DECEMBER 01, 2013, Vol 63, No 24

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Assessing the fruits of the Year of Faith My dear fellow brothers in the presbyterate, Religious brothers and sisters and all faithful,

My suggestion is for every parish to initiate ‘

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In the face of such challenges, the Church must seize the day to proclaim Christ as the Truth and the Love of God in person instead of retreating from the world in bewilderment and fear. We must make use of such opportunities using all that is available in the modern world to spread the gospel to all of humanity. This is what the New Evangelisation is inviting us to do. It calls us to renew and imbue the culture of our society with the spirit of the Gospel; to make use of the phenomenon of migration and globalisation; to make better and proper use of the means of

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INSIDE

ARCHBISHOP GOH’S MESSAGE

With the celebration of the Feast of Christ the King, we bring to a close the Year of Faith. As we end the Year of Faith, it is important to recall the objective for celebrating the Year of Faith so that we can assess the fruits of this celebration and how we can move forward with fresh zeal and enthusiasm in the spread of the Faith. We are living in very challenging times. The twin scourges of this century, namely secularism and relativism, have changed the moral climate of this century. When God is no longer recognised as the absolute and the ultimate reality, humanity has supplanted the place of God. The offspring of secularism is necessarily relativism, since the former says that truth cannot be found. With secularism also comes materialism, as the spiritual dimension of humanity is denied and the human person is reduced to a material creature like the rest of the world. As a consequence today we are living in a materialistic and amoral society with values that are anti-life and that is not founded on truth. At the same time, we see advances in science and technology which have become the new gods of this century, for they are seen as the antidotes to all the woes and problems of humanity, as if they can heal the human heart. Science and technology have also changed the face of the earth in times of communication, mass media and transportation, globalisation and migration.

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mass communication; and infuse the spirit of the gospel of justice technology, economy, politics and civil life. of culture, politics and economy will be weak unless our Catholics are “re-evangelised� in the faith. The New Evangelisation seeks to deepen our faith, believe in the Gospel message so that we can be evangelisers. Before we can evangelise, we jective of the New Evangelisation is to “re-propose� the Gospel to those who have experienced a cri-

HOME Archbishop’s Advent message Welcoming the Lord during the season „ Page 4

sis of faith due to secularisation. The New Evangelisation invites each Catholic to renew their relationship with Jesus Christ and His Church. It is within this context that the Year of Faith was proclaimed. Notably it was proclaimed on the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council and also the 20th anniversary of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. It began with a Synod on New Evangelisation. The proclamation of the Year of Faith therefore is meant to help every Catholic to deepen his or a personal encounter with Jesus Christ, bringing about a personal conversion; and then to deepen this faith through further formation particularly through the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the Vatican II documents so that they are ready to share their faith with others. Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI in Porta Fidei says we must help Catholics to reappropriate, intensify, renew so as to “reinvigorate

fess it�. The question we need to ask ourselves is whether this primary objective of helping our Catholics to encounter Jesus Christ personally and radically has been achieved. Secondly, how have we helped our Catholics to deepen their intellectual faith and spiritual growth? Can we truly say that more and more of our Catholics during the Year of Faith have grown in fervour and love for the Lord and His Church?

‘What does the Lord say?’

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„ Page 18

Songs, sharings, social media at West District Youth Rally „ Page 9

ASIA Franciscans bless JB animal sanctuary ‘Noah’s Ark’ run by S’porean Catholic „ Page 11

WORLD Euthanasia for kids? Belgian’s faith leaders slam proposed legislation „ Page 15

POPE FRANCIS Pontiff calls for missionary mindset Vital for Church not „ Page 17

Pope comments on alleged Marian visions If taken in wrong spirit, could detract from Gospels

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Sunday December 1, 2013 „ CatholicNews

Filipinos, S’poreans unite

St Vincent de Paul Church holds special Mass as Filipin Parishes across Singapore prayed for the victims of Typhoon Haiyan and collected funds and material aid to send to the survivors of one of the worst storms in the Philippines. “Every one of us is a brother and sister in God’s name,â€? Fr Michael Sitaram told the 1,000-strong crowd gathered at the Church of St Vincent de Paul on Nov 17 for a special Mass to pray for the victims. “The Mass calls us today to pray for our brothers and sisters, to be with them in prayer,â€? said Fr Sitaram, the parish priest. “As we receive the Body and Blood in Christ, we are one in them. We are one in their pain and in their sorrow.â€? Philippine ambassador Minda Calaguian-Cruz and labour attache Vicente M Cabe were among those who attended the afternoon Mass celebrated in Tagalog and English. In his homily in English, Fr Sitaram expressed hope that typhoon victims would be “touched‌by God’s graceâ€? and for food, water and medical supplies to reach them quickly. He noted that even if one is unable to be at the disaster site to and material aid. The money offering during the Mass was channelled to the Caritas Humanitarian Aid & Relief Initiatives, Singapore (CHARIS) to aid the victims. Towards the end of the Mass, Filipina Jaren Loyola, shared her reports that her mother and brother had died in the disaster. “My only prayer was ‘Lord, please no!’â€? I didn’t ask ‘why?’ My

The congregation in the Church of Vincent de Paul light candles at the Nov 17 Mass.

question then was ‘how?’. How will my father live alone? How are we going to celebrate Christmas?� Many in the congregation could be seen weeping as she shared. However, the mood turned to one of joy as Loyola said she later found out that her family members were safe. Prayer and a supportive Filipino community were what gave period, she said. Meanwhile, Filipino Catholics across Singapore have been busy raising funds for their countrymen and collecting food and clothing even as churches prayed for the victims at Masses. At the Church of St Vincent de Paul, requests were made for canned food, biscuits, bottled water,

hygiene kits, medicines and blankets over the Nov 16-17 weekend. Ms Lyianne Oraya told CatholicNews she donated some food and clothing, and also sent money to relief groups back home in the Philippines. Mr Donald Villamero, from the Singles for Christ group, helped organise a fundraising concert at the Catholic Archdiocesan Education Centre on Nov 16. The Filipino, who attended the Nov 17 Mass at the Church of St Vincent de Paul, said proceeds will go to ANCOP (Answering the Cry of the Poor), a Couples for Christ ministry that works with the poor. He expressed hope that „ Continued on Page 3

The Filipino community at the Church of Divine Mercy held a bazaar.

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Sunday December 1, 2013 „ CatholicNews

te to aid typhoon victims

pinos mobilise to help countrymen. Darren Boon reports „ From Page 2

monetary donations will continue to pour in even after adequate material aid has been received as many would have lost their livelihoods in the calamity. Mr Villamero said he knows of other Singles for Christ members whose relatives and friends have died in the disaster. He said they are not coping well and are unable to return home even if they wanted to. They can only remain in Singapore and rely on moral support from members of the community, he added.

At the Church of Divine Mercy, the parish’s Filipino community along with Couples for Christ organised a bazaar sale and carolling session to raise funds. The money would be channelled to ANCOP. Mr Rizaldy Sapiera, speaking on behalf of ANCOP and the parish’s Filipino community, praised parishioners for their generosity. “It was really very touching,� he said. A Filipino community from the Church of the Risen Christ also collected monetary donations from members over the Nov 16-17 weekend. Another round of fun-

CHARIS appeals for donations to fund

Philippine villagers retrieving what is left of their belongings after the typhoon struck.

The Singapore archdiocese’s umbrella body for overseas humanitarian aid has sent money and material assistance to help victims of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. Caritas Humanitarian Aid & Relief Initiatives, Singapore (CHARIS) says it has donated $200,000 in emergency relief aid to Caritas Philippines and is in close contact with it to identify critical needs on the ground. CHARIS has also donated "# ### % ' * +%' */ send to the Salesian Sisters in Philippines for use in the disaster area. CHARIS is now appealing for donations to its Humanitarian Aid Fund in support of such efforts. Archbishop Goh has also released a message to Catholics in Singapore following Typhoon Haiyan. “As a Church, we are saddened by this loss of lives and massive destruction of property and livelihood,� he said in the message. “The pain and anxiety is especially felt by us in Singapore because a Catholics hail from the Philippines, or have family and friends there.� The archbishop added that “it is important that we support and show

solidarity for our Filipino brothers and sisters in Philippines as well as in Singapore who are impacted�. He urged all to “give generously� to the Humanitarian Aid Fund to support relief and reconstruction efforts. An archdiocese-wide solidarity Mass for the survivors of the typhoon and the earthquake that hit the Philippines earlier will be held at the Church of Sts Peter and Paul on Nov 26 at 6 pm. Archbishop Goh will celebrate the Mass together with two Filipino priests. All are invited. A reception will follow after the Mass. Several parishes and groups are also holding Masses to pray for the victims and collect monetary donations for the Humanitarian Aid Fund. To donate to the fund, send a crossed cheque payable to “Humanitarian Aid Fund� and mail it with your name and contact information to: CHARIS, 55 Waterloo Street, #07-02 Catholic Centre, Singapore 187954. For more information on the fund and the Mass, contact Albert Lim (6338-0182) or email info@charis-singapore.org. For the archbishop’s full message, visit http://www.catholicnews.sg/index.php?option=com_ content&view=article&id=9427 „

draising is scheduled for the Nov 23-24 weekend. Meanwhile, the Church of Our Lady Star of the Sea has collected three truckloads of clothes, food items and medicines, as well as monetary donations. Mr Elmer Del Rosario, a member of the Filipino community in the parish, said they are touched by the generosity of parishioners and happy to work with them in packing the relief items. „ darren.boon@catholic.org.sg „ See also story below

Carolling to raise funds at the Church of Divine Mercy.

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Sunday December 1, 2013 „ CatholicNews

ARCHBISHOP’S ADVENT MESSAGE

Welcoming the Lord during Advent season Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, We have just concluded the Year of Faith. But this is an ongoing reality. How can we be the light of faith to others as Pope Francis asked of us? At Advent, we prepare for the coming of the Lord. Christmas is also a celebration of light because Christ is the light of the world, the epiphany of God, the manifestation of God’s love and mercy to all. Real faith is not only cerebral but a personal faith, which includes the incarnational reality. The incarnation reveals God’s desire to be close to us in 8 % ham to the time of Jesus, He has revealed Himself as a personal God, always desiring communion with His people. How does God reveal His love to us? The Incarnation helps us see God in Christ. God became man so that we can feel, see and touch Him. God in all His majesty and divinity came to share in our humanity so that we too might be called sons and daughters of the Lord (Gal 9:<9/ = that we might know God’s love. We are human with a body and not pure spirit. Hence, there

is a real need to sense Him by touching and listening. Our God is not a God from the past but also one who is here and present with us. How do we sense Him? We sense Him by spending time in front of the Blessed Sacrament. We touch Him through receiving the Eucharist in daily Mass. We hear Him through spending time in His word, and letting His word speak to us.

we prepare ‘May our hearts through confession and prayerful contemplation.

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As we begin to see and feel Him, we are also called to share and pass on this faith through testifying and proclaiming Him in the communities that we are in (1 John 1:1-4). Most of all, we are called to translate our faith into action through a special concern for the poor and lonely, for we remember that Christ was born poor, in a stable, so that we might be rich in Him. In Lumen Fidei, Pope Francis calls us to strengthen each other

in this “priceless treasure of faith which God has given as a light for humanity’s path� (LF 7). Faith is thus intrinsically bound with hope. A hope that illuminates our path to God. And to others. Our faith, though personal, also points us to a greater communion with our fellow brothers and sisters in this journey. Only then, by sharing our faith actively, can our joy be complete. In this season of Advent, though it is good to buy gifts to spread the love of Christ to others, we also need to welcome @ prayer and meditation on the Word of God. Mary conceived Jesus in her heart before she conceived @ Q most through confession and prayerful contemplation so that we are able to receive the full measure of His love at the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. „ A blessed Advent to one and all! Yours in Christ,

Most Rev Msgr William Goh Archbishop of Singapore

The Neocatechumenal Way catechist team poses for a photo with Archbishop Goh. The team members are (from left): Ms Kate Mcgarr, Fr Pippo Lauria and Mr Fernando Valdes.

Neocatechumenal Way shares its work and mission with priests Priests of the archdiocese learnt more about the Neocatechumenal Way when its catechists shared their community’s charism in the work of the new evangelisation with them. Fr Pippo Lauria, Mr Fernando Valdes and Ms Kate Mcgarr – who are responsible for the Neocatechumenal Way in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia – spoke to the priests during their recollection held at the St Francis Xavier Major Seminary on Nov 7. U shared the witness of their personal lives, of how during their own crises of faith, each had experienced Jesus Christ in the Neocatechumenal communities in their respective countries. Their sharings also highlighted how today’s Christians could be attending church as a matter of religious ritual only, and when real crises arose, they could fall ciently evangelised, inserted into a small community and over time formed in their faith. The team later presented the Christian itinerary of the Neocatechumenal Way, which showed how Christian communities are formed and matured in order to serve the mission of the Church. The priests found the presentation informative and challenging with some sharing later that they were impressed with the conviction of the catechists and their clear proclamation of the Gospel. Episcopal Vicar, Fr Erbin Fer-

nandez, who journeys with the Neocatechumenal Way community at the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, said he is “grateful� for what he has learnt from the organisation. The re-discovery of the central message of the Gospel, the kerygma (or proclamation) has been a great gift to him, he explained. “It has helped me to face crises and challenges with a certainty and hope that is a pure gift of the Holy Spirit.� Archbishop Goh, who also attended the recollection, encouraged the catechist team in their work of evangelisation in the archdiocese. The team was invited by the Z [ \ (ONE) to conduct the recollection as part Archbishop Goh’s pastoral vision to create a vibrant and evangelical missionary Church. Archbishop Goh is inviting ecclesial movements and lay communities to share their charisms with priests to help them discern how these charisms could aid in re-evangelising parishes. Archbishop Gregory Yong welcomed the Neocatechumenal Way to the archdiocese in 1978. There are now nine communities

280 members of all ages. The Neocatechumenal Way was born in Madrid, Spain, in the early 1960s. Its charism is to make Christian communities like the Holy Family of Nazareth living “in humility, simplicity and praise ‌ where the other is Christâ€?. „

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Sunday December 1, 2013 „ CatholicNews

Tertiary students learn about Christian view of environment By Darren Boon Catholic tertiary students recently learnt about caring for the environment from a Christian perspective. Franciscan Missionaries of Mary Sr Molly Lim shared with some 50 students from Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP) and Singapore Institute of Management (SIM) on the ills plaguing the Earth, and how to care for the ecology. The talks were held on Oct 30 and Nov 13 at SIM. the environmental crisis the world is facing as well as the harmful effects of the use of plastic water bottles on the planet. Participants group discussion. The second session started with a hymn, Canticle of the Sun, followed by a scripture reading. Sr Molly then invited the students to imagine themselves as St Francis of Assisi as she recounted a tale of the saint rescuing a worm from the road to illustrate his care for creation.

The session continued with a short skit to illustrate the ills that are affecting the planet and _ relationship with the environment. Sr Molly also demonstrated how to use water, brown sugar and orange peel to make environment-friendly enzymes that can be used for cleaning purposes. She then distributed small bottles of the enzymes, which take about three months to ferment and which she made, to those present. Sr Molly also invited the students to commit to caring for crea Gabriel Cheam from SIM said the talks helped him understand his “responsibility towards the environment as a child of God�. He said he found the use of environment-friendly enzymes interesting. Sarah Rachel Teo from NP told CatholicNews that “more should be done than what we are actually doing now�.

Ngee Ann Polytechnic and Singapore Institute of Management students received tips on how to care for the ecology.

Similar talks on ecology have previously been held at Nanyang Polytechnic and Singapore Polytechnic. series of talks will be held on Nov 27 at 7 pm in Room 2.21 at SIM’s Block B. It will focus on what scripture says about ecology. To register, call 9060-1217 or email simcs.exco@gmail.com. „ darren.boon@catholic.org.sg

Sr Molly Lim holds up a bottle of environmentfriendly enzymes, made from water, brown sugar and orange peel, and which can be used for cleaning.

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Sunday December 1, 2013 „ CatholicNews

Those little, white lies ... A Catholic drama group is staging a production on issues surrounding lies, white lies and truth By Darren Boon

A scene dealing with the topic of self-disclosure in the second story of Little White Lies.

A local Catholic theatre group is embarking on a touring production of its latest play, Little White Lies, to mark the end of the Year of Faith. Walk on Water Productions’ latest effort comprises three stories which examine whether the truth must always be told despite it being cruel to do so. The production looks at how lies impact relationships between men and women and within a family, and how lies destroy relationships and break down communication and trust. “This process began in January with us wanting to create a play based on faith,� Geraldine Wee, the group’s artistic director told CatholicNews.

{ ing and research, we found that an essential component of faith was truth.� | = | staged for members of the Verbum Dei community at St Joseph’s Institution, Malcolm Road, on Nov 10. Verbum Dei Sr Devy Pranadjaja said she enjoyed the production as the stories were “thoughtprovoking� and “real�. Ms Angelia Pay said the stories set her thinking about the types of lies one encounters and the “grey� area of telling lies in situations. They have also inspired her to think about praying to God constantly so as to be acutely aware of one’s sub-conscious tendency to lie, she said. „ darren.boon@catholic.org.sg

DRAMA REVIEW

Truth versus lies in relationships By Darren Boon Little White Lies, which clocks just about under an hour, features three playlets. ple whose relationship is on the rocks as a result of lies and cheating. This playlet is a little confusing as it moves back and forth between the past and the present. The second story, on the other hand, is more direct in its storytelling. It is about a gay man agonising over whether to reveal his sexuality to his father. His friend advises him to lie so as not to hurt his father who had raised him up single-handedly. However, when the young man tries to broach the topic, his father avoids it. The third story is about an elderly man in a hospital or nursing home who wants to conceal his vulnerability from others. This story was played out within

the first and second stories. Little White Lies presents situations that many can identify with. Self-deception and the dilemma of telling a lie versus revealing the truth in order to salvage a relationship were all explored in the course of the production. However, the second story appears to be the most poignant as it deals with family issues. The production’s message is well summed up by the elderly man in the third story, who gives his explanation of why he lies. Overall, Little White Lies is a ` the issue of truth versus lies in relationships. Parishes and Church groups who would like the group to stage the production for them may email admin@walkonwater.com. sg for more information. „ darren.boon@catholic.org.sg

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Sunday December 1, 2013 „ CatholicNews

SJI to relocate to Bishan for two years By Clara Lai St Joseph’s Institution (SJI) on Malcolm Road will move to a temporary site in Bishan in December. Assistant principal Malcolm Wong told CatholicNews that the school will be “redeveloping� its current campus. SJI moved to its Malcolm Road campus from Bras Basah 25 years ago in 1988, and it is “time for upgrading the school�, said Mr Wong. Redevelopment plans are now underway, he said. Mr Wong added that SJI will continue at its current campus until Dec 6. It will start operating at the Bishan site from Dec 12. The school will occupy the former Institute of Technical Education (ITE) Bishan campus for the next two years, and is expected to move back to Malcolm Road in 2016. SJI students CatholicNews interviewed were generally positive about the move with some adding that they would miss their current campus. “I’m quite excited, because we’ll be getting to see three schools – the current, the tempo-

rary and the new,� said Sec 1 student Wayne Ang. Mark Wee, a Sec 2 student, shared: “I will miss our favourite places in the school, but I also hope that we can carry on the SJI spirit, like how they carried it from Bras Basah.� Chew Kai Ming, another Sec 2 student, commented: “It’s not

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I will miss our favourite places in the school, but I also hope that we can carry on the SJI spirit, like how they carried it from Bras Basah.

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– Mark Wee, a Sec 2 student

about the facilities or campus, but most importantly it’s about the people and the community.� Secondary Three student Amos Aow said he feels “reluctant to go� to the temporary cam { uating there. But I’m okay with it, and I know it’s for the good of the school.� „ clara.lai@catholic.org.sg

St Joseph’s Institution on Malcolm Road will be redeveloped.

‘Every Catholic must be re-evangelised’ „ From Page 1 Can we see the fruits of the Year of Faith? What are these fruits you have witnessed in your parish and in the local Church? If not, then the Year of Faith would just have been another programme to keep us busy. I am sure the Lord would have worked in various ways during this Year of Faith. But let us not deceive ourselves that the work is done. This is just the beginning. The celebration of the Year of Faith in truth has no end. It is just the starting point in the work of the New Evangelisation. It is simply giving us an impetus but we must now further develop and intensify the programmes that we have started. No efforts must be spared from bringing what we have started to a glorious end. My suggestion is for every par-

Z [ Evangelisation to ensure that the objectives of the New Evangelisation, namely the renewal of faith of our people and their witnessing in society, are well-coordinated. Every Catholic, every Church group must be re-evangelised and given a personal encounter with the Lord, have their spiritual and doctrinal faith deepened and realise that we are all working towards the common goal of being an evangelising community. Together with the study of the Papal Documents, especially on the New Evangelisation, Porta Fidei and Lumen Fidei, besides the earlier documents from Pope John Paul II and Benedict XVI, together with the Vatican II Documents and Catechism of the Catholic Church, this faith will grow and mature. We need to consider more

concrete steps to apply what we have learnt from the study of these documents. Finally, nothing can be accomplished except by the grace of God. This entails that we need to help our people grow in holiness through training in prayer, personal, liturgical and communal prayer. More talks and programmes should be organised to teach and form our people in prayer so that they can encounter God in Christ more deeply. Most of all, I hope that in every parish, an intercessory group will be set up to pray for the evangelisation work of the parish and the diocese and for the spread of the Good News to all of humanity. „

Archbishop William Goh

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Sunday December 1, 2013 „ CatholicNews

S’porean nun

profession Verbum Dei Sr Cecilia Teo shares how God called her to the Religious congregation By Darren Boon At an international youth event with the Verbum Dei Missionaries in 2003, Singaporean Cecilia Teo promised Mary that she would do whatever Jesus asked of her. It was also during that time in Spain that she felt Jesus offering her a new way of life although she did not “really get it� then, said Sr Cecilia, who made } Dei Religious in Manila in October. However, after her return to Singapore, she felt the Lord prompting her to become a Religious during one Mass. “I just knew I heard Him very loud and clear,� she told CatholicNews. She felt a similar prompting when she attended a prayer meeting with the Verbum Dei community the next day. In August 2003, she resigned from her job and joined the Religious congregation. Sr Cecilia, 40, said her decision to join the Verbum Dei was God’s choice for her. “It was in Verbum Dei that I encountered

Jesus very clearly. His word, the preaching here, just spoke to me loud and clear,� she said. She added that she was attracted by the missionaries’ mission of being close to the people, and the ability to do mission work anywhere. On Oct 12, Sr Cecilia took her perpetual vows as a Religious at a Mass at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, where she had graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Sacred Theology. She had been assigned to Manila for the past four-and-a-half years to do mission work while studying. She has since been posted back to Singapore. Sr Cecilia, speaking about her faith journey, shared that she had worked in Singapore after her graduation here. However, she admitted to feeling restless and was “always looking� for what God was calling her to do. Eventually she got to know the Verbum Dei Missionaries. She explored the thought of quitting her job to do two years of mission work but “things did not materialise�.

When she planned to quit her contract job, her boss offered her a permanent position and even allowed her to go a mission trip and later return to her job. She took up the offer but still felt restless till the day she resigned and responded to God’s call. Now back in Singapore, Sr Cecilia said, “I see that God has

a plan, and that plan will be revealed and unveiled in time.� She added that she enjoyed her mission work in the Philippines, “and when God calls me home, I just trusted it’s time and it’s for a better reason�. Sr Cecilia will be working with university students, teens and working adults to help them encounter Jesus through the Word

It was in Verbum Dei that I encountered ‘ Jesus very clearly. His word, the preaching here, just spoke to me loud and clear.’

– Sr Cecilia Teo

of God. She will also assist in retreats, recollections and formation as these form the community’s main charism. “I realise a vocation, a consecrated life is all about God. God is the one. God empowers me, God sustains me. God makes me happy,� she said. Sr Cecilia had studied in CHIJ schools and Catholic Junior College (CJC). She was a member of the Catholic students’ body in CJC as well as the National University of Singapore’s Catholic Music Ministry. She was also a choir member at the Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary where she was a former parishioner and was also involved with youth catechism at the Church of the Holy Spirit. „ darren.boon@catholic.org.sg

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Sunday December 1, 2013 „ CatholicNews

Archbishop William Goh speaks to the young people about faith, truth and love.

Participants use their mobile phones to share how they feel at the event.

West District rally touches chord with youth From an adaptation of a pop song to a ballad by priests, the West District Youth Rally had something for just about everyone By Clara Lai “What does the Lord say?� If this line sounded familiar during the recent West District Youth Rally, it was because it was an innovative adaptation of Norwegian duo Ylvis’ hit song, What Does the Fox Say? Two singers, four actors and several dancers took to the stage at the Catholic Junior College auditorium on Nov 16 to make a point about chasing after material goods, success, popularity and good grades. During one part of the adapted song, an actor playing Jesus appeared and told the four characters who were chasing their own consumerist dreams, “So wake up from your slumber, hiding from your birth right, time to live again�. The performers then joined the dancers who were moving to Gangnam Style steps and boy band Super Junior’s Sorry Sorry. If the loud cheers and applause from the 400-strong audience were anything to go by, the performance was certainly well-received. This skit was part of a threehour long rally organised by the = brought together a crowd compris in the various Church ministries. According to organisers, the rally aimed to reached out to con them see that only in God can they { € `ing for – more faith, more hope, more love, which is the theme of the event. Archbishop William Goh, the keynote preacher, told the young audience that “a life must be

Jesuit Fr Mark Aloysius (left) and Franciscan Friar Derrick Yap serenading the crowd with a Christian ballad.

Energetic performance of ‘What does the Lord say?’, an adaptation of the popular Ylvis’ hit.

lived with meaning and truth�. “Faith is the answer to truth,� he said. He stressed that Christ, by His death on the cross, “showed us that that is love�. In another segment of the rally, the MCs asked participants to use their mobile phones to share, via social media, how they felt at this event, as a form of evangelisation and outreach. They were also encouraged to include the hashtag #wdyr13 in their entries on Twitter and Instagram. Maria Joan, 14, from the Church of the Holy Cross, posted on her Facebook account that she is “thankful for those closest to me�, while Gregory Yeo, 16, from the Church of St Mary of the Angels, posted on Twitter about “the reassurance that God gives me for He can forgive me�.

the event an uplifting experience. Marielle Lee, 15, from the Church of St Ignatius, told CatholicNews that the event was { € { € and that it was a “very timely reminder that God loves me�.

Another highlight of the event was when Friar Derrick Yap and Jesuit Fr Mark Aloysius serenaded the crowd with a ballad, Your Heart Today, as Fr Aloysius accompanied on the piano. The song was about asking God to give one the courage and strength to allay the fears and heal the pain of others. The rally also saw a teen sharing about how Jesus guided her during anger she had felt with God then. Nonetheless, Jesus worked His way into her life “like a ninja� and kept her close to the Church through a community she encountered. The rally also included praise and worship, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and an original choreographed dance performance. Participants said they found

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Yeo said that the rally was “a new experience�, “something different from what we usually have in catechism class�, and “reaf € „ clara.lai@catholic.org.sg

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! Q ˆ‡# principals, parents, well-wishers and Gabrielite Brothers gathered to celebrate the 60th anniver * ‰ _ and secondary schools on Nov 9. The evening celebration of Mass * ‰ _ Primary School, and was planned * ‰ _ Z _ % sociation, together with the school * ‰ _ Primary and Secondary schools. Mass was celebrated by Archbishop Emeritus Nicholas Chia and concelebrated with Carmelite Friar John Chua, a former student of the school. Archbishop Chia commended the Brothers of St Gabriel for their educational mission and the religious vocations they have sown for the Church. The guest-of-honour for the dinner was Br Emmanuel, whose teaching vocation in the Gabri "Š‡ˆ @ urged alumni, teachers and wellwishers of the school to live up to the Gabrielite spiritual vision and the values of the school. During dinner, the audience was treated to band performances by prominent alumni musicians and a musical montage featuring teachers who had served the schools "Š‡9 Past students present said they enjoyed the reunion. “Thank you for putting this up and putting up with us,� said Mr Kevin Goh, from the primary _ "Š†< {U good to have met everyone once again and the rest of the Brothers.

Br Emmanuel (centre) poses for a photo at the celebration on Nov 9. Others in the photo include primary school principal Catherine Chiang (front row in green) and secondary school Stephen Chin (back row, third from left).

I look forward to see all again.� Z year included a 60th Anniversary golf event held at the Jurong ' ' Z "† was attended by more than 100 students, alumni and well-wishers. * ‰ "Š‡9 educational needs of families in the Paya Lebar and Upper Seran ` <"< ‹ " * < on June 3 that year under the leadership of Br Louis Gonzaga and seven pioneer teachers. Prominent alumni of the

schools include Carmelite Fr Anselm Phang, Redemptorist Fr William Heng, Fr Adrian Anthony, Fr Gerard Weerakoon and Fr Erbin Fernandez. Menwhile, the primary school put on a musical performance, Treasure Island: A Castaway Adventure, at Paya Lebar Method ‰ _ * +* / Nov 19. The hour-long show had more <## ‰ ing as actors, musicians, singers and prop artists. A martial arts performance was also staged and art pieces of students exhibited during the event. „

St Gabriel’s Primary students performing in school musical, Treasure Island: A Castaway Adventure.

Caritas Humanitarian Aid & Relief Initiatives, Singapore (CHARIS) deployed a mission team of one staff and three volunteers to Kompong Thom in central Cambodia from Nov 7-13. In September this year, heavy monsoon rains caused massive "‚ ' _ <9 provinces. More than 1.7 million peo including 188 people who died and 144,000 people who were displaced from their homes. Staff from Caritas Cambodia went to the aid of some of the worst affected provinces including Battambang, Siem Reap, Kampong Thom, Kandal and Prey Veng to assess their needs. CHARIS then responded to ' ' _ „ supplies. CHARIS volunteers ` " †## ` <‡ able latrines and 600 tarpaulin sheets worth $40,000 and shipped these to Phnom Penh for distribution. In Cambodia, the team helped with the distribution and planting of rice and vegetable seeds for

The golf event on Nov 6

" # $ $ $ " % & & Distribution of rice and vegetable seeds in Kompong Thom province.

some 700 farmers and their families, as well as the repair of two houses which were damaged by The team also trained Caritas ' _ ers to make special “bottle lights� to stream sunlight into their darkened homes during the day. Mrs Chea Vinney, progamme manager of Caritas Cambodia,

said she thought that the lights were a good idea and that she would install them in the houses of the next village they assist. Mr Simon Lim, a Singapore team member, said he was glad he went for the mission trip. “Even though we were there only for a week, I felt that we showed solidarity and brought joy to the € „

* Œ _ U tution International Charity Golf event on Nov 6 raised $370,000 _ According to organisers, the ‘ _ "‡# ### The money will go towards _ * 8 A hundred and 144 golfers took on the 18 holes of the Tanjong Course at Sentosa Golf Club at the event. It was followed by a dinner where guest-of-honour and former Singapore president S R Na-

„ Q Lyn Sen, chairman of the charity golf organising committee. * <##‚ *ŒU U "<# „ $10 million. The school now has 1,600 students. “SJI International is a totally private institution which receives no funding from the government,� said Mr Bradley Roberts, principal of SJI International High School. The school thus relies “on our community to support� the scholarship programme, he added. „

ASIA 11

Sunday December 1, 2013 „ CatholicNews

Franciscan friars bless animals in relocated sanctuary in JB By Darren Chan JOHOR BAHRU – On Nov 8, Franciscan Friars John-Paul Tan and Derrick Yap from the Church of St Mary of the Angels blessed an animal sanctuary in Malaysia. Noah’s Ark Natural Animal Sanctuary (NANAS) was started in Singapore in 1995 by Mr Raymund Wee, a Singaporean Catholic who wanted to help abandoned and abused animals. However, in 2000 the land lease at the sanctuary’s Jalan Kayu site ended and Mr Wee lost the tender for a new lease. The sanctuary then relocated to Johor Bahru and is now home to 600 dogs, 300 cats, nine horses, four monkeys and nine rabbits. sanctuary, together with Catholics from various parishes. “The blessing is a good eyeopener and it shows that people still care for animals,� said Mr Wee. He jokingly added, “The

purpose is to bless the animals so that they can forgive the humans for wrongdoings done to them.� At NANAS, the animals are free to roam the sanctuary and food, water and medical treatment are provided for them. “Having an animal is a stewardship, if you can’t take care of it, pass it on to someone else who will continue to care for it,� said Fr John-Paul. Fr Derrick also stressed that St Francis of Assisi believed in a common fatherhood, where all in creation are brothers and sisters. Ms Linda Shaw, a parishioner from the Church of St Ignatius said, “The blessing was a wonderful experience and has helped us renew our faith as Christians to love animals.� Ms Rosina Maria Arquati, a Catholic who attends the Church of St Joseph (Hong Kong) said, “It is an uplifting, inspiring and calming spiritual experience to see the animals being blessed.� For information on NANAS, visit http://facebook.com/noahsarkcares. „

Fr Derrick Yap blessing a horse in the Noah’s Ark Natural Animal Sanctuary.

One of the visitors, Ms Rosina Maria Arquati, playing with the cats.

Mr Raymund Wee, founder of the animal sanctuary.

12 ASIA

Sunday December 1, 2013 „ CatholicNews

CHURCH IN CHINA

Ceremony to mark end of Year of Faith in HK HONG KONG – Hong Kong Cath-

460 Alexandra Road #02-20 PSA Building ARC Singapore 119963

Tel: 6273 2774 M: 9066 0581 (Elisabeth)

olics will mark the end of the Year of Faith by celebrating the Solemnity of Christ the King on Nov 24 together with the universal Church. The ceremony, which brings a close to the event launched by retired Pope Benedict XVI will be held at the Hong Kong Stadium, and will consist of personal sto Q At the end, the theme of the next diocesan year will be announced. { will see a number of testimonies from those who lived the events of 2013,� said Fr Dominic Chan Chi-ming, vicar general of the diocese and chairman of the ad-hoc committee for the Year of Faith, as he described activities that will take place on Nov 24. He said, “Young people who participated in World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro and hearingimpaired people from the College Notre Dame will talk. Volunteers and benefactors of the diocese will do the same.�

According to the clergyman, “faith and love cannot be separated. The Catholic faith is at its best when it becomes service to the needy. It should be noted that government of Hong Kong has

With this in mind, the diocese will offer, along with the Society of St Vincent de Paul, a service of regular meals for the homeless. “Right now, only Caritas and a couple of parishes are provid-

Photo: UCANEWS.COM

Young people, hearing-impaired people, volunteers and benefactors of the diocese will speak at the ceremony, said Fr Dominic Chan Chi-Ming (left).

presented data on local poverty.� This shows that “we live along with about 1.3 million people who do not have the means to ' has an obligation to do something for these people.�

ing this service. However, we must transform it into a longterm commitment because it is one of the best ways to demonstrate that faith is also action. The end of the Year of Faith is a good time to engage in new activities for our Church.� „ ASIANEWS

Former underground bishops’ head dies YIXIAN, CHINA – Retired Bishop

Peter Liu Guandong of Yixian, former acting president of the “underground� Church community’s bishops’ conference, died on Oct 28 at the age of 94. The Vatican-approved bishop, who escaped house arrest and lived in hiding for the last 16 years of his life, was buried in secret the following day by priests and laypeople, according to Church sources in Yixian, Hebei province. An underground priest, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told ucanews.com that Bishop Liu was “a key figure� in the establishment of the bishops’ conference in 1989, which “contributed to the continual

Bishop Peter Liu Guandong, 94, was the former acting president of the ‘underground’ Church community’s bishops’ conference in China. He passed away on Oct 28. Photo: UCANEWS.COM

existence in China of a Church that is loyal to the Holy See�. Born in 1919, Bishop Liu entered the seminary in 1935 and was ordained a priest in 1945. In 1955, he was arrested and imprisoned for two years for opposing the independent Church movement. In 1958, he was arrested again and received a life sentence for opposing the Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association, a government-sanctioned body that promotes an independent Church. When he was eventually released in 1981, he began to evangelise across China. He was consecrated coadjutor

bishop of Yixian in 1982 and became the Church leader there four years later. After suffering a stroke in 1994, he resigned from all his posts, but was placed under house arrest in Weigezhuang, his hometown. In 1997, when he was unable to take care of himself, several priests managed to sneak him past his guards and rescue him from house arrest. He spent his remaining years in hiding, the sources said. His successor, Bishop Cosmas Shi Enxiang, was detained by the authorities in 2001. He has not been seen since. „ UCANEWS.COM

TYPHOON HAIYAN 13

Sunday December 1, 2013 „ CatholicNews

Caritas Philippines leader calls typhoon devastation ‘unimaginable’ CNS photos

MANILA – The devastation brought

on by Super Typhoon Haiyan is on a scale so big it is “unimaginable�, said Jesuit Fr Edwin Gariguez, head of Caritas in the Philippines. “This is beyond our capacity,� Fr Gariguez told Catholic News Service by phone from Cebu province on Nov 13. “That’s the reason why we have our Caritas network with us now.� The head of Caritas Philippines and his counterparts from the Netherlands and Germany, as well as the communications staff of Caritas Internationalis, were on their way to Leyte, one of the provinces that bore the brunt of @ _ tral islands of the country. The plan was to appraise the needs on the ground and make contact with the various dioceses that have been affected. With about 600,000 people displaced by the storm, the task of getting aid to Filipinos posed a challenge in terms of coordination and the logistics. International aid started arriving on the week of Nov 10, while local relief began immediately after the typhoon hit. cut a path of damage that oblite-

A woman retrieves a teddy bear from a pile of debris on Nov 14, in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan in Tanauan.

A man carries a sack of relief goods while others rush for their share during a relief distribution in Iloilo on Nov 11.

rated as many as 90 percent of the houses in some areas, there were still stories of people not receiving anything. Ms Adelyn Manos was one of those. At the entrance of the Villiamor Air Base in Manila, she took cover from the rain under at a tarp-covered shuttle stop. She had just arrived via military plane from Tacloban, a city

she was not even buried because tion, the social justice arm of the Philippine Jesuit province, said on € Her eight-year-old son said, Nov 12 that hungry Filipinos were “The water was so high. It was so blocking aid trucks, demanding high,� as he put his arm up to in- food to let them pass. He said his organisation’s re _ lief efforts would Ms Manos said involve coordinatshe decided to come to make sure the to Manila because This is beyond ing food arrived safely at none of the food its destination. packs being distribour capacity. Taking the masuted had made their – Jesuit Fr Edwin sive need and the way to her neighGariguez work to meet it into bourhood. account, Fr Gariguez Philippine Presisaid, “As a Church dent Benigno Aquino said on Nov 13 that he expected this is part of our ministry ... we the death toll to be around 2,500 are doing this as part of our mis– lower than initially predicted. sion: to help the poor and the vulThat morning, the government put nerable. So we are really happy to the death toll at 1,833; of those, be of help and to contribute whatever we can to ease the life of our 1,300 were in Leyte. Jesuit Br James Lee, head of people who are really very much the Church That Serves the Na- burdened by this disaster.� „ CNS

in Leyte that some are calling “ground zero� because of the decimation there from a storm surge brought on by Haiyan. It left bodies strewn about in its wake. “I came with them, my three children and a companion,� said the Ms Manos, 35, who was carrying her three-year-old daughter. “And my other child, she died because the water went up so high ...

In Philippines, signs of faith among ruins of typhoon MANILA – In the week after Su-

per Typhoon Haiyan cut a path of devastation across the central Philippines, faith remained strong among the hardest hit. At Villamor Air Base in Manila, Mr Roel Gonzales, 42, of Leyte province smiled while aid workers sang “Happy Birthday� to him on Nov 15. It was a sweltering late morning with the sun approaching its peak, but everyone was shaded under a covered court. They sat in circles on plastic chairs, eating noodles with the speed of those who had not eaten for days. In fact, they had not. They were among the hundreds of thousands left homeless by the brutal storm that tore through homes and damaged the infrastructure of a number of island provinces. A storm surge that Haiyan churned up brought 4.5-m-high waves to Tacloban, the obliterated city on Leyte’s east coast that took the worst hit from the typhoon. “All of a sudden all the houses were gone,� including his, said Mr Gonzales, who lived right out {’ _ trace of it, not one piece.� The storm surge left countless corpses in its wake. Mr Gonzales counted himself

‘

’

Pope leads prayers, calls for aid for people affected VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis

Residents seek refuge inside a Catholic church in Tacloban, converted into an evacuation centre.

lucky. His wife and their three children were together with him. “So many people were lost,� he told Catholic News Service. “But we’re still here. We’re still alive.� Mr Gonzales said the family left for Manila because, like the many people the storm displaced, they were starting to go hungry, and he worried his children might get sick with no medicine available. In Tacloban, aid was very slow to arrive to places beyond the city limits. Debris, dwindling fuel and

poor communication lines made it hard for relief goods to move to the people who needed it. “And the smell became too much to bear,� he said, referring to the odour of bodies decomposing in the tropical sun. Mr Gonzales said he never once lost faith in God. “You have to trust in the Lord € {U _ have faith, it’s very hard. And I really believe, this was really meant to be. He saved us. He let us live. ... He’s given us more time on this earth to honour Him.� „ CNS

led prayers for people hit by a deadly typhoon in the Philippines and surrounding region, and asked that concrete aid be sent soon. During the Angelus with pilgrims in St Peter’s Square on Nov 10, the pope expressed his concern and prayers for the estimated tens of thousands of people dead and others affected by Super Typhoon Haiyan. “I wish to express my closeness to the people of the Philippines and that region that has been hit by a terrible typhoon. Unfortunately the victims are many and the damage is enormous,� he said. He asked the tens of thousands of people gathered in the square to join him in a moment of silent prayer “for these brothers and sisters and let’s try also to make

our concrete help reach them�. In response to the tragedy, Pope Francis made an initial donation of US$150,000 (S$186,000) for the relief efforts ‹ ' Cor Unum. The money, sent through the local churches hardest hit by the storm, was earmarked to support “assistance for the displaced and € the Vatican said in a written statement. The pope also sent a telegram to Philippine President Benigno Aquino saying he was “deeply pained by the destruction and loss of human lives�. In the message, he also encouraged civil authorities and rescue workers in their efforts and prayed that God would offer “the nation strength and consolation�. „ CNS

14 WORLD

Sunday December 1, 2013 „ CatholicNews

( & + 6 & & &

$ 2 & 3

MEXICO CITY – Archbishop Ter-

‹ Z Z that needed a new furnace and was considering hiring a youth pastor. Š# ### +* """ ###/ ` were few young people to serve. Archbishop Prendergast cited the story as an example of “the maintenance model of the Church versus a missionary model of the ' € U _ deployed by too many dioceses in ” * ' one that some senior clergy recognise as outdated and doing nothing to put people in church pews or contribute to parish life – much less increasing the kingdom of God. ‹ 8 on the “new evangelisation� held [ "• "Š Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexi ' change and has called on Catho missionary mindset. ”* ' Church leaders at the conference said that means a new mindset

in countries where people are becoming cultural Catholics or “consumers of religion� and fail to make mission a priority. “Our job in parishes and dioceses is not just to take care of the _ back those who have left and to

€ [ ’ ` ' dinal Timothy M Dolan told Cath [ * {U % %– € ' {U ` faith of people whose faith is le ' € The cardinal’s observations ‹ 8 who previously told his priests to get out of their parishes and take the Gospel to the most marginalised members of their communities. The pope also admonished them to reject a “functional� ap { room for mystery� and reduce the Church to little more than a nongovernmental organisation. „ CNS „ See related story on Page 17

$

$ 0 2 3 & & BUSAN, SOUTH KOREA – When

the World Council of Churches % {= € bers but to the Catholic Church. The WCC includes most of _ Z ‘ % | Q › ” U “We are not members of the ='' nership with a great deal of inter € 8 ‹ ' for Promoting Christian Unity. 8 <‡ } Z 9# [ † ='' % * œ % }

8 Œ ‹ the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement who heads a Rome research centre that focuses on ecumenical ‘ ' lic Church is not in the council. “Membership in the WCC

€ ' [ * { 9‡ | ˆ‡ % can churches who are members of the WCC.� Fr Puglisi said the closest thing Catholics have to national churches are national bishops’ united with the pope. {* er world Christian bodies is not by national churches but as one international Christian communion.� „ CNS

* + / # $ VATICAN CITY – Cardinal Joseph

— — ` Hong Kong and an outspoken advocate of religious freedom in Chi } ` more clearly in defence of Catho “underground� or clandestine communities who refuse to register with the government-controlled Catholic Patriotic Association. { @ * between being clear and accept € ' [ * [ "9 {” ‘ compromise. There is the shadow of ‘Ostpolitik’.� {Z `€ ‘ } fers to efforts to foster better re * ' = to improve conditions for Catholic churches there. The cardinal highlighted the divisions among China’s estimat "# ' between the “so-called clandestine community and the community that accepts government con € comply with the government’s requirement to register with the Catholic Patriotic Association. “The part that submits to the government is not united. There are those who still put up a certain € said. “There are also opportunists who have rather cordially accepted and look out for their own interests and those of the government rather than for the Church.� The cardinal praised efforts by ‹ ˜}U unity to the Church in China and ™ } and continue to be “much more understanding and conciliatory� toward the communist government. “What we may call the under-

Holy See has to choose between being ‘Theclear and accepting compromise.’

– Retired bishop of Hong Kong, Cardinal Zen on the religious situation in China

€ ' dinal Zen said. “They feel abandoned. The actions by Rome are \ ‘ successors are named.� {U ` € { the Church is getting ever weaker.� The cardinal praised Cardi 8 8 the Congregation for the Evan ‹ ‘ ' and the congregation’s secre % * @

8 ` ' } who “understand the situation

better� than other officials. He also said that Pope Francis had made an “excellent choice� } % ‹ ‹ ` Z but was to start work on Nov 16 after recuperating from surgery. “The new pope has not yet ` € ' — “He is evidently a very wise lead @ Let’s hope the Lord helps him.� “And let’s also hope that ' € { cere conversation with the Holy * U some hope.� „ CNS

'( & ( # & " & ) " HAMBURG, GERMANY – The so-

Bishop Franz-Peter Tebartz-van Elst of Limburg, Germany.

called “luxury bishop� or “Bishop Bling� of Limburg agreed to pay <# ### +* 99 ‚##/ rather than contest charges that he perjured himself before the Hamburg District Court. nounced on Nov 18 that Bishop Franz-Peter Tebartz-van Elst had @ tors had charged him with lying to the court in a case involving the “ * The bishop had sued for an

U charity work when he told a Der * ness class. Although the bishop cording of his words. Pope Francis ordered Bishop Tebartz-van Elst to leave the Diocese of Limburg pending a separate investigation into allegedly exorbitant expenditures for his residence and diocese centre. A commission appointed by the German bishops’ conference is conducting an audit of the project. „ CNS

WORLD 15

Sunday December 1, 2013 „ CatholicNews

Belgium’s faith leaders on euthanasia decisions BRUSSELS – The president of

the Belgian bishops’ conference joined other faith leaders who criticised proposed legislation to extend euthanasia to children and dementia sufferers, warning the measure risks “destroying the functioning of society�. “We are also opposed to suffering, whether physical or moral, and especially the suffering of children,� Archbishop Andre Leonard, conference president, said in a joint statement with Christian, Jewish and Muslim leaders. “But to suggest minors can decide on their own euthanasia is to falsify their power of judgment and their freedom. To suggest persons with dementia can also be euthanised is to deny their dignity and hand them over to the arbitrary judgment of decisionmakers.�

Some Belgian legislators have proposed extending a 2002 euthanasia law to include children and dementia sufferers. Two senate commissions will draft a bill, which then would be debated in parliament. The religious leaders said such a bill risked “the growing banalisation of a very grave reality�, adding that they were “deeply alarmed ... as citizens relying on philosophical arguments, and as believers inheriting our respective religious traditions�. “Instead of supporting a suffering person and gathering persons and forces around to help them, we risk dividing these forces and isolating the suffering person, branding them guilty and condemning them to death,� said the Nov 6 statement. About 1,200 cases of euthanasia, most involving terminal can-

Letting minors decide their own euthanasia is to falsify their freedom, and letting persons with dementia be euthanised is to deny their dignity, faith leaders say. cer, were registered in Belgium in 2012. In summer 2012, a mentally ill man serving 20 years for a double murder became Belgium’s ised.

In November 2012, the government announced plans to follow the Dutch in allowing euthanasia for Alzheimer sufferers, as well as for children “if capable of discernment or affected by an incurable illness or suffering�. In an October survey by Barometre Politique, 75 percent of Belgium’s 11 million inhabitants favoured allowing euthanasia for children in an irreversible coma or vegetative state, while 80 percent supported it for dementia or Alzheimer patients facing “unbearable grief�. However, in their statement, religious leaders said caregivers

and medical practitioners would face pressure to accept euthanasia, while freedom of conscience and consent would lack effective safeguards. The statement said all forms of suffering cause dismay, “but to prescribe euthanasia for vulnerable people radically contradicts their condition as human beings. We cannot enter into a logic which will lead to destruction of society’s very foundations.� Catholics nominally make up three-quarters of the Belgian population, although only one in 10 attends Church services. „ CNS

16 WORLD

Sunday December 1, 2013 „ CatholicNews

Religious superior arrested for allegedly kidnapping confreres ROME – Italian police arrest-

ed the superior general of the Camillian Fathers and Brothers on suspicion of kidnapping after he allegedly tried to prevent two Camillian Fathers opposed to his election from attending the order’s general chapter. Fr Renato Salvatore, who was re-elected at a chapter Q U _ nance police on Nov 6. “It was with great surprise and deep pain that we heard the

news that our superior general had been arrested by the Guardia di Finanza to answer questions relating to facts attributed to him,� said Fr Paolo Guarise, the order’s vicar general, in a statement that day. “We are living this moment

light can be thrown upon this event,� Fr Guarise said. According to Italian news reports, Fr Salvatore is accused of arranging for impersonators posing as members of

question two Camillian priests in order to prevent them from participating in the general chapter and voting against his re-election. have alleged that Fr Salvatore was working with an Italian � vestigated repeatedly but never � at a Camillian hospital near Naples. „ CNS

Display of St Peter’s relics to close Year of Faith VATICAN CITY – 8

the bones traditionally believed to be the relics of St Peter the Apostle will be on public display for veneration. Archbishop Rino Fisichella, ‹ ' for Promoting New Evangelisation, said the veneration of the rel } to conclude the Year of Faith on Nov 24. Writing in the Vatican newspaper on Nov 8, the archbishop, of the Year of Faith events, said millions of pilgrims marked the Year of Faith by making a pilgrimage to St Peter’s tomb and renewing their profession of faith there.

Pope Francis praying at the tomb of St Peter.

“The culminating sign� of the year, he said, “will be the exposi traditionally recognised as those of the apostle who gave his life for the Lord here�. The bones were discovered during excavations of the necropolis under St Peter’s Basilica in the 1940s near a monument erected in the fourth century to honour St Peter. No pope has ever declared the @ ed on the bones in the 1950s and 1960s, Pope Paul VI said in 1968 that the “relics� of St Peter had { we can hold to be convincing�. „ CNS

US Church to collect synod responses BALTIMORE, USA – US Church

authorities are mulling over ways to collate responses to questions the Vatican has sent out ahead of a meeting on the family. Pope Francis had called for an extraordinary Synod of Bishops on the family to be held next October. In a brief report to the US Conference of Catholic Bishops on Nov 11, New York Cardinal Timothy M Dolan said he is awaiting

@ * about how preparatory material such as the answers to a questionnaire sent to the world’s bishops’ conferences, will be used. In the meantime, several bishops said they are already consulting with their priests’ councils or other diocesan organisations. Bishop Robert N Lynch of St Petersburg, Florida, suggested the US bishops create several ways that everyday Catholics can re-

spond to the questions the Vatican posed. @ such as Survey Monkey, for example, to solicit input, as well as have a way for people who don’t use computers to participate. Cardinal Dolan said he didn’t think it would constitute skating on thin ice to say that any bishop could rework the questions from the Vatican so that they are clear to the general public. Philadelphia Archbishop Charles J Chaput said he has asked for the questionnaire to be made available on the archdiocesan website. @ of Great Britain have created a website to be used nationwide for people to weigh in on the questions for the synod. “I’ve had emails saying people expect to do this,� Archbishop Chaput said. „ CNS The Vatican’s preparatory document is at http://www.vatican.va/ roman_curia/synod/documents/rc_ synod_doc_20131105_iii-assembleasinodo-vescovi_en.html

POPE FRANCIS 17

Sunday December 1, 2013 „ CatholicNews

Pontiff reiterates call for Catholics to adopt a missionary mindset CNS photo

MEXICO CITY – ‹ 8

' ` mission the priority of all pastoral ` Vatican via video to an audience › Z | ‰ Q ‘ ' participants to cast aside clerical {U _ ' € ‹ 8 [ "‡ { € % {U '

` € ‹ 8 ous pleas for Catholics to embrace missions in their everyday lives @ ` % “ : | % can bishops in 2007 and when he “ = ’ Œ

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Pope Francis had previously already made two pleas for Catholics to embrace missions in their everyday lives and to go meet people where they are.

! " Church leaders at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City on Nov 16. Bishops and Church leaders from the Americas gathered on Nov 16 -19 at the basilica to discuss the new evangelisation in the Americas.

centuries earlier by the conquer \ and millions more consider themselves cultural Catholics or only ' {% the Church in a permanent state € ‹ 8 % U {

‘ : activity of individual churches has € ' | % ica say renewal is constantly carried out and that missions were * } ' Œ ‹ UU_ "ŠŠŠ ‘

Pope’s embrace felt like ‘paradise’ VATICAN CITY – For someone who has frequently

been shunned and humiliated because of a disease _ ` Q } › ‹ 8 [ • * ‹ _ *„ { ` € U ` U ` _ ` U {Q € U ' * [ "† = {U ` U € Q › ‡9 } “

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Pope Francis embraces Mr Vinicio Riva, 53, during his general audience on Nov 6. Mr Riva suffers from a disease that his body. CNS photo

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Papal apostolic exhortation to be published Nov 26 VATICAN CITY – }

‹ 8 _ ‘ [ <• days after he formally delivers it to the Church at a Mass conclud <#"< "9 ’ 8 } [ "† {\

‰ € +{ ÂŒ ‰ €/ be presented at a news confer % › 8 ‹ ' ‹ [ \  % | “ * Â

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@ 8 { € } Z to inaccuracies in the interview ‹ _ „ new interviews since its publica „ CNS

18 POPE FRANCIS

3 & & 2 " & VATICAN CITY – Crime families

in Italy are not happy with Pope Francis and would hurt him if they could, said an Italian prosecutor who has spent years investigating organised crime and has written a book about the ap ' bosses. “I’m not sure organised crime is in a position to do something, but they certainly are thinking about it,â€? said Mr Nicola Gratteri, the assistant prosecutor of Italy’s Reggio Calabria region. “It could be dangerous.â€? In his book Acqua Santissima (Most Holy Water), Mr Gratteri argues that while organised crime and the Church should be completely at odds, that is not always true. He said he has never been to _ that didn’t have religious pictures on the wall, and many of his investigations have led to the dis the bosses and Catholic parishes or organisations. “But things are starting to change,â€? he said in a Nov 13 interview in the Italian newspaper Il Fatto Quotidiano. “This pope is on the right path,â€? he said. “He immediately sent important signals: He wears ž Â&#x; against luxury. He is consistent,

credible and is aiming for a complete cleanup.� Q

ticularly concerned, Mr Gratteri said. “Those who feed off the power and the riches of the Church are nervous and agitated,� he said. “Pope Francis is dismantling the centres of economic power in the Vatican. If the bosses could bring

Mr Gratteri said his investigations have $ " $ %

or organisations. him down, they wouldn’t hesitate.� Jesuit Fr Federico Lombardi, the Vatican spokesman, told reporters on Nov 14 that no one in the Vatican is alarmed, and the pope is serene in continuing his work. Fr Lombardi also said it is natural for organised crime families to feel threatened by papal teaching since the Christian message is about honesty and transparency. „ CNS

Sunday December 1, 2013 „ CatholicNews

< & +

# $ " & & 3 " $ VATICAN CITY – Purported vi-

sions of Mary, if taken in the wrong spirit, can sow confusion and distance people from the Gospel, Pope Francis said. Curiosities distance people “from the Gospel, from the Holy Spirit, from peace and hope, from God’s glory and God’s beauty�, the pope said on Nov 14 during a homily at morning Mass in the Vatican guesthouse, where he lives. “Jesus says that the kingdom of God doesn’t come in a way that attracts attention,� the pope said, according to a report by Vatican Radio. ‹ 8 day’s Gospel reading from Luke (17:20-25), in which the Pharisees ask Jesus when the kingdom of God will come. Jesus answers that the “coming of the kingdom of God cannot be observed� and tells His disciples not to “run in pursuit� of signs of His second coming. “Curiosity pushes us to want to hear that the Lord is here or over there, or it makes us say, ‘Well, I know a visionary who receives letters from Our Lady, messages from Our Lady,’� the pope said. But Mary is “not a postmaster of sages every day�. “The kingdom of God is among us,� he said. “Don’t look for strange things, don’t seek novelties with this worldly curiosity.� The spirit of curiosity is what

Pope Francis uses incense to venerate a statue of Mary. He recently warned against seeking ‘novelties with this worldly curiosity’. % '

makes people want to “take control of God’s plans, of the future, of things, to know everything, take on everything�, he said. “The spirit of curiosity distances us from the spirit of wisdom because it’s interested only in details, news, newsy tidbits of the everyday�, and is always wondering how things will unfold. This is the “spirit of dispersion, distancing from God, the spirit of talking too much�, the pope said. “This spirit of curiosity, which is worldly, brings confusion.� But the “kingdom of God

doesn’t come with confusion�, he said; it comes from the “action of the Holy Spirit, who gives us wisdom, who gives us peace�. God speaks to the prophets, not with a storm, he said, but with the soft and gentle “breeze of wisdom�. A true Christian lives in this spirit, “the spirit of God who helps us judge, make decisions in harmony with the heart of God�, he said. “And this spirit always gives us peace. It’s a spirit of peace, love and fraternity.� „ CNS „ See related story on Page 28

POPE FRANCIS 19

Sunday December 1, 2013 „ CatholicNews

Marriage tribunals must provide justice and pastoral care, pope says VATICAN CITY – Members of a

marriage tribunal, including the the bond of marriage, must aim to provide justice but also pastoral care to the couples involved, Pope Francis said. “Workers involved in the ministry of Church justice� act “in the name of the Church�, the pope said on Nov 8 during a meeting with members of the Supreme Court of the Apostolic Signature, the Church’s highest tribunal. “The service of justice is a commitment of apostolic life,� he said, and “must be exercised with _ “ ` ‘ of the Good Shepherd, who bends down toward the lost and wounded sheep�. The Apostolic Signature, in addition to hearing appeals of lower court decisions and administrative decisions by Vatican congregations, oversees the functioning of Church tribunals and procedures. Part of that responsibility, Pope Francis said, is to help diocesan bishops identify and train “ministers of justice�, including the mar ` the “defender of the bond�. The advocates of those seeking annulment must present evidence that the marriage was null from the beginning; the defender of the bond, on the other hand,

VATICAN CITY – God’s hands are “We have been in God’s never used for violence, Pope hands since the beginning,� the Francis said. pope said. The Bible gives “a “I can’t imagine God slapping beautiful image� of God fashus,� the pope said. “Scolding us, ioning man from clay with His yes, that I see, because He does do hands – “God the artisan�, who that, but He never, ever hurts us.� created humanity and will never God shows love and tender- abandon His creation. ness, “even when He must scold us; And the Bible stories show He does it with a caress because He how, like a father, God accompais [our] Father,� the pope said in his nied His children, walking with homily on Nov 12 them, holding their during his morning he said. God, I can’t imagine hands, Mass in the Domus “our Father, like a God slapping us. father with his child, Sanctae Marthae. “Let us put ourteaches us to walk. Even when He selves in the hands He teaches us to must scold us; of God, like a child take the path of life puts himself in his He does it with a and salvation.� daddy’s hands. That God also uses is a hand that is caress because He His hands to comsure,� the pope said, is [our] Father. fort people, the pope according to a report said. “He caresses in Vatican Radio. us in times of pain� People should put their trust in because “He loves us very much�. God, who is reliable, loving and That love came with a price when Jesus died for the sins of huhealing, Pope Francis said. manity, he said; “the hands of God “Many times we hear from are hands wounded out of love and people who don’t know whom this gives us much consolation�. to trust: ‘I put myself in God’s “We think about Jesus’ hands hands,’� which is good because when He touched the sick and it offers “maximum security�, healed them. They are the hands of he said. “It’s the security of our God: They heal us,� even healing Father who loves us very much.� people’s “spiritual sickness�. „ CNS

‘

’

Marriage tribunal members must also aim to provide pastoral care to the couples involved, Pope Francis said on Nov 8. CNS photo

seeks to prove that an indissoluble marriage bond exists. While Pope Francis has been seeking advice from bishops on making the annulment process quicker and more merciful, he told members of the Apostolic Signature that truth and justice must be protected. “The defender of the bond who wants to serve well cannot stop at a quick reading of the acts, or at bureaucratic and generic responses,� the pope said. “In his delicate task, he is called

to harmonise the prescriptions of the Code of Canon Law with the concrete situations found in the Church and society.� Pope Francis asked members of the Apostolic Signature, which is headed by US Cardinal Raymond L Burke, to “persevere in the search for a transparent and correct exercise of justice in the Church in response to the legitimate desires that the faithful address to their pastors, especially when they ask for an authoritative € „ CNS

Pontiff: Parishes should be inclusive of sick and disabled CNS photo

VATICAN CITY – Parishes and

Catholic organisations must be “pastorally inclusive� of the fragile and sick, who are a “spiritual resource� and not simply the object of Christian charity, Pope Francis said. Especially at a time when modern societies seem so intent on “hiding physical frailty and seeing it only as a problem�, he said, Catholic parishes and associations must help the sick and physically challenged feel “fully part of the life and mission of the Church�. The pope made his comments on Nov 9 during a meeting with several thousand people involved in an Italian Catholic pilgrimage association. The group, known by its Italian acronym UNITALSI, brings the sick and volunteers together for prayer and pilgrimages to Lourdes and other Marian shrines. “We must truly value the presence and witness of fragile and suffering people, not only as the objects of evangelisation work but also as active subjects of apostolic activity,� the pope said. {’ role in the parish and in every

God may scold, but never slaps: pontiff

Pope Francis greets people in wheelchairs during a meeting with UNITALSI, an Italian Catholic association for the transportation of sick people to Lourdes and other Marian shrines.

sphere of the Church,� Pope Francis told the sick and those with disabilities. “Your presence, which is silent but more eloquent than most words, your prayers, your daily offering of your suf-

fering in union with that of Christ world, and your patient and even joyful acceptance of your condition, are a spiritual resource.� “Never be ashamed of being a precious treasure for the Church,� the pope said before spending more than an hour talking to and blessing individual members of the group. Pope Francis said UNITALSI volunteers don’t turn away when they see someone in pain or dif {Z to be a gaze that welcomes, a hand that helps and accompanies, a word of comfort and an embrace of tenderness.� “Continue to give your time, your smile and your love to brothers and sisters in need,� the pope said. “May every sick and fragile person see the face of Jesus in your face, and may you recognise the body of Christ in those who are suffering.� Children involved in UNITALSI drew portraits of Pope Francis, which they copied, enlarged and bound into two supersized books. During the audience, he autographed the copy they will keep. „ CNS

Pope chooses beatitudes for next few WYD themes CNS photo

VATICAN CITY – Pope

Francis has asked Catholic young people around the world to read, meditate and act on the beatitudes as they celebrate World Youth Day in their dioceses in 2014 and 2015 and as they prepare to join him in Poland in 2016. Taking the text of the beatitudes from Polish pilgrims cheer in Rio de Janeiro on July the Gospel of Mat- 28 as Pope Francis announced that World Youth thew, Pope Francis Day 2016 will take place in Krakow, Poland. has chosen the themes for World Youth Day „ For 2015: “Blessed are the celebrations for the next three pure in heart, for they will see years, the Vatican announced on God.� (Mt 5:8). Nov 7. „ For 2016: “Blessed are the World Youth Day is celebrated merciful, for they will receive annually on a local level and eve- mercy.� (Mt 5:7). ry two or three years with an interIn addition to being the former national gathering with the pope. see of Blessed John Paul II, the At the end of World Youth Day Archdiocese of Krakow is home in Rio de Janeiro, Pope Francis to the Shrine of Divine Mercy, enannounced the next international couraging the devotion promoted gathering would be held in Kra- by St Faustina Kowalska, a Polish kow, Poland, in 2016. nun. The saint said she had a viThe annual Rome diocesan sion of Jesus, who said He would celebration with the pope is held show mercy to those who pray for on Palm Sunday each year; the it and who share that mercy with date of the celebration in other others. dioceses varies. Announcing the themes, the The themes chosen by the Vatican noted that during World pope, the Vatican said, were: Youth Day in Rio, Pope Francis „ For 2014: “Blessed are the asked young people to read the poor in spirit, for theirs is the beatitudes and make them a bluekingdom of heaven.� (Mt 5:3). print for their lives. „ CNS

20 OPINION

Sunday December 1, 2013 „ CatholicNews

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ANALYSIS

Year of two popes in this Year of Faith VATICAN CITY – The goal of the

Year of Faith, which concludes on Nov 24, has been to educate Catholics about basic Church teachings, strengthen their faith and inspire them to share it with others. If it has succeeded, as organisers say it has, the credit ultimately lies less with its special projects and events than with the historic papal transition that occurred in its course. { ‹ 8 has given new visibility to the core teachings of Jesus Christ, which ultimately is what the Year of Faith sought to achieve,� Msgr Paul ‹ Council for Social Communications, told Catholic News Service. Both Pope Benedict XVI, who Z 2012, and Pope Francis dedicated their Year of Faith talks to explaining the creed, looking at modern cultural challenges to faith, recognising faith as a gift, and urging Catholics to proclaim God’s love and share the Gospel. Pope Francis will close the Year of Faith with Mass on Nov 24, the feast of Christ the King. % Œ Z › “ Arenas, secretary of the new evangelisation council, told Catholic News Service that Pope Benedict ’ 8 { a strong push to the new evangeli € ' { ognise the joy that comes from the great gift of faith� and from knowing that God loves them so much that He sent His son to save them. Pope Francis’ election during the Year of Faith can be seen as { € { ‹ 8 his closeness, his use of language that is simple and profound, his desire to go out and meet people, has captivated people’s hearts. { @ * ` € % › “ {@ in the Year of Faith many people who had been far from the Church would hear an invitation to respond to the Lord,� and, from

Retired Pope Benedict XVI greets Pope Francis at the Vatican. Both popes have played a major role in the Year of Faith. CNS photo

what bishops and pastors around the world are reporting, it seems to have worked, he said. Both popes have insisted that being an authentic Christian isn’t simply about one’s private prayer life; it must be evident in the way a person interacts with others and with the world. A month before he stepped down, Pope Benedict said that ‰ { ` -

The two popes naturally brought distinctive styles to the Year of Faith, said Archbishop Jose Octavio Ruiz Arenas, secretary of the new evangelisation council. bingers of values that often do not coincide with the fashion and opinion of the moment. It requires us to adopt criteria and assume forms of conduct that are not part of the common mindset.� {' to go ‘against the current’ in order to live their faith, resisting the temptation to conform,� he said. Pope Francis, in a Year of 8 ` % {

Christian is not just about obeying orders, but means being in Christ, thinking like Him, acting like Him, loving like Him; it means letting Him take possession of our life and change it, free it from the darkness of evil and sin.� The two popes naturally brought distinctive styles to the Year of 8 % › “

{ € ` for example, that Pope Benedict would have used the pro-life celebration in June to denounce abortion, or the family life celebration

Z ‘ {‹ _ terium wasn’t concentrated just on € % › “ retired pope designed the Year of Faith celebrations to be expressions {™ € Q {Z particular achievements of Pope Benedict was showing – with strong philosophical and theological arguments – the legitimate claim of faith to having a place in the public square and in public debate.� {U pastoral way, Pope Francis is almost literally bringing faith to the public square, particularly in and € {= see especially in social media a huge desire on the part of people to share his words and deeds.� „ CNS

Are you saint, sinner or ... both? WHAT are we ultimately, saints or sinners? What’s Œ Z dualists with two innate principles inside us, one good and one evil, in a perpetual duel with each other? Certainly, at the level of experience, we feel a con _ greatness of life, even as there is someone else inside us that wants to walk a seedier path. I like the honesty of Dutch-born Catholic priest and writer Henri Nou : {= € { _ on all the sensations that sinners experience.� U _

to make clear moral choices. We want the right things, but we also want many of the wrong things. Every choice is a renunciation and so the struggle between saint and sinner inside us often manifests itself precisely in our inability to make hard choices. But we don’t feel this tension only in our struggle to make clear moral decisions; we feel it daily in our spontaneous reaction to situations that affect us adversely. Simply put, we are forever bouncing back and forth between being petty and being big-hearted, spiteful and forgiving, whenever we are negatively impacted by others. 8 ` ‘ : = work and in a good emotional state, thinking peaceful and patient thoughts, nursing warm feelings, wishing harm to no one, when a coworker comes in and, without good reason, slights or insults us in some way. U : % and we begin to feel cold and spiteful, thinking anything but warm : big-hearted to being spiteful, from being saints to entertaining murderous feelings. Which is our true person? What are we really – saints with big hearts or petty, spiteful persons? Seemingly, we are both saints and Interestingly, we don’t always react in the same way. Sometimes in the face of a slight, insult, or even positive attack and injustice, we react with patience, understanding, and forgiveness. Why? What changes the chemistry? Why do we sometimes meet pettiness with a big heart and, other times, meet it in kind, with spite? Ultimately, we don’t know the reason; that’s part of the mystery of human freedom. Certain factors obviously play in; for example, if we are in a good inner-space when we are ignored, slighted, or unfairly treated, we are more prone to react with patience and understanding, with a big heart. Conversely, if we are tired, pressured, and feeling unloved and unappreciated, we are more likely to react negatively, and return spite for spite. But, be that as it may, ultimately there’s a deeper reality at work in all of this beyond our emotional well-being on a given day. How we react to a situation, with grace or spite, for the most part depends upon something else. The Church Fathers had a concept and name for this. They believed that each of us has two souls, a big soul and a petty soul, and how we react to any situation depends largely upon which soul we are thinking with and acting out of at that moment. Thus, if I meet an insult or an injury with my big soul, I am more likely to meet it with patience, understanding, and forgiveness. Conversely, if I meet an insult or a hurt while operating out of my petty soul, I am more likely to respond in kind, with pettiness, coldness and spite. And, for the Church Fathers, both of these souls are inside us and both are real; we’re both big-hearted and petty, saint and sinner. The challenge is to operate more out of our big soul than our petty one. But we must be careful to not understand this dualistically. In af ' Fathers are not teaching a variation of an old dualism, namely, that there are inside us two innate principles, one good and one evil, per ` gle, in fact, does go on inside us, but just not between two separate principles. The saint and sinner inside us are not separate entities. Rather the saint in us, the big soul, is not only our true self, it’s our only self. The sinner in us, the petty soul, is not a separate person or separate moral force doing perpetual battle with the saint, it’s simply the wounded part of the saint, that part of the saint that’s been cursed and never properly blessed. And our wounded self shouldn’t be demonised and cursed again. Rather it needs to be befriended and blessed – and then it will cease being petty and spiteful in the face of adversity. „

FAITH ALIVE! 21

Sunday December 1, 2013 „ CatholicNews

Advent: season of hope... of this inheritance is known as hope. This unsung hero among the theological virtues is terribly important, because it makes patience possible. You can endure hardships cheerfully only when the anticipated reward makes it all worthwhile. Hope also is important because it holds the key to joy. And that’s why the third Sunday of Advent is known as “Gaudete� or “Rejoice� Sunday. The vestments change from penitential purple to rose be-

By Marcellino D’Ambrosio The word Advent literally means “coming�. If we are looking for blessings from God to come, that means that they are not here yet. And so Advent inevitably means not just coming, but waiting. Throughout the Bible, we read about people with a wish list. Abraham longed for a son, his enslaved descendants longed for freedom. Soon after, it was their own land they wanted. Then they wanted a king to save them from the Philistines. There are two things that they, and we, have in common. One is that it turns out that God wants to give us much more than we asked for. The second is that we have to wait a long time to get it. Moses’ mission had taken him quite a distance, from the splendour of Pharaoh’s palace, to a stroll through the Red Sea, to wrestling with Israel’s stubbornness for 40 years in the desert. How sad that he never made it across the Jordan. But God gave him a moment of consolation. He brought him up to the top of Mount Nebo and showed him the Promised Land. John the Baptist had a similar mission. He proclaimed the imminent coming of the kingdom and laboured tirelessly to prepare the way. Yet, next thing we know, ` dungeon, awaiting execution. He

The Advent wreath, with a lit candle marking each week of the season, is a traditional symbol of the period.

sends a message to his cousin Jesus, looking for some shred of hope. “Are you the one who is to come?� (Matthew 11:3). The message sent back to him no doubt made excitement surge throughout his weary bones. The prophecy of Isaiah had been ful : ` lepers become clean, the dead are raised, the poor hear good news. This can only mean that the anointed one has come. Though John had seen the

anointed one and heard of His wonderful works, he, like Moses, did not enter into the kingdom of God during his lifetime. His teaching and even His miracles were but a preparation for the kingdom of God, for the righteousness, peace, love and joy that could only have been made possible by the Messiah’s death, resurrection and sending of the Holy Spirit. It is good to pause a moment to remember the difference between

... and time of waiting By Rhina Guidos THERE’S little, if anything at all, to be found in the Bible pertaining to Advent. Though it’s hard to peg down, some believe the Catholic Church began observing this period leading up to Christmas in the fourth century. Since then, Advent has become increasing popular as some faithful observe with Advent wreaths or calendars, counting down to the moment of joy, of the birth, the new life, not just of our Saviour but essentially, of our faith. What’s most important about observing Advent is that for those who really take the time, it can during what is, for many, the busiest and most stressful time of the year. It can help us get ready for our life-long advent, that waiting period until we are with God, the light. I can’t help but think of lyrics from George Harrison’s My Sweet Lord, when the former Beatle sings, “I really want to see you, really want to be with you, really want to see you, Lord, but it takes so long, my Lord.� I remember having that feeling when I was a child, when we stopped by the empty bed of straw in the Nativity scene of our parish

church. I had no way of measuring or counting the days until the beautiful statue of the baby Jesus reappeared in His straw bed. But each time we passed it and He wasn’t there, I remember that “I really want to see you� feeling. Psalms 27:14 tell us to “Wait

A mother helps her son to adjust their Advent wreath.

for the Lord, take courage; be stouthearted, wait for the Lord�. When we’re children, it seems as if that waiting period will take forever. When you’re older, and depending on your Christmas customs and practices, that wait

seems endless if you’re anticipating gifts. It can seem endless, too, to a mother or a father waiting for a child who lives far away, and who visits only during Christmas. But there’s something really beautiful about the wait, about the anticipation, and we shouldn’t let it go to waste. Perhaps we’re waiting, neither for presents, nor { € in the Christmas season, but for a moment of darkness or loneliness to pass, one that only the Lord can lift us out of. Maybe we’re waiting for the advent of the day when we’re able to defeat an addiction, with help from God, or when we’re able to get a better job, holding on solely to God during our moments of tribulation. We know the day will come when the pain will be over, if we wait with the Lord for the storm to pass. “They that hope in the Lord will renew their strength, they will soar on eagles’ wings; they will run and not grow weary, walk and not grow faint,� says Isaiah 40:31. Advent can teach us to wait for the light, in whatever form it comes. „ Guidos is an editor at Catholic News Service.

' _ @ ond, of mortality versus immortality, of the darkness of faith versus of tears versus unending joy. And this brings us to ponder on the Advent of His birth versus the advent of His ultimate coming. Yes, we who live between the two comings of Christ have been saved, but we have not yet fully taken possession of our own salvation.

We who live between the two comings of Christ have been saved, but we have not yet fully taken possession of our own salvation. cause the suffering of this present age is as nothing compared to the glory that is to be revealed to us. Moses rejoiced on Nebo. John rejoiced even in chains. In this season of Advent, in the midst of this valley of tears, let us rejoice in hope. „ D’Ambrosio writes from Texas and guides pilgrimages to Rome and the Holy Land. He is co-founder of Crossroads Productions, an apostolate of Catholic renewal and evangelisation.

22

Sunday December 1, 2013 „ CatholicNews

23

Sunday December 1, 2013 „ CatholicNews

™ ` € ‹ tried to resist David in the valley of Re % | ` @ Lord said, “Do not attack the front – circle behind them and come against them = the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, act decisively, for then the Lord has already gone before you to ` ‹ €

SPOTLIGHT ON SAINTS:

Wordsearch:

St Andrew Dung Lac

„ LAME „ POWER „ BLIND

Read more about it: 2 Samuel 5

Q&A 1. What city had the Jebusites taken for themselves? 2. What did David do before he attacked the Philistine army?

„ TRIBES „ LORD „ ARMY

BIBLE TRIVIA: Which feast day ends the Church calendar year?

Answer to Bible Trivia: Christ the King

Andrew Dung Lac and his missionary companions are part of a group of more than 100 who died as martyrs in Vietnam from "‚ˆ‡ "†•< % "‚## Although his parents were not Christians, they sent him to a Catholic teacher for his edu instruction, Andrew was inspired to become a catechist and Members of his congregation paid for his release after he had been arrested for teaching ' % | Unfortunately he was arrested again, and again his fol ` = % [ <ˆ „

„ OBEYED „ ELDERS „ BLESSING

David obeyed the Lord and defeated the Philistines, driving them back ‰ ‰ “ „

Bible Accent:

3. baptism, 6. angels,

Before being ruled by a king, Israel had been ruled by judges and the elders of the 12 tribes Œ people of Israel hoped that a king would help to lead and unify * ™ * point a king instead, as many neighbouring countries were ` Samuel warned them that this could lead to different „ ` U { € ™ *

PUZZLE: Answer the questions with the correct words from the list below. Baptism, priests, vestments, catechism, congregation, Advent, angels, Lent, Trinity (Not every word will be used.) 1. Which Church season leads us to Christmas? 2. Which Church season leads us to Easter? 3. Which sacrament is symbolised by water? 4. What do we call the garments priests wear during Mass? 5. What do we call the unity of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit? 6. Who are God’s heavenly messengers? # $ %

&

Answer to Wordsearch

WHEN David was 30 years old, the people of the tribes of Israel came to him in Hebron and said, “Look! We U past, when Saul was still our king, you were the one who led Israel out

` And the Lord said to you: ‘You shall U _€ After saying this, the elders of the tribes met with King David and made a covenant with him in the | _ him as their king, and he reigned as ` ˆ# David formed an army of his men and went to Jerusalem where the Je ` Jebusites insulted David by saying, {Â’ : §Â€ But David conquered the Jebusites and

claimed Jerusalem for Israel, and it be ` { ' € David gave orders to begin fortifying the city, building walls on every @ ` sent building materials and some of his carpenters and masons to help ` ` | ` @ prospered in Jerusalem and his family When the Philistines, who were enemies of Israel, learned that David was the new king of Israel, they vid went before the Lord and asked, “Shall I attack the Philistines, and will Œ€ | {% tack, for I will surely deliver the Phil € _ was victorious over the Philistines, { | broken through my enemies before me

Answers to Puzzle: 1. Advent, 2. Lent, 4. vestments, 5. Trinity, 7. catechism

By Joe Sarnicola

24 WHAT’S ON EVENT SUBMISSIONS We welcome information of events happening in our local Church. Please send your submission at least one month before the event. Online submissions can be made at www. catholic.sg/webevent_form.php NOVEMBER 25 SJI 2014 SECONDARY ONE ADMISSION INFORMATION DAY 1-5pm: For Primary 6 students and their parents who are interested to apply to SJI for 2014 Secondary 1 admission. At 38 Malcolm Rd. E: contact@sji.edu.sg; W: www.sji.edu.sg NOVEMBER 26 RELAX WITH ART FOR ADULTS 9 ‡ : | Feel relaxed and refreshed from creating something special for yourself. No prior art experience is necessary. By Clarity Singapore. At Block 854 Yishun Ring Road, #01-3511. Cost: $10. T: 97103733 / 67577990 (Rudy); E: registration@clarity-singapore.org NOVEMBER 27 CHRISTIAN ECOLOGY – VOICE OF THE EARTH AND CHALLENGES FOR YOUTH 7-8pm: For youths and young adults: Learn how to be more intentional caretakers of God’s creation in this day and age, inspired by the evergreen eco-saint Francis of Assisi. Talks will be conducted by Sr Molly, FMM (D.Min in Creation and Integration). Refreshments will be provided. At Singapore Institute of Management HQ (461 Clementi Rd, Blk B, Rm 2.21). Register T: 9060 1217 (Lilynne); E: simcs.exco@gmail.com FRIDAY NOVEMBER 29 TO SUNDAY DECEMBER 1 CHOICE WEEKEND Fri (6pm)-Sun (6pm): Be inspired for the rest of your life by this one weekend. For single young adults 18-35 years old. By Choice Singapore. At 47 Jurong West St

Sunday December 1, 2013 „ CatholicNews

RCIA/RCIY A journey for those seeking to know more about the Catholic faith. Baptised Catholics are also invited to journey as sponsors. THURSDAYS DECEMBER 19 RCIA @ CHURCH OF ST MICHAEL 7.45pm: At Church of St Michael (17 St Michael’s Road). Register T: 9090 5308; E: midorimiguel@hotmail.com SUNDAYS JANUARY 5, 2014 RCIY @ CHURCH OF THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY 11am-1pm: For youth between the ages of 13 to 24. At Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (24 Highland Rd). Register T: 98751235 (Daniel) / 97108145 (Seishen); E: rciyihm@gmail.com. 42. Register T: 9790 0537 (Hillary), 9046 2297 (Albert); E: registration@choice.org.sg KOREA CHOIR OF MARTYRS: CONCERT FOR PEACE NOVEMBER 29 7.30-9pm: The Korea Choir of Martyrs was formed in 1995 and belongs to the Archdiocese of Seoul, Korea and will be * this year. The choir will be performing compositions by John Rutter, as well as popular Korean folk songs amongst others. By Love Entertainment Group. At Church of St Mary of the Angels (5 Bukit Batok East Avenue 2). Admission is free, no tickets required. T: 9029 1669 (Vincent). NOVEMBER 30 7.30-9pm: The Korea Choir of Martyrs will also be performing the same repertoire at the Church of Our Lady Queen of Peace (4 Sandy Lane). Free tickets available from the parish E: admin@queenofpeace.sg

NOVEMBER 30 AND DECEMBER 7 PARENTS AS LEARNING COACHES 9am-1pm: Parents will take home strategies on how to render emotional support, identify child’s strengths and create a conducive home environment for learning. Cost: $30 per pax / $40 per couple. At 4 Lorong Low Koon. Register E: programs@morningstar.org.sg NOVEMBER 30 CHRIST@WORK 2013 CONFERENCE 8am-6.30pm: Targets working adults who are looking to hear from other Catholic business leaders and peers on how to ' ` œ speaker Hector Molina has appeared in numerous forums around the world. Cost: $70 (Adult), $40 (Student). At Catholic Junior College Performing Arts Centre. Register E: admin@cbn.sg; W: www.christatworkconference.com DECEMBER 1 WORLD AIDS DAY MASS 5.30-6.30pm: Come and pray with and for people living with HIV/AIDS. Mass celebrated by Archbishop William Goh. By Catholic AIDS Response Effort. At Church of the Holy Spirit (248 Upper Thomson Rd). Register T: 6353 5440; E: admin@care.org.sg MONDAYS DECEMBER 2 TO 16 ADVENT REFLECTIONS † Š 9# : % › 8 Eugene Vaz on the theme We Are Born in Christ.At Blessed Sacrament Church Damien Hall. Register T: 8518-2388 (Andrew); E: cyclops135an@gmail.com DECEMBER 4 RELAXATION EXERCISES IN ENGLISH 10-11am: Therapeutic breathing and guided imagery exercises will be 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: 6757 7990; E: registration@clarity-singapore.org DECEMBER 7 AN ADVENT RECOLLECTION – WALKING TOWARDS BETHLEHEM 9am-5pm: For young adults aged 20-35. Œ

prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ. By Verbum Dei Missionaries. At FMM Retreat House. Cost: $25 (students), $30 (working adults). Register T: 6274 0251; E: verbumdeispore@yahoo.com.sg DECEMBER 8 CELEBRATING INNER FREEDOM – REDUCING HUMAN TOIL IN RELATIONSHIPS 9am-4pm: 90 percent of our unhappiness is related to human relationships. This workshop/retreat explores the inner � | tools, skills and language that enhance relationships and personal effectiveness. Cost: $60 with lunch. By LifeSprings Canossian Spirituality Centre (100 Jalan Merbok). Register T: 6466 2178 (Brenda); E: lifesprings@singnet.com.sg DECEMBER 9 FEAST OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION 11.30am: The Feast of the Immaculate Conception will be celebrated on Dec 9 instead of Dec 8 as the latter is a Sunday. Prayers and rosary at 11.30am with confession available followed by Mass at 1pm. At Church of Sts Peter and Paul. DECEMBER 9 FEAST OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION (TAMIL) 12-2pm: Rosary and prayers in Tamil followed by Mass celebrated by Fr Anthony Hutjes with rosary procession and benediction. At Blessed Sacrament Church. T: 6474 5249, 9678 3855 (Margaret) DECEMBER 12 MASS IN HONOUR OF OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE 6-7.30pm: With pro-life rosary followed by Mass. Special blessings for pregnant mothers and their spouses. At Novena Church (300 Thomson Rd). T: 6488 0278 ext 277; E: karenv@familylife.sg DECEMBER 13 MEDITATIVE PRAYER WITH TAIZE CHANTS 8-9.30pm: At Kingsmead Centre for Ignatian Spirituality – Hall of the Pilgrim (8 Victoria Park Rd). T: 9837 7256 (Benny); E: bennycah@gmail.com

DECEMBER 13 TO DECEMBER 21 ACTS29 MISSION TRIP 2013 Experience living with the community and join in the works of the acts29 mission group in both social and spiritual work in Manila, Philippines. Registered missioners may join anytime within the dates of the mission. Register E: charmainekxh@gmail.com; W: http://www.acts29mission.com DECEMBER 22 CATHOLIC SINGLES MASS AND POTLUCK 10am-2pm: Join us for a Mass & potluck. Please bring some food to share with others. 2014 events to be discussed after lunch. At Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour. Register E: CatholicSingle@gmail.com (Gerard); W: https://www.facebook.com/ CatholicSinglesSingapore MARRIAGE PREPARATION COURSE Q1 starts 23 Feb - 30 Mar 2014 Q2 starts 27 Apr - 01 Jun 2014 Q3 starts 20 Jul - 24 Aug 2014 Q4 starts 12 Oct - 16 Nov 2014 For couples intending to get married, please register early as the course runs for 6 weeks at one session per week. %

› : ‹ ‹ Z  W: catholic.org.sg/mpc. T: 93673411 (Peter/Rita); E: mpcsingapore@gmail.com JANUARY 11 2014 MEDITATIVE PRAYER WITH TAIZE CHANTS 8-9.30pm: At The Armenian Church of St Gregory the Illuminator (60 Hill Street). T: 9837 7256 (Benny); E: bennycah@gmail.com SUNDAY JANURARY 12 TO SATURDAY JANUARY 18 2014 WEEK OF GUIDED PRAYER Come, learn to pray with Scriptures using Ignatian Contemplation and Lectio Divina. There will be one-on-one meetings with a prayer guide during the week. With taster afternoon on Jan 12 from 2-5pm. At Church of St Mary of the Angels (5 Bukit Batok East Avenue 2). Register W: http://www.catholic.org.sg/sojourners; E: sojourners@catholic.org.sg

Pope prescribes rosary as ‘medicine’ CNS Photo

VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis

admitted he wasn’t a pharmacist, but he didn’t hesitate being the spokesman for the heart-healthy ‡Š gether: the rosary. “I want to recommend some medicine for all of you,� the pope said on Nov 17 at the end of his Sunday Angelus address. “It’s a spiritual medicine.� Holding up a white medicine box with an anatomical drawing of the human heart on it, Pope Francis told some 80,000 people gathered for the mid-day prayer that the boxes contained a rosary. “Don’t forget to take it,� he said. “It’s good for your heart, for your soul, for your whole life.� Praying the rosary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet will help people reap the fruits of the Year of Faith, he said, because they are “a spiritual aid for our soul and for spreading love, forgiveness and brotherhood to everyone�. Volunteers, led by Archbishop Konrad Krajewski, director of papal charities, gave away about 20,000 boxes containing a rosary, a Divine Mercy holy card and a medical-style instruction sheet. In addition to describing how to pray the rosary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet, a devotion begun

Pope Francis holding up a box containing a rosary, a Divine Mercy holy card and an instruction sheet.

by St Faustina Kowalska, the information sheet states categorically that no negative side effects have been reported. The sheet recommends daily use of the beads for both adults and children, but adds that it can be repeated as often as necessary. It also notes that receiving the sac the prescription and that further information and assistance can be received from any priest.

The Swiss Guards, their family members and the Albertine Sisters who work in their barracks spent weeks in October, the month of the rosary, preparing the boxes and inserting instructions in Italian, French, English or Polish. Archbishop Krajewski got the idea from Archbishop Slawoj Glodz of Gdansk, Poland; a seminarian in Gdansk had made similar boxes for young people attending a retreat. „ CNS

28 WORLD

Sunday December 1, 2013 „ CatholicNews

Vatican envoy: No ruling on apparitions in Medjugorje Reminder sent to US bishops as alleged seer scheduled to tour parishes WASHINGTON – The Vatican am-

bassador to the United States has reminded US Catholics that the Vatican has not recognised alleged Marian apparitions in Medjugorje, Bosnia-Herzegovina, as authentic. Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano, apostolic nuncio, wrote to Msgr Ronny Jenkins, general secretary of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, and told him the reminder came as one of the visionaries was scheduled to tour US parishes. He said the reminder was being sent at the request of Archbishop Gerhard Muller, prefect of the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, which has said it was not yet possible “to state that there were apparitions or supernatural revelations� by visionaries in Medjugorje. The letter said the visionary, Mr Ivan Dragicevic, would make presentations about Medju-

gorje, where six village children Q Œ 1981. Archbishop Vigano’s letter said, “It is anticipated, moreover, that Mr Dragicevic will be receiving ‘apparitions’� during his parish visits. Most of the Medjugorje “seers� have said the apparitions have continued every day for years. Three say they still have visions each day, while the other

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three see Mary only once a year now. All six are now married and have children. A blog on the National Catholic Register site said Mr Dragicevic’s US tour was cancelled after the letter was sent. The blog included a photocopy of the letter sent to Msgr Jenkins, and Catholic News Service letter. A Vatican commission of cardinals, bishops, theologians and other experts, working under the auspices of the doctrinal congregation, is studying the events at Medjugorje. While the Vatican has said dioceses should not organise of Q ™ ™ it has said Catholics are free to visit the town and pray there, and that the Diocese of Mostar-Duvno and the town’s Franciscans should organise pastoral care for them. „ CNS

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