NOVEMBER 18, 2012, Vol 62, No 23

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‘Monitor religious freedom, make confessions available’ These were some recommendations the world’s bishops made at the end of their meeting in Rome

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INSIDE HOME Preparing for World Youth Day Info session held at St Ignatius Church „ Page 2

VATICAN CITY – Bishops around

the world recommended that the Vatican establish a commission to monitor religious freedom, develop guidelines for training evangelisers and ensure there is a church in every diocese where confession is always available. The three-week meeting of the world Synod of Bishops on the new evangelisation, which ended on Oct 28, brought more than 260 bishops and Religious superiors to the Vatican, along with dozens of They discussed how the Church can revive and spread the faith in increasingly secular societies. The propositions were designed as recommendations for the pope to use in writing his evangelisation after the meeting. Many of the propositions described current challenges and opportunities that the Church faces in sharing the Gospel, strengthening the faith and reaching out to lapsed Catholics. Other propositions asked Pope Benedict or individual bishops to consider undertaking concrete projects, including: „ Establishing a Vatican commission to monitor religious freedom around the world, denounce attacks on religious freedom and promote a broader understanding of its importance as a basic human right. The propositions said, “The proclamation of the good news – marked by the process of globalisation and secularism – places different challenges before the Church: at times in outright religious persecution, at other times in a widespread indifference, interference, restriction or harassment.� During meeting discussions,

VOL 62

‘Mystery performer’ at Caritas dinner Local priest wows with Gangnam Style moves „ Page 8

ASIA 3 Asians appointed as cardinals Manila archbishop touted as possible future pope „ Pages 11, 21

Pope Benedict XVI leads a closing session of the Synod of Bishops on the new evangelisation at the Vatican. CNS photo

bishops in different parts of the world described different relationships with Muslim neighbours, ranging from situations in which serious discrimination to cases of Catholics and Muslims working together to address social problems. The meeting’s propositions encouraged Catholics “to persevere and to intensify their relations with Muslims� in accordance with the teaching of the Second Vatican Council. „ Developing a “pastoral plan of initial proclamation� that would

outline steps to help ensure that once people hear the Gospel, they are led to conversion and faith and are educated in Church teaching. It also should describe the “qualities and guidelines for the formation of Catholic evangelisers today�. „ Asking that every diocese establish a parish or shrine dedicated “in a permanent way� to the administration of the Sacrament of Penance, ensuring “priests are always present, allowing God’s mercy to

“The sacrament of penance and reconciliation is the privileged

The bishops suggested that every diocese establish a parish or shrine dedicated ‘in a permanent way’ to the administration of the Sacrament of Penance.

place to receive God’s mercy and forgiveness,� it is a place of healing and strength, and it is the sacrament that can bring people back into full communion with the Church, the synod members said. As they did in the synod hall, synod members used several propositions to emphasise the importance of the family as the place where people are introduced to the faith and where they learn to live according to Gospel values. The Church’s new evangelisation efforts must help strengthen families and must try “to address around marriage: the case of divorced and remarried [Catholics], the situation of their children, the fate of abandoned spouses, the „ Continued on Page 17

Challenges facing Asian Christian communities Lessons learnt at an AsIPA meeting „ Page 12

WORLD China-Vatican relations Hong Kong cardinal cautiously optimistic „ Page 13

OPINION After the US election Catholics urged to promote civility, respect „ Page 19

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Preparing for World Youth Day Young people learn about participating in the international Church event to be held in Brazil next year

Jesuit Fr James Tan giving a sharing.

Participants at the World Youth Day information session at the Church of St Ignatius.

Some 120 young Catholics turned up at the Church of St Ignatius on Oct 26 to learn how they can participate in World Youth Day 2013, which will be held in Brazil. The MAGIS World Youth Day (WYD) planning committee, which includes volunteers and staff of the church as well as / 9

gave an overview of the entire programme they are organising for pilgrims. This includes a spiritual preparation segment, called MAGIS, to be held in Salvador da Bahia, Brazil, from July 12-21. Partici ; < = neiro for the WYD programme proper, which lasts from July 23-28. Organisers told the crowd that participants will have to attend the MAGIS segment, which is a spiritual experience for young people based on Ignatian Spirituality. “Magis�, Latin for “more�, is a word popularised by St Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuits. He had encouraged those who follow Christ to examine their ability to do more for Him and, in turn, for others.

WYD organisers told participants that MAGIS aims to help participants realise what it means to be a pilgrim – for which Christ is the guide, humanity the subject of God’s love, and the world a place for following Christ. The MAGIS experience will include conferences, talks, fellowship with other pilgrims, prayer, games and rallies. Jesuit Fr James Tan, assistant parish priest at St Ignatius Church, also shared about his previous experience as a WYD pilgrim and how he benefited from a prayerful communal environment during which God spoke to him in the quiet of his heart. This sentiment was echoed by previous WYD pilgrims who shared their experiences via video. One question raised during the information session was whether

non-Catholics were welcome to attend WYD. The answer was a resounding yes. Organisers also gave information on administrative matters such as travel plans, insurance and registration procedures. Mr Colin Sng, a youth coordinator with the Church of the < session “very informative and gives me a clearer picture of what MAGIS and World Youth Day is all about�. He added that learning about the MAGIS programme challenged him to depend on God “rather than my own strength�. For more information on MAGIS World Youth Day and to register, email magiswyd2013@ gmail.com. Registration deadline is Dec 15. However, as places are limited, registration will be enter basis. „

The WYD programme will include a 10-day spiritual preparation segment called MAGIS, which will also be held in Brazil. ARCHBISHOP’S DIARY !! " # $ % & ' (! ) % $ % & Nov 13 10.00am Church of Sts Peter and Paul: Mass – Ordination to the Priesthood of Deacon Jeffrey Tan, OCD Nov 17 6.00pm CJC Auditorium: Archdiocesan Youth Day Nov 18 11.30am Church of Our Lady Star of the Sea: % & 5.30pm Church of the Nativity of the BVM: % & Nov 24 5.30pm Church of Christ the King: Mass – Feastday

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ARCHBISHOP’S DEEPAVALI MESSAGE

“Let’s be artisans of peace in a reciprocal commitment to understanding, love and respect.� Dear Hindu Friends, We join you in the celebration of Deepavali, sending you sincere greetings and congratulations. Deepavali is a time for rejoicing and renewal as Hindus all over the world celebrate the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness that culminates with the beginning of the Hindu New Year. As Christians, we share your joy in this “Festival of Lights� and are reminded of the need for

; renewal of faith. We value your friendship, dear Hindu friends, and we are proud of our ties with the Hindu community – one that has been cultivated, strengthened and enhanced over the years. Together we can achieve much towards the common good of our society. Christians and Hindus share much in common. On this occasion we are united with you in the celebration of the “victory of truth over falsehood� and of “life over death�. Both communities have their roots of love and respect, through which our personal and communal ties are richly nourished.

The Catholic Church has always placed great emphasis on inter-religious dialogue and relations. Through the conscientious efforts of both groups, mutual trust and respect have been developed and sustained through the years. This shared conviction fosters even deeper interpersonal ties between the two communities. Such an understanding is fundamental to the peace and harmony we enjoy today. Indeed, the values of “trust� and “respect� –

the twin pillars of our friendship, is the foundation upon which our nation is built. The fruit of these efforts is the readiness and willingness to constantly seek closer ties, understanding and cooperation to better address the challenges of our times. Recent incidents have revealed that deep racial fault lines and undertones of discord still exist in our society. Delicate and fragile at best, constant vigilance is needed to maintain a harmonious environment conducive to growth, pro-

gress and common good. Everyone has a stake in this collective effort. In the words of Pope Benedict XVI, “Let us together become artisans of peace, in a reciprocal commitment to understanding, respect and love.� Pope = Q UU India had said: “Dialogue between members of different religions increases and deepens mutual respect and paves the way for relationships that are crucial in solving the problems of human suffering.� As a people who seek truth and light with sincere hearts, let us hold in common the well-being of all individuals and communities – using every means in our power to build an environment rich in respect, trust and co-operation. Dear friends, on this occasion of Deepavali, we are spiritually united with you, joining hands in our shared responsibility of upholding mutual trust and understanding. May God, the source of all light, illumine your minds, enlighten your hearts and strengthen the bonds in your homes and communities for a life of peace and prosperity. We wish you a joyful Deepavali! Yours in Christ,

Archbishop Nicholas Chia

AIDS Day Mass, forum coming up Residents at the Catholic AIDS Response Effort shelter taking part in morning exercises.

The Catholic AIDS Response Effort (CARE) will commemorate World AIDS Day with a Mass and forum on Nov 30 and Dec 1 respectively. This year’s events will take place at the Church of Sts Peter and Paul. Fr Albert Ng will celebrate the Mass in the church at 7 pm. The forum the following day will discuss issues surrounding HIV and AIDS. The panellists are Fr Paul Staes, chairman of the archdiocesan Senate of Priests; Dr Lee Cheng Chuan, senior consultant at Tan Tock Seng Hospital’s Communicable Disease Centre; and Assoc Prof Albert Teo, CARE management committee member and volunteer at the Communicable Disease Centre. The forum will be held at the Church of Sts Peter and Paul’s chapel from 6.30-9pm.

CARE provides shelter for homeless men with HIV. It offers social and spiritual support for occupants. Residents engage in candlemaking and programmes like meditation and exercise. CARE also supports women living with HIV/AIDS. It helps them with monthly groceries, and children’s pocket money and school textbooks. A study done by the Ministry of Health found that in 2011, there were 461 people diagnosed with HIV infection of whom 430 were men. The 30-39 age group has the highest number of people infected – 124 in total. World Aids Day falls on Dec 1. For more information on CARE, call 6353 5440. „

CLERGY APPOINTMENTS: Fr Stanislaus Pang will be posted to the Church of Our Lady Star of the Sea in December, while Fr Cary Chan will be posted to the Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in the same month. Msgr Francis Lau is now Acting Rector of the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd. Fr Adrian Anthony has been put in charge of the Cathedral Restoration Project. Seminarians Jovita Ho, Alphonsus Raj, Edward Seah and Benedict Chng will be ordained deacons at St Joseph Church (Bukit Timah) on Jan 25 at 7.30 pm. „

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63 years serving in the Legion of Mary In this Year of Faith feature, CatholicNews speaks to Douglas Rozario, who at the age of 84, is still serving the church in various capacities the night. In 1969, there were very few volunteers to serve at the wakes of deceased parishioners, so Legionaries were also “asked to assist�, Mr Rozario said. Mr Rozario, the third child in a

ing with the people he reaches out to. “My father was not working in

By Martin See With 63 years of service in the Legion of Mary, 84-year-old Douglas Rozario is probably one of the organisation’s longest-serving members today. “Working for Our Lady and my devotion to her keeps me going,� the member of Mother of Christ Praesidium at the Church of the Holy Family told CatholicNews. Mr Rozario, who prays three Hail Marys several times a day, joined the Legion of Mary in 1949 at the age of 21. Then, he was working with Cable and Wireless, a British telegraph communications company, as an accounts clerk. The Holy Family Church praesidium was originally named Queen of Peace but was later changed to Mother of Christ “when the Church of Our Lady Queen of Peace was built to avoid confusion�, Mr Rozario recalled. The basic unit of the Legion is called a praesidium which usually has members based in a parish. A parish may have more than one praesidium. As part of his Legion work in the 1950s, he would bring Communion to the house-bound. “My fellow member and I used to cycle for home visits to see if the sick needed anointing from a priest,� ^U

assistance, we would refer them to the St Vincent de Paul Society.�

‘Working for

Our Lady and my devotion to her keep me going.’ Mr Douglas Rozario has been a member of the Mother of Christ Praesidium at the Church of the Holy Family for more than six decades. He is seen here

Mr Rozario also recalled “cycling to the end of Jalan Eunos hill weekly to teach catechism to children not attending Catholic schools to prepare them for the sacraments�. Back then, he and his fellow Legionaries visited people from Joo Chiat Road to Changi Point. “However, as more churches were built in the east area, we had less area to cover.�

Other work that the Legionaries did included taking the parish census, clerical duties at the church presbytery, bookshop duty and selling the Malayan Catholic News, as the archdiocesan newspaper was called then. At a time when the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults had not started, Legionaries helped prepare adults for baptism either in a meeting room in church or at catechumens’ homes and sometimes till late into

the 1930s due to the recession and my mother was sickly, so our family depended on St Anthony Bread fund at St Joseph Church (Victoria Street) and the St Vincent De Paul # “This experience brought me closer to my faith,� he shared. After retiring from his job as principal clerk at Cable and Wireless at the age of 55, he served as secretary at Holy Family Church from 1984-2005. His work involved “preparing weekly church bulletins, organising meeting room bookings, taking Mass bookings and assisting priests�. In 1997, he was given the papal Benemerenti award for his long service to the Legion of Mary

and for his work with the parish. According to Mr Rozario, “the Benemerenti is the highest honour presented to a lay person by the pope�. Later in 2007, after he and his wife moved to Tampines, he started serving as Communion minister and funeral minister at the Church of the Holy Trinity. In 2009, he became a member of the Night Prayer Ministry for wakes and a member of the funeral choir. “Douglas has been the pillar of our praesidium because of his experience,� Mr Aloysius Chia, current president of Mother of Christ Praesidium, told CatholicNews. “He has guided us through our work.� Mr Rozario’s wife, Marie, told CatholicNews: “Douglas is very committed to his work; that’s his nature. He has always had that type of commitment, dedication and love to serve the Lord.� When asked what advice he would give to young people who wish to serve the Church, Mr Rozario said: “I would recommend that the younger people join a church ministry they can relate to and stick to it. There are the altar boys, youth ministry, RCIA, catechists and so on.� And on his longtime church service, he shared, “I don’t expect any reward for what I do now but an eternal reward later.� Mr Rozario has a son and daughter and seven grandchildren. „ martin.see@catholic.org.sg

SERVICE TO THE CHURCH Church of the Holy Family 1938-1983: Member of the church choir 1949-present: Member of the Legion of Mary 1954-1960: # treasurer of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (Junior Curia), Legion of Mary 1960: Founder member of the Singapore Senatus, Legion of Mary 1968-1974: Founder member of Our Lady of the Island, East Cu 1976 -1987: Catechist, member of the animator/lector ministry 1981-2005: Communion minister 1984-2004: Funeral minister Church of the Holy Trinity 2007-present: Communion minister, funeral minister

2009-present: Member of the Night Prayer Ministry 2009-present: Member of the funeral choir

A 1950s photo of members of the Mother of Christ Praesidium with spiritual director Fr Paul Decroix. A young Mr Rozario stands at the extreme right.

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Monk speaks to Catholics, Protestants Fr Anselm Grun warns against conflict of values at workplace By Darren Boon A German Benedictine monk, who has authored over 300 books on spirituality with a total circulation of 14 million, spoke to Mandarin-speaking Catholics and Protestants recently. Fr Anselm Grun, who is spiritual adviser to managers, spoke ; workplace in a series of seminars. If one’s work superior does not possess good values, one must still stick to one’s values as a sub raise one’s concerns with the superior, he said. Fr Grun advised that one should refrain from harbouring prejudice when dialoguing with the other party, and be open to the possibility that one’s superior could raise other ideas and change. However, he warned, “Do not subject oneself to a compromise inside.� “If you’re forced to compromise the values you believe in, then you should consider whether to stay with this organisation,� said the priest who has written on values-based leadership.

‘If you’re forced

to compromise the values you believe in, then you should consider whether you should stay with the organisation.

’

– Fr Anselm Grun

German Benedictine monk Fr Anselm Grun, spiritual adviser to managers, gave a series of seminars in Singapore recently.

Fr Grun also spoke on the topics The Beatitudes, The Seven Last Words of Jesus, Money and Conscience and Leadership by Values, during the six seminars held on Oct 14-15 and Oct 20-21 at the Risen Christ, St Bernadette and Holy Trinity churches.

The Commission of the Apostolate for Mandarin Speaking in Singapore (CAMS) helped organise the talks. The priest also spoke at the All Saints Presbyterian Church and Toa Payoh Methodist Church. An interpreter from Taiwan

translated Fr Grun’s words from German to Mandarin. In the session on the Beatitudes, Fr Grun gave an insight on how they could be applied in the modern-day world and gave examples. “There are many books that speak about happiness, and many people seek happiness, but I feel that such books won’t bring happiness to the person, but instead add onto one’s burdens,� he said. “Jesus offers through the Beatitudes a practical way to discover the road to happiness. Jesus

offered a promise in each of the eight Beatitudes,â€? said Fr Grun, who is business manager of MĂźnsterschwarzach Abbey in Bavaria. Fr Grun said that poverty in spirit means being detached from monetary and material wealth. One’s obsession with money could lead one away from God, he said. One is not able to have everything one desires in life, he noted. Life presents many options, and one has to choose between options. Therefore, one should learn to appreciate one’s situation, he shared. Fr Grun urged his audiences to become spokespeople for Christ and witness to justice, fairness and love in a world which opposes such values. He reminded them to be light and “yeastâ€? to help shape society. Ms Catherine Chia who attended a few of the talks told CatholicNews that Fr Grun’s words struck a chord with her. She said she found his advice and examples “practicalâ€? and applicable to daily living. „ darren.boon@catholic.org.sg

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‘Mystery performer’ wows guests at charity event

Fr Michael Sitaram (centre) and his team of dancers performed Gangnam Style, Michael Jackson’s Moon Walk and the Conga to the delight of the crowd at Caritas Singapore’s charity dinner.

Gangnam Style, Michael Jackson’s Moon Walk and the Conga. These were the cool moves that Fr Michael Sitaram, parish priest of Church of St Vincent de Paul, and his team of dancers put on during a fundraising extravaganza recently. The special performance wowed the 600 guests who packed the Orchid Country Club for Caritas Singapore’s Down Memory Lane charity dinner show on Nov 3. The six-hour musical extravaganza helped raise $300,000 for Caritas Singapore. Fr Sitaram’s act alone raised about $8,800. ` Down Memory Lane series of charity dinner shows which began in 2000. The recent event featured local stars from the 1960s to the 1980s and brought back fond memories of the songs and dances popular then. Hosted by Hamish Brown, the show featured personalities such as Vernon Cornelius, Rahimah Rahim, Robert Fernando, Stephen

Singer Rahimah Rahim at the event.

Francis, Jive Talkin’ and John Molina. Caritas Singapore chairman George Lim commented, “It is heartening to see so many people step forward to contribute so generously to the work of Caritas Singapore for the less fortunate.� According to feedback from guests, many said they enjoyed the evening tremendously. „

Archbishop Chia and volunteers of Willing Hearts at the blessing ceremony.

Archbishop blesses newly opened soup kitchen Willing Hearts, a Catholic-initiated ministry to the needy, had its new soup kitchen blessed by Archbishop Nicholas Chia on Oct 20. The new facility is on the ; building at Genting Lane. According to the organisers,

Willing Hearts moved to its current location from its former premises in Geylang to have a wider outreach. Although the group, made up of volunteers, expects to face logistical challenges and rising costs, coming any teething problems. According to Willing Hearts, Archbishop Chia said he would arrange for seminarians to spend some time at the soup kitchen as part of their formation. The organisers also say they hope more volunteers would come forward. For the past nine years, Willing Hearts has been providing free cooked meals to the underprivileged of all races, cultures and religions. The new soup kitchen is at 50 Genting Lane, #04-06, Singapore 349558. For more information on Willing Hearts, call 6476 5822 or visit www.willinghearts.org.sg „

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Shanghai’s Bishop Ma keeps blogging despite clampdown SHANGHAI, CHINA – Auxiliary Bishop Ma Daqin of Shanghai, who is forbidden from exercising his espicopal ministry and is confined to Sheshan Seminary, is still updating his blog. This despite tightened security across China as well as in cyberspace to ensure a smooth opening of the Communist Party Congress on Nov 8. In a blog entitled, Letter of a Child, posted on Nov 3, Bishop Ma reminisced about his parents, as November is the Month of the Holy Souls, but says he felt “very gratified� that they died early. “If they were still alive today, I don’t know how nervous and worried [about me] they would be!� he wrote, adding that when

words are often, “Have you been beaten up?� or “you look thin and gaunt.� Bishop Ma said even though “drinking tea� (his metaphor for being summoned by government officials) many times and being warned not to have any illusions, “my thoughts are free�. The Vatican-approved prelate, 45, has been at the seminary for almost four months after he announced he was quitting the Catholic Patriotic Association –

Bishop Ma said even though ‘drinking tea’ (his metaphor for being summoned by many times and being warned not to have thoughts are free’.

Auxiliary Bishop Thaddeus Ma Daqin CNS photo

which advocates an independent Church – at his episcopal ordination in July. Meanwhile, some Catholic internet users have said they can no longer bypass the “Great Firewall� to access overseas websites and sometimes cannot even open domestic sites ahead of the Communist Party Congress. The Great Firewall, or the

Chinese Internet censorship programme, has been upgraded in recent days, according to media reports. The government is especially targeting virtual private networks (VPNs), used by the } wall. More and more sensitive key U search engines to prevent unfavourable information that may affect stability. The blog and weibo (China’s Twitter-like microblog) accounts of some well known dissidents and human rights defenders have been heavily monitored and even deleted. „ UCANEWS.COM

Priest blames Philippines mining company for killings PHILIPPINES – 9 # ittarius Mines should be held liable for the military’s killing of a tribal family in late October, says an Italian missionary who has been working in Mindanao for four decades. “Sagittarius Mines, Inc became the reason why the military intervened, why people are divided, why many people are afraid of losing water and land itself,� said Fr Peter { Q U tute for Foreign Missions and coordinator of the Tribal Filipino Apostolate of Kidapawan diocese. Thirteen soldiers will face court martial over the killing of the family of a tribal leader who has led opposition to the gold and copper mine owned by Xstrata Copper and Indophil Resources NL of Australia, the military said recently. An inquiry has found the soldiers “negligent�, failing to fol-

A seminarian holds a torch beside a placard during a candlelight prayer service in Manila, honouring victims and martyrs of anti-mining struggles.

Pope hopes new Coptic head can build peace in Egypt VATICAN CITY – Pope Benedict XVI praised the choice of the new patriarch of the Coptic Orthodox the new leader would help build a new Egypt that would serve the common good of the nation and the whole Middle East. Bishop Tawadros, 60, was chosen on Nov 4 to lead Egypt’s Coptic Orthodox Church, the largest Christian community in Egypt. He will be ordained on Nov 18 as Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria and patriarch of the See of St Mark. Pope Benedict said in a telegram to the patriarch that he was ^ ~ the news and extended his “good wishes and prayerful solidarity�. ^U renowned predecessor, Pope Shenouda III, you will be a genuine spiritual father for your people and an effective partner with all your fellow-citizens in building the new Egypt in peace and har-

mony, serving the common good and the good of the entire Middle East,� Pope Benedict wrote. The Coptic leader will face a raft of challenges, with political debate in Egypt over how prominent a role Islamic law should play in the country’s long-awaited constitution. His reaction to incidents of sectarian violence – which peaked in the months following Egypt’s early 2011 uprising that ousted former President Hosni Mubarak – will also be key. Dialogue and reconciliation with other Christian Churches are critical, said Mr Michael Meunier, president of the US Copts Association, “because we are faced with many other challenges from hardliners� and extremist elements in the Muslim community. “On a whole there is no future for Christians in Egypt without dialogue with Muslims. We have to engage moderate Muslims in Egypt,� he said. „ UCANEWS.COM

Protesters demand action on disappeared people SRI LANKA – More than 1,000

protesters, including religious leaders, gathered on Nov 3 in Raddoluwa, in western Sri Lanka, to pressure the government into criminalising enforced disappearances. “We urge the criminalisation of disappearances and the appointment of an independent commission to investigate,� said Fr Jeyabalan Croos at a rally in Raddulowa, north of Colombo, on Nov 3. “A silent war is spreading in the northern and eastern part of the country. People disappear and nobody knows what is going on,� he told the gathering at a monument commemorating disappeared people. “So many people are missing, including a Catholic priest,� he said. There were 21 suspected enforced disappearances reported in local English media in the 100 days between April 1 and July 9

of this year. “The government would have ample power to criminalise enforced disappearances if it really wanted to win the hearts of these people,â€? said Prof Chandraguptha Thenuwara, a lecturer at Colombo University. The recommendations from the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission set up after the civil war included an investigation into the circumstances of the disappeared and bringing those ~ A woman who did not want to be named said her husband went missing years ago. “My husband went missing in  !!‚ said the mother of four children. “Since that day I have walked to 175 camps in search of him‌ I went to temples and begged God to bring my husband back,â€? she said. “I believe he is still alive somewhere.â€? „ UCANEWS.COM

‘Vatican’ museum opens in Philippines PHILIPPINES – A convent in Bac-

low the rules of engagement. They may face life imprisonment if found guilty. The killing of Mr Daguil Capion’s pregnant wife Juvy, 27, and sons Pop, 13, and John, eight, sparked outrage on Mindanao, where Xstrata Copper and Melbourne-based Indophil Resourc-

es plan to spend US$5.7 billion (S$7 billion) building Southeast Asia’s biggest gold and copper mine in Tampakan town. Fr Geremia, however, blamed mining operations in the area for the violence and the division among indigenous peoples in the area. „ UCANEWS.COM

arra town in Ilocos Norte province has been converted into a Catholic museum. Bacarra is the “not-so-known Vatican of the Philippines and the tourism capital of the province�, organiser Henedina Afaga said during the opening of the Museo de Bacarra recently. She said that by establishing the museum, Ilocos Norte “regains its lost glory as an eco-cultural destination�. Residents there take pride in having produced the

most Catholic priests since the time of Spanish colonisation. Bacarra was a centre of early “Catholisation� of the country and a mission hub of various reformist clergies. Housed at the two-storey convent of St Andrew the Apostle, ~

tower, the museum boasts artifacts and mementos donated by parishioners as well as old documents, including baptismal cer „! Â„ UCANEWS.COM

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Sunday November 18, 2012 „ CatholicNews

Asian bishops’ plenary hurriedly after All Saints’ Day rescheduled

A man applies paint on his relatives’ tomb at a public cemetery near Manila on Oct 31. CNS photo MANILA, PHILIPPINES – A pollu-

tion watchdog and a bishop have both decried the widespread littering of cemeteries as millions ; All Saints’ Day on Nov 1 and All Souls’ Day on Nov 2. The annual two-day tradition of visiting the graves of loved ones – “Undas� as it is locally known – has become a major family affair in the Philippines. But while tombs are cleaned and repainted, candles are lit and ;

during the big day, tons of garbage are also left behind by many of the cemetery visitors, who turn Nov 1

into an overnight party. Clean-up volunteers reported seeing large amounts of litter dropped, especially around food ; bage dumped in vacant lots and in broken or untended tombs. “We grieve over the massive littering on Nov 1 that sullies the cemeteries and adjoining streets,� said Mr Edwin Alejo, coordinator of the EcoWaste Coalition watchdog. He pointed out that not a single person was apprehended and penalised for “this most basic environmental offence�, which is prohibited by law. “Litterbugs were allowed to

trash their surroundings to the max without any risk of being chastised, creating ugly minidumpsites in cemeteries,â€? he said. Bishop Deogracias IĂąiguez of the public affairs committee of the bishops’ conference earlier reminded the faithful to be aware of the environment. ^9 the tons of garbage we create defy the covenant between human beings and God the Creator. This has to change if we are to get through the environmental and health woes facing our people,â€? he said. EcoWaste Coalition also echoed Bishop IĂąiguez’s plea for an “ecological Undasâ€?. “It is disrespectful to litter any ing place of our departed loved ones,â€? said Ms Christina Vergara, the group’s zero-waste campaigner. â€?Cemeteries are consecrated sites, not dumpsites.â€? „ UCANEWS.COM

HO CHI MINH CITY – The unexpected announcement of a consistory by Pope Benedict XVI to appoint six new cardinals has led to the hurried rescheduling of a long-planned assembly of Asian bishops in Vietnam. This in turn has led to mixed reactions within the Asian Church. The plenary of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC) was due to take place at the Xuan Loc diocese pastoral centre, near Ho Chi Minh City, from Nov19-25. It would have marked the 40th anniversary of the Conference’s foundation. But after Pope Benedict’s announcement of the Nov 24 consistory – where Archbishop Antonio Tagle of Manila and Archbishop Baselios Cleemis Thottunkal of Trivandrum, India, will be made cardinals – the meeting has been hastily rescheduled to Dec 10-16. The venue for the meeting will remain the same. Fr Federico Lombardi, the Vatican’s chief spokesman, told ucanews.com that the surprise sparked by the decision is “a sign that it was a very personal decision of the pope, all decided in a relatively brief span of time�. † ‡ 9 ( ing the appointment of Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales, former Archbishop of Manila, as a papal envoy. This also quoted the November dates for the FABC meeting; another indication of the unexpected suddenness of the pope’s announcement. Earlier reports had spoken of discontent at the FABC over the 9 scribed as “close to the FABC� had gone so far as to call the decision “a blatant example of the ‡ toward Asian religious leaders�. ˆ ‰ < 9Š` Hong Kong-based assistant secre-

Cardinal Jean Baptiste Pham Minh Man of Ho Chi Minh City

tary-general of the FABC, seemed to shrug this off when he said “everything ran very smoothly, it was just a matter of switching the dates�. He added that most of the Asian bishops he has contacted so far have said they would be available on the new dates, despite earlier fears that the closeness to Christmas could lead to diary clashes. Those who could not attend would arrange to send substitutes, ‰ 9Š` Msgr Savio Hon Tai Fai, secretary of the Vatican’s Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples, which oversees the Church in Asia, emphasised that the decision to postpone the plenary had been made autonomously by the FABC. Last month, when the date was still set for November, there had been suggestions that some bish ing visas. But Cardinal Jean Baptiste Pham Minh Man of Ho Chi Minh City insisted that the Vietnam government authorities in this regard. „ UCANEWS.COM

Laity’s role as ‘priests, prophets, kings’ HONG KONG – A six-day Lay

Ministries Plenary Assembly involving more than 170 representatives from across the world concluded in Hong Kong on Nov 1. Hong Kong diocese organised the assembly to conclude its Years of the Laity (2011 and 2012) celebrations. During the almost week-long event, participants learnt the biblical aspect of lay ministries and shared their practical experiences by taking on board the idea of Priest, Prophet and King. According to Lumen Gentium (a principal document of the Second Vatican Council), all Catholic lay men and women share Jesus’

Q Q and King, that is the ministry to sanctify, to teach and to govern. “Many Catholics do not have a clear concept about these ministries. Some think the three are independent of each other,� Mr Eric Li, a participant from the United States, said after the gathering. “In fact when a layperson works in one ministry, the three ministerial roles can come into effect at the same time,� he said. Evaluating the meeting, Fr Dominic Chan Chi-ming, vicargeneral of Hong Kong, said participants were very frank when sharing. He said the Vietnamese repre-

sentatives gave moving accounts of the persecution they faced during the war in Vietnam and since then. “Even in developed countries like the US and Canada, Chinese Catholic communities sometimes feel inferior. But they feel blessed that their members maintain solidarity, and get rid of such feelings,� he said. “The participants know that

ties but they agreed that they have tionship with God and then introduce Him to their neighbourhoods and workplace,� said Fr Chan. „ UCANEWS.COM

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Sunday November 18, 2012 „ CatholicNews

Pope names 3 Asians as new cardinals VATICAN CITY – Pope Benedict XVI has announced the appointment of six new cardinals, including three Asians. The Asian cardinal-designates, announced on Oct 24, are Archbishop Luis Antonio Tagle of Manila; Archbishop Baselios Cleemis Thottunkal, head of the Syro-Malankara Church in India, and Patriarch Bechara Rai of the Maronite Church in Lebanon. They will be emony in Rome on Nov 24. Two of the new cardinals will be the youngest in the Catholic Church as Cardinal-designate Tagle is 55 and Archbishop Thottunkal 53. Interviewed on Vatican Radio, Archbishop Tagle – who was in Rome attending the Synod of Bishops on the new evangelisation – admitted to being “unprepared to receive this honour�. He stressed that the appointment should be considered as recognition not of his individual value but of the whole Church in the Philippines. “This Church has an important role for the mission in the whole of Asia. Maybe this is a gift to promote the Filipino Church’s role in evangelising Asia,� he said. Cardinal-designate Tagle is considered a rising star in the global Church and has been tipped as a possible future papal candidate. U marks as a cardinal-designate, he called for the Church to speak less and listen more to its people. “I realise that the sufferings of ‹

Two of the new cardinals are (from left): Archbishop Luis Antonio Tagle of Manila and Archbishop Baselios Cleemis Thottunkal, head of the SyroMalankara Church in India.

they ask are an invitation to be pretend we have all the solutions,â€? he told Vatican Radio. “I believe the Church should contribute in the public square but we in Asia are very particular about the mode‌ you may be saying the right things but people will not listen if the manner by which you communicate reminds them of a triumphalistic, know-it-all institution‌ I know that in some parts of Asia the relative silence, calmness of the Church is interpreted as timidity, but I say no, it makes the Church more credible.â€? Pope Benedict’s unexpected move comes only a few months after the last batch of cardinals was created in February. It is unusual for a pope to have more than one consistory per year. On that occasion, the choice of

the new “princes of the Church� had been criticised for being too centred on Italy and Europe, and for favouring those who work in the Vatican Curia. Bishops from dioceses in Latin America or Africa were conspicuous by their absence. This time, none of the new cardinals are from Europe and only one – American Archbishop James M Harvey who presided over the prefecture of the Papal Household – comes from the Vatican. The other two are Nigerian Archbishop John Olorunfemi Onaiyekan of Abuja and Colombian Archbishop Ruben Salazar Gomez of Bogota. On Nov 24, there will be 11 Asian cardinals out of a total of 120 who might be called to vote to elect a new pope should the need arise. „ UCANEWS.COM

Rome meeting offers support for Chinese bishop VATICAN CITY – The Synod of Bishops meeting in Rome has told a Chinese Church leader that they feel he is “spiritually present� at their gathering even though he was not allowed to attend. Bishop Lucas Li Jingfeng of Fengxiang, in Shaanxi province, wrote a letter that was read out during the meeting, held from Oct 7-28. He had presented China’s Church as a model of “faithfulness� and “devotion� despite the persecution it suffered in the last 50 years, and contrasted it with the “tepidness� of Catholics in Europe and the Western world that the synod aims to invigorate. In a reply message read out by synod secretary-general Archbishop Nikola Eterovic on Oct 23, the world’s bishops told Bishop Li that “even if you and other Catholic bishops in China could not attend, we considered you as spiritually present�. “We know that the suffering, the prayers and joy of being a Christian in China are appreciated by God and encourage all the Christians in the world,� the message said. The fact that no bishop from

mainland China was allowed to attend the meeting was lamented by Cardinal John Tong Hon of Hong Kong at a press conference. He called on the Chinese government to be as open for religions as it is now “open for business�. Cardinal Tong said he hoped Beijing will understand that relaxing its controls on religions will bring it a “greater reputation in the world�. “I think it’s a pity that no Chinese bishop is allowed out to attend the synod,� he told journalists at the Vatican on Oct 18. “We must all pray that one day they will enjoy full religious freedom.� Cardinal Tong also said that “more dialogue between the Holy See and the Chinese government is needed� to overcome the present impasse. In past synods, such as the Special Assembly for Asia in 1998, legitimate bishops from mainland China had been invited by the Vatican but were not allowed to attend by government authorities. „ UCANEWS.COM „ See related stories on Pages 1, 13 and 17

Bishop Lucas Li Jingfeng of Fengxiang was not allowed to attend the Synod of Bishops meeting in Rome. UCANEWS.COM

„ See commentary on Page 21

Vatican issues message to China on dialogue HONG KONG – The head of the Vatican department for missionary work has issued a message to millions of Catholics and the Communist government in China, expressing hope for a fruitful dialogue. The letter, released on Oct 26, is titled Five Years after the Publication of Benedict XVI’s Letter to the Church in China. The 2,500-word message by Cardinal Fernando Filoni, prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples, carries a Its publication comes as the National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party prepared to convene on Nov 8 to establish its Though “dialogue� appears 21 times in the Chinese version of the text, the cardinal’s message

in the pope’s letter, which offered guidelines for the Church in China. Cardinal Filoni, who headed the Holy See Study Mission in Hong Kong to research the life of the China Church from 1992-2001, highlighted “three recent stumbling blocks� that have hindered Sino-Vatican relations: state control over the Church, state appointment of Chinese bishop candidates and the interference of illegitimate bishops in episcopal consecrations. He also expressed concern over the lack of religious freedom in the country. “Concretely, the situation remains serious. Some bishops and priests have been segregated and deprived of their liberties, as the case of Bishop Thaddeus Ma Daqin of Shanghai has clearly demonstrated,� he wrote. Bishop Ma announced he was

Chinese Catholics pray at a Marian shrine near Shanghai. The Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples has released a message urging Sino-Vatican dialogue.

quitting the Catholic Patriotic Association during his episcopal on July 7. He has since been prevented from exercising his episcopal du Cardinal Filoni concluded his

message by calling for a better understanding of the papal letter, in which Catholic doctrine, political vision and the common good are wedded, and added that the Holy See “is waiting for a response�.

His message was also published in Italian and English and is available at http://www.hsstudyc. org.hk. „ UCANEWS.COM „ Page 22: Reactions to letter

12 ASIA FEATURE

Sunday November 18, 2012 „ CatholicNews

Left: Sharing the Gospel in the morning during the AsIPA General Assembly in Sri Lanka. Right: Ms Amanda Yeo, Singapore Pastoral Institute’s RCIA coordinator, lighting the oil lamp at the start of a cultural night as (from left) Bishop Valence Mendis of Chilaw, Bishop J Kingsley Swampillai of Trincomalee and a priest look on.

Joy amidst challenges: building communities in Asia Daphne Leong from the Singapore Pastoral Institute shares her experience at a recent AsIPA conference I HAD the privilege to attend the 6th AsIPA General Assembly in Nainamadama, Sri Lanka from Oct 18-24. With over 120 participants from 16 countries across Asia and Europe, the week was spent networking, listening and learning together. AsIPA is short for Asian Integral Pastoral Approach. It is a process to promote a “Participatory Church�, to realise the Asian bishops’ vision of creating a “Communion of Communities� within the Church. The AsIPA General Assembly is held every three years and the last one was in Davao, Philippines, in 2009. 9 U away from this 6th General As-

sembly is that we share some similar concerns and challenges although our contexts may be different. For example, while we are concerned about making our faith meaningful and relevant for our youth and young adults here in Singapore, others also share it across Asia. Despite coming from different cultures and countries, such shared concerns created a kindred spirit among participants and also an awareness of the universality of the Church. It was also inspiring for me to hear stories from different participants especially from places such as Pakistan and Sri Lanka. We were told that during the military confrontation with the

In Sri Lanka, during the civil war, the Small Christian Communities displaced people. In Pakistan, being discriminated is part of being a Christian in a Muslimdominated country. Tamil Tigers in the northeast of Sri Lanka that displaced thousands in the area, the Small Christian Communities there were the clothing to the displaced people.

As for Pakistan, being discriminated is part of the life of the Christian minority in a Muslimdominated country. In the face of prejudices, the Christian lay faithful courageously engages in interreligious dialogue through witnessing faith in their lives and being in solidarity with the poor. They even have a programme to teach children to evangelise other children. Despite harsh conditions, the faith of these remarkable people is an inspiration for someone like me from comfortable Singapore. I cannot help but wonder: Do we need to experience some kind of strife or persecution before we can truly be conscious of our calling to build the Kingdom by our lives? How come we seem to

complain a lot despite having so much? Even my colleague, Amanda Yeo, who was attending this as touched by the faith of the locals. We found out that some of them actually walked a long distance to their parish church on Sunday, yet they welcomed us warmly when we joined them for Mass during the exposure programme. We were again greeted with warm blessings when we joined the small communities in their Gospel sharing. Despite living in an environment of religious tension with the Buddhist majority, the people live and share faith in joy. Indeed the Gospel text came to mind: “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven� (Mt 5:10). I left Sri Lanka convinced that the road to building Small Christian Communities is a long one

with joy, as I witness how being nourished by the Word of God, the lay faithful deepened their faith in the life of these small communities. As I take with me back to Singapore the task of helping our Neighbourhood Christian Communities grow in consciousness of the mission of Jesus, serving and ministering, I also pray that all the communities across Asia continue to make Christ known

; " to all parts of Asia. „ The writer is Pastoral Coordinator and Researcher at the Singapore Pastoral Institute.

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Sunday November 18, 2012 „ CatholicNews

CNS photo

Cardinal cautiously optimistic about Sino-Vatican ties CNS photo

VATICAN CITY – On Nov 6, the

eve of the Communist Party National Congress, which will usher in a new leadership in the world’s most populous country, China’s top-ranking churchman is warning not to expect “too much� from the leadership changes. However, Cardinal John Tong of Hong Kong remains “optimistic� that relations between Beijing and the Vatican will improve “in the long run�, he told ucanews.com in an exclusive interview in Rome. The new leaders will be announced at the Nov 8-15 meeting; an event seen only once in a decade. “The more freedom they give to the Church, the better reputation the Chinese government will enjoy at international level.� If this were to happen, Cardinal Tong added, Chinese Catholics “will render more service and contribution to their homeland�. The Hong Kong bishop believes that as Chinese become richer and enjoy more freedoms – to travel, to start businesses, to be informed through the Internet – they will also have higher “expectations� regarding the central authorities, and this will include a change of attitude towards the Church. “They come as tourists – even here in Rome – and their eyes are wide open. The government

; open to the outside world. Otherwise, it will be kicked out by the people,� he said. In recent months, the case of Shanghai’s Auxiliary Bishop Ma Daqin has come under the media spotlight after he was forced into seclusion shortly after his ordination for announcing he would

A delegate attends the Interpol general assembly in Rome on Nov 5.

crime, Vatican

sever ties with a state-backed religious organisation. The seminary in Shanghai has not reopened “I am not surprised by the solidarity [Bishop Ma] received,� said Cardinal Tong. “Shanghai is a big city, drawing the world’s attention.� He said he was convinced that restrictions imposed on the bishop “will be loosened a little� in the near future, and the seminaries reopened “soon�, as happened in a similar case in Hebei province. At the same time, the Hong Kong prelate warned not to reduce the whole discussion of the Church in China to Bishop Ma’s case. “Dialogue cannot be avoided, we cannot just solve one case,� he said. On secularisation in Hong

Kong, Cardinal Tong added that secularisation has a “positive meaning� when it leads the Church to reshape its message to make it “closer to the people�, bringing biblical ideas “back to your daily life�. From this point of view, Cardinal Tong admitted that Protestant churches and some traditional Asian religions such as Confucianism are often way ahead of Catholicism. “Some [Protestant] pastors really know how to use our daily life to attract people, making biblical wisdom relevant to life. They spend a lot of time talking about the will of God in their homilies; we Catholics spend a lot of time on sacraments.� „ UCANEWS.COM

„ See story on Page 22

Church warns of ‘schismatic’ groups MANILA – The Vatican has warned

Filipino bishops of the presence of “schismatic communitiesâ€? in the Philippines. In a communiquĂŠ sent to the Catholic bishops’ conference, the Vatican, through the Apostolic Nunciature in Manila, said it does not recognise the Roman Catholic Society of Pope Leo XIII and the Igreja Catolica Apostolica Brasileria as legitimate Catholic Church organisations. A “schismaticâ€? is an individual or group that separates from the Church by refusing to submit to the pope or the hierarchy of the Church. Schism is an offence punishable by automatic excommunication. Msgr Gabor Pinter, chargĂŠ

d’affaires of the Apostolic Nunciature, said the Society of Pope Leo XIII, which is led by Bishop David G Bell, is “a schismatic group not recognised in any way by the Catholic Churchâ€?. He said in the communiquĂŠ that bishops ordained under the society “cannot exercise any ministry within the Catholic Churchâ€?. “All organisations and associations connected with the society must be regarded in the same manner as other non-Catholic institutions are,â€? said Msgr Gabor. He said Bishop Bell committed the crime of schism and those ordained under him also incurred the sanction prescribed by Canon Law. Msgr Gabor said the same

sanctions also apply to the Igreja Catolica Apostolica Brasileria, a schismatic community founded by Bishop Carlos Duarte Costa, who died in 1961. In the Philippines, the Sacred Cruces Franciscanum (Sacred Cross Franciscans), an offshoot of Bishop Costa’s group, is present in the same area as the dioceses of Malolos, Novaliches and Antipolo, the bishops’ conference said in a statement posted on its website yesterday. Msgr Joselito Asis, secretarygeneral of the bishops’ conference, said all dioceses were already told about the Vatican communiquÊ and are aware of the Church’s position towards the illicit groups. „ CNS

VATICAN CITY – The absolute frontline in the prevention of crime ‡ told members of Interpol, the international police organisation. To prevent crime and violence, societies must educate citizens about their own dignity and the value of each human life, promote solidarity and instill a sense of justice in society – all values that can be learned earliest and best in the family, said Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, the Vatican’s secretary for relations with states. The archbishop spoke to members of Interpol holding their general assembly from Nov 5-8 in Rome. The 190 country-members of Interpol not only coordinate } work together on crime prevention programmes. An increase of crime, particularly brutally violent crime,

around the world calls for even greater preventive actions, Archbishop Mamberti said. Prevention requires “the removal of factors which give rise to and nourish situations of injustice. U tative role belongs to education inspired by respect for human life in all circumstances�, he said. Only with the recognition of the value of each life, he said, will it be “possible to create a strong social fabric united in its fundamental values and able to resist the provocation of extreme violence�. “In this context, the most important place in which human beings are formed is the family. There, children experience the value of their own transcendent dignity, as they are accepted gratuitously on the basis of the stable and reciprocal love of their parents,� Archbishop Mamberti said. „ CNS

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Sunday November 18, 2012 „ CatholicNews

Nigerian archbishop questions govt dialogue with sect CNS photo

Remembering the dead is profession of hope in eternal life: pope CNS photo

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! " ## LAGOS, NIGERIA – A Nigerian archbishop joined others in his country in questioning the wisdom of a plan that the Nigerian government dialogue with the Boko Haram Islamic sect, responsible for the deaths of thousands of people in the past several years. Critics, including Archbishop Felix Job of Ibadan, urged Nigerian authorities to be cautious about negotiating with an extremist “faceless group� that had been involved in maiming and killing innocent Nigerians. Archbishop Job also criticised a Boko Haram suggestion that

among its delegates to the negotiations in Saudi Arabia would be former Major General Muhammadu Buhari, the country’s military ruler from 1983-1985 and a presidential candidate in 2003, 2007 and 2011. Archbishop Job told Catholic News Service by telephone: “Is it not funny that the Boko Haram group, a faceless group, has a spokesman� and is seeking “dialogue with the Nigerian government as a means of resolving the insecurity?� “Nigerians have not been told who are the sponsors of the faceless sectarian group that had been maiming and killing innocent Nigerians over time,� he said. He said he wondered if the general’s nomination might be “translated into meaning that he is indirectly Bishop M John Goltok of Bauchi wondered why Saudi Arabia was chosen as the venue for the dialogue. Among Boko Haram’s targets have been Christian churches. One of the most recent attacks occurred on Oct 28 in the city of Kaduna, when a car bomb slammed into St Rita’s Catholic Church, killing at least eight people and injuring 135, many of them children. „ CNS

VATICAN CITY – When Christians remember their beloved deceased, they proclaim that their bonds with them are not broken by death and they profess their hope in eternal life, said Pope Benedict XVI. Especially by visiting cemeteries and other burial grounds, the pope said, people “reinforce the bonds of communion that death could not break�. Pope Benedict celebrated a Mass on Nov 3 in St Peter’s Basilica in memory of the 10 cardinals and 143 archbishops and bishops from around the world who died in the past year. The evening before, Pope Benedict paid a private visit to the grottoes under St Peter’s Basilica to pray at the tombs of the popes buried there. The November commemorations of All Saints and All Souls, as well as other memorial Masses traditional during the month, are not simply ways Catholics remember those who have gone be-

fore them, the pope said, but they also are expressions of Catholic faith in the reality of eternal life. “Death opens to life – eternal of the present time, but something completely new,� the pope said.

Pope Benedict celebrated a Mass on Nov 3 in St Peter’s Basilica in memory of the 10 cardinals and 143 archbishops and bishops from around the world who died in the past year. “Faith tells us that the true immortality to which we aspire is not an idea or concept, but a relationship of full communion with the living God.� Remembering the deceased cardinals and bishops, he said, the Church prays that the Lord

will give them “the eternal prize promised to faithful servants of the Gospel�. Pope Benedict said the 10 cardinals and 143 bishops were the “meek, merciful, pure of heart, peace-making disciples� mentioned in the Beatitudes of the Gospel. They were “friends of the Lord who, trusting in His prom & or even persecution – maintained the joy of their faith and now live with the Father forever�. Reciting the Angelus on Nov 4 with pilgrims in St Peter’s Square, the pope said a deep, loving relationship with God is the best way to ensure that one becomes capable of loving others, “just as a child becomes capable of loving starting from a good relationship with his mother and father�. And just as parents love their children not only when they are being good, God always loves us and tries to help us see when and where we go astray, the pope said. „ CNS

‘VatiLeaks’ trial of IT technician begins VATICAN CITY – A Vatican computer technician charged with aiding and abetting the papal butler in steal trial amid legal arguments over the ‹ tions about the “anonymous source� As the trial began on Nov 5, the lawyer for Claudio Sciarpelletti, 48, argued on Nov 5 that his client and the papal butler, Paolo Gabriele, were acquaintances, not friends, and that Sciarpelletti had no motive to set aside “20 years of service to the Holy See� to help someone he wasn’t particularly close to. The court rejected the motion by Mr Gianluca Benedetti, the defence attorney, to drop the charge

against Sciarpelletti, who works in the Vatican Secretariat of State, but accepted his request for a copy of documents from the butler’s trial. After asking Mr Benedetti how much time he needed to read the documents, the court ruled the trial will continue on Nov 10. Paolo Gabriele, the pope’s former butler who was found guilty of aggravated theft, was transferred from house arrest to a Vatican prison cell to begin his 18-month sentence. Because the Vatican’s prosecu { briele would begin serving his prison sentence by order of a Vatican court, said Jesuit Fr Federico Lombardi, Vatican spokesman. „ CNS

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Sunday November 18, 2012 „ CatholicNews

St Pius X society expels bishop Bishop Williamson had been a harsh critic of the group’s doctrinal discussions with the Vatican CNS photo

VATICAN CITY – The leadership of

the traditionalist Society of St Pius X (SSPX) has expelled British Bishop Richard Williamson from the society, saying he distanced himself from them and refused “to show due respect and obedience to his lawful superiors�. “This painful decision has become necessary by concern for the common good of the Society of St Pius X and its good government,� said a brief note posted on the group’s website on Oct 24. Bishop Williamson had been a harsh critic of the group’s engagement in doctrinal discussions with the Vatican, aimed at bringing the society back into full communion with the Catholic Church. In comments published on Sept 1 in a newsletter that Bishop Williamson emails to subscribers, he said SSPX had set out six conditions for reconciliation with Rome, which included: freedom “to teach the unchanging truth of Catholic tradition�; freedom to criticise “the errors� of the Second Vatican Council; freedom to celebrate only the extraordinary form of the Mass; the promise of at least one new bishop; and the independence of SSPX houses from the oversight of the local diocesan bishop. In the September letter, Bishop Williamson said, the SSPX position was “no longer ‘Rome must convert because truth is absolute’ but now merely ‘the SSPX demands freedom for itself to tell the truth’. Instead of attacking the

Bishop Richard Williamson

[Vatican II] conciliar treachery, the SSPX now wants the traitors to give it permission to tell the truth?� The bishop concluded, “Unless the society’s leadership is shaken

out of its dream of peace with conciliar Rome ... then the last worldwide bastion of Catholic tradition risks being on its way to surrendering to the enemies of the faith.� The statement on the bishop’s ouster said the decision was made by the superior general, Bishop Bernard Fellay, and by SSPX council members on Oct 4. ` deadline was given to Bishop Williamson to declare his submission, after which he announced the publication of an “open letter� asking the Superior General to resign. Meanwhile, the Vatican commission overseeing discussions with SSPX says “patience, serenity, perseverance and trust are

` Q sion “Ecclesia Dei�, in an Oct 27 statement, said the SSPX had requested “additional time� to respond to the pope’s efforts to reintegrate them into the Church.„ CNS

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Sunday November 18, 2012 „ CatholicNews

New York, New Jersey churches aid hurricane victims US bishop visits devastated areas to pray with his people CNS photos

Men walk past a beach club in Sea Bright, New Jersey, that was destroyed by Hurricane Sandy. ROCKAWAY BEACH, NEW YORK – After Hurricane Sandy swept

through the East Coast, leaving untold destruction behind, cleaning efforts were under way at St Rose of Lima Church in Rockaway Beach, New York. “Step by step, we will try to go forward,� said Fr Wladyslaw Kubrak, parochial vicar, as he shoveled leaves and branches off the church driveway. Although the church sustained serious water damage and had no power, Fr Kubrak was not planning on evacuating. He planned, however, to leave Rockaway Peninsula to recharge his electrical batteries and to bring back fresh food. He told The Tablet, newspaper of Brooklyn diocese, that he wanted to stay to continue to console the people coming for guidance after they have lost so much. The church, he said, stayed opened the night of Oct 30 for people who needed shelter, and the chapel was open for adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Fr Kubrak said he also was able to console people with the Sacrament of Reconciliation. A day after Hurricane Sandy ravaged Brooklyn diocese with ; Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio visited the most affected parishes to gain a better understanding of the state of the diocese and to pray with his people. “It’s hard to think that this kind of destruction could happen in our city,� he said as he rode along the Rockaway Peninsula. The bishop travelled from church to church and witnessed the devastating effects the ocean’s waters had on people’s lives, their homes and church buildings. In Breezy Point in the New

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consumed more than 100 homes. However, church buildings were spared. Among the parishes that opened their church doors for people whose homes are no longer habitable was Blessed Trinity Church in Breezy Point. It is located in the mandatory evacuation zone declared for Hurricane Sandy, but Msgr Michael Curran, pastor, initially remained at the rectory. He said power went out on Oct 29 at 7 pm. In the immediate aftermath of the storm, the police set up a command centre in one of his church buildings. Mr Bruce Angle was among the Breezy Point residents who did ; waters forced their way into his home. He said the water was a couple of feet high and his beds were completely soaked. He spent the next night sleeping in the choir loft of St Thomas More Church, a worship site of Blessed Trinity Parish. “There is no heat, but it’s still warmer than my house,� he said on the morning of Oct 31. He had used a priest’s chasuble as a blanket to keep warm during the night. Msgr David Cassato, chaplain to the New York City Police Department, and Msgr Jamie Gigantiello, pastor of Mary Queen of Heaven Parish in Mill Basin, joined Bishop DiMarzio on his pastoral visit. At every stop people came to speak with them, some in tears and others asking for prayers.

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From left: Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio of Brooklyn, New York, and Msgr Jamie Gigantiello, a Brooklyn priest, assess the damage done to the Breezy Point community.

Bishop DiMarzio said he will ask parishes throughout the diocese to take up collections to help with the rebuilding process. He will also coordinate with Catholic Charities’ emergency action plan to get people the help they need. He said his message to the faithful is: “Pray for the people of the peninsula. They have a long road to recovery.� In neighbouring New Jersey in the Diocese of Paterson, the full extent of physical damage to the diocese’s 111 parishes is still being learned by insurance adjustors, according to Mr Richard Sokerka, communications director for the diocese. Worst hit were rural and suburban areas with downed trees. “I lost a pine tree on my lawn. Luckily it missed my house and

Pray for the people of the peninsula. ‘They have a long road to recovery.’

– Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio of Brooklyn’s message to the faithful

" > the effects of Hurricane Sandy in New York.

crashed through the fence,� Mr Sokerka said. The power to Mr Sokerka’s home was restored in 48 hours, “which is a miracle�, he added. But for many others in the three-county diocese, “the power companies are still giving

dire forecasts of seven to 10 days� to restore power, he said. Diocesan Catholic Charities agencies had power, but phone and Internet problems have forced them to put together a mobile phone network to start relief efforts. „ CNS

Pope prays for victims Pope Benedict XVI expressed his concern for everyone affected by Hurricane Sandy and encouraged all those working to rebuild from the disaster. “Conscious of the devastation caused by the hurricane which recently struck the East Coast of the United States of America, I offer my prayers for the victims and express my solidarity with all those engaged in the work of rebuilding,� he said on Oct 31 at the end of his weekly general audience.

In the Caribbean, govern across the islands at 69, with more than 50 in Haiti, where ; parts of the already impoverished country. After reciting the Angelus on Oct 28, the pope called for prayers and concrete help for the people of Cuba, Haiti, Jamaica and the Bahamas, where, he said, the hurricane struck “with particular violence�. „ CNS

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Sunday November 18, 2012 „ CatholicNews

Church urged to embrace social media CNS photo

Bishops leave in procession after attending the closing Mass of the Synod of Bishops on the new evangelisation.

„ From Page 1 couples who live together without marriage and the trend in soci members said.

The propositions included a suggestion that parish priests or other designated parish staff visit families in the parish as part of their outreach. Liturgy, culture, media

Secularisation Recognising an increase in synod members said that in many ways Christians are living “in a situation similar to that of small minorities in cultures indifferent or even hostile to Christianity. #

“the world is God’s creation and " ‘ ~ ; they are called to “bear witness to { and “to be salt and light of a new The propositions emphasised Church is to bring people to a personal relationship with Jesus reaching out to others and witnessing to the Gospel involves ing for justice and protecting the environment. Synod members praised the

< who have been on the frontlines of evangelisation for cen new movements and communities. But they stressed the importance of all members of a dio the places where most Catholics learn about and practise their faith.

The propositions described the liturgy as “the primary and most powerful expression of the festation of God’s love for humanity. ^‘ calls for a liturgy that lifts the hearts of men and women to {

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tance of the Church learning the particular language and culture of social media and new technology to share the Gospel with people who increasingly spend their time online. U Catholics should be trained “to transmit faithfully the content of the faith and of Christian moral insisted that no technical talent ^ lived in accordance with the Gospel. Synod members described young Catholics not primarily as ~

peers. ^† ; mental and spiritual well-being ^ Church through catechesis and youth ministry strives to enable and equip them to discern between {

New dynamism In his homily during a Mass on 9  ’ Q ˆ “‡U ministering better to practising Catholics and bringing lapsed

all parts of the multifaceted effort ^ " ^

“Ordinary pastoral ministry ... must be more animated by the # ; stressing the importance of the # necessity of “appropriate cateche ‘ The pope also called for a ^ “proclaim the message of salva = “There are still many regions † † 9 inhabitants await with lively ex

{ said. And as a result of migration ^

even in countries that were evan ‰ need to persuade lapsed Catho ^ ^ = ~ faith and return to religious practice ` ^ of a “new language attuned to the „ CNS

18 OPINION

Sunday November 18, 2012 „ CatholicNews

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Anger management ‘vital’ for clergy and Religious’ Jesuit journal says the sexual abuse of minors is linked to the ‘dynamic of repressed anger’ ROME, ITALY – Anger awareness and management are vital for priests and members of Religious orders because they are called to be people of dialogue, fraternity, service, peace and justice, and to treat others with charity, said an ; = • If clergy and Religious don’t have “an adequate integration of aggression, they can become hostile, rigid and obstinate and risk exploding the often delicate and complex balance present in the communities� where they live and work, said an article written by Jesuit Fr Giovanni Cucci in La Civilta Cattolica, a Jesuit-published periodical. “The denial of rage certainly does not lead to a calmer or quieter life, but rather to a potentially more explosive situation; emotions rebel when they are not lis Š adequate place� to be expressed, said the article in the journal, which is reviewed by the Vatican before publication. The article was released to journalists on Oct 31. In fact, many perversions, including the sexual abuse of minors, are linked to the “dynamic of repressed anger� that often is found together with psychological wounds caused by violence and abuse the perpetrator experienced and never “recognised and worked through�, said the article written by Fr Cucci. The priest is a professor of psychology and philosophy at Rome’s Q { – The article cited studies done

–# % # < licensed psychologist and clinical associate professor of pastoral ` – of America, Washington. His years at the helm of the St Luke Institute, a treatment centre in Maryland for priests and Reli-

For good to come from rage ‘it is important to recognise the presence of anger, paying close attention to how it is then expressed’. – Fr Giovanni Cucci in La Civilta Cattolica, a Jesuit-published periodical

gious with addictions or psychological problems, showed that at the root of many “deviancies and sexual pathologies there is a kind of pent-up rage or rage that has been eroticised�, the article said. The monsignor’s research showed that many priests who sexually abused minors said their acts were motivated by a desire to

child the love they never received as children from their own fathers. However, in actuality the behaviour against the child was “a destructive act that sprung from their hidden rage and violence, and which leaves their victims ` violence they suffered as children with the same destructive results�, the journal quoted from Msgr < Š An awareness and acceptance of anger is critical then in trying to bring healing to perpetrators and victims of abuse, the article said. Though it seems counterintuitive, “aggression is the natural foundation of hope� because at the root of anger and rage is the belief that something can or must be done to right a wrong, protect the good

or overcome a challenge, it said. In order for any good to come from feelings of rage, “it is important above all to recognise the presence of anger, paying close attention to how it is then expressed�, Fr Cucci wrote. Aggression that is internalised can become “a terrible poison� causing health problems, insomnia, obsessive-compulsive tendencies or passive-aggressive behaviours, he said. “Suicide is the most extreme manifestation of aggression turned against oneself.� When anger is denied and pent-up, it becomes “combustible� and instead of solving problems, it makes them worse, resulting in often tragic consequences. “Hope – the mirror image of aggression,� the article said, “fosters vigilance and a sense of expectation�, which are unique qualities of the Christian experience. “The ideal of a Christian life is in fact, holiness, not perfect, un; ^

well�, the Jesuit wrote. “Limits and fragility, even if they can become sources of suffering, are not something negative, to get rid of� but are rather signs of being human. „ CNS

Hanging on to hope THERE is a Norwegian proverb that reads: Heroism consists of hanging on one minute longer. When I was a child in elementary school, one of the stories assigned to us in our textbook for literature had that title and it told the story of a young boy who had fallen through the ice while skating and was left clinging, cold and alone, to the edge of the ice with no help in sight. As he hung on in this seemingly hopeless situation, he was tempted many times to simply let go since no one was going to come along to rescue him. But he held on, despite all odds. Finally, when everything seemed beyond hope, he clung on one minute longer and after that extra minute, help arrived. The story was simple and its moral was simple: This young boy lived because he had the courage and strength to hang on one minute longer. Rescue comes just after you have given up on it, so extend your courage and waiting one minute longer. This is a tale of physical heroism and it makes its point clearly, heroism often consists in staying the course long enough, of hanging on when it seems hopeless, of suffering cold and aloneness while waiting for a new day. Scripture teaches much the same thing about moral heroism: In the Second Letter to the Thessalonians, St Paul ends a long, challenging admonition by stating: You must never grow weary of doing what is right. And in his letter to the Galatians, he virtually repeats the Norwegian proverb: Let us not become weary of doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. This sounds so simple and yet it cuts to the heart of many of our moral struggles. We give up too soon, give in too soon, and don’t carry our solitude to its highest level. We simply don’t carry tension long enough. All of us experience tension in our lives: tension in our families, tension in our friendships, tension in our places of work, tension in our churches, tension in our communities, and tension within our conversations around other people, politics and current events. And, being good-hearted people, we carry that tension with patience, respect, graciousness, and forbearance – for a while! Then, at a certain point we feel ourselves stretched to the limit, grow weary of doing what is right, feel something snap inside of us, and hear some inner voice say: Enough! I’ve put up with this too long! I won’t tolerate this anymore! And we let go, unlike the little boy clinging to the ice and waiting for rescue. We let go of patience, respect, graciousness and forbearance, either by venting and giving

;

good riddance. Either way, we refuse to carry the tension any longer. But that exact point, when we have to choose between giving up or holding on, carrying tension or letting it go, is a crucial moral site, one that determines character: Big-heartedness, nobility of character, deep maturity and spiritual sanctity often manifest themselves around these questions: How much tension can we carry? How great is our patience and forbearance? How much can we put up with? Mature parents put up with a lot of tension in raising their children. Mature teachers put up with a lot of tension in trying to open the minds and hearts of their students. Mature friends absorb a lot of tension in remaining faithful to each other. Mature young women and men put up with a lot of sexual tension while waiting for marriage. Mature Christians put up with a lot of tension in helping to absorb the immaturities and sins of their churches. Men and women are noble of character precisely when they can walk with patience, respect, graciousness and forbearance amid crushing and unfair tensions, when they never grow weary of doing what is right. Of course this comes with a caveat: Carrying tension does not mean carrying abuse. Those of noble character and sanctity of soul challenge abuse rather than enable it through well-intentioned acquiescence. Sometimes, in the name of virtue and loyalty, we are encouraged to absorb abuse, but that is antithetical to what Jesus did. He loved, challenged, and absorbed tension in a way that took away the sins of the world. We know now, thanks to long bitter experience, that, no matter how noble our intention, when we absorb abuse as opposed to challenging it, we don’t take away the sin, we enable it. But all of this will not be easy. It’s the way of long loneliness, with many temptations to let go and slip away. But if you persevere and never grow weary of doing what is right, at your funeral, those who knew you will be blessed and grateful that you continued to believe in them even when for a time they had stopped believing in themselves. „

OPINION 19

Sunday November 18, 2012 „ CatholicNews

After the US vote: Proclaim civility, respect, Gospel By Tom Sheridan For American Catholics who pay attention to faith and politics – something we all should do – presidential elections can be frustrating. Why? Consider the following: Lies and misinformation. Threats to religious freedom. A fraying social safety net. Richer rich; poorer poor. Higher taxes; lower taxes. Better health care; worse health care. Ailing Medicare. Class warfare. Culture of violence. Lies and misleading statements. Failed immigration reform. Abortion and human dignity. Environmental disaster. Divisive rhetoric. Threatened labour unions. No respect for faith. Same-sex marriage. Culture of death. A darker, hopeless future. Or a future of light and happiness. Oh, did I mention lies and misinformation? And that’s just in the campaign literature. Sadly, no matter who is sworn in as president on Inauguration Day in January, America likely will continue to be polarised for years to come. What do we do about it? The task of changing things may fall to people of faith who can see Gospel values beyond the divisions. That virtue, after all, is one of the cardinal possibilities of religion: the ability to renew hope, to lift up the poor, to be a good neighbour, to promote civility. That is certainly a tall order in our heart-hardened culture that seems to have lost the

" * !!! " + / / !

Cardinal Timothy M Dolan of New York gestures while speaking to Mr Barack Obama as Mr Mitt Romney and his wife, Ann, look on during the Alfred E Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner in New York on Oct 18. CNS photo

ability to believe in itself. The US election is not just between parties or men. Some see it as a choice between the heart and the heartless. Or between today and tomorrow. Or between self-serving and self 9

and faithless. There’s an element of truth to each of those choices, making faithful voting an imperative. In every national US election, both major parties hope to garner the “Catholic vote�, a political

bloc that, frankly, no longer exists. Indeed, despite the issues, or because of them, the “Catholic vote� in this US election seems nearly even between the candidates. The US bishops point to their document, Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, which maintains that neither party is perfect and that a Catholic’s conscience, formed in concert with the Church’s teaching, must guide voting. The clashes over abortion,

religion in public discourse, the plight of the poor, the economy and the other issues will not disappear on Inauguration Day. And Catholics, undoubtedly, will continue to stand in the middle, seeking a society in which social justice and human dignity reign along with tolerance, understanding and concern for the vulnerable. How do we get from where we are to where we must be? We must begin by acknowledging the bishops’ call to respon-

sible citizenship. There is a place in the public square for a voice of faith that demands truth and civility. Despite its challenges, Catholics must continue to proclaim a society respectful of Gospel values, protecting human dignity in all areas while recognising that in a pluralistic culture such efforts cannot be dictatorial. There is life after the US elections. And we’re all going to have to get along. That doesn’t mean agreement or capitulation, but it does mean there must be cooperation, civility and respect. If we claim to be people of goodwill, we must learn to work together towards the good of the Gospel. „ CNS " $ % & ' ) * %!

Pope marks 500th anniversary of Sistine Chapel ceiling VATICAN CITY – Standing in the Sistine Chapel under Michelangelo’s famous ceiling frescoes, people are reminded that the world was created by God in a supreme act of love, Pope Benedict XVI said. “With a unique expressive intensity,� the pope said, Michelangelo depicted the power and majesty of God the creator in a way that proclaimed “the world is not the product of darkness, chaos or absurdity, but derives from intelligence, freedom, a supreme act of love�. Pope Benedict made his remarks on Oct 31 during an evening prayer service marking the 500th anniversary of the prayer service led by Pope Julius II in 1512 to celebrate Michelangelo’s completion of the ceiling paintings. Up to 20,000 people visit the Sistine Chapel each day as part of their tour of the Vatican Museums, but “the chapel contemplated in prayer is even more beautiful,

more authentic; it reveals all its richness�, the pope said. With a small group of cardinals, Vatican employees and guests joining him for the prayer service, the pope asked them to try to imagine what it must have been like 500 years ago to look up and see those fa

In that encounter of ‘ we perceive a contact between !’

– Pope Benedict XVI commenting on Michelangelo’s painting of God and Adam on the Sistine Chapel ceiling

The ceiling, measuring 41m by 13m, has nine principal illustrations of events recounted in the Book of Genesis, including the various stages of creation and the ; The most famous of all the scenes is God creating Adam and transmitting life to All of the chapel’s paintings recount stages in the history of salvation, the pope ^ { a contact between heaven and earth. In Adam, God entered into a new relationship with His creation�, a relationship in which a creature is created in God’s image and called into a direct relationship with Him. “Praying this evening in the Sistine Chapel – surrounded by the story of God’s journey with humanity, marvellously represented in the frescoes above us and around us – is an invitation to praise,� the pope said. „ CNS

Pope Benedict XVI gives a blessing after leading a prayer service in the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican on Oct 31. CNS photo

20 YEAR OF FAITH

Sunday November 18, 2012 „ CatholicNews

Mass after Vatican II: a participatory event A look at the Vatican II document on the liturgy during this Year of Faith Photos: RICHARD KOH

By Archbishop Gregory Aymond of New Orleans Looking over the 50 years since the opening of the Second Vatican Council, it’s clear that the most obvious effects of the council’s work are seen in the liturgy, especially in the celebration of the Mass. Sacrosanctum Concilium, the Constitution on the Sacred — cil’s major documents and set the course for the liturgical reform. U ; continues to chart the course for the celebration of Mass and the other sacraments. Five lasting effects of Sacrosanctum Concilium stand out: Participation: One oft quoted statement of the Council is paragraph 14 of the Liturgy Constitution: “Mother Church earnestly desires that all the faithful should be led to that fully conscious, and active participation in liturgical celebrations which is demanded by the very nature of the liturgy.� When the Church gathers for Mass or any other sacrament, all assembled are engaged in what is taking place, by praying aloud, singing, standing, kneeling, moving in procession, and, for some, as assisting as altar servers, proclaiming the Scripture readings, or presiding over the celebration as the celebrant (the priest). Now taken for granted, these changes in the liturgy were steps

Sacrosanctum Concilium, the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, was ; ))+ major documents and set the course for liturgical reform.

Sacrosanctum Concilium teaches that the liturgy is the ‘source and summit’ of the Christian life.

to foster and express our interior participation of the heart and mind in the work of Jesus. In the Mass, all the faithful participate in the offering of the gifts, and in doing so participate by offering themselves – their devotion and lives of service – to the Lord. Enculturation: Even as Catholics throughout the world celebrate the same Mass, we do so now in our own languages, making use of elements of our own cultures:

styles and forms of music, art and architecture, and praying about what concern us. The liturgy is both the experience of God’s saving presence and an expression of who we are before God. In a culturally diverse society, we are still challenged to celebrate the liturgy in a way that enables everyone to worship and pray. Ministry: Prior to the liturgical reforms of the council, the liturgy was seen as the work of the

priest and those few assistants at the altar. Today, the liturgy is supported by a variety of ministries (deacons, lectors, servers, music ministers etc), and the work of the Church is carried out daily by a broad spectrum of people serving, leading, and teaching in the name of the Church. Catechesis: The liturgical reforms introduced in the years after the Second Vatican Council required a great deal of explana-

tion and instruction for everyone. The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy stressed the importance of such teaching as a way to lead the faithful to effective and fruitful participation in the liturgy. Today we continue to teach about what the Mass means and how to worship well. Recently, for example, dioceses and parishes underwent a great effort to teach about the Mass in preparation for the introduction of the Roman Missal, Third Edition. Mission: Sacrosanctum Concilium teaches that the liturgy is the “source and summit� of the Christian life (see paragraph 10). We don’t just gather at Mass to worship, but also to be energised and sent forth on a mission: to keep the commandments, above all to love God and love our neighbour. And the Mass ends with that reminder: “Go in peace, glorifying the Lord with your life.� „

Growing up during liturgical changes By Fr Herbert Weber I grew up in the Catholic Church before the changes brought about by the Second Vatican Council. The council ended during my freshman year of college. A lot of what I saw changing in the Church and its liturgy coincided with my own changes and growth during a decade of great unrest and transition. For that reason, I have spent much time sorting out what really took place during those years. Recently, I gave a talk on Vatican II for a multiparish “wisdom day�. Few of the approximately 200 participants were under 65. When I asked them what they could recall of changes in the Church in the last 50 years, the answers were predictable: the use of the vernacular language at Mass, the altar turned around and the laity becoming more involved in the liturgy. Although there were a few responses

about cooperation with Protestants as a result of the council, most of the group talked about liturgical changes. That may be because the celebration of Sunday Mass and the sacraments is where most people feel connected with their church. Fifty years is a long time, and many in the group had already forgotten other liturgical changes besides the use of modern languages or the repositioning of the altar. I reminded the group how the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy (Sacrosanctum Concilium) placed new emphasis on the Liturgy of the Word, with a three-year cycle of readings that included Old Testament, New Testament and the Gospel as well as the inclusion of a psalm in responsorial form. It would be a mistake to think that the council’s document on the liturgy came completely out of nowhere. For years there had been a restlessness that was moving towards what the document called a “full, conscious and active participation� in the liturgy.

For many, the changes brought about because of the constitution on the liturgy were most welcome. But that was not the case for everyone. Many Catholics had been consistently taught that the Church was changeless. A great number felt that changelessness was true about all practices, including liturgical celebrations. Others, who were being challenged to move out of their comfort zone, were not ready for changes that included offering a sign of peace during Mass, for more involved laity – especially at the lectern – or for new songs during Mass. But I can recall the thrill many had in celebrating Mass. Through new inclusions, such as the prayers of the faithful, many felt called to pray for each other and the needs of the world. „ Fr Weber is the founding pastor of Blessed John XXIII Parish, Perrysburg, Ohio, USA

The celebration of Mass and the sacraments is where most people feel connected with their church.

COMMENTARY 21

Sunday November 18, 2012 „ CatholicNews

Does Philippine archbishop have chance to be pope? Some observers seems to think so, says Joe Torres CNS photo

MANILA – News of the appoint-

ment of Archbishop Luis Antonio Tagle of Manila as a cardinal on Oct 24 tickled the imagination of some Filipinos – bishops included – to suggest that at last an Asian may be closer to becoming pope. The head of the public affairs committee of the Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, Bishop Deogracias Iniguez of Kalookan, even ventured to say that Archbishop Tagle’s elevation to the cardinalate makes papacy very possible. “The pope is elected usually from among the cardinals. That makes him close to the possibility,� Bishop Iniguez said, adding that Cardinal-designate Tagle’s appointment means Pope Benedict XVI appreciates the Manila prelate’s theological role in the Church. Ms Henrietta de Villa, former Philippine ambassador to the Vatican, admitted, that she has been praying since the cardinal-designate became bishop in 2001 that he will become pope in the future. Why not? Fr Romulo Ponte, a priest who dabbles in writing commentaries and news stories from the province of Laguna, said the cardinal-designate is no stranger to the inner workings of the Vatican. As a young priest, he served under Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, now Pope Benedict XVI, at the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith. Fr Ponte said the pope personally chose Cardinal-designate Tagle as one of only two Asian bishops to be a Synod Father during the month-long meeting of Church leaders in Rome recently. The other was Hong Kong Cardinal John Tong Hon, who was one of three president-delegates. John L Allen Jr, senior correspondent of the US-based National Catholic Reporter, in May included Cardinal-designate Tagle in the “long shot� list to be the next pope. Allen wrote: “At 54, Tagle is already a key point of reference for Catholicism in Asia, the ‘go Š † ops’ conference on most theological questions. “He’s taken strong positions against a proposed ‘Reproductive Health’ bill in the Philippines, which includes promotion of birth control, yet his towering social concern is defence of the poor, and he’s got a strong environmental streak. “He’s a gifted communicator, making him a sought-after speaker and media personality.� The future cardinal graduated summa cum laude in Theology at Ateneo’s Loyola School of Theol-

Pope Benedict XVI announced on Oct 24 that Archbishop Luis Antonio Tagle of Manila was one of six Church leaders to be elevated to cardinal.

The pope personally chose Archbishop Tagle as one of only two Asian bishops to be a Synod Father during the recent bishops’ meeting in Rome, a Filipino priest noted. ogy and San Jose Seminary, both in Quezon City, in 1982 while teaching full time. He was ordained priest for the Diocese of Imus on Feb 27, 1982. But most Filipino bishops, although they are praying for Cardinal-designate Tagle, are more realistic when it comes to talking about the papacy. Archbishop Ramon Arguelles of Lipa said Tagle is “a great asset to the Church of today� but “only God can decide who will be pope�. “To be pope is not a matter of chance. It is decided from above,� he said. Outspoken retired Archbishop Oscar Cruz poured cold water on the papal dreams of Filipinos, advising them not to dwell on the future. “The College of Cardinals that elects the Holy Father are mostly

from Europe, North America‌ so I will not go that far,â€? he said. He said one reason Archbishop Tagle was named cardinal was because he is close to the pope. “There’s a personal knowledge between them two, so the pope must have known his talents and his theological expertise,â€? he said. The retired prelate said it would not be a surprise if Pope Benedict XVI gives Cardinal-designate Tagle a post in the Vatican in the coming months. That would further tickle the imagination of Filipinos who have been longing for some good news in the midst of disasters, scandals and even pre-Vatican II religiosity. „ UCANEWS.COM Joe Torres is the ucanews.com bureau chief in Manila

22 FEATURE

Sunday November 18, 2012 „ CatholicNews

Prospects for Sino-Vatican dialogue ‘bleak’ Govt won’t heed Vatican message, say Chinese Church leaders BEIJING, CHINA – Bishops and

Four of six priests ordained without Vatican approval in Dali on March 26 pose for a photo. One of the three obstacles named in re-establishing dialogue with the Chinese government in Cardinal Fernando Filoni’s message is state control of the Church. UCANEWS.COM photo

priests in mainland China are pessimistic that their government will respond to a Vatican senior Š new dialogue. Cardinal Fernando Filoni, prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples, issued a message on Oct 25, titled Five Years after the Publication ˆ “‡UŠ — Church in China. ˜ Š stance, the cardinal showed his openness to restarting dialogue with the Chinese authorities and resolving the impasse in SinoVatican relations. A parallel report from Fides Service, a website run by the congregation, also spelled out the Š “high-level� commission between China and the Vatican. However, a mainland bishop who is recognised by both the Vatican and Beijing thinks the invitation will yield no result as the gov ^ Š Church or the Vatican. They never want to have sincere dialogue�. Speaking on condition of anonymity, he said: “The government will not make any response because its top priority is to maintain stability on the eve of the National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party and ensure smooth transition of the state leadership.� However, he added that “Car ‰ Š encourages those who suffer from persecution and may remind those bishops with vested interests to be more faithful and dutiful�. Another bishop, Bishop Joseph, who is not recognised by the government, predicts that if there is a response, it will lack sincerity. “From our past experience we know that the government and the Open Church community talk a lot of hot air.� # Š † ˆ % ) ‹ Š quit the Catholic Patriotic Association earlier this year, he said, “Everyone sings praises to his bravery,

Š sic expression of our faith?� He went on to make a veiled challenge to the governmentapproved Church community by

saying: “How many bishops dare to follow suit?� In his message, Cardinal Filoni named three obstacles to re-establishing dialogue: state control Š Š pointments and the interference of illegitimate bishops in episcopal consecrations. “It is meaningful for the prefect to point out those three stumbling blocks,� said Bishop Joseph, “but he needs to add something more concrete, such as what measures may be taken against those who create stumbling blocks in the future.� A priest who writes with the pen name Reverse Thinking also expressed reservations. “Cardinal Filoni said the Church in China was never schismatic. But after illicit ordinations taking place repeatedly, many Catholics can no longer distinguish right from wrong,� he wrote. “The faithful tend to believe their bishops were forced to par-

It would be wishful thinking to believe that the Vatican’s sincerity can move the Chinese to dialogue, as Chinese state leaders are interested only in the economy, not religion. – Fr Anthony, a Chinese student in Rome

ticipate in the illicit ordinations. This became a shield for bishops who pretended to be innocent even though they violated Canon — ^# U Š bishop dare to confess his fault in front of the faithful. Instead, they explained they were under pressure to participate in the illicit ordinations in order to win sympathy from the faithful and the Vatican, which offset the effect " #

Š excommunications, turning them into empty words.� Fr Anthony, a Chinese student in Rome, said it would be wishful thinking to believe that the Vati Š nese to dialogue, as Chinese state leaders are interested only in the economy, not religion. ^U Š ‡ cials understand China very well,� he said. “They are too far apart. In China, both in the society and the Church, everyone is busy keeping their own rice bowl, particularly # U Š have any hopes of China-Vatican relations in the near future.� „ UCANEWS.COM

23

Sunday November 18, 2012 „ CatholicNews

CHILDREN’S STORY:

A long time later the woman’s son became very sick, and he stopped breathing. The woman blamed Elijah. “Why have you done this to me, man of God? Have you come to me to call attention to my guilt and to kill my son?� “Give me your son,� Elijah said. He carried the boy into the room where he was staying, put the boy into his own bed and prayed, “Lord, { ; widow with whom I am staying by killing her son? Lord, my God, let

the life breath return to the body of this child.� And the boy’s life was restored. “Now indeed I know you are a man of God,� the woman said, “and it is truly the word of the Lord that you speak.� „ Read more about it: 1 Kings 17

Q&A 1. What two things did Elijah ask the woman to get for him? 2. What happened to the woman’s oil

SPOTLIGHT ON SAINTS:

St Nerses I

KIDS’ CLUB:

$ 3 Nerses (d. 373) was an Armenian bishop who grew up in 4

5 6 3 Caesarea in Cappadocia. As part of his religious life he with family and friends worked to develop reform within the Church, and he established hospitals and monasteries. 3 4 3 Some of the canonical legislation he introduced angered 8 the king, a man who had murdered his own wife. As a result, Why is faith so important Nerses refused to attend the royal court and was banished by to our Christian lives? the king. Nerses returned home after the death of this king, only to not let him into the church unless he changed his behaviour. The king pretended to be sorry and invited Nerses to dinner Circle the correct answer to each and poisoned him. We honour Nerses on Nov 19. „

PUZZLE:

Bible Accent: The books of 1 and 2 Kings in the Old Testament can be read from many points of view. They tell the history of some of the kings and prophets, although sometimes the accuracy of that history has been changed for easier reading and to make a better story. In the telling of some of those stories we discover that the people who lived back then had the same strengths, weaknesses, ambitions and failures as we have today. These books were probably collected from oral histories and written records of the time period, which spanned several hundred years, beginning with the death of David in 1 Kings 1 and ending with the release from prison of Jehoiachin, king of Judah, in 2 Kings 25. We can read about Solomon, Elijah, Elisha and some of the lesser known kings, prophets, and other men and women in these two books. „

1. Who was Solomon’s father? ! " " 2. Who built the great temple? #! $ $ 3. Which prophet said God would send a drought? (17) Ezekiel Elijah 4. What woman wanted to kill Elijah? %! ' * + , 5. Which king was promised victory over Aram? -/! 0 0 6. Who is the last king mentioned in 1 Kings? --! 0 0 ,

3. Elijah, 6. Ahaziah

The Lord had told Elijah that there would be no rain or dew in Israel until the proper time. He then instructed Elijah to hide in a place called the Wadi Cherith. While he was there, ravens brought food to him morning and night, and he was able to drink from the wadi. When the wadi had run dry and there still had been no rain, the Lord told Elijah to go to Zarephath in Sidon, where he would meet a widow who would feed him. Elijah obeyed the Lord. When he arrived at the entrance of the city, he saw a widow gathering sticks. He said to her, “Please bring me a small cupful of water to drink.� She turned and went off to fetch a drink for Elijah. As she did, Elijah added, “Please bring along a crust of bread.�

The woman answered Elijah, “As the Lord, your God, lives, I have nothing baked; there is only a ; ~ oil in my jug. Just now I was collecting a few sticks, to go in and prepare something for myself and my son; when we have eaten it, we shall die.� Elijah reassured the woman that she and her son would not die of starvation. “Do not be afraid. Go and do ˆ a little cake and bring it to me. Afterwards you can prepare something for yourself and your son. For the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘The ~ ; the jug of oil run dry, until the day when the Lord sends rain upon the earth.’� The woman did as Elijah requested, and as he had promised, her ;

Answers to Puzzle: 1. David, 2. Solomon, 4. Jezebel, 5. Ahab,

By Joe Sarnicola

24 WHAT’S ON 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 Nov 16 YEAR OF FAITH TALK BY CHARLES WHITEHEAD 7.30-10pm: Talk by world-renowned UK evangelist Charles Whitehead on The Year of Faith. By ACPT. At Church of St Bernadette. Register SMS: 9007 0987; E: acptcafe@gmail.com Friday Nov 23 to Sunday Nov 25 SEMI-DIRECTED RETREAT: WITH GOD THROUGH DIMINISHMENT AND LOSS Fri (7.00pm)-Sun (5pm): Times of diminishment and loss also present ; in our faith. Conducted by Fr Joseph Yao, SJ, and lay spiritual directors. Cost: $110/$160. By Centre for Ignatian Spirituality & Counselling. At 8 Victoria Park Rd. Register by Nov 13. T: 6467 6072; E: cisc2664@gmail.com Friday Nov 23 to Sunday Nov 25 CHOICE WEEKEND Fri (7.30pm)-Sun (6pm): The programme offers single young adults a weekend to look into the relationships that really matter to them. It also allows one to discover how to build successful relationships as a single young adult. Cost: please enquire. By Choice Singapore. At 47 Jurong West St 42. Register T: 9880 3093 (Dawn), 9046 2297 (Albert); W: www.choice.org.sg

Sunday November 18, 2012 „ CatholicNews

Nov 24 INNER FREEDOM THROUGH CHOICE THEORY 2-5pm: Workshop conducted by Sr Louisa Lim. Cost: $25. At Lifesprings Canossian Spiritual Centre (100 Jln Merbok) Register T: 6466 2178; E: lifesprings@singnet.com.sg

Nov 30 EUCHARISTIC ADORATION FOR YOUNG ADULTS 8pm: With rosary, followed by scriptural ;

At Church of St Ignatius St Francis Xavier Chapel (Kingsmead Hall). E: gen.christ.ministry@gmail.com

Dec 8 FEAST OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF THE BVM (CHURCH OF STS PETER AND PAUL) 11.30am: Prayers and rosary. 1.00pm: Mass by Carmelite priest. Confessions available. Please bring along last year’s prayer book

Friday Dec 14 to Tuesday Dec 18 LEGION OF MARY CAMP Fri (1pm)-Tue (1pm) 5D4N of camping fun and spiritual experience the Legion way. For youths 13-18 years old. By Mandarin-speaking Youth Legion of Mary. At Maris Stella High School. Register T: 9154 6584 (Simon).

Nov 24 I AM SPECIAL! I AM ME! 7.30-9.30pm: Workshop to help children understand themselves better by identifying strengths, combating negative situations and using support network through games, role-play, skits and videos. Cost: $150 (per person), $240 (couple). By Morning Star Community Services. At Blk 261B Sengkang East Way #01-400. Register T: 6315 8812 (Shuba); E: programs@morningstar.org.sg

Nov 30 CHILDREN’S EUCHARISTIC ADORATION 7.45-9pm: An invitation to families to pray with your children and help them grow in faith with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. Church of the Holy Spirit. T: 9362 5408; E: childreneucharisticadora@gmail.com

Dec 8 FEAST OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF THE BVM (CHURCH OF SACRAMENT CHURCH) 11.45am-3pm: Prayers in Tamil by St Joseph Tamily Prayer Group followed by English Mass at 12.30pm with rosary, and then procession and benediction.

Saturday Dec 1 to Sunday Dec 2 THEOLOGY OF THE BODY CRASH COURSE 9am-5pm: 14 hours intensive training based on Christopher’s West DVD series facilitated by Andrew Kong & Team Training Centre. Cost: $17 (workbook). By Apostolate for Catholic Truth. At 10 Anson Rd #29-03. Register E: joanp@singnet.com.sg

Dec 8 CHRISTMAS UNDER THE STARS 6.30-9.30pm: Morning Star is celebrating its 12th Christmas Under the Stars. < fun-loving activities during this season of joy. By Morning Star Community Services. At Blk 261B Sengkang East Way #01-400. Register T: 6315 8812 (Shuba); E: programs@morningstar.org.sg

Dec 14 ENTERING 2013 WITH JESUS – YEAR END REFLECTION FOR YOUNG ADULTS ’ $ † ;  !  and what it means to enter 2013 with Jesus. With rosary, followed by scriptural ;

At Church of St Ignatius St Francis Xavier Chapel (Kingsmead Hall). E: gen.christ.ministry@gmail.com

Dec 1 AN ADVENT EVENING RECOLLECTION 5-9pm: An evening of prayer and ;

birth of Christ. For young adults 20 to 40 years old. Cost: $15. At Botanic Gardens (Meeting at Botanic Gardens MRT Level 1). By Verbum Dei Missionaries. Register T: 6274 0251/9793 2605 (Sr Sandra); E: verbumdeispore@yahoo.com.sg

Sunday December 9 to Saturday December 15 MISSION HOUSE BUILDING TRIP TO CAGAYAN DE ORO PHILIPPINES Build houses for victims of Typhoon Washi which struck Cagayan de Oro, Mindanao, Philippines, in Dec 2011. No prior experience required. By CHARIS. T: 6338 0182; E: info@charis-singapore.org; W: http://www.charis-singapore.org

Wednesday December 5 to December 9 FAMILY MISSION TRIP For young families with children aged 5-12. Spread joy and share Jesus in Tagaytay, Philippines. By Verbum Dei Singapore. Register T: 6274 0251; E: verbumdeispore@yahoo.com.sg

Thursday Dec 13 to Sunday Dec 16 X4 YOUTH CAMP X4 Youth Camp (ĺżƒčĄŒé†’俥) is for young people aged 12-21. By Commission for Apostolate of Mandarin-Speaking in Singapore. T: 9113 6598 (Nicholas); FB: http://www.facebook.com/x4camp

Nov 25 TAMIL CULTURAL MASS 5.30pm: Mass in Tamil and English celebrated by Fr Gerardus Suyono. At Blessed Sacrament Church. T: 9678 3855 Mondays Nov 26 to Dec 17 WELCOMING THE GOD WHO COMES Â’ $ { ; on the Mass readings and prayers in preparation for Christmas. Facilitated by Fr Christopher Soh, SJ. Cost: $50. By Centre for Ignatian Spirituality & Counselling. At 8 Victoria Park Rd. Register by Nov 12. T: 6467 6072; E: cisc2664@gmail.com Nov 29 MASS FOR VOCATIONS 8pm: Mass by Fr Samuel Lim. Topic: My Vocation Story. At Church of the Holy Family (Function Room Level 4)

Mondays Jan 7 2013 to Apr 1 2013 NO GREATER LOVE 8-10pm: Enter into a deeper relationship with the Lord. Reference book: Jesus of Nazareth Vol 2. Facilitated by Fr Christopher Soh, SJ. Cost: $100 (register by Dec 2)/$120. By Centre for Ignatian Spirituality & Counselling. At 8 Victoria Park Rd. Register by Dec 17. T: 6467 6072; E: cisc2664@gmail.com Sunday Jan 13 2013 to Saturday Jan 19 2013 WEEK OF GUIDED PRAYER Pray with Scriptures using Ignatian Contemplation and Lectio Divina. One-onone meeting with a prayer guide Mon to Fri. Cost: $30. By Sojourners’ Companions. At Church of St Mary of the Angels. Register W: http://www.catholic.org.sg/sojourners Feb 24 2013 to Apr 7 2013 MARRIAGE PREPARATION COURSE For couples intending to get married. Based Œ  course from Apr 28 2013 to Jun 2 2013. T: 9839 9840 (Ron/Grace); E: mpcsingapore@ gmail.com; Register in parishes or W: http://www.catholic.org.sg/mpc

US PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

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Sunday November 18, 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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