OCTOBER 27, 2002, vol 52, no 22 by CatholicNews

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APOSTOLIC LETTER "ROSARIUM VIRGINIS MARIAE" OF THE SUPREME PONTIFF JOHN PAUL II to the Bishops, Clergy and Faithful on the "Rosary of the Virgin Mary"

Faith

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F O R M A T IO N

In continuity with my reflection in the Apostolic Letter Novo Millennio Ineunte. in which, after the experience of the Jubilee, I invited the people of God to “start afresh from Christ”, I have felt drawn to offer a reflection on the Rosary, as a kind of Marian complement to that Letter and an exhortation to contemplate the face of Christ in union with, and at the school of, his Most Holy Mother. To recite the Rosary is nothing other than to contemplate with Mary the face of Christ. As a way of highlighting this invitation, prompted by the forthcoming 120th anniversary of the aforementioned Encyclical

of Leo XIII, I desire that during the course of this year the Rosary should be especially emphasized and promoted in the various Christian communities. I therefore proclaim the year from October 2002 to October 2003. I leave this pastoral proposal to the initiative of each ecclesial community. It is not my intention to encumber but rather to complete and consolidate pastoral programmes of the Particular Churches. I am confident that the proposal will find a ready and generous reception. The Rosary, reclaimed in its full meaning, goes to the very heart of Christian life; it offers a familiar yet fruitful spiritual and

educational opportunity for personal contemplation, the formation of the People of God, and the new evangelization. I am pleased to reaffirm this also in the joyful remembrance of another anniversary: the fortieth anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Ecumenical Council on October 11, 1962, the “great grace” disposed by the Spirit of God for the Church in our time. From the Vatican, on the 16th day of October in the year 2002, the beginning of the twenty-fifth year of my Pontificate. JOHN PAUL II

P O N T IF IC A L C O U N C IL FO R IN T E R -R E L IG IO U S D IA L O G U E

Let there be light Message of the President, Francis Cardinal Arinze on the occasion of the Feast of Diwali

Dear Hindu Friends V a t ic a n _

page 9

C h ild r e n ’s

1 Once again it is time for you to light tiny lamps, hang colourful lanterns on your homes, offer prayers to God, visit friends and neighbours and celebrate around the family table the joy which the festival of Diwali brings. I wish to extend my heartfelt greetings to all Hindus on this happy occasion. May the external how which will be manifest throughout the Hindu world be an expression of a genuine religious sense, the fruit of genuine religious beliefs and convictions.

C o rn e r _____ p a g e 10 F a m ily _ _

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speaks —

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P a r is h p r ie s t s

2 Occasion for joint reflection It has become customary for me to invite friends of different religious traditions, on the occasion of their respective feasts, to joint reflection on various aspects of our life, in society and in the world at large. This year, on the occasion of Diwali, I should like to ask whether religious festivals, in the first place, are not also expressions of the desire of human beings to conquer darkness by light, evil by good, untruth by truth and death by life? The mystery of life, from the moment of conception onwards through the stages after the birth of a child, is attended by prayers and ritual actions in the Hindu tradition. We Christians attribute particular value to human life because the Bible teaches us that the human person is created in the image and likeness of God. This gift of God is sealed by Christ's blood which he shed out of his love for every human being. Thus, every individual is precious in the eyes of God. 3 Technology and Human Life

_ p a g e 16 Technology has made great progress in our

days. Life has perhaps become safer, easier and longer. But what answers can we give to the following questions: Has technology helped better the quality of human life? Does technology help us to value human life? With the progress of technology, life paradoxically seems to be more threatened than ever. Pope John Paul II observes that "in addition to the ancient scourges of poverty, hunger, endemic diseases, violence and war, new threats are emerging on an alarmingly vast scale" (Evangelium Vitae, on the Value and Inviolability o f Human Life, 3). The Pope continues: "With new prospects opened up by scientific and technological progress there arise new forms of attacks on the dignity of the Human being", (Evangelium Vitae and Inviolability o f Human Life, 4) modern genetic science has become a tool in the hands of man. He can use it or abuse it. Tempted at times to become a manipulator of life, or even an agent of death, man needs to rediscover his fundamental place in creation, namely, that he is created by God and that God is the sole Creator of all that exists.

WHO photos - Singapore

commit ourselves to educating people to mutual respect and esteem, in order to help bring about a peaceful and fraternal coexistence between individuals and among people ...". Through our respective communities and institutions we could devise our own approach to educating people to promote respect for life. Here I would like to make special mention of your people, whose hearts are scandalized by and suffer from the tragic events they see with their own eyes. Education, particularly of youth, in respect for life should be one of our urgent priorities, so that strong ethical values and a culture of life may prevail among them. Only to the degree that ethical and religious considerations will prevail in the whole of society can we hope that the principle of respect for life will be enshrined in society's attitudes and laws. 5 The significance of light

Mutual respect and esteem

Representatives of different religions gathered in Assisi last January to pray for world peace. The Hindu participant, in her testimony, described the meeting as a sign of unity of the human family under the Fatherhood of God (Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam). Although the participants belonged to different religious traditions, they made a common commitment in favour of promoting each single life and the whole of life. We would do well to focus our attention on the second commitment, which declared: "We

A r c h d io c e s e o f S in g a p o r e h o m e p a g e , V e r it a s : h t t p : / / w w w . c a t h o l i c . o r g . s g .

Dear Hindu friends, I would like to conclude by sharing with you the strong impression which the image of lighted lamps made on me during the Day of Prayer for Peace in Assisi last January. The representatives of different religions held lighted lamps in their hands and after their common commitment they placed the lamps on a common stand, symbolizing the convergence of hopes and efforts for peace., The Pope blessed them, saying: "Go forward into the future holding high the lamp of peace. The world has need of light!" Happy Diwali.

I n t e r n e t e d it io n o f T h e C a t h o l i c N e w s : h t t p : / / w w w . c a t h o l i c . o r g . s g / C N .

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Telegram of Condolence

S a in t J o s e m a r ia E s c r iv a d e B a la g u e r VATICAN CITY (UCAN) — Thousands of Asians, including 30 bishops from 10 Asian countries, attended the canonization Mass of Josemaria Escriva de Balaguer, the founder of Opus Dei, at the Vatican Oct. 6. An estimated crowd of 300,000 people had come from at least 84 countries and all continents to attend the ceremony. In all, some 400 bishops and 45 cardinals from 61 countries were present. In his homily, the pope recalled how Saint Josemaria used to say, “We find the invisible God in the most visible and material things.” His teaching, the pope said, Relics of St Josemaria “is actual and urgent” being presented to the Pope because the believer is called to establish a “vital and uninterrupted relation with God” and “be holy, and collaborate with God” through daily life and work. Saint Josemaria began Opus Dei three years after he was ordained a priest. He invited laymen and, years later, laywomen to “be saints and apostles in the thick of the world,” especially through sanctifying their work. Saint Josemaria is the 468th person canonized by Pope John Paul. No other pope has canonized so many. The pope beatified Blessed Josemaria in 1992, 17 years after the Spanish priest died in 1975.

Clarification The general secretary of the International Theological Commission, Father Georges Cottier, O.P., has responded to certain questions about the Commission’s study of the diaconate raised by the October 8 issue of La Croix. Fr. Cottier stated that the Commission’s study has not concluded that the possibilty that women could be ordained to the diaconate remains open, as asserted by La Croix, but rather tends to support the exclusion of this possibility. The Commission of theologians, even if it has not the role of pronouncing with the authority which is characteristic of the Magisterium, presented two important indications which emerge from study of the matter. In the first place, the Commission observed that the deaconesses mentioned in the tradition of the early Church cannot simply be assimilated to ordained deacons. In support of this conclusion, Fr. Cottier noted that both the rite of institution and the functions exercised by deaconesses distinguished them from ordained deacons. Furthermore, Fr. Cottier noted that the Commission’s study reaffirmed the unity of the sacrament of Holy Orders. The distinction between the ministry of bishops and priests, on the one hand, and that of deacons, on the other hand, is nonetheless embraced within the unity of the sacrament of Holy Orders. The commission’s reaffirmation of this teaching arose from a careful study of the ecclesial tradition, of the documents of the Second Vatican Council, and of the postconciliar Magisterium of the Church. Fr. Cottier stated that “it belongs to the Magisterium to pronounce with authority on the question, taking into account the historical and theological research presented by the study of the International Theological Commission.” The International Theological Commission devoted over five years of research to the topic of the history and theology of the diaconate before approving the text of its study at its recently concluded meeting. The study was produced at the request of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.

I n o u r lo re , in t h e ir I h and

f r o m t h e H o ly F a t h e r f o r t h e v ic t im s o f t h e a t t a c k in B a li, I n d o n e s ia . 1 4 .1 0 . 2 0 0 2 This is the text of the telegram sent by Cardinal Angelo Sodano, Secretary of State, to the Apostolic Nuncio (Vatican Ambassador) in Jarkarta, Indonesia.,: His Holiness Pope John Paul II has by news of the terrible attack in Bali many deaths and injuries and he asks the civil and religious authorities the prayers for the victims, commending them to Almighty God and invoking divine strength and comfort on the injured and on all affected by this tragic event. Such cruel and misguided violence cannot be the path to a more just and civil society and it must be condemned by all who aspire to a world of peace built on respect for the inviolable dignity of every human life.

Official Visit to Vietnam The Director of the Press Office of the Holy See, Dr Joaquin Navaarro-Valls announced on 18 October that a Delegation of the Holy See which included Under-Secretary for State Relations, Msgr. Celestino Migliore and Msgr. Bamaba Hguyen Van Phuong, of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples returned to Rome on 17 October after a 7-day visit to Vietnam. The delegation met with the Plenary Assembly of the Bishops of the Episcopal conference of Vietnam and had meetings also with the VicePresident of the Commission for Foreign Affairs of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Mr. Bui The Giang and the Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Le Van Bang and with the President of the Office for Religious Affairs, Mr. Le Quang Vinh. Various aspects of the presence and life of the Church in Vietnam were discussed with the government authorities. Also discusssed was the question of normalization of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the Holy See. The Delegation also visited the Dioceses of Da Nang and Bui Chu. During Eucharistic Concelebrations in the respective episcopal cities, the large numbers of faithful manifested their deep communion with the Pope.

Cardinal Angelo Sodano Secretary of State. CNS photos

Response of the Holy See 18.10.2002 - Regarding the “Essential Norms for DiocesanEparchial Policies Dealing with Allegations of Sexual Abuse of Minors by Priests, Deacons or Other Church Personnel” (“Worms”) submitted by the American Bishops. The Apostolic See acknowledges the efforts which the Bishops of the United States have made. Despite these efforts, the application of the policies adopted at the Plenary Assembly in Dallas can be the source of confusion and ambiguity, because the “Norms" and “Charter1' contain provisions which in some aspects are difficult to reconcile with the universal law of the Church. Moreover, the experience of the last few months has shown that the terminology of these documents is at times vague or imprecise and therefore difficult to interpret. Questions also remain concerning the concrete manner in which the procedures outlined in the “Norms” and “ Charter” are to be applied in conjunction with the requirements of the Code of Canon Law and the Letter: Safeguards for the holiness o f Sacraments. (AAS 93, 2001, p. 787). For these reasons, it has been judged appropriate that before the recognition can be granted, a further reflection on and revision of the "Norms” and the “ Charter are necessary. In order to facilitate this work, the Holy See proposes that a Mixed Commission be established, composed of four bishops chosen from the Episcopal Conference of the United States, and four representatives from those Dicasteries of the Holy See which have direct competence in the matter: the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, the Congregation for Bishops, the Congregation for Clergy, and the Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts. The US Bishops' Conference has meanwhile acepted the proposal of the Holy See and will soon be submitting the names of their four representatives.

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C rim e ag ain st H um an ity INDONESIA, Jakarta (UCAN) — Indonesian bishops have strongly condemned bomb blasts Oct. 13 on the resort island of Bali that claimed more than 185 lives. “From the depth of our hearts, we reject the shameful act done by those who planned and executed the bomb attack," the Bishops' Confer ence of Indonesia said in a statement issued Oct. 13. “The act was truly shameful,” the bishops declared, “because the attack seems to have been methodically prepared, suddenly executed and caused death to people.” The bishops also urged the Indonesian government immediately to launch a manhunt for those responsible. Bali is just east of Java Island, some 1,000 kilometers east of Jakarta. The bishops condemned the bombing as an act against God the Creator “because the Creator loves human beings and life, while the bomb attack killed and injured human beings whom God loves.” The bishops urged all fellow Indonesians to view the attack as a “human crime against humanity, without linking it with the faith of those who did the crime or with the group they belong to, since this is our common problem as a nation and not just a problem of a group of society.” Their statement also declared, “We finally call on all Catholics in the country to stay calm and not be incited by the spirit of divisiveness and hatred' that “groundless and irresponsible reports” may generate. The bishops also expressed deep sympathy and condolences for the victims in Bali, and prayed, “May God Our Lord accept them to eternal life, and may God strengthen the families in bearing the suffering.” They also prayed for the speedy recuperation of the wounded. Divine Word Father Josef Wora of Holy Spirit Cathedral Church in Denpasar, Bali’s capital, told UCA News via telephone, “We could not do much to help the victims due to the security measures. But we have been asked to donate blood, and we have urged Catholics to do so.” “On behalf of the Catholics in Bali,” Father Wora said, “we have also conveyed our condo lences for the victims of the human tragedy.” In a statement issued Oct. 13, the Indone sian Catholic Students Association also condemned the bombing, saying it seems to have been carried out by an organized network to create a disturbance in society. The students' statement says, “We call on the government to build regional and interna tional cooperation with other countries to work together for the building of peace.” It also calls on all members of society to cooperate with each other, no matter what their faith, to oppose all forms of terrorism.

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"Dialogue" is THE buzz-word of the day. In the aftermath of the events of 9/11, dialogue, in terms of relationships between religions, began to take on a new urgency. As far as the Catholic Church is concerned, "dialogue" is not at all a new "buzzword". Dialogue between the Roman Catholic Church and other religions has always been a very important part of its work. Pope Paul VI and the Vatican Council gave it even more importance within the framework of the mission of the Church. In 1964, Pope Paul VI instituted a special department of the Roman Curia known as the from Secretariat for Non-Christians. In 1988, it was renamed the Pontifical Council for inter-re D r (R e v ) R o b e rt P. B a lh e tc h e t ligious Dialogue. (PCID). Its competence does not include other Christian religions nor the Jewish religion, both of which come under the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity.

The Editor

Not too many are aware that the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue has a special Commission for Religious Relations with Muslims, made up of a Presi dent, Vice-President and Secretary together with a group of 8 Consultors. In his recent message for Mission Sunday, the Holy Father pointed out that "dialogue does not originate from tactical concerns o f self-interest, nor is it an end in itself." "Dialogue," he said," speaks to others with respect and understanding ... dialogue is linked closely with readi ness to forgive, because a person who forgives, opens the hearts o f others and learns to love and understand

others, entering into harmony with them." The "rush" to dialogue particularly with Muslims, after the tragic events of 9/11 and now, Bali, has certainly taken on added urgency. These efforts, however, are focused around religious leaders. This is certainly useful, but one might say, (at the risk o f being misunderstood), somewhat unnecessary. Unnecessary, because the true leaders of the various religions are quite open to each other, they respect each other and understand each other's religions - indeed, many of them relate to each other on a very personal friendship basis. Assisi was a wonderful exam ple of this, but even at local level, the leaders who dialogue with each other are very much personal friends. If dialogue is most needed, it is with those who have "other agenda". But then, it is difficult to see the likes of such, sitting down to dialogue with the recognized true leaders. There is, however, another level of dialogue which needs a great impetus - it is the level of the "common adherents" - the "faithful", if you want. It is dialogue at this level which we are in dire need of, if those with hidden agendas are not to exploit the masses. What is needed here is not seminars and discussions, but common action in areas which have nothing to do with a person's culture and/or religion. Our local press highlighted this "dialogue of action” very well, in relation to the tragedy of Bali. This is what brings people together, overcomes differences and creates community. But we don't have to wait for tragedies. Practical opportunities abound in daily living, but need to be actively fostered!

from

THE PEWS Jesus Our Story Two years ago I made a month long retreat at St Mary’s Tower, Douglas Park in Sydney. I was given this book JESUS OUR STORY to read. I took the book and read the first pages. As I continued to read I felt captivated by what the author, Fr Frank Andersen, had to say about desiring to know Jesus in a more human and personal way, using his imagination. One story sticks in my mind - that of Zaccheus. The title of this episode is called COVERING FOR ZACCHEUS. I had never thought of the story in this way. The author imagined Jesus understanding the predicament of Zaccheus when the latter tried to find a way to see Jesus. But climbing up a tree was literally exposing him on a limb, to the ridicule and scorn of his enemies who were only too happy to get at him because he wasn’t popular with them. When Jesus spoke so familiarly with him at the foot of the tree and asking to dine at his house, the hostile crowd changed mood. They were astounded that this under-sized creature, this "sinner” was a friend of Jesus. Their smirk changed to surprise and admiration. So Zaccheus seeing how Jesus had changed the %

situation for him, was touched and received the grace to effect a conversion. When I thought about this story and what it tells me about Jesus, his being so human and so understanding, I felt that here is somebody that I could imitate. Before, I used to think of Jesus as being too distant, too godly, too holy and I could never arrive at that level. Now I felt differently. I too can become understanding of other people and instead of making things worse for them in difficult moments, I could be like Jesus, cover for them and help them over the hurdle. This Jesus shows me many ways of behaving like him and seeing people as him. After this experience of what the book JESUS OUR STORY did for me, I felt that I must introduce this book to as many people as I can. I managed to get the copyrights to reprint this book in India and now it is available at half the price for which it is sold in Australia. There, it has been reprinted three times. Many people in RCIA, in retreat houses, in formation houses, and indeed in any place, are recommended to try this book so that they too can “meet’ this wonderful and warm Jesus who has been “one of us’ and who

can show us the way to the Father not through divine ways but through very human and heartwarming ways. For those who wish to go directly to meet Jesus in this book, skip the introduction and start at once on the stories. There are 17 stories from the Gospel, each one equally alluring and surprising. Perhaps you may want to read and reread some special episodes because they speak to you in some special ways. It took the author many, many years of constant meditation in this imaginative way to be able to present these beautiful and telling vignettes from the Gospel, to help us take a closer step to know and love this Jesus whose story is also our story. JESUS OUR STORY is now available from the DAUGHTERS OF ST PAUL and from other bookshops at $6.00 a copy. For a short period of time the Sisters give a Special Offer during their Display of books in parishes and at their own Book Centre in St Joseph’s church in Upper Bukit Timah. Their Special Offer is at $4.00 a copy. Their telephones are 65608003, 68921639 and e-mail: pauline.fsp.@pacific. net.sg

FRANK ANDERSEN msc Thank you, Sister, for bringing this book to the attention o f our readers and also for the generous discount that you are offering them. God bless the great work that your congregation does in the apostolate o f the media.

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Ecumenical Day of Peace MONGOLIA, Ulaanbaater (UCAN) — About 100 people of various faiths and nationalities joined the Catholic community in Mongolia for a prayer vigil marking the U.N.-designated International Dav of Peace. 10 October. The Catholics hosted other Christians, Bahais, Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims from Mongolia and more than 10 other countries. Among them were Poland's new ambassador to Mongolia and Turkey’s outgoing ambassador. As guests arrived Sept. 21 at the Catholic Mission Center in Ulaanbaatar, they were invited to sign a poster portraying a dove emerging from prison bars and a rainbow. A Mongolian youth had painted the poster. Nearby was a cross that was adorned with words declaring, “Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me, "the theme of the gathering. Participants then walked with unlit candles up a dark staircase to a room with an illuminated globe lent by Buddhists. The service began as representatives from the Ananda Marga (Hindu), Bahai, Buddhist, Catholic, Muslim and Seventh-day Adventist faiths sat before the assembly. In the middle of the room was a low table on which they placed their unlit candles within a circle of flags from different countries. Each representative, including visiting Catholic Bishop John Cummins of Oakland, the United States, recited a prayer, reflection or mantra. Those present then sang “One Little Candle’ as they lighted community and individual candles as symbols of their common longing for peace. A litany followed, led by the Catholic mission secretary and the Adventist representative, and the service closed with the theme song “Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me. ’

Bishops' Conference appeal Philippines, Manila. (UCAN) — The president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines has appealed for prayers, sobriety, justice and public vigilance after bombings in Mindanao, the southern region of the country. Archbishop Orlando Quevedo of Cotabato, condemned “the inhumanity of these patently terrorist acts” and bombings in the other parts of Mindanao. He said that after the bombings, Catholic religious leaders prayed with other religious leaders, including Muslims and Hindus, for an end to “the senseless and brutal violence.” Expressing “our deepest condolences to the bereaved families who are in pain,” Archbishop Quevedo directed the Episcopal Commission on Social Action, Justice and Peace to help the Zamboanga victims. The conference leader also urged authorities “to go after the perpetrators of these terrorist bombings and to guarantee the security of our people in the key metropolitan areas.” . Archbishop Quevedo wrote, “Even as we condemn the violence perpetrated by terrorists and criminals and grieve ... we seek to approach these events in the spirit of healing and understanding, rather than hatred and revenge.” He appealed for sobriety, especially among people in Zamboanga City and Mindanao. “Take the necessary precautions to ensure your own personal safety, remain vigilant during these critical times, and report to the authorities any suspicious or unusual activities in your areas,” the archbishop advised.

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JENNIFER WEE

L a ity

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V a tic a n

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p g : 9 7 0 9 5 0 5 6 Hp, 9 8 1 5 8 9 5 5

THAILAND, Bangkok (UCAN) — Four decades after the Second Vatican Council began, lay Catholics still need to learn the vital role they must play in the life of the Church, according to leaders of Catholic lay movements in Asia. “There is a need to educate the laity about Vatican II, especially in our present condition, how it can be used to inspire ourselves, to push ourselves," said Juanito Penequito, who heads the Cardijn Center for Development in the Philippines, was one of several lay leaders, theologians and others who were in Bangkok Oct. 8-11 for a convention on “Vatican II in the Context of Globalization.” As the meeting closed, the 40 participants from 12 Asian countries accented the need to foster awareness of the council’s significance for lay people. The convention in Bangkok marked the 40th anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council on Oct. 11, 1962. During a plenary session Oct. 9, participants cited the important role Catholic schools, lay theology institutes and bishops can play in disseminating Vatican Council II documents and other Church teachings to lay Catholics. But they also said bishops, priests and seminarians still have to learn how to shift “from a teaching Church to a listening Church.” Some suggested sharing personnel and training programs to help spur the education of laity. They noted that the Office of Laity of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC) has already done much in this regard. The Cardijn Liaison Committee (CLC), the convention organizer, originally said a “plan of action” was a convention goal. It also suggested that a three-year study program would be launched to examine how laity can further respond to the council’s call. However, as the convention drew to a close, the idea of producing a master plan was increasingly played down. Instead, CLC representative Stefan Gigacz told UCA News the meeting hopefully could be “a pointer” to what needs to be done. “Young workers don't know the traditions of Vatican II,” he explained. Moreover, Catholic lay movements and NGOs “are stuck on the edges of the margin of the Church,” not integral to the Church as promised by the Vatican Council II documents. Some participants acknowledged they knew little if anything about the council before they came to the convention. “Forty years on, I don't know about Vatican II,” Balia Arlaiah, Asian coordinator for the International Movement of Catholic Agricultural and Rural Youth admitted. “The clergy are not helping, they are keeping quiet,” Arlaiah added. Father Nipote Thienviharn, a representative of the Asian Center for the Progress of Peoples, also blamed clergy for limited implementation of Vatican II in Asia. Nonetheless, he gave credit to the FABC for helping “to inject a spirituality in the lay movements." Mina Ramirez, president of the Manila-based Asian Social Institute also said that some openings the council made, such as dialogue with other religions and the world, need to be taken further. More than just interreligious dialogue, she said, all religions could come up with an interreligious encyclical “on the human development option for the poor." There should also be “a very systematic way of making the Church listen to the realities (of the world) from the experts,” she said.

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6 - THE

C A T H O L IC

F o r tn ig h tly : S u n . O c t. 2 7 a n d S u n . N o v 3 , 2 0 0 2

NEW S

focus - The ROSARY On the Anniversary of his election to the Papacy, as he began the 25th year of his pontificate, Our Holy Father, Pope John Paul II issued an Apostolic Letter proclaiming the Year of the Rosary beginning this month, October, traditionally the month of the Rosary and running through till October 2003. The letter is a very long one, but a very beautiful one which covers, in synthesis, not only the practical aspects o f this devotion but above all giving wonderful insights into the "Mysteries o f the Rosary". It is really a meditation o f the Holy Father on the Rosary, and it is from the fruits o f this meditation that he has proposed the addition o f another series o f "Mysteries" to the three traditional sets. In subsequent issues, we shall treat various aspects o f the Pope's teaching on the Rosary, and in this issue we will focus only on the new set o f Mysteries that the Holy Father proposes as it will already enable the faithful to make use o f them, if they so desire. Editor The proposed addition to the traditional pattern 19. Of the many mysteries of Christ’s life, only a few are indicated by the Rosary in the form that has become generally established with the seal of the Church’s approval. The selection was determined by the origin of the prayer, which was based on the number 150, the number of the Psalms in the Psalter. I believe, however, that to bring out fully the Christological depth of the Rosary it would be suitable to make an addition to the traditional pattern which, while left to the freedom of individuals and communities, could broaden it to include the mysteries of Christ's public ministry between his Baptism and his Passion. In the course of those mysteries we contemplate important aspects of the person of Christ as the definitive revelation of God. Declared the beloved Son of the Father at the Baptism in the Jordan, Christ is the one who announces the coming of the Kingdom, bears witness to it in his works and pro claims its demands. It is during the years of his public ministry that the mystery of Christ is most evidently a mystery of light: “While I am in the world, I am the light of the world” (Jn 9:5).

T h e

P r o p o s in g , n o t im p o s in g ! It is important to note that the Holy Father, throughout his Apostolic Letter frequently reminds us that he is only proposing the addition o f his new set o f "mysteries". He is at pains to point out that everyone has freedom to choose to adopt it or not. Pflease ntoe that on this page, texts in italics and designated "Editor" are our own. ALL OTHER TEXTS are quoted from the Holy Father's Apostolic Letter. Editor

P re s e n c e

o f M a ry

In these mysteries, apart from the miracle at Cana, the presence of Mary remains in the background. The Gospels make only the briefest reference to her occasional presence at one moment or other during the preaching of Jesus (cf. Mk 3:31-5; Jn 2:12), and they give no indication that she was present at the Last Supper and the institution of the Eucha rist. Yet the role she assumed at Cana in some way accompanies Christ throughout his ministry. The revelation made directly by the Father at the Baptism in the Jordan and echoed by John the Baptist is placed upon Mary’s lips at Cana, and it becomes the great maternal counsel which Mary addresses to the Church of every age: “Do whatever he tells you" (Jn 2:5). This counsel is a fitting introduction to the words and signs of Christ’s public ministry and it forms the Marian foundation of all the “mysteries of light”.

See paoe 8 for details of the 5 mysteries of Light. Editor

Consequently, for the Rosary to become more fully a “compendium of the Gospel”, it is fitting to add, following reflection on the Incarnation and the hidden life of Christ (the Joyful Mysteries) a meditation on certain particularly significant moments in his public minis try (the mysteries of light). [ Although the Holy Father himself does not use the term, we have seen a coining o f the term "the Luminous Mysteries", evidently in an attempt to bring it in line with the titles given to the traditional sets. Personally, we would suggest "the Radiant Mysteries"] - Editor

This addition of these new mysteries, without prejudice to any essential aspect of the prayer’s traditional format, is meant to give it fresh life and to enkindle renewed interest in the Rosary’s place within Christian spirituality as a true doorway to the depths of the Heart of Christ, ocean of joy and of light, of suffering and of glory.

and before focusing on the sufferings of his Passion (the Sorrowful Mysteries) and the triumph of his Resurrection (the Glorious Mysteries),

W h e r e m ig h t t h e “ m y s t e r i e s o f l i g h t ” b e i n s e r t e d ? ( in t h e w e e k )

p iv o w

This is the question as posed by the Holy Father in his Apostolic letter. There is a problem here with the Official English translation. There is a mistake in the days o f the week when talking about the current usage. We have checked this with the Italian, French and Spanish official translations, and have corrected the mistake in the columns below. However, there still seems a little "contradiction" (in all the language versions) in what is said to be the Holy Father's proposal in answer to his own question. Going by what is said, he seems to be suggesting that the Mysteries o f Light be said on Thursdays. Earlier, in the text o f his letter, which we have laid out just above, the Holy Father suggests that his proposed "Mysteries o f Light" should be added after the Joyful Mysteries and before the Sorrowful Mysteries. He explains this position at length in his Letter from a theological point o f view. This won't be justified, if the Mysteries o f Light are said on Thursdays, after the Glorious Mysteries! Hence we have added a column entitled ‘Editor’ which follows the order elaborated by the Holy Father in the full elaboration and explanation in his Letter. Editor

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If we consider that the “Glorious Mysteries” are said on both Saturday and Sunday, and that Saturday has always had a special Marian flavour, the second weekly meditation on the “joyful mysteries’ , mysteries in which Mary’s presence is especially pronounced, could be moved to Saturday. Thursday would then be free for meditating on the “Mysteries of Light”. SACCRE Conference Dates : Saturday 23"' Nov 2002 (1.30pm - 9pm) Sunday 24th Nov 2002 (9am - 6pm) Venue : St Joseph Institution Auditorium Contribution : $35 (includes tea-breaks & meals)

In Conjunction With the 25th Anniversary of the Risen Christ Charismatic Prayer Group: “New heart ... New spirit ... New life” Dates : 18th, 19th, and 20th Nov 2002 (rallies) at 7.30 pm

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*Conference by registration only. Forms available from respective Charismatic Prayer Groups.

W o r ld R e n o w n e d S p e a k e rs

Day

Currently

Holy Father

Editor

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

Joyful Sorrowful Glorious Joyful Sorrowful Glorious Glorious

Joyful Sorrowful Glorious M. of Light Sorrowful Joyfui Glorious

Joyful M. of Light Sorrowful Glorious Sorrowful Joyful Glorious

This indication is not intended to limit a rightful freedom in personal and community prayer, where account needs to be taken of spiritual and pastoral needs and of the occurrence of particular liturgical celebrations which might call for suitable adaptations. What is really important is that the Rosary should always be seen and experienced as a path of contemplation.

Patti Gallagher Mansfield

Ralph Martin

In the Rosary, in a way similar to what takes place in the Liturgy, the Christian week, centred on Sunday, the day of Resurrection, becomes a journey through the mysteries of the life of Christ, and he is revealed in the lives of his disciples as the Lord of time and of history.

T H E C A T H O L IC

F o r tn ig h tly : S u n . O c t. 2 7 a n d S u n . N o v 3 , 2 0 0 2

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T H E M Y S T E R IE S OF L IG H T M o v in g o n fr o m u s to th o s e

th e in f a n c y a n d t h e h id d e n

m y s te r ie s w h ic h

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b r in g s

m a y b e c a l l e d in a s p e c i a l w a y “ m y s t e r i e s o f l i g h t ” . C e r t a i n l y t h e w h o l e m y s t e r y o f

C h r i s t i s a m y s t e r y o f l i g h t . H e i s t h e “ l i g h t o f t h e w o r l d ” ( J n 8 : 1 2 ) . Y e t t h i s t r u t h e m e r g e s in a s p e c i a l w a y d u r i n g t h e y e a r s o f h is p u b lic life , w h e n h e p r o c la im s th e G o s p e l o f t h e n it y fiv e s ig n if ic a n t m o m e n ts c a n b e f it t in g ly s in g le d

“ lu m in o u s ” m y s te r ie s -

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d u r in g t h is p h a s e o f C h r is t ’s life , I t h in k t h a t th e f o llo w in g

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A final mystery of light % 'the ihstitution of the Eucharist, in which Chri^f offers his body aml-blood as food under tti^ lig n s of bread and wine, testifies “to the e iw ^ tiis love for humanity (Jn 13:1), for whose salvatfM he will offer himself in sacrifice.

The Baptism in the Jordan is first of all a mystery of as Christ descends into the waters, the 4, innocent one who became “sin” for our sake (cf. 2Cor 5:21), the heavens open wide and the voice of the Father declares niitt the,bek>ved Son (cf. Mt 3:17 and parallels), while the Spirit descends on him to invest him with the mission which he is to carry out

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- Jesus’ The mystery iht par excellence is the Transfiguration, ti tionally believed to have Tabor. The glory of the taken place on Moii Godhead shines foi " from the face of Christ as the Father lands the astonished Apostles to “listen (cf. Lk 9:35 and parallels) and to prepa experience with him the agony of the Pas as to come ection and a with him to the joy of the R life transfigured by Holy Spirit.

(3 ) T H E

G OF CANA If- m a n ife s ta tio n

The first of th ns, given at Cana (cf. Jn 2:1- 12), wl Christ changes water into wine and ns the hearts of the disciples t h, thanks to the intervention of first among believers.

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OF THE c a ll t o

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OF GOD

c o n v e r s io n

The preaching by which Jesus proclaims the coming of the Kingdom of God, calls to conversion (cf. Mk 1:15) and forgives the sins of all who draw near to him in humble trust (cf. Mk 2:3-13; Lk 7:47- 48): the inauguration of that ministry of mercy which he continues to exercise until the end of the world, particularly through the Sacrament of Recon ciliation which he has entrusted to his Church (cf. Jn 20:22-23).

OHNKWFNSJ PATER

Consecration To God The Father - The Father Of All Mankind Y o u a r e w a r m l y w e l c o m e t o j o i n in t h e d e v o t io n : On

: 7 th o f e v e r y m o n th

A t : 7 ,3 0 p m , R o o m 3 .3 H o u s e o f D a v id V e n u e ; C h u rc h o f O u r L a d y Q u e e n o f P e a c e 4 S a n d y L a n e ( o f f T a n jo n g K a t o n g R o a d ) , S in g a p o r e 4 3 7 3 2 1

8 - THE

C A T H O L IC

F o r tn ig h tly : S u n . O c t. 2 7 a n d S u n . N o v 3 , 2 0 0 2

NEW S

F A IT H

LIFE

The Greatest Commandments 27 October 2002

3 0 th

TEXTS

First Reading-.The passage comes after the giving of the Ten Commandments by God to Moses and is part of a series of practical applications of "love of neighbour". There is an obvious connection with the whole theme of the greatest Commandment of love. Responsorial. The verses from Psalm 17 are in praise of God's love and protection. Second Reading: St Paul reminds his new converts that they have broken with their former religions and turned to Chrisitianity. Now they have to be "imitators ofthe Lord’ and, in turn, be examples for others to follow. Gospel Acclamation: This is a prayer to be open to what God will say: "Open our hearts, O Lord, to accept the words o f your Son." Gospel: This is the famous and often quoted passage in which Jesus summarizes the Ten Commandments into just two, Love of God (1-3) and Love of "neighbour", or "others" (4-10). Note what Jesus says: "On these two commandments hang the whole Law and the Prophets, also." If only we could remember and practice that always!

FIRST READING Exodus: 22:20-26 RESPONSORIAL Ps. 17 SECOND READING 1 Thess. 1:5-10 GOSPEL Matt. 22:34-40

FEASTS OF THE W EEK

Mon 28 Sts. Simon and Jude, Apostles Feast (Gl.) Tue 29 Ordinary Wed 30 Ordinary Thu 31 Ordinary Fri 01 NOVEMBER ALL SAINTS. Solemnity (Gl.Cr.)

Day of Obligation Everyone's Feasday!! Sat 02 Nov. All Souls

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

O R D IN A R Y

Application in Life

The lesson which Christ gives us in the Gospel today is a very valuable one, and at the same time, a very fundamen tal one. We owe the lesson to the Pharisees who asked him a question, not out of good faith but simply to trap him. The lesson is given as an answer to a question put to him by the Pharisees: "Master, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" The answer of Jesus is clear and straightforward: " You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind."This is the greatest and the first commandment." Surely, this is nothing new! But the point is , how many of us do really live as though this were the greatest and first commandment? IF it were really the greatest and the first commandment, it must mean, in practice, that God's interests take absolutely top priority in our lives. Hardly our case, perhaps? Today' lesson doesn't end here. Christ goes on to add, though not asked by the Pharisees: "The second resembles it: You must love

your neighbour as yourself." A problem again for us? Christ doesn't

01 N o v e m b e r -

FEAST

OF ALL

S A IN T S

Reward Attained The Feast of All Saints celebrates the triumph of those who have attained their reward and provides us with the encouragement to continue our Christian struggle here on earth. The First Reading attempts to paint for us the scene of glory and triumph in heaven, “These are the people who have been through the great persecution, and they have washed their robes white again in the blood ofthe Lamb They have been faithful during their lives on earth and now enjoy their reward. The Second Reading reminds us of the love of God who has made us his children and has promised us eternal life. We shall see God face to face, as he really is. This, he says, is the hope that all of us entertain. This is the hope that makes sense of our Christian struggle. The Gospel is a blueprint for Christian living. The Beatitudes have no correspondence with the standards and criteria ofthe world, indeed they almost seem contradictory to them. “Happy the poor in spirit, those who mourn, hunger and thirst for what is right etc.; Jesus says, rejoice and be glad, your reward will be great in heaven. Are we practising these Beatitudes? Perhaps we do, and perhaps we get discouraged also in our efforts. Today’s celebration of All Saints ought to be a reminder and a source of encouragement for us to continue in our efforts. The reward awaits us too!

GRAPHICS: COPYRIGHT - THE ORDER OF ST BENEDICT

seem to mention our own interest anywhere, at least not among the two greatest commandments. First, it's the interests of God, and second, come the interests of our neighbour. From the look of things, it would seem that we have our priorities a little mixed up. For Christ, things are quite clear; "On these two commandments hang the whole law and the prophets also." Maybe we have to do a little rethink about the way in which we conduct our lives, and the sort of criteria we apply when making decisions. But thinking alone won't be enough, we have to change our lives accordingly.

N ovem ber - A LL

SO ULS

DAY

Born to New Life This is a day which the Church sets aside to pray for all those who have passed from this life to eternity. Death is a stark reality to which no one can blind himself or herself to. In the face of such a reality, life in this world becomes quite absurd, IF there is nothing beyond the grave. The Christian, however, lives in the hope, based on the promise of Christ, that we will rise to a new life in him, provided we believe in him

and live according to that belief. " 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." (Gospel). Sorrow is natural at the passing of a loved one, but, at the same time, we must rejoice that those we love are now enjoying the fulness of life in Jesus. And we have to remember too, which is difficult, that there is no time in God! We cannot understand what "timelessness" is, but it is certainly not what we experience as succession of moments. There is therefore no such thing as having to wait at the "pearly gates".

TEXTS: COPYRIGHT-DR. (REV) ROBERT P. BALHETCHET

Preaching and Practising 3 November 2002

3 1 s t O R D IN A R Y

Application in lite

TEXTS

RESPONSORIAL Ps 130

First Reading : Very stern words from the prophet Malachi addressed to the priests who, in the Old Testament, were from the tribe of Levi, hence the reference. It is certainly something for modern-day priests also to sit up about, as shepherds of the flock of Christ.

SECOND READING 1 Thess. 2:7-9, 13

Responsorial Psalm : Humility and fidelity are the basis of hope and

FIRST READING Malachi 1:1 4-2, 2:8 -1 0

GOSPEL Matt. 23: 1-12

FEASTS OF THE WEEK Mon 04

trust in the Lord.

The substance of what Jesus has to say amounts to practising what we preach. It is to everyone that he gives the injunction to “Go out into the whole world and preach the Good News o f salvation" Bearing witness to

Second Reading: St. Paul always set an example for his communities

Christ’s redemptive act and God’s love for us is not just the mission of priests and religious but the mission ofthe whole Church.

whom he loved dearly and for whom he was prepared to sacrifice everything. He praises them too for the way in which they accepted his teaching as God's message - something that he could "boast" about because he practised what he preached.

St Charies Sorromeo, Bishop Feast o f our Holy Father Tue 05

Ordinary

Acclamation: Listening is an essential condition if we want to imple ment the message of the Jesus in our lives. Hearing alone is not good enough.

Wed 06

Ordinary Thu 07

Ordinary Fri 08

Ordinary Sat 09

Though the message of today’s liturgy appears directly addressed to religious leaders, the Gospel is quite clearly addressed to all of us as the opening words indicate: “Then, addressing the people and his disciples, Jesus said.."

Gospel. The Pharisees were often rebuked by Jesus for being hypo crites because they failed to practice what they preached and imposed on the people. The name of this group has even entered our modern vocabulary and is synonymous with hypocrisy. Would that as avowed disciples of Jesus we are not also guilty of hypocrisy.

As disciples of Christ we must bear witness to the redemptive grace of God, and the fact that he calls every man to salvation. The plan of salvation essentially underscores God’s infinite love for man, but such a love can only be manifest in the love of Christ’s disciples for all. Unless we display in our lives this love of God for all, through our love for others, we would be living contradictions of the very Gospel that we profess to follow. “A new commandment give unto you: love one another as I have loved you”. This commandment of Christ would be meaningless unless that love of Christ for us is manifest in OUR love for others. As we ponder the message of the Gospel, let us review the witness and example that we are preaching with our lives. Are we being the “hypocrites” that Christ condemns so often in the New Testament?

Ded. Lateran Basilica, Feast (Gl.) 8B^^#8B8BSSBBII88I88S!S8SBM@I8I

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FO R M A TIO N

T E A C H E S

W h -1

Characteristics v and theological understanding of the Priestly writer (P) :

THE OLD TESTAMENT

The Priestly tradition (P) came into being during the Babylonian exile (587 - 538 BC) and later. In exile, the people had lost all that had made them a people : the land (the concrete sign of God’s blessing); their king (the guarantor of the unity of the people and through whom God handed on, this blessing), and the Temple (the residence of the divine presence). It was the priests who sustained the faith of the exiles. They succeeded in adapting religion to. the situation of hardship* they re-read their traditions to discover in them the answers to life’s difficult questions and to keep up the ' faith and hope of the people. They introduced new .forms of practice and gave religious practices a* new significance.

his style is generally dry; he. is not a story-teller; he’ loves figures ’and lists;

B IB L IC A L

P R IM E V A L

H IS T O R Y The

Documentary Hypothesis (continued) Biblical Primeval History appears within the written corpus of the Pentateuch. Scholars have long held that the Pentateuch can be traced to four major written sources which were eventually combined in the period after the Babylonian exile (post 538BC), under the guiding hanb of the Priestly f P ’f tradition, and who probably was the redactor, th e se four written sources are : the Yahwistic, the Elohistic, the Deuteronomistic, and the Priestly traditions. We dealt with the Yahwist (J), the Elohist (E) and Deuteronomist (D), We now deal yyith the last of the four traditions that find their place in and influence the composition of the Pentateuch, the Priestly Tradition (E

c * **

„ he oftert repeats the same thing twice: e.g., “God says ... God does" (cf. Gen 1; Ex 25-31; 35-40) the vocabulary is often technical, and has to* do with the cult; genealogies appear often; • they are important for an exiled people without roots; • they give the people roots in history and connect up this history to that of creation (cf. Gen 2:4; 5:1; Num 3:1) worship has pride of place;

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the priesthood is an essential institution which assures the existence of the people; it replaces the role of the king in the Yahwist tradition and the prophet in the Elohist,

The four traditions - the Yahwist, the Elohist, the Deuteronomist, and the Priest and their developments were in turn colleted together in a single volume : the Pentateuch. This work seems to have been finished about 400 BC and has often been attributed to Ezra the priest.

laws are usually put in a narrative context; so, they are attached to the historical events which give them 4 significance, (cf. Gen 9.1 - the law o f fertility in the story o f the flood; EX' 12: Iff. - the law o f Passover attached to the tenth plague)

By Rev. Ambrose Vaz, SSL Professor Ot Sacred Scripture St Fraftcis Xavier’s Major Seminary

-ir« TEXTS: Copyright - Rev. Ambrose Vaz and Dr. (Rev.) Robert P Balhetchet

of the Church T r in it a r ia n D im e n s io n s - A r t ic le s 2 ,3 , 4 . A r t ic le 2 - R o le o f G o d t h e F a t h e r The Role of the Father is described in terms of the creation of the world and the decision (plan) to save mankind after the fall of man. The original Latin text is simply grandiose. The English translations not only loses the grandeur, but seems to make it more difficult to appreciate and understand what the Council is saying because of the language construction. We give our own translation of this section attempting to keep the language and construction of the original as we feel it is easier, then, to appreciate what the Council is saying. "The eternal Father... L in k w ith w h a t h a s b e e n c o v e re d We have touched on Article 1 which we called the Introduction. It stated the need to under stand the nature of the Church and her mission. We mentioned briefly that the Council proposes that the nature of the Church is best understood as Mystery and Sacrament. "Mystery" in the sense of the revelation of the plan of God's salvation and "Sacra ment" in the sense of a visible sign of grace. In this issue we will begin to treat what we call the Trinitarian dimensions of the Church - the role of the Trinity of God in the Church. The exposition is difficult, but we shall try to simplify it as much as we can. As we have said before, when we are dealing with things divine, we need to contemplate deeply, but above all, pray for enlightenment.

created the whole universe, and chose to raise up men to share in his own divine life and when they had fallen in Adam, he did not abandon them, but at all times held out to them the means o f salvation, bestowed in consideration o f Christ, the Redeemer... He determined to call together those who would believe in C hrist....

prefigured from the beginning o f the world, prepared in a remarkable way, in the history o f the people o f Israel and by means o f the Old Covenant, constituted (established) in the present era, and manifested by the outpouring o f the Spirit, to be consummated (fulfilled) at the end o f time when they (those who believe in C hrist) will be gathered in the Universal Church with the Father."

It seems like a whole "sequence" of events. Yet, what the Council is saying is that the Church already pre-existed in the "mind" of God, from all eternity. We have to bear in mind that when we talk of God we speak in human language and with all the limitations of our human mind.But there is no time in God - he is "out" of time. Everything is "present" to God. Now, don't start asking: Why on earth did God create Man in the first place, if he knew he would sin, and then have to "think up" a way to redeem us? Wouldn't it have been "easier" for God to make man in such a way that he wouldn't sin and then He wouldn't have had to go through all the trouble of the Incarnation and Redemption? Good question! Except that I don't know the answer, nor does anyone else! Who can know the "mind" of God? The point is that in his infinite wisdom he did what he did. What we can certainly comprehend and must appreciate, is that the infinite love of God shines through the Incarnation and Redemption. As far as our understanding of the Church is concerned, it helps to understand that the visible Church is part of God's plan of salvation, and that this Church is itself this "mystery" of Salvation, "hidden" in God from all eternity, but now made manifest in the whole history of the Chosen People of Israel, which will be explained by the Council as the preparation of the redemptive plan of God.

- T H E C A T H O L IC

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CHILDREN’S CORNER C R O S S W O R D C L U E S

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C O N T E S T C h ild r e n ,

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y o u m u s t f o l lo w t h e s e R U L E S

A C R lO iS lS

This contest is open to children who are preparing to receive Holy Communion and are attending classes at their Parishes.

3. God also told Noah to take with him a of every living creature so that they also could be saved. 4. The thing which Noah was told to build is also called a n ____ . 8. They w e re _______ because they were in Noah’s Ark. 10. There was one man who was good. He was called____ . 11. Things went wrong when Adam and E ve _______ against God. 12. God told the good man to build a b ig _____ . 14. Then C ain ______ his brother Abel. 15. Everything God created w a s _____ in the beginning.

1. Of course, all the living creatures, man and animal w e re ________ . 2. God wanted t o _______ this man and his family. 5. As a result, the waters rose and caused a huge flood which covered the w ho le ______ . 6. When all was ready, God sent a g re at_____ which went on for months. 7. All living creatures died except Noah and his and a pair of every living creature who were with him. 9. They sinned b y __________ God. 13. Things became so bad that God decided to destroy everything with a ______ .

It has to be the children's own effort and parents are asked to use this opportunity to teach the children the value of honesty. Prizes will be awarded to the first three correct entries to reach the Editor, AFTER midnight Wednesday/Thursday 30/31 October 2002, by e-mail to steeolet3lsinanet.com.sa. The first three correct entries will be based on the date and time as recorded in the "Inbox". The Editor's decision is final. Closing Date: midnight. Fri/Sat 1/2 November 2002. All that is needed to send the answers, is to use the numbers of the clues as indicated and state the answer for each clue. You must give your full name, address, and the Communion Class you are attending at your Parish. Winners, the first three correct entries, (according to the "Inbox") will be announced in the following issue of the Catholic News, and will be informed of how they can collect their prizes.

Here are the answers for c

S S

C O N T E S

NO.11 - Family T H E

A C R O S S 1.

Both offered GIFTS to God. This means God asked them to build a FAMILY . God was very pleased with the gifts of the FIRST child. The second ch ild w as a SHEPHERD. Adam and Eve had TW O children. The second child was called ABEL.

5. 6.

9. 10.

11.

W I N N E R S Peter Mah Cihui Pri.6 - Risen Christ

Jonathan Chua Wei Jin - St Anne

There were only 2 entries this time! Congratulations to the two of you!

D AFTER midnight Wednesday/Thursday 30/31 October 2002, refers to the night of Wednesday, that is from 1 second after 12 at night. This means that the time on your entry would have to show, at least, Thursday 31 Oct 00.00.01

2 3

midnight. Fri/Sat 1/2 November 2002. would mean the middle of the night on Friday 1 November, and the last entry should show Friday 1 November 23.59.59 8 9

The first offered FRUITS. The first child became a FARMER. The first child was called CAIN. When God created Adam and Eve, he told them to go and have CHILDREN. The second offered the BEST of his lambs. The children were BOYS.

What's happening, children? Too busy preparing for exams, maybe?

C O LLEC TIO N O F PRIZES Please contact Catholic News Office, 2 Highland Rd. #01-03, S 549102 (next to Immaculate Heart) TEL: 6-858-3055, FAX: 6-858-2055 e-mail: cathnews(S).catholic.ora.sa. Monday to Friday: 9.00am-6.00pm ( except lunch: 12.00-2.00pm ) and ask for Auntv Cecilia.

Lessons front the Story of Creation If you remember, in the last issue we were talking about the lesson of sin in the Story of Creation. About doing "DO things" and NOT doing "DON'T DO" things. Well, we want to talk a bit more about this today. We hear a lot about sin, and how we must try to avoid sin so that we don't offend God. This is very true, of course. But we must be a little careful about the way we think about all this. Let's look at how things are between you and Daddy and Mummy. There are surely a lot of things that they tell you to

do and also, NOT to do. Supposing you followed everything they tell you and were very obedient. Would that make them very happy? In a way, they would be very pleased with you, since you always do as you are told. But would that really be enough - just to do as you are told AND NOTHING MORE nor LESS? I don't know what your answer is to this, but I hope your answer is: NO, that's not enough! The next question is: What else is really needed? And I hope your answer is: LOVE!

You see, children, being obedient is a very good thing - don't get me wrong! But it's not quite enough because we can be obedient for all sorts of reasons, and sometimes those reasons are not the best of reasons. For example, you could be very obedient because otherwise, your Daddy or Mummy would punish you, for not doing what they tell you to do. Maybe they won't punish you, but they would nag and grumble so much, that you would rather be obedient than have to listen to all their grumbling and scolding. Well, that's not the best reason to be obedient.

But, when we say that we must LOVE, then that's quite different. Of course, if you love your Mummy and Daddy you would do what they tell you to do. More than that, they wouldn't need to tell you. You would want to do things that will make them happy. That be comes very different. It's the same with God. Of course not offending him is already a first step. But we should be LOVING him with all our heart and all our soul and above all things. We should not be happy with just not committing sin, but we should try our best to do things that would please him.

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T o p Convent. During her 64 years as a Canossian Sister, she served in the missions of England, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore. In fact, in her 40 years of dedicated service in Singapore and Malaysia, she is remembered and loved by many whose lives she touched. Sr. Val was a very good teacher who enjoyed teaching Religious Knowledge, English and commercial subjects. Her past pupils remember vividly her patience and her love, her care and concern for each of them. Besides teaching Italian to our Sisters and novices, she taught the language to priests and lay professionals. In the 1980’s when Archbishop Renato Martino was Apostolic Nuncio to Singapore, she served for a few years in the Nuncio’s office on Waterloo Street. She felt highly honoured to have been able to collaborate in the preparation for Pope John Paul li’s visit to Singapore on Nov. 20, 1986. The Sisters who have lived with her in community especially during the last years of her life were touched by her prayerful ness, her love for them and commitment to community life. After her retirement she led a quiet life, bearing her pain and suffering with serenity and patience. Even in her old age she maintained her passion for life, her sense of humour, her cheerfulness and her honest way of speaking. She had a grateful heart and was deeply appreciative of the acts of kindness she received. Even in the physical weakness she was experiencing, she was good at entertaining people. She would sing her favourite Italian songs for us and take part in the fashion parade together with the residents of St. Joseph's Home to celebrate Senior Citizens’ Week. The favourite character she portrayed was Pinocchio. Sr. Val was able to show her love for God and for others even through singing. She had the knack of applying her favourite Italian love song: “My love is only for you: Jesus (pointing upwards) and you, and you and you..." (while pointing to each one present in the room). Sr. Val was a missionary according to the Heart of Jesus. All her life she sought in faith, joy and trust to do God’s will. Her fervent prayer was for young people to answer God’s call to serve Him and His people in the local Church. Sr. Val was born in Italy and at age 24, joined the Canossian Missionary Novitiate in Vimercate.

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Sr. Cecilia of Christ the King OCD was born in Negri Sembilan in a small Chinese village in Mantin. She was the first from Malaysia to join the Carmelites in Bangkok in July 1936. In 1938, the Sisters from Bangkok arrived in Singapore to found a new monastery at the request of our late Bishop Devals. It was here in 1939 that Sr. Cecilia was professed a Carmelite. Sr. Cecilia was our last foundation stone to leave for the heavenly mansions. She had served our community for more than 64 years. When Sr. Cecilia retired from all the offices, you could still sometimes find her in the cloister holding two brooms and trying to sweep the cloister as much as she could. Most of her retired time was spent in her little garden near the statue of Our Lady of Fatima. Her mango and longan trees are now big and shady, thanks to her green thumb. When Sr. Cecilia was about 80 years old, her memory began to fail and within a year, she was diagnosed with dementia. She was generally in good health. But as dementia took its toll, Sr. Cecilia developed a poor appetite, immobility and pneumonia. She was tube fed for the past few years and bedridden since 2000. On July 22, our community celebrated with much enthusiasm and joy her 90th Birthday! She was the first nun in the history of our monastery to reach this glorious age! Days later, she was admitted to the hospital. She was diagnosed with pneumonia. She was discharged five days later. With gregt consideration and detachment our community decided to put Sr. Cecilia in St. Joseph’s Home, where her needs could be better met. Doctors at the hospital told us to prepare for the worst as Sr. Cecilia was degenerating very quickly. On October 1, the feast of St. Therese of the Child Jesus, we received news from St. Joseph’s Home that Sister was having a very high fever. We went immediately and found Sr. Cecilia to be in quite a serious state. As most of our deceased Sisters preferred to spend their last moments in the community, we decided to bring Sr. Cecilia back to the monastery, where she was welcomed with joy and with prayers. On Oct. 2, our Father General Camilo together with Fr. Charles Serrao, our Definator General, and Provincial Delegate Fr. John Chua paid a visit. Sr. Cecilia received the last rites from Father General in the presence of the two other priests and all the Sisters. At 8.30 am on Oct. 3, Sr. Cecilia passed away peacefully. Father General gave Sr. Cecilia her last blessing.

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TAGALOG MASS FOR ALL SOULS Celebrant: Fr Angel Luciano CICM. Venue: Church o f O ur Lady Star o f the Sea. Date: Sat, Nov 2; 2.30 pm. Enquiries: Bernard (9668-0890).

JOSEPH F. SILVA Departed: Nov 8, 1986 RICKY YEO His smiling way and JEEN HEE pleasant face Are a pleasure to recall; Departed:Nov 6, 1996 The years may wipe He had a kind word out many things, for each But this they’ll And died beloved by all. wipe out never, Some day we hope to The memory of those meet him, happy days Some day, we know Which we had not when, spent together. To clasp his hand in Our thoughts are the better land, always with you, Never to part again. Though our hearts Sadly missed and are sore with pain, remembered by wife, Since your sudden children, in-laws, departure. grandchildren and all loved ones. Forever loved and Mass will be offered remembered by: at the Church of Our beloved wife: Francisca Lady of Perpetual Yeo Mei Lian, Succour, Singapore grateful sons: Joseph on Friday, Nov 8, and Shawn Yeo 2002 at 6.30 am. and loved ones.

Fifth Anniversary In loving memory of MRS JAMES PROSPER FERNANDEZ Departed:Oct 26, 1997 Rest in peace, dear loving mother; Five long years have passed away; You’re gone, but are still living In the hearts of those who stay. Mass for the repose of the soul will be at Church of the Holy Spirit on Oct 27, 2002 at 6.00 pm.

THERESA TAN Departed: Oct 19,1988 In our home she is fondly remembered, Sweet memories cling to her name; Those who loved her in life sincerely, Still love her in death just the same. Sadly missed and always remembered by children, grand children and all loved ones. First Anniversary In loving memory of

Thirteenth Anniversary In loving memory of

Led by Fr Laurence Freem an OSB, a Spiritual D irector o f The W orld C omm unity fo r Christian M editation. Date: Nov 30, 3 pm -9.30 pm & Dec 1, 9.30 am -4.30 pm. Venue: Trinity Theological College, 490 U pper Bt Tim ah Rd. Enquiries: Daulet (6737-6279) daulet@ pacific.net.sg

EVANGELIZATION RALLY 2002 Theme: The Joy o f Living. Date: Nov 30, 7.15 pm -10 pm. Venue: The Rock

Mrs ELAINE PAUL nee KLYNE Departed: Oct 28,1989 The depths of sorrow we cannot tell, Of the loss of one we love so well, And while she sleeps a peaceful sleep. Her memory we shall always keep. Always remembered by loving husband and loved ones.

JEFFREY GOH HIANG HOCK Departed: Oct 29,1997 Rest in peace, dearest beloved husband/dad, five years have passed away All that remains are memories of you. But you will always be in our hearts. Always remembered by wife and daughters. Tiffany and Joanne. Third Anniversary In everloving memory of

VARGHESE LOPEZ Departed: Nov 8, 2001 We cannot forget you CLIFFORD Our loved one so dear; “BUTCH” MARTIN Your memory grows CARDOZA Sweeter year after year. Returned to the Lord Dearly missed by: on Oct 28, 1989 wife: K.T. Lopez "But the souls of the Children: Boniface, righteous are in the Phabiola and Joseph hands of God and no In-laws: James, torment will ever Violet and Elanor touch them.” Grandchildren: Shaun, Sadly missed by Angeline, Elijah, Daphne, children: Stacey and Noah Francisca, Jacinta and and loved ones. Craig, son-in-law: Bill Mass will be Dhaliwal, and grand celebrated at the children: Alyssa and Church of Christ the Kieran. King on Nov 9, ‘May He Rest in Peace’ at 5.30 pm.

WINSLOW OSBORNE LLOYD Departed: Nov 3, 1999 God knows how much we miss him, Never shall his memory fade; Our loving thoughts ever wander, To the spot where he is laid. We love you and will always miss you. 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.

T H E C A T H O L IC

F o r tn ig h tly : S u n . O c t. 2 7 a n d S u n . N o v 3 , 2 0 0 2

F o r all th o s e w h o h a v e n o o n e to p ra y for th e m — w e p ra y to th e L o rd .

IN MEMORIAM First Anniversary In loving memory of

Ninth Anniversary In loving memory of

Third Anniversary In loving memory of

Second A n n iv e rsa ry

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

In loving m em ory of our beloved parents and grandparents

NEW S - 13

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

• A ffo rd a b le a ir-c o n d itio n e d m e m o ria l chapels w ith m icro p h o n e , e le ctro n ic organ & app ro pria te furnishin g & lighting. FRANCIS XAVIER C LIM AX Departed:Oct 26, 2001 God has him in his keeping. We have him in our hearts. Sadly missed and always loved by family. Seventeenth Anniversary In loving memory of our dearest dad/grandpa

MARY L IM 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.

KELVIN JOSHUA LIM TZE EE Called home: October 31, 2000 In m e m o ry o f a m an w h o to u c h e d m an y lives. In m e m o ry o f a m an w h o c o n tin u e s to inspire. In m e m o ry o f a m an w h o w ill a lw a y s b e loved.

Tenth Anniversary In loving memory of

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. Third Anniversary In loving memory of

MR NICHOLAS MRS MARGARET NUNIS NUNIS Departed: Oct 18,1984 Departed: Nov 5,1992

Y o u r p re sen c e is e v e r n e a r us, Y o u r love re m a in s w ith us yet. Y ou w ere the kind o f parents/grandparents, Y o u r lo v ed ones w ill n e v e r forget.

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A lw ays rem em bered by loved ones.

O p e n In lo v in g m em ory o f o u r beloved parents

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CASKET FAIRPRICE DENNIS L IM Departed: Nov 3, 1992 JOSEPH KANG TECK WAH Lord, help us bring Departed: Nov 1, 1985 to mind each day, Seventeen years Past blessings that have passed. you’ve sent our way; We will never forget And may these on the morning of blessings from above, All Saints’ Day when Remind us of your the angels came and faithful love. took you away. Rest in peace, Deeply missed by dear loving father, children, grandchildren Ten long years have and loved ones. passed away; Masses will be You’re gone, but are celebrated at Church of still living in the hearts Christ the King, Ang of those who stay. Mo Kio, on Friday, Always loved and Nov. 1 at 8 pm, remembered by your Saturday, Nov. 2 at beloved family, 5.30 pm and Sunday, Patricia, Darryn Nov. 3 at 11.30 am. and Brendyn.

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

“W e 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 L ord.” - St Ambrose.

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

E ternal rest grant unto them , O L ord, and let your perpetual light shine upon them . M ay they rest in peace. A m en. From : children and grandchildren.

Third Anniversary In loving memory of

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. Dearly cherished and missed by your children and their spouses, your grandchildren, relatives and friends.

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Tenth Anniversary

RAYMOND TAN BOON INN Departed: Oct 31,1999 It has been three year since you left us. We shall fondly cherish the living memories of your love and caring ways. Dearly missed by your loving wife, children and grandchildren.

VINCENT ANTHUAN

Member of the Association of Funeral Directors (Singapore) LUCAS CHIN MIN HONG D eparted: N ov 3, 1996 M y h eart is sore A s tim e goes by, I m iss you m ore. Y our loving sm ile, your gentle face. N o one can fill y our vacant place. A lw ays rem em bered by m other M argaret O ng and fam ily.

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Departed: N ovem ber 2, 1992 Rest in peace, d ear loving father. T en long years have passed aw ay; Y o u 're gone, but are still living In the hearts o f those w ho stay. A lw ays rem em bered and cherished by w ife Pauline, daughter H elen, brothers, sisters, nephew s and nieces.

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Sixth Anniversary In loving m em ory o f

In loving m em ory o f

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

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. Please turn to page 12 for more “In Memoriam” announcements and classified advertisements.

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A M ass will be celebrated at the Cathedral o f the Sacred Heart o f Jesus, Johor Bahru on Saturday, Nov 2, 2002.

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ROLAND CYRIL TAN Departed: Oct 29, 1999 But still the empty chair Reminds us of the face, the smile, Of one who once sat there. Fondly remembered always by your friend, Michael Yeo.

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FA M ILY

Children and Advertising MALAYSIA, Kuala Lumpur (UCAN) A Church-run forum has concluded that the advertising industry in Malaysia needs a regulatory body to control all the many unethical advertisements that target children or use them to sell products. “Children do not possess the necessary skills to evaluate advertising messages,’’ observed Lawrence Chan, a participant. “They are impressionable and imaginative, and their imagination should not be exploited,” he explained at the “Ethics in Advertising” forum, “so there is need to regulate advertising to children.” He suggested that advertising could instead present values such as honesty, justice and friendship. The Cahayasuara Communications Centre of Kuala Lumpur archdiocese organized the event on its own premises. The forum’s goal, Cahayasuara director Lawrence John said, was to help participants become more discerning consumers of media. The gathering reflected views from corporate, public and Church life. Most participants were consumer association representatives, advertising agency personnel and mass communications students. It specifically focused on how Malaysian advertising and regulatory mechanisms regard children and women. According to Chan, the Content Code released by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission in May for public discussion could help address the concerns of all sectors of society, including parents. The self-regulation code, he noted, aims to identify offensive and objectionable material and to control the use of children in advertising. But other forum participants wanted more, says forum moderator M. Nadarajah, a sociologist. He told UCA News that speakers and others called for a totally independent regulatory body with legal clout, such as Britain’s Advertising Standards Authority. This would provide more consumer protection, especially in anticipation of increasing globalization, he explained.

Help for families INDIA, New Delhi. (UCAN) — Catholic psychologists and counselors in India have called on Church workers to equip themselves to offer more effective help to families in crisis amid the country’s changing socio-economic reality. About 70 such Catholic professionals recently discussed “Family in Crisis” and concluded that all priests and Religious should get “some basic training in counseling,” as they often are the first whom people approach in crises. Their meeting, the third in a series organized by the group, was held Sept. 26-28 in Mumbai, western India. Most participants were priests and Religious. Their closing statement asserts that globalization and its resultant consumerism have eroded values in many families at a time when families face “conflict and unresolved issues and even disintegration.” They stressed that interpersonal relations within families and with others outside the family are “vital for the well being of individuals and society.” Therefore, they concluded, mental health professionals should “realize the importance of promoting a culture of reconciliation and forgiveness.” The participants also noted families keep evolving, so family dynamics should be seen in the context of “changes in the systems that interact with the families.” They also urged Catholic educational institutions to serve as channels of change via initiatives that engage parents, staff and students. Their closing statement also says Church institutions should become “places for all round development without undue emphasis on academic excellence,” and affirms that religious exercises such as prayer and Sacraments, together with psychological interventions, “can enhance wholeness and holiness.” The statement, noting that “media as well as other social agencies tend to exaggerate problems,” also asks psychologists and counselors to adopt “a more realistic attitude by approaching problems as challenges” to face. Salesians convened the first gathering two years ago in the southern city of Hyderabad. That meeting decided to convene annual meetings to share resources and expertise among people working in psychology and counseling.

T h e

The Rights of Children

R o s a ry a n d

th e

F a m ily

he Holy Father, in his recent Apostolic Letter writes:

The m eeting o f the Third C om m ittee o f the G eneral A ssem bly o f the United N ations on P rom oting and S afeguarding the Rights o f C hildren w as held on 14 O ctober.

The family:

parents... 41. As a prayer for peace, the Rosary is also, and always has been, a prayer of and for the family. At one time this prayer was particularly dear to Christian families, and it certainly brought them closer together. It is important not to lose this precious inheritance. We need to return to the practice of family prayer and prayer for families, continuing to use the Rosary. In my Apostolic Letter Novo Millennio Ineunte I encouraged the celebration of the Liturgy o f the Hours by the lay faithful in the ordinary life of parish communities and Christian groups;391 now wish to do the same for the Rosary. These two paths of Christian contemplation are not mutually exclusive; they complement one another. I would therefore ask those who devote themselves to the pastoral care of families to recommend heartily the recitation of the Rosary. The family that prays together stays together. The Holy Rosary, by age-old tradition, has shown itself particularly effective as a prayer which brings the family together. Individual family members, in turning their eyes towards Jesus, also regain the ability to look one another in the eye, to communicate, to show solidarity, to forgive one another and to see their covenant of love renewed in the Spirit of God. Many of the problems facing contemporary families, especially in economically developed societies, result from their increasing difficulty in communicating. Families seldom manage to come together, and the rare occasions when they do are often taken up with watching television. To return to the recitation of the family Rosary means filling daily life with very different images, images of the mystery of salvation: the image of the Redeemer, the image of his most Blessed Mother. The family that recites the Rosary together reproduces something of the atmosphere of the household of Nazareth: its members place Jesus at the centre, they share his joys and sorrows, they place their needs and their plans in his hands, they draw from him the hope and the strength to go on. ... and children 42. It is also beautiful and fruitful to entrust to this prayer the growth and development o f children. Does the Rosary not follow the life of Christ, from his conception to his death, and then to his Resurrection and his glory? Parents are finding it ever more difficult to follow the lives of their children as they grow to maturity. In a society of advanced technology, of mass communications and globalization, everything has become hurried, and the cultural distance between generations is growing ever greater. The most diverse messages and the most unpredictable experiences rapidly make their way into the lives of children and adolescents, and parents can become quite anxious about the dangers their children face. At times parents suffer acute disappointment at the failure of their children to resist the seductions of the drug culture, the lure of an unbridled hedonism, the temptation to violence, and the manifold expressions of meaninglessness and despair. To pray the Rosary for children, and even more, with children, training them from their earliest years to experience this daily “pause for prayer" with the family, is admittedly not the solution to every problem, but it is a spiritual aid which should not be underestimated. It could be objected that the Rosary seems hardly suited to the taste of children and young people of today. But perhaps the objection is directed to an impoverished method of praying it. Furthermore, without prejudice to the Rosary’s basic structure, there is nothing to stop children and young people from praying it - either within the family or in groups - with appropriate symbolic and practical aids to understanding and appreciation. Why not try it? With God’s help, a pastoral approach to youth which is positive, impassioned and creative - as shown by the World Youth Days! - is capable of achieving quite remarkable results. If the Rosary is well presented, I am sure that young people will once more surprise adults by the way they make this prayer their own and recite it with the enthusiasm typical of their age group.

Head of the Delegation of the Holy See, Archbishop Renato Martino began his intervention by quoting the words of the Holy Father at the recent World Youth Day in Toronto, Canada. The Pope said: “You are young, and the Pope is old, 82 or 83 years of life is not the same as 22 or 23. But the Pope still fully identifies with your hopes and aspirations. Although I have lived through much darkness, under harsh totalitarian regimes, I have seen enough evidence to be unshakeably convinced that no difficulty, no fear is so great that it can completely suffocate the hope that springs eternal in the hearts of the young. You are our hope, the young are our hope...Do not let that hope die! Stake your lives on it!”1 He then went on to cite the Declaration that resulted from the UN Special Session of the General Assembly on Children, A world fit for children, which addressed the concerns that continue to call attention to the plight of children and young people. Its Declaration states, “We hereby call on all members of society to join us in a global movement that will help build a world fit for children through upholding our commitments to the following principles and objectives: Put children first; Eradicate poverty; Leave no child behind; Care for every child; Educate every child; Protect children from harm and exploitation; Protect children from war; Combat HIV/AIDS; Listen to children and ensure their participation; Protect the earth for children." "The pledge to uphold the commitments of the Special Session on Children, of the Millennium Summit or of any other international agreement is easy to make. What is difficult, what takes time, energy and political will is the carrying out of that pledge; of changing words into actions. This sort of promise, the conversion of words to work may be the most important result of any international meeting. This is the continued pledge of the Holy See. Mr. Chairman, we concentrate our attention on the Reports before us, and we add that information to the other reports, coming from other Committees, that may have an impact on the rights and well-being of children. My Delegation continues to see that this is a world filled with hope and again recalls those words of Pope John Paul II, “No fear is so great that it can completely suffocate the hope that springs eternal in the hearts o f the young.” Mr. Chairman, let this discussion help to remind the Family of Nations that the future of humanity rests upon the shoulders of today’s children and young people. Let us pledge to lighten that burden by continuing to promote and protect their rights and provide them with what they need to enhance their well-being. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.”

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YOUNG CATHOLICS S im o n th e Z e a l o t .... a n d J u d e T h a d d e a u s FATHER MIKE

.. a p o s tle s o f th e L o r d

spea ks Saint Jude is sometimes called Thaddeus,

By FATHER MICHAEL SITARAM Y outh Chaplain o f the S ingapore Archdiocese. T o contact him email:

cathvctr(g)Dacific.net.sa. The Church honours the two apostles Simon and Jude on the same day, 28th October. Very little is known of either of them probably because they are not mentioned often in the Gospels, and also because they travelled far from Jerusalem to teach and preach and died there. I am sharing what I managed to find from various sources on these two apostles. Hope you find it useful. Saint Jude was the brother of Saint James the ‘Lesser’ (called that because he was shorter, not less important). There were several brothers and cousins among the Apostles. Andrew and Simon Peter were brothers, Saint James the Greater and Saint John the Evangelist were brothers, and as I mentioned earlier, Saint Jude and Saint James the Lesser were brothers.

which means “the brave one.” He was the one who asked the Lord a famous question at the Last Supper after Jesus had said:

“Anybody who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I shall love him and show myself to him." After listening to Jesus, St. Jude wanted to know: “Lord, what is all this about? Do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world? Jesus gave him the answer: “If anyone love me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him." (John 14:22-23) The Epistle of Jude which ment, may have been written are against this for a number speaks of the apostles of the

is the shortest book in the New Testa by the Apostle Jude, but modern scholars of reasons one of which is that verse 17 Lord as if they were people in the past -

But remember, my dear friends, what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ told you to expect. ..... " Saint Jude is often, popularly referred to as the patron of desperate causes or the “saint of last resort,” the one you ask for help when everything else fails. A possible reason is that Saint Jude travelled long distances and was often separated from the other Apostles. In the early days of the Church, when most of the members were still alive, it was common practice to ask others to join you in prayer for petitions. Since Saint Jude was often absent, he would not have been asked ‘for prayers’ often, and so was approached as a last resort. Saint Jude preached the Gospel in Judea, Samaria, Syria, and Meso potamia. In 62 AD, he returned to Jerusalem to help with the selection of a bishop for Jerusalem. Just imagine, in just 62 years, or maybe even less, the Church that Jesus Christ began and that the Apostles built and spread with their lives, had grown so large that it needed bishops to help the priests and deacons look after and teach the people. Saint Jude was martyred in Armenia, a country which did not com pletely convert to Christianity for another 250 years. Tradition tells us that he was clubbed possibly until he was uncon scious and his head was then smashed with a broad axe. Sometime after his death, St. Jude’s body was brought to Rome and placed in St. Peter’s Basillica. (The New Testament references you could refer to on Saint Jude are - Matthew 10:3, 13:55; Mark 3:18; 6:3; Luke 6:16; Acts 1:13; Letter of Jude).

As for Saint Simon, he was born in Cana, where Jesus’ first public miracle took place. Some sources say that he was the bridegroom of the miracle.. It was just a little miracle turning water into wine to prevent the embarrassment of newlyweds, but it was important because it was Jesus’ first public miracle, done out of compassion for the newly weds, but also, done in obedience to the request of His blessed mother. Some say that this miracle was the cause of Simon’s becoming a follower of Jesus. Simon was called ‘the Zealot’. The name ‘Zealot’ means someone who is very energetic and dedicated to a cause. Saint Simon loved Jesus and His teachings and was very eager to spread the Good News of Christ’s teachings. He travelled to Persia and was martyred there. The Gospel of Luke tells us that Simon was a ‘Zealot’ (Luke 6:15 and Acts 1:13), which either means that he was a member of a party of Jewish patriots of the time, or refers to the eagerness with which he kept the Jewish law before his calling by Jesus. Modern scholars say the Simon was more likely to have been a Galilean and that “the Cananaean” and “the Zealot” both mean “the zealous.” Information on how Saint Simon died is not very clear. Western tradition claims that he preached in Egypt and then went to Persia with St. Jude, where both suffered martyrdom. According to Eastern tradition, Simon died peacefully at Edessa. (The New Testament references you could refer to are Matthew 10:4; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:15; Acts 1:13). My dear youth, as always there are lessons to be learnt from the lives of saints and in this case apostles too! My hopes and wishes for you on this feast day are That you will be brave like Saint Jude when people make fun of you when you practise your Faith. Jesus came to change our hearts - He asks us to surrender to the will of the Father. Like Saint Simon brush aside your own ideas of how you think that God should act toward you. Instead of trying to control God's hand, learn to accept what God wants for you. Remember, God's ways are always the best!

Soccer cup debuts at Sts. Peter & Paul parish By Adrian Tan

O O T B A L L is a liv e a n d k ic k in g a t

One of the teams which participated at the soccer tournament at St Wilfrid's Sports Complex on Sept 22.

S t s . P e t e r a n d P a u l P a r is h ! T h e S ts . P e te r a n d P a u l S o c c e r

C h a lle n g e C u p m a d e it s d e b u t f o r t h e f i r s t t im e a t S t W ilf r id ’s S p o r t s C o m p le x , n e x t t o t h e C h u r c h o f S t M ic h a e l, on S ep 22, 2002. This 5-a-side tournament was organized by the youth for the parishioners of Ss Peter and Paul. One of the main objectives of the tournament was to bring the old and young people from the parish the love of the game. In order not to make the tournament a dominated event, each team was require^ least one female member. wM So it was a pleasant surprise when some teams came with only one male member! It was ardHMUng tournament and the final round was ^gry th r J flH fith both teams attacking and defe nd ind B b ally Eventually,“The Saints” took the ®||§ilenge Cup from "The Alumni” by a solitary goal and champions! One of the heart-warming things the tournament was the way the parents came together to lend their another and made the day a success. We ca nt wait to witness another round soccer next year!

Carmelite Brother Alan with some of the parents who turned up to support the youths during the tournament.

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F o r t n ig h tly : S u n . O c t. 2 7 a n d S u n . N o v 3 , 2 0 0 2

VATICAN

In Praise of Parish Priests On Friday 18 October 2002, a Press Conference was held to present a new Instruction of the Congregation for the Clergy, entitled "The Priest, Shepherd and Guide of the Parish Community". The Presentation was made by the Prefect of the Congregation, His Eminence Cardinal Darfo Castrillon Hoyos, and the Secretary of the Congregation, His ExcL Msgr.. Csaba TemySk. Presentation of the Prefect Cardinal Castrillon Hoyos pointed out that the present Instruction is to be seen in the dynamic of the various recent documents on the priestly ministry from the Directory of 1994 onwards. All these documents have, of course, reference to the Document of Vatican II, "The Order of Presbyters", and the post-synodal Exhortation : "I will give you Shepherds." The principal focus of the new Instruction is to highlight to the community and to the clergy, the specific role of the priest who has charge of the Parish Community - the role of Shepherd and Sacramental Leader who animates and leads his flock to Christ. It is to be noted that this is a special Instruction which is specifically focussed on the Parish Priest and those who assist him in the parish. In the parish, the Parish Priest is the presence of the historical Jesus to his people. Therefore, the need for him, above everything else, to be the personification of Christ himself, acting in the person of Christ, the Head. The Parish Priest has to be a "specialist" of "the sense o f the Churchâ&#x20AC;?. He must be a man of "communion" commmunion with the particular Church and the Universal Church. He has to be a model of fidelity to

the Magisterium of the Church and be truly a "father" to the community and to every single member. He is consecrated "full-time" and must manifest paternal dedication to the whole parish family. He must be preoccupied, above all, with the spread of the Reign of Christ - of the eternal salvation of souls. He must be as St John Bosco affirms: "a priest at the Altar, a priest in the confessional, a priest in the school, a priest in the street." He has to be recognized as "priest" by his very mode of "being" - through his actions, through his speech, his style of life, and even the way he presents himself externally. He has to be totally "consecrated". He is not exercising a "profession" as a priest, he "IS" a priest. He is the one whom all the faithful will encounter throughout their lives, at every stage from birth till death through the sacraments, in every facet of their lives - in the home, at the workplace, in the midst of their recreation. He is, for them, the instrument of the merciful love of the Lord. The presence of the Parish Priest is an inesteemable asset of the Church. Nothing can really be an adequate substitute for him. In situations of scarcity of priests, other dispositions can be made, but they can never replace the Parish Priest. He is not just a "co-ordinator" or "animator", but he is the "shepherd", the "pastor" and no one else can legitimately assume such a title. He makes the fatherhood of the Bishop a reality in the portion of the flock entrusted to him. There may well be members of the faithful who are more capable and more dynamic than the priest who is their shepherd, but the Body of the Church has a backbone which is not just "managerial" in function but mystico-sacramental.

Let this be an opportunity for us to express to the Parish Priests of the world our affection and admiration for their work in the building up of the Kingdom. Presentation of the Secretary The presentation of the Secretary of the Congregation, His Esc. Msgr. Csaba Ternyak, focussed on the technical details of the instruction and its content. From the doctrinal point of view, the Instruction emphasizes the distinction between the Baptismal priesthood (common priesthood) of all the faithful and the "ministerial or ordained priesthood". It is obvious from the text that it emphasizes the role of "sacramental guide" of the Parish Priest. There is no intention, however, to minimize or undervalue the active and positive role of the lay faithful within the parish community. On the contrary, their role will be even clearer if the identity of the sacramental priesthood is resplendent and the laity's role is exercised within his specific pastoral ministry. Finally, Msgr. Csaba Ternyak remarked that the presentation of the document was an act of homage to the innumerable Parish Priests who quietly and faithfully live out their ministry, amidst diffifulties, misunderstandings and humiliations. The Sacred Congregation wishes to extol as much as possible all the priests engaged in the care of souls and encourage them to be icons of the Good Shepherd for the people to whom obedience has sent them. As the Gospel has taught, there is more joy in giving than receiving, we wish all Parish Priests and their brother priest collaborators, this profound joy! Editor's Note -

This is NOT the document itself, but the gist of the presentations of the document that were given in Italian at the Press Conference on Friday 18 October. At the date of going to publication of this issue of the Catholic News, the offical text of the document itself was not yet available.

P o p e 's

D a y C e le b r a tio n

His Excellency the Apostolic Nuncio to Singapore, Archbishop Adriano Bernardino was in Singapore to celebrate Pope's Day at the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd on Sunday 13 October. Concelebrating with him at the Mass were His Grace Archbishop Nicholas Chia, The Secretary of the Nunciature, Vicar General Msgr. Vaz, Msgr Lau and a few other priests. His Excellency the Nuncio also took the opportunity of his visit to meet with Asean students studying in Singapore at SSTC Education Centre under the sponsorship of the Vatican. This is part of the Singapore Co-operation Programme mounted by Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, under its Singapore-Vatican Third Country Programme. This co-operation with the Government of Singapore has been ongoing for several years and represents the Vatican's commitment to the advancement of developing countries of the Asean region.

A Diocesan Vocal Ion Road Show Venue : Church of Immaculate Heart of Mary D a te : 2 ÂŤ th & 27Hi O ctober 2 0 0 2 Times: 6:15pm (Sunset Mass) 7am, 8:30am, 10:45am, 6:15pm

diocesan riesthood

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His Exc. the Nuncio (centre), with the group of his students

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