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Social networks need more love and kindness: Vatican
People online need to offer others what is ‘good, true and beautiful’, says the Vatican’s message for World Communications Day, May 12.
Take responsibility for creating a more ‘ humane culture online by being respectful, honest and contributing to the wellbeing of society through social networks.’ with the Gospel, he added. Msgr Paul Tighe, secretary of Communications, told reporters message that the pope is asking everyone to take responsibility for creating a more humane culture online by being respectful, honest and contributing to the growth and wellbeing of individuals and society through social networks.
Very often in new media “the more provocative I am, the more strident, the more extreme I am in my views, the more attention I get�, he said. But, he said, the pope “is calling for the importance of the quiet voice of reason; we need moderation, reason and logic otherwise our debates are going nowhere�. Archbishop Claudio Celli, the council’s president, said even
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INSIDE
WORLD COMMUNICATIONS DAY MESSAGE
VATICAN CITY – Social media need to promote more logic, kindness and Christian witness rather than bluster, star status and division, says the Vatican’s World Communications Day message. Given that the online world exposes people to a wider range of opinions and beliefs, people need to offer others what is “good, true and beautiful�, Pope Benedict XVI said in his message before he retired. Christians are called to bring truth and values to the whole world – online and off – remembering that it’s ultimately the power of God’s word that touches hearts, not sheer human effort, he said. The theme of the 2013 celebration – marked in most dioceses the Sunday before Pentecost, is Social Networks: Portals of Truth and Faith; New Spaces for Evangelisation. Social media “need the commitment of all who are conscious of the value of dialogue, reasoned debate and logical argumentation�. the pope said. Social forums need to be used wisely and well, which means fostering balanced and respectful dialogue and debate, he said, and paying special attention to “privacy, responsibility and truthfulness�. Too often, popularity – garnered either from fame or strategic powers of persuasion – de effectiveness� of online communication, not “intrinsic importance or value�, he said. Catholics can “show their authenticity� by sharing their hope and joy, and its source in Jesus Christ. Catholics also should give witness by the way they live their lives and how their “choices, preferences and judgments� are fully consistent
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Catholic sites and forums can be plagued by an aggressive and divisive atmosphere. “The problem isn’t so much
to particular dogmatic statements of the faith,� he said; the problem is how to best show God’s mercy and love, which is often more credibly and effectively done with actions and not just words. “I knew my mother and father loved me not because they showered me with solemn declarations, but because they let me experi be loved,� the archbishop said. The same needs to happen in the realm of faith, because what humanity needs more than any ! God’s love and mercy, he said. In his message, Pope Benedict said, “Dialogue and debate can " converse with and take seriously people whose ideas are different from our own.� Social networks are an important place for people of faith to reach out to others “by patiently and respectfully engaging their questions and their doubts as they advance in their search for the truth and the meaning of human existence�. If evangelising is to bear fruit, he said, people need to remember that “it is always because of the power of the Word of God itself to touch hearts, prior to any of our own efforts�. „ CNS The full message is at http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/messages/communications/documents/ hf_ben-xvi_mes_20130124_47thworld-communications-day_en.html
„ Related stories on Pages 18 and 19
HOME Dealing with stillbirths and miscarriages Programme helps couples work through grief „ Page 4
ASIA Sichuan earthquake Priests, laypeople struggle to aid victims „ Page 7
WORLD Vatican’s Vesak Day message ‘Catholics, Buddhists should join hands to defend life’ „ Page 11
Water attack on archbishop slammed Topless women protest his stand on homosexuality „ Page 12
POPE FRANCIS Pontiff welcomes Benedict XVI back to Vatican „ Page 14
COMMENTARY In wake of Boston bombings How does one make sense of suffering? „ Page 16
2 HOME
Sunday May 19, 2013 „ CatholicNews
Charity’s director, local stars raise funds for physically challenged
Above: Mr Gene Lee of ABLE serving customers at Bugis Junction’s Toast Box outlet. Right: Ah Boys to Men stars (from left) Maxi Lim, Noah Yap and
By Darren Boon Mr Gene Lee, a Catholic charity executive director, spent his lunch hour on April 26 serving customers at Bugis Junction’s Toast Box outlet.
Mr Lee, from ABLE (Abilities Beyond Limitations and Expectations) which works with the physically challenged, was not alone. Joining him from noon to 2 pm that day were ABLE board member Bernardus Angkawidjaja,
a banker; and Mr James Quek, BreadTalk’s Country CEO, Bakery and China Region. The special service was part of a collaboration between ABLE and Toast Box, a subsidiary of BreadTalk, to raise funds for the
charity. The proceeds during the two-hour period will be donated fully to ABLE. BreadTalk, however, declined > @ ures. Mr Lee told CatholicNews he feels “good� performing this service as it is a form of “giving back to society�. Mr Angkawidjaja also shared that he felt “excited� about this special project. This is the third year that ABLE and Toast Box are collaborating to raise funds for the charity. The Lim Kopi for a Cause campaign runs from April 20 to May 31 this year, and aims to raise $25,000. During this period, 30 cents will be donated for every purchase of the Curry Chicken with Baguette Set and the Peanut Butter/Traditional Kaya Baguette Set. In addition, $2 will also be donated with every Coffee Brew Set sold. The campaign was launched on April 26. Lending star power to the afternoon’s charity drive were cast members of the local movie Ah Boys to Men – Maxi Lim, Noah Yap and Tosh Zhang – who demonstrated how to brew coffee and helped to sell the Coffee Brew Sets. Speaking to CatholicNews later, Zhang said he feels happy to @ to participate in charity work. His co-star Lim shared: “I’m
just glad that we have been blessed to be where we are today. This is just a small part of something that we can give. Honestly, I’m looking forward to more of these events‌ it is fun‌it serves a purpose.� Also present were some of 6\]^@ & _ them, Mr Kalaiselvan s/o Kalian, told CatholicNews that such a fundraising effort would raise awareness about the physically challenged in the community. ABLE operates the Centre for
forward ‘I’mto looking more of these events‌it is fun‌it serves a purpose.
’
– Ah Boys to Men star Maxi Lim
the Physically Challenged with the Handicaps Welfare Association. The centre provides rehabilitation, training and employment opportunities for the physically challenged. ABLE also runs a respite centre for caregivers together with the Muscular Dystrophy Association Singapore. ABLE’s website is http://ablesg.org/ darren.boon@catholic.org.sg
ARCHBISHOP NICHOLAS CHIA’S DIARY # $ %&'' ( ) * # + # $/ 4&5' # 6 * # + May 24 4.00pm Church of Our Lady Queen of Peace: Mass – World Community for Christian Meditation May 25 5.00pm Church of St Vincent De Paul: Mass – 25th Anniversary of Fr John Van Dich MEP
HOME 3
Sunday May 19, 2013 „ CatholicNews
Canossian alumni, kids bring cheer to home residents Ex-students of Canossian-run schools and their children spent their Labour Day holiday bringing cheer to the residents of St Joseph’s Home in Jurong. For many of the ex-pupils, it was also a chance to visit the Canossian Sisters living in the convent attached to the home, which serves the aged and destitute, and which is run by the Canossian nuns. Some of the Sisters living in the convent here had taught the visitors and some are even alumni. The visitors, members of the Canossian Alumni Association, led stretching exercises for about 30 wheelchair-bound residents, after which all gathered in the hall which was decorated with " & ` ing exercise in which the visitors helped the residents put vibrant colours on canvas sheets held up by the children. The alumni association organises a visit to the home every May 1, but “the visit this year was planned with more engage-
ment and interaction�, association president Belinda Huang told CatholicNews. “We wanted to do an experiential activity to trigger sensory stimulation for the residents – that of sight, sound and touch – that’s very therapeutic and healing.� Alumna Roselind Ong commented, “It was very inspiring and meaningful to see the faces of the folks light up when they were done with their paintings. And the children were also so happy having contributed.� Earlier, on April 6, 300 exstudents aged 19-90, together with teachers, nuns and principals held their annual alumni party at Copthorne King’s Hotel. The event, which had the theme, FANtasia, saw retired music teacher Christine Kanaga-
Left: Canossian Alumni Association president Belinda Huang and her sons help a resident of St Joseph’s home with
Photo used with permission from Sr Geraldine Tan, St Joseph’s Home
Below: Alumni do a fan dance at their annual
rajah – who has taught many generations of girls at St Anthony’s Convent and who rooted the school in its current performing arts culture – leading a sing-along session. „ The Canossian Alumni Association’s website is www.canossianalumni. com/
It was very inspiring to see the faces ‘ of the folks light up ... And the children were also so happy having contributed.’
– Ms Roselind Ong
4 HOME
Sunday May 19, 2013 „ CatholicNews
Healing the pain of stillbirths, miscarriages Programme helps couples work through their grief By Darren Boon “We will always hold in you in our
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€ € > | > } & For more information about Journey to Emmaus, visit www. massofhope.org or email massofhope@gmail.com. Rachel’s Vineyard’s website is www.rachelsvineyard.sg/ „ darren.boon@catholic.org.sg
HOME 5
Sunday May 19, 2013 „ CatholicNews
His family nurtured his vocation, says new priest By Darren Boon His family played an important part in sowing the seed of his priestly vocation, says Fr Alphonsus Dominic who was ordained at the Church of the Holy Spirit on May 1. Masses and daily family prayers were important features of his family life, said the 38-yearold priest. His parents and older sister also played a “big part� in the nurturing of his vocation, he added. Fr Alphonsus, who is now an assistant priest at the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, shared that because his family was very close-knit, he faced a struggle when he joined the seminary. Looking back over the years, Fr Alphonsus recalls feeling “stirrings� to the priesthood at the age of eight. He had observed priests and wanted to be like them – without really knowing what the role entailed. However, he felt it would be ! pushed the thought aside. But the “Lord still persisted in calling now and then�, he said, adding that he felt a strong desire to read scripture and to become a priest. As he entered the working world, he was able to take on two jobs that he loved – teaching and running his own graphic advertising business. However, “after some time I realised something was missing�, he said. “That was when I realised the thing that was missing was that I needed to answer His call. The minute I answered his call, I felt more complete.� He said he felt God leading him to the priesthood through a series of experiences. The people around him also played a part
> priesthood. € ~ |ing in my life,� he said. “That by itself showed me a direction towards my vocation.� His seminary years were not ever. He found his studies a challenge, but “God in His own wonderful ways saw me through�. Looking back on his journey, Fr Alphonsus says he feels “overwhelmed� by the amount of love that God has lavished on him – directly and through others. He adds that he “hopes to be a priest after the heart of Christ�,
Fr Alphonsus recalls feeling ‘stirrings’ to the priesthood at the age of eight. He had observed priests and wanted to be like them – without really knowing what the role entailed. to serve the pastoral and spiritual needs of the people. Although Nativity parish, which he is now serving in, has a strong Chinese and especially Teochew presence, parishioners have been welcoming, he says. He even distributes Holy Communion during Teochew and Mandarin Masses. It is not so much about language barriers, but about being with the faithful, Fr Alphonsus says. Nevertheless, he hopes to learn some Mandarin and Teochew, he adds. „ darren.boon@catholic.org.sg
Fr Alphonsus Dominic at his priestly ordination ceremony at the Church of the Holy Spirit on May 1. Photo: ADRIAN LIM
6 ASIA
Sunday May 19, 2013 „ CatholicNews
Pope stresses workers’ dignity after factory collapse in Bangladesh
OBITUARY
Chinese bishop, who worked to rebuild Church, dies at 96
SHANGHAI, CHINA –
Rescue workers look for trapped garment workers at the collapsed Rana Plaza building in Savar, Bangladesh, on April 26. CNS photo VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis of-
fered condolences and prayers, along with calls for worker safety, after a factory collapsed and killed more than 600 people in Bangladesh. “I express my solidarity and deepest sympathy to the families mourning their loved ones,� he said at St Peter’s Square on April 28. In his Regina Coeli address, the Holy Father offered prayers “for the many victims� of the tragedy. On April 24, an eight-story building collapsed in the Rana Plaza complex in Savar, just north of Dhaka. Scores of survivors were found, but police have said that many were trapped under the building’s remains.
Rescue teams had been searching for survivors using electric drills, shovels and their bare hands. Police have arrested the factory owner as well as engineers involved in issuing the building’s permits. The building collapsed just a day after warnings had been given saying it was unsafe. A petition has been launched calling for compensation to be given to the victims and their families. A demonstration outside a Primark retail store was held in London after it was revealed that the " building that collapsed. Pope Francis called for “the dignity and safety of the worker� to be always respected. „ CNA/EWTN NEWS
‘Don’t reduce polls to single issue’ MANILA – A leftist candidate for the May 13 Philippine senatorial elections told Catholic Church leaders not to reduce the senatorial race to a single-issue contest. Mr Teddy CasiĂąo of the Makabayan party said that while one’s stand on the Reproductive Health Bill is important, candidates should also be measured on other “equally compelling issues that face the nationâ€?. Concerned that the election is being reduced to a battle between opponents and supporters of the bill, he urged the Church to “teach the faithful to be more discerningâ€? in setting standards for legislators. The bill provides for government-funded contraception for the poor and sex education for middle through high school students, among other provisions.
A group of Catholic lay organisations have formed what they called the White Vote Movement to endorse candidates who are against the controversial law. Mr Mike Velarde, spokesman of the movement and head of the seven-million strong El Shaddai Charismatic group, said they will monitor the candidates they endorse to to stand up for the group’s cause. “They made a commitment that
posed law that is against the family and anything that will lead to the annihilation of the Filipino race, and things that are against the word of God, against the commandments of God,� Mr Velarde said. The movement has so far endorsed nine senatorial candidates. „ UCANEWS.COM
Bishop Aloysius Jin Luxian of Shanghai, a prominent and controversial Church, died on April 27 of pancreatic cancer. He was 96. A 2007 article in US monthly magazine, The Atlantic, described
" > Chinese Catholicism of the last 50 years�. In the early 1980s, the bishop, who spent 18 years in a Chinese prison, decided to cooperate with the Chinese government, which strove to exercise control over the Church through organs such as “patriotic associations�, including one for Catholics. In The Atlantic interview, the late bishop said, “The Vatican thinks that I don’t work enough for the Vatican, and the government thinks that I work too much for the Vatican. It is not easy to satisfy both.� More than 1,000 people attended his funeral Mass at St Ignatius Cathedral on April 29. A government-organised memorial service was scheduled for May 2, after which his body will be cremated, reported Church news agency, ucanews.com. Bishop Thaddeus Ma Daqin, recognised by the Vatican as the new Bishop of Shanghai, did not celebrate the funeral Mass. Bishop Ma “was taken to study sessions alone at the Shanghai Institute of Socialism two weeks ago, probably to avoid him presiding over the funeral Mass�, a Church source told ucanews.com At his episcopal ordination on July 7 last year, Bishop Ma, whose
Bishop Aloysius Jin Luxian of Shanghai, a prominent Chinese ! " " # $ %&
appointment was approved by the ‡ publicly quit the Catholic Patriotic Association, saying he wanted to devote himself to his ministry. He was almost immediately Shanghai’s Sheshan Seminary and prohibited from assuming his duties as bishop, although he often sent messages about the day’s liturgical readings on his Weibo account. Bishop Jin was born in 1916 in Shanghai and ordained a Jesuit in 1945. Two years later, he left for studies in France, Germany and Italy. He returned to Shanghai and served for four years as rector of what was then known as the Xuhui Regional Seminary, later Sheshan Seminary. He was arrested in 1955 because, as he said, he “opposed
several laws of the state�. During his time in prison, he prayed and taught himself Russian. After his release, Bishop Jin was sent to northern China for almost 10 years, where he spent some of his time working the land. During this time of house arrest he also worked on translations for the Chinese government. He returned to Shanghai in 1982 to serve as rector of the renamed Sheshan Seminary. In 1984, he re-established the Guang Qi Research Centre for academic research and publication. He was elected auxiliary bishop of Shanghai in December 1984 and was ordained the next month without Vatican approval. He became bishop of Shanghai in 1989 but did not reconcile his status with the Vatican until early in the 21st century, according to the diocesan website. Bishop Jin was named an honorary president of the government-sanctioned Catholic Patriotic Association and the Chinese bishops’ conference at the National Congress of Catholic Representatives held in late 2010. In a statement issued on April 30, the Vatican Secretariat of State said that under Bishop Jin’s guidance, the Diocese of Shanghai “developed greatly. His pastoral commitment was impressive, modernising the diocese in many ways and trying to keep it under the guidance of its pastors, including by relying on the esteem which the civil authorities had for him�. The statement said the bishop dedicated his life to “keeping alive love for Christ and the Church while remaining loyal to his country and his culture�. „ CNS
Buddhist groups blamed for religious violence COLOMBO – More than 300 dem-
onstrators gathered in the Sri Lankan capital on April 28 to protest against a wave of attacks on Muslim and other religious minority businesses in recent months. Demonstrators, including religious leaders, politicians and activists, held signs that read “Hate has no place in Sri Lanka� and urged an end to religious hatred and violence. “Extremist groups promote a culture of religious hatred and racism in the country and they are now working freely but nobody is talking about these organisations,� said Buddhist monk Baddegama Samitha Thero. “Their activities badly affect the unity among religions.�
Two Buddhist groups – the Bodhu Bala Sena and the Rawana Balaya – have been accused of trying to curb the availability of halal meat during a Buddhist festival and advocating government restrictions on Muslim attire. The groups have also been blamed for assaults on Christian and Muslim houses of worship, more than 60 of which have been attacked since January, according to evangelical pastor Rohan de S Ekanayake and Muslim rights activist Arshad Nizamdeen. Bodhu Bala Sena and Rawana Balaya have denied accusations of sowing religious hatred and involvement in the attacks, blaming them on unnamed foreign coun-
tries who fund Christian and Muslim fundamentalist groups that pose a threat to Buddhists. However, local media reports said that Bodhu Bala Sena members have distributed anti-Muslim pamphlets in Matara district in Southern Province. President Mahinda Rajapaksa, in a recent address to the nation, said his government would not allow racism or religious extremism and appealed to the Buddhist majority to protect the rights of others. “This is a democratic country and non-Buddhists have equal rights and freedom,� he said. The Buddhist Sinhalese make up three-quarters of Sri Lanka’s 20 million population. „ UCANEWS.COM
ASIA 7
Sunday May 19, 2013 „ CatholicNews
Priests, laypeople struggle to aid Sichuan quake victims CHENGDU, CHINA – The situation
in Yaan city in quake-hit Sichuan province “is not at all good�, says a priest. “We have no tents, and reserves of clean water and food are severely limited. We have assembled temporary shelters made of plastic and bamboo to spend the night, but it not enough and offer no protection.� This is how Fr Chen Yong from St Mary’s parish near Yaan city in Sichuan, describes conditions for survivors of the April 20 earthquake that rocked the province. He and parishioners are living together with other survivors and receive food, blankets and medicine from rescue teams, he told AsiaNews in a phone interview. Of the 10,000 Catholics in Yaan, 6,000 have had their homes damaged, he said. A seriously injured Catholic was rescued from the rubble on April 28, he added. ` > remains at about 200, with about 14,000 injured. About 126,000 homes have been destroyed. Church buildings have also been damaged, said Fr Chen. @ have collapsed.� The priest added, however, that he was heartened by the help provided by Chinese Catholics in other parts of China who have organised fundraising and material aid for survivors. Since the quake occurred, Fr Chen and other priests have been helping people, transferring the injured and coordinating the distribution of relief aid to the needy, he said. Catholic volunteers are now in the area helping quake victims, counselling them and reach-
ing out in remote places. In the provincial capital of Chengdu, about 160 km from the quake epicentre, the regional seminary of Sichuan also experienced damage. However, the seminarians and lecturers are safe as they evacuated from the dormitory and campus buildings when the quake struck. Seminarians held a Taize prayer service on April 21 evening, mourning the dead, praying for victims and asking for God’s consolation. Meanwhile, Church and NGO groups are appealing for donations.
‘We have no tents,
and reserves of clean water and food are severely limited.’
– Fr Chen Yong from St Mary’s parish near Yaan city
However, reports say that people are reluctant to do so because ”” the aftermath of the 2008 Sichuan quake. A Catholic in Hong Kong told AsiaNews he chooses to donate through Hong Kong NGOs working in Sichuan as he trusts them. Cardinal John Tong Hon of Hong • " | nate through Caritas-Hong Kong. Caritas Humanitarian Aid & Relief Initiatives, Singapore (CHARIS) has sent over $50,000 to help Jinde Charities, a China Catholic charity, provide relief for the victims. „ ASIANEWS
A mother comforts her young son amidst debris after an earthquake hit Sichuan province, China, on April 20. CNS photo
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ASIA 9
Sunday May 19, 2013 „ CatholicNews
Asia-wide meeting discusses new ways to serve families A group discussion at the BILA II on the Family conference held in Kuala Lumpur.
It is important to enable families to become transmitters of the faith and bring about transformation in their own households and society. This was one salient point made by Jesuit Msgr Manny Gabriel at an Asia-wide Church conference on the family held at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Centre in Kuala Lumpur from April 20-25. The BILA (Bishops’ Institute for Lay Apostolate) II on the Family meeting saw the participation of 98 people. They comprised 11 bishops, married couples, priests, Religious and laity from 17 Asian countries who exchanged views and explored new ways of working for the family in Asia. The event had the theme: Families in Asia, Serving and Being Served Filipino Msgr Gabriel, the keynote speaker, stressed to participants that it is important to have a stable faith vision and a " ! | account the context of families and their world views. Basing his talk on the Synod of Bishops on the New Evangelisation, a global bishops’ meeting held in the Vatican last October, Msgr Gabriel stressed that faith experience as a personal and social encounter with the person of Christ is the seedbed of all efforts to transmit the Christian faith. Unless there is a strong faith vision combined with a keen sense of the culture one lives in, formation programmes will not produce their fruits in family life, he said. A pre-conference survey revealed that the most regularly and frequently executed programme among family commissions is the Marriage Preparation Course, and Church teaching on marriage as a sacrament and its consequences. However, the survey also revealed that ignorance of the meaning of “marriage as a sacrament� is one concern of family commissions.
Keynote speaker Filipino Msgr Manny Gabriel.
Participants felt that programmes may not be achieving their goals either because of their methodology or because the emphasis is on delivering a programme rather than accompanying couples. Regional reports during the meeting also revealed that many
Asian countries experience the phenomenon of migration, either internal or external. Participants discussed the pastoral care of family members left selves lonely in foreign lands. They also discussed why people migrate and the role of governments in providing decent work with fair wages, affordable education, housing and healthcare so families can remain in their countries of origin if they wish. As one key objective was to get family commissions to work more closely with related ministries, workshops were held involving people working with youth, women, migration and small Christian communities. Regional meetings are expected as a follow-up to this conference to strengthen collaboration | the family. The conference was _ ] and Family of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences. „
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WORLD 11
Sunday May 19, 2013 „ CatholicNews
Catholics, Buddhists should work together to defend life, cardinal says VATICAN CITY – Catholics and Buddhists share “a profound reverence for life� which should motivate them to work together to protect human life, including the life of the unborn, said Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, president of € religious Dialogue. € \ dhists and Christians, on the basis of the genuine patrimony of our religious traditions, to create a climate of peace to love, defend and promote human life,� the cardinal said in a message marking Vesak Day. ^ council sends its best wishes to Buddhists around the world for Vesak Day, a feast commemorating key events in the life of the Buddha. The message for 2013 was released by the Vatican on May 2. “Pope Francis, at the very beginning of his ministry, has dialogue of friendship among followers of different religions,� Cardinal Tauran said, and he @ belief that individuals have a moral obligation to love and protect life and all of creation.
‘It is urgent for Buddhists and Christians to create a climate of peace to love, defend and promote human life.’
– Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, ' $ ! " $ for Interreligious Dialogue Buddhist monks taking part in a parade in New Delhi, India. CNS photo
of these noble teachings on the sanctity of human life, evil in different forms contributes to the dehumanisation of the person by mitigating the sense of humanity in individuals and communities�. Buddhists and Christians must “join hands to unmask the threats to human life and to awaken the ethical consciousness of our respective followers� so that they would be “true peacemakers who love, defend and promote human life in all its dimensions�, Cardinal Tauran wrote. Vesak Day is celebrated on May 24 in Singapore this year. „ CNS
€ \ —‡€@ message for the Jan 1 celebration of World Peace Day emphasised the Catholic belief
that peace is impossible without “respect for human life in all its many aspects, beginning with its conception�. €
` Buddhism is “to abstain from destroying the life of any sentient being�. Yet, the cardinal said, “in spite
The full message is at http://www. vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_ councils/interelg/documents/rc_pc_ interelg_doc_20130502_festivitabuddista_en.html
12 WORLD
Sunday May 19, 2013 „ CatholicNews CNS photo
Belgian bishops criticise women’s water attack on archbishop Four bare-breasted women protesters threw water on him during a debate BRUSSELS, BELGIUM – The Belgian
bishops’ conference criticised an attack on its president, Archbishop Andre Leonard of Mechelen-Brussels, during which he was soaked with water by half-naked women. Four bare-breasted protesters from the international FEMEN movement disrupted the April 23 evening debate at the Free University of Brussels, waving placards with the slogan, “Stop homophobia�. FEMEN claims to protect women’s rights through topless campaigns. “A democratic debate on society’s questions is only possible if everyone is allowed to express their ideas in mutual respect and free expression,� the bishops said in an April 24 statement. “The attitude shown by these people totally lacks credibility and civic sense. It also completely contradicts the debate theme and the way the Catholic Church undertakes dialogue in a pluralist context.�
Press photos showed the 72-year-old archbishop sitting and praying as he was soaked by the women, who were later ejected by university guards from the debate, which was titled Blasphemy: Offence or Freedom of Self-Expression? In a Facebook message, FEMEN members said their action had been “directed against the homophobia of Archbishop Leonard�, adding they would demand his dismissal for “spreading hatred and intolerance in our media and universities�. € @ " ment of abstinence and celibacy, FEMEN will not tolerate his attempt to impose chastity on the homosexual community as pathology,� the message said. The debate organiser, Prof Guy Haarscher, a professor at the Free University of Brussels, told La Libre Belgique daily on April 25 that the protest had been “very violent against an old man�, adding that
Belgian Archbishop Andre-Joseph Leonard of Mechelen-Brussels reacts after activists from FEMEN threw water at him during a conference at the Free University of Brussels in Belgium.
Archbishop Leonard had gained the audience’s sympathy for his “enormous calm�. “There’s a level of violence which shouldn’t be permitted,� said Prof Haarscher, a former professor at Duke University School of Law. “Although I’m in total agreement with these women in principle, and in total disagreement with [Archbishop] Leonard on homosexuality, he has the right to voice his opinions.�
Belgium’s Catholic news agency, CathoBel, said discussion of religious freedom would not be advanced by the “imbecilic provocation� of the women, whose torsos were painted with slogans including “In gay we trust�. Archbishop Leonard has attracted controversy for statements on moral and social issues since being named head of the archdiocese in January 2010. „ CNS
POPE FRANCIS 13
Sunday May 19, 2013 „ CatholicNews
‘Christians must learn to patiently endure trials – and each other’ VATICAN CITY –
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Israeli president invites pope to visit Israel ‘soon’ VATICAN CITY – Israeli President
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Pope, Lebanese president urge aid for Syrian refugees Pope Francis exchanges gifts with Lebanese President Michel Sleiman during a private audience at the Vatican. CNS photo
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14 POPE FRANCIS
slave labour go against God’s plan’ VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis
“Power, money, culture do not called for an end to slave labour give us dignity,� he said. “Work, | honest work, gives us dignity�.
However, he said, “today work for more people. many social, political and ecoThe problem of unemploy- nomic systems have chosen to ment is “very often caused by a exploit the human personâ€? in the purely economic view of society, workplace, by “not paying a just | [wage], not offering work, focusoutside the bounds of social jus- ing solely on the balance sheets, tice,â€? he said, marking the May the company’s balance sheets, 1 feast of St Joseph the Worker only looking at how much I can during his weekly general audi- & ` ~ ¢} ence. “People are less important “I wish to extend an invitation > to everyone to greater solidarity to those who have political, soand to encourcial, economic age those in power. What point have we to spare no efcome to?â€? he fort to give asked. new impetus to The pope employment,â€? recalled the he said. “This recent tragedy means caring in Bangladesh, for the dignity where more of the person.â€? than 600 garThe pope ment workers touched on the were killed same theme when the during the building they homily at his were working early morning in collapsed. Mass before The worka congrega- Pope Francis greets the crowd as he ers reportedly tion of unwed arrives to lead his general audience in earned just teenage moth- St Peter’s Square on May 1. CNS photo US$38 (S$47) ers and their a month. children in “This the chapel of the Domus Sanctae is what you call slave labour,â€? the Marthae, where he lives. pope said. The pope said unemployment Today, “we can no longer say “is a burden on our conscienceâ€? what St Paul said, ‘Who will not because when society is organised work, should not eat’, but we have in such a way that it cannot offer to say, ‘He who does not work has people an opportunity to work, lost his dignity’ because he cannot “there is something wrong with |}& that society: It is not right!â€? A society that cannot offer a “It goes against God Himself, person the possibility of work is who wanted our dignity to begin a society that “has stripped this with [work].â€? person of dignityâ€?, he said. „ CNS
Worldliness is Church’s biggest threat: pontiff VATICAN CITY – The biggest threat
to the Church is worldliness, Pope Francis said in his daily morning Mass homily. A worldly Church becomes weak, and while people of faith can look after the Church, only God “can look evil in the eye and overpower it,� he said on April 30. The pope celebrated the Mass with members of the Vatican’s investment agency in the chapel of the Domus Sanctae Marthae. The day’s reading from the Gospel of St John recounts Jesus telling his disciples, “I will no longer speak much with you, for the ruler of the world is coming,� but Satan “has no power over me�. While people of faith can care for and look after the Church, only God “can keep her going,
safeguard her, make her grow, make her holy, defend her, defend her from the prince of this world and those who want the Church to become, in short, more and more worldly�. “This is the biggest danger,� he said, “when the Church becomes worldly, when she has the spirit of the world within herself.� The peace the Church needs is the kind only Jesus, not the world, can give, he said. It is a “peace that is a true gift of the presence of Jesus in the midst of His Church.� When the Church possesses “that worldly peace,� the Church becomes weak, defeated “and incapable of truly carrying the Gospel – the message of the cross, the scandal of the cross,� he said. „ CNS
Sunday May 19, 2013 „ CatholicNews
retired Pope Benedict back to Vatican VATICAN CITY – )
in history, the Vatican is home to a pope and a retired pope. Pope Francis welcomed his predecessor, retired Pope Benedict XVI, to the Vatican on May 2 outside the convent remodelled for the 86-year-old retired pontiff and five aides. Pope Francis and Pope Benedict entered the convent’s chapel together “for a brief moment of prayer�, said Jesuit Fr Federico Lombardi, Vatican spokesman. Pope Benedict had been staying at the papal summer villa in Castel Gandolfo since retiring on Feb 28. Pope Francis travelled to the villa 10 days after his election to visit, pray and have lunch with Pope Benedict; the new pope also has telephoned his predecessor on at least two occasions. In response to questions about the fact that Pope Benedict seemed to be much frailer than he was two months ago, Fr Lombardi told reporters, “He’s an elderly man, weakened by age, but he is not suffering from any illness.� The retired pope will live in the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery with Archbishop Georg Ganswein, his secretary, who also serves Pope Francis as prefect of the papal household. „ CNS
Retired Pope Benedict XVI greets Pope Francis at the Vatican on May 2. The 86-year-old retired pontiff returned to the Vatican to live in a monastery in the Vatican Gardens. CNS photo
Holy Spirit drives Church, VATICAN CITY – The Church is
driven by the Holy Spirit and God’s love, not by bureaucrats or militants, Pope Francis said in his morning homily. He also warned against letting the Church’s mission get lost in a tangle of bureaucracy, saying the Church administration is necessary only so long as it supports the wider mission of love. The pope celebrated Mass in the chapel of his residence, the Domus Sanctae Marthae on April 24 with employees from the Vatican bank. ( " @ ing from the Acts of the Apostles in which “the Word of God continued to spread and grow�, and the Holy Spirit descended upon Barnabas and Saul sending them on to a new evangelising mission. “What is the Church? Our Church? Because it seems that
it is not a human enterprise,� the pope said in his homily. The Church “is something else�, he said; it’s not the disciples who make the Church because they are the messengers, sent by Jesus who, in turn, was sent by God. “And so, one sees that the Church begins there, in the heart of the Father� who loved the world enough to send His only son. The Church doesn’t grow because of “human strength�, and Christians in the past who created armies and waged religious wars took the wrong path; “some Christians made mistakes for historical reasons�, he said. “We, too, learn from our mistakes about how this love story goes,� he said, since it grows silently, quietly, like the mustard seed, like yeast in the dough. The Church grows the same way, “slowly from the
bottom�, Pope Francis said. “When the Church wants to " ” make departments and become a bit bureaucratic, the Church loses its main essence and runs into danger of turning itself into an NGO,� he said. He then spoke directly to his audience – employees of the Vatican bank – saying “excuse me, > are necessary ... but they’re necessary up to a certain point: as an aid to this story of love�. “But when the organisation takes precedence, love drops away and the Church, poor thing, becomes an NGO; this is not the way,� he said. The Church is a mother, he said, and no real mother would let herself be called a “domestic administrator� but would insist on being called a mother. „ CNS
* See related story on page 15
POPE FRANCIS 15
Sunday May 19, 2013 „ CatholicNews
VATICAN CITY – Amid widespread speculation about a complete and quick reorganisation of Vatican departments, and rumours in the Italian media that Pope Francis was going to close the Vatican | ‡ everyone to calm down. “It’s a bit strange; the pope still has not met the group of advisers he chose and already the advice is raining down,� said Archbishop Angelo Becciu, the substitute secretary for general affairs in the Vatican Secretariat of State. The Vatican newspaper, L’Osservatore Romano, ran a front-page interview on April 30 with Archbishop Becciu, whose job is similar to a chief of staff. Asked about rumours that Pope Francis intended to close the Institute for Religious Works, commonly called the Vatican bank, Archbishop Becciu said, “The pope was surprised to see
Archbishop Angelo Becciu, substitute secretary for general affairs in the Vatican Secretariat of State.
attributed to him phrases that he never said and that misrepresent his thought.� In his homily during April 24 morning Mass, which he celebrat-
moment it is absolutely premature ‘Attothisadvance any hypothesis about the future structure of the [Roman] Curia. ’
– Archbishop Angelo Becciu
ed with Vatican bank employees present, Pope Francis said the story of the Church is part of the story of God’s love for humanity and human beings’ love for God. The pontiff said bureaucra + | the Vatican bank, for example + > living and sharing that story of love. “In the context of a serious call to never lose sight of the essence of the Church,� the pope’s reference to the Vatican bank was simply an acknowledgment that some of the employees were present, the archbishop said. As for the panel of eight cardinals Pope Francis named on April 13 to advise him on “the governance of the universal Church and to study a plan� to reorganise the Roman Curia, Archbishop Becciu said, “at this moment it is absolutely premature to advance any hypothesis about
File photo of Vatican bank.
the future structure of the curia�. “Pope Francis is listening to > of all from those he chose as advisers,� the archbishop said. The eight cardinals are supposed to
October. In the meantime, Archbishop Becciu said, Pope Francis has asked all the heads of Vatican congregations and councils to stay on “for now�.
As of April 30, the pope had ‡ head a more permanent position, | ‡ ! > ment to continue in their jobs, the archbishop said. “This shows the desire of the Holy Father to take the time
" + @ + to have a complete picture of the situation,� he said. „ CNS
16 LETTERS/OPINION
Sunday May 19, 2013 „ CatholicNews
Fortnightly newspaper of the Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore
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DESIGN / LAYOUT: Christopher Wong: design@catholic.org.sg Elaine Ong: elaine.ong@catholic.org.sg
COMMENTARY
How does one make sense of suffering? Race $ # police and runners react following two explosions at the Boston Marathon on April 15. CNS photo
> ! \ ` ! US shattered the lives of innocent people and raised serious questions that are not easily answered. At least 17 people died in the tragedies, including a young child, and well over 150 suffered physical injuries, many resulting in the loss of limbs and the use of vital organs. The emotional scars and the spiritual stumbling blocks are unfathomable. Like many other people of
Christians in the face of such suffering is to bring solace to the in› &  &  &  >  assure them that they are not alone. The doctors, nurses and other caregivers who responded so self fundamental goodness of human beings, even as we are aware that evidence of human negligence and downright evil is likely to increase as the causes are investigated.  > not give in to hatred or despair. The physical consequences of > ! are not mitigated by an analysis of their causes. Yet, we all want to know why. As human beings, we | &  Â&#x;  Â&#x; ` ` ! !
under investigation. At least two > terrorists who perpetrated the Boston massacre. In her book, Suffering, German theologian Dorothee Soelle, asks point-blank whose side we think God was on in the concentration camps – that of the murderers or that of the victims. The most important question that we need to ask about suffering, she suggests, is whom it serves.
In the end, whether suffering is caused by bad luck or bad people, we need to know what meaning it might have. “Does our suffering,� she writes, “serve God or the devil, the cause of becoming alive or being morally paralysed?� Not so much the question of where it comes from as to where it leads. In the end, whether suffering is caused by bad luck or bad people, we also need to know what
> &  not yet be ready for the answer to the question – which leads to the + ! the question of whose fault it was
– which looks to the past. Ultimately, however, we will have to ask ourselves whether we will allow these terrible events – one of which is quite patently a malevolent act of terrorism and the other, apparently, a hapless disaster – to strengthen our love for what we live for or our hatred for what we are against. Can we really avoid the choice? The Christian martyrs never loved death or suffering in them > | &  ! † ! possessing any redemptive value. Great suffering, however, even the > " > became for Christ (decisively) – and now for all empowered by Him (by participation) – the occa > of a good God.  > forces of darkness and evil might marshal to destroy our lives, let them never deter us from witnessing to the power of love to heal, human life – life at all stages, with ! innocent and defenceless. „ CNS Tablet, the newspaper of Brooklyn diocese in the US.
Call for less self-protection TODAY, among many of us churchgoers, there is growing propensity to self-protect rather than risk cru ! &  but, good intentions notwithstanding, our actions are the opposite of Jesus. He loved the world enough to let ( &  > where inside our churches today, albeit it is not without cause. In most parts of the world, the Church is under siege in some fashion, either because of active persecution or simply because it’s being disrespected, unfairly perceived, and unfairly treated. Secularised culture carries inside itself a certain anti-Christian and anti-ecclesial bias and many Church people feel that this bias is the last prejudice that is still intellectually acceptable in our culture. And this isn’t simple paranoia. There’s some substance to it. Secular culture has its virtues but it is also clearly somewhat immature and grandiose in its relationship to its Judaeo-Christian heritage. Not unlike > critical and bitterly unfair to its own parentage. Adolescents are often very hard on their parents and secular culture is often very hard on its Judaeo-Christian heritage. Given this fact, I can understand why so many Church leaders and concerned Church members today are becoming more and more defensive. However, while I understand the instinct behind this, I cannot agree with the response, namely, our propensity to circle the wagons, batten down the hatches, and see our culture as an enemy against which we need to protect ourselves rather than as the world that Jesus died for and which we are called to love and save.  > for it?  @ @ ! &  > ~ & Jesus’ disciples were forever trying to protect Him from various groups whom they deemed unworthy of His presence and Jesus was forever clear that He didn’t need or want to be protected: “Let them come to me!â€? was one of His mantras. Moreover, and more importantly, His disciples were also trying to protect Him against persons and things they deemed as a threat to Him. Thus they tried to talk Him out of accepting ( ! ( Him through violent resistance – the sword. As He was being arrested, they asked Him: Should we use force to protect you? Should we strike with the sword? Sadly, they didn’t wait for His answer and Peter, trying to protect Him, did strike with the sword, cutting off the ear of one of the men arresting Jesus.  @ Â&#x;  > ( words: No more of this! But we don’t have the tone of those words.  | Â&#x;  | frustration, recognising that Peter, the rock, the future pope, had so badly misunderstood His message? Or were they spoken in that sad tone a mother uses when she tells
> > | > Â&#x;  > * ( @ about their master: Jesus had spent His entire ministry healing people, including healing diseased ears so that people might hear again, and on His last night on earth the leader of His apostles cuts off the ear of someone in an attempt to protect Him. The lesson is in the irony: Jesus’ healing of ears had revealed His longing for dialogue and Peter’s severing of an ear had revealed his itch to cut off dialogue. Jesus’ whole person and message had incarnated > ! ( responded with violence and self-protection. That lesson shouldn’t be lost: Everything about Jesus speaks of vulnerability rather than self-protection. He was born in a manger, a feeding trough, a place where animals come to eat, and He ends up on a " }  (  ( > > ! protection. That was Jesus’ response to a world that grossly misunderstood Him and violently mistreated Him. He opened His arms in vulnerability ( & And that is how, ideally, we should respond to the world when it’s unfair to us. Unlike Peter, who instinctually struck with the sword without remembering Jesus’ message, we shouldn’t let an outside threat erase what was so central to Jesus’ person and teaching and respond in a manner antithetical to the Gospel, hostility for hostility, immaturity for immaturity. „
FOCUS 17
Sunday May 19, 2013 „ CatholicNews
Evolution: Science, faith explore emergence of man Scientists, theologians and philosophers meet to discuss major issues surrounding human evolution By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY – Evolutionary
science is still grappling with understanding how the human species, with its unique capacities for language, culture, abstract reasoning and spirituality, may have emerged from a pre-ape ancestor. While the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that God “in a plan of sheer goodness freely created man to make him share in His own blessed life�, the Church > tigation of the origins of humanity to be a valuable contribution to human knowledge. In its continuing dialogue with ! 6 brought together evolutionary biologists, palaeoanthropologists, archaeologists, neuroscientists, theologians and philosophers to discuss the major physical and cultural changes that occurred during mankind’s evolution. The working group on The Emergence of the Human Being 6 $š $ topics such as the mastery and use funeral rites, and the emergence of language, culture and conscience. \ # ” rondo, the science academy’s chancellor, told the group that > truth and “can help philosophy and theology understand ever more fully the status and future of the human person�.
> ! nal world and how it works, while religion is concerned with “the internal world of the self, which belongs to the spirit present in his being and to his relationship with God�, the bishop said. 6 ophy “must not engage in a losing battle to establish the facts of nature that constitute the very scope of science�, he said. “Philosophy and theology should ask themselves how they become enriched by the naturalist viewpoint of science, starting from the assumption that the human being is already a speaking, questioning being,� he added. How this being emerged from > of other primates is still a matter of much debate. 6 > no species turned out to be more unlike its ancestors than the hu \ 6 can palaeontologist Ian Tattersall, former curator of the anthropol > 6 # seum of Natural History in New York City. What is so unusual is humans ended up with such “special and unique properties� even though they followed the same evolutionary mechanisms of genetic variation, adaptation and natural selection as all other species, he said. That radical transformation “I think, was due to culture�, he said, which changed the way early hu-
The pope’s Religious order
4$$" " " ' $ + ences brought together various experts to discuss the topic, The Emergence of the Human Being. CNS illustration
mans responded to their environment. But how that transformation came about is still a mystery, he ‰ > & “It’s absolutely mind-boggling: How do you go from a nonlinguistic and non-symbolic creature to a symbolic and linguistic successor?� he said. #  -
ologist and founding director of ) | € 6 > of the Brain Imaging Centre in Frankfurt, Germany, said, “The neurons are the same in our [hu ‹ ! in the mollusc.� Groups of neurons – called + !
Philosophy and theology should ask ‘
! point with and become enriched by the naturalist viewpoint of science.
’
– Bishop Marcelo Sanchez Sorondo, $$ ' $ +
! changes during evolution, so “a ! ! ! from a human being�, he said. But the human brain radically diverged from other species in that ! increase in volume, he said. While scientists know how neurons work and pass signals to one another on one hand, high-level human brain functions like reasoning, longterm memory and assigning mean ! ! } & Brain research has implications for topics that normally concerned only philosophy – such as free will, the boundaries of mind and body, and the nature of consciousness, he said. 6 � neurobiologists can’t avoid anymore,� he said. \ ” > lutionary laws of heredity and ge " the Catholic faith and offer a bio ! > opment of species on Earth. However, he said, the beginning of the universe, “the transition from nothing to being�, is  ~ cause of creation and being. Human beings are not just biological creatures, but spiritual, too, whose “incorruptible soul�, he said, “requires a creative act of God�. # ) ” ) is an anthropologist and palaeontologist, said evolution could have ended at the pre-human stage, but thanks to God’s will, humans emerged with the capacity for " | transcendent. He has said that rather than picturing it as humans descending from the apes, humans ascended or rose up from the animal kingdom to a higher level, thanks to the hand of God. „ CNS
POPE AND SWISS GUARD: Pope Francis poses with members of the Swiss Guard band at the Vatican on April 23. Second from right is Msgr Alain de Raemy, chaplain of the Swiss Guard. CNS photo
18 WORLD COMMUNICATIONS DAY
Sunday May 19, 2013 „ CatholicNews
Communication in digital spaces needs to unite, not divide � |& _ | the news. ` & ‰ to more and more people, more > & `
By Stephen Kent
I
love the digital world, the Internet, by whatever name. This morning, I paid bills, made an airline reservation, re for a visit from longtime friends & ` & €@ & € > mit, however, that as a tool of gen !
& It has the potential to be an open ideas, information and opinions, \ XVI said in this year’s message for  ‚ & ` @ > ! } }& > } & ` > & ` > |
The technological changes pose ‘demanding challenges to those who want to speak about truth and values.’ – Pope Benedict XVI
their websites to allow readers to express opinions. One newspaper, however, did Â? | > Â -
}& ` @ ! ` 6 @ | & Â > Â? & |
& 6 & ` & _ Â? >
| > } his message. > & ` ! & ` > & „ CNS Kent is the retired editor of archdiocesan newspapers in Omaha and Seattle, USA.
Spreading the Gospel in the digital world By Rhina Guidos ‚ 6 ” ) # * ` | > )\ &} ` + ` @ $ ' + > † † € 6 @ media and how they present themselves to others online. ) 6 ) | ) | & _ & ` > > who, with the help of smartphones, take > > more likely to report to others that they’re in > &
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know we are Christians ‘Theybywill our love, but probably ! " $ ’
– Fr James Martin (above)
> that he shares with the world. _ ing down. ~ € | €@ | €@ } & ( € > &} \ ~ " | > > response. ` ~ @ @ € @ } said. ] ~ ” ' ) ) | &  @ ! | > & ) | gan asking her to pray for them or for family members. Then they referred friends, � ) | page. | | � > & >
> help. € } > line and she has never met them and likely > & # or a rosary for their well-being, for a reso & 6 } & 6 ž€ @ | € @ @ ! }& ) # ! & | | & _ | ‡ & Yet others ask for prayers for parents or tell
depression.
said. € } & ( @ @ > & ` } & &} „ CNS Guidos is an editor at Catholic News Service.
WORLD COMMUNICATIONS DAY 19
Sunday May 19, 2013 „ CatholicNews
Vatican II on communications: speaking to the world A look at the Vatican document, Inter
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20
Sunday May 19, 2013 „ CatholicNews
CHILDREN’S STORY:
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WORDSEARCH: „ STEPHEN
„ POWER
„ MIRACLES
„ LEADERS
„ DEBATE
„ WISDOM
„ WORD „ PRIESTS
„ MOSES „ JOSEPH
Read more about it: Acts 6 and 7
Q&A 1. Why were the people angry with Stephen? 2. How did Stephen treat the people who were stoning him?
PUZZLE: Which people listed below have books of the Bible named after them? Place a check next to their names:
„ „ „ „ „ „ „
1. Joshua 2. Abraham 3. Moses 4. Ruth 5. Ezekiel 6. Barnabas 7. Job
KIDS’ CLUB: Share your thoughts on this week’s Bible story with family and friends by writing an essay in response to this question: What do you think made Stephen so brave at the end of his life?
7. Job
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By Joe Sarnicola
WHAT’S ON 21
Sunday May 19, 2013 „ CatholicNews
EVENT SUBMISSIONS We welcome information of events happening in our local Church. Please send your submission at least one month before the event. Online submissions can be made at www. catholic.sg/webevent_form.php SATURDAYS MAY 11 TO AUG 17 JOURNEY WITHIN 2013 9am-1pm: Inviting single ladies under 30 on a journey of self-discovery, deepening one’s relationship with Jesus, exploring the meaning of one’s Christian vocation, using better one’s gifts and talents in the service of the Church, and more. By Daughters of St Paul Sisters. At 47 Jurong West St 42. E: fspvocation@yahoo.com (Sr Jocelyn) SUNDAYS MAY 12 TO AUGUST 11 CHRISTIAN LIFE PROGRAMME 2-5pm: A life renewal programme that has touched the lives of many. Married couples, individuals and singles over 21 welcome. By Couples for Christ. At Church of Divine Mercy (19 Pasir Ris St 72), Register (for couples) T: 9786 1427 (Ronald), 8201 9788 (Weng). Register (for singles) T: 8318 6923 (Erick), 8606 0410 (Ice). W: http://www.couplesforchrist.org.sg WEDNESDAY MAY 15 TO FRIDAY MAY 17 PENTECOSTAL TRIDUUM 7.30-9.30pm (nightly): Theme: We walk by faith and not by sight. Preaching by Fr Jacob Ong CSsR. T: 64536340 Ext7; E: ppc.holyspirit@gmail.com; FB: http:// www.facebook.com/CHSPentecost2013 MAY 18 PASTORAL CARE WORKSHOP ON CARE FOR THE SICK AND ELDERLY 2-5pm: Caregivers and parish Communion Ministers to the sick are encouraged to attend. Facilitated by Sr Carmen Francis, FMDM, Clinical Pastoral Care/PastoralGrief Counsellor. By Catholic Nurses Guild. Cost: $10. At Church of Divine Mercy. Register T/SMS: 9236 1047 (Theresa), 9670 3521 (Dorothy), 8121 1263 (Yvonne) FRIDAYS MAY 17 TO SEPTEMBER 20 CATHOLICISM VIDEO SERIES FOR YOUNG ADULTS 8.15-10pm: Deepen your encounter with God and gain new perspectives on your faith using Fr Robert Barron’s Catholicism video series. At Church of St Francis of Assisi (SFA Lighthouse Level 4). Register T: 9275 8020 (Lillian), 9277 7642 (Gwen) MAY 18 PENTECOSTAL RALLY 7.30-10.30pm: An evening of prayer, praise and thanksgiving led by Youth Charismatic Ministry. At Church of St Ignatius (St Ignatius Hall). E: devitachristi@gmail.com
RCIA/RCIY/ RCIC A journey for those seeking to know more about the Catholic faith. Baptised Catholics are also invited to journey as sponsors.
THURSDAYS MAY 2 RCIA@CHURCH OF ST STEPHEN 8-9.30pm: At 30 Sallim Rd. Register T: 9107 6862/9757 2102 (Peter); E: peter3562@yahoo.com.sg WEDNESDAYS MAY 8 RCIA@CHURCH OF ST FRANCIS OF ASSISI 8pm: At 200 Boon Lay Avenue. Register T: 6262 4193 (Joachim); E: joachimliu@sfa-parish.org.sg FRIDAYS MAY 10 RCIY@ CHURCH OF ST FRANCIS OF ASSISI 8pm: At 200 Boon Lay Avenue. For those aged 13-17. Register T: 6262 4193 (Joachim); E: joachimliu@sfa-parish.org.sg SATURDAYS MAY 11 RCIY@CHURCH OF ST IGNATIUS 4-6pm: At 120 King’s Rd. For those aged 15-22.Register T: 9762 6330 (Evelyn), 9362 0912 (Pascalene); E: rciy.ignatius@ gmail.com W: stignatiusrciy.blogspot.com WEDNESDAYS MAY 22 RCIA@CHURCH OF THE HOLY FAMILY 7.30-9.30pm: At 6 Chapel Rd. From August, meetings will also be held on Sundays from 11am-12.30pm. Register T: 63440046, 96666542; E: rciaholyfam@gmail.com THURSDAYS MAY 23 RCIA@CHURCH OF THE HOLY SPIRIT 8-10pm: At 248 Upper Thomson Rd. Register T: 9751 3041 (Kevin); E: holyspiritrcia.coordinator@gmail.com TUESDAYS MAY 28 RCIA@CHURCH OF ST IGNATIUS 8-10pm: At 120 King’s Rd. Inputs by
MAY 19 34TH ANNIVERSARY OF ST JOSEPH PRAYERS IN TAMIL 6.30-8pm: St Joseph Tamil Prayer Group will celebrate its 34th anniversary in honour of St Joseph with prayers and Mass at 7pm. At Blessed Sacrament Church. T: 6474 5249/9678 3855 (Margaret) WEDNESDAYS MAY 22 RELAXATION EXERCISE IN CHINESE 10-11am: Therapeutic breathing and guided imagery exercises. By Clarity Singapore. At Block 854 #01-3511, Yishun Ring Road. Register: 67577 990, 9710 3733; E: registration@clarity-singapore.org
experience necessary. Cost: $10. By Clarity Singapore. At Block 854 #01-3511, Yishun Ring Road. Register: 67577 990, 9710 3733; E: registration@clarity-singapore.org MAY 31 CANDLELIGHT ROSARY WALK AND 5TH ANNIVERSARY MASS 8-10pm: Rosary walk to honour Mother Mary, followed by the 5th Anniversary Mass of Gen-Christ! Young Adults Eucharistic Adoration Ministry. By Generation Christ! Ministry. At Church of St Ignatius (Garden of Light). E: gen.christ.ministry@gmail.com
THURSDAY MAY 23 TO SATURDAY MAY 25 JESUS YOUTH RETREAT Thu (8pm)-Sat (1pm): A retreat to encounter Jesus. By Jesus Youth Singapore. At Choice Retreat House (47 Jurong West Street 42) Register: T: 9732 5731
FRIDAY MAY 31 TO SUNDAY JUNE 2 RETROUVAILLE WEEKEND Fri (8.30pm)-Sun (5.30pm): If you are serious about making your marriage work, this programme could be worthwhile for you. At 201-B Punggol 17th Avenue. Register: T: 6749 8861; E: retrouvaillesingapore@yahoo. com.sg; W: http://www.helpourmarriage.sg
THURSDAY MAY 24 TO SUNDAY MAY 27 TASTE AND SEE Thu (7pm)-Sun (5pm): Introduction to silent retreats in the Ignatian tradition. Explore what awareness, meditation and quiet can offer. One-to-one spiritual direction offered. By Kingsmead CISC. Cost: $140 (non air-con room)/$1800 (air-con room). At 8 Victoria Park Rd. Register by May 14 T: 6467 6072; E: cisc2664@gmail.com
SATURDAY JUNE 1 AND SUNDAY JUNE 2 THEOLOGY OF THE BODY CRASH COURSE 9am-5pm (both days): Follows the DVD Introduction to Theology of the Body by Christopher West. Cost: $17 (workbook). By Apostolate for Catholic Truth. At International Plaza (10 Anson Road, 29-03). Register: T: 9649 3893; E: andrewkong@me.com
MAY 25 BECOMING A JESUIT – A JOURNEY OF THE MIND, HEART AND SPIRIT 2-8pm: The seminar will provide some basic understanding of the Jesuit vocation, formation and spirituality, and how to begin the discernment process. For single male Catholics 18 to 45 years old. With Mass and dinner. Free. At Loyola Jesuit Novitiate Kingsmead Hall (behind Church of St Ignatius. Register T: 9711 9717 (Br Jerome); E: mas-vocations@jesuits.net
FRIDAY JUNE 7 TO SUNDAY JUNE 9 MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEKEND Fri (8pm)-Sun (6pm): A live-in marriage enrichment programme for married couples. Equip yourselves on this journey of love. By ME Singapore. At 201-B Punggol 17th Avenue. Register: T: 9670 5390; E: register@marriage-encounter-sg.org
MAY 25 TESTIFY BY LANDINGS 2-4pm: Learn about Landings and its outreach to Catholics “away� from Church. Hear testimonies from Catholics who have returned to Church. Bring a friend who has been “away� from the Church! Also sharing of experiences with parishes interested in starting Landings. At Church of the Holy Spirit (Attic). Register T: 9688 0920 (Tony); E: returning@landings.org.sg The Attic, Church of the Holy Spirit MAY 30 ART THERAPY STUDIO 3-5pm: A conducive and creative space for you to be in touch with your inner being and to express yourself through art. No prior art Fr Philip Heng, SJ. Register T: 6466 0625 (Angela), 9630 8346 (Terese); E church@stignatius.og.sg THURSDAYS MAY 30 RCIA@CHURCH OF ST VINCENT DE PAUL 8pm: At 301 Yio Chu Kang Rd. Enquiries welcome on RCIA (Mandarin). T: 6482 0959 FRIDAYS MAY 31 RCIA@CHURCH OF OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE 7.45-9.30pm: At 4 Sandy Lane. SMS: 9030 9527; E: rcia.qop@gmail.com
JUNE 8 CATHOLIC SINGLES DINNER AT HANS 5.30-8.30pm: Meet for fellowship and friendship with other single Catholics from across Singapore. At Hans Cafe Pickering St. Register E: CatholicSingle@ gmail.com; FB: http://www.facebook. com/CatholicSinglesSingapore FRIDAY JUNE 14 TO MONDAY JUNE 17 DEALING WITH A PRICKLY PORCUPINE Fri (7pm)-Sun (5pm): A semi-directed retreat with Fr Matthew Linn, SJ, on seeing
> a source of new life and healing for us. By Kingsmead CISC. Cost: $270 (non aircon room)/$320 (air-con room). At 8 Victoria Park Rd. Register by June 1 T: 6467 6072; E: cisc2664@gmail.com THE NATIVITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 8-10pm: At 1259 Upper Serangoon Rd. Register T: 9696 9374 (Augustine), 6289 8435 (Yongmei), 6280 0980 (Parish ÂĽÂ ^* > ÂŞ & &
THURSDAYS JUNE 13 RCIA/RCIY@CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 8-10pm: At 1259 Upper Serangoon Rd. Register T: 97451498 (Grace), 96856673 (Genevieve); E: nativitysg@yahoo.com.sg
SATURDAYS JUNE 8 RCIY@CHURCH OF THE HOLY SPIRIT 3pm: At 248 Upper Thomson Rd. For 13-20 years old. T: 8499 9420 (Elizabeth); E: lizjteh@gmail.com
TUESDAYS JUNE 18 RCIA@CHURCH OF STS PETER AND PAUL 7.30-9.30pm: At 225A Queen St. With Info Night on June 18. Register at parish & `* %55Âœ 4/4 ¤ ÂĽ šœ45 6863 (Joanna); E: sng.joanna@gmail.com
SUNDAYS JUNE 9 RCIC@CHURCH OF THE HOLY SPIRIT 9.45am: At 248 Upper Thomson Rd. For 7-12 years old. T: 9740 3993 (Jamie); E: jamie_ze_pig@hotmail.com
WEDNESDAYS JUNE 19 RCIA@CHURCH OF THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY 7.45-9.45pm: At 24 Highland Rd. Register T: 9627 3835 (Nancy), 9616 2001 (Agnes); E: rcia@ihm.sg; W: http://ihm.sg/rcia
SUNDAYS JUNE 9 RCIY@CHURCH OF ST VINCENT DE PAUL 9am: At 301 Yio Chu Kang Rd. Register T: 9191 7527; E: julia_lim89@hotmail.com
FRIDAYS JUNE 28 RCIY@CHURCH OF THE RISEN CHRIST 8pm: At 91 Toa Payoh Central (St Matthew Room). For those aged 15-25. Register T: 9489 8086 (Jeremy); E: jeremyleehr@gmail.com
TUESDAYS JUNE 11 RCIA@CHURCH OF THE HOLY TRINITY 7.45pm: At 20 Tampines St 11. Register T: 8444 5505 (Gregory); ^* ª & TUESDAYS JUNE 11 RCIA@ST ANNE’S CHURCH 7.45-10pm: At 66 Sengkang East Way. Register T: 6386 5072 (Rosemary); E: secretariat@stanneonline.org TUESDAYS JUNE 11 RCIA MANDARIN@CHURCH OF
MONDAYS JULY 1/TUESDAYS JULY 2 RCIA@CHURCH OF ST ALPHONSUS (NOVENA CHURCH) 7.30-9.45pm: At 300 Thomson Rd. Register T: 6255 2133; E: rcianovena@ gmail.com; or at church reception FRIDAYS JULY 5 RCIA@ CHURCH OF CHRIST THE KING 8-10pm: At 2221 Ang Mo Kio Ave 8. T: % 4š šš4/ ¤ ÂĽ š//š '' Âœ ¤ ÂĽÂ E: query.rcia@gmail.com (Lawrence)
JUNE 15 A TRAVELLING LIGHT SERIES: I CALL YOU FRIEND 1-6pm: Calling young adults 20-40 years " discovery in Sentosa. By Verdum Dei Missionaries. Register T: 6274 0251; E: verbumdeispore@yahoo.com.sg JUNE 18 HEALING WHAT MAKES US RESTLESS 8-10pm: Fr Matthew Linn, SJ, helps us look at unresolved anxiety that surfaces at night because it needs healing. Evening ends with a prayer service to heal anxiety and improve sleep. Cost: $20. By Kingsmead CISC. At 8 Victoria Park Rd. Register by June 4. T: 6467 6072; E: cisc2664@gmail.com FRIDAY JUNE 21 TO SUNDAY JUNE 23 WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE Fri (8pm)-Sun (12pm): A course to deepen and strengthen one’s understanding of the Catholic faith through looking at the different practices of Catholics, Orthodox and Protestants. Conducted by Deacon Sherman Kuek, SFO. Organised by SPI. At CAEC (2 Highland Rd). Register T: 6858 3011; E: admin@catholicspi.org JUNE 26 HEALING SERVICE: RECEIVING THE GIFTS OF OUR HERITAGE 8-10pm: Session will focus on naming
the gifts of our maternal and paternal ancestry (or whoever else has loved us) and receiving their blessing to live life more fully. Receiving their love also heals the grief that arises from missing their presence. Conducted by Fr Matthew Linn, SJ. Cost: $20. By Kingsmead CISC. At Church of St Ignatius St Ignatius Hall (8 Victoria Park Rd). Register by June 19 T: 6467 6072; E: cisc2664@gmail.com FRIDAY JUNE 28 TO SATURDAY JUNE 29 BIBLE MIRROR METHOD – GOSPEL SHARING WORKSHOP Fri (7.30pm)-Sat (3pm): Another Gospelsharing method that helps communities identify daily situations and problems " & \ €& At CAEC (2 Highland Rd). Register: T: 6858 3011; E: admin@catholicspi.org MONDAYS JULY 1 TO SEPTEMBER 2 LIFE IN THE SPIRIT SEMINAR 7.30pm: A spiritual programme comprising talks, sacraments, sharing, prayer, scriptures and ministering to deepen personal relationship with Christ. \ 6" † Prayer Community. At Church of the Risen Christ. T: 9795 6383 (Helen), 9005 4511 (Marie); E: helena_law@ yahoo.com, E: m4trinity@gmail.com; Register W: www.risenchristcpg.org
Crossword Puzzle 1084 1
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www.wordgamesforcatholics.com
ACROSS 1 Veronica’s covering 5 Type of monastery 10 Undoing 14 These hands are the devil’s workshop 15 Sierra _____ 16 Lover of Narcissus 17 Gentleman’s grades 18 Narrowest part of the torso 19 Trudge 20 Ostriches’ kin 21 Ques. response 22 Harvests 23 Niche for storing consecrated oils 26 City in Northwest France 28 “For all the promises of God ¨¨¨¨¨ him.â€? (2 Cor 1:20) 29 Hernia 33 _____ guy 35 “_____ us, O Lord‌â€? 37 Mon. in which All Saints’ Day is celebrated 38 Eucharistic element 39 Loafer letters 40 Raise to third power 41 Franciscan letters 42 More than glanced at 44 Water storages 45 Characteristic of God
47 Unwell 48 Skirt bottoms 49 Preparation of the _______ 52 Trinitrons, e.g. 55 Bible opener (abbr.) 57 A Old Testament high priest 59 This partner 60 “Of ______ Sing� 62 Animals frequently mentioned in the Bible 63 Nat’l song % † 65 Spellbound 66 Derrick 67 Deputized group 68 Ratio words
22 24 25 26 27 30 31 32 33
DOWN 1 Bad habit 2 Dropsy 3 Lower portion of the small intestine 4 French “theseâ€? 5 “Behold, I am with you ___‌â€? 6 Type of bag 7 French wood 8 USNA grad 9 Nevertheless 10 Turn away from sin 11 Sch. with the motto “Fiat luxâ€? 12 “Breakfast Anytimeâ€? site 13 Visual assents
Solution to Crossword Puzzle No. 1083
34 35 36 38
40
Agts. Eight bits Classic wheels Statement of belief From, in Bonn E Pluribus _____ Steals from Wife of Adam Brought by a wise man “My treatâ€? They often signal the start of a religious service “Inside Manâ€? director Spike “______ to you, scribes and Pharisees‌â€? (Mt 23:13) The golden _____
P A U L
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L I M B S
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N A P A
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B A L I
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42 Singles 43 Leg 44 CCL + CCCI 46 Beat œ 50 State in which the Diocese of Dallas is found 51 What Samson did while his hair was shaved 52 Thrust with a knife 53 “Mercy!� 54 Western pact 55 Certain letters 4% ]
58 Avid about 60 Dose amt. 61 Med. Plan 62 “Do it, ____ will�
A R D G E R O S E G H A F A C Z A R A T R I V E R F I C L A I M U S N I G H I L U C A R E N S
P O K E R
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Sunday May 19, 2013 CatholicNews
PUBLISHED BY ARCHBISHOP NICHOLAS CHIA, 2 HIGHLAND ROAD #01-03, SINGAPORE 549102. PRINTED BY TIMESPRINTERS, 16 TUAS AVE 5, SINGAPORE 639340.