JULY 29, 2012, Vol 62, No 15

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www.catholicnews.sg SUNDAY JULY 29, 2012

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IRO confers award on archbishop Recognised for contribution to interfaith harmony in Singapore the years, the ‘Over Catholic Church

By Darren Boon The Catholic Church is committed to building up “friendship, kinship and goodwill� without which “no country can enjoy the peace and prosperity that we have been so blessed with�, said Archbishop Chia as he accepted the Inter-Religious Organisation (IRO) Award on July 10. In his speech, Archbishop Chia said that it was with “great honour and much humility� that he accepted the award, which recognises individuals for their contribution to inter-faith harmony in Singapore. “Over the years, the Catholic Church has worked together with people of other religions resulting in common ground and collaboration, for example in humanitarian efforts,� Archbishop Chia said at the ceremony held during the of at Palmer Rd. “As we witness great suffering around the world today on so many levels, from natural disasters to religious persecution and war, it is important that we join efforts to spread peace, working hand-in-hand to alleviate the sufferings of those around us.� He noted that over the years, the IRO “has made great strides and progress in promoting interreligious peace and harmony�. “As Christians, particularly from the Catholic Church, we have collaborated and given our support in joint efforts with IRO as well as different religious groups,� he said. He thanked the IRO Council for acknowledging “our efforts to forge greater accord, understanding and harmony amongst the

has worked together with people of other religions resulting in common ground and collaboration.

’ – Archbishop Nicholas Chia

Archbishop Chia receiving the Inter-Religious Organisation Award from President Tony Tan on July 10. At the IRO ceremony: (from left) Archbishop Chia, Master Wei Yi (Taoism) Venerable Seck Kwang Phing (Buddhism) and Mufti Fatris Bakaram (Islam).

different religions�, and the Singapore government “for its vigorous support in fostering religious freedom, equality and tolerance�. Archbishop Chia received the award from President Tony Tan. Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean; Acting Minister for Community Development, Youth

and Sports Chan Chun Sing; and IRO patron and former Singapore president S R Nathan also attended the event, together with religious representatives and members of the diplomatic corps. The proposal to give Archbishop Chia the award was mooted by Habib Syed Hassan Al-Attas, one

of the IRO’s 2011/2012 council members, and unanimously agreed upon by the other members. The award citation stated that Archbishop Chia was “a visionary leader� and “catalyst for positive action in coordinating the inter-religious movement in our country�. Among his various contributions, the citation noted that the archbishop: „ Has been a member of the National Steering Committee on Racial and Religious Harmony. „ Supported Muslim and Christian communities in the joint Hari Raya-Christmas celebrations in 2001 and 2002 in the aftermath of the Sept 11, 2001 attacks. „ Established the Archdiocesan Council for Inter-Religious and Ecumenical Dialogue in 2007 which educates Catholics on other religions in Singapore. „ Supported the SingaporeChina Religious and Cultural Exhibition in 2009 jointly organised by the IRO and the Catholic Church. A total of seven individuals, including Archbishop Chia, have now received the award. The archbishop has also been recently reappointed to the Presidential Council for Minority Rights. „ darren.boon@catholic.org.sg

VOL 62

NO. 15

INSIDE HOME Priests and laypeople need not be rivals Dominican friar gives his views „ Page 2

ASIA Vietnam’s Catholics protest attacks Thousands march for religious freedom „ Page 8

Christianity and India’s ‘untouchables’ How Gospel values are changing the lives of marginalised people „ Page 9

New bishop for Penang diocese Ordination set for August „ Page 10

FEATURE Using marathons

Pro-lifers pray, run and raise money for cause „ Page 15

FAITH ALIVE! Growing old together How a marriage can improve over time „ Page 16

2 HOME

Sunday July 29, 2012 „ CatholicNews

Priests, prophets, kings Catholics learnt about the important and distinctive roles that priests and laypeople play in the Church at a recent talk By Darren Boon A Christ-centred Church would be a “grown-up Church in which the laity can use their talents and gifts�, a Dominican friar told some 200 Catholics recently. Every baptised Christian has been anointed priest, prophet and king, and therefore should live as such, said Fr Timothy Radcliffe in his talk, Priests and Laity – An Interrelationship for Life. The July 8 event, held at the Church of St Mary of the Angels, was organised by the Singapore Pastoral Institute. In his talk, Fr Radcliffe explored how priests and laity can be mutually supportive and work together without rivalry. Explaining the “priesthood of the laity�, the 67-year-old popular speaker and author said Christians share in Christ’s priesthood when they “mediate� God’s love to others. He gave as examples when husbands and wives delight in each other, when people take delight in their

descendants, when healthcare workers tend to patients and when one just calls another’s name tenderly. The former Master of the Dominican order, who conducted the July 9-13 priests’ retreat, said Christians also act as instruments of God’s love when they give thanks to God and when they pray for others, such as when parents pray for their children and attend Mass in their place when the latter stray from the Church. Explaining laypeople’s role as “prophets�, Fr Radcliffe said this is not about foretelling the future but “speaking God’s true and creative word�. “Our deepest responsibility is to speak words [that] nourish people and make them strong,� he said. Christians exercise this ministry many times daily in their communication with others, and teachers, writers, poets, journalists and politicians are people who have a special prophetic vocation as their lives are “bound up with words�, he said. Fr Radcliffe said that sharing

ARCHBISHOP’S DIARY July 23 - 27 July 29 11.00am July 31 10.00am Aug 09 10.00am

Majodi Centre, Johore: Catholic Bishops’ Conference Church of St Anne: Mass – Feastday Changi Prison: Mass Church of St Anne: Mass – Ordination to the Priesthood of Deacon Samuel Lim

Dominican friar Timothy Radcliffe spoke on Priests and Laity – An Interrelationship for Life. Photo: SPI

Giving laypeople a voice does not make the clergy lose authority, said Fr Timothy Radcliffe. in Christ’s kingship means having a voice in the community, nation, society and Church. However, he cautions against the Church becoming a “straight democracy� in which decisions are “simply taken by majority vote�. It would take time for the la and initially there could be some ranting, posturing or the making of ignorant claims contrary to Church’s teaching, he said. Nevertheless, one should look for the little bits of truth in all of this, he said, adding that one should not silence the people but “talk with them and help them

Giving laypeople a voice does not make the clergy lose authority, he said. Quoting theologian Henry Newman, Fr Radcliffe explained that there are three kinds of authorities and that neither should dominate – the authority of devotion shared by everyone in his or her experience of God in prayer and liturgy, the authority of reason shared by theologians and ac and the authority of government – the hierarchy of the Church. ! " important to recognise the words of the baptised people, Fr Radcliffe said. He noted that laypeople have experience in areas that priests do not have. However, laypeople must also recognise the authority of the Church hierarchy “when it makes pronouncements on the teaching of the faith�. During the question-and-answer session that followed, Fr Radcliffe urged priests and laypeople to

build friendships to foster dialogue. Many participants said they found Fr Radcliffe’s talk enlightening. Ms Francesca Tan said she found the idea of laypeople exercising their roles as “priests� new. Ms Teresa Luo said the talk was “engaging, easy to understand� and clear. She shared that she gained a good understanding of the laity’s role, and that both priests and laypeople have important roles with both parties being equal. Mr Timothy de Souza, who serves in St Mary’s Parish Pastoral Council, said the talk “puts in very clear perspective what I as a lay person have to do in my own parish�. Redemptorist Fr Jacob Ong said he agrees that the laity have a legitimate role to play in the building of the Church. He added that it would be sad if priests were to curb the role of the laity who have been “consecrated� through baptism. „ darren.boon@catholic.org.sg

„ See story on priests’ retreat: Page 6

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Sunday July 29, 2012 CatholicNews

Special marriage blessings About 170 couples took part in a Mass to mark Nativity Church’s 160th anniversary Married couples who took part in a special Marriage Blessing Mass at the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary said it was a meaningful and memorable event for them. “It was a wonderful evening, reliving the wedding day,” said Mr Stephen Chye Tong, who has been married to his wife, Frances, for 21 years. He said the renewal of marriage vows during the July 6 Mass, which was part of the church’s 160th anniversary celebrations, “brought back important and romantic memories”. The couple was one of about 170 couples who took part in the celebration together with family members. Two giant wedding rings were suspended over the church’s entrance as 22 couples, most of whom became Catholics only after they got married, walked down the aisle at the start of Mass.

The Mass, celebrated by Fr Henry Siew and Fr Peter Paul, saw the couples renewing their marriage vows. Towards the end of Mass, several young people shared how their parents have played positive and loving roles in their lives. The longest married couple that evening was Thomas and Rosa Soh who have been married for 53 years. “This was cause for celebration for everyone,” said Mr Soh. “I was born in Khang Khar village [an area in Hougang] and have been Nativity’s parishioner for many years.” Ms Endora Teresa Teo, who has been married to Mr Mark Daniel Alexander for 10 years, said: “It was certainly a privilege for us to be selected to walk down the aisle at the entrance procession … for all to witness the love of our Lord.” She share that their seven-yearold son and both mothers-in-law joined them for the celebration.

Archbishop warns about Pakistani priest Archbishop Nicholas Chia has sent an email to priests and Church institutions saying he has been “informed that one Pakistani priest is going round the parishes to ask for donations with a recommendation on my letterhead”. “Please take note that this is not true,” said the archbishop. “I do not send any recommendation letter for anyone asking for donations.”

Thomas and Rosa Soh, who have been married for 53 years, pose for a photo with parish priest Fr Henry Siew. They and other couples who participated in the Marriage Blessing Mass received special

The Marriage Blessing Mass was just one of several activities organised to mark the church’s

milestone anniversary. The parish released gold-plated souvenir coins earlier this year

and also held a walkathon and golf tournament. A commemorative book is also being planned.

4 HOME

Sunday July 29, 2012 „ CatholicNews

By Stella Kon Meditation will help children discover the presence of Jesus in their inner being. They will then “experience the unconditional love of God, which in turn will give them the comfort and con

life�. Archbishop Nicholas Chia said this to about 300 teachers, parents and catechists during a forum titled The Gift of Peace – Christian Meditation and Sharing It with Children. The forum, held at St Joseph’s Institution (Independent) on July 14, was organised by the World Community for Christian Meditation (WCCM) Singapore. In his speech, Archbishop Chia noted that children in Singapore today suffer from much stress and anxiety. They are distracted by the Internet and various activities, and these undermine their attention capacity as well as their capacity to relate to others. Meditation can give them the gift of peace they need, he said. During the forum, Fr Laurence Freeman, a Benedictine monk and WCCM director, led participants in two meditation sessions, saying

Mr Ernie Christie, from Australia’s Townsville diocese, was one of several speakers at a recent forum on teaching meditation to children. Photo: GERARD GOH

that meditation is “experiential rather than theoretical�. Teachers and parents will not be able to teach children to meditate if they do not practise it themselves, he said. Children take naturally to the simplicity of meditation – they are natural meditators, he added.

Dr Cathy Day and Mr Ernie Christie, who have implemented a Christian Meditation programme in all Catholic schools in Australia’s Townsville diocese, also shared their experiences. Inspired by their own experience of meditation, they had approached their bishop explain-

ing why teaching meditation in schools would be good for students. Today, the diocese invests A$120,000 (S$155,000) annually in Christian meditation formation programmes for teachers and

wards.

According to Dr Day and Mr Christie, symptoms of anxiety and tendency to drug abuse have dropped as a result. The children are also better able to cope with their life circumstances and are more involved with the needs and concerns of others. In class they are more attentive and can focus better, said the speakers. On the local scene, Ms Terry Theseira, principal of Canossian School, said that hearing-impaired children at her school have taken to meditation very naturally. Meditation is also progressively being introduced to all the Canossian schools and the Canossaville Children’s Home, and the # dent, she said. Other speakers from overseas shared their experience of introducing “quiet time� to children, ranging from those in kindergarten to 14-year-olds in catechism classes. Those interested in introducing meditation to children in parish catechism classes may contact Emily Lee (christianmemily@ yahoo.com). Those interested in introducing it to schools may contact Richard Teo (richteo55@ gmail.com). „

HOME 5

Sunday July 29, 2012 CatholicNews

Reaching out in Cambodia Medical students served Cambodian villagers during a recent trip conducted by ACTS A group of medical students from the National University of Singapore and James Cook University in Queensland, Australia, went on a mission trip to Battambang, Cambodia recently. Battambang is the third largest city in the country. Led by Dr Gladys Wong and Dr Damian Png, coordinator for ACTS (A Call To Share) Cambodia, the June 29-July 5 trip was to determine the needs of the villages around the city and to assess what further support they needed. ACTS, a multi-parish missionary group, is also exploring the feasibility of organising teams of surgeons to support the healthcare system in Battambang province. The group visited the nuns and students of the Don Bosco school

there as well as the Petyleychee Health Centre. According to ACTS, the Cambodians shared their food, hopes and dreams with the visitors. The visitors were moved to hear of the people’s painful experiences during the Khmer Rouge regime. One nun, Sr Mary Ange, described it as “years of unimaginable suffering and misery” from which the country has yet to recover. The group also met Msgr Enrique Figaredo, the Jesuit apostolic prefect of Battambang, who is known for his work with landmine victims and handicapped. He shared his vision of what could be done to improve the lives of the impoverished Cambodians. Education is the solution, he said, because literacy and knowl-

Msgr Enrique Figaredo, apostolic prefect of Battambang (in yellow shirt, left), poses for a photo with members of the ACTS team at the Arrupe Welcome Centre for the disabled.

edge empower people and that is why there is much collaboration with the National Education System. The ACTS group, which included three doctors, one of whom was a Lutheran surgeon, divided themselves into two teams. One ran medical clinics at the provincial prison, at Omar village and at Nikum and Chitill Centres. The other joined an outreach

group to assess the needs of far"

According to ACTS, the reception given by the villagers was overwhelming. It was apparently the second time that the Omar villagers had seen doctors and the group was swamped by 430 patients in a single day. Besides carrying out basic surgery, the visitors also saw a wide

variety of medical conditions and tried to put in place a system to follow up on chronic illnesses. One memorable experience for the group was attending Mass in a rickety church made of wood and coconut palms, with the rain pattering on the aluminium roof. At the end of the trip, the visitors resolved to return soon to offer their services again.

6 HOME

Sunday July 29, 2012 „ CatholicNews

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Young people learn about love at conference By Sheila Fong Young people who attended a youth conference organised by the Church of St Anthony say they # “I have gained a deeper understanding of the word ‘love’,� %&' ' * + < # = Spirit and learned to appreciate = > persons of the Trinity,� said Brian ? %@ The two teenagers were XZ the parish who participated in the \ ^ + * %_' `` { + %|'`&

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HOME 7

Sunday July 29, 2012 „ CatholicNews

CWS, Pertapis join hands to feed needy By Martin See Muslim-based welfare organisation Pertapis and Catholic Welfare Services joined hands in providing food packages and cash to 500 needy families recently. Of these families, who received assistance during the July 14 Care & Share event held at Joo Chiat Complex, 30 were under the care of Catholic Welfare Services (CWS). ~ month’s supply of household provisions such as rice, sugar, sardines, Milo, coffee, tea and instant noodles. They were also given some cash to cover taxi fare as the food supplies made up three large plastic bags. In his opening address, Pertapis president Hussaini Abdullah said he hopes to work closely with Br Emmanuel, chairman of Catholic Welfare Services, and expressed appreciation for the collaboration. “Though we are of different ethnic groups, we have one thing in common – the spirit of compassion and care for the needy in the community,� said Mr Hussaini. “Pertapis and Catholic Welfare Services’ collaboration for this charity today is exemplary, I

Catholic Welfare Services chairman Br Emmanuel and a Pertapis member

congratulate them for the partnership,� said guest-of-honour, Mr Seng Han Thong, MP for Ang Mo Kio GRC, in his speech. ‘‚ # CatholicNews, “I’m very grateful for the help I’ve been getting from Catholic Welfare Servic + makes a real difference in my life.� „ martin.see@catholic.org.sg

we are of different ‘Though ethnic groups, we have one thing in common – the spirit of compassion.

’

– Pertapis president Hussaini Abdullah

8 ASIA

Sunday July 29, 2012 „ CatholicNews

Vietnam Catholics march for religious freedom VINH – More than 10,000 Catholics marched in various areas of Vinh diocese, in central Vietnam, to demand respect for religious freedom from the government. According to the Catholic news agency, AsiaNews, march ” " and banners with slogans such as “religious freedom is a right� and “we are determined to protect the Church� on July 15. In a letter dated July 10, sent to cardinals and bishops from all over Vietnam, the diocese asked " # According to a priest, some &ZZ

Con Cuong chapel in Yen Khe village and tried to stop him from celebrating Mass on July 1. He said they hit him and about 20 other parishioners who tried to protect him. “The attack on 1 July was the tip of the iceberg of a series of violent attacks against Catholics in the region,� said the diocesan message. Local authorities have banned religious activities in the area. Sources said authorities have in

the past threatened parishioners and attempted to cut electricity lines. On the eve of the marches, authorities deployed tanks outside the bishop’s residence, with patrols by soldiers and groups of people, reported AsiaNews. Despite the show of force, thousands of Catholics set out on

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Vinh diocese has asked for solidarity

on Catholics. Saturday night, walking for miles along a highway to arrive at designated meeting places. All the marches were peaceful except in Bot Da where police and gangs disrupted Mass. Many young people have accused the government of using the military “because they fear the strength of the Catholics�. „ ASIANEWS

Church agencies scramble CNS photo

BANGALORE, INDIA – Church

workers have joined the massive relief work in India’s north ‰ " ing has left 126 people dead and affected nearly three million. “The situation is still very grim, and over 70 percent of the affected families have no access to their villages,� Fr Theodore Purthy, director of Tezpur diocese’s social service agency, told Catholic News Service on July 12. Heavy monsoon rains in late * " Bhutan, have inundated thousands of villages and submerged roads and towns in 23 of 27 districts of Assam state. Ms Babita Alick, team leader for disaster management of Caritas India, the social action wing of the Indian Church, said that three medical teams led by doctors have been reaching out to villagers sheltered in relief camps run by the government in schools and other centres. “Medical attention is the greatest necessity, with dead " around and acute shortages of drinking water. Thousands are camping on roadsides as entire villages have been under water,� she said. She added that Caritas India was working with Tezpur diocese, focusing on running medical services in the relief camps and road-

sides, while water and sanitation programmes are also being instituted in inundated areas. Ms Cassie Dummett, head of programming of Catholic Relief Services (CRS) in India, said that the agency had distributed safe drinking water and hygiene kits to nearly 6,000 families. CRS is involving trainees and # ty-based Disaster Risk Reduction programme it had started in " ' lages. “We are planning for longterm rehabilitation programmes as the lives of the villagers have been ruined and they are in no-man’s land,� said Ms Rekha Shetty, who works in disaster management for CRS. „ CNS

CNS Photos

HONG KONG – Hong Kong’s car-

dinals kept a new Shanghai bishop in the media spotlight as Chinese authorities kept up the pressure on him. “Dialogue between China and the Vatican is a must. It is very urgent now to resolve the dramatic case of Bishop [Thaddeus] Ma Daqin,� Cardinal John Tong Hon, Bishop of Hong Kong, told the Asian Catholic news agency, UCA News. “Only with dialogue will a ‘win-win’ result eventually be achieved.� Twice in one week, Cardinal Joseph Zen Ze-kiun, retired bishop of Hong Kong, joined local Catholics at prayer services for Auxiliary Bishop Ma outside Beijing’s ^ = Œ Bishop Ma, who was approved by the Vatican and government authorities, was ordained on July 7 and promptly announced he was giving up his positions in the government-sanctioned Catholic Patriotic Association, which is not recognised by the Vatican. He has since reportedly been Shanghai’s Sheshan seminary and prohibited from assuming his duties as bishop. UCA News reported that seven priests and two nuns in Shanghai diocese have been summoned by “They each face long interrogations, up to eight hours a day,� a Church source told UCA News. “They cannot eat and rest well. We worry about their mental and physical health.� Cardinal Tong said Bishop Ma’s ordination united China’s two Catholic communities: Those whose leaders have registered with the government and those whose leaders have not. “I appreciated Bishop Ma’s courage,� Cardinal Tong told UCA News.

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Cardinal Tong also spoke of the illicit ordination of Fr Joseph Yue Fusheng, who was ordained bishop of Harbin without papal mandate on July 6. “Illicit bishops have become isolated as Catholics are staying away from them. There is no point in proceeding with illicit ordinations,� Cardinal Tong said. “We also heard that in Chinese ordinations, some participating bishops were rewarded with money and other goods. It seems to me that this amounts to cases of corruption.� In recent years, because of government requirements, the priests, nuns and laypeople of Chinese dioceses have elected their new bishops, and most of those elected have applied to the Holy See for approval.

Fr Yue was ordained without Vatican approval, and the Vatican said he automatically incurred excommunication. The Vatican said that those bishops who took part in the July 6 ordination had “exposed themselves to the sanctions laid down by the law of the Church�, which entail automatic excommunication. Bishops’ ordinations that are not authorised by the pope generally incur this penalty. However, because in some cases there may be mitigating circumstances – including fear of reprisal, necessity or serious inconvenience – those bishops in attendance “must give an account to the Holy See of their participation in that religious ceremony�, the Vatican said. „ CNS

ASIA 9

Sunday July 29, 2012 „ CatholicNews

Bishops address a hunger sit-in by dalit in New Delhi, India, in 2006. A human rights group says that Christianity has given many of these former ‘untouchables’ a sense of dignity and self-worth.

Christianity changing lives of India’s ‘untouchables’ BANGALORE, INDIA – An interdenominational Christian human rights group in India says Christianity has brought slow but lasting change to the country’s dalit or “untouchables�. This is especially so for the community’s women who are often victims of prostitu “The dalit are told that they are less than animals and we tell them they are not because they Ms Jeevaline Kumar told Catholic News Agency. Ms Kumar – who heads Operation Mobilisation’s Anti-Human + ? > ~ Œ – Š simple message that every person {

formed the lives of India’s dalit. “They are crying out for a

At roughly 250 million peo dalit quarter of the country’s 1.2 billion #

ently impure and worthless. Although caste discrimina was technically outlawed in 1950 after India won its independence ~ “The women are the dalit of the dalit „ Œ Š that many of them are forced into man waste or being aborted as soon as their gender is learned. ? # or as a temple devadasi en dalit girls and women. Three million people in India Š' % ` `&Z ZZZ are enslaved for “ritualised tem \ !

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mote the message that “there is value in every human being� by responding to “Jesus’ mandate� to “love thy neighbour�. „ Œ organise a graduation ceremony for 106 women who completed + ˜ rescued from prostitution.

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10 ASIA

Sunday July 29, 2012 „ CatholicNews

New bishop for Penang diocese By Vincent D’Silva JOHOR BAHRU, MALAYSIA –

Pope Benedict XVI has appointed Msgr Sebastian Francis, the current vicar general of Melaka-Johor diocese, as the new Bishop of Penang. The Vatican made the announcement on July 7. Msgr Francis, 61, succeeds Bishop Antony Selvanayagam, 76, whose resignation Pope Benedict XVI accepted on the same day. Under Canon Law, bishops are to request retirement upon reaching the age of 75. Bishop Selvanayagam has headed Penang diocese, which has 28 parishes, since 1983. Bishop-elect Francis’ episcopal ordination is to be held at the Church of St Anne in Bukit Mertajam, Penang, on Aug 20 at 5 pm. Commenting on his appointment, he said, “I am just a servant of God. The Lord has chosen me to work in the diocese which ? Malaysia and with some 65,000 Catholics.� He said he pledges to work towards making Christ better known to the people he will serve # = -

Msgr Sebastian Francis (left), vicar general of Melaka-Johor diocese, has been appointed Bishop of Penang, succeeding Bishop Antony Selvanayagam (right). The episcopal ordination is set for Aug 20.

dence in the priests, Religious and laity of Penang diocese and hopes that they would work, be united and collaborate with him on his many responsibilities. On his service in Melaka-Johor diocese, he said he was “very happy to have worked under Bishop Paul Tan Chee Ing�. Msgr Francis was born in Johor Bahru on Nov 11, 1951. He entered the College General Major Seminary in Penang in

1971 and was ordained on July 28 a priest for Melaka-Johor diocese. He later studied in Rome and in the Maryknoll School of Theology in New York. He also taught at the College General in Penang. Upon the retirement of Bishop James Chan of Melaka-Johor diocese, Msgr Francis was appointed diocesan administrator from 2001-2003. He was made vicar general in 2003. „

WORLD 11

Sunday July 29, 2012 „ CatholicNews

Bosnia Church leader speaks up Revision of Dayton Agreement needed for country to become united, says bishop CNS photo

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12 WORLD

Sunday July 29, 2012 „ CatholicNews

Pope’s envoy in Syria urges international help

Christian leaders meet Clinton in Egypt despite boycott calls

CAIRO – Egyptian Christian repre-

A girl, wounded by shelling, is treated at a mosque in Dael, Syria. CNS photo DAMASCUS – The international

community should hurry up and help Syria out of a “hellish trap�, says the pope’s representative in Damascus. Apostolic nuncio Msgr Mario Zenari, speaking to the Church news

‰ — # ‹ — ‚ curity Council, especially China and Russia, and the Arab League, to put aside their differences and do something tangible to stop the bloodshed that has cost thousands of lives. After three weeks out of the country, the prelate returned to ‚ situation had worsened. In Tremseh, Hama province, 200 more innocent people died in another massacre. Like in Houla and al-Qubayr, the military and rebels blame each other, reported ‰ — Combat helicopters and tanks struck at the village, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights

reported, adding that these were followed by members of a paramilitary militia, who carried out summary executions. “It is no longer possible to move freely,� said Msgr Zenari. “Fighting and abductions are taking place in areas that were under control until recently.� + ‚ — York saw China and Russia veto fresh sanctions against President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. “The international community must try to speak with a single voice and stop Syria from falling off the precipice,� the Vatican nuncio said. He added that “without every { ‹— ‰ # ^ Œ ‰ { bring about peace “is worthless�. Increasingly, the innocent are the victims of the tragedy, especially children. “Killing the defenceless does not hurt only the Syrian people but humanity as a whole,� said Msgr Zenari. „ ASIANEWS

sentatives met with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in Cairo, rejecting calls by other religious leaders to boycott discussions. ! Catholic, Anglican and Coptic Orthodox Churches attended the two-hour meeting at the US Embassy in Cairo on July 15. “I don’t think it is a good idea to refuse a meeting. It is better to be in dialogue and have the opportunity to express our views,� said ! the Egyptian bishops’ conference. “All the Churches were present in a different way, although there was, for instance, no bishop from the Coptic Orthodox Church.� Mrs Clinton’s two-day visit to Egypt began on July 14 with a landmark meeting with the country’s newly elected President Mohammed Morsi, a member of the Muslim Brotherhood. The once-banned Islamist organisation has become Egypt’s major political force in the wake of the early 2011 uprising that toppled President Hosni Mubarak. This fuelled fears among Christians and liberals that the organisation would use its electoral mandate to push through socially conservative reforms. Recent meetings between US ~ fed suspicions among the group’s opponents of a deal, whereby Washington will respect Mr Morsi’s mandate in exchange for maintaining Mubarak-era agreements, such as Egypt’s 1979

Discussions focused on fears of political Islamism and the determination of Egypt’s Christians to face the issue on their own terms. Representatives from the Catholic, Anglican and Coptic Orthodox Churches met with Mrs Hillary Clinton (above) in Cairo.

peace deal with Israel. Some clergy from the Coptic Orthodox and Evangelical Churches refused to meet Mrs Clinton, accusing the US of interference in Egypt’s internal affairs. Bishop Marcus of the Coptic Orthodox Church told the local news portal Ahram Online that their boycott of the meeting showed their “rejection of US intervention in Egypt’s domestic affairs and the Americans’ strategy of favouring certain Egyptian political currents over others�. A number of Christian public similar accusations. However, Christian leaders who attended the discussion with Mrs Clinton said that despite their issues with US policy, establishing dialogue was better than not.

Among the attendees were Youssef Sidhom, editor of Watani, a Christian weekly newspaper, and member of the Coptic Orthodox Church’s lay council; and Anglican Bishop Mouneer Hanna Anis of the Diocese of Egypt. Discussions focused on popular fears of political Islamism and the determination of Egypt’s Christians to face the issue on their own terms. “We told [Mrs Clinton] that Christians do not want to leave their country, and that we do not want special help from the US,� Fr — ‚ “Christians proved in the presidential and parliamentary elections that they are a political force that can change the political outcome. “We said this showed that we don’t need the support of a dictator [like Mubarak]. We can participate in politics and do things for ourselves,� he said. Christians make up around 10 percent of Egypt’s estimated population of 84 million. „ CNS

WORLD 13

Sunday July 29, 2012 „ CatholicNews

# $ % % VATICAN CITY – Pope Benedict

†” the Vatican’s secretary of state and defended him against a barrage of “unjust criticism� in the Italian media. In a letter addressed to “dear brother� Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, 77, the pope expressed his “profound appreciation for your discreet presence and wise counsel, which I have found particularly helpful over recent months�. The Vatican has had to face a number of challenges recently, in respondence to the pope and the Secretariat of State, the arrest of the pope’s personal assistant in connection to the leaks; and the ouster of the Vatican bank’s president, Mr Ettore Gotti Tedeschi, for neglecting his duties amid worsening management problems. Italian media had been speculating that Cardinal Bertone would soon be replaced as secretary of # ” ing revealed in the leaks scandal. The cardinal formally requested permission to step down when he reached the usual retirement age of 75 in 2010, but the pope renewed the cardinal’s mandate to continue serving as the Vatican’s “Having noted with sorrow the unjust criticisms that have been directed against you, I wish to reiterate the expression of my per in the letter, dated July 2. Meanwhile, the head of the Vatican’s highest court described

Media speculated that Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone (above) would be " in the Vatican leaks scandal. CNS photo

Vatican documents as “most grave crimes� and warned that those responsible must be discovered and “appropriately sanctioned�. Cardinal Raymond L Burke, prefect of the Supreme Court of the ‰ ‚ dentiality of Pope Benedict XVI’s communications must be respected in order for the pope to carry out his work in service of the Church. “It is not a question of hiding anything but of respecting conscience,� the US-born cardinal told reporters after his address to the Fifth Fota International Liturgy Conference in Cork, Ireland. He added that he was appalled by what had happened in the events dubbed “VatiLeaks� by the Italian media. “I am trusting and praying that these people will be discovered and they will be properly sanctioned,� he said. „ CNS

" CHICAGO, USA – The Missionary Sisters of St Charles Borromeo and scores of their neighbours in Chicago are really hoping that the owners of a nearby soon-to-open strip club will “get it�: They don’t want that kind of business in their backyard, and they are not going to be quiet about it. The Scalabrini Sisters and more than 100 neighbours in Stone Park and Melrose Park and their supporters gathered on July 2 to pray that the club – to be called Get It – will not open. The bar backs up to the convent’s property line, looming over the Sisters’ vegetable garden. An ad-

joining block of neat, modest singlefamily homes runs along its side. The club will feature alcohol and partially nude dancers on a site that was formerly a factory. The Sisters say the club will degrade the community, depress property values and create dangerous situations for children who sometimes play in the alley that runs along the property. It will also further harm the reputation of the community of about 5,000 people, which already ment venues, according to a community group calling itself United for a Better Stone Park. „ CNS

14 LETTERS / OPINION

Sunday July 29, 2012 „ CatholicNews

Fortnightly newspaper of the Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore

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FEATURES 15

Sunday July 29, 2012 „ CatholicNews

Pro-lifers use marathons & Runners wear T-shirts with a quote from Jeremiah at the back WASHINGTON – How far would

you go to defend life? Life Runners in the US would go about 26.2 miles (42.2 km) a race. Founded in South Dakota by running partners Pat Castle and Rich Reich, Life Runners has been promoting Catholicism and the pro-life movement through marathons in some of the nation’s biggest cities since 2008. Mr Castle said Life Runners came out of a prayer group the two men co-founded in 2007, called Life Group Devotions. They decided to create an “action arm� of their ministry. “We started with devotions from the beginning and then it dawned on us. We are training and running marathons, and we are looking for a pro-life ‘action arm’,� Mr Castle told Catholic News Service in a telephone interview. “There was none, I mean zero, organised pro-life teams represented in marathons.� Life Runners’ goal is to participate in at least one marathon a year. In 2008, it was the Chicago marathon; in 2009, St Paul-Minneapolis; in 2010, Sioux Falls, and 2011, Kansas City. Mr Castle said the group’s ' # # location. They “look for fall marathons around the country and then decide where our mission is needed most�. Life Runners, now based in St Louis, is made up of people who pray, run and raise money for pregnancy help centres, and build awareness about the abortion issue. Once the location is decided, a ' # the organisation’s local chapters spend the year fundraising for the designated pro-life entity.

Life Runners team member Jeff Pauls (centre) competing in a run in early ' @ 7 @ @ ing Student Assistance fund.

Life Runners is made up of people who pray, run and raise money for pregnancy help centres, and build awareness about the abortion issue.

A Life Runner prepares for the start of a marathon earlier this year. CNS photos

“Every penny goes toward the # „ The runners wear blue T-shirts with the scriptural quote “REMEMBER The Unborn Jer 1:5� across the back. “We are certainly pro-life missionaries,� Mr Castle said. “We are wearing a jersey like a little mini-billboard, and we are running through the streets of cities in secular races. We are bringing the pro-life message into the world. We don’t have to speak a word. We are representing Christ with that message on our back.� Ms Lisa Skowron, 44, a

pro-life Methodist, joined Life Runners because of the support its members gave her. She said she had an abortion that left her searching for healing for 24 years. “I went through post-abortive healing in 2008. Then I started running to connect with God `ZZ_ 2009. I dedicated it to the child I had aborted,� she told CNS. Ms Skowron came across Life Runners by reading a LifeSiteNews article. She sent an email to Life Runners, sharing her story and asking about its mission.

“I had prayed one day that God would inspire me to run again,� she said. Around 500 people from across the US currently belong to Life Runners. The organisation’s most recent event was a marathon in St Louis on April 15, though the group often has more than just one race per year because local chapters can organise and participate in local races. “We have just taken off,� Mr Castle said. “We have a strategic goal of growing. In 2011, we raised US$35,000 (S$44,270) before really having an organised fundraising process. It would not surprise me if we raised close to US$100,000 this year.�

Life Runners’ next race is the St Louis Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon on Oct 21. Mr Castle estimates about 400 people will participate with Life Runners. When a person signs up with Life Runners, he or she is told about the organisation’s local chapters. According to Mr Castle, chapter members pray together and train together. Most chapters also have a chaplain. “If someone registering does not have a chapter close to them, I encourage them to start one. All

„ CNS The Life Runners website is http://liferunners.org

Most bishops’ conferences have drafted abuse policies VATICAN CITY – The

majority of bishops’ conferences in the Americas, Europe and Asia have complied with a Vatican mandate to draw up anti-abuse guidelines, said the Vatican’s top investigator of clerical sex abuse. Without counting Africa, “more than half of the conferences responded� by the May deadline, Msgr Charles Scicluna of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith said in an interview with the Italian monthly Catholic magazine, Jesus.

All those who did not send in their proposed guidelines would be getting “a letter of reminder�, he added. The Vatican newspaper, L’Osservatore Romano, quoted from the interview on July 10 and said that the congregation received an encouraging number of responses from Anglo-Saxon countries, “but also Europe, Asia and Latin America have high percentages of responses�. While the result is gratifying, Msgr Scicluna said in the inter-

view that Africa “has a particular Church structures�, presumably referring to the lack of needed communications and other infrastructure that help a nation’s bishops draw up national policies. Evaluating each country’s proposed policies and guidelines for dealing with cases of clerical sexual abuse of minors will take “at least a year� and that process will not begin until after the summer, he said. More than 4,000 cases of sexu-

al abuse have been reported to the Those cases revealed that an exclusively canonical response to the crisis had been inadequate and that a multifaceted and more proactive approach by all bishops and religious orders was needed, said the former prefect of the congregation, US Cardinal William J Levada. Countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia and Germany are among those with the most comprehensive and binding

guidelines or norms, but in many cases, those norms came only in the wake of revelations in the media of abuse, the cardinal said. Bishops’ conferences have been encouraged to develop “effective, quick, articulated, complete and decisive plans for the protection of children�, bringing perpetrators to justice and assisting victims, “including in countries where the problem has not manifested itself in as dramatic a way as in others�, the Vatican said in November 2010. „ CNS

16 FAITH ALIVE!

Sunday July 29, 2012 „ CatholicNews

Growing old together How does a marriage survive and improve with time, asks Mary Eileen Andreasen

O

LDER couples must have a secret. Their marriages defy the odds and they are often examples of generosity and kindness for several generations. What do they know that we don’t? I watch older couples with fascination, hoping for insight. I need to learn from them. I’ve been married for more than 30 years and an empty nest faces us. Kids have a way of distracting you from your marriage by their wild noisy chaos. These days, there’s no distraction. It’s just us. I’ve already vacuumed three empty bedrooms and shut the door. Our child is graduating from high school this year and the house is falling silent. How does a long marriage survive and improve with time? I know a good marriage is the union of two good givers and forgivers, and, of course, I’ve learned that marriage is so much more than glamour and sexuality. The older couples I know have talked about the need to stay active, try new things and meet new people. They have not lost their zest for living and willingly embrace a quiet but meaningful life. A priest friend calls this “the courage to be boring�. But there’s something more. As newlyweds, we had no idea what our struggles would be. We had no thought for the future even though everyone tried to warn us about the gloom and doom of

After the years and tears of raising our kids, something maturing is happening to us. We know so intimately about the life of the other that compassion and charity have taken deep, deep roots.

< ‘ { pay attention. Hard times hit soon enough and came with unrelenting wavelike fury. The unplanned pregnancies, the seriously ill child and the surgeries, the moves and the job changes overwhelmed us. There also were the moodiness and the restlessness we both fought.

O

VER the past 30 years, we have buried our parents and some siblings, paid thousands in tuition fees and walked three of

Our life has unfolded day by day, side by side. We have felt the years zoom by like spectators at a car race. So far, we’ve survived. But after the years and tears of raising a pack of kids, something maturing is happening to us. We know so intimately about the life of the other that compassion and charity have taken deep, deep roots. Knowing the hardships and the triumphs my spouse has faced helps increase my respect for him. I have stood witness to the ups and downs of his life, as he has with mine.

This doesn’t happen with all unions. Marriage can be a stormy sea, and often it’s not a faithful partnership. But for caring couples, I think this is the secret. In stable marriages, couples grow in kindness and respect through the passage of time. They desire the good of the other because they alone know the deepest secrets of their spouse. I love Thomas Merton’s description of the Christian life as the “school of charity�. It’s also a mantra for marriage. There’s a quote attributed to

the Jewish philosopher Rabbi Abraham J Heschel that says, “When I was young, I admired clever people. Now that I am old, I admire kind people.� Kindness and respect are the pebbles that can slay Goliath. They allow the Holy Spirit lots of room to work. I want to be around when my husband is elderly to know that he receives good care. He has been a good father and husband, but I know his life has not been easy. ‘ { # #

over and again. We know what our journey has been and respect how hard we have worked and the trials we have endured. That’s the secret, I think. As the chant says, “Where charity and love prevail, there God is ever found.� „ CNS Andreasen has worked in a variety of ministry settings for 20 years.

Exploring new aspects of creativity in the golden years By Dolores R. Leckey

W

HEN the great pianist Vladimir Horowitz, who had in effect been exiled from communist Russia, returned to his homeland for a concert, he was 83. The concert

hall was sold out. But people gathered outside and opened windows, sat on curbs and sidewalks, and wept as the music poured. The American painter known as Grandma Moses didn’t begin producing her distinctive New England scenes until well into her 70s when severe arthritis prevent form: needlework. The poet Anne Porter, who # book of poetry in her early 80s. The book was nominated for the US National Book Award. Porter continued to write for many years. These examples highlight the long life expectancy of individuals engaged in creative endeavours. Something similar can happen in long marriages. The ease of intimacy and the gestures of love that connect spouses are life-giving and renewing. Without losing a sense of autonomy, there is the shared experience of enjoying the fruits of solidarity: a wider circle of children and their children, generation after generation as

The ease of intimacy and the gestures of love that connect older spouses are life-giving and renewing.

God has always promised. The experience of ongoing community allows for spouses to explore their own interiority, what

has been called “the silent land�, the dwelling place of God. The poet Rilke describes this as two solitudes side by side,

looking out the window, seeing what? Perhaps the distant land. What awaits us in the late years of marriage is the opportunity to explore new aspects of creativity, alone and together. These choices, joined with others made along the way, point us to new adventures in grace. But then the inevitable happens. One partner dies. From experience, I know the loss feels like an amputation. Where before there were two solitudes together, now there is one. It is almost too much to bear. But slowly, if one continues to enter the silent land of prayer and meditation, and if rituals of solitude are created, the life of the lost beloved can become ever more present. The realisation grows that he or she lives within you. The doctrine of the communion of saints is no longer just an intellectual concept but a known reality. The words of St Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians that < " with meaning. „ CNS

FEATURE 17

Sunday July 29, 2012 „ CatholicNews

Filipino nun %

Sr Stella Matutina has been detained by the military and threatened in the course of her work. CNS photo DAVAO, PHILIPPINES – Environmental activism is a dangerous vocation in the Philippines, but a Catholic nun in Mindanao is defying those who want her to return to her convent and stop raising her voice in defence of creation. Benedictine Sr Stella Matutina works in Mindanao, the most con" ? ippines. Now 44, she spent 18 years studying and doing pastoral work in Europe before returning to Mindanao in 2007, when she says she quickly realised an environmental crisis was at hand. < " and deaths, I could hear the cry of the poor and the groaning of creation, but our government was deaf. “Thousands of people were dying every year, but our government was doing nothing to protect the environment,� she told Catholic News Service. Several people were killed and thousands of families displaced # " „ * Sr Stella said a 2008 phone call to her convent near Mati beckoned her to get involved. “A woman from San Isidro called and pleaded for help. She said the bulldozers were in her community and were going to destroy the mountains. I couldn’t understand why the people hadn’t been consulted, why they couldn’t say no to this big mining company. I felt the people needed me. It was my baptismal moment. We got involved and were able to send away the mining company and its equipment,� she said. “After that, more people started calling. We started leading courses on the stewardship of creation, resisting the cutting of ironwood forests by the Chinese and speaking out against the destruction wrought by large-scale mining.� Sr Stella started getting death threats in 2009 after she helped a community block the entry of heavy mining equipment. That con-

frontation led to the cancellation of the company’s mining permit. Sr Stella was detained by members of the Philippine army’s 67th Infantry Brigade during a night time raid on Feb 16, 2009, in the remote village of Taytayan, in eastern Mindanao. Along with three companions, including one novice from her congregation, she had gone to the village at the invitation of community leaders to lead a discussion about local environmental concerns. The four were sleeping in soldiers, wearing ski masks and missing the name tags on their uniforms, burst into the building in the middle of the night. The nun said the soldiers kept

‘Thousands of people were dying every year, but our government was doing nothing to protect the environment’. – Sr Stella Matutina

insisting the four were members of the New People’s Army, a rebel group. She said the squad’s leader, Lieutenant Ron Soria, announced they were waiting for an order over the radio to execute the detainees. The soldiers interrogated the four for most of the next day before turning them over to the head of a local Catholic school, who in turn escorted them to the local parish priest. When the news broke that the military had detained a nun, the army claimed it did not know Sr Stella was a nun since she was not wearing a habit. “I don’t know any congregations where the Sisters sleep in the habit and veil,� she said. „ CNS

18 COMMENTARY

Sunday July 29, 2012 „ CatholicNews

A Christian approach to the migration issue Keep an open mind and heart to the strangers among us, says Alice Nah OUR societies are undergoing rapid change. Our shops are stocked with an increasing number of goods assembled and transported from all over the world. + documentaries we watch bring us into the lives of other people and – and food – are evolving as we are more exposed to different cultures. Such change can be liberating. Such change can also bring fear – fear that our fundamental values will #

in our communities will have what # space or jobs for everyone. We may like travelling abroad and experiencing life elsewhere but we also become cautious when foreigners come and stay with us. God is not opposed to the movement of people. He instructed Abram (before he was renamed ‰# € people and his father’s home and to settle permanently in a foreign land (Genesis 12:1). He led the Hebrew people out of slavery in Egypt into their promised land. He instructed Joseph to seek refuge in Egypt with Mary and Jesus (Matthew 2:13). He brought Paul through missionary journeys across the Mediterranean Sea. God has much to say about how we should respond to foreigners. He tells us to have the same laws for them as for our native-born (Leviticus 24:22) and to treat them as we treat our own (Leviticus 19:34). = = loves them and defends their cause (Deuteronomy 19:18-19). God also instructs us not to op }˜Š ``‡`%€ not to mistreat them (Leviticus %X‡||'|š€ > tice (Deuteronomy 24:17). God judges those who do so }„ |‡&€ who withhold justice from them are cursed (Deuteronomy 27:19). MIGRATION has increased tremendously over the past two decades. The number of migrants in Southeast Asia has more than dou# %XXZ `Z%Z # from 3.06 million to 6.71 million according to the United Nations. + ‘ ~ two largest “migration corridors� in the region as being Malaysia‚ % '„ ›ZZ ZZZ Migrants have also had a sig-

A Chinese migrant looks at a mini Christmas tree he received and decorated during a Christmas party held at a Singapore parish.

God has much to say about how we should respond to foreigners. He tells us to have the same laws for them as for our native-born and to treat them as we treat our own. + ~ ~ ? # ” < with policies that promote emigration for economic gain. Migrants in Southeast Asia face a number of challenges in their host countries. They are susceptible to cheating by agents and employers. Those who suffer grievances –

' Š # – > often costly and time-consuming. + > # by locals and face xenophobia and isolation. Those with irregular It is easy to ignore migrants in our societies. It is easier to walk #

# # them. It is easier to let govern practices that shape their lives than to advocate changes that promote justice and equality. = high standard by which He will judge us – He urges us to love for treat them equally and to ensure that they have justice. This will not happen if we keep to ourselves; it happens only when we reach out in love. Let us keep an open mind and open heart to the strangers amongst us and to love as God loves them. „ The writer is a Malaysian who conducts research and advocates the rights of migrants and refugees in Southeast Asia. This article was written for the Episcopal Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrants & Itinerant People (EMI) of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei.

19

Sunday July 29, 2012 „ CatholicNews

CHILDREN’S STORY:

„ JESUS

Samson (485-565) was considered a child of promise, which meant that he was considered a gift from God because his parents had not had any children after many years of marriage, similar to the Bible story of Abraham and Sarah. Samson was raised in a monastery to prepare him for ^ = monastic life, and he was a good student and a good Chris = When Samson prayed over his dying father, his father recovered and did not die at that time. Samson was later promoted to abbot upon the death of the previous abbot. He is known for miracles that happened as a result of his prayers and for his missionary work. He also founded two monas ‘ * `_ „

„ APOSTLES

Although Mark’s account is the shortest Gospel, it is full of details about the life of Jesus, especially the miracles He performed and the parables He told. Mark does not tell the story of the birth of Jesus, but instead tells us more about the ministry of Jesus, beginning with the preparation made by John the Baptist. Bible scholars believe that Mark wrote his Gospel based on written reports of his time and by interviewing witnesses who saw the amazing wonders that Jesus did during his short life on earth. We hear more about Mark in the Acts of the Apostles. Mark travelled with Paul and Barnabas on some of their missionary journeys, and he also aided Peter. „

Bible Trivia: Apostles?

Read more about it: Mark 6

Q&A 1. What did the apostles want the people to do? 2. What did Jesus do instead?

WORDSEARCH:

St Samson

Bible Accent:

After everyone had eaten, which was more than 5,000 men, women and children, there was enough food %` # „

„ TAUGHT „ PEOPLE „ FOLLOWERS „ DESERTED „ PLACE „ BOAT „ SAILED „ WORD „ SPREAD „ SHEPHERD

PUZZLE: Using the Gospel of Mark as a guide, indicate whether the following statements are true or false. Chapter numbers have been provided as hints. > |||||||| / % ! " $ jewelry. [1] 2. ________ Jesus was baptized in the Jordan River. [1] 3. ________ Jesus also is Lord of the Sabbath. [2] |||||||| / >€ " [3] 5. ________ Jesus walked on water. [6] 6. ________ Peter saw Jesus with Elijah and Moses. [9] 7. ________ Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a white horse. [11]  |||||||| / " $ion. [16]

Answer to Bible Trivia:Matthew and John

SPOTLIGHT ON SAINTS:

had and they told Jesus, “Five loaves Jesus instructed the people to sit in small groups on the grass. Row after row, hundreds sat on the ground. * # apostles had brought to Him, looked up towards heaven and prayed over = the bread and shared it with His apostles and the people.

Answer to Puzzle: 1. false, 2. true, 3. true, 4. false, 5. true, 6. true, 7. false, 8. true

At the end of a long day, the apostles met with Jesus and told Him everything that they had done and what they had taught. So many people would follow Jesus that often He and His closest followers did not have any time to be alone. Jesus said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.� Jesus and His apostles boarded a boat and sailed to a place where they hoped they would have some time away from all of the people. Once word had spread where Jesus had gone, the crowds followed Him there as well, even though it meant they would not be able to stop for food along the way. Jesus and His apostles also had

not had time to stop to eat. Jesus felt the people were like sheep without a shepherd. He stepped out of the boat and began to talk to the people who had come to see him. While He was speaking, Jesus’ apostles came up to Him and said, “This is a deserted place and it is already very late. Dismiss them so that they can go to the surrounding farms and villages and buy themselves something to eat.� But Jesus had a different idea. He said to them, “Give them some food yourselves.� “Are we to buy two hundred days’ wages worth of food and give it to them to eat?� they asked. Then Jesus said, “How many loaves do you have? Go and see.� The disciples counted what they

Answer to Wordsearch

By Joe Sarnicola

20

Sunday July 29, 2012 „ CatholicNews

WHAT’S ON 21

Sunday July 29, 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 Thursdays from July 26 to November 29 GUIDED TOUR OF THE BIBLE 8-10pm: A series of 15 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 Fridays July 27 and August 24 PREPARING FOR THE YEAR OF FAITH 12.30-1.10pm: Msgr Eugene Vaz will deliver talks based on Pope Benedict XVl’s document, The Door of Faith. By Catholic Prayer Society. At Singapore Conference Hall (7 Shenton Way Level 2). E: cps.contactus@gmail.com; W: http://www.cps.org.sg Friday July 27 to Sunday July 29 CHOICE WEEKEND (BAHASA INDONESIA) Fri (7pm)-Sun (6.30pm): Lost and in need of direction? Sign up for a Choice weekend. In Bahasa Indonesia. By Choice Singapore. At 47 Jurong West St 42. Register T: 9880 3093 (Dawn); E: registration@choice.org.sg July 27 CHILDREN’S EUCHARISTIC ADORATION 7.45-9pm: Parents, catechists and adults who are keen to pray with children are welcome. At Church of the Holy Spirit. T: 9362 5408 (Sr Angeline); E: childreneucharisticadora@gmail.com July 28 STEPS TO HAPPINESS – POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY 9.30am-12pm: Dr Christopher Cheok will focus on tools that can help people change their happiness level through simple changes in lifestyles. Cost: $20. By Clarity Singapore. At National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre (NVPC) MPH #04-88 at The Central (6 Eu Tong Sen St). Register T: 9710 3733; E: lightingtheway@clarity-singapore.org July 28 CHOICE THEORY (MANDARIN) 2-5pm: Conducted by Sr Louisa Lim. Cost: $25 (with tea). By Lifesprings Canossian Spirituality Centre. At 100 Jalan Merbok. Register T: 6466 2178 (Brenda); E: lifesprings@singnet.com.sg July 29 FOOD AND FAITH – IS THERE MORE TO LIFE? 3.30-6.30pm: An event for non-Catholic young adults from the ages of 20 to 35. Catholics are welcome to join their

IN MEMORIAM

invited non-Catholic friends for an afternoon to discover more of what life has to offer. Tea and snacks provided. By Verdum Dei. At 73 Tamah Mas Merah. Register T: 6274 0251/9793 2605; E: verbumdeispore@yahoo.com.sg Wednesdays August 1 to November 14 GOSPEL OF JOHN 9.30-11.30am: DVD-based programme. By Church of the Holy Spirit Bible Apostolate. At Church of the Holy Spirit Room A2-01. T: 8228 8220 (Clare), 9815 4098 (Genevieve); E: HSbiblespostolate@gmail.com Wednesdays August 1 to October 10 THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 7.45-9.45pm: Learn about the history of the early Church and how we are also to witness for Christ presented by Fr Ambrose Vaz. Cost: $30. At Church of the Holy Spirit Attic. T: 9833 4623 (Andrew) E: andrew_loo_ts@yahoo.com.sg Thursdays August 2 to October 25 ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 8-10pm: Conducted by Fr Ambrose Vaz. By Church of Christ the King Bible Apostolate Team. At the church’s basement chapel. Register T: 9832 1538 (Lene); E: ctkbat@hotmail.com Saturday August 4 to Sunday August 5 WHERE DOES YOUR NEEDLE POINT TO? For young adults 18-35 years old. Discover one’s life in the footsteps of St Francis Xavier. Cost: to be advised. By Verdum Dei Missionaries. At Good Shepherd Seminary Malacca. Register T: 6274 0251/9793 2605 (Sr Sandra); E: verdumdeispore@yahoo.com.sg August 4 BEING AND BECOMING THROUGH ART JOURNALING 2-5pm: Learn to be who we are created to be. Facilitated by Joanna Tan. Cost: $80 (with materials). By Centre of Ignatian Spirituality and Counselling. At 8 Victoria Park Rd. Register by Jul 28. T: 6467 6072; E: cisc2664@gmail.com Saturday August 11 to Sunday August 12 ENNEAGRAM 2 – USING ENNEAGRAM IN RELATIONSHIPS Sat (8.30am)-Sun (5pm): Participants will learn the dynamics of relationships using the Enneagram system. It will provide opportunities to view life issues from the different perspectives of the Enneagram. Must have knowledge of the basic Enneagram and concepts. Facilitated by Cenacle Sr Cecille Tuble. By Cenacle Sisters. At 47 Jurong West St 42. T: 6565 2895; E: cenaclesisters@yahoo.com.sg Thursdays August 16 to September 13 CaFE – KNOWING GOD EVEN BETTER 7.45-9.30pm: 5-part video series. At Church of Christ the King. Register with name, contact and age SMS: 9350 4737; E: ctkcafe@gmail.com

Saturday August 18 to Sunday August 19 ENNEAGRAM 1 Sat (8.30am)-Sun (5pm): Participants are introduced to the Enneagram, an ancient tool for self-discovery and growth which can be used as a valuable aid in gaining self-knowledge, understanding, and tolerance of one’s own weaknesses and that of others, the Christian faith. The programme " discussion and sharing. Facilitated by Cenacle Sr Cecille Tuble. By Cenacle Sisters. At 47 Jurong West St 42. T: 6565 2895; E: cenaclesisters@yahoo.com.sg Saturday August 18 to Monday August 20 JESUIT VOCATION CAMP Fri (8.30pm)-Sun (5pm): For men 18-40 years old who are discerning a Religious vocation, especially with the Jesuits. Limited enrolment. At Kingsmead Hall (8 Victoria Park Rd). Register T: 9711 9717; E: mas-vocations@jesuits.net; W: http://www.mas-jesuits.org August 19 FEAST OF THE ASSUMPTION (TAMIL) 7pm: Candlelight procession with rosary and benediction in Tamil. By St Joseph Tamil Prayer Group. At Blessed Sacrament Church Tuesday August 23 to Friday August 24 MAKING DISCIPLES SPEADING LOVE – A RETREAT BY THOMAS SMITH 7.45-10pm (daily): Renowned US speaker evangelist and author Thomas Smith shares how to be better disciples of Christ and how to enable others to be disciples. At Church of St Mary of the Angels. Register E: aff@stmary.sg; W: http://www.stmary.sg/vatican2/pr2012 August 25 SEMINAR ON ONE CORINTHIANS 8.30am-4.30pm: US speaker evangelist and author Thomas Smith will explore the life of the early Church community in Corinth, who faced exactly what people face in modern society: divisions, immorality, trials, diversity and politics. This 1-day seminar is also a conclusion to the Making Disciples Spreading Love retreat. Cost: $25 (workbook and lunch). Register by Aug 12. E: aff@stmary.sg; W: http://www.stmary.sg/vatican2/pr2012 Friday August 24 to Sunday August 26 COUPLE SPIRITUALITY WEEKEND Fri (8.30pm)-Sun (5pm): Couple prayer is the centre of married life. Experience a unique weekend with married couples. Cost: $250 (per couple) including lodging and all meals. By Marriage Retorno. At ME House (201B Punggol 17th Avenue). Register by Jul 30. T: 9655 3708 (Susie), 9011 2795 (Esme), 9819 1883 (Stanley)

and experiencing God through meditation on the Word of God. Cost: $110 (nonaircon), $160 (aircon). By Centre of Ignatian Spirituality and Counselling. At 8 Victoria Park Rd. Register by Aug 28. T: 6467 6072; E: cisc2664@gmail.com

August 31 EUCHARISTIC ADORATION FOR YOUNG ADULTS 8-9.30pm: Gather in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. The evening begins with rosary, followed by scriptural " # ‰ Church of St Ignatius St Francis Xavier Chapel Kingsmead Hall. E: gen.christ. ministry@gmail.com

September 15 WHY AREN’T YOU LISTENING TO ME? 9am-12pm: A seminar on effective communication. Cost: $30. By Centre of Ignatian Spirituality and Counselling. At Kingsmead Hall (8 Victoria Park Rd). Register by Sept 5. T: 6467 6072; E: cisc2664@gmail.com

Friday September 7 to Sunday September 9 BEGINNING EXPERIENCE WEEKEND Fri (6pm)-Sun (4pm): A weekend to help grieving single-again persons – widowed, divorced or separated – to experience positive growth through God. Register T: 9661 8089 (Joseph), 9647 9122 (Sue); E: josephchew@ippfa.com

QUIETING THE SOUL – CHIANGMAI RETREAT Five (Dec 2 to Dec 8) or eight days (Nov 29 to Dec 8) retreat in Chiangmai, Thailand. Dates include travel. With orientation day and recollection on Nov 3 at 2pm. By Cenacle Sisters and Team. Register by Oct 15. T: 6565 2895; E: cenaclesisters@yahoo.com.sg

September 9 COUPLE SPIRITUALITY WEEKEND Fri (7pm)-Sun (5pm): An introduction to silent retreats in the Ignatian tradition

Crossword Puzzle 1063 1

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ACROSS 1 He entered Judas (Lk 22:3) 6 _____ Friday 10 “Vanity of vanities� source (abbr.) 14 The Audacity of Hope author 15 Culture or business opener 16 Head and back follower 17 Rouses 18 Belgrade resident 19 Rivers in Spain 20 Perfumes 22 He gave Hannah words of comfort 23 Leaves 15% 24 Republic Asia 25 OT prophetic book 27 Passed by 31 Be in debt 34 Genesis structure 38 Bishopric 39 Prescribed amounts 41 Diving birds 42 Word with old or hard 43 Vipers 44 “So the last will be _____� (Mt 20:16) 46 The Name of the Rose author 47 Take to the soapbox 48 Dose amt. 49 “Old Lace� poison 52 River of Devon

53 Opposite one of two 57 It’s gold and white with a papal symbol on it 60 “_____ Maria� 63 Chinese laborer 65 Bird’s nest 66 Cervine animal 68 Constructed 69 Ooze 70 Makes a mistake 71 First name in cosmetics 72 Horse’s gait 73 Peasant 74 Certain woodwinds DOWN 1 “...for whatever a man ______, that he will also reap.� (Gal 6:7) 2 Beaded counters 3 Captivated by 4 Rephrase 5 Meaner @ ‚ " 7 Rubberneck 8 Like much lore 9 Pertaining to God 10 Isaiah spoke of a new one (Isa 66:22) 11 202, in ancient Rome 12 Hew 13 Reduced by 21 Catholic actor Mineo 26 “Can any of you

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by worrying _____ a single moment to your life?� (Mt 6:27) Palms are burned to make these Sign of ______ Founder of the American Sisters of Charity Tasmanian peak What Peter did when he heard the cock crow for the third time Being (Lt.) 27th president of the United States Gallic agreements Sitcom TV station Winding shape Gondolier’s implement Matthew collected this before he met

Jesus 47 Month of the Rosary 50 Lector 51 Biennial games org. &` + = # " from here 54 The _____ of David 55 Best of a group 56 Angered 57 What we are to do on Ash Wednesday 58 Sly look 59 Pertaining to Mars 61 Adjective for “Reverend� 62 Architect Saarinen 64 Soissons seasons 67 Alphabet string

Solution to Crossword Puzzle No. 1062 C L A R E

A A R O N

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H A N D S S O R R Y L E A

O E B S E S Y F P I E N A C C H E H M E O A A R T T

R E S H D E A D L Y

S Q U A S U E D S E L E B E S E E R C I N E N O L O A B A T H E M L P I N L M I O A H A G I F E L

W E S T G A M E G A U N T

www.wordgamesforcatholics.com

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Sunday July 29, 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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