JUNE 09, 2002, vol 52, no 12 by CatholicNews

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Have M ission w ill Travel VATICAN - Pope John Paul II made his 96th trip abroad when he visited Azerbaijan and Bulgaria from 22 to 26 May this year. He is, by far, the most travelled Pope there has ever been.

T o o o fte n , h o w e v e r, th e significance of his journeys seem to be m issed. This latest one, has suffered the m ost from this point of view, turning out to be, for Pope w atchers, a perfect exercise to ev alu ate the failing health of the Holy Father. Daily world new s co v erag e hardly even m entioned w hom h e m et, a lth o u g h th e m eetings w ere very significant. W hat he said in his m e ssa g e s w as even le ss dealt with. T he new s reports se e m e d to focus on th e fact that he had to u se a special lift designed for him to board and alight from the aircraft, a s he w as not able to u se the usual steps. Then he w as being w heeled around on a specially constructed platform (se e photo) b e c a u se he w as unable to walk. T h ese two pieces of equipm ent , th e reports carefully noted, had now b ecom e part of the Papal b ag g a g e w henever he travelled. His s p e e c h e s too, never mind th e content, w ere read by his S ecretary, except for the opening or closing p aragraphs which w ere spoken by th e Pontiff himself. N ever to be omitted in every report w ere speculations about his future scheduled visits to C an ad a and Latin America, which might be shortened or even cancelled, a p p e a lin g fo r c re d ib ility to

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It is time for th e W est to reaw aken, along with full resp ect for the East, a more intense cultural and spiritual encounter with the values it em b o d ies.” He also m ade a

sta te m en ts by Dr. Navarro-Valls, D irector of th e V atican P re ss, accom panying the Pontiff.

First stop, Azerbaijan

P ope John Paul II left R om e’s L eonardo da Vinci International Airport on board an Alitalia Airbus 321 for B aku, th e ca p ita l of A zerbaijan, and a s is custom ary for the Pope, he se n t telegraphic m e ssa g e s to the h e a d s of S tate of the countries w hose airsp ace he p a sse d through, starting with Italy, then Albania, G reece and Turkey. To each , he se n t a s su ra n c e s of prayers and best w ishes for the lead ers and their peoples. After an 8-hour flight the Pope arrived a t B aku’s International Airport at 4.00 pm w here he w as received by the P resident of the Republic of A zerbaijan, Mr. Heidar A liev, H e a d s of D ip lo m a tic m issions, the Apostolic Nuncio and various other officials. Although there are le ss than 100 Catholics in A zerbaijan, the P ope chose to accept the invitation of the P resident of th e Republic, w here Islam is the overwhelmingly majority religion. Christians there belong to the Orthodox Church.

Holy Father's Address

After th e form alities, th e Holy F ather a d d re sse d th e gathering, noting that his visit coincided with th e te n th a n n iv e rs a ry of th e

special appeal to all nations to be committed to peace. But, he said,” it

m ust be true p eace based on mutual respect , on th e re je c tio n of f u n d a m e n ta lis m and every form of imperialism and the pursuit of dialogue a s th e only effectiv e m e a n s of re so lv in g tensions, so that entire nations are saved from the cruelty of violence". In an o b v io u s reference to international terrorism the P ope said: “T he religions which in this country are striving to w o rk to g e th e r in harm ony should not be u sed a s a tragic ex cu se for enm ities which have their origin elsew here. No

Pope arrives in Azerbijan

one has the right to call upon God to justify their own selfish interests.

e s ta b l is h m e n t of d ip lo m a tic relations with the Vatican. He ex p re ssed that it w as with great joy that he w as finally able to visit this land which had a long and ancient history, rich with culture from th e m any specific featu res of the C au casu s, in which people of various religions live side by side with ea c h oth er in p e a c e and harm ony, and work to g eth er to build a better future in freedom . He praised th e spirit of tolerance and mutual ac ce p ta n ce which w as a reaso n for pride, for the country. As A zerbaijan w as a gatew ay betw een th e W est and the East, the Holy F ather said it w as “a

H ere at the gatew ay to the East, not far from w here arm ed conflict continues, cruelly an d sen selessly , to prevail, I wish to raise my voice, in th e spirit of the Assisi m eetings. I ask religious leaders to reject all violence as offensive to the name of God, and to be tireless prom oters of p ea ce and harmony, with resp ect for the rights of on e and all." The Pope later m et with leaders in the a re a s of religion, culture, art and politics and am ong other things urged them : "There is o n e thing in particular that I would like to sa y to you, m en and w om en of the world of religion, culture, art and politics:

symbol value of openness and ex change, which, if fostered by all parties, can ensure a particularly prominent role for the Azeri nation.

look to your young people and spare no effort on their behalf!

A rc h d io c e s e o f S in g a p o re h o m e p a g e , V e rita s : h ttp ://w w w .c a th o lic .o r g .s g .

T hey a re tom orrow ’s potential. They m ust b e assu re d the ch an ce

to study and work, according to their aptitudes and capacity. Above all, care m ust be taken to educate them in the important values which last an d give m eaning to life and its pursuits." On the second day of his visit th e Holy Father celebrated M ass in R ussian at th e P alace of Sport in Baku. This w as followed by private m eetings with the Chief Mufti of the C au casu s, Allahshukur P ash a-Z ad e, the Orthodox Eparc of Baku A leksander iVein, an d the P resident of Jew ish Community, Mr. Sem yon Ikhiidov. Visit to Bulgaria

T he following day 23 May, the P o p e left A zerbaijan for Bulgaria on an aircraft of Air Azerbaijan arriving at S ophia International Airport at 6.00 pm w here he w as m et by the Apostolic Nuncio to Bulgaria an d o th e r officials of Church and S tate. He w as then driven to th e S q u a re of St. A lexander Nevski at Sofia for the official w elcom e by the P resident of the Republic of Bulgaria, His Exc. Mr. Georgi Parvanov, His H oliness P atriarch Maxim an d officials of the Orthodox Patriarchy, Catholic Bishops, civil authorities and the Diplomatic Corps. T he Holy F ather e x p re ssed his g reat joy at being in Bulgaria during the F e a st of Sts. Cyril and Methodius, th e particular patron S aints of Bulgaria, b e c a u se in the Vatican ea c h y ear on the sa m e o c c a s io n h e r e c e iv e s th e rep rese n tativ es of th e Bulgaria G overnm ent and the Church. " In a way. therefore, today,” the Pontiff said, "I am h ere to repay th o se visits and to m eet in their own country th e beloved B ulgarian people. Today it is the Bishop of Rome who comes to you, prompted by th e sam e sen tim ents of communion in the love of Christ." • Continued on B ack Page

In te rn e t e d itio n o f T h e C a th o lic N e w s : h ttp ://w w w .c a th o lic .o r g .s g /C N .

Fr Ignatius: A vocation fostered by prayerful family By Mel Diamse-Lee

HIS journey to the priesthood be gan 20 years ago when, as a young boy, Ignatius Yeo felt an inner at traction to the ministry of the altar. “I first realised the inner drawing to the priesthood when I w as in primary three. By this time I w as an active altar server in the parish of Our Lady Q ueen Of P eace (OOP),” Fr Iggy, a s he is popularly known recalls. The feeling grew through the years, unknowingly nurtured and sustained by his family, w hose life w as centred on the M ass and on prayer. “My family always m ade it a point to pray together. I rem em ber us praying the Rosary, especially before my father went overseas and when he returned, which hap pened quite often,” he tells CN. The family also m ade many ‘pil grim ages’ to St Jo se p h ’s Church on Good Fridays, church visitations on Maundy Thursdays and Novena de votion on Saturdays, Fr Iggy said. “We even went for block Rosary together almost every-night. Every important occasion in the family is marked by a family M ass - birth days, anniversaries, exam s, etc.” On May 27, Fr Ignatius took the first step to being a full-pledged minister of the altar at the Church of Our Lady Q ueen of P eace. Towards the end of the ordina tion Mass, he thanked his parents for "letting me go, allowing me to be a priest, for sacrificing all your life” for himself and his brother, Fr Adrian Yeo, who w as ordained in October 1999 and now serves the parish of the Risen Christ. “You have been making many,

‘Although both of us studied so much in the seminary, it was you who taught us to really trust in divine providence and what it means to sacrifice without counting the cost. Thank you for the gift of our vocation. ’ Fr Adrian Yeo (left) and his brother, newly-ordained Fr Ignatius, flank Archbishop Nicholas Chia at the May 27 ordination. In front row are the priests’ parents Mr Stephen Yeo, Mrs Jenny Yeo, sister Linda, brother-inlaw Raymond, niece and nephew (second row, extreme right).

many considerable sacrifices for our sakes, so that we could carry on our vocation without being troubled by any burden, especially financially,” he said to his parents in full hearing of the congregation. He said that in 1999, due to som e financial constraints, he and his brother “painfully w atched” as their parents moved out of a house they had been occupying a long time to stay in a smaller one. “It w as also a learning and growth experience for us seeing how you both, already so advanced

in years, readily gave up your pos sessions. Most of all, what touched us w as your great trust in God, your devotion to Christ and Our Lady.” His voice breaking with emotion som etim es, he said to the congre gation: “My Dad always said to us ‘Don't worry, Our Lord and Our Lady will always protect u s.’ My Mom always said,‘I always pray to Our Lady and sh e will protect u s’. Addressing his parents, he said: “Although both of us studied a lot in the seminary, it was you who have taught us to really trust in divine provi dence and what it means to sacrifice without counting the cost. Thank you

for the gift of our vocation.” Fr Iggy joined St Francis Xavier Major Seminary eight years ago. He said to CN before his ordina tion: “Vocation is not just an indi vidual affair, it involves the sacrifice of the whole family. I rem em ber when I wanted to apply for the seminary, my brother had already joined and my sister w as already married, so the onus w as on me to look after my parents.” “But my parents were generous enough to let me go. My father said what w as m ost important w as that I’d be happy. And today I thank God for not only my generous parents

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Fr Ignatius prostrates himself before Archbishop Nicholas Chia during his ordination rite.

♦

Fr Ignatius Yeo to his parents during his ordination on May 27

but also for my sister and her hus band for undertaking the responsi bility of caring for my parents.” School and parish apostolates also fostered his vocation. “My years of involvement in the altar servers and the Legion of Mary both in church and in school drew me much closer to the Lord and His calling to m e,” Fr Iggy notes. “As I was very active in religious activities in school I w as very close to the La Salle Brothers. Being active in the parish brought me much closer to the priests and seminarians attached to the parish. That really strength ened my vocation," recalled the 29year-o ld form er s tu d e n t of S t Stephen’s and St Patrick’s, schools run by the La Salle Brothers. Saying he and his brother grew up “like any ‘normal’ brothers would, with fights and argum ents”, he clari fies that his vocation w as not solely influenced by his older brother’s. “Although it may seem that I am following his footsteps - we began in the Legion of Mary and the altar servers together and w ent to the sam e schools - I am quite sure that I am not just following in his foot steps. Rather, both of us are follow ing in the footsteps of Christ.” Like his brother before him, Fr Iggy cites former a QOP parish priest as a priestly role model. “Fr Carlo had a great impact on my vocation, having experienced his fatherly love, concern and constant encouragem ent,” he says. “During the ‘last’ stag e of my discernm ent Fr Stephen Yim, who was attached to QOP parish as a seminarian, w as a great source of help and encouragem ent to me. It w as he who helped in my applica tions and all the n ecessary arrange m ents.” He noted that he w as the first to be ordained by the new archbishop. Fr Iggy is the youngest of the three children of Stephen and Jenny Yeo.

JUNE 9 -JU N E 16, 2002

THE CATHOLIC NEWS

LOCAL

The Ten Commandments The D aughters of St. P aul's latest VCD rele ase is, by far, the m ost colourful an d with very good animation. It also h as the longest running time of 75 m inutes. In d eferen ce to a world which is now adays a global village with racial and ethnic sensitivities, the five ch aracters in the stories are from different backgrounds. T he two 'white' children are Rita and G iovanna, Italians. Then ■we have a C hinese called Pak, Julio is H ispanic and Akim is African. To remind us of ecological education there are cats, fish, birds and do g s in the stories a s well. The VCD h a s ten tracks, each explaining one com m andm ent in a story which is told with daily school and hom e events, in a language that children use, from their own perspective. A word of caution m ust be given to all parents and teachers. This kind of VCD is not m eant to be an en tertain m en t by itself. P aren ts and adults m ust be with the children w hen they w atch this VCD. T o g e th e r, th e y sh o u ld ex p lo re th e m ean in g of e a c h episode, its implications in their

concrete life and its application to their particular situation. No one should just give this VCD to a small child and let him or her watch it alone. As the two catechists, Barbara Ong and Anna Koo, who previewed this VCD, said: this VCD is an excellent tool for teach in g the im p o rta n t to p ic of th e T en C om m andm ents. The animation is g o o d a n d th e s to r y lin e is interesting but it h a s to be guided by an adult especially for sm aller children. P e rh a p s th e Prim ary cla sse s can w atch it by them selves and then d isc u ss it with their friends. A nna Koo intends to u se this VCD in her C am p drawing up so m e pertinent questions to ask th e ch ild ren a fte r th e y h a v e w atched it. In this w ay they can clarify their ideas and sh a re their insights with ea ch other. To show children that God is the only Lord whom w e worship and give our life to, the VCD h as the story of Julio who ‘‘alm ost w orships” his video gam e. He w as really so attached to it that he gave up his m eals and his time to this one obsessio n . This video

g am e rep rese n ts a god to him and th a t is a g a in s t th e F irst Com m andm ent. The VCD is also available in DVD format. T he VCD sells for $15.00 ea ch and is available at all the leading catholic bookshops. It w as produced in Italian by the Audiovisivi S an Paolo e Gruppo Alcuni in 2000. It w as dubbed in English and recorded in Italy with British voices. P aren ts and catech ists should w elcom e this new rele ase a s a timely opportunity for th e faith formation of their young children. In our S ingapore society, m ost p aren ts are e a g e r to buy anything that can m ake their children excel in their studies but how m any are e a g e r to se arch for material that can help their children com e to know m ore ^bout their God and to nourish a loving relationship with Je s u s and the Heavenly Father? May this VCD contribute to m ake this a reality for parents who som etim es have little reso u rces to raise their children spiritually. The VCD is a v a ila b le from th e D aughters of S t Paul.

(U C A N ) - An international school in Singapore has partnered with the archdiocesan commission for migrants to provide com puter skills to foreign migrant workers. C la sse s this year, which began in March and end ed May 5, ran for five s e ssio n s of two hours ea ch at the Singapore American School. T hey w e re c o n d u c te d in collaboration with the Com mission for the P astoral C are of Migrants and Itinerant People. O ver 110 people enrolled in the c la sse s that w ere held on the first two S undays of th e month at the school’s cam pus in W oodlands,

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north of the island. About 40 of the enrolled stu d e n ts received higher level skills instruction after having com pleted basic com puter lesso n s last year. Linda Clarke, a te ac h er at the in te r n a tio n a l s c h o o l, w as coordinator from the schools' side. S he recruited fellow te ac h ers a s volunteers. Gloria Likiyan, Clarke’s domestic worker and volunteer principal of the commission-run M adonna Skills Centre, coordinated the publicity and registration. Clarke told UCA News, “Each year, w e organize a social service project. Since last y ear w e worked with migrant w orkers together with the m igrants’ com m ission, w e said why not continue th e project.” Last y ear’s cou rse attracted 85 migrant workers. In addition to the eight volunteer teach ers, about 20 high school s tu d e n ts w ork ed a s te a c h in g assistan ts. Clarke said the student volunteers “have been enjoying them selves since they got into it. They cannot wait for the next session to start.” A cco rd in g to L ikiyan, th e registration fee of 30 S ingapore dollars (U S$17) paid by ea c h m igrant w orker w en t into th e com m ission's funds.

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O ne of two Indonesian w orkers at this y ear’s co u rses w as Siti Khujari, a g rad u ate of last y ea r’s basic course. The 25-year-old w om an told UCA News that sh e still struggles with th e keyboard. “But I am enjoying it. I learned how to log on to the Internet and check email m e ssa g e s. Now I have my own email a d d re ss,” sh e said. Before the Singapore American School em barked on the project last year, Clarke had volunteered a s a substitute te a c h e r at the M adonna Centre. “T h e re w e re tw o or th re e learners to on e com puter. It w as frustrating for them ,” sh e noted. S h e said sh e and the other teach er had to teach very basic skills to the migrant workers. “W e never worked so hard at teaching com puters before,” sh e recounted her co-teacher a s saying. “B ut th e (m ig ra n t) w o m e n ’s enthusiasm and humour in class w as really good. It m ade you want to relax. It felt good to know you are doing som ething that is helpful to the migrant workers,” Clarke said. S h e ex p re ssed hope that more m igrant w o rk ers w ho a re not Filipino would also register in future c lasse s. A graduation cerem ony is scheduled for O ctober.

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JUNE 9 -JU N E 16, 2002

THE CATHOLIC NEWS

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A new pilot project offering adult faith fo rm atio n via th e In te rn e t in Asia w as explored at a recent FABC so c ia l c o m m u n ic a tio n s m eeting. F a th e r F ra n z -J o s e f E ilers, e x e c u tiv e s e c r e t a r y of th e F e d e ra tio n of A sian B ish o p s’ C o n fe re n c e s O ffice of S ocial C o m m u n icatio n s (FA BC -O SC), h o p es to s e e online adult faith formation co u rse s begin next year. S ister A ngela Ann Zukowski, w h o p io n e e r e d th e V irtual L earning C om m unity for Faith Formation in the United S ta te s on which the program is b ased , said,

‘‘This is a new initiative to offer adult religious education and faith formation any tim e and anyw here via th e Internet.” S p e a k in g a t th e m e etin g , S ister Zukowski, executive director o f th e I n s titu te of P a s to r a l Initiatives of th e University of Dayton, said, “T he em p h asis in our program is on learning in com m unity.” “In th e v irtu a l le a r n in g com m unity, w e a re using th e c o n c e p t of a c o m m u n ity of learners in c y b e rsp a c e ,” ad d ed th e M issionary H elpers of the S acre d H eart nun, w ho is also a form er p resid en t of Unda, the

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international Catholic asso ciatio n for radio and television. T he proposed B angkok-based project will be a collaborative effort of th e FABC-OSC, A ssum ption U n iv e rsity a n d S t. J o h n ’s University in Bangkok, and the Marianist Brothers-run University of Dayton in th e U.S. sta te of Ohio. F ather Eilers said, “W e hope to b e able to pilot next y ear a few c o u rse s online in Asia through a c a d e m ic institutions su c h a s A ssum ption University an d St. J o h n ’s U niversity w hich h av e strong technology facilities. It is also our h ope th at th e s e c o u rse s can be m ad e available in local lan g u ag es. The V irtu al L e a rn in g Com munity for Faith Formation p ro g ra m s ta r t e d a t D ay to n university in S ep te m b er 1997 a s a pilot project with Cincinnati a rch d io cese and w as ex p an d ed in 2000. It u s e s the Internet a s a tool for interactive faith formation w ith th e aim of e d u c a tin g c a te ch ists and others. It includes basic c o u rse s on Catholic beliefs, Church history, J e s u s , S acra m en ts, S criptures, social justice and m edia literacy. M ore th a n 10 n ew c o u r s e s , including on th e B lessed M other and nurturing parish an d Church leadership, are being developed a t th e A m erican university. FABC-OSC Chairm an Bishop G eo rg e Yod Phim phisan of Udon Thani, said th ere is interest in fin d in g o u t w h e th e r D ay to n University’s online program can be ad a p te d to th e Asian context. “Although w e may have lan g u ag e and cultural barriers, th ere should be w ays to offer th e se co u rses, which a re d esig n ed to support and e n h a n c e th e evangelization, c a te c h e tic a l a n d a d u lt faith formation m inistries of th e Church in A sia,” said th e Thai bishop. T he pilot project will train A sians to b ecom e local facilitators. They will tak e th e co u rse online w ith D a y to n to fa m ilia riz e th e m se lv es with the p ro ce ss and methodology. At th e end of this year, the p ro sp ectu s facilitators will receive basic training by Dayton for their mentoring role in cy b ersp ace. F ath er Eilers said th e re are two a re a s which a re particularly im p o r ta n t fo r A sia , n a m e ly evangelization and youth ministry. “W e will also try to explore w hether this new frontier of the Internet can also be a c c e s s e d in m ainland C hina,” he ad d ed .

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N uns say their w eeklong stint a s h o u sem aid s in a parish in e a ste rn Indonesia tau g h t them valuable le s s o n s ab o u t living a life of serv ice and solidarity with the poor. From April 29 to May 5, sev en n u n s of th e J e s u s , Mary and J o s e p h C o n g re g a tio n w o rk ed in c o g n ito a s h o u s e m a id s for Catholic families of St. Jo h n the Evangelist Church in Laikit, 2,130 kilom etres n o rth east of Jak arta. D isguised a s h o u sem aid s they applied for a job a s part of their congregation’s “society orientation w eek program .” For o n e w eek they cooked, w ash ed d ish es, did th e lau n d ry an d c le a n e d th e h o u se s for th e families. S ister A gustina R anteallo told UCA N ew s th at sh e “felt lucky” to ex p erien ce th e day-to-day life of lay p e o p le . “F o rtu n a te ly w e w o rk ed in c o g n ito ,” s h e sa id , otherw ise “they would not let us work for th em .” “As Religious, w e took a vow of poverty, but in th e m onastery w hat w e need is alw ays m ad e available to us. Our food and habit are all taken care of,” S ister R anteallo said. S h e a d d e d th at during the w eek sh e an d th e oth er sisters lived a life of so lid arity with dom estic workers, sharing not only th^ir work but suffering. R ecounting her ex p erien ce, S ister T h eresia P arelabi told UCA N e w s, “D o in g th e la u n d ry ,

cooking, clean in g an d sew ing w e re my r e g u la r jo b s a s a housem aid. At m eals I did not sh a re th e sa m e table with the family, and th e plate I u sed w as different from th o se u sed by the family m em bers." S ister A n astasia Mila said the housew ife sh o u ted at her harshly on o n e occasion. On S unday, May 5, th e nuns - w earing their habits - revealed their identities to their em ployers, prom pting s o m e fam ily m em b ers to cry for having m istreated them . “Forgive me, sister,” o n e nun recounted her em ployer a s saying. F ath er J u s Talangi of St. Jo h n the E vangelist Church told UCA News May 7 th at he ap p reciated the nun’s orientation program . “Amid th e deciine of religious v o c a tio n s in N orth S u la w e s i province, th e sisters n eed to b ear w itness through their life, attitude an d d e e d s a s individuals a s well a s a community. Religious need to sh a re J e s u s ’ love to the people,” tire priest said. S iste r R an teallo said , “For m ore than a 100 y ea rs of our c o n g r e g a tio n 's s e r v ic e in Indonesia, this is th e first time we p rese n t o u rselv e s a s dom estic h elp ers.” S h e said th at her ex p erien ce m ad e h er realize th at living a family life w as not e a sie r than living a religious life. “I thank the family for the ex p erien ce I had with th em ,” th e sister said.

internet Caution (U C A N ) — T h e chairm an of Indonesian b ish o p s’ C o m m is s io n fo r S o c ia l C o m m u n ic a tio n s h a s w a rn e d C a th o lic s n o t to id o lize th e Internet. S acred H eart of J e s u s Bishop A n d re a s H e n r is o e s a n t o of T anjungkarang, who h e a d s the c o m m is s io n , to ld s o m e 5 0 0 participants at a May 19 sem inar, “Don't g et to th e point th at the Internet b ec o m e s your idol.” During the sem in ar in Ja k arta to m ark World Com m unications D ay, th e b ish o p e n c o u r a g e d participants, mostly Religious, to alw ays rem em b er th e im portant v alu es which a re n e c e s sa ry for the d evelopm ent of spiritual life. T he Church, th e prelate said, is not conservative but worries ab o u t th e im pact of som ething new, such a s th e Internet, on C hristian v alu es. T he C hurch, therefore, n e e d s to b e very careful in responding, he ad d ed . “S om ething new so m etim es co n fu ses th e Church. However, the Holy Spirit w orks and en a b le s the Church to ad ju st itself and ev en a c c e p t it not only a s a ch an ce, but m ore than that, a s a c a ll,” th e b is h o p to ld th e participants. A c c o rd in g to B ish o p H enrisoesanto, th e Church could m ake p ro g ress in a fast changing world by persevering in discerning its moral an d spiritual m ission. T he bishop also called on Catholics to b e careful in choosing from w hat th e Internet offers. “It is JAKARTA

also th e duty of p riests to guide th e faithful to b e selectiv e,” the bishop said. Je su it F ath er Alexius S oesilo Wijoyo told participants th at it m ak es s e n s e for th e Church to worry ab o u t th e p ossible decline in th e practice of Christian values b r o u g h t a b o u t by th e n ew technology. H owever, F ather Wijoyo, who is th e co m m issio n ’s ex ecu tiv e secretary , said, “T he Church will p r o c e e d t o g e th e r w ith th e p r o g r e s s in te c h n o lo g y a n d information. T hat is th e only way for th e Church to survive.” Echoing th e b ish o p ’s idea, the priest said, “Each individual a s an internet u se r h as a responsibility to be selective ab o u t w hat the Internet is offering.” F ran sisk a S ed a, lecturer on sociology at th e Ja k a rta -b a se d S tate-run University of Indonesia, said, “Many people feel concerned over th e revolutionary im pact of th e Internet.” It is a challenge for families an d sch o o ls to guide children to be resp o n sib le p e rso n s in using the Internet, h e ad d ed R aym ond Toruan, chief editor of “T he Ja k arta Post" daily, said, “I am personally proud of P o p e Jo h n Paul II for his o p e n n e ss to th e co n tem p o rary p ro g re s s of technology an d inform ation.” T he P o p e c h o s e the th em e “In te rn e t: A N ew F o ru m for Proclaiming th e G o sp el” for the 36th World Com m unications Day, which fell on May 12 this year.

JUNE 9 -JU N E 16, 2002

THE CATHOLIC NEWS

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The Cry of Hunger (U C A N ) — R e p re s e n ta tiv e s of 25 A siaPacific countries attending the FAO re g io n a l m e e tin g h a v e a g re ed th at renew ed political will is n ee d ed to end h unger in the region. D eleg ates at th e 26th Food a n d A g riculture O rg a n iz a tio n (FAO) Regional C onference for A sia and th e P a c ific in K athm andu May 13-17 s tre s se d th e n eed for governm ents to d em o n strate m ore com m itm ent to food production developm ent, re-search , and em pow erm ent of th e poor a s w ays to reduce chronic food shortage. With two-thirds of the w orld's 8 0 0 million s e v e r e ly u n d e r nourished , the Asia-Pacific region w as th e focus of the 1996 FAO World Food Sum m it that aim ed to red u ce global hunger by half, by th e y ea r 2015. One-fifth of the world’s 6 billion population lives in hunger. T he K athm andu m eeting, that included 16 agriculture m inisters am ong the 176 participants, w as o n e of a num ber of FAO regional m eetings to be held before a gathering of world le a d e rs in Ju n e 2002 in Rom e for the “World Food Summit" five y ea rs later, to exam ine p ro g ress and plan the next p h ase. Attending on behalf of the Holy S e e a s o b se rv e rs w as a four-m em ber delegation led by A rchbishop Lorenzo Baldisseri, Apostolic Nuncio to Nepal. J a c q u e s Diouf, FAO director general, said global efforts to red u ce th e num ber of u n d ernourished people around

KATHM ANDU

the world w ere falling far short of the ta rg e ts se t at th e world sum m it in 1996. Although, “so m e countries are doing very well, th e re is a vital n eed for political will th at is lacking in m any co u n tries,” he said. In their final report on Asia, th e conference urged countries to give priority to agriculture and rural d e v e lo p m e n t to re d u c e u n d e r - n o u r is h m e n t. T hey s tr e s s e d th e n e e d for good g o v e r n a n c e a n d e n h a n c in g participation of the poor in policy making and the im plem entation of hunger eradication program s. Noting that political stability an d p e a c e w ere e s s e n tia l conditions for in creased private investm ent in food production, th e participants said they w ere co n c ern ed over th e declining flow of funds to th e agricultural sector. T h e m e e tin g p ut sp e c ia l e m p h asis on rural w om en who m ake up m ore than 40 p ercent of the agricultural labour force in the region. It also noted th at Asia is hom e to th ree-q u arters of the world’s farming h o u seh o ld s and th at the bulk of th e farm ers are poor and undernourished. It also d isc u sse d su stain ab le . m ountain developm ent in Asia, highlighting th e im portance of m o u n tain s in -providing fresh w ater, hydropow er, agricultural and forestry products, biological diversity, m inerals and tourism. The m eeting exam ined the v u ln e r a b ilitie s of m o u n ta in ecosystem s, cultures, w om en and children in upland a r e a s a s well

a s how “ill-prepared m ountain people a re to co m p ete effectively in o pen ec o n o m ie s.” Diouf called for increased rural investm ent to g e n e ra te higher em ploym ent, incom e, productivity an d production in Asia. He said th e FAO d e le g a te s had strongly urged im m ediate im p lem en tatio n of th e World T r a d e O r g a n iz a tio n ’s D o h a D eclaration intended to support fair an d eq u itab le agricultural tra d in g m e c h a n is m s for th e developing world. “If on e governm ent h as a good rea so n to provide a s s is ta n c e and in c r e a s e in v e s tm e n t to th e agricultural an d food se cto r then th e r e is no w ay th e o th e r (countries) can n o t do s o ,” he said. T h e A s ia -P a c if ic re g io n show ed a “splendid perfo rm an ce” in agricultural production by five of th e 40 countries, but th at w as offset by a m iserable perform ance in eight countries, Diouf said. T he m eeting called for the building of in tern atio n al food sto c k s in A sia to d e a l with em erg en cies. Prior to the FAO conference, a tw o-day m eeting of NGOs, including C aritas Nepal, w arned of th e negative im pact of profitoriented agricultural developm ent and food production on th e lives of farm ers, forest dw ellers and fishing com m unities. They said this w as ca u se d by the “direct dictates of transnational corporations" an d b u s in e s s e s , “facilitated by th e World T rade O rganization, World Bank and Asian D evelopm ent B ank.”

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Call for Dialogue

SAINT ANNE’S CHURCH A & L

NEW DELHI (UCAN) — Catholic

bishops in India have joined world le a d e rs in urging India an d Pakistan to initiate dialogue to end fe a rs of w ar betw een the n u clear-capable countries. The C a th o lic B ish o p s’ C on ference of India urged the two nations to “refrain from the path of an arm ed conflict” and “work tow ard a solution of p e a c e and dialogue to fight terrorism .” F e a rs of w ar and u se of nuclear arm s heightened in the region afte r th e two n atio n s readied an estim ated 1 million troops along their borders, amid h eightened w ar rhetoric, in midMay. “India and P akistan m ust work tow ard diplom acy and dialogue to avoid the p rese n t situation at their b o rd ers,” Auxiliary Bishop Percival F ern an d e z of Bom bay, th e c o n f e r e n c e 's s e c r e ta r y general, said in th e May 25 statem ent. India b la m e s P ak istan for aiding militancy in Kashmir, a disp u ted border territory. T he tension in creased after a May 14 m ilita n t a t ta c k in I n d ia 's n o r th e r n m o s t Jam m u and K ashm ir s ta te th a t killed 34 people. P a k is ta n h a s r e p e a te d ly denied the ch a rg es, but alleged India of su p p ressin g a freedom

m ovem ent in Kashmir. P akistan also adm its giving moral and d ip lo m a tic s u p p o r t to th e m ovem ent. The b ish o p s’ sta te m en t said th a t “both th e countries should u n d e rs ta n d th a t th e y c a n n o t afford a w ar at a tim e w hen millions of their people a re living in p o v e rty , s o c ia l in ju s tic e , illiteracy and painful econom ic conditions.” Although the Church and other nations have a sk ed for dialogue, India insists that it will not hold bilateral talks until Pakistan sto p s backing militants. “T he world com m unity should u nderstand that th e re is a limit to India’s p atien ce,” India’s Prime Minister Atal Behari V ajpayee said in a nationally televised sp e ec h May 26. D e fe n s e a n a ly s t C. R aja Mohan said India is “unlikely to reco n sid er its military p osture u n le s s it is c o n v in c e d ” th a t P ak istan ’s efforts to end terrorism in India is “com p reh en siv e.” Such fea rs brought E uropean C o m m is s io n e r fo r E x te rn a l R elations Chris P atten and British Foreign S ecretary Ja ck Straw to the su b c o n tin e n t mid-May. U.S. D eputy S ecretary of S tate R ic h a rd A rm ita g e is a ls o sc h ed u le d visit th e region in early Ju n e in an attem p t to find

a dip lo m atic so lu tio n to th e standoff. F ears of a w ar in th e Indian su bcontinent reportedly figured prominently in th e recen t R ussiaUnited S ta te s sum m it in Moscow, w here both the nations decided to work jointly to red u ce IndiaP akistan tension. V a jp a y e e a n d P a k is t a n 's P r e s id e n t G e n e ra l P erv ez M usharraf are scheduled to attend a m in is te ria l s u m m it-le v e l C on feren ce on Interaction and C onfidence Building M easu res in Asia on Ju n e 2-5 at Almaty, K azakhstan. “It is an o ccasion to break the military an d n uclear logjam," said C. Uday B haskar, deputy director of the Institute of D efense S tudies and A nalyses. H e s a id le a d e rs of both nations should realize th at “only talks and not w ar would produce a lasting solution” to th e problem that h a s b een “bedevilling the region for d e c a d e s now.” W hen India an d P akistan w as divided into two nations at the e n d of B ritish ru le in th e subcontinent in 1947, Muslimm ajority K ash m ir b e c a m e a disputed territory. P akistan and India h av e sin ce fought three w ars and a localized skirmish in the sta te of Jam m u an d Kashmir.

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JUNE 9 - JUNE 16, 2002

THE CATHOLIC NEWS

CHILDREN’S CORNER Results of Contest No.1 (1st. Comm.) The Sacraments

This quiz is open to children who are preparing to receive Holy Communion and are attending classes at their Parishes.

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

C LUES and A N S W E R S

Prizes will be aw arded to the first three correct entries to reach the Editor AFTER Wednesday 12 June 2002, by e-mail to steeple(5>sinanet.com,sa. The first three correct entries will be based on the date and

Across:

time as recorded in the "Inbox". The Editor's decision is final.

Closing Date: midnight (Fri/Sat 14/15 June)

All that is need ed to send the answ ers, is to u se the num bers of the clues a s indicated and state the an sw er for ea ch clue.

If you are not a boy, you will never be able to g et it, even if you w anted to. - HOLY ORDERS

You can receive this even a s a baby.

- BAPTISM

7. With CONFIRM ATION you are stren g th en ed to b ear w itness to Je s u s .

Children m ust give their full nam es, a d d re sse s, and the First Communion C lass they are attending at their Parishes. Do not forget to provide your OWN contact, otherw ise it will not be possible to advise you, if you have won. All entries will be acknow ledged. W inners, the first three correct entries, will be announced in the following issue of the Catholic News, and will be informed of how they can collect their prizes.

Contest No. 2

W hen you are naughty you need

- RECONCILIATION

You are preparing for this.

- EUCHARIST

Mummy and D addy received this.

- MATRIMONY

W hen you are seriously ill, you may ask for this sacram ent. - SICK

(1st Comm.)

The God we believe in

Down:

CLUES

NOTES:

HOLY ORDERS is the correct nam e. You may h ear people referring to Ordination, which is the cerem ony. Orders is plural b e c a u se there are several "levels". The highest is the ’Episcopate’which Bishops receive.

RECONCILIATION is the correct nam e. S om e call it

EUCHARIST - also referred to a s 'Holy Communion'

MATRIMONY - often called 'Marriage'

SICK - used to be called 'Extreme Unction'b e c a u se it w as m eant for

Across:

4 How many persons are there in God?

The foster-father of Je s u s w as

7 How many G ods are there?

The mother of J e s u s w as

Down:

1 Je su s worked many

2 Je su s lived in 3 J e s u s w as born in 4 Je s u s also did a lot of 5 The p ersons in God are called the

'Penance' or simply Confession', both of which actually refer to parts of the sacram ent.

th o se 'in danger of death' only. Now it is for th o se who a re seriously ill - just having the flu or a cough and cold is NOT enough. The Oil of the Sick, one of the three which are b lessed on Holy Thursday by the Archbishop, is u sed for the anointing in this sacram ent.

TIP: Most of the time you will find the answers or clear clues to them in the current or recent issues of the Catholic News.

Created by CNews with EclipseCrossword.

Who died to sav e us? The W INNERS ARE

Prizes for C ontest No. 2 (1st Comm.) are very kindly sponsored by:

1 Francesca Kok Si Hui

Carlo Catholic Society, Chinese / English Bookshop

of the Church Of th e Risen Christ

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JUNE 9 -JU N E 16, 2002

THE CATHOLIC NEWS

LOCAL

WORLD

Discovering the rich history of Holy Land

President meets Pope VATICAN -

On 28 May, P ope John Paul II m et US P resident G eorge W Bush at the Vatican. P resident Bush w as in Rom e with other NATO lead ers for an impor tant meeting. He w as acco m p a nied to th e Vatican by his S e c re tary of S tate Colin Powell and N a tio n a l S e c u rity A d v iso r C ondoleeza Rice together with the US A m b assador to the Vatican, Jim Nicholson. The actual meeting of the Holy Father and P resident Bush w as strictly private with no interpreters nor aid es present. The Director of the Vatican P re ss Office, Dr. Joaquin NavarroValls issued an official statem en t after the meeting, reporting the following points. T he Holy F ather thanked the P resident for his deference in com ing to m eet him before returning to the United S tates, despite his heavy schedule. Dr Navarro-Valls indicated that the two leaders discussed the more p r e s s in g in te rn a tio n a l is s u e s am ong which w as the situation of the Middle East. Apart from the political issues, they also d iscu ssed the hum ani tarian dim ensions of the situation of th e Israeli and Palestinian peo ples, a s well a s the difficult situa tion of Christians in the Middle East.

By Aaron Lye

The Holy Father warmly welcomes President Bush

The Holy F ather stre s se d his clo se n e ss to the American people, particularly after the ev en ts of S e p tem ber 11. In conclusion, th e Holy F a th e r e x p re sse d , th a t d e sp ite th e difficulties of th e C hurch at this tim e, he m aintained his faith in the spiritual re so u rc e s of Ameri can C atholics w ho would co n tinue to w itn ess to th e G ospel

v alu es in their society. While th e P o p e m et with the US President, Vatican S ecretary of S tate, Cardinal Angelo S od an o and Foreign Relations S ecretary, Archbishop Jean-Louis T auran met with US S ecretary of S tate Colin Powell. Editor - Vatican Press Reports

SINGAPOREAN Catholics learned of the history of Israel and its ancient neighbours from veteran Bible theo logian and archeologist, Dr Elizabeth McNamer, who gave for a series of workshops and talks from May 19-22. Dr McNamer, a religious studies te a c h e r in M ontana, th e United States, conducted a half-day work shop at the Church of Our Lady Q ueen of P eace (QOP) on the Holy Land from the time of Abraham to the present and significant Jewish feasts, such a s P entecost and Hannukah. Particularly w ell-received by som e 200 participants w as the talk in which Dr McNamer outlined the history of the Israelites with em pha sis on how archeology has given the modern world greater insight into the world that they lived in. S he spoke of the many conflicts that marked the history of Israel, the annihilation of the northern kingdom of Israel by the Assyrians in 732 BC, the resulting deportation that gave birth to the Sam aritans, the product of unions betw een Israelites and A ssyrians. S h e related how the Babylonians destroyed the temple in Jerusalem and forced the Israelites to move to Babylon (c 586 BC) and the restoration of the Temple with the aid of the Persians.

Birth of a new Nation D IL I, East T im o r- At midnight of M ay 1 9 /2 0 , East Tim or becam e th e new est independent country under the n a m e o f The D e m o cra tic

Republic o f East Timor. T h e n e w c o u n try h a s an o v e rw h e lm in g ly C a th o lic population of so m e 750,000 out of th e total population of 843,100. H o w e v e r, d e s p i t e th e h u g e Catholic population, there are only 31 p arish e s served by 43 priests. T here a re 131 m ale religious of v ario u s c o n g re g a tio n s , m ainly S ale sia n s. S iste rs num ber 220, and betw een all th e s e religious, th ey o p e ra te 247 institutes of education and oth er services. T he Holy Father, P o p e John Paul II, se n t a personal envoy in th e p e r s o n of V a tic a n 's UN A m bassador, A rchbishop R enato Martino (who w as th e first V atican A m b assad o r to S ingapore) to the In d ep en d en ce celebrations in Dili,

Bishop Belo of Dili

Candlelight prayer service on the vigil of Independence the capital. In a special m e ssa g e , written in P o r tu g u e s e , th e n a tio n a l language, and a d d re ss e d to his B rothers in the E piscopate, the Civil Authorities and th e T im orese P eople, th e Holy F ath er referred to th e sp e cia l m idnight M ass presided by his Extraordinary L egate, A rchbishop Martino a s a thanksgiving to God for th e gift of in d e p en d e n ce for their country and a s su re d them of his spiritual union with them . He urged them to work tow ards th e building up of a country w here justice, freedom and p e a c e would flourish. T he P o p e stre s se d th at d em ocracy without basic hum an valu es would be of no use. T here m ust be, he add ed , re sp e c t for life an d for all p e r s o n s , e f f e c tiv e s o lid a rity b etw e en th e m e m b ers of th e

co m m u n ity , o p e n n e s s to th e contributions of every category of p e rso n s an d attention to n e e d s of all citizens, particularly the young who are th e future of society. In

the spirit of th e F e a st of P en te co st which they w ere celebrating, they should be co n scio u s of the pow er of th e Spirit in them to renew th e m se lv es an d th e world. T he Holy F ath er concluded his m e s s a g e with his very b est w ish es for their new P resident, His Exc. Kay R ala X a n a n a G usm ao an d for their two Bishops, Msgr. C arlos Filipe X im enes Belo and Msgr.. Basflio do Nascim ento, the A postolic A dm inistrators of Dili an d B aucau and im parted to all his A postolic Blessing. On 20 May, th e re w a s a sim u ltan eo u s an n o u n c em en t of th e estab lish m en t of diplom atic relations betw een the new country and th e V atican at th e level of E m b assy on th e part of the new D e m o c ra tic R e p u b lic of E a s t Timor an d at th e level of Apostolic N unciature on th e part of the Vatican. Editor - Vatican Press Reports

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She also spoke of the invasion of the Greeks and the persecution that followed and the Roman occupation, up to the time of Christ. The coming of a false messiah resulted in the total destruction of the Jewish state, the formation of the new Israel in 1948 and the conflicts that exist till today. Dr McNamer also conducted a series of talks at Novena Church for three days on the topics “The Search for the Historical Je s u s ”, “The First Century of Christianity in Jerusalem ” and “Bethsaida: W hat the Stones Can Tell Us”. Ms Rose Tan, a parishioner from the Church of Our Lady Q ueen of P eace, said the talks wa? very inter esting. Mr Bernard Low, from the parish of St Ignatius, said it w as a good talk. He felt, however, that the workshop seem ed a little rushed, “There were too many things to cover. It would’ve been better to have more time to focus.” Dr Mcnamer’s talks w ere organ ized by th e S in g ap o re P astoral Institute and the Little Rock Scrip tu re S tu d y (L R S S ) g ro u p s in Singapore. The LRSS programme h as been gaining popularity in Singapore, with study groups in parishes including Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, B lessed S acram en t, S t Michael, Q ueen of P eace and Holy Cross.

W orld R efugee Day M ass IN CONJUCTION with the United Nation’s dedication of June 20 as World Refugee Day, the Jesuit R e fu g e e S erv ice , S in g a p o re (JR S ) and th e Church of Our Lady of P e r p e tu a l S u c c o u r (OLPS) are organising a Mass for the millions of refugees around the world. Catholics are called to reflect on the plight of som e 50 million uprooted people, about half of which a re children w ho h av e been violently taken out of their hom es. To underscore the plight of so m e 25 million children, th e United Nations High Commission for Refugees has adopted the im age of a refugee child in crutches for its banner, to remind others of the uncertain and possibly, hopeless future of th ese refugees unless people work together to resolve the refugee crisis. The Mass in Singapore will be held at OLPS at 12 noon on June 23, to be led by Mgr Eugene Vaz. All are welcome. For further infor mation contact JRS 6463-6022.

JUNE 9 - J U N E 16, 2002

10 Ordinary

The Texts:

THE CATH O LIC NEW S

FAITH IN LIFE

11 Ordinary

June 9

June 16

A PERSONAL GOD

A PEOPLE CALLED BY GOD

1 Rd: Hosea 3:3-6 2 Rd: 4:18-24

The Texts: 1 Rd: Ex 19-26

Resp: Ps 49 Gospel: M t 9:9-13

2 Rd: Rom 5:6-11

Resp: Ps 99 Gospel: Mt 9:36;10:8

We glory in the title of the “New People of God “, because God has called us as his own: “We are his people, the sheep o f his flock “ There are consequences that follow from the fact that we are this new People of God.

We recently celebrated the Feast of the most Holy Trinity of God the deepest mystery of our faith, since it concerns the innermost nature of God himself. However, there is a danger that we consider God as a very "distant being". The texts of the Readings in today's Mass give us further insights into the nature of God. He is not as "distant" as he seems to be.

In the First Reading, God instructed Moses, to tell the people: “Say this to the house o f Jacob, declare this to the sons o f Israel, .. you o f all the nations shall be my very own, for all the earth is mine. I will count you a kingdom o f priests, a consecrated nation. ”

First Reading : God is great. He created the world and he sustains

it with his power. He is also a just God who expects us to respond to him. Our response however is very fickle, our love wavers: This love o f yours is like a morning cloud, like the dew that quickly disappears. What he wants from us is genuine love: what I want is love, not sacrifice.

The Responsorial Psalm states very clearly: “Know that he, the Lord, is

Responsory:. God is Lord of all the earth. We need to recognize and acknowledge this with praise and thanksgiving and even through reliance on him.

In the Second Reading, St Paul is at pains to explain to us that we can absolutely rely on the promise of salvation that is made to us by Christ. The greatest proof of his love for us was that he gave up his like so that we might be reconciled to God. This is one of the oft-recurring themes of St. Paul. Not only, St Paul says, can we count on being saved, we are already saved: "we have already gained our reconciliation".

God. He made us, we belong to him, we are his people the sheep o f his flock."

Second Reading: In the Old Testament, God had promised Abraham that he would make him the father of a great nation. However, Abraham and his wife were very old, but that "did not shake his b e lie f in God's promises. He "drew strength from faith and gave glory to God, convinced that God had the power to do what he had promised." This we are told is "what justified him ."

In the Old Testament, fidelity was to be the absolute condition for the fulfilment of God's promises. “ ..if you obey my voice and hold fast to my covenant, you o f all the nations shall be my very own, for all the earth is mine. I will count you a kingdom o f priests, a consecrated nation. “ So too, in the New Testament, we, the New Chosen People of God, can expect the fulfilment of Christ’s promises, provided we obey his voice and hold fast to his new Covenant.

Alleluia verse: A prayer to make us receptive to God's Word, his

Son Jesus. Gospel: We are called by God, and indeed in a very personal way, just as he called Matthew personally in the Gospel of today. " ..he saw a man named Matthew ... and he said to him: Follow me." Matthew's response, typical of those Christ chose as his Apostles, was immediate and total: And he got up and followed h im ." The other incident in the Gospel: the criticism that was levelled at him because he mingled with sinners, drew a curt response from Jesus: I did not come to call the

The Acclamation for the Gospel says: “the sheep that belong to me listen to my voice, says the Lord, I know them and they follow me. " "Listening"

and "following" are specific traits of 'belonging.' The Gospel gives us the names of al the Twelve Apostles and the power and mission that Christ entrusts to them.

virtuous but sinners.

Application in life

Not long ago, on Trinity Sunday, we celebrated the greatness of God in his unfathomable mystery. We will never fully comprehend him, but He reveals himself through various attributes in the Scriptures, as in today's readings. He is all powerful and he is faithful to his promises. He is also a loving God and one who is ready to help us in our distress. While he is a just judge, yet he is ready to forgive sinners.

Being the People of God is not something that is owing to us. It wasn't owing to the People of Israel, either. In the Old Testament, God was at pains to remind them that they had no right to the title. They were God’s People only because he chose them, and He chose them for no other reason than because he loved them. As time went on, however, they seemed to have forgotten this and practically saw it as a right, a heritage which they were very proud of and which they were very jealous of. This led them to despise everyone else who was not of their race.

We might not experience in such dramatic ways as in the Old Testament, the power and love of God, but surely in our personal lives we have felt the intervening hand of God. If we haven't, it probably is because we hardly stop to ponder and review our lives in the light of our faith. All too often we attribute the good things that happen to us in life as being good luck or fortune - we were "lucky" we say. Actually, the expression is hardly reflective of our belief and faith in God's providence!

We certainly cannot link our being the New People of God with race, since we are of different races from every part of the world. We could however, fall into the same error of the original People of God, in taking our title for granted and mistakenly presuming that it is our right and heritage. To do this can be fatal, because we overlook the condition

for the fulfilment of God’s promises - a condition which is common to both the Old and the New People of God. The condition is that of fidelity. We know what happened to the Chosen People in the Old Testament because of their persistent infidelity. They were finally rejected and a new Chosen People was instituted based, not on blood and race, but on fidelity of the spirit of the New Covenant.

Our response to a God like this should be, first of all, one of love.

Unfortunately we are only too aware that the description of the First Reading is indeed a description of the way in which we love God. The reading compares it to dew in the morning which disappears as soon as the sun rises. We are very fickle in our love for God. We must be proclaiming our love for him thousands of times in our prayers, especially when we want some favours from him. But when we've got what we prayed for, then we just as soon forget about God. Worse still, despite all our protestations of love, we just as easily disobey his command ments and sin against his divine majesty. Hardly the characteristic of genuine love on our part!

While we claim to be this new People of God, we have to show it in our lives. The acid test of our membership of the New People of God is in the way we live our lives. Jesus speaks of sheep who listen to his voice. Listening, as we know, is not the equivalent of hearing. Listening is paying attention to and following. Hence Jesus’ reference to “sheep that follow.”

There is another thing that comes across to us in the readings - in the Gospel passage. God chooses each of us by name, he calls us by name. That, incidentally is an element that comes through very often in the Scriptures. This underscores a very personal "touch" as it were. We are not just one in millions of people. We are known to God individually, somehow. He IS Godl If oniy we could come to a deep realization of this. We are known to God individually, he loves us individually, he cares for us individually, the takes an interest in our lives individually, he calls us individually, he hopes for an individual and personal response from us.

Do we bear such characteristics? Being Christian is much more than just having our names inscribed in a Baptism Register and having a Certificate to prove it. It means living a new life and indeed, manifesting that newness, in day to day living. Neither does it mean coming to Mass on Sundays or even everyday for that matter. It means living lives that have been transformed by the redemptive grace of God. This, in turn, is more that just a theological phrase. It must be a reality, and all realities in our human experience are manifested concretely. So where do we stand in the face of all this? Can we truly claim to be members of God’s Chosen People? That’s something for each of

Sure, he calls us as a people, too. He calls us as community, but that, as Vatican II put it, does not detract from the fact that we are saved as individuals, through an individual response on our part. In the Gospel he calls Matthew as an individual person. Matthew responds equally as an individual: "And he got up and followed him!"

us to ponder!

JUN E 9 - J U N E 16, 2002

THE CATHO LIC NEW S

FAMILY

Family v School

Under Assault

child is concerned, a great When it comes to the teaching "political will of governments" that their own interests, whatever form One could say, presumably without crowd of people. All these people, of values there often seems to is needed. That political will, how these take. In a sense, one can be too much dissent, that the concept in one way or another are having be a question of "passing the ever, needs the backing of the forgiven for taking a stance of of "family" is as old as time an influence on the child's values, buck". Parents often blame the electorate, and that is why "mak resignaton to the inevitable! There "family", that is, loosely defined as for better or for worse. school for deviations that they ing a noise" always helps in such are, however, other sources that a grouping of parents and their When the child begins to go notice in their offspring. Equally matters. Then too, there are these contribute to the problematic of the offspring. Interestingly the basic to some formal establishment of often, teachers blame the lack of numerous individuals whose voices family and children in the world of concept is not confined to the hu education, the "crowd" grows. values in students on deficien have the ability to make more today. Disease and poverty also man species alone but goes beyond Now it has teachers and friends cies in home education. noise than the rest of us - individu account for a large proportion of into the animal kingdom. It ap in the establishment. The solution is probably best als who are the professionals and the problem facing families and pears that it is a biological necessity At this stage, the 'school' seen as a co-operation between experts in the related fields, not children. whenever the offspring are not able is going to be an even more these two sources of value-eduforgetting, of course, Catholic poli When, however, one reads the to survive on their own. powerful force for value educa cation for the child. ticians. reports of various organizations of While this fundamental concept tion. This is not surprising be It is certainly true that parents Not to be neglected is the noise the United Nations, and their suc has been accepted from time im cause everyone associates are the first educators of their that ought to be made by the cesses, one wonders why more memorial, it appears that 'school' with a place where one children. The child certainly "endangered species" themselves cannot be done. Often, the dis present-day thinking seems to sug learns. does not go to school as soon - the children! Probably the great eases that are talked about have gest otherwise, at least, as far as Apart from this association as it is born. Even if one consid est realization that emerged from all but been eliminated in the sothe basic biological features of the with a learning ambience, dura ers "school" in a broad sense of the Special Session on Children, called developed world, but remain family are concerned. However, if tion of time spent in the school is play school and early childhood was experienced by the adult mem veritable scourges in less devel these basic biological features, going to have a considerable institutions, this is not applicable bers of the UN General Assembly oped and under-developed regions namely parents and their offspring impact on the child in terms of for the first few years of a child's the realization that children are a of the world. are removed from the concept of value absorption. life. These are spent in the force to be reckoned with, that The bottom line is the cost of the family, one is then merely left Of course, it will be argued home environment, and the child they are capable of thinking and the remedies, costs, we are told, with a "grouping" of individuals. that a child spends more time at is already im bibing values voicing their thoughts, that they that have to be maintained, not Admittedly, some modification home than at school. This is without even realizing it. Inciden know what they want and that the because of production costs but of the basic concept of family has true if one considers 'material' tally, it doesn't mean that before rest of us had better listen! because of patents and profits that for a long time been admissable in time in terms of hours. If one a child learns to speak it is not The role of the laity, as spelled need to be ploughed back into the the sense that "adoption” has long considers 'effective' time in terms already beginning to pick up a out in Vatican II, is defined as industry for further research. been practised. Even in this modi of learning experience then the distinction of good and bad, being "in the world", where life is All these are factors which con fication, however, there remains material time spent in school, right and wrong. Disapproval lived, where work is fulfilled and tribute or can contribute to the the recognition of the basic con though shorter than that spent and approval shown on the part where professions are exercised. assault that is being made on the cept of progenitors and offspring at home, is going to be more of parents in one way or another, The laity must not content them traditional and natural concept of since the descriptive "adopted" is effective in terms of impact on or sensed by the child because selves with being "active in church". the family. The solutions are not tagged on to the word "family" and the child. A considerable number of some 'signal' from the parents They need to be "active in the out of reach, but as the recent the members thereof. of hours that the child spends at is already indicative of right and world" - that, they already are! Session on Children put it, "it re The practice of adoption, how home is asleep. And even if one wrong, good and bad. What is required is that they be quires political will" on the part of ever, is not always in the best considers the waking hours There are admittedly many active, as Catholics conscious of governments of the world. interests of the child. In the case spent at home, how much of that 'sources' of values education their faith and beliefs, in the world What is, however, even more of children who have lost their time is in the company of par in the home. There are the par and specifically in the areas that alarming, is an increasingly louder parents in some tragic circum ents? ents, the siblings, the maid, if they influence by their presence voice in the world that is advocat stance, certainly adoption would there is one, the grandparents, and their work. ing the "legalization" of so-called be in their best interests in every - D r (Rev) Robert P Balhetchet relatives, friends - as far as the - B. van Renesse homogenous unions ("marriages" sense of the word. between partners of the same sex). However, this is not always the That is just "Stage 1"! Some coun case, not on the part of the par tries have already gone on to ents who adopt a child, because "Stage2" which is the sanctioning they would be acting in the best of adoption of children by these interests of a child who has "lost" V i s it u s a t t h e n e w "unions" to form a sort of "new-age his or her parents, but rather on family". the part of those who put their What has happened to the need children up for adoption. for a father and a mother for the Of course there are circum proper development of the child? stances where this might be more What has happened to the voice of than waranted because of various child psychologists, the world over, circumstances that might make it who have always advocated the difficult, if not impossible, for the need for both parents, understood natural parents to bring up their in the 'normal' sense of husband children. and wife? What has happened to Abuses, unfortuately, abound. the need for role models? What It is certainly more than sad that has happened to all the advice there exist in the world of today that we have been hearing, that our modern, advanced and en fathers and mothers need to make lightened world - many situations time to spend with their children where the "best interests" of chil and not leave their upbringing en dren are not at all being taken into tirely to care-givers? Have all the consideration. lessons learned over the ages and The recent Special Session on ( C h r is tia n b o o k s a n d a rtic le s m a d e a ffo r d a b le ) the teaching based on all that Children of the United Nations Gen experience suddenly gone out of eral Assembly, brought into sharp date? OPENING HOURS M o n .-S a t. : 3 .0 0 p m to 7 .00p m focus, the enormity of the prob 24 Highland Road With all the related "discover lems that face children around the Sunday : 7 .3 0 am to 12.30 pm Singapore 5 4 9 II5 ies" and "advances" in medical world and necessarily their fami 5 .3 0 pm to 7 .3 0 pm Tel: 9 0 I7 3 2 2 9 science and technology and the lies as well, indeed, that is where "enlightenment" of legal systems, their problems stem from. and the way things are being de Obviously, on the world scale, bated and done, the day of the "blame" cannot be ascribed to factory-produced, custom made, the parents, not when one is talk designer children should be just ing about the extremes of poverty around the corner, with catalogues that afflict many countries of the <rcnJA<W to choose from, as and when one world today - poverty which is C ALU BD feels the need to acquire such a often caused by unending conflict commodity. Would that day will between nations and within na never come around! tions. The problems that have The question that begs itself at been highlighted by that recent this point, is: what are we as Catho special session are so enormous, lics to think about all this? Even that one wonders whether they more to the point: what are we as can ever be solved. Yet one has Devotionals Spiritual Books Compact Discs Bibles Catholics to do about all this? surely to admit that if they cannot The least we can do is to "make be totally solved or completely a noise" - to make our stands eliminated they can, at least, be •C ru c ifix e s • statues • ro s aries • m is s als • cassettes • prayer b o o k s known and heard. The Vatican reduced. representative to the Special Ses Conflict there will always be as • greeting cards • child ren ’s s to ry b o o k s • religious articles • candles sion on Children spoke of the long as there are people seeking

Church of The Immaculate Heart of M ary G ift

a n d

B o o k

S h o p

JUNE 9 - J U N E 16, 2002

THE CATHO LIC NEW S

FATHER’S DAY SPECIAL ON BEING A FATHER When I got married in 1986, it was always my wish to become a father although I never knew what it would require of me, to carry out this duty. It was having kids that would make a marriage complete and I would have to learn it as I went along. So in 1988 my daughter was born and, boy was I happy, she was healthy and normal, though not quite what I wanted, as you may know, Chinese tradition prefers a first born to be a boy. I took it in my stride though and was proud to become a father - at long last, someone calling me Daddy one fine day. Now, being a father was no easy feat as I learned, as I had to juggle my career, wife, and daughter. The path I took was "career all the way" and left the caring of my daughter to my better half and travelled the world 3 times over, for the next 8 years. Along the way, I took my family with me to assignments overseas where I was stationed for 2 years or so. After coming back to S’pore, we, or rather I, decided to have another baby, because I thought it was easy becoming a father, not knowing I was taking my wife for granted without asking her. Now comes the catch - not being home much and travelling the world again with the position I held - by the way was the number two in a company with multi national dealings. Gifts and money and holidays were common things for me to the family, and without me being around much, they often went on holidays themselves while I went on working my life away without being able to see my 2 daughters grow up, by the way we did have another baby and it was another girl which we cherished, well, I at least. Time was not in my hands and I was running out of it with the family and typically, straying from time to time - you’d have to figure out what I mean by straying and I would leave this to your imagination within the context. Power and Money played a very great part and I was drunk with this, without realising that I was loosing my family along the way. It wasn't them losing me, but I losing them, My mind was not with them when I was home and if so, it was only for a day or two before I flew off again for another business trip. I began to realise that I was a "no good husband and Father" more so, a Father, as I felt that my kids hardly knew me. In 1999 I was brought down to earth by a very good friend to reflect on life and think about my family. I took a few days off to chew on things and thought about everything that I had done to the family and went to church to pray and also prayed for guidance from God and Our Lady. The decision I took was a very drastic one. I left everything, including a higly paid job, and moved my family overseas, with the intention of migrating, which by the way was the wrong way. In a way, it helped mend the family bonding, we went away for a year to Australia and only then was I able to see my children and find out more things about them

Advice from God, the Father o f us alL

and in a way , really get to know them. Sounds funny doesn't it, coming from a Father, who thought he was doing the right things bringing the family up and supporting them in every way. Well, I learned the hard way, what it actually means to bring a family close together and going to Church and also what it's actually like being a FATHER. Believe you me, what it seems to be, is sometimes not actually what it is. I am now back in S’pore and and have a new job, and although it doesn’t pay much, I actually get to come home every night and be with the family and act like a Father at last. My daughters are 8 and 14 respectively and I’m glad I was put back in place, in time to see my eldest in her teenage years. As I am learning, it’s going to be a bumpy ride being a Father to a teenage daughter and being able to have a different mind set in the 21 century as I cannot apply what or how I was brought up years ago. As Father Mike Sitaram says: it’s a new age and kids now will never be the same. It’s now the Father’s and Mother’s turn to start learning to understand their children better and learning to be a little easy on them by not holding the reins too tightly. In the process, I guess I am being taught a thing or two about being a Father and also how to behave like a responsible one at that. Kids are fun, Kids are cute, Kids complete you, but there is a price to pay. Are we prepared to pay this price and hope that we will be taken care of in our old age? Well we'll have to leave this to our kids and how we bring them up, but it’s never too late to start being a FATHER. Happy Father's day to the Future, Present, Past and Starting Father’s all around. Remember, children do count. Listen to them, they may teach you a thing or two. Enjoy yourselves with them whenever you get the chance and time because time is very limited and they grow up very fast. A Bom Again Father NICSEA

To a Father who has passed on I never felt close to you.On hind sight, perhaps it was because there was a huge age gap between us. I always feared you. I often re sented you. I don't think I ever really loved you, not until you became dependant on me, in your old age. Then I began to realize what it was to be responsible for some one. I began to appreciate what you must have gone through when I was dependant on you and you were responsible for me. Then I began to see how much you really loved me and cared for me and understood me. Why do we have to take so long to appreciate our parents It was almost too late for me! It was only for a decade or so that I had the opportunity to make up for lost time! P.B.M.

Children, listen to me your father, do what I tell you, and so be safe; for the Lord honours the father in his children... Whoever respects his father is atoning for his sins .. Whoever respects his father will be happy with children of his own, he shall be heard on the day when he prays. Long life comes to him who honours his father. He serves his parents as he does his Lord. Respect your father in deed as well as in word, so that blessing may come on you from him; since a father's blessing makes the houses of his children firm... Do not make a boast of disgrace overtaking your father, your father's disgrace reflects no honour on you; for a man's honour derives from the respect shown to his father .. My son, support your father in his old age, do not grieve him during his life. Even if his mind should fail, show him sympathy, do not despise him in your health and strength; for kindness to a father shall not be forgotten but will serve as a reparation for your sins. In the days of your affliction it will be remembered of you, like frost in sunshine, your sins will melt away. The man who deserts his father is no better than a blasphemer.

Ecclesiasticus 3:1-18

Reflections A parent is a parent, was a parent, will always be a parent. Starting a family is unbelievable pressure and responsibilty. Once a new seed is planted, tomorrow will never be the same again. A child learns the most during its first five years, and so do parents. The before and after stages are dramatic, as a parent discovers more about life and love. Being a parent to someone is forever. A crying child huddling in a blanket searching for comfort is searching for love, hugs, assurance and security, which parents can never be too tired to say no to. Probably the greatest beings on earth would be our parents. Friends and lovers can walk into our lives and leave footprints in our hearts, but whenever you turn around, a mom or dad will always be standing there, silently watching, encouraging, smiling and loving. They are an iron jar filled with comforting cookies of love, patience, wisdom, encouragement, support, strength, security, dilligence. Yet, they are often misunderstood. For many a child who is learning to fly, resents the reprimands and never heeds the sound advice. In hard times, we turn away from our parents and get burnt, heading back home with our tails between our legs. But, our parents are ever ready, standing there with love that they will spread over our wounds with their fingertips. Being a parent is never easy. But to us, being a child is never easy either. The job scope of a parent is ten times more taxing than the job scope of a child. Whatever we are going through, our parents go through with us ten times more. They are the greatest teachers on earth. Yet they never break down with all the anger, worries,

insecurities, anxieties and whatever heart-wrenching nonsense we put them through. They will still continue to work for us, love us, support us and be with us. - A daughter

A Tribute to Father I walked in the rain. Feeling lost and pained. I turned a right, And there you were, still up in the middle of the night. You didn’t yell at me, you didn’t ask why. You just hugged me and let me cry. You feel clumsy with your words and your big hands. But I feel warm and I feel safe in them. I’ve had hard days, But you've never turned me away. You may never understand, and may always reprimand. You may never know what to say, because we are so different, Just like night and day. You may never know how I’m feeling, because you may never see what I’m seeing. But I know no matter what, You will never give up. Because you will put your powers to the test, And give me nothing but the best. I thank God everyday for all that he’ll do. And most of all, I thank Him for giving me you. You will never know how much I love you. And I really mean it, I really do. I will always be your daughter, And you, my one and only father. F.N.

Of Roles and Tasks Somehow, there isn’t very much fuss made about Father’s Day, certainly not as much as is made for Mother’s Day. The poor fathers seem to be taken for granted. The reason is probably because it is the mother who is more closely associated with the child particularly in terms of its birth and the first few years of its life. Yet, the father is equally to be associated with the child. The father is traditionally accepted as the head of the family - matriarchal societies excepted. Traditionally, he is the “bread winner" o f the family, though more and more today, the mother would be joint “bread winner" with him, and sometimes, even sole bread winner. But these roles of head and bread winner of the family should not preclude the father from any other association with the life of the family. Whatever role we give to the father, he is and always will be important to the family. Perhaps we need to review our concepts of the father and his role

and function in the home. He is not just the bread winner and head. Together with the mother he shares the responsibility of bringing up the children. He certainly should not have merely the task of punishing the children (if there is such a task in the first place!). This can only lead to children seeing the father merely as the administrator of correction while the mother takes on the image of the one who dispenses “love” - or so it would

appear in the eyes of the child. In the first place, “role "should not be confused with ‘‘task “. Tasks are things that need to be done, and should not be labeled ‘feminine “ and “m asculine “ and thus “reserved ‘to the mother and father respectively. It is important for all (in clu d in g child re n w henever relevant) to share in the tasks of

the family. This will encourage children to feel as close to their fathers as to their mothers. Needless to say, fathers themselves, would need to make an effort to disassociate themselves from so-called “male”

tasks in the family. They need to make the effort to be more involved in the day-to-day tasks of running and managing the family and not leave these areas solely to “mother". A conscious effort to spend more “ordinary” time with the children, taking an interest in their own daily concerns and issues, would also help to break down any barriers that might exist between children and their fathers and dispel the notion that ‘father” is some distant authoritarian. Perhaps the greatest social service that can be rendered by anybody to the country and to mankind is to bring up a family. George Bernard Shaw.

THE CATHO LIC NEWS I THE

JUNE 9 - J U N E 16, 2002

VIEWPOINT

C A T H O L IC N E W S EDITOR Dr (Rev) Robert P. Balhetchet

T u r n in g

th e

T id e

M ANAG ER Rev Fr Johnson Fernandez STAFF CO RR ESPO NDENTS Rev Fr Richards Ambrose ' Christopher Khoo Mel Diamse-Lee 2 HIG HLAND RD #01-03, SING APO R E 549102 TEL: 858-3055, FAX NO. 858-2055 e-mail: cathnew s@ catholic.org.sg.

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Anyone with any experience of sea tides will readily agree that there is no fighting a tide - the real thing, that is! However, in a recent headline, the possibility of doing so was raised - the "tide" in question being "pre-marital sex". While stemming, let alone turning the real thing, is a complete impossibility, it is not a complete impossiblity in the context of pre-marital sex. Difficult, yes! But not impossible! Completely, no! To a certain extent, yes! Where does that leave us? We have to work at it! What makes it difficult to bring about the desired results is that for a long time now, it has become almost the "done thing". No, in our country we cannot say that it has become quite acceptable and that it is admissable as a topic of table conversation, BY DR (REV) though it might well be in some societies. ROBERT P. Nevertheless, pre-marital sex has en BALHETCHET joyed a sort of quiet acceptance to say the least, what with abortion policies and the touting of so-called "safe sex" even in schools. The message was quite obviously: if you're going to do it or you must, then for goodness sake be careful, and if you're not, well then, there's always the possiblity of correcting the mistakes! Then, of course, one has the big screen, not to mention the print media, subtly or not so subtly, yet powerfully nevertheless, letting all and sundry know that one doesn't need to make a vow before behaving like the birds and the bees! Now, however, parents are going to have to do some-

thing about the matter - if they haven't already been doing something. It has always been difficult, in our kind of society, at least, for parents to tackle the subject of sexeducation. A great number of parents will probably find it difficult to talk about the subject, and would fondly hope that the school will do the job. The school, however, will point to the fact that parents are the "first educators" of children, and certainly in this sort of delicate area, the subject would be best broached by the parents themselves. And so the debate will go on, while the children remain without clear guidance. As Catholics we should see the "new trend" as a great step in the right direction, and we should be giving it all the support we can. After all that is what we have been espousing all along. However, we need to bear in mind that teaching values is not the same as buying fruits in a supermarket. One cannot just pick and choose what we like. Values come in a "package"! They are the elements of a system - a value system, and in our case, a Christian value system. The various values build upon one another. There is no way that one is going to be able to isolate values and expect children to espouse what we tell them to. •» The teaching of values is also highly dependant on the teacher practising the same values as well. There isn't a separate value system for children and another for adults. Double standards don't work in the area of values. All in all, there is a great task ahead.

FROM THE PEWS

Brickbats galore I realise that the “new” Catholic News seems to be unfriendly. Firstly, the Editorial does not seem to be readable to the ordinary man in the street. The news looks outdated with pictures of Holy Week when Easter is far over! This is the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever seen. I don’t understand why there has to be so many pictures of our Archbishop. As if our Catholic community don’t already know how the Archbishop looks like! I miss the simple editorials of Fr Cyril Lee and columns by Fr Richard Ambrose. Also there is not enough news of the Catholic world. Who would want to pay money to read outdated news? Just think about it. Lynette Thank you for your comments and feedback. It's always inter esting to know how readers react. Sorry to be so unfriendly! How ever, if you have any concrete suggestions as to how to be more "friendly" we shall try to oblige! I'm not too sure what you im ply when you say that the Editorial is not readable to the ordinary man in the street. If it is what I think it is, I certainly do not want to underestimate and insult the intelligence o f the readers o f the Catholic News! As far as pictures o f Holy Week are concerned, I have given an explanation in the issue no. 10 for May 12/19, on page 11. I'm glad you liked the editori als o f my predecessor and the

column o f Fr Ambrose. Perhaps he will be motivated now, to take up writing again for the Catholic News. There is nothing to prevent my predecessor from contributing also. He would be most welcome to do so. /As for news, Tm afraid when a publication is a fornightly, it's not possible to have up-to-date news, more so because the paper goes to the printer on the Monday morn ing BEFORE the Sunday when it is scheduled to be available, which means that at the very best, news would be one week old. If some thing newsworthy happens just after the final writing o f the paper, then its going to be three weeks old if reported in the nest issue two weeks later. That is why we have to focus on "news" that is not 'time-sensi tive' and more "informative", since it cannot be "real" news. For the same reason, we also focus on "issues"and "concerns" which are not dependant on dates. Unless we produce a "daily", news can never be up-to-date. And even then, as pointed out in one o f the articles o f the issue that focussed on Commuication Media, even a daily newspaper cannot keep up-to-date! 24-hour broadcasting with an arm y o f worldwide reporters is the only way one can really have "newsas-it-happens". That, o f course, would be an altogether different ball game! May I assure you that I am always thinking about the Catho lic News - even to the point o f getting nightmares!

A Question of Evangelization I have read CN in past issues regarding shortage of priests and vocations. Well, definitely there is a shortage. This is a worldwide situation. But there again, I think the fear arises from the fact that Catholics are completely reliant on the priests for their spiritual devel opment. This is also a case for vocation and the spread of the Gospel. I have been a Catholic for 10 over years. Before that, I was a Tibetan Buddhist. During those days, I tried to persuade my Bud dhist associates to spread the Dharma through the modern me dia and to be more visible in the market place. However, they said that it would be too "commercial ized". They wanted to keep everything within their own com munity. Through the years as a Catho lic, I noticed this is exactly what the Roman Catholic Church is doing - keeping all activities to ourselves, within our parishes and not enough exposure to the mar ket place. Now the Buddhists are

From the Pews : e-mail to:

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the ones more visible to the pub lic: witness all the posters everywhere. Isn't it not surprising that our membership growth is near zero despite having so many Catholic schools and welfare in stitutions. Do our institutions put evangelization as first priority or social work? Recently I heard from a religious that he does not try to convert others, but only does so when people ask him about the faith. What are we here for then? I am not saying we need to commercialize. Singaporeans are looking for spiritual help and guid ance. You can witness the increasing number of people turn ing to new age and eastern philosophies. The Church needs to be visible and open its activities, rallies etc. to the general public and not confine them to the parish walls. Another area is laity empow erment. To be honest, I have read more Protestant books by lay pas tors than Catholic writers . I find their literature more applicable to daily living than abstract theology and dogmas. Even the CN was full of social articles than about spirituality. Is it because the Church does not empower .the laity more than the Protestant Churches that our growth is zero and the fear of priest shortages? Let us not forget that the Church, including ourselves, exists to only carry the Great Commission ( I heard this word more in Protes tant literature) that is, evangelization. There is no con version when we are not seen

and visible to the man in the street. Sebastian In substance, you have a point. Generally, we are not so "aggres sive" in evangelization. We are definitely more into witness through works o f charity like the establish ment o f various institutions for social work. There has always been a sort o f "pull" between witness and evan gelization. A balance must certainly be found. Witness alone is defi nitely not enough. Indeed, the Church does teach specifically that witness must be followed up by evangelization, which is perhaps what is lacking. You also have a point about our activities being very parrochial. Hopefully, ways and means can be found to involve others as well. Lastly, just a little point o f clari fication. Conversion to the Chruch is not exactly down to zero. There are about 2,000 adult conversions a year. Perhaps there should be more considering our numbers and our outreach in terms o f witness! TO THE PEWS We truly appreciate views expressed The focus that is coming up in the next issue: Feast of Sts Peter & Paul PAPAL PRIMACY

JUNE 9 - J U N E 16, 2002

The parishioners and priests of the Church of St Francis of Assisi cordially invite All our former parishioners and friends to celebrate the Eucharist on the occasion of the re-opening of the extended and renovated Church and the Silver Jubilee of our parish on Sunday fune 16, 2002

Masses: 7.30am (Mandarin), 9.00am , 1030am and 12noon Homilist; Rev Fr Bernard Teo, CSsR Also join us at our lubilee Food and Fun Fair 8.00am to 2.00pm

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TH EM E: BREAD BROKEN 5-DAY CELEBRATION:

Tues Wed Thur Fri Sat

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Mass in Chinese: One bread One body Mass in Tamil: Bread Blessed Mass in English: Our daily bread Mass in English: Lowly Bread Mass in English: Bread shared

SUNDAY, JUNE 16,2002

Food & Games Fair, 7.30 am to 1 pm 7.30 am Mass in Chinese 9.00 am Mass in English 11.00 am Mass in English 12.30 pm Mass in Tamil 6.00 pm Mass in English 7.30 pm Chinese Dinner in the Church compound

Venue: Church of St Anthony

25 Woodlands Ave 1, Singapore 739064 Tel: 6368-3804; 6365-2363 Note: St Anthony's Bread will be blessed at all Masses on Thursday, June 13, Saturday, June 15 and Sunday June 16.

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THE CATHO LIC NEW S

FROM THE PEWS More Music! This is my humble and gentle comment on the articles ‘Communication - Through Young Eyes’ and ‘Music To The Ears’ in the two previous issues of The Catholic News. The music industry is one of the most accessible means by which individuals and groups choose to give expression to their beliefs and opinions, and in the process rise to the ranks of stardom. Anyone who can sing and also those who cannot but have the looks or 'right' image are marketed quickly and aggressively. The point I wish to illustrate is a complement to the first article mentioned above. I feel that we are often led by music critics in their colourful assessment - whether it be popular ballads, heavy metal, jazz or others - into labelling songs of all nature and kind as bold, inspiring, truthful, conventional, brilliant, powerful, spell-binding, etc. While I cannot boast of years of experience and a museum of records to support any exact claim about the good and evil of music, I can state with great clarity that, by virtue of its far-reaching influence, music has been arguably the most accessible and most popular medium in the last forty to fifty years. Thus, I agree with Ms Felicia that great vigilance is to be practised in the choice of what we listen to. In these troubled times, when so-called acclaimed musicians (particularly) in the west mask the true intent of their music (and oftentimes explicitly) behind seemingly angelic purposes - such as to give voice to their creativity and musical genius, or to explore the various themes of life - we must decide for ourselves as rational Catholics if we choose to subscribe to their justifications. I place this question before all who are consciously or unconsciously endeared to the music and ideals of such musicians. It is fine to say that we listen to such music simply for enjoyment and appreciation, and not for its messages of (for instance) sex, violence and drug use, but, no matter how wellintentioned and veiled the contents of the songs may be, how can we answer to the Lord, who speaks through His Holy Church on earth in her teachings and counsel against the harms and immorals of popular culture? Pope John Paul II has spoken out against the scourge of religious indifference that has permeated the many aspects of modern living, and we should take heed of his warning about the mediums that promote ideals which are deviant from the Church's teachings. The Catholic News is an exemplary means of expressing our opinions, voicing our concerns and sharing our knowledge with others. It is my humble wish that all who write in may imitate the meekness and gentleness of our Lord in responding to our fellow brothers and sisters-in-Christ. There is indeed much to learn from our own misconceptions and from the truth in others’ counsels, and I believe that it is in this charitable spirit that ‘From The Pews’ welcomes such a rich diversity in contributions. May the Good Lord guide us always in all that we do. Lim

... those unnumbered ones! Many churches have undergone renovation but I notice that the pews remain unnumbered. This results in minor confusion at communion time as people try to locate the seat they had just vacated to receive the Eucharist. If cost is a factor, perhaps someone can offer a cheaper alternative but it will certainly ease the flow of traffic especially when a church is over-crowded. Ong I'm pretty sure that cost can't be the factor, as it wouldn't cost that much! It's probably that nobody ever thought o f it from the point o f view that you mention. Perhaps the parishes will consider it now!

Valuing the Mass By dealing with the theme, the Eucharist and the Mass, The Catholic News has brought to light the most important religious rite in the Catholic faith -the Mass. To my mind, it is about time, too, because many Catholics seem ignorant of the fact that the Mass is the highest form of worship with infinite value,and that it is a re-enactment of the supremesacrifice at Calvary. They treat the Mass merely as a means of fulfilling their Sunday obligation. They give scant regard to its significance and value. I am sure many of us must have seen examples of indifferent and disrespectful behaviour during Mass, like incessant talking, parents allowing their children to do their school work or eat their breakfast, sleepy heads resuming their Sunday snooze, and girls and women dressing immodestly. I hope the Eucharist and the Mass articles in this issue of The Catholic News will serve as a wakeup call for them and mend their apathetic attitude towards the Mass. Our priests could help reinfornce the message by reminding us from time to time when delivering their homilies, of the paramount importance of the Mass, the need for us to proffer our unreserved and highest devotion it deserves, and the need for us to behave ourselves during service. Anthony Indeed, we have "something" truly unique in the Catholic Church, yet, I suppose it is the frequency and familiarity that we have with it that tends to diminsh our conscious ness and appreciation o f what we participate in. The Mass is really awesome, and it would be tragic if we reached the point o f taking it for granted, or seeing it as an "obligation" which we have to discharge on Sundays and other Days o f Obligation, or treating it as a sort o f habit without which we would not "feel like Sun day" if we didn't "attend" Mass rather than participate. As several have also pointed out, external demeanour definitely helps mental attitude not to men tion spiritual dispositions. We are human beings after all, and not just pure spirits.

Reflections on Divine Love The article by Fr. Michael Sitaram,” Pierre Png showed us what love is...” took place in a fortnight of amazing events. The Basilica of Nativity in Bethlehem in the Holyland was beseiged during a fire fight between Palestinians, labelled “terrorists by the Israelians, but “freedom fighters” by the Islamic countries. Our beloved Pope John Paul II had sent his special emissary, a Cardinal who had planned his Yr 2000 Holyland pilgrimage, to be the peace maker. Pope John Paul II called on both the Israelites and the Palestinians,” In the name of our common God,our Father ...peace". Other religious denominations who had gathered earlier at Assisi, had also prayed for peace earlier in the year, and all of us, all over the world prayed as a community, calling upon the communion of saints, our apostolate church and Mother Mary, and her son Jesus to intervene for peace in the Holy land. The fighting stopped, with no more killing inside the Basilica, and the Israelians have now withdrawn from Bethlehem. Mother Mary, our saints, and Jesus, was also working hard that week, to also answer to our prayers for Andrea de Cruz and Pierre Png. Both lifes were saved. To give half of one’s liver, carries serious risk to the donor, which is far greater than that for a blood donation, or kidney transplantation, because of the compexicity of the operations. Jesus said “There is no greater love for a man than to lay down his life for a friend”(John 15,13). Pierre Png’s Gift was truly a gift of love. Many of us who are involved in the RCIA are reminded of St. Maximilian Kolbe, a Franciscan priest who offered to be executed in place of a young prisoner of war at Aushwitz in August 1942, as an example of true Christian love, and throughout the history of our Catholic Church, millions of Christians have been matyred to bring the Word of God to us today. In spite of adversities, God hears our prayers..... Praise the Lord, for He is Good (Psalm 107)... The Basilica of the Nativity in Bethlehem is one of the two places in the world, in which the altar is not consecrated by human hands, as it has been consecrated already by the birth of our Lord, Jesus, the Christ. It is also one of the most holy sites in the whole of Christiandom. God bless. Gabriel Thank you for your reflections. Indeed, the one and only "new commandment" that Jesus ever gave is was to love one another as he has loved us. It seems to be grossly overlooked and we seem to be having a lot o f trouble keep ing it. If only we could keep it!

From the P e w s :

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THE CATHO LIC NEW S

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nc0071b@cyberway. com.sg

FAMILY

CATHOLIC doctors “must be con vinced of the sanctity of life” and must protect and safeguard life from the “moment of conception”, said Archbishop Nicholas Chia at his inaugural Edmund Dunne lecture at the 50th anniversary dinner of the Catholic Medical Guild (CMG). “God entrusted the life and health of people in your hands. Have a deep and profound respect for life,” he urged the doctors and health-care providers on May 19. Including the doctors’ spouses, there were some 300 participants at the event. “Christ continues his healing ministry through you. Handle health and life issues with great respect and be guided by the Magisterium in ethical issues," the archbishop said, calling the profession of a doctor “a vocation and a ministry.” In the present issue of embry onic stem cell research, Catholic doctors "must be clear about our stand: a good end does not justify an evil means! We cannot destroy life to bring about some benefits to others. We must be firm in our stand on this issue although we may be a voice crying out in the wilderness. Life must be protected from the moment of conception,” urged the prelate who was once chaplain of the guild. A doctor is “called to save lives”. “It is a noble profession,” he said. “ It is not just doing a job, but render ing a service... to health and life. It is a commitment that calls for fidel ity even though it means letting go of other activities whenever an ur gent need arises,” the archbishop said. “While on earth Jesus not only attended to the spiritual needs of the people...He also attended to their physical needs - feeding the multitude, healing the sick, the lame, the paralytics, cleansing the lepers, giving sight to the blind,” he said. After his ascencion, God’s work

Archbishop Chia during his lec ture at the Catholic Medical Guild dinner on May 19.

of salvation was carried on in the ministry of priests who look after the spiritual needs of the laity. For physical healing, God called doc tors, nurses, health care providers to be His instruments, he added. His lecture also touched other life issues, condemning abortion and euthanasia. “Life begins at the moment of conception and must be protected and safeguarded. For that matter, abortion is a moral evil and cannot be justified. It is the direct termina tion of life,” he said, noting that in many places abortion is legalized and millions of lives have been destroyed. “If the Church had not been firm in its stand on this issue, how many who are alive today and are con tributing to society and nation would not have seen the light of day.” In the issue of prolonged ill ness, as long as there is a possi bility of the sick recovering one must make use of all possible means, he said.

It is the duty of the state to ensure that even costly apparatus and expensive medicines are avail able for those who need them but it is not necessary to prolong indefi nitely a life that is near its end, when all hope of recovery is ex cluded, he said, quoting Pope Pius XII, “The resources of medicine can be used to relieve suffering even if such treatment inevitably hastens the process of death.” He cautioned that the disposal of life is the prerogative of God. “In active euthanasia the doctor is the cause of the death of his patient, whereas in the case of the withdrawal of artificial life supports when death is inevitable, the patient is dying because of some existing pathology or injury, ” he noted. IVF is another area where the sanctity of life is not upheld, he said. “The focus is on the success of bringing a child into the world, but nothing is said of the many fertilized embryos that were destroyed or made use of as experiments in the laboratories,” noted the archbishop. He also spoke against the prac tice of freezing embryos and surro gate motherhood, citing the case of a mother who had the embryo of her daughter and son-in-law planted in her. “Is the woman who gave birth the mother or the grandmother of the child?" he asked. “God has entrusted the life and health of people into your hands. Have a deep and profound respect for life. Christ continues his healing ministry through you. Handle health and life issues with great respect and be guided by the Magisterium in ethical issues,” he urged the doctors, adding that they are privi leged in being able to share in the Lord’s ministry of healing. The Guild, established in 1952, provides a forum for Catholic health care givers to interact and grow in faith and practise medicine as a Christian vocation; and deals with medical ethics in the light of Church teaching.

Christian Family and Social Movement, Francis Tamel Mane 9586-9938, 6792-6701 Family Life Society 6488-0278 website: www.familyiife.org.sg

YOUTH See page 15

Archbishop commends La Salle Brothers for producing vocations through their charism “The seed of faith was planted in their hearts through the charism of the La Salle Brothers.” They have "touched the hearts and trans formed the lives of many” by word and deed, he added. The 500-strong congregation at the Cathedral of the Good Shep herd comprised lay principals, teach ers, students and alumni of the six Christian Brothers schools here. “There is no greater way of showing our thanks to our teachers than to live out what they taught us. Let us then live lives of faith, tran scending the pseudo-values of this world,” the archbishop said. “God’s will requires that we put aside our differences and work for justice and peace, serving men and women, regardless of religious back ground,” he said, expressing the desire “that the archdiocese expe

rience a renaissance in Catholic education”. The La Salle Brothers run four primary schools and two secondary school. Two of the primary schools are co-educational. The first Christian Brothers ar rived here from Ireland in March 1852 through the efforts of MEP Father Jean-Marie Beurel, who com missioned the building of the school for boys. Two years later, the same missionary brought in the Infant Je sus Sisters from Ireland to educate girls.

m um Morning Star Family Care Centre, 6285-1377 Fax: 6285-2715 Galilee Centre, 6454-0528 Fax: 6454-3167 Clementi Children's Centre, Ms Maria Swee 6777-3893 ijhcc@singnet.com.sg Canossaville Children's Home, Sr Rose Low/ Ms Anne Siew 6748-5777

canossa@padfic.net.sg Marian Centre (before and after school care), 6250-0877 Marymount Boarding, 6354-2245/ 6253-6816 Fax: 6353-4809 Nazareth Special Learning Centre, Sr Anne May Chua, FMM 6276-3200 Good Shepherd Child Care Centre, Ms Helen Tan 6242-5695 Fax: 6448-3454

Catholic Office fo rth e Hearing Impaired, Friar Rowland Yeo, OFM

rowlandyeo@hotmail. com Canossian School For The HearingImpaired, 6749-8971 Fax: 6749-8976 Ang Mo Kio Home, Sr Jo Tham 6459-4801

Catholic Kindergarten, Ms Edna Ng Poh Tiang 6283-3821 Fax: 6284-7783

cathkg@singnet.com.sg Nativity Church Centre, 6285-6198, Fax: 6285-9556

nativity@pacific. net. sg Magdalene's Kindergarten, Mary Goh Boon How 6747-6554 Canossian Convent Kindergarten, Sr Jane Chong 6469-2201 Fax: 6466-1307

cankdg@singnet.com.sg Maris Stella, Sr Marjorie Almodiel, FMM 6474-3590 Marymount Kindergarten, Petrina Siow 6251-5049 Fax: 6252-67904

Bible Correspondence Course in Chinese, Fr John Baptist Tou 6337-2465 Catholic Audio-Visual Centre, 6858-3077 Fax: 6858-2077

PRAYER GROUP OF KARISMATIK KATOLIK INDONESIA - HOLY SPIRIT

Venue: Upper Rm, Holy Spirit Church Date: Every Thursday, 2.30pm Last Friday of every month, 7.30pm.

Francophone Catholic Community of Singapore (French-speaking Catholics), Sabine et Antoine Huet Tel/Fax: 6472-5840 German-speaking Catholics, 6468-1534 Fax: 6468-2402 Hong Kong Catholics, 6737-9285 Fax: 6737-8502 Indonesian-speaking Catholics, Josephine Handojo 6235-2820 Japanese Catholics, Kiyoko Jarnes 6552-4060 james@pacific.net.sg

The Commission for Migrants & Itinerant People 6280-5424 or

migrants@singnet. com. sg Jesuit Refugee Service, jrs@jesrefsg.org Fr Colin Tan S.J. 6463-6022

t.com.sg China Catholic Communication, Patrick Lee Kim Hwee 9060-5080 mail@zl.per.sg

SOCIAL SERVICE Catholic Welfare Services, Michael Chua 6337-6165 / 6337-7954 Fax: 6336-1513

SPIRITUALITY Cenacle, 6565-2895 Fax: 6565-3875

cenacle@mbox4.singnet. com. sg Centre For Ignatian Spirituality and Counselling, Br Gerard Choo, SJ 6467-6072 Franciscan Retreat Centre, 6567-9771 Fax: 6567-9786 FMM House of Prayer and Formation, Sr Mary Chua 6474-2526 Infant Jesus Retreat and Youth Centre, Sr Gerard Lee 6760-2461 Fax: 6769-9369 Life Direction Team, Sr Theresa Koh, FMM 6474-2422 Fax: 6472-5895 Sr Florence Wong, FMDM 6753-9602/ 9264-6733 LifeSprings Canossian Spirituality Centre, Sr Lily Tan 6466-2178 Fax: 6466-1307

iifsprng@singnet. com. sg St Francis Xavier Minor Seminary (SFX Retreat Centre), 6288-7901 Fax: 6858-2716

sfxrc@singnet.com.sg W e b s ite : http//www. catholic, org. sg/SFX The Sojourners' Companions, 9268-6723

sojourners_companions@yahoo. com

PROFESSIONAL Catholic Nurses Guild of Singapore, Miss Janet Chan Poh Goon 6442-8546 Catholic Teachers' Movement, Mrs Gail Siow (R) 6454-4094 The Catholic Medical Guild of Singapore, Dr John Hui Keem Peng johnhui@cyberway.com.sg

SPECIAL SERVICES

China Catholic Communication (Zhonglian Centre), Patrick Lee Kim Hwee 9060-5080/6286-1826

Catholic AIDS Response Effort (CARE), Peter Lau 6353-4976, 9745-8991

mail@zi.per.sg w e b : www.zl.per.sg

Good Shepherd Centre, 6755-6496 Fax: 6752-0670

Carlo Catholic Society, 6337-7489 Fax: 6334-4370 carlo@cams.org.sg W e b s ite :

http://www.cams.org.sg

The Catholic News, 6858-3055 Fax: 6858-2055 cathnews@veritas.org.sg Central Commodity Services (R e ) Ltd, 6337-4238 Fax: 6339-2583

ccs55@singnet. com. sg Hai Sing Pao, Ms Catherine Chia 6337-2465 cario@cams.org.sg W e b s ite :

COMING UP

Filipino Catholic Community of Singapore, Nelly Faminialagao 9831-8044/6893-7609

Korean Catholics, Esther You 6242-5607

St Francis Xavier Play Centre, Mrs Emily Goh Tel: 6280-8929

THE La Salle Brothers recently marked the 150th anniversary of their foundation in Singapore and the arrival of the community in Asia with a Mass and dinner for alumni of St Joseph’s Institution (SJI). With the Brothers’ entry into Sin gapore, the La Sallian family gained a foothold in Asia, noted La Salle Brother Michael Broughton, vice principal of SJI, the first school the community established here in 1852. Archbishop Nicholas Chia commended the community for pro ducing many vocations. At the Mass on May 10, some 30 former students concelebrated with the archbishop. “We must thank the La Salle Brothers for their contribution to the archdiocese, especially the educa tion that has resulted in the vocation of the priests who concelebrated,” he remarked during his homily.

JUNE 9 - J U N E 16, 2002

CATHOLIC SERVICES DIRECTORY

Deep and Profound Respect for Life By Mel Diamse-Lee

http://www.cams.org.sg

Katong Catholic Book Centre Pte Ltd, 6345-1413 Fax: 6440-0272

katongcathotic@padfic.net.sg Apostolate of the Media, 6892-1639 Fax: 6562-5857 Catholic News Book & Media, 6858-3066 Fax: 6858-2055

R. C. Prison Ministry, Sr Gerard Fernandez, RGS 6250-9151 Fax:6250-1804 Heartville, Susan William 6542-6559 Fax: 6542-9486 Singapore Anti-Narcotics Association Catholic Aftercare (Counselling) Service Committee SANA Co-ordinator: Tan Lee Hoon 6732-1122 Fax: 6732-4564 Apostleship of the Sea (Catholic Seamen’s Mission), Fr Romeo Yu Chang, CICM 6271-8464/9783-5191 Fax:6271-1175

portchap@singnet. com. sg W e b s ite : www.stellamaris.net Gift of Love Home, Sr M Andrianne, MC 6251-6004 'Rose Villa', 6253-6556

JUNE 9 - J U N E 16, 2002

THE CATHO LIC NEW S

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JOSEPH LAGER ANTHONY Departed: June 9, 1989 He suffered patiently and long, His hope was bright, His faith was strong, The peace o f Jesus filled his breast. A nd in His arms he sank to rest. D early m issed and remembered by beloved family and loved ones.

ST EPH A N U S C H A I M AN TIN G Departed: June 6,1988

Fourth A nniversary In loving m em ory of

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CH A R LE S SOH CH EN G SIANG Departed: June 19,1997

STELLA FER N A N D EZ Departed: June 10, 1998

Y our presence is ever near us, Your love remains w ith us yet, You were the kind o f father, Y our loved o n e sB will never forget. Fondly rem em bered by wife and children.

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W hat would I give to clasp his hand, His happy face to see. To hear his voice and see his smile, T hat m eant so much to me. D early m issed by wife, sons, daughters, sons-in-law, daughtersin-law, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

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LA M BERT JOHN NORRIS Departed: June 8,1998 Tim e may heal the broken heart, Tim e may m ake the wound less sore, But time can never stop the longing For the loved one gone before. D early and deeply missed by wife Evarista, children and grandchildren. Fourth Anniversary In loving m em ory of our beloved father

KE&NY J O L IV EIRO Departed: June 20, 1998 The years may wipe out many things But this they’ll wipe out never, The memory o f those happy days W hich we had spent together. Always remembered by wife, children, grandchildren and loved ones. Sixth A nniversary In loving memory of

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LLOYD BARTHOLOMEUSZ Departed: June 6, 1998 God took him home, it was His will, But in our hearts we love him still, His memory is as dear today As in the hour he passed away. We often sit and think of him W hen we are all alone, For memory is the only friend That grief can call its own. Dearly missed by wife, Vasantha and two sons, Christopher and Matthew.

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A N TH O N Y TUANG TEC K SAI Departed: June 12, 1998 (Church of St Michael) Niche Number 0638 Eternal rest grant unto A nthony Tuang Teck Sai, Oh Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. M ay he rest in peace. Amen. Mass: O ffered for A nthony T uang’s soul at C hurch o f C hrist the King (June 9 2002, 11.30 am ) at O ur Lady o f Lourdes (June 10 and 11 2002, 6 pm ) at St M ichael C hurch (June 12 and 13 2 0 0 2 ,6 pm). Always remembered by wife, children and grandchildren.

T H E RESA ER MUI KHIM Departed: June 10,1996

AN TH ONY JO R R IS D ’CRUZ Departed:June 10, 2000

We miss you so much. The love you gave us Spoke beautifully of you. Upright and just in all your ways, Loyal and true through all your days, Silently suffered, patiently bore, G od took you home to suffer no more. On earth you nobly did your best; G rant her, Jesus, heavenly rest. Sadly missed by husband, sons, daughter, daughtersin-law, son-in-law; grandchildren and all loved ones.

Dearest husband/dad You toiled all those years for us. Each day we continue to feel you in our lives. W e know you are w atching and praying for each one o f us. An em pty chair rem inds us of your smile. W e love you. Deeply m issed by: w ife, children and loved ones. T w enty-second Anniversary In loving m em ory of

W e cannot forget you O ur loved one so dear; Y our m em ory grows Sweeter year after year. Lovingly rem em bered by wife, children and loved ones. Second Anniversary In loving m em ory o f

First Anniversary In loving memory of

H EN R Y DESM O N D W OO D FO R D Aged: 74 years R eturned to the Lord on June 13, 2000 in M elbourne, A ustralia

A N D R EW LEO NG CHEE SENG Departed: June 16, 1980

Cherished forever by Dorothy, Margaret, Johnny, Paul, Patrick, Alice, Andrew, Rosalind and children.

JOSEPH WU JIANWEN Departed: June 15, 1994 Gone from our lives one so dear, But in our hearts forever near. Always remembered by dad Phillip Goh, mum Catherine and all loved ones. Third Anniversary In loving m em ory of

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Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let your perpetual light shine upon her. M ay she rest in peace. Alw ays rem em bered by her sons Denis, C harles, G eorge and their families.

Thirteenth A nniversary In loving m em ory of

A R TH UR LU CY KOH YA PP GEK LIEW Departed:Apr 30, 1963 Depaned:Jun 14, 2001

NELLYA DE SILVA Departed: June 19, 1989

Love - M emories com e together D ess it is you we love forever.

Eighth Anniversary In loving memory of

Today brings fresh tears o f yesteryears O f dearest mum and dad re-united at last Safely in G od’s loving embrace. Shielded from all sorrow and pain. Counting the days till we meet again.

T hirteenth A nniversary In loving m em ory of

JO H N DE CRUZ Departed:June 10, 1988

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EILEEN OEI nee CHASE-CURRIER Departed: June 19,1998 Take her in Thy arms, dear Lord, A nd ever let her be A m essenger o f love B etween our hearts and Thee. Forever in our hearts. Your loving children and grandchildren.

Tw enty tw o years have passed since you left us to join the Lord. But m em ories o f you rem ain with us forever. A lways remembered by dad, mum, brothers, sisters-in-law , nieces M ichelle, M elissa, M aria, M elanie, Jamie nephew s Jude, James and all loved ones. M ass will be celebrated on Sunday June 16, C hurch of C hrist the King, Ang M o Kio at 11.00 am.

TAN Y ON G BOON AUG U STIN E Departed: June 19, 1989 W e cannot forget you O ur loved one so dear; Your m em ory grows S w eeter year after year. Deeply missed and remembered by beloved fam ily and loved ones.

ANTHONY ALCANTRA Departed:Jun 14,2001 Peacefully sleeping, resting at last, The w orld’s weary troubles and trials are past. In silence he suffered, in patience he bore, T ill G od called him home to suffer no more. D early m issed by your loving wife, children and grandchildren. M ass will be held on June 14 at Church o f Queen of Peace at 6.30 pm. Sixteenth Anniversary In sweet m em ory of

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A RO K IASA M Y A N TH ONY Departed: June 14, 1999 His sm iling w ay and pleasant face Are a pleasure to recall; He had a kind word for each And died beloved by all. Som e day we hope to meet him, Som e day, we know not when, T o clasp his hand in the better land, N ever to part again. Deeply rem em bered by loving wife, daughters, sons-in-law, and grandchildren.

SE N G O L E LOUIS SEBASTIAN (N ESA N ) KTS, PPN Departed: June 12, 1986

HEDWIGES M. (HEDY) GOMES Age: 84 was called hom e to be with the L ord Jesus on 17th M ay 2002 L e a v in g behind:

Sisters : Florence Boudewyn Martha Gomes Brother : Henry Gomes (deceased) God-daughter: Davida Pereira N ieces, nephew s a n d m any other relatives a n d fr ie n d s to m ourn her loss.

O nly the m em ory of bygone days And a sigh for a face unseen; A constant feeling that G od alone K nows best what should have been. Sadly missed and alw ays rem em bered by loving wife, sons, daughters, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law , grandchildren and all loved ones.

JUNE 9 - J U N E 16, 2002

THE CATH O LIC NEW S

YOUNG CATHOLICS S ta r tin g o n

u n iv e r s ity

th e

r ig h t f o o t in g

/WIN this issue I decided to give the NUS Catholic Students’ Soci ety, and its NTU counterpart, NTU CSA (Catholic Students’ Apostolate) , an opportunity to promote their Freshmen Orienta tion Camps. I recently became chaplain of the former and I hope freshmen students in the two uni versities will participate and spread the news to others. It will help freshmen like you to start off this new phase in your life on the right footing by forging soli darity with fellow Catholics. By joining the respective groups and their activities, you will also be helped to strengthen your Catho lic and be a witness to others in your campus.

In keeping with the traditions of the Catholic community in NUS and NTU, both varsities will be holding their respective orientation camps in June this year. We look forward to new blood joining us. It gives us great pleasure in wel coming the new batch of freshmen into the communities of CSS and CSA. As they begin their journey with God, we hope that their lives will be inspired and enriched, as they share their experiences in living in a Christian community. NTU CSA Freshmen Orientation Camp: June 25-28

Samantha Chan writes:

In k e e p in g w ith th e tra d itio n s o f th e C a th o lic c o m m u n ity in N U S and N T U , th e v ars ities w ill b e h o ld in g th e ir re sp e ctiv e Fresh m en O rie n ta tio n C am p s on |u n e

25-28 ( N T U ) and June 17-20 ( N U S ). One of the camps organised by the NTU Catholic Students’ Apostolate in 1998.

‘It is an immense joy to see youths so vibrantly serving the Lord in one united community. These youths are members of the Catholic Students’ Apostolate, NTU. We often say youths should be more active in the church commu nity, or that the community has to have activities to attract them to ap preciate the Mass better. CSA members are living wit nesses of the youths’ initiative in getting involved in Catholic commu nity activities. Because of their overflowing love for God and the their dedication to the apostolate,

US Harley Davidson bikers raise funds for WYD

they gather every week without fail to organise activities for NTU’s Catho lic community. Their activities include weekly Mass, Hall prayer gatherings and rosary sessions. The atmosphere in CSA is vibrant, jubilant, and rarely dull. Everyone is eager to serve with love. Just as Jesus said, The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve’, likewise the CSA commu nity is passionately dedicated to service for God. What was astound ing about this community is that their weekly Mass is so Spirit-filled. I could literally feel God’s presence in the

Mass I attended! All these could only be brought about because students in CSA love the Lord so much that their passion is shown in their loving examples. I praise the Lord for being able to be part of such a community! What are you waiting for? Join us!’ NUS CSA Freshmen Orientation Camp June 17-20

Guided by the Holy Spirit, we strive to be a Eucharist-centred commu nity, journeying together in faith and

reaching out to the children of God. We aim to have a strengthened spirituality for the community founded on the Word of God. And we seek to deepen our thirst for God and our love for His Word. We believe that the gift of faith is a treasure that we can better share if we more fully explore its riches. To gether in prayer, we can make a difference in this community. We are the people from the Catholic Stu dents’ Society (NUS). The Catholic Students’ Society is made up of a group of Catholic students, Catholic students to be, and also those interested in the Catholic faith from various faculties in NUS. Together, we organize prayer groups, camps, retreats, and masses, among others, to enrich our lives in the word of God and to jour ney together with God. It is also for others, to help them find God, during their period of study. We strive to keep God in our midst all the time as we work towards a community of enlightened people, ready to go forth and proclaim the good news of the Lord and share our experiences as a community to others. For more details and for registra tion contact: NUS Catholic Students’ Society (Enrica- (9684-0994 or Gerald - 9823-3927or visit http:// cssfoc2002. tripod, com) NTU Catholic Students’ Apostolate: Emmie - 9691-4748, Michael- 97594303 or visit http://www.ntu.edu.sg/ studorcn/catholic

FILM REVIEW

S ta llio n o f th e C im a r r o n : a n e n g a g in g w a tc h

„ -

outdoors. This gentle yet sometimes cruel film celebrates the beauty of nature, respect for life, homeland and family. It's not a com edy; its concerns are more serious, al though it paints a somewhat simplistic portrait of Native Americans and wild-

in cinemas.

villainous soldiers,

By Gerri Pare

COON RAPIDS, MINNEAPOLIS -

A chain of Harley Davidsons and racing bikes ripped and roared through the serene countryside, leaving a brown cloud of dust in their wake. Once at their destination, the 24 lined up their bikes in a neat row, unstrapped their helmets - and filed into St Francis Xavier Church to pray. It was the bikers' first of five stops at Catholic churches to raise money for parishioners at Church of the Epiphany in Coon Rapids to attend World Youth Day in Toronto from July 23-28. The bikers started their pilgrim age at Epiphany, where Fr Joel Cycenas, flanked by red- and pur ple-vested Knights of Columbus, used a tree branch to sprinkle holy water on the bikes. After the blessing, Fr Cycenas traded his stole for a black leather jacket, revved up his brother's Harley and led the procession of bikers past Knights of Columbus standing at attention with swords raised along both sides of the road. From Epiphany, they traveled to other parts of Minneapolis. At each church, the bikers had the opportunity to take a tour, pray and enjoy refreshments. They also received a playing card at each stop. The person with the best poker hand at the end of the trip was

s tu d e n ts

Here's one fund raising idea that gets around fast and gains Q u ic k attention.

Some S $ I8 ,0 0 0 has been raised by 42 Harley Davidson riders who travelled US parishes in chilly weather. awarded US$100 (S$ 182). Besides the money, the event was organized to promote safety, encourage camaraderie and evange lize, said Fr Cycenas. "It's just a neat way to build friendships," he added. So far, the parish has raised $10,000 through various fund-raisers to defray costs for the 45 parishioners attending World Youth Day, an event Fr Cycenas believes in wholeheartedly. "If we can connect and get ex cited more for our faith, the younger people moving into the future will be more excited to bring the good news of Jesus Christ to the world," he said, c n s

NEW YORK - A wild mustang on the American frontier refuses to be tamed in the rousing animated tale “Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron” (DreamWorks). The film combines mostly tradi tional animation with state-of-theart computer technology to tell a story set in the American Wild West of the 1880s. Handsome colt Spirit is born and quickly matures to be the leader of the Cimarron herd, running wild and free, protecting his herd from wildcats and buffalo. His idyllic existence in the un spoiled environment is abruptly ended when cavalry soldiers cap ture the mustang, who sacrifices his liberty to allow the rest of the herd to escape. Spirit escapes even tually and meets new friends. The movie is seen from the horse's point of view using Matt Damon to occasionally voice the horse's thoughts. Directors Kelly Asbury and Lorna Cook draw in the audience with an emotionally involv ing story about the quest for freedom. Since the animals don't talk, the visuals and the music score propel the story, helped by Bryan Adams' voicing the song lyrics, and the ex pressive facial renderings of the horses. The animation has a lovely painterly quality, freely mixing back-

Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron is now screening

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drops from several iconic settings pare ,s director of the US Conferin the Old West in a film that looksence of Catholic Bishops’ Office for sadly on the taming of the great Film and Broadcasting.

DIRECTORY FOR YOUTHS/YOUNG ADULTS Catholic Students’ Society Bakhita Search-lnn, University of Singapore, Mr Christina/Sr Veronica (6 3 6 7 -6 2 6 4 /6 4 6 7 -4 2 9 0 ) Irving Teo 6296-0897 yscchris@ yahoo. c o m / canosis@ pacific.net.sg

irvingteo@ catholic.org

Nanyang Technological University Catholic Students’ Apostolate, NTU Branch: Mr g au d e tte@ boystow n.org.sg Br Dominic Kiong 6769-1618 Budi Susanto 9478-7827. National Institute of Fax: 6762-7846 Education Catholic Students' Catholic Overseas Students Aposolate (NIECSA), NIE Down Under Adrian (9836- Branch: Ang Mei Ling 96663234 5217) or Dennis (6274-2979) Infant Jesus Retreat and o r cosdu@ yahoo.com .au Youth Centre, Sr Gerard Lee 6760-2461/92947521 Fax: Choice, 9307-7752/96717699369 srtlee@ yahoo.com 0767 choice@ cheerful.com Boys' Town Fraternity,

Hosanna! Music Ministry www.hmmonline.org <http://www.hmmoniine.org> contact Tammy 9747-8570.

Poverello Teen Centre, Sr Maria Sylvia Ng, FMM Tel/Fax: 6544-2603 jub 2 0 00 @ sing n e t. com. sg

Praise@Work Juliana 9799-9184 or email w eicom e@ praiseatw ork.org

St Patrick House, (Boarding) Br Collin Wee, FSC 63455929 Fax: 6345-4635 Youth Life-Line, 6252-6300 Fax: 6285-5311 Youth Praise Ministry Helen Lee (9029-0118) email ypmsingapore@yahoo.com. Young Christian Students' Movement (Mandarin speaking), Mr Stephen Chia 6286-4166 95024549 Young Christian Workers (Mandarin-speaking), Maria Ng Kim Luang 6763-0137

JUNE 9 -JU N E 16, 2002

THE CATHOLIC NEWS

W O RLD •

"I imagine that you may be wondering what the Pope wants to say to you this evening before departing. It is this: I want to entrust to you two messages, two “words” spoken by Jesus who is the Word of the Father, and I hope that you will guard them as a treasure for the rest of your life. The first word is that “Come and see", spoken by Jesus to the two disciples who had asked him where he lived (cf. Jn 1:38-39). It is an invitation which has sustained and inspired the Church on her journey through the centuries. I repeat it to you today, dear friends. Draw near to Jesus and strive to “see” what he is able to offer you. The second word that I want to leave with you this evening is the one I have addressed to the young people of the world who are preparing to celebrate World Youth Day in two months time in Toronto, Canada: “You are the salt of the

From front page

The Pope then addressed special greetings to various groups, civic and religious who were present for the official welcome, particularly His Holiness the Patriarch of the Orthodox Church, the Catholic Bishops, the Muslim Grand Mufti of Bulgaria and the President of the Jewish Community. The Pope had a somewhat heavy schedule during his visit to Bulgaria, meeting the President of the Republic, visiting the Cathe dral of St. Alexander Nevski for the Feast of Sts Cyril and Methodius and laying a floral trib ute in the square at the Monument in honour of the two saints, then, a meeting with His Holiness the Patriarch Maxim and the Holy Synod at the Patriarchal Palace in Sophia.

earth; you are the light of the world” (cf. Mt. 5:13-14).

The "Bulgarian Connection’

The meeting with the President of the Republic occasioned specu lation in the press concerning whether reference would be made or not to the so-called "Bulgarian Connection" involving the at tempted assassination of the Pope in St. Peter's Square in 1981. All speculation ended with a joint Press release by the Bulgar ian Government spokesman and Dr. Navarro-Valls, Director of Vati can Press. "President Parvanov pointed to the esteem of the Bulgarian people for the Holy Father, which excludes Bulgaria’s in volvem ent in the assassination attempt on his life.

His Holiness Pope John Paul II and His Holiness Patriarch Maxim

in history that a Bishop of Rome visits this land and meets you and the Holy Synod is rightly a moment

of joy, because it is a sign of a gradual growth in ecclesial communion. Yet this cannot distract us from sincerely recognizing that Christ our Lord founded a single Church, while we today appear to the world divided, as if Christ himself were divided. Such division openly

contradicts the will of Christ, scandalizes the world, and

As a matter o f fact, the Director o f the Holy See P ress O ffice stated: I would like to add that the Pope has told the President that he had never believed in the so-called “Bulgarian c o n n e c tio n " w hich blamed a people whom he fondly likes and admires." A first in history

The Holy Father's meeting with the Patriarch of Bulgaria, His Holiness Patriarch Maxim can be considered a milestone in relations between the Roman Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church.

"Today the Lord enables us to meet personally and to exchange “the kiss of peace”. I am grateful for the readiness with which Your Holiness and the Holy Synod permitted me to realize a deep desire which I have long nurtured in The Pope visiting Orthodox Cathedral in my heart. I come to you with a sense of esteem for the mission which the Orthodox Church of Bulgaria damages that most holy cause, is undertaking, and I wish to the preaching of the Gospel to express my respect and every creature. appreciation for your commitment The fullness of communion to the good of the people of this between our Churches has land. suffered grievous wounds in the Your Holiness, this first time course of history, for which, often

enough, people of both sides were to blame. These sins of the past unfortunately still burden us and remain ever present temptations. It is necessary to make amends for them, and earnestly to beseech Christ’s forgiveness. One thing, however, consoles us: the estrangement between Catholics and Orthodox has never extinguished in them the desire to restore full ecclesial communion, so that the unity for which the Lord prayed to the Father might be manifested more clearly. Today we can give thanks to God that the bonds between us have been much strengthened." A surprise

The Holy Father took the Patriarch by surprise by announcing: "Precisely with a view to increasing our knowledge of each other, our mutual charity and our fraternal cooperation, I am pleased to offer to the Bulgarian Orthodox community in Rome, for their worship, the use of the Church of Saints Vincent and Anastasius at the Trevi Fountain,

according to the terms which our respective delegates will decide." As he had done in Azaerbaijan, the Pope held meetings with the Representatives of the Jewish Community and with representatives of the world of Culture, Science and Art. The Pope also visited the Orthodox Monastery of S John of Rila, to which he travelled by helicopter. Sophia In an address he delivered there, the Holy Father paid tribute to the long tra d itio n of monasticism which has always been a mark of the Orthodox Church and in general of the Eastern Tradition. Keeping to his tight schedule, the Pontiff held a private meeting

with the Prime Minister, His Excellency Mr. Simeon SaxeCoburg Gotha, the Grand Mufti Selim Myumyum Mehmed and Representatives of the Muslim Community of Bulgaria as well as representatives of the Evangelical Church and visits to the Catholic co-Cathedral and the Catholic Cathedral of the Byzantine-Slav rite in Sophia.

Never forget, young friends: you are called to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world! Jesus does not ask you just to say or do something; Jesus asks you to be salt and light! And not just for a day, but for your whole life. It is a task that he puts before you every morning and in every setting. You must be salt and light with your family and friends; with other young people ."

Beatification

One of the highlights of his visit was the Beatification ceremony of three Assumpti oni st priests in the Central Square of Plovdiv, together with the O r t h o d o x M etropolitan of Plovdiv, His Eminence Arsenij, in a gesture which the Holy Father called " e x q u i s i t e thoughtfulness" on the part of the O r t h o d o x Metropolitan, who expressed a desire to take part in the liturgical celebration.

A soldier places a floral tribute on behalf o f the Holy Father at the monument to Sts. Cyril and Methodius

Meeting the youth

His final engage-ment before departing Bulgaria was to meet the youth in the Cathedral of Plovdiv. He expressed his particular care and affection for them because, as he put it, "..youth is not just a time of transition between adolescence and adulthood, but a time of life given by God to each person as a gift and a task. It is a time to seek the answer to fundamental questions, like the young man in the Gospel , and to discover not only the meaning of life but also a specific plan of life. Your personal, professional and social future will depend, dear young people, upon the choices you make in these years: youth is the time to lay foundations; an opportunity not to be missed, because it will never come again!”

The Pope left Bulgaria at 7.00 pmSunday, May 26 and passed over Jugoslavia, BosniaHerzegovina and Croatia before landing in Rome. Certainly, as the foreign Press has been quick to note, this latest 4-day pilgrimage of the Pope has taken a particularly severe toll on his already failing health. But the Holy Father is a man with a mission and a vision - A MISSION to proclaim the Good News to the whole world in fidelity to Christ's command. He is not about to flinch from that Mission. A VISION - to see all men united in the one Church of Christ and the one People of God. He is not about to let his physical condition cloud that Vision. □ - Editor - Vatican Press Reports

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