OCTOBER 26, 2003, vol 53, no 22 by CatholicNews

C a t h o lic N e w

S U N D A Y S O C T O B E R 2 6 A N D N O V E M B E R 2, 2 0 0 3 S I N G A P O R E 50 C E N T S / W E S T M A L A Y S IA R M 1.20 M . I.T . A . (P ) N o.105/01/2003 P P S 201/4/2004 V o l 53 N o .2 2

300,000 - holds up an image o f M o th e r Teresa o f C alcutta, w ith the w ord saint w ritten on it in Ita lia n , during her beatification O ct. 19 in St. P eterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Sundays O ctober 26 and Novem ber 2, 2003 □ CatholicNews

Catholic schools doing well Many Catholic schools were among those singled out by the Education Ministry for their achievements in and out o f the classroom. By Hedwig Alfred

PRINCIPALS of 17 Catholic schools received awards for these achievements from Acting Education Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam at the workplan seminar October 2. The achievements, which include academic results as well as uniformed groups and sporting achievements, were based on the schools’ performance in 2002.

SAINT Gabriel’s Secondary School also scored top marks in adding value - it was among the top 10 value-added schools in both the express and normal categories. The schools receive a $20,000 award if they are among the top 10 schools and a $10,000 award if they are among the top 20. Six other Catholic schools were also in the top 20 value-added list. They are CHIJ Toa Payoh, Hai Sing Catholic High School, Maris Stella High School and St Joseph’s Institution in the express category. CHIJ St Joseph’s Convent and St Anthony’s Canossian Secondary received similar awards for the normal course.

H E R S IN G R eal E sta te D ivision i c o L D U ie u .

EialR utiii A r

W o r l d ’s L a r g e s t R e a l E s t a t e N e t w o r k W i t h o v e r 130 ,0 00 R e a l E s t a t e A g e n t s in 31 C o u n t r i e s

BANKER □

H U S B A N D & W IF E T E A M 1

* T o p A c h ie v e r s S in c e 1 9 9 5 * M u ltip le A w a r d s W in n e r * M u l t i - M i l l i o n D o l l a r C l u b * C ir c le o f C h a m p io n s * B - T - Z A c h ie v e r A w a r d * C r y s ta l A w a r d * P la t in u m C lu b

P h ilip Er

C e c ilia Er

Senior Associate Sales Director (MBA, CDAF, DMS, DECE, CEHA EQV) F o r r e a l e s ta te

s o lu tio n s , c a ll:

9 0 0 7 -3 3 8 1

for HDB I Private Sales & Rentals Please call: JEFFREY PINTO hp 9 6 3 0 - 5 2 4 5 pg 9 2 0 7 - 9 6 0 6 For more property information log on to http: //w w w. Jpin2.com E-Mail: jutre@ po.pacific.net.sg

m an n a

j_ _ Itft

m e d ia

p ie ltd

Get your ringtone hym n and Christian logo! 2021001 2021005 2021007 2021008 2021010 2021093 2021013 2021015 2021097 2021098 2021024 2021026 2021027 2021028 2021105 2021029 2021030 2021031 2021032 2021033 2021109 2021039 2021116 2021045 2021117 2021119

1 9 0 0

CATHOLIC Junior College moved up to tenth place in the value-added list, an improvement of two places in a group of 15 JCs. The college also improved one place on the ranking table based on 2As, 2AOs, and General Paper. In March, when the A level results were released, CJC was described as the most improved junior college. Principal Brother Paul Rogers said: “The students have learned to be far more disciplined and focused in their studies. They have also become very committed across a large number of CCAs and this is also bearing some fruit in the focus they are able to bring to their studies when required.” More students from the affiliated Catholic schools also opted for CJC and more joined from the start of JC1, rather than joining after the O level results, which gives them a headstart.

Asst. Associate Manager (BBBA, DMS, CEHA EQV)

C&H REALTY PTE LTD

Call:

helps students with confidence to face exams.”

Abide W ith Me Alii You W orks O f God Amazing Grace As I Kneel Before You Ave Maria Bring To This Table Canticle O f T he Sun Come Holy Ghost Everybody Ought To Know Give Me Oil In My Lamp Gloria He's Got The W hole World How S w e et The Hour I Am T he Bread O f Life In God's Family I'v e Decided To Follow Jesus Jesus Christ Is Risen Today Jesus Loves Me Ju s t A Closer W alk Kum Ba Yah Mary From Thy Sacred Im ag e Old Rugged Cross Praise Her W ith A Flower Praise To T he Lord Prodigal Son Take My Life

9 1 2 -1 2 6 6 2021056 2021059 2021061 2021063 2021066 2021067 2021068 2021069 2021070 2021071 2021073

Spirit Of God Taste And See Thine Be The Glory To God Be T he Glory W e Are Many Parts W e Gather Together W e Remember W e W alk B y Faith W ere You There W h at A Friend You Are Mine

2022008

2022010 2022014

f.liHailMaiT-3

2022016 2022024

I *1* S U t s n d T ]

2022033

W h St P a a it in

2022041 2022042

CHIJ St Theresa’s won the sustained achievement award for consistently helping its pupils to do better than expected at the O levels. Value-added is measured by how well a school is expected to do based on its Secondary One intake and how well it actually does at the O level exams. St Theresa’s was among only six secondary schools here that got the sustained award for adding value to pupils’ performance for three consecutive years. The convent was also among the top 10 value-added schools in the express course and among the top 20 for the normal course. Principal Mrs Christine Kong told Catholic News that the school’s success was due to committed teachers who had fine-tuned their teaching strategies to fit the needs of the different groups of pupils. “The teachers also attended courses on multiple intelligences and worked to make lessons more enjoyable and take learning beyond the classroom,” she said.

THE dedication and hard work o f CHIJ St Theresa's Convent teachers continue to help improve the perform ance o f its students.

IN THE ranking of the top 50 secondary schools here, CHIJ St Nicholas Girls came up tops at number 7, St Joseph’s Institution was ranked 14 and Catholic High school was ranked 18. Eight others are on this list. They are CHIJ Toa Payoh (22), Maris Stella High (23), Hai Sing Catholic High (38), St Theresa’s Convent (44), St Gabriel’s (45), Holy Innocents High (46), CHIJ Katong Convent and St Anthony’s Canossian Secondary School (50). Principal of CHIJ Toa Payoh, Miss Theodora Tan said mission schools have a history of giving a holistic education to pupils and this is a major benefit. “With success in CCA, pupils learn to be more disciplined and there is a spiritual dimension too which

CHIJ (Kellock) is among a handful of primary schools which received the Sustained Achievement Award in sports. St Nicholas Girls’ and St Josephs Institution won this award in the secondary school group. For consistently winning top awards for the school’s uniformed groups, Catholic High, CHIJ St Nicholas, Montfort Secondary, Hai Sing Catholic High and St Gabriels Secondary School and St Joseph’s Institution received awards. SJI Deputy Principal, Brother Michael Broughton, said: “When a school finds it is good at something, it must give teachers and pupils support and plan for success in that area. Good intentions alone are not enough. The school has to find interested teachers, give them talented students and free time for them to train.” Seven primary schools came up tops in physical fitness. They are St Anthony’s Canossian Primary, St Gabriel’s Primary, CHIJ Bukit Timah, CHIJ (Kellock), CHIJ St Nicholas Girls, Maris Stella High and St Stephens School. St Nicholas is also the only secondary school to win an award in this category. □

Pottery Making For Children

IfcJt Bleismydatl

For N O KIA handphones only. Calls are charged at S$3.99 for 1 ringtone + 1 logo, or 2 ringtones, or 2 logos. Those 18 years & below must seek parental consent. For the full list of ringtones and operator logos, please visit ww w.CatholicRingtones.com

Enhance the children’s creativity during school holidays @ CLAY COVE, Specialists’s Shopping Centre #03-45 Basic in Pottery Making ($95,4 sessions)

Sat or Sun class start from Nov 1 or 2 Weekday class start from Nov 10, Nov 24 Age: 5-12 years old or ^ec 8

P U R C H A S E IN 3 E A S Y S T E P S ! S u p p o rte d b y : Step 1: Call 1900-912-1266 Step 2: En ter 7-digit code of ringtone. Step 3: Listen to preview and enter handphone number. Support hotline no.: 6546-5181

Wellsprings Catholic Books

Vee Communications

■Greato and pa in t ; { [ f 3 pinchodffiots & k 3 liq iirin o tf :; (PonQuin. Elephant j | S p .'i I & Polar li'-a r) ,

Call: 6738-7522 / 9389-2942 / 9109-2701 Email: mag@claycove.com Web: www.claycove.com

CatholicN ews □

Sundays October 26 and N ovem ber 2, 2003

I W

Devotees celebrateRosary Year By Allan and Cris Sato

SOME 400 Filipinos from many parts of Singapore gathered with their families for their annual Rosary Rally at the Church of Christ the King on Oct 5. The rally has been held since 1995. Yearly, it brings together the various Rosary groups in Singapore. This year it highlighted the Luminous Mysteries introduced by Pope John Paul II last year. The colourful event featured a procession, offering of flowers to 19 different images of the Blessed Virgin Mary and a Mass celebrated by Scheut Missions Father Angel Luciano, a

Filipino missionary. Mrs. Sally Hugo from the Filipino Legion of Mary of St Mary of the Angels parish was moved by the event. She said she was touched by Fr. Angel’s homily which focused on the importance of family rosary. She expressed a desire for her children to be in Singapore with her. But

even then she feels attached with them spiritually through prayer.

we specialise in:

R e n tin g , B u y in g o r S e l l in g

W edding in vita tio n cards mass!services booklets w edding fa v o rs u n ity candles ring pillow s alvin ch u a

HDB & Private R esidential Properties JO S E P H T E O Associate Director

9851-0107 D E S IG N

9 8 5 7 -7 1 2 1 &

P R IN T

Brochures |Invitations |Newsletters |Magazines |Certificates Stickers I Business Cards I Carbonless Forms

te rra n c e a n g .c o m

SINGAPORE devotees of Divine Mercy, one of the fastest growing religious movements in the world, received encouragement during the Divine Mercy Rally held September 21 and 22 at the Church of St Anthony. The rally was organised by the Archdiocesan Divine Mercy Core-Team and led by Sisters Saula and Caterina from the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy, based in Boston, USA. Talks and exhortations were given by the

SISTER Saula, M other Superior o f the Congregation, informing and encouraging devotees a t the rally.

16269 7080

#03-62 Lucky Plaza, Singapore 238863 We specialise in

1) Special-design & custom-made jewellery 2) Our Lady’s Crown j 3) Gold Rosary

A R C H B IS H O P ’S O FFIC IA L D IA R Y 10.30 am Church of St Francis of Assisi: Confirmation 2.00 pm RELC ln t’1 Hotel Auditorium: CFC Singapore - 16th Ann. 5.00 pm Church of the Holy Spirit: Ordination - Deacon Peter Zhang

Oct 28

7.30 pm Church of St Anne: MC Sisters - Blessed Mother Teresa

Oct 29

3.30 pm Church of Christ the King: 70th Ann. (St Nicholas’ School)

Nov 1

5.30 pm Church of St Francis Xavier: Confirmation

Nov 2

6.00 pm Church of St Teresa: All Souls’ Day

Nov 7

9.00 am RELC: Mass - HU

Nov 8

6.30 pm Church of St Vincent De Paul: Confirmation

Nov 9

10.30 am Church of St Anne: Confirmation 3.00 pm Church of the Holy Cross: Confirmation - Youths

Nov 15

6.00 pm Blessed Sacrament Church: 40th Anniversary

Nov 16

6.00 pm Church of the Holy Spirit: Mass and Blessing of the Church

Nov 17

5.00 pm Mount Alvemia Hospital: Golden Jubilee - FMDM Sisters

Nov 22

5.30 pm Church of Christ the King: Feastday

Nov 23

3.00 pm Church of the Risen Christ: Confirmation

Nov 25

5.00 pm Church of O. L. Star of the Sea: Chinese Charismatic Rally Mass

Nov 29

3.00 pm Church of the Holy Spirit: Confirmation 6.00 pm Church of St Francis Xavier: Confirmation/Feastday 6.15 pm Church of Immaculate Heart of Mary: Confirmation

Sisters on a variety of topics, including on the nature of the devotion and the life of Blessed Faustina, to whom Jesus revealed messages of his mercy from 1931 to 1938. The Sisters also conducted talks at various parishes in Singapore over two weeks. It was a strong witness to the life of Blessed Faustina, whose life of simple faithfulness and prayer continues to inspire many. In these turbulent times, it is becoming more imperative that we remain faithful and pray constantly, trusting always in Jesus and showing mercy to our brothers and sisters. The Devotion to the Divine Mercy will help and encourage us to do so. Souls that make an appeal to my mercy delight me. To such souls I grant even more than they ask. I cannot punish even the greatest sinner if he makes an appeal to my compassion. Beg for mercy for the whole world. No soul that has called upon my mercy has ever been disappointed, (excerpts from the Diary of Blessed Faustina) For more information, contact Fr. Peter Koh at 6257-4122. □

4) Religious medals, etc We a lso h ave ce rtifie d H R D , GIA d ia m o n d s upon request. P le a se co n ta ct D esig n e r a n d M a ster C raftsm an P e te r Tan. Tel: 6 7 3 2 -5 9 7 8 HIP: 9 6 3 4 -9 7 1 2 Fax: 6 7 3 2 -5 9 7 7 .

BLESSEDSACRAMENT CHURCH 4 0 th A n n iv e r s a r y Our Parish - Here Is Where I Belong 10 -16 November 2003 C O M E , C E L E B R A T E !

MUST SEE! 9 to 16 N ovem ber Exhibition in Dam ien Hall

10 November, Mon, 8pm Fr. Michael Sitaram

Share Faith w ith Youth

11 Novem ber, T ues, 8pm Fr. Michael Sitaram

Reach Out to Non-Christians

12 November, Wed, 8pm Fr. Simon Pereira

Support One Another

13 Novem ber, Thur, 8pm Fr. Simon Pereira

S tren gth en Family Life

14 November, Fri, 8pm Fr. Simon Pereira

F A IT H

S earch N o m o re!

At A ] Gifts & Services

R a lly e n c o u ra g e s D iv in e M e r c y d e v o te e s

Oct 26

Outstanding Agents Outstanding R esu lts"

NO TIME. DON’T WORRY

MEANWHILE, some 300 parishioners at the Church of St Ignatius celebrated the close of the Rosary Year Oct 12 with a reflection on the rosary, a candlelight procession, recitation of the Rosary and Benediction. Parish priest, Jesuit Father Leslie Raj led the celebrations. □

P IL G R IM A G E S

EUROPE PILGRIMAGES

14 days

France/Spain/Fatima Pilgrimage Special D eparture : 16 Nov - 29 Nov with Spiritual D irector 10 days Rome/Medjugorje/Assisi Retreat D eparture : 06 Dec - 15 Dec

OTHER PILGRIMAGES 13 days Christmas in Bethlehem D eparture : 17 Dec - 29 Dec with Spiritual D irector

Many other Ad-hocGroup and FIT pilgrimage programmes to Lourdes, Nevers, Shrines of France, Fatima, Rome, Assisi, Italy, etc. Call us for more details!!

F K E E & E A .S U _______ it.L OURDES LO U RD ES/ t j | or F A T IM A 1 F A T IM A

HOME-MADE FOOD will be on sale from Mon (10/11) - Fri (14/11)

ROM E / A S S Il l noo

15 November, Sat, 6pm Archbishop Nicholas Chia

53> 7y o e 9 Days S$2588 9 DaysS$1988 65 Days S$1988

HLL T H E

a r Pilgrim s’ Choice —

FAITH TOURS & TRAVEL PTE LTD 50 E ast C oast R d, R oxy Square C om plex, #02-01, S ingapore 428769 Tel: (02) 6348-2722 F ax : (02) 6348-2724 E m ail : faith to u rs@ faith to u rs.com

S p ecia l Anniversary M ass, follow ed by Dinner

ANNIVERSARY DINNER TICKETS OUT ON SALE NOW! Grab yours early to avoid disappointment

Always travel in Faith, For Faith, with Faith Tours — The

Give Glory to God

g <

Date:15November2003, Saturday Time:7pm(afterSunsetMass) For enquiries on Dinner Tickets, please contact Venu at 9109 3733. Price per ticket: $25.00

Sundays October 26 and N ovem ber 2, 2003 □ C atholicNews

JENNIFER WEE " t T 9105-0312/9815-8955 C U S T O M D E S IG N E D

C ^ E D D IN G Q & T A T IO N A R Y • Invitation Cards• Mass / Service Booklets• Unity Candles-Ring Pillows* • Favors*

Buy /Sell or Rent Welcome HDB (Resale)/ Pte (Apt / landed)

“ L it t le

• 100% Reliable J ffe • Hassle-Free Transactions F IR STTREE • 15 years track record PROPERTIES

SINGAPORE - ANTOINETTE and

For enquiries, call Anne

Mobile : (65) 9 2 7 1 -7 8 5 5

Email: enquiries@ simple-creations.com www.simple-creations.com

C o m e

B U IL D IN G A N D T R A D IN G PTE LTD

v is it u s a t

We specialise in • All kinds of waterproofing/ roofing • Re-painting (interior/exterior) • Renovation work • Upgrading work

Wellsprings Catholic Books 201 Goldhill Centre, Thomson Road, Singapore 307637. Tel: 6252-3390 email: wellsp@singnet.com.sg web: www.wellsprings.com.sg

Call: John Stephen Lim

9637-1544 Blk 1 M au de Rd #02-38 Singapore 200001

B o o k s , C D s, C a n d le s, I n c e n s e , S t a t u e s ...

Tel: 6281-7966 Fax: 63824966

f lo c k in

Alphonsus Tan of Singapore were recently in Mongolia to attend the ordination of Fr Wenceslao Padilla as Bishop of Mongolia (photo) and the christening of the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul. There are only 200 Catholics in Mongolia which is a poor country with a population of 2.6 million, 96% of whom are Buddhists. Mongolia is situated between Russia and China. For more than half the year, it is covered with snow with temperatures falling to -40'C. The Mongolians are tough people whose ancestors conquered half of Europe on horseback. Most of the Mongolians are nomads. Life is so hard that most of them indulge in alcoholic drinks to forget their hardship. Fr. Padilla set up mission in

a b ig la n d ”

Mongolia 11 years ago. There are now nine priests and 17 women religious here. They run five educational centres and a welfare institute. When the priests first arrived, the communist-ruled country was less than friendly. Even now, missionary work has to be done

with sensitivity. Bishop Padilla intends to continue existing activities; maintain good relations with government officials; strengthen inter faith dialogue, maintain friendly ties with neighbouring Catholic missions and dioceses; and raise funds to build a multi-purpose building, a special education center for the disabled and slow learners, a rehabilitation center for the physically handicapped and the elderly and a sports center for the youth, and for other mission activities. □

IcA Institute o f Estate Agents

HD B-resaleN et

B u y in g ,

S e l l i n g

o r

e n t in g

HDB and Private Residential Properties

ANTO NAZARETH

9 8 5 3 -0 6 9 8

IV Y L A U M . M

9 0 0 1 -1 7 4 3

C E A Cert.-in-CEH A, CPS ™ (MIS)

P e ts m a k e p r ie s t s h ap p y By Peggy Weber

PERSONALINJURIES MOTOR& INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTCLAIMS G A N E S H & C O L IN

5 IB Tem ple Street Singapore 0 5 8 5 9 6 A D V O C A T E S & S O L IC IT O R S Tel: (6 5 ) 6 3 2 3 2 -5 6 5 L a w y e rs Fax: (6 5 ) 6 3 2 3 2 -3 7 3 www.grck.com .sg C o li n K a n g law @ grck.com .sg P re m c h a n d S o m a n

AUSTRALIAN VISAS S K ILLED . BUSINESS. INVESTOR EDUCATION . FAMILY RELOCATION If y o u a r e c o n s i d e r i n g r e l o c a t i n g , w o r k in g o r s t u d y in g in o n e o f t h e m o s t l i v e a b l e c i t i e s in t h e w o r ld , p l e a s e d o n o t h e s i t a t e t o c a l l o r e m a i l u s fo r a n o o b lig a tio n p r iv a te a n d c o n f id e n t ia l d is c u s s io n o n y o u r o p t io n s a n d d e t a i l s o f o u r n e x t u p c o m in g s e m in a r .

Ill

R o b e rt

.H .

W ang &

o o

Ad voca te s & Solicitors. Com m issioners F o r O a th s . N otaries P u b lic . Tradem ark Agents

9 Temasek Boulevard #36-02 Suntec Tower 2 Singapore 038989 Tel: 64325237 Fax: 63321480 Email: migration@rwwnet.com.sg

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - Some are

little. A few are big. Most have been described as spoiled. And even a few are seen as “the real pastor” of the parish - or at least the most popular one in the rectory. But one thing all of them have in common is that they are very much loved by the priests who own them. St. Francis of Assisi, whose feast day is celebrated Oct. 4, was known for his love of nature and animals. And several priests of the Diocese of Springfield continue this tradition. “She helps to distract me from the seriousness of things and reminds me that there are simple pleasures in life - like just being with a dog,” said Father Paul Bombardier, pastor of St. Mary Momingstar Parish. It is obvious Father Bombardier is fond of Mileena, a 13-year-old yellow Labrador retriever mix he has had for almost eight years. And he credits her with being a “calming influence” on him. “One hears and reads about the therapeutic effect of dogs when you go to a nursing home and all of that. There is something relaxing - a natural Valium - when petting a dog, scratching a dog, having her lie down on your feet at night so you can’t move. It’s just a wonderful thing,” he said.

MASSACHUSETTS p a sto r F ather R ichard Bondi is pictu red with his “girls," Annie and Abby. H e sa id the canines help in church outreach by showing parishion ers warmth and affection.

Father Steven McGuigan is also a big fan of his miniature schnauzer, Bismark. There are rugs, doorstops and pictures scattered throughout the rectory which demonstrate the 4-year-old dog’s importance. “It’s a pretty good size house so it’s great to have someone to come home to and to do somersaults when you come in the door - even if you’ve just been gone a minute or so,” he said. Bismark is a presence at most parish functions, except Mass, said Father McGuigan with a smile. “One of my favorite things for him to do is to join me for first penance because while I’m in the confessional with the person making his or her first confession,

Bismark is out getting played with by the other kids. It gets their mind off their nervousness,” he said. Father Richard Bondi, pastor of St. Theresa Parish in South Hadley, said that in his parish his two golden retrievers are known as “the girls.” “When we talk about the girls, everyone knows they are my two dogs. And the people, especially the children, just find this warmth and affection. The girls are an outreach. They’re an extension of the ministry. Just their presence always brings smiles to people’s faces,” said Father Bondi. His “girls” are Abby, 4, and Annie, 12. The dogs have been featured in Renew posters for the parish. “Every time I walk into the house I’m loved,” said Father Bondi about what the dogs mean to him. “Also, they’re very forgiving. I’ve learned forgiveness from them because when I get upset or do something they don’t like they don’t hold it against me. They still love me no matter what,” said Father Bondi. □ cns

CatholicN ews □

Sundays October 26 and Novem ber 2, 2003

D ancing in papal Masses defended

A BRAZILIAN boy, hoping that drivers m ight throw a few coins his way, fills potholes along a highway near the town o fE streito in Brazil. A church social researcher says data shows that 44 million people 28 percent o f the population in B razil - do not earn enough money f o r basic fo o d needs.

POPE John Paul II’s chief liturgist, Archbishop Piero Marini, has defended the use of dance in papal Masses abroad and at the Vatican. Archbishop Marini said liturgical celebrations presided over by the pope have a “universal” character that should accommodate the legitimate cultural elements of Catholic communities around the world. Some church officials have criticised Archbishop Marini because they think the papal liturgies in recent years have been grotesque. Reflecting strong sentiment in some Vatican quarters, a draft version of a recent Vatican document on liturgical norms recommended no dance inside churches - even outside celebration of the Mass. In contrast, a 5 October beatification Mass in St Peter’s

C h u rc h s u p p o r ts

a n t i- h u n g By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY - Pope John Paul

II pledged the support of the Catholic Church for the U.N. “International Alliance Against Hunger,” saying a lack of food resources contributes to world tensions and violates the Godgiven dignity of millions of human beings. Hunger and the tensions it causes “can only be overcome by rapid and effective interventions brought about by a common will and joint efforts,” the pope said. In his message for the Oct. 16 celebration of World Food Day, an event sponsored by the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization, the pope said the world is a “family of nations” that should be committed to promoting the good of all its members. “Without overlooking other parts of the world, my thoughts go especially to Africa, where the situation continues to be quite alarming,” the pope wrote. “People there are not only suffering from an imbalance of food production and a consequent food shortage,” he said, “but are also burdened by conflicts, epidemics and constant displacements.” The Food and Agriculture Organization has estimated that 840 million people in the world

are “chronically hungry.” The pope said it must be acknowledged that food shortages are the result not only of environmental or economic conditions, but have been provoked by political decisions and by wars. Poor farming practices, often marking a move away from the traditional methods used in indigenous communities, have

also led to decreased production and a greater level of poverty and hunger, he said. The pope called on the international community not simply to ship food to hungry people, but to help them learn to improve their food production and distribution in a way that respects the environment and will guarantee a continuing supply of food. □ cns

Bishops criticize BBC

offense to many Catholics,” the bishops said. One program dealt with the church’s teachings on sexual ethics, including the use of condoms to prevent AIDS, and another examined 20-year-old accusations of sexual abuse against two English priests. The program on sexual teaching, titled “Sex and the Holy City,” suggested that the church was engaged in a worldwide disinformation campaign about condoms’ effectiveness in preventing HIV infection. □ cns

VATICAN CITY- The bishops of

England and Wales have sharply criticized the British Broadcasting Corp. for airing two programs deemed “hostile to and biased against” the Catholic Church. The fact that the TV programs were aired during worldwide celebrations for Pope John Paul IFs 25th anniversary shows distressing insensitivity, the bishops said in a statement released in Rome Oct. 17. The programmes “have given

Square featured African dance at the offertory and Indian dance at the consecration. (See page 7). Archbishop Marini, who has designed papal liturgies for 17 years, said the criticism was off the mark. “To introduce dance at a parish Mass in Italy would be pointless,” he said. “But the celebration was a missionary celebration, for the beatification of three people who evangelized Africa and Asia.” □ cns

POPE John Paul II speaks to his chief liturgist, Archbishop Piero Marini, a t the end o f the M ass marking his 25th anniversary as leader o f the Catholic Church Oct. 16 at St. P eter’s Square.

B rave law yer wins Nobel THE NOBEL Peace Prize has been awarded to Iranian lawyer Shirin Ebadi for her work in defending human rights and promoting democracy. Ebadi, Iran’s first woman judge before the Islamic revolution forced her to resign, prevailed in a field of 165 candidates, including Pope John Paul II. The selection of Ebadi, 56, a Muslim who has supported recent protests against the current Iranian regime was seen as sending a political message to current Iranian leaders as they debate the future political path of the country. □ cns

B r e a k in g

per copy

A v a ila b le a t

Catholic Book & Media Centre 2 Highland Road, #01-03, Singapore 549102 Tel: 68583066: Fax: 68582055

c/5

Friday 5 Dec. 8 pm to Sunday 7 Dec. 5 pm ■i\ • For young men with ‘O ’ Levels and above Register with your parish priest For enquiry, please contact Fr Henry Siewi T e l: 6312-4719 or email: hsiew2003@yahoo.com.sg

Bay

School of the Sacred Heart, Sydney est 1882

f t M v r n f i; (Find out if He wants you to be a diocesan priest)

Breaking Bread is like a hymnal and a missal in one convenient package! Updated annually, it contains all the contents of the M usic Issue, a wide variety of seasonal music and reading synopses. It is a liturgical music for all seasons.

K i n c o p p a l - R o s e

j j

B r e a d

C o m b in in g the b est elem en ts o f a m issa l a n d a h y m n a l

•

The Principal will visit Singapore on 6 November, 2003 to meet the parents of girls aged 12 to 15, interested in studying in Australia. Founded in 1882, Kincoppal-Rose Bay is a prestigious Catholic Girls' Secondary School situated on the shores of Sydney Harbour. The School offers a high quality education, with a well-qualified staff, modern facilities, beautiful surroundings and spacious boarding facilities. It is located close to the city,

If you would like more details or an appointment to discuss the education of your daughter, please contact:

The Registrar Thp R p a k tra r

Email: registrar@krb.nsw.edu.au Phone:+61 2 9388 6014

www.krb.nsw.edu.au

^ Z

Sundays October 26 and N ovem ber 2, 2003 □ C atholicNews

F a th e r P au l Tong T h e a d v o c a t e f o r S in g a p o r e ’s C h in e s e - s p e a k in g C a t h o lic s By Perlita Tiro With additonal reports by CatholicN ew s correspondents.

THERE will be neither fanfare nor celebrations when Father Paul Tong’s golden jubilee swings round on Dec 20 this year. As the jolly reverend puts it, “I will do it m yself’. No, his flock has not abandoned him. Father Tong has decided to postpone the celebrations until Easter next year. “I was ordained around Christmas which is a very busy time for everyone,” explained Fr Tong. “It’s better to just change it to another day.” Two good friends - Frs Bonaventure Tung and Fr Joseph Chao - will be celebrating their anniversaries during Easter too. The trio had celebrated their 40year anniversary together, so Fr Tong wanted to do it again. That it would be four months after his real anniversary is no big deal to him.

AT 76, Fr Tong is a quiet achiever of many things. “What can I offer the Lord for all his goodness to me (Psalms 116:12),” he asked. Well, judging from his long list of accomplishments, quite a lot. Since 1973, Fr Tong has been a member of the Board of Consultors, serving the late Archbishop M Olcomendy, Archbishop Emeritus Gregory Yong and currently, Archbishop Nicholas Chia. He was a prime mover in starting the Archdiocesan Commission for Apostolate of Mandarin speakers in 1984, for which he was subsequently elected as Chaplain. Most of his time is devoted to the Chinese Young Christian Students’ Society, Young Christian Workers’ Movement (English and Chinese sections) and the Chinese curia of the Legion of Mary. Apart from being the Spiritual Director for these organizations, he gives regular talks and conducts study sessions and retreats for the Chinese-speaking Catholics in Singapore and Indonesia. He is also the director of the Singapore Catholic Central Bureau, a delightful Queen Street shop chock-full of English and Chinese Catholic books and beautiful religious articles.

Fr Tong was also the editor of the Chinese Catholic newspaper Hai Sing Pao since April 1977. He is now a consultant to the paper, which is run by editor Catherine Chia.

Today, Fr Tong spends his time shuttling between his parish and the Hai Sing Pao office on the third floor of the Queen Street shop.

BORN on Nov 12, 1927 in Shandong, China, Fr Tong was educated in a Catholic school under the Marist Brothers. He and members of his family were later converted to Catholicism.

THE CIRCULATION of Hai Sing Pao has fallen greatly, but the paper is still very much a part of Fr Tong’s life. Hai Sing Pao’s original readership was international. The four-page newspaper was sent to

there were very few Chinese people around the world. Most were missionaries who had traveled out of China and could not return. The paper was started to serve them. “But now, these people have their own papers, so they don’t need Hai Sing Pao anymore.” The circulation of Hai Sing Pao plunged from some 10,000 to 4,000 today. It now serves Chinese-speaking communities in Singapore and Malaysia. Still, the paper is far from redundant. Said Fr Tong: “We still need this paper for Singaporeans and Malaysians. It is especially important for the aged people who don’t read English.”

FATHER Tong at work on H ai Sing P ao, the new spaper fo r Chinese-speaking Catholics.

He joined the Seminary in Tianjin and completed his studies in Philosophy in Beijing in 1950. He was then selected to further his studies at the Pontifical University Urbaniana in Rome and was ordained into the priesthood in Rome on Dec 20, 1953. After obtaining his MA in Theology in 1954, he went to Belgium and got his MA in Sociology in 1957. He was unable to return to China at the time as the Communist regime did not allow people from foreign countries into China, so he was sent to Singapore. His mission was to serve the Chinese speaking people here. His parish assignments since his arrival in Singapore on Nov 1, 1958 were initially the Church of Sts Peter and Paul and St Bernadette Church where he became Parish Priest in 1966 until 1977, when he became full time editor of Hai Sing Pao. He then moved to the Church of Sacred Heart, his current “home,” where he became Parish Priest in 1989 when Fr James Pang died. He relinquished the post in September 1992 when Fr Bonaventure Tung arrived.

“Fr Tong is a Big Papa Bear to whom we go running fo r advice whenever we have problems, big or small. He is always there to set things right. Under his gruff exterior lies a great big heart.” - M s Rosalind Ong, a m em ber o f Sacred H ea rt parish

Chinese-speaking people all over the world, including Rome, the US and Belgium. Said Fr Tong: “At that time,

Nevertheless, Fr Tong does see a time when Hai Sing Pao might have to close its doors. One option being evaluated is to publish Hai Sing Pau as part of CatholicNews. In the meantime, Hai Sing Pao is run by only three people - including Fr Tong. It has eight pages and covers local and world news as well as the teachings of the Church. Said Fr Tong: “Gathering the news is hard because we don’t want to cover something ordinary so we have to go out and find the news. “For example, during Lent, we won’t want a story about the Stations of the Cross because everyone already knows about it. We want to find an inspiring story, something different.” Because of the small staff, the work is not easy. “Sometimes, we follow up stories from the Malaysian Catholic papers, so sometimes the news is not so new,” said Fr Tong with a laugh.

Also, the Chinese-speaking Catholic community in Singapore is a tight-knit group who depend more on personal relationships rather than notices in a bulletin board or newspaper. This means reaching out to them - and finding a gem of a story - is extra hard work. “They won’t come forward to share a story with the paper. We have to find them through personal contacts,” said Fr Tong. But challenging though the work may be, it is also extremely fulfilling. Said Fr Tong: “It is not easy to contact and invite them to join in events, but once they join in, they are stable and very responsible.” FR TONG has hopes for more integration of Chinese-speaking Catholics into the Church. The main problem, he said, is that in the Catholic Church, the Chinese-speaking community, being a minority, often feels marginalized. “The number of Chinese speaking people is about 10 per cent of the Catholic population. Only 19 out of the 30 Churches in Singapore have Masses in Mandarin, and only a few people attend them. Therefore, the mentality among Chinesespeakers is that Catholicism is a foreign religion.” A Mandarin Speaking Commission has helped to alleviate the problem substantially, and Fr Tong’s face lit up as he spoke about the development of the Chinese RCIA. “This year, there’s going to be Confirmation for adults in Chinese,” he said. “Before, the Chinese speaking Catholics were just mixed into an English service and they could not understand what was going on.” On Oct 12 at St Michael’s Church, Chinese-speaking Catholics finally got a ceremony of their own. Fr Tong’s enthusiasm belies his intense love for his community. In turn, they shower him with affection. □ A

i n

t e

r i o

r s

Specialist in all kinds of furniture and interior decoration. We supply made-to-order kitchen cabinets, bedroom sets, office furniture, etc. Business hours : 10 am to 8 pm on normal working days, 10 am to 6 pm on Saturday, 12 noon to 4 pm on Sundays and Public Holidays.

Address: Bk 41, Holland Drive, #01 -25 Singapore 270041 WORKMANSHIP : 12 months warranty for every job taken Government and statutory board loans acceptable.

Call: 6779-5034 / 6779-6035 HP: 9834-5461 Fax: 6778-6539 ~

CatholicN ews □

Sundays October 26 and Novem ber 2, 2003

PIANO TU ITIO N

Saints for Asia, Africa By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY - At a Mass

marked by the song, dance and ululations of African and Asian pilgrims, Pope John Paul II canonized three priests who dedicated their lives to missionary activity. The three men declared saints Oct. 5 were Daniel Comboni, founder of the Comboni missionary priests and sisters; Arnold Janssen, founder of the Divine Word missionaries and the Holy Spirit missionary sisters; and Joseph Freinademetz, a Divine Word missionary to China in the late 1800s. “The first task of missionary institutes is the mission ‘ad gentes,’” to peoples who have not heard the Gospel, the pope said during his homily. Proclaiming Christ, he said, “is not to be placed after any other commitment, although necessary, of a social or humanitarian character.” The Mass was filled with reflections of the lands where the three saints and their companions proclaimed and continued to proclaim salvation in Christ. Catholics from Indonesia held a three-tiered yellow umbrella over the Book of the Gospels, while women and men from Mozambique, Peru, China and India stood alongside holding flowers or pots of incense. Sixteen dancers from Khartoum, Sudan, where St. Comboni died in 1881, accompanied the offertory procession. During the consecration, dancers from India performed the “Atari rite,” standing before the altar making slow circles in the air with platters of flowers and incense sticks. In his homily, the pope said, “These new saints teach us that evangelization always involves an explicit proclamation of Christ” and not simply efforts to improve the health, education or economic situation of the people to whom they are sent. The need to proclaim the Gospel is as urgent today as it was in the 1800s when the three missionaries lived, the pope said. The pope offered special prayers for Africa, “a land rich in human and spiritual resources,” but also a land that “continues to be marked by many difficulties and problems.” “May the international community actively help build a future of hope,” he said.

— Pope John Paul II

FATHER D an iel Com boni, who fou n ded the Com boni m issionary order and evangelized p a rts o f Africa, is pictu red with a pu pil rescued from slavery.

SAINT Comboni, an Italian who lived 1831-1881, “employed the resources of his rich personality and his solid spirituality to make Christ known and accepted in Africa, a continent he deeply loved,” the pope said.

THE PRIESTLY activity of St. Janssen, a German who lived 1837-1909, “was full of zeal for spreading the word of God,” the pope said. “He never lost heart in the face of obstacles. He loved to say: ‘Proclaiming the Good News is the first and principal expression of love for one’s neighbour.’ ”

SAINT Freinademetz was bom in 1852 in Oies, a small Alpine village that was part of Austria at the time, but is now part of Italy. He met St. Janssen two years after his priestly ordination, joined the Divine Word missionaries and left for China in 1879. “With the tenacity typical of the people of the mountains,” the pope said, “this generous

Joseph Freinademetz, standing a t right, is pictured with several Chinese in a 1902 ph oto taken in China. According to the D ivine Word Society, the church in Yanggu, where Father Freinademetz worked, grew from 158 C atholics in the 1890s to a community o f 106.000 C atholics and 44.000 catechumens by 1924.

‘witness of love’ gave himself to the Chinese people of southern Shandong. For love and with love, he embraced the conditions of their life.” The missionary was an “exemplary model of evangelical inculturation,” the pope said. “This saint imitated Jesus who saved men by sharing their existence completely.” Meeting the pilgrims again Oct. 6, Pope John Paul recalled that the saint used to say, “Even in heaven I want to be Chinese.” The pope prayed that St. Freinademetz would “continue to watch over that nation and over the entire Asian continent.”

AUSTRALIA &

NEW ZEALAND

jJ J

PR & Business Visas Please contact:

Call: 6556-1602/9672-2027

E m a i l : e n q u ir i e s @ t y w t l a w .c o m

6 4 3 8 -6 9 0 9

C&HPROPERTIESPTELTD

LISTEDHOUSINGAGENCY

Thinking o f selling, buying or renting your house? Having problems looking for the right agent whom you can trust? L o o k n o f u r t h e r .

Tjfaei HDBResaleNet

icA

T e l:

(enjoythe benifits of Resale Net and early appointment)

For honest, reliable and trustworthy services.

Call Jeffrey Goh now @9-451-5085 E -m a il: jrj.e a s tv a le @ p a c ific .n e t.s g

Joyful Marriage & Child Adoption Agency I D , Y io C hu K ang R oad , S in gap ore 5 4 5 5 1 0 • M an y bab ies from A se a n countries • Very affordable adoption p ack age • E a sy interest-free in stalm ent plans P e r s o n s to c o n ta c t: (We are a vailable daily, including Sundays & P u blic H o lid a ys)

A lic e N g

6382 3253 9107 5189

O ffice HP

DURING the canonization liturgy, relics of the new saints were carried to the altar and venerated. Those participating in the rite included Pamela Avellanosa, a Filipina whose unexplained recovery from a massive head trauma was the miracle accepted for the canonization of St. Janssen, and Jun Yamada, a 40-year-old Japanese man whose 1987 recovery from acute myeloid leukemia was accepted as the miracle needed for the canonization of St. Freinademetz. Lubna Abdel Aziz, a Sudanese Muslim woman whose recovery from a severe hemorrhage after a Caesarean section was accepted as the miracle needed for the canonization of St. Comboni, was not present. A spokesman for the Comboni Missionaries said she and her family chose to make their thanksgiving pilgrimage to Mecca, the Muslim holy site. □

ANZAC MIGRATION PTE LTD

* DIVINE Word Father

Discover a new way of identifying notes.

“T hese new saints teach us that evangelization alw ays involves an explicit p roclam ation o f C h rist”

It is not difficult to learn to play the piano. With interest and commitment, you can fulfil your dream as a pianist. If you do not have a piano a portable keyboard will do, as a start. Develop your hidden talent. Never too old or too late to learn. For total beginners (adults and children above 8 years old). Also for students poor in sight reading.

S a lly L a w Francis Tan

6275 8710 9858 4777

Tel HP

We help make family life more complete, joyful and meaningful. E s t a b lis h e d s in c e 1999. R C B R e g i s t r a t i o n N o . : 5 2 9 0 4 6 4 D

W ebsite: w w w .ch ild a d o p tio n in te rn a tio n a l.co m

E A S T E R J O Y S E R V IC E S o rg a n ise s

Abundant Life W orkshops by M r A nthony Yeo, Clinical Director. Counselling & Care Centre Fees: S$30/- per workshop Travel Light Despite The Pressures Of Life Nov 3, 2003 (Mon) 7 pm-10.30 pm The Art Of Caring

Nov 16,2003 (Sun) 4 pm-8 pm

Prayer Equipping: W orship W arriors for Nations by Mrs Lai-Kheng Pousson, Special A ssistant o f Love Singapore Tuesdays: 4, 11, 18, & 25 Nov 2003, Time: 7.30pm-10.15pm Fees: S$40/- for a series of 4 evenings Venue: 3791 Jin Bukit Merah, #06-15, E-CENTRE@redhill, S’pore 159471 For registration & enquiries: Tel (65) 6270 -5 6 2 2 Email: hisword@singnet.com.sg Fax: (65) 6271-7729 LIMITED SEATS. Fees are non refundable. All cheques should be crossed & made payable to “Easter Joy Services”. ORGANISER: Easter Joy Services, set up in 1998 to equip people to be their best through life skills training. We also offer Christian counselling & spiritual clinic services.

Sundays October 26 and N ovem ber 2, 2003 □ C atholicNews

Pope doses year of rosary By John Thavis

POPE John Paul II p ra ys the rosary Oct. 7 a t the Sanctuary o f the B lessed Virgin M ary o f the H oly R osary in the center o f P om peii, Italy. The pon tiff ended a year dedicated to the rosary, p rayin g the fiv e m ysteries o f light that he added to the rosary in O ctober 2002. cns Phtots

POMPEII, Italy - Closing a year dedicated to the rosary, Pope John Paul II came to a Marian sanctuary in Pompeii Oct. 7 and prayed for world peace with an estimated 30,000 pilgrims. The pope joined in reciting the five “mysteries of light” which he added to the rosary last year. Then, in a halting voice, he read a speech calling for a new movement of prayer and peacemaking to help heal the “conflicts, tensions and tragedies of every continent.” The pope said the rosary is an ideal prayer for peace, with its simplicity and its ability to “calm the spirit,” and is especially needed in a world “tom by winds of war and lined with blood in so many regions.” The pope looked alert and content during the three-hour visit, and he managed to read almost all of his two-page talk, although he had to pause often between phrases. At the end, he asked people there to pray for him “today and always.”

SEATED on a platform on the steps of the sanctuary in front of a crowd that filled the square and surrounding streets, the pope slowly pulled out his own rosary and recited quietly as representatives from every continent lit oil lamps and led the prayer. The five mysteries of light, which the pope designed as a major innovation to the rosary,

a s p o p e m e e ts A n g lic a n a r c h b is h o p By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY - In his first meeting with the new head of the Anglican Communion, Pope John Paul II expressed concern that ecumenical relations face new tensions as Anglicans consider the implications of the ordination of an openly gay bishop in the United States. Pope John Paul welcomed Anglican Archbishop Rowan Williams of Canterbury to the Vatican Oct. 4 and gave him one of the first pectoral crosses forged to commemorate the 25th anniversary of his pontificate. The archbishop gave the pope a Canterbury cross, and he and his entire delegation kissed the pope’s hand at the end of the audience. Pope John Paul also kissed Archbishop Williams’ ring, a ring Pope Paul VI had given the archbishop’s predecessor, Archbishop Michael Ramsey, in 1966. But the warm personal relations were mixed with serious concern for the continued unity of the Anglican Communion’s 38 provinces and their decisions regarding the morality of homosexual activity.

In his speech to the archbishop, the pope said, “As we give thanks for the progress that has already been made, we must also recognize that new and

serious difficulties have arisen on the path to unity. “These difficulties are not all of a merely disciplinary nature,” he said. “Some extend to essential matters of faith and morals.” “In light of this,” the pope told his Anglican guests, “we must reaffirm our obligation to listen attentively and honestly to the voice of Christ as it comes to us through the Gospel and the church’s apostolic tradition.”

to put their faith into action in their own societies, he said. “Today, like in the times of ancient Pompeii, it is necessary to announce Christ to a society that is drifting away from Christian values,” he said. The rosary, he said, is like a compendium of the Gospel. It reviews the life of Christ from the perspective of Mary. “And who more than she knows Christ and loves him?” he said. □ cns

P o p e k e e p s b u s y s c h e d u le , b e ly in g fe a r s a b o u t h is h e a lth

PRESIDENT G loria M acapagalA rroyo o f the Philippines m eets p riva tely with P ope John P aul II a t the Vatican Sept. 27. L ater that day the p o n tiff attended M ass in St. P e te r’s B asilica honoring his tw o Italian p redecessors —P aul VI and John P aul I. The p o p e had a heavy schedule o f m eetings and audiences with p o litica l an d religious leaders and liturgical celebrations leading up to celebrations marking 25 yea rs o f his pon tificate and the beatification o f M other Teresa.

C o n c e r n o v e r C a th o lic A n g lic a n r e la tio n s

focus on episodes from Christ’s public ministry: Christ’s baptism in the Jordan River, his “self manifestation” at the wedding at Cana, his proclamation of the kingdom of God, his transfiguration, and his institution of the Eucharist. In his speech, the pope said he was convinced that by proclaiming a “year of the rosary” he had prompted a significant reawakening of the prayer. That in turn should encourage Christians

“Faced with the increasing secularism of today’s world, the church must ensure that the deposit of faith is proclaimed in its integrity and preserved from erroneous and misguided interpretations,” Pope John Paul said. At a press conference later, Archbishop Williams said he was not surprised by the pope’s clear warning that the Anglican Communion’s acceptance of an openly gay bishop, Bishop-elect V. Gene Robinson, would create

ARCHBISHOP Williams kisses the p o p e ’s ring follow in g their m eeting a t the Vatican O ct. 4. It w as the fir s t meeting between P ope John P aul and Archbishop Williams.

POPE John P aul II kisses the ring o f Archbishop W illiams. Archbishop Williams wore the ring given to a pred ecesso r o f his by P ope P aul VI.

further obstacles to unity. “I would expect His Holiness to express himself forcefully on any subject concerned with witness to the Gospel,” he said. Archbishop Williams said the decision of the U.S. Episcopal Church to ordain an openly gay bishop is “a serious and potentially divisive question,” because “it touches matters about the interpretation of the authority of Scripture and also the sense we give to the reception of Christian tradition.”

The position of the Roman Catholic Church is clear, he said. “We’ve listened hard to what has been said in these past days,” and the Catholic Church’s concern will be communicated to the 38 Anglican primates who will meet Oct. 15-16 to discuss ways to preserve the unity of their church, he said. Pope John Paul read his speech with great difficulty, pausing to catch his breath every

three or four words; he read the entire text, though near the end of the speech his words were garbled. “I found this a very moving occasion,” the archbishop said at the press conference. “The most important impression I would want to share from my meeting today is of that extraordinary and indomitable spirit of will which lives in him.” In his speech to the pope, Archbishop Williams did not refer to the current tensions, but reaffirmed “my commitment to the full, visible unity of the church of Christ.” “It is a great joy to be here, in this month of the silver jubilee of your election,” he told the pope. “Over the last 25 years, your pontificate has been a source of strength to countless Christians, both within and beyond the family of the Roman Catholic Church. “I pray that we may continue to deepen the communion we share, until Our Lord’s command is fulfilled that we may be one in him,” the archbishop said. The issue of homosexual bishops and priests did not dominate the archbishop’s first visit to Rome. Rather, it was an opportunity to celebrate new friendships in the context of growing Catholic Anglican sharing forged over the past 40 years. The evening after meeting the pope, Archbishop Williams presided over a prayer service in the Church of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva. □ cns

CatholicN ews □

Sundays October 26 and N ovem ber 2, 2003

* 7S

Thousands jo in John P aul to celebrate 25 years o f papacy A t anniversary Mass, pope prays for “wisdom , holiness and strength” By John Thavis VATICAN CITY - As the world

offered congratulations and encouragement, Pope John Paul II celebrated a 25th anniversary Mass and prayed for the “wisdom, holiness and strength” to keep leading the church. The Oct. 16 liturgy in St. Peter’s Square brought together church leaders, civil authorities and some 50,000 faithful from many countries, all of them eager to share the moment with the aging and fragile pontiff. The Mass was an emotional high point of the anniversary events, which included a conference of cardinals and bishops discussing the pontificate’s major themes, the release of the pope’s post-synodal document on the role of bishops and heartfelt expressions of support from average Catholics. “I’m 26 years old, and I’ve followed him all my life. I see Christ in him,” Rome resident Cecilia DiCarlo said with tears running down her cheeks. “He invites everyone to be Christian, even when it is difficult. He knows how difficult this is for young people, and that is so special, especially from someone his age,” she said. THE LITURGY in St. Peter’s Square was joyful and poignant, a celebration of what the pope has accomplished in 25 years and a reminder of how much his physical strength has slipped. Youthful and energetic when he greeted the world Oct. 16, 1978, the 83-year-old pontiff had

to be wheeled on a chair to the altar and struggled to pronounce the Mass prayers. In a sermon read in part by an aide, the pope alluded to his physical difficulties and asked for continued prayers and support from Catholics all over the globe. He said that, aware of his “human fragility,” he meditated daily over his ability to meet the demands of the papacy. “I renew, through the hands of

“J e w s throughout the w o rld are deeply grateful to the pope. H e has defen d ed the Jew ish pe o p le a t all tim es.” -Anti-Defamation League, a U.S. Jewish group

Mary, beloved mother, the gift of myself, in the present and the future: All will be accomplished according to your will,” he said in a prayer to Christ, the church’s “good shepherd.” MORE than 250 cardinals and bishops from more than 120 countries concelebrated with the pope. Most of them have taken office under Pope John Paul and helped him shape the modem church. Addressing the pope, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, dean of the College of Cardinals, described the pontiff as a tireless missionary who has preached Christ’s message to “young and old, rich and poor, the powerful and the humble.” Sitting in a spotlight under a canopy, his head tilted forward

“I ’m 2 6 ye a rs old, a n d I ’ve fo llo w e d him all m y life. I see C hrist in h im ,” - Rome resident Cecilia DiCarlo under a brocaded gold miter, the pope glanced out at the crowd and smiled as visitors waved caps, flags and scarves in tribute. He told them their support helps him carry on his ministry. “God alone knows how much sacrifice, prayer and suffering have been offered up to support me in my service to the church,” he said. “I beg you, brothers and sisters, don’t interrupt this great work of love for the successor of Peter. I ask you once again: Help the pope ... to serve man and all

—

SOME 50,000 peo p le fill St. P e te r’s Square Oct. 16 f o r the evening M ass marking the 25th anniversary o f the election o f P ope John Paul II. H e greeted the crow d in eight languages and thanked them f o r the affection they’ve shown tow ard the “successor o f Peter.”

A CARDINAL makes the sign o f the cross as P ope John Paul II gives a blessing during his m eeting with church leaders Oct. 16. D uring the morning gathering he sign ed his exhortation on bishops, “Shepherds o f the F lock.” The docum ent called on every bishop to be “a living sign o f Jesus Christ, teacher, p rie st and pastor,” while acknowledging the tremendous dem ands o f p a sto ra l m inistry in the modern age. “Where w ill we fin d the strength to carry it out according to the w ill o f Christ? Undoubtedly, only in him ,” the p o p e told m ore than 250 cardinals and bishops a t the signing ceremony.

P o p e : B is h o p s a r e c a lle d t o b e f a t h e r s t o p e o p le By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY - A bishop is

called to be a father to the people of his diocese, and the people are expected to love their bishops, Pope John Paul II said. The pope’s Oct. 16 apostolic exhortation on the mission and identity of the bishop is filled with references to parenthood - as a spiritual attitude and as a reality that bishops must help strengthen. The document, “Pastores Gregis” (“Shepherds of the

Flock”), is Pope John Paul’s response to suggestions made by participants at the 2001 Synod of Bishops. The bishop has a “duty to lead the holy people of God as a devoted father,” the pope wrote, and “the faithful are to love their bishops.” “For this reason, in accordance with a custom widespread in certain cultures, one kisses the bishop’s hand as one would kiss the hand of the loving Father, the giver of life,” he wrote. While the document focused

mainly on the interior spiritual life of the bishop and his role in guiding the Catholic faithful, the pope also urged bishops to raise their voices in society to defend and promote the family. “It is the bishop’s particular task to ensure that within civil society the values of marriage are supported and defended by means of correct political and economic decisions,” the pope wrote. With myriad duties and responsibilities, a bishop needs to make time to stay in touch with

real people, the pope said. “The closeness of the bishop to married couples and their children” will help the bishop and encourage the families, he added. Pope John Paul also asked bishops to share his enthusiasm for identifying and promoting Catholics who have lived holy lives, “above all, Christian married couples.” “In appropriate cases,” the pope said, “I encourage them to promote the relative processes of canonization.” □ cns

humanity,” he said. Introducing the prayer of the faithful, the pope asked that God “continue to pour upon me the Holy Spirit, the spirit of wisdom, of holiness and strength, in order to serve his holy people and proclaim to all people the Gospel of salvation and peace.” At 25 years, this papacy has become the fourth-longest in history and has left a defining mark on the church and the world beyond its borders. Tributes and accolades poured in from nearly every country to mark the pope’s anniversary, and the Vatican Web site (www.vatican.va) invited Catholics to send greetings to the pope via e-mail. President George W. Bush said in a message that the pope has left the United States and the world a better place. “For the past 25 years, His Holiness has led worldwide efforts to develop a new culture of life that values and protects the lives of innocent children waiting to be bom. He has also brought the love of the Almighty to people of all ages, particularly those who suffer or live in poverty, or who are weak and vulnerable,” Bush said. “Pope John Paul II has shown the world not only the splendor of truth, but also the power of truth to overcome evil and to redirect the course of history,” he said. THE POPE began the week by remembering the day of his election and thanking everyone especially young people - for their prayers and enthusiasm over the years. He thanked God for “all the good he has caused to spring from the hearts of individuals, the church and the world” throughout his papacy. At a general audience Oct. 15, the pope was cheered by a crowd of 20,000 and serenaded by Polish choirs. Then he spent nearly an hour individually greeting prelates, civil dignitaries, pilgrim groups and the sick - many of whom brought a gift for the occasion. At the Vatican conference on Pope John Paul II’s first 25 years, leading cardinals said the pope had guided the church through a time of confusion with the sure touch of an understanding father. □ CNS

“P ope Jo h n P a u l II has show n the w orld not only the splendour o f truth, but also the p o w e r o f truth to overcom e evil and to redirect the course o f history.” - U.S. President George Bush

FIREWORKS explode in the sky

POPE John P aul II w aves to pilgrim s gathered in St. P e te r’s Square f o r the beatification o f M other Teresa o f Calcutta.

over St. P eter’s Square Oct. 19. The display ended a week o f activities honouring the silver ju b ilee o f P ope John P au l’s pontificate and were enjoyed by the p o p e and those who had attended the beatification o f M other Teresa earlier in the day.

Pope im plores cardinals to give th eir lives to Gospel VATICAN CITY - With tears in his

eyes, John Paul II appealed to cardinals, patriarchs and bishops Oct 18 to give their lives, till their last breath, in the service of the Gospel. “Courage in the proclamation of the Gospel must never fail; more than that, it should be our principal commitment till our last breath, addressed with ever renewed dedication,” the pope told the 149 cardinals, seven Eastern Catholic patriarchs and 109 presidents of episcopal conferences (not cardinals) gathered for his silver anniversary. Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, dean of the College of Cardinals, brought tears to the pope’s eyes, seen on television, when he delivered a moving address which ended: “You, Holy Father, have rekindled in us the joy of the Lord.” “You have ceaselessly proclaimed - opportunely and importunately - the Gospel, and from its light, have recalled all the fundamental human values: respect for the dignity of man, defense of life, promotion of justice and peace,” the cardinal said.

CNSPhotos

“Above all, you have gone out to meet young people, enkindling in them the fire of your faith, with your love for Christ, and your willingness to give yourself to him with all your soul and all your body,” Cardinal Ratzinger added. Moved by these words, the pope said in a weak voice: “Continue to pray for me so that I will be able to fulfill faithfully my service to the church until the Lord wills.” The pope then made a strong appeal for unity in the church. “How can we be genuine teachers for humanity and credible apostles of the new evangelization, if we allow the weeds of division to enter our hearts?” he asked. “Our action will be more incisive the more we are able to reflect the face of a church that loves the poor, that is simple, and that places herself on the side of the weak,” he added, recalling the example of Mother Teresa of Calcutta. “Sanctity is the secret of evangelization and of all genuine spiritual renewal,” the pope said. □ ZENIT

“You, H o ly Father, have rekindled in us the jo y o f the L o rd .” Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, dean of the College of Cardinals.

Pope beatifies M other Teresa, offers thanks for her witness, courage By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY - Pope John Paul

II offered his thanks to Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta, founder of the Missionaries of Charity, for being close to him in her lifetime and for courageously showing the world what it means to love and serve Jesus completely. “The venerable servant of God, Teresa of Calcutta, from this moment on will be called blessed,” the pope said at the Oct. 19 beatification Mass as the crowd burst into applause. In the homily he wrote for the ceremony, the 83-year-old pope said: “We honour in her one of the most relevant personalities of our age. Let us accept her message and follow her example.” For the first time at a major event, Pope John Paul did not read even one line of his own homily. A Vatican official said that with the

t h

pope’s difficulty speaking clearly, the crowd would not have been able to understand much of his message, so others were asked to read for him. St. Peter’s Square and the surrounding streets were a crush of some 300,000 pilgrims and admirers of Mother Teresa. Under a bright sun, which weather forecasters had said would not appear, the scene was awash with vibrant colors: flags from dozens of countries, banners in languages from Polish to Hindi, the blue-trimmed saris of the Missionaries of Charity, and the colorful traditional dress of

r e

Guatemalans and Nigerians. In an unusually personal homily, read by a Vatican aide and by Indian Cardinal Ivan Dias of Mumbai, the pope wrote, “I am personally grateful to this courageous woman, whom I always felt was alongside of me. “An icon of the good Samaritan, she went everywhere to serve Christ in the poorest of the poor. Not even conflicts or wars could stop her,” the pope wrote.

MOTHER Teresa was beatified in record time - just over six years after her death - because

“(M o th er Teresa’s beatification) is a source o f inspiration f o r a ll o f us: L ike M other, w e too can be saints; we can a ll be sa in ts.” — Sister Nirmala Joshi

SISTER N irm ala Joshi, superior o f the M issionaries o f Charity, sm iles during an event h osted by Italian officials in honor o f M other Teresa, the o rd er’s founder, Oct. 18 in Rome. P ope John P aul II declared M other Teresa b lessed during a service the next day in St. P e te r’s Square.

CatholicNew s □

Sundays October 26 and Novem ber 2, 2003

“Icon o f the G ood Sam aritan, she w en t everyw here to serve C h rist in the po o re st o f the poor. N o t even conflicts a n d w ars su cceed ed in stopping her." —Pope John Paul II

ABOUT 300,000 pilgrim s look on as P ope John P aul II presides at the beatification o f M other Teresa o f Calcutta Oct. 19 in St. P e te r’s Square. The nun who cared fo r the “poorest o f the p o o r ” and fo rm ed the M issionaries o f C harity to spread that work around the globe w as nam ed blessed by the pope. In his homily at the M ass, he called her “an icon o f the good Sam aritan.”

The pope and the holy w om an MISSIONARIES of Charity Father Brian Kolodiejchuk, promoter of Mother Teresa’s cause said,“There was more than friendship between them.” “There was love and esteem and trust.” Their very public activities around the world coincided in time, but also in the messages they conveyed, he said. The pope’s preaching on the

A TAPESTRY depicting B lessed M other Teresa o f Calcutta hangs from the fa ca d e o f St. P e te r’s B asilica during her beatification ceremony Oct. 19 a t the Vatican. Some 3 00,000 people attended the M ass.

MISSIONARIES o f Charity postulants and nuns in Calcutta, India, react with jo y as they watch the telecast o f the beatification o f M other Teresa Oct. 19. About 500 o f their colleagues were in Rome to atttend the beatification.

Pope John Paul set aside the rule that a sainthood process cannot begin until the candidate has been dead five years. Like the pope, many people in the crowd knew Mother Teresa, volunteered in one of her homes or soup kitchens, or at least heard her speak when she came to their home towns. They carried official posters as well as their own photographs of the small, stooped nun who died in 1997. Before the Mass began, pilgrims swapped stories about when they met Mother Teresa. The congregation at the beatification Mass included official delegations from the Orthodox Church of Albania, Albania’s Sunni and Bectascian Muslim communities, and from 26 governments, including the United States, the Canadian province of Quebec, India, Albania and Macedonia. Several royal guests were seated not far from 2,000 people who eat or sleep at the missionaries’ facilities in Rome.

IN HIS homily, Pope John Paul I wrote that Mother Teresa’s life

was “a radical living and a bold proclamation of the Gospel.” “Her life is a testimony to the dignity and the privilege of humble service,” he said. “Her greatness lies in her ability to give without counting the cost, to give ‘until it hurts.’” Pope John Paul appeared to be doing the same thing. What little he read during the Mass, he read with great strain. But after Mass, he stayed on the stage for 20 minutes greeting members of the official delegations, then rode through the massive crowd in an open popemobile.

THE POPE met Oct. 20 with Sister Nirmala Joshi, Mother Teresa’s successor as superior of the order, and with hundreds of Missionaries of Charity and pilgrims who had come to Rome for the beatification. Mother Teresa, he told them, “was one of the greatest missionaries of the 20th century,” a missionary who preached the Gospel around the world “with daily gestures of love for the poorest.” Mother Teresa - always smiling - rapidly expanded the

POPE John Paul II reaches out to an ailing man as M other Teresa looks on during the p o n tiff’s Feb. 3 ,1 9 8 6 visit to the N irm al H riday H ome fo r the D ying in Calcutta.

dignity of the human person, the value of every human life, the Christian obligation of solidarity and the central role of Christian activity nourished by prayer and the Eucharist were echoed in Mother Teresa’s life, Father Kolodiejchuk said. In addition, he said, “She never made any important decision without consulting the pope first.”

“The slave o f all... the servant o f the least... a real m other to the p o o r ..M o th e r Teresa highlights the deepest m eaning o f service - an a ct o f love done to the hungry, thirsty, strangers, naked, sick, p riso n e rs is done to Je su s h im self.” —Pope John Paul II

order and opened hospices, clinics and shelters around the world, but her letters to her spiritual directors express a feeling that God had abandoned her. “Mother Teresa shared the passion of the Crucified One, particularly during her long years of ‘interior darkness,”’ the pope wrote in his homily. “In the darkest hours, she clung with even greater tenacity to prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. “This harsh spiritual struggle allowed her to identify even more with those she served every day, experiencing the pain and even rejection they felt,” he wrote.

RETIRED Cardinal Ersilio Tonini of Ravenna-Cervia, Italy, told Italian television: “She was strong. She commanded. She knew how to organize. She was very intelligent. “Often we think of saints as people who are half-stupid, who go around in a fog,” he said. “Mother Teresa was real, practical. She had great courage.” The people participating in the processions, readings and dances at the Mass included active and contemplative nuns, contemplative brothers and priests belonging to the various branches of the Missionaries of Charity, as well as lay co-workers and children adopted from the

Missionaries’ orphanages. As a brother carried a reliquary containing some of Mother Teresa’s blood to the altar, 10 young Indian girls in gold-trimmed white saris danced in procession; the girls were adopted by Italian families. After the Mass, the 2,000 poor who were special guests at the Mass were offered a luncheon in the Vatican’s audience hall. In a simple setting, with chairs but no tables, they ate lasagna, chicken, peas, bananas and dessert. □ cm

STATUES o f M other Teresa on sale in Calcutta

Sundays October 26 and N ovem ber 2, 2003 □ CatholicNews

B le s s e d ' UST over six years and six weeks after her death, Mother Teresa of Calcutta was beatified by Pope John Paul I I . The founder of the Missionaries of Charity died of cardiac arrest Sept. 5,1997, in Calcutta, India. A mere 15 months later, Pope John Paul gave permission for her beatification process to begin, even though church rules require a waiting period of five years. Small of stature and full of energy, she was acclaimed as a living saint during her lifetime. Wearing a white and blue sari, she traveled the world delivering a single message: that love and caring are the most important things in the world.

M O T H E R TER ESA Her life & words

“ At the end of our lives, we will not be judged by how many diplomas we have received, how much money we have made or how many great things we have done. We will be judged by 7 was hungry and you gave me to eat. I was naked and you clothed me. I was homeless and you took me in.’ Hungry not only for bread - but hungry for love. Naked not only for clothing - but naked of human dignity and respect. Homeless not only fo r want of a room o f bricks - but homeless because of rejection.”

MOTHER Teresa smiles (photo) as she joins others in prayer at a global peace rally in Toronto in 1982. The whole of Mother Teresa’s life and labour bore witness to the joy of loving, the greatness and dignity of every human person, the value of little things done faithfully and with love, and the infinite worth of friendship with God. But there was another heroic side of this great woman that was revealed only after her death. Hidden from all eyes, hidden even from those closest to her, was her interior life marked by an experience of a deep, painful and abiding feeling of being separated from God, even rejected by him, along with an ever-increasing longing for his love. She called her inner experience, “the darkness.” The “painful night” of her soul, which began around the time she started her work for the poor and continued to the end of her life, led Mother Teresa to an ever more profound union with God. Through the darkness she mystically participated in the thirst of Jesus, in his painful and burning longing for love, and she shared in the interior desolation of the poor.

“Love has to be put into action and that action is service.” “Work without love is slavery”

d o

“ There is a terrible hunger f o r love. We all experience that in our lives - the pain, the loneliness. We m ust have the courage to recognize it. The poor you may have right in your own fam ily. F ind them. Love them .”

S O i

b e a u t if u l f o r G o d W ~

“

MISSIONARIES o f Charity Sister Theresina feeds a seriously ill man at the Nirmal Hriday Home fo r Dying Destitutes.

Little things are indeed little, but to be faithful in little things is a great thing.”

POOR Indians in the city o f Calcutta beg f o r food, cmPhotos

“Speak tenderly to them. Let there be kindness in your face, in your eyes, in your smile, in the warmth of your greeting. Always have a cheerful smile. Don’t only give your care, but give your heart as well. The dying, the cripple, the mental, the unwanted, the unloved - they are Jesus in disguise.”

HOMELESS men rest near a picture o f M other Teresa in Calcutta, India. Just as M other Teresa loved the po o rest o f the poor, they too loved her.

“Abortion is murder in the womb ... A child is a gift of God. I f you do not want him, give him to me.”

THE WORLD was fascinated with Mother Teresa and her work. Numerous awards including the Indian Padmashri Award in 1962 and the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979, honoured her work. An increasingly interested media reported her activities. She received both prizes and attention “for the glory of God and in the name of the poor.”

“I see God in every human being. When I wash the leper’s wounds, I feel I am nursing the Lord himself. Is it not a beautiful experience?”

‘It is a poverty to decide that an unborn child must die so that you may live as you like.”

CatholicN ews □

Sundays October 26 and N ovem ber 2, 2003

DURING the Sept 10, 1946 train ride from

“By blood, I am Albanian. By citizenship, an Indian. By faith, I am a Catholic nun. As to my calling, I belong to the world. As to my heart, I belong entirely to the Heart o f Jesus.” AGNES Gonxha

“I f we pray, we will believe; if we believe, we will love; if we love, we will serve.” Before you speak, it is necessary for you to listen, for God speaks in the silence of the heart.”

Bojaxhiu, later to become Mother Teresa of Calcutta, is pictured in a family photo from the mid-1920s, when she was a teenager. She was bom Aug. 26, 1910, in Skopje in what is now Macedonia. Agnes was the youngest of Nikola and Drane Bojaxhiu’s children. Her father died when she was eight years old. Despite great financial difficulty, her mother raised the children firmly and lovingly, and had a big influence on Agnes’ character and vocation. Agnes’ religious formation was further assisted by her vibrant Jesuit- mn parish.

SISTER Teresa is pictured as a member of the Sisters of Loretto. She joined the order in Ireland at the age of eighteen and received the name Sister Mary Teresa after St. Therese of Lisieux. Shortly after, she was sent to Calcutta, arriving January 6, 1929. After making her First Profession of Vows in May 1931, Sister Teresa was assigned to the Loreto Entally community in Calcutta and taught at St. Mary’s School for girls. Sister Teresa made her Final Profession six years later, becoming the “spouse of Jesus” for “all eternity.” From that time on she was called Mother Teresa. She continued teaching at St. Mary’s and in 1944 became the school’s principal. A person of profound prayer and deep love for her religious sisters and her students, Mother Teresa’s 20 years in Loreto were filled with profound happiness. Noted for her charity, unselfishness and courage, her capacity for hard work and a natural talent for organization, she lived out her consecration to Jesus with fidelity and joy.

Calcutta to Darjeeling for her annual retreat, Mother Teresa received her “call within a call.” On that day, Jesus’ thirst for love and for souls took hold of her heart and the desire to satiate his thirst became the driving force of her life. By means of interior locutions and visions, Jesus revealed to her his pain at the neglect of the poor, his sorrow at their ignorance of him and his longing for their love. “Come be my light,” he begged her. “I cannot go alone.” He asked Mother Teresa to establish a religious community, Missionaries of Charity, dedicated to the service of the poorest of the poor. Nearly two years of testing and discernment passed before Mother Teresa received permission to begin.

“It is not how much we do, but how much love we put in the doing. It is not how much we give, but how much love we put in the giving

”

MOTHER Teresa wrote on the back of this undated photo, “The first child I picked up. He died a saintly boy.” On December 21, 1948 she went for the first time to the slums. She visited families, washed the sores of some children, cared for an old man lying sick on the road and nursed a woman dying of hunger and TB. She started each day in communion with Jesus in the Eucharist and then went out, rosary in her hand, to find and serve him in “the unwanted, the unloved, the uncared for.” After some months, she was joined, one by one, by her former students.

THE NEW congregation of the Missionaries of MISSIONARIES o f Charity sisters p ra y during a special service in m em ory o f M other Teresa Oct. 17 a t the B asilica o f St. John Lateran in Rome. About 4 4 5 o f them from all corners o f the w orld were expected jo in hundreds o f thousands o f M other Teresa’s adm irers at the ceremony in St P e te r ’s Square, according to Sr N irm ala, M other Teresa’s successor as leader o f the congregation.

“ Do not wait fo r leaders; do it alone, person to person.”

MOTHER Teresa is pictured in a signed photo from 1948. On Aug 17, 1948, she dressed for the first time in a white, bluebordered sari and passed through the gates of her beloved Loreto convent to enter the world of the poor. After a short course with the Medical Mission Sisters in Patna, Mother Teresa returned to Calcutta and found temporary lodging with the Little Sisters of the Poor.

Charity was officially established in the Archdiocese of Calcutta Oct 7,1950. By the early 1960s, Mother Teresa began to send her Sisters to other parts of India. The Decree of Praise granted to the Congregation by Pope Paul VI in February 1965 encouraged her to open a house in Venezuela. It was soon followed by foundations in Rome and Tanzania and, eventually, on every continent. Starting in 1980 and continuing through the 1990s, Mother Teresa opened houses in almost all of the communist countries, including the former Soviet Union, Albania and Cuba. In order to respond better to both the physical and spiritual needs of the poor, Mother Teresa founded the Missionaries of Charity Brothers in 1963, the contemplative branch of the Sisters in 1976, the Contemplative Brothers in 1979, and the Missionaries of Charity Fathers in 1984. She also formed the Co-Workers of Mother Teresa and the Sick and Suffering CoWorkers, people of many faiths and nationalities with whom she shared her spirit of prayer, simplicity, sacrifice and her apostolate of humble works of love. This spirit later inspired the Lay Missionaries of Charity. In answer to the requests of many priests, Mother Teresa also began in 1981 the Corpus Christi Movement for Priests as a “little way of holiness” for those who desire to share in her charism and spirit.

DURING the last years of her life, despite increasingly severe health problems, Mother Teresa continued to govern her Society and respond to the needs of the poor and the church. By 1997, Mother Teresa’s Sisters numbered nearly 4,000 members and were established in 610 foundations in 123 countries of the world. In March 1997 she blessed her newly-elected successor as Superior General of the Missionaries of Charity and then made one more trip abroad. After meeting Pope John Paul II for the last time, she returned to Calcutta and spent her final weeks receiving visitors and instructing her Sisters.

MOTHER Teresa died Sept. 5. She was given a state MOTHER Teresa rests in this file ph oto taken during a hospital transfer in India in 1996.

funeral by the Government of India and her body was buried in the Mother House of the Missionaries of Charity. Her tomb quickly became a place of pilgrimage and prayer for people of all faiths, rich and poor alike. Mother Teresa left a testament of unshakable faith, invincible hope and extraordinary charity. Her response to Jesus’ plea, “Come be my light,” made her a Missionary of Charity, a “mother to the poor,” a symbol of compassion to the world, and a living witness to the thirsting love of God.

“When a poor person dies of hunger, it has not happened because God did not take care of him or her. It has happened because neither you nor I wanted to give that person what he or she needed.”

M o t h e r T e r e s a ’s b e a t if ic a t io n VOLUNTEERS

n o s u r p r i s e t o S in g a p o r e a n n u n By Mel Diamse-Lee

all the time despite the pain and suffering she was going through.” The nun who was reassigned to Singapore three years ago said Mother Teresa taught them “to do small things with great love.” She quoted Mother Teresa as saying, “It is not the big things but how much love we put into the little things we did.” She spoke of the affection members of her congregation had for Mother Teresa. “We called her our little angel because the older she got, the more angelic she became,” she recalled fondly, speaking from the Gift of Love Home at Upper Thomson Road, where she and five other Sisters look after 30 residents. According to Sister M. Adrianne, superior of the MC Sisters, about 50 Singaporeans left for Rome on Oct 8 to attend Mother’s beatification on Oct 19.

A SINGAPOREAN Missionaries of Charity Sister who worked with Mother Teresa for nearly 40 years said she was not surprised that the nun would be beatified. “It’s expected,” she said. “We all knew that Mother was a very holy person. She was a sanctified person so it’s not a surprise for me that she’s proclaimed Blessed,” said Singaporean MC Sister Luke. She said Mother Teresa “gave herself fully without counting the cost. She never spared herself no matter what pain and suffering she was going through. She saw Jesus in the poor and those dying in the streets,” she added. Sr Luke applied to join the MC Sisters in the early 1960s and she was called to Calcutta, India, where the MC motherhouse is. There she worked with Mother Teresa until the latter’s death in 1997. Sr Luke said the founder of the Missionaries of Charity imparted peace to all she met because she was very loving and compassionate. “She could be fully occupied and yet when a poor man came to the door, she would drop whatever she was doing, go to that person and give him all her attention. “Even when she was eating, she would leave Mother Teresa w as in Singapore her food, saying ‘Jesus is from January 8 -1 2 ,1 9 8 7 to open waiting.’ M issionaries o f Charity Home in Mother Teresa “had a Punggol. Photo above shows her beautiful smile that with then Singapore Archbishop captivated the whole world,” Sr Luke G regory Yong at the Toa P a y oh reminisced. “It was there stadium to attend a rally.

MOTHER Teresa established the Gift of Love Home during her visit here in January 1987. The residents are referred to the home by hospital-based social workers. There are currently 16 women and 14 men, mostly indigents or estranged from their families with no hope of a reconciliation, according to Brother Sebastian Tirkey, superior of the Missionaries of Charity Brothers, who helps out at the home with his two confreres. (See other story.) Sr Adrianne said some 100 volunteers come to the home regularly to assist in feeding, washing and dressing up the residents, cooking their food, doing their laundry, mending their clothes and others.

^M otherTeresaestablishedtheM issionariesofCharityinCalcutta,India,w ith12sisters. ^ Today,theorderincludesnearly5,000professedorordainedm em bers. H established m em bers countries | SISTERS 1950 4,514 132 “1 CONTEM PLATIVESISTERS 1976 BRO THERS 1963 | CONTEM PLATIVEBRO THERS 1979 1 FATHERS 1984 ji LAYM ISSIONARIES 1984 1S ource:P ostulatoroftheC ouseofM otherTereso,S eptem ber2003

369 30 31 2,000

M o n ic a B esra is M o th e r Teresa’s ‘m iracle'

S in g a p o r e f o r C a m b o d ia for Phom Penh at the end of October. The third one will proceed to India to prepare for his perpetual vows. The MC Sisters already run a home for AIDS/HIV sufferers in Phom Penh but there are too many patients and not enough people to look after them, said Brother Sebastian. “Many of the victims are women and children,” he added. The MC Brothers community was established in Singapore 17 years ago. They help out at the Gift of Love Home which used to be located next to St Anne’s Church in Ponggol. The Home was relocated to Upper Thomson Road in the late 1990s. □

Doreen Chiok, 61, has been helping out at the home’s kitchen for two months. “I find it more interesting helping the Sisters than doing my job” in a costume jewellery company, she said. Another volunteer who declined to give her name has been coming to the home since 1995, when it was still in Punggol. “I come here two to three times a week but Friday is my fixed day. I help to sew bedsheets,

mend clothes and prepare the food for the residents,’’she told CN. “We are happy to come and we look forward to helping out.” The Sisters mainly rely on providence for theirs and the residents’ food. It comes in abundance. Vegetable vendors sometimes deliver baskets full of vegetables. Others give rice and other supplies. There are also generous volunteers who cater for the residents food. □

I Growing Order

M C B r o th e r s le a v in g THE MISSIONARIES of Charity Brothers will shut down their quarters in Singapore and go to Cambodia where they will care for AIDS/HIV sufferers. “There is a great need for caregivers in Cambodia, where four out of 10 people have AIDS/ HIV,” said MC Brothers Superior Sebastian Tirkey to CN on Oct 10. “Singapore is a rich country and we like to work for the poorest of the poor. In Singapore there are many homes for the needy and the poor are well taken care of with the help of the government,” added Brother Sebastian. Two of the three Brothers here - all Indian nationals - will leave

a t the Gift o f L ove Home prepare f o o d fo r the residents. Second from left is M C Brother Binu Thomas.

By Cindy Wooden ROME - Monica Besra (above), a mother of five who is in her late 30s, holds a portrait of Mother Teresa. The woman says her recovery from stomach cancer is due to the intercession of Mother Teresa. The Vatican accepted Besra’s cure as the miracle needed for the beatification. The postulator of Mother Teresa’s cause for sainthood,

Missionaries of Charity Father Brian Kolodiejchuk, reported that her healing is one of at least 800 graces and favors attributed to the intercession of the late founder of the Missionaries of Charity. Suffering from a huge abdominal tumor, Besra was being cared for by the Missionaries of Charity in West Bengal state. The sisters prayed for Mother Teresa’s intercession, and Besra was healed on the first anniversary of their founder’s death. She says she has been smiling ever since. A Hindu at the time of the healing in 1998, Besra became a Catholic and was scheduled to receive Communion from Pope John Paul II during the beatification Mass. “I hope people who see me will feel happy, too,” she said in an Oct. 14 interview. Besra came to Rome with a group of Mother Teresa’s sisters for the ceremony. With the demands of work and school, her husband and children stayed behind in India. The slender woman who speaks softly and laughs often

said she had heard about Mother Teresa for years. “I had heard the Mother did good for others, taking care of the sick and the poor,” she said. Besra said that although she was Hindu “I always loved Christianity and named all my children with Christian names. Even before I became Christian, I loved Jesus. “I had Mother Mary’s picture in my house and I would pray to her,” she said. “I felt I was not loved enough, my life was very sad, so I turned to Mother Mary.” Besra said her husband often stayed away from home or would come home drunk. “After my cure, my husband stopped drinking. Now if he drinks, he gets sick right away,” she said, giggling. “There is so much joy in my house now; we laugh all the time,” Besra said. “That is another miracle.” The smile faded from her lips as she explained: “I was so sick and I was healed. That is why I became a Christian.” □ cns

CatholicNew s □

Sundays October 26 and Novem ber 2, 2003

9 5 h =

y ie v y p o in to

CatholicNews

W e n e e d m o r e M o t h e r T e re s a s

Mother Teresa

Fortnightly newspaper of the Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore M anaging E d ito r

Fr Johnson Fernandez S ta ff correspondent

Ms. Mel Diamse-Lee Layout

By Fr Erbin Fernandez

“G o d d id not call m e to be successful b ut to be fa ith fu l to h im ”.

Ms. Elaine Ong Consultant

Mr Francis Yeo TO CONTACT US E d ito rial

Email: cnedit@ catholic.org.sg Please include your full name, address and telephone number. Advertisements:

Ms. Elaine Ong Email: elong@catholic.org.sg In M em o riam :

Ms. Susan Lim Email: suslim@catholic.org.sg Subscriptions:

Richard Paul Email: rpaul@catholic.org.sg Address:

The Catholic News Office 2 H ighland Road #01-02 Singapore 549102.

Telephone: 6858-3055

O u r Vision The G ah rielite: Servant Leader Lifelong L earn er G racious C itizen

“W hat I do m atters little, w h a t G o d can do through m e, m atters m ost." “Sisters, y o u m ust learn to cleave to Jesu s! T his is the essence o f our vo ca tio n .” “We do things w ith Jesus, f o r J e su s a n d to Je su s - this is w h a t distinguishes the w o rk w e do fr o m social w o rk .”

IT IS THE CLARITY of thought of Mother that “(A t N irm a l H riday) I w a s a m a zed to has most influenced me. In a church that has see pe o p le o f different religious a n d sometimes become so confused in terms of its cultural backgrounds huddle together identity and mission, her clarity of thought, that has been deeply marked by her life centered before the B le sse d S a cra m en t a fter a around the Eucharistic Adoration, has been a h ard d a y ’s w o rk .” - Fr Erbin Fernandez guiding light to me. As a younger priest I had read some of Mother’s up for us to use - as Mother did every day! I am convinced that personal holiness is what this world work but I have really come to appreciate her now more demands of us Christians if it is to be led to the feet of after eight years in the priesthood. Her insight that all Christian ministry begins first on our knees before the Christ. If we give in to the temptation to be “relevant”, we will abandon our heritage and have nothing unique to offer Blessed Sacrament, might seem trite, but is actually society. Mother was very clear about reiterating a truth that our pope where she stood in her mission - she constantly refers to - that the depended totally on the “catchingprogramme for the Third Millenium force” of Love. This made her so is not something new but is the same “relevant” to a society deprived of love. as it has always been professed by the She taught the ancient disciplines of church: “Ultimately, it has its centre “ora et labora” - prayer and work. in Christ himself, who is to be known, When I went to Calcutta for a loved and imitated,.... and with him mission trip with the youth of the transform history....” (Novo Millenio parish, I was amazed to see people of Ineunte #29 - 3rd Para.) different religious and cultural Mother has shown us a way to revive the church. In an age when backgrounds huddle together before A VO LUNTEER a tte n d s to a the Blessed Sacrament after a hard so many congregations and dioceses destitute man a t the N irm al H riday day’s work in a spirit of great joy and are struggling for vocations, the H ome f o r D ying D estitu tes run by peace! They could not explain this peace Missionaries of Charity continue to th e M is s io n a r ie s o f C h a r ity in but they so wanted to live it! Some came get more vocations! Why? Because C alcutta, India. M other Teresa and for a month and have stayed for a year of the living example of one person. her sisters o p en ed the fa c ility in or so. True love transforms! We need more such people. If we are 1952 after the w ell-publicized case Thank you Mother for being a to revive the church, we must return o f a young man dying alone in a devoted servant o f the Lord, his to our Catholic heritage and take gutter on the street. church and our world! □ advantge of the riches that are stored

S t . G a b r i e l ’s S e c o n d a r y

OPEN HOUSE f o r P r im a r y

S aturday, 1 Nov 2003 Visit us anytim e from 2 pm to 6 pm . P rin c ip a l’s talk: 3 pm , 4 pm and 5 pm .

S ch o o l 0

6 b o y s a n d p a r e n ts

' WRTUE m< TRUTH v

________ __ _________ ___ — —

G a ta r ie A s n a s j ----------------------- -

------ --------------------------------

^ GOMEL'SSC/%

O u r Mission

MORE places for boys from non-affiliatecf schools’

Shaping Lives fo r Service to God and Nation

B e p a rt o f o u r G a b r ie lit e

f a m ily !

“The virtues of integrity and honour are the most important takeaways I have received from the school...” Mr Stephen Yeo President - Southeast Asia EDS International (S) Pte Ltd

__________________

“The school accepted us as we were, helped us discover and develop our various talents ...taught us to make the best of what we have ... and most important of all, to leave this world better than we found it.”

“The school is just a building but it is the teachers and students that made the greatest impact in my life...”

Mr Francis Chong Dy Dir, Min of Finance President’s Scholar and Rhodes Scholar

Dr Finian Tan Managing Director Credit Suisse First Boston (S)

\2. Serangoon .Avenue ]. S(556Mft) Toffjjgffi-9170 e-mail: Mfss^itfcc.cdUAf Bus: 53,81.8?. 93.97 I Of). J03,107.133,135.147,15?. 1'58; 853. -Srranfoon \1K I is I0()m frfMij the Scliftol I

Sundays O ctober 26 and Novem ber 2, 2003

o r t !

C atholicNews

o r j

Sunday, October □ 26 Jeremiah 31:7-9; Psalm 126:1-6; Hebrews 5:1-6; Mark 10:46-52

S p iritu ality and the second-half o f life WHEN Nikos Kazantsakis was a young man he interviewed an old monk on Mount Athos. At one stage he asked him: “Do you still struggle with the devil?” “No,” the man replied, “I used to, but I’ve grown old and tired and the devil has grown old and tired with me. Now I leave him alone and he leaves me alone!” “So your life is easy then,” Kazantsakis asked, “no more struggles?” “Ah, no,” replied the monk, “it’s worse. Now I struggle with God!” Someone once quipped that we spend the first half of our lives struggling with the devil (and the sixth commandment) and the second half of our lives struggling with God (and the fifth commandment). While that captures something, it’s too simple, unless we define “the devil” more widely to mean our struggles with the untamed energies of youth eros, restlessness, sexuality, the ache for intimacy, the push for achievement, the search for a moral cause, the hunger for roots, and the longing for a companionship and a place that feels like home. It’s not easy, especially when we’re young, to make peace with the fires inside us. We need to establish our own identity and find - for ourselves - intimacy, meaning, self-worth, quiet from restlessness, and a place that feels like home. We can spend fifty years, after we’ve first left home, finding our way back there again. The foremost spiritual task of the second half of life is to forgive others, ourselves, life, God. We all arrive at mid-life wounded and not having had exactly the life of which we dreamed. But the good news is that, generally, we do get there. In mid-life, perhaps only in late mid-life, we achieve something the mystics call “Proficiency,” a state wherein we have achieved an essential maturity - basic peace, a sexuality integrated enough to let us sleep at night and keep commitments during the day, a sense of self-worth, and an essential unselfishness. We’ve found our way home. And there, as once before the onset of puberty, we’re relatively comfortable again, content enough to recognize that our youthful joumeyings, while exciting, were also full of restlessness. We’d like to be young again, but we don’t want all that disquiet a second time. Like Kazantsakis’ old monk, we’ve grown tired By Fr Ronald of wrestling with the devil and he with us. Rolheiser We now leave each other alone. __________________ So where do we go from there, from home? T.S. Eliot once said, “Home is where we start from.” That’s true again in mid-life. The second-half of life, just like the fust, demands a journey. While the first-half of life, as we saw, is very much consumed with the search for identity, meaning, self-worth, intimacy, rootedness, and making peace with our sexuality, the second-half has another purpose, as expressed in the famous epigram of Job: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I go back.” Where do we go from home? To an eternal home with God. But, to do that, we have first to shed many of the things that we legitimately acquired and attached ourselves to during the first-half of life. The spiritual task of the second-half of life, so different from the first, is to let go, to move to the nakedness that Job describes. What does that entail? From what do we need to detach ourselves? First, and most importantly, from our wounds and anger. The foremost spiritual task of the second half of life is to forgive - others, ourselves, life, God. We all arrive at mid-life wounded and not having had exactly the life of which we dreamed. There’s a disappointment and anger inside everyone of us and unless we find it in ourselves to forgive, we will die bitter, unready for the heavenly banquet. Second, we need to detach ourselves from the need to possess, to achieve, and to be the center of attention. The task of the second-half of life is to become the quiet, blessing grandparent who no longer needs to be the center of attention but is happy simply watching the young grow and enjoy themselves. Third, we need to learn how to say good-bye to the earth and our loved ones so that, just as in the strength of our youth we once gave our lives for those we love, we can now give our deaths to them too, as a final gift. Fourth, we need to let go of sophistication so as to become simple “holy old fools” whose only message is that God loves us. Finally, we need, more and more, to immerse ourselves in the language of silence, the language of heaven. Meister Eckhard once said: “Nothing so much resembles God as silence.” The task of mid-life is to begin to understand that and enter into that language. And it’s a painful process. Purgatory is not some exotic, Catholic doctrine that believes that there is some place in the next life outside of heaven and hell. It’s a central piece within any mature spirituality, which like Job, tells us that God’s eternal embrace can only become fully ecstatic once we’ve learned to let go. □ O b la te o f M a ry Im m a cu la te F a th e r R o n a ld R o lh e ise r is a sp ecia list in the fie l d o f sp iritu a lity a n d syste m a tic theology.

T h e Jesus P ra y e r

BARTIMAEUS didn’t hesitate to call out to Jesus for help. However, unlike many o f the other beggars of his day, he wasn’t asking for food or money but for something far more difficult: He wanted his sight restored (Mark 10: 47-48, 5 1). When his cries finally got Jesus’ attention, Bartimaeus eagerly threw off his cloak so he could run to Jesus unhindered (1 0 :4 9-50 ). And, miraculously, he was healed. Jesus heard his prayer and gave him back his sight! Along with the ten lepers who cried, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” (Luke 17:13), and the tax collector who pleaded, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner” (18:13), Bartimaeus’ humble and persistent cry, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” forms the core of an ancient prayer called the “Jesus Prayer.” One of the greatest treasures of

Eastern Christianity, this prayer is described in the Russian book, The Way of a Pilgrim. The book tells the story of a man who wanted to learn how to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). In his efforts, the man learned of a simple prayer he could repeat over and over, even as he went about his day: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” The man discovered that this prayer had been the foundation o f an entire spirituality and the gateway to conversion and holiness for thousands of people. Busy as we are with our families, our work, and our everyday responsibilities, the Jesus Prayer can be a lifesaver for us as well. Think about it: In these few sim ple words, we are making a perfect profession of faith, for it sums up the essentials about what we know and believe about the Lord. As we pray this prayer with our hearts and minds, we are confessing our own sinfulness, we are crying out for God’s mercy, and we are opening ourselves to his direct intervention in our lives. Life can be very hectic at times. There are days when all we need is one minor catastrophe to rob us of our peace. But if we practice keeping this little prayer always running in the back of our minds, we will find - as countless others have - Jesus sustaining us and giving us his hope and peace. I ] “Lord Jesus Christ, Son o f G od, have mercy on me, a sinner! Just as you restored Bartim aeus’ sight, open my eyes to see you clearly."

Sunday, November 2 □ All Souls Daniel 12:1-3; Psalm 103:8,10,13-18; Romans 6:3-9; John 6:37-40

T h e L ast Judgem ent DO YOU have the confidence that comes from knowing salvation in Christ? The devil would like to see you go through life with your eyes on the ground, uncertain of the Father’s love, feeling cut off from him, and unsure of your place in his heart. But if it is the Father’s will that everyone would see and believe in his Son John 6:40), then you need never fear the final day when Jesus returns to judge the living and the dead. Thank God our salvation is determined not by how we feel but by how we have responded to what God has done for us through Christ! We may be discouraged to find ourselves struggling against sinful patterns of behaviour that we thought we had left behind once and for all. We may be angry at God for the death of a loved one. We may feel spiritually dry, routinely practicing our faith but not experiencing the presence of God as we once did. But the fact remains that through the cross, sin and death have been defeated. Now, everyone who embraces Jesus through repentance, faith, and daily obedience can trust in Jesus’ promise of eternal life. That is the foundation for our joy and hope. This is why today’s commemoration can be a time of rejoicing for all of us. The same Jesus who crushed the power of sin and death by his cross is with us today to lead us closer to the Father. He gives us the grace of repentance and forgiveness today, so that we can be with him at the end of time, when all the earth will face final judgment. God fills every moment with his grace. The question is whether we are willing to respond. Will we allow his Spirit to purify us of all that cannot stand in the light of his holiness? Will we allow our baptism into Christ to take deeper root in us today (Romans 6:3-11)? Jesus’ cross is God’s judgment on every impure, selfish, and prideful motive in the human heart. Let us allow his cross

to continue to judge our sin, even as it comforts us with the promise of his mercy and salvation. □ “L ead me, Jesus. H elp me trust you more and more. Remind me o f all you have done fo r me, so I may have a confidence in you that is contagious!"

“Yes, it is my Father’s will that whoever sees the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and that I shall raise him up on the last day.”

CatholicNew s □

Sundays October 26 and Novem ber 2, 2003

T H E M E : L O V E

T H E

R E A S O N

6 N ovem ber 2 0 0 3 , Th ursday Them e: T h e Fam ily, W here Life Begins

1Oth Human Life International Asia-Pacific Congress on loue, Life and the Family 6 to 9 nouember 2003 RELC International Hotel, Singapore Care about Family and Life matters? Want to know about growing Threats to Marriage and the Family; the lurking Culture of Death; the Homosexuality Debate; Anti-Life Movements and emerging issues such as Surrogate Parenting, Human Cloning and Embryonic Stem Cell Research? Interested in how to protect our families and defend our faith? Come hear the Experts from the USA, Australia, Philippines and Singapore speak on the latest trends and issues relating to the Family and Life as Singapore once again plays host to the highly acclaimed HLI Asia-Pacific Congress! Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to network with people from all over Asia-Pacific who Care about the Family, Life and Love! A must for Parents, Educators, Counsellors, Social Workers, Policy-Makers, Catechists, Religious... anyone who is interested in Family, Life and Love matters. Love is the Reason! Organised by

Family Life Society %' f . f * 1

With the approval o f the Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore

Supported by

v\<«

Human Life International

The world's largest pro-family, pro-life and pro-faith education apostolate.

REGISTRATION To register:

(In c lu d e s lu n c h a n d c o ffe e b re a k s )

Please detach and send this portion with enclosed cheque payable “F am ily Life S o c ie ty ” to LG-01, 2 Highland Road, Singapore 549102.

Fax registration form to 6285 5311

Pay personally by cash/VISA at Family Life Society

I would like a Congress pass for ] From 6 to 9 Nov (S$140)

Saturday, 8 Nov 2003 (S$40)

[

] Thursday, 6 Nov 2003 (S$40)

Sunday, 9 Nov 2003 (S$40)

[

] Friday, 7 Nov 2003 (S$40)

[

Name: MrI Mrs/ Ms/ Dr:

T IM E 8.30am 9.00

EVENT Registration of Participants Address & Opening of Public Seminar

9,30 10.30 10.45 11.45 12.45pm <00 2.00 2.45 3.30 3.45 4.45 5.00

Who Needs a Family Anyway? Break Signs of the Times - Demographic Trends Culture Of Death - The Global Scandal Forum Lunch Sexuality Struggle - Freedom of Choice Families - Nature's Way_____________________ Break Families in Crisis Forum ...___________________________ _____ End

Dr Amy Khor, MP For Hong Kah Joseph Meaney Rosa Linda Valenzona Marlon Ramirez

Leslie Lung Joan Clements_______ Willie Cheng

7 N ovem ber 2 0 0 3 , Friday Them e: Love Is Th e Reason T IM E 8.30am 9.00 10.15 11.00 11.15 12.00___ 12.45pm 1.45........ 2.15____ 3.00 3.45 4.00 4.45 5.00

EVENT Registration Of Participants Eucharistic Celebration Opening Address & Presentation On The Natural Moral L a w _________ Break What We Need To Know About Anti-Life Organisations Love Is The Reason Lunch_____________________________________ Lunch Time Activity Using the Media to Promote The Culture of Life Ethical Implications Of Surrogate Parenting Break............................... ........................................... What Is A Christian Family? - A Pastoral Response Forum End

Archbishop Nicholas Chia Rev Thomas Euteneuer

Joseph Meaney Joan Clements_________

Edwin Arceo Lopez Rev James Yeo Archbishop Nicholas Chia

8 N ovem ber 2 0 0 3 , S aturday Th em e: Lessons For Life & Love T IM E 8.30am 9.00 9.45

EVENT Registration Of Participants Contraceptive Mentality What Your Child Ought To Know About The Birds & The Bees Break 10.30 Making Marriage Work 10.45 The Pope On Sex & the Meaning of Life 11.30 12.15pm Open Forum 12.30 Lunch Break Lunch-Time Activity _______ 1.30 Homosexuality - A Personal Response 2.00 The Chastity Challenge 2.45 3.30 4.15 4.30 4.45 5.45

HLI's Mission Of Hope: An Asian Perspective Forum Break Eucharistic Celebration E n d ______________________ _

Rev Simon Pereira Mark & Monica Lim

Rev Joseph Tan Rev Thomas Euteneuer

Leslie Lung Dr Bernard & Mrs Ying Ying Thio Dr Orestes Monzon

Rev Simon Pereira

9 N ovem ber 2 0 0 3 , Sunday Th em e: Hope For T h e Future T IM E 8.30 am 9.00 9.45 10.30 10.45 11.30 12.15 pm 12.30 1.30 2.00 3.00 4.00 5.00

EV E N T Registration The Problem With Parents! One More Child? Break Called To Love Witnessing to Life & Love Forum Lunch Lunch-Time Activity Love for the Eucharist, Love for Life Closing Ceremony Eucharistic Celebration End of 10th HLI ASPAC

Rev Simon Pereira John & Joann Ooi Joseph Meaney Dr John Hui

Rev Thomas Euteneuer Rev Thomas Euteneuer

__________________________

'7*'

Sundays O ctober 26 and N ovem ber 2, 2003 □ C atholicNews

la L

r'rL

In loving memory of

A r e t h e r e a n i m a ls

/'m g i V I exit u Second Anniversary In loving memory of

r j

Twenty-first Anniversary In loving memory of

Twenty-eighth anniversary In loving memory of

I n lo v in g m e m o ry o f o u r p a r e n ts

NICHOLAS (NICKY) BHEEM Departed: Oct 20,1975

V. SIMON PAULINE FERNANDEZ FERNANDEZ Departed: Jan IB, 1987 Departed:Oct 24, 1984

in h e a v e n ? Q . My dog recently died and I feel such a loss. He was a real comfort for many years. I’m wondering, since animals are God’s creation and another testament of God’s glory, and since we have St. Francis as patron saint of animals, do animals have some part in eternal life?

’’Muffin” is held by a parishion er as Precious B lood Fathers John Kalicky and G ary Scherer read a blessing f o r animals on the fe a st o f St. Francis o f A ssisi Oct. 4. The priests were among clergy around the w orld offering special p rayers f o r p ets on the fe a st o f a saint noted fo r his love o f all G o d ’s creatures.

Father John Dietzen answers:

I suspect certain readers might consider your question a bit ridiculous, but it isn’t silly at all. Theologians have wondered and speculated about this subject for centuries. One way of answering is to note that heaven is where we will be perfectly happy. If we really need a dog to be perfectly happy, surely God will see that we have one. I don’t believe anyone could argue with that. Questions about what eternal life with the Lord will be like are treated brilliantly and with wide scholarship in the book “Land of the Living” by Father lames O’Connor (1992, Catholic Book Publishing Company). In a Foreword to the book, the late Cardinal lohn O’Connor of New York speaks of the harmony God will bring to that transformed but enduring universe. Explicitly referring to dumb animals, he writes, “If indeed all things were made ‘through him (Jesus),’ and if he is the same yesterday, today and forever, then should it be out of the question that all things will somehow endure?” The church has no specific teaching on your question one way or another. In a nutshell, however, this reflects the way most Christians have answered it through the centuries. □

Ninth Anniversary In loving memory of

ANTOINETTE MARIE SOOSAY Called to be with the Lord on Nov 6, 1994 Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord and let your perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace. Amen. Always remembered by children and grandchildren.

In Memoriam minimum $60 for an insertion not exceeding a ten-centimetre column (with or without a photograph). Additional space $6.50 per one-centimetre column. THANKSGIVING

W MIGRANT C M I C O U N S E L L IN G S E R V IC E Hope Haven, a counselling service project o f the Commission for M igrants and Itinerant People (C M I) is available for all foreign workers in Singapore. Trained volunteers handle employer-employee crises, recruitment agency issues, depression, loneliness, fa m ily or m arital problems, etc. H elp Desks operate on Sundays in Lucky Plaza (# 0 4 -1 9 ) and Kam pong Kapor M ethodist Church in L ittle India. For information or to avail o f our counselling service call 6280-5424. or em ail hopehaven_help@yahoo.com.sg

OTHERS C U L T U R A L M A S S IN T A M IL A N D E N G L IS H B y F r A lbert Reckens D ate: Sunday O ct 26,10.30 am Mass. V en u e: Blessed Sacrament Church. A ll are welcome. M A S S W I T H H E A L IN G S E R V IC E V en u e: Church o f St. M ichael, 17 St. M ic h a e l’s Road, every 1st and 3rd Saturdays o f the month. T im e : 6.45pm Rosary, Praise & W orship and 8pm Mass.

VEHICLES WANTED A n y m o d e l, a n y year c o m m e r c ia l or u s e d cars. S cra p v e h ic le s for e x p o r t. Call:

LUCY H’NG AH HEOK Departed:Nov 1, 2001 What is home without a mother? All things this world may send, But when I lost my darling mother, I lost my dearest friend. Fondly remembered by sons, daughters and all loved ones.

6284-3064 Melvyn

MASS O F TH E F A IT H F U L D E P A R T E D D ate: N o v 2 at 7 am, 8.30 am and 10 am. T w o masses follow ed by blessing o f the columbaria: 12.30pm and 6pm by archbishop Nicholas Chia. V enu e: Church o f St Teresa. N o 8 pm Mass. S H A R IN G T H E G I F T O F C H R IS T IA N M E D IT A T IO N Organised by Christian M editation Com munity. For all who seek to deepen their prayer life. • Church o f the H o ly Cross - N o v 13, 20, 27, Dec 11, 18, 7 .3 0-8 .45 pm. Registration: $10, by N o v 6. • Cathedral o f the Sacred Heart. Johor Bahru - N o v 8, 3pm -9 pm and N o v 9, 10am-4pm . Registration: $7 by N o v 2. In q u irie s : D aulet 6737-6 279 daulet@ pacific.net.sg Rebecca 6 4 45-8 062 rebeccalim@ pacific.net.sg BLESSED S A C R A M E N T C H U R C H 4 0 T H A N N IV E R S A R Y D IN N E R W e welcom e ex-parishioners o f the Church to jo in in our dinner celebration on N o v 1 5 ,7 pm in B S C . Enquiries/ booking o f tickets: Venu (9109-373 3). C H U R C H O F T H E H O L Y S P IR IT G R A N D O P E N IN G E V E N T S P arish C a rn iv a l on Sunday, Dec 7 from 8am to 2pm. Venue: Church o f the H oly S pirit, 248 Upper Thomson Rd. Th em e: C a th o liC ity - W h e re C o m m u n itie s Gather. D ed ication M ass & G r a n d O p enin g on Sunday, N o v 16 at 6pm . C e le b r a n t: Archbishop Nicholas Chia.

With help of yours, life is cherished! Grateful to mighty St Jude. SY, a non-Catholic Dearest St Jude, I would like to thank you for answering all my prayers. I am grateful to you. Bernadette

FRANCIS A. SEBASTIAN XAVIER CLIMAX FERNANDEZ Departed:Oct 26, 2001 Departed: Nov 6,1982 What is home We cannot forget you without a father? Our loved one so dear; All things this Your memory grows World may send, Sweeter year after year. But when I lost my darling father, Mass will be I lost my dearest friend. celebrated at Church of Christ the King, Sadly missed and Ang Mo Kio on always loved by family. Monday, Nov 6, 2003 at 6.15 pm. Thirteenth Anniversary Fifth Anniversary In loving memory of In loving memory of

FRANCIS LEW CHENG CHONG Departed: Nov 4, 1990 Just a thought of sweet remembrance, Just a memory sad and true, Just the love and sweet devotion, Of one who thinks of you. Always remembered by wife and children. First Anniversary In loving memory of

RUFINA (PENING) D. PERALTA Departed: Nov 6, 1998 Take her in Thy arms, dear Lord, And ever let her be A messenger of love Between our hearts and Thee. Sadly missed and always remembered by your beloved husband Pablo, family and loved ones.

Always remembered by sister Theresa & family, daughter Merlin, brothers Tony, Johnny and all loved ones.

T h e re is a lin k d e a th c a n n o t se v e r L o v e a n d re m e m b ra n c e la st fo re v e r F o n d ly re m e m b e re d b y y o u r lo v e d on es.

Eleventh Anniversary In loving memory of

Second Anniversary

Love’sGreatest Gift Remembrance.

In loving memory of

DENNIS LIM Departed: Nov 3,1992 Life’s labour done, as sinks the day, Light from its load the spirit flies, While heaven and earth combine to say, “How blest the righteous when he dies!” Rest in peace dear, You’re gone, but are still living in our hearts. Always loved and remembered by your beloved family, Patricia, Darryn and Brendyn.

MARY CROSS Departed: November 6, 2001 Peaceful be your rest, dear mother, It is sweet to breathe your name; As in life we loved you dearly, So in death we do the same. Dearly missed and fondly remembered by Mecbin, Violet and loved ones. Fourteenth Anniversary In loving memory of

First Anniversary In loving memory of

In loving m emory o f our beloved parents and grandparents

MARY WONG SO MUI Departed: Oct 25,2002 You had a heart of gold One of the best to behold You were generous, loving and kind These are the memories you left behind Sadly missed and fondly remembered by your loving daughter.

MR NICHOLAS MRS MARGARET NUNIS NUNIS Departed: Oct 18,1984 Departed: Nov 5,1992 Y o u r presence is e v er near us, Y o u r lo v e rem a in s w ith us ye t, Y o u w e re th e k in d o f parents/grandparents, Y o u r lo v e d ones w ill n e v e r fo rg e t. A lw a y s rem em b ered by lo ved ones.

Mrs ELAINE PAUL nee KLYNE Departed: Oct 28,1989 Time takes away the edge of grief But memory turns back every leaf Gone from our lives one so dear But in our hearts forever near. Always remembered by loving husband and loved ones.

MONTEIRO VICTOR JA SPER Departed:Oct 25, 2002 Your presence is ever near us Your love remains with us yet You were the kind father Your loved ones will never forget. Dearly missed and fondly remembered by family members, relatives and friends.

Catholic Church of St Ignatius

C O L U M B A R IU M □ 2-um Fam ily Niches from $5,000 - $10,000 □ 8-urn Com m unity Niches at $1,000 per urn space D M em orial plaques from $1000 *Ready end 2003

For advance application for Niches, please call the church office. Tel: 6466 0625 / 6466 3225 120 King's Road Singapore 268172 Monday: 12.30 pm to 4.30 pm Tuesday - Saturday: 9 am to 4.30 pm

CatholicNew s □

In L

Sundays O ctober 26 and Novem ber 2, 2003

o v ls ig

Eighteenth Anniversary In loving memory of our dearest dad/grandpa

i V ifen i o

Trinity Casket Pte Ltd

r j Fourth Anniversary

Seventh Anniversary

Your R ight C hoice....

In loving memory

In everloving memory of

In loving mem ory of

F or;" ”" • Complete & dignified funeral arrangements by professional and caring staff. • Catholic male & female specialist embalmers. Note: Female embalmer will attend to all female deceased.

JO SEPH KANG TECK WAH Departed: Nov 1, 1985 Eighteen years have passed. We will never forget on the morning of All Saints’ Day when the angels came and took you away. Deeply missed by children, grandchildren and loved ones.

LUCAS CHIN MIN HONG

W IN S L O W O S B O R N E L L O Y D

Departed: Nov 3, 1996 My heart is sore As time goes by, I miss you more. Your loving smile, your gentle face, No one can fill your vacant place. Always remembered by mother M argaret Ong and family.

Departed: Nov 3, 1999 In our home he is fondly remembered, Sweet memories cling to his name; Those who loved him in life sincerely, Still love him in death just the same. Dearly missed and fondly remembered by wife, sons, daughters, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law and all loved ones in Singapore and Perth, Western Australia.

Tenth Anniversary

ANNIE MARY SYDNEY MICHAEL ORTEGA ORTEGA Departed:Nov 1, 2000 Departed:Sep 26, 1985

The years may wipe out many things. But this they’ll wipe out never, The memory of those happy days Which we had spent together. Dearly cherished and missed by your children and their spouses, your grandchildren, relatives and friends.

• Affordable air-conditioned memorial chapels with microphone, electronic organ & appropriate furnishing & lighting. • All other funeral-related services including import & repatriation of human remains. • No overtime charges. • Special discount for Catholics. • Catholic guidance counsellor Ms Olivia Stravens Pg: 9524-9940

Open 24 Hours

In everloving memory of

Masses will be celebrated at Church of Christ the King, Ang Mo Kio, on Saturday, Nov 1 at 5.30 pm, Sunday, Nov 2 at 11.30 am.

Blk 38, #01-527/531, Sin Ming Drive, Singapore 575712

Sixth Anniversary

T h ir d A n n iv e r s a r y

In loving memory of

In lo vin g m em ory o f

Tel:

CASKET FAIRPRICE

Fifth Anniversary In loving memory

Tel: J O S E P H IN E M I C H E L L E Y E O

Departed: Oct 25, 1993 Time may heal the broken heart, Time may make the wound less sore, But time can never stop the longing For the loved one gone before. Loved and remembered always by daddy Michael, sister Jennifer and all loved ones. LUCAS MARISUSEAMAL, MRS DASS Departed: Oct 21,1998 We miss you in so many ways We miss things you used to say And when old times we do recall It’s then we miss you most of all. Always cherished by your sons and daughters. Mass will be celebrated at the church of Our Lady of Lourdes on Oct 21, 2003 at 6 pm. Seventh Anniversary In loving memory of

6451-4496

In loving mem ory o f our beloved parents

Complete one-stop funeral arrangements JEFFREY GOH HI ANG HOCK

ERIC SCULLY (DICKY) Departed:Oct 26, 1999 We cannot forget you Our loved one so dear; Your memory grows Sweeter year after year. Always in our prayers Jane, children and grandchildren. Tenth Anniversary In loving memory of

Called home: October 31, 2000 In m em ory o f a m an w ho touched m any liv es. In m em ory o f a man w ho continues to inspire. In m em ory o f a man w h o w ill alw ays be loved. Thank youfor coming into our lives Even if butfor a while till we meet again.

Affordable air-con funeral parlours with facilities All funeral-related services (S, including columbarium works, exhumation, international repatriation of human remains etc Quality service affirmed by families which we had the honour to serve Transparent & reasonable pricing with genuine discounts No overtime charges, no hidden cost

CASKET COMPANY EMBALMING & FUNERAL SERVICES PTE LTD • • • • •

JOACHIM LIM ANNE LEE CHOO ANN KIM ENG Departed: Oct 29,1976 Departed: Jun 2,1988

In loving memory of our parents

KELVIN JOSHUA LIM TZE EE

Departed: Oct 29, 1997 Broken is the family circle, O ur dear one has passed away, Passed from the earth and earthly darkness Into bright and perfect day But we all must cease to languish O ver the grave o f him we love, Strive to be prepared to meet him, In the better world above. Always remembered by wife and daughters, Tiffany and Joanne. Fourth Anniversary In loving memory of

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let your perpetual light shine upon them. M ay they rest in peace. Amen. From: children and grandchildren.

6 4 5 5 - 9 9 0 9

24-HOURS COMPLETE SERVICES Christian and non-Christian funerals - local / export. Qualified Embalmers. Columbarium work, exhumation, photo enlargement etc. Air-con, non air-con Parlours, tentage etc. Good Discount on Casket price!!

Directors: Philip Tan

m b ie ,

Charles Wan

m b ie

Blk 37, Sin Ming Drive, #01-575 Singapore 575711

Tel: 6454-8167, 6456-7423 Fax: 6458-2151

Check out our prices at our website www.casketfairprice.com Member of the Association of Funeral Directors (Singapore) <s»i

VISA

Blk 37 Sin Ming Drive #01-569/571 Singapore 575711 Website www.casketfairprice.com

24 HOURS A DAY, IN RAIN OR SHINE (The Bereavement Service Co. cateringsolelyto Christian &Catholic communities)

RICK Y YEO JEEN HEE Departed:Nov 6, 1996 In our hearts your memory lingers, Sweetly tender, fond and true, There is not a day, dear father, That we do not think of you. Forever loved and remembered by: beloved wife: Francisca Yeo Mei Lian, grateful sons: Joseph and Shawn Yeo and loved ones.

Please turn to page 18 for more “In Memoriam” announcements and classified advertisements.

MISSIONSTATEMENT:Ourcompanycontinuouslyseekstoprovidededicated, quality, professional, personalized, dignified, yet affordable bereavement servicestofellowChristianswhohavebeencalledhometobewiththeLord. Asaministrypartner, weseektofulfill theGreatCommission,ministeringto theneedsofbereavedfamilymembers, whilereachingouttotheunsaved.

MR MICHAEL MRS CLOTHILDE . M. PRAGASAM PRAGASAM Departed: Nov 2, 1978 Departed: Feb 11, 1984

“We have loved them dearly during life. Let us not abandon them until we have conducted them by our prayers into the house o f the Lord.” -

St Ambrose.

A Mass will be celebrated at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Johor Bahru on Sunday, Nov 2,2003. Inserted by loving children, grandchildren, relatives and friends.

MARY LIM QUEE HONG Departed: Oct 28,1993 Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let your perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace. Always remembered by her family and loved ones.

ASIA CASKET

OUR SERVICES * Provides counsel for suitable funeral arrangements ■ Affordable package to suit budget constraints ■ Certified embalmers ■ Columbarium and tombstones, etc ■ Exhumation work, repatriation cases ■ Tentage, chairs, lightings, fans, etc ■ Sound system, floral arrangements, food and beverages pall bearers ■ Photo Enlargements ■ Pastors & Priests arrangement for funeral services ■ Air conditioned bus transportation, hearse and * Arrangement for parlors, cremation, burials, clothing, etc ADDRESS :150 South Bridge Rd, #02-05 Fook Hai Building Singapore 058727 Tel: (65) 6533-1787 Fax: (65) 6533-1729

(Tei: 6455-5288,6456-5288,9691-3229 24h n ^ f * Professional services for Christians * Qualified professional embalmers Website: http://www.therestingplace.com.sg * Quality local and imported caskets Email: resting@singnet.com.sg * Special package and discount price for Catholics CONTACTS: Tan Song Poh 9 0 0 3 -4 4 9 4 Professional handling of repatriations and import (M an ag ing D irector) cases Raymond Roy Gabriel 9 7 6 4 -5 1 0 5 Blk 38 Sin Ming Drive, #01-523 Singapore 575712 ___________ (Liaison fo r C atholics)_________________ JCOMPLETE FUNERAL SERVICES)_______

In your moments o f need

S I N G A P O

R E

C A S K E T

Tel: 6 2 9 3 -4 3 8 8

24 Hours

D edicated Funeral Directors since 1920

Complete services for Christians and non-Christians. Air-con. parlours, open 24 hours. Qualified professional embalmers. Imported US and quality finished caskets. Photo enlargement. Florist service. Funeral supplies all under one roof. Professional handling of repatriations and import cases. • Columbarium & Tombstone services. • • • • • • •

All Church Members Are Entitled To Discount *Cater within your means*

131 Lavender Street, Singapore 338737. Internationally linked worldwide with established Funeral Directors

Sundays October 26 and N ovem ber 2, 2003 □ CatholicNews

fo u n d e d

T o

h e lp

p a r e n ts

c u r r e n t P r im a r y to

a k e

a n

cYvieye

cY uev«

SPORTS

UNIFORMED GROUP

in fo r m e d

1 8 5 2

o f p u p ils c h o ic e

SA TU R D A Y N ovem ber

2 0 0 3

1 .0 0 pm to 5 .0 0 pm Performing Arts Centre St Joseph’s Institution Malcolm Road E nquiries: A d m in O ffic e (8 am - 5 pm) Tel: 6 2 5 0 0 0 2 2

PUBLISHED BY ARCHBISHOP NICHOLAS CHIA, 2 HIGHLAND ROAD #01-03, SINGAPORE 549102. PRINTED BY KHL PRINTING CO PTE LTD, 57 LOYANG DRIVE, SINGAPORE 508968.