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EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS
• ROME- Pope John Paul ll views illuminated works of art that illustrate The Saint John's Bible, a work in progress commissioned by St. John's Abbey and St. John's University in CoUegeviUe, Minn. Costa, USA. When completed, it will be the first
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handwritten and illuminated book of Scriptures in 500 years. Presenting a copy of the Gospels and Acts of llle Apostles at the May 26 papa I audience at the Vatican were Benedictine Abbot John Klassen, master calligrapher and artistic director Donald
ST. GIANNA BERETIA MOLLA, a modern-day working mother and wife, was canonized by Pope John Paul ll at the Vatican May 16. The pontiff called St. Gianna a "holy mother" who foLlowed Cl:uist's example of loving one's "own in the world and loving them to the end." She is pictured here with son Pierluigi and daughter Mariolina in an undated photo. Pietro Molla, more than 90 years old and the modem church's first living husband of a saint, looked on with his two daughters, one son, and other relatives as the pope recited the formula of canonization. St. Gianna Berella MoLla was born in Magenta, Jtaly, in 1922. While in high school and in medical school, she was involved with Catholic Action and with the St. Vincent de Paul Society, assisting the elderly and the poor. After completing her degree in medicine and surgery, she worked briefly at a medical clinic before enrolling at ll1e University of Milan for specialized courses in pediatrics. In 1955, she married Pietto Molla and 14 months later gave birth to a son. 1\vo daughters soon followed. She was pregnant for the fourth time in 196 1 when a uterine tumor was discovered, but she refused any treatment that would endanger the life of the foetus she was carrying even though she knew her own life was at risk. In April J962, she gave binh to a daughter, Gianna Emmanuela, and died a week later at the age of 39. 0 eNs
Jackson, and Benedictine Brolller Dietrich Reinhan, president of the university. Catholic News will be publishing Psalm I07 and oilier illustrations from the oew book for Bible Sunday in llle June 20 and 27 issue. 0 CNSphmo
The Eucharistic Congress will be held from 4 pm to 8.30 pm on Sunday June 13 at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. A ticket is required for admission to the Congress. Tickets have been
allocated to parishes in propotion to their population. Please enquire at your parish office if you are interested to attend the Congress. The number of tickets is limited due to the seating capacity of the stadium. Archbishop Nicholas Chia has announced that all Sunday Masses will be celebrated as usual in aJI parishes on June 13. All parishes will have the usual
evening Mass on Sunday June 13. Priests who are not celebrating this evening Mass in their parish will concelebrate at the Eucharistic Congress Mass at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. 0
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News Migrants and families get together By Joanna Png and Francis Mane SINGAPORE -The Christian
Family Social Movement members, migrants from the CFSM workers centre and the international migrant community from the Church of St. Francis of Assisi came together May 1 to celebrate the feast day of St. Joseph and the lnternanonal Labour Day at the Jurong West lJ O:mvent 111ey shared and reflected on "Balancing Work and Family". Most parents admitted that it is a challenge to strike a balance especially with both parents working. Very often parents are guilty of being home physically bllt not being mentaUy and emotionally involved with the activities of the family. The workers shared the
struggles they encounter when they are exploited by theii agency or theii employer and how they balance this with their basic needs, work and family. While their families may not be physically with them, they too have their family's interests at heart and they struggle to balance theii families· unrealistic expectations at times. Most of them ftnd an extended family within their own country's fcllowmen in the church. They meet regularly for social activites, weekly prayer, retreats and suppon one another especially when they have difficulties. The CFSM workers centre provides an avenue for theii activities and for week!y prayers. Sister Hazel Suarez from the Cenacle Sisters summed up the
issue of balance with two key poi nrs: to listen and to notice. We have to listen to God, to allow him to be in charge of our lives, she said. In employer-employee relationship, the ability to listen to both parties objectively very often help in resolving disputes. The same applies to parent-child relationship. Sr Hazel encouraged parents to practise the story telling approach in communicating with their children, sharing with their children the daily happenings at their office or home. Once we learn to listen. we will be more aware of the surrounding and begin to open our eyes to a wider perspective on issues and be more realistic in finding solutions, she explained. 0
2,000 Teddy Banks awaiting adoption u ByK R Goh
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only 10 but she is giving every cent she can spare to the Assisi Home & Hospice (Affii). Every day, the Primary Four pupil puts the unspent balance of her $2 pocket money into her 20 cm-tall Teddy Bank tin. She has been doing this since AHH launched its "Adopt a Teddy Bank:" charity drive April 17, and even brought her Teddy Bank to school with the suppon of the principal, the teachers and her classmates. .,I want to repay their kindness," said the cheerful little girl who spent about six months at the Assisi Children's Centre two ye~s ago when she was undergoing treatment for her leukaemia. Her leukaemia now in remission, she still goes for moothly checks and is still being treated for the juvenile rheumatoid arthritis she was diagnosed with at seven. With Aisha and her family pun.ing their change in every day, her Teddy Bank. is already quite heavy and she is set on filling it completely by the August 16 deadline. She is not alone in her wish to help the centre that she is looking forward to being at during tbe June school holidays. Several other cancer-stricken kids at the Assisi Children's Centre have also taken Teddy Banks. 1n fact, a few had initiated their own effons to raise funds for the home. Johnathan Tan, the nine-year-old boy who drew John Bear, the green teddy bear on Teddy Bank., has been selling his drawings to his friends and giving the money to AHH. Twelve-yearold Grace Lim has been doing the same with her pressed flowers and brush paintings.
Kamsaoi holds up Bank.
her Teddy
'The kids are an inspiration to us all at Assisi Home & Hospice. They come from families that are not well-off but they want to help us and they have found their own way of doing so," said Geraldine Lee, AHH's Volunteer Coordinator cum Public Affairs Officer. AID! hopes lO raise S$500,000 with Project Teddy Bank, which is one of two fundraisers planned for 2004. With patients charged only a nominal fee, if at all, AHH is highly dependent on donations. In 2003, contributions from patients covered only nine
and help cancer patients at the Assisi Home & Hospice ASSISI Home & Hospice's "Adopt a Teddy Bank" charity drive seeks to get people to adopt a Teddy Bank. and put money into it every day as one would a piggy bank.. It suggests putting in a dollar a day until the end of the drive on August 16.
percent of its operating expenses. This year, its operating needs are estimated to total S$3 million. "We have to raise funds every year and this year, we wanted something that the kids could be involved in doing and that families could do together, hence our tagline 'Saving as a Family; Giving with our Hean' ," said Ms Ronita Paul, AfiH's Nurse Manager cum Fund Raising Coordinator. The Assisi Home & Hospice with its Assisi Children's Centre is a registered charity founded by the Franciscan Missionaries of the Divine Motherhood Sisters to care and comfort the cancerstricken. [t cares for over 700 cancer patients annually with 349 Jive-in patients and 366 homecare patients, and 33 adults and 56 children in its day centre care programme. 0 AHH mad.e5,000Teddy Bank. tins and although it has been promoting its charity drive through Class 95 road shows, among friends and volunteers and in churches, it still has approximately 2,000 Teddy Banks waiting for takers. The Teddy Banks should be returned to the hospice oo or before August 16. Those interested in taking a Teddy Bank. can call AHH at 6347-6459 during office hours. Those interested in making a cheque donation can post a cheque made payable to Assisi Home & Hospice to Assisi Teddy Bank., 820 Thomson Road, Singapore 574623. 0
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CatholicNews 0 Sundays June 6 and June 13, 2004
News I waited and you came Now
"Seek and you shaD find"
Yo~ priests find
7 Special Talks on Prayer. To pray for Vocations and to teach you to pray.
regionat meet enriching
17 June : Centering Prayer
: Mary the Listening Woman Training for Prayer The Jesus Prayer The Journey Inward Prayer: A Faith Experience Waiting for the Coming of the Saviour
15 July
By Fr Michael Chua Forty one young priests (ordained within the last five years) came together in Vllla Dom.inic, Genting Highlands April 26-30 for formation and feUowship. All the archdioceses and dioceses of the Regional Bishops' Conference of Malaysia, Singapore and .Brunei (with the exception of Sibu) were represented. Archbishop Murphy Pakiarn ofKuala Lumpur expressed his joy at the encouraging response of the young priests to this event. Fr Aloysius Ong, who is in his fLTSt year of rninis£ry at Holy Family parish in Singapore, felt that this annual gathering is a good way of making connections. Speaking of the common experiences of many of the delegates from different pans of the region, he explained that "one knows that one is not alone." "Solidarity is especiaUy needed in the first years of our ~ ministry to make some sense of it," he added. Fr Albet Arockiasamy of Kuala Lumpur, agreed that it was a good opportunity for new priests to exchange knowledge in pastoral ministry and form friendships. It acted as a powerful sign of priestly brotherhood too. Fr Francis Dakun from Keningau said, "I've learnt a great deal from the sharings with my brother priests and these have strengthened my commitment to the ministry.·· These gatherings were not only good opportnnities for interaction or 'breaking the ice' GENTING HIGHLANDS -
but were also an effective means of updating and formation, according to Fr Paul Shie, from the Apostolic Prefecture of Brunei Daru I Sal am, who has been attending this gathering for the last four years. The focus this year was on moral issues affecting priests. Among the speakers were moral theologian Fr Clare nee Dass, who summarised the foundations of biomedical ethics, and highlighted certain medical proce-dures and their corresponding moral implications, and medical doctor Datu.k Or R. Menon and nurse trainer Mrs Kim Liew, both from Assunta Hospital, Petaling Jaya. Fr Jestus Pereira, Judicial Vicar of the Peninsular Malaysian Ecclesiastical Tribunal gave an overview on the rights and obligations of priests in respect of canon law, with special emphasis on temporal goods and the caoonical requirements of marriage. The priests also visited Welcome Community Home in Batu Arang, a centre under the
FR Aloysius Ong feels that the gathering of young priests is a
19 Aug
good way to make connections.
21 Oct 18 Nov 16 Dec
umbrella of the National Office of Human Development which provides rehabilitation facilities for drug users and hospice care for HIV patients. The sharings by home director, Lex Arolciam, and other staff members and interaction witb the home's residents was a moving experience for the priests. "The talks have helped me 10 be more aware of all types of people and situation!> which they faced and this has impressed on me my responsibility to be more compassionate and not to brush them aside nor take them for granted," said Fr Aloysius Ong. During Mass on the final day, Apostolic Delegate to Malaysia, Archbishop Salvatore Pennacchio exhorted the young priests to respond tirelessly and constantly to the call of Christ: "Go out to the whole wortd, proclaim the Good News" (Mlc 16: 15). 0
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~----------------------------------~ · ARCHBISHOP'S OFFICIAL DIARY 9.30 am O!UJch ofSt Micbael: Mass - Confinnalion 5.00 pm Ch.urclt of the Holy Trinity: Mass- Feasrday l11J1e 12 11.15 am SI Gabriel Primary School: Mass- Youth Spirit Seminar 6.00 pm Church of the Nativity of the BVM: Mass - Confinnation June 13 4.00 pm Singapore Indoor Stadium- Eucharistic Rally June 18 9.00 am National UoiveiSity of Singapore:
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Holy Infant Jesus Novena Every Thursday evening 5.30pm Mass 6.00pm
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I Remember: Sunday I June 13 is Eucharistic I Co~day By K.R.Goh
SINGAPORE- Here are the remaining evenrs organised by the Singapore Pastoral Institute-Eucharistic Congress organizer - to help the laity develop a stronger sense of the mystery of God's presence in the Eucharist. More information on the Eucharistic Congress can be found at www.catholic.org.sg/spi
June JO -Eucharist: Need for Sharing. I June 11 · Eucharist: Eucharistic Fount of Evangelization
Con ress
June 1, 3 & 8, 7.45 to 9.45 pm EUCHARIST- LIGHT & LIFE
OFTHEWORLD A 3-session course by Fr Erasto Femandez, SSS for Laity. At Singapore Pastoral Institute.
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 Lhe Risen Christ. June 8-10 YOUTH WALK
A 3-day, 2-night walk with fun
events for youths to injeer spiritual elements relating to the Eucharist.
June 9 to U, 8 to 10 pm TRIDUUM AT CHURCH OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT
June 9 · Eucharist: Mystery of Communion.
June 9 to 11, 8 to 10 pm EUCHARIST: UGHT AND LIFE RALLY
(Mandarin) Main celebrant: Fr. Lee Cher Siew from Taiwan. At Church of Christ the King. Saturday, June 12, 3 toSpm THE BREAD THAT WE BREAK
Talk with Eucharistic Celebration for young adulrs. Main celebrant: Fr Erasto Femandez. SSS. At Church of the Risen Christ. Sunday, June 13, 4 to 8.30 pm ARCHDIOCESAN EUCHAR~CCONGRE~:
EUCHARJST, UGHT AND LIFE OFTHENEW MJLLENNIUM At Singapore lndoor Stadium.
July 8 and 9, 8 to 10 pm EUCHARIST & THE WORD OF GOD Talks by Fr. Peter Zhang. At Holy Trinity Church. D
The activities -talks, reHection session, retreats and adoration of the Blessed SacramentwiU culminate with tbe Eucharistic Congress, which begins at 4 pm
June 13.
VATICAN CITY- With a single· page summary of discussion points for the next world Synod of Bishops, the Vatican's synod office announced that the complete text of rhe preparatory document could be found on the lntemet. The synod gathering will be beld at !he Vatican Oct. 2-29, 2005, and will focus on the theme, "The Eucharist: Source and Culmination of the L ife and Mission of the Church," said a May 28 announcement. The preparatory document, called a "lineamenta," wa.~ mailed out to bishops' conferences in
late March. Comments and answers to the document's 20 questions are due back at the synod office by Dec. 31 . The synod office said the document wou Id be published on the Vatican's Web site at: www. vatican. \'a/roman curial synodlindex.btm. Howe'Ver, it was not immediately available. The one-page summary of the document said its seven chapters deal with the Eucharist in light of the nature and mission of the church. "The Eucharist is the memorial of !he paschal mystery and !he sacrament of the pcnnaoenr presence of the Lord," it said, adding that it also
Sundays June 6 and June 13, 2004 0 Calholic.lllews
Eucharistic Congress reuneunbersrefiagees The Eucharistic Congress committee and the Jesuit Refugee Service have combined to raise funds for refugees io Liberia. Singapore Catholics are asked to do their part. By Teresa Cheong
SINGAPPORE- The plight of refugees will be highlighted at the Archdiocesan Eucharistic Congress on June 13. In keeping with the need for sharing that comes from an appreciation of the Eucharist, the Eucharistic Congress will incorporate an appeal to Singapore Catholics to help the people of Liberia. Eucharistic Congress organiser, the Singapore Pastoral Institute, worked wilh the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) to incorporate the appeal in the Congress programme. This will take the form of a presentation du.ring the Congress on the plight of refugees and internally displaced persons (lOPs) in the world and, in particular, the severe humanitarian crisis in Liberia. In addition. JRS will be setting up displays at the lobbies of each entrance to the stadium. As Archbishop Nicholas Chia said in a recent pastoral letter 10 Singapore Catholics, helping the people in Liberia is a way in which "we can show our solidarity with the poor". Tllis active Love of sharing and giving bread to those in greater need was the hallmark of the early Christian Church and should be the essence of a Christian life that is nourished by the Eucharist. The document on tbe 48th lnlemationaJ Eucharistic Congress (to be held in Mexico in October) says that "To offer
Vatican says synod preparatory document to be available online By C indy Wooden
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is a sign of Lhe unity and holiness of !he church. ln addition, the summary said. the word of God, sacrifice and Commumon are part of every eucharistic celebration, although the liturgy varies according to rite. "An attitude of profound adoration" is the most proper response to the mystery of the Eucharist as the real presence of Christ and !he source of Lhe church's unity, it sa1d. "The Eucharist is a gift which sanctifies Lhe one receiving it"'; it links people in charity and strengthens them to build a world of peace, justice and love, the sununary said. D eNs
Christ's sacrifice truly implies Lhat we continue this same sacrifice in a life committed to others. Just as he is offered in sacrifice under the form of bread and wine, so too we must give ourselves in frat.e mal and bumble service to our brothers and sisters, taking into account !heir needs rather than whether !hey are deserving of our help, and offering them bread, that is, the basic necessities for a living in a way befitting human dignity." The focus on refugees is also timely as World Refugee Day (WRD) falls on June 20, a week after the Eucharistic Congress.
structures have completely collapsed, 430,000 IDPs continue to live in a reign of terror executed by rival armed groups. ln Burma, there are 600,000 to one million IDPs; mostly indigenous ethnic groups like Shan, Karen and Karenni, with additional thousands still languishing in refugee camps at the Thai-Myaomar border. Although !here are hopeful signs that IDPs in certain countries like Aceh, Indonesia are slowly returning to their homes, they face many difficulties and need help to rebuild their lives. JRS Indonesia for example, has
Rebuilding lives and peace
A SICK and malnour ished child lies in a hospital in
The UNHCR theme for this year's WRD is "A place to call home: Rebuilding lives in safety and dignity''. The focus is on frnding durable solutions to help refugees search for a new home through voluntary repatriation, local integration or resettlement. According to various refugeemonitoring agencies, there arc 1S to 20 million refugees, and another 25 million internally displaced persons (lOPs). Internal displacement- where people flee from their homes to another part of the country to escape communal violence, civil wars and human rights violations - as opposed to refugees who cross international borders, are often unreported or under-reponed. In 2003, the Norwegian Refugee International reported a 3million increase in IDPs, the majority in Africa and caused by civil wars and communal violence. Internal displacemenr has affec.ted 52 countries and Liberia is one of the 10 worst countries of inremal displacement. Others include Sudan, Burma, Indonesia (Aceh), Burundi, Congo. (Source: Norwegian Refugee International). In Liberia where state
the L iberian capital of Monrovia. eNs fi'~ '"()/•
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organised altemat.ive schooling in Aceb to help children of returnees who have missed two years of fonnal education while living in lOP shelters. JRS also helps returnees with medical care, income-generating activities and the rebuild.ing of their village homes that have either been looted or destroyed. ln a message for the 90th World Day of Migrants and Refugees, Pope John Paul D reiterates the importance of building a culture of peace first before any repatriation, resenlement or reintegration can effectively take place. To forge peace, Pope John 11 said: " .... gestures and efforts for forgiveness and reconciliation must be encouraged; it is essential to overcome disagreement and division !hat would otherwise be perpetuated with no prospect of a solution. Then it ls necessary to reaffirm vigorously that there can be no true peace without justice and respect for human rights." D
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CathollcNtws 0 Sundays J une 6 and June 13, 2004
Ne~vs
Right to profits doesn't surpa~ common good, Vatican official says . .
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By Carol Clatz VAn CAN CITY- Drug companies' right lo make a profit and protect pa1ems can connict with people's right to needed medicines and care, said a Vatican oflicial at a symposium attended by generic pharmaceutical companies. In a speech May 7, Bishop Jose Redrado Marchilc, sccrelary of the Pontifical Council for Health Care Workers, lold symposium participants, "We know that producing medicines is a complicated and costly process" and expensive research and development "are indispensable for fighting old and new pathologies." Patenting such medrcmcs is pan of protecting a drug company's investment in research and development, he sard. However, "the right to (protect) rntellectual property even though it rs fair and helps stimulate progress - can in some mstances conflrct with other fundamental rights such as the
right to good health," he said. Bishop Redrado said lhe production, distribution. and use of phannaceuticals is unavailable 10 most of the world's population. "If 80 percent of phannaceuticals produced arc utilized by abom 15 perceot of 1he people on this planet, Ihis nol only represents a problem of just distribution, but also of ovcrconsumption of certain products," he said. The May 7 symposiu m held in the Vatican was organized by Cunvivium, an international nongovemmcntal organization established in November 2003. The confederation is made up of generic phannaceutical companies, Calholic heallh care workers and phannacists, as well as scholars and Vatican officials. Cunvivium works wilh generic drug companies to help get affordable medicines to those most in need through the Catholic Church's established neiWork of health care facilities around the world. 0 eNs
FEARS OF ANTI-SEMITISM REVIVED A member of the Jewish community views anti-Semitic graffiti on tomb~tones at the Jewish cemetery in Herrlisheim, France, May 2. Several graves were desecrated wilh swastikas and slogans written in German, and experts indica1ed the trend was increasing. A week later, Cardinal Jean-Marie Lusuger of Paris called the attack "a nega1ion of faith and humanity." eNs phm•
Pope's sash from 1981 shooting to be displayed at Polish shrine By Jonntban Luxmoore OXFORD, England -The bullet-
holed sash worn by Pope John Paul 0 when he was shot in SI. Pe1er's Square 23 years ago is to be displayed for the rtrst tune at Poland's Jasna Gora national shnne. "This arucle symbolizes bolh faith and martyrdom," said Pauline Fr. Staruslaw Tomon, spokesman for the hilltop monastery.
"It's stamed with the blood of a man who was gravely wounded for fulftlling the papal office. As such, it's a living sign of the Holy Fa1her's faithfulness to his vocation," he said. Father To moo told Catholic News Service the sash would be placed alongside other anifacts before the shrine's Black: Madonna icon. The pope underwent five hours of emergency surgery after being shot on May 13, 1981, by Thrkish would-be assassin Mchmet Ali Agca. Tbe pope donated the white sash to Jasna Gora during a visit to Poland in June 1983 as a gesmre of "special trust for the Mother of God," but he requested rt be kept in the shrine's safe. In March, the pope told Father Marian Lubelslci, Jasna Gora 's
rector. thal the sash could be pul out for public drsplay. The sash will be unveiled at a Marian symposium June 4, the anniversary of the pope's dedication of Poland and the world to Our Lady of Jasna Gora. ''This is a unique memorial, of great value and significance, and many people have expressed a desire to see it," Father Tom on told Catholic News Service. "For us, it's as if the person viewing it personally experiences the Holy Father's pam and suffering. It's also an opportunity to pray for the pope's health and to ask God to ensure such a thing never happens agam," he saJd. Up to 4 null ion prlgrims annually vi~it Jasna Gora, whose Black: Madonna icon was entrusted to the Pauhne order m the l41h century. .J c.-s
Nativity Charisntatic Prayer Group celebrates 25th Anniversary with
God~s Visioa lor OaJr Lives • Spiritual Talk : by Rev Bro Emmanuel • Thanksgiving Mass : by Fr. Sirnon Pereira • Spiritual Retreat : by BO Sanchez
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EVENT
04 June 2004 8 OOpm to l'nday IOOOpm
11 June 2004 8 OOpm l'nday 9 30pm
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18 June 2004 8 OOpm lo l'nday IOOOpm
By Rev Bro Emmanuel Theme Exoenence Spmlual Renewal TBANKSGJVJNG MASS
Celebranl Rev Fr S1mon Pereua Theme The Call1o Serve
20 June 2004 )0 00 am lo Sunday 3 OOpm Retreat has llnuted seatmg capacity. Please register early. All are welcomed. Free adrrusston. Regt.Ster onhne at our web site.
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Church of the Nahvtly of Ihe BVM Church of the Nahvlly of1he BVM Church or the NatiVIty of the BVM
RETREAT · Day I By BO Sanchez
Theme Growth 19 Jun e 2004 9 OOam lo Salu rday 9 OOpm
VENUE
SPI RITUAL TALK
P!ayer Llle
NOIE( ..)
RETREAT · Day 2
Nallvtly Parish Hall-
By BO Sanchez Theme Grow lh m SJmp!JcJty
NOTE(">)
RETREAT - Day 3 By 80 Sane he~ Theme God's VlSIOD !or Our L•ves
www .NativityLife. org
Nallvlly Pansb Hall· NOTE (~I
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Sundays June 6 and June 13, 2004 0 CatholicNew~
News lnterreligious dialogue looks for signs of God at work, says cardinal
WHAT I, THE PARISHIONER, CAN DO MAY I .JUNE
AWARENESS AND UNDERSTANDING Participate in awareness sessions that the parish organises.
By Cindy Wooden
ROME- The Catholic Church engages in dialogue with the traditional religions of Afnca and other regions because it believes lhalthey, like the world's major reltgions, have belief systems contaimng positive values, said Nigerian Cardinal forancis Arinze. The cardinal, fonncr president of the Pontifical Council for lnterreligtous Dialogue and current prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments, was the keynote speaker at the May I9 celebration of the council's 40th anniversary. Cardinal Annze said the Catboltc basis for interrcligtous dialogue is a belief that Jesus came 10 save all humaruty and that the Holy Spirilts at work 111 the world, leadJJlg people toward salvation. "Chnstians who meet people of other rehgtons seek the gutdance of the Holy Spmt, and in openness and humility praise whatever (signs) of goodness, truth, nobility and gcnwne search for God they may encounter in other believers," he said. Dialogue, the cardinal satd, is not simply a programme to promote social harmony and peace, but a demand of the Christian faith, which wants to tdentify, encourage and share all that is good in the world. "Obviously, the risk that some people can abuse religion to tum it into an excuse for bigotry, fanaticism or even violence becomes an added reason to engage in dialogue tn order to overcome such attitudes," he satd. Cardinal AnnlC said interrcligtous dialogue challenges leaders and believers of all kinds to acknowledge that "God, the creator of all, is the God of love and not of hatred; the God of harmony and not of tension; the God of order and not of disorder; the God of justice and not of oppression; the God of peace and not of war." While church dialogue efforts have focused on llmduism, Buddllism and Islam, he said, traditional religions- often dismissed as tribal, primitive or animist - have not received the attention they deserve. "Close study of the traditional religions showed that these religions have a rich body of beliefs, ritual and moral codes," be said. "They have guided m.illions of people for centuries and oriented them in life and death." Traditional religions recognize the work of a creator and the need to hve according to his will, the cardinal said. They respect human life, promote strong family and community bonds and have a love of celebration. 0 cvs
.JUNE 29 OR 30 OR .JULY 1
FIRST TRAINING FOR PARISH TEAMS Pray for and support the Parish Team as they participate in the training organized by the Archdiocesan Team. .JULY/AUGUST /SEPTEMBER
PREPARATION FOR PARISH ASSEMBLY Be attentive to the publicity and guidance provided by the Parish Team. lfl am a member of any church group (including SCCs) ororganization, the Parish Team will come and explain to us about Parish As~embly and PPC. Members ofgroups and organizations shall nominate and elect members to the PPC. The Parish Team will infonn us about the details of election. lf I am not already involved in any church group or organization, 1can participate in any awareness session organized by the Parish Team. 1 will also make known my intention to nominate people or to be nominated for election to the PPC. SEPTEMBER 26 (OR AN EARLIER DATE)
Progress of PARISH PASI'ORAL COUNCIL From a lay person's view By Fr. Henry Siew
THE two earlier articles in CatholicNews explained that all Catholics - lay, religious and cleric - are to fulfill our respective roles as Priest, Prophet and King: and that we should strive together to realize ourselves as church manifested as mystery, communion and mission. As involvement iri Parish Pastoral Council is an important means to realize our vision, aU parishioners are encouraged to participate in the launching and realization of PPCs in their parishes. The table shows the timcline to follow in promoting PPCs. Parishioners are advised to keep in touch with their parish priests and be attentive to bulletin announcements and other p ublicity. Special reports on various aspects of PPCs will be presented in the coming weeks to explain to you in greater detail the purpose, nature, function, membership composition, office bearers, proceedings, etc. of PPC.
PARISH ASSEMBLY I set aside this day (or another day to be decided by the Parish Team) for participation in the Parish Assembly. I will have a chance to join a small discussiOn group and, later, the plenary session to share my concern on parish pa~toral issues (that is, issues focusing on the care and concern of people rather than issues of finance, administration and physical structures). If I am already an elected member from various church groups and organizations, J will be introduced to al l the parttcipants as elected Councilor to the PPC. A 1L partici pants of Parish Assembly will also elect PPC members from among candidates nominated from outside church Groups and organizations.
From this point on, the events concern primarily those parishioners who are elected or appointed members of the PPC- the councilors. OCTOBER 19, 20 AND 21
SECOND TRAINING FOR PARISH TEAMS The Parish Team will attend this second training. All of us will continue to pray for and support them. OCTOBER/NOVEMBER
PREPARATION FOR FIRST PPC MEETING To auend orientation program provided by the Parish Team. They will provide guidance concerning the roles of Councilors and the PPC processes. To be attentive to the notice of Meeting and Agenda which tl1e Parish Team will provide 14 days before meeting. DECEMBER 5
FIRST PPC MEETING To elect Members ofPPCExecutive Committee; To ponder, investigate and make practical conclusions on some pastoral issues raised at the Parish Assembly.
The next PPC meeting will be in mid-2005. All councilors will be notified of the meeting at least 14 days in advance. DECEMBER
FIRST EX-CO MEETING Ex-Co meets at least once a month to discLLSs and execute the conclusions of the PPC.
lJ
Sundl)-s June 6 and June 13,2004
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7
KARL Rahncr once cautioned that we • lbc tension between social jus1icc and should never assume that everyone alive pri vatc morality. at tbe same time belongs to the same • the tension between prophecy and generation. Nowhere ts this more tnie than diocesan stnictures. m church circles today where we have • the tension between programme and multiple ecclcsiologies operating inside the compassion. same churches. Jn Roman Catholicism, for • the tension between mtssionary and instance, since Vatican 11, we have two- By Fr Ronald maintenance. and-a-half distinct generations. all trying Rolheiser • the tension between enthusiasm and to share the same pews. Not an easy task. stability. It makes for tension and this is the case inside all • the tension between ecumenism and the churches. denominational commitment. That tension. wlule pamful. isn't necessarily • the tension between Christianity and other unhealthy. When Jesus says, "In my Father's house religions. there are many rooms," he isn"t describing celestial • the tenston between community and mdtvidual geography, but a heart, God's, whose compaSSIOn and charism. scope is the anuthests of any small sectarian group • the tension between aesthetics and simplicity of or any group of like-minded people huddling around life. some fiery ideology. The challenge for the churches is to mirror this embrace, namely, to build a house Each of these might be conceived of as a separate with a large entrance and with rooms enough to gauge, icon, on the ecclesial instrurnent-panel and, accommodate persons of every mstde each gauge. each of the persuasion. two poles represents But that·~ not easy. sometlung to be guarded. Our Invariably, for every kmd of task is 10 try to set those gauges reason, we stan narrowing the by pinpointing where, as an door and closing off the ecctesial community, we want number of rooms. What's to be on the continuum required to avoid this, l believe. between the ecclesial poles ts a more deliberme effort to set (using critical principles rather our ecclesial gauges properly. than ideology, pnvate desire as What's meant by this? our guiding needle). Somettmes I ptcture the Hence, for example: In the church like a huge airplane. tension between liberal and complete with an mstnimentcon..~rvatlve, how much, hke panel, gauges of every kind, the wise scribe idealized by which indicate the state of Jesus, are we wilting to give many things and which someone has place to the old as well as the to carefully set and monitor so new? In the tension between as to have a smooth and safe the theological and the fLight. What does the devotional, where do we want instrument-panel in the church look like? What are to place the guiding- needle so as to have a healthy our ecclesial gauges? balance between head and heart? To have a healthy ecclesiology, we need to Car! Jung once said tbat whatever energies we monitor the tension between a series of polarities don't consciously access and direct will which perenniaUy compete with each other and unconsciously direct themselves. That's tnie here which need. precisely. a certain deliberate and too in terms of these ecclesial energies. To Ute extent delicate regulaung. What are these polarities that that we do not - prayerfully, com munally, and are in tension with each other? according to sound principle-deliberately set where Among others, I mention these: we waru to be on the continuum between these • the tension between the hberal and the various energies, other things (ideology, selfconservative. interest, personal temperament. ego, charismatic • tbe tension between the theological and the personality, whtm. the need to be right, the flavour devotional. of !he moment) will set them for us, though not • the tension between the liturgical and the pastoral. always in ways that will build a church that reflects • the tension between Word and Eucharist. God's compassion, embrace, and beauty. 0
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CAll-IOUC SCHOOLS CA11-IQUC Australian style tiONG KO:'IIG - "We were greatly
iml?resscd by the strong Catholic identity displayed by the schools we visited in Sydney, espcctally since students come from diverse cul rural backgrouuds which along with their varying degrees of mdividual ability are highly respected, cared for and loved. We also admired the team spirit among the staff members," reponed a group of 24 of Hong Kong's primary and secondary Catholic school principals on returning from an in-depth study tour to Sydney. They were accompanied by Ahce Woo Lo-ming, the episcopal delegate for educauon in the diocese of Hong Kong along with tluee officials from tbe Catl1olic Education Office. During their stay from Marcb 27 to April3, tbe group anendcd a briefing session, a two-day school
attachment, visited both coeducational and single sex systemic schools where they had tl1e opportunity to speak with botlt teaching and anciJtary staff and, most imponantly. students, before concluding with a workshop during which the visiting principals shared reflections on their experiences. The director of the Sydney Archdiocese Catholic Education Office, Marist Brother Kelvin Canavan, who specialises in srr:negic management aud planning structures, addressed the group on the functioning of both the New South Wales govemmellt education system and the systemic Catholic school system of the archdiocese of Sydney which has more than 100,000 srudcnts enroUed from ldndergarten to Year 12 on its campuses. He stressed the imponance of strategic leadership,
vision and mission building, preparation of school development plans and accountability through self-evaluation aud external review as well as a six dimensional leadership framework employed in the Catholic system. Brother Canavan explained that a large pan of the success of Sydney's Catholic schools in creating a Catholic identity can be attributed to a self-evaluation mechanism that is used within the system to monitor the develop men! of values espoused in parucular school's m1ssion stalements. The process is used both to encourage and affirm the work being done by particular teachers as weU as the staff as a team and to help them sec where and how their work is effective. lt also ass1sts m understanding areas that need attention. Brother Canavan said that the VISitors from Hong Kong had had an oppommity to widen their knowledge on educational issues and realise how religious values can be brought alive so lhat Catholic school.s can be "Catholic". 0 SW>dayutmUr.u
Indonesian bishops ask Catholics to choose justice-minded president JAKARTA-Indonesian b1shops have asked Catholics to vote in the coming presidential election for a candidate who w1ll ensure jusuce. reduce poveny and Improve the educational system. The Indonesian btshops' conference issued its "Pastoral Call Prior to 2004 Voting For Prestdent and V1cc President" in early May, two months ahead of the July 5 first round of voting in the country's ftrst dtrecl pres1dential election. The bishops· letter called for a more concrete democratiC climate to serve as a bas1s for developing j ustice and peace,
which in turn will allow people to work more diligently and honestly. The letter identified a comrrurmcnt to reducing po'•eny and unemployment and developmg the educational system. lt called for Catholics to vote for a leader ''who is serious in fighting against environmental destruction and has the courage to erad1cate corruption and punish the corrupL·• "We also need a leader who can deliver people from the culture of violence committed by the stale, that is by pitting groups
With dtiierent backgrounds against each other, stigmatiz.mg cenain members of society, margmalizing and victim!ZIIlg them,'' the bishops srud. To ensure fair rreatment for atl people. the letter saJd, "we need a leader who has the courage to uphold justice without forgetting the truth and law." The b1shops said they are proud tba1Catholics paid attention to earlier letters from church leaders by voting for crcdtble candidates in the Apnl 5 elections for national and regiona l legislative bodies. 0 UCAN CNS
Calh~lit:-IC>~S 0
Sundays June 6 and .luoe 13,2004
9
and all it c;t~~aius for the use of Cl'ery iudil•idual ami all peoples".
WORLD ENVIRON MENT DAY
PE AC E WI TH AL L OF CREATION .
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"All creatures wild and tame, 0 bless the Lord E1•ery plant that grows, 0 bkss the Lord Seas and rivers, 0 bless the Lord Let the earth bless the Lord To him be glory and praise fore ver" From Ihe Canticle of Daniel
JUNE 5 ts World Environment Day, a day dedicaled to creating awareness of ecological issues. ln this special report to mark the day, CN looks at church teachtngs on ecology, some of the envtronmenal problems. how some Smgapore Catholics are caring for and nurturing the earth and how each ofus can and mus1make a dJfference. Pope John Paul has satd that even men and women wi1hou1 any part1cular religtous conviclion, but with an acute sense of their responsibilities for the common good. recognize their obligation to contribute to the resroration of a healthy environmem. All the more should men and women who believe t.n God the Creator. and who are thus convtnced rhat there is a weDdefined unity and order m the world, feel called to address the problem. Chnsnans, in particular, realize that therr responsibility within creation and their duty towards nature and the Creator are an essential part of the it faith. ::J
c!N$ PS9TQ
POPE John Paul 11 walks through a wooded area in the Dolomite mountains or northern Italy. The pontiff has a grentlove for nature. ONE of nature's beauties- a blue pansy butterfly- rests on a twig. P•o<•9Kh,.Sio KA_,
"And God saw that it was good" In the Book of Genesis, where we fmd God 's first self-revelauon to humanity (Gen 1-3), there is a recurring refrain: "And God saw that it was good". God entrusted the whole of creation to the man and woman, and only then could he rest "from all his work" (Gen 2:3). Made in the image and likeness of God, Adam and Eve were to have exercised their dominion over the earth (Gen 1:28) with wisdom aod love. Instead, they deslJ'Oyed the eltisting harmony by deliberately going against the Creator's plan. Christians believe that the Death and Resurrection of Chnst
accomplished the work of reconciling humanuy to the Father, who "was pleased ... through (Christ) to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven" (Coli: 19-20). Creation was thus made new (cf. Rev 21 :5). These biblical considerations help us to understand beller the relationship between human activity and the whole of creation. If man is not at peace with God, then earth itself cannot be at peace: "'Therefore the land mourns and all who dwcUin it languish, and also the beasts of the field and the birds of the air and even the fish of the sea are taken away" (Hos 4:3). 0 eNS
I
" Our • contact with nature 1 has a deep restorative power; conJemplation of its magnificen ce imparts peace a11d serenity. The Bible speaks agai11 and again of the goodness and beauty of creatio11, which is called to glorify God." -Pope J ohn Paulll
Environment important issue for Christianity By Tracy Early NEW YORK- Concern for the environment is "not just one more issue in a stnng of good causes" for Cbrisuans but a baste part of their bchef, a professor at Fordham University told a symposium on "The Abrahamic Religions and the Envi.ronmental Crists." Speaking May 11 at the lnterfatth Center of New York, Stster Elizabeth A. Johnson said "simple earthy things" such as bread and wine could become sacramental bearers of grace because the world with all its creatures ''is the pnmordtal sacrament." The earth is "charged with the grandeur of God, .. she said. quoung the Engltsh Jesuu poet Father Gerard Manley Hopkins. "Seen in th1s light. the goodness. beauty and holiness
of creation that attracts our ecological care then becomes an inrrinsic part of Christian bel icf. not something added on.'' she said. The event was sponsored by the Harvard Forum on Religion and Ecology. a programme led by a Catholic couple. Mary Evelyn Thcker and John Grim, who teach at BuckneU University in Lcwisburg, Pa. They organized the symposium to spotlight the Jewish, Christian and Islamic volumes in a series of books produced after the couple initiated the convening of 10 conferences between 1996 and 1998 on the relation of ecology to 10 of the world's religJous traditions. Sisrer Johnson, a former president of the Catholic Thcologtcal Society of America, said the volume on "Christianity and Ecology" showed in a
scholarly way how ecology was Christians tended to focus on the cormected with "the heart of cross as the means for their what people really believe, with salvation from sin the biblical the way they actually pray and vision was greater and saw it as practice their religion." "the great act of redempnon not Accordmg to the doctrine of just for humanity but for the creation, God calls the created whole cosmos.'' heavens and earth good, and the Thrning to the resurrection of divine Spin1 continues to dwell Christ, sbe said it was a "pledge "within the world, enltvening of the same future for the whole it," she satd. "God is at home world."The future wiU be "what here, as are we." has already happened to him" but 1n reference to the doctrine "on a cosmic scale,.. she said. of incarnation. Stster Johnson Stsrer Johnson also said the said God was ·'no longer Christian doctrine of satisfied to be with W> to word eschatology included the and Spuit only, but becomes one teaching that '"Earth wiU be of us in the flesh." renewed," and that the Creator The ministry of Jesus includes spirit was "coming to reconcile "feeding hungry bodies and laying ;md redeem the whole creation." on hands to heal," as well as The ethical imphcation teaching "salted with references to broadens from love of the Wtcs of the field. the btrds of netghbour, she srud, "to include the air, sunsets, storms, lost sheep the whole conunumty of life and and mother hens," she said. the ecosystems tbat make life Sister Johnson said that while posstble on the planet." 0 eNs
THERE ts an order m the universe which must be respected, and we have a grave responsibility to preserve this order for the wellbeing of future generations, said Pope John Paul ll. Although the pope made that statement in 1990. itts JUSt as rrue today. Spealang at a time of concem over depletion of the ozone layer and greenhouse effect, of wasteful consumption by some aod desoucuve ecological practices arismg from greed or desperate need, he stressed that the ecological crists is a moral issue. "We cannot interfere t.n one area of the ecosystem without paying due auention both to the consequences of such interference m other areas and 10 the weU-being of future generations," he said. "The concepts of an ordered universe and a common heritage both point to the necessity of a more internauonally coordinated approach to the management of the earth's goods", tbe alleviallon of poverty and changes m consumption pauems. The pope's full message titled "Peace with God the Creator. peace with all of creation" can be downloaded at www. vatican. va.
0 "We ca11 never throw anything "away" because there is no such place as "away." There is 011ly one universe - home to us all. This realization could be the underlying principle for conservation, the wise use and reuse of man-made thi11gs and the pote11tial harm of excessive productivity and accumulatio n." -Aline D. Wol/, author ofN11fllritrg the Spirit
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June 6 and Junt 13.2004 0 CatholicNews
WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY
Dr. Vilma D'Rozario, a parishioner of the Church of the Holy Family, is a lecturer at the Nationallnstirute of Education (NlE), where she trains teachers in Counselling and Development. She is also a devoted and enthusiastic volunteer of the Nature Society Singapore (NSS). a non-profit, noo-govemmem organization, dedicated to the appreciation. conservation, study and enjoyment of the natural heritage in Singapore and the region. Sr. Wendy Ooi, fsp spoke to Or. Vilma, who was Sr. Wendy's former teacher, on her work with NSS.
KNOWN fondly as Aunty Vilma among the kids she works wilh, Vilma currently beads the Education Group arm of the NSS. and 1s behind their popular "Fun With Kature" programmes. "ljomed :-!SS a long ume ago when 11 was still known as the Malayan Nature Soc1ety simply because I love nature." she shares. "But !lapsed for many years, as r was away m the States for my (postgraduate) studaes. Ounng my years in the States, I enjoyed bemg outdoors, and appreciated the long drives. camping trips. wonderful landscapes. and the plants and arumals I got to know." When she returned to Smgapore. Vilma longed to go back to the States but could not,"! was bonded with NIB for at least five years and 1 thought Singapore had nothmg to offer in the area of outdoor life, nature, and leanung aboUI plants and animals." That perspective changed ID 1998 when she decided to rejoin NSS and became very acuve as a par1icipunt. gomg for Nauarc Walks and their other nature-related activities. Members then suggested that she too help out at NSS. Vilma's first project was to be the coordinator of a trip to a field study station in Bnanci. The 2 1-membcr group, among them plant. btrd and vertebrate experts. apprecmted and enjoyed tbetr nature tnp, and Vilma recalls. "lt wasn't only the nature that was good but !he camaradene wh1ch we bualt among us.'' After !he successfultnp, V1lma was approached by key members of the society 10 play a more achve role m the Council which comprises a chain of vanous subgroups. With her background m the field of education, Vllma was <ll>ked to coordinate !he Education Group. Today. With a set of dedicated volunteer<> (many wtth teaching expenence) baclong her, V1lma organizes many fun educauonal act1vttics. projects and programmes on nature for children in schools and other groups (sec related repons on CHlJ K:11ong Primary and the St. Francis Klds · Club). She enthuses. ··our basic goal is to ~hare the wonder of nature with others.·· Since 2000. the Educallon Group of the NSS has helped to set up bunerfly gardens as well as conduct Fun With Nature Programmes. Tbe latter was originally planned for members' kids but proved so popular that today. many schools arc also reaping its benefits. V1lma explains, "There are two parts 10 the Fun With Nature programmes. The ftrStlooks at different plants and animals - bugs, btrds, flsh, flowers and trees. The second half covers their habttats - mangroves. seashore. even rocky habitats. Ltke Labrador Park." ln schools. the Fun With Nature Programme usually begtns with an assembly talk
"Aunty Vdma" The lady behind the popular Fun With Nature programmes
Yilma teaches kids to plan t a butterfly garden at the St. Francis Kids Club.
"An education in ecological re~'(Jonsibility is urgent: responsibility for oneself, for others, and for tile earth . .. .and entails a genuine conversion in ways oftlwught and behaviour. Churches and 1 religious bodies, non-governmental and governmental organizations, indeed all members of society, have a precise role to play in such education. The first educator, l1owever, is tlzefamily, where the child learns to respect his neighbour and to love nature."- l'op~ John Paul L1 conducted by Vtlma herself on Smgapore·s Amazmg Wildlife. There is also an eliliib1tion on nauve wildlife and a 2-hour workshop on a specific topac with a group of around 40 students. The Educanon Group hopes to meet its target of 35 schools this year, and they are grateful to corporations like the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporauon (HSBC) for funding this programme. Nature and God However, altbough the suppon of corporate sponsors is a boon to NSS, the society thrives on the dedication of volunteers like Vilma who give their time. talent, and energy. She explains her cornmttment and how she relates it with spirituality, "My work with nature is more a passion for nature and an appreciation for nature, for each livmg member's conlnbution to the world. It would be an appreciation for God as well. Sometimes you see lhe wonder of nature and relate !hat to the wonder of God. Nature is quite marvellous- so many aspects of it - and when you look at how
marvellous nature 1s. you realize there must be a God and you 're just m awe that there i~ such hfe. I look at everything and I am thankful that I'm part of tlus living world and want to share this wt!h others, to help them appreciate that they are pan of this wonderful web of life." Conservation and kids L1nked to her great desire to share the wonders of nature, Vilma is also concerned with conservation efforts here in Singapore. "Conservauon effons have improved over the years," she says. "The government has taken a key role in greening Singapore. The National Parks Board has done a wonderful JOb of making Singapore green, natively green. They are now more conscious of native trees and plants. There is greater focus and awareness of nanve bio-diversity. However the government has to have a balance between de\'elopmcnt and the green areas. Sometimes the green areas have to gtve way to development.." Although the NSS is only a small group. they have been active and
successful in lobbying conservauon effons. Sugei Buloh was one such success. For !he Educauon Group of ' SS, the best way to start is with the ktds. Vilma explams, '1lle luds wtll be our future leaders. ll as unportaot for them to appreciate nature. The lods, because of our urban landscape, know very lmle about nature. Dunng the assembly talks r dtscover they don't know our nallvc animals. They are only familiar wuh the animals they watch on Discovery Channel and those in the zoo but these are exotic animals. Many are surprised at the number of native animals we have." Vilma reveals that a research conducted in the States showed that kids there know the Pokemon characters more than the animals m their own backyard. She believes the findings would be simtlar here. She says with great conviction, "So it's tmponant to get the lods to be more familiar with nature and butld this bond with our natural heritage, to be proud of 1t and to safeguard 11." After each Fun with Nature programme, the children are usually invlled to think of • ways to safeguard plants. animals and thctr natural habilats. Vtlma also shares on her own personal conservation effons. "I am much more aware now of !he vulnerability of plants and ammals. I'm keen especially on native plantS, nauve orchids and I try to nunure them. I'm learning more about our nat1ve plants and arumals and sharing this knowledge - ID the process of lovesafeguard-protect. I also recycle more now and I'm workmg towards vegetarianism !hough I'm not there yet. My personal conservation effons are linked to my work with Nature Society." NSS celebrates its Golden Jubilce this year. As part of its celebrations, NSS is organizmg Circle of L1fe (date to be confirmed later), a celebrauon of biodiverstty in Singapore. Circle of Ltfe 2000 people linking hands at Marina Ctty Park. each holdtng a Life Card represenung an animal or plant still m existence in Singapore. There will be a Nature Carnival with btodiversity games and activities, nature walks. native plant sales and other nature merchandtsc booths at the park. Sponsors are needed for thts event. Please emali Vlima at vdroza@nie.edu.sg tf you have contacts to potential sponsors. NSS websne: www.nss.org.sg J
IS.
"Good urban planning is an important part of environmental protection. I The relations/lip between a good aesthetic education and tile maintenance of a healthy environment cannot be overlooked." -Pope Joh11 Paul I/
DESPITE its small geographic urea and high poulalion density, Singapore is no concrete jungle. Nature is widely lond and rece ives reasonable protection. This fact is e••ident to all who live be re and a pUy presented in this article in The Sunday Times of May 30. 2004. Good urban planning and implementation have made living o n the isla nd a p leasure.
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Calholic.'\ews 0
Sundays June 6 and J une 13, 2~
-"!Of:'~:·
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" God de~tined the earth and aft it contain ~ .for the tile of et,ery indil'idual and all proples''.
poster that way each tune she spots a different butterfly. I'm so glad she's become more conscious of butterflies now."
From the East CONVTh'T of the Holy Infant Jesus (CHU) Katong Pnmary is just one of the
many schools wtuch has benefited from 1ts collaboration w1th NSS. With the help of Dr. Vilma D'Rozario and other volunteers of the NSS, students have participated in various Fun With ature programmes, set up a butterfly patch and gone for nature walks to learn more about the flora and fauna along East Coast Park.
Angela Poh, Head of the Science Department and a parishioner of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour explains why she chose to work closely with NSS. ''The :rim is to make science come 'aJi ve · and to provide pup1ls wtth handson activities. It also mms to evoke a sense of importance for the need for n· r conservatioo ill . ..Jevclop proenvironmental issues among the pupils." CHIJ Katong Pnmary is now a member of NSS and Angela is grateful for their alliance. "We've collaborated with NSS for three years already and I've learned a lot from them. The next time we hold a jumble sale, we plan to g1ve the proceeds to NSS." Steven Chua, father of Angcla, comes 10 the school three times a week to help maintain the buncrfly patch as well as 811
av.._} the school recently set up. The rctiree llQPP:il)I-..SI/,aT.Il,lj,, ''I love nature and I love planting so I volunteered to take care of the plants and the aviary. just to occupy my tune. I make the ch1ldren happier and make the place greener.·· In the proees~. Steven also say~ I hat he IS learning a lot from ills work, like the name of the various plants under Ius charge.
THE
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ST UDENTS of CUlJ Katong Primary relnx at the school's bulterfly patch.
Ou r nature lovers Catholic , committed and loving it By Sr. Weody Ooi, fsp
the Bukit Batok Nature Reserve. Carol and Eugene share the1r discoveries and experiences of the Earth Day activities.
And the West Carol Seow and E ugene Lee (above) are parent-volunteers at the St. Francis l(jds Club in the parish of SI. Mary of the Angels. The club proVIdes faith formation for preschoolers between the ages of 3 and 6. To commemorate Earth Day (April22) this year. Jocelyn Lee, the club's main coordinator, organized a senes of activities for the children. With St. Franc is as patron saint of ecology. the goal was to mculcate m the children a love and care for creation. This included setting up a buuerfly garden with Dr. Vtlma D'Rozario, a visit to an ecological farm (the Green Circle Eco Farm), and bird watchmg with the NSS at
GREEN ISLE
Vino savs S<nq<>pore 1$ a concrete ttmQle? There are plooly of natum parl{s and reserves here
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Carol: "The Earth Day exercises was a ruce expenence wtth the family "tuch we don't consciously do. Usually u's just a trip to the shopping centre. If everyone had the opportunity to be mvolved, it can be ~ quite rewardmg to get in touch wuh nature, as St. Franc1s did. Children are pampered and take many thmgs for granted. I realized that our kids are more concerned about gelling dirty and being messed up. Our environment is so well taken care of. paved walkways from the shaded bus-stop to the flat, from the atr-con bus or car to the home. They are not used to sweatiness and the heal. The cco-farm was like going back to bas1cs, we ate everything out of vegetables. There were no burgers for the ki~. The parents were more enthus1asuc at the eco farm. The kids were complaming, 'it's so bot' or 'so many mosquitoes.· But there were also younger children who were very 1merested in the farm artimals." E ugene: "When we were younger. we had more opponumty to be wnh nature. Nature was just outside our doorstep. Most of the time we run out of the house. :\ow that we' re older. we don't have mucb time and so may forget to introduce that to the chtldren. Now everything is at home. and kids play wtth their Play Station or Gameboy. We now take narure for gmntcd. We don· t even think about it if nol for awareness days like Earth Day. We must take part in nature activities more often unul it becomes natural for the child to be aware of nature. E"posure to nature IS very precious now. and there's not mucb that's left behind. We think it's important 10 bring this tssue to the children. Carol: "After anending the talk of Dr. Vilma on the life-cycle of the butterfly and after the buuerfly garden was set up at St. M1u-y's, our silt year old daughter, Janelle saw a bmterfly at our house. She immediately ran to a poster we bought with the different species of native butterflies and stuck a 3M Post-it She plans to mark the
Dr. J uliana Kiu, is also from St Mary of the Angels.She helped to set up a booth during the Earth Day activities in the pansh. She is a native of Sarawak. "When I first came to Singapore, 1 was very impressed with the neatness of the trees compared to the dirty and untidy trees m Malaysia. But I've just started to realize that they are pumping lots of pesticides on the rrees, prurung them, so they are neat but also anificml. The trees in Malaysia however are pesttctde-free, more natural and create a healthy environment Last December when I went home to Sarawak, 11 was the fU"St time to be m the countryside w1th the whole fan1ily lUJd it was a rediscovery of nature for me." Juliana also discovered a plant native to Sarawak and also native to Smgapore. but which is mereasmgly becommg endangered, lhe Pttcher plant. Juliana ordered 100 Pitcher plants for the church. Known as nepemhes or "carnivorous plants" they eat flies, mosquitoes and even cockroaches which fall into tbeir p1tchers, sb.aped like tubes, tubs, or drums. The plant's flu1ds dissolve the tnsects whtch become nutnents and are then absorbed by the plant. By introducing the Pitcher plants which are very popular with the young boys, including her own soo. Juliana hopes to stir up their love for nature.
To the North Wilfred Ahrigo, a Filipino Catholic who attends church services at the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd, is an employee of Agllent Technologies, a global technology company. Th1s year Agilem launched a worldwide community effon on the environment among its staff. J700 employees around the world organized and volunteered m events such as tree-planting, beach and nver clean-ups. and restoring native vegetation to wetlands. Agllent Singapore conducted a beach clean-up at Sembawang Park. More than 25 bags of trash, including non-b10degradable plastics were collected during the activity which was in the form of a competition. Among the 80 employees partiCipating were several Catholics includmg Wilfred who was overwhelmed at the garbage he collected, "Attending the Sembawang Beach Clean-Up project opened a floodgate of opponunities for me. !learned a great deal on how we should take care of our envtronment and preserve the natural beauty of mother earth. The activity also teaches me the value of Responsibilitymalung things nght for the cnvironmenL Orderliness - with its rewards of peace, achtevement and enjoyment. and Initiative -being pan of the solution and helping others. I thought this was a very nice project. It puts thmgs into perspective.·· 0
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Soodoys Ju ne 6 a nd J une 13, 2004 ::::J CalholicNews
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WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY
The seas are polluted, the garbag e is piling up, there's WHAT WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT OUR SEAS l. Oceans cover 70 per
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cent of the earth's surface. More lhan 90 per cent of lhe planel"s livmg biomass IS found m the oceans. Eighty per cent of all pollution m seas and oceans comes from land-based activities. Death and disease caused by polluted coastal waters cost the global economy US$12.8 billion (S$22 billion) a year. The annual economJc 1mpact of hepatitis from trunted seafood alone is US$7.2 bilhon. Plastic waste kills up to 1 million sea birds, 100,000 sea mammals and countless fish each year. Sea crearures kil.led by plastic decompose, the plastic does not. Plast1c remains in lhe ecosystem to kill again and again. Harmful algal blooms, caused by an excess of nutrierus- mainly nitrogen from agricultural ferlll1zcrshave created nearly J50 coastal deoxygenated 'dead zones' worldwide, rangmg from I 10 70.000 square k:ilometers. An estimated 21 IDIUJon barrels of oil run mto the oceans each year from
WOAlO lH\'tJOHMIHT 0AY · IJUN{
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SEAS AND OCEANS
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street run-off, effluent from factories, and from ships flushmg their tanks.
9. Pollution. cxo1.1c species
and alterauon of coastal habitats are a growing lhreatto important marine ecosystems such as mangroves. seagrass beds and coral reefs. l 0. Studies show lhat protecting cnucal marine habitats- such as warm- and coldwater coral reefs, seagrass beds and mangroves - can dramatically increase fish size and quantity, benefiting both artisanal and commercial fisheries. 11. Reefs protect human populations along coastlines from wave
"lt is • manifestly unjust that , a privileged f e w should continue to accu mulate excess goods, squandering available resources, while m asses of people are living in conditions of misery aJ the very lowest level of subsistmce."
"The World Environmem Day theme selected for 2004 is Wanted! Seas and Oceans - Dead or Alive? The theme asks thaJ we make a choice as to how we want to treat the earth's seas and oceans. It also calls on each and every one of us to acL Do we want to keep seas a11d oceans healthy and alive or po/futed and dead? "The marine environment Is facing challenges that, if not addressed immediately a11d effectively, will have profound implications for sustainable tkvelopme11t. Society can no longer view the world's seas as a convenient dumping grou11d for our waste, or as an unlimited source ofpielily."
- Po[H John Paul 11
- Kofi A. Annan, United Nalicns Secretary-General
and storm damage by serving as buffers between oceans and near-shore communities. 12. The major causes of coral reef decline are coastal development, sedimentation, destructive fishing practices. pollution, tourism and global warming. 13. More than 70 per cent of lhe world's marine fishenc~ are now fished up to or beyond therr sustainable limit 14. Populations of commercially attractive large fish, such as runa. cod. sword.lish and marlin, have declined by as much as 90 per cent in the pas t century. 15. DestruciJve fishing practtces are killing
hundreds of thousands of rnari ne species each year and helping to destroy important undersea habitats. 16. As many as 100 million sharks are killed each year for their meat and fins, which are used for shark fin soup. Hunters typically catch the sharks. de-fin lhen1 while alive and throw them back into the ocean where they either drown or bleed to dcalh. 17. Shnmp farming. too, is highly destructive. It causes chemical and fertilizer pollution of water and has been largely responsible for the destruction of nearly a quarter of the world·s mangroves. 0 u""<tt \ 'DIIOitt' E.nnfOifmtnl P~ran:w
FILIPINOS scavenge the mountain or garbage ea lied t he Promised Land in Manila. C.VS/II,pho.
" While in some cases tire damage already • done may well be irreversible, in many other cases it can still be halted. It is necessary, 1 however, that indi1•iduals, States a11d international bodies take seriously their responsibility. The most profound and serious indication of the m oral implications underlying the ecological problem is the lack of respect for life evident it1rrum y ofthe patterns of environmental pollution. Of ten, the interests of production prevail over co11cern for the dignity of workers, while economic interests take priority over the g ood of individuals and even entire peoples. Delicate ecological balances are upset by the uncontrolled destruction of anitrUll and plant life or by a reckless exploitation of natural resources. .( ' 1 of this, even if carried out in the name ofprogresjo{__,d well-being, is ultimaJely to mankind's disadvantage." - Pope joh n Paul 11
"AIYAH, WHY YOU BOTHER SO Sr Wendy Ooi, fsp interviews Mr. Leong Kwok Peng, Manne Conservation Group, Nature Society Smgapore
Q
What is lhe state of the sea in Singapore?
Leong Quite bad actually. There has been ongoing land reclamation for Thas and Jurong Island as well as some reclamation at our soulhem 1slands like Lazarus. Seringat and St John. Pulau Tekong is also under reclamation. As a result of the reclamation and the
The state of Singapore waters assoc1ated dredgmg work our waters arc constantly silted up. Too much silt win reduce water vis ibility and cut off sunlight to coral which require sunlight for growth. The silt can also senle on lhe coral causing stress and LO the worst case completely buty them.
Q
What can be done by the government and public to impro"e the state of our waters?
Leong
The government
and its agencies lilce JTC, SDC and HOB should be conscious that !here is a rich marine b1od1vers1ty m our waters especially around our southem islands. Any reclamation and dredging should be properly controlled to reduce the effect of siltatJon and at all cost avo1d dredgmg in close prox1m1ty of existing coral reefs. The public espec1ally boaters. divers and anglers shoutd be speaking our to protect our remaining marine areas against
adverse 1mpacr by coastal developmenL
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VVhat docs the Manne Conservation Group rn Nature Society do?
Leong In the pasr, MCG of NSS has carried out coral relocation. One of these 1s the relocation of corals from Pulau Ayer Chawan to Sentosa dunng the 1993 to 1994 pen od, almost every weekend bits by bit.~ using volunteer divers and helpers. This
was done due to the formation of Juroog Island which buried a vast expanse of coral reefs. We have j ust published a coffee table book "Singapore Waters Unveiling Our Seas•· wh1ch showcase the marine b1odiversity left in our waters. It also highlight some of the conservation effort undertaken to protect our waters. We also g1ve public slide talks as a public awareness programme.
Q
What are some of the tips you can suggest to help keep our waters clean and help marine hfe thrive? Leong The main cause for the demise of manne life is still land reclamation where whole habi tat is taken out for land development. The government should look into creating man ne protected areas especially m some of the sou them islands. The pubhc should be aware that we sull have marine life in our waters and there is sti ll hope to save them. 0
CatllollcNews
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Sundays June 6 and June 13, 2004
13
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"God destined the earth and all it contains for the use of el·el~\' il/(fil'idual and all peoples".
~~~~===== a hole in the sky, the forests are disappearing...
Tips to reduce, reuse and recycle: What we can do in Singapore WASTE SINGAPORE generates over 2.6 mill1on tonnes of waste every year, about 90% of the waste is incinerated and the remaining non-flammable waste aod incineration ash 1s disposed of at ou r one and only landfill. Singapore faces ~everal problems with waste wh1ch include the growmg amounts of waste generated; land scarcny for landfill site~; and high s involved in bmldtng "'" te disposal fac1lit1es such as mcmeration plants and landfills. 1n addiuon, wasteful consumpuon pauems also exploit and dimtmsh natura.l resources. and waste nself contributes to air, water and land pollution. • Avoid packaging, buy in bulk. Choose products with m1mmal packaging, mcluding for example. bulk coffee. cream and sugar rather than mdividually port1oned packages. • Select items that come packaged m recycled or GJc~able packaging or con tamers. • Use reusable shopptng bags, like those made of
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IN SINGAPORE,
LASr year we threw
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500,000 tonnes of paper is
away 2.6 million tons
thrown away every year. This is equivalent to the destruction of about 8.5 mill1on trees like this.
(''Os, of rubbisll. These 17'.=;:;:
mountains of rubbish tbreaten the quality of our life. By changing some daUy h abits, we can save
PAPER
Singapore fl·om becoming a
rubbish
• Print documents on both s1des of the paper. • Read and alter documents on the screen 10 avoid printing out numerous draft copies that may be unnecessary. • Store documents. files and archives electronically. • If printing IS necessary. format documents to m1mmise wastmg space. e.g. reducing font size, line spacing. • Save trees by reusmg and recycling papers. Compared to paper made from virgin and pulp. recycled paper uses less energy and water to produce. The process also produces less air and water pollution..
dwnp.
• When buymg things. try not to ask for a plastic bag. • Use reusable comamers when buymg back meals. • Use less disposable items, e.g. styrofoam and paper cups and plates • Recycle aluminium cans 20 cans can be recycled 11110 new cans using the same amount of energy required to produce JUSt I can from raw material; and aluminium cans are much hghter than glass, which makes them easier to handle. saving energy and reducing pollution during transport. • Recycle glass - every boulc that is recycled saves enough energy to run a lOOw light bulb for 4 hrs. • Recycle plastic - plastic bags are made from nonrenewable fossil fuels. they arc nonbiodegradable. and pose a danger 10 nature. Over 40 billion plasHc bags are thrown away each year in
MUCH?"
Singapore. • Recycle electroruc equipment - aJJ electronic components contain hazardous or toxic matenals, especially lead and mercury, the products arc safe to use but pollute air. water and land during disposal • Recycle batteries and use rechargeable ballenes. • Keep cloth towels nex 1 to the sink instead of paper towels. • Use toilet paper sparingly.
ENERGY EVERYONE of us, in every aspect of our daily lives. needs to reduce tbe energy we use so as to cut down on associated polluuon and conserve the world's natural resources and habitats. Using electricity translates to an increase in carbon d1oxide emissions from the bummg of fossil fuels. Carbon dioxide IS a major conaibutor to climate change. Global warming can lead to storms, rising sea levels and unpredictable weather panems.
• Switch off all lights. computers. and other non-essential apphances when not in use. (Appliances on 'standby' mode sti ll consume electricity.) • Put computer monitors to sleep rather than use screen savers. Contrary to popular belief, screen savers arc meant to prevent phosphor 'bumm· on the screen and don't actually save energy. m fact they often consume more energy. • Make good use of natural hghung when poss1ble. • Replace normal fLiarnent light bulbs with
energy efficient alternative. Auorescent lights give off a lot more light and are more cost and energy efficient compared to incandescent ones. They and other energy saving bulbs also last I 0 times longer. Refr igerator • Choose the right s12e for your family 's needs. • Check the door seals (gaskets) for air leaks. Look for coodensauon. wh1ch is a sign of such leaks.
• Allow hot food to cool before refrigerating and cover all food and liquids
"lt doesn't affect me. Anyway, I can afford it" PEOPLE who think like th.is are wrong. Nobody is insulated from ecological problems. They affect everyone. For cxampJc1 note the
harmful ctfect.o; caused by O'J.one depletion. The ozone layer shields alllifc-rorm from the harmful effects ofUV-B radiation by absorbing all buu1small fraction of the harmful ultraviolet rad1ation (UV-B) cmanatmg from the sun. Exposures to bigb levels of UV-B radiation is extremely dangerous and can cause the following :• Sktn cancers • Damage to eyes • Crop damage • Severe d.Jsruption of the manne ecosystems • Degradation of man-made matenals like paints and plasncs • Increased global warrnmg and climate change. 0
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"Modem society will
b. ~ find n o solution to the ecological problem --' unless it takes a serious look ai its l(fe style. In many parts of the world society is given to install/ gratification a11d COIISIItnerism while remainirrg irrdifferent to the danuJge which these cause . S implicity,.moderatio11 a11d discipline mus t becom e a part of everyday life." -Pop~ J ohn Pttut/1
when placing in the refrigerator. • Decide what you want before opening the refrigerator door. Iron • Plan your ironing, startmg w1th items whJch need lower tempera tu re. • Avoid heating and reheau.ng the tron, or beating it for too long. • Set the correct temperature for the fabric type. (Sources. lnfonnat1on printed in pages 12 and 13 were comp1led by Sr. Wendy Oo1. fsp from data avatlablc from Energy Markel Aulhomy
and Nauonat Envlt'Onmental Agency).
"Tn 1979, Tproclru med Saint Francis of Ass1si as the heavenly Patron of those who promote ecology. He offers Christians an example of genu ine and deep respect for the int~grity of creation. As a friend of the poor who was loved by God's creatures, Saint Francis invited all of creation animals, plams, natural forces, even Brother Sun and Sister Moon - to give honour and praise to the Lord. The poor man of Assis1 gives us striking witness that when we are at peace with God we are bener able to devote ourselves to bu1lding up that peace with all creauon wh1ch LS inseparable from peace among aJJ peoples. 11 is my hope thailhe inspirauon of Samt Franc is will help us to keep ever alive a sense of "fraterruty" with all those good and beautiful things which Almighty God ha~ created and remind us of our serious obbgation to respect and watch over them with care."- Pope John Paulll
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Suncl3ys June 6 and J une 13,2004 0 CatholicNews
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c lllltlttS•./Jn; tlte use of el'ery indil•idua/ and all peoples". .,....
WORLD ENVIRONMEN T DAY TORNADOES destroy parts of HoUywood in a scene from the ne.adion thriller, "The Day After Tomorrow." The movie is rated PG.
Film Review By Sr Wtndy Ooi, fsp
"How's the weather?" TH.AJ' would be an understatement in director Roland Emmench's latest disaster film on the climatic effects of global warming. Jack Hall (play.:<! by Dennis Quaid) is a climatologist whose research pomt to an abrupt and catastrophic shift in the earth's climate due to global wanning. His theory becomes a reality at a speed that even baffles him. First, Jack witnesses a chunk of ice four times the size of Singapore break off the Antarctic Ice Shelf. Me lung polar caps due to global warming pour too much fresh water into the oceans and this disrupts the currents that stabilize our climate system. 'The result are !Teak weather conditions around tile globe: hail tile size of grapefruu plunge down from the sktes in Tokyo, snow faUs in New Delhi. and destructing tornadoes whip tluough Los Angeles. The whole planet is about to be swept by one global super snow storm with the Northern Henusphere the worst hit. Jack has to quickly convince the U.S. President to evacuate the country in order to save millions who are in danger. But Jack's only son, Sam (Jake Gyllenhaal) is stranded in New York. which is experiencing a new ice age. Against all odds, Jack heads for sutrzero New York to save his son. The Day After Tomorrow is a film packed with spectacular scenes and
stunning v1sual effects. While it is an exaggerated drama of what could happen as a result of global warming, the scenario does have a sctcnt ific basis. The cartil has been experiencing a rise in global warming. eo-screen writer Jeffrey Nachmanoff describes the film as "a cauuonary tale about what can happen if we continue to provoke Mother Nature." Ironically, dunog the pre- producuon of the film in 2002, extreme weather conditions were experienced around the globe: a deadly hailstorm, with hailstones the size of eggs, struck central China, killing 25 people: Europe experienced torrential rains causing ''floods of the century," and a severe outbreak of tornadoes, up to 75 tornadoes in one day. hit the United States, causing damage in 13 states. To top it all in what has been
described as ''life imitating art," the Larsen B ice shelf (3.250 krn2 ' in Antarctica feU mto the sea in March 2002. a few weeks tifrer Emmerich and Nachmanoff had written a scene describing its collapse. It has been reponed that Emmench joked, "We had bener start shootrng soon or we'd be making a documentary." The Day After Tomorrow is a film that not only tries to entertain but also warns and enlightens. Ultimately it is also a film that warms the heart as we ~ee the human spirit triumphing over lbe force of nature. We see the generosity of the characters in braving it all for the sake of love and friendship. lt is always mspuing to see Gospel values of selflessness. kindness and generosity emerge in the midst of a calamity or disaster. While Jack braces himself to fight the grueling snow stonn
in search for hts son, his two friends and colleagues surprise and comfort bim when they too decide to put their Jives in jeopardy to join him on his expedition. Jack's estranged wife, Dr. Lucy HaLl (Sela Ward). also risks her life by rematning with her fr.lil patient to wait for an ambulance that never seems to come after the entire hospital is evacuated. Audiences are also invited to reflect on the mcamng of their lives and aml)iuons when Sam·s schoolmate and love interest, Laum (Emmy Rossum) shares with him the futility of her dreams in the lighL of what has happened. Laura. Sam. and their friends also manifest heroism as they too risk their hves and go out of themselves for the sake of tile other to survive. The only thing that is really wanting in the film is that the dialogues are sometimes rather conuived. At the end of the film we hear a NASA astronaut in a space craft obsei'Vmg how ( clear and clean the air looked surroundmg planet earth. Nature has her own way of cleaning and rectifying herself. HopefuLly those who watch this film will be enlightened to help nature maintain her equilibrium. (Rated PG) 0 a•s
CONTRIBUTOR S TO GLOBAL WARMING
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------1 By .John Thavis VATICAN CfTY- Against the steady drumbeat of news about environmental disasters and impending planetary doom. a small voice of optinusm was raised recently by a Jesuit journal close to the Vatican. lt just might be that instead of falhng apart the world is actually becoming a better place to live, s;ud La Civilta Cattolica earlier this year. The article was titled. "Is th.e world in danger?'' and the answer seemed to be: Not really. It suggested that ecolog~cal threats often are overstated. "Real environmental problems cannot be ignored, but it's not right to exaggerate them in order to better defend the environment," said the article, written by Jesuit Father GianPaolo Salvioi. After citing a number of doomsday predictions tilat have so far failed to materialize, the article said the mecha was oft.en to blame for fueling the ·'catastropluc visions" that seem to mark tile modem age. Father Salvioi. dtrector of the Jesuit magazine. is a theologtan and economist who has written m the past on environmental issues. Tile magazine often reflects Vatican opinion, so its contents are closely watched. Coincidentally, this issue appeared just before news of yet another doom-and-gloom repon. An internal U.S. Defense Department srudy. leaked to reporters, predicted tilat abrupt climate change caused by global warming could soon "bring the planet tO the
it's overstllted edge of anarchy" as counuies compete for dwmdling food, water and energy supplies. The scenario sketched out for the next 16 years contained a long bst of calamities. including violent storms. energy and water shortages, and waves of desperate immigrants pounding at the doors of richer countries. The trouble is, Father Salvini wrote, due predictions tend to be forgotten when they don't come true. Forexample, in 1975 Newsweekran a gnm article predicting major climatic changes that would disrupt worldwide food production. An early warning about global warmmg? No- the article was titled, "The Cooling World." and lbe concern was that a new ice age was just around the corner. Today, Father Salvmi said, when global wanning is the worry, no one
A IIOY braves the high surf on a pier overlooking the Cbesapeake Bay in North Beach, Md., Sept. 19, 2003 as hurricane Isabel pounded areas along
the mid-Atlantic coast. The massive storm left more than 3.5 million
people without power and shut down the federal government for two days in Washington. CNS ph•'• seems to point out the potenual positive effects - for example, higher temperatures may mean longer growing seasons. The Civilta article was based largely on data contained in a conttoversial book, "The Skeptical Environmentalist," by DanJsh author and former Green peace member Bjom Lomborg. '11Je book has challenged tile conventional wisdom on a number of environmental issues, including
Energy use and production Chlorofluorocarbons CFCs Agricultural practices Changes in land use . Other industrial activities
57%
17% 14% 9% 3%
the effects and extent of global warming. Father Salvini did not endorse all of Lomborg's scientific arguments. but said tile book had properly underlined a need for balance and perspective when talking about environmental risks. "The idea that Judgment Day is at the door may be one of the most deeply held convicuons of many contemporary men and women," he said. But humanity needs to beheve m its own future, and an exaggerated pessim1sm can lead to inaction, he added. For Swiss Cardinal Georges Cottier, Pope John Paulll's in-house theologian, the emphasts on bad news about the earth's future higbhgbts an age-old temptauon to give in to "catastrophJsm," a temptauon that Christians should avoid. ''For the Christian. hope is not a vague hope. it is based on the promise made by God, that God guides the world and does not abandon it," Cardinal Cottier said. The environmental challenges may be serious, the cardinal said. but human beings should start with the confidence that they can resolve them. Father Salvini said an example of this was the ·•green revolution"- the committed work of researchers, he said, has helped offset the effects of agricultural problems like erosion and soil depletion. 0 eNs
CatbolicNews 0
Sunday~
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June 6 and June 13,2004
Youth
Planet Love takes off! SINGAPORE- The Planet Love
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"THE Pledge Wall, where participants
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SINGAPORE- After a year's hiatus due to Sars last year, lhe Youlh m the Spint Seminar (YTSS) organized by Youlh Praise Mimstry (YPM) IS back m acllon lh1s year, from June I 0 to 13. The YTSS is an annual retreat that aims to rejuvenate the faith of the youlh with an experience of God's love and truth. Since the first YISS in 1990. hundreds of participants have had their faith questions answered, and many have been healed and transformed by the encounter wilh God's real and awesome love. One of thcm is Juliana Yong, 21, a participant at the last YISS. She recalls.
"Before YJSS, 1 knew God exiSted and feared him. But my encoumet: wilh him at lhe retreat planted a great desire in me to start a genuine relationship with him and to bave him in my life 24n." For Leonard Koh, 24, who par11c1pated in YISS when he was 16, "My deepest experience at the YISS was during qu1et time, when I received a tangible imperus from God and a clarity of lhe purpose he had for me. The experience has given me a passion to not waste my life on trivial and earthly things, but to be pan of a greater cause lhat is for God's glory. It propelled me imo youlh ministry, where I can touch
movement, organised by Hosanna! Music Mmistry, Jcjcked oft' at the Church of St Anthony May 8 with mUStc, dance, sharings and fun. The everung was also an opponunity for participants to make a decis1on about how they were going to start to change the world. The vis1on of Planet Love is a world of love. the world it wou ld be 1f everyone followed in the footsteps of Jesus and heeded his call to love one another as he loves us. At lhe launch, dozens of participants made pledges about the people in their lives they were committed to making a difference to. Planet Love continues at Youth Park (opposite Orchard Cinelcisurc) June 26 at 5pm. Admission is free. and you· re invned to bnng your loved ones w11h you. For more information. visit www.bmmonline.org . 0
as many hves as possible to experience God the same way I d1d". A fun-filled 4-day stay-m retreat where youths (from 16 to 30 years) come together, the YlSS this year "'ill be held at St. Gabnel's Primary School, and concludes with the Eucharistic Congress at the Indoor Sutclium. l11e rctreatlhemc, "Lavished", communicates the generosity of God's love as expressed in J John 3: I "How great is lhe love the Father ha~ lavished upoo us, that we should be called sons and daughters of God."
An exciting lineup of lively music, small group sharings, dynamic talks,
exctting games and lhoughl-provo)cjng reflections are planned to help participants renew lheir faith and discover more deeply lhe L1ving God. Some of the topics in the programme include "Why Did Jesus Have to Oie?"and "Seeing God as the Perfect Father". For more information or to download the registration form, visit www.youthpraiseminislry.org - n
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SINGAPORE- The ltfc of St. Francis of Assisi epitomises what it means to surTender all to God. St. Francis gave up everylhing to
pursue h1s dream - a dream he realised m service to the God he so dearly loved. The Franc1scan Friars spearheaded by Friar John-Paul Tan are presenting lhis musical in conjunction with the dedication of lhe rebuilt Church of St Mary of the Angels. The musical is based on lhc 131h century saint. from imprisonment during a civil war lhrough his conversion and eventual dedication of his life to God. His desire to reform the Catholic Church influenced those around him, among whom was his childhood companion, the strongwilled Clare who empowered the Franciscan order after Francis' death and later founded the order of the Poor Clares. The 50-member production cast and crew are mostly tertiary srudents and a friar, and is led by director Melissa Chew. They began work on the musical in JuJy last year. The original script and songs of the musica l were completed in September by three young script and song writers, Colin Tan, Melissa Kwok and Jul.ian Kwok. Julian also stars as Francis in two performances, and lgnatius Gob lhe olher two performances. Charlene Kwa and Michelle Ngem both star as Clare. The musical will be staged at Jubilee HaiJ, Raffles Hotel July 23 to 25. Tickets at $30 each are already on sale. Pan of lhe proceeds from the musical will go to Canossaville Children's Home. For information contact Andrea Yip@ 97842384 or Jacqueline Chia@ 96795003, or send us an e-mail to: francismusical@yahoo.com.sg
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Sunday, June 6, The Holy Tnnity 0 Proverbs 8:22-31; Psalm 8:4-9; Romans 5: 1-5; John 16.12-15;
The Thinity: A 01y~ry THE Trinity is a complex mystery. Who among us will ever be able to unravel the intricacies of a God who is both One and yet three divine Persons? And yet the Trimty is the central tenet of our faith. Our very existence is bound up with t.his mysterious. tn une God. So here's the greatest of all mysteries relaung to the Trinity: How can anyone really expenence a lovmg relationship with someone they can barely fathom? 1t appears that even after Jiving with Jesus for three whole years, the apostles weren't in any better position than we are. At 1he Last Supper, after Jesus had 1old them that he was the way to the Father, Thomas said: "Lord, we don't know where you arc going, so how can we know the way'!" (Joh n 14:5). Then Philip chimed in: "Lord, show us the Father. and that will be enough for us•· ( 14:8). No matter how much they loved Jesus, the apostles ended up admitting: "We don 't understand what be is saying" (16:18). And isn't that very encouraging? Like the apostles, we may know precious lillle about God and his natu re and his ways, but ou r lack of understanding doesn't have to keep us from experiencing his love, grace, and power in our lives. Thts is the very reason why Jesus promised us the Holy Spiri1: so that he could bnng us into the bean of the triune God (John 16: 15). Tt's the Holy Spirit's deepest desire 10 flood our heans with the Father's love and with the mercy and power of his nsen Son. As we become caught up in this love, we can't help bu1 begin 10 understand God a Jiule bit more. And thatlmle bit of understanding moves us to want to become more like him. May we never underesumate what God can do for those who love him and seek lum! 0 "Father. s11rprise us with a new appreciation of rite Trimty. Jesus, show us the presence of the Trimty. Holy Spirit, teach us /row 10 glorify our
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0 MY Lord Jesus Christ, you command me to draw near to you confidently, and 10 receive the food of immortality, if I desire to ob1.1in eternal life and glory. You say, "Come to me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will refresh you."
Oh, sweet and lovely word in the car of the smncr, that you, Lord God, invite the poor and needy to the Communion of your most holy body and blood! Bu1 who am l. Lord. that I should presume to approach you? Heaven and eanh cannot contain you. yet you say, '·Come, all of you, to me." What does this most grac1ous condescenston mean, this most lovely invitation? How shall I bring you witlun my house, seemg that I so often have sinned in your most lo,•ing stght? Angels and archangels stand m awe of you. the samts and just men fear you, and yet you say. ·'Come. aU of you. to me"! If you had not said this. Lord, who would believe it true? And tf you had not commanded, who would dare approach? 0 God, invisible Creator of the world. how wondrously you work with us, how sweetly and graciously you deal with those to whom you offer yourself in this Sacrament! 0 adllllfable and hidden grace of the Sacrament, which only Christ's faithful ones know! in this Sacrament spiritual grace is conferred, lost virtue is regained m ll1e souJ, and the beauty which was disfigured by sm returns again. So grea1 sometimes is this grace !hat, from the fullness of devotion, not only the mind but also the frail body feels fi lled with greater strength. 0 "Thanks be to yo u , 0 good Jesus, Eternal Shepherd, rh at you see fit to refresh us poor exiles with your precious body and blood, and to invite us to partake of these holy mysteries by the invitation from your own mouth , saying. 'Come to me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will refresh you: " (Book IV. I}
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17
CatholicNews Fonnightly newspaper of lbe Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore
M anaging Editor
Fr Johnson Femandcz Staff correspondents
Ms. Mel Diamse-Lce Fe Frederick Quek Se Weody Ooi, fsp Layout; Ms. Elame Ong Consultant Mr Francis Yeo
.
TO CONTACT US Editorial
Email: coedit@catholic.org.sg Please include your ful l name, address and telephone number. Advertisements: Ms. Elaine Ong Email: eloog@catholic.org.sg In Memoriam: Ms. Susan Lim Email: suslim@catholie.org.sg Subscriptions: Richard Paul Email: rpaul@catholic.org.sg Address: The Calholic News Ofnoc 2 Highland Road, HOI-03 Singapore 549102. Ttlepbont: 6858-3055 Fax: 6858-2055
:Irreverence at Mass 1 Al\1 alaoned by the growing irreverence, inattentiveness and nonchalant demeanour of the faithful in general at Sunday Masses. Firstly, we find only a very few anending Mass with joined palms. Instead, we find many with folded arms or with their hands on their back while standing, men and women alike. ll is also common for men to place their hands m their pockets. lt would appear that joining their palms, or less still, puttiog their hands straight, is an extremely difficu lt thing to do. Secondly, at the consecration of the host, many of those who are standing or without sca.ts simply "ill not kneel in adoration. Thirdly, at communaon time, many who go to the pricsl or Communion Minister 10 receive !he host wiJI just keep silent instead of responding with" Amen" following the pronouncement of the words ''The Body of Christ" to them. Last but not least, many will rush out of the church before the signing or the end of the coocluding hymn. Joseph Lucas Lee Singapore 650213
CARLO CATHOLIC SOCIETY
When does drinking become sinful? Q. When drinking alcohol, how do you know when you have committed a serious sin? What is the line you cross, making drinking more than just a "little" sin? F ather John Dietzen answers: 1be line, as you call it, isn't that ''hard to tell in theory, but m. practice a lot of common sense and personal honesty is necessary. As everyone knows, aoy use of alcohol affectS our thinking and emotional processes somehow. It's sometimes called social drinking because people expect it to "loosen us up" and make social activities a bit freer and more congenial. Any drinking, however, that deliberately causes loss of reason is a serious sin. One can know when the use of reason is lost, for example, if one cannot later remember what he or she said or did while under the influence of alcohol. The "lost weekend" syndrome is not unusual for people who drink heavily. Hours, or in some instances days, may become a fog. People cannot remember where they were or what they did. Everything is a haze the next morning when they find lhemseJvcs at home and wonder how they got there. Others will drive long distances, even travel to other cities, or visit friends and never remember a minute of what occurred during these episodes. Another sign is that one cannot distinguish between right and wrong, good and bad, while under the influence. Those who drink heavily frequently discover later that they have done things while drinking that they wouldo 't think of doing otherwise. Inhibitions are lOSt, moral compasses cease to exist, people are violated or injured- all, we realize, as a result of the fact that we were "drunk.'' Eventually, if this tendency isn't caught, one will almost inevitably end up inflicting terrible physical, emotional aod spiritual damage on oneself or someone else. Of course, !he usual three cooditioos for mortal sin apply here as anywhere else: serious matter,
sufficient reflection and full consent of the will. The frrst time one drinks to intoxication there may not be real consenL 1be individual just doesn't know how that amouol of alcohol will affect him. Nler a bit of experience, however, the person knows that drinking a cenain quantity of alcohol will render him or her out of touch, unable to judge right from wrong, unable even to remember what happened during the drinking binge. The resulling intoxication is then not "accidental," but deliberate and sinful. When this point is reached, one can know she or he is in heavy sin territory. It should go without saying that these dangerous circumstances do not normally arise suddenly, though they may do so, especially in younger people who have oo experience of alcoholic intake but whose inilial experience is so severe it causes critical trauma, even death. Usually, warning signs are present long in advance, signs that tell us we 're beaded for trouble unless we change the track we 're on. lt's when we ignore those signs that we end up in serious loss of abi.llty to control ourselves an<l in serious sin. Obviously other important factors may enter the pacture as well, how one's use of alcohol affects one's family, work and personal health, to mention only three. TWo more points are appropriate. First, to deliberately cause another person to come under the influence of alcohol or other dangerous drug is also gravely sinful, a serious sin at least against charity, love of neaghbour. Second, we all have seen movies of frontier days when inj ured people were deliberately made drunk with whiskey in preparation for painful surgery. llerc, as in more modem forms of general anesthesia, the physical good of the patient justifies rendering birn or her pattially or fully unconscious during surgery.
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Order of the Mass draft needs major rework, says cardinal J!y C indy Wooden VATICAN CITY - Despite hopes lhat English-speaking Catholics soon would have a new translation of Mass prayers, Cardinal Roger M. Mahony of Los Angeles said he and many other bishops believe the current draft needs major work. An English draft of the " Ordo Missae," or Order of lhe Mass, was approved by lhe episcopal board of lhe International Commission on English in lhe Liturgy in January, and copies were sent to every Latin-rite bishop in the United States and other English-speaking countries. "I felt lhat l.bere are a few improvements that are very helpful, butlhe effort to translate every Latin word into English has not been successful," the cardinal said The Tablet, a London-based Catholic weekly, reported May 8 lhat l.be bishops of England and Wales were critical of the proposed Order of l.be Mass, particularly because of "lengthy sentences, poor syntax and archaic language." In their plenary meeting May 11, lhe bishops of Australia voted to r eturn the draft to ICEL for revision for similar reasons. Cardinal Mahony said, "This is obviously considered by everybody as a first draft." The Order of the Mass includes lhe prayers lhat are used at every Mass such as lhe Gloria, lhe Nicene Creed and the eucharistic prayers. It does not include all of lhe prayers that change each week during lhe liturgical year. The new text is the first English translation of Mass prayers resulting from lhe 2002 publication of the third edition of the Roman
CHAI MAN TING Oepar1ed: June 6. 1988 We think or you
Your memory we keep
We know you arc
Dearly rrusse<J by wlfe, !iOns, daughters. sons-in-law, daughlers·m·law. grandchtldren and great gr.mdchildren.
watching and praymg (or each one or us. An empty chair
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shme upon her
,, mcssenge1of fov.: Between our beans
Always remembered by her MillS Dcms. Charle•. George and their families.
and Thee. Forever in our bean:. Your loving children and grandcluldren
May sbe rest in peace.
remjnds us of your smile. We love you~ Missed by:
wife. cluldren and loved ones.
Missal in Latin and from new translation rules contained in the 2001 Vatican instruction, "Lirurgiam Aulhenticam" ("The Aul.bentic Liturgy"). Cardinal Mahony said he gave copies of lhe draft translation to members of his priests' council and asked lhem to "read it out loud" with members of their parish liturgy committees. Because the prayers are meant to be proclaimed, he said, " you can only capture whether it works or doesn't work in hearing it out loud." "Most of the responses I got back were quite negative," Cardinal Mahony said . Cardinal Mahony said he agreed with several bishops who have said the parts of the Mass recited by the entire congregation should not be changed. "Following lhe (clerical sex abuse) scandal," he said, " the last thing our people need is to now disrupt lhe liturgy, which has been a souroe of nourishment and strength during lhis difficult journey." Cardinal Mahony predicted " it will reach a point where someone will have to reconcile these
CARDINAL Roger M. M.a bony of Los Angeles gives a blessing with Pope J ohn Paul ll at the pontiff's weekly general audience May 12. The cardinal was at the Vatican for his "ad limina" visit, which bishops make every five years to report on the status of their dioceses and to bold consultations with Vatican officials. CNS phl)(o documents" on translation with the need to "help the local c hurches express lhe faith in the language as tbey use it." "What is lhc more important value? Is lhe more important value to have a more precise translation of Latin into English or is it more important to have a translation that helps people's prayer be illOurished and deepened? That, to me, is lhe more important question," lhe cardinal said. ''I 1hink that if we are going to make a change to have a Roman M issalthat will be wilh us for generations, let's take our time; let's do it well; let's make sure 'that it really is an improvement," ihe Said. 0 CNS
What's O.!lil. 14TH YOUTH IN THE SPIRIT SEMINAR Date: June l0-13. Venue: St Gabriel's Primary School, 30 Parry Avenue Cost: $40 (course materials included) Orgaol-;ed by: Youih Praise Ministry For a copy or registration form, please visit www .youthpraiseministry .org
Dearest hu>band/dad
m sUenc:e You toiled l\'<l eyes can see us weep all those yea.n for us But stiJI withm our Each day we CQnLinue an;hwg heasts 10 fecJyou in our lives
Dcpo.>ltd: Jwu: 19. 1998 Eternal rcsc grant unto Take her 10 Thy her. 0 Lord, and let dear Lord. your perpetual light And ever let her be
HEAL JESUS HEAL PRAISE PEST Date: Juoe 16-18. Venue: Church Of The Immaculate Heart Of Mary. Nightly programme from 7.45pm for Praise & Worsrup,Healing, Testimonies, Teaching and Eucharistic Celebration. Spealcer: Fr PatCollinsCM.a Vinceotian priest from Ireland wbo bas been involved in the Charismatic and Ecumenical Movement since 1974. AU are welcome.
ARCHDIOCESAN PERPETUAL ADORATION CHAPEL The Archd:ioce.~an Pe'P"tuaJ Adoration Chapel will be celebrating its second anniversary with a Mass by Archbishop Nicholas Chia. Date: Friday. June 11. 7.30pm. Praise & Worsrup Mass foUowcd by potluclc feUowship. Venue: St Fran<:is Xavier Retreat Centre (air-conditioned auditorium) 1261 Upper Serangoon Rd. All are welcome! Enquiries: 6288-7901.
CHOICE WEEKEND A programme that aims to give young adults(IS-35 yrs) the confidence to build relationships and to believe in the power of communication, love and forgiveness. Dale: June 25-27 I July 23-25. Venue: Choice Retreat House, 47 Juroog West St 42. Enquiries: Madelene %85·9416, Terence 9695-6599. www.choice.org.sg email: choicewk@singnet.com.sg
R.CJ.A CLASSES Church of St V'mcent Oe 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 fruth or 10 journey as sponsors with the catecbumens are welcome.
LIFE IN THE SPIRJT SEMINAR Dates: June 28 - Sept l3. Venue: Upper Room, Church of St Franis Xavier (Multi-Purpose HaU),63CbartweU Drive, Se ran goon Gardens. Register by June 28. Enquiries: Joseph Tob 9068-1195 or l'r.mcis Cban 9487-8087. All are welcome. Free Admission .
1
THANKSGIVING MASS IN HONOUR OF ST. JOSEMARJA ESCRTVA,FOUNDEROFOPUSDEI Date: Saturday June 26. 3 pm. Venue: Church of the Holy Cross. Main Celebra.nt: Archbishop Nicbolas Chia.
AROKlASAMY ANTHONY Departed:Junc 14, 1999
He left us quietly, ANTI:IOi\ Y TUANG T ECK SAJ
Oepaned:Jnn 12,1998 Niche: 0638 at SI Micbael Church Rest m peace, dear loving father You are in God's Kingdom The glory of His universe EtemoDy the peace and joy flow like '' watenng-
can Always remembered
by wife. children and grnndclnldren.
STELLA
FERNAi\1>EZ
fu• thoughts unknown, nut left u~ a mcmol) . we arc proud 10 own:
Deported: June 10. 1998 So treasure him Lord, in Your garden of re.~1. Sweet are the nt-(.."'ll<mes For when on earth, Srlenrl)• Kep<. He 'Was one ofthe besL or one v.·e love de<irly
Ocpart<.d :J un 12.1999 Time takes away the Edge of grief But memory tums
back every leaf Gone from our l iv~ One !iO dear
But in our heans Forever near
Foodly remembered by loving wife Ab Kheng. children.
Deeply remembered and never rorger. by lovrng wife. Mru..'ieswlllbe tn-laws and son'i-jn-law. celebro.te<l at Church daughters.. grn.ndehildren. or 1he Holy Family on and grandchildren June 10. 2004 nt First Anniversary 6. 15 am and 6. 15 pm and 31 Church of the
In loving memory of
Holy Trinity at 6.30 •m and 6 pnt
Always remembered by family :Uld loved one.s.
DULCIE MARY PLUNKETT Depaned: June 6, 2002 Mum. Remembering you is easy We do it every day Missing 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 Would be our greatest wish We love you. Always loved and deeply missed !&).._by family and loved ones.
MARTIN HUI KIM CHEONG Gone with the Lord on June 18. 2004 You silently left us all Our hearts still ache with sadness and silent tears still flow For what it means 10 love and miss you No one wtll ever know. Always loved and cherished by wife Mary and daughter Phyllis. I Mass will be celebrated on Fnday, June 18 at6.15 pm at Carmelite Monastery, 98 Bukit Teresa Road. Singapore 099750. Second Anniversar y In loving memory of
b.,
1'\EW CATECHISM FOR ADULT Commencing June 30 (every Wednesday). 7.45 pm-10 pm. Venue: CburcbofthelmmaculateHeanofMary. Registration forms are obtainable in tlte Parish Office. Website: hup:/1 www.veritas.org.sg/lHM/
MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEKEND Weekend Dates: Jul 2-4, Aug 6-8, Sep 3-5. Enrollment: Mike & Lisa (6451-2468 /9639-9394} or emailto ml<oh.lou@singnet.com.sg website web.singnet.com.sg!--rnespore/
THANKSGIVING Most gmteful and SJncete thanks to Holy Apostle St Jude Thaddeus, Sacred He~n of Jesus and Holy Mary fo r urgent petition answered. May the nameofStJude. S:~ered
Hean of Jesus
and
Holy Mary be
honour and invoke always+
Love,
ROSEMARY PECK
CRWEECHtEW
Departed . Jun 11. 2003 Dcpart<.d: Mar 19. 2003
The angels came to take you botl1 home And you left us all alooe We know you keep watching us from above As we still pray for the ones we love. Deeply missed and remembered by Jennifer Ang and all loved ones.
LOO BAH CIDT ANDREW Depaned:June 13,2002 God looked around His garden And found an empty place He then looked down upon this Earth And saw your tired face. He put his arms around you And lifted you to rest God's garden must be beautiful He always takes the best. Always cherished by your loving wife Catherina (Nlna), children and all loved one.~.
1'\>eni)·Fourlb Annher;ary
'Yle miss you
Fifth Anniversary In lovmg memory of
Ill SO many Wo\)'S
We mass !lungs you used 10 say And when old JJmes we do recall h's then we m1ss you
most of all. DcMiy massed by your loving wlfc. cbddren and
gJI!Ildchaldreo
Mass "'111 beheld
JO~DECRU:Z.
on June 14 at Chun:h Deputed: lunt 10, 1988 ofQueeoo!Peace We..,_ forget you DcJW1 cd_J_un_ J4_200 __ 1___ :u_6_ .JO _..:.. pm _. _ Our IO'Cd one so dear - _,__ D<plntdlune 16, 19$0 Your menJOr} grows Fifleo,nth T,.enty rour >e"" Sw=w >..,..rea y..Annh ersary he•e pMsed Stn<:e )OU Lovmgly remembered eo JOin Lhe Lord. by ,.;re, children Bul memones of you and loved ones. rt1ndJI1 with U\ forever Alway< remembered by did. mum. bro<hc.r.i, siMers·tn·law. nieces Machclle, Mt h<sa, Maria, Melanie, Jamie nephew$ Jude, Jnnte) A'1/DREl\ LEO:O.G CtlEES€NG
left "'
and dllloved on~ .
Mas.• will be
celebrated on Tue><by June IS. Church of Cbm1 Lhe K ans. Ang Mo K10 t16IS pm
Deponed June 9. 1989 He suffered patiently and Ion&.
Depll1ed: June 8. 1998 Time may heal
the broken hem.
Time may make the
wound less son:,
MUI KHIM Dep.u1<d· June 10. 1996 God looked around
But nme can never scop I he l<>nging For the loved one gone before. Dearly and deeply missed by wife Evarisu, cllildrcn and gnuxlcbildn:n.
Has hope was bngln, Has f01th was su-ong, nac pc:oce of Jesus filled tus b<easc, And 1n His ann1
be sank eo res• Dearly massed and re1n<mben:d by beloved family nnd 1ovcd Qnt:~.
M"ss ..,n be beld at
Churc:b ol Se Vanccnc De P•ul on St!urday June~ at 6.30 pm.
MAIUON RODR.ICU£2. Dep.tltcd M>.) 31, 1998 God loo~cd around HIS &&rden And lound .an cmpcy
pl>ee
He Ihen loo~ed down upon Chi\ Eanh your cued face. Ne put Ius ann'i around you And liOed you eo rest God'<gnaden must be beauciful He always tni<es the beS<.
And """'
eo cake you home And~.:!' us we know you keep Wllldung us from ablwe As we still pray for the one we love. Sadly nussed and always ren>embere<l
by loving wife, sons. daugluers, sons-m-law, daughters- in·l•w,
gran~~J:.S-:"'"11
Rosalioe, Ptulip, Elsie, Annabellc, Rebecca and Victoria
: Mto.-Um
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127 LavenderS~ISingapore 338735. Tet 6-555-111.S .. _
He chen looked OO...n upon crus Eanh And saw your lin:d litce He puc hli arms around you And lllied you eo rest God'• garden muse be beouurul He always cakes 1he best.
Annlve:rsary
Some day we hope to meet hun. Some day, we know nol when, To clasp his hand [n the better land, Never to pan again.
o.~~;:!:e9S6 ~ &f~!t~~ c~~~~~~Es~R~~sLTD
an empty place
•
Depaned: June 7, 1999
Hls smilmg way and pleasam face Are a pleasure 10 recall; He had a kind word for each And died beloved by all.
C'.f.&~-M-~PN ~ CASKET COMPANY EMBAL.MING
HIS garden And found
husband. sons, daughter, doughtersm-law. wn-an-law. grandchildren and all loved ones.
SEBASTIAN QUEK SWEE HOW
~
STEPHEN CHER POH YONG
,
MARIA LIM PUAY CHIN
Departed: Scpt 14, 1955 Departed; June 12, 1983
Dearest parents, You are in God's Kingdom The glory of His universe Eternally the peace and joy Flow like a walcring-can. Always remembered by children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and loved ones.
funeral Prices You Can Live wltn Coffin Model Collin Price Charity No Glass $ 10 Budget No Glass $ 598 ALOYSIUS 0. KOEOEN Wl~, Budget Half Glass $ 798 Economy Half Glass $ 998 Col.holc~NMitot H lW MANAOEMENT Duchess HatfGiass $1498 We also have a wide selection of coffins to choose from. Discount 10% for church members. No GST!
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LOW Departed: Jun 8, 1974 Than!. you rO< the unch vtded anentKIIl you &3VCIO e:>Ch of US - awl~·"' llger balm (or ~110 bales. wrpnse &tf~ in our
iehool bogs and
lnmmtnJ or our nods
Thank you for being
<:£.,1ld 3 H
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the balm or our beans
Though wo mass your
warmth and afrcciiOn, the mag1c you gave us
S1ill hve.-. on••. We look forward 10
rnceung you face to face, ullchen clcan:st Dad. rest "'<11 en the
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Sundays J une 6 and J une 13,2004 0 CathollcKews
20
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Papacy shaped by experience in Poland John Paul ll tells of life as bishop in his new book "Get Up, Let Us Go." By Cindy Wooden ROME -In a new book about his 20 years as a bishop in Poland, Pope John Paul ll
identified the roots of some of his practices as pope. presenting his papal style as an adaptation of what he felt worked successfully in Krakow. An effective bishop, he said, must know personally as many members of his flock as possible; he must see where and how they live; and be must read voraciously and meet frequently with scholars and scientists in order to brmg Gospel values to bear on new problems. In the introduction to "Get Up, Let Us Go,"the pope satd he wrote the book with the hope that people would appreciate how busy and difficult a bishop's job is, "but also the joy" that comes with episcopal mimstry. The pope's new work was on sale in bookstores May 18- Pope John Paul's 84th btrthday - in the origtnal Polish and in Italian, French, Spanjsh and German translations. A spokeswoman for Mondadori, the Italian company handhng publicauon outSide of Poland, said May 14 that the company was still working on details for the Enghsh release. The book, mostly dictated to an aide between March and August 2003, is something of a sequel to the pope's 1996 autobtographical work, ''Gift and Mystery," which marked his 50th anniversary as a priest.
The young bishop The pope began the book by recounting how, iu July 1958, he set off oo his third annual canoe trip with a group of friends, although he knew he would have to interrupt the trip for a few days to attend a meeting with Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski of Warsaw. He had a sleeping bag with him so he could steep in the train station before meeting the cardinal, he said; he also had Emest Hemingway's novel, "The Old Man and the Sea." The cardinal told him he had been named an auxiliary bishop for Krakow. "Your Eminence," he answered, "I'm too young; I' m only 38." "That is a weakness you'U be freed of soon," he said the cardinal responded. When the newly designated btshop went to Krakow to see his new boss, the archbtshop presented him to a group of priests, saymg " Habemus papa m" ("We have a pope"), the formula used 10 announce a papal election. "In the light of later eventS, one could say those were prophetic words," the pope wrote. In the new book, the pope said people who argue against mandatory celibacy for Latin-rite priests often use the argument that not having a wife and family causes severe loneliness for Catholic mmisters. "I decisively reject that argument," he
"From meeting them, I get a grasp of the situation of the church i11 the var ious parts of the world." - Pope John Paul explaining in his book why he must cornmue meeting the biShops. Over lhe course of the five-year cycle. the pope meeiS wdividu31l)' with bishops from the Catholic Church's 2,744 dioceses and Eastern eparchies.
-------
said. "Personally I have never felt alone." Pope John Paul said he always cultivated many friendships with priests and Jay people and tbat the door of h1s residence was always open to anyone. "The btshop's house was always occuptcd and fuU of life," he wrote. "And the Sister Servants of the Sacred Heart had to feed everyone." Along with dozens of Polish pnests, bishops and lay people named as fnends and advisers in the book, Pope John Paul said, "I give thanks to God for the presence and help of Cardinal (Joseph) Ratzinger, who is a trusted friend" and prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Fatth. Discussing the importance of a bishop personaUy teaching the faithful, he wrote, "Here l woold like to mention Cardinal Carlo Maria Maruni, the retired
and workmg under "commurust domination." Without going into great detai l, he told of clashes with communist authorities over building permits for new churches, over his defense of the Krakow theological academy and over government efforts to restrict or ban processions and pilgrimages. While praising the faith Mexican Catholics demonstrated in 1979 during his frrst papal trip, he said be also went hoping the trip would "open the way for a pilgrimage to Poland. f thought, in fact, that the Polish communists would not be able to deny me permjssion to rerum to my homeland after I had been received m a country wbich had a completely secular constitution as Mc,uco did then." Reviewing his style, the pope wrote that a bishop's role "includes admonishing. I think that, in this category. 1 have perhaps done too little." "There's always a problem of balance between authority and service. Perhaps I should rebuke myself for not having tried hard enough to command," the pope said. "In a certain sense, that 's a result of my temperament. n At the same time, Pope John Paul's book is filled with reference..~ to the balance he felt he achieved through focused prayer, wide consultation, serious study. good doses of laughter and regular runs down the ski hill. Bur hts pectoral cross is the most constant , enduring reminder of what he has been called to do, the pope said. " I have never pur on my bishop's pectoral cross with mdifference," he wrote more than 45 years the cross bas "For archbishop of Milan, whose catechcsis in on my chest, neltt to my heart." rested the city's cathedral attracted a mulntude of The responsibility of bemg a bishop people and unveiled for them the treasure often requires real sacrifice, he said, but of God's word." the bishop must face his task with courage The pope said he always has tried to e be knows who entrusted it to "becaus "safeguard the personal character" of every him." meeting and very consciously remind "He will accompany us on the journey, himself that each person he meets has a all the way to the end which he alone unique story to tell. knows," the pope wrote. C CNS "I am aware that this ts a style wtuch cannot be learned," be said. "lt is something that simply is because it comes from within," but it will anse naturally if one prays for each individual he or she meets. He did say, however, that his ease with people who are sick and suffering is something that developed over time because "the sick intimidated me." MILAN, Italy- The English translation of "lt took some real courage to stand Pope John Paul U's new book. "Get Up, before someone suffering and attempt to ritual spi and Let Us Go," will be published by Time enter into his or her physical Book Group in the United States in Warner by ned condiho pain- wuhout bcmg September. awkwardness- and succeed in showing at Oriana Daturi, spokeswoman for the least a bit ofloving compassion," he wrote. publisher Mondadori, which is Italian "The deep meaning of human suffering foreign rightS to the book. told srud. he handling later," only me was revealed to Catholic News Service May 28 that a contract with Time Warner had been signed. The book, released in the original Polish nists Facing up to commu and several other languages on the pope's 84th birthday May 18. is an autobiographical Throughout the book, the pope made reflecuon on his 20 years as a bishop in frequent references to the challenges of being a bishop dunng the "Stalinist period" communist Poland, 1958-78. 0 cs:.
English edition of pope's book due in U.S. bookstores in September
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