JUNE 02, 2013, Vol 63, No 11

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www.catholicnews.sg SUNDAY JUNE 2, 2013

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Archbishop Goh takes over as head of archdiocese bishop is something I have never aspired to or even thought of in my pastoral vision,� says Archbishop William Goh, the new head of the Catholic Church in Singapore. “However, I accept it in humility and in obedience to the will of God and I pray that His grace will be enough to see me through,� he told CatholicNews. “I am still the same old Fr William Goh, with the same passion and love for Christ and

change me but I hope I can change Pope Francis accepted the resignation of Archbishop Nicholas Chia on May 18 at noon Rome time or 6 pm Singapore time. Archbishop Goh, who was episcopally ordained on Feb 22, took sor’s resignation was accepted. He now operates from the Archbishop’s House at Victoria St. In an email interview with CatholicNews, Archbishop Goh said, “I will still be that shepherd of Christ that I am called to be, to seek the lost, console the hopeless, heal the wounded, give sight to the blind, reconcile those estranged and build bridges and communion in the Church and with the rest of humanity.� He said his vision “is to work with my brother priests to renew the faithful and together with the laity, to build a vibrant and evangelical Church so that we will be the face of Christ in a world that is bereft of hope and love�. He also stressed the need to “reorganise the structures, forums and organs of the Church to improve communication and munion�. A press release from his of-

tasks is to “strengthen the fraternal bonds in the Presbyterium and harness the charisms and passion of his brother priests� so that they can empower the laity to be “coresponsible in the mission of the Church�. This is especially so in protecting the institution of marriage and the family, promoting inter-

faith harmony and “reclaiming the Church’s prophetic voice in being a moral spokesman for humanity�, particularly on the universal values of truth and justice, and the promotion of life and the dignity of the poor. He also stressed the importance of re-evangelising Catholics. “Although there are some 300,000 baptized Catholics in

‘

I am still the same old Fr William Goh, with the same passion and love for Christ

’

– Archbishop William Goh

Singapore (including migrants), many do not fully appreciate the beauty and richness of the Catholic faith and what it means to be a disciple of Christ,� he said. “Many of our youths espe !

in the faith, because they do not see the relevance of their faith in this secular, rationalistic and relativistic world,� said Archbishop Goh. “We need to help them to encounter Jesus Christ in a personal way.� Archbishop Goh said he plans

" ishes, religious institutions and organisations to know better the needs of Catholics, how these organisations are reaching out to people and how they can be better #

their mission. Archbishop Goh has also named the following as his key ! $

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Secretary to Archbishop z > $ 4 cial Administrator Archbishop Goh also called for a special meeting of priests on May 23. An inaugural and thanksgiving Mass was scheduled for May 24 at the cathedral to mark Archbishop Goh’s succession and to thank God for His care of Archbishop Emeritus Nicholas Chia

„ Archbishop Goh can be reached

VOL 63

NO. 11

INSIDE HOME A life of prayer and service Carmelite nuns mark their 75th year in S’pore „ Page 4

Boosting education in Myanmar IJ team shares expertise with local teachers „ Page 9

ASIA Orthodox leader meets Chinese president A sign of possible changes in Church-state relations? „ Page 10

POPE FRANCIS Pontiff calls for global ‘Money has to serve, not rule’ „ Page 12

Diversity and unity in Church Pope gives his views „ Page 13

FOCUS Catholic mum bloggers How some women are sharing their faith online „ Page 17

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Sunday June 2, 2013 „ CatholicNews

‘I tried to be a people’s bishop’

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Sunday June 2, 2013 „ CatholicNews

Praises pour in for Archbishop Chia Priests, Religious and laypeople have paid tribute to Archbishop Emeritus Nicholas Chia for his leadership of the archdiocese. “He’s been a father to me,� archdiocesan catechetical director Fr Erbin Fernandez told CatholicNews. } ;~" ! ties, he personally helped. He’s been much concerned, involved and supportive in many ways. So I owe him a lot.� Fr Erbin noted that Archbishop Chia has been effective in his organisation of churches’ administrative structures. Archbishop Chia was also able to state very clearly what the Catholic faith is all about “even though it may not be popular�, said Fr Erbin. Fr Ambrose Vaz, from the St Francis Xavier Major Seminary, said Archbishop Chia is a “man of prayer� and dedicated to his work. Fr Vaz also noted how Archbishop Chia made the administration of

Sr Angeline Lim said that Archbishop Chia “always makes the effort to make others feel at home and is very hospitable�. “He is also an astute steward and for this we are truly blessed. Archbishop has always been a great supporter and is very appreciative of the Religious in his diocese,� said the nun from the Franciscan Missionaries of the Divine Motherhood. “Faithfully every year he will make time to celebrate with the Religious on World Day for Consecrated Life. I admire archbishop for his humility, simplicity and for his servant leadership. “I wish him good health and a well deserved rest and fruitful retirement.� Infant Jesus Sr Maria Lau, president of the Inter-Religious Organisation Singapore, said that Archbishop Chia “is a man of deep faith, humble and self-effacing�. “During his years as the shepherd of the Catholic Church in Sin-

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When I’ve been

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– Fr Erbin Fernandez, archdiocesan catechetical director

gapore, he not only cared for his people but he contributed much to promoting strong interfaith relations, supporting the peace initiatives and efforts to deepen interfaith dialogue at different levels.� Dr Michael Thio, President General of the International Confederation of the Society of St Vincent de Paul, said he has known Archbishop Chia for more than 35 years and has served with him in committees. >

! op Chia “to be a person of integrity, organised and forthright in his approach to situation and issues�. As patron of the local Society of St Vincent de Paul, Archbishop Chia has been “very supportive of the society and encourages that more be done for the poor. He is a kind, thoughtful and prayerful person and one who cares.� For Catholic doctor John Hui,

A person of integrity, ‘ ‘ organised and

contributed much to promoting strong

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– Infant Jesus Sr Maria Lau, Inter-Religious Organisation Singapore president

Archishop Chia “was a leader ] ] Â

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] tion might be�. “I have always admired his great love for the Eucharist,� said Dr Hui. “I remember soon after he assumed his role as bishop, one of

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out devotional prayer cards for us to pray before and after each Mass.� The Serra Club of Singapore

forthright in his approach to situation and issues.

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– Dr Michael Thio, President General of the International Confederation of the Society of St Vincent de Paul

said Archbishop Chia’s love for

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constant support and encouragement to the Serra apostolate in fostering and promoting vocations to the priesthood�. “He is always available to us when we needed his guidance or blessings for any major project undertaken by the club. We just want to say, we love you, Your Grace, you are daily in our humble prayers and we thank the Lord in all our remembrance of you.� „

Applications open for Carlo bursaries Applications for the Carlo Catholic Society Bursary Scheme 2013 are now open for needy Institute of Technical Education (ITE), polytechnic and university students. Applicants must be Catholic, studying fulltime at a government-recognised institution. In addition, they must have good conduct, satisfactory academic results and must not be a recipient of any other scholarships or bursaries. The applicant’s household monthly income must not exceed $2,000 or the per capita (average) household income should be $450 per month or lower. Application forms are available at Carlo Catholic Society, 225-B Queen Street, Singapore 188552, email: bursary@carlo.org.sg. Forms can also be download from Carlo’s Facebook page at http://on.fb.me/ YoIA27. Submissions must be completed on the original application form, and come with a full year of income tax and CPF contributions, three months of pay slips and other documents as stated on the application form. Incomplete submissions will not be processed. All submissions must be delivered by post or hand to Carlo Catholic Society. Online submissions will not be processed. Closing date: June 30. „

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Sunday June 2, 2013 CatholicNews

Archbishop Nicholas Chia cutting the anniversary cake with Carmelite nuns. Photo: BENEDICT TEO

Carmelite nuns singing during the Mass on May 11. Photo: BENEDICT TEO

Carmelite Sisters mark 75th year in Singapore By Martin See

The crowd at the Mass held at Carmel of Christ the King monastery.

The Carmelite Sisters celebrated their 75 years in Singapore at their Carmel of Christ the King monastery along Bukit Teresa Road with a Mass presided over by Archbishop Nicholas Chia. “A direct and intimate experience with God” is the basis of Carmelite spirituality, he said in his homily during the May 11 celebration. “There must be a contemplative spirit and a deep sense of God, a thirst to remain in His presence by means of God’s grace and His Holy Spirit.” He noted that the Sisters, who Mother Therese des Anges, foundress of the monastery (second row, second from left), with professed Sisters and novices during the early days of the community.

spend much of their time in prayer, “are apostles in the silence of their cells and their cloisters”, taking time to be alone with the God. The archbishop stressed the importance of prayer, so that “one’s whole behaviour pattern is ... transformed”. He told the crowd of 250 that one of the characteristics of Carmelite spirituality “is the presence of the Virgin Mary” in members’ lives. Apostolic nuncio Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, Carmelite friars and diocesan priests concelebrated the Mass. The Carmelite monastery in Singapore has come a long way.

The early community of nuns who came from overseas knew little :

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building that was the monastery then in the 1930s. The present monastery took many years to complete partly owing to the Japanese Occupation and partly to the time the community needed for fundraising, which took place slowly after the war. At the same time, local vocations grew to a good number. At present, the monastery is home to 20 nuns, ranging from novices and postulants to those ]

" " ]

From Singapore, the Carmelites set up another monastery in Seremban, Malaysia, in 1981, and in 2005 set up a monastery in Yangon, Myanmar, in response to invitations from the bishops there. St Teresa of Avila founded the Discalced Carmelite order, which focuses on a life of intimate friendship with Christ and Mary in which prayer, the spiritual life

service of the Church. In 1988, the late Archbishop Gregory Yong invited the Carmelite friars to set up their community in Singapore. In 1997, the late Taiwanese friar Fr John Mary Chin and two Singaporean friars were assigned to the Church of Sts Peter and Paul, which is currently managed by the Carmelite friars. CORRECTION: In the story, Healing The Pain Of Stillbirths, Miscarriages, (CN, May 19), the third paragraph should read: Six couples and a widowed woman, who had suffered miscarriages or stillbirths, took part in this exercise as part of a programme called Journey to Emmaus – From Grief to Healing.

Sunday June 2, 2013 CatholicNews

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Sunday June 2, 2013 „ CatholicNews

S’pore nun writes book on her experiences in Kenya Sr Wendy Ooi spent four and a half years doing mission work in Nairobi By Daniel Tay An African burglar caught red-handed was not handed to the authorities. Instead his intended victims took justice into their own hands by putting a rubber tire around his

This was just one example of the everyday violence that Sr Wendy Ooi, from the Daughters of St Paul congregation, encountered in her four and a half years of mission work in Nairobi, Kenya. It made her realise that life in Singapore has made people complacent, and that “there is still so much that we, as Church, can do�. Sr Wendy, then aged 40, was sent to Kenya in early 2008 to develop the audio-visual sector for her congregation’s mission there. As is often the case in mission work, she was asked to teach the novices and take part in mission trips beyond Nairobi. During her stint, she updated her Blogspot online journal titled “Chilli and Lime� to stay in touch with family and friends. Since returning to Singapore in July 2012 to manage her congregation’s mission here, many friends and acquaintances have enquired about her experiences. Sr Wendy then decided to compile her blog entries and photos into a full-colour book titled Notes from Kenya: A Missionary’s Experience. However, not everything in it is about doing God’s work. The book

Sr Wendy with Masai youth.

was it. Lunch was just a little ‘That bit of milk. Sometimes they have just one meal a day.’

– Sr Wendy on how some Kenyans live

The book, which is a compilation of Sr Wendy Ooi’s blog entries and photos.

also includes “the human side of consecrated life�, she said. “It’s really for anyone curious about life as a missionary in Africa.� “I hope that those who read the book will come away a little bit more compassionate and have more empathy for the poor,� she added. “We want to be, as Pope Francis says, a Church for the poor.� When asked about the les-

sons she gained from her stint in Kenya, she related her experience working with two African sound engineers to produce a CD. When lunchtime came, the nun ate a sandwich that she had packed. The sound engineers, however, purchased only a packet of milk each. “That was it. Lunch was just a little bit of milk. Sometimes they have just one meal a day,� Sr Wendy said.

“It made clear to me the disparity between the developed and underdeveloped world‌ It was poverty that made these people live a simpler life, but it is a poverty that can be alleviated if only the governments aren’t so corrupt.â€? The next day, she packed sandwiches for the sound engineers as well. The Daughters of St Paul, the congregation Sr Wendy belongs to, is one of 10 institutes of the Pauline Family. Its mission is to spread the

knowledge of the Gospel and the love of Jesus using modern media. In Africa, the congregation provides books and audiovisual materials to “educate the people�, said Sr Wendy. “It’s better to help them develop themselves than merely to give money.� Sales proceeds of Notes from Kenya will go to the Pauline mission in Mozambique to help people rebuild their lives and land after a 15-year civil war. „

BOOK REVIEW

Book brings you into world of modern-day missionary By Benedict Tang Written in an easy-to-understand style, Notes from Kenya: A Missionary’s Experience brings the reader into the world of a Singaporean nun who had lived in a foreign land – Kenya. The chapters are basically pulled from Sr Wendy Ooi’s blog posts and made all the more colourful with photos, including some of her in civilian clothing. The format allows the book to be quite the modern tome, peppered with YouTube, web links and email addresses. There is even an interactive feel to it as

comments from readers are included at the end of each chapter. The comments are quite candid, as is Sr Wendy’s writing, and they show how wide an appeal she has in the course of writing her blog. ! ]

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Singaporean anecdotes in which she talks about her craving for Singapore food, the small comforts people here take for granted, bringing Singapore culture to Kenya, and her favourite Korean dramas. Having visited Sr Wendy in Nairobi and also a mission in Lod] ;

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the poverty and hardship in Kenya. Nothing beats being there your-

Sr Wendy teaching media literacy to students.

self and it will help readers to remember this, as the book will not be able to do full justice to the smells, sounds, heat and tastes of Kenya.

As aptly referred to on the back cover, the book offers a glimpse into the mind of a young woman who gave up a promising career in the local media industry and instead used her skills to make a difference in the media world. I highly recommend reading this book to gain a rare understanding of what it means to be a missionary Religious in a modern world. „ Notes from Kenya costs $18 and is sold at the Church of Christ the King bookshop and selected parishes. The Daughters of St Paul can be contacted at www. paulines.org.sg and www.facebook.com/Paulines.Sg

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Sunday June 2, 2013 „ CatholicNews

Acting Manpower Minister visits youth shelter Acting Minister for Manpower and Senior Minister of State for National Development Tan Chuan-Jin visited HopeHouse, a Catholic shelter for at-risk youths on April 25. The residential facility, a joint project of the De LaSalle Brothers and the lay community, is located on the grounds of St Patrick’s School on East Coast Road. It currently houses 13 young men aged 16-21 who have committed legal offences or who need shelter on compassionate grounds. According to HopeHouse, Mr Tan made the visit to gain a better understanding of the shelter’s work with at-risk youths and the Society of St Vincent de Paul’s (SSVP) assistance to the poor and the underprivileged. Mr Tan was given a tour of the facility during his visit. He

met the staff there and also Mr Paul Foo and Mr Raymond Tan, SSVP’s national president and vice-president respectively. According to HopeHouse, Mr Tan said he was keen to explore the areas of help provided by various organisations, especially in the east, and to try to link up the good work that is being done. He said he was happy to see the collaboration between the home and the Ministry of Social and Family Development in helping at-risk youths reintegrate back into their families and society. “The more I meet people, the more I feel that there is hope because we have many who are working the issues and reaching out,� said Mr Tan. “That’s the only way society will change, when more of us learn to give of ourselves.� „

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Sunday June 2, 2013 „ CatholicNews

Personal encounter with Jesus stressed at Pentecost Rally

A young Jesus Youth volunteer at the Church of St Anthony helps promote a campaign to have 10,000 rosaries prayed for vocations.

‘10,000 rosaries’ project to pray for vocations By Darren Boon A campaign to have people pray 10,000 rosaries for vocations in Singapore is close to achieving its target. As of press time, the project by the Jesus Youth has garnered pledges from people to pray a total of about 9,400 rosaries. The initiative is part of the Rosarium Fiesta which the international Catholic youth movement with a Charismatic spirituality celebrates every October. Last October, Jesus Youth felt a need to encourage Catholics in Singapore to use the “powerful weapon of the rosary� to pray for vocations in Singapore, said Mr Ajith Jacob, coordinator of Jesus Youth Singapore. “The Church needs more priests and Religious and we need to promote vocations and pray hard that many will accept the call of God,� said Mr Jacob. The organisation set out to collect pledges to pray the rosary, starting with an outreach at the Church of the Risen Christ last October. The group has also pro-

moted its “10,000 Rosaries for Vocations in Singapore� project at the Church of St Anthony, Church of the Holy Trinity and Church of the Holy Spirit. Booths were set up during to distribute rosary booklets, free rosaries and bookmarks. A webpage (http://singapore. jesusyouth.org/news/10000-rosaries-vocations-singapore-0) and Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/RosariumFiesta) were also set up to promote the initiative. Jesus Youth has also advised those who make commitments to pray the rosary to set a realistic and achievable target. The prayers are to continue till the end of the Year of Faith on Nov 24 this year. Although the target of 10,000 rosaries is about to be met, Mr Jacob says the parish outreach will continue. The sharing of testimonies of those who pray the rosary has also inspired others, and this in turn will help Catholics deepen their faith and courage to proclaim it to others, he said. „ darren.boon@catholic.org.sg

The work of evangelisation has become more urgent today because of secularism and relativism. The most precious gift that Catholics can give to anyone is therefore Jesus. This was the message Archbishop William Goh gave to some 1,500 people gathered at the Church of St Vincent De Paul on May 19 for the annual Pentecost Rally. The event, which also included Mass, was organised by SACCRE (Singapore Archdiocesan Catholic Charismatic Renewal) and the parish. ;

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becoming head of the Singapore archdiocese, Archbishop Goh noted that “people are looking for "

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an answer. They need Christ. “We as Catholics should ask ourselves: ‘What can I do for the world today?’ We need to take up the challenge to be witnesses. But ] / X

of our lives. For this we need an encounter with Him,� he said. “To know the Lord is to fall in love with Him. For this, reading the Word of God and praying to the Holy Spirit daily have to be part of our lives,� he added. Archbishop Goh also stressed the need to foster unity among Church groups, and said that “intercessory prayer is important for the conversion of hearts�. The rally began with parish priest Fr Michael Sitaram leading the congregation in praying the rosary, followed by praise and worship led by the parish’s own “Siloam� Charismatic prayer group. In her welcome speech, SACCRE chairperson Jessica Francisco reminded everyone of the promise of Jesus in Luke 24:49: “And behold I am sending the promise of my Father upon you;

Part of the 1,500-strong crowd at the Pentecost Rally held at the Church of St Vincent De Paul.

‘People are

looking for love and truth ... They need Christ.’

– Archbishop William Goh

but stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.� She added: “Let us expect Jesus to do it again today�. Fr Tom Curran, the newly appointed SACCRE spiritual director, and his team then prayed for various intentions such as blessings for Pope Francis, Archbishop Goh, the Church and those in need such as the poor, sick and marginalised. They also prayed for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and various prayer teams came forward to pray over those who wished to receive God’s love and healing. In his homily during the even-

ing Mass, Archbishop Goh said that “Charismatic prayer groups should be models of unity�, adding that “unity can only be found if there is love�. “Be open to the Holy Spirit,� he told those present. “There cannot be new evangelisation without the Holy Spirit.� Many found the rally an inspiring experience. “It was truly an awesome experience,� said Mrs Eileen Neighbour from the Church of Divine Mercy. “From the time of intercession and through the rally, the Holy +

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ASIA 9

Sunday June 2, 2013 „ CatholicNews

IJ team helps boost education in Myanmar An Infant Jesus mission team has been working to serve teachers and children in Myanmar for more than a decade. Darren Boon reports. A Singaporean Infant Jesus (IJ) nun and a layperson have been helping to strengthen children’s education and teacher training in Myanmar for more than a decade. Since 2001, Sr Grace Chia and Ms Jacinta Cardoza have been working with a team of IJ nuns and lay partners from Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and other countries to boost education in the country (see story below). In schools, many teachers do not teach fully and children are expected to take tuition from them, Sr Grace told CatholicNews. “The really poor can’t afford tuition. Our mission is to target the education of the disadvantaged and vulnerable children, especially in the remote areas,� said the nun who is in her 60s. The IJ mission trains teachers to serve such children at boarding houses and village and community schools. + Y

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1998 with the IJ provincials of Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. Several years earlier, the then apostolic nuncio Archbishop Luigi Bressan had asked the IJ Sisters to help the Church in Myanmar. The Bishop of Pathein also asked them to help set up a boarding house for the educational needs of the girls there. “On our initial visit, we saw that the ] š

people was very real,� Sr Grace said. In 2000, the IJ Sisters organised a fact

Initially, the IJ mission team focused more on formation, retreats and spiritual direction for the local Religious so as to “train the trainers and empower the local Religious who were cut off from the renewal process of Vatican II�, said Sr Grace. “Moreover, they were the ones who are reaching out to the people in the remote areas.� The team also taught the Religious to be self-sustaining through projects such as candle production and pepper growing. In 2005, the team moved to Yangon and also assisted the Jesuits there in starting an English programme.

Training the teachers After the nationalisation of all mission schools

A Myanmar teacher, trained by the IJ mission team, teaching in the countryside.

in the early 1960s, the Myanmar Catholic Church started boarding houses in parishes located in the small towns. These serve village children who study in the high schools. The Church presently runs over 300 boarding houses but is not allowed to run national schools, said Sr Grace. According to her, rote learning is prevalent in the education system and so there is no real understanding of concepts. The IJ Sisters were asked to train the teachers at boarding houses. Ex-IJ students helped

sessions started in 2007 around the time of the anti-government uprising led by monks. Then, only Ms Cardoza was in Myanmar. She was advised by the team to postpone the classes but these went ahead eventually. !

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months, but this later increased to 17 months ] ! #

batches due to gaps in the teachers’ knowledge, Sr Grace explained. Each cohort does not comprise more than 25 trainees.

Our mission is to target the ‘ education of the disadvantaged and vulnerable children, especially in the remote areas.

’

– Sr Grace Chia

Sr Grace Chia (second from left) with Myanmar teachers.

After a two-year training stint at the IJrun Pyinya Sanyae Institute of Education, teachers have to serve underprivileged children for two years. Sr Grace said many are “passionate� in their response. Meanwhile the missionaries have managed to obtain scholarships for local teachers to further their education overseas so they in turn can be trainers. One teacher has even studied at the National Institute of Education in Singapore and is now doing her internship in an IJ school.

Serving the children The IJ mission has now expanded to areas such as Maubin and Bago in Yangon Division, Kanazogone, Maungmya and Nyaungdon in the Ayeryawaddy Division, Mazaw and Kalwin in Thanithari Division and Palana in Kachin state, said Sr Grace. The mission has also introduced “learning corners� at boarding houses to help children develop skills such as in computing, reading, conversation and creative thinking. ;/ + ] "  ] ; land to train the local teachers in art therapy for children who survived the devastating

Cyclone Nargis, who lost their parents, or who have been internally displaced from insurgent areas. One IJ school in Singapore also launched a programme in which children here help provide their counterparts in Myanmar with two to three eggs a week. Sr Grace noted that the Myanmar children

" ally happier. “I feel this mission is a gift. It’s God’s gift,� she said. IJ schools and many others have also been very supportive, she noted. Sr Grace said the team intends to introduce Montessori education, and reach out to children in detention camps and rehabilitation centres. The nun observed that it is much easier to do mission work in Myanmar these days. There was a strong military presence during

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movements were restricted, she recalled. “Last time, any good one tries to do was considered ‘subversive’,� she said. The nun said she feels that Myanmar is now experiencing its “Exodus� event, and that God has heard the people’s cry. For more information on the IJ Myanmar mission, email ijmmt2013@gmail.com. „

Master’s holder has been working in Myanmar for 12 years By Darren Boon It was God’s call that led Ms Jacinta Cardoza to work with the Infant Jesus Sisters for more than 25 years. After graduating from the National University of Singapore in 1986, the philosophy and political science major, together with her peers from the varsity’s Catholic Students’ Society, “searched for meaningful ways to put our faith into practice and contribute to society�, she said. The former Marymount Convent and Catholic Junior College student recalled being invited to the Galilee Centre in Jalan Kayu, run by the IJ Sisters. The facility catered to the poor in the

area and provided educational support for underprivileged children. “That early encounter was powerful, because the reality of the lives of the children challenged me and challenged my faith,� Ms Cardoza, 50, told CatholicNews in an email interview. Ms Cardoza, who is single, served as a volunteer at the centre for three years before working fulltime there, running programmes for children and young people as well as providing support to the children’s mothers. During a retreat in 1998, she sensed that “the Lord was inviting me to something more�. The IJ Sisters were then discerning about serving in Myanmar and she was sub-

Ms Jacinta Cardoza with children at the IJ Centre in Yangon.

sequently invited to be part of the mission. Ms Cardoza, who has a Master of Education, has been working in Myanmar for 12 years. She supports the Myanmar Catholic Church in training future teachers at the Pyinya Sanyae Institute of Education. These teachers are then sent to remote village and dioceses. + q

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service to needy and vulnerable children. Her belief that God is leading the missionaries sustains her vigour, she shared. " " ] š ;

rejoice to be a tiny part of the Lord’s great work,� she said. „ darren.boon@catholic.org.sg

10 ASIA

Sunday June 2, 2013 „ CatholicNews

Russian Orthodox leader meets China’s Xi Jinping

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6 $ % 7 ' 8 $ 9 ; # <= HONG KONG – The head of the

Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill, met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on May 10 at the start of a landmark visit to China. In what is believed to be the ! ]

Christian Church and a Communist Chinese leader, Mr Xi focused on " + no-Russian ties in their meeting in Beijing’s Great Hall of the People. < *

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Russian supreme religious leader to visit our country,� Russia’s state news agency RIA Novosti cited Mr Xi as saying. “This is a clear manifestation of the high level and quality of Sino-Russian relations.� The patriarch reportedly replied: “This is evidence of the special relationship between Russia and China which has emerged in recent years.� A China observer who requested anonymity, said the visit pointed to a desire by the Communist government to recognise the Russian Orthodox Church and its role within Russian society.

“For a long time, China has ignored the fact that the Ortho =

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in Russian political circles. This meeting would enable China to explore the role of religion in developing relations with Russian and other Orthodox countries,� he said. The 66-year-old patriarch was received at Beijing airport by a vice-director of China’s State Administration for Religious Affairs, which made the invitation. Patriarch Kirill was scheduled to meet with the leaders of China’s "

– Buddhists, Catholics, Muslims, Taoists and Protestants – before heading to Harbin, a city with a [  nally to Shanghai where he would end his six-day visit. A Vatican Insider writer, Gianni Valente, noted that “the fact that Kirill has been received by the leader of a country where state atheism still reigns supreme, could be a sign that Beijing too may be willing to resume high-level dialogue with the leaders of Christian Churches, starting with the Catholic Church�. „ UCANEWS.COM, VATICAN INSIDER

Philippine Catholics concede failure of election strategy MANILA – Philippine Catholic groups have admitted defeat in the May 13 elections, saying much work has to be done to form a “Catholic vote� in the country. The Council of the Laity of the Philippines, which led the White Vote Movement endorsing the candidacy of politicians who are against the Reproductive Health (RH) Bill, said it learned its lessons. “We discovered some loopholes but there is always room for improvement,� said lawyer Aurora Santiago, president of the Catholic Council of the Laity, on May 16. “We had such little time and few resources,� said Ms Linda Valenzona of Catholic Vote Philippines, which led “political catechesis� in different parts of the country before the elections. She said, however, that educating Catholics to apply the teachings of the Church to political life ! The bill provides for government-funded contraception for the poor and sex education for middle through high school students, among other provisions. Fr Melvin Castro, head of the Commission on Family and Life of the bishops’ conference, said “name recall� is still crucial in elections. He cited the victory of Ms Grace Poe, daughter of the late action star Fernando Poe Jr, as = % *

candidate, topped the senatorial race over seasoned and traditional politicians. “If we want our candidates to

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win in 2016, as early as now we should already familiarise the people with them,� Fr Castro said. A pro-RH group, meanwhile, said the victory of many reproductive health advocates in Congress and even in the provinces was an

Catholic Church cannot dictate the results of elections�. “There is no Catholic vote and no black propaganda of the Church that can steal victory from candidates who advocate reproductive health,� said Mr Rom Dongeto, executive director of the Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development. The group pushed for the enactment of the controversial RH bill which was opposed by Church leaders.

Data from the partial tally of election winners show 94 percent of more than a hundred proRH candidates ahead in their respective districts and party list system. Six of the seven senatorial candidates endorsed by pro-RH groups are front-runners in the senatorial race while none of those ! ured in the elections. Ms Santiago, of the Council of the Laity, said her group would start laying the groundwork early to familiarise voters with Churchrelated issues in preparation for the 2016 elections. “With the commitment and dedication of everyone [the Catholic vote] will rise up again to the challenge in 2016,� she said. „ UCANEWS.COM

Missionary’s sainthood cause moves forward VATICAN CITY – Although it has taken more than 400 years, the sainthood cause of Jesuit Fr Matteo Ricci, the 16th-century missionary to China, appears to be back on track. Bishop Claudio Giuliodori, apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Macerata, Italy, where Fr Ricci was born in 1552, formally closed the diocesan phase of the sainthood process on May 10. The cause now moves to the Congregation for Saints’ Causes at the Vatican. Bishop Giuliodori had met Pope Francis, a Jesuit, at the Vati ] %

bishop wrote in the Macerata diocesan newspaper, “I never imagined I’d be able to speak about the cause of Fr Matteo Ricci with a Jesuit pope. After the great attention given by Benedict XVI,

who never missed an occasion to encourage us to promote the cause, we now have the joy of placing it into the hands of a Jesuit.� The bishop said when he spoke to Pope Francis about the cause, the pope highlighted Fr Ricci’s “innovative method of evangelisation based on the inculturation of the faith� and the missionary’s courage and humility in learning from the Chinese. Fr Ricci died in Beijing on May 11, 1610, and his death was followed by centuries of Church debate and even disputes over the extent to which a very limited number of Confucian practices – including veneration of ancestors – could be seen as a tolerable part of Chinese social and cultural tradition rather than as reli-

gious practices incompatible with Christianity. Fr Ricci is also known for having brought European scien ]

exchange between the two continents. The diocesan phase of Fr Ricci’s sainthood cause opened in 1984, but was almost immediately closed when questions were raised about his commitment to pure Christianity. Opened again with Vatican approval in 2010, much of the work of the past three years has involved an examination by historians and theologians of Fr Ricci’s writings and the writings of those who worked with him, according to the Macerata diocesan website. „

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WORLD 11

Sunday June 2, 2013 „ CatholicNews

Rise in number of permanent deacons Vatican releases Church-wide statistics VATICAN CITY – The number of Catholics in the world and the number of bishops, priests, Religious men and seminarians all increased in 2011, while the number of Religious women continued to decline, according to Vatican statistics. The number of permanent deacons is showing “strong expansion� globally, but especially in Europe and the Americas, it said. At the end of 2011, the global Catholic population reached 1.214 billion, an increase of 18 million or 1.5 percent over the previous year, slightly outpacing the global population growth rate, which was estimated at 1.23 percent, said a statement published ! &

May 13. Catholics as a percentage of the global population remained “essentially unchanged� at around 17.5 percent, it said. The statement reported some of the statistics in the Statistical Yearbook of the Church, which re ] ]

as of Dec 31, 2011. & + retariat of State and its Central

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well as every diocese and Religious order in the world. According to the yearbook,

the increase in the number of Catholics in Africa (4.3 percent) and Asia (2 percent) greatly outpaced their regions’ population growth, which was 2.3 percent and 1.2 percent, respectively. The growth of the Catholic community in Europe and the Americas was even with regional population growth, which was about 0.3 percent for both. At the end of 2011, most of the world’s Catholics (48.8 percent) were living in the Americas, followed by Europe (23.5 per-

There was a 40 percent increase in permanent deacons between 2001 and 2011. cent), Africa (16 percent), Asia (10.9 percent) and Oceania (0.8 percent). The number of bishops increased from 5,104 in 2010 to 5,132 in 2011. The number of priests grew from 412,236 to 413,418, increasing everywhere except the Americas where numbers stayed mostly the same, and Europe, where the number has gone down more than 9 percent over the past decade. The number of permanent deacons reported – about 41,000 – was an increase of more than

1,400 over the previous year and a 40 percent increase over the past decade. The vast majority of them – 97.4 percent – live in the Americas or in Europe. The number of men joining a Religious order showed substantial growth over the past decade in both Asia (up 44.9 percent since 2001) and Africa (up 18.5 percent since 2001). However, their numbers fell in Oceania by 21.9 percent, in Europe by 18 percent and in the Americas by 3.6 percent over the past decade. The number of Religious women showed “a sharp downward trend� with a 10 percent decrease worldwide since 2001. The increases in Africa and Asia weren’t enough to offset the reductions in Europe, the Americas and Oceania, said the Vatican statement. Catholic women’s orders went from having a total of more than 792,000 members in 2001 to just over 713,000 women at the end of 2011. The number of candidates for the priesthood showed continued growth worldwide, rising from 118,990 at the end of 2010 to 120,616 at the end of 2011. In the past 10 years, said the Vatican, the number of men preparing for the priesthood rose more than 30.9 percent in Africa and 29.4 percent in Asia. Numbers decreased in other regions of the world, particularly Europe, which saw a 21.7 percent drop in priesthood candidates between 2001 and 2011. „ CNS

12 WORLD

Sunday June 2, 2013 „ CatholicNews

Bishop expresses concern over future of Christians in Syria A Syrian

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JERUSALEM – Growing extrem-

ism in Syria could jeopardise the safety of all Christians, said Syriac Catholic Bishop Gregoire Melki of Jerusalem. “It is a very sad situation and we are really anxious,� he told Catholic News Service on May 18, following a special prayer service in Jerusalem. “We are very anxious when we remember what happened to the Christians in Iraq. We fear the same thing will happen to the Christians in Syria. “Those who can, escape,� said Bishop Melki, who said he remains in contact with Church leaders in Syria. “For more than two years there has not been a solution [to the violence]. We have to pray.� Although the situation is dire for all Syrians, it is even more so for the Christians because they are a minority, and in such chaotic situations it is always the minority ]

He said he hoped this would

Pope calls for global

not signal the end of the Christian community in Syria. “We have the hope of Jesus, that is our faith, but if we look at this with human eyes, [we see the situation] is dangerous,� he said. The heads of Christian Churches in Israel attended the 10th prayer service for reconciliation, unity and peace as about 200 local Christians and foreign Religious packed the tiny Syriac Catholic Church of St Thomas. The ceremony was broadcast on closed-circuit TV from the small sanctuary to an adjoining sitting room to accommodate the unusually large number of people attending. In his homily, Bishop Melki said the Church in Syria “continues to be a victim of the total chaos and war�. “We pray fervently day and night for [Christian] unity and peace� and for two bishops who were kidnapped on April 22 and others “kidnapped elsewhere in the Middle East�, he said. „ CNS

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that respects human dignity, helps the poor, promotes the common good and allows states to regulate markets. “Money has to serve, not to rule,� he said in his strongest remarks yet as pope concerning the ] ~

crises. A major reason behind the increase in social and economic woes worldwide “is in our relationship with money and our acceptance of its power over ourselves and our society�, he told a group of diplomats on May 16. “We have created new idols� where the “golden calf of old has found a new and heartless image in the cult of money and the dictatorship of an economy which is faceless and lacking any truly humane goal�. The pope made his remarks during a speech to the new ambassadors to the Vatican from Kyrgyzstan, Antigua and Barbados, Luxembourg and Botswana, who presented their letters of credential. The Vatican spokesman, Jesuit Fr Federico Lombardi, told journal ] ~

cial crisis�, social justice, and the attention needed to the world’s poor. In his 10-minute scripted speech, the pope highlighted the root causes of today’s economic and social troubles, pointing to policies and actions that stem from a “grave "

which reduces man to one of his needs alone, namely, consumption�. “We have begun this culture of disposal,� he said, where “human beings themselves are nowadays considered as consumer goods

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which can be used and thrown away.� The wealth of a minority “is increasing exponentially� while the income of the majority “is crumbling�, he said. This economic inequality is caused by “ideologies which uphold the absolute autonomy of

and thus deny the right of control to states, which are themselves charged with providing for the common good.� The lack of adequate economic regulation or oversight means “a new, invisible and at times virtual, tyranny is established, one which unilaterally and irremediably imposes its own laws and rules�, he said. Ethical principles and policies

of solidarity are “often considered counterproductive, opposed to the

added. “Ethics, like solidarity, is a nuisance� and so they are rejected along with God, he said.

and politicians consider God to be unmanageable, even dangerous, because he calls man to his full realisation and to independence from any kind of slavery.� The pope called for ethical ] ! " ]

people a priority and take into account the importance of ethics and solidarity. „ CNS

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Cardinal to leave Scotland

BANGUI, CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC – Islamist rebels who

VATICAN CITY – Scottish Cardinal

have taken over Central African Republic are targeting Christians and their churches, and the population is “living in permanent anguish�, said the Catholic bishops’ justice and peace commission. “What abominable acts, what humiliating, degrading and inhuman forms of treatment: Not knowing what to do next, the population is living in permanent anguish, amid fear, pillage, rape, injustice, violence and the settling of scores,� the commission said in a May 5 statement signed by its president, Bishop Albert Vanbuel of Kaga-Bandoro. In the statement that named numerous church workers and buildings attacked, the commis-

sion said that in the early days of May, people had been left traumatised by gun battles in the capital, Bangui, while rebel alliance members “continue to kill each day�. “Our country has shifted very negatively since the arrival in power of a rebel chief, self-proclaimed as a republic president,� said the commission. It said a convent of the Sisters of St Paul of Chartres had been “pillaged and sacked� at Bossembele, while a parish priest from Kassai, Fr Seraphin Zouka, had been robbed “with a dagger to his throat�. It added that the rector of Bangui’s Immaculate Conception cathedral, Msgr Francis Saint Clair Siki, was abducted on April 27 along with the archdiocesan chancellor. „ CNS

Keith O’Brien, who resigned as archbishop after admitting to sexual misconduct, will leave Scotland “for several months for the purpose of spiritual renewal, prayer and penance�, the Vatican said. Any decision about when the period will end or where the cardinal will live permanently will be made in agreement with the Vatican, said a May 15 statement re ! & Retired Pope Benedict XVI accepted Cardinal O’Brien’s resignation on Feb 25 after a British newspaper carried a story detailing complaints of three priests and a former priest who alleged the cardinal had made sexual advances towards them. „ CNS

POPE FRANCIS 13

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Pope: Catholics, Coptic Orthodox united by ‘ecumenism of suffering’ VATICAN CITY – Marking 40

years of ecumenical dialogue, Pope Francis told the leader of 10 million Coptic Orthodox that their Churches are united by an “ecumenism of suffering�. “Just as the blood of the martyrs was a seed of strength and fertility for the Church, so too the sharing of daily sufferings can become an effective instrument of unity,� Pope Francis told Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria on May 10. The remark appeared to refer to increased violence over recent decades against Coptic Christians in Egypt, including a car bomb that exploded outside a church in Alexandria on New Year’s Eve on 2011, killing at least 21 people. The principle of unity through suffering “also applies, in a certain sense, to the broader context of society and relations between Christians and non-Christians,� Pope Francis said. “From shared suffering can blossom forth forgiveness, reconciliation and peace, with God’s help.� Orthodox make up about nine percent of Egypt’s population of 85 million, which is 90 percent Muslim. Catholics in Egypt, who are in full communion with

Rome, number about 165,000. In his remarks, Pope Tawadros said that his Church “has been irrigated until now with the blood of numerous martyrs, thus becoming stronger and stronger� !

events. The meeting between the two popes came on the 40th anniversary of one between Pope Paul VI and Pope Shenouda III, who signed a declaration of their Churches’ common understanding of Christ and established a formal ecumenical dialogue. Recalling that event, Pope Tawadros told Pope Francis that May 10 “should be considered as a celebration of brotherly love between the Catholic Church and the Coptic Orthodox Church�. The Orthodox leader also invited Pope Francis to visit Egypt and later told Vatican Radio that the pope had accepted his invitation. Following their meeting in the papal library, the two popes moved to the Apostolic Palace’s Redemptoris Mater Chapel, where they led a prayer service that included Coptic chant and the Our Father recited in Italian. „ CNS

Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria, patriarch of the Coptic Orthodox Church, and Pope Francis shake hands at the Vatican on May 10. CNS photo

‘Build bridges, not walls around the Church’ CNS photo

VATICAN CITY – Like Jesus

“Christians who are afraid who dined with Pharisees to build bridges and prefer to and sinners and St Paul who build walls are Christians who preached to idol worshippers, are not sure of their faith, not true evangelisers build bridges sure of Jesus Christ,� he said. that lead unbelievers into the “When the Church loses Church, not walls to protect it, this apostolic courage,� he Pope Francis said. said, “it becomes a stalled The pope’s words came Church, a tidy Church, nice, in a homily on May 8 during very nice, but without fertility, morning Mass in the Domus because it has lost the courage Sanctae Marthae, the Vatican to go to the peripheries, where guesthouse where he lives. there are so many victims of The Vatican employees present idolatry, of worldliness, of included those responsible for weak thinking.� furniture and decor in Vatican In these terms, the pope buildings. said, “now is a good time in the Commenting on the day’s life of the Church, the last 50 reading from the Acts of the or 60 years have been a good Apostles, in which St Paul time. preaches to pagan Athenians “Because I remember at the Areopagus, Pope Francis when I was a child one would said that “Paul is a pontifex, a hear in Catholic families, in builder of bridges. He doesn’t my family: ‘No, we cannot want to become a builder of Pope Francis holds a dove before a weekly go to their house because they walls.� are not married in the Church, audience at St Peter’s Square on May 15. “He doesn’t say: ‘Idolaters, eh!’ It was like an exclusion go to hell!� the pope said. “This Jesus himself who “dined with ... Or ‘because they are socialists is the attitude of Paul in Athens: Pharisees, with sinners, with pub- or atheists, we cannot go,’� Pope Build a bridge to their heart in or- licans, with doctors of the law. Francis said. der then to take another step and Jesus heard everyone, and when “It was like a defence of the he said a word of condemnation, faith, but with walls. The Lord announce Jesus Christ.� Pope Francis said that the it was at the end, when there was made bridges,� the pope stressed. apostle followed the example of nothing else to do. „ CNS

Church needs zeal, not couch-potatoes: pontiff VATICAN CITY – The Church doesn’t need couch-potato Catholics, it needs believers with “apostolic zeal� willing to preach the uncomfortable words of Christ, Pope Francis said. “And if we annoy people� with this zeal for Christ, then “blessed be the Lord,� he said in his daily morning Mass homily on May 16. The pope celebrated Mass in the chapel of the Domus Sanctae Marthae, where he lives, for employees of Vatican Radio and * / tice and Peace. The pope concelebrated the Mass with Cardinal Peter Turkson and Bishop Mario Toso, respectively president and secretary of the justice and peace council. In his homily, the pope talked about the day’s reading from the Acts of the Apostles. St Paul caused a near riot during his trial in Jerusalem when he addressed a group of men divided over the belief in the resurrection of the dead. “Paul is a nuisance� in his preaching, his work and his attitude, the pope said, “because he proclaims Jesus Christ.� Evangelisation “makes us uncomfortable; many times our

comfort zones, even Christian comfort zones, are bothered� by it, he said. God wants people to always move forward, even despite the trials and obstacles, and to not “take refuge in an easy life or in a cosy world�. St Paul, by preaching the Lord, “annoyed people,� but he kept at it “because he had that very Christian attitude inside of apostolic zeal, he had real apostolic fervour�, the pope said. “He wasn’t a man of compromise. No. The truth goes forward, proclaiming Jesus Christ goes forward,� he said. Apostolic zeal is not a drive for power, to obtain things, the pope said, but “something that comes from inside that the Lord wants from us.� It does not come from any in ]

of Jesus, though “that is important because it helps us�. Rather, this zeal comes from a real living, personal encounter with the Lord. But going forward and sharing Jesus with the world meant St Paul always found himself in trouble, not because he wanted to create trouble, but it was trouble for God’s sake, Pope Francis said. „ CNS

POPE FRANCIS 15

Sunday June 2, 2013 CatholicNews

Church needs women Religious, says pope Women Religious listen as Pope Francis addresses members of the International Union of Superiors General at the Vatican. ‘What would the Church be without you?’ the pope told them. CNS photo

VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis told

800 superiors of women’s Religious orders around the world that the Catholic Church needs Religious women and that Religious women need to be in harmony with the faith and teachings of the Church. “What would the Church be without you?” he told them on May 8. “It would be missing maternity, affection, tenderness and a mother’s intuition.” Religious superiors, Pope Francis said, need to ensure their members are educated in the doctrine of the Church, “in love for the Church and in an ecclesial spirit”. Quoting Pope Paul VI, he said: “It’s an absurd dichotomy to think one can live with Jesus, but without the Church, to follow Jesus outside the Church, to love Jesus and not the Church.”

The Sisters, who came from 76 countries, were in Rome for the plenary assembly of the International Union of Superiors General. The group welcomed the pope with loud applause and with the ululations of the African Sisters among them. US Sister Mary Lou Wirtz, superior of the Daughters of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary and president of the International Union of Superiors General, said the nuns “are very pleased with the pope, and it gives them hope of maybe some change happening in the Church”. They appreciate the pope’s emphasis on serving the poor and going out to the margins of society “because that’s what our service as Religious women is about”. In his talk to the women Religious, Pope Francis said their vow of chastity expands their ability

to give themselves to God and to others “with the tenderness, mercy and closeness of Christ”. However, “please, let it be a fruitful chastity, a chastity that generates sons and daughters in the Church. The consecrated woman is a mother, must be a mother and not a spinster,” he said. While the sisters were laughing at his use of a very colloquial Italian word for “spinster” or “old maid”, he added: “Forgive me for speaking this way, but the motherhood of consecrated life, its fertility, is important.” Pope Francis said that just as Mary could not be understood without recognising her role as Jesus’ mother, the Church cannot be understood without recognising its role as the mother of all believers. “And you are an icon of Mary and the Church,” he said. CNS

16 OPINION

Sunday June 2, 2013 „ CatholicNews

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COMMENTARY

Some thoughts on ethical consumption Millions of people across the developing world are longing to work and will take almost any job at any wage in just about any workplace. They’re that desperate. The developed world has a moral responsibility to support these genuine efforts by the poor to raise themselves and their families from poverty through the dignity of honest work. The common good can be advanced when wealthy corporations outsource manufacturing to needy nations in Asia and Africa. But too frequently what the West brings these deprived regions is exploitation disguised as patronage. This concern was awakened by the recent tragedy in Bangladesh in which more than 700 garment workers were killed when their workplace collapsed. They died after being ordered by unscrupulous bosses to keep working in a building that an engineer had declared unsound and police had ordered evacuated. The dead, mostly women, were manufacturing T-shirts and other garments for large companies based primarily in Europe, the US and Canada. The workers had virtually no workplace rights. They earned less than US$10 (S$12.40) a week. Pope Francis equated their working conditions to slave labour. He said people deserve employment and dignity and there is something wrong with a society that fails to provide both. “Power, money, culture do not give us dignity,� he said. “Work, honest work, gives us dignity.� It is not inherently wrong for ! !

moving some operations abroad. Indeed, it is benevolent to create jobs in impoverished nations. But it becomes immoral when social justice and ethical

Rescue workers pull a woman from the rubble of the collapsed Rana Plaza building in Bangladesh. Many workers died after being ordered by unscrupulous bosses to keep working in the unsafe building. CNS photo

Too frequently what the West brings to deprived regions is exploitation disguised as patronage. practices are trampled in singleminded stampedes to dress up balance sheets and rally stock prices. All the world’s workers, regardless of where they live, are entitled to safe work environments, human rights and fair wages. All corporations have a moral duty to guarantee this workers’ trinity of rights to everyone they pay, directly or indirectly. It is unconscionable when Western companies dodge these obligations by blindly moving operations to places where oversight is lax, governments are blind and executives are corrupt. This is not just a Bangladesh problem. Workers are exploited across Asia, Africa and Latin America. Nor is it a problem to be

solved solely by governments and industry. Just as environmental aware

" sciousness, ethical consuming needs to become a mainstream ethos. Ultimately, consumers will drive reform by the choices they make. Withdrawing from the developing world is not a moral option. If anything, the tragedy in Bangladesh underlines the obligation for wealthy nations to become more invested in the world’s poor to help them achieve the human rights, safe workplaces and decent living standards many take for granted. „ CNS peared in The Catholic Register, the Toronto-based national Catholic Canadian newspaper.

Relating to God maturely SOME years ago, a woman shared this story at a workshop. She had a six-year-old son whom she had conscientiously schooled in prayer. Among other things, she made him kneel beside his bed every night and say aloud a number of prayers, ending with an invocation to “bless mummy, daddy, grandma, and grandpa�. One night, shortly after he had started school, she took him to his room to hear his prayers and to tuck him in for the night. But when it came time for him to kneel by his bedside and recite his prayers, he refused and crawled into bed instead. His mother asked him: “What’s the matter? Don’t you pray anymore?� There was remarkable calm in his reply: “No,� he said, “I don’t pray anymore. The Sister teaching us at school told us that we are not supposed to pray, she said that we are supposed to talk to God ... and tonight I am tired and have nothing to say!� This is reminiscent of a scriptural story about King David. One morning, returning from battle with some of his soldiers, he arrived at the temple tired and hungry, but the only food available consisted of consecrated loaves of bread in the temple, which by Jewish religious law, were to be eaten only by the priests in sacred ritual. David asked the high priest for the loaves and was met by the objection that these loaves were not to be eaten as ordinary food. David replied that he was aware of that, but, given the situation and given that as King he was empowered to make decisions for God on earth, he ordered the priest to give him the loaves. Biblical tradition commends David for that. He is praised for doing a good thing, for knowing God well enough to know that God would want that bread to be used for exceptional purposes in that situation. He is praised for having a mature faith, for not being unduly legalistic, for not abdicating sound judgment because of fear and piety, and for knowing God well enough to know that God is not a law to be obeyed but rather a loving presence that counsels us and imbues us with life and energy. Jesus, too, praises David for this action when his own disciples are chastised for shelling corn on the Sabbath. He refers to David’s action of feeding his hungry soldiers with the consecrated loaves as an act of deeper understanding – that is, in doing this seemingly sacrilegious act, David was in fact demonstrating an intimacy with God that his critics, because of fear, betrayed themselves as lacking. One of the things that characterises mature friendship is a familiarity and intimacy that makes for a robust relationship rather than a fearful one. In a mature relationship, there is no place for fearful piety or false reverence. Rather, with a close friend, we are bold because we know the other’s mind, fully trust the other, and are at a level of relationship where we are unafraid to ask for things, can be shamelessly selfdisclosing, are given to playfulness and teasing, and are (like King David) able to responsibly interpret the other’s mind. When we are in a mature relationship with someone, we are comfortable and at ease with that person. That is also one of the qualities of a mature faith and a mature relationship with God. According to John of the Cross, the deeper we move into a relationship with God and the more mature our faith becomes, the more bold we will become with God. Like King David and like the young boy just described, fearful piety will be replaced by a healthy familiarity. And this will not be the kind of familiarity that breeds contempt; that takes the other for granted. Rather it will be the kind of familiarity that is grounded in intimacy which, while remaining respectful and never taking the other for granted, is more at ease and playful than fearful and pious in that other’s presence. But, if that is true, then what are we to make of the fact that scripture tells us “the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom� and the fact that religious tradition has always deemed piety a virtue? Do fear and piety militate against “boldness� with God? Was King David wrong in his bold interpretation of God’s will? There is a religious fear that is healthy and there is a piety that is healthy, but neither of these is exhibited in a relationship that is fearful, legalistic, scrupulous, over-pious or over-serious. Healthy religious fear and healthy piety manifest themselves in a relationship that is robust. We should not let ourselves be fooled by fear and piety. Fear easily masks itself as religious reverence. Piety can easily pass itself off as religious depth. But genuine intimacy unmasks both. A healthy relationship is robust, bold, and is characterised by lack of fear, ease, playfulness and humour. And that is particularly true of our relationship with God. „

FOCUS 17

Sunday June 2, 2013 „ CatholicNews

Catholic mums share their faith through blogs A look at how some mothers are bringing their faith to the digital world By Maureen Boyle Catholic mum and blogger Lisa Hendey attending a meeting between bloggers and bishops in Baltimore, USA, last year.

WASHINGTON – One of Mary’s

titles is “Christ’s First Disciple� and some of Christ’s earliest followers were women. Now, 2,000 years later, a group of American Catholic mums who blog on the Internet about their faith, the Church, as well as the joys and challenges of parenthood and family life, can be considered among Christ’s newest evangelisers or “digital disciples�. “Part of our vocation as mothers is to be within our home and do our work with love, and [as Catholic bloggers] we can also do work that draws people closer to Christ and his Church,� said Ms Lisa Hendey, a blogger from Fresno, California. “We try to be supportive to parents,� said Ms Hendey, a mum of two sons ages 18 and 21. She also is the author of A Book of Saints for Catholic Moms and The Handbook for Catholic Moms. Ms Hendey said her eightyear-old blog, www.catholicmom.com, grew out of a website she launched in 2000. Nowadays, she has about 150 regular contributors, mostly mums and a few dads who write on topics such as daily prayer, the Church’s liturgical seasons, mar !

movies. Ms Hendey stressed that all contributions must be in accordance with Church teaching. The blog “allows us to put information and thoughts out there and invite readers into dialogue�, she told the Catholic Standard, newspaper of Washington archdiocese.

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There is a “real sense of being a part of a community�, she said. Ms Mary DeTurris Poust is a Catholic mum blogger from Albany diocese, New York, whose blog, www.notstrictlyspiritual. com, ! ! "

as a sort of “spiritual journal online�. Ms Proust, a monthly columnist for Catholic New York, the newspaper of New York archdiocese, said she started her blog as a way to write about things she couldn’t always cover as a Catholic reporter previously. “It’s a blend of all areas of my life,� said Ms Poust who has three children aged seven, 13 and 16. When readers respond posi-

The blog ‘allows us to put information and thoughts out there and invite readers into dialogue’, says one blogger. tively to one of her blogs, perhaps one based on a personal life strug ; ] ;~

doing – using social media tools to reach people who aren’t necessarily in the pews or churches,� she said. “They’ll email or comment

and say they are going through the same thing and feeling alone on the journey,� said Ms Poust, who has also written several books on the Catholic faith. Ms Rebecca Teti, a member of St Jerome Parish in Hyattsville, Maryland, is the moderator of a blog which can be found at www. catholicdigest.com (towards the bottom) and was launched more than one year ago. It is an open forum for readers to discuss, ask a question, share a story or offer advice. Daily topics include parenting, natural family planning, education, marriage or the different issues facing members of “sandwich generation� – those raising

children and also caring for aging parents. Readers are invited to “raise a question, tell a funny anecdote, share an interesting article, ask for advice or prayer� with a few ground rules to keep in mind, such as to “keep it clean� and “keep it kind�. An example of a recent blog post came from a reader expressing her dismay over her 14-year-old son’s reluctance to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. Several readers chimed in with suggestions about the importance of keeping the lines of communication open between parents and children, advice on the best catechetical resources, as well as promise of prayers for the woman and her son. “Many Catholics don’t have the advantage of like-minded Catholics being nearby in their neighbourhood who support and pray for each other,� Ms Teti said, adding that the blog offers that notion in an online community. Ms Teti, a wife, a mother of four children, said her own faith has grown through her work, which allows her to see how many Catholics take their faith seriously. She added that the Catholic blogs sites she has visited give her a real sense that “Catholicism is rich, lively and important, and that is heartening�. Another blogger is Ms Katrina Fernandez, who is responsible for The Crescat (www.patheos.com/ blogs/thecrescat), a blog about life as a faithful Catholic and a single mother. „ CNS

Pope stresses importance of ‘maternal, tender’ side of Church VATICAN CITY – The Catholic Church needs to revive its loving and tender side, which gets lost when the Church becomes too serious, Pope Francis said. The Church has ended up with “deviations, sects and heresies when it got too serious, that is, when it took things here too seriously and it forgot about embracing and tenderness�, he told representatives of Caritas Internationalis – the umbrella organisation of national Catholic charities around the world. The maternal, tender side of the Church is a value “that the mother Church cannot lose�, he said. The pope made his comments during a 45-minute informal meeting with Caritas Internationalis’ executive committee, its secretary-general Michel Roy and its president, Honduran Cardinal Oscar

Rodriguez Maradiaga of Tegucigalpa. Regional presidents of the Vaticanbased umbrella group presented summaries of the situation in their regions. Mr Roy also presented the pope with a small basket of bread to symbolise the more than 1 billion people who go hungry in the world and to highlight a new cam ]

hunger.

The maternal, tender side of the Church is a value ‘that the mother Church cannot lose’, said the pope.

The pope talked for about 15 minutes in Spanish, responding to questions representatives had posed earlier. He touched on four points in his remarks: the crises plaguing the world, love, development and spirituality. “A Church without charity doesn’t exist,� the pope said. “Caritas is the Church’s caress to her people,� showing tenderness and understanding towards their needs, he said, according to partial translations supplied by Vatican Radio and the Vatican newspaper, L’Osservatore Romano. “Caritas is the love inside the mother Church that approaches, embraces and loves� people, he said. The pope said the crises in the world are “very serious�. They include not just economic and cultural crises and a crisis of

faith “but a crisis in which man is suffering the consequences of this instabilityâ€?. “Humanity is in danger, the human per Â

tas’ job above all is to realise this.â€? He cited a mediaeval Jewish text that  ] !

the tower of Babel, every time a brick fell or broke, “it was a tragedy� to lose such a costly, treasured brick. But every time a worker fell to his death, nobody batted an eyelash. The same thing is happening today, the pope said, where the world pays more attention to material things than the plight of people. !

investments� and yet as “big international gatherings� convene, people are still dying of hunger, he said. „ CNS

18 FAITH ALIVE!

Sunday June 2, 2013 „ CatholicNews

Want to evangelise? Be happy and laugh We should smile and laugh because ours is a faith of love, says Tom Sheridan

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YEAR OF FAITH 19

Sunday June 2, 2013 „ CatholicNews

Renewal of seminary training after Vatican II A look at the Second Vatican Council document, Decree on the Training of Priests, in this Year of Faith

Seminarians pray during Mass in Buenos Aires, Argentina, just days after Pope Francis, one of their countrymen, was elected pontiff. CNS photo

By Archbishop Paul S Coakley Bishops voted for the changes urged by the Second Vatican Council, but it would be the clergy who would have to bear responsibility for their implementation in the parish communities. Thus, the council’s Decree on the Training of Priests (Optatam Totius), though one of the shorter documents of Vatican II, is argu !

Renewal of the seminary system proved vital for the Church needed priests prepared to guide greater participation of the laity in the Church’s mission. The decree laid down the basic principles for priestly formation which have guided the formation of priests since then. The watershed document of Pope John Paul II in 1992 on priestly formation, I Will Give You Shepherds, expanded on the decree and stressed the human formation necessary for priestly formation today. The decree called for bishops’ conferences to establish local seminary norms so priests could meet the pastoral requirements where they minister. The pope and his assistants in Rome provided general regulations from which all local conferences of bishops established the local rules. The council emphasised spiritual formation in seminary training so that seminarians would “learn to live in intimate and unceasing union with God the Father

through his Son Jesus Christ, in the Holy Spirit�, the decree said. This requires faithful meditation on the Word of God and regular participation in the Mass, confession, the Liturgy of the Hours and devotions to the Blessed Virgin. Seminarians are to be taught to seek Christ “in the bishop by whom they are sent and in the people to whom they are sent, especially the poor, little children, the weak, sinners and unbelievers�. The council emphasised the

The council emphasised pastoral training for seminarians, 7 concern for effective engagement with the world. primacy of Scripture in intellectual formation. The relationship between the Scriptures and the doctrines of the Church, a theme treated in the council’s Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revela =

“Students should receive a most careful training in holy Scripture, which should be the soul, as it were, of all theology,â€? the decree noted. An emphasis on pastoral train  ~ "

concern for effective engagement with the world. Such training demands a willingness to listen to others and the capacity to open their hearts in a spirit of charity to the needs of other people. The decree noted that seminarians must learn the art of exercising the apostolate not only in theory but in practice, with pastoral work as part of their studies. In the United States in recent decades, the current norms of the Program for Priestly Formation strongly encourage seminarians to develop language skills and intercultural competency to be more effective pastoral ministers. Finally, what is implicit in the decree but made explicit in Pope John Paul II’s I Will Give You Shepherds, is the need for human formation. Blessed John Paul stated that future priests are to cultivate a series of human qualities, both for their own good, and also with a view to the priestly ministry. These qualities enable them to be balanced, capable of bearing the weight of pastoral responsibility and to have the requisite affective maturity to live and cherish the gift of celibacy. The seminarian’s capacity to relate to others as a “man of communion� is essential for the priesthood in our day. „ Archbishop Coakley of Oklahoma City, USA, is a consultant to the US bishops’Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations.

20

Sunday June 2, 2013 „ CatholicNews

CHILDREN’S STORY:

St Mechtildis } % LLK_€ ] "

placed her in a monastery that had been founded on their property. She loved monastic life and spent much of her time in prayer. She rarely spoke but when she did her words have been described as angelic. Eventually she became the abbess of the monastery. She set an example of a good Christian life, although she received some resistance from the nuns who did not like her strict following of the rules of the monastery. Several miracles are attributed to her, and frequently she was in a state of spiritual ecstasy. Her reputation as a holy woman was well-known in her homeland of Bavaria. We honour her on May 31. „

Bible Accent: The word Gospel means “good news.� The four Gospels tell us about the life of Jesus and his ministry. Matthew lists the earthly ancestors of Jesus as far back as Abraham and recounts many miracles performed by Jesus. Mark emphasizes the teachings and healings of Jesus, treating them as mysteries that can be understood by those to whom God reveals their meaning. Luke gives us a book about Jesus as our saviour who died for our sins so we could be part of the kingdom of God. John shows us that Jesus is truly the Word of God who “made his dwelling among us.� The Acts of the Apostles tells us what the early Christians were able to do after Jesus ascended into heaven and sent the Holy Spirit to empower them. „

“Amen, I say to you, there is no one who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands for my sake ... who will not receive a hundred times more now in this present age.� „ Read more about it: Mark 10

Q&A 1. Why did the rich man walk away from Jesus? 2. What did Jesus say was possible for God?

WORDSEARCH: „ KINGDOM „ JUDEA „ COMMANDMENTS „ POSSESSIONS „ APOSTLES „ JESUS „ JORDAN „ IMPOSSIBLE

PUZZLE: Fill in the blanks to create the names of New Testament books. ___ A ___ ___ S ___ A ___ ___ ___ ___ L ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ S ___ ___ V ___ L ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ A ___ ___ ___ ___ W ___ ___ T ___ S ___ ___ I ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ O ___ ___ ___ O ___ ___ N ___

BIBLE TRIVIA: Who are the three persons of the Holy Trinity?

Answer to Trivia: The Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

SPOTLIGHT ON SAINTS:

what Jesus was trying to tell them, so he said, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to pass through (the) eye of (a) needle than for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.� “Then who can be saved?� they asked. “For human beings it is impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for God.� At this, Peter said to Jesus, “We have given up everything and followed you.�

Answers to Puzzle: James, Mark, Galatians, Revelation, Matthew, Titus, Philemon, John, Romans

After Jesus had crossed the Jordan River into the district of Judea, large crowds of people gathered to hear him preach. Many of the families that were there had their children with them, and they tried to bring them to Jesus for a blessing. The apostles tried to stop them, so Jesus became angry. “Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these,� he said. “Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it.� Jesus laid His hands on the children and gave them His blessing. As Jesus was preparing to head out to another city, a man knelt before Him and asked, “Good teacher,

what must I do to inherit eternal life?� Jesus replied, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone.� Then Jesus reminded the man of the commandments that had been given to Moses. The man said, “Teacher, all of these I have observed from my youth.� Jesus looked at the man with love and said, “You are lacking in one thing. Go, sell what you have, and give to (the) poor and you will have treasures in heaven; then come, follow me.� This was not what the man wanted to hear. He was rich and had many possessions. Instead, he became sad and walked away from Jesus. After the man had gone, Jesus said to His apostles, “How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!� The men were confused and did not understand

Answer to Wordsearch

By Joe Sarnicola

WHAT’S ON 21

Sunday June 2, 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 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 and bring a friend who has been “away�. Also sharing of experiences with parishes interested in starting Landings. At Church of the Holy Spirit (Attic, 4the level). Register T: 9688 0920 (Tony); E: returning@landings.org.sg MONDAYS MAY 27 TO JUNE 17 SUPPORT GROUP: DEPRESSION 7-8.30pm: For individuals struggling with depression. The support group is designed to help persons share common experiences, exchange information, learn new information, develop appropriate coping skills and develop natural support systems. By Clarity Singapore. At Block 854 #01-3511, Yishun Ring Road. Register: 67577 990, 9710 3733; E: registration@clarity-singapore.org TUESDAYS MAY 28 TO NOVEMBER 12 VIDEO STUDY SERIES: MATTHEW: THE KING AND HIS KINGDOM BY JEFF CAVINS 7.30-9.30pm: A 24-part video study that explores the life and mission of Jesus as recorded in the Gospel. Matthew demonstrates how the promises and

in Christ, who establishes a New Law and inaugurates the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth.By F.R.E.E. Ministry. At Church of the Risen Christ Parish Hall. E: free. risenchrist@gmail.com Register W: http:// home.catholicweb.com/freeatrisenchrist MAY 30 ART THERAPY OPEN 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 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 SUNDAY JUNE 9 ST ANTHONY FEAST DAY DINNER The Church of St Anthony of Padua is celebrating her patron saint’s feast day on June 9, 7.30pm at the Chevrons, Jurong. love and peace! Proceeds from the dinner Tickets at $80/pax, transport available. For information, contact John Lee 9128 7350 or visit the church’s

RCIA/RCIY/RCIC A journey for those seeking to know more about the Catholic faith. Baptised Catholics are also invited to journey as sponsors.

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 Fr Philip Heng, SJ. Register T: 6466 0625 (Angela), 9630 8346 (Terese); E church@stignatius.org.sg THURSDAYS MAY 30 RCIA@CHURCH OF ST VINCENT DE PAUL 8pm: At 301 Yio Chu Kang Rd. Enquiries welcome on RCIA (English/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 FRIDAYS JUNE 7 RCIA MANDARIN@CHURCH OF STS PETER AND PAUL 7.30pm: At 225A Queen St. T: 9177 5689

MAY 31 CHILDREN’S EUCHARISTIC ADORATION 7.45-9pm: For children, catechists, parents and all who are keen to pray with children. At Church of the Holy Spirit. T: 9362 5408 (Sr Angeline Lim); E: childreneucharisticadora@gmail.com 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 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 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: Love offering + $17 (workbook). By Apostolate for Catholic Truth. At International Plaza (10 Anson Road, 29-03). Register: T: 9649 3893; E: andrewkong@me.com

FRIDAY JUNE 14 TO SUNDAY JUNE 16 DEALING WITH A PRICKLY PORCUPINE Fri (7pm)-Sun (5pm): A semi-directed retreat with Fr Matthew Linn, SJ, on

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become a source of new life and healing for us. By Kingsmead CISC. Cost: $270 (non air-con room)/$320 (air-con room). At 8 Victoria Park Rd. Register by June 1 T: 6467 6072; E: cisc2664@gmail.com JUNE 15 A TRAVELLING LIGHT SERIES: I CALL YOU FRIEND 1-6pm: Calling young adults 20-40 years Â

discovery at 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 JUNE 19 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

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

THURSDAY JUNE 20 TO SATURDAY JUNE 22 ANNUAL MANDARIN SPEAKING CAMP FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN Thu (8.30am)-Sat (10pm): Annual camp for Mandarin-speaking children to allow for interaction between the different churches and to forge friendships. Includes talks, games and spiritual programmes. Overnighting is compulsory. For Kindergarten 1 to Primary 6 children. We welcome every child who is interested even if they do not attend Mandarin Masses or they are not Catholic. K1 to P1 programme ends at 8pm Saturday, the rest at 10pm. By CAMS. At Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary T: 9622 6231 (Benjamin); FB: http://www.facebook. com/CAMSyouthcomm; Register W: www.cams.org.sg (Benjamin)

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 21 AND SATURDAY JUNE 22 DANCING RICE – A HUMANITARIAN CONCERT Fri (8pm), Sat (6pm): A humanitarian concert exploring the hopes, aspirations and challenges of landmine-risk young people through a collaboration of talents from Singapore and Cambodia

(Corina); Register T: 6337 2585 (parish secretary)

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

JUNE 5 RELAXATION EXERCISE IN ENGLISH 10-11am: Therapeutic breathing and guided imagery exercises are taught to release tension, boost energy and mood to help one stay calm and stable in midst of the stresses of life. By Clarity Singapore. At Block 854 #01-3511, Yishun Ring Road. Register: 67577 990, 9710 3733; E: registration@clarity-singapore.org

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 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 SUNDAYS JUNE 9 RCIY@CHURCH OF ST VINCENT DE PAUL 9am: At 301 Yio Chu Kang Rd. Register T: 9191 7527 (Julia); E: julia_lim89@hotmail.com TUESDAYS JUNE 11 RCIA@CHURCH OF THE HOLY TRINITY 7.45pm: At 20 Tampines St 11. Register T: 8444 5505 (Gregory); :$ ¨

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 $ K\\U D|^|

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6863 (Joanna); E: sng.joanna@gmail.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 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@ST ANNE’S CHURCH 7.45-10pm: At 66 Sengkang East Way. Register T: 6386 5072 (Rosemary); E: secretariat@stanneonline.org

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

TUESDAYS JUNE 11 RCIA MANDARIN@CHURCH OF 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 €¥ :$ " ¨

FRIDAYS JULY 5 RCIA@ CHURCH OF CHRIST THE KING 8-10pm: At 2221 Ang Mo Kio Ave 8. T: KQ|O OO|^

€ O^^O __DU / €¥

E: query.rcia@gmail.com (Lawrence)

presented by CHARIS Singapore. Created and Produced by 13:35 Productions. Tickets available at CANA The Catholic Centre. T: 6336 4815/ 6336 4467; E:HumanitarianConcert@gmail.com; FB: www.facebook.com/DancingRiceConcert 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

JUNE 27 ART THERAPY OPEN STUDIO FOR ADULTS 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 experience necessary. Conduct by art therapist Alvin George Khoo. Cost: $10. By Clarity Singapore. At Block 854 #01-3511, Yishun Ring Road. Register: 67577 990, 9710 3733; E: registration@clarity-singapore.org 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

 Â‚ +*;

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: Comprising talks, sacraments, sharing, prayer, scriptures and ministering to deepen personal relationship with Christ. ‚  [

Prayer Community. At Church of the Risen Christ. T: 9795 6383 (Helena), 9005 4511 (Marie); E: helena_law@yahoo.com, E: m4trinity@gmail.com; Register W: www.risenchristcpg.org

Crossword Puzzle 1085 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

14

15

16

17

18

19

21

20 23

30

31

25

27

28

32

33

34

35

36

39 42

44

45

46 50

29

41 43

13

26

38

40

12

22

24

37

11

47

51

48

52

49

53

55

56

57

59

60

61

62

63

64

54

58

www.wordgamesforcatholics.com

ACROSS 1 Aaron made a golden one 5 Response 10 French protest cry 14 “___ Ben Adhemâ€? 15 De Valera of Ireland 16 Sign on a scratchand-dent 17 Opener (abbr.) 18 Grain to be ground LO ŠŠŠ '' 20 Peter cast one out 21 Symbol of the Holy Spirit 22 Chomps 23 Longest of the Epistles of St Paul 25 â€œâ€Śbone of my bones and ____‌â€? (Gen 2:23) 27 Wood sorrel 28 Like some tires 30 Third of IHS 33 They break the eighth commandment 35 A letter 37 Made off with 38 Though Portuguese, Anthony is associated with this Italian city 39 Goin’ okay, for Pierre 40 Additionally 41 Gave a measured amount 42 Temporary paper currency

43 Church toppers 45 “Agnus _____� 46 Fort in the San Antonio diocese 47 Demanding 50 Bad-tempered 52 Fontanne’s theater partner 53 Noah built one 55 Monkeys 56 Person used as an excuse 58 Caesar’s fever, Celsius? 59 Departed 60 Greek goddesses of the seasons 61 Cease moving 62 Payment made by hand? 63 Whatsoever 64 These hands are the devil’s workshop DOWN 1 First murderer 2 Saul’s general 3 Bingo 4 Some coats 5 “______ Caeli� 6 Merits 7 Among 8 Long-leafed lettuce 9 Explosive stuff 10 Italian city of St Clare 11 One of the 3 wise men 12 Natural balm 13 Views

21 City in central Texas 22 Garden spots 24 Merton, for one 25 Impostor 26 Julie’s “Doctor Zhivago� role 29 Tribe of Israel 30 RR stop 31 Charged particles 32 Sponsor of one who is baptized 33 Cowboy’s rope \Q = 36 “The Tell-Tale Heart� monogram 38 Composition in verse 39 202, in ancient Rome 41 Cart for heavy loads

42 Noon prayer time 44 Noncommittal words 45 He was in the lion’s den 47 ______-cain, the ]

(Gen 4:22) 48 River nymph 49 Gridiron 50 Narrative of heroic exploits 51 Atop 52 Livorno lucre, pre-2002 |Q

 56 “I knew it!â€? 57 He traveled with Abraham 58 First Greek letter in Jesus’ title

Solution to Crossword Puzzle No. 1084 V I C E

E D E M A

I L E U M

G W I O F E T

O N M E

S T A B

N A T O

O H N O

L E S

A L W A B R Y Y E S T O E O G R N A H E M Y S T T S H P M

B E A N

B E L L S H M O

B E Y O N E I S T S R C A E R U P L E S S E E E D D I L G I G E N E E I E L T S S E

R E P E N T

U C L A

U N C U A M L F T E O X R A I S

I H O P

N O D S

R E O V B E S S L E P T

I N T O

24

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Sunday June 2, 2013 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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