory of

Second Anniversary In loving m em ory o f

Second Anniversary In loving m em ory

Tenth Anniversary ln loving m em ory of

AU G U STIN E LOO Departed: June 1,2002

JO SE P H LOPEZ Departed: May 28,1994

We m iss you in so many ways We miss things you used to say And w hen old times we do recall It’s then w e miss you m ost of all.

Eternal rest grant unto him , O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. M ay he rest in peace. Amen. Sadly m issed and alw ays rem em bered by wife, sons, daughter, daughters-in-law, sonin-law, grand-children and loved ones.

Sadly m issed by Lucy, children and grandchildren. Sixth Anniversary In ever loving m em ory of A N TH O N Y R O Z A RIO M U TH U Dearly Departed Seven years ago on May 29, 1997 We speak your name with love and pride We smile with tears we cannot hide We thank you for the years we shared The love you gave, the way you cared. Fondly remembered by wife, children and loved ones.

M A RIE E LEANOR OLIV EIRO (BABE) Departed:May 27,1987 Fond m em ories o f the years together remain dear in our hearts. Y our love, teachings, com m itm ents will always be remembered and cherished. W ith love from sons, daughter, daughtersin-law , son-in-law, grandchildren and great grand children.

MR V. GOMEZ LAWRENCE Bom: Mar 11, 1922 Departed: June 22,2002 Papa You held our hands when we were young. Now and forever you hold our hearts. Always remembered by your loved ones. A light from home has gone The voice w e loved to hear is stilled G one is your face we so dearly loved Leaving a vacuum in our home N ever shall your m em ory fade Sweet thoughts of you will always remain.

SA N D A N A M ARY D/O DANIEL Departed: May 30,1998 D earest M other, W e miss you so much.

The love you gave us spoke beautifully o f you. There is not a day, dear mother That we do not think o f you. Mother you are always treasured in our hearts. D early m issed and always remembered by loving children, grand children and loved ones. M ass w ill be celebrated at Church of O ur Lady Star of the Sea, Singapore on Sunday, M ay 30, 2004 at 10.15 am.

Memorial Mass will be offered at the following churches MALAYSIA: 5th June 2004 at 6.30 pm at the FATIM A C H U R C H Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur and thence fellowship at the Parish Hall. SINGAPORE: 6th June 2004 at 6.15 pm at the C H U R C H O F IM M A C U L A T E HEART OF MARY 24 Highland Road and thence fellowship at the Parish Hall. DUBAI UAE: 22nd June 2004 at 7.00 pm at the ST M A R Y ’S C H U R C H Dubai. AUSTRALIA: 6th June 2004 at 7.30 am at the C H URCH O F TH E Q U EEN OF A PO STLES Perth Western Australia. INDIA: 22nd June 2004 masses will be offered at DON B O SC O O RPH A NG ES Bangalore and Vellore; M ISSIONARIES

In loving memory of

HONG KONG - Bishop Francis Xavier

0 . r r CANOSSA CONVENT OPEN HOUSE Date: Friday. May 28,7-9.15pm. Venue: 1 Sallim Rd. Theme: “Arts Fiesta” featuring the students of Canossa Convent and Magdalene Kindergarten. See them dance, sing and play music, work wonders with IT. Enquiry: ChristinaTeo,Canossa Convent Principal (6844-1418; Email: Christina_TEO@moe.gov.sg) or visit: http://www.moe.edu.sg/schools/ccps/or Mrs Amanda Sew, Principal, Magdalene Kindergarten, (Tel: 6747-6554; Email: magkg@singnet.com.sg)

In loving m em ory o f

O F CHARITY BROTHERS AND SISTERS

Calcutta, India To all relatives and friends, kindly treat this as our personal invitation.

In loving remembrance of

Dearly m issed and forever cherished by RONALDO JOSEPH wife Jenny, sons, MORALES daughters, grandchildren D eparted:Jun 1,2002 and loved ones.

THANKSGIVING O Holy St Jude, apostle D earest St Jude, we would like to thank and martyr, great in you fo r answ ering all virtue and rich in miracles, near kinsman our prayers. We are grateful to you always. o f Jesus Christ, faithful intercessor o f all who Love M &A invoke your special patronage in times of D ear St Jude, need. To you I have T hank you for recourse from the depth answ ering my prayers. of my heart and humbly It w as through your beg you, to w hom God intercession, that our has given such great Lord answered our call power, to com e to my for financial help. assistance. H elp me in my present urgent petition. In return I H eartfelt thanks to prom ise to m ake your Jesus, Mary, St Joseph name know n and cause and Padre Pio for you to be invoked. St prayers answ ered and Jude pray for me and all favours received. who invoke your aid. Please continue to Humbly in need o f your guide and protect our intercession. Amen. family. Grateful Thank you for answ ering my prayers.

In loving m em ory o f

THERESA CHEONG N Y U K SIM Departed: May 22,1991 God know s how much we miss her, N ever shall her memory fade; O ur loving thoughts ever wander, To the spot where she is laid. Always remembered by parents, husband, son, sisters and loved ones.

JOSEPH NEO GIM GUAN Departed: June 3, 2002 Two years ago on this very day, The air from our breath was taken away. The happy light in our home was extinguished, The bright sunshine in our sky was diminished. The joy in our laughter was suddenly killed, Because the voice we loved was stilled. We often wonder with painful longing Where Jesus has brought you to end your suffering. Are you up there beyond the distant stars? Or are you still buried deep in our hearts? Only by our memories can we see your face, Hear your voice, feel your embrace. As our mind fills up with thoughts of you, Our sad, lonely tears begin anew. Our sweet devotion to you will remain As our prayers for your rest, we start again. Sadly missed by children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In L

y i r j g 1VJ e m o _ r j

Third Anniversary In loving m em ory o f

Fifth Anniversary In loving m em ory of

JO Y C E JU LIA N A D ’R OZARIO Departed: May 26,2001

JO H N K YOUNG Departed: June 1,1999

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, H er memory we shall alw ays keep. A lw ays rem em bered by husband, children, grandchildren, in-laws and all loved ones.

Sadly m issed but alw ays remembered by wife, children and loved ones. M ay God grant him eternal rest. M emorial M ass at 6.00 pm on June 1, at C hurch o f St Ignatius.

Twenty-seventh Anniversary In loving m em ory o f

Second Anniversary In loving m em ory of

Sadly m issed but always remembered by Edna and loved ones.

REV FATHER EM ILE (TONY) FER N A N DE Z Departed:May 20,2002 Sadly m issed but always remembered by family and loved ones.

Eleventh Anniversary In loving memory o f

Second Anniversary in Loving and C herished M em ory of

ALO Y SIU S E. FER N A N DEZ Departed: May 20,1977

Sixth Anniversary In loving m em ory o f

First Anniversary In loving m em ory o f

In loving memory of our beloved parents

GEORGE LING ANNE NG Departed: May 19, 2001 Departed: June 5, 2001 Time takes away the edge of grief But memory turns back every leaf Gone from our lives one so dear But in our hearts forever near. Fondly remembered by children Patrick, Doris, Nancy, Francis, Lena, Lucy, Marie, daughters-in-law, sons-in-law and grandchildren.

C A S K E TC O M P A N YE M B A LM IN G &FU N E R A LS E R V IC E SP TEL T D

Catholic Guidance Counsellors: Ms Olivia Stravens (9675 6950) : M r Dave Lim (96486855)

Blk 3 8 #01 - 5 2 7 /5 3 1 Sin Ming Drive Singapore 575712 Tel: 6 4 5 1 4 4 9 6 (24 Hours)

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24-H O U R S COM PLETE S ER VIC ES

N EO C H EN G GUM Departed: May 22,1998 TA N PH YLLIS M A RIE Departed: June 2, 2003 In our hom e she is fondly remembered, Sw eet m em ories cling to her name; Those who loved her in life sincerely, Still love her in death just the same. D early m issed and fondly remembered by Daughters; Elizabeth, M argaret, A nna, Marion, Sons-in-law; Christopher, Derek, Alan, G randchildren; Debra, Daphne, M elanie, Andrea and Ashley and all loved ones. In everlasting m em ory of

The Years m ay wipe out many things, But this th e y ’ll wipe out never, The memory o f those happy days W hich we had spent together. Fondly rem em bered by family members. Tenth Anniversary In loving m em ory o f

M ass will be offered at Church o f the Holy Fam ily on M ay 23 at 6.15 pm.

M ass will be celebrated at Church o f St Teresa, Kampong Bahru on Tuesday June 1 at 6 pm.

He longed to be with Him N ow G od has him in His keeping We have him in our hearts We will alw ays cherish you with love. Fondly rem em bered by beloved wife, M arjorie, daughters, M aureen, Carol, Lorraine, son-in-law, Brendon and all w hose lives have been touched by you.

T ER E SA TAN L EE SIAN Departed: June 4,1994

Sadly m issed and alw ays remembered by loved ones.

D eeply m issed and cherished by Jennifer, Jacqueline, Jessica, John, Richard, Jerome, Justina and Nicole.

Alw ays remembered by your children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

STEVEN RAMADAS Bom to Eternal Life: 5 May 2002

M ass will be celebrated at Church of the Holy Cross, Singapore on June 4, 2004 at 6.30 pm.

JOHN BAPTIST IRENE ESTELLE FRANCIS WONG WONG Departed: July 11,1969 Departed: May 13,2001

Time may heal the broken heart, Time may make the wound less sore But time can never stop the longing For the loved ones gone before. Always remembered by your sons daughters, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, grandchildren, relatives and friends.

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In loving memory of

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord and let your perpetual light shine upon her. M ay she rest in peace. Amen

M RS MARGARET S ’ RAMAN (beloved spouse of M rG .D .S ’ Ram an) Bom: O ct 7, 1928 Attained Glory: M ay 23, 2000 Rem em bering you is easy We do it every day M issing you is the hardest part As it never goes away To hear your voice. To see your smile To sit with you and talk awhile W ould be our greatest wish today Today, tomorrow, our whole life through We shall alw ays love and rem em ber you.

R OSA NG H O C K KHIM Departed: June 1,1993 Dearest mother, Eleven years have passed by and we miss you so much. Memories o f your love and care for us speak beautifully o f you.

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