Sunday january 22, 2017
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Religious representatives bond at cathedral gathering The celebration, held on Dec 29, aimed at promoting religious harmony
Vol 67
No. 02
Inside home
Cathedral to hold dedication Mass 12 days of celebration to follow n Page 2
ASIA
Malaysia’s 1st cardinal honoured Thanksgiving Mass held n Page 6
Promoting family meals Vietnam Church stresses importance of family time n Page 7
WORLD
Attacks in Turkey Catholics fearful about attending church Archbishop William Goh and representatives of various religions pose for a photo in the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd on Dec 29. Photo: VITA Images
By Jared Ng “As religious leaders, we must set the example of leading the world to find peace not through war but through dialogue,” said Archbishop William Goh. He was speaking to representatives of various faiths at an interreligious Christmas celebration held at the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd. They comprised members of the Muslim, Hindu, Jain, Zoroastrian, Buddhist, Taoist, Baha’i, Sikh and Christian (Catholic, Protestant and Orthodox) communities. The celebration, organised by the Archdiocesan Catholic Coun-
cil for Interreligious Dialogue (ACCIRD), was held on Dec 29. “Peace between nations begins with peace between religions,” Archbishop Goh said. He added that “peace is possible only through genuine dialogue when we seek to grow in mutual understanding and appreciation of each other’s beliefs and practices.” Emphasising the part played by various religions in promoting
peace, Archbishop Goh said: “Our presence here from different religions is a good sign that we are serious in promoting peace through mutual understanding and appreciation of each other’s religions. “It is important that religions do not view each other as a threat,” he said, adding that “we have much to learn from each other.” He also shared the meaning of Christmas for Christians.
‘Peace between nations begins with peace between religions,’
– Archbishop William Goh
The celebration also saw the Cathedral Choir of the Risen Christ singing carols such as Mary’s Boy Child, Silent Night and O Come All Ye Faithful. Msgr Philip Heng, rector of the cathedral, took the opportunity to share about the history of the cathedral and its significance to Catholics in Singapore as the Mother Church. Participants were then invited to view the Heritage Gallery and large Nativity scene in the Annex Building of the cathedral. Many took photos and asked questions about certain artefacts housed in the gallery. n Continued on Page 2
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POPE FRANCIS
When a mother loses her child… Reach out with tears, not words n Page 12
OPINION
Hogging the ends of pews at Mass Move in, be courteous, says writer n Page 14