JANUARY 11, 2015, Vol 65, No 01

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SUNDAY JANUARY 11, 2015

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‘Don’t be indifferent to human exploitation’ and interacting with people on city streets, everyone can help ÂżJKW WKH HYLO RI PRGHUQ GD\ VODY ery, Pope Francis said in his an nual message for the World Day of Peace on Jan 1. “Together with the social re sponsibility of businesses, there is also the social responsibil ity of consumers,â€? the pope said. “Every person ought to have the awareness that purchasing is al ways a moral – and not simply an economic – act.â€? But with the Global Slavery Index estimating there are nearly 30 million people worldwide liv LQJ LQ VODYH OLNH FRQGLWLRQV 3RSH Francis said, “We are facing a

global phenomenon which ex ceeds the competence of any one community or country. In order to eliminate it, we need a mobili sation comparable in size to that of the phenomenon itself. “I urgently appeal to all men and women of good will,� he said, “not to become accomplices to this evil, not to turn away from the suffering of our brothers and sisters, our fellow human beings, who are deprived of their freedom and dignity�. The pope’s message, titled No Longer Slaves but Brothers and Sisters, was released on Dec 10 at a Vatican news con ference. The pope called for

personal responsibility, grassroots action and international coopera tion to combat the new and grow ing forms of “this abominable phe nomenonâ€? of human exploitation. His message, which the Vati can sends to heads of state around the world, invited everyone “to practise acts of fraternity toward those kept in a state of enslave mentâ€?. Make an effort to “feel chal lenged when, in our daily lives, we meet or deal with persons who could be victims of human WUDIÂżFNLQJ RU when we are tempted to select items which may

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INSIDE ASIA Pakistan school attack Church bodies condemn ‘cowardly’ assault

... says Pope Francis in his World Day of Peace message VATICAN CITY – When shopping

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well have been produced by ex ploiting othersâ€?, he said. Instead of closing one’s eyes to this tragedy, “do something about it,â€? he said, by joining an association or “offering a kind word, a greeting or a smileâ€? that may give hope or change the life of someone who might be a victim of exploitation. Praying for an end to all wars, FRQĂ€LFWV DQG VXIIHULQJ FDXVHG E\ natural disasters and disease, Pope Francis said his thoughts were with the many men, women and children in the world who have been robbed of their freedom and human dignity.

End of Hong Kong protests Christian leaders urge reconciliation „ Page 9

WORLD Hostage siege in Sydney Prayers offered in wake of tragedy „ Page 11

„ Continued on Page 15

POPE FRANCIS Pope Francis observing the UN Day for the Abolition of Slavery with other faith leaders. In his World Day of Peace message, he urged people not to ignore those deprived of freedom. CNS photo

‘

Let us ask ourselves ... whether we feel challenged when, in our daily lives, we meet or deal with persons who could be victims of human WUDIÂżFNLQJ RU ZKHQ ZH DUH tempted to select items which may well have been produced by exploiting others.

’

– Pope Francis

Pontiff criticises Church bureaucracy Functionalism, and rivalry among some faults „ Page 14

FOCUS Making New Year’s resolutions? Let God guide you „ Page 17

FAITH ALIVE! Celebrating Epiphany A look at the role of the Magi „ Page 18

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Sunday January 11, 2015 CatholicNews

Archbishop makes pastoral visit to Neocatechumenal Way Logos for Archdiocesan Catholic Council for Interreligious Dialogue (left) and Archdiocesan Catholic Council for Ecumenical Dialogue.

Logos for interfaith, ecumenical bodies released The Archdiocesan Catholic Council for Interreligious Dialogue (ACCIRD) and Archdiocesan Catholic Council for Ecumenical Dialogue (ACCED) have released their logos. In the ACCIRD logo, the colours represent the Church’s dialogue with different religions and on issues of common concern. The heart shape symbolises that all dialogue must be conducted on the basis of mutual love. In the ACCED logo, the colours represent the Church’s numerous efforts to reunite with brothers and sisters of different Churches. The overall shape of the cross represents Jesus’ prayer for unity. The overall composition also suggests a boat on a journey towards God. Both councils were set up in September 2013. Says Jesuit Msgr Philip Heng, Vicar General for Interreligious and Ecumenical Relations: “Interreligious dialogue and friendship engage us in mutual respect for

one another’s beliefs ... the greater respect we have for one another, the greater the harmony we build through genuine friendships that sow harmony in our society and country.” He noted that “ecumenism, on the other hand, is built on the foundation of Christ as our centre for dialogue and bond of unity, and the Resurrection of Christ as our common hope ... We are each called to deepen the core truths of Christ and concretise our love for Him by being His instruments of unity, peace and love in the world.” Upcoming ACCIRD activities include a learning trip to the Central Sikh Temple and other places of worship. The ACCED will be involved in the Jan 18-25 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. It is also exploring other forms of ecumenical prayer during the year. For more information on both councils, email Gerald Kong (gerald@accird.org.sg).

Archbishop William Goh shared his vision for the archdiocese and the New Evangelisation with the Neocatechumenal Way during his ¿UVW SDVWRUDO YLVLW WR WKH JURXS Conversion is the “critical point in which a person really becomes a true disciple”, he told the seven communities of the Neocatechumenal Way of Singapore, who are based in the parishes of St Bernadette, St Francis of Assisi, Holy Trinity, Nativity and St Anthony. True conversion demands an interior conversion of the heart, he said during the meeting at the 2I¿FH IRU <RXQJ 3HRSOH SUHPLVHV on Dec 16. People can be traditional Catholics, doing things as a routine with no inner conviction and a lack of an intimate relationship with the Lord, he noted. However, radical conversion comes takes place only when the Lord teaches people humility, when God allows events in people’s lives that compel them to rely not on their strength but on His. The archbishop said that the fruits of deep interior conversion within the Christian community are vocations to the priesthood, and individuals and families who are ready for mission. He encouraged the Neocatechumenal Way, saying that mem-

Archbishop William Goh being welcomed by members of the Neocatechumenal Way during the meeting on Dec 16.

bers are blessed with belonging to a supportive community that will help them grow in discipleship. During the meeting, the various communities of the Neocatechumenal Way were presented to the archbishop. A married couple and a young adult also shared their experiences of how each had experienced Jesus in their crises of faith, sufferings and struggles. They shared how with the aid of the Word of God, the Eucharist and the community, they were able to experience reconciliation and forgiveness.

The late Archbishop Gregory <RQJ ZHOFRPHG WKH 1HRFDWHFKXmenal Way to the archdiocese in 1978. The community now has about 300 members comprising families, adults and young people from different walks of life. The Neocatechumenal Way began in Madrid, Spain, in the early 1960s. Its charism is “to form Christian communities like the Holy Family of Nazareth. That they may live in humility, simplicity and praise and where the other is Christ.” For more information on the Neocatechumenal Way, visit http://www.ncwaysingapore.sg/

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Archbishop William Goh and representatives of various religions pose for a photo in front of the Christmas crib at the Church of St Ignatius. Photo: LAWRENCE YEAP

Christmas joy shared at interfaith gathering By Lorna O’Hara Representatives of various faiths got together for a Christmas celebration hosted by the Archdiocesan Catholic Council for Interreligious Dialogue (ACCIRD). They included members of the Baha’i, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Taoist and Zoroastrian communities. The annual event, held at the Church of St Ignatius on Dec 29, was part of an archdiocesan initiative to promote religious

Archdiocese warned of ‘fraud’ The Apostolic Nunciature in Singapore has conveyed a message to Archbishop William Goh upon the instructions of the Vatican Secretariat of State, warning of two persons who are seeking “financial aidâ€?. “A certain person by the name of Fr Dominic N lsagalandeo, OFM, Provincial Minister of the Order of the Friars Minor, and a certain person by the name of Sr Katherine N lsagalandeo, OSF, Provincial Superior of the Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception, from Monrovia, LibeULD DUH VHHNLQJ ÂżQDQFLDO aid from various people and organisations,â€? says the nunciature’s message. It warns that this is “an attemptâ€? at “fraudâ€?. „

harmony locally, Mr Gerald Goh, ACCIRD executive secretary, told CatholicNews. Archbishop William Goh, in his welcome address, explained the practice of gift-giving during Christmas. Because Christians “feel the joy of being loved by God�, they want to share that same love with others through the giving of presents, he said. Following his address was an explanation of the Christmas crib by Jesuit Msgr Philip Heng and carolling by the

parish youth choir. During the dinner which followed, Archbishop Goh unveiled the new ACCIRD and Archdiocesan Catholic Council for Ecumenical Dialogue (ACCED) logos. Participants also played a

game in which they had to answer questions related to Christmas. The event ended with everyone forming a human chain and singing Let There be Peace on Earth. “I think events like these are

like these are really important. ‘I think events It’s a great time for us to get together in an informal setting.’

– Mr Pua Luck Kheng, a Buddhist council member of the Inter-Religious Organisation (Singapore)

really important,� Mr Pua Luck Kheng, a Buddhist council member of the Inter-Religious Organisation (Singapore) told CatholicNews. “It’s a great time for us to get together in an informal setting.� “I think it’s a wonderful opportunity for religious leaders of different faiths to come together and strengthen our friendship,� commented Bishop Terry Kee from the Lutheran Church in Singapore. „ lorna.ohara@catholic.org.sg

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University students encounter Jesus in special retreat Photos: GALVIN TAY, JULIANA ALOYSIUS, JOSEPH TEY

Praying with one another.

Young Catholics take part in a worship session during the Combined Universities Retreat.

By Geraldine Soh Over 130 young Catholics gathered for the inaugural Combined Universities Retreat organised E\ WKH 2I¿FH IRU <RXQJ 3HRSOH (OYP) recently. According to OYP, which turned one last November, the Dec 19-22 event, aimed to bring the Catholic students together regardless of the universities they are in, to deeply encounter the Lord and to recognise the true joy of Christmas in the birth of Christ. The speakers at the retreat, held at OYP’s premises at Lorong Low Koon, included OYP chaplains Frs Brian D’Souza and Jude David; Fr Samuel Lim, Singapore Management University chaplain; Fr Jovita Ho, National University

of Singapore chaplain; and OYP staff. The speakers encouraged participants, who came from eight universities, to die to self, and commit to surrendering every area of their lives to Jesus.

Because we have ‘ seen the light, we can now be the light. – Mr Matthew Lim, Singapore Management University

It is only by doing so that one can truly experience Emmanuel, and the perfect joy that only Jesus can bring, they told participants. “Yet, this is an ongoing process, which requires companions,� emphasised Fr Jude. “We

each have a responsibility to lead each other to Jesus.â€? $UFKELVKRS :LOOLDP *RK who celebrated the closing Mass, further underscored the message of evangelisation. “You are the Church,â€? he said, “and the greatest gift you can give to anyone is Jesusâ€?. Participants left the retreat inspired. Âł*RG QHYHU DEDQGRQV DQG LI ZH GHVLUH KLP +H ZLOO ÂżQG D home in us,â€? 21-year-old Victoria Lim, from the Singapore Institute of Management, said of her experience in the retreat. “Because we have seen the light, we can now be the light,â€? commented Mr Matthew Lim, 23, from the Singapore Management University, referring to Matthew 5:14. „

2IĂ€FH IRU <RXQJ People turns one November 2014 marked the 2<3ÂśV ÂżUVW DQQLYHUVDU\ VLQFH LW was commissioned by Archbishop :LOOLDP *RK WR SURYLGH SDVWRUDO care to young people aged between 16 and 35. Its goal is to “raise up a generation of young people passionately in love with Jesus and His Church, committed to a lifestyle of discipleship, communion and missionâ€?. The year 2014 has seen many ³¿UVWV´ IRU WKLV QHZ RIÂżFH „ The inaugural School of Christian Leadership, targeted at current and potential Catholic youth leaders in universities, has sparked greater commitment and solidarity among them to serve in their various campuses. „ Kickstart, a gathering organised by OYP and leaders from the various universities, allowed

Youth orchestra plays music from Star Wars, Lord of the Rings

The Risen Christ Youth Symphony, conducted by Dr Aloysius Leong, performing on Dec 13. Photo: GERARD GOH

The Risen Christ Youth Symphony performed well-known pieces from movie blockbusters as well as familiar Christmas classics on Dec 13. The orchestra, which uses music as a platform for young peoSOH WR ¿QG PHDQLQJ LQ WKHLU OLYHV DQG WR ¿QG *RG SHUIRUPHG D IHZ movements from Star Wars, such as the Imperial March (Darth Vader’s Theme), and The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring. It also performed Jesus Christ You Are My Life, a piece composed by Italian priest, Fr Marco Frisina, during the concert held at the Church of the Risen Christ.

According to orchestra director, Dr Aloysius Leong, the orchestra aims to convey an evangelical message and lesson through its music. In the recent concert, the Star :DUVÂś SDQWKHLVWLF YLHZ RI *RG who is this “zoom of energyâ€?, is contrasted with The Lord of the Rings and Jesus Christ You are 0\ /LIH ZKLFK SUHVHQW *RG DV D *RG RI ORYH The orchestra has also previously performed at charity concerts for Assisi Hospice. „ Young people who wish to be part of the Risen Christ Youth Symphony may email Dr Leong at dr.al. leong@gmail.com

freshmen to meet, be welcomed by their seniors, and introduced to freshmen orientation activities. „ Nox Gaudii (Night of Joy), a monthly worship event, has been attracting about 400 young people, including non-Catholics, all over Singapore to come together and pray. „ Treasure, an encounter retreat, has had overwhelming response from young working adults. OYP has served more than 100 of them over two runs of the retreat last year. Other milestones of the year included the School of Witness, an annual discipleship programme aimed at helping participants discover their call for evangelisation, and which has had 149 participants to date. Another milestone was the Asian Youth Day in South Korea in which OYP led a contingent of 48 Singaporeans to experience the gathering of young Catholics across the region to pray as one with Pope Francis. “The Spirit is moving, and it is heartening for me to see more and more young people being renewed in their spirits,â€? said Ms Christina Chua, an OYP staff member. “It has certainly been an amazing year and we are excited for all that 2015 will bring for us at the 2IÂżFH IRU <RXQJ 3HRSOH ´ DGGHG Fr Jude. Upcoming activities include the 7th School of Witness, which VWDUWV RQ -DQ 1R[ *DXGLL ZKLFK resumes on Jan 23; and Treasure 3, which will be held from March 13-16. „

To stay up-to-date with OYP activities, visit www.oyp.com.sg or follow on Facebook.

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)XQ ÀOOHG %LEOH FDPS VHHV kids decorating sweet treats

Children decorating their own doughnuts at the Bible Camp. Photo: KELLEY D’CRUZ

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Making a commitment to be pure. A purity poster at the faith station.

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Parents and caregivers accompanying children with special needs during the Mass. Photo by:

PETER KAY

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ARCHBISHOP’S MESSAGE FOR CATECHETICAL SUNDAY, JAN 11

My dear Catechists, As we contemplate with joy the wondrous scene of the manger in Bethlehem – I am praying for each one of you to take Mary as your Mother and model in the work of the New Evangelisation for the year 2015. Why? For the very same reason I consecrated the whole Archdiocese of Singapore on 7th Oct 2014 (Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary) to the Blessed Virgin. I am convinced that the work of the Church cannot bear fruit unless it is placed under the powerful intercession of the Mother of the Church. The Blessed Virgin is the perfect communicator of the revelation of her divine Son. St Augustine described her as “both mother and discipleâ€? as she was the teacher who trained the Son of God in human knowledge of the Scriptures and of God’s loving plan for His people, and in adoration of the Father, and she in WXUQ ZDV WKH ÂżUVW RI +LV GLVFLSOHV because no one has been taught by God to such depth (Catechesi Tradendae #73). As “Mother and model of catechistsâ€?, I am begging her to form us all to do that very same work “with new ardour and methodsâ€? in modern times. How did Mary transmit faith? What was our mother’s method that proved so effective, especially after her Assumption into heaven? My dear friends, Mary’s qualities I propose are more associated with her being than her doing. May these three points I offer you be a starting point for \RXU RZQ UHĂ€HFWLRQ UHYLHZ DQG response in this new year: „ Mary’s simple and direct faith in the will of God, „ Mary’s union in prayer with the Heart of her Son, „ Mary’s active witness of life XQGHU WKH LQĂ€XHQFH RI WKH +RO\ Spirit.

Mary’s simple faith in the will of God The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that at the annunciation by the angel Gabriel to Mary, she responded with “the obedience of faith, certain that ‘with God nothing will be impossible’... without a single sin to restrain her, she gave herself entirely to the person and work of her Son; she did so in order to serve the mystery of redemption with him and dependent on him, by God’s grace� (CCC 494).

Knowing what the prophets had foretold about the sufferings of the Messiah, Mary had no illusion of the cost of being the Messiah’s Mother. Yet, she did not hesitate. She responded with simple faith, “Be it done to me according to your word.â€? True faith is being able to see God’s will amid the trials of life (Mary as Model Catechist for Parents, Fr John Hardon, SJ). We see that Mary’s journey of faith, which began with her “yesâ€?, continued and passed through the cross. Yet, Mary’s faith did not weaken throughout her thirty years with Jesus at Nazareth and the three years of His public ministry. Mary’s faith sustained her, especially when the experience of the cross deepened at the hour of Jesus’ passion. Pope Francis describes this IDLWK DV D ÂłOLWWOH Ă€DPH EXUQLQJ LQ the nightâ€?. Through the night of Holy Saturday, Mary kept vigil – KHU Ă€DPH UHPDLQHG EXUQLQJ XQWLO the dawn of the resurrection. And when she received news that the tomb was empty, her heart was ÂżOOHG ZLWK WKH MR\ RI IDLWK &DWechesis of the Holy Father on the Faith of Mary, 12 October 2013). Every Saturday is thus appropriately called the day of faith. Mary alone had absolutely no doubt that her son’s life is stronger than death and his light is stronger than darkness. Let us turn to our Mother, asking her to mould in us such a disposition of faith. That we too may accept the history of salvation that God does in us. Pray that we may not be scandalised by the crosses in our own life but see in them the hope of a life that is being resurrected from the fear of death and the slavery to sin. Courage! My brothers and sisters, God has not abandoned you; His Mother assures us by helping us to ponder in our hearts the events in our lives, to pray over them in an attitude of hope and expectation.

Mary’s union in prayer with the Heart of her Son This, then, brings us to the second point: Mary’s deep union with the heart of her Son. Mary prays in the depths of her being (Mary as Model Catechist for Parents, Fr John Hardon, SJ). We get a glimpse of the orientation of her prayer when we examine the SUD\HU RI WKH Âł0DJQLÂżFDW´ WKDW erupted from her being in a spon-

The New Evangelisation is a call to all Catholics to renew their faith and, working in communion, to share the Good News about Jesus Christ with ardour and to be visible witnesses of His love in every sphere of society, using approaches relevant to today’s society. ‘Mary, Star of Evangelisation’ Icon courtesy of Br Claude Lane, OSB, Mount Angel Abbey, St Benedict, OR, USA.

taneous moment of thanksgiving. Like her son, Mary is totally orientated towards magnifying the Lord in all circumstances. Like Christ on the cross, she believes that God will raise the lowly that accept and surrender their circumstances to Him. As one who keeps “all these things, pondering them in her heart� (Luke 2:19), Mary is “able to recognise the traces of God’s Spirit in events great and small. She constantly contemplates the mystery of God in our world, in human history and in our daily lives� (Evangelii Gaudium #288). Our Holy Father describes her to be a “woman of prayer and work in Nazareth� and “Our Lady of Help�. My dear catechists, it is really impossible to catechise without prayer. Prayer can come in various forms – vocal prayer or

meditation; mental prayer or the liturgy; aspirations or quiet moments with God. Whatever your form of prayer, I am convinced that without prayer, catechesis becomes “boringâ€?. Catechists who pray communicate what they have learned from deep listening to the voice of Christ, our Teacher. Catechesis is not an employment or a job – it is a vocation. At the origin of the catechist’s YRFDWLRQ LV D VSHFLÂżF FDOO IURP the Holy Spirit, a “special charism recognised by the Churchâ€? and made explicit by the Bishop’s mandate (Guide for Catechists #2, Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples, 1993). Catechesis is an apostolate. As catechists, we must pray to obtain divine grace for ourselves but we too pray for those we catechise so that those receiving the good news must also receive grace.

We must recognise that prayer is necessary for our ministry to be fruitful, for communication of the Christian faith depends less on the catechist’s ability than on God’s grace working in the hearts of those who hear the message (Guide for Catechists, Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples, 1993). Here, I cannot emphasise enough the power of intercessory prayer that can soften and open the hearts of our catechumens to the Word of God. I encourage all catechists to form intercessory groups that pray for conversion and renewal in the Church. There is no better form of intercessory prayer than the rosary. Let us teach it again to our young people, like the Blessed Mother taught the children at Fatima in „ Continued on Page 7

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Sunday January 11, 2015 „ CatholicNews

„ From Page 6

Portugal. O Mother, teach us to pray the rosary from the heart in union with your Son, Jesus!

Mary’s active witness RI OLIH XQGHU WKH LQĂ XHQFH of the Holy Spirit Finally, my dear catechists, our faith and prayer must inspire us to become evangelical and missionary in the way we live life. What I mean is that as Christians, we must have a vision of life that is dynamic, not static. A vision that propels us out of a mundane, isolated, material existence into a spiritual vision of life that announces to all we meet, the inbreaking of the Kingdom of God into our lives. Mary trusted in the Providence of God in her life. She saw the circumstances of her life as part of His all-wise plan for her. Prompted by the Holy Spirit, she acted with boldness in approaching her Son at the wedding feast at Cana, although His “hourâ€? is not at hand. She shows us how to act decisively and then leaves the outcome in God’s hands. We need such boldness in the Church today. Pope Francis told the youth at the World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro that if faith stays “locked upâ€? within a small Christian community, it is “like withholding ox\JHQ IURP D Ă€DPH WKDW ZDV EXUQing stronglyâ€?. My dear catechists, reach out to your catechumens who seem especially distant from the Church; gather them together like Mary gathering the apostles in the Upper Room. Pray with them, announce to them the Kerygma, and await the outpouring of the Holy Spirit that can transform their lives and then send them forth into our city to offer witness to a new way of living. Our nation, Singapore, is celHEUDWLQJ LWV ÂżIWLHWK \HDU RI H[LVWence as a nation. The nation takes this important mark in our history to thank the seniors from our Pioneer Generation for their contributions during the early years of independence. I invite you, on this Catechetical Sunday, to pause for a moment to give thanks for those who have contributed to passing on the faith to us – those who have made Christ’s love known to us. In recalling those who echoed the faith to us, we cannot but also recall the memory of God’s

history with us – the memory of God’s words which warms our KHDUWV ZKR DOZD\V WDNHV WKH ÂżUVW step and who creates, saves and transforms us. Pope Francis describes catechists as Christians “who puts this remembrance at the service of proclamation...to talk about *RG DERXW +LV ORYH DQG +LV ÂżGHOity – to speak and transmit all that God has revealedâ€? (Homily for Catechists, 29 September 2013). Like Mary and the disciples in building a Church, and the founding fathers of our nation in building a country, it is with this same courage and boldness that we, as a diocese, need to move so urgently with the work of the New Evangelisation. This is the work which involves every single one of us in the diocese and not just the work of the priests and the Religious. With the various initiatives rolled out in 2014, there has been an awareness of the need for the New Evangelisation. However, as we embark on this work of the New Evangelisation, there is D QHHG WR ÂżUVW XQGHUVWDQG ZKDW the term “New Evangelisationâ€? means for us in Singapore before we can align the work that we do to my vision to build an evangelistic and missionary Church. It therefore gives me great pleasure to provide all with the GHÂżQLWLRQ RI WKH 1HZ (YDQJHOLsation in the local context: The New Evangelisation is a call to all Catholics to renew their Faith and, working in communion, to share the Good News about Jesus Christ with ardour and to be visible witnesses of His love in every sphere of society, using approaches relevant to today’s society. Like those before us, we continue this mission to “make disciplesâ€? of those now entrusted to us. Once again, we look to Mary, the Star of the New Evangelisation, and ask her to help us in our work to proclaim the Good News, the message of salvation, to those we encounter. We ask her especially to intercede for us in our work so that as bearers of paschal faith and hope, we bring about an intimate encounter with Christ. Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Amen. Yours with great affection,

Archbishop William Goh

8 ASIA

Sunday January 11, 2015 CatholicNews

App on pope’s Philippines visit MANILA – 7KH QHZ RI¿FLDO DSS searching “Papal Visit 2015 – for the Pope’s January visit to the Philippines.” Philippines will help people folPresenting information about ORZ WKH SRSH¶V DFWLYLWLHV DQG ¿QG the Pope’s Jan 15-19 visit to the the latest news, while letting them Philippines, the app includes a paoffer their prayers on a special pal itinerary, a photo gallery and prayer wall. the national prayer for the papal “It is a good way to bring in- visit. It also includes an audio of formation on the WKH RI¿FLDO VRQJ papal visit closer of the papal visit, to the people, We Are All God’s particularly the Children. youth,” said BishThe app links op Mylo Hubert to several news Vergara, chairman sources including of the bishops of Vatican Radio, the the Philippines’ Catholic Bishops’ Episcopal ComConference of the mission on Social Philippines News, Communication. Catholic News At the Dec 12 Agency, EWTN app launch, Bishop and the National Vergara said orCatholic Register. ganisers wanted App users may the public to have also record a voice the latest informamessage to send to tion on the papal A screenshot of the app. Pope Francis and visit, “especially ¿QG OLQNV WR VHYthose who are mobile”. HUDO RI¿FLDO VRFLDO PHGLD DFFRXQWV “I think the pope in this for the papal visit. digital age wants to communiThe app’s description cites cate,” he added, according to Pope Francis’ June 1 message for the Philippines Sun-Star. “All the 48th World Communications means of social communication Day: “Keeping the doors of our should be utilised for evangelisa- churches open also means keeption.” ing them open in the digital enviThe app is available for An- ronment so that people, whatever droid and iOS phones. It can be their situation in life, can enter, found on the Google Play store and so that the Gospel can go out and in the iTunes App Store by to reach everyone.” CNA/EWTN NEWS

Carolling to keep Bangladeshi kids away from substance abuse DHAKA – MAGIS (Marching and Growing in Solidarity) Bangla, a Jesuit-run youth group, held a Christmas carol competition on Dec 13 in Dhaka with the purpose of teaching children and kids to stay away from all forms of addiction. About 13 groups took part in the contest, which was won by the Francis Xavier School for Girls in Luxmibazarm, an old district in the capital. Recently, some Christians died, apparently from intoxication, after drinking local wine. In view of this, “we try to discour-

age young people from all forms of addiction,” MAGIS Bangla cocoordinator Fr Pradeep Perez SJ told AsiaNews. As part of this effort, “we set up the stage as if it were a bar in order to show the downside of addiction,” Fr Perez explained. 7KLV LV WKH ¿IWK WLPH WKH JURXS has organised the singing competition. “As time goes by, it becomes more and more popular,” the priest added. In addition, “We invite the students to write songs for Christmas, and many of them do,” he said. ASIANEWS

Pakistan Church slams school attack PAKISTAN –The National Commission for Justice and Peace (NCJP), a human rights body of the Catholic Church in Pakistan, on Wednesday strongly condemned the massacre of schoolchildren in a brutal Taliban attack on an army-run school in Peshawar. “We grieve and stand with the families of the children affected and killed in this cowardly attack,” said national director Fr Emmanuel Yousuf Mani and executive director Cecil Shane Chaudhry in a joint statement. A Taliban assault on a military-run school in Peshawar on Tuesday left 141 dead, with 132 children among the victims. “We are running out of demands for human rights and now plead to the government, political parties, religious leaders, civil society organisations, and judiciary to set aside all their personal and political differences and join hands to end this menace of terrorism,” said the commission’s statement. The NJCP also called on intelligence agencies and the federal and provincial governments to “take serious and effective measures” to prevent such atrocities and demanded heightened security to “ensure [the] safety of all children and citizens of Pakistan”. Meanwhile, in a note sent to AsiaNews by the NCJP, Archbishop Joseph Coutts of Karachi and president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Pakistan, reiterated his “strong condemnation” against the “brutal attack”, calling on the faithful to celebrate soberly Christmas out of “respect and solidarity” for the victims and their families. As he called for prayers and unity, the bishop also mentioned the attack against a church in Peshawar in September 2013 that left

A man carries a student released from a hospital in Peshawar, Pakistan, after the Dec 16 Taliban attack on the Army Public School. CNS photo

more than a hundred Christians dead, attacks against anti-polio volunteers as well as the “senseless violence” and terrorism visited upon other “innocent victims. “Catholic schools and institutions should observe a minute of silence during morning assem-

We grieve and ‘ stand with the families of the children affected and killed in this cowardly attack.

’

– National Commission for Justice and Peace.

blies and offer prayers for the victims of the barbarous attack in the military-run public school in Peshawar,” he added. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Christian groups announced the cancellation of Christmas celebrations.

The local Express Tribune quoted Bishop Ernest Jacob of the Orthodox Church saying, “We have decided to hold Christmas services and special prayers at all churches of the city” but not celebratory events. He added, “It is the deadliest assault of the country’s history and the Christian community can never hold religious festivities at such a sombre time.” Bishop Humphrey Peters of the Church of Pakistan said the loss of so many school children had shrouded the city in grief. In Lahore, Masiah Millat Party, a Christian political party, staged a demonstration against the Taliban and expressed solidarity with the families of those killed in the attack. Separately, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif presided over a meeting of parliamentary leaders and planned to chalk out a National Action Plan against terrorism within a week. ASIANEWS, UCANEWS

Papuan bishop’s emergency appeal amid food shortage ALOTAU, PAPUA NEW GUINEA – A Catholic bishop of Alotau,

Papua New Guinea, has launched an appeal during a severe food shortage following a cyclone that hit the Catholic diocese. A severe tropical cyclone known as Ita slammed the remote Melanesian island coast in early April last year, wreaking havoc and destroying some 1,000 houses and many crops in the poorest region of the diocese. “At this time thousands of these people are suffering from a severe food shortage,” said Bishop Rolando C Santos CM, of Alotau, the capital of the country’s Milne Bay Province.

“I am writing to make an emergency appeal for the people the Sudest, particularly, those of St Alphonsus parish, Nimoa,” Bishop Santos wrote in a Dec 18 message. “We are also appealing to the local people, and asking them to bring their donations to the Church during these days of the Christmas novena,” he said. Bishop Santios added that Fr Tony Young, parish priest of Nimoa, “just ran out of food supplies after distributing relief to about 800 families”. Explaining his concerns for the citizens, the bishop said that he sought the intervention of the

local provincial government of Milne Bay, and “they are now collecting supplies and intend to ship these to Nimoa sometime next week.” The affected region is dependent primarily on local produce due to poor connectivity of roads and the mountainous region. The Catholic Church and missionaries have played an extensive role in setting up educational schools, promoting vocational skills and capacity development institutes in educating the tribal indigenous population. Catholics in Papua New Guinea constitute 27 percent of the total population. CNS

ASIA 9

Sunday January 11, 2015 CatholicNews

HK Christian leaders urge reconciliation as protests end HONG KONG – +RQJ .RQJ &KULV-

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Hong Kong residents hold a banner that reads “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake” during the protest. CNS photos

Hong Kong Cardinal John Tong Hon

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10 WORLD

Sunday January 11, 2015 „ CatholicNews

New York cardinal PRXUQV VKRRWLQJ RI SROLFH RIĂ€FHUV A woman hugs a New York Police Department RIÂżFHU next to a makeshift memorial near the site where two police RIÂżFHUV were shot.

A priest celebrates Christmas Mass at the Mart Shmoni Shrine in Ainkawa refugee camp in Irbil, Iraq. CNS photos

CNS photo

NEW YORK, USA – 1HZ <RUN

&DUGLQDO 7LPRWK\ 0 'RODQ MRLQHG in mourning what he called the “brutal and irrational execution of two young, promising and deYRWHG SROLFH RIÂżFHUV´ IDWDOO\ VKRW on Dec 20 as they sat in their New <RUN 3ROLFH 'HSDUWPHQW FUXLVHU RQ D %URRNO\Q VWUHHW “God’s holy word, which we MXVW KHDUG DQG WKH VHUPRQ WKDW follows, are supposed to be good news. Some days that’s tough to JLYH WKLV JRRG QHZV DQG WKLV LV one of them,â€? the cardinal said in his homily during Mass on Dec 21 DW 6W 3DWULFNÂśV &DWKHGUDO $FFRUGLQJ WR SROLFH RIÂżFHUV 5DIDHO 5DPRV DQG :HQMLDQ /LX were ambushed as they sat in their PDUNHG SROLFH FDU LQ WKH %HGIRUG 6WX\YHVDQW VHFWLRQ RI %URRNO\Q 7KH WUDJHGLHV FDPH DPLG SURWHVWV across the US about the treatment of African Americans by security forces.

Âł:H WHDU XS WKLQNLQJ DERXW WKHLU KHDUWEURNHQ IDPLOLHV DV ZH are in solidarity with our police RIÂżFHUV ZKR H[SHULHQFH D ÂłGHDWK LQ WKH IDPLO\´ DV ZH ZRUU\ DERXW D FLW\ WHPSWHG WR WHQVLRQ DQG GLYLsion,â€? the cardinal said. “‘Good news’ might seem GLVWDQW GLIILFXOW HYHQ LQGLVFUHWH DV ZH DQWLFLSDWH WKH MR\ RI Christmas four days away, and IHHO PRUH OLNH ZHÂśUH QHDU *RRG Friday.â€? $ JXQPDQ RSHQHG ÂżUH RQ 5DPRV DQG /LX VKRRWLQJ ERWK IDWDOO\ LQ WKH KHDG 7KH VXVSHFWHG VKRRWHU LGHQWLÂżHG DV ,VPDDL\O %ULQVOH\ WKHQ Ă€HG WR WKH VXEZD\ where, police say, he committed suicide. Âł1HYHU LV WKH KRSH RI WKH JRRG news of God’s promise and fulÂżOPHQW HUDVHG IRU D EHOLHYHU DQG the more it is tested the stronger it gets,â€? Cardinal Dolan said. „ CNS

0LGGOH (DVW &KXUFK OHDGHUV KLJKOLJKW SHRSOH¡V VXIIHULQJ DW &KULVWPDV BEIRUT – Catholic Church lead-

ers in the Middle East lamented the suffering of their people in YLROHQFH ZUDFNHG DUHDV DQG RIfered words of hope while calling for prayers for their safety. Chaldean Catholic Patriarch /RXLV 6DNR RI %DJKGDG WUDYHOOHG WR $LQNDZD D VXEXUE RI ,UELO LQ WKH Kurdistan region of northern Iraq, to celebrate Mass on Christmas (YH IRU PRUH WKDQ GLVSODFHG &KULVWLDQV XQGHU D PDVVLYH WHQW Syriac Catholic Archbishop Yohanna Moshe of Mosul, also among the displaced, and ArchELVKRS %DUQDED <RXVLI +DEDVK RI WKH 6\ULDF 'LRFHVH RI 2XU /DG\ RI 'HOLYHUDQFH RI 1HZDUN 1HZ -HUsey, USA, were concelebrants. $UFKELVKRS +DEDVK ZKR RYHUsees the spiritual needs of Syriac Catholics in the United States and &DQDGD YLVLWHG ,UDT WR VSHQG WKH holidays with the displaced. Both clerics are from Qaraqosh, Iraq, a largely Syriac CathROLF WRZQ XQWLO LW ZDV RYHUWDNHQ E\ Islamic State militants in August. More than 120,000 Christians DQG RWKHU PLQRULWLHV KDYH ÀHG WR Kurdistan from Mosul and other FLWLHV LQ WKH 1LQHYDK 3ODLQ WR HVcape. Pope Francis, in a surprise phone call to the Mass, offered

words of encouragement. “You’re OLNH -HVXV RQ WKLV QLJKW DQG , EOHVV you and am close to you,â€? he told the congregation. ,Q KLV KRPLO\ 3DWULDUFK 6DNR VDLG WKDW Âł>-HVXVÂś@ ELUWK UHYLYHV hope in us that we may return to

Chaldean Catholic Patriarch Louis Sako of Baghdad

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3RSH SUD\V IRU PLVVLQJ $LU$VLD à LJKW ROME – Pope Francis prayed

for missing AirAsia Flight QZ 8501 at the conclusion of his Angelus address on Dec 28. “My thoughts turn in this moment, to the passengers of the Malaysian airplane that ZHQW PLVVLQJ GXULQJ LWV Ă€LJKW from Indonesia to Singapore,â€? he said. ,QGRQHVLDQ DLU WUDIÂżF FRQtrollers lost all communication

DV LW ÀHZ RYHU WKH -DYD 6HD /RFDO RI¿FLDOV VWDWHG WKDW SULRU WR going missing, a pilot aboard WKH ÀLJKW DVNHG DLU WUDI¿F FRQWUROOHUV SHUPLVVLRQ WR GHYLDWH from its planned route due to bad weather. Pope Francis also rememEHUHG WKRVH LQYROYHG LQ D WUDJLF ferry boat accident in the AdriDWLF 6HD WKDW GD\ *UHHN RI¿FLDOV had reported that the ferry was

RQ ÂżUH 7KH +RO\ )DWKHU SUD\HG IRU WKH YLFWLPV WKHLU IDPLOLHV and those assisting in the rescue operations for both incidents. “I am close to them with the affections and prayers for the IDPLOLHV DQG WKRVH ZKR DUH OLYLQJ WKURXJK WKHVH GLIÂżFXOW VLWXations with anxiety and sufferLQJ DV ZHOO DV WKRVH LQYROYHG LQ rescue operations,â€? he said. „ ZENIT

WORLD 11

Sunday January 11, 2015 „ CatholicNews

Âś4XHVWLRQDEOH¡ Ă€QDQFLDO 6\GQH\ DUFKELVKRS DFWLYLWLHV OHDYH 'DUNQHVV RI VLHJH FDQQRW )UDQFLVFDQV LQ GHEW RYHUFRPH &KULVW¡V OLJKW SYDNEY – Hell has touched Syd-

ney, but the darkness let loose on a terrorised city cannot overcome the light of Christ, the city’s archbishop said at a special Dec 16 Mass after a lone gunman took 17 people hostage in a cafe, killing two before being shot by police. The atmosphere in St Mary’s Cathedral, Sydney, was sombre as government leaders arrived for the special Mass. Among those in attendance were Mr Peter Cosgrove, governor general of Australia, and New South Wales Premier Mike Baird. “Today the heart of our city is broken by the deaths of two innocent hostages along with their tormentor, the injuries of four others and trauma to many more,â€? Archbishop Anthony Fisher said in his homily before the hundreds, Catholic and non-Catholic, who had gathered to pray. “We went to bed hoping to wake to good news. But despite patient efforts to maintain calm $ KRVWDJH UXQV WRZDUGV D SROLFH RIÂżFHU RXWVLGH /LQGW FDIH ZKHUH RWKHU KRVand negotiate, there were, in the tages were being held in Sydney on Dec 15. &16 SKRWR HDUO\ KRXUV RI WKLV PRUQLQJ Ă€DVKHV RI JXQÂżUH LQWHUYHQWLRQ E\ RXU no greater love than to lay down pen, something Archbishop Fisher police to save lives, merciful es- one’s life for another,â€? Archbish- said was a function of a misuse of SHRSOHÂśV *RG JLYHQ IUHH ZLOO op Fisher said. FDSHV EXW ÂżQDOO\ GHDWK Âł7KH *RG ZKR VDYHV VWLOO 7KLV ÂżUVW LQFLGHQW RI LWV NLQG LQ “Hell had touched us.â€? Sydney threat- leaves men free. They choose The cafe’s ened to “harden whether to be of good will or not,â€? manager Tori 7KHUH LV VRPHWKLQJ our heartsâ€?, he said. Johnson, 34, “The Christ-child proposes the archbishop was reported JUHDWHU WKDQ said, with the peace, again and again; He gives to have tried to KDWUHG DQG YLROHQFH risk “that we us the wherewithal to be reconwrest the gun become cyni- ciled and live peaceably with off the self7KHUH LV ORYH cal, suspicious our neighbours; but in the end styled Iranian WKDW KXPEOH of our neigh- we choose whether to live in His cleric Man HaVHOI GRQDWLYH ORYH WKDW bours, or worse, kingdom, by His values,â€? he said. ron Monis, but we turn on „ CNS was fatally shot FRPHV LQ WKH VKDSH that themâ€?. in the process. But he said K a t r i n a RI WKH &KULVWPDV EDEH that “the darkDawson, 38, a WKH 3ULQFH RI 3HDFH ness need not mother and re– Archbishop overcome the spected barrisAnthony Fisher of Sydney lightâ€?, as witter, was killed nessed by the while trying to calls for calm from a multitude of shield her pregnant friend. “These heroes were willing different religious, ethnic and poto lay down their lives so others litical leaders. Many would be wondering PLJKW OLYH LPLWDWLQJ WKH VDFULÂżFH of Christ, who said that there is ZK\ *RG DOORZHG WKH VLHJH WR KDS-

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$IWHUPDWK 0HPEHUV RI WKH SXEOLF ORRN DW WKRXVDQGV RI ÀRUDO WULEXWHV SODFHG near the Sydney cafe where hostages were held for more than 16 hours.

their effectiveness to guarantee VATICAN CITY – Ineffective budgetary oversight and “ques- responsible, transparent manageWLRQDEOH´ ÂżQDQFLDO DFWLYLWLHV ment,â€? Fr Perry wrote. The inquiry revealed that have plunged the Order of Friars 0LQRU LQWR VLJQLÂżFDQW GHEW DQG “there appears to have taken DQ H[WUHPHO\ VHULRXV ÂżQDQFLDO place a number of questionable situation, its minister general ÂżQDQFLDO DFWLYLWLHV WKDW ZHUH FRQducted by friars entrusted with said. Following an internal inves- the care of the patrimony of the WLJDWLRQ LQWR WKH RUGHUÂśV ÂżQDQFHV order without the full knowledge US Franciscan Fr Michael Perry, or consent of the former and curthe superior, announced to all rentâ€? leaders, he wrote. The general treasurer, identimembers of the order that its genHUDO FXULD ³¿QGV LWVHOI LQ JUDYH ÂżHG E\ ,WDOLDQ PHGLD DV )U *LDQDQG , XQGHUVFRUH ÂľJUDYHÂś ÂżQDQ- carlo Lati, has resigned as treasurer and as legal FLDO GLIÂżFXOW\ representative ZLWK D VLJQLÂżFDQW The general curia of the order, Fr burden of debtâ€?. He attributed ³¿QGV LWVHOI LQ JUDYH Perry said, and the Franciscans the situation to DQG , XQGHUVFRUH have informed XQDSSURYHG ¿¾JUDYHÂś ÂżQDQFLDO the Vatican about nancial activity the situation. by some friars GLIÂżFXOW\ ZLWK D People who as well as nonVLJQLÂżFDQW EXUGHQ were not FranFranciscans and ciscans also seem said the curia had RI GHEW´ to have played a retained lawyers – US Franciscan superior, “central roleâ€? in and contacted Fr Michael Perry to all the illicit activity, civil authorities. members of his order he added. The The an“scope and magnouncement was published as an open letter on the nitudeâ€? of such activities have order’s website on Dec 17. The SXW ÂłWKH ÂżQDQFLDO VWDELOLW\ RI WKH announcement included a plea general curia at grave riskâ€?, he to Franciscan superiors around said, and have warranted calling the world for “your understand- in “civil authorities to take up LQJ DQG IRU D ÂżQDQFLDO FRQWULEX- this matterâ€?. Three Franciscans appointed tion to help address the current situation, which involves also to investigate the current situaWKH UHSD\PHQW RI VLJQLÂżFDQW tion will continue their work, he said; the Franciscan curia also debtsâ€?. An investigation which begun is relying on the assistance of a in September last year, discov- “highly regarded group of lawHUHG WKDW ÂłWKH V\VWHPV RI ÂżQDQ- yersâ€?. Fr Perry promised to make cial oversight and control for the management of the patrimony of a complete report on the situathe order were either too weak or tion when the Franciscan general were compromised, thus limiting chapter meets in 2015. „ CNS

12 POPE FRANCIS

Sunday January 11, 2015 „ CatholicNews

Hear the cry of suffering kids, urges pope at Christmas VATICAN CITY – The crying of

Baby Jesus is not the only cry people should hear on Christmas; many children around the world are crying because of war, maltreatment and abuse, Pope Francis said. Speaking to an estimated 80,000 people in St Peter’s Square on Dec 25, he said, “My thoughts today go to all children who are abused and mistreated: those killed before they are born; those deprived of the generous love of their parents who DUH EXULHG XQGHU WKH VHOÂżVKQHVV RI D culture that does not love life; those children displaced by war and persecution, abused and exploited under our eyes and the silence that makes us accomplices.â€? Before giving his solemn Christmas blessing urbi et orbi (to the city and the world), Pope Francis urged the crowd to pray for peace in Ukraine, in the Middle East, Nigeria, Libya, South Sudan, Central African Republic and Congo. With thousands of children looking at the Vatican’s Nativity scene and receiving the pope’s blessing with their parents on Christmas morning, Pope Francis’ strongest words were about less fortunate children. “May Jesus save the vast numbers of children who are victims of violence, made objects of trade DQG WUDIÂżFNLQJ RU IRUFHG WR EHcome soldiers,â€? he said. He added special prayers for the families of the dozens of children killed on Dec 16 by a Taliban attack on a school in Peshawar, Pakistan. “There are so many tears this Christmas, together with the tears of the infant Jesus,â€? he said. Children are dying “under bombardment, even there where the son of God was born. Today their silence cries out under the sword of so many Herodsâ€?, those who kill children just as Herod did in Jesus’ time. The pope prayed that Christ’s “divine power, by its meekness,â€?

would “take away the hardness of heart of so many men and women immersed in worldliness and indifference. May his redeeming strength transform arms into ploughshares, destruction into creativity, hatred into love and tenderness.â€? In the dark of the night on Dec LQ D 6W 3HWHUÂśV %DVLOLFD ÂżOOHG to capacity, 10 children led Pope Francis towards the altar of the church. Together they stood waiting while a lector read the solemn “Christmas proclamation,â€? recounting the timing of the birth of Christ in human history. As the children from the Philippines, South Korea, Belgium, It-

CNS photos

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aly, Lebanon and Syria looked on, Pope Francis removed the cloth that had been covering a statue of Baby Jesus, bent over and kissed it gently. In this homily, the pope said the birth of the Son of God in a lowly manger is the sign of “the humility of God taken to the extreme; it is the love with which, that night, He assumed our frailty,

our suffering, our anxieties, our desires and our limitations�. The birth of Jesus revealed that “the message that everyone was expecting, that everyone was searching for in the depths of their souls, was none other than the tenderness of God: God who looks upon us with eyes full of love, who accepts our poverty, God who is in love with our small-

My thoughts today go to all children ‘ who are abused and mistreated ... those children displaced by war and persecution, abused and exploited under our eyes and the silence that makes us accomplices.

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ness,â€? said the pope. “On this holy night, while we contemplate the infant Jesus just born and placed in the manger, ZH DUH LQYLWHG WR UHĂ€HFW ´ KH VDLG “How do we welcome the tenderness of God? Do I allow myself to be taken up by God, to be embraced by him, or do I prevent him from drawing close?â€? Put more simply, he said, the key question is: “Do I allow God to love me?â€? ,Q WKH IDFH RI GLIÂżFXOWLHV WKH pope said, “the Christian response cannot be different from God’s response to our smallness. Life must be met with goodness, with meekness.â€? Shortly before the Mass, tak-

ing advantage of the satellite link of a crew from the Italian bishops’ TV2000, Pope Francis made a telephone call to Christian refugees gathered for Mass in a camp in Ainkawa, Iraq. “You are like Jesus on Christmas night,â€? he told them. “There was no room for Him either, and +H KDG WR Ă€HH WR (J\SW ODWHU WR save Himself. “You are like Jesus in this situation, and that makes me pray even more for you,â€? he said. “Dear brothers and sisters, I am close to you, very close this evening. With all my heart, I am near you, and I ask Jesus to caress you with His tenderness and I ask His mother to give you much love.â€? „ CNS

‘Witness to Christ without fear of going against the current’ VATICAN CITY – The day after Christmas,

Pope Francis warned Catholics about two related temptations: giving Christmas a “false, sugary coating� and not putting the faith one professes into action. Reciting the Angelus on Dec 26 – a holiday in Italy and the feast of St Stephen, the martyred deacon who served the poor – the pope said St Stephen “honoured the coming into the world of the king of kings, gave witness to Him and offered as a gift his life in service for the poorest. In that way, he shows us how

to fully live the mystery of Christmas.� In the day’s Gospel reading from St Matthew, Jesus tells his disciples, “You will be hated by all because of my name, but whoever endures to the end will be saved.� The reading, Pope Francis said, doesn’t “break up the celebration of Christmas, but it strips it of that false, sugary coating that does not belong to it�. “If we really want to welcome Jesus into our lives and prolong the joy of that holy night,� he said, “the path is indicated by this Gospel: Give witness to Christ in

humility, in silent service, without being afraid of going against the current and paying the price.â€? Not everyone is called to martyrdom, he said, “but every Christian is called in every situation to be consistent with the faith he or she professesâ€?. One cannot say, “‘I’m a Christian’ and live like a pagan,â€? the pope said. 5HPHPEHULQJ 6W 6WHSKHQ DV WKH ÂżUVW Christian martyr, Pope Francis also urged the thousands of people gathered in St Peter’s Square to pray for “all those who are

discriminated against, persecuted and killed for their witness of Christ. I want to say to each of them: If you carry this cross with love, you have entered into the mystery of Christmas, and you are in the heart of Christ and of the Church.� The pope also asked for prayers that ³WKH VDFUL¿FH RI WRGD\œV PDUW\UV ¹ DQG WKH\ are many – would strengthen in every part of the world the commitment to recognising and concretely assuring religious freedom, which is the inalienable right of every human person�. „ CNS

POPE FRANCIS 13

Sunday January 11, 2015 „ CatholicNews

‘Happy’ about warming of US-Cuba relations, pope praises diplomacy St John Paul II during his historic visit to Cuba in 1998, greets Cuban President Fidel Castro at the Palace of the Revolution prior to their private meeting.

‘We have seen how two peoples who were distanced for so many years took a step toward each other,’ said Pope Francis. &16 ÂżOH SKRWR VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis expressed his joy over the historic turning point in US-Cuba relations as the two countries agreed to restore diplomatic ties after half a century. “Today we are happy because we have seen how two peoples who were distanced for so many years took a step toward each other yesterday,â€? he told a group of new ambassadors. His comment came on Dec 18 in a speech to 13 new ambassadors to the Vatican who were presenting their letters of credential to the pope. Referring to the announcements by the United States and Cuba on Dec 17 to restore relaWLRQV EXW ZLWKRXW VSHFLÂżFDOO\ naming the two countries, the pope told the diplomats that the rapprochement “was moved forward by ambassadors, by diplomacy. Your work is noble, very noble.â€?

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, said this landmark move has come after many years of the hard work, patience and “small stepsâ€? of many people, including the popes, starting with St John XXIII. However, Cardinal Parolin said, 3RSH )UDQFLV DV WKH ÂżUVW SRSH IURP Latin America, “was decisive because he was the one who took the initiative to write to the two presidents to invite them to overcome WKH GLIÂżFXOWLHV H[LVWLQJ EHWZHHQ WKH WZR FRXQWULHV DQG WR ÂżQG D SRLQW RI agreement, a point of encounterâ€?. Fr Fernando Heria, pastor of St Brendan Church in a heavily Cuban-American section of Miami, USA, and himself a native of Cuba who left the island 53 years ago, at the age of 11, told the Florida Catholic newspaper of the Miami Archdiocese, that after St John Paul’s visit to Cuba, bishops and priests from the island began

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meeting regularly with their counterparts in exile. He added that the visit of Pope Benedict to Cuba in 2012 – following Havana Cardinal Jaime Ortega’s successful negotiations for the release of a large group of jailed Cuban dissidents – gave “even greater momentum� to the Cuban government’s realisation that “the

Church could be trusted� to act as a middleman. Meanwhile, the Cuban bishops’ conference expressed “special gratitude� to the pope for his role as a “major player in a desire that has now become reality�. In their written statement, they hoped that “the good will expressed by the presidents [of Cuba

and the United States] may contribute to the material and spiritual welfare of our people�. They added their appreciation for the release and return of three Cubans, who were imprisoned in the US for about 14 years, as well as the release of a “North American prisoner� who was reunited with his family. „ CNS

Pope credited for urging US, Cuba to normalise relations WASHINGTON – Pope Francis

personally appealed to President Barack Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro in 2014 to encourage both leaders to normalise diplomatic relations, a senior 2EDPD DGPLQLVWUDWLRQ RIÂżFLDO said. 7KH RIÂżFLDO WROG UHSRUWHUV RQ Dec 17 that the pope followed up the personal appeals with letters to the US and Cuban leaders, en-

couraging them to move forward on efforts to improve relations between the two countries. The pope’s actions were part of a major diplomatic effort by the Vatican, which hosted direct talks between American and CuEDQ RI¿FLDOV WKH DGPLQLVWUDWLRQ RI¿FLDO VDLG Mr Castro and Mr Obama acknowledged the role Pope Francis played in the talks.

In a statement released after the announcement was made simultaneously by Mr Obama in Washington, and Mr Castro in Havana, the Vatican said that “the Holy See will continue to assure its support for initiatives which both nations will undertake to strengthen their bilateral relations and promote the wellbeing of their respective citizens.� „ CNS

14 POPE FRANCIS

Sunday January 11, 2015 „ CatholicNews

Pope delivers blistering criticism of Church bureaucracy Loss of human feeling, functionalism and rivalry were some faults highlighted VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis’

Christmas greeting to the Roman Curia, the Catholic Church’s central administration, was a biting half-hour speech listing a host of spiritual ills which he said Vatican RIÂżFLDOV DUH SURQH WR “It is good to think of the Roman Curia as a small model of the Church, that is, a body that seeks, seriously and on a daily basis, to be more alive, healthier, more harmonious and more united in itself and with Christ,â€? said the pope in the Vatican’s Clementine Hall on Dec 22. “However, like any body, it is exposed to sickness, malfunction DQG LQÂżUPLW\ ´ KH VDLG 7KH ÂżUVW LV ÂłWKH VLFNQHVV RI FRQVLGHULQJ RQHVHOI ÂľLPPRUWDOÂś ÂľLPPXQHÂś RU ÂľLQGLVSHQVDEOHÂś neglecting the necessary and habitual controls,â€? said the pope. “A Curia that is not self-critical, that does not stay up-to-date, that does not seek to better itself, is an ailing body ‌ It is the sickness of the rich fool who thinks he will live for all eternity, and of those who transform themselves into masters and believe themselves superior to others, rather than at their service.â€? 7KH VHFRQG LV ³¾0DUWKD LVPÂś RU H[FHVVLYH LQGXVWULRXV QHVV ´ said the pope, “the sickness of those who immerse themselves in work, inevitably neglecting ‘the better part’ of sitting at Jesus’ feet. “Therefore, Jesus required his disciples to rest a little, as neglecting the necessary rest leads to stress and agitation,â€? he said. “It is necessary to learn the teaching of Ecclesiastes, that ‘there is a time for everything.’â€? 7KHQ WKHUH LV ÂłWKH VLFNQHVV RI PHQWDO DQG VSLULWXDO KDUGHQ LQJ that of those who, along the way, lose their inner serenity, vivacity and boldness and conceal themselves behind paper, becoming working machines rather than men of Godâ€?, said the pope. “It is dangerous to lose the hu-

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man sensibility necessary to be able to weep with those who weep and to rejoice with those who rejoice! It is the sickness of those who lose those sentiments that were present in Jesus Christ.â€? The pope then highlighted ÂłWKH DLOPHQW RI H[FHVVLYH SODQ QLQJ DQG IXQFWLRQDOLVP this is when the apostle plans everything in detail and believes that, by perfect planning things effectively progress, thus becoming a sort of accountantâ€?. The pope noted that “one falls prey to this sickness because it is easier and more convenient to settle into static and unchanging positions. Indeed, the Church shows herself to be faithful to the Holy Spirit to the extent that she does not seek to regulate or domesticate it. The Spirit is freshness, imagination and innovation.â€? Another fault is the ÂłVLFNQHVV RI SRRU FRRUGLQDWLRQ [which] develops when the communion between members is lost, and the body loses its harmonious functionality and its temperance, becoming an orchestra of ca-

Pontiff slams terrorist acts in Australia, Pakistan, Yemen VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis de-

cried the “inhuman terrorist acts� that killed scores of people in Australia, Pakistan and Yemen. At the conclusion of his weekly public audience on Dec 17, the pope called for a moment of silence, then led the congregation in praying the Our Father for the victims. “May the Lord welcome the dead into his peace, comfort their relatives and convert the hearts of

the violent who do not spare even children,� the pope said. On Dec 16, gunmen of the Pakistani Taliban killed 141 people, mostly children, at a military-run school in the city of Peshawar; car bombs killed at least 31 people, including 20 children, in the Yemeni town of Radaa; and two hostages died along with their kidnapper when police stormed a cafe in Sydney after a 16-hour siege. „ CNS

cophony because the members do not collaborate and do not work with a spirit of communion or as a teamâ€?. The pope also highlighted what he called ÂłVSLULWXDO $O]KHL PHUÂśV GLVHDVH RU UDWKHU IRUJHW IXOQHVV RI WKH KLVWRU\ RI VDOYD WLRQ, of the personal history with WKH /RUG RI WKH ¾¿UVW ORYHϫ “This is a progressive decline of spiritual faculties, that over a period of time causes serious

is dangerous to ‘Itlose the human sensibility necessary to be able to weep with those who weep and to rejoice with those who rejoice!

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handicaps, making one incapable of carrying out certain activities autonomously, living in a state of absolute dependence on one’s own often imaginary views. “We see this in those who have lost their recollection of their encounter with the Lord ‌ in those who build walls around themselves and who increasingly transform into slaves to the idols they have sculpted with their own hands.â€? He also highlighted ÂłWKH DLO PHQW RI ULYDOU\ DQG YDLQJORU\ when appearances, the colour of one’s robes, insignia and honours become the most important aim in life ‌ It is the disorder that leads us to become false men and women, living a false ‘mysticism’ and a false ‘quietism’.â€? Then there is ÂłH[LVWHQWLDO VFKL]RSKUHQLD WKH VLFNQHVV RI

WKRVH ZKR OLYH D GRXEOH OLIH fruit of the hypocrisy typical of the mediocre and the progressive spirituDO HPSWLQHVV WKDW FDQQRW EH ÂżOOHG by degrees or academic honours,â€? said the pope. “This ailment particularly DIĂ€LFWV WKRVH ZKR DEDQGRQLQJ pastoral service, limit themselves to bureaucratic matters, thus losing contact with reality and with real people. They create a parallel world of their own, where they set aside everything they teach with severity to others and live a hidden, often dissolute life.â€? The pope also highlighted the fault of ÂłFKDWWHU JUXPEOLQJ DQG JRVVLS´ “This is a serious illness that begins simply, often just in the form of having a chat, and takes people over, turning them into sowers of discord, like Satan, and in many cases cold-blooded murderers of the reputations of their colleagues and brethren. “It is the sickness of the cowardly who, not having the courage to speak directly to the people involved, instead speak behind their backs.â€? Âł7KH VLFNQHVV RI GHLI\LQJ OHDGHUV LV W\SLFDO RI WKRVH ZKR FRXUW WKHLU VXSHULRUV ZLWK WKH KRSH RI UHFHLYLQJ WKHLU EHQHYR OHQFH ´ the pope continued. “They are victims of careerism and opportunism, honouring people rather than God. They are people who experience service thinking only of what they might obtain and not of what they should give. They are mean, unhappy and inspired RQO\ E\ WKHLU IDWDO VHOÂżVKQHVV ´ Another “diseaseâ€? is ÂłWKH GLVHDVH RI LQGLIIHUHQFH WRZDUGV RWKHUV [which] arises when each person thinks only of himself, and loses the sincerity and warmth of

personal relationships,â€? said the pope, “when the most expert does not put his knowledge to the service of less expert colleaguesâ€?. The pope then spoke of “WKH LOOQHVV RI WKH IXQHUHDO IDFH RU UDWKHU WKDW RI WKH JUXII DQG WKH JULP those who believe that in order to be serious it is necessary to paint their faces with melancholy and severity, and to treat others – especially those they consider inferior – with rigidity, hardness and arroganceâ€?. “In reality, theatrical severity and sterile pessimism are often symptoms of fear and insecurity,â€? declared the pope. Âł7KH GLVHDVH RI DFFXPXOD WLRQ when the apostle seeks to ÂżOO DQ H[LVWHQWLDO HPSWLQHVV RI WKH heart by accumulating material goods, not out of necessity but simply to feel secure ‌ Accumulation only burdens and inexorably slows down our progress,â€? the pope warned. Then there is “WKH DLOPHQW RI FORVHG FLUFOHV when belonging to a group becomes stronger than belonging to the Body and, in some situations, to Christ Himselfâ€?, said the pontiff. “This sickness too may start from good intentions but, as time passes, enslaves members and becomes a ‘cancer’ that threatens the harmony of the Body and causes a great deal of harm – scandals – especially to our littlest brothers.â€? There is also the ÂłGLVHDVH RI ZRUOGO\ SURÂżW DQG H[KLELWLRQ LVP when the apostle transforms his service into power, and his power into goods to obtain worldO\ SURÂżWV RU PRUH SRZHU´ VDLG WKH pope. “This is the disease of those who seek insatiably to multiply their power and are therefore capable of slandering, defaming and discrediting others, even in newspapers and magazines, naturally in order to brag and to show they are more capable than others.â€? The pope wound up his remarks on a note of encouragement. “I once read that priests are like aeroplanes: they only make the news when they crash, but WKHUH DUH PDQ\ WKDW Ă€\ ´ KH VDLG “Many criticise them and few pray for them.â€? He added, “It is a very nice phrase, but also very true, as it expresses the importance and the delicacy of our priestly service, and how much harm just one priest who falls may cause to the whole body of the Church.â€? The pope then spent about half an hour exchanging Christmas greetings with individual cardinals and curial members. „ VIS, CNS

POPE FRANCIS 15

Sunday January 11, 2015 „ CatholicNews

$OO UHOLJLRXV OHDGHUV PXVW FRQGHPQ ,VODPLF 6WDWH VD\V SRSH LQ OHWWHU VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis deSORUHG WKH ÂłDEXVHV DQG LQKXPDQ DFWV´ RI ,VODPLF 6WDWH PLOLWDQWV and called on all religious leaders WR FRQGHPQ WKHP ÂłXQDQLPRXVO\ and unambiguouslyâ€?. He also said he hoped to travel to the Middle East to comfort persecuted Christians there. The pope’s words appeared in a Christmas letter to Christians in the Middle East, released by the Vatican on Dec 23. Pope Francis wrote that Christians in the region have experiHQFHG LQFUHDVLQJ ÂłDIĂ€LFWLRQV DQG tribulationsâ€? in recent months, ÂłHVSHFLDOO\ EHFDXVH RI D QHZHU and disturbing terrorist organisation, of previously unimaginable dimensions, which has perpetrated all kinds of abuses and inhuman actsâ€? – an apparent reference WR WKH ,VODPLF 6WDWH ZKLFK KDV killed or displaced thousands of Christians and other minorities in 6\ULD DQG ,UDT 7KH JURXS KDV ÂłSDUWLFXODUO\ DIfected a number of you, who have been brutally driven out of your native lands, where Christians have been present since apostolic timesâ€?, the pope wrote. Pope Francis said Muslims in the region should be encouraged WR ÂłSUHVHQW ZLWK GLVFHUQPHQW D PRUH DXWKHQWLF LPDJH RI ,VODP

as so many of them desire, reitHUDWLQJ WKDW ,VODP LV D UHOLJLRQ RI peace, one which is compatible with respect for human rights and favours peaceful coexistence on the part of all�. ,Q SDUWLFXODU WKH SRSH ZURWH WKH ³WUDJLF VLWXDWLRQ IDFHG E\ RXU Christian brothers and sisters in ,UDT DV ZHOO DV E\ WKH <D]LGL DQG

Muslims in the Middle East should be encouraged to ‘present with discernment a more authentic image of Islam ... reiterating that Islam is a religion of peace’, said Pope Francis. members of other religious and ethnic communities, demands that all religious leaders clearly speak out to condemn these crimes unanimously and unambiguously, and to denounce the practice of invoking religion in order to justify them�. The pope acknowledged that, for many Christians in the Middle

(DVW WKLV \HDU Âł&KULVWPDV K\PQV will also be accompanied by tears and sighsâ€?. He noted the suffering RI WKH ÂłKRPHOHVV DQG DOO UHIXJHHV the starving and those facing the prospect of a hard winter without adequate shelterâ€?. He also menWLRQHG ÂłWKRVH ZKR KDYH EHHQ NLGnapped, including several Orthodox bishops and priests of various ritesâ€?. 5HĂ€HFWLQJ RQ ZKDW KH KDV RIWHQ FDOOHG WKH ÂłHFXPHQLVP RI bloodâ€?, Pope Francis wrote that WKH ÂłVXIIHULQJV ZKLFK &KULVWLDQV endure contribute immensely to the cause of unityâ€? between the region’s Orthodox and Eastern Catholics. The pope urged Christians to DFW DV ÂłDUWLVDQV RI SHDFH UHFRQciliation and developmentâ€? in the Middle East, through dialogue with Jews and Muslims, and through continuing charitable and HGXFDWLRQDO VHUYLFH WR ÂłDQ\RQH who asks, without discriminationâ€?. Âł<RX DUH QRW DORQH ´ 3RSH Francis told Middle East ChrisWLDQV DVVXULQJ WKHP RI KLV ÂłSHUsonal closeness and solidarity, as well as that of the whole Churchâ€?. Âł, GR KRSH WR KDYH WKH FKDQFH to come to you in person and to visit and to comfort you,â€? he wrote. „ CNS

Pope meets Lutherans, VKDUHV KRSHV FRQFHUQV for Christian unity

Pope Francis in an audience with members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Germany. CNS photo VATICAN CITY – Christianity has ing Christians further from one something to say about human another, Pope Francis observed; GLJQLW\ DQG ÂłLW ZRXOG EH D VKDPH´ but instead of resigning themif differing positions on the sancti- VHOYHV WR WKHLU GLYLGHG VWDWH ÂłZH ty of all human life or on marriage must concentrate on the next poswere to increase the divisions sible stepâ€?. among Christian Churches and After 50 years of formal diacommunities, Pope Francis said. ORJXH KH VDLG ÂłWKH QRWDEOH SURHowever, he acknowledged gress that, with the help of God, WKDW ÂłTXHVWLRQV UHODWHG WR WKH has been made is a solid foundadignity of the human person at tion of sincere friendship lived in the beginning and end of life, as faith and spiritualityâ€?. well as those related to the famThe mutual esteem, the recogily, marriage and nition that Cathosexuality, cannot and Lutherans Questions related lics be concealed or share the basics of to the dignity of overlooked just Christian faith and because we do not that they can pray the human person want to jeopardtogether, he said, ... as well as those will determine ise the ecumenical consensus already how they mark related to the reachedâ€?. together the 500th family, marriage anniversary of the ,Q D VSHHFK to leaders of the Protestant Reforand sexuality, Evangelical Lumation. cannot be theran Church The anniversary of Germany and in 2017 will be the concealed members of the RFFDVLRQ ÂłIRU WKH or overlooked. German Catholic ÂżUVW WLPH WR VKDUH bishops’ ecumeniin one ecumenical cal commission on Dec 18, the commemoration throughout the SRSH QRWHG WKDW ÂłHFXPHQLFDO GLD- world, not in the form of a triumlogue today can no longer be sep- phalistic celebration, but as a proarated from the reality and lives of fession of our common faith in the our Churchesâ€?. one and triune Godâ€?, said the pope. He praised the German CathoPope Francis prayed that the lic-Lutheran dialogue commission preparations for the anniversary IRU LWV MRLQW VWXG\ RQ Âł*RG DQG KX- DQG LWV FRPPHPRUDWLRQ ÂłZLOO HQman dignityâ€?, a study which is courage us all, with the help of drawing to a close. God and the support of His Spirit, Different theological under- to take further steps towards unity standings of the Church and dif- and not limit ourselves simply to ferent opinions about what would that which we have already acconstitute unity seem to be mov- complishedâ€?. „ CNS

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6\ULDQ UHIXJHHV ÀHHLQJ IURP WKH Islamic State wait at the Turkish border near Sanliurfa in this ¿OH SKRWR 7KH SRSH KDV ZULWWHQ an encouraging letter to Christians in the Middle East who are suffering persecution from extremists. &16 ¿OH SKRWR

&RRSHUDWLRQ EHWZHHQ JRYWV RUJDQLVDWLRQV ÀQDQFLDO ZRUOG QHHGHG „ From Page 1

His thoughts went to those subjected to forced labour in the agricultural, mining and manufacturing industries; domestic workers; sex slaves; women or girls forced into PDUULDJHV SHRSOH IRUFHG WR ¿JKW DV soldiers; and victims of terrorists, RUJDQ WUDI¿FNLQJ DQG ³GLVJXLVHG forms of cross-border adoption�. ³, WKLQN DOVR RI WKH OLYLQJ FRQditions of many migrants who, in their dramatic odyssey, experience hunger, are deprived of freedom, robbed of their possessions

or undergo physical and sexual abuse,� he said, denouncing the VRPHWLPHV ³LQKXPDQH FRQGLtions� migrants face when they are detained by authorities. :KLOH PDQ\ ¿QG WKHPVHOYHV working illegally or living clandestinely, others, in an attempt WR DFW ZLWKLQ WKH ODZ PD\ ³DJUHH to disgraceful living and working conditions, especially in those cases where the laws of a nation create or permit a structural dependency of migrant workers on their employers, as, for example, when the legality of their resi-

dency is made dependent on their labour contract�, he said. The pope made special mention of the world’s congregations of women Religious, who are esSHFLDOO\ DFWLYH LQ ³HQRUPRXV DQG often silent efforts� to help victims. ³7KLV LPPHQVH WDVN ZKLFK FDOOV for courage, patience and perseverance, deserves the appreciation of the whole Church and society. Yet, RI LWVHOI LW LV QRW VXI¿FLHQW WR HQG the scourge of the exploitation of human persons,� the pope said. Local, national and international governmental organisations

PXVW FRPPLW WKHPVHOYHV WR ÂłSUHvention, to victim protection and to the legal prosecution of perpetratorsâ€?, he said. Nations must create and enIRUFH OHJLVODWLRQ WKDW ÂłWUXO\ UHVSHFWV the dignity of the human person in the areas of migration, employment, adoption, the movement of businesses offshore and the sale of items produced by slave labourâ€?. Cooperation between govHUQPHQWV RUJDQLVDWLRQV DQG ÂłWKH ZRUOG RI ÂżQDQFH´ LV QHHGHG WR ÂżJKW RUJDQLVHG FULPH ZKLFK RUFKHVWUDWHV KXPDQ WUDIÂżFNLQJ DQG

WKH LOOHJDO WUDI¿FNLQJ RI PLJUDQWV he said. %XVLQHVVHV PXVW ³HQVXUH GLJQL¿HG ZRUNLQJ FRQGLWLRQV DQG DGequate salaries for their employees, but they must also be vigilant that forms of subjugation or huPDQ WUDI¿FNLQJ GR QRW ¿QG WKHLU way into the distribution chain�, said the pope. „ CNS The pope’s full message is at http:// w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/ messages/peace/documents/papafrancesco_20141208_messaggio-xlviii-giornata-mondiale-pace-2015.html

16 OPINION

Sunday January 11, 2015 „ CatholicNews

Fortnightly newspaper of the Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore

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COMMENTARY

The admission of the sin of torture By Fr William J Byron, SJ There seems to be no argument over whether the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) used brutal and harsh means in pursuit of its goal of extracting information from imprisoned and detained terrorism suspects for years after the Sept 11, 2001 attacks on the US. Waterboarding, wall-slamming, sleep deprivation and other assaults on human dignity are euphemistically bundled under the banner of “enhanced interrogation techniquesâ€?. There is no doubt in my mind that the CIA used torture, although the agency’s defenders shy away from use of that word. Regardless of the choice of vocabulary, the question of whether WKH HQG MXVWLÂżHG WKH PHDQV FDQnot be ignored. The absence of the word “sinâ€? in all of the commentary that has followed the release on Dec 9 of the Senate Intelligence Committee’s sweeping indictment of the CIA’s behaviour might be dismissed as quaint, but is surely curious and worthy of comment.

CIA logo

With the CIA using torture methods to extract information, ‘the least we can do is name it [the sin of torture] and admit it, and give more than a passing thought to repentance’. Where did the waterboarders, wall-slammers and assailants of human dignity get their moral formation? Just a few years earlier, they occupied space in our classrooms, places in our pews, seats at our dinner tables and positions on our school athletic teams. Was morality ever discussed? Were rules ever explained? What explanation can be given for the evolution of a brute in America today? The late Japanese novelist Shusako Endo offers in a novel titled Silence a directional signal for anyone in search of an explanation. Endo was Japan’s foremost novelist in the 20th century. Silence is considered to be his masterpiece. The novel tells the story of a 17th-century Portuguese Jesuit missionary priest in

Japan at the height of the fearful persecution of the small Christian community. The protagonist is arrested and taken prisoner and pushed into a little hut. The novel includes this pasVDJH Âł+H FRXOG KHDU WKH PXIĂ€HG voices of the chattering guards outside. Sitting on the ground and clasping his knees ... he was drawn by the voices of the guards outside the hut. What was so funny that they should keep raising their voices and laughing heartily? “His thoughts turned to the ÂżUH OLW JDUGHQ >VFHQH RI WKH DJRQ\ in the Garden of Gethsemane] and WKH VHUYDQWV WKH ÂżJXUHV RI WKRVH PHQ KROGLQJ EODFN Ă€DPLQJ WRUFKHV and utterly indifferent to the fate RI RQH PDQ >-HVXV@ 7KHVH JXDUGV too, were men; they were indifferent to the fate of others. This was the feeling that their laughing and talking stirred up in his heart.â€? His musings revolved around their hardness of heart. And Endo puts these thoughts in his mind: Âł6LQ KH UHĂ€HFWHG LV QRW ZKDW LW LV usually thought to be; it is not to steal, and tell lies. Sin is for one man to walk brutally over the life of another and to be quite oblivious of the wounds he has left behind.â€? And there you have it, the obliviousness, the hardness of heart, the brutality that marks the abandonment of humanity and the presence of sin. Call it an “enhanced interrogation techniqueâ€? if you will, but there is no getting around the fact that the sin of torture is on the American conscience now and the least we can do is name it and admit it, and give more than a passing thought to repentance. „ CNS Jesuit Fr Byron is university professor of business and society at St Joseph’s University in Philadelphia. Email: wbyron@sju.edu.

The Visitation – revisited WE ARE all familiar with the biblical story of the Visitation. It happens at the beginning of Luke’s Gospel. Mary and her cousin, Elizabeth, both pregnant, meet. One is carrying Jesus and the other is carrying John the Baptist. The Gospels want us to recognise that both these pregnancies are biologically impossible; one is a virginal conception and the other is a conception that occurs far beyond someone’s childbearing years. So there is clearly something of the divine in each. In simple language, each woman is carrying a special gift from heaven and each is carrying a part of the divine promise that will one day establish God’s peace on this earth. But neither Mary nor Elizabeth, much less anyone around them, consciously recognises the divine connection between the two children they are carrying. The Gospels present them to us as “cousinsâ€?, both the children and their mothers; but the Gospels want us to think deeper than biology. They are cousins in the same way that Christ, and those things that are also of the divine, are cousins. This, among other things, is what is contained in the concept of the Visitation. Mary and Elizabeth meet, both are pregnant with the divine. Each is carrying a child from heaven, one is carrying Christ and the other is carrying a unique prophet, the “cousinâ€? of the Christ. And a curious thing happens when they meet. Christ’s cousin, inside his mother, without explicit consciousness, leaps for joy in the presence of Christ DQG WKDW UHDFWLRQ UHOHDVHV WKH 0DJQLÂżFDW LQVLGH RI WKH RQH FDUU\LQJ Christ. There’s a lot in that image: Christ’s cousin unconsciously leaps for MR\ LQ WKH SUHVHQFH RI &KULVW DQG WKDW UHDFWLRQ GUDZV WKH 0DJQLÂżFDW out of the one who is carrying the Christ. Christian de Cherge, the Trappist Abbott who was martyred in Algeria in 1996, suggests that, among other things, this image is the key to how we, as Christians, are meant to meet other religions in the world. He sees the image as illustrating this paradigm: Christianity is carrying Christ and other religions are also carrying something divine, a divine “cousinâ€?, one who points to Christ. But all of this is unconscious; we do not really grasp the bond, the connection, between what we are carrying and what the other is carrying. But we will recognise their kinship, however unconsciously, when we stand before another who does not share our Christian faith but is sincere and true to his or her own faith. In that encounter we will sense the connection: What we are carrying will make something leap for joy inside the other and that reaction ZLOO KHOS GUDZ WKH 0DJQLÂżFDW RXW RI XV DQG OLNH 0DU\ ZH ZLOO ZDQW to stay with that other for mutual support. And we need that support, as does the other. As Christian de Cherge puts it: “We know that those whom we have come to meet are like Elizabeth: they are bearers of a message that comes from God. Our Church does not tell us and does not know what the exact bond is between the Good News we bear and the message that gives life to the other ‌ We may never know exactly what that bond is, but we do know that the other is also a bearer of a message that comes from God. So what should we do? What does witness consist in? What about PLVVLRQ" ÂŤ 6HH ZKHQ 0DU\ DUULYHV LW LV (OL]DEHWK ZKR VSHDNV ÂżUVW Or did she? ‌ For most certainly Mary would have said: ‘Peace, Peace be with you’. And this simple greeting made something vibrate, someone, inside of Elizabeth. And in this vibration, something was said ‌ Which is the Good News, not the whole of the Good News, but what can be glimpsed of it in the moment.â€? Christian de Cherge then adds this comment: “In the end, if we are attentive, if we situate our encounter with the other in the attention and the desire to meet the other, and in our need for the other and what he has to say to us, it is likely that the other is going to say something to us that will connect with what we are carrying, something that will reveal complicity with us ‌ allowing us to broaden our Eucharist.â€? We need each other, everyone on this planet, Christians and nonChristians, Jews and Muslims, Protestants and Roman Catholics, Evangelicals and Unitarians, sincere agnostics and atheists; we need each other to understand God’s revelation. Nobody understands fully without the other. Thus our interrelations with each other should not be born only out of enthusiasm for the truth we have been given, but it should issue forth too from our lack of the other. Without the other, without recognising that the other too is carrying the divine, we will, as Christian de Cherge asserts, be unable to WUXO\ UHOHDVH RXU RZQ 0DJQLÂżFDW :LWKRXW HDFK RWKHU QRQH RI XV ZLOO ever be able to pray the Eucharist “for the manyâ€?. „

FOCUS 17

Sunday January 11, 2015 „ CatholicNews

New Year’s resolutions? Let God guide you By Fr John Catoir I don’t know about you, but year DIWHU \HDU , ¿QG P\VHOI EUHDNLQJ my New Year’s resolutions. Having said that, I readily admit that as we celebrate the New Year, we need focus. This is a good time to get serious about our future happiness. Am I on the right track or not? To test yourself, you might ¿QG LW KHOSIXO WR VWRS DQG WKLQN about what God wants you to do for Him. Surely you must realise that your happiness for all eternity is linked to that question. We usually think quite a lot about New Year’s resolutions, but I don’t think it’s helpful to stress much about them. We tend to break them a few weeks after Jan 1 and then drift back to our normal lives. I prefer to put the emphasis where it belongs: on God. What does He want? Here’s the heart of it. When you love others, you try to please them, isn’t that true? Pleasing God is simple when you think about it. Everything in Scripture tells us that God is pleased when we invite Him into our lives and then strive to do His will. He wants us to accept His love and share it with others. It all comes down to the art of pleasing God by becoming spiritually altruistic. Are you spiritually altruistic? God wants us to love one another. Do you see yourself as a loving person? God wants us to help one another. Do you strive to help others? God wants us to teach one another. Do you teach spiritual values by good example? God wants us to forgive one another. Do you harbour anger or resentment? God wants us to comfort one another. Do you have compassion for those who suffer? As you can see, we’ve moved away from the topic of your happiness. Or have we? Clarifying the GH¿QLWLRQ RI KDSSLQHVV LV SUHFLVHly the point. Self-centred people are usually grasping, egotistical, dominating, obnoxious and

We usually think quite a lot about New Year’s resolutions ... I prefer to put the emphasis where it belongs: on God. What does He want? unhappy. They moan and complain, even when they have much more than the average person. God wants you to be happy. He knows that egotism is exactly the wrong way to achieve happiness. It usually breeds misery. That’s why He commands you to love your neighbour. It’s not a suggestion; it’s not a plea. It’s a command. God’s will is deadly serious. Your eternal happiness depends on it, but so do your self-respect, your joy and your happiness in this life. Knowing that God wants you to be happy and that He actually teaches you the way to achieve it can be a life-changing experience. It has been known to alter people’s entire direction in life. Am I serious about not making any New Year’s resolutions for 2015? Yes and no. If you feel more FRPIRUWDEOH ZLWK D VSHFL¿F JRDO then God bless you. My hope is to convince you to be open to the whispering of the Holy Spirit so that all year long you will have the holy desire to surrender to the urgings of the Holy Spirit as they come along. These urgings are called graces. Be assured that your good intentions are duly noted in heaven, but try to let God be the one who reminds you of them. May the Lord be your strength and your joy. „ CNS

When was the last time you had fun? A few weeks ago I was playing

basketball ‌ after 30 years ‌ that was fun and humbling. Name an occasion you felt embarrassed or humiliated.

I congratulated someone for her new pregnancy. It turned out she was not pregnant ‌ and not amused by my question. Name an occasion when you felt God was far away.

I can’t recall a particular incident when I felt that way. I do however go through periods of spiritual dryness. Just like the seasons, after a dry season another rainy season comes. What do you like best about being a Religious/consecrated person?

about me doing something else. So I use the distractions as a new topic to pray about.

during meals and being updated of the latest events in the family and in my country.

Pope Francis calls for a Church for the poor, by the poor. How do you live that within your vocation?

Favourite book or author?

Just like no one gets a salary for being married, no one remunerates us for being a priest or a Religious. As such, we have to earn a living that VXIÂżFHV WR SD\ WKH ELOOV 7KH ministry of teaching, as St Paul says, gives more than enough if one leads a simple life intentionally. What do you like doing most when with your biological family?

Chatting

Many. High in the list will be the works of St Thomas Aquinas, E Anscombe, H U von Balthasar and many others. I enjoy Spanish literature but RQO\ ÂżQG WLPH IRU WKDW GXULQJ holidays. Favourite food?

Roast pork. What do you normally do to relax?

It depends on the kind of rest I need. I can exercise or go watch a good movie or simply try to learn something new. „

The freedom that leading a simple life gives and that I could not afford if I were responsible for a family and the fruits of the good use of that freedom. What are the usual distractions during your prayer time? What do you do about them?

The usual distractions are Spanish Friar David Garcia Order of Preachers (Dominican Friars) Born in Spain Working in Singapore since 2000 Website: http://dominicansingapore. wordpress.com

A resolution for the rest of your life By Fr Eugene Hemrick What resolution would you like to make for a more enjoyable and peaceful 2015? A lot of people say WKH\ DUH WU\LQJ WR ÂżQG ZD\V WR cope with a hectic life. It might just be a great resolution. They would do well to read St Benedict, who said it’s important to learn to listen with what he called “the ear of the heartâ€?. Listening with the ear of the heart means more intently opening up our hearts to another person so as to let the other person’s concerns become ours. It means putting aside “myâ€? concerns to be more fully aware of the other person’s concerns. The “otherâ€? of

which we speak may be our spouse, children, friends or a stranger we meet on the street. Most important, the “other� may be God’s graces speaking to us. Listening with the ear of the heart is not an easy resolution to practice. And why is this so? The old saying, “Familiarity breeds contempt,� is one reason. When we are with another person all the time, it is easy to predict what the person will say before he or she says it. Life has a monotonous side in which we begin to see others as one-dimensional and overlook them. The eyes and ears need to appreciate the other person’s fascinating distinctiveness, which seems to dim over time. Spiritual writer Jean-Pierre de Caussade encourages us to live the “sacrament of the moment�. To achieve this means to put aside the concerns we have about what

we will do next and to focus our mind and heart solely on the moment: to concentrate on God’s momentary graces that are showering us. One of the adverse effects of the times we live in is distraction. Our senses are constantly bombarded with images and sounds – from television, phones, Internet – that leave us little time to digest them. We quickly move from one thing to another as if it’s normal. But is our life – lived so quickly with little time to think or absorb what is happening – normal? $UH ZH DEOH WR UHDOO\ ¿QG WUXH MR\ in it? Does it allow us peace of mind? And most important, does it draw us closer to God? If you answer no to any the above, I would say that a good New Year’s resolution is to work on listening with the ear of your heart. „ CNS

18 FAITH ALIVE!

Sunday January 11, 2015 „ CatholicNews

The spirit of Epiphany CNS photo

By Daniel Mulhall After celebrating Christmas, Christians celebrate the feast of the Epiphany, often referred to as the “feast of the three kingsâ€?. The word epiphany comes from the ancient Greek and it means “manifestationâ€?. Typically the word is used to express what we would call an “ahaâ€? moment, when we suddenly become aware of the meaning of something that has been right before our eyes but couldn’t recognise; when the light GDZQV XSRQ XV DQG WKHQ ZH ÂżQDOO\ understand. So why is the word “epiphanyâ€? used to describe this important feast and how do Wise Men from afar become a manifestation? To understand the importance of Epiphany it helps to separate the wheat from the chaff, so to speak, to highlight what we know from the customs and traditions that have developed over the last 2,000 years. First, everything we know about the Wise Men can be IRXQG LQ WKH ÂżUVW YHUVHV RI the second chapter of the Gospel of Matthew. The Gospel account calls them Magi, men who were scholars of ancient wisdom and astrology. They followed the star to Jerusalem, the capital city of Israel, searching for the new king of the Jews. Notes in the New American Bible explain that people at this time believed that a star would appear in the heavens when a new king was born. In Jerusalem they met King Herod, who then sent them to Bethlehem where they found Jesus: “On entering the house they

The adoration of the Magi is depicted in a painting. The feast of the Epiphany is celebrated on Jan 4 in Singapore.

saw the child with Mary His mother. They prostrated themselves and did Him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered Him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh� 0W That’s it. We don’t know their names, how many there were, where they came from or where they went after they visited the Holy Family. However, that didn’t stop early Christians from giving them names – traditionally Melchior, from Persia, Caspar (or *DVSDU IURP ,QGLD DQG %DOWKD]ar, from Arabia. Many stories have been told about the Wise Men, but none can be substantiated.

The arrival of the Magi helps us to have that ‘aha’ moment and to realise that in the baby Jesus, we are VHHLQJ WKH IXOÂżOPHQW RI God’s promise to all of humanity to save us from ourselves. Surprisingly, the myths and legends of the Wise Men provide us a clue as to the meaning of the story in Matthew and why the Church has designated this day as

such an important feast. In Luke’s Gospel, the account of the birth RI -HVXV LV DQQRXQFHG ¿UVW WR WKH Jewish people, particularly to the SRRU VKHSKHUGV LQ WKH ¿HOG In Matthew, the Wise Men are WKH ¿UVW WR UHFRJQLVH -HVXV DV D great king. Matthew makes the point that from the beginning, Jesus was recognised by the world. While the Jews did not notice Jesus in their midst, representatives of the world’s greatest nations came to -HVXV EURXJKW +LP JLIWV ¿W IRU D king and paid Him homage. So, this is what we celebrate on the feast of the Epiphany: WKDW WKH VRQ RI *RG EHFDPH ÀHVK

LQFDUQDWH DQG OLYHV DPRQJ XV This also explains why the feast is sometimes known as “little Christmasâ€?, when God’s love for us is fully revealed and recognised by the world. Fr Louis J Cameli, a theologian in the Archdiocese of Chicago, USA, and author of the new book The Archaeology of Faith: A Personal Exploration of How We Come to Believe, points out that the Wise Men represent the entire human family. It shows, says Fr Cameli, “that Jesus was destined to be the saviour of all peopleâ€?. He also points out the role that Jesus’ mother, Mary, plays in this important Bible passage. It is Mary who is the Christ bearer. “Not only is she the one who gave Jesus birth, she is also the one who presents Him to the world,â€? he writes. This is why Mary has recently been called “the star of the New Evangelisationâ€?. Fr Cameli suggests that the feast of the Epiphany gives us the opportunity to “contemplate and understand the mystery of the Incarnationâ€? with new eyes. The arrival of the Magi also helps us to have that “ahaâ€? moment and to realise that in the baby -HVXV ZH DUH VHHLQJ WKH IXOÂżOPHQW of God’s promise to all of humanity to save us from ourselves. In Jesus we see God’s love, mercy and compassion expressed in the most personal of ways: He became one of us. The feast of the Epiphany helps us to understand that Jesus is the real star of Bethlehem. „ CNS Mulhall is a freelance writer and a catechist for adults. He lives in Laurel, Maryland, USA.

The magic of the Magi By Marge Fenelon It’s interesting, and perhaps ironic, that for all of King Herod’s efforts to destroy the infant -HVXV EHIRUH DQ\RQH FRXOG ¿QG out about Him, he was instrumental in revealing the child’s identity to the world for time eternal. The prophecies said a king would be born in Bethlehem, a ruler who would shepherd Israel. Herod considered himself ruler of Israel, and when the Magi showed up in Jerusalem looking for the newborn king of the Jews, Herod panicked. He tried to deceive the Magi into leading him to the child, but when they didn’t UHWXUQ WR WHOO KLP ZKHUH WR ¿QG WKH Messiah, he ordered all boys age two and under in his kingdom to be slaughtered. This story, found in all three of the synoptic Gospels, is read

Three men dressed up as the Magi participate in a parade to celebrate the feast of the Epiphany in New York, USA. CNS photo

on the feast of the Epiphany by Christians throughout the world. The liturgical feast of Epiphany celebrates the manifestation

of Christ to the people of the world, represented by the Magi. Many assume that the Magi, or Wise Men, as some call them,

were astrologers. The Magi knew ZKHQ DQG ZKHUH WR ÂżQG -HVXV E\ looking for the star of Bethlehem. Their “discoveryâ€? of the newborn Messiah manifested Christ to the world. This feast helps put Epiphany into context as a continuation of our Advent journey. That’s because Epiphany, this revealing of our newborn king, is the culmination of the longing and searching RI RXU 6DYLRXU ZKR ZDV ÂżUVW UHvealed to Israel by the shepherds at Christmas and then to the gentiles, symbolised by the Magi, at Epiphany. At Epiphany, the Messiah is made known as the light to the nations. Because of this, it’s a day for celebrating throughout the universal Church. In some cultures, gifts are exchanged at Epiphany instead of at Christmas. This is to imitate the Magi, who were said to have giv-

en gifts to the newborn Messiah. In places like Spain, military bands and drummers representing the three kings, parade through the towns. Children put grain LQ WKHLU VKRHV RQO\ WR ¿QG SUHsents and candy in them the next day. In Slovakia, children dress as the Wise Men and visit houses, singing songs about the birth of Baby Jesus. In the US, candles and other lights are used to symbolise the stars that lead the Magi to Jesus. Like the Magi, we too search for Jesus in different ways in our OLYHV DQG ZKHQ ZH ¿QG +LP +LV light will become manifest in our hearts and revealed to the rest of the world through our love. „ CNS Fenelon is a freelance writer from Milwaukee, USA, and author of Imitating Mary: Ten Marian Virtues for the Modern Mom.

Sunday January 11, 2015 CatholicNews

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Sunday January 11, 2015 „ CatholicNews

By Jennifer Ficcaglia As John was telling people to “prepare the way of the Lord� and to be baptised with water for the forgiveness of sins, Jesus came from Nazareth to see him. Jesus wanted John to baptise him in the Jordan River. After John baptised Jesus, Jesus “saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit, like a dove, descending upon Him. And a voice came from the heavens, ‘You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.’� After Jesus was baptised, the Holy Spirit led Him into the desert for 40 days. During that time, He was tempted by Satan, and He lived among the wild animals and was ministered to by angels. At the end of his 40 days in the desert, Jesus began His public ministry in Galilee. “This is the time of

IXOÂżOOPHQW ´ +H WROG WKH SHRSOH Âł7KH kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the Gospel.â€? As he travelled around Galilee preaching to the people, He walked by the Sea of Galilee. As He walked by, He came across two brothers, Simon DQG $QGUHZ ZKR ZHUH ÂżVKHUPHQ $V the brothers were casting their nets into the sea, Jesus stopped to talk to them. “Come after me, and I will make \RX ÂżVKHUV RI PHQ ´ -HVXV WROG WKHP 6Lmon and Andrew looked at each other. They put down their nets and followed -HVXV EHFRPLQJ +LV ÂżUVW WZR DSRVWOHV Jesus and His new friends walked a little farther along the Sea of Galilee and saw another pair of brothers, James and John, the sons of Zebedee. James and John were with their father and some hired workers in a boat. Everyone was EXV\ PHQGLQJ WKH ÂżVKLQJ QHWV 7KH\

SPOTLIGHT ON SAINTS:

St Paul’s Conversion Born in the Roman city of Tarsus, a Jewish man named Saul was persecuting Christians. He took part in the stoning GHDWK RI 6W 6WHSKHQ WKH ÂżUVW &KULVWLDQ martyr. He even asked permission to arrest all Jews in Damascus who believed in Jesus and bring them to Jerusalem. One day, as he was travelling to Damascus, he was surrounded by a great light that blinded him. Saul heard a voice say, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?â€? Saul asked who was speaking. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,â€? the voice said. Jesus told one of His followers in Damascus, Ananias, to go to Saul. Ananias made it so Saul could see again. Afterward, Saul believed in Jesus, was baptised and began preaching that Jesus was the Son of God. He became known as Paul, and we remember his conversion on Jan 25. „

looked up as Jesus approached them. As He had done with Simon and Andrew, Jesus called out to James and John, inviting them to follow Him. The brothers immediately put down their nets, left their father and the hired workers in the boat, and went with Jesus, Simon and Andrew. In the company of His new friends, Jesus continued His ministry in Galilee, travelling to preach and teach in the synagogues. He also cured many

people of their illnesses, including Simon’s mother-in-law, a leper and people who were possessed by demons. „ Read more about it: Mark 1

Q&A 1. How long was Jesus tempted in the desert? :KR ZHUH WKH ¿UVW WZR PHQ WR EHcome Jesus’ apostles?

Wordsearch: „ DEMON „ PREACH „ NETS

„ REPENT

„ OPEN

„ SATAN

„ DESERT „ PREPARE

„ BOAT

„ DOVE

„ LEPER

„ APOSTLES

KIDS’ CLUB: What does it mean to EH ³¿VKHUV RI PHQ ´ and why is it important?

Bible Accent: Answer to puzzle: 1. F; 2. T; 3. F;

4. F;

5. T

PUZZLE: Put a T next to the statements that are true and an F next to the ones that are false. Bible verses have been provided as hints. -HVXV FDOOHG -DPHV DQG -RKQ DV +LV ÂżUVW WZR DSRVWOHV (Mark 1:16 and 19)

2. 3. 4. 5.

Jesus cured Simon’s mother-in-law. (Mark 1:30-31) The leper did not tell anyone that Jesus healed Him. (Mark 1:45) John the Baptist told Jesus to go into the desert. (Mark 1:12) An unclean spirit recognised Jesus as the Holy One of God. (Mark 1:24)

Answer to Wordsearch

The Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke have a special name. They are known as the synoptic Gospels. “Synopticâ€? means to present a common YLHZ ,Q RWKHU ZRUGV WKH ÂżUVW WKUHH *RVSHOV DUH YHU\ VLPLODU to one another in how they share information about Jesus. But this does not mean these Gospels were written exactly alike. They are different in how they describe certain stories about Jesus’ life and ministry. For example, in Mark 1, there is little information about what happened to Jesus when He was tempted by Satan in the desert. In Matthew 4 and Luke 4, however, we learn that Satan tried to tempt Jesus by telling Him to turn stones to bread, to throw Himself from a high place and have angels catch Him, and to worship Satan in return for control of the world. Although Matthew and Luke have these same details, each Gospel presents them in a little different way and in a different order. It is good to read all of the Gospels to learn more about Jesus. „

WHAT’S ON 21

Sunday January 11, 2015 CatholicNews

EVENT SUBMISSIONS We welcome information of events happening in our local Church. Please send your submission at least one month before the event. Online submissions can be made at www. catholic.org.sg/webevent_form.php

RCIA/RCIY A journey for those seeking to know more about the Catholic faith. Baptised Catholics are also invited to journey as sponsors. TUESDAYS JUNE 24 RCIA @ CHURCH OF STS PETER AND PAUL 7.30pm-9.30pm: 225A Queen Street. Register T: 9753 6863 (Joanna Sng, coordinator); E: sng.joanna@gmail.com. CATECHISM FOR THE ELDERLY Catechism classes for the elderly are held in English, Mandarin, Peranakan, Hokkien, Teochew and Cantonese on Thursdays from 1pm-2.45pm at Holy Family Church and on Saturdays at St Joseph’s Church, Victoria Street, parish hall from 9.30am11.30am. Register T: 9115 5673 (Andrew). JANUARY 4 TO FEBRUARY 1 CARLO CATHOLIC SOCIETY BURSARY 2015 Applications are now open for Primary/ Secondary/JC/CI students. Applicants must be Catholic – Singaporeans or foreigners – and must be full-time students. The applicant’s gross monthly household income divided by the total number of household members must not exceed $450, or the gross monthly household income must not exceed $2000. Applicants must possess good conduct and satisfactory academic results, must not be receiving any other scholarship/bursary. Application forms are available at 225-B Queen Street, or can be downloaded from www.carlo.org.sg. JANUARY 4 TO NOVEMBER 8 MARRIAGE PREPARATION COURSE Calling all couples who are intending to get married! Join us for a marriage preparation course. Sessions will take place next year from Jan 4-Feb 8; April 26-May 31; July 19-August 30 and Oct

4-Nov 8. Forms are downloadable at www.catholic.org.sg/MPC. Allocation of VSDFHV LV RQ D ¿UVW FRPH ¿UVW VHUYH EDVLV VR KXUU\ 2UJDQLVHG E\ 03& DI¿OLDWH RI ACF). At CJC Auditorium, 129 Whitley Road. For enquiries, T: 9367 3411 (Peter and Rita); E: MPCSingapore@gmail.com. JANUARY 6 TO NOVEMBER 24 PERSONAL MORAL COMPASS COURSE 7.30pm-9.30pm: Every Tuesday from Jan 6, join us for a year-long systematic course in Moral Theology comprising six modules. This course is open to all who are interested in formation in the foundation of Ethics and Moral Theology. Fee: $60 per module. Organised by Caritas Singapore. At Catholic Centre, 55 Waterloo Street, Level 3. Register T: 6338 9453 (Gail); E: formation@caritas-singapore.org. JANUARY 10 WALKING A SACRED PATH ON THE LABYRINTH 10am-1pm: As we begin the New Year, come and experience a spiritual journey on foot. This walking meditation along the twists and turns of the sacred path will KHOS \RX WR UHÀHFW RQ \RXU UHODWLRQVKLS with God, what He is doing in your life, and where He may be leading you to. Facilitated by Roselie Chia and Joy Toh. Organised by Kingsmead Centre. At Sacred Heart Hall Annexe, behind St Ignatius Church. Fee: $30. Contact T: 6467 6072; E: cisc2664@ gmail.com; W: www.kingsmeadcentre.sg. JANUARY 10 MEDITATIVE PRAYER USING THE SONGS OF TAIZE 8pm-9.30pm: Join us for a meditative prayer using the songs of Taize. All are welcome, no registration required. Organised by Taize community. At The Armenian Church of St Gregory the Illuminator, 60 Hill Street. Enquiries T: 9837 7256 (Benny); E: bannycah@gmail.com. JANUARY 13 BIBLE TIMELINE BY JEFF CAVIINS 9am-12pm: Every Tuesday, join us for a 24-part Bible study that will take you on a journey through the entire Bible. Go deep into each period of salvation history and discover the amazing story woven throughout all of Scripture to reveal the remarkable story of your faith. Organised by Queen of Peace Church. At 4 Sandy

Lane. Fee: $53 for study materials per participant. Registration T: 6744 2879 / 9455 3456 (Felicia Lee); W: http://tinyurl. com/btl-qop2. JANUARY 14 SJI OPEN HOUSE (2015 JC 1 ADMISSION) 10am-3pm: SJI will be having an open house for JC 1student admissions. This open house is for boys and girls who wish to apply for the International Baccalaureate (IBDP). There will be informative talks, exhibitions, as well as extended essay showcases. Applications for scholarships and merit bursaries are now open. Organised by SJI. At 21 Bishan Street 14. Enquiries W: www.sji.edu.sg. JANUARY 14 TO MAY 20 BIBLE STUDY, BOOK OF GENESIS 8pm-10pm: Every Wednesday from Jan 14, there will be Bible study sessions conducted by Msgr Ambrose Vaz. The sessions are free of charge. Organised by Bible Apostolate team, Church of St Francis Xavier. At Church of St Francis Xavier, 63A Chartwell Drive, SFX room, parish centre. Register E: ronlee@lucas. com.sg (Ron Lee) / maisielee21@gmail. com (Maisie Lim). JANUARY 15 TO APRIL 23 BIBLE GENESIS – GENESIS LECTURES BY MSGR AMBROSE VAZ 8pm-10pm: Every Thursday from Jan 15, join us for Bible study lectures on the Book of Genesis by Msgr Ambrose Vaz. Organised by the Church of St Ignatius Bible Apostolate. At 120 King’s Road, Level 2 Annexe Hall. No pre-registration required. Enquiries E: henrywu@lucas.com.sg. JANUARY 22 TO MARCH 26 BOOK OF DEUTERONOMY 9.45am-11.45am: Every Thursday for eight sessions, there will be informative sharings by Fr Valerian Cheong on the Book of Deuteronomy. Organised by Bible Apostolate (AM) of the Church of the Holy Spirit. At Church of the Holy Spirit, 248 Upper Thomson Road. Register T: 8228 8220 (Clare); E: HSBibleApostolate@gmail.com. JANUARY 23 TO JANUARY 25 JANUARY CHOICE WEEKEND 6pm (Friday)-6pm (Sunday): It takes that one weekend that will inspire you for the

NEWS

Pope commits to aid orphans, boost healthcare in wake of Ebola CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA – Pope Francis will boost the

Church’s response to Ebola in West Africa through an initiative that focuses on pastoral care as well as health and education, D 9DWLFDQ RI¿FLDO WROG /LEHULDQ President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf in Monrovia. Cardinal Peter Turkson, presiGHQW RI WKH 3RQWL¿FDO &RXQFLO IRU Justice and Peace, met with Ms Sirleaf and Liberia’s three bishops on Dec 18 in Monrovia. Msgr Robert J Vitillo, health adviser for Caritas Internationalis, attended the meeting. In a Dec 21 telephone interview from Monrovia, Liberia, he told Catholic News Service that caring for orphans who face rejection after losing parents to Ebola will be among priorities. Cardinal Turkson, who spent two days in Sierra Leone and Liberia meeting with Church and other leaders, told Ms Sirleaf of the pope’s “solidarity and concern”, said Msgr Vitillo, who represents Caritas at UN agencies in Geneva. Pope Francis’ initiative will fund the “strengthening of Church health care structures” in affected

A Liberian woman washes her hands with chlorine water as part of her village’s effort to curb the spread of Ebola. CNS photo

countries and “boost Church efforts to provide special protection for orphans”, Msgr Vitillo said. It also will “help parishes provide food and other support to families who are placed under quarantine for 21 days” when a member of the household is found to be infected, he added. Spiritual and pastoral care for people who have lost loved ones is essential and will be supported

by the pope’s initiative, he said, noting that “rejection and stigmatising of the sick is prevalent” in the areas most affected by Ebola. “There is still much fear and ignorance about the disease, which is why we need to continue our education work in parishes,” he said. In addition to St Joseph’s Hospital, the Church in Liberia runs 17 health clinics around the country. CNS

rest of your life. Come away for a Choice Weekend – it is by the choices we make WKDW ZH GH¿QH ZKDW RXU OLIH LV DOO DERXW Organised by Choice Singapore. At 47 Jurong West Street 42. Register T: 9790 0537 (Hillary) / 9424 2606 (Jacqueline); E: registration@choice.org.sg. JANUARY 24 TO FEBRUARY 7 SE7EN – AFTER GOD’S HEART Calling all young working adults between ages 25 and 35, come discover God’s love. Join us for a three-week programme on two Saturdays from 2-4pm, on Jan 24 and Feb 7. There will also be a stay-in weekend retreat from Jan 30 at 8pm, to Feb 1 at 2pm, at the IHM Retreat House, 46 Kovan Road. Fee: $90. Register E: http://tinyurl.com/se7en2015. Enquiries T: 9272 7884 (Martin); E: se7en.msc@ gmail.com. Register by Jan 11, 2015. JANUARY 24 INTERRELIGIOUS DIALOGUE LEARNING TRIPS – FIRST IN A SERIES 2pm-4.30pm: 2015 marks the 50th anniversary of Nostra Aetate, the Vatican II Declaration on the relations of the Church to non-Christian religions. To promote mutual respect and friendship with people of other faiths, join us to visit the Central Sikh Temple. Participants must attend a two-hour orientation and formation session on Jan 13 at 7.45pm. The session would be held at Church of St Ignatius. A debrief will be held after the visit. Registration closes on Jan 9. Organised by Archdiocesan Catholic Council for Interreligious Dialogue. At Central Sikh Temple, 2 Towner Road. Register E: gerald@accird.org.sg. Please include your name, parish and mobile number. JANUARY 24 INTRODUCTION TO AUTHENTIC CONVERSATIONS: HOW TO ENGAGE IN AND FACILITATE ONE? 9.30am-5pm: The dire lack of authentic conversation spaces has reduced many conversations into gossip, slander and the vulgar. How does one facilitate and nurture safe spaces for authentic conversation that is so critically needed in the church and the world today? Facilitated by Lance Ng and Diana Koh. Organised by Kingsmead Centre. At Sacred Heart Hall Annexe, #02-

02 (behind St Ignatius Church). Fee including lunch and refreshments: $50. Contact T: 6467 6072; E: cisc2664@ gmail.com; W: www.kingsmeadcentre.sg. JANUARY 26 TO FEBRUARY 1 CHARIS MISSION FRIENDSHIP – DENIYAYA VILLAGE IN SRI LANKA The CHARIS mission trip to Sri Lanka to help build toilets in the Deniyaya village will be postponed to Jan 26-Feb 1 next year. CHARIS has helped fund the building of 50 latrines to help with the village’s sanitation situation. A mission team will be deployed to help with the building of these toilets. Bio-sand water ¿OWUDWLRQ WUDLQLQJ ZLOO DOVR EH FRQGXFWHG there. Come experience faith in action and joy of mission work. Organised by CHARIS. Register T: 6337 4119; E: lilynne@charis-singapore.org. FEBRUARY 5 TO MARCH 26 CATHOLIC FAITH EXPLORATION (CAFE) 7.45pm: Every Thursday from Feb 5, join us for a CaFE video-based programme called The Joy of the Gospel. Organised by Church of Christ the King. At Church of Christ the King, Ang Mo Kio Avenue 8, Room 105. Register T: 9777 9109 (Stanley); E: ctkcafe@gmail.com. FEBRUARY 7 FINDING GOD IN MOVIES 2pm-5pm: Stories in movies allow for UHÀHFWLYH PRPHQWV ,W RIWHQ LQYLWHV XV WR question ourselves about our faith, and in a greater sense, about humanity. Join us to watch Frozen, and engage in conversation thereafter. Facilitated by Diana Koh and Joy Toh. Fee: $10. Organised by Kingsmead Centre. At Kingsmead Centre, 8 Victoria Park Road, Hall of the Pilgrim. Register T: 6467 6072; E: cisc2664@ gmail.com; W: www.kingsmeadcentre.org. FEBRUARY 11 WORLD DAY OF THE SICK: LIVING WITH ILLNESS 9.30am-12pm: Join us for a talk on “Living with Illness”, followed by Mass by Jesuit Fr Leslie Raj. Love offerings would also be collected. Organised by Kingsmead Centre. At Kingsmead Centre, 8 Victoria Park Road, Hall of the Pilgrim. Enquiries T: 6467 6072; E: cisc2664@ gmail.com; W: www.kingsmeadcentre.sg.

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Sunday January 11, 2015 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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