SEPTEMBER 29, 2002, vol 52, no 20 by CatholicNews

If anyone loves me, he will keep my word. And my Father will love him, and we shall come to him.

- John 14:23

T e a c h in g s page 9

J e s u s ,

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A s ia n

The realization that Jesus is Asian may come as a surprise to many, if not, most of us. Our Holy Father Pope John Paul II in the Apostolic Exhortation under the Latin title "Ecclesia in Asia" (The Church in Asia) noted: "It is a mystery why the Saviour of the world, bom in Asia, has until nowremained largely unknown to the poeple of the continent." (no.2) The papal Exhortation was issued nearly three years ago, in New Delhi, India, on 6 November 1999. However, it has been given due and great prominence recently in a meeting organized by the Office of Evangelization of the Fereration of Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC-OE) in Pattaya, Thailand from Sept 5-8, on "Evangelization in the light of the docu ment "Church in Asia".

“It is indeed a mystery why the saviour of the world, bom in Asia, has until now, remained largely unknown to the people of the continent.”

Background The run-up to this meeting goes back a long way - indeed such a long way, that one cannot help but wonder why it took so long. Since the Second Vatican Council, as a result of the greater emphasis on what is known as the "Collegiality of Bishops" [all the Bishops o f the world in commun ion with the Sovereign Pontiff (the Pope)] -regular periodic meetings are held with representatives of Conferences of Bish ops from all parts of the world at World Synods to discuss matters of great importance to the Universal Church. The great diversity of the various regions of the world prompted the Holy Father to convoke Special Assemblies for the various regions - Africa in 1994, America in 1997, Asia in May 1998 and at the end of the same year, Oceania. In November of the following year 1999, the Holy Father issued his Apostolic Exhorta tion "Church in Asia". Essentially, the Holy Father urges the Church in Asia to renew its sense of and commitment to bringing the "Good News" of salvation to the people of the Asian Continent. At the recently concluded meeting in Thailand, the Adjunct Secretary of the Vatican's Congregation for the Evangeli zation of Peoples Archbishop Albert Malcolm Ranjith, Bishop Emeritus of Ratnapura (Sri Lanka) delivered the inaugural address and drew attention to the remark of the Holy Father about Jesus being Asian. The Holy Father reminds us that "the Incarnation o f the Son o f God took place in a definite historical and geographical context." Consequently, he continues, "the physical particularity o f the land and its geographi cal determination are inseparable from the truth o f the human flesh assumed by the Word. Consequently, knowledge o f

Pope John Paul II

the world in which the Saviour 'dwelt among us' is an important key to a more precise understanding o f the Eternal Father's design." (no.5) Despite this reality, the Holy Father noted in his exhortation that the Asian Bishops pointed to the fact that "Jesus is often perceived as foreign to Asia. It is paradoxical that most Asians tend to regard Jesus - born on Asian soil - as a Western rather than an Asian figure. Perhaps this was inevitable since the proclamation o f the Gospel by Western missionaries would be influenced by the cultures from which they came." (no.20)

the Good News of Jesus Christ." As Archbishop Ranjith put it: the question is not only WHAT is to be presented when we announce Jesus to Asia, but much more HOW he is to be presented. He reminded the participants that Witness must comes before proclamation, or better still, witness is the first form of proclamation, because it is by giving witness of holy living that one best proclaims the faith that we profess. Indeed, if there is an element that is distinct in the Asian concept of teaching and learning it is that of imitation in discipleship. The disciple lives with the master and thus imbibes his teaching. This indeed characterized the relationship between Jesus and the disciples who answered his call. It is a question of sharing an experi ence of Jesus rather than an exercise in intellectual sophistry. Essentially what it comes to is the answer of that famous question that Jesus put to his disciples: "Who do the people say I am?" Then he turns the question on the disciples them selves: "But you, who do YOU say I am?"

The Challenge

Doubts and Fallacies

In his exhortation the Pope says: "The great question now facing the Church in Asia is how to share with our Asian brothers and sisters what we treasure as the gift containing all the gifts, namely

For mission in Asia to be successful some doubts and fallacies need to be cleared: 1) That we are incapable of doing so. The fallacy is that it is we who have to

A rc h d io c e s e o f S in g a p o re h om e p a g e , V e rita s : h ttp ://w w w .c a th o lic .o r g .s g .

convert Asia to Jesus. This is not true. It is the Lord who touches the deepest recess of the human heart and leads them to Him — we are only His humble instruments. 2) That it is important to achieve results here and now. We are only the sowers of the seed which the Lord, the master of the harvest, will make bear fruit in His own good time. 3) That we are acting on our own. We often forget that it is the Lord who sends us “Go therefore ..." (Mt. 28:18-20)] 4) That we are too small in number and are weak. Jesus in fact called the community of His disciples the *little flock" [Lk. 12:32] He used the allegories of “being like a mustard seed"/Mt. 13:31]; as “the yeast" [Mt. 13:33] Besides, weakness is an opportunity to experience God’s strength : “When I am weak, then I am strong” [II Cor. 12:10], What is needed is the conviction that God is with us more powerfully when we feel humanly and politically much weaker. Editor - Vatican and UCAN reports Bishops of various regions are grouped together in a "Conference" - in our case, Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei bring together the Archdioceses of Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Kuching, the Dioceses of Penang, Melaka-Johor, Kota Kinabalu, Sibu, Miri, Keningau, and the Apostolic Prefecture of Brunei Darussalam.

In te rn e t e d itio n o f T h e C a th o lic N e w s : h ttp ://w w w .c a th o lic .o r g .s g /C N .

SEPTEM B ER 29 - O ctober 6, 2002

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On 7 September the new Ambassador of Great Britain to the Holy See, Her Exc. Dr. Kathryn Frances Colvin, presented her credentials to the Holy Father who welcomed her. In his address, the Holy Father expressed his views on the volatile world situation. "Your reference to the reprehensible terrorist attacks of 11 September last, and to the many preoccupying situations of injustice throughout the world, reminds us that the millennium just begun presents great challenges. It calls for a resolute and uncompromising commitment on the part of individuals, peoples and nations to defending the inalienable rights and dignity of every member of the human family. At the same time, it demands the building of a global culture of solidarity which will find expression not simply in terms of more effective economic or political organization but more importantly in a spirit of mutual respect and cooperation in the service of the common good.. The Holy Father condemned terrorism, calling it "a formidable and immediate threat to world peace." " Spawned by hatred, isolation and distrust, terrorism adds violence to violence in a tragic spiral that embitters and poisons successive generations. Ultimately, “terrorism is built on contempt for human life. For this reason, not only does it commit intolerable crimes, but, because it resorts to terror as a political and military means, it is itself a true crime against humanity” (Message for the 2002 World Day o f Peace, No. 4). As an essential part of its fight against all forms of terrorism, the international community is called to undertake new and creative political, diplomatic and economic initiatives aimed at relieving the scandalous situations of gross injustice, oppression and marginalization which continue to oppress countless members of the human family. History in fact shows that the recruitment of terrorists is more easily achieved in areas where human rights are trampled upon and where injustice is a part of daily life. This is not to say that the inequalities and abuses existing in the world excuse acts of terrorism: there can never of course be any justification for violence and disregard for human life. However, the international community can no longer overlook the underlying causes that lead young people especially to despair of humanity, of life itself and of the future, and to fali prey to the temptations of violence, hatred and a desire for revenge at any cost. In the end, it is in the conversion of hearts and the spiritual renewal of societies that the hope of a better tomorrow lies. The building of such a global culture of solidarity is perhaps the greatest moral task confronting humanity today. It presents a particular spiritual and cultural challenge to the developed countries of the West, where the principles and values of the Christian religion have long been woven into the very fabric of society but are now being called into question by alternative cultural models grounded in an exaggerated individualism which all too often leads to indifferentism, hedonism, consumerism and a practical materialism that can erode and even subvert the foundations of social life. The common witness of committed Christians can greatly contribute to the renewal of social life in a way which respects and builds upon the incomparable patrimony of political, cultural and spiritual ideals and achievements which has shaped your nation’s history and her contributions to the world."

M O N T F O R T S C H O O L A R C H IV E S C a llin g

a ll e x - M o n t f o r t ia n s

Be part of our 86-year old heritage. Contribute to Montfort future by sharing with us your mementos from Montfort past: Holy Innocents’ English School (1916 - 1959) and Montfort School (1959 to date) Montfort School invites you to contribute artifacts or mementos to its school archives. Please contact Mr. Kwok Weng Yee, Vice-Principal, Montfort Secondary School for more details: Montfort Secondary School, 50 Hougang Avenue 8, Singapore 538785 Tel: 63869351 Fax: 63862804 (Email: KWOK_Weng_Yee@moe.edu.sg)

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Vatican Press Reports

On education A t the Angelus on Sunday 22 Sept., the Holy Father referred to the opening o f a new scholastic year. He is speaking in Europe where the academic year begins now. However, his remarks concerning education are valid in our context as well. Dear brothers and sisters In these days, in many countries, scholastic activity resumes. It is said, nowadays that the school, like the family is "in crisis". Such an expression draws attention to the growing feeling that the whole institution, while in substance and essence still valid, is nevertheless in need of a profound transformation which will render it more responsive to the modern exigencies of society. However, to achieve this, it is not sufficient to adapt programmes and structures. The proper functioning of a school depends above all on the formative quality of the relationship between teachers and students. Students are motivated to give of their best when teachers help them to see the significance and meaning of what they are studying in relation to their growth and development and the realities they are surrounded by. This is valid for all institutions of any kind and grade. We have often referred to culture as the foundation of the identity of a people. The school together with and in subordination to the family, is and will continue to remain indispensable to the transmission of the values of a culture. This has become more complex but precisely for this reason, it takes on renewed importance for the scholastic institution. It assumes a special responsibility for believers who work in this context. Delaration of Dr Joaquin Navarro-Valls Director, Vatican Press Office, 10 September 2002 Following the expulsion o f yet another Catholic priest from Russian territory. Prior to this case a Bishop had been expelled. The matter is of such gravity that one can speak of a real persecution. It is even more serious that the Holy See has not received any official explanation on the reasons that unerderlie these expulsions. The Holy See will act through diplomatic channels to resolve the problem.

Anniversary of 11 September 2001 On the Anniversary of the terrorist attack on New York, the Pope held a General Audience at the Auditorium of Paul VI, during which he condemned yet again, all forms of terrorism. "No situation of injustice, no feelings of frustration, no philosophy or religion can possibly justify such aberrations. Every human person has the right to respect for his own life and dignity, which are inviolable rights. God says so, international law sanctions i t , the human conscience proclaims it and civil existence demands i t . Terrorism is and will always be a manifestation of human savagery, which precisely because it is such, can never resolve conflicts between human beings. Might, armed violence and war are options which can only sow and generate hatred and death. Only reason and love are valid ways to overcome and resolve conflicts between persons and peoples. It is absolutely necessary and urgent to make a concerted and resolute attempt to resume the political and economic initiatives that are capable of resolving the scandalous situations of injustice and oppresion that continue to afflict so many members of the human family, creating the conditions favourable to an uncontrollable explosion of hatred. When fundamental rights are violated, it is easy to fall into the temptation of hatred and violence. It is necessary to work towards the construction of a global culture of solidarity which will give hope to the young in the future. I wish to recall the words of the Bible: the Lord comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world and all peoples with justice and truth. (Ps 95). On these values it is possilbe to construct a life of dignity for man. Outside of this, there is only ruin and distruction. Let us raise our prayers to God because love can overcome hatred and with the effort of all people of good will, peace and solidarity can be established in all the corners of the world.

A s ia n C a r d in a l c a lle d t o t h e L o r d VATICAN CITY (UCAN) — Cardinal Francis Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan, the first Vietnamese prelate to lead a pontifical council at the Vatican, died Sept. 16. He was 74. Cardinal Thuan, president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, lost his battle with cancer at 6 p.m. at Pius XI Hospital in Rome. Born on April 17, 1928, in Hue, central Vietnam, he was ordained priest in 1953. In 1967, he became bishop of Nha Trang, a coastal city north of Ho Chi Minh City, then called Saigon, the South Vietnamese capital. Seven days before South Vietnam fell to the communist North on April 30, 1975, he was named coadjutor of Saigon archdiocese. However, the communist authorities rejected his appointment and he was jailed in 1975 under severe conditions. While in prison, he wrote a book titled “The Road of Hope: Message from Captivity to My People.” Originally produced in Vietnamese, it has been translated into English, French, Italian and Korean. He was released in 1988 after 13 years in jail, nine of them in solitary confinement.. On an overseas trip he made in 1991, the Vietnamese government declared him “persona non grata” and banned him from returning to Vietnam. In 1994, Pope John Paul II called him to Rome and he lived there ever since. In June 1998, he became president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, and the Pope made him a cardinal on Feb. 21, 2001. The Vietnamese prelate had been in poor health for some time but continued to work even while in hospital. Pope John Paul kept telephone contact with him and, according to Church sources, the pope phoned him fo rth e last time on the morning of Sept. 16, only a few hours before the cardinal died. With Cardinal Thuan’s death, the number of cardinals with the right to vote in a future conclave has dropped to 116.

T h e y In

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Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev.

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p ra y

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Fr. Claude Barreteau, MEP Fr. Felix Brygier, MEP Fr. Balthazar Chang, CICM Fr. Francois Dufay, MEP Fr. Edmund Dunne, CSsR Fr. James Wallace, CSsR Bro. Casimir, CSsR Fr. Gerard Keane, SJ Fr. Alfred Chan Fr. Frank Depoorter, CICM Fr. James Yeo

THE CATHO LIC NEW S

SEPTEM B ER 29 - O ctober 6, 2002

LOCAL

PLEASE WRITE CLEARLY

His Grace, Archbishop Nicholas Chia celebrates the First Anniversary of his Episcopal Ordination on Oct 7, the Feast of the Most Holy Rosary. We the Priests, Religious and Faithful of his Archdiocese wish him God's choicest Blessings and pray that he will have the grace and strength from God to serve him and his people for many years to come and we commend him to the protection of our Heavenly Mother.

Pope’s Day Celebration My dear Peoples of God, His Holiness, Pope John Paul II will be celebrating the 24th Anniversary of his Pontificate on the 16th October. In our Archdiocese there will be a special Mass to pray for our Holy Father on Sunday, 13th October 2002 at 10 am in the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd. His Grace, Archbishop Adriano Bernardini, Apostolic Nuncio will be the main celebrant. You are all cordially invited to come for this celebration and pray for our Holy Father that God will continue to bless him with good health and strength to guide the Church. Thank you for your love and support for our Holy Father. Devotedly yours in Christ. +Archbishop Nicholas Chia

Disclaimer We would like to draw the attention of all our readers with regard to advertisements that appear in the Catholic News. The Archdiocese of Singapore as well as the Catholic News itself does not and cannot assume any responsibility whatsoever in relation to any goods and / or services that may be offered in the advertisements. We would also like to point out that the term "Roman Catholic" or "Catholic" that might appear to qualify an individual or company does NOT imply that the company is owned or operated by or even connected with the Church nor are its products and services endorsed in any way by the Church. In the first place, advertisements should not attempt to give any such impression. We wish, therefore, to advise all our readers that should they wish to avail themselves of the goods and / or services advertised they have to evaluate their decisions on the merits and basis of the products and services themselves and not in terms of their being advertised in the official Catholic newspaper of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore.

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A P P O IN T M E N T S )

H e /id o /ia ^ S.U-b4.ah ip tio n . Starting Date: DR. / MR. / MRS. / MS.

Archbishop Nicholas Chia announces that effective Oct 15, 1

Msgr. Francis Lau will become Parish Priest of the Church of the Holy Cross Fr. Ambrose Vaz will head the Archdiocesan Biblical Apostolate. Fr. Ambrose Vaz’s office will be at the Singapore Pastoral Institute and he will reside at the Church of St Francis Xavier.

R e v.

M o n s ig n o r

L a u

by Rev Joachim Kang Rev Father Francis Lau, the Procurator and Secretary of the Archdiocese, has just been awarded the title of Supernumerary Protonotary Apostolic by His Holiness Pope John Paul II. The investiture ceremony took place at a Mass at the Cathedral o fth e Good Shepherd on Saturday, 14 September 2002 at 6.30 pm. "Supernumerary Protonotary Apostolic " is the highest title that can be conferred as an honour on priests who are not part of the Roman Curia. The bearer is to be addressed as “Reverend Monsignor”. He is entitled to wear robes similar to that of a prelate of honour of His Holiness: a purple cassock and sash for choir dress, and a redtrimmed black cassock with purple sash and ferraiolone (large black cloak made o f cloth, but not silk) for non-liturgical dress. He may, if he wishes, also wear a black biretta with a black tuft. If this title were conferred prior to 1968, the recipient would also have been entitled to put on certain pontifical insignia such as ring, pectoral cross, black skullcap with red piping and a white damask mitre on certain occasions. The use of such pontificals, however, is no longer permitted, except to those protonotaries who had received the title prior to the date of revision, i.e. 1968. Symptomatic o f his humble, self-effacing nature, Msgr. Lau upon being congratulated for receiving this long-overdue recognition o f his years o f dedicated service to the Archdiocese quipped that he now has two titles after his name - LLB, BA. When we raised our eyebrows, he quickly added: "Look Like Bishops, But Aren't - Editor.

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SEPTEM BER 29 - O ctober 6, 2002

REGIONAL S in g a p o r e

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by Dr. John Hui Fortified by a prayer for a safe journey from our Chaplain, Fr. Colin Tan S.J., the Singapore delegation from the Catholic Medical Guild flew off to typhoon-struck Korea for the 21st FIAMC (International Federation of Catholic Medical Associations) World Congress. God was truly gracious and merciful, because we were greeted by beautiful weather when we landed at Incheon International Airport. The delegation included Fr. Hygino Henriques (ecclesiastical advisor to the Asian Federation of Catholic Medical Associations, AFCMA), Fr. Colin Tan S.J., Drs. John Hui (Master, CMG), Ian Snodgrass, Gabriel Oon, Sally Ho and John Lee. The Congress based on the theme “Identity and Mission of Catholic Doctors in the Healthcare lasted from 1st to 4th Sept. We were very excited to meet so many of our colleagues from all over the world and to learn how they applied their faith in the practice of their vocation especially in countries where Catholics are discriminated. The Congress began with a concelebrated mass presided over by His Grace Archbishop Nicholas Cheong Jinsuk, Archbishop of Seoul. We were intoxicated by the vibrant culture of Korea which was performed at a reception following the opening ceremony. The scientific proceedings was opened by an inspiring keynote lecture “The identity of the Catholic Medical Doctor

delivered by Mgsr. Javier Lozano Barragan, President of the Pontifical Council for Health Pastoral Care. This session was chaired by Dr. John Lee (President, AFCMA). Over the next few days we were engrossed by several wonderful speakers who inspired us not only by their words but more by their actions as manifested in the many medical missions all over the world. Dr. John Hui (Master CMG) did Singapore proud when he talked about the spirituality of the Catholic doctors in a lecture entitled “From Identity to Mission . Quoting liberally from the Holy Father and the Bible, he gave a rousing lecture which had the Congress participants on the edge of their seats hanging onto every word. One participant from a country where Catholics faced persecution came up to him and said: “Your talk moved me very

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much and when I heard it, I shed tears. You have motivated me to continue my work back home." In recognition of his expertise, Dr. Ian Snodgrass (treasurer of AFCMA) was appointed as a workshop chairperson to discuss the issues of AIDS and the implications for Catholic doctors today. Dr. Sally (Secretary of CMG) kept the audience enrapt with her talk and pictures on the Catholic Medical Guild medical missions to Taunggyi, Myanmar. This project was adopted as a FIAMC project in the Jubilee Year and presented as a birthday present to the Holy Father. This on-going project gives us Singaporeans who are rather insular the opportunity to practise our faith in reaching out to the less fortunate. On the last day of the Congress, Dr. Gabriel Oon gave a moving account of the challenges he faced in his research, which is being actively developed in various parts of the world, including Singapore. Apart from these presentations there were several notable lectures including one on stem cells by a Taoist scientist! Prof. Vescovi stated that for all its promise, embryonic stem cell research has not produced any major breakthrough so far. He added that adult stem cell research has shown much greater application and from the scientific and financial perspective he

sees no need to kill human beings to get embryonic stem cells. For most of us the highlight of the Congress was a visit to the Jeoldusan Martyrs ’Shrine. As we stood at the site next to Han River where thousands of Koreans including entire families were beheaded, we were filled with a sense of awe at the faith of the Koreans in the face of great persecution in the nineteenth century. How many of us would have kept our faith when confronted with such Extreme persecution. Would I have rejected Christ in order to “save my family? At a very moving mass celebrated at the chapel where the beautiful voices of the choir seemed to reach up to the heavens, we reflected on their sacrifice and were reminded of the great love of God for us. Sally was moved to reflect on her acceptance and rejection of the little crosses of daily life and prayed she would find the same strength to face the “persecutions facing medical professionals who uphold the sanctity of life in the present day “culture of death . At the Crypt of the Martyr’s Shrine, we were able to visit the memorial of St Laurent Imbert, a relic of whom is kept at the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd in Singapore. It was an inspiring reminder to us Singaporeans of those who have laid down their lives for the sake of spreading the Good News. The Congress ended with a closing banquet and a promise to meet again in Barcelona in 2006.

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Physicians’ Guilds of Korea, was elected vice president of the international federation. Korean Catholic doctors will take the initiative “to give medical benefits to the marginalized people in the world,” Kang told UCA News on Sept. 12. They will also go on medical missions to Myanmar and Vietnam, he added. Kang also said he opposes using human fetal tissue in stem-cell research, a procedure that destroys the embryo. Stem-cell research allows cells or tissue to be grown to treat injuries and diseases. He said he would try to prove “the injustice of human embryonic stem-cell research,” a kind of research accepted by the Korean Medical Association. In a message to the congress, Pope John Paul II called on all Catholic doctors to clearly recognize the value of life and to be aware of their vocation as medical doctors. The next world congress of the federation will be held in Spain in 2006.

institutions “fund and support research" on adult stem cells, which they view as “an alternative to the use of embryonic stem cells.” The congress also resolved that “the lifetime vocation of Catholic doctors should be based on love for the patients, shared with God, and with respect for all human life from conception to death.” In his opening speech, Archbishop Javier Lozano Barragan of Mexico, president of the Pontifical Council for Pastoral Assistance to Health Care Workers, asked participants to be guardians and servants of human life. “The medical doctor is like the Good Samaritan who goes to the side of the sick man,” he said. The medical doctor thereby takes part in the love of God and is infused with the love of God for man, the Vatican official added. “The authentic Catholic medical doctor” has “an authentic vocation received from God himself,” he said. During the congress, Domingo Kang Joon-ki, president of the National Federation of Catholic

KOREA,Seoul. (UCAN) - During the recently concluded 21st World Congress of the International Federation of Catholic Medical Associations, doctors pledged their resolve to oppose research on human embryonic tissue and to respect human life from conception to death. The meeting, which took place Sept. 1-4 in Seoul, brought together about 400 doctors, nurses and health workers from 30 countries. Under the theme “Identity and Mission of Catholic Doctors in the Health Care,” the once-every-four-year congress discussed the mission and ethics of Catholic doctors, as well as the Catholic response to genetic engineering and human reproduction. In the closing statement, congress participants resolved to oppose any research on human embryonic stem cells. They said they also oppose the freezing of human embryos, arguing that embryos should be treated with the same respect and rights applying to all human beings. Their statement suggests that Catholic

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SEPTEM B ER 29 - O ctober 6, 2002

THE CATHO LIC NEW S

REGIONAL K K

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LIVE / RETIRE IN

c e le b r a t e s S ilv e r J u b ile e

Bishop John Lee of Kota Kinabalu said at a jubilee dinner Sept. 15 that as followers of Christ, “we just cannot sit back and enjoy our spiritual banquet, insensitive to the world around us,” because “there is just too much human suffering that requires our response.” Among those attending were Archbishop Anthony Soter Fernandez of Kuala Lumpur and other Malaysian bishops, as well as the head of the apostolic prefecture in neighboring Brunei and Archbishop Adriano Bernardini, apostolic delegate to Malaysia. Bishop Lee noted that Malaysia has progressed “tremendously” over the past 25 years and that lifestyles have changed from “sedentary” to “one that is propelled by technological advancement.” Though these changes have been good in many ways, he cautioned Catholics to be vigilant because the changes may also generate moral decadence. He observed that many families are unable to cope with the demands of modern living, so adults become caught up in the pursuit of wealth and prestige. “Young people are confused by the values they see around them,” he said. “Children are deprived of genuine care and love.” However, he continued, “if we learn to see the world as Christ does and we try to listen as Christ does, we will discover many new dimensions in our mission to evangelize.” Referring to the celebration theme, “Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch” (Luke 5:4), Bishop Lee concluded, “We are challenged to get our hands dirty, so to speak, in

the issues and problems faced by society today.” The celebration was launched last Dec. 27 with a series of parish level celebrations, averaging two a month. During a Mass on Sept. 16 at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Archbishop Fernandez said in his homily that the new millennium offers the Church “great potential” for witnessing to the love of God in the family, community and society. “Let us, therefore, invigorate our missionary spirit in meeting challenges through prayer and action,” he said. The archbishop told the several thousand Catholics who came for the Mass from the 19 parishes of Kota Kinabalu diocese there are “some vital aspects” of their life today that demand their “positive response.” One such need is to strengthen the family institution so that its members, imbued with spiritual and noble human values, can play “a responsible role” in Church and society. Youth need to be cared for and supported, especially in their faith life and vocation. More attention should also be given to the poor and marginalized, he said. “Migrant workers need to be appreciated and treated with respect. We need also to discover ways to improve ecumenical and interreligious relations.” The number of Catholics in Kota Kinabalu has risen from 75,000 in 1977, when the diocese was formally erected, to about 193,000. In addition to 19 parishes, the diocese also has 354 outstations serving Catholics in remote villages. It has 35 priests, a fifth of whom are older than 60, and a few younger ones now receiving training overseas. Assisting the pastors in education, liturgy and other Church activities are 155 nuns and eight Religious brothers. Kota Kinabalu diocese covered all of Sabah until Keningau, was made a diocese in 1992.

Catholic publication closed

Improving literature quality

JAPAN, Osaka, (UCAN) — Japan’s oldest Church publication will halt operations by the end of this year.

MYANMAR, Yangon. (UCAN) — Christian literature promoters in Myanmar say there is a need to improve the quality of Christian literature so as to attract more readers.

MALAYSIA, Kota Kinabalu, (UCAN) — The bishop of an East Malaysian diocese marking its 25th anniversary has told Catholics “we must get our hands dirty” to deal with the challenges of modern society.

Archbishop Leo Ikenaga Jun of Osaka cited dwindling readership as the main reason for closing the archdiocese’s monthly magazine “Koe” (Voice). “We tried hard to find a solution but finally decided the cost was more than we could afford. We shall try to provide information through the Internet and other means,” he said. The archdiocese will print the final issue of “Koe” this December. It was founded in February 1891 by Bishop Henri Vasselon of the Paris Foreign Mission Society (MEP) and was initially published in Kyoto. In 1912, Father Michel Steichen, an MEP historian of the Japanese Church, became editor and gave the magazine an evangelizing role. “Koe” continued to be published by various groups until 1946 when Osaka archdiocese made it its own magazine. Bishops and Catholic scholars have written articles for “Koe” on the history of the Church in predominantly Shinto and Buddhist Japan. Past issues also included what Church sources describe as “rare” articles on Church activities during World War II.

V E H IC L E S W A N T E D

AUSTRALIA / NEW ZEALAND

Few Christian books find favor with Christian readers, participants said Sept. 3 at the annual meeting of the Myanmar Christian Literature Society, a Protestant organization, and the Catholic Literature Society. Therefore, they agreed, they must make their literature more attractive in order to win over readers and it can touch their hearts and minds. Retired Anglican Archbishop Andrew Mya Han of Yangon, a poet and author, pointed out that Christian writers should not be satisfied with just writing within their own “four walls,” but engage actively with the “outside" literary world. He said this requires writers to read more “outside” literature rather than just Christian publications. Saya Alan Saw Oo, secretary of the Myanmar Christian Literature Society, proposed a literary promotion campaign that includes public speaking. He asked the chairman and secretary of the two societies to provide the needed personnel. Participants also proposed that both literature societies pool their resources to organize a book fair or open a Christian bookshop that would help to boost Christian writing and promote Catholic and Protestant books.

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THE CATHO LIC NEW S

SEPTEM B ER 29 - O ctober 6, 2002

CHILDREN’S CORNER This quiz is open to children who are preparing to receive Holy Communion and are attending classes

Answers for Contest No. 9 (1st. Comm.) CREATION 2

at their Parishes. It has to be the children's own effort and parents are asked to use this as an opportunity to teach the children the value of honesty. Prizes will be awarded to the first three correct entries to reach the Editor, AFTER midnight Wednesday/ Thursday 2/3 October 2002, by e-mail to steeple/5)sinanet.com.sa. The first three correct entries will be based on the date and time as recorded in the "Inbox". The Editor’s decision is final. Closing Date: midnight. Fri/Sat 4/5 October 2002. All that is needed to send the answers, is to use the numbers of the clues as indicated and state the answer for each clue. You must give your full name, address, and the Communion Class you are attending at your Parish. Winners, the first three correct entries, (according to the "Inbox”) will be announced in the following issue of the Catholic News, and will be informed of how they can collect their prizes.

Contest No. 10 (1st Comm.)

CREATION TEACHES Across 2. 4. 6. 8. 10.

12. 13.

Since our life is given to us by God, we must also take care of our We must try our best not to disobey God, but if we do happen to sin we m ust______ . Most important of a ll,____ is given to us by God. God has asked us to ta k e ____ of everything he created. God gave animals and plants to us for our food, but that does NOT mean that we can be _____ to them. We must not do things that will ____ our bodies. The Sacrament we need to use to confess our sins and repent is called the Sacrament of

Down I.

Children. PLEASE take note: You need when you and YOU otherwise

to look at the DATES are to send in your answers NEED TO KEEP TO THEM. vour entry will NOT BE COUNTED.

Since God gave life to everyone, we must also respect_____ people as well as ourselves. 3. Since God made everything, then we must also treat everything w ith _____ . 5. Disobeying God is called___ . 7. From the story of creation, we learn that __________ comes to us from God. 9. Not just the life of people comes from God, but ___life comes from him. I I . The story of creation teaches us that we need to God.

Across 4. The eating of the fruit which God forbade is known as the first sin. 5. One day the serpent came along and said that they wouldn’t die if they ate the fruit that God told them not to eat. 6. The Garden had all kinds of fruit trees. 7. Because they did not obey God, he drove them out of the Garden. 9. In five days God created all sorts of things. On the sixth day he created man. 10. God rested on the seventh day. 12. The bible story says that what he created on the sixth day was created in the image of God. 14. The place where God made all these things was called the Garden of Eden. Down 1 . There was one tree whose fru it God told the people they must not eat. 2. The fruit they were not allowed to eat was on a tree in the middle of the garden. 3. The eating of the forbidden fruit is also called original sin. 6. These trees were to be the food for the people God created. 8. Did they eat the fruit? Yes. 11 . How many people did God create? two. 13. If they ate this fruit they would die. The WINNERS are .... 1 2 3

Sharmaine Cheng Jing Yi Our Lady of Perpetual Succour S. Nicholas Dinesh Immaculate Heart of Mary Peter Mah (Risen Christ)

Consolation

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Yip Yong Jun Nigel St. Anthony Manuel Stephen Seet Immaculate Heart of Mary Chua Wei Jin Jonathan St Anne Vivienne Chang Wei Ling, St. Francis Saviour Joseph Gwee Ming-Wei, Holy Family Church Emily Koh Jia Ling Church of the Holy Spirit, Desiree Low Yi Hui, Church of the Risen Christ

Submitted too early - NOT counted. Please note the DATES! Fion Cheryl Teo Church of the Nativity of the BVM Chan Yen Fern, Marianne St Bernadette Church This time there were 12 entries and all correct According to the "inbox" time, the first 3 get the main prizes, and the others get a little consolation prize each. Congratulations to ALL of you!

The Story of Creation - Part 2 The creation of Man and Woman. In part 1 of the Story of Creation we read about God creating all the things in the world. Then in part 2 of the story in the last issue, the crossword was about the rest of the story of creation. This time it was about God creating human beings.

Day 6 This is when God created human beings. Actually, children, there are two stories about creation in the Bible, but in Children's Bibles, the two stories are put together into one story to make it easier. Not all Children's Bibles will write in the same way, but some will tell you about how God made the first Man out of a lump of clay or mud and then breathed life into the mud figure. Then he felt sorry for this one, lonely Man , so he put him to sleep and took one of his ribs (the bones you have in your chest) and then made a woman out of it. Interesting, isn't it? Girls are made from bones and boys from mud! No wonder girls are usually neater and cleaner while boys are more untidy and dirtier!!! (Actually, it's nothing to do with this! I'm only joking!) In the Bible stories, we usually call this man, Adam, and his wife we call Eve.

Day 7 After doing all this work of making the various things, God felt tired and so the Bible story says that he rested on the seventh day. All was looking very good. There was a wonderful world like a great big garden, something like our Botanical Gardens (except that we don't have all the animals and insects there, only some). There were all these beautiful trees and plants and flowers and fruit trees as well, so that Adam and Eve could have food. God, however, told them they could eat all the fruits except the fruits of a tree in the middle of the garden. The garden was called the Garden of Paradise or the Garden of Eden. Everything was fine until along came the Devil in the form of a serpent or snake. This fellow asked Eve why she didn't eat the beautiful fruit of the tree in the middle of the garden. Eve told him that God had forbidden them to eat it and that they would die if they ate it. But the cunning Devil bluffed her and said: "No, you won't die! You'll become as great as God himself." So Eve ate it and gave some to Adam as well. Of course they didn't die immediately, but eventually they did, just like all of us will, one day. But there was big trouble ahead! God, of course found out what they had done. They had disobeyed him. So he sent them out of the Garden to go and work and look for their own food .

COLLECTION of Prizes In case you don't hear from us, but see your names among the winners, just contact Catholic News Office, 2 Highland Rd. #01-03, S'pore 549102 (next to Immaculate Heart) TEL: 6-858-3055, FAX NO. 6-858-2055 e-mail: cathnews@catholic.org.sg. Monday to Friday: 9.00am-6.00pm ( except lunch: 12.00-2.00om ) and ask for Aunty Cecilia.

NOTES: Crossword No. 9 - the second part of the story of Creation. This second part completes the Bible story of creation. It's a sort of "cute" story - the whole way that God goes about creating all the things in the world. However, we need to understand something about the story itself. It is a story with a lesson to be learnt. I'm not too sure whether you still have those little stories I had when I was young like you - which was a very, very long time ago! They were called Aesop's Fables. They, too, were cute little stories which were meant to teach us various lessons - like the Tortoise and the Rabbit in a race. You would have thought that the rabbit won very easily. But actually, in the story, it was the tortoise who won the race, because the rabbit was so sure of himself that he took a rest and fell asleep. Meanwhile the little tortoise went slowly but steadily, passed the sleeping rabbit and reached the finishing line first. Well, the Bible story of Creation is like that sort of story - it is meant to teach us something. God doesn't have days and weeks, and he certainly doesn’t feel tired! The idea of the story was to teach us that everything came from God. Everything in our world came from God, including our own lives. Sure Daddy and Mummy brought you into the world, but they couldn't have done that without God giving you life. So while we talk about OUR life, it is really God's gift of life to us. And all the other things that we see in our world are also God's gifts to us. When someone gives you things, as Daddy and Mummy always do, what must we do? First of all we must thank them for giving us those things and we must look after them well and appreciate them. Well, it's the same with God's gifts to us. We must thank him for the life he gives us and for all the wonderful things around us. We have to appreciate all these gifts and we need to look after them carefully and well. We have to look after ourselves and our lives and we have to look after all the things in the world around us.

SEPTEM BER 29 - O ctober 6, 2002

THE CATHO LIC NEW S

FEATURE

Mission Formation - the St Bernadette Community Experience. The recent FABC-OE meeting in Thailand on the theme "Evangelization in the light of the document "Church in Asia" emphasized the need for the Churches of Asia to step up missionary formation among communities with a view to sharing the "Good News" through witness of Christian living.

What got you started on this? After attending the "Sabah Retreat" under Fr. Vincent Lee, I got this idea about Faith Formation, which I feel is so important. I had a deep spiritual experience, and emerged very conscious of my mission as a priest - renewed in faith, and in my whole priesthood. I got my whole life back into prayer and my mission became very clear I had to do something about sharing my own experience.

Isn't faith formation already catered for? One aspect is handled by the RCIA programme which caters for those desiring Baptism. There is, necessarily,a commencement date and those who express an interest after that date have to wait for the next programme. Then, there are others who might not want to be baptized but would just like to know about the faith and life of Catholics, perhaps because their spouse is Catholic. When we have non-Christians who are interested we bring them to Mass, but they are quite lost there. They should be brought into community first. Many would like to grow in their faith. Cradle Catholics received instruction in the faith when young, but would have had very little opportunity to continue later on. Priests cannot follow up all catechumens after Baptism. If they had a community to belong to it would help them to continue to grow.

i There is a great need to work zealously to renew the faith of the existing community, give it a missionary enthusiasm and confidence, and make it a living community — where all sectors and every single member feels impelled to evangelize, to say with St. Paul: “Woe to me if I preach ^ not the Gospel’ [1 Cor. 9:16]. /

In conversation with Fr. Joachim Chang, ordained priest five years ago and himself a convert. He is the Assistant to Fr. Eugene Chong in the Parish of St Bernadette a community of about 2,000 members.

- Archbishop Ranjith, Congregation for Evangelization o f Peoples

Editor

How did you actually start the community? For two months we asked people to pray for the success of the project because generally we only get around 50 people for any project in the parish. Then we asked for facilitators. These had to be willing to undertake prayer for an hour and fast once a week and also to run the Thursday sessions each week. We believe that when the Lord spoke of prayer and fasting he meant it to be a way of life - not just a couple of times a year. After our initial appeal, we got about 40. These we put through a preparatory formation period. When we felt that they were ready, we called for applications from those who would be interested in beginning this experience in community. We had about 300 hundred after 2 months of registration. Some dropped off, but there were close to 200 when we finally got started. Throughout the year the attendance averaged 170. We have a similar community of Chinese-speaking with around 60 persons.

Don't parishes already address these needs? Some parishes allow people to "sit-in" at the RCIA programme. The parish renewal experience seems mainly geared to "ministries" like choir members or readers, but this is not "mission". We felt the need for something specific for these groups and thought of community experi ence, primarily for Catholics, as a way to grow in faith and witness to others. There are, of course, Basic Christian Communi ties, but their success tends to depend very much on the leader. Those who are not Christians, can't fit in with these Basic Communities. But here they can - anyone can join and walk-in as they like. Once a month we have a community formation session. They pray and share together and there are also talks, all geared to involving the larger community of the parish.

What community "exercises" do you have? We meet every Thursday evening for prayer in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament for about an hour, then we have fellowship. There is a talk at least once a month. We also meet on Sundays to pray. We started with only 2 worship leaders, but now we have more. We have quite a few non-Christians as well. Six eventually became facilitators and got very involved in the group. Age-wise we have the whole range from youth to the aged. The advantage is that there is mutual enrichment for everyone. We keep the community as open as possible to everyone. Anyone can literally walk in and go out at any time. Those who felt alone, have acquired a sort of sense of belonging with a spiritual base. We find that all have grown in faith.

What is it that you want for the community?

Where do you plan to go from here?

To evangelize by witnessing through life and work. We are not here just to feel good about praying or feel good together but to live up to the mission of Confirmation - to really share in the mission of Christ as priest, prophet and king. When others encounter us they must encounter Jesus. The crucial question is: Am I a prophet, speaking for God, and being a living witness? We also want it to be an evangelizing experi ence which we share with others. When we began to emphasize "community" we saw a significant drop in numbers to as low as 60. It seems that people want talks for formation but don't take easily to "community". We kept emphasizing this need for mission. If each one brings in just one person, the community would double. Our numbers then increased from 60 to about 100. Some are cynical about numbers. They say quality counts not numbers. However, if there is no one, then there is no point in talking about quality. One has to have a certain number if community is going to be a reality. After 9 months they voted to continue as a community and that's how St. Bernadette Commu nity Experience was born.

Our first anniversary will be on 26/27 Sept. Some have dropped out when we became more focused on community. In future we don't intend to take on Baptism preparation as we do not wish to duplicate the work of RCIA. If there are some who want Baptism we will channel them to RCIA. In fact there are, presently,about 10 who have exprssed a desire to be baptized We are concerned with what happens after Baptism. Many tend to go into ministry, but they seem to lack continuing formation. They should first be in a community and become leaders in prayer. To build community we need to explore new possibilities, if it works for St Bernadette's then I hope to share this with other parishes. At the moment we try to involve St Theresa's. This oppor tunity to share through the Catholic News is a great possibility for sharing the idea throughout Singapore if not the world. As priests we need to have a vision. We would be willing even to go overseas to help to spread this idea worldwide. If we can only see opportunities and seize them we can achieve more.

How is formation catered for? Originally, formal topics on formation were largely taken from the RCIA course and we also invited the best speakers we could find in their various fields. This made for a very solid faith formation, combined with community experience and fellowship. We also arranged for 2 retreats for the mem bers, one with 200 participants locally for 2 days and the other was a retreat in Sabah for 6 days, to which we sent some of our faclitators. They function now from a personal God experience. In Decem ber, we plan to send another group so that eventually, all our facilitators would have made a 6day retreat. The group started growing in faith and experi enced a change in their lives.

Do you restrict membership to your parish? We instill in our community a sense of mission, so if our members share their experience with others at work or among their friends, then it is to be expected that we would get people coming in from other parishes. They would certainly be welcome if they feel comfortable with the commu nity. If they are non-Catholics or non-Christians they are also most welcome - that is the whole idea! If some express the desire for Baptism, we would channel them to other communities like ours if they exist in other parishes and if the individuals would like to transfer. If not, they are welcome to remain. We would also channel them to formal RCIA groups as and when they can fit into the commencement of the courses. When they do this, they would have had the advantage of a prior lived experience with the Community.

2 6

THE CATHO LIC NEWS

SEPTEM B ER 29 - O ctober 6, 2002

O r d in a r y

FAITH IN LIFE

2 7

October 6

September 29

U P SERVICE T e x ts :

1 Rd: Ezek. 18:25-28 2 Rd: Philip. 2:1-11

Resp: Ps 24 Gospel: Mt 21:28-32

First Reading: It is not a question of mere observances and an appearance of piety that are important. Sinners we shall always be! The important thing is "to renounce sin and to become law-abiding and honest,"then, as the Lord says through his prophet, we shall "deserve to live. He has chosen to renounce all his previous sins: he shall certainly live; he shall not die. ’ Responsorial: acknowledges sinfulness on our part but appeals to the

‘ORDINARY TIME’ Liturgical Colour: GREEN - Symbolizes ‘HOPE’ in the Christian context hope in eternal life, founded on Christ’s promise. The focus is on our Response to God revealing himself through Salvation History. Sunday Cycle: 1 A Weekday Cycle: 2

Lord for mercy and forgiveness. "Remember your mercy, Lord and the love you have shown from o f old. Do not remember the sins o f my youth. In your love remember me, because of your goodness, O Lord."

T e x ts :

1 Rd: Is 5:1-7 2 Rd: Philip. 4:6-9

Resp: Ps 79 Gospel: Mt 21:33-43

The vineyard figures prominently in the Liturgy of the Word today. Anyone who has visited the Holy Land would easily appreciate why the vineyard and everything associated with it is often used by Jesus in his allegories and parables.

First Reading: Isaiah uses the vineyard to compare it to Israel, God's Chosen People. Everything has been done for it to produce good grapes. The vineyard owner, however, is so disappointed with the grapes that he totally abandons it.

repentance from the vineyard, goes up to the Lord, the owner of the vineyard. It promises repentance and a change of heart, and pleads that the owner will turn his attention to it once again and lavish care on it as he did in the past.

Second Reading: St Paul exhorts his people to be faithful to the Lord and to do all the right things that he taught them, so that the God of peace would be with them.

Gospel: The parable is about a father and two sons. Jesus contrasts the reactions of the two sons to the instructions of their father. One refused at first, but then "afterwards thought better o f it and went." The other willingly agreed to go, but ended up not going. The question Jesus puts to his hearers is telling: "Which of the two did the father's will?" One can of course connect this question with what he said about who his own mother and relatives were. On that occasion he told his hearers that those who do the will of his Father in heaven are his mothers, and sisters and brothers.

Gospel: A serious note of warning is sounded. Using a similar anal ogy of a vineyard to the one in the First Reading, but with a slight twist, this time focusing on the workers in the vineyard, Jesus teaches the same lesson. The vineyard is leased to tenants who not only did not give its produce to its owner, but abused and killed his emissaries and even his son whom he sent to collect the dues, Christ asks his hearers what they thought would happen. They answered very correctly: "He will bring those wretches to a wretched end and lease the vineyard to other tenants who will deliver the produce to him when the season arrives."

A pplication in life

Application in life

It is very easy for us Christians to become complacent with ourselves in our relationship with God. We become so familiar with our practice of religion and with our prayer life, that at a certain point one wonders whether we are at all conscious of what we say and do.

The theme and consequently its application in our lives is practically a continuation of what the liturgy was saying to us last Sunday. It can only underscore the importance of the message - the need to offer more than lip service in discipleship.

Today's parable in the Gospel is a good reminder to us of the need for being genuine and sincere. And we would do well to apply it to ourselves. We are baptized and we claim to be the new Chosen people of God. There are times perhaps, when we cherish some sort of triumphalism that we are the ones who have embraced the true religion and worship the true God - not like all those other pagans around us who worship false Gods.

Christ draws a parallel from the situation described in the parable and applies it to God's choice of Israel as his chosen people, and issues his warnings in the concluding sentence of the Gospel: 7 tell you then,

that the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit." We need to ask ourselves whether Jesus is saying these words to us. God has called us to salvation. The call, however, requires a response from us. There is no compulsion. The call is an invitation.

We had better take a closer look at ourselves to see first of all what our worship itself is like. We might claim to know and worship the one true God, but does our worship really reflect that belief? Perhaps we have all gotten into a rut of routine and habit so that we simply go to Church and go through the motions of worship for the sake of fulfilling our "Sunday obligation", otherwise Sunday wouldn't "feel" like Sun day. Such an attitude would hardly be consonant with true discipleship.

We cannot afford to be complacent with God's choice of us as his new People - with the gifts that he has showered on us. Life is not just our own to do exactly what we want. We literally have a "lease of life”. We must not abuse God's gifts, especially the gift of his love. We have to produce "fruits" in terms of a response to Christ. He is waiting for the results of the offering of his gift of love to us. Unless we do so, we will run the risk of being disqualified for the Kingdom of God.

Even if we were attentive and prayerful in our worship, we still need to ask ourselves whether our faith shines forth in our practical daily living. Faith and life go together. Our lives need to be a reflection of our faith. The way we live is really the acid test of our faith.

Are we perhaps responding like the tenants of the vineyard? The warning is clear in today's Gospel: "I tell you then, that the kingdom o f God will be taken from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit."

Even in Jesus' time there were so-called pagans who were manifest ing even greater faith than his own compatriots. On more than one occasion, Jesus actually remarked that he had not seen faith like that even in Israel.

We must realize the tremendous love that God has for us. He sent his only Son Jesus into our world to become a man like ourselves. Jesus proved how much he loved us. He died on the Cross for us, and in reference to that sacrifice of himself he said: Greater love than this no man has than that a man lay down his life for his friends.

We are supposed to have accepted Christ and his teaching, yet we might be giving only lip-service to him! We manifest a certain upright pattern of living, but even the second son in the parable gave the appearance of being obedient, but ended up being disobedient, in fact. Jesus says in the Gospel. I tell you solemnly, tax collectors and

Are we just going to spurn that love? Does it mean nothing to us that Jesus gave his life for us? Don't we feel obligated to respond with love on our part? Feasts of the Week:

Feasts of the Week: Mon 30 Saint Jerome, priest, Doctor October Tue 1 St. Th6r6se of the Child Jesus, Virgin, Doctor Principal Patroness of the Missions, Gloria, Creed Wed 2 The Holy Guardian Angels Thu 3 St. Francis of Assisi, religious Fri 4 Sat 5

DISQUALIFIED

Responsorial: Psalm 79 is very much in the same vein as the First Reading and is indeed a direct reference to it. Here however, a cry of

Second Reading: St Paul urges the members of his community to love each other and manifest it in tenderness and sympathy, with a "com mon purpose and a common mind.” He also recommends imitation of Christ particularly in his humility and self-effacement, and breaks into that magnificent and beautiful hymn to the Incarnate Lord. The rest of the reading is absolutely a "must-read"though, strangely enough, it is indicated as an "optional longer version" of the reading.

It is never too late to take stock of ourselves, lest somewhere along the line we find ourselves off the mark.

O r d in a r y

W hy not c e le b ra te Y O U R F e a s td a y w ith M a s s !

Mon 7

Our Lady of the Rosary

( 1st Anniv. of Episcopal Ordination of Archbishop Chia ) Tue 8 Wed 9 Thu 10 Fri 11 Sat 12

St. Denis, Bishop, St. John Leonardi, priest

THE CATH O LIC N E W S _______________________________________________

H i Vatican II teaches H

SEPTEM BER 29 - O ctober 6, 2002

The Living Word

FORMATION

by Dr (Rev) Robert P Balhetchet, Ph.D. (Theol.) D o g m a tic

C o n s titu tio n

th e

R e v . A m b ro s e V a z , S S L

Professor of Sacred Scripture St Francis Xavier's Major Seminary

C h u rc h

"L u m e n G e n t iu m ’ - L ig h t o f th e N a t io n s

THE BIBLE : THE OLD TESTAMENT C h .1

-T h e

M y s te ry o f th e

C h u rc h B IB L IC A L

In our last column, we dealt with the title of this first Chapter and explained the designation "mystery" as something hidden, not known, but NOT incomprehensible. It refers to the Plan of Salvation for Creation and Mankind in particular. In our view, this first Chapter is not given enough importance in expositions on the Church. Most seem to go straight to Chapter 2 which is entitled "The People o f God" - indeed, one very often hears it said that Vatican II describes the Church as "People of God”. It is true, but it is misleading to put it this way. That is how Vatican II describes it in Chapter 2, but not in Chapter 1!

T h e

H o ly

Biblical Primeval History appears within the written corpus of the Pentateuch. Scholars have long held that the Pentateuch can be traced to four major written sources which were eventually combined in the period after the Babylonian exile (post 538BC) under the guiding hand of the Priestly (‘P’) tradition, and who probably was the redactor. These four written sources are : the Yahwistic, the Elohistic, the Deuteronomistic, and the Priestly traditions.

B ib le

Characteristics and theological understanding of theYahwist (J)*

We realize that all this sounds like a mouthful, and indigestible at that! When one tries to describe what is the ineffable mystery of God's salvation, then one has to contemplate that mystery as revealed in Christ - and we mean "contemplated And, even then, one has to eventually bow down in utter humility in the face of this great mystery and it's revelation through the person of Jesus and his Mystical Body, the Church.

*The Yahwist is designated J instead o f Y because the European scholars who developed the theory spelled the divine name with a “J"

To reduce the concept of the Church to the "People o f God" is to do grave injustice to the Revelation that is the Person of Jesus! (note the IS - not "is through" - Jesus IS the Revela tion!)

the Yahwist calls God Yahweh; he is a marvelous storyteller; his stories are very vivid, always concrete and full of imagery; God is often represented as a man (anthropomorphism) , e.g.., in the creation story he is in turn a gardener, a potter, a surgeon, and a tailor!

in p e r s p e c t iv e

We cannot emphasize enough, the importance of getting the right perspective if we want to try to understand and appreci ate the Church and what it stands for. As we pointed out earlier, the tendency is to describe the Church as the "People of God" (a phrase most often used) and as "Sacrament of Salvation" (once very often used but somewhat less nowadays). There’s nothing wrong with these terms, they are quite correct, but we need to remember that these terms were used by Vatican II when it wanted to refer to the human / visible element as distinct from the spiritual / INvisible element of the Church for which it used the terms "Mystery' and "Mystical Body of Christ. The "trouble" with the terms "People o f God" and "Sacrament o f Salvation" is that we very easily, even subconsciously and unconsciously, end up focusing on the visible elements. In the context of the first one, the "People of God" we end up looking at structures, organization, ministries, the people that are necessarily involved in these, the services, even the buildings - all the external, concrete and visible elements and very easily losing sight (not deliberately, of course!) of the very person at the centre of all of this - Jesus Christ! With the other appellation "The Sacrament of Salvation" we don't fare very much better either. We start focusing on the Rites and Rituals of the Mass and the Sacraments and all the external practices of our religion (rather than faith) and then end up losing sight of the Person of Jesus and his saving action and grace that underlie these externals. Our very vocabulary betrays our oversight when we speak of "going to Church on Sunday”, "hearing or attending Mass", "going to confession", "not eating meat on Friday", "saying the Rosary or prayers" and so on.

H IS T O R Y

The Documentary Hypothesis

In Chapter 1, the Council describes the Church as the Mys tery of Salvation, revealed and continuing to be revealed - the prolongation, if you like, of the mystery revealed in the person of Jesus. It is Jesus continuing his work of revelation and salvation through the visibility of the Church which he founded to continue his own salvific action through the instrumentality of the visible, institutional Church which is HIS OWN MYSTI CAL BODY.

G e ttin g th in g s

P R IM E V A L

God relates in a very human manner : He walks with Abraham as with a friend (Gen 12); he invites himself to a meal with Abraham and bargains with him (Gen 18). Man lives on familiar terms with God and meets him in everyday life. However, God is utterly different and is the master : he commands or forbids (Gen 3:16); he calls : “Leave!" to Abraham and “Leave!” to Moses. He has a plan for history. His blessing will bring happiness to his people and through them will extend to all people. Man must respond to this divine call and obey God.

Graphics: © The Order of St.Benedict. Texts: The Living Word: © Ambose Vaz. 2002. Vatican II teaches: © Robert P Balhetchet 2002.

Man's sin is to want to take God’s place. This sin draws down the curse on him : cf. Cain (Gen 4), the Flood (Gen 7), the Tower of Babel (Gen 11:1-9)

The D o c u m e n ts

God is always ready to forgive, particularly when men like Abraham (Gen 18) or Moses (Ex 32:11-14) intercede with him, and is always ready to renew his blessing.

o f V a tic a n

I I

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Thus, the Yahwist is marked by lively anthropomorphisms, vivid story-telling, and creative theological vision (based on the dynamic of (God’s) Promise and the fulfilment of whatever he promises). The Yahwist articulated the old traditions, perhaps in response to the Solom onic enlightenment. It most likely comes from the time of Solomon, about 950 BC, and originates in royal circles in Jerusalem. In that setting, it is the king (not the prophet or priest) who has an important and significant place. It is the king (in Yahwistic tradition) who gives the faith unity.

Don’t get us wrong! We're not saying that externals don't matter or still worse, are wrong! Far from it! WE want to emphasize that we need to keep things in their proper perspective. The most important "thing" is the emphasis that is needed on the "spiritual / invisible" element in the Church the Person of Jesus who has to be revealed in and through US, the members of his Mystical Body, and his Saving Action which has to be continued in and through US as the exten sion of his Saving Mission. V.

SEPTEM B ER 29 - O ctober 6, 2002

THE CATHO LIC NEWS

1 0

REGIONAL Keeping faith alive at home

Catholic School attacked NEPAL, Gorkha (UCAN) — Offices in a Catholic school were burned and church personnel beaten up by Maoists in renewed rebel violence in Nepal. On Sept. 11 night, nine men and women claiming to be Maoists attacked St. Joseph School in Gorkha, midwestern Nepal The attackers overpowered the watchman and set fire to the ground floor school offices. The priest, who is the school’s principal, and a seminarian were personally assaulted in the attack. St. Joseph’s School was forced to close a few times by Maoists in recent years. The Indian Fransalian Fathers, who ran it in the past, have left Nepal for good. The school was also attacked on Sept. 11 two years ago. At that time, the rebels, fighting for socio-economic parity and a communist government in the world’s only Hindu kingdom, demanded that the school employ local people as teachers and offer free education to the poor.

Local Superior General VIETNAM, Ho Chi Minh City (UCAN) — Sister Marie Paula Tang Ngoc Diep of Vietnam has been elected superior general of the Notre Dame Congregation. Sister Diep, superior of the Vietnam province, was elected at the congregation’s recent general conference in Berlaymont town, Belgium. Thirty-three representatives from 10 countries took part. This was the first time a Vietnamese nun has become superior general of the congregation, which is also known as Canonesses of Saint Augustine.

VIETNAM, Phan Thiet, (UCAN) — Catholics who migrated to southern Vietnam from the north have been holding religious activities in their homes because they have neither churches nor priests. Most Catholics in Phan Thiet diocese are from the northern dioceses of Vinh and Thanh Hoa. They came during the 1954 exodus when the country was divided and northern Vietnam came under communist rule. However, after the 1975 reunification o fth e country under communist rule, Church premises were confiscated and priests sent to re-education camps. The priests were later released but not allowed to return to their parishes. During the past 27 years, most Catholic families in remote subparishes discreetly practiced their faith and taught catechism to their children. However, only a few would gather in a private house for prayers at any one time. The diocese, based in Phan Thiet, 1,150 kilometers south of Ha Noi, is the newest of Vietnam’s 25 dioceses. It was established in early 1975. Nowadays, “most of us gather in a lay leader’s house to recite prayers, do penance, listen to Sunday Gospel readings and receive ‘spiritual communion’ since there is no Blessed Sacrament here On Sunday, only those who have transportation can go to church for Mass,” said Marie Nguyen Thi Truong of St. Martin subparish. In other subparishes, Catholics do receive Holy Communion, as there are tabernacles for consecrated hosts that are placed in parishioners’ homes. Truong said priests celebrate Mass outdoors several times a year, adding “whenever it rains, we wear raincoats.” St. Martin is one of seven subparishes of Vo Dat parish. They were established within the last 10 years thanks to greater religious freedom in the country.

Vo Dat parish, the largest in the diocese, has 14,428 Catholics in 16 subparishes located as far as 35 kilometers from the parish center. Father Francois Xavier Pham Quyen, who compiled the book “Vo Dat Parish Journeying into the Third Millennium,” is pastor of Vo Dat and heads Due Tanh deanery. He is assisted by a vicar and Lovers of the Holy Cross nuns of Phan Thiet. He explained that “these subparishes do not have any place for worship, though the number of Catholics has increased to nearly 5,000.” Masses, celebrations of the Word of God and catechism classes have been held in parishioners’ courtyards or orchards, he said. “Although farmers in these remote areas are poor and struggle hard to make ends meet, they are enthusiastic about living out their faith,” and many join the Legion of Mary or Catholic Mothers’ Association, the priest also said. He admits, however, that the faith life of Catholic youths poses a challenge because they have few opportunities for ongoing religious education and other activities. The diocese covers Binh Thuan province and now has 65 priests, 184 Religious, 30 major seminarians and 1,948 catechists. Its 49 parishes serve 135,700 Catholics, about 12 percent of the province’s population. Bishop Nicolas Huynh Van Nghi of Phan Thiet, the ordinary, is assisted by Coadjutor Bishop Paul Nguyen Thanh Hoan. The diocese began with only 69,921 Catholics more than a quarter century ago. It has more than doubled thanks to both natural population growth and Catholic migration from northern and central dioceses. The migrants left their homes due to poverty or were sent by the government to new economic zones that were set up here between 1978 and 1990.

Widespread practice CHINA, Hongkong. (UCAN) — A Catholic priest in Hong

Keeping children off the streets

Kong has been hailed by media as “wise and intelligent” after helping police smash a criminal group that targeted Church workers. Father Edward Chau King-fun, 48, won accolades for helping police arrest three mainland Chinese running a fake-gold scam. On the advice of his brother, a criminal detective, Father Chau tipped off police after two mainlanders attempted to sell him gold ornaments on June 3. One man told Father Chau he had found the ornaments while working at a construction site. He then offered to sell them to the priest, saying they can be resold at a profit to help the needy. On Sept. 9, the three defendants, aged 28-32, pleaded guilty before a district court and were sentenced to jail for 20 months. They said they targeted “kindhearted” priests because such priests are easy to deceive.

The Catholic School in Asia PATTAYA, Thailand (UCAN) — Delegates at the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences meeting on evangelization say some Catholic schools have lost sight of their mission to evangelize and to serve the poor in the quest for academic excellence. In the final statement, the delegates say they are “greatly saddened (to) observe the decline, albeit unintended, of the faith and contemplative dimension” of some Catholic educational and health institutions. The 60 bishops, lay delegates, priests and Religious attending the meeting noted that perhaps “lured by competitiveness and the drive for excellence,” these institutions “have perceptively dimmed” and succumbed to the market-driven economic system. They conclude that a “return to original goals of witnessing to Christ and announcing his message is sorely needed.” The comments on today’s Catholic schools in Asia were formulated after much discussion during the meeting, which was organized by the Office of Evangelization of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC-OE). In a session Sept. 6, FABC-OE chairman Archbishop Telesphore Toppo of Ranchi, India, said that while Catholic schools produce highly professional academics, “we have lost sight of Jesus. We have lost the ‘Catholic’ in the Catholic school.” Charges and counter charges ensued until Father Saturnino Dias, FABC-OE executive secretary, intervened by saying the point was noted and would appear in the symposium’s final statement.

UZBEKISTAN, Fergana, (UCAN) — Two Franciscan friars in Uzbekistan have gone a long way in their efforts to arrange activities for local Catholic children.

M o th e r

T e re s a

la u d e d

BANGLADESH,Dhaka. (UCAN) — A service organization run mainly by Muslims in Bangladesh cited Mother Teresa as a model for social workers at a prayer service to commemorate her death. H.M. Nasir Uddin, who directs the health and development organization called Pacificare, lauded the late Nobel Prize-winner on the fifth anniversary of her death as “a model for social workers everywhere.” The program of prayer and reflections was held Sept. 5 in the Milpur Agriculture Workshop and Training School of Caritas Bangladesh in Dhaka. Catholic priests, Pacificare workers and many students from the organization’s 20 schools for destitute and mentally challenged children attended the event. Nasir Uddin, a Muslim, briefly described Mother Teresa’s life and work for the poor, and explained its significance for the world. He said he long admired Mother Teresa and had attended her funeral in Kolkata, India, in 1997. Holy Cross Father Richard Timm shared his experience of the 1974 famine in Bangladesh when the government asked him to open a center for dying people. He said Mother Teresa sent her Missionaries of Charity nuns to work in the center. He told the children, “It was astonishing how children who were only skin and bones not only came back from the brink of death, but quickly grew fat on three glasses of milk a day.” The anniversary program included a meal for the children and ended with Father Timm praying that many would be inspired to imitate Mother Teresa to work for the poor, and for justice and peace in the world.

“There is hardly anywhere for children to go and hardly any activities for them,” said Father Peter Kawa . The Franciscan is in charge o fth e parish in Fergana, 330 km from Tashkent, the capital. He and confrere Brother Martin have arranged catechetical classes and free English lessons, built a small swimming pool for children to use after Mass and organized a summer camp in Tashkent. Father Kawa said 18 children and their parents attended the mid-August camp in the capital of the Muslim-majority country, formerly part of the Soviet Union. “The main purpose of this project was to allow children and parents to be together. Working parents have little time to spend with their children, he explained. He also arranged the program for the “children’s health” with help from Western donors. Father Kawa said that attending catechism and English classes “helps protect children from bad influences in the streets,” because criminal activity is rampant in parts of Fergana. The problem in Fergana is that there are too few organizations and activities catering to youth. Only children from rich families can afford to enroll in language and other courses in special schools. Two young women in the parish teach English. “I offered to pay them but they refused,” Father Kawa said. Lessons are held on weekdays “because Sunday is very hectic.” One teacher is Elena Sabanina, who became a Catholic two years ago. “I try to do my best. When there are foreign visitors in the parish, my little students are eager to show off their language skills,” she said. The catechist Abdulaev cites the lack of books in Russian as a major problem for his work. Most teachers and children are ethnic Russians or speak mostly Russian. “I have to translate catechetical books from Polish into Russian." During his lessons, the 23 children in the parish are divided into two groups. While one group studies catechism, the other plays games designed to help them develop mentally and emotionally, Abdulaev pointed out. Father Kawa, asserting that children should “enjoy childhood during childhood,” said he plans to develop parish premises so children can play or relax there when free on weekdays. He also plans to start computer classes for them.

C A T H O L IC

SEPTEM BER 29 - O ctober 6, 2002

THE CATHO LIC NEW S

EDITORIAL

N E W S

EDITOR

C u ltu r a l

D r (R e v ) R o b e rt P. B a lh e tc h e t

Id e n tity

C r is is

MANAGER R ev F r J o h n s o n F e rn a n d e z

Being interwoven in the customs and mores of a given territory is what is meant by "inculturation". It is a coined word in ecclesiastical usage which refers to the process of presenting the "Good News" of salvation in a manner adapted to the "culture" - the language, customs, history and general heritage - of a given people in a given geographical area. The Church in Asia has recently been reminded of the fact that Jesus was Asian, though he is regarded as Western by most Asians. It is suggested that the "blame" for this is to be laid squarely at the feet of the "Western" missionaries who brought Christianity to Asia. The conclusion - the Church in Asia needs BY DR (REV) to find the Asian way to present Jesus to ROBERT P. Asians.. BALHETCHET This sounds like a fascinating challenge except that on deeper thought it appears more like a bewildering challenge. If, as our Holy Father has pointed out so eloquently in his Apostolic Exhortation "The Church in Asia", Jesus was Asian, why are we talking about inculturation in Asia? Apparently, it is the missionaries who did a great job of "incuiturating" Jesus the Asian in their Western or European culture, so much so that all of us got "taken for a ride" and have been thinking all along that Jesus was European! It appears to us that what we have to seek is not inculturation in Asia but de-culturation from the West. As our Holy Father has pointed out, the Incarnation, by God's design was "inculturated" in Asia, He assumed

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I refer to the press release of the Islamic - Catholic Declaration, captioned dated 9.8.2002 which appeared in the Catholic News Vol.52 No. 18 I wish to enquire about declaration (1) quote: We affirm that our religions both teach that Almighty God has created all ...........unquote. Does it imply, then, that Allah and Yahweh is the same Almighty God that Christians refer to as "The Fathei1'? Thank you

Thank you, indeed, for the enquiry, because it provides an opportunity for clarification. Unfortunately, language often creates unneces sary confusion. We often forget that language is a human creation by social groupings. For us, humans, it is a "device" to communicate. The "trouble" arises because we humans have an "ad vanced" intelligence. Other living creatures also communicate with one another, but within a species they have an inbuilt common standard system of communication which all within the species can understand. We clever human beings, however, can create our own means o f communication and end up with varying standards in our communi cation, with the result that we can’t all communicate within our human species because o f the different languages that we employ. We seem to enjoy doing this on purpose, because we even extend incompat ibility to our technology o f communication, just to make things even more complicated to communicate - even our machines can’t all "talk" to each other! Maybe it’s all done to help drive the economy! Anyway, what has all this to do with the name o f God? Well, it simply means, from the vocabulary point o f view, that there will be as many "names" for God as there are lan

human nature in Asian culture. Jesus himself in his whole ministry and proclamation was very much "into" Asian culture in terms of what Archbishop Ranjith referred to as "sadhuship". His use of stories (parables), his imagery, his language, his mode of discipleship, the living out of his teaching in the life of the ordinary people - bear all the hallmarks of the so-called "Asian" methodology! And yet, we can't help wondering aloud if this is really the answer to a more effective evangelization of the "Good News" Has not "Asia" more than begun to lose its "Asianness"? How Asian are we, when we have adopted just about everything "Western"! Our food, our dress, our language, our music, our technology, our city planning, our modes of transportation, our industrialization, our technology, our communication - the list is endless! By the time we find an Asian way of presenting Jesus, the Asian, we might find ourselves irrelevant in a Western ized Asia! Then, again, what is "Asian" - continental Asia is so vast and so diverse, or so it seems! Travel around the region, and the differences begin to seem minimal except for pockets of cosmetically preserved cultural "sanctuar ies" enhanced by modern technology, to reap the pecuniary benefits of the tourist dollar (US, of course!). All this, the result of that phenomenon we call "globali zation"! Despite the growing similarities with the West, there may be one real characteristic of Asia - poverty! But then again, it is not peculiar to Asia either - even this is global - though we have become quite adept in blinding our selves to it.

guages, and even more, because even within one language, there would be various names for God. The "God" o f the Christians that you refer to is called different names in different languages in Latin it’s "Deus", in Italian it's "Dio", in French it's "Dieu", in Hebrew it's "Yahweh", in Malay it's "Allah", etc., etc. Then, as we have just said, even within a language there are several names to address God. In English, we call Him the "Almighty", "Lord", "Supreme Being", "Father" and so on. In the context o f dialogue with other reli gions, the reference to "God" is a very basic starting point, as all religions would recognize, explicitly or implicitly the existence o f some "Supreme Being" which they would refer to by some name or another, depending on their own languages and traditions. The details o f such a concept o f the Supreme Being would vary, but the fundamental concept o f supremacy coupled with various attributes like power and control over creation and its elements would generally be shared. As to that part o f your question where you specifically ask whether "Allah" and "Yaweh" is the same Almighty God that we call "Father", the answer is "Yes"! If we believe that there is only one God, then whatever we choose to call him will not change the fact that there is only one God, anyway!

F ro n t

p a g e

Your Page 1 article in CN Sept 15-22, “For whom the bell tolls ... will it ever toll for these”, was a poignant and timely reminder that, as the world remembered the Sept 11 tragedy, we should not forget the innocent millions suffering or dying each year from hunger, malnutrition, disease, armed conflict, terrorism, violence and other forms of atrocities. However, the bell will never toll for them. Mostly from the Third World, they seem to have become forgotten members of the human race and are likely to remain so. This is because, as your article put it succinctly, we are selective in “our shock and remembrance!” I would not like to go into a debate on why we are selective. But I want to say that you did a great job by bringing to light their plight. It stirred the heart to the core and created a greater awareness of their miseries. They certainly deserve more attention, material help, protection and compassion than they are getting at present. These are complex socio-political problems which our world leaders should try to resolve to preserve the dignity of man. For us ordinary Catholics, we can help by asking God to look after our unfortunate brothers and sisters in their suffering and to give our leaders the political will to put matters right. Yes, while remembering the Sept 11 victims, let us not forget the suffering millions crying for help. While at it, let us also pray for the souls of the killers who perished with their victims. This is a hard act to follow, but I believe it is the Catholic thing to do. After all, they were God’s children, too. For me personally, I pray that they would have asked the Lord for forgiveness seconds before they died.

A. O. Thank you for your comment. Not only in this area but in many other areas, our thinking and sentiments which they generate are to a large extent influenced by the media. That is precisely the power and indeed the purpose - to influence the thinking o f the recipients, no matter what medium o f public opinion one is having in mind. It is for this precise reason that the Church is very much interested in and involved in the media - to form through information. The manipulation o f information is itself often used and abused to influence public opinion, not to mention direct formation through the media. It is why it is so important that the Church takes a very active role in all media.

THE CATHO LIC NEWS

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SEPTEM BER 29 - O ctober 6, 2002

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SRI LANKA, Colombo - (UCAN) — Catholics in Sri Lanka organized prayers and a special Mass for the success of their country’s peace talks recently launched in Thailand. The Blessed Sacrament community and Church NGO “Sethsarana” (Colombo Caritas), along with the Savumia Youth Foundation and Yatiyantota peace committee, organized the prayer service Sept. 16 at St. Philip Neri’s Church in Colombo. It coincided with the start of three days of peace talks between the Sri Lankan government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) at a naval base in Sattahip, Thailand, about 250 kilometers southeast of Bangkok. Blessed Sacrament Father Alfred Alexander, who works with the Justice and Peace Commission of the Conference of Major Religious Superiors in Sri Lanka, said in his homily in Colombo, “Despite the odds we face, we are here today to pray for peace.” The Church organized the event because of “a sense of religious and moral values,” he explained. Father Alexander reminded those present that their prayers must be accompanied by action, saying, “We must commit ourselves to peace — through gestures of justice, truth and reconciliation.” He cited Pope Paul V i’s admonition that “If you want peace, then work for justice,” and asserted, “We want to pray for peace with justice to all, without prejudice to any race or religion.”

PAKISTAN, Multan, (UCAN) — Archbishop Saldanha, chairman of the National Commission for Justice and Peace of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Pakistan, has appealed for more Church service to poor and indebted agriculture workers, many of whom were found in a recent survey to be virtual slaves. The survey, conducted by the justice and peace commission, was initiated two years ago and completed recently. The questions were put to 461 landlords and 2,112 Christian, Hindu and Muslim workers. Agriculture workers make up 30 percent of Pakistan’s labor force. Of these, 60 percent are indebted to landlords. The annual income of an agriculture worker is 13,332 rupees (US$226). They have no possibility to form unions and most of them are living as slaves. Debt bondage is a modern form of slavery that restricts their freedom to choose what they do and where they work. In some cases, laborers are bought and sold like cattle because of debt. Approximately 60 percent of respondents said they were in debt, whereas the 1990 Agricultural Census of Punjab shows that indebtedness among all agricultural households in the state was just 17 percent. The Pakistan Constitution prohibits slavery in any form and existing laws prohibit economic exploitation, but the implementation of those laws remains a serious problem, the report says. The survey highlights the long working hours and lack of holidays for agricultural laborers, and points out that daily routine work often lasts up to 12 hours. According to most respondents, when a worker goes on leave, an amount equivalent to his daily wages or even more is deducted, or compensation is arranged by providing a substitute laborer. In many cases, a laborer’s entire family has to work for the wage of a single person. Women share an equal or even larger percentage of the agricultural work, but their participation is less recognized. Child labor in the agricultural sector is also commonly accepted, prevalent in districts and areas where women are not allowed on farms. There are no fixed working hours for women and children, the survey says. The poor conditions of housing, sanitation and water supply call for urgent attention to the issues, the report says. Inadequate living conditions and health care make these people, especially women and children, the most vulnerable to disease and premature death.

C o n tin g e n c y

p la n s

PHILIPPINES, Manila. (UCAN) — The Philippine government should team up with Filipinos working in West Asia to draft a clear contingency plan in case war breaks out in Iraq, says a spokesperson for overseas workers. Maita Santiago, executive committee member of the non-governmental Migrante International alliance, told UCA News that “firm contingency measures” with a “concrete step-by-step plan” are lacking. According to Victoriano Lecaros, spokesman of the Foreign Affairs Department, 10 Filipino workers left Iraq for Jordan on Sept. 11 as the United States urged the United Nations to support military action against Iraqi President Saddam Hussein. Santiago said the Philippine government should work with migrant worker groups in West Asia and form brigades to ensure Filipinos have food, supplies and information in case of an attack. Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Bias Ople said in a memo Sept. 10 he recommends the evacuation of workers before any order is given to attack Iraq because he believes it is better to “err on the side of prudence.” Ople said James Kelly, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia and Pacific Affairs, has told the Philippine ambassador in Washington that early evacuation was a “sound decision.” Lecaros explained that evacuating Filipinos from Iraq entails a 10-hour trip by land to Amman, Jordan. He added that the Philippine Embassy in Amman would care for the evacuees until they decide to stay in Jordan to look for new jobs or else return to the Philippines. Santiago said her alliance of 82 organizations of migrant workers and their families in the AsiaPacific, Europe, North America and West Asia maintains that the large number of Filipinos affected by a possible war is a strong reason for the government not to support a U.S. attack on Iraq. She estimates that more than 1.5 million Filipino overseas workers are in West Asia.

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Muslim-Christian relations MALAYSIA Kota Kinabalu. (UCAN) — An ecumenical study group from Germany that toured churches in eastern Malaysia says it was impressed with the commitment of the local laity and their relations with Muslims. Led by Peter Seitz, head of the Catholic Deanery office of Heilbronn-Neckarsulm, the 14 people visited churches in Sabah state from Aug. 17 to Sept. 7. They visited the Catholic dioceses of Kota Kinabalu and Keningau, as well as Protestant churches. They met Christian leaders in towns and villages, and attended liturgies, celebrations and other Church services. Along the way, they stayed with families and studied their way of life. Reflecting on the experience as the tour ended, Seitz said he was impressed with the role played by laypersons as commentators at Mass and other celebrations, something “unknown” back home. He further observed that Sabah’s priests are not as dominating as in Germany. “It gives me the feeling that the people of God — priests, Religious, laity — come to church to celebrate together,” he said. Seitz noted that relations are quite informal between Christians and Muslims, who form the majority in Malaysia. There also appear to be no interreligious difficulties in the daily life of the people, he added. This study tour of Malaysia was the sixth by a team of clergy and lay leaders from Heilbronn. They form part of a series of contacts and personal visits between the two sides since 1982. In 1990, a formal “Charter of Partnership” between Kota Kinabalu diocese and Heilbronn deanery was signed and sealed. Members of the German ecumenical group also visited churches in peninsular Malaysia during their study tour, as they did on previous occasions.

SEPTEM BER 29 - O ctober 6, 2002

TH E CATHO LIC NEW S

REGIONAL S e r v in g

O B IT U A R Y

o u tc a s ts

PHILIPPINES Quezon City (UCAN) — “Holy anger” motivates a Magsaysay awardee in her work with leprosy patients in Pakistan, while a similar concern for outcasts sustains another awardee in his own work in India. Daughters of the Heart of Mary Sister Ruth Pfau told a forum Aug. 27 at the Jesuit Loyola School of Theology in Manila that “healthy impatience” and “holy anger” have sustained her work with the leprosy patients. “Get mad about things one should get mad about," said the 73year-old nun, who recently won the Magsaysay Award for Public Service. She has worked nearly 40 years in the Marie Adelaide Leprosy Center in Karachi. Sandeep Pandey, an Indian social worker who was given this year’s Magsaysay Award for Emergent Leadership, works with another kind of social outcast — the “dalit,” people who fall outside the four-level caste system in India and who, like lepers, are regarded as “impure” and “untouchable.” Dalit groups comprise onesixth of India’s more than 1 billion people. They scavenge and pursue menial work such as cleaning up after funerals and working with “unclean” materials in slaughterhouses and leather units. In his lecture the next day, he explained that his NGO teaches schoolchildren in dalit villages to cooperate in cleaning their schools and villages. The children learn about nature and the environment through songs, stories and activities, Pandey added. The Asha group also helps adult villagers who are victims of antidalit crimes and abuse. All of Ash's efforts, Pandey said, aim ultimately at self-reliance and justice for the dalit. Both awardees stressed the importance of empathy in their work with social outcasts. “Getting into the other’s shoes” prevents boredom since there is always somebody in need of care, Sister Pfau said, emphasizing that it is empathy and not sympathy that is needed. Noting that people who empathize with others bring about happiness, she said that with empathy, “the world would not be as horrid as it is now.” Pandey empathizes with his students by doing away with the system of rewards, punishments and comparisons. Asha’s schools have no exams. Rather, its education program stresses interaction in school, taking care not to create competition and inequality. “Even if somebody does very well, he or she should not be made an example of because that will build an inferiority complex for others,” Pandey explained to the forum.

F o c u s

o n

p o o r

M ICHAEL SOOSAY RAJU Departed: Aug 19,2002 Always remembered by Lawrence, Margaret, nephews, nieces and grandchildren.

THANKSGIVING Prayer to the Holy Spirit Holy Spirit; you who make me seeeverything and show me the way to reach my ideal. You who give me the divine gift to forgive andforget the wrong that is done to me and who are in all instancesof my life with me. I, in this short dialogue, want to thank you for everything and confirm once more that never want to be separated from you no matter how great the material desiresmay be. I want to be with you and my loved ones in your perpetual glory. Amen. TTiank you St Jude for answering my prayers. James Grateful thanks to St Jude for prayers answered. Please continue to bless me and my family. A Tong

DAVID ALSTON BATES Departed: Oct 7,1966 Remembering you is easy. We do it every day Missing you is hardest Because it never goes away. Always remembered by loving wife Margaret and loved ones. Many thanks to St Jude for prayers answered. Please continue tobless us always. Hua Thank you St Jude for answering my prayers. Please continue to bless me and my family. J.G. Grateful thanks St Jude for answering my prayers. Assist me in my present financial stituation. Thank you Jesus, Mother Mary, St Anne, St Joseph, St Antony. Rosie May the most Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and praised throughout the world now and forever. Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us. St Jude, worker of miracles, pray for us. St Jude, help of the hopeless, pray for us. Sacred Heart of Jesus, St Jude, thanks for the prayers answered. Mrs Maria Lourdes

COURSES FOR MIGRANT WORKERS M adonna C enter conducts courses for m igrant w orkers in N ursing-aide, C aregiver, C omputer, Hairstyling, Baking, International Cuisine, Tailoring/ D ressm aking, Curtain-sew ing, English language every S unday m orning or afternoon. (W eekday sessions on C omputer, C ookery, Art, M athem atics/ English are available for local students / adults). Enquire: 10am-4pm at 6280-5424 (M -F) or 6284-8797 (S unday) for fees, venue and details.

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Weekends 2003

Jan 24 to 26, Feb 28 to March 2, April 25 to 27, May 30 to June 1.

fo r Young Adults For more info, please contact either: Victor & Annabelle: 9 3 07-7752

Jennifer: 6345-3256 Web site registration: www.choice.org.sg

Catholic Audio-Visual Centre, 6858-3077 Fax: 6858-2077

St Joseph's Home, S r Maria Sim 6268-0482 Fax: 6268^787 nc0071b@cyberway. com. sg

China Catholic Communication (Zhonglian Centre), Patrick Lee Kim Hwee 9060-5080/6286-1826 mail@zl.per.sg web: www.zl.per.sg

Christian Family and Social Movement, Francis T amel Mane 9586-9938,6792-6701 Family Life Society 6488-0278 website: w w w .fam iiyiife.org.sg

Morning Star Family Care Centre, 6285-1377 Fax: 6285-2715

CHILDREN Galilee Centre, 6454-0528 Fax: 6454-3167

in fo rm a tio n , c a ll 6 2 7 4 -0 2 5 1 o r e m a il verbum dei@ pacific.net.sg Organised by: V erbum Dei M issionaries, w w w .civo.com / verbum deisingapore

VEHICLES WANTED Private & Commercial. Part & Non-Part. Immediate confirmation and cash payment. Please call Henry

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Central Commodity Services (R e ) Ltd, 6337-4238 Fax: 6339-2583 ccs55@singnet. com. sg

Canossaville Children’s Home, Sr Rose Low/M s A nne Siew 6748-5777 canossa@pacific.net.sg

Katong Catholic Book Centre Pte Ltd, 6345-1413 Fax: 6440-0272 katongcatholic@padfic.net.sg

Marian Centre (before and after school care), 6250-0877

Apostolate of the Media, 6892-1639 Fax: 6562-5857

Marymount Boarding, 6354-2245/ 6253-6816 Fax: 6353-4809

Catholic News Book & Media, 6858-3066 Fax: 6858-2055

Nazareth Special Learning Centre, Sr Anne M ay Chua, FMM 6276-3200 Good Shepherd Child Care Centre, Ms Helen Tan 6242-5695 Fax: 6448-3454

HANDICAPPED Catholic Office for the Hearing Impaired, Friar R owland Yeo, OFM

rowlandyeo@hotmail. com Canossian School For The HearingImpaired, 6749-8971 F a x: 6749-8976 Ang Mo Kio Home, Sr Jo Tham 6459-4801

MIGRANT COMMUNITY Filipino Catholic Community of Singapore, Nelly Faminialagao 9831 -8044/6893-7609 Francophone Catholic Community of Singapore (French-speaking Catholics), Sabine et Jean-Baptiste Juery 68870564 jbsabine@singnet.com.sg German-speaking Catholics, 6468-1534 Fax: 6468-2402 Hong Kong Catholics, 6737-9285 Fax: 6737-8502

KINDERGARTEN

Indonesian-speaking Catholics,

Catholic Kindergarten, Ms Edna Ng Poh Tiang 6283-3821 Fax: 6284-7783 cathkg@singnet. com. sg

Josephine Handojo 6235-2820

Nativity Church Centre, 6285-6198, Fax: 6285-9556 nativity@pacific.net.sg

Korean Catholics, E sther You 6242-5607

Magdalene’s Kindergarten, Mary Goh Boon How 6747-6554 Canossian Convent Kindergarten, Sr Jane Chong 6469-2201 Fax: 6466-1307 cankdg@singnet.com.sg Holy Family Kindergarten, Mrs Agnes Lee 6440-4344 Fax: 6478-0402

Japanese Catholics, Kiyoko Jarnes 62548710 james@ pacific.net.sg Commission for Migrants & Itinerant People 6280-5424 migrants@singnet.com.sg Jesuit Refugee Service, jrs@jesrefsg.org Fr Colin Tan 6463-6022 cxtsj@singnet.com.sg China Catholic Communication, Patrick Lee Kim Hwee 9060-5080 mail@zl.per.sg

SPIRITUALITY

Maris Stella, Sr M arjorie Alm odiel, FMM 6474-3590

Cenacle, 6565-2895 Fax: 6565-3875 cenade@mbox4.singnet.com.sg

Marymount Kindergarten, Petrina Siow 6251-5049 Fax: 6252-67904

Centre For Ignatian Spirituality and Counselling, Br Gerard Choo, SJ 6467-6072

St Francis Xavier Play Centre, Mrs Emily Goh Tel: 6280-8929

Franciscan Retreat Centre, 6567-9771 Fax: 6567-9786

YOUTH Bakhita Search-lnn, Christina/Sr Veronica (6367-6264 16467-4290)

FMM House of Prayer and Formation, Sr Mary Chua 6474-2526 Infant Jesus Retreat and Youth Centre, S r Gerard Lee 6760-2461 Fax: 6769-9369

Choice, 9307-7752/9671-0767 choice@cheerful. com

A uditorium . For C atholics and non-Catholics. O rganised by C om m ission fo r A postolate o f M andarin-speaking. Enquiries: Joseph Ho (6282-8428).

The Catholic News, 6858-3055 Fax: 6858-2055 cathnews@veritas.org.sg

Hai Sing Pao, Ms Catherine Chia 6337-2465 carlo@cams.org.sg Website: http://www.cams.org.sg

CONFERENCE FOR PARENTS “W hy My Child D on't W ant to S tudy?” P resentation and panel discussion by educationalists and psychologists. Date: Sat, O ct 12, 2.30-5.30 pm. Venue: The G rassroots’ Club, 190 Ang Mo Kio A ve.8 Fee: $20. Organiser: Morning S tar Fam ily Care Centre. Registration: V eronica (6285-1377).

Carlo Catholic Society, 6337-7489 Fax: 6334-4370 carlo@cams.org.sg Website: http://www.cams.org.sg

Clementi Children’s Centre, Ms Maria Swee 6777-3893 ijhcc@singnet.com.sg

Boys’ Town Fraternity, gaudette@boystown.org.sg Br Dominic Kiong 6769-1618 Fax: 6762-7846

PHILIPPINES MISSION TRIP 2002 Where: Tagaytay City (60 km from Manila) When: Dec 1 to 10, 2002. Age: 18 to 30 years old. Closing date: End O c to b e r. For

Weekends 2002

St Theresa’s Home For The Aged, 6256-2532 Fax: 6256-5610

Fund-raising dinner, skit and ronggeng organised by Kum pulan Peranakan G reja Holy Fam ily on N ov 3, 2002 at Jade Room R estaurant, Hotel Royal. Ticket contribution: S $35 each. Enquiry: W innie S eet 6222-9929.

EVANGELIZATION RALLY 2002 Theme: The Joy o f Living. Date: Nov 30, 7.15 pm -10.00 pm. Venue: The Rock

W hat’s Your Agenda in Life

Bible Correspondence Course in Chinese, Fr John B aptist Tou 6337-2465

FAMILY

C O M IN G U P

INDIA, Bangalore. (UCAN) — The Justice and Peace Forum, comprising some 40 diocesan and Religious priests and nuns has urged Religious superiors in a southern Indian state to improve their congregations’ social apostolates and to work for the poor and rated the response of Religious to social challenges as “average or even weak." In a letter to major Religious superiors, the forum asked the congregations to emphasize their social apostolates more and to channel most of their resources to help the poor. The letter says the forum is convinced that Religious “must and can answer today’s social challenges much more meaningfully and radically.” It identifies three key obstacles to the apostolates of Religious: “superficial contacts” with suffering people, “attachment to traditional apostolates and institutions,” and “lack of personal commitment to social ministries.” Major superiorsare urged to make the poor and oppressed their “target groups” for empowerment by reorienting health and educational ministries in favor of the poor and by helping fellow Religious to become “servants of the poor and agents of social change.” It also urges the superiors to orient their human and financial resources toward aiding the poor, and to making their local communities “more alive, open (and) loving” in responding to social needs.

Villa Francis Home for the Aged, 6269-2877 Fax: 6368-4505

Catholic Overseas Students Down Under Adrian (9836-5217) or Dennis (6274-2979) or cosdu@yahoo.com.au

Life Direction Team, S r Theresa Koh, FMM 6474-2422 Fax: 6472-5895 Sr Florence W ong, FMDM 6753-9602/ 9264-6733 LifeSprings Canossian Spirituality Centre, S r Lily Tan 6466-2178 Fax: 6466-1307 lifspmg@singnet.com.sg

Harvesters Ann 6481-5912 Website: www.harvesterscommunity.org

St Francis Xavier Minor Seminary (SFX Retreat Centre), 6288-7901 Fax: 6858-2716 sfxrc@singnet.com.sg Website: http//www.catholic.org.sg/SFX

Hosanna! Music Ministry www.hmmonline.org Tammy 9747-8570.

The Sojourners’ Companions, 9268-6723 sojoumers_companions@yahoo.com

Catholic Students’ Society - University of Singapore, Mr Irving Teo 6296-0897 irvingteo@cathoiic. org Nanyang Technological University Catholic Students' Apostolate, NTU Branch: Mr Budi Susanto 9478-7827. National Institute of Education Catholic Students’ Apostolate (NIECSA), NIE Branch: Ang Mei Ling 96663234 Infant Jesus Retreat and Youth Centre, Sr Gerard Lee 6760-2461/92947521 Fax: 7699369 srtiee@yahoo.com Poverello Teen Centre, Sr Maria Sylvia Ng, FMM 6544-2603 jub2000@singnet.com.sg Praise@Work Juliana 9799-9184 or email welcome@praiseatwork. org St Patrick House, (Boarding) Br Collin Wee, FSC 6345-5929 Fax: 6345-4635 Youth Life-Line, 6252-6300 Fax: 6285-5311 Youth Praise MinistryHelen Lee (9029-0118) email ypmsingapore@yahoo.com. Young Christian Students' Movement (Mandarin-speaking), Mr Stephen Chia 6286-4166 9502-4549 Young Christian Workers (Mandarin speaking), Maria Ng Kim Luang 6763-0137

SOCIAL SERVICE Catholic Welfare Services, M ichael Chua 6337-6165 / 6337-7954 Fax: 6336-1513

PROFESSIONAL Catholic Nurses Guild of Singapore, M iss Janet C han Poh Goon 6442-8546 Catholic Teachers' Movement, Mrs Gail S iow (R) 6454-4094 The Catholic Medical Guild of Singapore, Dr John Hui Keem Peng

johnhui@cyberway. com.sg

SPECIAL SERVICES Catholic AIDS Response Effort (CARE), P eter Lau 6353-4976, 9745-8991 Good Shepherd Centre, 6755-6496 Fax: 6752-0670 R. C. Prison Ministry, Sr Gerard Fernandez, RGS 6250-9151 Fax. 6250-1804 Singapore Anti-Narcotics Association Catholic Aftercare (Counselling) Service Committee SAN A C o-ordinator: Tan Lee Hoon 6732-1122 Fax: 6732-4564 Apostleship ofthe Sea (Catholic Seamen's Mission), Fr Rom eo Yu Chang, CICM 6271-8464/9783-5191 Fax: 6271-1175 portchap@singnet.com.sg Website: www.stellamaris.net Gift of Love Home, S r M Andrianne, MC 6251-6004 'Rose Villa', 6253-6556

SEPTEM BER 29 - O ctober 6, 2002

1 4

T r in ity C a s k e t P te L td Your Right Choice....

THE CATH O LIC NEWS

"I a m t h e r e s u r r e c t io n a n d t h e life H e w h o b e l i e v e s in m e s h a ll n e v e r d ie ."

In loving memory of

For:

IN M E M O R I A M Fifth Anniversary With fond memories of

S e v e n te e n th A n n iv e r s a r y

In e v e r lo v in g m em o ry o f

F o r a ll t h o s e w h o h a v e n o o n e to p ra y fo r th e m — w e p ra y to th e L o rd . Eleventh Anniversary In loving memory of

•C o m p le te & d ig n ifie d funeral arrangem ents by professional and caring staff. • C atho lic m ale & fem ale specialist em balm ers. Note: Female embalmer will attend to all female deceased.

• A ffo rd a b le a ir-c o n d itio n e d m e m o ria l chapels w ith m icro ph on e, e le c tro n ic organ & a p p ro pria te furnishin g & lighting. • All o th e r fun eral-re lated services in c lu d in g im p o rt & re pa tria tio n o f hum an remains.

God took them home, it was His will. But in our hearts we love them still; Their memories are as dear today As in the hour they passed away. Safe in the arms of Jesus and Mary. Dearly missed by beloved children, grandchildren and loved ones.

• N o o ve rtim e charges. • Special d iscou n t fo r Catholics. • C atho lic guidance counsellor M s O liv ia Stravens Pg: 9 5 2 4 -9 9 4 0

O pen

Beloved MARCUS JOSEPH CECIL HILDA GENEVIEVE DE SOUZA DE SOUZA Departed: Feb 3,1988 Departed: Oct 8,1990

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CECIL GOMEZ Departed: Sep 29,1997 To be with you In the same old way, Is our dearest wish today. Grant him, dearest Jesus, heavenly rest. Always cherished by wife, son and all loved ones.

P A U L L E E K IA M S E N G

Sixteenth Anniversary In loving memory of

Departed: Sept 2 9 ,1 9 8 5 “P recio u s m em o ries o f a dearly b e lo v e d husband, father and grandfather.”

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L. JOSEPH Departed: Sep 23, 1991 Jesus said “I am the resurrection, and the life; he that believes in me though he were dead, yet shall he live.” Rest in peace always Dad in the Good Lord. Amen Always remembered by family and loved ones.

12 years (Oct 8)... and we still miss you. You remain in our hearts forever For nothing beautiful is ever forgotten. Deeply missed by Noeline, children and loved ones. Third Anniversary In loving memory of

Fifth Anniversary In loving memory of

Thirteenth Anniversary In loving memory of

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BERNARD YIP YEW WAH Departed: Oct 3, 2000 Rest in peace, dearest beloved dad/husband, for two years have passed away. All that remains are memories o f you, But you will always be in our hearts. Dearly missed and lovingly rem embered by Dorothy, Dominic, Debbie, Karen and all loved ones.

CECILIA CARVALHO THESEIRA Departed: Oct 5, 1989 Still deeply mourned in abundant love, Never forgotten. Always missed by beloved Mother and sons James and John.

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In loving memory of

Sadly missed and fondly remembered by wife Christie and family: Christopher, Elizabeth and Adrienne Debra, Brian and Aurora Sharon, Ken and Ryan.

FRANCIS C H IA E L IZ A B E T H YEO TECK YEW C H W E E NEO Departed:Oct 5, 1960 Departed:Aug 8, 1993

I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, even if he dies, shall live; and whoever lives and believes in me, shall never die. (John 11:25-26). Dearly m issed and fondly remembered by all loved ones. Mass w ill be celebrated on Sunday, September 29, 2002 Church o f the Holy Trinity at 11 am,

ANTHONY HO Departed:Oct 10, 1996 Our thoughts are always with you, Our hearts are sore with pain; This world would be like heaven If you were here again. Sadly missed by wife, children and grandchildren.

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LOUIS HON DOROTHY HON Departed: Jan 1, 1998 Departed: Sept 28, 1995

I am the bread of life, whoever comes to Me will never hunger, and whoever believes in Me will never thirst. Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life and I will raise him on the last day. (John 6:35) Dearest ma and Pa, we miss you so! We pray to you,, sweet Jesus, grant them eternal rest with you.

In everloving memory of

Second Anniversary In loving memory of

Fifth Seventh Anniversary Anniversary In loving memory of

F o r A C o m p le te F u n e r a l P a c k a g e S e rv ic e

Lost from this world one so dear Oh, how we wish you are still near Very often sweet memories we recall Everlasting happiness you give us all.

Sixth Anniversary In everloving memory of

"AVE MARIA" ,

JOSEPH A N T H O N Y de SOUZA Departed: Oct 5, 1989

JOSEPH MOK FOOK KAM Departed:Sep 30, 1997 We often think of bygone days When we were together; The family chain is broken But memories live for ever. Deeply missed and always remembered by wife, daughter, relatives and friends.

JENNIFER EILEEN BAMANSHAW Departed: Oct 1, 1999 We cannot forget you Our loved one so dear; Your memory grows Sweeter year after year. Always remembered by all loved ones.

GEORGE BONNIE D’SILVA Departed: Sep 20,2000 The depths of sorrow we cannot tell, The loss of the one we love so well, In our homes he is fondly remembered, Sweet memories cling to his name, Those who loved him in life sincerely, Still love him in death just as dearly. Forever in our hearts: Dorothy, children, in-laws & grandchildren

ARTHUR W IL LIA M BATEMAN Late of Kuching, Sarawak Departed: Sep 28, 1984 He suffered patiently and long, His hope was bright, His faith was strong; The peace of Jesus filled his breast, And in His arms he sank to rest. Sadly missed but always remembered by loving wife, children and all loved ones. May he rest in peace. Amen. Fifth Anniversary In loving memory of

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VYNER GERARD ALBUQUERQUE Departed: Sept 30,1997 His smiling way and pleasant face Are a pleasure to recall; He had a kind word for each And died belovedby all. Some day we hope to meet him, Some day, we know not when, To clasp his hand in the better land, Never to part again. Deeply missed and lovingly remembered by wife Madonna, son Vyner Jr, Mum and Dad, sisters, brother, nieces, nephew, relatives and friends.

Please turn to page 13 for more “In Memoriam” announcements and classified advertisements.

SEPTEM BER 29 - O ctober 6, 2002

THE CATHO LIC NEW S

YOUNG CATHOLICS S

This year September 29 falls on a Sunday but whenever it does fall on a weekday, the Church celebrates the feast of the Archangels - Saints Michael (my patron saint), Gabriel and Raphael. What exactly do we know about these three Archangels who are the only ones mentioned by name in the Bible. First, let’s focus on St. Michael, the Archangel. The name Michael in Hebrew means “Who is like God?” and was the war cry of the good angels in the battle fought in heaven against Satan and his followers. The Bible describes St. Michael as “one of the chief princes,” and leader of the forces of heaven in their triumph over the powers of hell. He has been especially honored and invoked as patron and protector by the Church from the time of the Apostles. Although he is always called “the Archangel,” the Greek Fathers and many others place him over all the angels - as Prince of the Seraphim. We can read about the Archangel Michael in Daniel 10:13, 21; Daniel 12:1, Jude 1:9 and Rev. 12:7 In Daniel 10:13 Gabriel says to Daniel, when he asks God to allow the Jews to return to Jerusalem: “The prince of the kingdom of Persia has been resisting me for twentyone days, but Michael, one of the leading princes, came to my assistance. I have left him confronting the kings of Persia..” In Daniel 10:21 the Archangel Michael is mentioned again “Do you

H IM

’s

p e a k i n

know why I have come to you? It is to tell you what is written in the Book of Truth... In all this there is no one to lend me support except Michael, your prince” In Daniel 12:1 the Angel speaking of the end of the world and the Antichrist says ”At that time Michael will stand up, the great prince who mounts guard over your people. There is going to be a time of great distress, unparalleled since nations first came into existence. When that time comes your own people will be spared, all those whose names are found written in the Book.” In the Epistle of St. Jude (Jude 1:9) Not even the archangel Michael, when he was engaged in argument with the devil about the corpse of Moses, dared to denounce him in the language of abuse: all he said was,: ‘Let the Lord correct you’ St. Jude alludes to an ancient Jewish tradition of a dispute between Michael and Satan over the body of Moses. In Rev. 12:7 “And now war broke out in heaven, when Michael with his angels attacked the dragon. The dragon fought back with his angels, but they were defeated and driven out of heaven.”, St. John speaks of the great conflict at the end of time, which reflects also the battle in heaven at the beginning of time From these Biblical passages, Christian tradition has given to St. Michael some outstanding roles Firstly, to fight against Satan; Secondly, to rescue the souls of the faithful from the power of the enemy, especially at the hour of death;

a r c h

Thirdly, to be the champion of God’s people, the Jews in the Old Law, the Christians in the New Testament (which means that he was the patron of the Church and of the order of knights during the Middle Ages) and finally he was to call away from earth and bring men’s souls to judgement So much for the Archangel Michael, let’s now come to the Archangel Gabriel. The name Gabriel means “Man of God,” or “God has shown himself mighty." So we have only four appearances of Gabriel recorded in the Bible. His name appears first in the prophesies of Daniel in the Old Testament. In Daniel 8:16, he explains the vision of the horned ram as being a warning of the

la te s t c o n c e r t, A p p r o v e d

By Mel Diamse-Lee AUDIENCES became privileged listeners to some of the deeply spiritual experiences of Hosanna! Music Ministry (HIMM) members when the latter staged their concert at the Jubilee Hall from Aug 30-31. Approved, as the concert was called, was light entertainment on the surface and heavy witnessing deep down. It featured contem porary Christian songs and spiced-up classics, such as the soothing but powerful rendition of Amazing Grace. Songs like Sometimes He Calms The Storm, Who Am I and Constant became heavy with meaning when they were sung by Simon and Pamela Nunis, Eunice Lua and Brenda Wan, and Claudia Ng following testimonies of how they experienced God’s faithfulness and unconditional love through major crises in their lives. Many in the audience could easily identify with the anxiety of a young couple whose son suddenly fell ill; the feeling of loss when a loved one walks out of a relationship; and the anger and confusion when one so young and seemingly healthy suddenly suffers a stroke. Yet painful as the experiences were, the singers witnessed to the amazing grace God gave them to see His hand at work through their suffering. Many in the audience would probably still remember the story of

Pamela and Simon Nunis spoke about a crisis that turned into a miracle during the H!MM concert on Aug 30 at the Jubilee Hall of the Raffles Hotel. The concert was attended by some 800 people. The Wemmicks, by inspirational writer Max Lucado. The story itself was loaded with questions of how people deal with life’s blows: The more you allow them to weaken you, the harder they strike you. Mr Andrew Tan, HIMM executive president, said the “concert is an expression of our journey as a com m unity, that is continually growing to knowing and serving one another and the Lord better... “This concert allows us to share our experiences of this journey with everyone else. It is an expression of

our shared experience through Contemporary Christian Music and our testimonies,” added MrTan, who noted that some 800 people turned up for the two-day concert. Approved is HIMM’s fifth concert since 1996. Incidentally, the ministry is also on the lookout for new members They are planning a carolling project this Christmas. To find out more, visit the Hosanna! Music Ministry website at http://www. hmmonline.org or call Tammy Ho (97906349) or Andrew Tan (96481103).

a n

g e l s . . .

destruction of the Persian Empire by the Macedonian Alexander the Great, after whose death the kingdom will be divided up among his generals, from one of whom will spring Antiochus Epiphanes. In Daniel 9 after Daniel had prayed for Israel, we read that “ Gabriel, the being I had originally seen in a vision, flew suddenly down to me at the hour of the evening sacrifice” and he communicated to him the mysterious prophecy of the “seventy weeks” of years which should elapse before the coming of Christ. Gabriel was also the angel who appeared to Zachariah to announce the birth of. John the Baptist and finally, he announced to Mary of the birth of Jesus, the Son of God. So, in the New Testament in Luke 1:19 “I am Gabriel who stand in God’s presence and I have been sent to speak to you..." he announces to Zachariah the birth of the John the Baptist, and in Luke 1:26 “ In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth...” to Mary that of the Saviour. In the Bible Gabriel is shown as the angel of the Incarnation and of Consolation, and so in Christian tradition Gabriel is considered the angel of mercy while Michael is the angel of judgment. How about the Archangel Raphael who is known as one of seven Archangels who stand before the throne of God. Raphael means “God heals.” In the Bible, he is

mentioned in the Book of Tobit as being sent by God to help Tobit, Tobias and Sarah. At the time when Tobit was blind and Tobias’ fiancee, Sarah, had had seven bridegrooms who died on the night of their weddings. Raphael accompanied Tobias into Media disguised as a man named Azariah. Raphael helped him through his difficulties and taught him how to enter safely into marriage with Sarah. Tobias said that Raphael helped him have his wife and that he was the cause of joy to Sarah’s parents for driving out the evil spirit in her. He also gave Raphael credit for his father being able to regain his lost sight. As for the functions the Christian tradition has given to Raphael we have little more than his declaration to Tobias (Tobit 12) that when Tobias was occupied in his works of mercy and charity, he (Raphael) offered his prayer to God and was sent by God to heal Tobias of his blindness and to deliver Sarah, his son’s wife, from the devil. Whenever we celebrate this feast of the three Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, who are mentioned by name in the Bible, let us remember their Biblical roles and ask them to intercede to God for us by joining us in our prayers. When you do celebrate this feast day, I hope that you will also remember to say a prayer for me as it is the Feast day of my Patron S aint. God Bless You. Fr Michael Sitaram is youth chaplain of the Singapore Archdiocese. To contact him email: cathyctr@ pacific.net.sg.

Inculturation through art KOREA, Seoul (UCAN) - Religious congregations in South Korea are jointly exhibiting artworks that express the inculturated spirituality of their members. An exhibition at the Catholic Art Gallery in Seoul showcases 37 works by some 20 men and women Religious from 17 congregations. They include paintings, sculpture, candlesticks, chalices and other religious artifacts. Father Martin Park Hang-oh, director of the gallery, told UCA News Sept. 11 that the Religious were invited “to show their faith and sp iritu a lity rooted in Korean religiosity” during September, the month dedicated to honoring the Korean Martyrs. He said religious works of art found in churches in South Korea “are usually imported from Italy and do not appeal to Koreans’ religious sentiments.” One work in the exhibition, which began Sept. 4 and closes Sept. 30, is a metal candlestick created by Sister Agatha Lee Ok-im. The Immaculate Heart of Mary of Mirinae nun told UCA News that though the candlestick has a “classical” look, she formed it in the shape of a Korean flower. She also carved onto it the shape of a cross the Korean Martyrs used to wear. Sister Lee said that while ministering in local parishes and overseas as a missioner, “I found even a small work of art like a congratulations card with a message

from the Bible influences people more than words.” She added, “It is a good idea the gallery showcases Religious artists' works so that Catholics as well as those who are not can experience the faith in various ways.” She also said she could feel the differences in spirituality among fellow artists through the expressions, colors and forms of their work. Hilary Hwang Chong-bom, an exhibition visitor, similarly told UCA News he could feel the depth of the artists’ faith and sincerity in their works. Gallery curator Paula Ko Ji-eun told UCA News that visitors appreciate being able to look into the artists’ spirituality and religiosity. The word they wrote most often in the visitors’ book, she said, is “gratitude." “I think that such religious works give them comfort and hope,” she added. Since it opened Feb. 25, the gallery has exhibited mainly works of the Catholic Artists’ Association. Selections vary according to the Church calendar, Ko said. Father Park explained that the gallery allows the artists to exhibit free of charge as a way to help indigenous Church art to develop. He said it draws about 500 visitors per month. Joseph Choi Jong-tae, Catholic Artists’ Association chairperson, told UCA News that for the past 11 years, association members have tried to create religious artwork that would appeal to Korean sensibilities.

SEPTEM B ER 29 - O ctober 6, 2002

THE CATHO LIC NEW S

WORLD

8*1

Commitment to Mission

The human dimension of security and cooperation for religious freedom as a fundamental freedom of the human person which adheres directly to the person, prior to any civil authority. The third issue remains a scandalous one in our modern day and age. It is, as Msgr. Balestrero called it, the "scourge of human trafficking, which has been defined as the slavery ofthe 21st century." He reminded the delegates that "nonetheless it is necessary for us all to confront the uncomfortable fact that so far States have not succeeded in eliminating this trade for profit." In his final remark Msgr. Balestrero linked human trafficking with the question of migration, which he said is becoming and ever more sensitive issue for many countries. "Migration," he said, "is to be seen in the context of globalization, which - in conjunction with poverty - inevitably stimulates migration and will probably do so all the more. Today, migration should be still regarded in terms of opportunity: opportunity for the migrant, opportunity for the host country." He told the delegates that "it could be opportune to take into account economic and social factors, as well as the specific cultural identity of the host population and the need for peaceful coexistence in its territory”. Editor - Vatican Press Reports

The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe -OSCE which brings 55 European countries under its umbrella, held its annual meeting in Warsaw, Poland from 9-19 September. Msgr. Ettore Balestrero, Head of the Vatican Delegation in his address to the plenary session drew attention to various issues of concern in the light of the theme "The Human Dimension". By way of introduction, he warned of the need for "political will: "We are also well aware of the fact that in spite of our procedural and organizational efforts, the lack of real political determination would make our final recommendations just an “oasis” of good intentions in a “desert” of political agendas that are in fact differently oriented. In an obvious reference to all the sabre-rattling that has filled the world arena, he emphasized the need to place human rights at the core of security, and not in opposition to it" and urged the world community to "act in a manner consistent with them, even when responding to the threat of terrorism." He stressed the need for the rule of law to be respected if the risk is to be avoided of undermining the very basis of democracy and the rule of law itself. In an equally obvious reference to the expulsions of a Bishop and a priest from Russian territory, he appealed for respect

q u e s tio n

o f

p e r c e p tio n

Speaking on behalf o f the Pacific Islands Forum at the recent World Summit, Laisenia Qarase, Prime Minister of Fiji, said that ’ sustainable development, a fashionable phrase with a comforting, almost reassuring ring to it, was really about the salvation of the earth and stopping humankind from grossly abusing and destroying earth’s resources. For the affluent North, sustainable development at its most basic meant finding a less destructive way o f maintaining and increasing the greatest accumulation o f wealth in history. For the South, it might mean giving a man a chance to own two good shirts, a digging fork and the money to buy a kilogram of rice." - UN report

THAILAND, Pattaya, (UCAN) — After several days of deliberation at a meeting on evangelization, bishops of Asia concluded they have “truly felt the grace of the Holy Spirit to a renewed commitment to the mission of evangelization." More than 50 lay people, priests, religious and Bishops from 17 countries in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and East Asia, including a number from Rome and the United States participated in the Symposium. The final statement issued at the close of the symposium says that given the present context of market oriented economies coupled with the rise of religious revivalism, the Church in Asia must be more open than in the past. The bishops highlighted “proclaiming and sharing Jesus” by way of dialogue, inculturation, the witness of Christian life and through human development. The statement also makes a call to explore ways by which the Church can evangelize through social communications. The statement further recommends ongoing formation for the Catholics, developing a “local way” of evangelization and urges a continental congress to promote missionary endeavours. RENEWED COMMITMENT TO PROCLAIM JESUS Introduction Four years after the Special Assembly for Asia of the Synod of Bishops and three years after Pope John Paul II issued his post-synodal exhortation we have come together from different parts of Asia to reflect on Evangelization in the light of "The Church in Asia". Recommendations Although in our various workshops we came up with many recommendations, we have decided to spell out only three major pastoral recommendations: 1. That missionary animation programs, courses and retreats, on-going training and formation sessions for evangelization, and developing

evangelizing skills be held regularly and systematically for Bishops, priests, religious, seminarians and lay people at the regional and national levels; 2 That FABC hold a continental mission congress within two to three years to promote prayer to the Holy Spirit for a new Pentecost in Asia and to keep the evangelizing mission of the Church at the forefront of its life and activity; 3. That a local way for evangelization along the lines of the mission spirit and recommendations of the FABC be developed by each Bishops’ Conference and enacted at the diocesan level, so that the mission of the Church may be more systematically and organically pursued. Conclusion Coming to the end of our Symposium on Evangelization in the light of Ecclesia in Asia, the most emphatic conviction that has emerged, stated again and again, in the context of our continent of great and ancient religious traditions is the necessity of evangelizers to be men and women of God-experience, of deep spirituality and communion with Jesus, of joyful and transparent discipleship. Toward a New Evangelization we pledge to strive to live authentic lives so that the message of Jesus Christ may penetrate every mind and heart in Asia and come to fellowship with us in the Spirit. We pledge to gain a better and more dynamic sense of mission and renew our commitment to mission. Even now a new consciousness of mission is emerging. God’s invitation to us to become a new way of being Church in Asia is increasingly being heard and heeded. Deep in our hearts is a certain hope, a conviction, that the Third Christian Millennium will be God’s kairos for the Church in Asia, a vast home continent of the Lord. We stand in deep gratitude to God for the most precious gift of Jesus. We are likewise grateful for all the men and women in the Church who, as a small flock, are in communion of mind and heart to realize God’s eternal plan for the peoples of Asia.

HAW KSTONE H A LL I n te r n a tio n a l P a s to r a l C e n tr e , E n g la n d

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COURSE DATES 2003 6 January — 2 8 A p r il — 8 S e p te m b e r —

T h e S p ir itu a lity o f T r u e S e lf-E s te e m

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(* S u m m e r a n d A u tu m n C ourses 2003)

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