JANUARY 24 2016, Vol 66, No 02

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SUNDAY JANUARY 24, 2016

SINGAPORE $0.70 CENTS / WEST MALAYSIA RM$2.10

MCI (P) 009/08/2015

PPS 201/04/2013 (022940)

Pope opens last Holy Door in Rome for Year of Mercy Says God’s mercy knows ‘no limits’ as it frees people from bitterness and despair VATICAN CITY – God’s ability to forgive “knows no limitsâ€? as His mercy frees people from bitterness and despair, Pope Francis said. “The Church’s forgiveness must be every bit as broad as that offered by Jesus on the cross and by Mary at His feet. There is no other way,â€? he said after opening the Holy Door of the Basilica of St Mary Major on Jan 1, the feast of Mary, Mother of God, and the World Day of Prayer for Peace. 2Q WKH ÂżUVW GD\ RI WKH QHZ year, Pope Francis opened the last holy door in Rome as part of the extraordinary Holy Year of Mercy. +H RSHQHG WKH ÂżUVW RI IRXU Holy Doors on Dec 8 in St Peter’s Basilica. On Dec 13, he opened the second Holy Door in St John Lateran Basilica while US Cardinal James Harvey also opened the Holy Door at the Basilica of St Paul’s Outside the Walls. “The door we have opened is, in fact, a Door of Mercy,â€? he said in his homily on Jan 1, referring to the Roman basilica’s large bronze doors depicting Mary presenting her resurrected son, Jesus. “Those who cross its threshold are called to enter into the merciful love of the Father with complete trust and freedom from fear; they can leave this basilica knowing with certainty that Mary is ever at their side,â€? especially during times of trouble and sorrow, he said. At the church dedicated to Mary and on her feast day as Mother of God, the pope explained how Mary is the mother of mercy because she bore “the very face of divine mercy,â€? the son of God “made incarnate for our salvation.â€? “Mary is an icon of how the Church must offer forgiveness to those who seek it. The mother of forgiveness teaches the Church that the forgiveness granted on Golgotha knows no limits. Neither

tinues to demean the weak, relegating them to the most squalid outskirts of our world,â€? he said. On Dec 31, Pope Francis said during an evening prayer service in St Peter’s Basilica that the gift of mercy is a light that helps Christians UHĂ€HFW RQ WKH SDVW \HDU DQG UDGLDWHV hope at the start of the new year. While retracing the events of 2015 may recall moments of both joy and sorrow, it also offers a moment to understand the presence of God who “renews and sustains with his help,â€? he said. Although the past year may bring both happy and painful memories, he said, it also challenges Christians to ponder on whether world events occurred according to

Mary offers the world Jesus, who in turn, offers that forgiveness which ‘renews life, enables us once more to GR *RGÂśV ZLOO DQG ÂżOOV us with true happiness.’ – Pope Francis

Pope Francis prays after opening the Holy Door before celebrating Mass at the Basilica of St Mary Major in Rome on Jan 1. The Holy Doors of Rome’s four major basilicas are now open. CNS photo

the law with its quibbles, nor the wisdom of this world with its distinctions, can hold it back,â€? he said. Mary offers the world Jesus, who in turn, offers that forgiveness which “renews life, enables us once PRUH WR GR *RGÂśV ZLOO DQG ÂżOOV XV with true happiness,â€? the pope said. After the Mass, the pope symbolically opened another door, this time the large iron gates in front of a smaller chapel housing a Marian icon he is particularly devoted to

– the Salus Populi Romani (health of the Roman people). The pope also celebrated Mass in St Peter’s Basilica in the morning to mark the Marian feast day. God is present in human history, he said, despite signs and events that “tend to make us think instead that He is absent.� “Sometimes we ask ourselves how it is possible that human injustice persists unabated, and that the arrogance of the powerful con-

God’s will or through people’s plans, which are “often loaded with private interests, an unquenchable thirst for power and gratuitous violence.â€? The pope said Christians must interpret the signs given by God to truly see His merciful love. Even though the year was marred by violence and the suffering of people Ă€HHLQJ IRU EHWWHU OLYLQJ FRQGLWLRQV there were also gestures of goodness, love and solidarity, even if they are not covered by the news. “Good things,â€? he said, “never make the news.â€? “These signs of love cannot and should not be obscured by the strength of evil,â€? the pope said. “Good always triumphs, even if in some moments it may seem weaker and hidden.â€? „ CNS

VOL 66

NO. 02

INSIDE ASIA Bringing the Church to the slums Philippine cardinal shares New Year joy „ Page 6

Taiwan launches 1st Catholic TV Channel works with other religions „ Page 7

POPE FRANCIS Singing is good for the soul . . . He tells young choristers „ Page 10

Pope’s big decision on the family The countdown is on „ Page 13

QUESTIONS ON THE FAITH Can one eat food offered to spirits? Reader poses question „ Page 14

FOCUS Thoughts on the ‘prosperity gospel’ Fr Garcia dissects the issue „ Pages 16-17

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Volunteers and well-wishers of WKH &KXUFK RI WKH 7UDQV¿JXUDWLRQ &277 WRRN WLPH RII GXULQJ WKH December holidays to catch the ODWHVW 6WDU :DUV VDJD ¹ 6WDU :DUV the Force Awakens, at the Grand Cathay on Dec 28. About 50 children from variRXV FKLOGUHQœV RUJDQLVDWLRQV LQFOXGLQJ $UF &KLOGUHQœV &HQWUH Care Community Services Society, Society of the Father and Son, and Boys’ Town were also invited WR HQMR\ WKH HYHQLQJœV IHVWLYLWLHV With a near full-house capacity of 594 seats taken up by the church, the exclusive movie

Sunday January 24, 2016 „ CatholicNews

VFUHHQLQJ ZDV DWWHQGHG E\ VSHFLDO JXHVWV $UFKELVKRS (PHULWXV 1LFKRODV &KLD DQG 'U 7DQ &KHQJ %RFN WRJHWKHU ZLWK )U -RDFKLP &KDQJ SDULVK SULHVW RI &277 ZKR SUHVHQWHG JLIWV WR WKH FKLOGUHQ to spread the joy of Christmas. )U $OR\VLXV 2QJ DQG )U 'Rnatien Davaine further enlivened WKH HYHQLQJ E\ WXUQLQJ XS LQ IXOO -HGL FRVWXPHV FRPSOHWH ZLWK ÀDVKLQJ OLJKWVDEUHV WR WKH GHOLJKW of all present. At the event, Dr Tan, a veteran community leader and well-known advocate for family causes, said that ³ZLWK WKH QHZ FKXUFK EHLQJ EXLOW LQ

WKH QHZ WRZQVKLS RI 3XQJJRO LW presents a wonderful opportunity for Catholics to interact with other non-Christian communities there.� ³(YHQWV VXFK DV WRQLJKWœV movie show the Catholic Church’s SURJUHVVLYH HIIRUW WR RXWUHDFK DQG contribute to the wider society.� COTT will have a fundraising gala dinner and philanthropic golf tournament on Jan 17 and Mar UHVSHFWLYHO\ 7R ¿QG RXW PRUH about these events and how you can donate to the building fund, YLVLW ZZZ WUDQV¿JXUDWLRQ VJ „

About 50 children from various children’s organisations were invited to enjoy the evening’s festivities.

Archbishop Emeritus Nicholas Chia with Fr Aloysius Ong (left) and Fr Donatien Davaine who were dressed as Jedis at the movie screening of Star Wars: the Force Awakens.

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Sunday Sund ay JJanua January anuary ry 24, 2 2016 „ CatholicNews

Community life stressed at launch of Catechetical Year 7KH &DWH 7KH 7KH & &DWHFKHWLFDO DWHFK FKHW KHWLLF LFDOO 2 2I¿FH I¿FH I¿ FH ZK ZKL ZKLFK KLFK LFK GHHS ORYH IRU WKH :RUG RI *RG WKH\ GHHS ORY GHHS RYHH IRU IRU WK WKH KH :R :RUGG RI *R *RGG WKH KH\\ XVHG WR EH SDUW RI WKH 2I¿FH IRU FDQQRW EH DJHQWV RI *RG¶V ORYH 7KH NH\ WR FDWHFKHVLV $UFKWKH 1HZ (YDQJHOLVDWLRQ LV QRZ DQ LQGHSHQGHQW RI¿FH FDOOHG 2I- ELVKRS *RK QRWHG LV EULQJLQJ FDWHFKXPHQV LQWR FRPPXQLRQ ZLWK ¿FH IRU &DWHFKHVLV 2)& &DWHFKHWLFDO GLUHFWRU )U (U- -HVXV LQ WKH FRQWH[W RI FRPPXELQ )HUQDQGH] DQQRXQFHG WKLV DW QLW\ +H VXJJHVWHG ZD\V WR EXLOG WKH ODXQFK RI WKH QHZ &DWHFKHWL- DXWKHQWLF &KULVWLDQ FRPPXQLWLHV FDO <HDU RQ -DQ +H H[SODLQHG LQ SDULVKHV VXFK DV JHWWLQJ SDUHQWV WKDW WKH PRYH ZDV WR DOORZ WKH LQYROYHG LQ FDWHFKHVLV DQG FDWRI¿FH WR IRFXV PRUH RQ FDWHFKHWL- HFKLVWV OHDUQLQJ WR VKDUH DQG ZRUN FDO PDWWHUV DQG EHWWHU VHUYH WKRVH PRUH ZLWK HDFK RWKHU 0V 0D\ 4XHN D SDUHQW RI D LQYROYHG LQ FDWHFKHVLV ZKLFK LQFOXGHV WKH 5&,$ DQG /LWXUJ\ RI FKLOG HQUROOHG LQ 2)&¶V %ULGJLQJ 3URJUDPPH VKDUHG KHU H[SHULWKH :RUG /2:& PLQLVWULHV 0RUH WKDQ FDWHFKLVWV DQG HQFH RI WKH SURJUDPPH 7KH SURJUDPPH ZDV FUHDWHG LQ 5&,$ DQG /2:& IDFLOLWDWRUV packed St Peter’s Auditorium at UHVSRQVH WR UHTXHVWV IURP SDULVKHV WKH &DWKROLF $UFKGLRFHVDQ (GXFD- ZKR GLG QRW KDYH WKH UHVRXUFHV WR FDWHFKLVH ROGHU FKLOGUHQ DQG \RXWKV WLRQ &HQWUH IRU WKH DQQXDO HYHQW ,Q KLV VKDULQJ )U (UELQ QRWHG ZKR KDG PLVVHG FDWHFKHVLV ,W LV GHWKDW OLNH WKH 0DJL ZKR FDPH ORRN- VLJQHG WR KHOS \RXQJ SHRSOH FDWFK LQJ IRU WKH &KULVW FKLOG FDWHFKLVWV XS RQ FDWHFKHVLV DQG LV DOVR RSHQ KDYH WR NHHS ORRNLQJ IRU &KULVW WR \RXQJ SHRSOH VHHNLQJ EDSWLVP 0V 4XHN VDLG KHU QRQ &DWKDV WKH\ PXVW H[SHULHQFH WKH *RRG 1HZV ¿UVW EHIRUH WKH\ FDQ VKDUH LW ROLF FKLOG IRXQG WKH SURJUDPPH PRYLQJ 7KLV ZLWK RWKHUV (YDQJHOLThe key to catechesis led to his older VLEOLQJ DOVR VDWLRQ )U (Uis bringing HPEUDFLQJ WKH ELQ VWUHVVHG LV catechumens into IDLWK %RWK FKLOYHU\ LPSRUWDQW GUHQ ZHUH EDS+RZHYHU RWKHU communion with WLVHG ODVW \HDU stakeholders Jesus in the context such as fami0V 4XHN DOVR H[SUHVVHG OLHV SDULVK PLQof community, said JUDWLWXGH DW LVWULHV \RXQJ Archbishop Goh. KRZ WKH UHJXODU DGXOW FRPPXQLSDUHQW IRUPDWLHV QHHG WR GR WKH LQLWLDO ZRUN RI PDNLQJ FDWH- WLRQ VHVVLRQV ZKLFK DUH SDUW RI WKH FKXPHQV IHHO D VHQVH RI FRPPXQ- %ULGJLQJ 3URJUDPPH KHOSHG KHU JURZ LQ KHU IDLWK LRQ ZLWKLQ WKH SDULVK FRPPXQLW\ 2)& DVVRFLDWH GLUHFWRU :HQG\ &DWHFKHVLV SURSHU FDQ WKHQ LQLWLDWH WKH FDWHFKXPHQV LQWR WKH VDF- /RH VSRNH DERXW WKH RI¿FH¶V QHZ UDPHQWDO DQG PLVVLRQDU\ GLPHQ- LQLWLDWLYHV IRU WKH \HDU ZKLFK LQVLRQV RI WKH SDULVK FRPPXQLW\ FOXGH D IUHH RQH \HDU WULDO RI RQOLQH IRUPDWLRQ UHVRXUFHV DV ZHOO DV D WKDW KDV ZHOFRPHG WKHP :LWKRXW HQFRXQWHULQJ -HVXV FDWHFKHWLFDO WUDLQHUV¶ SURJUDPPH &DWKROLFV FDQ FHOHEUDWH WKH VDFUD- ,Q DGGLWLRQ DOO 2)& FRXUVH IHHV PHQWV EXW QRW DSSUHFLDWH WKH IXOO IRU ZLOO EH ZDLYHG 7KH HYHQW DOVR VDZ FHUWL¿FDWHV PHDQLQJ RI WKH FHOHEUDWLRQ %XW RQ WKH RWKHU KDQG LI WKH\ DUH HYDQJH- JLYHQ WR WKRVH ZKR KDYH FRPSOHWOLVHG EXW QRW IXUWKHU LQLWLDWHG LQWR HG WKH UHTXLUHPHQWV IRU WKH %DVLF WKH VDFUDPHQWDO OLIH RI WKH &KXUFK &DWHFKLVW &RXUVH 3ULRU WR WKH ODXQFK HYHQW D WHD WKH\ ZLOO ORVH WKH &DWKROLF FRQWH[W LQ ZKLFK HYDQJHOLVDWLRQ FDQ VHVVLRQ ZDV KHOG IRU FKLOGUHQ¶V DQG DFKLHYH LWV WUXH JRDO WKH UH HVWDE- \RXWK FDWHFKHWLFDO FRRUGLQDWRUV DQG FRUH WHDPV )U (UELQ OHG SDUOLVKPHQW RI WKH FXOWXUH RI OLIH *XHVW RI KRQRXU $UFKELVK- WLFLSDQWV LQ D UHÀHFWLRQ RQ (SKHRS :LOOLDP *RK IRFXVHG RQ WKH VLDQV ± WKDW DV FDWHFKLVWV WKH\ WKHPH 'LVFLSOHVKLS LV &RPPXQ- KDYH EHHQ HQWUXVWHG ZLWK WKH P\VWHU\ WKDW &KULVW KDV EHHQ VHQW WR XV LRQ LQ KLV DGGUHVV +H IHOW WKDW WKH PDLQ ZHDN- DQG ORYHV XV ZKLOH ZH DUH VWLOO VLQQHVVHV LQ FDWHFKHVLV DUH D ODFN RI QHUV „ GLVFLSOHVKLS DQG D ODFN RI FRPPXQLW\ 'LVFLSOHVKLS KH HPSKDVLVHG 7KH QHZ ZHEVLWH IRU WKH 2I¿FH UHTXLUHV PHQWRUVKLS ZKLFK PHDQV for Catechesis is catechesis.org. FDWHFKLVWV PXVW ORRN DW WKHLU ZKROH sg. Enquiries on catechetical matters can be sent to enquiry@catZD\ RI OLIH +H SRLQWHG RXW WKDW WKH KHDUW RI echesis.org.sg. The OFC remains DOO FRPPXQLRQ LV EHLQJ ZLWK *RG at its current location at #02-02, LQ SUD\HU 6R LI FDWHFKLVWV DUH QRW Catholic Archdiocesan Education SUD\LQJ SHRSOH RU GR QRW KDYH D Centre, Highland Road.

Archbishop William Goh speaking at the launch of the Catechetical Year on Jan 3 as catechetical director Fr Erbin Fernandez (far left) and other participants look on.

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Sunday January 24, 2016 CatholicNews

CHANCERY NOTICES 31 December 2015

CHN/CN/2015/019

APPOINTMENTS 1. Fr Benedict Chng has been appointed as Assistant Priest to the Church of St Francis Xavier for a term of three [3] years with efIHFW IURP WKH ¿UVW 6XQGD\ RI /HQW )HEUXDU\ 0U $QGUH $KFKDN KDV EHHQ DSSRLQWHG DV WKH 'LUHFWRU RI &RPPXQLFDWLRQV DW WKH $UFKGLRFHVDQ &RPPXQLFDWLRQV 2I¿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t Francis Xavier Major Seminary

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Fr John-Paul Tan, OFM, JCL, Chancellor Chancery of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore #07-01 Catholic Centre, 55 Waterloo Street, Singapore 187954 Email: chancery@catholic.org.sg

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Sunday January 24, 2016 „ CatholicNews

Dyslexic student scores distinctions, helps weaker students By Jared Ng Former Assumption English School student Phineas Goh often has to read the same word or question multiple times from a textbook before grasping its meaning. Goh, who is dyslexic, shared how he has to study in a quiet environment or risk losing focus, and therefore it took a longer time for him to study compared to his peers. Dyslexia is a general term for GLVRUGHUV WKDW LQYROYH GLIÂżFXOW\ in learning to read or interpret words, letters and other symbols. Different people are affected to varying degrees. When Goh took his O-levels last year, he was given an extra 15 minutes for every hour of an exam. He said that “walking around the house and reading out loudâ€? were some of the tools that helped him overcome his study challenges. Moving his legs during

his examinations also helped to invoke memories of his revision. Despite the challenges he faced, Goh was the valedictorian of the class of 2015. For his O-levels, he scored A1s in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Elementary and Additional Mathematics, A2 for Humanities and C5 for English. Not one to allow challenges to faze him, he even helped his weaker fellow students. An example Goh shared was how he helped one classmate understand the different components in a Physics circuit and the role they played, by using examples from real

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life such as cars, a bridge, batteries and a nuclear plant. “I would relate them to reallife scenarios. Your batteries would be a nuclear plant, the current moving would be cars

Goh, who is dyslexic, shared how he has to study in a quiet environment or risk losing focus and therefore it took a longer time for him to study compared to his peers.

Children from Syro-Malabar rite to receive sacraments Seven children from the SyroMalabar rite will receive the 6DFUDPHQWV RI ÂżUVW +RO\ &RPPXQLRQ DQG &RQÂżUPDWLRQ RQ -DQ 30 at the Church of St Anthony at 3pm. The Mass will be celebrated by Franciscan Fr Salim Joseph, chaplain of the Archdiocesan Commission for Malayalam Apostolate. The Syro-Malabar Catholic Church is one of the 22 Eastern Catholic Churches in full communion with Rome. It traces its origins back to India along with the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church. The Syro-Malabar Catholic community has been in existence in Singapore since 2000. There are currently about 450 families or 2,000 people in Singapore who belong to the Syro-Malabar rite, Fr Salim told CatholicNews. They are mainly migrants from Kerala, India. Fr Salim also shared how “Syro-Malabar liturgical ser-

Fr Salim Joseph speaking to children from the Syro-Malabar rite. Seven of WKHP ZLOO UHFHLYH WKHLU ÂżUVW +RO\ &RPPXQLRQ DQG &RQÂżUPDWLRQ RQ -DQ

vices are completely different from the Latin liturgical services. The whole Syro-Malabar liturgy comprises singing and chanting.� Other differences mentioned by Fr Salim were the liturgical rubrics, the terminologies used, and

the theological meaning of those terminologies. The Malayalam apostolate was established on July 1, 2014. The commission was constituted to ensure effective evangelisation programmes for local and migrant Malayalees. „

moving along a road, the bridge is a fuse... if there are too many cars on the bridge, it would break, like the fuse,� said Goh, who represented his school in robotics in Sec 2 and 3. Goh was also part of a school programme that was formed to help Sec 2 and 3 students in subjects such as Science and Math. He spent a couple of hours a week to mentor these students. On how his family supported him throughout his secondary school education, Goh, who

has three elder brothers and a younger sister, said: “They didn’t have expectations of me, which I liked... There wasn’t pressure from them and I was allowed to make my own choices.� As to his academic plans after O-levels, Goh shared that after some advice from his mother, he now intends to apply for Engineering Science in Ngee Ann Polytechnic, in hopes of reaching his goal of being a scientist in the future. „ jared.ng@catholic.org.sg

Archdiocesan survey To inspire a New Evangelisation in our Catholic archdiocese, the archdiocesan Strategic Planning of Resources (ASPR) team will be undertaking a two-part archdiocesan quantitative and qualitative survey. The entire survey will provide clearer bases for the strategic planning of our archdiRFHVDQ UHVRXUFHV DQG ÂżQDQFLDO budget requests. 7KH ÂżUVW VXUYH\ LV DQ XSdate on parish Mass attendance. It will be a simple online (Internet/smartphone) survey at survey.catholic. sg. It will be conducted and

completed during the weekend Masses of Jan 16/17, 23/24, and 30/31. The second component of the survey is a “Catholic Conversation� with individuals and groups on “What it is like to be a Catholic in our Singapore Church� today. The fruits of this survey depend on the full participation of all Catholics. His Grace Archbishop William Goh thanks you in anticipation for your support and fullest participation for the good of your parish and the whole archdiocese. „

6 ASIA

Sunday January 24, 2016 „ CatholicNews

CHURCH IN PHILIPPINES

Inspiring hope among slum dwellers in Philippines MANILA – +RZ GRHV RQH LQVSLUH

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Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of Manila is seen blessing the lot of a housing project in Pasay City, Metro Manila, in WKLV ¿OH SKRWR +H FHOHEUDWHG D VSHFLDO 0DVV IRU WKH XUEDQ SRRU LQ WKH VOXPV RI 0DQLOD RQ -DQ CNS photo

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you can see, amidst their poverty, ‘Asthey know how to celebrate life. Here, hope is very much alive.’

– Cardinal Tagle, speaking about the residents of Helping Land, a slum area in Manila

Help urged for Filipinos in Middle East

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ASIA 7

Sunday January 24, 2016 „ CatholicNews

New year sees launch of Taiwan’s ÀUVW &DWKROLF 79 TAIPEI – After years of effort, fun-

draising and preparation of content, the Catholic channel, MOD (Multimedia On Demand), began transmitting broadcasts on TaiZDQHVH 79 RQ 1HZ <HDUÂśV 'D\ MOD, and the platform is offered by Chunghwa Telecom as part of its Internet television services. Mr Paul Su of MOD said: “This is a small step, and is proof that with perseverance you achieve tangible results. People want to see the Catholic productions in Chinese on their home screen. They want to hear the pope’s message with all the values that come with it.â€? He added that people “want to know about the work of the Church for many underprivileged here in Taiwan and around the world.â€? The channel is a sign of collaboration: “In fact we are partners with other religious channels, especially those run by the Taoists and Buddhists, who help us with the costs, given our limited resources. This cooperation is a great experience for us: we did discover new friends and different religious perspectives.â€? Three Catholic institutions sponsor the new platform: CathROLF 9RLFH 5DGLR 9HULWDV DQG Kuangchi Programme Service.

MANILA – The Archdiocese of “This is in consonance with Lingayen-Dagupan in the northern our collective vision to cleanse Philippines has decided to “choose the Church of any semblance of the path of pastoral prudenceâ€? and commercialism in the rendering rid parish operations of “any sem- of church services,â€? he said, addblance of business and commerce.â€? ing that the “obligatory policyâ€? “It is a hard climb but we must was agreed by priests and laymen be wise as serpents and innocent as of the archdiocese. GRYHV ´ $UFKELVKRS 6RFUDWHV 9LOThe policy, which came to effect legas said in a statement addressed DIWHU $UFKELVKRS 9LOOHJDV PHW ZLWK to parishes under his jurisdiction. clergy members on Jan 8, will affect “The Church stands at risk as WKH LVVXDQFH RI EDSWLVPDO FHUWLÂżsecularism gains ground,â€? said FDWHV FRQÂżUPDWLRQ FHUWLÂżFDWHV PDU$UFKELVKRS 9LOULDJH FHUWLÂżFDWHV legas, noting that wedding banns, This is in parishes operatand other church ing stores for consonance with our documents. religious books Archbishop collective vision to and devotional 9LOOHJDV VDLG WKH cleanse the Church clergy should articles are also of any semblance of only accept what selling items not related to the the parishioncommercialism. promotion of reers can offer and – Archbishop Socrates ligious devotion encourage the Villegas, president of the and catechesis. faithful to adopt “This practice Philippine bishops’ conference the spirit of stewhas left a mistakardship by donaten impression among the Catholic ing generously regardless of the faithful that the Church is engag- services they may need. ing in business and commerce “This is a proof of our matubeyond its spiritual mission,â€? said rity in the faith and devotion to $UFKELVKRS 9LOOHJDV ZKR LV DOVR our Mother Church. We must be president of the Philippine bish- a community that gives because ops’ conference. we love the Church,â€? said Arch$UFKELVKRS 9LOOHJDV KDG HDU- ELVKRS 9LOOHJDV lier asked priests to stop the prac“We dream of a Church retice of accepting payments for newed, truly close to the people sacraments. He has also ordered and responsive to the needs of the the removal of price tags in issu- Ă€RFN /HW XV PDNH WKLV YLVLRQ FRPH LQJ &KXUFK FHUWLÂżFDWHV true,â€? he added. „ UCANEWS.COM

‘

’

A Catholic Church in Taipei. A Catholic channel, called Multimedia on Demand, was made available on New Year’s Day.

The content library is offered mainly by the large archive of Kuangchi Programme Service, which dates back to 1958. Gradu-

ally, even old productions are being uploaded onto the platform to focus on the history of the Catholic presence on the island. „ ASIANEWS

People want to see the Catholic productions in ‘ Chinese on their home screen, they want to hear the pope’s message with all the values that come with it. ’

– Mr Paul Su from Multimedia On Demand

Arson attack on church in Lahore condemned LAHORE, PAKISTAN – A church building in eastern Pakistan was set ablaze following a row over the use of its loudspeakers during Muslim prayer times. “During the evening, Muslim villagers went to Pastor Yaqoob Saroya and asked him to turn the loudspeaker off, saying that it was the time for Islamic prayers but he refused,â€? Mr Sardar Musthaq Gill, a Christian lawyer and head of the Legal Evangelical Association Development, told ucanews.com. The Apostolic Church building in the Baath neighbourhood in Lahore was conducting a healing prayer session at the time on Jan 7. “Later that night, someone broke into the church building, set furniture, tents and other stuff RQ ÂżUH DQG HVFDSHG ´ 0U *LOO said, adding that several copies of the Bible were also burnt. Mr Soba Saroya, brother of the local pastor who lodged a police complaint, said local Muslims were cooperating with &KXUFK RIÂżFLDOV WR KHOS LGHQWLI\ the culprits. “There is no tension in the

Philippine diocese to keep money out of church services

neighbourhood at this moment. A meeting between Christians and Muslims took place on Jan 10 to settle the matter amicably,â€? Mr Saroya said. Fr Emmanuel Yousaf Mani of Lahore condemned the arson attack on the church. “The government should immediately apprehend those responsible and urge people against taking the law into their own hands,â€? said the director of the Catholic bishops’ National Commission for Justice and Peace. Fr Mani said he has always been cautious when Mass timings coincide with the Muslim call for prayers. “I always instruct my catechists to lower the volume of church loudspeakers during Islamic prayer. Nonetheless, “both sides should respect another’s religious practices,â€? he added. Pakistan has witnessed several such instances of violence against Christians. In November last year, the ofÂżFH RI D &KULVWLDQ 79 FKDQQHO Gawahi, was damaged in an arson attack. „ UCANEWS.COM

8 WORLD

Sunday January 24, 2016 „ CatholicNews

German cardinal slams sexual assaults on women Comments come after reports of ‘inhuman treatment’ of women during New Year’s Eve celebrations BONN, GERMANY – Hundreds of

sexual assaults committed against German women by migrants in a single night “can in no way be tolerated�, said the president of the German bishops’ conference. Cardinal Reinhard Marx of Munich and Freising said that young women attending New Year’s Eve celebrations outside Cologne cathedral endured “inhuman treatment� at the hands of their attackers. The cardinal’s remarks were made a week after the scandal that has deeply embarrassed German

Chancellor Angela Merkel, who in 2015 permitted the entry of 1.1 million migrants into the country. “All social forces must work together to prevent such incidents and ensure safety,� said the cardinal. Ms Merkel has faced increasing criticism both at home and abroad for her migration policy after police received 500 criminal complaints from members of the German public on New Year’s Eve. About 200 allegations involved German women alleging they had been sexually assaulted.

A Jan 11 North Rhine-Westphalia state’s Interior Ministry report into the scandal said the assailants were “almost exclusively� from a migrant background, the British Broadcasting Corporation reported, with most of them described as North African and Arab. The government report describes how about 1,000 men of North African and Arabic origin congregated on the square outside the cathedral and the railway station and said that smaller groups then formed.

Some of the groups surrounded German women before threatening and sexually assaulting them, said the North RhineWestphalia report. The report, which has been published only in German, said that Germany had not witnessed group sexual violence and robbery of such magnitude. It said police had made “serious mistakes� because they had failed to act swiftly to protect the women and then attempted to play down the scale of the attacks in the days after the event. „ CNS

Cardinal Reinhard Marx of Munich and Freising

South African Church leaders warn of nuclear risks CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA –

The risks of adding nuclear energy to South Africa’s power grid RXWZHLJK LWV HFRQRPLF EHQH¿WV the country’s Catholic justice and peace commission said as it called for a halt to nuclear procurement plans and a referendum on the issue. 6RXWK $IULFD LV LQ ¿QDQFLDO crisis and cannot afford the new nuclear plants, reported to cost about US$100 billion (S$144 billion), the commission said in a Dec 29 statement by its chairman, Bishop Abel Gabuza of Kimberley. The statement followed an announcement that the government

The government plans to purchase nuclear plants worth more than $100 billion.

would go ahead with plans to add 9,600 megawatts of nuclear energy to the country’s strained grid and would call for bids. “Given the enormity of the risks ... it is only fair that the government directly consults its people on the matter,� said Bishop Gabuza. “Although the probability of a nuclear accident is relatively low, the consequences of such an accident cause health hazards for thousands of people� and render land uninhabitable and

unusable for decades, he said. “Considering the enormity of the damage when an accident occurs, the dangers of nuclear energy to human life will always remain very high,â€? he said. As well as incurring insurmountable public debt, the procurement could threaten South Africa’s sovereign control over its energy security, the statement said. The government should FRQFHQWUDWH LWV HIIRUWV DQG ÂżVFDO resources on renewable energy, it said. „ CNS

WORLD 9

Sunday January 24, 2016 CatholicNews

:KDW KDV EHHQ OHDUQHG VLQFH &KDUOLH +HEGR DWWDFNV ELVKRSV DVN PARIS – 2QH \HDU DIWHU WKH DWWDFN RQ WKH )UHQFK VDWLULFDO PDJD]LQH &KDUOLH +HEGR WKH QDWLRQ¶V ELVKRSV DVNHG ZKDW SHRSOH OHDUQHG DQG HPSKDVLVHG WKDW UHOLJLRQV PXVW OLYH DQG ZRUN WRJHWKHU LQ VRFLHW\ ³+DYH WKHVH WUDJLF HYHQWV SURYRNHG VRPH JHQXLQH DZDNHQLQJ DQG KDYH ZH RIIHUHG SHUVSHFWLYHV IRU WKH VRFLHW\ RI WRPRUURZ E\ OHDUQLQJ OHVVRQV IURP WKH SDVW"´ the French bishops’ conference DVNHG LQ D -DQ VWDWHPHQW ³,W LV FHUWDLQO\ XUJHQW WR OLVWHQ to our youth and offer them prosSHFWV IRU IXO¿OPHQW DQG VXFFHVV %XW WKH &KXUFK VWUHVVHV WKDW ZH PXVW LPDJLQH DQG EXLOG RXU FRXQWU\¶V IXWXUH WRJHWKHU LQ PXWXDO UHVSHFW UHFRJQLVLQJ HYHU\RQH¶V FRQWULEXWLRQ WR WKH FROOHFWLYLW\ (YHU\ VXVSLFLRXV JODQFH DW UHOLJLRQV LQMXUHV EHOLHYHUV DQG VHUYHV WR H[FOXGH WKHP IURP WKH QDWLRQDO FRPPXQLW\ ´ 7KH VWDWHPHQW ZDV UHOHDVHG as France commemorated the -DQ DWWDFNV LQ ZKLFK GLHG DW WKH &KDUOLH +HEGR RI¿FHV DQG LQ UHODWHG VKRRWRXWV 7KH WZR PDVNHG EURWKHUV ZKR NLOOHG WKH VWDII PHPEHUV VDLG WKH\ ZHUH DYHQJLQJ WKH 3URSKHW 0RKDPPDG IRU WKH PDJD]LQH¶V VDWLULFDO FDUWRRQV The French bishops’ statement VDLG WKH\ MRLQHG LQ WULEXWHV WR WKH YLFWLPV DV ZHOO DV WR WKH SHRSOH NLOOHG DQG PRUH WKDQ LQMXUHG RQ 1RY ZKHQ DWWDFNHUV PRVWO\ OLQNHG WR WKH ,VODPLF 6WDWH JURXS LQ 6\ULD ODXQFKHG ERPE DQG JXQ DWWDFNV DW D PDMRU 3DULV VWDGLXP DQG D FRQFHUW KDOO DV ZHOO DV LQ UDQGRP EDUV DQG UHVWDXUDQWV

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0D\RU·V PXUGHU UHÁHFWV ¶IDLOHG SXEOLF VHFXULW\ V\VWHP· MEXICO CITY – The assassination of a Mexican mayor the day after VKH DVVXPHG RI¿FH ZDV D PHVVDJH IURP RUJDQLVHG FULPH DQG HYLGHQFH RI LWV LQÀXHQFH LQ WKH DUHD DURXQG WKH FLW\ RI &XHUQDYDFD VDLG WKH ELVKRS ZKR FHOHEUDWHG KHU IXQHUDO 0DVV ³+RZ LV LW SRVVLEOH WKDW DOO RI D UHJLRQ RI WKH VWDWH LV LQ WKH KDQGV RI RUJDQLVHG FULPH WKDW SHRSOH DUH SD\LQJ SURWHFWLRQ PRQH\"´ DVNHG Bishop Ramon Castro Castro of &XHUQDYDFD LQ FRPPHQWV SXEOLVKHG E\ WKH QHZVSDSHU 5HIRUPD ³7KLV LV HYLGHQFH RI RXU UHDOLW\ ´ %LVKRS &DVWUR VDLG RQ -DQ RXWVLGH WKH KRPH RI VODLQ 0D\RU *LVHOD 0RWD LQ 7HPL[FR VRXWK RI 0H[LFR &LW\ LQ 0RUHORV VWDWH ³,¶YH EHHQ VD\LQJ LW IRU VRPH WLPH DQG SOHDGLQJ DQG QR RQH KDV EHHQ DEOH WR GR DQ\WKLQJ ´

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10 WORLD

Sunday January 24, 2016 „ CatholicNews

6LQJLQJ GRHV JRRG IRU WKH VRXO SRSH WHOOV \RXQJ FKRULVWHUV VATICAN CITY – Singing is good for one’s soul and, as St Augustine says, Christian life is not a sad path but a joyous one that is done “singing and walking,� Pope Francis said. “Remember this: Sing and walk,� the pope said on Dec 31, to 6,000 young choristers, their families, friends and choirmasters from 18 countries. The young choir members took part in the Dec 28-Jan 1 International Congress of Pueri Cantores in Rome. The pope took questions from several young choir members, choosing to address the youth offthe-cuff. A young girl asked the pope what he thought about their music and if he liked to sing. “I would much rather like to hear you all sing today,� the pope said. “But if I sang, I would sound like a donkey because I do not know how to sing. I don’t even know how to speak well.� “St Augustine says a beautiful phrase, and everyone should learn it. Speaking on Christian life, on the joy of Christian life, he says: ‘Sing and walk.’ Christian life is a path, but it is not a sad path, it is a joyous path, and this is why one must sing.� The next question, asked by another young girl, took a more

personal turn. “How are you so good? Do you ever get angry?� she asked. She also asked the pope if he had any resolutions for the coming new year. The pope remembered Jesus’ response to the rich young man who addressed Him as “good master,� saying that “only God is good.� “We all have the wound of original sin that brings us to not be good all the time, but always remember, only God is good,� he said.

Pope Francis arrives to lead a special audience with the International Congress of Pueri Cantores at the Vatican on Dec.

Christian life is a ‘path, but it is not a sad path, it is a joyous path, and this is why one must sing.

’

– Pope Francis quoting St Augustine

He laughingly admitted, however, that while he does get angry, “I do not bite.â€? The pope also said that although he gets mad when someone “does something that isn’t JRRG ´ KH FDOPV GRZQ E\ UHĂ€HFWLQJ on the times he has angered others. Regarding his New Year resolutions, the pope said that after some WLPH RI UHĂ€HFWLRQ GXULQJ D SHUVRQDO spiritual retreat, he resolved “to pray more,â€? adding that, like all ELVKRSV KLV ³¿UVW MRE LV WR SUD\ ´

CNS photo

7KH ÂżQDO TXHVWLRQV DVNHG RI the pope came from a young chorister who wondered what the pope dreamed of becoming when he grew up. She also asked if, with so much bad news seen on television, the world would continue to be so broken when she grew older. The pope once again recalled his childhood, saying that when asked by his mother and grandmother what he would like to be

when he grew up, he told them he would like to become a butcher. “The way the butchers would cut meat with their knives was like an art form, and I loved seeing that,� he said. Taking a more serious tone, the pope answered the young girl’s second question, saying that although there are many bad things happening in the world, there are also good things that of-

ten are not covered by the media. Pope Francis reminded the young choir members that there is “a war against the truth of God, the truth of life and joy� and, as the Bible says, “this battle between the devil and God will continue until the end of time.� However, he also said that despite so many negative reports, there are still many who through their lives, manifest the beauty of God. „ CNS

MOVIE REVIEW

([RUFLVW ÀOPV VKRXOG WHDFK Movie highlights redemption vs revenge KRZ *RG WUXLPSKV RYHU HYLO The ReveSo he decides to

NEW YORK –

nant, a wilderness survival smother Glass to put drama, directed and coan end to his misery. written by Alejandro InarHawk intervenes ritu (Birdman), is chock to stop the murfull of squeamish moder, but is killed by ments. But for adults with Fitzgerald, he then stomachs strong enough to proceeds to toss the last the duration, rewards still-alive Glass into DZDLW D SRZHUIXO ÂżOP a shallow grave, leavZLWK ÂżUVW UDWH SHUIRUPDQFing him for dead. es, stunning cinematograOr so Fitzgerald phy, and timely messages thinks. about good versus evil, Glass refuses to and of redemption versus succumb, crawls out revenge. of the grave, and emLeonardo DiCapbarks on a 320-km rio stars as Hugh Glass, odyssey to avenge a real-life explorer and his son’s murder and fur trader. In 1823, Glass bring Fitzgerald to joined an expedition up justice. the Missouri River, led Leonardo DiCaprio stars as Hugh Glass in the upcoming Along the way, by Capt Andrew Henry movie, The Revenant. CNS photo Glass is assisted and (Domhnall Gleeson). befriended by a lone In what is present-day South attacked by a grizzly bear, an es- Pawnee, Hikuc (Arthur RedDakota, the company of men pecially grisly scene. Three vol- cloud). His family was also killed trap beavers for their prized pelts unteers agree to stay with him: by the “white man,â€? but he offers while enduring the ravages of John Fitzgerald (Tom Hardy), a measured advice. winter and frequent raids by Na- trigger-happy hunter; Jim Bridger “Revenge is in the Creator’s (Will Poulter), a wide-eyed inno- hands, not man’s,â€? he tells Glass. tive Americans. Glass sympathises with the cent guide; and Hawk. Indeed, since seeking revenge Capt Henry’s instructions are is contrary to Christian teaching, latter, as he married a Pawnee woman (Grace Dove), who was clear: care for Glass, but should he ZH FRUUHFWO\ OHDYH WKH ÂżQDO MXGJkilled by a US soldier. Their son, succumb, provide a decent burial. ment to God. Whether Glass takes Fitzgerald seethes with impa- this advice remains to be seen. „ Hawk (Forrest Goodluck), is a tience as Glass’ accident has set The movie is expected to hit Sinmember of the expedition. Disaster strikes when Glass is back his lucrative hunting plans. gapore cinemas soon. It is rated M18.

VATICAN CITY – Movies depicting

While priests are entrusted by exorcisms could be an important the Church to help protect or libmedium for showing how God erate people from the power of the always triumphs over evil, but in- devil, most movies hide or ignore stead, they misrepresent the faith “the marvellous, stupendous presand exaggerate human and satanic ence and work of Godâ€? and the powers over God, a leading exor- role of Mary in the battle against cist wrote in the Vatican newspaper. evil, wrote the priest. Television and cinema have acAs exorcists witness through customed people to recognising “the their own experience, the realpresence and ity is that “the extraordinary demon, even acts of demons if he doesn’t in people’s want to, is lives and the forced against battle that the his will to afChurch faces ÂżUP WKH WUXWK against them,â€? of our Cathowrote Fr Franclic faith,â€? he esco Bamonte, said. For expresident of the ample, he said, International when holy waAssociation of ter or a holy Exorcists in relic is used Rome. in an exorThe 1973 movie, The Exorcist. A leadP o r t r a y - ing exorcist said movies depicting excism, demons ing exorcisms orcisms often misrepresent the faith. react – often in the world violently – as RI ÂżFWLRQ ÂłFRXOG SURPRWH JUHDWHU they are forced to submit to the awarenessâ€? about the Catholic power of God every single time. faith, however, “the way in which Fr Bamonte’s article appeared evil, demonic possession, the in the Vatican newspaper together prayer of exorcism and libera- ZLWK D ÂżOP FULWLFÂśV ORRN DW KRZ tion are presented is disappointing the exorcism genre was the most and unacceptable,â€? he wrote in ÂłSUROLÂżF´ LQ WKH HYROXWLRQ RI Âł% L’Osservatore Romano on Jan 8. PRYLH´ KRUURU Ă€LFNV „ CNS

POPE FRANCIS 11

Sunday January 24, 2016 „ CatholicNews

3RSH )UDQFLV DGGUHVVHV WKH GLSORPDWLF FRUSV DW WKH 9DWLFDQ RQ -DQ +H XUJHG VHQVLWLYLW\ WR WKH SOLJKW RI WKRVH ÀHHLQJ ZDU DQG SHUVHFXWLRQ CNS photo

3RSH KLJKOLJKWV PLJUDQWV¡ SOLJKW WR GLSORPDWV VATICAN CITY – Cold indifference

to migrants, the poor, the hungry and the persecuted must be overcome through the warmth of mercy, which can transform people into artisans of peace, Pope Francis said. In a Jan 11 speech to diplomats accredited to the Holy See, the pope called on the world’s governments to work together to combat the effects of a “culture RI ZDVWH´ WKDW VDFULÂżFHV ÂłPHQ DQG ZRPHQ EHIRUH WKH LGROV RI SURÂżW and consumptionâ€?. Dialogue, he said, is the antidote that can heal the world of the “individualistic spiritâ€? growing in

today’s culture, causing indifference towards those who suffer, particularly migrants who only seek to “live in peace and dignityâ€?. Biblical and human history is marked by countless migrations of those seeking a better life or Ă€HHLQJ FLUFXPVWDQFHV VXFK DV ZDU persecution, poverty or the effects of climate change, Pope Francis said. Unfortunately, their suffering has begun to “appear normalâ€? to too many people. Making a special appeal on EHKDOI RI WKRVH Ă€HHLQJ ZDU DQG UHligious persecution, the pope said WKH\ RIWHQ ÂżQG WKHPVHOYHV DW WKH mercy of the “powerful who ex-

ploit the weak� or turn to human WUDI¿FNHUV ZKHUH WKH\ ³PD\ ZHOO lose their possessions, their dignity and even their lives.� Countries who are taking in migrants, he said, also face hardships and fears, especially due to the growing threat of terrorism. 'HVSLWH WKH GLI¿FXOWLHV WKH SRSH

The suffering of those forced to migrate has begun to ‘appear normal’ to too many people, said Pope Francis.

DIÂżUPHG KLV FRQYLFWLRQ WKDW (Xrope has the means to “balance between its twofold moral responsibility to protect the rights of its citizens and to ensure assistance and acceptance to migrants.â€? ([SUHVVLQJ JUDWLWXGH IRU LQLtiatives in welcoming migrants, the pope recognised the efforts of countries such as Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey and Greece, who have continued to help and not close their borders. He also commended the Italian government’s commitment to saving lives in the Mediterranean and its taking responsibility for “a massive number of refugeesâ€?.

CNS photo

6LQQHUV QHHG WR Ă€QG DQ ÂśRSHQ GRRU¡ LQ &KXUFK QRW D FORVHG RQH VATICAN CITY – Being ministers of God’s mercy, Church members overcome “prejudice and rigidityâ€?, taking risks like Jesus to heal and to save, Pope Francis said in a new book-length interview on mercy. The Name of God Is Mercy, an interview given to Italian journalist Andrea Tornielli, was scheduled for worldwide release on Jan 12. In the book, Tornielli asked Pope Francis why he so frequently and negatively mentions the “scholars of the lawâ€? in his morning homilies. The pope responded that in the Gospels “they represent the principal opposition to Jesus: they challenge Him in the name of doctrineâ€? and such an attitude “is repeated throughout the long history of the Church.â€? Using the example of Jesus’ close contact with lepers despite the Old Testament law that lepers be excluded from the community, Pope Francis said it is obvious the exclusion was meant to contain disease, but it led to social and emotional suffering and, what

is worse, to a sense that lepers had committed some sin which caused their disease. They were excluded from the community, but also from a relationship with God. In reaching out to lepers, the pope said, Jesus “shows us a new horizon, the logic of a God who is love, a God who desires the salvation of all men.� Jesus touched and healed the lepers, he continued. “He didn’t sit down at a desk and study the situation, He didn’t consult the experts for pros and cons. What really mattered to Him was reaching stranded people and saving them.� Pope Francis said a simi-

In a new interview, the pope says he is convinced that God’s mercy is Jesus’ most important message and that it is a message people today need to hear.

lar attitude by the Church today “provokes angry mutterings from those who are only ever used to KDYLQJ WKLQJV ÂżW LQWR WKHLU SUHFRQceived notions and ritual purity.â€? “Caring for outcasts and sinners does not mean letting the ZROYHV DWWDFN WKH Ă€RFN´ RU MXPSing into the darkness with sinners, he said; it means being aware of the reality of sin and sharing the reality that God always is ready to forgive the sinner. When the grace of God begins to help a person recognise his or her sin and need for forgiveness, the pope said, that person ÂłQHHGV WR ÂżQG DQ RSHQ GRRU QRW D FORVHG RQH +H QHHGV WR ÂżQG DFceptance, not judgment, prejudice or condemnation. He needs to be helped, not pushed away or cast out.â€? Obviously, he said, the Church cannot and does not pretend that sin is unimportant. But “God forgives everyone, He offers new possibilities to everyone, He showers His mercy on everyone who asks for it,â€? the pope said. “We are the ones who do not

The cultural implications of migration, particularly with regard WR GLIIHUHQW UHOLJLRXV DIÂżOLDWLRQV also must be addressed, he said. Without “sincere and respectful dialogueâ€?, growing diversity can lead to fears and to viewing others as enemies due to “closed-mindedness and intransigenceâ€?. While noting that the new year has begun with tensions, particularly with the purported hydrogen bomb test conducted in North Korea, the pope expressed his hope WKDW WKRVH LQYROYHG LQ FRQĂ€LFWV around the world “will be open to the voice of peace and a readiness to seek agreementsâ€?. „ CNS

Pope Francis accepts a copy of the book, The Name of God Is Mercy, from Marina Berlusconi, president of the Mondadori publishing company, on Jan 11.

know how to forgive.� The pope told Tornielli he is convinced that God’s mercy is Jesus’ most important message and that it is a message people today urgently need to hear. As for his “Who am I to judge� remark to reporters in 2013 when asked about the Church’s attitude towards homosexual persons, Pope Francis said, “I was paraphrasing by heart the Catechism of the Catholic Church where it

says that these people should be treated with delicacy and not be marginalised.â€? Âł3HRSOH VKRXOG QRW EH GHÂżQHG only by their sexual tendencies,â€? he said. “I prefer that homosexuals come to confession, that they stay close to the Lord, and that we all pray together,â€? he said. “You can advise them to pray, show goodwill, show them the way and accompany them along it.â€? „ CNS

12 POPE FRANCIS

Sunday January 24, 2016 „ CatholicNews

‘Soap opera’ love isn’t 6HUYLFH WR RWKHUV YHULĂ€HV WKDW true love, says pontiff a feeling is from God: pope VATICAN CITY – True love comes RQH ZKR ORYHV ÂżUVW´ 7KH *RVSHO from God and is expressed he noted, offers countless examthrough His mercy and forgive- ples, from the story of Zacchaness, not through sentimental ex- eus to the parable of the prodigal pressions that can easily vanish, son. Pope Francis said. “When we have something in Although many people use our hearts and we want to ask the the word “loveâ€?, “when used, Lord forgiveness, it is He who it is not known what it exactly awaits us to give forgiveness,â€? meansâ€?, the pope said in his hom- the pope said. ily on Jan 8 during his morning “This Year of Mercy is also Mass. a bit like this: We know that the “What is love? There are Lord is waiting for us, each one times we think of soap opera of us. Why? To embrace us; nothlove. No, that does ing more. To tell not look like love. XV Âľ6RQ GDXJKWHU What is love? Or love may seem I love you. I let my There are times VRQ EH FUXFLÂżHG IRU like enthusiasm for a person and then you; this is the price we think of it is extinguished,â€? RI P\ ORYH Âś 7KLV LV soap opera love. the gift of love.â€? he said. The pope re- No, that does not Pope Francis Ă€HFWHG RQ 6W -RKQÂśV said it is important look like love. ÂżUVW OHWWHU LQ ZKLFK for Christians to the apostle explains keep in mind the WKH QDWXUH RI *RGÂśV ORYH ZKLOH truth that God is always waitacknowledging that “whoever ing for them, especially in those is without love does not know moments when one does not feel Godâ€?. worthy of His love. The origins of true love, he “He will do the same that He said, are from God. However, did with the prodigal son who while God is love, not every love spent all his money on vices: comes from God. +H ZLOO QRW OHW \RX ÂżQLVK \RXU ,Q GLVWLQJXLVKLQJ *RGÂśV ORYH speech, He will silence you with the pope said, the one unique a hug. The embrace of the love of characteristic is that God is “the God,â€? the pope said. „ CNS

‘

’

VATICAN CITY – In order to discern whether something comes IURP *RG &KULVWLDQV PXVW ÂżUVW UHĂ€HFW RQ ZKHWKHU LW OHDGV WR serving others or revolve around themselves, Pope Francis said at an early morning Mass. In his homily on Jan 7 during the Mass in the chapel of his residence, WKH SRSH UHĂ€HFWHG RQ 6W -RKQÂśV ÂżUVW letter, in which the apostle notes the importance of testing “the spirits to see whether they belong to God, because many false prophets have gone out into the worldâ€?. The pope explained that in order to discern what is happening LQ RQHÂśV VRXO SHRSOH PXVW ÂżUVW VHH if their good feelings acknowledge the presence of Jesus Christ made Ă€HVK LQ WKH SUHVHQFH RI RWKHUV “I can feel so many things inside, even good things, good ideas,â€? the pope said. “But if these good ideas, these feelings, do not bring PH WR *RG ZKR ZDV PDGH Ă€HVK GR not bring me to the neighbour, the brother, they are not from God.â€? A Christian, he continued, is one who remains “in Godâ€? and does not speak only of spiritual matters, but puts them into practice through works of mercy that are “precisely the reality of our EHOLHI WKDW WKH 6RQ RI *RG ZDV PDGH Ă€HVK´

&16 ÂżOH SKRWR

Poor Filipino children receiving a free meal. Service to others is the authentic sign that one is following the path of the good spirit, said Pope Francis.

Christians, the pope added, are called “to visit the sick, give food to those who have nothing to eat, to care for those who are discardedâ€?. “Why? Because each one of our brothers and sisters, whom we PXVW ORYH LV WKH Ă€HVK RI &KULVW *RG EHFDPH Ă€HVK WR LGHQWLI\ +LPself with us. And the one who suffers is Christ who suffers,â€? he said. 6HUYLFH WR RWKHUV KH FRQWLQued, is the authentic sign that one is following the path of the good

spirit and “on the path of the Word RI *RG PDGH Ă€HVK´ Pope Francis called on the faithful to pray for the grace to discern whether what is in their hearts “is the spirit of God which brings me to serve others or the spirit of the world that revolves around myself, my isolation, my VHOÂżVKQHVV ´ “Let us ask for the grace to know what is happening in our hearts,â€? the pope said. „ CNS

POPE FRANCIS 13

Sunday January 24, 2016 „ CatholicNews

The countdown is on for Pope Francis’ big decision on the family Document containing his conclusions on the Synod on the Family expected in coming months By John L Allen Jr ROME – Pope Francis celebrated a Mass for the Holy Family on Dec 27, designed as a reminder of the spiritual and pastoral importance of the family in the context of his Holy Year of Mercy. Âł/HW XV QRW ORVH FRQÂżGHQFH LQ the family!â€? Pope Francis said, telling families gathered with him in St Peter’s Basilica that the world and the Church need them “now more than ever.â€? In terms of Church politics, however, the Mass was also a reminder that we’re on a countdown to perhaps the biggest decision of Pope Francis’ papacy, on a question that arises directly from his two recent Synods of Bishops on the family. Sometime soon, Pope Francis is expected to issue his own conclu-

sions on the synods in the form of a document, technically known as an “apostolic exhortation.� Veteran Italian Vatican writer Marco Tosatti recently reported that the document could appear as early as February, while others suggest a March release date, perhaps tied to the feast of St Joseph on March 19. That same day on Dec 27, the

RIÂżFLDO QHZVSDSHU RI WKH ,WDOLDQ bishops’ conference restricted itself to saying the document is expected “in the spring.â€? While the two synods, one held in October 2014 and the other this past October, touched on a wide variety of topics, by far the single most contested question was that of whether to allow divorced and civilly remarried Cath-

By far the single most contested question was that of whether to allow divorced and civilly remarried Catholics to receive Communion.

olics to receive Communion. It’s become a key test of exactly how far the Holy Father is willing to go in terms of rethinking traditional Catholic teaching and practice. It’s telling that after two synods debated the issue at length, agonising over every comma in concluding language on the subject, it’s now a matter of controversy exactly what that language meant. In November 2015, Fr Antonio Spadaro, a Jesuit known to be close to Pope Francis, published an article in La CiviltĂ Cattolica, an Italian Jesuit journal, saying that the 2015 bishops’ summit “laid the basis for access to the sacraments, opening a door that had remained closed in the preceding synod.â€? That claim raised eyebrows, in part because the Jesuit-edited CiviltĂ Cattolica enjoys a semiRIÂżFLDO VWDWXV LQ WKH 9DWLFDQ DQG is reviewed prior to publication, in part because Fr Spadaro is rumoured to be among an informal group advising Pope Francis on his document. ,Q UHVSRQVH VHYHUDO ÂżJXUHV who took part in the synods and who were part of the opposition to the idea of opening Communion to the divorced and remarried, such as Cardinal Robert Sarah of Guinea and Cardinal George Pell of Australia, insisted that they had decided no such thing. They noted, for instance, that the word “Communionâ€? and the phrase “access to the sacramentsâ€? GRQÂśW HYHQ DSSHDU LQ WKH ÂżQDO GRFument of the 2015 synod, which was clearly crafted as a compromise text. Given the contrasting positions, the ball is clearly now in Pope Francis’ court. Logi-

cally speaking, he would seem to have four possibilities: „ A clear “yesâ€? to Communion for the divorced and remarried, even if it would require some discernment in individual cases. „ A clear “no,â€? while still stressing that divorced and civilly remarried believers remain part of the Church and can participate in its life in various other ways. „ A call for more study and reĂ€HFWLRQ VD\LQJ WKDW WKH WLPH LVQÂśW right to make a decision. „ Decentralising the question to some extent by offering broad guidelines and then encouraging local bishops to make decisions. Tosatti believes that Pope Francis will choose option number four, using language that won’t be seen as a clear win for the “yesâ€? camp associated with German Cardinal Walter Kasper, but which will encourage greater latitude for local bishops. “Sources speak of a ‘magmatic’ document,â€? Tosatti wrote on Dec 17, “with advice and the possibility for bishops to make case-by-case decisions in individual situations. In substance, that’s a reiteration of the current discipline in the examination of individual cases, with a greater emphasis on the role of the bishop.â€? However, Pope Francis could provide greater scope for what’s known as an “internal forumâ€? solution, which basically means that pastors and bishops could work with people in a second relationship to reach a private decision in conscience that they meet the requirements for Communion. „ Reprinted with permission from Crux: Covering All Things Catholic (www. cruxnow.com).

14 OPINION

Sunday January 24, 2016 „ CatholicNews

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Can a Catholic eat food offered to spirits? Q: Can a Catholic partake of

food offered: 1) during the Qing Ming festival? 2) during the seventh month Hungry Ghost festival?

A

: Whenever a question of this nature is asked of us, it is always good to obtain guidance and direction from sacred scripture. 1 Cor 10:27-30 gives us sound Christian advice, but we should also take into consideration the other reasons why these gatherings take place in our culture. St Paul cautions us against being a scandal to others in this matter, and for good reason. We Christians certainly do not believe that spirits or ghosts (hungry or sated) eat foods offered. But what we do in the presence of our nonChristian friends and relatives can be a cause of scandal to them. In their Taoist or Chinese religious beliefs, such foods are indeed either consumed or “blessed� by these spirits, and their partaking of such foods provides for them a blessing in life or for good fortune. This is particularly true in the case of the foods offered at the Qing Ming festival. If these relatives of ours

are inviting us to this meal for the purpose of receiving these ÂłEOHVVLQJV´ DQG LI WKH\ VSHFLÂżcally ask that we participate in their rites and rituals a propos to these foods, we should refrain from partaking in these meals, FKLHĂ€\ EHFDXVH ZH EHOLHYH WKDW our blessings come from God alone and none other. Simply sharing these meals

As baptised Catholics, we should not be participating in rituals and rites pertaining to worship in other faiths. without explaining our faith may easily cause them to think that Catholicism has elements of syncretism, which is not the case. St Paul did say that if those who invited us to eat at these meals never mention anything about such motivations for such meals, that we are to eat whatever is placed before us. As baptised Catholics, we should not be participating in

rituals and rites pertaining to worship in other faiths. But outside of these rites and rituals, it would not be considered wrong or illicit to partake of these foods, especially if such meals have a greater purpose of forging and strengthening familial bonds and ties. We certainly do not want to be guilty of misinterpreting the faith and belief of our relations who are of a different religion. So that we do not assume too much, perhaps it would be good to clarify how they interpret their beliefs as far as such foods are concerned so that any possible scandal can be avoided. „ Fr Luke Fong

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

Pope prays for interreligious dialogue in video VATICAN CITY – ,Q KLV ÂżUVW YLGHR prayer message of the year, Pope Francis asked people to join him in praying that interreligious dialogue lead to “peace and justice.â€? The video message was part of a prayer initiative coordinated by the international Apostleship of Prayer. The pope called for dialogue among religions and asked that people “not stop praying for it and collaborating with those who think differently.â€? Buddhist, Jewish and Muslim leaders were also featured. Pope Francis will deliver his monthly prayer intentions on video over social media throughout the Holy Year of Mercy. „ CNS

A screen grab of Pope Francis’ video message asking for prayers on interreligious dialogue. The video can be viewed at http://thepopevideo.org/en/ video/interreligious-dialogue.html

Only in silence THE Belgian spiritual writer, Bieke Vandekerckhove, comes by her wisdom honestly. She didn’t learn what she shares from a book or even primarily from the good example of others. She learned what she shares through the crucible of a unique suffering, being hit at the tender age of nineteen with a terminal disease that promised not just an early death but also a complete breakdown and humiliation of her body en route to that death. Her attempt to cope with her situation drove her in many directions, initially to anger and hopelessness but eventually to monasteries, to the wisdom of monasticism, and, under its direction, into the deep well of silence, that desert that lurks so threateningly inside each of us. Away from all the noises of the world, in the silence of her own soul, inside the chaos of her raging, restless insides she found the wisGRP DQG VWUHQJWK QRW MXVW WR FRSH ZLWK KHU LOOQHVV EXW WR DOVR ÂżQG D deeper meaning and joy in her life. There are, as John Updike, an American novelist and poet, puts it, secrets that are hidden from health, though, as Vandekerckhove makes evident, they can be uncovered in silence. However uncovering the secrets that silence has to teach us is not easy. Silence, until properly befriended, is scary and the process of befriending it is the soul’s equivalent of crossing a hot desert. Our insides don’t easily become calm, restlessness doesn’t easily turn into solitude, and the temptation to turn to the outside world for consolation doesn’t easily give way to the idea of quiet. But there’s a peace and a meaning that can only be found inside the desert of our own chaotic and raging insides. The deep wells of consolation lie at the end of an inner journey through heat, thirst, and GHDG HQGV WKDW PXVW EH SXVKHG WKURXJK ZLWK GRJJHG ÂżGHOLW\ And, as for any epic journey, the task is not for the faint of heart. Here’s how Vandekerckhove describes one aspect of the journey: “Inner noise can be quite exhausting. Âł7KDWÂśV SUREDEO\ ZK\ VR PDQ\ Ă€HH WR WKH VHGXFWLRQ RI H[WHULRU background noises. They prefer to have the noise just wash over them. But if you want to grow spiritually, you have to stay inside of the room of your spiritual raging and persevere. “You have to continue to sit silently and honestly in God’s presence until the raging quiets down and your heart gradually becomes cleansed and quieted. Silence forces us to take stock of our actual manner of being human. And then we hit a wall, a dead point. “No matter what we do, no matter what we try, something in us continues to feel lost and estranged, despite the myriad ways of society to meet our human needs. “Silence confronts us with an unbearable bottomlessness, and there appears no way out. We have no choice but to align ourselves with the religious depth in us.â€? There’s a profound truth: Silence confronts us with an unbearable bottomlessness and we have no choice but to align ourselves with the religious depth inside us. Sadly, for most of us, we will learn this only by bitter conscription when we have to actually face our own death. In the abandonment of dying, stripped of all options and outlets we will, despite struggle and bitterness, have to, in the words of Karl Rahner, a German Jesuit priest and theologian, allow ourselves to sink into the incomprehensibility of God. Moreover, before this surrender is made, our lives will always remain somewhat unstable and confusing and there will always be dark, inner corners of the soul that scare us. But a journey into silence can take us beyond our dark fears and shine healing light into our darkest corners. But, as Vandekerckhove and other spiritual writers point out, that peace is usually found only after we have reached an impasse, a “dead pointâ€? where the only thing we can do is “to pierce the negative.â€? In her book, The Taste of Silence, Vandekerckhove recounts how an idealistic friend of hers shared his dream of going off by himself into some desert to explore spirituality. Her prompt reaction was not much to his liking: “A person is ready to go to any kind of desert. He’s willing to sit anywhere, as long as it’s not his own desert.â€? How true. We forever hanker after idealised deserts and avoid our own. The spiritual journey, the pilgrimage, we most need to make doesn’t require an airline ticket, though an experienced guide is recommended. The most spiritually rewarding trip we can make is an inner pilgrimage, into the desert of our own silence. As human beings we are constitutively social. This means, as the Bible so bluntly puts it, that it is not good for the human person to be alone. We are meant to be in community with others. Heaven will be a communal experience; but, on the road there, there’s a certain deep inner work that can only be done alone, in silence, away from the noise of the world. „

FAITH ALIVE! 15

Sunday January 24, 2016 „ CatholicNews

Performing works of mercy in these trying times Suggestions to effectively practise mercy in today’s terror-stricken world By David Gibson This is the time for mercy. The SUHVHQW PRPHQW LV WKH ULJKW WLPH D IDYRXUDEOH WLPH WR SUDFWLVH WKH works of mercy – to heal wounds and discover how to forgive and be reconciled with everyone. Pope Francis made these SRLQWV LQ D KRPLO\ RQ $SULO DV KH ORRNHG DKHDG WR WKH Holy Year of Mercy set to begin nearly eight months later in the worldwide Church. 1DWXUDOO\ HYHU\ PRPHQW LV D ÂłWLPH IRU PHUF\ ´ MXVW DV HYHU\ moment for Christians is the right time to live the Gospel. <HW WKH ZRUOGÂśV DWPRVSKHUH is clouded from continent to continent by terror and anger. This moment in time is dominated by tremendous fears of added attacks. Terrorism on the world stage illustrates just how complicated and challenging the Christian call WR PHUF\ LV :KDW GRHV LW PHDQ RU SHUKDSV QRW PHDQ WR DFW PHUcifully in a world like this one? The Holy Year of Mercy arULYHG RQ 'HF SUHFHGHG E\ GD\V WKDW IRU WKH ZRUOG DW ODUJH ZHUH D dispiriting moment in time. Pope Francis realised in planning the Year of Mercy that it would take place in a time “of great historical change.â€? He hoped it might be a time “to offer more evident signs of God’s presenceâ€? in this world. Most people confront the alltoo-real challenges of mercy close to home and not on the world stage. But that does not necessarLO\ GLPLQLVK WKH GLIÂżFXOW\ RI DFW-

Pope John Paul II visiting his would-be assassin, Mehmet Ali Agca, in prison in 1983. Catholics are encouraged to show mercy by forgiving those who have hurt them. &16 ÂżOH SKRWR

ing compassionately towards others whose behaviour hardly seems to invite this or of forgiving past wrongs done to us. ,V PHPRU\ DQ RSSRQHQW RI PHUF\" ,W FRXOG EH VRPHWLPHV 7KLV FRXOG SRVH D GLIÂżFXOW\ IRU one of the spiritual works of merF\ WKH IRUJLYHQHVV RI RIIHQFHV ,Q his message for the 2016 World <RXWK 'D\ LQ 3RODQG 3RSH )UDQcis said: “One of the most obvious ZRUNV RI PHUF\ DQG SHUKDSV WKH PRVW GLIÂżFXOW WR SXW LQWR SUDFWLFH LV to forgive those who have offended XV ZKR KDYH GRQH XV ZURQJ RU whom we consider to be enemies.â€? %XW PHUF\ KH VWUHVVHG ÂłLV WKH only way to overcome evil. Justice LV QHFHVVDU\ YHU\ PXFK VR EXW E\

Parents feed children rations from a food programme in a slum area of Manila, Philippines. One way of practising mercy is to reach out to the less fortunate. &16 ÂżOH SKRWR

itself it is not enough. Justice and mercy must go together.� Some habits of mercy target the physical well-being of others. These corporal works of mercy DLP WR DVVXDJH KXQJHU TXHQFK WKLUVW ZHOFRPH VWUDQJHUV KHDO WKH VLFN YLVLW SULVRQHUV SXW FORWKHV RQ the backs of those who need them or provide burial for the dead. Other habits of mercy target a person’s heart and soul. Known DV VSLULWXDO ZRUNV RI PHUF\ WKH\ HQGHDYRXU LQ WKH ZRUGV RI 3RSH

What does it mean, or perhaps not mean, to act mercifully in a world like this one?

)UDQFLV WR ³FRXQVHO WKH GRXEWIXO WHDFK WKH LJQRUDQW DGPRQLVK VLQQHUV FRPIRUW WKH VRUURZIXO IRUJLYH RIIHQFHV SDWLHQWO\ EHDU ZLWK troublesome people and pray to God for the living and the dead.� 2EYLRXVO\ EDVHG RQ WKLV OLVW the range of merciful actions is EURDG %XW LW LV EURDGHU VWLOO EHFDXVH D VLQJOH ZRUN RI PHUF\ OLNH KHDOLQJ WKH VLFN FDQ EH SUDFWLVHG in numerous ways. A story told in the book Grieving With Your Whole Heart makes WKLV SRLQW -DPDO 5DKPDQ D 0XVlim imam who has served on Jesuit-run Seattle University’s adjunct IDFXOW\ UHFDOOHG D FRQYHUVDWLRQ ZLWK D WHUPLQDOO\ LOO IULHQG ZKR said to him: ³,I \RX IHHO DZNZDUG IHHO DZN-

ZDUG 7KDW LV KHDOLQJ WR PH ,I \RX IHHO OLNH FU\LQJ FU\ 7KDW LV KHDOLQJ WR PH ,I \RX IHHO \RX UHDOO\ ZDQW WR WHOO PH VRPHWKLQJ WDON WR me. Your words are healing to me.� ,W PD\ EH QHFHVVDU\ WKHQ WR discover how to act mercifully by OLVWHQLQJ FDUHIXOO\ WR RWKHUV DQG as Pope Francis repeatedly recomPHQGV DFFRPSDQ\LQJ WKHP This is what the Holy Year of 0HUF\ LQYROYHV ,W LQYLWHV SURIRXQG UHÀHFWLRQ RQ WKH GHPDQGV RI PHUF\ LQ EDIÀLQJ WLPHV ,W DOVR prompts believers to rediscover mercy’s power to bring needed healing into the world right around them. „ CNS *LEVRQ VHUYHG RQ &DWKROLF 1HZV 6HUvice’s editorial staff for 37 years.

A work of mercy and a wake-up call By Mike Nelson Corporal and spiritual works of PHUF\ FDQ EH GHÂżQHG VLPSO\ DV acts that offer God’s compassion and mercy for those in need. Such DFWLRQV , ZRXOG DGG PRGHO WKH person and respond to the call of Jesus Christ. 7KDW PD\ VHHP D VXSHUĂ€XRXV DGGLWLRQ EXW , WKLQN LW PRUH IXOO\ explains why we perform works of mercy. And it broadens the scope of what a “work of mercyâ€? is all about. 0DQ\ \HDUV DJR , DWWHQGHG D SDULVK UHQHZDO LQ ZKLFK QHDU WKH HQG ZH ZHUH DVNHG WR UHĂ€HFW RQ and then share how we were going to live our faith and be Christ in the world. A young woman spoke of a problem in her neighbourhood

that had bothered her for some WLPH D SUREOHP VKHÂśG FRPSODLQHG about but had never tried to address through action. “But it’s occurred to me this ZHHNHQG ´ VKH VDLG ÂłWKDW , FDQ GR RQH RI WZR WKLQJV , FDQ NHHS FRPSODLQLQJ DQG GR QRWKLQJ RU , FDQ get involved and take action to Âż[ WKH SUREOHP , GRQÂśW WKLQN -Hsus would want me sitting around waiting for someone else to do it. ,I , KDYH WKH JLIW DQG WKH DELOLW\ WR KHOS Âż[ WKH SUREOHP WKDWÂśV ZKDW , should do.â€? , QHYHU IRXQG RXW LI VKHÂśG

EHHQ DEOH WR Âż[ WKDW SUREOHP %XW KHU UHVSRQVH JRW PH WKLQNLQJ ,I WKHUHÂśV D SUREOHP KHOS Âż[ LW DQG use what God gave you. $ IHZ ZHHNV ODWHU , DWWHQGHG RXU SDULVKÂśV *RRG )ULGD\ OLWXUJ\ having just seen “Jesus of Nazarethâ€? on TV and feeling overwhelmed by the scenes of Christ’s SDVVLRQ Âą DQG QDLYHO\ , VXSSRVH expecting to feel that power when Christ’s passion was proclaimed during the Liturgy of the Word. But the lector reading the “narratorâ€? part seemed not the least bit affected by the words before him.

and do nothing, ‘I can keeporcomplaining I can get involved DQG WDNH DFWLRQ WR Âż[ WKH SUREOHP ’

– A young woman speaking of a problem in her neighbourhood

He began rattling off the words DW EUHDNQHFN VSHHG DV LI KH ZHUH GRXEOH SDUNHG ¹ DQG LQ WKH SURFHVV VXFNHG WKH OLIH IURP WKLV PRVW powerful of scriptural readings. , OHIW IHHOLQJ VDG GLVDSSRLQWed and more than a little miffed. :KDW ZDV WKLV JX\œV SUREOHP" ,I ,œG EHHQ UHDGLQJ WKDW SDUW , WROG P\VHOI ,œG KDYH WDNHQ P\ WLPH and let the power of the reading FRPH WKURXJK LQ P\ YRLFH LQ P\ whole being. A moment of truth? Yes. Time to do something? Yes. Helped by prayer – and the realisation that God never puts us LQ VLWXDWLRQV ZH FDQœW KDQGOH SURvided we have faith that Jesus is ULJKW WKHUH EHVLGH XV ¹ , UHVROYHG WR EHFRPH D OHFWRU WR RYHUFRPH P\ IHDU RI SXEOLF VSHDNLQJ RU DW OHDVW WR KLGH LW EHWWHU DQG WR

do my best to proclaim the good news to God’s people. Over the course of many PRQWKV WKDWœV H[DFWO\ ZKDW , GLG $IWHU VRPH LQLWLDO VWDJH IULJKW , KDYH OHDUQW WR FRQWURO P\ QHUYHV to channel my anxieties more FRQVWUXFWLYHO\ WR DOORZ P\VHOI WR be used as God’s vehicle in proclaiming His good news. And it all grew from that reWUHDW DQG WKH ZRUGV RI D \RXQJ ZRPDQ 7R PH KHU ZRUGV ZHUH QRW simply a wake-up call. They were WKH ZRUGV DQG WKH ZRUN RI PHUF\ for they addressed a need – my QHHG WR VHUYH RWKHUV WR GR ZKDW WKH works of mercy call on us to do as disciples of our Lord Jesus. „ CNS Nelson is former editor of The Tidings, newspaper of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.

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Good actions are all that matters. The best good action is charity. The best kind of charity is giving money. The best thing to give money to is the Church. So hand us over ÂŁ10,000 and we will see you through.â€? In this vein, C S Lewis (Mere Christianity, c. 12 Faith) described a corruption of the idea of “good worksâ€? and we may apply a similar concept to a corruption of the idea of the gospel these days, concretely the idea of the so-called “prosperity gospelâ€?. One of the strengths of the prosperity-gospel preachers lies precisely in the simplicity and apparent coherence of the argument: “God blesses us with good things. Wealth is good, and so part of God’s blessings. God wants to bless you. Therefore God wants you rich. And thus He will multiply your riches when (here comes the interesting part) you give a substantial amount of wealth to the Church.â€? Pepper this argument with convenient biblical quotes and you KDYH D PRVW SURÂżWDEOH IRUPXOD IRU success. Even if the argument would hold true, why should I give money to preachers so that God blesses me? Why not do it the other way around? Preachers could give me their money so that God immediately blesses me with their money and hopefully one day, through His generous providence, blesses them too. Who gave preachers the privilege of believers’ tithes? It is true, however, that many Bible passages see material wealth as God’s blessings. To quote only one among many: “Job owned 7,000 sheep, 3,000 camels, 500 oxen, 500 donkeys‌ Satan said,‌ you have blessed all he unGHUWDNHV DQG KLV Ă€RFN WKURQJ WKH countrysideâ€?(Job 1:3-10).

Sunday January 24, 2016 „ CatholicNews

Conversely, poverty is contrary philes love children? So, if we to the will of God: “Every seven think that paedophiles have a years you must announce, ‘The wrong desire for children, so we Lord says loans do not need to should also think that the wrong be paid back’‌ No one in Israel desire for money is what is the root of all evils. Nothing surprisshould ever be poor.â€? (Dt 15:1-4). But to reduce the message of ing about that. In fact, there is an the Scriptures to such a simplistic English term that translates that understanding would be betraying accurately: greed. Popular misunderstandings the Scriptures themselves. Even LQ WKH 2OG 7HVWDPHQW ZH ÂżQG DQ about capital sins are indeed at ambivalent evaluation of riches. the root of this confusion. Gluttony is not eating Prophets contoo much; but the demned fraud, One of the wrong desire to usury, exploitastrengths of the eat. Lust is not tion and injustice, having too much especially when prosperity-gospel sexual activity; directed against preachers lies but the wrong dethe poor (Is 58:3sire for sexual 11; Jer 7:4-7; Hos precisely in the activity. And so 4:1-2; Am 2:6-7; apparent coherence greed is not havMic 2:1-2). And ing too much just in case we of the argument: money or desircould think that it ‘God blesses us ing money but is a simple moral the wrong desire issue of right use with good things. for money. The versus wrong use Wealth is good, wrongness lies of riches, the book not in the quantity of Proverbs prays and so part of of the good but in wisely, “Remove God’s blessings. the desire. far from me vanGod wants to As St Thomas ity and lies: give constantly reme neither poverbless you. peats, the objects ty nor richesâ€? (Pr Therefore God of lust, greed 30:8). Is there anand gluttony are ything wrong with wants you rich.’ not sexual acts, riches other than money or food reits unjust use? The suspicious evaluation of spectively, but the desires for those riches is even more patent in the goods. New Testament. Jesus himself warns His disciples, “In truth I tell E CAN now try to you, it is hard for someone rich to understand a bit enter the kingdom of Heaven. Yes, more deeply the I tell you again, it is easier for a crux of the problem. camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for someone rich to Money is not just neutral stuff, enter the kingdom of Heaven.â€? neither good nor bad, like a knife is neither good nor bad unless it is (Mt 19:24). And how about Jesus’ own un- used to murder someone. Humans derstanding of blessedness? “How are not born with a desire for usblessed are you who are poor: the ing knives but we are designed to kingdom of God is yours‌ But eat, secure intelligently our future alas for you who are rich, you are with some wealth, and procreate if having your consolation now.â€? (Lk we want to develop ourselves as persons. Wealth, sexual acts and 6:20. 26) The early Church received the food are not neutral stuff; they are same mistrust about riches from goods that, unlike knives, we are Jesus. St Paul warns Timothy, designed to desire. Unfortunately, those inclina“The love of money is the root of all evilsâ€? (1 Tim 6:10). Now tions are mostly distorted in all if money represents wealth and of us and just as we tend to use wealth is God’s blessing, what people or their bodies as means to could be wrong with loving God’s our own ends (lust), we also may consider money or food as ends blessings? $ FODULÂżFDWLRQ LV EDGO\ QHHGHG in themselves rather than means here. The phrase “love of moneyâ€? to their proper ends (gluttony and translates a single Greek term greed). Understandably, the more (philargyria). We could split the excellent the quality of the good word etymologically into “philiaâ€? at stake is, the more serious the (some kind of love) and argyrĂłs wrongness of the distorted desire. (silver, money), and simply transNow we can understand that lating it as “love of moneyâ€?. But Jesus sees money, not as somepaedophilia can also be split into thing morally neutral, but as some“paidosâ€? (child) and “philiaâ€? thing “taintedâ€? that nonetheless (love). can still be used well: “And so I Would we admit that paedo- tell you this: use money, tainted as

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it is, to win you friends, and thus make sure that when it fails you, they will welcome you into the tents of eternity.â€? (Lk 16:9) Princes in fairy tales often disguise themselves as plain commoners and set out in search of “authentic loveâ€?, that is, someone who loves them for who they are and not for what they have. In the book of Job, the devil WHPSWV *RG WR VXVSHFW -REÂśV ÂżGHOity. Paraphrasing, Satan tells God,

“Of course Job loves you. You blessed all his undertakings. That is why he loves you. But he does not really love you, he loves only your blessings.� This is how money can taint personal relationships and the most important personal relationship, our relationship with God. “Take heed, and beware of all covetousness; for a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions� but in being “rich

Preaching that God wants us to be rich without DQ\ IXUWKHU TXDOLÂżFDWLRQ LV ÂľFDQRQLVLQJÂś JUHHG and contributing to the sin of greed in others. Promising riches from God and asking for riches in return is manipulating God and people to become rich. The prosperity gospel may be an illicit kind of prosperity but certainly is not a kind of gospel.

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Sunday January 24, 2016 „ CatholicNews

his. You have been appropriating things that are meant to be for the common use of everyone.â€? (Populorum Progressio, 23) The appropriate ownership of riches should therefore be directed towards its proper use: “God destined the earth and all it contains for all men and all peoples ‌man should regard the external goods he legitimately owns not merely as exclusive to himself but common to othersâ€? (Gaudium et Spes 69). St Basil put it more graphically, “Wealth is like water that issues forth from the fountain: the greater the frequency with which it is drawn, the purer it is, while it becomes foul if the fountain remains unused.â€? We should notice that St Basil does not say that the more you withdraw the more you will receive!

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no place to recline his headâ€? (Mt 8:20), and in so doing, giving testimony to the whole Church of the importance of the exclusive pursuit of the eternal riches. At this point we are able to understand that the making of Churches as business is one of the worst form of abuse: the abuse of God, that is, using God, the desire for God or even greed to make a SURÂżW St Paul was very much aware of the difference between using *RG IRU SURÂżW DQG XVLQJ SURÂżWV IRU God: “Religion, of course, does EULQJ ODUJH SURÂżWV EXW RQO\ WR those who are content with what they have. We brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it; but as long as we have food and clothing, let us be content with that. People who long to be rich are a prey to temptation; they get trapped into all sorts of foolish and dangerous ambitions which eventually plunge them into ruin and destruction. The love of money [greed] is the root of all evils, and there are some who, pursuing it, have wandered away from the faith, and so given their souls any number of fatal wounds.â€? (1 Tim 6: 6-10)

E SHOULD like to end with a quotation of Pope St Gregory the Great, “The rich man is only an administrator of what he possesses; giving what is required to the needy is a task that is to be performed with humility because the goods do not belong to the one who distributes them. He who retains riches only for himself O SUMMARISE, wealth is not innocent; giving to those in is good, but to be rich is need means paying a debt.â€? not automatically good To make matters even more and can be spiritually complicated, the bad. Poverty is Church has pracbad but to be poor The question is tised some reasonor choose to sufnot ‘how much able giving up of fer some material good things for poverty may result money God spiritual gain, such in some spiritual wants me to have’ EHQHÂżW as the practices of fasting and celibaWhat is wrong but ‘is the money cy. And so it hapwith the so called I own making “prosperity gospens with riches; pelâ€?? Preaching some people are me more or that God wants us called to embrace less of a saint?’ to be rich without voluntary poverty any further qualifor evangelical reasons. These are neither universal ÂżFDWLRQ LV ÂłFDQRQLVLQJ´ JUHHG WKH moral commandments nor neces- distorted desire to amass riches sary virtues (like chastity, sobriety, and put in them our trust) and contributing to the sin of greed in justice and generosity). Moral virtue and moral law are others. Promising riches from God universal and no one should be at- and asking for riches in return is tached to riches; that’s simply the manipulating God and people to moral level. Evangelical counsels, become rich. In brief, the prosperhowever, advise some people to ity gospel may be an illicit kind give up marriage or riches when of prosperity but certainly is not a they are called and empowered to kind of gospel. put those omissions at the service So, does God want you to be rich? God wants everyone to be of the kingdom of God. Following the counsel of evan- saved, that is, to be a saint. Now, gelical poverty is different from being rich can easily be an obstacle suffering abject economic poverty. for our salvation, but riches could One is to experience the absence DOVR EH DQ LQVWUXPHQW WR IXOÂżO WKH of necessary material goods; the will of God in this world by using other is the acceptance or even de- wealth for the kingdom of God. liberate choice to lack unnecessary The question is not “how much material goods as a way to imitate money God wants me to haveâ€? but the poverty of Christ who gave up “is the money I own making me the glory of his divinity and “had more or less of a saint?â€? „

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before Godâ€? (Lk 12:15-21). In other words, we should not use SHRSOH QRU *RG DV PHDQV IRU SURÂżW but we may put our wealth at the service of others and our relationship with God. This is why the Church has always been realistically aware of the complex relationship we have with riches. On the one hand, the Church acknowledges the goodness of riches and private property as the means of developing ourselves and helping others in solidarity to develop. St Clement of Alexandria commented, “How could we ever do good to our neighbour if none of us possessed anything?â€? On the other hand, there is the realistic danger of riches as Paul VI wrote, “St Ambrose put it: ‘You are not making a gift of what is yours to the poor man, but you are giving him back what is

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Sunday January 24, 2016 „ CatholicNews

Sunday January 24, 2016 „ CatholicNews

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Sunday January 24, 2016 CatholicNews

After Jesus returned to His Father in heaven, the apostles began travelling from town to town preaching about the Lord. Many Jews and Gentiles began to believe in Jesus and became memEHUV RI WKH ¿UVW &KULVWLDQ FRPPXQLW\ During this time, Saul, a Jewish man from Tarsus, began to persecute &KULVWLDQV +H KDWHG WKHP VR PXFK that he asked the high priest for speFLDO SHUPLVVLRQ WR ¿QG &KULVWLDQV LQ Damascus and bring them back to Jerusalem in chains. On his way to Damascus, Saul suddenly saw a great light. It was so bright that it made him fall to the ground. “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” a voice asked. The men travelling with Saul were shocked, because they heard a voice but saw no one. Saul demanded to know who was speaking.

“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” the voice said in reply. “Now get up and go into the city and you will be told what you must do.” When Saul got up, he no longer could see. His friends took him by the hand and led him to Damascus, where for three days he was blind and would not eat or drink. In the meantime, the Lord appeared in a vision to one of his followers, Ananias, who lived in DamasFXV +H WROG $QDQLDV WR ¿QG 6DXO DQG lay his hands on him to cure him of his blindness. Ananias was surprised, because he had heard of Saul and his SHUVHFXWLRQ RI &KULVWLDQV “Lord, I have heard from many sources about this man, what evil things he has done to your holy ones in Jerusalem,” Ananias said. “And here he has authority from the chief priests to imprison all who call upon your name.”

SPOTLIGHT ON SAINTS:

St Blaise St Blaise (d. 316) was a bishop in Armenia who was told in a vision to hide in a cave in the mountains when &KULVWLDQV ZHUH EHLQJ SHUVHFXWHG He was eventually found and taken to jail. On the way there, it is said that he commanded a wolf that had carried off a poor woman’s pig to return the pig unharmed. It also is said that he healed a boy who was near death IURP FKRNLQJ RQ D ¿VK ERQH VWXFN LQ KLV WKURDW St Blaise was put to death for his faith, and we honour him on Feb 3.

“Go,” said the Lord, “for this man is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before Gentiles, kings and Israelites, and I will show him what he will have to suffer for my name.” So Ananias found Saul staying at the house the Lord said he would be in. “Saul, my brother,” Ananias said, “the Lord has sent me, Jesus who appeared to you on the way by which you came, that you may regain your sight

DQG EH ¿OOHG ZLWK WKH +RO\ 6SLULW ´ Immediately, things like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. Afterward, he was baptised and became a follower of Jesus. Read more about it: Acts 9

Q&A 1. Who were the people Saul hated? 2. Who helped Saul regain his sight?

Wordsearch: SIGHT

PRIEST

GENTILES

SPIRIT

SCALES VOICE

GROUND

CURE

EVIL

FOLLOWER SHOW

LIGHT

BIBLE TRIVIA: What other name is Saul more commonly known by?

Bible Accent:

Answer to puzzle: 1 Corinthians, Romans, Galatians Answer to Bible Trivia: Paul

Saul, also known as Paul, travelled the world to spread the good QHZV RI -HVXV DIWHU KH FRQYHUWHG IURP -XGDLVP WR &KULVWLDQLW\ He journeyed to such faraway places as Arabia, Italy, Spain, $VLD 0LQRU DQG *UHHFH WR PDNH QHZ IROORZHUV RI &KULVW Paul became very well-known for his preaching. Sometimes, he preached for a very, very long time. Once, in Acts 20:7-12, he spoke to a group of people after their evening meal and right through to sunrise. A young man named Eutychus, who was seated on a third-story window sill as he listened to Paul, grew sleepy and fell to his death. Paul rushed outside, put his body on top of the man and raised him from the dead. Paul also was known for answering questions and solvLQJ GHEDWHV DPRQJ WKH PHPEHUV RI WKH JURZLQJ &KULVWLDQ communities around the world. He did this by writing letters, which were full of instructions and encouragement. Many of these letters survived through the years and became books in the New Testament. Paul never stopped preaching about Jesus, though it was very dangerous for him to do so. Sometimes he was even put in jail for preaching. In the year 67, Paul was arrested for a second time in Rome and was put to death by the Romans.

PUZZLE: Put an X next to the books of the Bible that were said to have been written by Paul. Hint: Answer is in the introduction to each book. ______

Acts

______

Revelation

______

Jude

______

Romans

______

1 Corinthians

______

Galatians

Answer to Wordsearch

By Jennifer Ficcaglia

WHAT’S ON 21

Sunday January 24, 2016 „ CatholicNews

EVENT SUBMISSIONS All WHAT’S ON submissions now require the completion of a form from the Archdiocese before the event can be publicised. For events with foreign speakers, please submit the necessary documentation for approval to the Chancery. For more information and to download the form, visit http://www.catholic. org.sg/chancery/announcementadvertisement-request/. Once forms have been submitted, kindly send us details of your event for publication at www.catholicnews.sg/whatson/ at least one month ahead of the publication date. JAN 13 TO MAR 23 ST PETER – CORNERSTONE OF CATHOLICISM A DVD-based programme presented by Dr Tim Gray. The story of St Peter begins with an ordinary act of trust, which would change the entire course of his life. Every Wednesday from 9.30am-11.30am (10 sessions). Venue: Church of the +RO\ 6SLULW DWWLF WK ÀRRU Cost: $45. Love offerings welcomed. Register; T: 82288220; E: hsbibleapostolate@gmail.com JAN 14 TO NOV 26 BRIDGING PROGRAMME A one-year catechetical programme for children aged 9 to 13 years who have missed, or not had formal catechesis, or who are seeking baptism. Sessions are conducted weekly at the Catholic Archdiocescan Education Centre (CAEC)at 2 Highland Road, and the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour at 31 Siglap Hill. 0DQDJHG E\ WKH &DWHFKHWLFDO 2I¿FH Register; T: 68583011 (Emily); E: emily@one.org.sg

JAN 15 TALK ON HOW TO LIVE OUT THE EXTRAORDINARY JUBILEE YEAR OF MERCY Come and understand the meaning of the Year of Mercy; what are plenary indulgences; experience healing through the Divine Mercy and being a herald of mercy. Speaker: Fr Stephen Yim. Time: 7.30pm. Venue: Church of the Sacred Heart hall (level 7). Please register at the church entrance or call 67379285 or email sacredheartchurch@catholic.org.sg JAN 18 TO NOV 14 “THE ROAD TO EMMAUS� BIBLE PROGRAMME A Bible programme for all. Designed to help us break the Sunday’s Liturgy of the Word, to help us apply its truths in our daily lives. A typical session includes praise and worship, small group sharings, a wrap-up lecture and fellowship. Time: 7.45pm-10pm. Every Monday except on public holidays. Venue: Church of St Ignatius, level 2 St Ignatius Hall. For more information, E: henrythwu@gmail.com or raymond.thng37@gmail.com JAN 20 TO DEC 28 ART THERAPY OPEN STUDIO @ AGAPE VILLAGE Every Wednesday throughout the year. Time: 9.30am-12pm. Feeling down, lost and confused? Let your creative energy guide you to tap into your wisdom and expand your insights to your life. Come join us and let the healing qualities of art awaken you. No art experience required – just an open heart and creative spirit. Organised by Clarity Singapore, 7A Lor 8 Toa Payoh, #02-08. Fee $10 per session. Pre registration required. Register; T: 68017467; E: registration@clarity-singapore.org JAN 20 TO MAY 25 LECTURE SERIES ON THE BOOK OF JOB Lectures to be held from 8pm-10pm on

Jan 20, 27; Feb 3, 24; Mar 30 and every Wednesday in April and May. Come and learn how the Book of Job can enrich your life with God, especially in times of trial and suffering. No previous Bible study experience required. Speaker: Prof Hannah Lim. Venue: Church of St Bernadette canteen. For enquiries and registration, E: StBernBAT@gmail.com JAN 23 PUBLIC TALK ON UNDERSTANDING DEMENTIA Join us for a two hour insight to understand dementia, how it can affect anyone, early warning signs and the different types of dementia. Learn about the types of treatments and interventions available, and how to care for individuals with dementia. Time: 10am-12pm. Venue: Agape Village, 7A Lorong 8 Toa Payoh, S(319264). $10 per person. For inquiries, T: 68017467; E: registration@clarity-singapore.org

FEB 12 - 14 LOVE AND CHRISTIAN SEXUALITY A retreat to help you understand different aspects of human sexuality from a developmental perspective, how sexuality helps us grow in selfintimacy, intimacy with God and all of creation. Highly recommended for young dating couples. Facilitator: Sr Linda Lizada. Organised by the Cenacle Sisters. Venue: Choice Retreat House. For enquiries, T: 65652895/9722-3148; E: cenaclesing@gmail.com FEB 17 TO MAY 4 BIBLE STUDY BOOK OF EXODUS Time: 8pm-10pm. Venue: Church of St Francis Xavier, SFX room, parish centre. 12 Wednesday sessions conducted by Msgr Ambrose Vaz. No course fees. Register; E: maisielee21@gmail.com (Maisie Lim)/ ronlee@lucas.com.sg (Ron Lee)

JAN 23 COME, DISCOVER, LIVE By Sr Elizabeth Sim, FDCC. Time: 10am-12noon. Sr Elizabeth will speak of the discovery, the transformation and the freedom of being in union with God. Venue: 100 Jln Merbok. Register; T: 64662178 (Brenda); E: lifesprings@singnet.com.sg; W: www.lifespringscanossian.com

FEB 23 TO MAY 17 SYMBOLON (DVD) AND LIVE PRESENTATIONS Time: 7.30pm-9.30pm. Dr Tan Sri and his team of experts from the Augustine Institute present the foundation and fundamental beliefs of the Catholic faith using the Creed as a guide. There will also be presentations on related topics. Organised by the Bible Apostolate Team at Church of the Holy Spirit, attic (level 4). Cost: $30/Register; T: 97848090 (Louisa)

JAN 28 TO MAR 31 AT HOME RETREAT Every Thursday from Jan 28 to Mar 31 at Sts Peter and Paul Church. 7.30pm-9.30pm. A 10-week programme based on the spiritual exercises of St Ignatius of Loyola to know Jesus more intimately in the midst of life’s daily routine. Programme includes weekly meeting of faith sharing, daily prayer of scripture. Organised by the Cenacle Sisters. T: 65652895; E: cenaclesing@gmail.com; W: www.catholicsg.info/cenacle

MARCH 31 TO APRIL 3 PRAYER EXPERIENCE RETREAT @ CSC A four-day stay-in retreat designed to help individuals build up their prayer life and deepen their prayer experience. It is especially recommended for those who atteneded the Conversion Experience Retreat. Organised by the Catholic Spirituality Centre, 1261 Upper Serangoon Road, S534796. Registration opens on Feb 19, and closes on Mar 11. For enquiries, T: 62887901/ 6858 2716; W: http://www.csctr.net/

RCIA/RCIY A journey for those seeking to know more about the Catholic faith. Baptised Catholics are also invited to journey as sponsors. NOV 1 TO DEC 25 2016 CALLING YOUTHS TO JOIN OUR CATHOLIC FAMILY! The RCIY team is welcoming nonCatholics, aged between 14 and 24 years old, to join us on a journey to know about the Catholic faith from November 1. Venue: Church of Christ the King. Sessions will take place on Sundays at 3pm. Register; T: 96718555 (Randy), T: 81880239 (Bernadette) DEC 3 TO MAY 11 2017 RCIA NEW JOURNEY “COME AND SEEâ€?. Every Thursday evening from 7.45pm-9.30pm at Church of St Michael, St Michael’s room (level two) Register; E: stmike@singnet.com.sg; T: 6291 DGPLQ RIÂżFH $GGUHVV 6W Michael’s Road S(327976) FEB 17 TO JAN 18 2017 RCIA@CHURCH OF CHRIST THE KING A journey for those seeking to know more about the Catholic faith. Baptised Catholics are also invited to journey as sponsors. Time: 8pm-10pm. Venue: Church of Christ the King 2221 Ang Mo Kio Ave 8, RCIA Room 105. Register; E: query.rcia@gmail.com T: 81884242 (Gwen Lim) APRIL 3 TO 4 JUNE 2017 NEW RCIA JOURNEY A new RCIA journey will begin April this year and thereafter every Sunday at the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, Verbist hall (level 4). Time: 4pm-5.45pm. Please register your name or names of those who are interested in the Catholic faith. Registration forms are available at the Secretariat or RCIA ministry. W: www.olps.sg; T: 96718216 (Christina)

COMMENTARY

Embracing a resolution that will last By Erick Rommel We’re already a few weeks into the new year. If you’re like me, you started with the best of intentions. But let’s be honest: BeIRUH WKH ¿UVW IHZ GD\V RI were checked off the calendar, we had already reverted back into many bad habits. That’s not to say you didn’t want to change. But change is hard and doing things the way they’ve always been done is much easier. I’m not questioning your intent. I’m sure it was excellent. You really did mean to get accepted at the college of your GUHDPV RU ¿QG D QHZ MRE RU change your attitude. The problem is that you invested time to set a goal but didn’t take the steps necessary to start achieving it. Let’s say your resolution was WR ¿QG D QHZ MRE 'LG \RX XSGDWH your resume? Are you searching for jobs daily? Have you analysed your strengths and weaknesses so you can talk about them when asked? Imagining change is easy.

What you want is probably a good thing, but to reach that goal, you need to think of the journey as much as the destination.

Take the necessary steps to start achieving your goal. And if you fail, you can try again.

,PSOHPHQWLQJ FKDQJH LV GLI¿cult. That’s why I question most resolutions. What you want is probably a good thing, but to reach that goal, you need to think of the journey as much as the destination. How do you get accepted to your dream school? How do you change your attitude? How will you lose weight?

Making a resolution is the ¿UVW VWHS LQ D SURFHVV QRW WKH ODVW Fortunately, you can get IURP ¿UVW WR ODVW LQ WKUHH VWHSV :KHQ WKH GD\ LV RYHU UHÀHFW RQ what happened, do the things you regret less often, and do the things you are proud of more often. Simple? Well, it’s not. Self-improvement is never simple, no matter

what change you imagine. If it were easy, you’d already know what to do. With that in mind, I suggest PDNLQJ D UHVROXWLRQ WKDWœV ÀH[ible enough to apply to any obstacle you desire to overcome, \HW ¿UP HQRXJK WR JLYH D VWURQJ challenge. Resolve to be a better person today than you were yesterday. That’s my resolution, and every day I attempt to complete it by following simple guidelines. If they work for me, maybe they’ll work for you. First, and most important: Trust your instincts. They’re there to guide you. You trust

them when they tell you to avoid bad things. Trust them when they urge you to take a chance for good. Don’t be afraid to say no. That word exists for a reason. Use it when appropriate, especially when your instincts tell you to. As a corollary, don’t be afraid to say yes. You can’t improve if you don’t attempt new experiences. Finally, be kind to yourself. Realise that you’re your toughest critic. Lighten up and cut yourself some slack. Also, realise that being kind to yourself also means never speaking badly about yourself. If you’re wrong, admit it. I know these guidelines are GLI¿FXOW (YHU\ GD\ ZRQœW EH D success. That’s why resolving to be a better person today than yesterday is a great resolution. It lets you make mistakes. And if you fail, you can try again. I start every day knowing what I want to accomplish and how I can make it happen. Tomorrow, I’m going to be even better, and you can be, too. „ CNS

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Sunday January 24, 2016 CatholicNews

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

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