JANUARY 29, 2012, Vol 62, No 02

www.catholicnews.sg SUNDAY JANUARY 29, 2012

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Recommendations for Year of Faith issued VATICAN CITY – In an effort to help Catholics have a better and correct understanding of their faith and become authentic witnesses to Christ, the Vatican issued a list of pastoral recommendations for celebrating the upcoming Year of Faith.

The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith released a “note” on Jan 7 outlining the aims of the special year and ways bishops, dioceses, parishes and communities can promote “the truth of the faith”, the congregation said.

It also announced that within WKH 3RQWL¿FDO &RXQFLO IRU 3URPRWing New Evangelisation, a secretariat would be set up to suggest and coordinate different initiatives. The new department will be responsible for launching a special website for sharing useful information on the Year of Faith.

Pope Benedict XVI wanted the Year of Faith, which runs from Oct 11, 2012, to Nov 24, 2013, to help the Church focus its attention on “Jesus Christ and the beauty of having faith in Him”, the note said.

“The Church is well aware of the problems facing the faith” and recognise that without a revitali-

Pope Benedict XVI wants the Year of Faith, which runs from Oct 11, 2012, to Nov 24, 2013, to help the Church focus its attention on ‘Jesus Christ and the beauty of having faith in Him’.

sation of faith rooted in a personal encounter with Jesus, “then all other reforms will remain ineffective”, it said citing the pope’s Dec 22 address to the Roman Curia.

The year is meant to “contribute to a renewed conversion to the Lord Jesus and to the rediscovery of faith, so that the members of the Church will be credible and MR\ ¿OOHG ZLWQHVVHV WR WKH ULVHQ Lord, capable of leading those

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, As we celebrate the Lunar New Year and welcome in the Year of the Dragon, I would like to express my best wishes to all Chinese Singaporeans that this feast may bring about happiness and joy for you and your families.

Joy is an expression of being in harmony with ourselves. To truly be in harmony with ourselves, we must also be in harmony with

many people who are seeking it to the door of faith,” the note said.

Critical to renewing one’s faith and being a credible witness LV KDYLQJ D ¿UP DQG FRUUHFW XQderstanding of Church teaching, it said.

Because the year’s start, Oct 11, coincides with the anniversaries of the opening of the Second Vatican Council in 1962 and the promulgation of the Catechism

God, with others and with nature.

The dragon is a symbol of power and good fortune. As we welcome the Year of the Dragon, let us share our success with those less fortunate and use our “power” to look beyond our own needs and serve the greater good.

This year, let us focus on honouring God through respect for His Creation, respect for the dignity of the human person and the life of the unborn child.

of the Catholic Church in 1992, it would be an auspicious occasion to make the work of the council and the catechism “more widely and deeply known”, it said.

The congregation said the pope “has worked decisively for a correct understanding of the council, rejecting as erroneous the socalled ‘hermeneutics of discontinuity and rupture’ and promoting what he himself has termed the ‘hermeneutic of reform’, of renewal in continuity” with the Church and tradition.

The catechism “is an integral part of that ‘renewal in continuity’” by embracing the old and traditional while expressing it “in a new way, in order to respond to the questions of our times”, it said.

The note offers pastoral recommendations aimed at aiding “both the encounter with Christ through authentic witnesses to faith, and the ever-greater understanding of its contents”, it said.

Among the initiatives will be various ecumenical events at the Vatican aimed at restoring unity among all Christians, including “a solemn ecumenical celebration in

Continued on page 12

In addition, let us offer together our prayers for the Church in China, that Chinese Catholics may be witnesses to the love that Jesus has shown us. :LVKLQJ \RX DOO D MR\ ¿OOHG Chinese New Year!

Yours in Christ

Archbishop Nicholas Chia

VOL 62

NO. 2

INSIDE HOME Mentoring young people Boys’ Town launches programmes Page 5

ASIA 2 new Asian cardinals Among 22 recently appointed by pope Page 8

ASIA Commemorating Shanghai’s 1st Catholic convert Bishop urges Catholics to follow his example Page 10

WORLD Pope slams ‘religiously motivated terrorism’ Highlights attacks against Christians Page 12

WORLD Ex-Anglicans join Catholic Church in US Special jurisdiction set up for them Page 13

FEATURES Facing the new year Hopes, dreams, expectations Pages 15 and 16

2 HOME

Sunday January 29, 2012 CatholicNews

Montfort Secondary comes home

By Don Gurugay After two years studying at temporary premises, Montfort Secondary School pupils returned home to their upgraded campus on Jan 3.

The renovations, which cost $22 million, were part of the Education Ministry’s Programme for Rebuilding and IMproving Existing Schools (PRIME), which aims to update facilities.

7R PDUN WKHLU ¿UVW GD\ EDFN LQ their refurbished school, 200 pupils took part in a run from their temporary premises in Serangoon North to their upgraded Hougang campus.

This was followed by a ceremony in which school principal Andrew Tan and invited guests made plaster imprints of their palms.

These would later be placed on a wall to commemorate the occasion.

Montfort Secondary students can now look forward to spacious 90-sq-m classrooms, a larger PXOWL SXUSRVH KDOO DQG D QHZ ¿HOG custom made for the school’s key sports – rugby and softball.

They will also enjoy a larger canteen, an outdoor theatre as well as a special Heritage Gallery that will be shared with Montfort Junior School.

Montfort Secondary was for-

0ontfort Secondary School boys tooN part in a run bacN to their newly refurbished premises on Jan 3.

The school now has 90-sq-m classrooms, a larger multi-purpose hall and a ¿eld custom-made for the institution’s Ney sports.

merly “a relatively old building of almost 20 years”, recalled school principal, Mr Tan. “Many of the facilities were undersized comSDUHG WR WKH VSHFL¿FDWLRQV RI ZKDW most schools built in the last 10 years had.”

Now with a “much larger hall, new lecture theatre, six computer laboratories, a new library, we are

able to mount programmes for our boys more effectively”.

The school also “wanted to build into the design a more Catholic environment”, he added. “We had built in arches in the overall design and set walls aside where we will inscribe inspiring Bible verses as well as quotes from our founder St Louis Marie de Montfort.”

Sec Four student Scott HenGURII UHFDOOHG WKDW ZKHQ KH ¿UVW joined the school, it “was a little run down”.

Now, he is “impressed at the new equipment and especially the newly renovated school hall,” he

ARCHBISHOP’S DIARY Jan 23 10.00am Cathedral of the Good Shepherd: Mass – Chinese New Year Jan 28 4.00pm CJC: Mass – Commissioning of Principals Jan 29 3.00pm Church of St Stephen: Mass – Diamond and Golden Jubilees of Canossian Sisters

added. “Our classrooms are also a lot bigger … but best of all, we have a brand new, huge canteen with more variety of food.”

Ms Tuty Asmary, a Sec Four teacher, noted that there are now more computer labs and equipment, “creating many possibilities for IT-infused lessons”.

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Sunday January 29, 2012 „ CatholicNews

New initiatives launched at beginning of Catechetical Year

More than 100 catechists from across the archdiocese gathered at the Catholic Archdiocesan Education Centre to celebrate the start of the Catechetical Year on Jan 8.

In his address to them on Catechetical Sunday, Archbishop 1LFKRODV &KLD H[SODLQHG WKLV year’s theme, “Do this In Memory Of Me�.

Through the Eucharist, he said, “we truly participate in a past event that transforms our present and gives us hope for the futureâ€?. +H H[KRUWHG DOO FDWHFKLVWV WR help the young persons under WKHLU FKDUJH WR H[SHULHQFH WKLV KRSH DQG ÂłWR H[SHULHQFH KRZ WKH span of sacred history – past, present, and future – converges at the Eucharistâ€?.

Catechetical director Fr Erbin Fernandez encouraged all catechists to draw upon the words of Pope Benedict XVI, that they should enter the “door of faith� as a lifelong journey.

In this way, catechists would not only transform the classrooms into prayer spaces, but would also “allow [themselves] to be transformed from teachers of doctrine to witnesses of the Good News�.

Ms Monica Loh, a catechist from the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, spoke about her journey as a catechist.

She shared how she used to treat catechesis as a job but after going through the archdiocesan CatHFKHWLFDO 2IÂżFH &2 IRUPDWLRQ she now sees it as a vocation.

Ms Jane Lau, coordinator of parish catechesis, outlined the RIÂżFHÂśV LQLWLDWLYHV IRU WKH \HDU which includes the roll-out of a new Primary Catechetical Curriculum in 12 parishes. These SDULVKHV DUH WKH ÂżUVW EDWFK WR FRP-

plete the Parish Team Trainings which have been run by the CO since 2010.

Other initiatives include the launch of the new Secondary Catechetical Curriculum in September as well as the start of work on new curricula for special-needs children and youth, as well as for baptised but uncatechised young people.

The Church of the Risen Christ UHFHLYHG D VSHFLDO &HUWLÂżFDWH RI Achievement for completing the Archdiocesan Catechist Coordinators Course Level 1. ,W LV WKH ÂżUVW SDULVK WR UHFHLYH this award which recognises that the parish coordinators have understood the fundamentals of catechesis and started putting these catechetical theories into practice.

Awards were also given to over 40 catechists who are the ÂżUVW JURXS WR FRPSOHWH WKH UHquirements for the Basic Catechist &RXUVH D FHUWLÂżFDWLRQ SURJUDPPH for catechists.

The catechetical community also recognised the efforts of the Primary Catechetical Core Team that helped draw up the new Primary Catechetical Curriculum.

In keeping with the renewed emphasis in catechesis on the Liturgy and enabling young people to encounter Christ, a workshop H[SODLQLQJ KRZ WR FRQGXFW &KLOdren’s Eucharistic Adoration was held for catechists on Jan 7 at the Church of the Holy Spirit.

About 90 catechists from 14 parishes attended the event to ÂżQG RXW KRZ WR LQFRUSRUDWH (Xcharistic Adoration into their catechetical sessions.

The workshop was jointly organised by the CO and the Children’s Eucharistic Adoration Ministry led by Sr Angeline Lim, FMDM. „

Archbishop Nicholas Chia poses for a photo with recipients of the Basic Catechist Course /evel 1 certiÂżcation on Jan 8.

Important notice for users of Catholic parish columbaria This concerns all persons who already have the ashes of their loved ones at a parish columbarium or who have booked a niche for future use.

By now, or at the latest before the Lunar New Year, you should have received a letter from your Columbarium.

If for any reason you have not, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR COLUMBARIUM immediately, or you can call the Hotline at Tel no. 6656-2428, with your details, who will then inform your Columbarium on your behalf.

The personal letter from your Columbarium will come WRJHWKHU ZLWK D FRS\ RI WKH RIÂżFLDO WH[W RI WKH 7HUPV DQG Conditions Governing the Use of All Parish Columbaria in the Archdiocese of Singapore, as well as a Reply Form.

7KH OHWWHU ZLOO H[SODLQ KRZ WKH QHZ 7HUPV DQG &RQGLWLRQV affect your use of the Columbarium.

You are kindly requested to sign the Reply Form and notify your Columbarium of your agreement.

If for any reason you wish to terminate your use of the Columbarium, you should indicate this in the Reply Form and return the same to your Columbarium by 20 February 2012, failing which you shall be deemed to have agreed to the new Terms and Conditions.

If you have any queries relating to the letter or the new Terms and Conditions, please call the dedicated Hotline at Tel no. 6656-2428. Hotline hours are Mondays to Fridays, DP WR SP H[FHSW SXEOLF KROLGD\V 7KH +RWOLQH ZLOO UXQ until 20 February 2012. „

4 HOME

Sunday January 29, 2012 CatholicNews

Lawyers urged to view their work as ‘calling’

Nativity Church turns 160

By Darren Boon

Archbishop Chia speaking to members of the legal profession after the Red Mass on Jan 5.

By Nicholas Lee View the legal profession not just as “a job” but as a “ministry”, “it is a calling from God,” Archbishop Nicholas Chia told the crowd who gathered at the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd for the annual “Red Mass”.

More than 100 Catholic legal professionals and law students, including members of the Catholic Lawyers Guild (CLG), attended the special Mass on Jan 5 to pray for blessings at the start of the new legal year.

In his homily, Archbishop

Chia stressed that it was important that guild members develop strong bonds with each other and grow as Catholic lawyers.

He also urged them to imitate the early Christian communities and highlighted four characteristics: kerygma (proclamation), koinonia (being communityspirited), diakonia (being a serving community), and eucharistia (thanksgiving).

Concelebrating the Mass with Archbishop Chia was CLG spiritual director Fr Adrian Yeo.“It’s a good start to the legal year that lawyers and the judiciary come to pray…

to protect the rights of people, to make right decisions and to represent their clients well,” he said.

CLG president Ivan Lee said he was “quite glad that a lot of people felt motivated to come”.

“Every year we hope to have a better and better turnout” with people being able to take “away a message” from the event, he added.

Also present at this year’s Red Mass was Attorney General Sundaresh Menon.

After the Mass, members of the legal profession were invited to a dinner reception at the archbishop’s house.

The Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary has released gold-plated coins to mark the church’s 160th anniversary this year.

The limited edition souvenir coins, which sell at $68 each, KDYH JRQH RQ VDOH VLQFH WKH ¿UVW weekend of January.

A picture of the church adorns RQH VLGH RI WKH FRLQ ZKLOH D ¿JXUH of the Virgin Mary adorns the other.

A team of parishioners had studied various samples of souvenir, such as those from Lourdes, for inspiration.

The design of the coin and the image of the church was done by a parishioner who wanted to be known only as Ms Lim. She noted that the image of the 9LUJLQ 0DU\ ZDV PRUH GLI¿FXOW WR draw due to the folds of the dress.

However, the designers at the Singapore Mint lent their expertise to this.

Ms Janemarie Lim, a member of the anniversary celebrations committee who suggested the idea for the coin, said it is a souvenir and collector’s item that can be passed down across the generations within the family.

The coin has already aroused the interest of both young and old parishioners who have purchased the item for family members, added Ms Lim. Mr Vincent Yeo-Koh, who bought three coins, said he felt the souvenir was “well designed”.

Mr Yeo-Koh, who belongs to the third-generation of Catholics from the parish, said it is a “good gift for the next generation”. He intends to give the coins to his two sons and another relative for them to “remember the church for a long time”.

Other activities are also being planned for the church’s anniversary celebrations.

These include a golf tournament at Orchid Country Club on Feb 28 followed by dinner, and a walkathon in May.

The highlight of the celebrations will be the parish feast day celebrations in September with a novena, carnival and feast day dinner. Parish priest Fr Henry Siew told CatholicNews that a day of recollection and a parish retreat would also be organised.

A special prayer has also been composed for the anniversary.

The origins of the church can be traced to an attap chapel built in 1852 which was later replaced by a brick chapel named St Mary’s Chapel. Fr Jean Casimir Saleilles, parish priest from 1881-1911 built the present church in 1901, which was renamed the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Meanwhile, the parish plans to assemble a group of 20 youths aged 15-25 years for a mission

The church has produced special gold-plated coins to mark its anniversary this year.

outreach in Danang, Vietnam, from March 12-16.

The trip, which aims to introduce the youths to mission work, LV WKH ¿UVW SURMHFW RI D QHZO\ formed ministry – Nativity Mission Outreach Ministry.

Fr Siew started it last year to help parishioners be more aware of the needs of the less fortunate.

Through Fr Siew, the group came into contact with the Sisters of the Congregation of St Paul De Chartres in Danang.

The nuns work with the elderly, the disabled and orphans.

The youths will help in tasks such as cleaning and painting the homes that the nuns manage.

The group also plans to identify other areas in Vietnam and also in Myanmar that require help, said ministry coordinator Ruby Teo. darren.boon@catholic.org.sg

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Sunday January 29, 2012 CatholicNews

Mentoring young people Boys’ Town and alumni strengthen and launch programmes for youths

By Darren Boon Boys’ Town Alumni (BTA) is implementing a mentoring programme to provide a peer support network for needy and deserving students in Assumption English School, Assumption Pathway School, and Boys’ Town Home.

The alumni, along with representatives from these institutions, have formed a working committee to manage and run the programme which is planned for March this year.

The programme is for students who do not hold leadership positions in the school and who display some “behavioural issues”, said Mr Roland Yeow, a committee member.

The project will comprise an eight-week Life Skills Training Programme to help the young people develop resilience and good values while enhancing their life skills.

The programme also allows BTA members to “contribute meaningfully to their alma mater”, said Mr Yeow.

Boys’ Town Alumni was established in 1959 and has been actively contributing to the scholDUVKLSV DQG EXUVDULHV WR EHQH¿W needy students in the schools under the Boys’ Town umbrella.

Meanwhile, Boys’ Town is enhancing its mentoring and leadership programme which aims to impart leadership skills to its residential youths and have older boarders serve as peer-mentors to the younger ones.

This is to leverage on its competency as a Workforce Develop-

Detail from Boys’ Town website. The charity is enhancing its mentoring and leadership programme, while the Boys’ Town Alumni will launch a new programme this March.

ment Agency accredited training centre, said Mr Yeow who is deputy director of Boys’ Town.

Mr Yeow said giving the boarders commitment and responsibility to a cause or duty provides an element of trust and encouragement which would be good for their personal development.

Boarders will be exposed to the concept of servant leadership through the inculcation of the CARING (care and concern, adaptability, responsibility, integrity, nurturing, godliness) values of Boys’ Town in the programme.

Boarders are expected to be a leader to oneself through selfdiscipline, a leader to peers and a leader in the community or designated service area, said Mr Yeow.

The boarders will also be encouraged to work towards the National Youth Achievement Award (NYAA) as they undergo the training, and will be encouraged to be purposeful in their learning of skills, participation in adventure and sports, and involvement in service areas.

The award encourages those between 14 and 25 years “to de-

velop personal qualities of selfreliance, perseverance and a sense of responsibility to themselves, to society and to the nation”. Applicants “are judged on personal achievement measured against original circumstances and potential capabilities”, according to the NYAA website.

A new outdoor training pro-

gramme would be conducted for existing peer-mentors and newly recruited mentors to experience outdoor adventure training, and to prepare the new peer-mentors to take on leadership in 2013.

Meanwhile Boys’ Town has EHHQ DZDUGHG WKH 1RQ 3UR¿W 2Uganization of the Year 2011 Award (Philanthropy Management) from the National Volunteer & Philanthropic Centre (NVPC).

The award recognises “best practices in the management of volunteers or donors (including fundraising practices) in non-profit organisations”, according to the NVPC website.

Mrs Irene Loi, executive director of Boys’ Town, told CatholicNews that it is an honour for Boys’ Town to be thus recognised.

She said Boys’ Town will encourage donors to visit the charity to see the work it does and “to be part of” it. darren.boon@catholic.org.sg

6 HOME

Sunday January 29, 2012 CatholicNews

Lunchtime Masses planned for Marina Bay area

The choir at the Catholic Prayer Society thanksgiving Mass on Jan 6.

By Darren Boon The Catholic Prayer Society (CPS) plans to start a weekday lunchtime Mass in the Marina Bay Financial Centre. This is because the former Wednesday lunchtime Masses at Victoria Memorial Hall have ceased due to renovation.

The new proposed Mass centre is “in response to the recent movement of many businesses and banking organisations from 5DIÀHV 3ODFH DQG 6XQWHF &LW\ WR this new area”, CPS said.

For this initiative, CPS is looking for volunteers to assist and serve at the new proposed venue.

Volunteers to help set up the Mass celebration, organise the offertory and collection, are needed as well as communion ministers, lectors, commentators and a music ministry.

CPS is also searching for a reasonably convenient venue about the size of a mini-theatre whose rental price is reasonable, free or sponsored.

Meanwhile, CPS held its annual thanksgiving Mass and dinner on Jan 6 at the Singapore Medical Alumni House which was attended by some 90 members from its six centres.

CPS president Bertilla Lim in her address after Mass thanked the volunteers for their work in running the Masses as well as the society’s other activities and outreach programmes.

Four catechumens from CPS’ lunch-time weekday Rite of Christian of Initiation for Adults (RCIA) will also be baptised this Easter.

Other CPS activities include a lunchtime Alpha course, fundraising for Catholic missions in Africa, an education support programme in Sri Lanka for needy youths, faith and spiritual talks, as well as lectors’ training.

Ms Lim also encouraged CPS members to “market” the Masses to newly-baptised Catholics as well as to their Catholics friends and new colleagues She also urged members to UHDFK RXW WR QHZ RI¿FH WHQDQWV LQ WKH 5DIÀHV 3ODFH DQG 6XQWHF &LW\ areas to invite Catholics and interested people to join in the weekday Mass. Written with information from Catholic Prayer Society

To contact CPS, email cps.contactus@gmail.com darren.boon@catholic.org.sg

CPS MASS TIMES Tuesdays: Suntec City (The Rock, 3rd Floor, Mall, Tower 4): 12.15pm, 1.15pm.

Wednesdays: China Square Central (The Acts Lifestyle, B1-05): 11.30am, 12.15pm, 1.15pm.

Singapore General Hospital, Outram Road (Singapore Medical Alumni House): 12.15pm.

Fridays: Orchard (Grand Hyatt Hotel): 12.40pm, 1.20pm. Jurong (Interna-

tional Business Park), German Center: 12.15pm.

Shenton Way (Singapore Conference Hall): 1st/3rd/5th Friday Mass at 12.40pm and 1.20pm.

2nd/4th Fridays: Talk by priests or Religious at 12.40pm, followed by Mass at 1.20pm. Days of Obligation: Mass at 12.30pm and 1.15pm.

Mass celebrated on all Days of Obligation.

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Sunday January 29, 2012 „ CatholicNews

Blessing ceremony for new Villa Francis site at Yishun

Interfaith meditation seminar an eye opener for many Photo: GERARD GOH

By Darren Boon

Representatives of various faiths at the ceremony on Jan 6. From left: Mr Jaafar Ma (Islam), Rev Gabriel Liew (Christianity), Archbishop Nicholas Chia, Master Wei Yi (Taoism), Venerable Yan Xu (Buddhism) and Mr Gupta Sneh Kant (Hinduism).

Archbishop Nicholas Chia, together with representatives of different religions, conducted a blessing ceremony at a site in Yishun which will be home to a Catholic-run home for the elderly.

The Villa Francis Home for the Aged in Mandai, which was built in the 1970s and which serves people of all faiths, will relocate to a new building at Yishun Central Avenue 4 in two years’ time.

During the Jan 6 blessing ceremony, Archbishop Chia, together with Mr Jaafar Ma (Islam), Rev Gabriel Liew (Christianity), Master Wei Yi (Taoism), Venerable Yan Xu (Buddhism) and Mr Gupta

Sneh Kant (Hinduism) prayed for WKH VDQFWLÂżFDWLRQ RI WKH ODQG VDIHty for construction workers and residents in the area, and blessings for all connected to the home.

According to Villa Francis administrator Canossian Sr Maria Sim, the tenancy agreement for the charity, which now has a capacity of 139 beds, will expire in May 2012.

The new home to be built in Yishun will have another 100 beds. It is expected to complement the existing day social and rehabilitation centres in the vicinity, as well as the Khoo Teck Puat Hospital and the new Yishun community hospital slated to open in 2015, said Sr Maria. „

Bukit Timah church completes renovations

The new sanctuary of St Joseph Church (Bukit Timah).

By Darren Boon The newly renovated St Joseph Church (Bukit Timah) opened its doors to parishioners on Christmas Eve last year.

Among the changes are the installation of air-conditioning and an overhead projection system. It is now also handicapped-friendly.

Other changes include the moving of the tabernacle from the side to the centre. The sanctuary has also been extended and the altar moved forward so that parishioners can have a better view of Mass proceedings.

However, the green tiles and a plaque with Chinese words over the altar have been removed. The

FUXFLÂż[ KDV DOVR EHHQ FKDQJHG The church decided on a ZRRG OLNH ÂżQLVK ZLWK WKH XVH RI brown ceramic tiles.

One of its parishioners, Ms Winnie Goh, said she is pleased with the newly renovated church as there is QRZ ³QR QHHG WR ÀLS ERRNV´ ZLWK WKH installation of the projection system.

Another parishioner, Madam Jolene Toh, said she feels the renovations help provide a good atmosphere for worship, and believes more people, especially the young, would be attracted to the church.

However, the sound system needs a little more adjustment as it is still new, she added. „ darren.boon@catholic.org.sg

Despite the different techniques used in meditation for various faiths, this practice holds common ground for different religions, say participants who attended a recent seminar.

Common Ground: A Seminar on The Contemplative Dimension of Faith was held from Jan 7-8 at the Catholic Junior College Performing Arts Centre.

Hundreds of participants from various religions attended the event, which was organised by the Archdiocesan Council for Inter-Religious and Ecumenical Dialogue (IRED), The World Community for Christian Meditation (WCCM) and supported by the Inter-Religious Organisation, Singapore (IRO).

Leaders of different faiths shared about the practice of meditation.

Fr Laurence Freeman, a Benedictine monk and director of the WCCM led the sharing on the Christian tradition.

Other religious representatives who also shared were Mr Ashvin Desai (Jainism), Venerable Chuan Guan (Buddhism), Habib Syed Hassan Al-Attas (Islam), Mother Mangalam (Hinduism), and Masters Huang Xin Cheng and Chung Kwang Tong (Wei Yi) of the Taoist faith.

Participants said they found the interreligious event enlightening.

One Methodist participant, who wanted to known only as Mrs Wee, said that whenever each faith practises meditation, it is for the same objectives of compassion and humility.

She said she also learnt from the Taoist representatives that

Habib Syed Hassan Al-Attas, Imam and Head of Ba’alwie Mosque, shows the prayer beads of different religions at the Common Ground seminar.

Wudang Taiji is a form of meditation for them.

Mrs Mag Ayers from Australia VDLG WKH VHPLQDU ZDV D ÂłYDOXDEOH´ experience. “I didn’t realise how many of the major faiths used PHGLWDWLRQ ´ VDLG WKH WHDFKHU For example, she did not realise that the Buddhists placed importance on breathing in meditation or that the Hindus used yoga for theirs.

Mrs Ayers said she feels meditation would help her students to become better people.

Ms Samantha Yee, who says

she has no religion, said the seminar was like a “101 introduction to PHGLWDWLRQ´ To her, “the outward form may differ a bit, but fundamentalO\ LWÂśV IDLUO\ VLPSOH´ DQG LV VLPLlar among various religions as a “reductive way to experience God ‌ to remove all barriers between oneself and God and to come into GLUHFW FRPPXQLFDWLRQ´ „ darren.boon@catholic.org.sg

‡ Page 8: A participant shares

8 ASIA

Sunday January 29, 2012 „ CatholicNews

2 Asians among Deepening interfaith dialogue new cardinals appointed by pope COMMON GROUND SEMINAR – A SHARING

By Irene Pates

SINGAPORE – On the weekend RI -DQ SHRSOH RI GLIIHUent faith traditions learnt how “the shared experience of silence in meditation can enhance interreligious dialogue�.

Archbishop Nicholas Chia gave the opening address. The aim of the seminar, he said, was to contribute to inter-religious dialogue by deepening the spirit of friendship and collaboration among all faiths in Singapore and the region. The focus was the contemplative practice of religion.

A simple ceremony opened the seminar proceedings. Representatives of 10 faiths individually, in silence, walked on stage with a lit candle and placed it to form a cirFOH RQ WKH Ă€RRU $ TXLHW UHYHUHQW voice led the way: “We come into this space seeking common ground We come bearing our light, the light of our different, distinctive expressions of faith and spirituality We come seeking common ground.â€?

Participants learnt that different faiths share the common ground of our humanity. That within this circle is humanity’s search and capacity – for love, compassion, patience, kindness, peace, joy and hope.

In this common ground, Fr Laurence said, is found “grace, central to all religious understanding of life: a benevolence, a freedom, a graciousness that does not depend on our merit‌ working on human nature in all its woundedness and imperfectionsâ€?. This is taught in all traditions, only given different words.

And one of the practices by which humanity makes this quest is meditation. The practice calls for simplicity, attentiveness, faithfulness. It takes us beyond words into silence and stillness, beyond the periphery into the centre.

Taking the image of a wheel, Fr Laurence pointed out that at the centre, the hub of the wheel, is a still point and it is this still point that holds the spokes together and enables the wheel to turn.

This still point at our centre is the ground of our being. Different traditions use different languages to speak of the centre and to describe their fundamental insights into the nature of reality.

For a Christian, that still point is the mind of Christ. Meditation leads to pure prayer, the prayer of the Spirit that pours out of Christ into the human heart. And yet, at its deepest level, the experience of meditation cannot be reduced to an explanation for it is beyond words.

“We all meditate within a tradition and all tradition belongs to the great tradition of humanity,�

Fr Laurence said.

Representatives of other religions shared their insights.

Mother Mangalam said: “To know one’s scripture is good, to live it is better, and to be it is the best.�

Only when we stop our verbal chatter, said Venerable Chuan Guan, do we become aware of the constant mental chatter.

How do we still the mind?

How do we bring it to focus by conscious effort of will to dwell in the supreme light of God? Mother Mangalam’s answer: “The stimulating factor must be love.�

Habib Syed Hassan Al-Attas agreed. Love is the language of meditation, which is prayer, he said.

Venerable Chuan Guan noted that the mind is like a grazing cow. After it is tethered, it still

Venerable Chuan Guan meditates during the seminar. Photo: GERARD GOH

moves around. But after a while, it will sit by the pole and be quiet.

The organisers of the seminar hope that the seminar will create a forum for further spiritual and intellectual discussion on the interiority and contemplative practice of each religion.

One possibility is to set up an inter-religious meditation group that will meet monthly. A second idea is a sacred space in the city which will be non-denominational.

A third idea is to explore how meditation could be introduced in schools.

When religious communities know that each of us has our own tradition and begin to practise, will we not see that this practice leads us to common ground?

Then, as Mother Mangalam describes humanity, we will truly recognise ourselves as “Brothers and Sisters of the Light�. „

VATICAN CITY – Two Asian bishops are among 22 Catholic Church leaders appointed as cardinals in an announcement by Pope Benedict XVI on Jan 7.

The appointments of Bishop John Tong Hon of Hong Kong and Major Archbishop Mar George Alencherry of the Syro Malabar Church in India bring the total number of Asian cardinals eligible to vote for a new pope to nine.

These new cardinals will receive their red hats in the fourth consistory of Pope Benedict’s SRQWL¿FDWH WR EH KHOG RQ )HE Cardinal Joseph Zen Ze-kiun of Hong Kong said there is generally only one cardinal in a diocese EXW VLQFH KH ZRXOG WXUQ RQ -DQ 13 and would thus lose his voting rights, it was reasonable for the pope to name another cardinal for Hong Kong.

Noting that it is a personal choice of the pope, the retired bishop of Hong Kong said “it is to show his goodwill towards China�.

Bishop Tong, 72, will be the seventh Chinese cardinal in history.

He was born in 1939 and ordained a priest in 1966. He was appointed auxiliary bishop in 1996 and then coadjutor bishop in %LVKRS 7RQJ ZDV LQVWDOOHG bishop of Hong Kong in 2009 after Cardinal Zen retired.

Besides teaching at the Holy Spirit Seminary College, he has served as director of the Holy Spirit Study Centre, a research centre specialising in China Church afIDLUV VLQFH LWV LQFHSWLRQ LQ In an interview with ucanews. com when he became head of Hong Kong diocese, Bishop Tong said his concern for the China Church will continue but he will

Bishop John Tong Hon of Hong Kong.

Major Archbishop Mar George Alencherry of the Syro Malabar Church in India.

adhere to Church principles in dealing with the mainland.

However, he has adopted a different style from the outspoken Cardinal Zen in this respect. In his 2010 Christmas message, Bishop 7RQJ DVNHG KLV Ă€RFN WR FRQQHFW with the Church in the mainland “in D SUXGHQW DQG ORZ SURÂżOH PDQQHU´ Major Archbishop Mar George Alencherry was born on April 19, 1945, in Thuruthy Village in Kottayam District in the Indian state of Kerala.

He was ordained a priest on 'HF DQG DSSRLQWHG WKH ÂżUVW %LVKRS RI 7KXFNDOD\ RQ 'HF +H ZDV HSLVFRSDOO\ RUdained on Feb 2, 1997.

At the time of his episcopal appointment, he was the protosyncellus (vicar general) of the Archdiocese of Changanacherry. The Syro-Malabar Church elected him on May 26, 2011 as its new head.

The Syro-Malabar Church

is the Kerala-based Oriental-rite Catholic Church, which traces its origin to St Thomas the Apostle.

Europe remains the most represented continent in the College of Cardinals with 67 members.

Latin America is represented by 22 cardinals, while North America has 15 and Africa has 11. Oceania only has one voting cardinal.

Ten of the new cardinals come from the Roman Curia and six of them are Italians. In total, 50 of the voting cardinals hold or have held top-level positions in the VatLFDQœV PLQLVWULHV DQG RI¿FHV Pope Benedict also included in his appointments four nonvoting cardinals: the head of the Greek-Catholic Church in Romania, a noted Belgian professor of religious anthropology, and two VFKRODUV ZKR WDXJKW DW WKH SRQWL¿cal universities and worked with him at the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. „ UCANEWS.COM

Catholic, Protestants collaborate in India CHENNAI, INDIA – For more than two years, a Catholic parish in India has been operating from a Protestant parish campus, a situation some Church leaders hail as an example of Christian collaboration. “It is great ecumenism in practice,� said Auxiliary Bishop Lawrence Pius of Madras-Mylapore about the cooperation between the two parishes in Chennai, capital of the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

Since October 2009, the Sacred Heart of Jesus Shrine has been operating from the campus of St John the Baptist parish church belonging to the Church of South India (CSI).

Bishop Pius said such an ar-

rangement is “unique and a good example for others�.

The parish, built in 1913, is WKH ÂżUVW VKULQH LQ ,QGLD GHGLFDWed to the devotion of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

The parish decided to move to the Protestant campus to build a new shrine with modern facilities, said the shrine’s administrator Fr Peter Thumma. The old one, he explained, was too inadequate to “suit the growing demand of devotees�.

The priest said organisers plan to complete the new shrine by the end of 2012.

Fr Joseph Manickam, the shrine’s rector, said that Catholic SDULVK RI¿FLDOV UHTXHVWHG SHUPLVsion from the CSI leaders to use

their campus until the shrine is built.

The Protestant bishop and his laity council agreed. “Such a gesture was unique. Even though goodwill exists among churches, sharing of facilities on a longterm basis is very uncommon,� Fr Manickam said.

2IÂżFLDOV RI ERWK &KXUFKHV signed an agreement that they renew every year.

CSI pastor Rev Magimaidoss Enos said, “We have shared the facility in an ecumenical spirit� because his people “understand� the situation.

Even earlier, the Catholics and Protestants used to hold joint Palm Sunday processions, he added. „ UCANEWS.COM

Sunday January 29, 2012 CatholicNews

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9

10 ASIA

Sunday January 29, 2012 „ CatholicNews

Philippine police to counter terror risk MANILA – A top Philippine police-

man said on Jan 10 his force will remain busy countering potential terrorism during further January festivals after the recent Feast of the Black Nazarene passed off peacefully overnight.

National Police chief Director General Nicanor Bartolome said there were many festivities in January in honour of Santo Nino (child Jesus). The most popular of these are the Sinulog in Cebu, Dinagyang in Iloilo, Ati-Atihan in Aklan, and the Feast of the Santo Niùo in Manila’s Tondo district on Jan 15.

Fr Maglore Placer, parish priest of Boracay Island, said

January should be declared as the month of Santo Nino. “The declaration of January as Santo Nino month should be complimented by the Catholic Church and the state,� said Fr Placer.

Ms Jocelyn Evangelio, spokesman of the Boracay Ati-Atihan Tribal Organization, said the community is grateful that their practices are being integrated into the Santo NiĂąo festivities. “We see it as an encouraging experience as we feel that our customs are being respected and preserved. We hope that the festivity will continue for many more years,â€? she said. „ UCANEWS.COM

M’sian Christians want non-Muslim govt ministry PENANG, MALAYSIA – The Chris-

tian Federation of Malaysia (CFM) has called on Prime Minister Najib Razak to address problems faced by non-Muslims seriously, especially increasing attacks on Christians by state-owned media. “In the past year ‌ we have witnessed unprecedented incidences where Christians have been made victims of unwarranted and XQIRXQGHG DFFXVDWLRQV YLOLÂżFDWLRQ insults, even police reports,â€? said a CFM statement released on Jan 4. Âł:KDWÂśV PRUH ZH VHH RIÂżFLDO organs of government including government-controlled media being used for this purpose with impunity,â€? said the statement signed

by CFM chairman Anglican Bishop Ng Moon Hing.

The CFM reiterated its proposal for the setting up of a ministry of non-Islamic affairs, “given the enormity of the issues

facing non-Muslims�. “We Christians would like to work with the government for the sake of our beloved Malaysia,� the statement concluded.

In a speech, the prime minister announced that the education ministry in appointing principals at mission schools will engage in full consultations with the respective school boards.

He promised Bible knowledge would be an examination subject DQG WDXJKW LQ VFKRROV DIWHU RIÂżFLDO hours if requested by parents.

He also promised donations to churches and said that religious organisations would be exempt from tax.

CFM is an umbrella body that comprises the Council of Churches Malaysia, National Evangelical Christian Fellowship and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Malaysia. „ UCANEWS.COM

Renewal of marriage vows

By Vincent D’Silva JOHOR BAHRU – Catholic couples in the Melaka-Johor diocese renewed their marital vows on Dec 31 and Jan 1 in parishes here.

7KLV LV DSSDUHQWO\ WKH ÂżUVW time in the history of the diocese in which married couples from all language groups renewed their marital vows during Masses.

In most churches, couples were asked to renew their vows while standing in their pews while in some smaller parishes, priests urged couples to go forward to the altar. “This was the best thing that ever happened to us in the past 32 years of married life,� one couple, Joseph Teng and Katherine Yong, told CatholicNews.

They said that after 32 years of marriage, their life needed just a little spark of love and romance which the renewal of vows brought back. “We wish that this would be done year after year,� one of them added.

Another couple, Andrew Lingam and Sally Ann, who have been married for some 40 years, said this was a good way to start the New Year. “The renewal of vows just brings back all the ... memories of the day you were married and the sense of love, affection, devotion and dedication that you showed each other on the day of your wedding,� one of them said.

During the clergy retreat in Malacca last November, it was discussed that couples would renew their marriage vows on New Year’s Day during the Eucharistic celebration.

According to Bishop Paul Tan Chee Ing, the family is the most basic unit of society and the Church and hence no effort should be spared to strengthen family life.

The Diocesan Family Life Ministry said the initiative allows people to praise God for the gift of marriage and family, and also to witness to the young that Catholic marriage is holy, sacred and permanent. „

Bishops asks Catholics to emulate 1st Shanghai convert SHANGHAI â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Bishop Aloysius Jin Luxian of Shanghai has issued a pastoral letter for the upcoming /XQDU 1HZ <HDU XUJLQJ KLV Ă&#x20AC;RFN to learn from Paul Xu Guangqi, WKH ÂżUVW ORFDO &DWKROLF FRQYHUW The diocese is promoting his sainthood cause.

The letter, Xu Guangqi: A Man for All Seasons, was published three weeks ahead of the start of the Year of the Dragon, which begins on Jan 23.

The letter comes days after the 95-year-old Jesuit bishop was discharged from hospital, having suffered a broken rib after a fall.

Describing himself as â&#x20AC;&#x153;an old fanâ&#x20AC;? of Xu (1562-1633), the prominent Church leader urged Catholics to commemorate and publicise the sage during the 450th anniversary of his birth this year.

Xu, a Chinese scholar-bureaucrat who collaborated with Jesuit Fr Matteo Ricci (1552-1610), had a mild character but it does not mean he â&#x20AC;&#x153;compromised his faithâ&#x20AC;? or failed to promote evangelisation, Bishop Jin noted.

'XULQJ WKH GLIÂżFXOW HDUO\ GD\V of the Church in China, Xu insisted on following Fr Ricciâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s principle of respecting Chinese culture and maintaining a cautious approach in protecting the Church community, Bishop Jin wrote.

Xu suggested that direct confrontation would lead to greater persecution of Catholics. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Leave it as it is, and hatred

A statue of Paul Xu Guangqi erected by the Chinese government near his graveyard in Xujiahui district, Shanghai.

UCANEWS.COM PHOTO

would naturally calm down,â&#x20AC;? the bishopâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s letter said.

At the same time, Xu tried his best to explain the Catholic faith to the emperor and offered himself as a role model of a Catholic and loyal Chinese citizen. â&#x20AC;&#x153;How can such faith be a compromising faith?â&#x20AC;? Bishop Jin asked.

According to the prelate, Xujiahui district in downtown Shanghai, which grew around the graveyard where Xu was buried, became a place where modern Chinese culture developed and spread.

Xu was also a founder and pioneer of Catholicism in Shanghai.

Bishop Jin urged Catholics to visit historic monuments associated with Xu and learn from his example during his birth anniversary this year and his 380th death anniversary next year.

He also called on the sick to pray for Xuâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s intercession. Any miracle attributed to his intercession would help him to be recogQLVHG DV WKH ÂżUVW &KLQHVH FRQIHVsor-saint. Â&#x201E; UCANEWS.COM

Filipinos warned to leave after landslide MANILA â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Residents of a small mining community in the southern Philippines continued mining for gold on Jan 5 despite a landslide that swept through their village and government warnings to evacuate, a Catholic priest said.

Fr Reynaldo Biliran of the Tagum diocese told the Asian Church news agency UCA News that the government feared the land had become unstable after the predawn landslide that day claimed at least 25 lives, but villagers refused to budge. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Church has not been remiss in reminding them of the danger of mining, but you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really blame these poor people for staying there. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s their livelihood,â&#x20AC;? he said.

More than 100 people were missing after the landslide, the government reported.

Mr Benito Ramos, head of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, said heavy rain or a predawn quake were possible causes of the landslide in Pantukan village in Compostela Valley province.

People search for landslide victims in a mining area in Pantukan, Philippines, on Jan 5. CNS photo

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The quake, although relatively weak, intensity three, may have affected the ground already saturated by rain,â&#x20AC;? Mr Ramos said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A military unit is in the area, but they are basically digging with their hands,â&#x20AC;? he added.

The landslide occurred near the scene of another landslide in April in which more than a dozen people were killed, and one in

2009 that killed 26 people.

Acting on the advice of govHUQPHQW JHRORJLVWV ORFDO RIÂżFLDOV ordered the evacuation of all Pantukan gold rush areas after the April disaster.

Soldiers were already in the area, but search-and-rescue operations were hampered by the rugged terrain, said a government spokesman. Â&#x201E; UCANEWS.COM

WORLD 11

Sunday January 29, 2012 CatholicNews

Former US envoys to Vatican back Romney WASHINGTON – Five former US

ambassadors to the Vatican have endorsed Mr Mitt Romney in his campaign to win the Republican nomination for the presidency.

The Romney campaign released the ambassadors’ statement on Jan 7, three days before the New Hampshire primary, customDULO\ WKH ¿UVW VXFK SULPDU\ LQ WKH nation every presidential election year.

The former ambassadors, all Catholics, said in their statement they were “united in our wholehearted support for the candidacy of Mitt Romney for the presidency of the United States because of his commitment to and support of the values that we feel are critical in a national leader.”

They called Mr Romney’s “superior understanding of America’s key role in our increasingly interdependent world and his appreciation of the fact that sound economic and social policies must rest on a healthy culture” as the basis for their decision. ³:H DUH FRQ¿GHQW WKDW KH understands the importance of strong families as pillars of a viEUDQW HFRQRP\ DQG D ÀRXULVKLQJ polity,” the ambassadors said.

“Romney is a staunch defender of the principle that every human being should be welcomed in life and protected by law from conception to natural death.”

One signatory, Mr Thomas Melady, Vatican ambassador during the presidency of George HW Bush, told Catholic News Service the group of ambassadors who signed were “very balanced and ecumenical”.

The other signatories were Ms Mary Ann Glendon, Mr Jim Nicholson, Mr Francis Rooney and Mr Raymond Flynn. CNS

Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney (left) ‘is a staunch defender of the principle that every human should be protected by law from conception to natural death’.

AT THE JORDAN RIVER: Palestinian Catholics from Jerusalem, Mr Najed Mishriki and his wife, sprinkle their 18-month-old son, Khamis, with water from the Jordan River on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord on Jan 8. Located near the West Bank town of Jericho, the site is believed to be the place where St John baptised Jesus. CNS photo

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12 WORLD

Year of Faith Â&#x2021; From page 1 which all of the baptised will reafÂżUP WKHLU IDLWK LQ &KULVW´ LW VDLG There will be special Masses at the Vatican to mark the opening and closing of the Year of Faith, it added.

Some recommendations for bishops, dioceses and parishes include ensuring better quality catechetical materials that conform to Church teaching; promoting Catholic principles and the sigQLÂżFDQFH RI 9DWLFDQ ,, LQ WKH PDVV media; hosting events that bring artists, academics and others together to renew dialogue between faith and reason; offering penitential celebrations; and putting a focus on liturgy, especially the Eucharist, it said.

It also called for Vatican II documents, the catechism and its Compendium to be republished in more affordable editions and to distribute the texts digitally and via other â&#x20AC;&#x153;modern technologiesâ&#x20AC;?.

The congregation said it wanted to promote the recommendations EHFDXVH WKH RIÂżFHÂśV ÂłVSHFLÂżF IXQFtions include not only safeguarding sound doctrine and correcting errors but also, and foremost, promoting the truth of the faithâ&#x20AC;?.

7KH FRQJUHJDWLRQÂśV QRWH drafted on the orders of Pope Benedict, was written in consultaWLRQ ZLWK RWKHU 9DWLFDQ RIÂżFHV DQG with the help of the Year of Faith preparatory committee. Â&#x201E;

Sunday January 29, 2012 Â&#x201E; CatholicNews

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Religiously motivated terrorismâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; condemned VATICAN CITY â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Pope Benedict

XVI condemned â&#x20AC;&#x153;religiously motivated terrorismâ&#x20AC;? and restrictions on religious freedom during his annual address to diplomats accredited to the Vatican.

Speaking on Jan 9, he paid tribute to Shahbaz Bhatti, a Catholic and government minister for minorities in Pakistan, â&#x20AC;&#x153;whose untiring battle for the rights of minorities ended in his tragic deathâ&#x20AC;? when he was murdered last March. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sadly, we are not speaking of an isolated case,â&#x20AC;? the pope told the diplomats gathered in a formal, frescoed hall of the Apostolic Palace. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In many countries, Christians are deprived of fundamental rights and sidelined from public life; in other countries they endure violent attacks against their churches and homes,â&#x20AC;? he said, mentioning particularly the Christmas Day attacks on churches in Nigeria.

Discussing the Arab Spring movements that toppled repressive governments in North Africa and spread to the Middle East, Pope Benedict said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;it is hard to PDNH D GHÂżQLWLYH DVVHVVPHQW´ RI the recent events, but â&#x20AC;&#x153;initial op-

Speaking to diplomats, the pope paid tribute to Shahbaz Bhatti (left), a Catholic government minister for minorities in Pakistan, who was assassinated. timism has yielded to an acknowlHGJPHQW RI WKH GLIÂżFXOWLHV RI WKLV moment of transition and changeâ&#x20AC;?.

With concerns expressed about creating new power elites or creating situations where Christian minorities could face more pressure, the only way forward towards true democracy and peace â&#x20AC;&#x153;is through the recognition of the inalienable dignity of each human person and of his or her fundamental rightsâ&#x20AC;?, the pope said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Respect for the person must be at the centre of institutions and laws,â&#x20AC;? the pope said in his address to representatives of the 179

countries that have full diplomatic relations with the Vatican.

The pope expressed his hopes for an end to bloodshed and tensions in South Sudan, Syria, the Holy Land, Iraq and the Great Lakes region of Africa, and urged the nations of the world to take seriously their obligation to protect WKH HQYLURQPHQW DQG ÂżJKW FOLPDWH change.

Saying he was looking particularly towards developed Western nations, Pope Benedict urged governments to protect the most basic human right â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the right to life. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am convinced that legis-

lative measures which not only permit but at times even promote abortion for reasons of convenience or for questionable medical motives compromise the education of young peopleâ&#x20AC;? in respect for life and hope for the future, which in turn compromises the future of humanity, he said.

Pope Benedict said education in knowledge and values is crucial today, and stressed that the family should be â&#x20AC;&#x153;based on the marriage of a man and a womanâ&#x20AC;?. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is not a simple social convention,â&#x20AC;? he said. The family is the basic structure of society and â&#x20AC;&#x153;policies which undermine the family threaten human dignity and the future of humanity itselfâ&#x20AC;?.

Turning his attention to the environment, the pope said people cannot ignore the natural calamities and â&#x20AC;&#x153;ecological disasters like that of the Fukushima nuclear plant in Japanâ&#x20AC;? that marked 2011. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Environmental protection DQG WKH FRQQHFWLRQ EHWZHHQ ÂżJKWLQJ SRYHUW\ DQG ÂżJKWLQJ FOLPDWH change are important areas for the promotion of integral human development,â&#x20AC;? he said. Â&#x201E; CNS

WORLD 13

Sunday January 29, 2012 Â&#x201E; CatholicNews

Former Episcopal bishop to head US Anglicans joining Catholic Church CNS photo

WASHINGTON â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Pope Benedict

XVI has established a special Church jurisdiction for former Anglicans who wish to become Catholics and named a married former Episcopal bishop to head it.

The Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of St Peter â&#x20AC;&#x201C; functionally equivalent to a diocese but national in scope â&#x20AC;&#x201C; will be based at a parish in Houston. It will be led by Fr Jeffrey N Steenson, the former Episcopal bishop of the Rio Grande, who was ordained a Catholic priest of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe, New Mexico, in 2009.

The Episcopal Church is the US member of the Anglican Communion. The Vatican announced the establishment of the RUGLQDULDWH DQG LWV ÂżUVW OHDGHU RQ Jan 1.

More than 100 former Anglican priests have applied to become Catholic priests in the ordinariate and 1,400 individuals from 22 communities have expressed interest in joining.

The ordinariate is the second such jurisdiction established under the provisions of Pope Benedictâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2009 apostolic constitution, $QJOLFDQRUXP &RHWLEXV 7KH ÂżUVW was the Personal Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham, created for England and Wales in January 2011; others are under consideration in Canada and Australia.

The parishes and communities accepted into the ordinariate will be fully Catholic but retain elements of their Anglican heritage.

Fr Steenson and his wife, Debra, have three grown children â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a daughter and two sons â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and a grandson.

Fr Jeffrey N Steenson, a former Episcopal bishop and now a Catholic priest, said he felt the bishops of the Episcopal Church had decided to give priority to their autonomy rather than to unity with the larger Anglican Communion.

Because he is married, the 59-year-old will not be ordained a bishop and will not be able to ordain priests. He will, however, otherwise function as a bishop.

In a 2009 interview with Catholic News Service, Fr Steenson said that in 2007, he felt the bishops of the Episcopal Church had decided to give priority to their autonomy rather than to unity with the larger Anglican Communion.

He added that while the Episcopal Church spoke of the importance of Christian unity, it continued to approve practices â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ordaining women priests and bishops, ordaining homosexual people and blessing same-sex unions â&#x20AC;&#x201C; that everyone knew would be an obstacle to Christian unity. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The frustration with being a Protestant is that every morning you get up and have to reinvent the Church all over again,â&#x20AC;?

Fr Steenson said. Â&#x201E; CNS

Pope to visit Mexico, Cuba VATICAN CITY â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Pope Benedict XVI will meet with Cuban President Raul Castro, Mexican President Felipe Calderon and bishops and Catholics from the region when he visits Mexico and Cuba from March 23-28.

He will also deliver a message to the bishops of Latin America and the Caribbean as well as pray at the shrine of Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre in Cuba.

Vatican Radio released the

popeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s itinerary as detailed by the Mexican and Cuban bishopsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; conferences on Jan 2.

The pope will visit three cities in the state of Guanajuato in central Mexico; the Vatican spokesman had said Pope Benedict would not visit Mexico City because of its elevation above sea level.

In Cuba, he will make stops in Santiago de Cuba and the capital, Havana. Â&#x201E; CNS

Contest to design eco-friendly popemobile VATICAN CITY â&#x20AC;&#x201C; A select group of young international designers will be submitting innovative mockups of what an eco-friendly popemobile should look like. )RU WKH ÂżUVW WLPH WKH DQQXDO Autostyle Design Competition will have a special popemobile category, said Lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Osservatore Romano, the Vatican newspaper. The vehicle design must meet standards for low emissions, as well as the Vaticanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s safety and security standards, it said.

Out of about 200 candidates, a commission will choose 12 stuGHQW ÂżQDOLVWV ZKR ZLOO WKHQ KDYH seven to eight months to create a new popemobile design, said Ms Sara Ferraccioli, marketing and FRPPXQLFDWLRQV RIÂżFHU IRU %HUman, the Italian car-parts manufacturer sponsoring the contest.

The winners in the three categories of sports car, SUV/urban cars and popemobiles will be selected

The pope in his popemobile.

at the competition venue near Mantua, Italy, in October, Ms Ferraccioli told Catholic News Service.

She said the idea to add the popemobile category to the 2012 contest happened after Bermanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s CEO got the go-ahead from a friend who is friends with the head of the Vatican publishing house, LEV. LEV, will publish a volume of the competitionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best â&#x20AC;&#x153;greenâ&#x20AC;? popemobile projects and designs. Â&#x201E; CNS

14 LETTERS/OPINION

Sunday January 29, 2012 CatholicNews

Inspiring books of 2011

Fortnightly newspaper of the Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore

2 Highland Road, #01-03 Singapore 549102.

Telephone: 6858 3055. Fax: 6858 2055. Website: www.catholicnews.sg MANAGING EDITOR: Father Johnson Fernandez: johnson.fernandez@catholic.org.sg

IN MEMORIAM: Susan Lim: memoriam@catholic.org.sg

ASSISTANT EDITOR: Christopher Khoo: christopher.khoo@catholic.org.sg

SUBSCRIPTIONS: Richard Paul: subscriptions@catholic.org.sg

STAFF CORRESPONDENT: Darren Boon: darren.boon@catholic.org.sg

ADVERTISEMENTS: Elaine Ong: advertisements@catholic.org.sg WEBMASTER: Medona Walter: medona.walter@catholic.org.sg

EDITORIAL MATTERS AND QUERIES: cnedit@catholic.org.sg

Please include your full name, address and phone no. for all letters to the editor. Published submissions will be edited.

DESIGN / LAYOUT: Christopher Wong: design@catholic.org.sg Elaine Ong: elaine.ong@catholic.org.sg

LETTERS

Comments on fellow priests ‘refreshing’ Well said Fr Clement Lee! (CN, Jan 15) Your forthright comment on your fellow priests is a refreshing change.

For some time, I have watched with increasing despair the turnoff that the Church regularly serves out to the very people it should be welcoming to our faith community.

The image of priests who lambast churchgoers who dare to approach them for a blessing is horrifying and that of priests who lash out at worried or grieving caregivers at hospital wards is distressing, if not callous.

Add these to the mechanical manner with which some priests go about their “job” while they celebrate Mass and we get an inkling why some Catholics leave the Church and why the Catholic Church struggles to convert a mere thousand each year while the other denominations are attracting people in droves.

For long, I have been guilty of doing nothing more than praying while I cringe at the damage that is

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the homily you listen to every Sunday, buy these commentaries on the Sunday readings.

CN, Jan 15

being done to the Body of Christ.

But with your public censure of your fellow priests, I am enFRXUDJHG WKDW WKH &KXUFK ZLOO ¿QG the strength to desist from turning a blind eye to the worrisome

conduct and behaviour of some of those who should be serving and loving all the children of God. Ann Huang Singapore 559936

For some time, I have watched with increasing despair the turn-off the Church regularly serves out to the very people it should be welcoming.

Common set of rules needed Singaporeans now travel widely.

We visit churches around the world.

I attended a 150th anniversary celebration of the Catholic faith coming to Papua New Guinea two years ago, in which many tribes attended.

Those from towns wore shoes, WKRVH IURP PRXQWDLQV RQO\ ÀLS top slippers, and many were even without footwear. Many were also bare-bodied – men, children and even women.

I even attended a Palm Sunday Service in a remote mountain, where there was drumming and a dance up to the altar. Here the procession was done very solemnly.

The Catholic Church does not

SINCE time is always at a premium, I try to be selective in what I read. As well, I like to keep my diet wide, reading novels, books on spirituality, theological treatises, biographies, and essays on psychological and anthropological issues.

How do I select a book? I read reviews, get tips from colleagues, receive books as gifts, and occasionally browse in bookstores, but what I actually end up reading is often more the result of a conspiracy of accidents than RI D VWXGLHG FKRLFH %RRNV WKDW ZH QHHG WR UHDG KDYH D ZD\ RI ¿QGLQJ XV What books of note found me last year?

Among novels: Jonathan Franzen’s Freedom is a John-Updike type of commentary on contemporary culture. Packs good emotional intelligence.

Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray is stunning both in language and content. A classic that deserves to be read. In a culture that tends to prize good looks and looking good above most everything else, Wilde’s Picture of Dorian Gray contains some inconvenient warnings.

Cormac McCarthy’s The Road is a witness to the raw drive to stay alive. This isn’t John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath but it touches some of the same places inside us.

Wally Lamb’s The Hour I First Believed is 200 pages too long, but, like all of Lamb’s books, is deeply insightful and apposite to our struggle to forgive and reconcile. Lamb’s central character is invariably someone out of touch with his own anger who is eventually brought to his knees in a way that redemptively exposes his anger to himself.

Par Lagerkvist’s Barabbas is a very imaginative take on what hapSHQV WR %DUDEEDV DIWHU -HVXV¶ FUXFL¿[LRQ Oscar Casares’ Brownsville Stories and Amigoland: Warm, emotionally insightful, good stories.

Michael Ondaatje’s The Cat’s Table is one of the best reviewed novels of 2011, deservedly so. Pascal Mercier’s Night Train to Lisbon is your novel if you’re looking for an intellectual hit.

Among spirituality and theological treatises: Judy Cannato’s Radical Amazement: Insights and hints about getting into the present moment and seeing the hidden depth within life.

have written rules on what to wear when attending Sunday Masses.

If we include weddings and funerals, then how about weekday Masses? Then there should even be a dress code for people entering the church to pray.

I am usually in church an hour before Mass for my warden duty every weekend. I notice that the men dress well in shirts and trousers, and the ladies dress beautifully and colourfully.

But what is supposed to be correct dress is the person’s choice. How low is low and how high is high? When is a dress too thin and what type of footwear is forbidden?

We are not a uniform company nor are we in military service.

Those who do not dress properly are very few indeed and they are not repeat offenders.

I do notice they do not come with the intention of dressing badly or improperly. It is not for me to bar them from entering the church and receiving the Body of Christ.

If there are rules, these should be given by the authority of the Church, and all churches should follow.

Jesus came not to increase the 10 commandments given by Moses, but Jesus left with only these words: “Love one another as I love you.”

John Wee Singapore 090111

Michael Paul Gallagher’s Faith Maps, Ten Religious Explorers from Newman to Joseph Ratzinger: A mature apologetics for those seeking to

articulate reasons for their hope.

Frederick Buechner’s Telling the Truth – The Gospel as Tragedy, Comedy, and Fairy Tale: A great piece of writing on the power of language

and the language of the Gospels.

Rob Bell’s Sex God – Exploring the Endless Connections Between Sexuality and Spirituality, and Love Wins – A Book about Heaven, Hell, and the Fate of every Person who Ever Lived, come from the pen of a young min-

ister who writes with extraordinary balance, good insight and an equal feel for both the Gospel and the culture.

Biography: Two of the most powerful books I read in 2011: Bush Dweller, Essays in Memory of Father James Gray OSB (ed. Donald Ward), and Joan Didion’s Blue Nights. %RWK SRZHUIXO VWRULHV WKH ¿UVW DERXW D KHUPLW ZKR meets and counsels the world from his hut, and the second about a womDQ VWUXJJOLQJ WR ¿QG OLIH LQ WKH IDFH RI D QXPEHU RI ELWWHU GHDWKV Treatises, theological and anthropological: Michael Kirwan’s Discovering Girard is a layperson’s introduction to the insights of the renowned anthropologist, Rene Girard.

Bill Plotkin’s Nature and the Human Soul – Cultivating Wholeness and Community in a Fragmented World: As with previous books, Plot-

kin pushes the edges of mainline spirituality, calling always for a much deeper role for nature.

Dale Schlitt’s Generosity and Gratitude – A Philosophical Psalm: A philosopher with an expertise on Hegel, gives us this wonderful, 136page poem on gratitude, showing that the genuine insights of abstract SKLORVRSK\ FDQ EH DV *RG ¿OOHG DV WKH 3VDOPV Various others: John S Porter’s The Glass Art of Sarah Hall is a spectacularly beautiful book replete with photos that belongs on every coffee table and in every library.

David Servan-Schreiber’s Anti-Cancer, A New Way of Life. This book was handed to me at the cancer clinic just as I was beginning chemotherapy and, among the many books on cancer I have perused these past months, I found this one to be the most challenging and helpful.

Kathleen C Berken’s Walking on a Rolling Deck – Life on the Ark.

Foreword by Jean Vanier. Berken (http://faithjourneyhope.com/kathyberken-jean-vanier.html), a journalist who lived for some years inside the community of L’Arche, takes us inside an alternative world, but without false sentiment or naïve romanticism.

LETTERS/OPINION 15

Sunday January 29, 2012 Â&#x201E; CatholicNews

Optimism, concerns Saddened for the new year LETTER

By Liz Quirin TYPING â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mayan calendar doomsdayâ&#x20AC;? into a couple of computer search engines gave me between seven and 22 million results referring to the Mayan calendarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s end-of-the-world predictions.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an interesting way to start a new year, looking at it as if it were the â&#x20AC;&#x153;lastâ&#x20AC;? year.

While I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t subscribe to the predictions that the world will end on Dec 21, 2012, it does offer an opportunity to think about the coming year: our hopes, our dreams, our concerns and what the days and months ahead have in store for each of us.

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been hyping 2012 as a great year. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been telling my children, my family, my friends and my staff that this is going to be a wonderful year.

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m both hopeful and optimistic, but so many variables may be able to crush my optimism even though my hope will remain constant. ,ÂśP FRQÂżGHQW , FDQ NHHS KRSH alive despite some of the potholes in the road ahead.

In the US, numbers of people attending weekly parish liturgies are becoming incrementally smaller. This could signal different outcomes for parishes: They might be combined or clustered or even closed.

It does not mean fewer people believe in God, but it might signal that people have become disconnected from their parishes.

With so many forms of communication â&#x20AC;&#x201C; email, texting, Facebook and Twitter, just to name a few â&#x20AC;&#x201C; some, especially younger folks, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see a need to gather for face-to-face sharing even in a faith setting.

On the other hand, some parishes are also initiating â&#x20AC;&#x153;Catholics Come Homeâ&#x20AC;? messages in various ways with different degrees of success.

The parish is the place where

While I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t subscribe to predictions that the world will end on Dec 21, 2012, it does offer an opportunity to think about the coming year. faith and action meet in a very personal way.

Many have seen how people have collected, donated, fed and reached out to others during the Christmas season. So we know how important the parish is and how parish leaders can not only enlighten but energise people to become involved in their parishes and to expand that involvement to reach out to others.

Many issues are also raised through parish groups, such as concern for migrants.

I hope this year is going to be a JUHDW \HDU ÂżOOHG ZLWK MR\ DQG SRVsibly seasoned with sorrow. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s meet back here Dec 22, 2012, to celebrate one more prognostication gone wrong. Â&#x201E; CNS

I am saddened that the letter by Fr Clement Lee (CN, Jan 15) shared more on the human level and not on the profound level.

Holy Mother Church has always been wise to introduce right postures at the right time and places. Cardinal Francis Arinze once said that â&#x20AC;&#x153;the way you pray UHĂ&#x20AC;HFWV WKH ZD\ \RX EHOLHYH´ The church is not only a building but a sacred place of worship â&#x20AC;&#x201C; â&#x20AC;&#x153;holy groundâ&#x20AC;?.

St Paul said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;He who eats and drinks unworthily the Body and Blood of Christ brings judgement to themselves.â&#x20AC;? At the Name of Jesus, every knee in Heaven and on earth shall bow and every tongue shall give praise to Almighty God. Does the above give you an impression that you can go to FKXUFK ZHDULQJ Ă&#x20AC;LS Ă&#x20AC;RSV 7 VKLUWV etc and relax?

I think Ben Chen and Geraldine Cheong made excellent points. Do you attend Holy Mass to adore Almighty God and nothing else matters, or what?

I pray that Almighty God will bless us with more holy shepherds to guide us. Â&#x201E; Alex Tan Singapore 550231

16 FAITH ALIVE!

Sunday January 29, 2012 CatholicNews

)RUJHW DERXW ZDQWLQJ WKLQJV SHUIHFW LQ That ain’t gonna happen...

By Karen Osborne WE ALL want things to be perfect.

People talk about giving their friends a perfect birthday present or going on the perfect date. They go for a perfect 10 in athletic competition and want everything to be perfect for prom night.

People dream of perfect scores in exams and landing the perfect girlfriend. People work hard and study hard, all in the name of perfection.

We’d like people to be perfect too.

Perfect parents would never ground you for sneaking out or being late.

Perfect friends or siblings wouldn’t ever breathe a word of your deepest, darkest secrets – ever.

A perfect boyfriend would take you on incredible, romantic dates, and a perfect girlfriend would be insanely beautiful.

Perfect teachers would be entertaining and fun, and every assignment would be engrossing.

The problem is that this kind of perfection is impossible. We all KDYH FKDUDFWHU ÀDZV 1R KXPDQ being ever lives up to our “perfect vision”.

3HRSOH FDQ EH VHO¿VK DQG HJRtistical.

People can disappoint you, leave you behind, call you names and make you sad.

People behave badly, embarrass you and ruin your weekend.

And the more you love them, the tougher all of that is to stomach.

We have to remember that every single human being has FKDUDFWHU ÀDZV 0D\EH \RX NQRZ someone who has shoplifted. You GH¿QLWHO\ NQRZ SHRSOH ZKR KDYH lied. You know people who have cheated. Every single human be-

ing has passed on gossip.

When our friends fail us, we can sometimes get so caught up in how awful we feel that we forget we’re just like them – and that we’ve all disappointed someone else.

Maybe you gossiped a little last week. Maybe you forgot to meet a friend at the mall. Maybe you lost your temper when someone else was irritable with you.

In this imperfect world, with people who disappoint us and events that don’t live up to the glittering, perfect visions in our heads,

Learn to forgive, reach out, and love.

the only real way to strive for a perfection that lasts is to forgive others – and to forgive ourselves.

Forgiveness heals the chasms between us, brings people closer and helps us work on forgiving ourselves for the terrible things we do.

Forgiveness paves the way for both you and the person that wronged you to make something beautiful and new out of your relationship.

So forgive. Reach out. Love and help your friends.

This, ultimately, is the “perfect” solution. CNS

+HDULQJ FRQÁLFWLQJ messages on sex What does a young person believe, asks Karen Osborne LET’S talk about sex.

Shocked? Why should you be?

It seems that everybody’s talking about it these days.

You see it wherever you go, from sitcom jokes to advertising billboards, to that couple kissing next to your locker between classes.

The messages that you hear from advertisements, movies and your peers say that casual sex is easy. That it feels good. That it doesn’t have consequences.

At the same time, a lot of teens hear a completely different message about casual sex from their parents, trusted adults and health teachers: Don’t do it. Sex is dangerous. The consequences can ruin your life, make you sick and quite possibly kill you.

Television is full of this dichotomous message: Take a recent episode of Fox TV’s Glee series, where two teen couples deFLGH WR JR DOO WKH ZD\ IRU WKH ¿UVW time, and everything apparently HQGV XS SHUIHFWO\ ¿QH On the other side, you have the stories of the girls on MTV’s 16 and Pregnant, whose experiences are often nothing short of tragic and traumatic.

Who’s right?

3HRSOH RIWHQ ¿QG LW IXQQ\ when they hear that the Catholic Church actually upholds that sex is a good thing; after all, priests and nuns are celibate.

But popes have called sex within marriage “noble and worthy”. Blessed Pope John Paul II’s teachings on the theology of the body show God has a design for human sexuality, and that it’s an important part of human life.

And that is true. Sex is powerful. You and your partner can create life. You can form a bond with another person that’s like no other.

The messages young people hear from the media are that casual sex feels good and does not have consequences.

At the same time, they hear a different message from their parents, trusted adults and health teachers.

And we need to respect something that has that kind of power, not cheapen it.

Whenever you have sex, there is always a chance of pregnancy or of contracting a disease that can only be transmitted sexually. So your health teachers are right: Either one of these events can change your life in the blink of an eye.

It’s a tough world for teenage moms. I’ll never forget when I dropped by a girlfriend’s house to pick her up to go to a party. But because she didn’t have a babysitter, she couldn’t go.

In fact, after she had her baby, we hardly saw her, and she had a YHU\ KDUG WLPH ¿QLVKLQJ VFKRRO All of her dreams and goals suddenly came second to the child.

Is the risk worth it?

Furthermore, a sexually transmitted disease may not be treatable. In this case, the health teachers are right. HIV isn’t the immediate death sentence that it

once was, the side effects of the drugs that prolong life can be horrible and AIDS still kills millions of people around the world.

Is the risk truly worth it?

It’s OK if the answer is “no”.

Saying “no” is truly respecting yourself.

Don’t jump into something just because everybody’s doing it.

(They’re not, no matter what TV shows you.)

A lot of your peers have decided to wait to have sex until they’re in an environment where it’s no longer risky or dangerous – and you can, too!

Waiting is not being a prude.

It’s being smart about your life and respectful of that person that’s going to come your way someday, sweep you off of your feet, put a ULQJ RQ \RXU ¿QJHU DQG PDNH WKH commitment to walk down the aisle with you.

And that right there is true love! CNS

FAITH ALIVE! 17

Sunday January 29, 2012 Â&#x201E; CatholicNews

Thank God for lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fullness

Lush vegetation at MacRitchie Reservoir ... There are moments in life when we experience with clarity God as a living reality. Many such moments can be experienced in Nature.

By Anne Lim ANOTHER year has begun, bringing with it the dawn of new hope. Where there is hope, I recall Jesusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; words: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have come that they may have life, life in all its fullness.â&#x20AC;? (John 10:10) God has planted in the garden of each of our souls the seeds for fullness of life. Seeds are meant to grow â&#x20AC;&#x201C; into great gorgeous trees accommodating birds that carry the sky on their backs, and all kinds of creatures who live in harmony with one another.

This capacity for fullness of life is Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gift to us, and yet, there are many who may not even be aware of it. How can we learn to tap into this source of goodQHVV RYHUĂ&#x20AC;RZLQJ LQ DEXQGDQFH of Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s love?

We can start by looking outside, to connect with the abundance around us before it is too late. For hope and abundance are nourished through care for creation, through creating harmony within ourselves and in Nature.

Do we notice the simple little things that keep us alive, such as the warmth of the sun on oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s skin, or the coolness in the air after rain, pausing sometimes WR HQMR\ WKH Ă&#x20AC;RZHUV SODQWV DQG trees that line our streets? â&#x20AC;&#x153;For it is Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s love that warms me in the sun and Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s love that sends the cold rain,â&#x20AC;? wrote Thomas Merton.

There are moments in our life on earth when we experience with clarity God as a living reality, and many of these moments are to be found in experiencing the astonishing beauty of Nature.

Poem: I went for a walk looking for God. Bus to MacRitchie Reservoir, Path near St Theresaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Home where monkeys love to loiter by a great banyan tree; the chiku tree laden with unripe fruit.

Left turn, pass canoers; head for boardwalk round watersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; edge.

I walk and I walk, smiling Good Morning and greetings bounce back from fellow walking beings.

I walk and I walk, seeking my God. My body works up a sweat, a wooden bench beckons; time to stop and stare.

For the light splattered waters, the open sky and forest green, ZLQG UXVWOLQJ OHDYHV VKXIĂ&#x20AC;LQJ like Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s breath and Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s footsteps, drawing me closer.

Breathing, breathing Maranatha, Maranatha, Come Lord, Jesus.

In the silence and the stillness 6LWWLQJ VWUDLJKW EDFNHG IHHW ÂżUP on the woodboard that is my ground eyes shut, meditating, meditating.

And then, peering slowly through half-opening eyes I glimpse Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s glory â&#x20AC;&#x201C; caught Ă&#x20AC;HHWLQJO\ RQ FDQYDV RI Ă&#x20AC;XLG EHDXW\ an island so green, and ah, such expansiveness of sky!

Prayer: God I thank for rippling rhythmic serenity of reservoir waters for shimmers of silver, cool forest UHĂ&#x20AC;HFWLRQV for lush abundance of variegated green and white of clouds, blueness of sky Thank you for the stillness from which senses may awaken to the fullness of your creation. Â&#x201E;

The writer is a parishioner of the Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary with a special interest in Creation Spirituality.

18

Sunday January 29, 2012 Â&#x201E; CatholicNews

Sunday January 29, 2012 Â&#x201E; CatholicNews

19

20

Sunday January 29, 2012 Â&#x201E; CatholicNews

CHILDRENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S STORY:

By Joe Sarnicola

you with water, for repentance, but the one who is coming after me is John was called the Baptist because mightier than I. I am not worthy to he would baptise people as he trav- carry His sandals. He will baptise elled and preached. He would call \RX ZLWK WKH +RO\ 6SLULW DQG ÂżUH ´ When John was baptising, a out: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!â&#x20AC;? He dressed very very special man had travelled from plainly, wearing clothes made out of Galilee to be baptised by John. It camel hair secured by a leather belt. was Jesus. John was surprised to Men and women would come to him see Him and was reluctant to bapfrom all over Judea to be baptised tise Him. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I need to be baptised by and to ask forgiveness for their sins. you,â&#x20AC;? he said to Jesus, â&#x20AC;&#x153;and yet you -RKQ ZDV IXOÂżOOLQJ D YHU\ ROG DUH FRPLQJ WR PH"´ Jesus nodded and said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Allow prophecy by being â&#x20AC;&#x153;a voice of one crying out in the desert, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Prepare the way LW QRZ IRU WKXV LW LV ÂżWWLQJ IRU XV WR of the Lord, make straight His paths.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? IXOÂżOO DOO ULJKWHRXVQHVV ´ So John baptised Jesus in the When John saw Pharisees and Sadducees coming toward him, he Jordan River.

As soon as Jesus raised His head became angry and scolded them: â&#x20AC;&#x153;You brood of vipers! Who warned out of the water, the Spirit of God \RX WR Ă&#x20AC;HH IURP WKH FRPLQJ ZUDWK" came down on Him in the form of Produce good fruit as evidence of a dove. Then a voice declared from your repentance. ... I am baptising heaven, â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is my beloved Son,

St Peter Orseolo Peter Orseolo (928-987) was born into an important Venetian family. By age 20, he had EHHQ DSSRLQWHG FRPPDQGHU RI WKH Ă&#x20AC;HHW RI VKLSV charged with protecting the water-based city.

Peter became the chief magistrate of VenLFH DQG KH IXOÂżOOHG WKLV GXW\ ZLWK GLJQLW\ DQG earned the respect of the people of the city.

Even though Peter was married and had a son, he retreated to a hermitage to live as a monk. He had a hidden desire to lead a reliJLRXV OLIH IRU PDQ\ \HDUV DQG ÂżQDOO\ GHFLGHG WR SXUVXH LW Many miracles were said to have taken place at the site of his tomb. We honour him on Jan 10. Â&#x201E;

KIDSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; CLUB: Share your thoughts on this weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bible story with family and friends by writing an essay in response to this question: What do you know about the sacrament of baptism?

Bible Accent:

Â&#x201E;

Read more about it: Matthew 3 & 4 Q&A 1. Why did Jesus go to see John?

2. How did Jesus defeat the devil?

JOHN BAPTIST PREACHED REPENT KINGDOM CAMEL LEATHER FORGIVENESS PROPHECY STRAIGHT PHARISEES BROOD VIPERS JORDAN

PUZZLE: Cross out the words or phrases below that are not one of the seven sacraments: Baptism Discipleship Holy Orders Catechism &RQÂżUPDWLRQ 5HFRQFLOLDWLRQ Catholicism Marriage Proclaiming the Word Anointing of the Sick Eucharist Liturgy

Answer for Wordsearch:

Although we all love to enjoy the anticipation of Advent and read the Christmas story with all of its excitement, the ministry of Jesus did not truly begin until He was baptised. Jesus set an example for us to follow, DQG RQH RI WKH YHU\ ÂżUVW VDFUDPHQWV ZH SDUWLFLSDWH LQ LV EDSWLVP John the Baptist was declared to be the voice that cried out in the wilderness, and his role was to announce that the Messiah had come. He also was chosen by God to be the man who baptised Jesus.

After Jesus was baptised, He went into the desert and was tempted by the devil, whom He defeated by quoting the Scriptures.

The most important lesson that Jesus taught was to love God and one another. Â&#x201E;

from the mouth of God.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;?

The devil tried to tempt Jesus two more times, and both times Jesus resisted him by quoting from the 6FULSWXUHV 7KHQ WKH GHYLO Ă&#x20AC;HG DQG angels came and ministered to Jesus.

WORDSEARCH:

Answer for Puzzle: Discipleship, Catechism, Catholicism, Proclaiming the Word, Liturgy.

SPOTLIGHT ON SAINTS:

with whom I am well pleased.â&#x20AC;?

After His baptism, Jesus went into the desert, where He fasted and prayed for 40 days and 40 nights.

During that time, He was tempted by the devil.

Knowing Jesus was hungry, the devil said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become loaves of bread.â&#x20AC;?

Jesus replied, â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is written: â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes forth

WHATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ON 21

Sunday January 29, 2012 Â&#x201E; CatholicNews

EVENT SUBMISSIONS We welcome information of events happening in our local Church.

Please send your submission at least one month before the event.

Online submissions can be made at www.catholic.sg/webevent_form.php

RCIA/RCIY A journey for those seeking to know more about the Catholic faith.

Baptised Catholics are also invited to journey as sponsors.

Sundays from January 8 RCIY@IHM 3pm: For youths aged 14-21 years.

At Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (24 Highland Rd).

T: 9875 1235 (Daniel), 9710 8145 (Seishen); E: rciyihm@gmail.com; W: http://rciy.ihm.sg Sundays from February 5 RCIA@CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL SUCCOUR 7.30-9.30pm: At Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour. With welcome night on Jan 30. T: 9671 8216 (Christina), 9630 3276 (Edward), 9760 0038 (Bob). Forms available at church secretariat.

Wednesdays from February 8 RCIA@CHURCH OF CHRIST THE KING 8pm: At Church of Christ the King (2221 Ang Mo Kio Ave 8) T: 9671 4907; E: query.rcia@gmail.com.

Saturdays from March 17 RCIY@CHURCH OF ST MARY OF THE ANGELS 3.30-6.30pm: For youths aged 13-20 years. At Church of St Mary of the Angels. T: 9100 4382 (Andrew), E: andNdrew@hotmail.com CHINESE CATECHISM 2012 @ NATIVITY CHURCH 5.45-6.45pm: Nativity Church has catechism in Chinese for children from QXUVHU\ OHYHO WR 6HF FRQÂżUPDWLRQ HYHU\ Saturday. Details and registration T: 6280 SDULVK RIÂżFH /LOLDQJ

Mondays February 13 to April 23 ALPHA@ST BERNADETTE CHURCH 7.45-9.30pm: An opportunity to get to know each other from church and make new friends.

ALPHA is a programme which creates and facilitates an opportunity to ask questions that we mostly never thought of asking, or had always wanted to ask.

At Church of St Bernadette (12 Zion Rd).

T: 9798 7788 (Richard); E andy_lee_4health@yahoo.com January 16 and 19 WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY 8-10pm: Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2012 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; We will all be changed by the Victory of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

An invitation to all Christians to join in SUD\HU UHĂ&#x20AC;HFWLRQV VRQJV DQG IHOORZVKLS First Service: Traditional Lutheran Service on Jan 16 at Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer (30 Dukeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rd). Second Service on Jan 19 at Church of St Mary of the Angels (5 Bukit Batok East Ave 2) Saturday January 21 to Tuesday January 24 RETREAT IN MALAYALAM 9am (Sat) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 6pm (Tues): Rediscover yourself through the Word of God. These sessions will be held concurrently: adultsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; retreat (Malayalam) by Jerusalem Retreat Centre, Kerala, led by Fr Davis Pattath; childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s retreat (4-12 years old) by Christeen, Kerala; teensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; retreat in English (13-19 years old) by Jesus Youth. By Malayalam Charismatic Group, Singapore. T: 9186 7456 (Milen), 9820 6084 (Nibu) for adultsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; retreat; 9790 3482 (Joby), 9149 3328 (Beena) for childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s retreat; 9022 4690 (Ajith), 8401 4006 (Shibu) for teensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; retreat.

January 22 CHINESE NEW YEAR PERANAKAN MASS 11pm: Mass in Baba Malay. Nyonyas are invited to come in Sarong Kebayas and Babas in Baju Cina. Mass celebrated by Fr Alfred Chan. At Church of the Holy Family (6 Chapel Rd). T: 9812 0120; E: babachan5057@gmail.com

January 27 EUCHARISTIC ADORATION FOR YOUNG ADULTS 8-9.30pm: Special evening of rosary, VFULSWXUDO UHĂ&#x20AC;HFWLRQ (XFKDULVWLF DGRUDWLRQ and benediction. All welcome.

By Generation CHRIST! Ministry.

At Church of St Ignatius Kingsmead Hall (St Francis Xavier Chapel).

E: gen.christ.ministry@gmail.com January 27 CHILDRENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S EUCHARISTIC ADORATION 7.45-9pm: Come and pray as a family with your children. For children, parents and catechists. At Church of the Holy Spirit (main church). T: 9362 5408 (Sr Angeline); E: childreneucharisticadora@ gmail.com; W: www.adorejesus.com January 29 CATHOLIC SINGLES MEET UP FOR MASS AND LUNCH 10am: Join us for fellowship and friendship. Starting with Sunday Mass at St Joseph Church Victoria St, followed by lunch at Marina Square. Meet at church canteen. Register E: CatholicSingle@ gmail.com; FB: CatholicSinglesSingapore Wednesdays February 1 to April 11 THE SCHOOL OF PRAYER 9.30-11.30am: Experience the transforming power of the responsorial psalms in the Mass and see how they can empower your prayer to become an honest dialogue with God in this 11-part DVD-based programme by Jeff Cavins. At Church of the Holy Spirit (Room A02-01). T: 9815 4098 (Genevieve), 8228 8220 (Clare); E: HSBibleApostolate@gmail.com.

Thursdays February 2 to April 26 JAMES â&#x20AC;&#x201C; PEARLS FOR WISE LIVING 8-10pm: 11-part DVD studies on James, one of the most practical books of the Bible, a collection of teachings on issues faced by ordinary Christians. These teachings speak to all who feel torn between the demands of this world and their faith. By Bible Apostolate Team (Church of Christ the King). Cost: $30 (for materials). At Church of the Christ the King (St Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Room). Register by Jan 15. E: ctkbat@hotmail.com Alternate Fridays February 3 to May 18 BIBLE OVER COFFEE WITH FR EMMANUEL 9.30am-12pm: Looking for a place of spiritual growth? Come share Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Word

over a cup of coffee. All welcome. By Bible Apostolate Team (Church of Christ the King). At Church of the Christ the King (Function Hall).

Mondays February 6 to April 30 THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 7.45-9.45pm: Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gospel prayerfully UHĂ&#x20AC;HFWV -HVXV DQG +LV HWHUQDO UHODWLRQVKLS to the Creator. This study invites you to meditate on Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s overwhelming love.

By Bible Apostolate Team (Holy Family Church). Cost: $20. At Church of the Holy Family (RCIA Room).

E: hfcbat@yahoo.com Wednesdays February 8 to May 16 THE GOSPEL OF MARK 7.30-9.30pm: A structured Bible study programme from Little Rock Scripture Study. By SPP Bible Study Group.

At Church of Sts Peter and Paul (Level 3 Chapel). Cost: $25 (for commentary/ workbook). Register. E: henrywu@lucas. com.sg Thursday February 9 to Sunday February 12 HEALING & FORGIVENESS: A LIVE-IN SILENT RETREAT 7pm (Fri) â&#x20AC;&#x201C;1pm (Sun): Silent livein retreat for those who want to communicate with God through meditation on biblical passages, mental exercises, and individual spiritual direction to obtain Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s graces of forgiveness and healing. Retreat Director: Fr Paul Goh, SJ. By Centre for Ignatian Spirituality and Counselling. At 8 Victoria Park Rd. Cost: $165 (non-aircon), $240 (aircon). T: 64676072; F: 6468 7584; E: cisc2664@gmail.com Saturday February 11 to Sunday February 12 COME LET US ADORE HIM 9.30am-4.30pm: A retreat by Fr Antoine Thomas, CSJ, for catechists, parents, youth coordinators and all who are keen to bring the experience of Jesus to children, youth and young adults. Cost: $10. Register T: 9362 5408 (Sr Angeline); E: childreneucharisticadora@gmail.com; W: www.adorejesus.com Thursdays February 16 to March 29 CATHOLIC FAITH EXPLORATION 7.45-9.30pm: Come experience the joy of knowing God and making your faith come alive through a 7-part DVD series, Knowing God Better. At Church of the Christ the King (Room 105). Register T: 9350 4737; E: ctkcafe@gmail.com

February 16 iADORE: EUCHARISTIC ADORATION FOR YOUTHS AND YOUNG ADULTS 8.15-10pm: Fr Antoine, a well known priest for Eucharistic adoration, will be our guest priest for iAdore. Youths and young adults welcome. At Church of the Holy Spirit (main church) T: 6453 6340 (ext 7) E: iadoretheejesus@gmail.com

Counselling. At 8 Victoria Park Rd (St Ignatius Hall Annexe). Cost: $20. Register

by Feb 11. T: 64676072; F: 6468 7584; E: cisc.igevents@gmail.com

February 18 FAITH IN THE FUTURE 2-5pm: Talk by Margaret Silf, a wellknown retreat director, author and speaker on Ignatian spirituality on what it means to be a person of faith in the 21st century.

By Centre for Ignatian Spirituality and Counselling. At 8 Victoria Park Rd (St Ignatius Hall Annexe). Cost: $20. Register

by Feb 11. T: 64676072; F: 6468 7584; E: cisc.igevents@gmail.com February 19 PRAYER FOR THE BEWILDERED 2-5pm Talk by Margaret Silf on how to pray when we no longer know how to pray. Explore some ways of entering the stillness of heart from which prayer can take shape, and some approaches to help prayer become a reality in our daily lives.

By Centre for Ignatian Spirituality and

Friday February 24 to Sunday February 26 LANDSCAPES FOR PRAYER 7pm (Fri) -1pm (Sun): Silent live-in retreat

by Margaret Silf. Visit some familiar landscapes â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the garden, the desert, the cave, the urban jungle â&#x20AC;&#x201C; to discover what they might have to teach us about our relationship with God. By Centre for Ignatian Spirituality and Counselling.

At 8 Victoria Park Rd. Cost: $270 (nonaircon), $320 (aircon). T: 64676072; F: 6468 7584; E: cisc2664@gmail.com Monday February 27 to Wednesday February 29 FINDING A TRUE COURSE IN THE BEWILDERING WORLD 7pm (Mon)-5pm (Wed): Silent live-in retreat by Margaret Silf. Explore some ZD\V RI ÂżQGLQJ VROLG JURXQG DPLGVW WLPHV of unprecedented change and uncertainty.

By Centre for Ignatian Spirituality and Counselling. At 8 Victoria Park Rd. Cost: $270(non-aircon), $320 (aircon).

T: 64676072; F: 6468 7584; E: cisc2664@gmail.com

Crossword Puzzle 1050 1

2

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8

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23 25

31

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24 26

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9

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66 www.wordgamesforcatholics.com

ACROSS 1 â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;Śbegotten not _____â&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;?

5 Michaelmas mon.

9 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Goodâ&#x20AC;? queen of England 13 Space 14 Continental money 15 Lucifer 16 Agts.

17 God of war 18 Terse bridge bid 19 Gnarl 20 Rock clinging plant 21 Biblical division 6DWLVÂżHG 24 Took a quick look 25 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Consider the ____: they neither sow nor reapâ&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;?

(Lk 12:24) 27 The Garden of Eden might have been in this modern-day state 31 LAPD alert 34 Trim 35 Pour from one container to another 37 Crier who calls Muslims to prayer 39 Surname of Pope Paul VI 40 Severe experience 41 She played Ginger on â&#x20AC;&#x153;Gilliganâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Islandâ&#x20AC;?

42 Immerse 43 Ooze 44 Split into two

46 Folds 48 Commandment that directs us to keep holy the Lordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day 52 Canonized pope known as â&#x20AC;&#x153;the Greatâ&#x20AC;? $QFKRUHG Ă&#x20AC;RDW 57 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Are you _____ out?â&#x20AC;?

58 Grill fuel 59 Marian color 60 Wife of a rajah 61 Certain cars 62 Julieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Doctor Zhivagoâ&#x20AC;? role 63 Team 64 _____ Mawr 65 Greek goddess of strife 66 Stepped

15 It returned to Noah with an olive branch 23 Catholic actor, Tony _____ 26 Nun topper 28 Sudden assault 29 Years, in old Rome 30 Swab 31 He called for justice to roll down like water 32 Free from contamination 33 Monk called â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Father of English Historyâ&#x20AC;?

35 â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;Śthy will be ______â&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;?

36 Make real 38 Rigid airship 39 The Diocese of

Jefferson City is here 41 Bishop with no regional jurisdiction 44 Prate 45 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Blessed are those who hunger and _____ for righteousnessâ&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;?

(Mt 5:6) 47 Forfeiture 49 â&#x20AC;&#x153;The bombs bursting ____â&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;?

50 Musical composition 51 Withered 52 Strikebreaker 53 Travel from place to place 54 Our Blessed ____ $IÂżUPDWLYH YRWHV

Solution to Crossword Puzzle No. 1049 DOWN 1 The four _____ of F E A S T A S I S D C C C the Church C O D A U H O H R O U T E 2 Bowl, perhaps A S S U M P T I O N L I M A 3 Storage center P A U L C A L L E R 4 Most solemn A N G E L A A T H E I S M Christian feast L E V I E S G R I N S 5 Thin stratum L E G A T E R O O M V C R 6 French or Italian, P R A W N E E R O A N E W for example D A R D I O S S A C R E D 7 Gift R A C H E L P O S E S 8 Throws I R O N E D 9 Saint who wrote a P A R A B L E rule S P A R S E A B A S 10 Blessed Mary, A N T E S C R I P T U R A L ______-Virgin L E E S I P O D L A I T Y 11 Original and actual M A S T S O N O E L A T E www.wordgamesforcatholics.com BBBBB JLQ Âż]]

24 ASIA

Sunday January 29, 2012 Â&#x201E; CatholicNews

Vietnamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Catholics hope Vatican to probe for more religious freedom late cardinalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

By UCANEWS.COM reporters HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM â&#x20AC;&#x201C;

The past year has seen a marked improvement in relations between the Holy See and the Vietnamese government, while rejuvenating religious activity among local Catholics.

More than anything else, the appointment of Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, the non-resident SRQWLÂżFDO UHSUHVHQWDWLYH WR WKH communist country, has led many Catholics here to hope for greater religious freedom.

Pope Benedict XVI appointed the archbishop on Jan 13, 2011 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; WKH ÂżUVW 9DWLFDQ UHSUHVHQWDWLYH WR the country since Apostolic Delegate Archbishop Henri Lemaitre was forced to leave in 1975.

Archbishop Girelli, who is EDVHG LQ 6LQJDSRUH PDGH ÂżYH pastoral visits to Vietnamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 26 dioceses between April and December last year. At each location, he was warmly welcomed by thousands of Catholics and briefed about Church activities.

His visits were preceded in early January 2011 by that of Cardinal Ivan Dias, then prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples, who attended the closing ceremony of the Viet-

Seminarians carry statues at the Shrine of Our Lady of La Vang.

There have been signs of an easing of religious restrictions in Vietnam.

nam Churchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Jubilee Year. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I believe that religious freedom will be ensured and local religious organisations and people, regardless of their faiths, will have favourable conditions to publicly express and practise their faiths,â&#x20AC;? the cardinal said during an address to about 100,000.

The Church has also seen progress in re-acquiring land previously taken by the government.

Plans have moved forward for the construction of a new basilica and other facilities to serve pilgrims at the popular La Vang shrine following the governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s return of some 130,000 sq m of ODQG FRQÂżVFDWHG LQ The Catholic Bishopsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Conference of Vietnam also launched the Episcopal Commission for Justice and Peace in May. Dominican Bishop Paul Nguyen Thai Hop, who heads the commission, said it aims to â&#x20AC;&#x153;build a society based on human values, dignity and vocations of people in the countryâ&#x20AC;?.

Cardinal Jean Baptiste Pham Minh Man of Ho Chi Minh City said that relations between the local Church and the government have seen some progress. This is seen in the establishment of new Church commissions, a small increase in pastoral activities and the lifting of requirements for government permission for some religious activities.

He added, however, that local Religious organisations continue to be banned from running educational centres and hospitals.

He had petitioned the government last May to â&#x20AC;&#x153;amend its legal system and return equality to local religionsâ&#x20AC;?. Â&#x201E; UCANEWS.COM

sainthood cause HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM â&#x20AC;&#x201C;

Cardinal Jean Baptiste Pham Minh Man of Ho Chi Minh City has asked Catholics to promote the sainthood cause of a Vietnamese cardinal who was imprisoned for 13 years.

Cardinal Man announced on Jan 1 that a delegation from the 9DWLFDQÂśV 3RQWLÂżFDO &RXQFLO IRU Justice and Peace plans to visit Vietnam from March 23-April 9.

The delegation is expected to meet with witnesses regarding Cardinal Francis Xavier Nguyen 9DQ 7KXDQÂśV 7KXDQÂśV EHDWLÂżFDWLRQ FDXVH ZKLFK ZDV RIÂżFLDOO\ ODXQFKHG E\ WKH SRQWLÂżFDO FRXQFLO on Oct 22, 2010. Cardinal Thuan was named coadjutor archbishop of Saigon archdiocese (now Ho Chi Minh archdiocese) seven days before South Vietnam fell to the communists on April 30, 1975.

The communist authorities rejected his appointment and imprisoned him for 13 years, nine of WKHP LQ VROLWDU\ FRQÂżQHPHQW LQ the north. He was released in 1988 and allowed to travel overseas in 1991. While abroad, he was barred from returning to Vietnam.

In 1994, Pope John Paul called him to Rome and appointed him YLFH SUHVLGHQW RI WKH 3RQWLÂżFDO Council for Justice and Peace.

Cardinal Francis Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan was imprisoned for 13 years.

He later became president of the council from 1998 until he died of cancer at age 74 in 2002. +H ZDV WKH ÂżUVW 9LHWQDPHVH SUHODWH WR KROG D KLJK 9DWLFDQ RIÂżFH â&#x20AC;&#x153;I would like to invite you all to fervently pray for our beloved cardiQDOÂśV EHDWLÂżFDWLRQ DQG FDQRQLVDWLRQ process to be completed soon,â&#x20AC;? Cardinal Man said in the announcement posted on the archdioceseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website.

He urged those who knew the late cardinal to testify to his virtues to the Vatican delegation. He said the launch of the cause of his predecessorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sainthood was a great honour for the Church in Vietnam, especially the archdiocese. Â&#x201E; UCANEWS.COM

PUBLISHED BY ARCHBISHOP NICHOLAS CHIA, 2 HIGHLAND ROAD #01-03, SINGAPORE 549102. PRINTED BY TIMESPRINTERS, 16 TUAS AVE 5, SINGAPORE 639340.