JUNE 17, 2012, Vol 62, No 12

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www.catholicnews.sg SUNDAY JUNE 17, 2012

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1 million at families’ meeting in Milan

VOL 62

NO. 12

INSIDE HOME Learning sign language Catholics learn how to join deaf during Mass

Church-organised event focuses on balance between work demands and family needs

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MILAN, ITALY – From May 30-June

Schools’ joint IP/ JC programme

3, about one million people from 153 countries braved dawn wakeup calls, shouldered supply-laden backpacks and prodded along sleepy kids to take part in the World Meeting of Families in Milan, Italy. During the closing Mass, Pope Benedict XVI called for Church unity, emphasised marriage as between a man and a woman, urged parents to keep the transcendent alive in a world that adores the high-tech over high ideals, and urged kids to respect and love their family. The Church-organised event is held every three years to help families live out their Christian values. meeting was how to balance work demands, family needs and religious celebration. The pope upbraided economic theories that advocate that the best policies, markets and work ethics are those that push the most prod “The one-sided logic of sheer conducive to harmonious development, to the good of the family or to building of a more just society, because it brings in its wake ferocious competition, strong inequalities, degradation of the environment, the race for consumer goods and family tensions,� he said. Such a “utilitarian mentality� takes a toll on the family and social relationships “reducing them to a fragile convergence of individual interests and undermining the solidity of the social fabric�, he added. The pope spent nearly three full days meeting local citizens, Religious, government and business leaders, and Catholic young people and families from around the world.

‘The one-sided logic of sheer utility and not conducive to the good of the family.

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– Pope Benedict XVI to families

Pope Benedict XVI waves as he arrives for an evening service with families during the World Meeting of Families in Milan, Italy, on June 2. CNS photo

He also hosted a lunch for 100 poor families who live in Milan, but come from various countries. God, who suffered with humanity made people capable of sharing the suffering of others and of turning that pain into love, he said on June 1. He urged faith communities and secular governments at events

held from June 1-2 to work together for the common good by having people of faith live their values in all areas of life. The Church offers its teaching and input as a service to society, he said, as he urged governments to be just and guarantee liberty, based on natural law, for everyone “beginning with the right to life of

which its deliberate suppression can never be allowed�. On June 2, at Milan’s San Siro soccer stadium, he told some 80,000 boys and girls who were or they, too, can be saints as they let the Holy Spirit guide them to use their talents for the good of the community. “You are called to great things,� he said, telling them to keep their aims high. He told them to study and work hard, obey their parents, cause egoism is the enemy of joy�. At an evening vigil marked by testimonies from families all over the world and international music by well-known artistes, the pope shared the joys and sufferings of the world’s families. Five couples and families went up on stage one group at a time to ask him a personal question or appeal for advice. from Vietnam, wanted to know what it was like growing up in his home. The pope said that even though Germany at the time was suffering from dictatorship and war, his childhood was “unforgettable� and joyful as his home was always „ Continued on page 11

Collaboration between St Nicholas, Catholic High, SCGS „ Page 8

ASIA Former La Salle Brother who became a priest M’sian born clergyman talks about his experiences „ Page 9

WORLD Vatican’s US nuns’ group takes aim at decision to reform it „ Page 12

Verifying Marian apparitions Vatican publishes guidelines for bishops „ Page 13

FEATURE Combining singing with social mission St Bernadette choir reaches out to poor in Philippines „ Page 17

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Sunday June 17, 2012 „ CatholicNews

Learning sign language Catholics learn how to pray the new Roman missal in sign language so as to join their deaf counterparts during Mass By Louisa Ho For several months, Catholics from various parishes spent their Sunday afternoons learning basic religious sign language from volunteers of the Singapore Catholic Deaf Community (SCDC). Besides learning the alphabet and how to sign common words and phrases to communicate with the deaf, participants also learnt how to sign the prayers used in the new Roman missal. This is so that they can join the deaf community when they pray. About 55 participants took part in the course held at the Church of the Holy Trinity. Parish priest Fr Edward Lim, who is SCDC’s spiritual director,

said he was very happy to see two deaf youths from SCDC, Aloysius Lee and Michael Goo, rise to the occasion to teach the participants sign language. Goo, in particular, taught them the “new� signs for the Mass so participants can pray with the deaf community more effectively. Participants found the course an inspiring experience. “I have found that singing praise and worship songs and praying in sign language helps me to appreciate more the message in the songs and prayers recited,� said Ms Mikaela Kwee from the Church of the Holy Trinity. Ms Doris Yeung said she felt the deaf community was “reaching out to us� and decided to

ARCHBISHOP’S DIARY June 13 7.30pm Church of St Anthony: Mass – Feastday June 14 3.30pm Cathedral of the Good Shepherd: Mass – Charismatic June 16 5.45pm Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary: Mass – Feastday June 17 11.00am Church of St Joseph (Bukit Timah)! " # $

Fr Edward Lim signing a hymn with participants during the Pentecost Mass at the Church of the Holy Trinity chapel.

respond. She found the course “very interactive�. “We were taught to sign the prayers and hymns in the Mass which we most enjoy,� she shared. Joshua Goh an undergraduate at Nanyang Polytechnic’s School of Nursing, together with four other friends from the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, said they were motivated to join the course after journeying with Goo in the same RCIA programme. They said they wanted to be able to communicate more effectively with him. Goh shared, “Since I am stud-

ying nursing, being able to communicate with people, including those who are hearing impaired, will help me understand them better to meet their needs and ensure faster recovery.� On May 27, participants, together with their families and friends, celebrated the Pentecost Mass in sign language at the chapel in the Church of the Holy Trinity. Members of the Catholic deaf community, who usually attend Masses at Immaculate Heart of

Mary and St Mary of the Angels churches, also attended. Fr Lionel Thomas, from the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Johor Bahru, who is spiritual director of the deaf group there, was also present. SCDC now has more than 100 members. The Singapore Catholic Deaf olic Archdiocesan Education Centre, 2 Highland Road #0320, Singapore 549102. Email address: scdeafc@yahoo.com.sg „

Without Holy Spirit, Church is ‘dead bones’ lighted on seven banners placed across the altar area. Without the Holy Spirit, the bread “The baptism of the Holy and wine cannot be changed into Spirit reactivates your baptism the body and blood of Christ. “That of faith and it’s when you make a is why the priest says, ‘Send forth conscious decision to be a Cathoyour Spirit’,� said Fr William Goh lic�, he said. at the Pentecost Rally. Following the talk, Fr Goh Fr Goh, spiritual director of the led a prayer for the congregation Singapore Archdiocesan Catholic to receive an outpouring of the Charismatic Renewal (SACCRE), Holy Spirit as happened during was speaking to % some 1,000 people cost. at the annual rally, Prayer teams held at the Church later prayed over of Christ the King individuals who on May 27. wanted to be In his address, empowered by he urged the crowd the Holy Spirit. to be aware of the During the importance of the Pentecost EuHoly Spirit in their charistic cellives. ebration which “I know you followed, Archlove your body by bishop Nicholas going to the gym, Fr William Goh praying at the Chia told partic[going for] mani- Pentecost Rally ipants: “Let us cures or makebe reminded that overs. Know that the body is the Pentecost is not just one day, but temple of the Holy Spirit and take every day. Without breath, there care of the inner body which is the is no life. Without the Spirit, the Holy Spirit,� said Fr Goh, who is $ &' also rector of the St Francis Xavier He also prayed for the Holy Major Seminary. Spirit to “fall afresh� on the conHe went on to discuss the sev- gregation. en gifts of the Holy Spirit – unThe Pentecost rally was orderstanding, reverence, fortitude, ganised by SACCRE. „ wisdom, fear of the Lord, counsel and knowledge – which were high- martin.see@catholic.org.sg By Martin See

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Sunday June 17, 2012 „ CatholicNews

CHIJ Toa Payoh launches museum

Catholics shocked, saddened over lift tragedy By Darren Boon

IJ provincial Sr Agnes Lee was among those who launched the museum showcasing photos of the former ‘town convent’ orphans and chairs students used (right).

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Filipino maid Clarita Abanes’ tragic death at the Church of St Michael grabbed the headlines in local media recently.

Redemptorist Fr Simon Pereira had visited Madam Rose Tay in hospital, anointed her and given her Holy Communion.

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Participants of the APS Resilience Charity Run 2012, including Minister for the Environment and Water Resources Vivian Balakrishnan (in long pants), principal Wee Tat Chuen (front row, extreme left) and students, warming up before the run.

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Sunday June 17, 2012 „ CatholicNews

interfaith Order of Malta head Australian delegates call on visits Singapore Archbishop Chia Commends local Knights and Dames for service to underprivileged The head of the Order of Malta met with members of the historic lay religious order in Singapore during a private visit recently. Grand Master Fra Matthew Festing’s May 17-20 visit is believed to ; @ During a dinner hosted for him on May 18, Fra Festing commended the Singapore Association of the Order of Malta for its ; 9 ‘ He particularly referred to its raising of funds for two clinics in the Luang Prabang highlands in Laos. Fra Festing also said he was very excited about the potential ; ploring in Indonesia. He noted that though Singapore may not necessarily provide many opportunities to serve the ; a viable hub for the order to explore setting up a permanent relief mission here to better serve the Southeast Asian region. Archbishop Nicholas Chia and Vicar General Msgr Eugene Vaz attended the dinner, together with more than 40 Knights and Dames of the order from Singapore and Thailand, their spouses, as well as associate members and Friends of the Order. During the event, Fra Festing conferred on Mr Michael Khoo,

Members of the Toowoomba Goodwill Committee having tea with Archbishop Chia.

By Darren Boon Grand Master Fra Matthew Festing (front row, second from left) poses for a photo with Archbishop Nicholas Chia, Mr Michael Khoo, president of the local association (front row, third from left) and Knights, Dames, associate members, spouses and Friends of the Order.

the president of the Singapore ; ’ Grand Cross of Magistral Grace for his commitment to the Singapore order and Malteser International, the world-wide relief agency of the Order of Malta. The Grand Master also visited $ ~ > ; as Flagstaff House) at Kheam ~ ; \ ‰ lived there with his father, Field

Marshall Sir Francis Festing, who was the Commander in Chief of the Far East Land Forces stationed in Singapore between 1956 and 1958. UBS Business University now occupies the building. Prior to the Grand Master’s visit, 44 local Knights and Dames went on a pilgrimage to Lourdes, France, from May 2-7. Among them were nine people suffering from illnesses such as cancer and heart disease. The Order of Malta was founded as the Order of St John of Jeru % % << ***‘ Its historic mission has been to ; disadvantaged in society. It now operates in more than 120 countries. „

Several delegates from an Australian interfaith group visited Archbishop Nicholas Chia at his residence on May 27. The 10 delegates, comprising community leaders and representatives from the Christian, Baha’i, Muslim and Buddhist faiths, were from Toowoomba, Queensland. They are members of the Toowoomba Goodwill Committee. The committee was estab ; model city of peace of harmony�, according to the Toowoomba Chronicle newspaper. Q $ ; several of the visitors. Canossian Sr Theresa Seow, who has been involved in interfaith dialogue, ; the Cathedral of the Good Shep ; Catholicism in Singapore. Prior to their Singapore trip, the

delegation attended an interfaith | ; ; Q } % \ ~ $ \ It was organised by the World Fellowship of Buddhists. Commenting on their recent experiences, Ms Nura Behjat of the Baha’i faith said the group’s trip helped her to see what her faith says ' @ fundamentals of religion are the same�, at the heart of which is love. She said the group’s trip has ' the various religious leaders have ' Mr John Wiedman, a Catholic from the ecumenical commission of Toowoomba diocese, said the visits to various places of faith has ; @ ' ; to Toowoomba with him. „ darren.boon@catholic.org.sg

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Sunday June 17, 2012 „ CatholicNews

Parishioners of the Church of St Bernadette took part in an evening walk on May 26. The event aimed at strengthening fellowship within the parish.

Walk bonds St Bernadette parishioners By Darren Boon Parishioners of the Church of St Bernadette say that a special evening walk organised by the parish has helped them make new friends and bond with other churchgoers. About 290 parishioners participated in the walk on Saturday, May 26. It started at the church at about 4.30 pm. Fr Eugene Chong, the parish with a prayer and a blessing. The participants were split into smaller groups which left 10 minutes apart of each another. The walk took them from Zion Road to Marina Bay Sands via Kim Seng Park, Clarke Quay, Parliament House, Esplanade Park and Helix Bridge, before returning to the church via One Fullerton and Cavenagh Bridge. Mr Philip Lee, an organiser of the event, told CatholicNews the walk was part of the parish’s goal of “working towards a cohesive, co-responsible and participatory parish�. He noted that many parishioners do not know one another well. The walk thus aimed to build fellowship and friendships, and enhance family ties as participants engaged in conversation along the way.

He added that, hopefully, participants involved in various parish ministries would be able to share their work with other parishioners and arouse the interest of those who are not serving in any ministry yet. Ms Susan Foo, a participant, said the walk was “refreshing and a good workout�. She told CatholicNews that she was able to get to know about 10 to 12 other parishioners. Mr Jeff Follin, who participated with his wife and two children, said the most memorable part of the walk was the camaraderie and the opportunity to meet other parishioners. Mr Follin, a foreigner who has lived in Singapore for only a year, said the conversations he had during the walk centred on his life and background. He added that he also talked about the work of the parish’s faith formation subcommittee, which he is involved in, with other participants. He said the walk allowed him to spend time with his wife and children and added that he hoped it would be a “regular event�. „ darren.boon@catholic.org.sg „ Page 17: Choir’s social service

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Sunday June 17, 2012 CatholicNews Source: CSCC

CHARITIES WEEK 2012

Catholics still gave despite ‘uncertain times’ Charities Week 2012 raised a total of $5,217,720 at its close. Although this amount was lower than last year’s $5,564,243, it is “heartening to know that despite the uncertain economy, the Catholic community responded to the call to help our less fortunate brothers and sisters”, says Caritas Singapore Community Council (CSCC). CSCC, which organises the annual Lenten fundraising campaign, said it would like to thank all donors for their generosity (see chart on left). Youths from parishes and 26 Catholic schools also participated in this year’s Charities Week. CSCC, in a press release, noted that children from the catechism classes of the Church of St Teresa emptied their pockets and raised $1,531.24. The youth of Blessed Sacrament Church also conducted a fundraising campaign and raised a total of $24,531.10. All proceeds will go towards a fund to support the work of CSCC and its member organisa-

tions such as the Archdiocesan Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People, Boys’ Town Singapore, Catholic AIDS Response Effort, Catholic Welfare Services, Family Life Society, Infant Jesus Homes and Children’s Centres, Marine Parade Family Service Centre, Morning Star Community Services, the Roman Catholic Prison Ministry, CHARIS, CLARITY and ABLE. “Charities Week 2012 would never happen without the many volunteers who came forward to help,” said CSCC, “from wardens distributing the envelopes, parishioners who donated generously to laypeople who helped process the donations received.” Even though Charities Week 2012 has ended, those who still wish to donate may do so. Make your cheque donations payable to “Caritas Singapore Community Council” and mail to 55 Waterloo Street #09-03, Singapore 187954. Donors who require tax deduction are to provide their NRIC

number and contact details on the back of the cheque. For more information on Caritas Singapore, visit www. caritas-singapore.org or call 6337 3711.

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New archdiocesan communications manager appointed The Archdiocese of Singapore has appointed a new communications manager. Ms Charlene Chew came on board on June 1 and brings with her years of public relations experience having previously worked with a public relations consultancy and Singapore Press Holdings. She has a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from the National University of Singapore where she majored in English Language and Literature. She also holds a Master of Science in Public Relations from the University of Colorado, USA. She spent two years working in the US in the Communications † as well as in the Corporate Affairs Department of the local community hospital. “I look forward to serving the Catholic Church as the communications manager for the archdiocese and relish the opportunity to use this position as a way of further evangelising the Good News,� said Ms Chew. “I hope to effectively facilitate communications between the archdiocese, Catholics and the larger Singaporean community.�

The Archdiocese Communica † = 2011 to reach out via different communications channels to the community and to foster active dialogue within the Church as well as outside of it. Together with an advisory council comprising three priests and three professionals with backgrounds in the communications $ †

Schools team up to offer joint IP programme By Don Gurugay Two of Singapore’s premier Catholic schools are working with Singapore Chinese Girls’ School to offer a joint Integrated Programme (IP) next year. CHIJ St Nicholas Girls’ School and Catholic High School, both Special Assistance Plan (SAP) schools nurturing students who are ‰ $ are working towards a broader learning experience, says St Nicholas vice principal Ruby Khoo. “Students in the three schools can look forward to an expanded education experience of either

their well-established GCE O Level programmes or a unique Integrated Programme designed collaboratively by the three schools,â€? she told CatholicNews. “The Joint Integrated Programme will provide an integrated secondary and JC [junior college] education whereby students offer the year one to four programme in the respective schools but proceed  and six without taking the GCE O Level Examination,â€? she said. Students will sit for the GCE A Levels at the end of year six, she said. “The new junior college, which

will be established in 2017, is a government junior college,� she added. “It will be designed to support the aspirations of our IP students as it will incorporate input from key stakeholders, including the desired learner experience and requirements of the Integrated Programme.� The IP offers students a more discovery-based approach to learning such as projects and research work. Referring to St Nicholas, Mrs Khoo said that as it is a SAP school, all IP students will be offered Chinese as their second language. „

Ms Charlene Chew came on board on June 1.

aims to assist the archbishop in bringing a wider variety of messages to the Catholic community that will serve to both educate and reinforce the Church’s role in the context of local and world issues. $ † $ Archdiocesan Education Centre (CAEC). The contact details are as follows: Archdiocese Communications † 2 Highland Road, #03-17 Singapore 549102 Tel: (65) 6287-8684 Email: communications@ catholic.org.sg Contact: Charlene Chew, Communications Manager

Principal Tan Wai Lan (in blue and

at the marathon relay marking the school’s return from its holding site in Toa Payoh to its original location in Ang Mo Kio.

St Nicholas School makes ‘home run’ By Don Gurugay After two and half years, CHIJ St ‡ _ @ to its original campus in Ang Mo Kio. On May 30, led by principal Tan Wai Lan, a former student herself, a group of pupils formed a marathon relay from the school’s holding site in Toa Payoh back to its original location. The school, which caters to both primary and secondary students, had undergone a Ministry of Education initiative, called PRIME, which involved the reconstruction of school buildings to cater to evolving needs. Among the new facilities students now enjoy are a seven-storey classroom block, larger classrooms, ; extra curricula activity rooms. % proved road leading to a larger

drop-off point when sending their children to school. The May 30 celebration began with closing ceremonies at the holding sites for both schools and ' In a symbolic move, the secondary school students went on to the site of the primary school to escort their “younger sisters� to their new home. raising ceremony, a prayer service conducted by Redemptorist Fr Simon Pereira, and speeches by Infant Jesus provincial Sr Agnes Lee and Mrs Tan. A celebration followed, which included singing and dancing from the present and past pupils, after which they explored the new buildings. Sec Four student Abigail See told CatholicNews: “The thing I miss about the holding site would

be the closeness. It was smaller easily. But there are a lot of things that we can look forward to here in the new campus. There’s a lot of enhanced learning that we can do.� Pri Six student Megan Chin shared: “Although it [the holding site] was small, everybody was close knit. But then, in time I think everybody will bond in this new school. We’re all very excited because it’s a new school and it’s very modern.� Mrs Grace Chee, head of the mathematics department, noted that “this time we, the primary and secondary streams, can have Mass together and we now have a prayer room, whereas in the holding site we had to use the hall which wasn’t so conducive�. “Now we can also conduct more activities in terms of spirituality,� she added. „

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Sunday June 17, 2012 „ CatholicNews

Musically gifted priest marks silver jubilee

Taiwan Catholics protest land grab TAICHUNG, TAIWAN – Around

Malaysian-born Fr Francis Leong was a La Salle Brother for 34 years before becoming a Maryknoll priest.

By Martin See SINGAPORE – “God has given me a musical talent which I have used throughout my life to spread His word and teach others about Him through music,� says Fr Francis Leong. The 76-year-old Malaysianborn priest, currently residing in Singapore, was a La Salle Brother for 34 years before becoming a Maryknoll priest. The accomplished musician has earned doctorates in sacred music, creative arts and theological studies, and held senior teaching appointments in music in various parts of the world. He was scheduled to celebrate his 25th year as a Maryknoll missioner at the Church of Divine Mercy on June 6. Fr Leong, who grew up in Penang, joined the La Salle Brothers at the age of 17. He came to Singapore in 1957 where he taught at St Patrick’s School, and later at St Michael’s Institution in Ipoh. He returned to Singapore in 1970 and taught music in St Patrick’s. He also founded the Singapore Music Centre in 1971, which he said became the genesis of the LasalleSIA College of the Arts, now known as LASALLE College of the Arts. However, changes were already taking place in his life. When he was in London from 1964-1969 for studies, he often visited various monasteries, and one day decided to attend a vocation exhibition. During the bus ride there, the thought came to him that “as a priest I could bring people back to God through ministering the sacraments�. This was when he started feeling a call to the priesthood. In 1979, he came across old magazines of the US-based Maryknoll congregation while he was in a church in Santa Barbara, California. As he read them, he found himself drawn to the missionary

work that the Maryknolls do, and told himself, “This is it! I want to be a Maryknoll priest.� He later joined the congreation and was ordained in 1987. Fr Leong told CatholicNews that ; Q < more people beyond the classroom environment unlike what I used to do as a Brother,� such as bringing people back to God through the Eucharist and confession. Fr Leong also noted that “this is the age where the laity can contribute to the community in schools just as well as a La Salle Brother can�, referring to the many Catholic schools in Singapore headed by laypeople. Although now retired, Fr Leong conducts retreats, gives

diversity of the ‘The work I’ve done in various places means that I had a wider outreach to people.

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faith formation talks and visits < _ ministering to prisoners, both men and women. I would give them Bible classes, celebrate Mass and hear confessions,� he said. At different points in his life, Fr Leong was also music director of Maryknoll School of Theology in New York, Star of the Sea parish in Hong Kong and Sacred Heart parish in Hawaii, as well as music consultant in the Guangzhou Institute of Fine Arts in China. “The diversity of the work I’ve done in various places means that I had a wider outreach to people. And it’s all God’s will that I am able to do so. Without Him I am nothing,� he said. „ martin.see@catholic.org.sg

3,000 Catholics from across Taiwan took to the streets of Taichung on May 26 demanding city authorities intervene in the alleged seizure of a church in the municipality’s Nantun district by a private developer. Fr Benedict Hsu, vicar-general of Taichung diocese, delivered a petition letter to City Hall containing the signatures of 25,000 supporters, demanding that the Mother of God Church be saved. The three-hour march demonstrated a greater show of force by Catholics following a smaller scale protest by local parishioners from the church during Holy Week. “If it happens to the Nantun church today�, it could happen to another church tomorrow, said Fr Mbwi Khohi, a Congolese priest based in Nantun district. “There could be more Church lands grabbed by consortium-developers who have been casting greedy eyes on them,� he said. The petition letter demands the church be left out of a private company-led redevelopment plan

Frs Mbwi Khohi (second from left) and Benedict Hsu (third from left) answering the press during the demonstration (Photo: courtesy of Huang Chi-shan/UCAN)

and designated as a special zone for religion. It also demands a dereliction of duty investigation as the government is allowing a nearby Taoist temple to stay, while the Nantun church is being included in the redevelopment. Some victims of redevelop-

ment plans in other counties and cities also joined the protest. “The dispute over the Nantun church is not an individual incident. There are too many grey areas in the redevelopment laws and thus the other victims are also coming to support us,� Fr Khohi said. „ UCANEWS.COM

Court sentences Catholic students BANGKOK – Three Catholic students in Vietnam charged with spreading anti-government propaganda were each sentenced on May 24 to more than three years in prison, while a fourth received a two-year suspended sentence. The People’s Court of Nghe An Province in Vinh city sentenced Anthony Dau Van Duong, Peter Tran Huu Duc and Anthony Chu Manh Son, all 23 years old, to 42, 39, and 36 months in prison, respectively, followed by one to one and a half years of house arrest. The fourth defendant, John

Baptist Hoang Phong, 24, who had no lawyer at the court, was given a suspended sentence of 24 months. Some 1,000 local people including Catholics and two priests gathered outside the court with banners reading “Our children are innocent� and “Protest illegal arrests� while policemen and secu The defendants were accused of distributing 5,000 leaflets in May 2011 that demanded a multiparty system, criticised Communist Party policies and rejected the results of last year’s

national assembly election. “You’re innocent. Be brave! All people stand by you,� Mr Chu Van Nghiem, Son’s father, said in court, before he was removed by $ sources reported. Church sources also said the defendants’ relatives and lawyers plan to lodge an appeal to a higher court immediately. Since 2011, as many as 27 bloggers, dissidents, and activists in the country have been detained and accused of anti-government propaganda. „ UCANEWS.COM

Catholic MP tells of Taliban ordeal PESHAWAR, PAKISTAN – Q Mr Pervaiz Masih thought he was the victim of a simple carjacking when three men forced their way into his vehicle. That was until one of them jabbed a syringe into his left shoulder. “I opened my eyes in a small room. The only thing visible in the dim light was a computer in front of my bedstead,� he said, stroking his hand against the worry lines on his forehead. “I could sense it was morning from the sound of the azaan [call to prayer].� With the pictures of former members of Pakistan’s National Assembly hanging behind him, Mr Masih recalled his terrifying 17-day ordeal at the hands of the Taliban. “They forced me to watch Jihadi movies, and videos showing the

beheadings of foreigners and how they groomed suicide bombers,� said the Member of Parliament. Q my religious beliefs. I was beaten just for unplugging the computer.� The 46-year-old Catholic lawmaker is one of the few who have survived a kidnapping for ransom in present-day Pakistan. Security agencies say the Taliban has increasingly targeted to raise funds for their operations in the insurgency-hit northern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa which borders Afghanistan. “They [his captors] would condemn US drone attacks in the area. Different people would come and bargain over my price

– I knew that the police could not save me,� said Mr Masih. His family had to pay two million rupees (S$27,455) for his re fear and uncertainty, he recalls. “The original demand was for seven million,� said the father of four. “I was given 15 days to pay the difference – my wife had already sold a house, a car and her gold jewellery.� The day they struck the deal, Mr Masih was blindfolded and left at a bus stop in Bannu district near Peshawar with 200 rupees. ~

one night recently. Relatives have ; garlands, so too has Bishop Humphrey Peters of Peshawar and a Catholic priest. „ UCANEWS.COM

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Sunday June 17, 2012 „ CatholicNews

Pilgrims mark China prayer day Chinese pilgrims pray the rosary at the Sheshan pilgrimage site near Shanghai on May 24, World Day of Prayer for the Church in China. Photos: UCANEWS.COM

SHANGHAI, CHINA –

Despite wet weather, about 5,000 pilgrims gathered on May 24 at the Sheshan pilgrimage site on the outskirts of Shanghai to observe the annual World Day of Prayer for the Church in China. The special day was initiated % | š`< $ $ years ago as a way of supporting China’s Catholics and strengthening China Church ties with Rome. Amid a drizzle, Fr Thaddeus Ma Daqin, vicar general of Shanghai, led 30 priests from various dioceses, seminarians of the Sheshan regional seminary, nuns and faithful in a Marian procession to mark the occasion. He carried a statue of the Blessed Mother and led the crowd to the basilica situated on a hilltop, where he and the other priests celebrated Mass. In a homily, he explained the Prayer to Our Lady of Sheshan, composed by the pope in 2008, and urged Catholics to follow the

Fr Thaddeus Ma Daqin has been elected Shanghai’s coadjutor bishop.

obedience of Mary in responding to God’s call. “Fr Ma’s warm and emotional homily moved the faithful at the scene,� said a Shanghai Catholic who gave his name as Joseph, according to the Church news agency, AsiaNews. It rained throughout the Mass, but the hot and humid weather did not deter the pilgrims. “Instead, they prayed zealously and fer-

vently during the Mass,� he said. Since the pope urged prayers for China, Chinese Catholics across the country and around the world have held prayer gatherings and Masses to mark the May 24 feast day of Our Lady of Sheshan, patron of the Church in China. Meanwhile, on May 30, Fr Ma won a majority of votes as the candidate to be the Diocese of Shanghai’s coadjutor bishop. One hundred and ninety of the eligible 205 diocesan priests, nuns and laypeople cast their votes. Fr Ma, who is said to be in his 40s, was the only candidate for the representatives to consider. He received 160 votes in the governmentrequired format of bishop selection. The Vatican recently approved him for the post. Shanghai Bishop Aloysius Jin Luxian, 95, presided over the election. A coadjutor bishop automatically becomes head of the diocese upon the death or retirement of its bishop. „ CNS, UCANEWS.COM

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Sunday June 17, 2012 „ CatholicNews

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12 WORLD

Sunday June 17, 2012 „ CatholicNews

US nuns slam Vatican directive WASHINGTON – The national board of the US Leadership Conference of Women Religious says it feels the assessment that led to a Vatican directive to reform the organisation “was based on unsubstantiated accusations and lacked transparency�. The LCWR board on June 1 called the sanctions “disproportionate to the concerns raised� and said they “could compromise� the _ their mission�. “The report has furthermore caused scandal and pain through-

out the Church community and created greater polarisation,� the LCWR said in a statement released the morning after the board concluded a special meeting in Washington from May 29-31. It was held to respond to an eight-page doctrinal assessment issued to LCWR by the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. Citing “serious doctrinal problems which affect many in consecrated life,� the doctrinal congregation on April 18 announced a major reform of LCWR to ensure $ areas including abortion, euthana-

sia, women’s ordination and homosexuality. In response to the LCWR statement, Archbishop J Peter Sartain of Seattle, appointed by the Vatican to oversee the reform, said both he and the Vatican Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith “are wholeheartedly committed to dealing with the important issues raised by the doctrinal assessment and the LCWR board in an atmosphere of openness, the Church’s faith.� The LCWR board said the organisation’s president, Franciscan Sr Pat Farrell, and its executive director, Sr Janet Mock, a Sister of St Joseph, will go to Rome on June 12 to meet US Cardinal William J Levada, prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, and Archbishop Sartain “to raise and discuss the board’s concerns�. The LCWR is an umbrella group that claims about 1,500 leaders of US women’s communities as members, and represents about 80 percent of the country’s 57,000 women Religious. In an interview with Catholic News Service, Sr Farrell said

People take part in a vigil outside St James Cathedral in Seattle, USA, on May 8 to support nuns against the Vatican’s call for a reform of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious. CNS photo

the mood at the three-day board meeting was “pretty serious� and

“There was a lot of sadness,� she said. She said the LCWR leadership was not surprised by the doctrinal congregation’s report. “The great surprise was the severity of it,� she said.

In the weeks since the Vatican order was issued, she said she has found “a lot of strength and comfort in prayer and in other members of the LCWR�. She added that she was encouraged by the “immense outpouring of support� for the Sisters from around the country and the world. „ CNS

WORLD 13

Sunday June 17, 2012 „ CatholicNews

Published: rules VATICAN CITY – To help bishops determine the credibility of alleged Marian apparitions, the Vatican has translated and published procedural rules from 1978 that had previously been available only in Latin. More than 1,500 visions of Mary have been reported around the world, but in the past century only nine cases have received church approval as worthy of belief. According to the newly translated norms, published recently bishop should set up a commission of experts, including theologians, canonists, psychologists and doctors, to help him determine the facts, the mental, moral and spiritual wholesomeness and seriousness of the visionary, and whether the message and testimony are free from theological and doctrinal error. A bishop can come to one of three conclusions: He can determine the apparition to be true and worthy of belief; he can say it is not true, which leaves open the possibility for an appeal; or he can say that at the moment he doesn’t know and needs more help. In the last scenario, the investigation is brought to the country’s bishops’ conference. If that body cannot come to a conclusion, the matter is turned over to the pope, who delegates the doctrinal congregation to step in and give advice or appoint others to investigate. The alleged apparitions at Medjugorje in Bosnia-Herzegovina are an example of a situation in which the country’s bishops requested the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith to intervene. In that case, the congregation established an international commission in 2010 to investigate the claims of six young people who said Mary had appeared to them

Pilgrims pray around a statue of Mary on Apparition Hill in Medjugorje. CNS photo

The local bishop should set up a commission of experts to help him determine the facts surrounding an alleged apparition, says the Vatican. daily beginning in 1981. A verdict is yet to be announced. Pope Benedict XVI has reaf $ quires the faithful to believe in apparitions, not even those recognised by the Church. In a note accompanying the norms, US Cardinal William J Levada, prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, quoted the pope saying, “The criterion for judging the truth of a private revelation is its orientation to Christ

Himself� in that it does not lead people away from Jesus, but urges them toward closer communion with Christ and the Gospel. „ CNS The text of the Vatican norms

va/documents/rc_con_cfaith_ doc_19780225_norme-apparizioni_en.html

14 FEATURES

Sunday June 17, 2012 „ CatholicNews

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 ADVERTISEMENTS: Elaine Ong: advertisements@catholic.org.sg

STAFF CORRESPONDENTS: Darren Boon: darren.boon@catholic.org.sg Martin See: martin.see@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

‘Priests must live holy lives’ VATICAN CITY – Ten years after a historic papal response to clerical sex abuse, the Vatican urged priests to strive for greater holiness in their own lives so that they might effectively minister to others and reverse the tide of atheism. In its annual letter to priests for 2012, the Vatican’s Congregation for Clergy focused on Blessed John Paul II’s 2002 Holy Thursday letter to clergy, in which the late pope responded to the growing revelations and scandal of sexual abuse of minors by priests. The congregation’s letter also gave priests a guideline for examining their consciences concerning everything from how they celebrate Mass to how well they are living a pure, humble and generous life detached from consumerism. Signed by the congregation’s prefect, Cardinal Mauro Piacenza, and secretary, Archbishop Celso Morga Iruzubieta, the letter was dated March 26 and recently published on the congregation’s website. The letter marks the annual World Day of Prayer for the Sanc % many dioceses on June 15 – the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Priests are entrusted with the task of challenging and helping people become more holy and obey God’s will more fully, it said. } tioning clerical sex abuse, the letter said that given the worsening situation reported in the news, priests must take to heart “with greater strength and urgency� Blessed John Paul’s Holy Thursday letter from a decade ago. It said the letter condemned the perpetrators of such scandals as betraying the priesthood and casting a “shadow of suspicion� over

The Congregation for Clergy has issued a letter giving priests a guideline concerning everything from how they celebrate Mass to how well they are living a pure, humble and generous life. the many good priests in the world. Blessed John Paul called on priests “to commit ourselves more fully to the search for holiness�, it said. The letter from the Congregation for Clergy said one of the most serious problems unfolding today is people losing all sense of God’s love and hope. Traditionally, Christian nations “are no longer tempted to surrender to a general sort of atheism as they were in the past�, but they risk falling victim to that brand of atheism that has “forgotten the beauty and warmth� of the Trinity of God, the Son and the Holy Spirit. By fully embracing, adoring and living in communion with

PRIEST APPOINTMENTS:

Fr Davaine Donatien Christian, a new MEP priest, will be assistant priest at the parish of the Holy Family in early July. Prayers are requested for Frs William Lim, Alfred Chan, Joseph Tan, Joseph Jeannequin and John Baptist Tou who are suffering from ill health.

God, priests can point the way to the true face of Christ and why He is important for men and women today, it said. “No new evangelisation will really be possible unless we Christians are able to surprise and move the world again by proclaiming the nature of our God, who is love�, and living as closely as possible to Christ. There was also a 20-part Examination of Conscience for % ; on how well they prepare for and " ner; how free their lives are from

¤ central their love for Christ is in guiding them away from unchaste thoughts and acts; how charitable they are in dealing with others, especially those who sin; and how faithful their lives and teaching are to the Church’s Magisterium. „ CNS The letter can be accessed at http:// www.clerus.org/clerus/dati/201204/25-13/LETTERA_ai_Sacerdoti_ EN.pdf

There’s always something! A FRIEND of mine jokingly says that when she dies she wants this epitaph on her gravestone: There was always something! And there always is! All of us appreciate her frustration. Invariably, there’s always something, big or small, that casts a shadow and somehow keeps us from fully entering the present moment and appreciating its richness. There is always some anxiety, some worry about something that we should have done or should be doing, some unpaid bill, some concern about what we need to face tomorrow, some lingering heartache, some concern about our health or the health of another, some hurt that is still burning, or some longing for someone who is absent that mitigates our joy. There’s always something, some loss, some hurt, some anxiety, some bitterness, some jealousy, some obsession, or some headache, that is forever draining the present moment of its joy. Fr Henri Nouwen once gave a very simple, poignant expression to this: “Our life,� he writes, “is a time in which sadness and joy kiss each other at every moment. There is a quality of sadness that pervades all the moments of our life. It seems that there is no such thing as a clear-cut pure joy, but that even in the most happy moments of our existence we sense a tinge of sadness. In every satisfaction, there is an awareness of limitations. In every success, there is the fear of jealousy. Behind every smile, there is a tear. In every embrace, there is loneliness. In every friendship, there is distance. And in all forms of light, there is the knowledge of surrounding darkness.� There’s always something! Jesus had his own way of expressing this. There is an incident recorded in the Gospels wherein Peter approaches Jesus and asks Him what reward a disciple will receive for following Him. Jesus replies that anyone who gives up father, mother, spouse, children, house, or land in order to be his disciple will receive these back (mothers, spouses, children, houses, lands) one hundred times over. But then he adds a rather unwelcome clause “though not without tribulation�. There will always be something – some stress, some jealousy, some persecution – which can wipe out both the recognition and the enjoyment of the hundredfold. In effect, what Jesus is saying is that we can have everything – and enjoy nothing! Why? Because there will always be something impaling itself into the present moment that can cause us to lose perspective and thus lose the richness and joy inside of our own lives. < Z ; _ ˆ = namely, jealousy. We can have everything and enjoy nothing because we are jealous of what other people have. How true. How often do we denigrate our own lives and talents, failing to see and savour their richness, because we would like to be someone else, someone rich and famous, someone set apart. Our lives are rich, but we are not content within them because we would want what someone else has. There is a rich literature today, both within religious and secular circles, that tries to challenge us to not let our anxieties, heartaches, jealousies, and worries block us from entering fully into the present moment. Most of that literature is good since it formulates the right challenge. Sometimes, however, some of these authors give us the impression that, if you focus your attention and work hard at a few techniques, this is an easy thing to do. It’s not! Entering into the present moment, truly entering it without being waylaid by our own heart spiritual tasks in all of life. Our lives are rich, and that is true for all of us, not just for the rich and famous. At the height of his fame, the poet Rainer Marie Rilke received a letter from a young man, complaining that he wanted to be a poet but was handicapped because he lived in a small town where nothing exciting or noteworthy ever happened. Rilke wrote back telling him that if his life seemed poor to him than he probably wasn’t a poet after all because he couldn’t pick up the riches of his own life. Every person’s experience is the stuff of poetry. There are no lives that aren’t rich; but most of us are blocked from entering into the richness of our own lives and can never appreciate the hundredfold ... because there’s always something. The challenge is to be present to the richness inside of our own lives, and that means learning to celebrate the temporary, the imperfect. That means learning how to go to the great banquet that lies at the heart of life, even while our lives are not yet fully healthy and com Q  ing the times when we do get there, forgiving ourselves for mostly falling short, and having an epitaph engraved for ourselves that reads: There was always something! „

FEATURES 15

Sunday June 17, 2012 „ CatholicNews

Singing for Christian unity (clockwise from top left): choirs from Barker Road Methodist Church, St Thomas Orthodox Syrian Cathedral, Church of St Ignatius, CSI Immanuel Congregation and Church of St Mary of the Angels. This was the second such concert organised. Photos: JOON JOEL MOSQUEDA

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16 CORPUS CHRISTI FEATURE

Sunday June 17, 2012 „ CatholicNews

Witnessing Christ’s Real Presence This could go some way towards helping lapsed Catholics return to Mass, says an editorial in a US diocesan paper

IT IS hard to imagine that any Catholic who truly understood and accepted that Jesus is truly, physically present in the Eucharist would treat His body and blood with anything less than the utmost reverence and respect. And yet, anecdotal reports bespeak an all too common lack of such reverence and respect, seen in the lackadaisical way some people approach the sacrament. Disturbing as this is, of even more concern, perhaps, should be the numbers of Catholics whose lack of faith in the Real Presence prompts their consistent absence from Sunday Mass, and from reception of the Eucharist. A 2008 study in the US by the Georgetown Universitybased Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate found that only 57 percent of Catholics there profess belief that Christ is present in the Eucharist; but the figure was 91 percent among respondents who attend Mass at least weekly.

This indicates, obviously, that the vast majority of professed Catholics who do not believe in the Real Presence are found among those who do not attend Mass regularly; or, put conversely, most Catholics who do not attend Mass regularly do not believe that the Eucharist is truly an opportunity to receive the body and blood of Jesus. This presents the classic “chicken-or-the-egg� question: Is it their regular absence from Mass that has caused their faith in the Real Presence to wane? Perhaps, in some cases. More likely, however, such Catholics never really internalised or felt that they were receiving the body of Christ when they received Communion. In simple terms, “they don’t know what they’re missing� when they miss Mass, and so don’t feel drawn to attend. One American bishop, in a pastoral letter, challenged Catholics to give witness to other Catholics who “cannot find their way to the manger of Sunday Mass�.

What better way to do so than to give witness to what the Eucharist means to us? Perhaps we can focus on being more prayerful as we proceed to our reception of the Eucharist, and more humbly reverent as we pray after Communion. Perhaps we’ll give more attention to always receiving worthily, by joining our regular participation in the Eucharist to frequent reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. And perhaps, if we enhance our own prayer, reverence and worthiness in receiving Jesus, it will help us to better exude Christ to others outside of church; to make it more evident that we do indeed have the presence of Christ within us, in a way that will make others desire to have the peace of Christ that they see in us. „ CNS

This editorial first appeared in The Long Island Catholic, newspaper of the Diocese of Rockville Center, New York, USA.

If we enhance our own prayer, reverence and worthiness in receiving Jesus, it will help us better exude Christ to those who have stopped attending church.

FEATURE 17

Sunday June 17, 2012 „ CatholicNews

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Sunday June 17, 2012 „ CatholicNews

CHILDREN’S STORY:

By Joe Sarnicola The chief priests and scribes wanted

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WORDSEARCH: „ PASSOVER „ BREAD „ SIMON „ PERFUME

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Share your thoughts on this week’s Bible story with family and friends by writing an essay in response to this question: Why is it so important to attend Mass regularly?

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Sunday June 17, 2012 „ CatholicNews

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Sunday June 17, 2012 „ CatholicNews

WHAT’S ON 21

Sunday June 17, 2012 „ 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 Fourth Fridays from June to August PREPARING FOR THE YEAR OF FAITH 12.40-1.10pm: Msgr Eugene Vaz will ; € of each month based on Pope Benedict XVl’s document, The Door of Faith. Talks followed by Mass. By Catholic Prayer Society At Singapore Conference Hall (7 Shenton Way Level 2). E: cps.contactus@ gmail.com; W: http://www.cps.org.sg Tuesdays from June 5 to June 26 CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH 7.30-9.30pm: Video series Catechism of the Catholic Church. It reviews the four pillars of the Catechism: Creed, Sacraments, Commandments and Prayers. At Church of the Risen Christ. Register W: http://www. catholicweb.com/freeatrisenchrist Wednesdays from June 13 to June 27 SOURCE AND SUMMIT 8-10pm: Fr Michael Arro shares on the Eucharist and why it is the source and summit of our whole Christian life. At Church of St Mary of the Angels (5 Bt Batok East Ave 2). Register E: aff@stmary. sg; W: http://www.stmary.sg/vatican2

RCIA/RCIY A journey for those seeking to know more about the Catholic faith. Baptised Catholics are also invited to journey as sponsors. Tuesdays from June 12 RCIA@CHURCH OF STS PETER AND PAUL 7.30pm: At Church of Sts Peter and Paul (225A Queen St). T: 9753 6863 (Joanna); E: sng.joanna@gmail.com. Registration Wednesdays from June 13 RCIA@CHURCH OF THE HOLY FAMILY 7.30pm: From September, meetings will also be held every Sunday from 9-10.30am. At Church of the Holy Family (6 Chapel Rd). T: 6344 0046 > ? ž‚‚‚ ‚+ƒž¤ E: rciaholy@gmail.com. Fridays from June 15 RCIA@CHURCH OF STS PETER AND PAUL (MANDARIN) 7.30pm: At Church of Sts Peter and Paul (225A Queen St). T: 9177 5689 (Corina); Registration forms available Saturdays from June 16 RCIY@CHURCH OF THE HOLY SPIRIT 3-5pm: At Church of the Holy Spirit (248 Upper Thomson Rd). T: 9656 7587 (Jude), E: holyspiritrciy@gmail.com (Leonard); E: rciy@divinemercy.sg Saturdays from June 23 RCIY@CHURCH OF DIVINE MERCY 2.30pm: For young people aged 14-21 years old. At Church of Divine Mercy (19 Pasir Ris St 72). T: 8133 3078 (Leonard); E: rciy@divinemercy.sg Thursdays from June 28 RCIA & RCIY@NATIVITY CHURCH 8-10pm: At Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (1259 Upper Serangoon Rd). T: 9685 6673 (Genevieve), 9745 1498 (Grace); E: nativitysg@yahoo.com.sg Registration Sundays from July 1 RCIA@CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF LOURDES (TAMIL) 4pm: At Church of Our Lady of Lourdes (50 Ophir Rd). T: 6294 0624. Register = 9ƒ \ Fridays from July 6 RCIA@CHURCH OF CHRIST THE KING 8-10pm: At Church of Christ the King Room 105 (2221 Ang Mo Kio Ave 8). E: query.rcia@gmail.com Fridays from July 13 RCIY@CHURCH OF THE RISEN CHRIST 8-9.30pm: For 15-25 years old. At Church of the Risen Christ St Matthew Room (91 Toa Payoh Central). T: 9228 1158 (Jasmine), 9489 8086 (Jeremy); E: rciyrisenchrist@gmail.com

Friday June 15 to Sunday June 17 ROMAN CATHOLICISM 201 Fri (7.20-10pm), Sat (10am-5pm), Sun (1-5pm): A three day apologetics seminar exploring compelling Catholic answers to questions frequently asked. By Apostolate for Catholic Truth. At Blessed Sacrament Church Damien Hall (1 Commonwealth Dr). T: 9649 3893 (Andrew); E: andrew. neo@bsc.org.sg June 16 ICCRS/SACCRE ABLAZE RALLY 7.45-10pm: Praise & worship, dance ministry, talk and healing service by Michelle Moran and Jim Murphy. Theme: < ' >Z; 12:49). At Church of the Holy Spirit. T: 9139 5518; E: gerard_jess@singnet.com.sg June 16 CATHOLIC SINGLES DINNER 5.30pm: Meet Catholic singles from across Singapore. Faith-based interactive activities after dinner. At Hans Cafe@ Pickering St. E: CatholicSingle@gmail. com; FB: CatholicSinglesSingapore June 18 RALLY – DO IT TO THE LEAST ‌ YOU DO IT UNTO ME  ‘ * ! | = " | Q & Risen Christ Charismatic Prayer Group. At Church of the Risen Christ. June 19 PRAYER MEETING WITH JIM MURPHY 7.30-9.45pm: Limited tickets available

request. By Holy Cross Charismatic Prayer Group. At Church of the Holy Cross. E: marytchua@hotmail.com Friday June 22 to Sunday June 24 WORKING WITH OUR DREAMS Fri (7.30pm)-Sun (1pm): Sr Linda Lizada, \$ ; _ dreams to help them understand their symbolic language. Learn how the Divine

can speak to us through dreams. By Cenacle Sisters. At 47 Jurong West St 42. T: 6565 2895; E: cenaclesisters@yahoo.com.sg Friday June 22 to Sunday June 24 LIFE IN THE SPIRIT SEMINAR Fri (8-10pm), Sat & Sun (9am-5pm): Explore faith topics on God’s love, salvation, new life and personal transformation through the Holy Spirit. Speakers include Frs Christopher Soh, Ravi Louis and Tom Curran. At Church of St Ignatius. Register T: 9664 5788 (Aloysius), 9636 0586 (Jan); E: liss2012si@gmail.com Saturdays from June 23 to August 26 COUPLE EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM 1.30-5pm: Learn the latest life skills to build a more emotionally intelligent marriage. At Church of St Francis Xavier. T: 9105 9921 (Victor/Annabelle), 9754 1561 (Philip/Sharon); E: goto_cep@ hotmail.com June 23 SOLEMN MASS IN HONOUR ST JOSEMARIA ESCRIVA 10am: By Opus Dei. At Church of the Holy Spirit. (248 Upper Thomson Rd). Wednesdays June 27 to July 25 THE BEATITUDES 9.30-11.30am: Discover the qualities needed in Christian life as described in the Sermon on the Mount. By Church of the Holy Spirit Bible Apostolate Team (At 248 Upper Thomson Rd Rm A2-01). T: 8228 8220 (Clare), 9815 4098 (Genevieve); E: hsbibleapostolate@gmail.com June 29 CHILDREN’S EUCHARISTIC ADORATION  ƒ+ ž ! } ˆ and short teaching by Fr Paul Staes, CICM. At Church of the Holy Spirit. T: 9362 5408; E: childreneucharisticadora@ gmail.com

Mondays July 2 to September 3 LIFE IN THE SPIRIT SEMINAR 7.30pm-9.30pm: With talks, sacraments, sharing, prayer, scriptures and ministering. At Church of the Risen Christ. E: m4trinity@gmail.com; Register W: http://www.risenchristcpg.org

July 8 PRISONS’ WEEK MASS 12pm: Roman Catholic Prison Ministry celebrates Prisons Week and 35th anniversary. Gather to pray for prisoners, ex-offenders and victims of crime. Main celebrant: Archbishop Nicholas Chia. At Church of St Ignatius.

Wednesdays July 4 to November 28 GOD’S COVENANTAL LOVE THROUGH THE AGES 7.45pm-9.45pm: How the Bible tells the story of God the Father’s love for His children and His plan for people to be one holy family. By SPI. At CAEC (2 Highland Rd). Register T: 6858 3011; E: admin@catholicspi.org:

Thursdays from July 26 to November 29 GUIDED TOUR OF THE BIBLE 8-10pm: A series of 15 enriching lectures from Genesis to Revelation. Presented by Sundaresh Menon. By Church of St Ignatius Bible Apostolate. At Church of St Ignatius Annexe Hall Level 2. E: henrywu@lucas.com.sg

July 6 160TH ANNIVERSARY – MARRIAGE BLESSING MASS 8pm: 160th anniversary of Nativity Church. Marriage Blessing Mass with the renewal of vows. Buffet dinner at $10 (adult), $5 (child 5-12yrs). At Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. T: 8121 1342 (Grace for enquiries), 6280 ž/ > ?

Friday August 3 to Monday August 12 MISSION TRIP TO CAMBODIA FOR YOUNG ADULTS Mission trip to Cambodia for young adults 18-35 years old. Focused on faith and personal growth. Trip preparation from May to September. By Loveworks (Church of St Mary of the Angels). T: 9878 3213 (Basil), 9641 3830 (Celeste), E: loveworks.smota@gmail.com; W: http://simplyloveworks.wordpress.com

Crossword Puzzle 1060 1

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ACROSS 1 Vatican _______ 5 This king allowed the Jews to return to Jerusalem (Ezra 1:1–4) 10 Five books of the Bible are attributed to him 14 Architect Mies van der _______ 15 Warms 16 Together, musically 17 Single 18 Fits of anger *ž $ 20 Pose 21 “He is _______!â€? 22 “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the ____?â€? (Job 38:4) 23 Major and minor, for example 25 A sacrament is an outward _____ 27 Cereal grass 9/ @ 29 Cold call? 32 Fragment 35 Auto innovator ‘‚ @ 37 See 43D 38 Paralyze 40 Span. lass 41 Armed ser. mail service 42 â€œâ€Śand the secret of his heart will be laid _________â€? (1 Cor 14:25) 43 Second word in the name of a Parisian basilica 44 Encountered 45 Moose

46 Seed vessel 47 Singer with Louis and Duke 48 Republic in central Africa 52 Saintly brother of Gregory 55 David married his widow 58 Wrath 59 Cyberzine 60 Analyze a metallic compound 61 Teen and new follower 62 “The lady ______ protest too much, methinks� 63 Speed 64 Southeast Asian cuisine 65 Formerly, formerly ‚‚ ˆ

67 “Hey, don’t look ______!�

11 River in central Europe 12 Catholic actress, Bonnie, of “Cheaper by the Dozenâ€? fame 13 Home of The Hague (abbr.) 21 â€œâ€Śa man sows, that he will also ______â€? (Gal 6:7) 22 They may be beaten 24 Fill up 26 Annual race, familiarly 28 Actor’s parts 29 Drill a hole 30 Alphabet string 31 The back of 32 Fraud 33 Floor length vestment 34 Underground part of a plant 38 Altar linen

39 Home of the Diocese of Little Rock 40 Soft drink 42 Church sounder 43 Brother cover 46 The Lord’s ____ 47 Octave 49 Time when Nicodemus visited Jesus (Jn 3:1–2) 50 Joseph was told Egypt 51 Lofty nest +9 @ _ archbishop, John _______ Polding 53 Cupid 54 Coll. admissions requirements 56 Aide (abbr.) 57 Restrain 60 “I’ve got it now!� 61 ______ loss for words

DOWN Solution to Crossword Puzzle No. 1059 1 Rosary starter A B E L A F O O T L A B S 2 Grecian L E O N A A L I A D A N E architectural style A R C A B A P T I S T E R Y 3 8th letter of the Greek alphabet L A I R D S M E E K N E S S 4 “______ out!â€? O R T P O I N T S 5 From the Greek O B S T A T C U R L word meaning L E A S H F I R E A B B R “the anointed oneâ€? D A T A R E D I D C E R O ‚ Q E L E M D R E A M S T E R 7 â€œâ€Ś_____ against A T O R G E O R G E the dying of the V I R G I N S R A lightâ€? L I N E A R S H A D R A C H 8 Knife and fork O D I E 9 Evidence of a leak A P P A R I T I O N R E U P N I S A N S U E R 10 St. Peter is the patron of this A R T S G A I L Y E E L S w w w . w o r d g a m esforcatholics.com Asian country

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Sunday June 17, 2012 CatholicNews

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

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