JANUARY 10 2016, Vol 66, No 01

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VOL 66

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People hold a banner and signs in Atlanta, USA, calling for the abolishment of the death penalty in 2011. Pope Francis urged governments to consider alternatives such as amnesty or pardon.

Catholics visit synagogue Learn about Jewish faith, culture „ Page 2

Understanding Mass symbols Altar servers deepen knowledge at day of recollection „ Page 4

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In Peace Day message, pope focuses on the death penalty VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis

has called for among other issues, abolishing the death penalty worldwide, lifting the burden of debt on poor nations, and global aid policies that respect life. He urged individuals, communities and nations to not let indifference, information overload or pessimism discourage them from concrete efforts “to improve the world around us, beginning with our families, neighbours and places of employment.� Building peace, he said, is not accomplished by words alone, but through the grace of God, a conversion of heart, an attitude of compassion and the courage to act against despair. Part of building that peace in the world, he said, is addressing the urgent problem of improving the living conditions of prisoners, especially those still awaiting trial. Since rehabilitation should be the aim of penal sanctions, effective alternatives to incarceration should be considered as well as the abolition of the death penalty. The pope asked government au-

thorities to consider “the possibil- the “fundamental and inalienable ity of an amnestyâ€? or pardon. right to life of the unborn.â€? The pope’s multifaceted plea All nations’ leaders should came in his message for World also take concrete measures in alPeace Day on Jan 1. The annual leviating the problem of a lack of message, which was delivered to housing, land and employment, the world leaders by Vatican ambas- pope wrote, as well as stop discrimsadors, was released at the Vatican ination against women in the worklast year on Dec 15. place, which include The message, 7KH SRSH DVNHG unfair wages and pretitled Overcome Incarious or dangerous JRYHUQPHQW difference and Win working conditions. Peace, contained a The pope’s mesDXWKRULWLHV WR three-fold appeal to sage also warned FRQVLGHU the world’s leaders. against the dangers The pope asked ÂľWKH SRVVLELOLW\ of cynicism and inthat countries “reagainst RI DQ DPQHVW\Âś difference frain from drawing God, neighbour and RU SDUGRQ other peoples into creation. FRQĂ€LFWV RI ZDUV ´ “Disregard and which not only destroy a nation’s the denial of God,â€? he said, “have infrastructure and cultural herit- produced untold cruelty and vioage, but also their “moral and lence.â€? And the exploitation of spiritual integrityâ€?; forgive or natural resources and mistreatmake less burdensome interna- ment of animals have an effect “on tional debt of poorer nations; and the way we treat other people.â€? “adopt policies of cooperation “With the present Jubilee of which, instead of bowing before Mercy, I want to invite the Church the dictatorship of certain ideolo- to pray and work so that every gies, will respect the values of the Christian will have a humble and local populationsâ€? and not harm compassionate heartâ€? and that all

people will learn “to forgive and to give,â€? he said in his message. God is never indifferent to the world, he said. He not only sees, hears and knows, He “comes down and deliversâ€? real healing and eternal teachings. The credibility of the Church and its members rests on their willingness to live and act with the same tireless mercy God has for the world, the pope said. “We, too, then are called to make compassion, love, mercy and solidarity a true way of life, a rule of conduct in our relationships with one another,â€? he said. Since these attitudes of compassion and solidarity are often handed down from person to person, the pope emphasised the importance of families and teachers in showing what love, respect, dialogue, generosity, charity and faith mean. „ CNS )RU WKH IXOO WH[W RI WKH SRSHÂśV :RUOG 3HDFH 'D\ PHVVDJH YLVLW KWWS Z YDWLFDQ YD FRQWHQW IUDQFHVFR HQ PHVVDJHV SHDFH GRFXPHQWV SDSD IUDQFHVFRB BPHVVDJJLR [OL[ JLRUQDWD PRQGLDOH SDFH KWPO

ASIA 1st Catholic university in Vietnam Scheduled to open in May „ Page 7

Mother Teresa’s canonisation Hindus, Muslims hail Church’s decision „ Page 8

POPE FRANCIS ‘Only God’s mercy can free humanity from evil’ Pope says at Christmas celebrations „ Page 10

FAITH ALIVE! Looking back, looking forward Resolutions for 2016 „ Page 13

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Sunday January 10, 2016 CatholicNews

Catholics visit synagogue, learn about Jewish faith and culture By Jared Ng What is a typical prayer or worship session like for Jews? What are some of the common traditions shared by Christians and Jews? These were some of the questions posed to Chief Rabbi Mordechai Abergel during a visit by Catholics to the Maghain Aboth Synagogue at Waterloo Street on Dec 20. Fifty-four participants visited the synagogue. The visit was to help Catholics better appreciate interreligious dialogue as well as promote mutual respect and friendship with people of other faiths. This was the third visit to the synagogue organised by the Archdiocesan Catholic Council for Interreligious Dialogue (ACCIRD). Previous visits took place in 2013 and March 2015. “We pray three times a day,” said Rabbi Abergel. These are the morning (Shakarit), afternoon (Mincha) and night (Arvit) prayers. “A manual of life” for the Jewish people, also known as the Torah – hand-written scrolls that consists RI WKH ¿UVW ¿YH ERRNV RI 0RVHV ± are used during the prayers. Rabbi Abergel also noted that most of the 613 Jewish “com-

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mandments have to do with physical things”. “Its about the food you eat, the things you do.. the way you get dressed in the morning,” he said.

On the commonality between Judaism and Christianity, Rabbi Abergel shared: “Charity is one of the main traditions that we have in common. We conceive of doing

We learnt about the core tenets ‘ of the Jewish faith, and a little bit about its rich history and culture.’

– Ms Marissa Low

good not only for ourselves but for others. “There is also a commonality in the festivals although it is celebrated very differently.” One participant asked the rabbi about his perception of other religions. “What has shaped my perspective on religion is interaction with other faiths... Singapore is a place where this

happens more often that not,” he replied. After the dialogue, participants were given a brief tour of the synagogue where Rabbi Abergel explained the various symbols on the curtains that were covering the Torah. They then visited the Kosher FRQ¿UPLQJ WR -HZLVK GLHWDU\ laws) shop in the neighbouring Jacob Ballas Centre. Participants felt that the visit helped them better understand the Jewish faith. Ms Kathleen Lim, 31, a parishioner from the Church of St Mary of the Angels, said that the visit “was very insightful, it showed me a lot of the commonalities that we have, such as the same understanding of purgatory... and also the similar perception of suffering.” Ms Marissa Loo, 24, a parishioner from the Church of Our Lady Star of the Sea, shared that the experience “was eye-opening... we learnt about the core tenets of the Jewish faith, and a little bit about its rich history and culture. At the end of it, it builds goodwill.” The ACCIRD Facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/ archCCIDsingapore jared.ng@catholic.org.sg

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Sunday January 10, 2016 „ CatholicNews

Archbishop William Goh and representatives of various faiths pose for a photo in the Church of St Teresa on Dec 28.

Religious representatives enjoying themselves during the table games. From left: Deacon Clement Chen (Catholic), Mr P Sivaraman (Hindu), Mr Kuek Yi Hsing (Baha’i) and Ustaz Muhammad Fazalee Jaafar (Muslim).

Joy, camaraderie at interfaith Christmas gathering By Jared Ng Representatives of different faiths were all smiles as they worked together to solve an interreligious quiz as part of a table game that took place during the Archdiocesan Interreligious Christmas celebration. Other table games included spotting the difference between two pictures and solving a puzzle. The annual celebration, held on Dec 28, was organised by the Archdiocesan Catholic Council for Interreligious Dialogue (ACCIRD). It was the fourth such event. About 100 people gathered for

the celebration at the Church of St Teresa. In his welcome address, Archbishop William Goh explained to the religious representatives the VLJQLÂżFDQFH RI &KULVWPDV “Christmas is a celebration of our humanity... it was when the baby boy was born and for us, He is Christ and the light of our humanity.â€? However, Archbishop Goh noted that the true essence of Christmas has been lost in the secular world. On how interreligious dialogue can be involved in the celebration of Christmas, he shared that although the different religions celebrate dif-

ferent festivals, “one thing we have in common is our humanity.â€? “We are all brothers and sisters working for peace, harmony and unity.â€? 0VJU 3KLOLS +HQJ WKHQ VKDUHG EULHĂ€\ DERXW WKH &KXUFKÂśV KLVWRU\ in Singapore as well as that of the Church of St Teresa.

The way people mix ‘ here, it doesn’t matter if we do not know about the different faiths. We come and we share.

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– Mr P Sivaraman, a Hindu

A choir from the parish then entertained those gathered with carols such as Silent Night and -R\ WR WKH :RUOG The evening ended with a dinner where the various religious representatives chatted among themselves and played table games. Some of them shared their thoughts on the celebration with CatholicNews. 9HQHUDEOH 6KL <RX *XDQJ 6SLULWXDO $GYLVRU RI WKH 3XDW -LW Buddhist Temple, said that the interreligious Christmas celebration provides “a bridge between different faiths.â€? Âł,W DOVR KHOSV XV WR UHĂ€HFW RQ

our own religion and tradition,� he added. Master Chung Kwang Tong, Secretary-General of the Taoist )HGHUDWLRQ <RXWK *URXS FRQcurred with Venerable Shi. “Alot of the younger people now see festivals as a time to gather and party,� he said. 0U 3 6LYDUDPDQ &KDLUPDQ RI the Board of Trustees of the Sri Krishnan Temple, found the event “very enjoyable and relaxing.� “The way people mix here, it doesn’t matter if we do not know about the different faiths. We come and we share,� he said. „ jared.ng@catholic.org.sg

Retreat brings together students from different unis By Celine Ong They could have been out enjoying the Christmas lights and festivities. Instead, 200 young people chose to spend four days in the Combined University Retreat (CUR), to prepare their hearts to receive Christ. The retreat, organised by the 2IÂżFH IRU <RXQJ 3HRSOH 2<3 aimed to help university students have a deep encounter with the Lord, to journey with one another, and foster an understanding of a Catholic Church which transcends institutional allegiances. ,W ZDV KHOG DW WKH 2IÂżFH IRU <RXQJ 3HRSOH DW /RURQJ /RZ Koon from Dec 18-21. This is the second time that the CUR has been organised. It saw an increase in numbers and also the return of previous participants to serve as facilitators and in logistics, hospitality, music and intercession.

They served alongside young working adults who are also part RI WKH 2<3 FRPPXQLWLHV The retreat was themed Emmanuel, My Lord and My God, and the programme was also Advent-themed. Students from eight universities in Singapore (NUS, SMU, 178 687' <DOH 186 -&8 SIT, SIM) attended the retreat, so too were Singaporeans studying abroad. 3DUWLFLSDQWV VSHQW D ODUJH SDUW of the retreat in front of the Blessed Sacrament, where they interceded for one another. They also went for confession. Each day, the students listened to talks by priests and laypeople, and shared their faith. The sessions helped them to ponder deeply the Advent season and what it meant to prepare the way for the coming of Christ in their hearts. Mr Mark Boudville, a third-

The service team interceding for the retreat in front of the Blessed Sacrament. Photos: MATTHEW NG and SHAWN WEE

year student at the University of Queensland, said he was touched by the power of one such session, “I received a sense of what God has to say from the people interceding for me, and I felt a sense of calmness and reassurance knowing that God is really present,â€? he said. Second-year NUS student .ULVWLQ /RZ WHVWLÂżHG WKDW *RG “surprised me in a lot of ways‌ I had a lot of questions but somehow in different ways, He answered all my questions and it’s amazing how everything falls into place.â€?

Participants take time to pray together and for one another.

First-year University of Auckland student, Elisha Chye, said: “It’s very different being in a for-

eign country – their value system is just very different‌ and I think it’s really hard to live out your Catholic values when you don’t even have a community to fall back on. “Coming here I feel like I’ve found that and I’m just really grateful that everyone’s been so welcoming.â€? If you are a university student wishing to be connected to a Catholic community, contact WKH 2IÂżFH IRU <RXQJ 3HRSOH DW oyp.info@catholic.org.sg or visit 2<3ÂśV ZHEVLWH RU )DFHERRN SDJH „

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Sunday January 10, 2016 „ CatholicNews

Altar servers learn about Mass symbols and signs

Fr Ignatius Yeo speaking to senior altar servers from City District churches during their day of recollection on Dec 19, 2015.

Senior altar servers from City District churches learnt more about the liturgical signs and symbols of the Mass during a recent day of recollection. Forty-two of them gathered for the event, organised by the Archdiocesan Liturgy Commission, at St Joseph’s Church, Victoria St, on Dec 19, 2015. Fr Ignatius Yeo, commission chairman and rector of the church, highlighted the distinction between a sign and a symbol, commonly perceived to be synonymous in the world today. +H H[SODLQHG WKH VLJQLÂżFDQFH RI the various signs and symbols of the Church, which include liturgical vessels, vestures and church architecture. To ensure that the participants have internalised the knowledge, he asked them to put together a presentation to explain the meanings of the various liturgical signs and symbols to their junior members. This “prepares them to be able to provide basic liturgical training to the junior altar serversâ€?, he commented. Earlier in the day, Fr Ignatius explained the theology of the Liturgy of the Hours, which is the prayer of the Church. When RQH SUD\V WKH 'LYLQH 2IÂżFH RQH “prays with the heart and mind

of the Church and of her Divine Saviour – Jesus Christ�, he said. Mr Michael Feng, master of ceremonies of the Latin Mass Community, also gave an introduction to Gregorian chant and taught participants one basic psalm tone to chant the psalms RI WKH 'LYLQH 2I¿FH 7KH SDUticipants then proceeded to pray Terce (mid-morning prayer). The servers also gathered for a Holy Hour with the exposition and benediction of the Blessed Sacrament led by Carmelite Fr Jeffrey Tan. In his sermon, he stressed that there cannot be a dichotomy between what the servers do at the sanctuary and the lives they lead outside it. Servers should always uphold their Christian values in their daily lives, he said. The day of recollection ended with a Mass served by all the altar servers present. Mr Antonio Franco, head server of St Joseph’s Church, shared that he was very delighted with at the day of recollection especially as it allowed him to network with servers from other parishes. He hopes that this will be an annual event that all servers of the district can look forward to. „

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Sunday January 10, 2016 „ CatholicNews

Philippine typhoon survivors denounce Paris climate deal

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MANILA – Climate activists and

typhoon survivors in the Philippines have denounced the Paris climate agreement during a protest in Manila in December last year. “We cannot accept this deal, which will submit us to more death and destruction,â€? said Mr Gerry Arances, coordinator of the Philippine Movement for Climate Justice. He said people were expecting “stronger and more binding measuresâ€? to address the issue of reparations for communities vulnerable to climate-related disasters. The group of survivors from Super Typhoon Haiyan, which killed about 7,500 people in the central Philippines and displaced thousands more, also criticised the Philippine government’s statement welcoming the climate deal on behalf of survivors. Mr Emmanuel de Guzman, a member of the government’s Climate Change Commission, deVFULEHG WKH 3DULV GHDO DV ÂłD VLJQLÂżcant stride forward.â€? 7KH RIÂżFLDO DOVR SUDLVHG WKH inclusion of a “loss and damagesâ€? clause in the deal and the inclusion of “human rights as its bedrock principle.â€? Residents of Haiyan-affected communities, however, said the government made a mistake in accepting the agreement. “Those were not our demands,â€? said Mr Pascualito Ilagan of Eastern Visayas. Mr Ilagan said that while the

A woman prays during a Mass in China. Many ‘underground’ Catholics were allowed to celebrate the Jubilee Year of Mercy without police intervention.

Environmental activists hold up a poster calling for climate justice in Manila on Nov 29, 2015. The Paris climate deal left many activists and typhoons survivors in the Philippines unhappy. CNS photo

deal had references to loss and damages, it also absolved top polluting countries of any responsibility or accountability in climate change-related disasters. “While we have welcomed and accepted aid for victims of disasters, those who were truly behind the continuing destruction of the climate got away without having to pay us reparations,â€? he said. He said the enforcement of “nobuild zonesâ€? displaced communities residing in coastal areas but allowed the business sector to build. “Who are they to claim that they represent us when they have DOORZHG FRPSDQLHV WR SURÂżW IURP our misery?â€? he said. Mr Arances said the Haiyan experience has been used as a

stepping stone for many politicians, including those in Paris, “to forward their own agenda.â€? “The victims of disaster are at the losing end,â€? he said. “In the climate talks, it is clear how the United States and the European Union, along with other top polluting industrialised countries have railroaded their agenda for them to continue business as usual.â€? While there have been many references to vulnerable peoples in the climate talks, Mr Arances VDLG WKH GHDO ZLOO EH LQVXIÂżFLHQW LQ averting future disasters because countries have committed to far less than the desired target of preventing global temperatures rising by more than 1.5 degrees Celsius. „ UCANEWS.COM

Love, compassion key to interfaith harmony, says Myanmar cardinal MONHLA, MYANMAR – Thousands

of Myanmar Catholics gathered on Dec 16, 2015, to celebrate Cardinal Charles Maung Bo of Yangon’s 25th anniversary as bishop. The ceremony took place in the cardinal’s home village of Monhla. Cardinal Bo, Myanmar’s ÂżUVW FDUGLQDO FRQFHOHEUDWHG 0DVV at St Michael’s Church with 13 bishops and priests from Myanmar’s 16 dioceses. The cardinal urged Catholics to show love and compassion to their neighbours and to seek peaceful coexistence among the country’s different religions and races. He noted that the hallmark of life in his home village was the centuries of interfaith harmony between Buddhist and Catholic residents. “We must act against the attitudes of one race, one religion and one language in Myanmar,â€? Cardinal Bo said during his homily. People have experienced hope for the country following last year’s Nov 8 general elections that voted for the Aung San Suu Kyi-led National League for Democracy party. But the outspoken cardinal cautioned that freedom of expression

amid newfound freedom should not be a precursor to attack others. Ms Catherine Htu Nan from Tanai township in Kachin State joined the celebration with 270 ethnic Kachins from Myitkyina Diocese. ³, SUD\ IRU WKH HQG RI ¿JKWLQJ in Kachin and for peace so that displaced people will have a safe return to their respective homes. I wanted to hear Cardinal Bo speak out about peace for our state,� said Ms Htun 1DQ D PRWKHU RI ¿YH 6SRUDGLF ¿JKWLQJ in Kachin state since D FHDVH¿UH DJUHHment has displaced more than 100,000 Kachins who have taken temporary shelter in church-run camps.

Cardinal Bo, born in Monhla on Oct 29, 1948, was ordained a priest for the Salesians of Don Bosco in 1976, and ordained bishop of Lashio on Dec 16, 1990. In 1996, he was transferred to Pathein diocese and in 2003 installed as Yangon archbishop. He ZDV PDGH 0\DQPDUœV ¿UVW FDUGLnal on Feb 14, 2015. „ UCANEWS.COM

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– Cardinal Charles Maung Bo of Yangon

CNS Photo

Chinese Catholics celebrate Year of Mercy, call it a ‘miracle’ CHINA – About 10,000 Chinese faithful from the cities of Zhengding, Lingshou, Beijing, and Baoding gathered outside the cathedral in Zhengding on Dec 13, 2015, to celebrate the beginning of the Jubilee Year of Mercy and opening of the Holy Door. Catholics from the underground community labelled the event a “miracle.� The police, who are always present in front of the church, did nothing to prevent the event and no arrests were made. Perhaps an even greater “miracle� was the fact that, Msgr Julius Jia Zhiguo, who is not recognised by the Chinese government, led the liturgy, which lasted about four hours. Msgr Jia has been under house arrest for years for refusing to join the Chinese Patriotic

Catholic Association (CPCA), and for remaining loyal to the pope. The CPCA is a communist party agency whose aim is to establish a Catholic Church independent from the pope. A procession followed by a series of readings from the Misericordiae Vultus, Pope Francis’ Bull of Indiction of the Jubilee of Mercy, preceded the solemn opening of the Holy Door. “It is amazing,� said a nun, “that so many people could gather for so long and no one was arrested.� For years, the Chinese government has been trying to eliminate unregistered underground Catholic communities. Priests who are involved and caught in underground services are often imprisoned. „ ASIANEWS

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Sunday January 10, 2016 „ CatholicNews

Philippine parish hosts wedding for poor couples CNS photo

Couples receive Communion during a mass wedding for the poor at St Alphonsus Mary de Liguori Church in Makati City, Philippines on Dec 19. MAKATI CITY, PHILIPPINES – The

heavy downpour outside St Alphonsus Mary de Liguori Church was a stark contrast to the brightly lit arc-shaped interior of the church, where 13 brides in chiffon and lace and grooms in traditional 3KLOLSSLQH SLQHDSSOH VLON ÂżOHG GRZQ D Ă€RZHU EHGHFNHG DLVOH Msgr Claro “Mattâ€? Garcia, parish priest of St Alphonsus in Makati City, Philippines, told Catholic News Service the couples came from the ranks of personal drivers, cooks and gardeners. The couples, who never married in the Church because of the cost, had their chance on Dec 19, when St Alphonsus hosted a mass wedding. Wedding “godparentsâ€? from WKH FKXUFKÂśV DIĂ€XHQW QHLJKERXUhood helped pay for the couple’s RXWÂżWV DQG RWKHU FRVWV 7KH FKXUFK which ordinarily receives an average donation of US$575 (S$808) per wedding – almost triple the average driver’s monthly salary – took care of everything else, including a reception at the parish hall. “I told the Family and Life Ministry, ‘Wouldn’t it be nice to have a mass wedding for the

poor?’� said Msgr Garcia. Msgr Garcia introduced the project as part of the Philippine bishops’ designation of the Year of the Poor in the past liturgical year, which ended on Dec 7. Ms Lei Bihag, a stay-at-home mom, and Mr Vincent Bihag, a cook, have three children. Ms Lei said she was excited to be walking down the aisle with her long-time partner. They had been together for nine years before they had a civil wedding in 2013. “It’s different when there is a blessing in the church, with a priest,� Ms Lei said. Ms Abegail Jimenez, 27 said her baptism records at her home parish had the wrong name on them, and so she had to be baptised before her wedding. She and her husband Jay Jimenez, 36, said they jumped at the chance to participate in the mass wedding when it was offered. “It was a huge help because we have four children,� Mr Jimenez said. “Of course we can’t afford this kind of expense because of our small salaries... and it’s better because it’s a marriage before God.� „ CNS

Govt reassures India’s Christians NEW DELHI, INDIA – India’s gov-

ernment has assured the country’s Christian community of justice and protection against persecution. “We have always been with the Christian community and will always remain with them. There should be no confusion regarding this,� said Mr Rajnath Singh, federal home minister, and second-incommand to India’s prime minister. Mr Singh was speaking at a Christmas dinner organised by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) in New Delhi on Dec 17. Speaking about recent church attacks in the national capital, he said the incidents could be a conspiracy or a coincidence. “All the attacks happened just before the Delhi assembly elections and now they have suddenly stopped. I am not able to understand this,� he said. Church attacks began with the

burning of St Sebastian Church in New Delhi on Nov 30, 2014, followed by a two-months series of incidents of vandalism and possible arson. Since the ruling pro-Hindu Bharatiya Janata Party assumed power in May 2014, the party has been accused of ignoring India’s minority communities. Christian leaders have blamed these attacks on religious hardliners, who operate with the tacit approval of the government. Cardinal Baselios Cleemis Thottunkal of Trivandrum, CBCI president, who was also present at the dinner, said that despite religious and cultural tensions in India “there is a common ground on which human society can build its dreams and aspirations, and that is love.� But he also called on the government to take “all efforts to keep its citizens in peace and tranquillity.� „ UCANEWS.COM

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Sunday January 10, 2016 CatholicNews

group provides Preparations under Interfaith Christmas meals way for 1st Catholic to Myanmar’s poor university in Vietnam MANDALAY, MYANMAR – For the

HO CHI MINH CITY – The doors of

9LHWQDP¶V ¿UVW &DWKROLF XQLYHUVLW\ under communist rule could open as soon as May. Archbishop Paul Bui Van Doc of Ho Chi Minh City told ucanews.com that the government recently granted permission for the institution in the city. “The relationship between the Vatican and the Vietnam government is becoming better and better, so we asked and they accepted,” he said. Approximately 100 students will begin studying philosophy and theology this year in a few rooms allotted in the bishops’ conference headquarters located in Ho Chi Minh City. “After that, in the future, maybe a lot,” he said. “It’s possible a thousand or more than a thousand” students will eventually join the university, predicted Archbishop Doc, who said the school would eventually offer a diverse course load. The Vatican Insider reported that the school will offer bachelor’s degrees, licences and doctorates and will eventually offer courses in psychology, sciences, and canon law, among others, and that the university’s structure and statutes had also received approval from both the government and Vatican. While the Catholic Church operated schools from kindergarten through to university level before 1975, it has had little freedom in the education sector since the advent of communism.

Newly baptised Catholics at a church in Hoa Binh, Vietnam. The country FRXOG KDYH LWV ¿UVW &DWKROLF XQLYHUVLW\ XQGHU FRPPXQLVW UXOH DV HDUO\ DV May. CNS photo

When the Communists came to power in the North, nearly a PLOOLRQ &DWKROLFV ÀHG VRXWK ZKHUH the Catholic president allowed &KULVWLDQLW\ WR ÀRXULVK After the fall of Saigon, however, such freedoms came to a crashing halt. As with other religions, FKXUFK SURSHUWLHV ZHUH FRQ¿VFDWHG

The school will offer bachelor’s degrees, licences and doctorates and will eventually offer courses in psychology, sciences and canon law, among others.

and their powers severely curtailed. Since the 1990s, however, the government has become more tolerant. Nuns have successfully set up kindergartens across Vietnam and wealthy individuals have opened private Catholic schools in Ho Chi Minh City – although the Church still does not operate any itself. 7KH XQLYHUVLW\ LV D PDMRU ¿UVW step to regaining control of such institutions, Archbishop Doc said. Such loosening of educational restrictions is virtually unheard of under communist regimes. Across Asia, universities have been immediately and permanently taken over by the government or closed in the wake of communist takeovers. UCANEWS.COM

poor children and families from the Irrawaddy riverside in Mandalay, where people live in temporary tents, one good meal is a special Christmas gift. An interfaith group of women comprised of Catholics, Buddhists, Muslims and Hindus reached out to Mandalay’s poor on Dec 20, 2015, to provide meals as a way of conveying the Christmas message of joy. ³:H ¿QG -HVXV DPRQJ WKH poor… so we show the simplicity and joy to the people. We need to get out and smell the sheep that Pope Francis said,” Irish Columban Sr Kathleen Geaney, the group’s founder, told ucanews. com. Sr Geaney said the simple meal of rice and curry can go a long way to help the people, especially children, many of whom are malnourished. Meals are provided on special occasions like Christmas and Easter, she said. However, the group distributes about 400 eggs each week among needy families. Ms Cynthia Yin Yin Ohn, a Catholic housewife and member of the group, said they spent about US$230 (S$320) to offer meals to poor children, mothers and Buddhist monks. “The people from the riverside don’t have good food every day so we arrange a feeding programme for them. We want to share the joy with the poor especially during Christmas,” she told ucanews.com. Thousands of people live illegally along the Irrawaddy River bank; the majority earn their living as labourers or by carrying goods from ships. Ms Khin Myo Win, 43, who earns a living by washing clothes

along the riverbank, said “Our work is along the riverside so we can’t move to the other areas where there are no jobs opportunities...we have been living here for 35 years.” Ms Myo Win is a mother of seven. Mr Ashin Tayzawintha, head of the Pe Bin monastery near the riverside, said many of the labourers are having their jobs replaced by machines. CNS photo

A boy takes a bath in a creek in Myanmar. Meals provided by an interfaith group are helping the poor who live along the Irrawaddy river.

The monks do what they can to assist the families, often providing school supplies and tuition assistance, he said. “The monks alone can’t tackle WKH GLI¿FXOW\ RI WKHVH SRRU SHRSOH The interfaith women’s group has tried to boost the monastery’s work, also providing assistance with school supplies and tuition and some medical assistance, Sr Geaney said. UCANEWS.COM

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Sunday January 10, 2016 CatholicNews &16 SKRWR

Caritas appeals for help for typhoon victims MANILA – The Catholic Church’s social action arm in the Philippines appealed for funds to continue providing aid to thousands of people displaced by Typhoon Melor, which hit the country in December. Archbishop Rolando Tirona of Caceres, director of Caritas Philippines, said ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts are starting to take a toll on the resources of the Church’s aid agency. He said that due to the series of disasters that hit the country, Caritas is “running short of resources” even with the help of the US bishops’ social arm, Catholic Relief Services.

“It is for this reason that we appeal for your support in terms of fund assistance to the dioceses affected by typhoon [Melor],” the archbishop said. Caritas’ emergency and rehabilitation efforts since typhoon Haiyan hit the central Philippines in 2013 have been largely dependent on foreign aid. Archbishop Tirona appealed to Christian communities “to share in this mission of love and solidarity, especially for the needy and the most vulnerable”. “Surely, the Philippine Catholic Church can do more to serve the poor and the needy,” added Archbishop Tirona. The Philippine government’s

Priests warned against doing politicians favours MANILA – Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of Manila has warned priests in his archdiocese to avoid giving favours to politicians during the 2016 Philippine election season. In a statement obtained by ucanews.com on Dec 22, Cardinal 7DJOH ˪WROG SULHVWV QRW WR DFFHSW LQvitations to celebrate Mass at political events. The cardinal said the Eucharist is a source and sign of unity and its celebration should not be seen as “favouring or endorsing particular political candidates, organisations or parties”. Cardinal Tagle also reminded lay ministers running for public RI¿FH WR WDNH OHDYH IURP WKHLU PLQLVWU\ DIWHU ¿OLQJ WKHLU FDQGLdacy in next year’s national elections. +H HQFRXUDJHG SULHVWV ˪WR EH more discerning in seeking assistance or favours from candi-

dates and politicians “so as not to endanger the integrity of the Church’s teachings and moral stance”. He urged priests to avoid appearing in public during political events although he did not discourage politicians and candidates from seeking spiritual counsel from the clergy in “utmost privacy”. “Let us take the opportunity to make this election season a time for unity and integrity,” Cardinal Tagle said. “Let us help our people make discerned decisions through education and prayer so that we could all help in moving our country toward good governance, human development and lasting peace.” The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines has repeatHGO\ FODUL¿HG WKDW LW ZLOO QRW EH endorsing candidates in the elections. UCANEWS.COM

Plan to raze Pakistan Christian slums criticised ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN – Pa-

kistani Church leaders have denounced government plans to demolish dozens of Christian-majority slums in Islamabad. In a report submitted to the Supreme Court, the Capital Development Authority said the slums represented a threat to the numerical superiority of Muslims in the capital city. Fr Yousif Amanat, of Our Lady of Fatima Church in Islamabad, called the authority’s response degrading, unconstitutional and unwarranted.

“This is simply persecution of religious minorities on the basis of their faith,” Fr Amanat said. “All Church leaders should stand together to condemn the [authority’s] attitude toward minorities and their plans to remove slums without providing any alternative,” he said. The civic agency plans to demolish 41 slums in different sectors of Islamabad, with the matter currently pending before the Supreme Court. UCANEWS.COM

Filipinos in Sorsogon province eat outside their damaged homes after Typhoon Melor stormed through the region.

National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council has reported that some 162,729 families or 733,150 individuals were

evacuated in the Visayas and southern Luzon regions when Typhoon Melor hit on Dec 15. President Benigno Aquino on

Dec 18 declared a national state of calamity following the devastation caused by the typhoon. UCANEWS.COM

Hindus, Muslims hail Mother Teresa’s canonisation NEW DELHI – India’s Hindus

and Muslims say the Catholic Church should not have waited for a miracle to declare Blessed Teresa of Kolkata a saint. Even though the Church LV WR RI¿FLDOO\ SURFODLP KHU D saint this year, Blessed Teresa had already acquired that honour from the poor and destitute in India, said Mr Santosh Kartik, a young Hindu from Delhi. Nonetheless “it is a moment of immense joy for us. She was and still is a mother for all, irrespective of religions,” he added. Pope Francis had on Dec 17 approved the second miracle – the recovery of a Brazilian man from multiple brain abscesses – attributed to Blessed Teresa, clearing her path to being proclaimed a saint. “She deserved the honour but besides that, it is a great honour for India and the philanthropic activities carried out in the country,” Mr Navaid Hamid, secretary of the South Asian Council for Mi-

Pope John Paul II greets Mother Teresa at the Vatican. &16 ¿OH SKRWR

norities, told ucanews.com. Mr Mohammad Junaid Khan, a Muslim and coordinator of the interfaith forum Minhaj-ul-Quran, told ucanews.com, “The work she has done is not related to a particular religion and people across communities can learn a lot from her.”

“Humanity is the biggest religion and she represented that,” he added. For Mr Rajeshwar Mittal, a lawyer based in Kolkata, Blessed Teresa’s life itself was a miracle. “If you consider the life and work of Mother Teresa, she should have automatically got sainthood without any miracles,” he told ucanews.com. Blessed Teresa was born in Skopje, now the capital of Macedonia. She came to India in 1929 as a novice with the Loreto nuns. She left the congregation in the late 1940s and started the Missionaries of Charity to serve the poorest of the poor. The congregation has 5,044 nuns in more than 700 houses overseas and in India. “The Holy Father could not have given a better gift for us for Christmas and that waiting with anxiety is over,” Archbishop Thomas D’Souza of Kolkata told ucanews.com. UCANEWS.COM

Vatican approves China’s bishop candidate CHENGDU, CHINA – The Vatican has approved a locally elected bishop in southwestern China, sources told ucanews.com. Sources in southwestern Sichuan province said the Holy See approved the appointment of Bishop-designate Tang Yuange of Chengdu last October, shortly after a six-member Vatican delegation visited Beijing to meet ZLWK &KLQHVH RI¿FLDOV

“The news is now known by all priests and many Catholics,” said a local source who asked not to be named, adding that the ordination will take place this year. The bishop election and Vatican approval are seen as a test case for Vatican-China relations regarding Beijing’s “democratic principle” for the Church in China. This “principle” calls

for bishops to be elected by government-selected voters comprising clergy and nonclergy. Fr Tang’s episcopal election in May 2014 surprised many Church REVHUYHUV ,W ZDV WKH ¿UVW VXFK election since Pope Francis assumed the papacy in 2013 and just a month before China resumed talks with the Vatican. UCANEWS. COM

WORLD 9

Sunday January 10, 2016 „ CatholicNews

handbook helps charities ([SHUWV SUDLVH 9DWLFDQ¡V New LQ Ă€JKW DJDLQVW H[WUHPH SRYHUW\ Ă€QDQFH ODZV EXW FDOO IRU FODPSGRZQ RQ FULPH

CNS photo

VATICAN CITY – European experts

RQ SUHYHQWLQJ ÂżQDQFLDO FULPHV SUDLVHG WKH 9DWLFDQ IRU VLJQLÂżFDQW steps in establishing laws and procedures in line with international protocols, but called for “real resultsâ€? in cracking down on infractions and prosecuting offenses. Moneyval – the Council of Europe’s Committee of Experts on the Evaluation of Anti-Money Laundering Measures and the Financing of Terrorism – said the Vatican has addressed “most of WKH WHFKQLFDO GHÂżFLHQFLHV LQ LWV legislation and regulations.â€? “However, there is a need now for the anti-money laundering and FRXQWHU WHUURULVW ÂżQDQFLQJ V\Vtem to deliver effective results in terms of prosecutions, convictions DQG FRQÂżVFDWLRQ´ RI FULPLQDO DVsets, the experts said in a press release on Dec 12, 2015. The Moneyval committee approved the Holy See-Vatican progress report at a meeting last year on Dec 8 in Strasbourg, France, and published its assessment of the Vatican’s report on its website on Dec 15. The Moneyval report said the 9DWLFDQ VKRZHG VLJQLÂżFDQW SURgress in implementing recommendations Moneyval made in July 2012. The Vatican had met nine out of 16 key and core recommendations, thereby passing a major test in an effort to become more ÂżQDQFLDOO\ WUDQVSDUHQW DQG FRPpliant with international norms. The recommendations included improving record keeping; developing procedures for reporting suspicious transactions; enacting procedures to report transactions VXVSHFWHG RI ÂżQDQFLQJ WHUURULVP ensuring there were procedures IRU FRQÂżVFDWLQJ DFFRXQWV PDNLQJ sure certain secrecy rules do not

Flood victims receive food at a camp in Sukkur, Pakistan. A new handbook for charity organisations assisting people living in poverty has been released.

7KH 9DWLFDQ KDV EHHQ SUDLVHG E\ (XURSHDQ H[SHUWV RQ ÂżQDQFLDO FULPH prevention for taking steps stablishing laws and procedures in line with international protocols. &16 ÂżOH SKRWR

The Moneyval report said the Vatican had met nine out of 16 key and core recommendations, thereby passing a major test in an HIIRUW WR EHFRPH PRUH ÂżQDQFLDOO\ WUDQVSDUHQW LPSHGH WKH SUHYHQWLRQ RI ÂżQDQFLDO crimes; and designing procedures IRU IUHH]LQJ DQG FRQÂżVFDWLQJ WHUrorist assets. “However, no indictments or prosecutions have, as yet, been brought in money-laundering cases,â€? it said. Even though the systems for reporting suspicious and illegal accounts and transactions are in SODFH DQG DUH DFWLYHO\ Ă€DJJLQJ cases, “there still remains, however, a continued lack of indictments for money laundering or for related serious proceeds-generating offenses in the three yearsâ€? since procedures went into effect. “This situation needs to be improved,â€? the report said. Experts recommended that the Vatican make sure the Vatican po-

OLFH DQG SURVHFXWRUÂśV RIÂżFH ÂłKDYH the capacity to conduct proactive ÂżQDQFLDO LQYHVWLJDWLRQ LQ RUGHU WR deliver real results in the money laundering investigations that are underway.â€? In a memo released late 'HFHPEHU WKH 9DWLFDQ SUHVV RIÂżFH UHLWHUDWHG WKH H[SHUWVÂś ÂżQGLQJV WKDW notable progress had been made. It said the investigations unGHUZD\ E\ WKH SURVHFXWRUÂśV RIÂżFH “are complex from a technical point of view and require careful study,â€? the memo said, referring to situations where crimes were committed or involve people outside of Vatican territory. By December 2017, the Vatican is expected to present an update on what steps have been taken to implement recommendations. „ CNS

VATICAN CITY – A new handbook for charity organisations assisting people living in extreme poverty aims to help aid workers better understand how to confront the issue from a human rights perspective. Making Human Rights Work for People Living in Extreme Poverty was developed by a coalition of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and guided by Franciscans International and ATD Fourth World, a human rights, anti-poverty organisation based in England. According to the handbook’s introduction, it hopes to ensure that the problems associated with extreme poverty are addressed in a “way that fully respects their rights and dignity.� The handbook, which was presented at a Vatican news conference on Dec 17, 2015, translates the legal language of the United Nations’ Guiding Principles on Extreme Poverty and Human Rights into language most aid workers can more readily understand. Mr Michel Roy, secretary-general of Caritas Internationalis, told journalists that the handbook’s release is timely during the Year of Mercy and follows the guiding principles of serving, accompanying and defending. “Mercy cannot be considered

as a weak approach as opposed to rights,â€? he said. “Both are related. Rights without love would be very dry, not contributing to building humanity in all its dimensions. Love without justice would be airy, moony, good-hearted for sure, but not transformative to the necessary point.â€? Mr Roy also said the handbook serves as a concrete tool in IDFLQJ WKH FKDOOHQJHV RI ÂżJKWLQJ extreme poverty on local, national and global levels. US Franciscan Fr Michael Perry, minister general of the Order of Friars Minor, told journalists WKH KDQGERRNÂśV XVH LQ WKH ÂżHOG RI charity and relief helps to “ensure full respect for the inherent rights and dignity of allâ€? in the hopes that “extreme poverty might be wiped from the face of the earth.â€? The manual, which is already available in English and French, will have a Spanish version published in January and will also be available in Portuguese and German. „ CNS The Making Human Rights Work for People Living in Extreme Poverty handbook can be accessed at http://atdfourthworld.org/wp-content/uploads/ sites/5/2015/05/2015-09-01-GuidingPrinplsEPHR-HANDBOOK-EN-ATD_ FI_Handbook_English_WEB-1.pdf

10 POPE FRANCIS

Sunday January 10, 2016 „ CatholicNews

Where God is born, ‘ hope is born... peace is born. And where peace is born, there is no longer room for hatred and for war.

’

Children accompany Pope Francis as he carries D ¿JXULQH RI baby Jesus to the Nativity scene at the conclusion of Christmas Eve Mass in St Peter’s Basilica.

– Pope Francis

CNS photos

Christ’s birth can bring peace, hope to suffering world, pope says VATICAN CITY – Christmas is a

reminder that through the birth of &KULVW KRSH DQG SHDFH DUH SRVsible and that only through His JUDFH FDQ KXPDQLW\ ÂżQG SHDFHIXO VROXWLRQV WR WKH ZRUOGÂśV PRVW GLIÂżFXOW SUREOHPV 3RSH )UDQFLV VDLG “Only God’s mercy can free huPDQLW\ IURP WKH PDQ\ IRUPV RI HYLO DW WLPHV PRQVWURXV HYLO ZKLFK VHOILVKQHVV VSDZQV LQ RXU PLGVW ´ WKH pope said on Dec 25. “Where God LV ERUQ KRSH LV ERUQ :KHUH *RG LV ERUQ SHDFH LV ERUQ $QG ZKHUH SHDFH LV ERUQ WKHUH LV QR ORQJHU room for hatred and for war.â€? Heightened security around St Peter’s Square did little to dampen WKH VSLULWV RI DQ HVWLPDWHG people attending the pope’s solemn Christmas blessing “urbi et orbiâ€? (to the city and the world). +RZHYHU SROLFH DQG DQWL WHUURULVP WDVN IRUFHV ZHUH D YLVLEOH

VLJQ RI D ZRUOG VKDNHQ E\ YLROHQFH DQG H[WUHPLVP FRQÀLFWV WKDW KDYH not even spared the birthplace of Jesus Christ. The pope prayed that Israelis and Palestinians would reach a peaceful agreement that ZRXOG HQG WKH ³FRQÀLFW ZKLFK KDV ORQJ VHW WKHP DW RGGV ZLWK JUDYH repercussions for the entire region.� The pope also prayed that recently approved agreements ZRXOG EULQJ D TXLFN HQG WR WKH ZDUV DIÀLFWLQJ 6\ULD DQG /LE\D two countries ravaged by war for several years. He also prayed that the international community ZRXOG ¿QG ZD\V WR HQG DWURFLWLHV LQ ,UDT <HPHQ &RQJR %XUXQGL 6RXWK 6XGDQ DQG 8NUDLQH Victims of terrorism were also in the pope’s thoughts and prayers as he remembered the victims of the Russian airliner bombed in Egyptian airspace and terror-

Pontiff praises road map for peace in Syria VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis

endorsed a recent UN resolution on peace in Syria and expressed “deep appreciationâ€? to the international community for reaching an agreement. The UN Security Council approved a road map for a peace process between opposition forces and the government of President Bashar Assad. The Dec 18 resoluWLRQ FDOOV IRU D FHDVH ÂżUH WKH HVtablishment of a unity government ZLWK D QHZ FRQVWLWXWLRQ DQG SUHVLdential elections within two years. During his Angelus address on 'HF WKH SRSH FDOOHG RQ WKH LQWHUnational community as well as those LQYROYHG LQ WKH FRQĂ€LFW WR ZRUN WRwards bringing peace in the country. 7KH FRQĂ€LFW KDV DOVR RSHQHG WKH GRRU IRU WHUURULVW JURXSV VXFK

DV WKH VR FDOOHG ,VODPLF 6WDWH WR WDNH RYHU SDUWV RI WKH FRXQWU\ DQG neighbouring Iraq to establish a caliphate while persecuting Christians and other religious minorities. “I encourage everyone to conWLQXH ZLWK D JHQHURXV VSLULW RI FRQÂżGHQW ZLOOLQJQHVV WRZDUGV WKH cessation of violence and a negotiDWHG VHWWOHPHQW OHDGLQJ WR SHDFH ´ the pope said. The pope also praised the establishment of a unity government in /LE\D ZKLFK KDV DOVR EHHQ EHVLHJHG E\ FRQĂ€LFW VLQFH WKH RXVWHU RI ORQJWLPH GLFWDWRU 0RDPPDU *DGKDÂż Âł, OLNHZLVH WKLQN RI QHDUE\ /LE\D ZKHUH WKH UHFHQW ZRUNLQJ agreement among the parties for a government of national unity LQYLWHV KRSH IRU WKH IXWXUH ´ 3RSH Francis said. „ CNS

LVW DWWDFNV LQ %HLUXW DQG 3DULV %DPDNR 0DOL DQG 7XQLV 7XQLVLD “May our closeness today be felt by those who are most vulQHUDEOH HVSHFLDOO\ FKLOG VROGLHUV ZRPHQ ZKR VXIIHU YLROHQFH DQG WKH YLFWLPV RI KXPDQ WUDIÂżFNLQJ DQG WKH GUXJ WUDGH ´ KH VDLG As the Church celebrates the +RO\ <HDU RI 0HUF\ WKH SRSH said mercy is the “most precious gift which God gives usâ€? and that Christians “are called to discover that tender love of our heavenly Father for each of us.â€? The bells of St Peter’s Basilica

The pope prayed that recently approved agreements would bring a quick end to the wars DIĂ€LFWLQJ 6\ULD DQG /LE\D

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SHDOHG DW PLGGD\ MXVW DV WKH\ GLG late on Dec 24 when thousands SDFNHG WKH FKXUFK IRU &KULVWPDV Eve Mass. Hundreds of people ZKR FRXOG QRW ÂżQG URRP LQ WKH EDsilica braved the cold weather and watched on giant screens from St Peter’s Square. With his voice noticeably KRDUVH IURP D ERXW RI Ă€X WKH SRSH said in his homily that the prophetic words of Isaiah are those of D IXOÂżOOHG SURPLVH RI MR\ DQG JODGness that are “a sure sign that the message contained in the mystery of this night is truly from God.â€? “There is no room for the indifference which reigns in the hearts of those unable to love for IHDU RI ORVLQJ VRPHWKLQJ ´ KH VDLG Âł$OO VDGQHVV KDV EHHQ EDQLVKHG for the Child Jesus brings true comfort to every heart.â€? 7KH ELUWK RI -HVXV KH FRQ-

WLQXHG LV D FDOO IRU DOO &KULVWLDQV to “put away all fear and dreadâ€? and to follow the path that leads to Christ “who has been ‘born to XV Âś +H ZDV ÂľJLYHQ WR XVÂś DV WKH prophet Isaiah proclaims.â€? The coming of Christ into the ZRUOG WKH SRSH VDLG VKRZV ZKDW is truly essential in life. Despite His birth into the “nothingnessâ€? of povHUW\ -HVXV VKRZV PHQ DQG ZRPHQ who are simple of heart the true path of “authentic liberation and perennial redemptionâ€? while giving them strength to reject “godless ways and the richness of the world.â€? Âł/LNH WKH VKHSKHUGV RI %HWKOHKHP PD\ ZH WRR ZLWK H\HV IXOO RI DPD]HPHQW DQG ZRQGHU JD]H XSRQ WKH &KLOG -HVXV WKH 6RQ RI *RG And in His presence may our hearts EXUVW IRUWK LQ SUD\HU Âľ6KRZ XV /RUG \RXU PHUF\ DQG JUDQW XV \RXU VDOYDWLRQ ϫ WKH SRSH VDLG „ CNS

Pope to Vatican employees: Look after your marriage VATICAN CITY – 7DNH FDUH RI \RXU PDUULDJH DQG DJLQJ SDUHQWV SOD\ ZLWK \RXU NLGV DQG DOZD\V PDNH SHDFH DW WKH HQG RI WKH GD\ 3RSH Francis told Vatican employees and their families. Try to live out the Year of Mercy every day in the hopes that everyone can “experience the joy RI PHUF\ EHJLQQLQJ ZLWK \RXU IDPLOLHV ´ KH VDLG GXULQJ D VSHFLDO audience in the Vatican’s Paul VI hall on Dec 21. The pope continued a tradition he started last year of inviting SHRSOH ZKR ZRUN DW WKH 9DWLFDQ along with their family members DQG ORYHG RQHV WR UHFHLYH SUH Christmas greetings. 3RSH )UDQFLV WKDQNHG WKH 9DWLFDQ HPSOR\HHV PRVW RI WKHP OD\SHRSOH IRU WKHLU KDUG ZRUN

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KDV WR EH WDNHQ FDUH RI HYHU\ GD\ ´ he said. ,Q IDFW WKH EHVW JLIW SDUHQWV can give their children is to show WKH NLGV KRZ PXFK WKH\ ORYH DQG FDUH IRU HDFK RWKHU KH VDLG Âł7DON WR \RXU NLGV OLVWHQ WR WKHP DVN WKHP ZKDW WKH\ WKLQN´ and play with them. “Dialogue between parents and children is very KHDOWK\ ´ KH DGGHG 7KH SRSH DOVR VDLG WR PDNH sure the children get to live or spend time with their grandparents. Âł/HWÂśV WDNH FDUH RI JUDQGSDUents. Grandparents are so imporWDQW IRU IDPLOLHV ´ HVSHFLDOO\ EHcause of the memories they hold from the past and the wisdom they SRVVHVV Âł'RQÂśW VHW WKHP DVLGH ´ he urged. „ CNS

POPE FRANCIS 11

Sunday January 10, 2016 „ CatholicNews

Miracle recognised for Mother Teresa’s sainthood VATICAN CITY – 3RSH )UDQFLV

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Pope Francis approved a miracle attributed to the intercession of Blessed Teresa of Kolkata, paving the way for her canonisation this year. CNS photo

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Church is called to be humble, not ‘strut its power,’ pope says VATICAN CITY – Members of the Church are called to follow a path RI KXPLOLW\ WKDW ¿UVW UHFRJQLVHV RQH¶V VLQV DQG GRHV QRW ³VWUXW LWV SRZHU DQG JUHDWQHVV ´ 3RSH )UDQFLV VDLG DW KLV HDUO\ PRUQLQJ 0DVV ,Q KLV KRPLO\ ODVW \HDU RQ 'HF GXULQJ WKH 0DVV LQ WKH FKDSHO RI WKH 'RPXV 6DQFWDH 0DUWKDH WKH SRSH VDLG WKDW KXPLOLW\ GRHV QRW PHDQ D SHUVRQ PXVW EH ³OLVWOHVV DQG OHWKDUJLF´ QRU KDYH WKH KDELW RI ORRNLQJ DW WKH IDXOWV RI RWKHUV +XPLOLW\ KDV D ¿UVW VWHS µ, DP D VLQQHU ¶ ,I \RX DUH QRW FDSDEOH RI VD\LQJ WR \RXUVHOI WKDW \RX DUH D VLQQHU DQG WKDW RWKHUV DUH EHWWHU WKDQ \RX WKHQ \RX DUH QRW KXPEOH ´ 7KH SRSH UHÀHFWHG RQ WKH GD\¶V UHDGLQJ IURP WKH *RVSHO RI 6W 0DWWKHZ LQ ZKLFK -HVXV UHEXNHV WKH FKLHI SULHVWV DQG HOGHUV RI WKH SHRSOH ZDUQLQJ WKDW ³WD[ FROOHFWRUV DQG SURVWLWXWHV DUH HQWHULQJ WKH .LQJGRP RI *RG EHIRUH \RX ´ ,Q RUGHU IRU WKH &KXUFK WR QRW IDOO LQWR WKH VDPH PDQQHU RI WKLQNLQJ DV WKH FKLHI SULHVWV WKH SRSH said the Church must follow three

SDWKV KXPLOLW\ SRYHUW\ DQG WUXVW LQ *RG ³7KH ¿UVW VWHS RI D KXPEOH &KXUFK LV WR IHHO OLNH D VLQQHU WKH ¿UVW VWHS IRU DOO RI XV LV WKH VDPH ´ KH VDLG ³,I RQH RI XV KDV WKH KDELW RI ORRNLQJ DW WKH RWKHU¶V GHIHFWV DQG JRVVLS DERXW LW KH LV QRW KXPEOH KH WKLQNV KH LV WKH MXGJH RI RWKHUV ´ 7KH VHFRQG SDWK LV SRYHUW\ ZKLFK KH VDLG PHDQV WR EH RQO\ DWWDFKHG WR WKH ULFKHV RI *RG DQG QRW RI PRQH\ ³3RYHUW\ LV WKLV GHWDFKPHQW LQ RUGHU WR VHUYH WKH QHHG\ WR VHUYH RWKHUV ´ KH VDLG 3RSH )UDQFLV H[SODLQHG WKDW LQ WKH ¿QDO VWHS WKH &KXUFK LV FDOOHG WR SODFH LWV WUXVW LQ *RG DQG QRW LQ SRZHU IULHQGV DQG PRQH\ ³7KH OHJDF\ WKDW *RG SURPLVHG WR OHDYH XV LV RI D KXPEOH DQG SRRU SHRSOH ZKR WUXVW LQ WKH QDPH RI WKH /RUG ´ KH VDLG ³+XPEOH EHFDXVH WKH\ NQRZ WKH\ VLQ SRRU because they are attached to the ULFKHV RI *RG ´ „ CNS

12 OPINION

Sunday January 10, 2016 „ CatholicNews

Fortnightly newspaper of the Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore

2 Highland Road, #01-03 Singapore 549102. Telephone: 6858 3055. Fax: 6858 2055. Website: www.catholicnews.sg Facebook: www.facebook.com/catholicnews MANAGING EDITOR: Father Richards Ambrose: ra@catholic.org.sg ASSISTANT EDITOR: Christopher Khoo: christopher.khoo@catholic.org.sg STAFF CORRESPONDENT: Jared Ng: jared.ng@catholic.org.sg EDITORIAL MATTERS AND QUERIES: cnedit@catholic.org.sg

Please include your full name, address and phone no. for all letters to the editor. All decisions on submissions rest with the CatholicNews. Published submissions will be edited.

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The views or positions presented in articles in CatholicNews do not necessarily represent the views of the Church. Advertisements that appear in CatholicNews are not necessarily endorsed by the Church.

What does ‘in the fullness of time’ mean? Q

: What does “in the fullness of time� mean? What does this mean for us today as Christian disciples? Susan Clare Lee Singapore 807454

The nativity of Jesus is that fullness of time that Paul referred to. This being the case, we are all living in the ‘fullness of time’ as well.

A

: In Gal. 4:4, St Paul says that “in the fullness of time, God sent forth his Sonâ€?. The use of this phrase points to the fact that the plan of God was not something arbitrary or unplanned, but that there was in the unfolding of time and FLUFXPVWDQFHV D VSHFLÂżF WLPH IRU the culmination of God’s love to be manifest to humankind and for VDOYDWLRQ WR EH IXOÂżOOHG LQ &KULVW This phrase also takes into consideration the incredibly convoluted way through which Christ, the apogee of salvation, ÂżQDOO\ FDPH WR EH The genealogy that is featured in Matthew’s gospel speaks vividly about just how mired in sin and brokenness the human race was, and how despite this messy and even embarrassingly scandalous

The Holy Mother & Child by Stephen B Whatley

family history, God could and did enter into our existence and puriÂżHG LW IURP ZLWKLQ The nativity of Jesus is that fullness of time that Paul referred to. This being the case, we are all living in the “fullness of timeâ€? as well. As Christians given the life of Christ at our baptism, this has repercussions for all of us. God’s

SURPLVHV ZKLFK ZHUH IXOÂżOOHG DW the birth of the Christ child are QRZ VWLOO EHLQJ IXOÂżOOHG LQ DQG through our own lives lived in response to our identity of being priests, prophets and kings. Our conscious participation that is lived out in membership of the Body of Christ makes the Christ event real and relevant to the world. This is what it means for us as disciples of Christ. It will always be a great challenge for us because it often means that we have to consciously put aside our selves and our preferences in love and service of others. And we do WKLV XQWLO WKH IXOÂżOPHQW RI *RGÂśV promises brings us to the second coming of Christ. Fr Luke Fong

Do you have a burning question on the faith? Questions on the Faith is a new column for you to have your questions answered by authorities on various topics. Just email your question to cnedit@catholic.org.sg, and include your full name, address and contact number. All decisions on submissions rest with those answering the questions. Published submissions will be edited.

The crib and the cross THE Gospel stories about the birth of Jesus are not a simple retelling of the events that took place then, at the stable in Bethlehem. In his commentaries on the birth of Jesus, the renowned scripture scholar, Raymond Brown, highlights that these narratives were written long after Jesus had already been FUXFLÂżHG DQG KDG ULVHQ IURP WKH GHDG DQG WKDW WKH\ are coloured by what His death and resurrection mean. At one level, they are as much stories about Jesus’ passion and death as they are about His birth. When the Gospel writers looked back at the birth of Jesus through the prism of the resurrection they saw in His birth already the pattern for both His active ministry and His death and resurrection: God comes into the world and some believe and accept Him and others hate and reject Him. For some, His person gives meaning, for others it causes confusion and anger. There is an adult message about Christ in Christmas and the meaning of Christmas is to be understood as much by looking at the cross as by looking at the crib. Hardly the stuff of our Christmas lights, carols, cribs, and Santa. And yet, these too have their place. Karl Rahner, a German Jesuit priest and theologian, who not naĂŻve to what Raymond Brown asserts, argues that, even so, Christmas is still about happiness and the simple joy of children captures the meaning of Christmas more accurately than any adult cynicism. At Christmas, Rahner contends, God gives us a special permission to be happy: “Do not be afraid to be happy, for ever since I [God] wept, joy is the standard of living that is really more suitable than the anxiety and grief of those who think they have no hope. ‌ I no longer go away from the world, even if you do not see me now. ‌ I am there. At Christmas, the crib trumps the cross, even as the cross does not fully disappear. +RZ GR WKH FURVV DQG WKH FULE ÂżW WRJHWKHU" 'RHV &DOYDU\ FDVW D SHUPDQHQW VKDGRZ RQ %HWKOHKHP" 6KRXOG &KULVWPDV GLVWXUE XV PRUH WKDQ FRQVROH XV" ,V RXU VLPSOH MR\ DW &KULVWPDV VRPHKRZ PLVVLQJ WKH UHDO SRLQW" No. Joy is the meaning of Christmas. Our carols have it right. At Christmas, God gives us a special permission to be happy, though that must be carefully understood. There is no innate contradiction between joy and suffering, between being happy and undergoing all the pain that life hands us. -R\ LV QRW WR EH LGHQWLÂżHG ZLWK SOHDVXUH DQG ZLWK WKH DEVHQFH RI suffering in our lives. Genuine joy is a constant that remains with us throughout all of our experiences in life, including our pain and suffering. Jesus promised us “a joy that no one can take away from youâ€?. Clearly that means something that doesn’t disappear because we get sick, have a loved one die, are betrayed by a spouse, lose our job, are rejected by a friend, are subject to physical pain, or are enduring emotional distress. None of us will escape pain and suffering. Joy must be able to co-exist with these. Indeed it is meant to grow deeper through the experiences of pain and suffering. We are meant to be women and men of joy, even as we live in pain. That’s a colouring, taken from their understanding of Jesus’ death and resurrection, which the Gospel writers insert into their narratives about His birth. But, of course, that is not what children see when they get caught up in the excitement of Christmas and when they look at the Christchild in the crib. Their joy is still innocent, healthily protected by their naivetĂŠ, still awaiting disillusion, but real nonetheless. The naĂŻve joy of a child is real and the temptation to rewrite and recolour it in light of the disillusionment of later years is wrong. What was real was real. Even when we no longer believe in Santa, and all the cribs, lights, carols, cards, colourful wrapping-paper, and gifts of Christmas no longer bring the same thrill, the same invitation still remains: Christmas invites us to be happy, and that demands of us an elemental asceticism, a fasting from adult cynicism, a discipline of joy that can hold the cross and the crib together so as to be able to live in a joy that no one, and no tragedy, can take from us. „

FAITH ALIVE! 13

Sunday January 10, 2016 „ CatholicNews

Evaluating the past year and planning for this year By Charlie Martin Each year is a gift. But when prompted to evaluate whether we are living well, we can also take the time to evaluate our role as a disciple of Jesus. To help us with this process, I chose Josh Groban’s acclaimed 2004 hit You Raise Me Up. The song is a testament to the power of God in our lives. The song’s character speaks eloquently about how life can be hard as “when I am down,â€? and “oh my soul, so wearyâ€? and “my heart burdened.â€? He also knows that “each restless heart beats so imperfectly,â€? and yet, in the presHQFH RI *RG Âł, DP ÂżOOHG ZLWK wonder.â€? 7KXV KH FDQ VWURQJO\ DIÂżUP “You raise me up so I can stand on mountains, you raise me up to walk on stormy seas, I am strong when I am on your shoulders, you raise me up to more than I can be.â€? Looking back on 2015, you might see that during this year you encountered “stormy seasâ€? or a “burdened heart.â€? But as you envision 2016, I encourage you to tell God how you need Him to “raiseâ€? you up. No matter what challenges arise as you begin the upcoming year, make God your ally and most trusted friend. Tell Jesus what you need.

1R PDWWHU ZKDW FKDOOHQJHV DULVH DV \RX EHJLQ WKH XSFRPLQJ \HDU PDNH *RG \RXU DOO\ DQG PRVW WUXVWHG IULHQG

A girl plants a mango tree with a youth group encouraging sustainable development in Haiti. As 2016 begins, Catholics are invited to plan action that will help others in God’s family. &16 ¿OH SKRWR

God’s miracles of healing and opportunity are given freely. Consequently, seek God’s help and then be open to surprise. As the creator of the universe, our God is quite inventive in how He helps us. Put aside expectations of how God should answer,

and then open your heart to receive what He gives you. As disciples of Jesus, we also know that our focus must go beyond ourselves. Ask how you can help others. In fact, look around at members of your immediate family, at school, and elsewhere

in your community. Assess how you can help others. Determine who can use your understanding, compassion, and encouragement. 1RQH RI XV FDQ ³¿[´ WKH OLYHV or problems of others, but God works through you to bring hope to others. It may be a hope that

can help individuals improve their lives. Make a commitment to be the type of person who helps othHUV ÂżQG WKHLU LQQHU VWUHQJWK There is much suffering on this planet. And yet, who does God send to “raiseâ€? up His family to a new way of being, a new way of healing? You. None of us can solve humanity’s problems but all of us can do something. I encourage you to set one goal or plan an action that will help others in God’s family in 2016. Make a commitment in your local community, parish or school, or maybe as a project to support our brothers and sisters in some other part of the world. Regardless of what you choose, be sure WR DQVZHU WKLV TXHVWLRQ :KDW ZLOO I do in 2016 that raises up God’s family, with my talent, my time, RU P\ ÂżQDQFLDO VXSSRUW" We are fortunate to have a new year, a new chance to raise up ourselves and others. „ CNS

Don’t lose steam while embarking on another year of resolutions By Bill Dodds

we contemplate a new year. When the end of one year approaches, The family across the street from and the next one rolls around, me runs a day care. So it’s not unu- there’s the annual talk of resolusual to spot toddlers who still have tions – to quit this or start that. some trouble toddling. We each have our Oh, how they want regular pledges and ,I \RX PDNH promises that we make to walk on their own EXW IDOO ÀDW RQ WKHLU GLto others or to ourWKH HIIRUW apers in the attempt to and we each WR LQFUHDVH selves, WDNH WKDW ¿UVW VWHS RU start with gusto and allto take off wobbling. too-soon run out of gas. EHQH¿FLDO But there are no Certainly it’s best DFWLYLWLHV tears, for the most part, to make some changand from the looks on XOWLPDWHO\ WKH\ es cold turkey and their faces, they have professional help FDQ HFOLSVH with no inkling of what it’s (stopping drug or alWKH EDG RQHV cohol abuse), but othlike to quit, and they never make a decision er resolutions can be to give up, no matter what obsta- a matter of tapering off on a bad cles they encounter. habit and building up a good one. They just stand back up and You can choose to spend less time take another step. on Facebook, for example, and deI’ve been thinking about that as cide to spend more time praying.

Make a resolution to set aside more time to pray during this new year. &16 ÂżOH SKRWR

Years ago when I had to have some physical therapy for a bad knee, I learned about the “10 percent rule.� It says that you should never increase an activity by more than 10 percent a week. That small addition is the safest and surest way to keep heading toward a goal without getting

discouraged and giving up. Let’s say that in 2016, you want to set aside time every day for reading the Bible and private prayer. Begin with one minute, 60 VHFRQGV SHU GD\ IRU WKH ¿UVW ZHHN Then, using the 10 percent rule, bump it up to 66 seconds the next

week and so on. Over time, you’ll be reading Scripture and praying an hour a day. The numbers don’t lie. If you PDNH WKH HIIRUW WR LQFUHDVH EHQH¿cial activities, ultimately they can eclipse the bad ones and this will help you on a healthy and prosperous 2016. „ CNS

14 FOCUS

Sunday January 10, 2016 „ CatholicNews

ARCHBISHOP’S P

I

1 0$1< RI KLV OHWWHUV St John Paul II underscored the importance of communion in the mission of the Church. In his encyclical to the Church in Asia, he wrote, “communion and mission are inseparaEO\ FRQQHFWHG 7KH\ LQWHUSHQHWUDWH and mutually imply each other, so that ‘communion represents both the source and fruit of mission: communion gives rise to mission and mission is accomplished in communion.’â€? (Church in Asia, $JDLQ LQ KLV DSRVWROLF OHWWHU at the beginning of the new millennium, he reiterated, “It is in building this communion of love that the Church appears as ‘sacrament’, as the ‘sign and instrument of intimate union with God and of WKH XQLW\ RI WKH KXPDQ UDFHÂś 7KH Lord’s words on this point are too precise for us to diminish their imSRUW ´ 10,

Indeed, the goal of evangelisation is communion. 7KH Church is called to be a sacrament of love and unity in the world. “By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for RQH DQRWKHU´ -Q 6W -RKQ also wrote, â€œâ€Śwe declare to you what we have seen and heard so that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son -HVXV &KULVW ´ -Q 5LJKWO\ so, if our mission is to bring all into communion with each other in love and unity through our felORZVKLS ZLWK WKH +RO\ 7ULQLW\ then we must seek every means to preserve, protect and foster communion in our workplace, Church ministries, organisations, parishes and archdiocesan bodies, whether they are full-time workers, volunteers or helpers. Conversely, the greatest threat to the mission of the Church is not from external factors such as secularism, relativism, materialism and consumerLVP 7KH JUHDWHVW HQHP\ RI WKH Church’s mission is from within. ,W LV WKH FOHUJ\ 5HOLJLRXV DQG the laity. We are divided among RXUVHOYHV DQG ÂżJKWLQJ ZLWK HDFK other; so that we have no more strength or passion to focus on our mission and the needs and sufferLQJV RI WKH Ă€RFN XQGHU RXU FDUH and the lost sheep in the world. 7KLV LV ZKDW -HVXV ZDV ZDUQing us in the gospel when He said, “If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able WR VWDQG ´ 0N I $QG +H FRQcluded, “But no one can enter a strong man’s house and plunder KLV SURSHUW\ ZLWKRXW ÂżUVW W\LQJ up the strong man; then indeed WKH KRXVH FDQ EH SOXQGHUHG ´ 0N $FFRUGLQJO\ QRW RQO\ PXVW

we strengthen our communion and unity in our common mission for the glory of God, but we must also bind up the enemies of unity within our house. Indeed, as Archbishop of the Catholic Church in Singapore, it is my duty and my role as chief shepherd of this archdiocese to unite the whole Church, clergy, religious and laity, so that we can all accomplish this mission of communion in communion. Everywhere I go, it breaks my

themselves and wherever they are, in the workplace, in the Church, in the parish and in our homes. St John Paul II wrote, “Before making practical plans, we need to promote a spirituality of communion, making it the guiding principle of education wherever individuals and Christians are formed, wherever ministers of the altar, consecrated persons, and pastoral workers are trained, wherever families and communities are being built XS ´ 10,

If our mission is to bring all into communion with each other in love and unity ... then we must seek every means to preserve, protect and foster communion in our workplace, Church ministries, organisations, parishes and archdiocesan bodies, whether they are full time workers, volunteers or helpers. heart to see and hear of so much division within the Church, from the Church organisations to the parishes and the archdiocesan ofÂżFHV 7KHUH LV VR PXFK PLVXQGHUstanding, lack of communication, trust and hurts that have been experienced in the process of working for the Church and for Christ. How often do I receive letters of complaint because of grievances, injustices, discrimination, abuses, scandals and the dictatorial attitudes of those in authority! So many workers, volunteers and Church members have been so deeply wounded by the Church they love and serve. As a consequence, many have either left the Church ministries or even the Church completely, because of the loss of faith, disillusionment, anger and resentment. In view of this absolute precondition for the work of evangelisation, the archdiocese has, WKURXJK WKH 2IÂżFH RI WKH 1HZ Evangelisation, sought to focus all Church entities, organisations and ministries to give attention to the work of building a spirituality of communion among

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EFORE we focus on how we should foster the spirituality of comPXQLRQ ZH PXVW ¿UVW come to grasp the causes of division among ourselves. What causes division? Primarily, it is because of pride. 0RUH RIWHQ WKDQ QRW ZH are not conscious that when we do something, apparently a service to the community, it is entangled with our own need for appreciation, recRJQLWLRQ DQG DFFHSWDQFH 0DQ\ RI us are unconsciously working for our own ambition although we proclaim with our lips that we are serving God and the community. Few offer their services without some hidden agenda, of which they may not even be aware because of the lack of self-knowledge between their conscious desires and their unconscious intentions. Indeed, the ancient sin of pride, the Old Adam, remains in us. 7KLV LV VHHQ LQ ZDQWLQJ WR GR our own will and always singing the famous song of Frank Sinatra, ³0\ ZD\ ´ (JRLVP LV DOZD\V WKH big obstacle to communication and working together in humble

The greatest enemy of the Church’s mission is from within ... We are divided among ourselves and ¿JKWLQJ ZLWK HDFK RWKHU VR WKDW we have no more strength or passion to focus on our mission and the needs DQG VXIIHULQJV RI WKH ÀRFN XQGHU RXU FDUH and the lost sheep in the world.

service, deferring to each other in FKDULW\ 7KH SUREOHP LV WKDW HYHU\one wants his or her view to prevail over others. Everyone wants others to listen to him or her rather WKDQ ÂżQG D FRQVHQVXV DQG VHHN WR work with each other for the common good of all. Without humility in service, we cannot work together and collaborate with each other. Quite often too, it is because of self-interest. We are doing things to protect our turf, our comfort zone and our convenience. We are not willing to change or make changes or accept correction because it entails disrupting the status quo. Some of us like to cling RQ WR RXU RIÂżFH DQG RXU SRVLWLRQ for fear that others who take over would not do things the way we like and the things we want. We still want to be in control. Hence, to retain our rein over others, we FOLQJ WR SRZHU DQG RIÂżFH Quite often, we see cronyism also at work in the Church and in organisations. 0DQ\ ZKR ZLVK to volunteer their services are marginalised and excluded because they are a threat to the status quo and the likes and whims of the leader. Cronyism breeds jealousy, IUXVWUDWLRQ DQG VWLĂ€HV JURZWK DQG

Paul wrote, “Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not make room IRU WKH GHYLO ´ (SK I :KHQ someone is serving in the ministry or working in Church with lots of resentment, anger and unhealed hurts and wounds, and because these feelings will not go away with time, the Devil will exploit these ill feelings to fester into revenge and hatred.

LQLWLDWLYH ,QGHHG LI RQH ÂżQGV WKDW their organisation is not growing well and lacking in dynamism, it is because the leaders are holding ofÂżFH IRU WRR ORQJ :RUVH VWLOO WKH\ RQO\ UHFUXLW LQWR RIÂżFH WKRVH ZKR are able to “carryâ€? them. Consequently, such an attitude will only encourage gossiping and backbiting. We should not be surprised that authorities and leaders who are not receptive to differing views or are not able to engage in humble, open and sincere dialogue in total impartiality and objectivity are the ones most prone to promoting cronyism. Because of fear and lack of legitimate avenues for venting and expressing their unhappiness, the weak and disgruntled will resort to gossiping, slandering, rumour mongering, making presumptions, and causing more misunderstandings, hurts, injustices and injuries to each other. So long as there is no objectivity, there is no way to YHULI\ IDFWV DQG VHHN FODULÂżFDWLRQ Uncharitable words and actions will only worsen the problem and make the issue more protracted. All these will give an opportunity to the devil to have a foothold in us. 7KLV LV ZKDW 6W

PXFK IUXLW´ -Q 6R WUXH LV this that the person who does not bear fruit does not remain in communion: “Each branch of mine that bears no fruit [my Father] WDNHV DZD\´ -Q &RPPXQion with Jesus, which gives rise to the communion of Christians among themselves, is the indispensable condition for bearing fruit; and communion with others, which is the gift of Christ and KLV 6SLULW LV WKH PRVW PDJQLÂżFHQW fruit that the branches can give.â€? &KXUFK LQ $VLD I have already written earlier that prayer must come before ministry and that every Church ministry and organisation must get their members and workers to pray as they work and serve in the Church. It would be good to refer to this pastoral letter again. 1R SUD\HU QR PLQLVWU\ 3HUVRQDO and communal prayer is indispensable for the fruitfulness in our PLVVLRQ 7KH IDLOXUH WR SUD\ LV DQ indication of pride, thinking that we can accomplish the mission of Christ without His help and without His grace. Church workers and volunteers must make time for their personal prayer life and make time to pray with the members of

W

HAT then is the way forward? Once again, St John Paul II wrote of the necessary prerequisite before ministry to build a spirituality of communion. How can we promote and foster this spirituality of communion? First and foremost, we need to underscore and remind our Church workers and ministry members to put personal and communal prayer in the forefront of all their activities. St John Paul II wrote, “It is an essential demand of life in Christ that whoever enters into communion with the Lord is expected to bear fruit: ‘He who abides in me, and I in him, he it is that bears

FOCUS 15

Sunday January 10, 2016 „ CatholicNews

PASTORAL LETTER

the community. It cannot be left to chance but it must be organised and we must stay disciplined and not compromise our prayer life. Secondly, there must be a deeper love for the Word of God. Every Catholic must be imbued DQG EH LPPHUVHG ZLWK WKH :RUG RI *RG +H RU VKH PXVW EH SUD\LQJ WKH :RUG RI *RG HYHU\ GD\ DORQH in meditation and contemplation; and with others in the community, especially in small groups, ZKHWKHU LQ WKH RIÂżFH QHLJKERXUhood, ministries or just among friends. By regularly sharing the :RUG RI *RG WRJHWKHU ZH EHJLQ WR feel with and for each other in our struggles to be more faithful to the gospel; and in edifying each other by sharing how Christ has helped us in our daily life, we inspire each other to see Christ in our daily life. Thirdly, we must create opportunities for bonding among workers and ministry members. Fostering communion cannot be OHIW WR FKDQFH :H PXVW FUHDWH venues and occasions deliberately. There should be time for community prayers during the day, occasional meals out together, as a group or in small groups, celHEUDWLQJ HDFK RWKHUÂśV VLJQLÂżFDQW

and memorable events of their lives, e.g. birthdays and anniversaries, visiting each other and their loved ones when they are sick or LQ EHUHDYHPHQW HWF :KLOVW LW LV not the best, we must have “organised joy.â€? Initially, it might VHHP DUWLÂżFLDO EXW ODWHU RQ QDWXUDO joys will take place when people get to know each other, trust each other, and enjoy each other, seeing the goodness in each other and not just their few imperfections. :KHQ WKHUH LV ORYH ZH ZLOO RYHUlook the faults of others. Any correction will be done purely out of love without self-interest and with VHQVLWLYLW\ UHVSHFW DQG FKDULW\ 2I course, ideally, members should also take the initiative in organising informal gatherings among themselves, like going for a walk or for a drink. Fourthly, to build community we need to create structures for dialogue. :LWKRXW GLDORJXH WKHUH will always be misunderstandings and friction. So every organisation and every department in each organisation and parish must have proper structures in place, not just for show, but to promote open, sinFHUH DQG PHDQLQJIXO GLDORJXH :H should never fear the truth about

ourselves and our organisation, for the truth will set us free. In the archdiocese, we have tried to engage different groups and organisations and institutions so that there will be greater alignment in our vision and mission for the whole archdiocese instead of each organisation doing their own thing and sometimes at odds and against the overall direction of the archdiocese. We must always avoid being parochial minded, always thinking of our own group, parish or organisation because we are Catholic, meaning, universal and one body of Christ, the Church. A Catholic who is only concerned for his organisation or even his own parish or even diocese is not Catholic. A Catholic supports the universal Church beyond his particular parish and diocese. Every group must be in sync with the organisation, and every organisation with the parish, and every parish ZLWK WKH DUFKGLRFHVDQ RIÂżFHV DQG every archdiocesan body with the council of priests and all consultors and senators with the arch-

VRQV FRQFHUQHG :KHQ GLDORJXH fails, then they must get someone among them who can mediate and ¿QG D KDSS\ VROXWLRQ 2QO\ ZKHQ this fails, should we bring it to the authority which is always the ODVW UHVRUW QRW WKH ¿UVW LQVWDQFH WR seek justice. In this archdiocese, we have LQ SODFH D ³3URFHVV IRU &RQÀLFW Resolution� which is found on the archdiocesan website. Please read it again. I would like all to follow the proper channels for complaints so that all complaints can be dealt with in Christian justice and charity. The archbishop and the archdiocese do not entertain anonymous complaints as justice demands that those accused must be given a chance to clarify themVHOYHV :KDW , KDYH GRQH IRU WKH archdiocese, I expect the rank and ¿OH LQ WKH SDULVKHV DQG PLQLVWULHV to also have in place proper channels for settling misunderstandings, quarrels and differences. Sixthly, we must have constant renewal in leadership. Leaders must constantly be on the

Everywhere I go, it breaks my heart to see and hear of so much division within the Church, from the Church organisations to WKH SDULVKHV DQG WKH DUFKGLRFHVDQ RIÂżFHV There is so much misunderstanding, ODFN RI FRPPXQLFDWLRQ and hurts that have been experienced in the process of working IRU WKH &KXUFK DQG IRU &KULVW bishop. There should be regular periodical community, ministry or staff meetings to brief members of the community and also to iron out FKDOOHQJHV DQG GLIÂżFXOWLHV :KHUH necessary, structures must be reformed and updated to meet new challenges. Keeping to customs and old structures for the sake of sentimentalism will cause the Church to be redundant. There are no sacred cows that we cannot sacULÂżFH WR *RG IRU +LV JUHDWHU JORU\ regardless how attached we are to past traditions and customs. Fifthly, where there are difIHUHQFHV DQG FRQĂ€LFWV WKHUH must also be established avenues for proper recourse for justice and settlement. There must be transparency, objectivity and total impartiality in the handling of JULHYDQFHV DQG UHVROXWLRQV +RZever, it must be done with charity, sensitivity and justice. Following the command of our Lord, difÂżFXOWLHV ZLWK HUUDQW PHPEHUV RI WKH FRPPXQLW\ PXVW ÂżUVW EH GHDOW personally between the two per-

lookout for new leaders to replace WKHP RQFH WKH\ DUH LQ RIÂżFH :H should never allow a leadership vacuum to happen. Bad leaders are those who allow themselves to EH LQ RIÂżFH ZLWKRXW DQ\ UHSODFHment. They must be actively forming and mentoring leaders to take RYHU WKHLU RIÂżFH VR WKDW WKHUH ZLOO be constant renewal. Leaders who have served their term should not drop out completely after their service is over but offer their expertise in other areas where the Church needs them. So leaders must not, if possible, stay too long LQ RIÂżFH 7KH\ PXVW KXPEO\ WHQder their resignation so that there is constant renewal of leadership. 7KHUH VKRXOG EH D WHUP RI RIÂżFH DQG QR RQH VKRXOG KROG RIÂżFH IRU WRR ORQJ 2WKHUZLVH FURQ\LVP will enter the Church and this will hamper creativity and renewal. On my part as the archbishop, I am already seeking out who FDQ WDNH RYHU P\ RIÂżFH ZKHQ WKH time comes for me to retire. My KRSH LV WKDW , GR QRW KDYH WR ÂżQ-

ish the full term which ends at the DJH RI VHYHQW\ ÂżYH 2I FRXUVH WKLV UHTXLUHV WKH FRQVHQW RI WKH +RO\ Father. I pray that a younger, more holy, dynamic, prayerful, discernLQJ ZLVH GHGLFDWHG VHOĂ€HVV DQG visionary priest with a passion IRU &KULVW DQG +LV &KXUFK ZLOO EH ready to take over from me when the time comes. As far as I am concerned, my task is to upgrade the infrastructure and put a system of governance in place so that the future archbishop can simply focus on the work of evangelisation. It is my conviction that when someone can do the job better, then it is time and also an obligation for me to step aside and retire from P\ RIÂżFH , DP DOZD\V FRQVFLRXV that I must place the interest of the Church before mine. It would be tragic if one day I become an obstacle for the progress of the &KXUFK *RG IRUELG

A

S LEADERS too, since we are keepers of the vision and responsible for the unity of our group or organisation, we must promote collaboration, not micro manage our organisation. There should not be any form of dictatorial control over the group but we must work together in a colODERUDWLYH PLQLVWU\ :H PXVW SURmote the principle of subsidiarity and empowerment of our members and staff. There must be room for making mistakes and for improvements. Instead of uncharitable remarks, we must encourage words that give life and heal, not destroy. St Paul reminds us, “Let no evil talk or harmful words come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear. And do not JULHYH WKH +RO\ 6SLULW RI *RG ZLWK which you were marked with a seal for the day of redemption.â€? (Eph 4:29f) The way of encouragement, DIÂżUPDWLRQ DQG DSSUHFLDWLRQ ZLOO go a long way in promoting collaboration and joy in ministry and service. Leaders must take personal interest in each and every one of their staff or member under their charge, their well-being, their spiritual life and capacity for growth in their ministry and work. They are shepherds in their own right, caring for the weak, strengthening those who are strong and healing those who are wounded. For this reason, leaders must give special attention to the weak and hurting members of their community and organisation. Attempts must be made to reach out to them, to hear their stories without being judgemental RU GHIHQVLYH :LWK DQ RSHQ PLQG and humble heart, we must seek to engage them. They need our

love and understanding and, most of all, a listening ear and an empathetic heart to feel with them in their struggles and to empower them by giving them light in understanding their problems, compassion in their weaknesses and empowerment in the talents that they have. In this way, we heal the wounds of such members and they will become more loving, forgiving and less divisive and negative. Above all, all those serving in the Church must frequent the celebration of the Eucharist and the sacrament of reconciliation. They should spend time before the Blessed Sacrament in adoration, thanksgiving and praise. They, especially the leaders, should make WLPH IRU DQQXDO UHWUHDWV RI ÂżYH days’ duration to recharge and reconnect with the Lord. It would be good that staff and ministry members have a reconciliation service once or twice a year, whether with or without a priest for the sacrament so that there could be forgiveness and healing. The humility to ask for forgiveness, especially on the personal level, helps to heal wounds and bring about forgiveness from the heart. ,Q WKH ÂżQDO DQDO\VLV OHDGHUV must walk the talk. Be mentors for future leaders by serving humEO\ DQG VHOĂ€HVVO\ 'RQÂśW DVN PHPbers to do what you cannot do or are not doing. At the end of the day we need leaders who are prayerful, full of faith and dependent entirely on the Lord. Members must pray for their leaders and leaders in turn must pray for those who are working for them and with them. 3UD\HU IDVWLQJ DQG PRUWLÂżFDWLRQ will help a leader to grow in holiQHVV DQG DOORZ *RG WR PDNH XVH RI them and work through them. Let me conclude with the exhortation of St John Paul II, “Many things are necessary for the Church’s journey through history, not least in this new century; but without charity (agape), all will be in vain.â€? It is again the Apostle Paul who in the hymn to love reminds us: even if we speak the tongues of men and of angels, and if we have faith ‘to move mountains’, but are without love, all will come to ‘nothing’ (cf. 1 Cor 13:2). (NMI 42) Lastly, St John Paul II warned us, “Let us have no illusions: unless we follow this spiritual path, external structures of communion will serve very little purpose. They would become mechanisms without a soul, “masksâ€? of communion rather than its means of expression and growth.â€? (NMI 43) „

Archbishop William Goh

16

Sunday January 10, 2016 CatholicNews

By Jennifer Ficcaglia Hannah, one of Elkanah’s two wives, was very sad. She wanted children very much but did not have any. Peninnah, Elkanah’s other wife who had many children, always teased Hannah about this, which upset her even more. Every year, Hannah went with her husband to worship at the temple in Shiloh. On one of these trips, she tearfully prayed to God, promising that if He gave her a son, she would give the child to the Lord’s service. God heard Hannah’s prayer and gave her a son named Samuel. When Samuel was a little boy, she brought him to the temple in Shiloh to assist the priest Eli. Samuel served at the temple during a time when God did not talk or give visions to the people very often.

So one night, when the Lord spoke to Samuel in a dream, the boy was confused. He went to Eli, thinking the priest was calling him. “I did not call you,” Eli said. “Go back to sleep.” Samuel returned to the part of the temple near where the ark of the Lord was and fell asleep. Again God called out to Samuel, and again the boy ran to Eli, who told Samuel to go back to sleep. After this happened for a third time, Eli understood what was going on. “Go to sleep,” Eli told Samuel, “and if you are called, reply, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’” Samuel fell asleep and heard God’s call again. This time, he listened. God told Samuel that He was goLQJ WR IXO¿O D ZDUQLQJ +H KDG JLYHQ Eli through one of His messengers. Eli, whose family had served as

SPOTLIGHT ON SAINTS:

St Meinrad St Meinrad lived in ninth-century Switzerland. He entered a Benedictine abbey and became a priest, but in 829 he went to live in the woods so he could be alone to pray. He was known for his holiness, so people would come to visit him. He moved farther away to a place now called Einsiedeln, where he lived in solitude for 25 years. In 861, he was visited by two men who wanted to rob him. Although the saint knew what the men were up to, he still offered them hospitality, giving them food, drink and a place to stay. The men killed him during the night and ran away when they found the saint had no treasure. We honour him on Jan 21.

priests since the time of Moses, had two wicked sons who disrespected the Lord and their priestly duties. Since Eli did not stop his sons’ evil ways, God said not only would his sons die, but Eli’s family would no longer be his priests. God revealed to Samuel that his warning to Eli was about to come true. When Samuel awoke, he told Eli what the Lord had said. After receiving this vision, Samu-

el became known as a prophet of God. And whatever visions Samuel received from the Lord always came true. Read more about it: 1 Samuel 3

Q&A 1. Whom did Samuel assist at the temple? 2. Who was calling out to Samuel?

Wordsearch: SON

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WORSHIP VISION REPLY

KIDS’ CLUB: Essay question: How has God answered your prayers?

Bible Accent:

Answer to puzzle: 1. Saul; 2. God; 3. Agag, king of Amalek; 4. David

PUZZLE: Learn more about the prophet Samuel by answering the following questions, taken from 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel. Hints have been provided. :KRP GLG 6DPXHO DQRLQW DV WKH ¿UVW NLQJ RI ,VUDHO" (1 Samuel 10:1) 2. Who would be against Israel and its king if the people rebelled? (1 Samuel 12:15) 3. Whom did Samuel put to death? (1 Samuel 15:32-35) 4. The Lord sent Samuel to Bethlehem to anoint a new king. Who was it? (1 Samuel 16:3, 11-13)

Answer to Wordsearch

In the Book of Exodus, God told Moses how to build the ark, which was made to hold the tablets on which God wrote the Ten Commandments. The ark was very holy and powerful. Those who touched it were killed instantly. After crossing into the Promised Land, the Israelites would take the ark into battle and they would win. After the Israelites conquered Jericho, the ark was brought to the city of Shiloh. Many years later, the priests of Shiloh, Eli and his wicked sons, Hophni and Phinehas, fell out of favour with God. So when the Israelites brought the ark into a battle against the Philistines, they lost. The ark was captured, but the Philistines soon returned it because the people of the cities where they brought the ark would break out in tumours. The ark was brought to Jerusalem during the reign of King David, and his son, King Solomon, built a temple for it. The ark remained in Solomon’s temple until it was destroyed by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. No one knows what happened to the ark after the temple was destroyed.

WHAT’S ON 17

Sunday January 10, 2016 „ CatholicNews

EVENT SUBMISSIONS

JAN 13 TO MAR 23 ST PETER – CORNERSTONE OF CATHOLICISM A DVD-based programme presented by Dr Tim Gray. The story of St Peter begins with an ordinary act of trust, which would change the entire course of his life. Every Wednesday from 9.30am-11.30am (10 sessions). Venue: Church of the Holy Spirit DWWLF WK ÀRRU &RVW /RYH RIIHULQJV welcomed. Register; T: 82288220; E: hsbibleapostolate@gmail.com

All WHAT’S ON submissions now require the completion of a form from the Archdiocese before the event can be publicised. For events with foreign speakers, please submit the necessary documentation for approval to the Chancery. For more information and to download the form, visit http://www.catholic. org.sg/chancery/announcementadvertisement-request/. Once forms have been submitted, kindly send us details of your event for publication at www. catholicnews.sg/whatson/ at least one month ahead of the publication date.

JAN 14 TO NOV 26 BRIDGING PROGRAMME A one-year catechetical programme for children aged 9 to 13 years who have missed, or not had formal catechesis, or who are seeking baptism. Sessions are conducted weekly at the Catholic Archdiocescan Education Centre (CAEC)at 2 Highland Road, and the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour at 31 Siglap Hill. Managed E\ WKH &DWHFKHWLFDO 2IÂżFH 5HJLVWHU T: 68583011 (Emily); E: emily@one.org.sg

JAN 9 MEDITATIVE PRAYER USING THE SONGS OF TAIZE Come and pray with fellow Christians and all who want to create greater trust and openness through meditative prayer. No registration needed. All are welcome. Time: 8pm-9.30pm. Organised by the S’pore Taize core group at the Armenian Church of St Gregory the Illuminator, 60 Hill Street. E: bennycah@gmail.com; W: www.taize.fr/en

JAN 15 TALK ON HOW TO LIVE OUT THE EXTRAORDINARY JUBILEE YEAR OF MERCY Come and understand the meaning of the Year of Mercy; what are plenary indulgences; experience healing through the Divine Mercy and being a herald of mercy. Speaker: Fr Stephen Yim. Time: 7.30pm. Venue: Church of the Sacred Heart hall (level 7). Please register at the church entrance or call 67379285 or email sacredheartchurch@catholic.org.sg

JAN 10 TO JAN 24 KERYGMA SCHOOL 7KH .HU\JPD 6FKRRO UXQ E\ WKH 2IÂżFH for Young People is a two-week live-in formation. It inspires, equips and releases participants to share with joy the basic message of the Gospel. Participants will gain practical experience of what it means to evangelise. Age range: 18-30 years old. Registration closes on Dec 20. Cost: $200. Venue: OYP 2 Lorong Low Koon, S536449. For more info, W: www.oyp. org.sg; E: info.oyp@catholic.org.sg

our daily lives. A typical session includes praise and worship, small group sharings, a wrap-up lecture and fellowship. Time: 7.45pm-10pm. Every Monday except on public holidays. Venue: Church of St Ignatius, level 2 St Ignatius Hall. For more information, E: henrythwu@gmail.com or raymond.thng37@gmail.com JAN 20 TO MAY 25 LECTURE SERIES ON THE BOOK OF JOB Lectures to be held from 8pm-10pm on Jan 20, 27; Feb 3, 24; Mar 30 and every Wednesday in April and May. Come and learn how the Book of Job can enrich your life with God, especially in times of trial and suffering. No previous Bible study experience required. Speaker: Prof Hannah Lim. Venue: Church of St Bernadette Canteen. For enquiries & registration, E: StBernBAT@gmail.com JAN 23 COME, DISCOVER, LIVE By Sr Elizabeth Sim, FDCC. Time: 10am-12noon. Sr Elizabeth will speak of the discovery, the transformation and the freedom of being in union with God. Venue: 100 Jln Merbok. Register; T: 64662178 (Brenda); E: lifesprings @singnet.com.sg; W: www.lifespringscanossian.com JAN 28 TO MAR 31 AT HOME RETREAT Every Thursday from Jan 28 to Mar 31 at Sts Peter and Paul Church. 7.30pm-9.30pm. A 10-week programme based on the spiritual exercises of St Ignatius of Loyola to know Jesus more intimately in the midst of life’s daily routine. Programme includes weekly meeting of faith sharing, daily prayer of scripture. Organised by the Cenacle Sisters. T: 65652895; E: cenaclesing@gmail.com; W: www.catholicsg.info/cenacle

JAN 18 TO NOV 14 “THE ROAD TO EMMAUS� BIBLE PROGRAMME A Bible programme for all. Designed to help us break the Sunday’s Liturgy of the Word, to help us apply its truths in

Crossword Puzzle 1150 ACROSS 1 Sarah’s response when she heard that she would have a child 6 Christmas visitors 10 Catholic poet whose works include “The Rape of the Lockâ€? 14 Point in question 15 USA 16 Focus of study 17 Republic in west Africa 18 Departed 19 Lasting mark 20 Sty inhabitant 21 “Vaya con ____â€? 23 Whatsoever 24 Abounding 26 Roman statesman 28 Wee crawler 29 Teaching 33 Patron saint of England 36 Ugandan strongman 37 Morgue letters 38 Our ____ of Sorrows 39 Railed 41 Coagulate 42 “____ he drove out of sight‌â€? 43 Colette novella 44 Holy ____ 46 Conceal 48 Bishopric 49 Lively, as in sailing 50 Trap for the unwary 54 Go up 57 Amer. WWII ally 58 Kung fu’s Bruce 59 First of the four living creatures in Revelation 4 60 Juanita’s house 62 Consumed 64 Paquin of “The Pianoâ€? 65 Noted murdered shepherd 66 Away 67 Give out hands 68 School division 69 Trunk of the human body

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RCIA/RCIY A journey for those seeking to know more about the Catholic faith. Baptised Catholics are also invited to journey as sponsors. NOV 1 TO DEC 25 2016 CALLING YOUTHS TO JOIN OUR CATHOLIC FAMILY! The RCIY team is welcoming nonCatholics, aged between 14 and 24 years old, to join us on a journey to know about the Catholic faith from November 1. Venue: Church of Christ the King. Sessions will take place on Sundays at 3pm. Register; T: 96718555 (Randy), T: 81880239 (Bernadette) DEC 3 TO MAY 11 2017 RCIA NEW JOURNEY “COME AND SEEâ€?. Every Thursday evening from 7.45pm-9.30pm at Church of St Michael, St Michael’s room (level two) Register; E: stmike@singnet.com.sg; 7 DGPLQ RIÂżFH $GGUHVV 17 St Michael’s Road S(327976) APRIL 3 2016 TO 4 JUNE 2017 NEW RCIA JOURNEY A new RCIA journey will begin April this year and thereafter every Sunday at the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, Verbist hall (level 4). Time: 4pm-5.45pm. Please register your name or names of those who are interested in the Catholic faith. Registration forms are available at the Secretariat or RCIA ministry. W: www.olps.sg; T: 96718216 (Christina)

CHRISTMAS IN IRAQ: An Iraqi child performs during Christmas Eve Mass at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Baghdad.

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Sunday January 10, 2016 CatholicNews

PUBLISHED BY THE CATHOLIC NEWS, 2 HIGHLAND ROAD #01-03, SINGAPORE 549102. PRINTED BY TIMES PRINTERS PRIVATE LIMITED, 16 TUAS AVENUE 5, SINGAPORE 639340.

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