Catholic News issue 4, 2017

Sunday February 19, 2017

SINGAPORE $0.70 cents / WEST MALAYSIA RM$2.10

MCI (P) 013/08/2016

PPS 201/04/2013 (022940)

Archbishop to Religious: Be the light of Christ to the world

By Jared Ng The Church can never do without Religious, said Archbishop William Goh. Whether it is in the field of social outreach, education or serving the elderly and less fortunate, Religious are called to be “the light of Christ to the world,” he said at the World Day for Consecrated Life Mass on Feb 2.

Archbishop Goh was speaking to about 400 people – made up of Religious and laypeople – at the Church of Sts Peter and Paul.The Mass was held on the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord.

Proclaiming the love of Christ in today’s world, he said, “is not done through what we preach or what we do, rather it is how we live our lives.”

“The greatest challenge for Religious today is living the life of Christ,” he said.

Archbishop Goh also noted how more young men and women are joining Religious orders abroad.

“Many of our young people think to themselves: ‘They [Religious orders in Singapore] don’t fulfil my needs. I want to live a radical life.’”

He urged Religious not to be too “comfortable” in their community but to instead “really go out and identify with people on their level.”

He also cautioned Religious against being “over-active”.

“No doubt, Religious must outreach but be careful of burnout. You become tired ... you lose your zeal and then you feel like giving up.”

He said all Religious must first have “intimacy with God, to have a strong personal prayer life.”

CatholicNews spoke to several Religious after the Mass to get their thoughts.

Cenacle Sr Francisca Tan said the focus of all Religious congre-

Vol 67

No. 04

Inside ASIA

Dangers of pornography Indian Church conducts study on its impact n Page 6

Death penalty doesn’t deter crime Says Philippine cardinal n Page 8

WORLD

Church teaching on bioethics Vatican releases updated guide n Page 9

Religious praying during the World Day for Consecrated Life Mass on Feb 2.

gations should be “to journey with people in their faith.”

“Religious life is ultimately a call, a yearning from the heart. It’s not about which habit is worn or what lifestyle is lived,” she said.

On the role of Religious in today’s society, she said it is “to awaken and deepen the faith, accompanying people in their faith journey, to help everyone understand that God is the most important, whether you’re a Religious or a layperson living in singlehood or the married life.”

Carmelite friar Damian Tay

agreed with the sentiments of Archbishop Goh on young people joining overseas Religious orders.

“It is true, I know a few people who have done the same,” he said.

He noted that if people can-

not find what they are looking for, they may choose to look elsewhere. n

POPE FRANCIS

jared.ng@catholic.org.sg

A Church without martyrs…

n See related story on Page 16

Is a Church without Christ, says pope n Page 13

OPINION

A Christian approach to business

Religious life ‘ is ultimately a call,

Pope gives his views n Page 18

a yearning from the heart.

It’s not about which habit is worn or what lifestyle is lived.

’

– Cenacle Sr Francisca Tan

FAITH ALIVE!

Struggling with noisy kids at Mass Archbishop William Goh reminded Religious to have ‘intimacy with God’ in their prayer life before serving others.

Couples urged to persevere n Page 19

2 home

Sunday February 19, 2017 n CatholicNews

Church of Transfiguration completed Catholics passing through Punggol Central nowadays will be thrilled to see the newly completed five-storey structure of the latest Catholic Church in Singapore – the Church of the Transfiguration (COTT).

Commencing construction on Feb 13, 2015, it took just two years to complete the structural works which includes two basement levels. The Church is now at the stage of obtaining the Temporary Occupation Permit (TOP) and arranging the fitting-up works such as the installation of the liturgical items, pews and loose furniture.

“The main contractor did a marvellous job of managing the tight timelines while contending with many constraints within the environmental requirements,” said parish priest Fr Joachim Chang.

“Assuming we obtain the TOP soon, we will be on schedule to celebrate our first Mass on Maundy Thursday, 13 April 2017.”

Standing within an area of just 3,000 square metres, the building optimises the use of space to accommodate the main church hall, lobby, adoration room, auditorium, 15 classrooms, roof-top gar-

den, priests’ living quarters, and 140 car-park spaces.

A highlight of the church is a three-storey-high stained-glass artwork of the Transfiguration scene just behind the altar. This was designed by famed Italian stained-glass maker, F.R. Vetreria Artistica. There are no columns in the main church hall so worshippers have an unobstructed view at Mass no matter where they sit.

The church is located next to Waterway Point and the Punggol MRT station. It is also surrounded by three LRT stations.

An open house will be held during the month of April for visitors to preview the new church before it officially opens. A special walkthrough of the premises will also be organised, especially for those who would like to consider sponsoring a particular room or furniture item in the church.

The church still needs to raise $27.2 million to pay for the land rental and building construction cost. For more information on how to contribute to COTT’s fundraising efforts, call 6341-9718 or email secretary@transfiguration.sg n

The newly completed Church of the Transfiguration in Punggol Central.

The church is expected to hold its first Mass on Maundy Thursday.

Left: External features of the church building.

BUILDING THE CHURCH Of tOMORROW 3

Sunday February 19, 2017 n CatholicNews

FROM THE POPE TO US

Since the GIFT campaign was launched, Catholic Foundation has received many heart-warming responses. One of these is a sharing by Theresa Goh, chairperson of M3 (Magdalene Mission Myanmar), a Catholic group that works closely with the Canossian Daughters of Charity to elevate the level of education of poor women and children in Myanmar.

Pope Francis blesses a child. Photo: Catholic Online

I first heard of the Giving in Faith & Thankfulness (GIFT) campaign in Dec 2016 through a video shared on my phone.

It paraphrased the needs of the Archdiocese of Singapore in the forms of prayers by ordinary Catholics and sought financial support to the Catholic Foundation.

For many, such a direct call from the archbishop would be a test of their sense of belonging to the archdiocese. My first thought, however, was on how the numerous fundraising initiatives that were on going in the archdiocese would be competing for donors.

I justified to myself that I am already serving the Church in other ways, such as leading a humanitarian cause with M3, heading a cell group, attending a theological certificate programme and active involvement with several nonprofit organisations.

A continuing financial pledge was something I was not used to, but a healthy challenge I needed in my journey with God.

New Leadership, New Fire Until recently in my Catholic life, I grew tentative roots in the faith. Perhaps the seeds sowed in my path had landed on loose soil.

Oftentimes, I am surrounded by busy Catholics who are rooted in works, but only somewhat

in faith. Some were frankly not interested in knowing more as they focused on the good works that will lead them to their version of God’s Kingdom.

This led me to yearn for a revival amongst Catholics. I thought the stars aligned themselves for one to happen when in 2013, Pope Francis and Archbishop William Goh took over the leadership of the Catholic Church.

Both had fiery messages about the past of the Church and what changes are needed for the present and future.

Both focused on compassion, the need to change mindsets, and the importance of faith.

Faith driven by knowledge and understanding, strengthened by personal revelations while pursuing Scripture and Traditions.

These require a Church that is engaged and committed, that means all of us coming together to support the direction set out for us by both our pope and archbishop.

Pope Francis’ vision of a bruised, hurting and dirty Church jolted me. Yes, he is not afraid to challenge the status quo and make big bold statements to put his points across.

Archbishop William echoed this with his cascaded vision of building a more vibrant, missionary and evangelistic church in Singapore.

Theresa Goh facilitating a session between Myanmar educators and M3 volunteers from Singapore. Photo: Theresa Goh

Archbishop William Goh washes the feet of a parishioner. Photo: VITA Photo

Both are aligned in the preference for “a Church which is bruised, hurting and dirty because it has been out on the streets, rather than a Church which is unhealthy from being confined and from clinging to its own security” (Evangelii Gaudium 49). Both do not want a Church concerned with being at the centre and thus end up being caught in a web of obsessions and procedures.

Changing Mindsets This was a big change that required an overhaul of past mindsets, moving away from the knitting decisions that have accumulated in outstanding debts to be paid. Future initiatives need to be executed to outreach to Catholics who are disengaged, while even more needs to be done for the lost sheep. Talents need to come forward to work full or part time for things to happen in a coherent way.

It is good to know that from the time the archbishop took office, more and more Catholics have stepped up to help. But this is not enough, as we know that only a third of Catholics in Singapore attend Mass, and out of this one third, less than 10 per cent are actively engaged.

Besides the above known challenges, there are many unknowns.

The leadership

will need resources to work through concerns surrounding information, personal, implementation and other areas that come with every change.

New initiatives, ways of communicating, roles and controls will need to be put in place to ensure that we do not drift in the mission of our Church.

The archdiocese is not seeking a technical change, but a transformative one that targets our values, beliefs and principles. A change of this depth cannot just depend on positivism and inspired energy alone, but it must be supported with adequate funds, processes and people.

Through this and other new initiatives, I am hopeful that a more engaged Church will arise.

In fact, I am already experiencing change in my own parish, Church of Our Lady Queen of Peace. A few days ago, I received my parish brochure and on the cover, it stated our mission is “Towards becoming a vibrant, missionary and evangelical parish”.

The leadership of our Church is aligned, from the pope to our archbishop, our priests, and now, the mission has cascaded down to us. It is time to do our part as members of the Body of Christ.

A volunteer with M3 teaching children in Myanmar about technology.

Photo: Theresa Goh

4 home

Sunday February 19, 2017 n CatholicNews

CHANCERY NOTICES effect from 19 January 2017: a. Mr Mark Tang Weigang b. Mr Pius Lee Wei Qi

must have the permission of the parish priest in whose territory the home is located.

7. Fr Jovita Ho has been approved to pursue graduate studies in Rome for studies in Church History and will prepare to leave his parish appointment in June 2017.

Archdiocesan Commission for Tamil Speaking The Constitutions of the Archdiocesan Commission for Tamil Speaking has been approved by Archbishop William Goh DD on 26 January 2017.

26 January 2017

APPOINTMENTS 1. Fr Gerard Weerakoon has been reappointed a member of the Board of Visitors to the Singapore Armed Forces Detention Barracks by the Armed Forces Council for a term of three [3] years from 1 July 2017-30 June 2020.

2. The following have been reappointed as Board members to Abilities Beyond Limitations and Expectations Ltd (ABLE) for a term of two [2] years with effect from 1 January 2017: a. Mr Raymundo Yu (Chairman) b. Mr Soh Yew Hock ( Deputy Chairman) c. Mr Ambrose Law d. Mr Bernardus Angkawidjaja e. Mr Michael Choo f. Mr Quek Khor Ping g. Ms Serena Fah 3. Fr Alphonsus Dominic has been reappointed as Chaplain to Holy Innocents’ Primary School for a term of two [2] years with effect from 1 January 2017.

4. The following friars, upon presentation have been appointed to the Church of St Mary of the Angels as Assistant Priests following their priestly ordinations on 12 February 2017: a. Friar Esmond Chua OFM b. Friar Jason Richards OFM 5. Fr Romeo Chang Yu CICM has been appointed Spiritual Director of the El Shaddai DWXI-PPFI (Singapore Chapter) for a term of two [2] years with effect from 19 January 2017.

6. The following have been appointed to the Board of Caritas Singapore Community Council for a term of two [2] years with

CHN/CN/2017/001 & CHN/CN/20 17/002

8. The following have been appointed to the Board of CHARIS for a term of two [2] years with effect from 1 January 2017: a. Ms Jenny Teng (Chairperson) b. Mgr Philip Heng SJ c. Fr Colin Tan SJ d. Adj A/Prof Gamaliel Tan Yu-Heng e.

Mr Christopher Chua Chun Guan f. Mr Edwin Sim Puay Jain g. Mr Lum Hon Fye h. Mr Willie Cheng 1. Ms Cheryl Tang Yu Lin J. Ms Elizabeth Quah OTHER MATTERS

27 January 2017

In response to various queries about private fundraising amongst the local Catholic community, please note that the Archdiocese of Singapore does not endorse or prevent private initiatives of fundraising.

However, private fundraising initiatives are: 1. To state clearly that they are private and not Church initiatives; 2. Not permitted to use any Church platforms or premises for promotion or advertising;

Singapore Institute of Management Catholic Society With immediate effect, the Chaplaincy and pastoral leadership of the Catholic Society will be under the competence of the Office for Young People (OYP). We are grateful to Fr Alex Chua who had overseen this group over the last few years prior to his relinquishing of this chaplaincy.

3. Not to be promoted by office holders in the Church using the auspices of their official position, parish or Catholic organization;

Wake Masses and other home Masses The Senate has adopted a policy that Wake Masses are not permitted and other home Masses

5. Not to be promoted in a public manner amongst the Catholic community;

4. To inform and obtain the acceptance of intended beneficiaries and their governing authorities before the fundraising initiative is promoted;

6. Advised to observe all regulatory requirements.

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

OBITUARY

Fr Peter Paul called to the Lord Fr Peter Paul (Fr Petru, also affectionately known as Fr PP) was born in Pekhon, Myanmar in 1965. He was raised in the Catholic village of Hwarikhu and joined the Minor Seminary after completing his high school SAC 5 at Taunggyi at the age of 14.

After this, he enrolled in the Major Seminary in Yangon and was ordained a priest in 1993.

He served as an assistant priest in the Holy Mother of God parish in Mobye from 1993 to 1995, and at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Pekhon, from 1995 to 1997.

He was appointed to be parish priest at Holy Family Church at Aung Ban from 1997 to 1999, at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Pekhon, from 1999 to 2001, and Our Lady of Sorrows, Hwarikhu, from 2001 to 2005.

He then was posted to St Theresa’s Little Way Missionary Institute of Philosophy as a chaplain and taught catechesis from 2005 to 2006.

Fr PP was assigned to serve the Myanmar Catholic community in the Archdiocese of Singapore in 2006. He first resided at the Church of the Holy Spirit for a year and in 2007, while being chaplain to the Myanmar community, also accepted the responsibility of an assistant priest at the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Fr PP had been very dedicated to his priestly services for nine years at Nativity Church.

He visited the sick and elderly regularly to offer anointing and Holy Communion. He was also spiritual director to the Soci-

ety of St Vincent de Paul and the New Life Rosary Prayer Group.

Two years ago, he contracted cancer and underwent various treatments. He had gone back to his home diocese in December 2016, and returned to the Lord on Jan 30, 2017, at 6.30 am Myanmar time, surrounded by his family members and priestly fraternity.

His funeral was scheduled to be held in Hwarikhu, his village, on Feb 2 at 9 am.

Fr Peter Paul passed away on Jan 30.

In Singapore, vigil prayers were scheduled for Jan 31 and Feb 1 at 8 pm in English, followed by prayers in Teochew and Mandarin, at the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Two requiem Masses were also scheduled – on Feb 6 in Latin and Feb 8 in English, both at 8 pm, also at Nativity Church.

The archdiocese extends condolences to the family of Fr Peter Paul at this time of loss and assures them of our fraternal prayers and support. n Submitted by the CHANCERY OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC ARCHDIOCESE OF SINGAPORE

home 5

Sunday February 19, 2017 n CatholicNews

As we draw closer to Tues, Feb 14, the day of the Dedication Mass at the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd, the air is thick with anticipation and excitement.

This historic event on the Catholic calendar, is an archdiocesan celebration for everyone! The church grounds will see priests, Religious and Catholics from all over Singapore celebrating Masses and reaching out to the young people, the elderly, the aged and sick, and families; also our lapsed Catholic brothers and sisters, and not forgetting the poor and needy, throughout the 13 days of celebration.

As the communities converge, let us also remember with deep gratitude the many people who built our Mother Church – through hardships, sacrifices and with great fidelity handed down the faith to us over the past 170 years – since it began in 1847, and its dedication in 1897.

Today, as we celebrate this historic event, we also rejoice and renew our commitment to build our archdiocese into a vibrant Church. We also look to each other and recognise one another as a family; the flock of the Good Shepherd.

Learn about the cathe-

An invitation from cathedral rector, Msgr Philip Heng, SJ

dral with the heritage trails around the compound and at the Heritage Gallery. Dis-

cover too the significance of the statues and “spiritual gardens” that will draw you into reflecting on the life of Jesus in the Gospels – the Gardens of Eden, Gethsemane, Calvary, Tomb and God in our Daily Living; not forgetting Our Lord in the Perpetual Adoration chapel.

Nightly, we hope to entice people to discover such spiritual riches in our Mother Church by distributing prayer cards to lead you through these spiritual stations of our cathedral. This historic event will also showcase the different archdiocesan organisations like Caritas (and

affiliates), CHARIS and Archdiocesan Commission for the Family (ACF).

And to close the celebrations, do come and participate in the solemn, yet joyous Closing Mass on Sun, Feb 26, presided by His Grace, Archbishop William Goh, with candlelight procession of the Blessed Sacrament.

Be part of Mother Church and discover the joy of our community. n

Msgr Philip Heng, SJ Rector

6 ASIA

Sunday February 19, 2017 n CatholicNews

‘Un-Christian values’ blamed for fewer marriages MANILA – A leading Catholic

bishop in the Philippines blamed what he dubbed as an “invasion of un-Christian values” for the decline of the number of people getting married in church.

Retired Archbishop Oscar Cruz of Lingayen-Dagupan said many Filipino couples are opting to just “live in” instead of getting married.

“Some are thinking why get married in church if there is no divorce here?” said Archbishop Cruz, head of the National Appellate Matrimonial Tribunal of the Philippine bishops’ conference.

The tribunal handles cases of annulment of Catholic marriages.

Aside from divorce, Archbishop Cruz said that ideas from the West, such as a “renewable marriage contract”, are starting to influence Filipino couples.

He also noted that many Filipinos are contented with “civil marriage” because it is easy to nullify.

“There is definitely a decline in the number of those getting married in church,” said Archbishop Cruz.

The prelate, however, noted that people who are not married in church are attending Sunday Masses.

“Of course they don’t receive communion but they have their children baptised in church,” said the archbishop, adding that there is “some kind of division in [the people’s] feelings and belief.”

He said the Catholic faith is “not easy to live in or to live by” and it is one reason why there is a growing number of people not getting married in church.

“You can’t enforce Church doctrine on people who would rather not believe in it,” said Archbishop Cruz. n UCANEWS.COM

Couples at a mass wedding in the Philippines. An archbishop has lamented that many Filipino couples are now opting to ‘live in’ instead of getting married in church.

Catholic voters want greater Archdiocese studies pornography’s Church say in Timor-Leste DILI, TIMOR-LESTE – As Ti-

mor-Leste prepares for presidential and parliamentary elections, Catholics hope for a greater Church say in the state affairs of the predominantly Catholic nation.

Some 730,000 people – more than half the 1.2 million population – will vote in the country’s presidential election on March 20 and parliamentary elections in July.

The country’s current president, Mr Taur Matan Ruak, is not seeking a new term.

Mr Marcal Evaristo, a lay leader in Dili diocese, said that the next president should be someone who can extend Church-state relations beyond formal ties and development issues.

Church and state relations should not just be about infra-

structure, which is only temporary, but more importantly about the implementation of Church teachings in people’s daily life, through laws, he said. “I hope the Church will be involved in the creation of laws that affect people’s lives.”

Marcelino Cali, a seminary teacher in Dili, said the next president should act as a role model for Timor-Leste people – 97 percent of whom are Catholics.

Bishop Virgilio do Carmo da Silva of Dili called for peaceful and fair polls noting that past elections were difficult times for the country. He urged people to maintain unity and harmony during the upcoming polls.

“Let’s all uphold the principles of freedom, love and justice which will determine a successful election,” he said. n UCANEWS.COM

impact on family life

Catholic women carry wooden crosses during a Palm Sunday procession in Dili. CNS photo

Christians appeal for unity to fight extremism SEMARANG, INDONESIA – Catholics and Protestants need to unite if Christians are to resist a rise in intolerance and radicalism in Indonesia, Church leaders said.

To fight intolerance, Catholics and Protestants must heal wounds caused by the split in Christianity hundreds of years ago, which is still affecting Christian ties worldwide, including Indonesia, said Rev Markus Priyono from Bethel Tabernacle.

“Reconciliation is needed to heal these wounds,” he told more than 700 Christians at a gathering organised by Semarang Catholic archdiocese and the Union of

Christian Churches. The event was to mark the Week of Prayer of Christian Unity, which ended on Jan 25.

The Protestant pastor encouraged Christians to build mutual trust and respect for each other’s uniqueness. The ecumenical event was held amidst growing incidents of hate speech and opposition to the building of places of worship

by Muslim hardliners as well as the blasphemy case against Jakarta’s Christian governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama.

Many believe the governor, popularly known as “Ahok”, is being targeted by hardliners who do not want a Christian running

the Muslim-majority nation’s capital.

Fr Aloysius Budi Purnomo, head of Semarang archdiocese’s Interfaith Commission, said reconciliation among Christians is necessary before reaching out to people of other religions, as it will make a bigger impact.

“The ultimate goal is to strengthen ties [with Muslims],” he said.

Christians comprise 9.8 percent or about 23 million of Indonesia’s population of 238 million, according to a 2010 census. Protestants number 16.5 million and Catholics 6.9 million. n UCANEWS. COM

MUMBAI, INDIA – A Catholic archmarriage and family. We wanted diocese in India has taken up the to study it,” he said. country’s first survey on the efThe first phase of the survey fects of watching pornography began in 2014 in Mumbai among so as to help counsel families for some 1,000 people, more than half whom it has become an issue. of them between 15 and 25 years The online national survey, of age. Most of the others in the created by Bombay archdiocese, survey were married. The survey aims to study pornography use found that pornography was in a across India, focusing on people “subtle way destroying families,” aged 15 and above who watch said Fr Menezes. pornography at least once a week.

“I call it the new plague. Very The archdiocese is India’s largest, few see this as a problem, but we covering Mumbai, the biggest city want to be prophets of our time in the country. and forewarn people.

The detailed surHigh-speed Internet Bombay vey enquires into the is becoming comarchdiocese’s patterns of use among mon and this addicsurvey seeks regular pornography tion is going to grow viewers, seeking to very fast,” he said. to understand understand their atFr Menezes said pornography titude towards work, the results of the relationships, family viewers’ attitude first survey promptand community. them to conduct towards work, ed The family sertraining seminars to vice centre of Bomhelp people recover relationships, bay archdiocese uses from the addiction. family and the term “porn addicThey also started a community. tion” to describe situsupport group called ations where pornog“Sex and Love Adraphy use has become associated dicts Anonymous” that meets with negative consequences. twice every month.

“If we have good marriagAlwyn Dantis, coordinator of es, we will have good families. the project, said while the first Happy and stable families are the survey was a general one, the curfoundation of a strong nation,” rent survey is a more detailed one. said Fr Cajetan Menezes, who The earlier survey showed that heads the survey project as the di- addiction negatively impacted rerector of the family service centre. sponsibility and relationships.

“There were regular complaints The present survey is still in the from wives that husbands forced “data gathering phase and it is too them to watch pornography – a early to reveal any findings. Howcrime under Indian law,” he said. ever, once we gather enough data “When we looked around we we will be able to provide some found no credible Indian study preliminary findings,” Dantis told on the impact of pornography on ucanews.com. n UCANEWS.COM

Sunday February 19, 2017 n CatholicNews

7

8 asia

Sunday February 19, 2017 n CatholicNews

India’s Catholics ignore Church teaching on contraceptives BHOPAL, INDIA – Most Cathotions rather than the Church,” said lics in India ignore the Church’s Bishop Dorairaj. teachings against the use of conWhen most Catholics ignore traceptives, a Church official told this teaching it is “a matter of sethe Indian bishops’ annual confer- rious concern for the Church and ence. we will try to find a solution to it,” Bishop Lawrence Pius Dorai- Bishop Dorairaj said. raj of Dharmapuri, chairman of Bishop Chacko Thomttuthe bishops’ commission on the marickal of Indore noted that the family, expressed his concern on Church is opposed to “all artificial Jan 30 when he presented his re- contraceptive methods” because port before 130 Latin-rite bishops life is a gift from God and blockin India. ing that life is morally The participants evil.

Most of the 29th plenaHe said the best ry assembly of the way to deal with the follow their Conference of Cathsituation is to “creconvictions olic Bishops of Inate awareness among dia met in Bhopal Catholics”. His diorather than to focus on ways to cese runs classes for the Church. revitalise Catholic couples to make them – Bishop Lawrence families. aware of the negative Pius Dorairaj In 2015, the impacts of contracepCatholic Church in tives.

India carried out a However, tribal survey to identify various prob- Catholics do not face such an islems faced by Catholic families, sue, said Cardinal Telesphore P. including their views on the Toppo of Ranchi, considered the Church’s teachings on marriage, head of the tribal Catholic commufamily planning and contracep- nity in the eastern states of Bihar, tives.

Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh. The “More than 90 percent of tribal communities in general do Catholics ignore Church teachings not adopt contraceptive methods as on family planning and contracep- they “love having more and more tives. Most follow their convic- children,” he said. n UCANEWS.COM

‘

’

Death penalty doesn’t deter crime: cardinal MANILA – A Philippine cardinal

has urged Catholics in his country to tell their lawmakers that the death penalty does not deter violent crime, and could potentially legitimise violence.

In a letter addressed to Catholics of Manila archdiocese as the Philippine Congress was discussing revival of the death penalty, Manila Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle referred to what research worldwide has shown.

“The death penalty has not reduced crime because it does not solve criminality from its roots,” he said. “To help solve these roots of criminality, the Church and the state need to protect and strengthen the basic unit of society, which is the family.”

The cardinal said the roots of crime include the loss of moral values, injustice, inequality and poverty among numerous other factors.

Throughout its history, the Philippines has imposed and suspended the death penalty, and the Church has consistently opposed it.

A 2006 law prohibits imposition of the death penalty, but since President Rodrigo Duterte took office at the end of June last year, his allies in Congress have been

Cardinal Tagle: Death penalty doesn’t tackle criminality at its roots.

The allies of President Duterte are pushing to reinstate the death penalty.

pushing for reinstating it.

Mr Duterte has also said on several occasions he is not interested in having the death penalty as a deterrent, but it should be a way to make criminals pay for what they have done.

Cardinal Tagle warned that this kind of thinking could legitimise the use of violence against wrongdoing and possibly place an innocent person at risk.

“Penalties are not imposed for vengeance but for the correction of offenders and the good of society,” the cardinal said. “A culture

of violence dehumanises. A culture of justice, integrity, and hope heals.”

Prior to being elected, Mr Duterte ran on a campaign of eradicating criminality, sending warnings to criminals that he would kill them. He also encouraged the public to do the same.

Since July last year, more than 7,000 people have been killed as a result of police anti-drug operations and vigilante killings carried out by ordinary citizens. Most of the victims come from the country’s poorest populations. n CNS

world 9

Sunday February 19, 2017 n CatholicNews

Updated: teachings on bioethics CNS file phot

VATICAN CITY – The Vatican has

released an expanded and updated guide of the Church’s bioethical teachings.

The New Charter for Health Care Workers is meant to provide a thorough summary of the Church’s position on affirming the primary, absolute value of life in the health field and address questions arising from the many medical and scientific advancements made since the first charter was published in 1994, said Msgr Jean-Marie Mupendawatu.

The monsignor, who is the secretary delegate for health care in the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, said the charter “reaffirms the sanctity of life” as a gift from God and calls on those working in health care to be “servants” and “ministers of life” who will love and accompany all human beings from conception to their natural death.

He made these remarks during a news conference at the Vatican on Feb 6. The Vatican released the charter in Italian.

One issue partially dealt with in the new charter is vaccines produced with “biological material of illicit origin”, that is, made from cells from aborted foetuses.

Citing the 2008 instruction,

The Vatican’s New Charter for Health Care Workers addresses questions arising from the many scientific advancements made since its first charter was published in 1994.

A woman is given a flu vaccine in Chicago. One issue dealt with in a Vatican document is vaccines produced from the cells of aborted foetuses.

Dignitas Personae (The Dignity of a Person), from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, and a 2005 paper from the Pontifical Academy for Life, the charter says everyone has a duty to voice their disapproval of this kind of

“biological material” in use and to ask that alternatives be made available.

Researchers must “distance” themselves by refusing to use such material, even if there is no close connection between the re-

searcher and those doing the illicit procedure, and “affirm with clarity the value of human life”, it said.

Other guidelines mentioned in the new charter include: n Ovarian tissue banking for cancer patients with the aim of re-

storing fertility with the woman’s own tissue “does not seem to pose moral problems” and is, “in principle, acceptable”. n Ectopic pregnancy can lead to “serious danger” to the life of the woman and the embryo usually does not survive. “Directly suppressive measures” against the embryo are prohibited while procedures exclusively aimed at saving the life and health of the woman are justified. n Organ transplantation must be at the service of life and involve free consent by the living donors or their legitimate representatives. Ascertaining the death of the donor must be diagnosed with certainty, especially when dealing with a child’s death. n Research in transplanting animal tissues into humans is licit as long as it does not affect “the identity and integrity” of the person, it does not carry “excessive risks” to the person, the animals involved are not subjected to unnecessary suffering, and no damage is done to biodiversity. n Not all human organs can be transplanted, such as the human brain, testicles and ovaries, which are organs inseparably tied to a person’s unique and procreative identity. n CNS

10

advertisement

Sunday February 19, 2017 n CatholicNews

world 11

Sunday February 19, 2017 n CatholicNews

US Church leaders slam Trump’s action banning refugees WASHINGTON – President Donald

Trump’s executive memorandum intended to restrict the entry of terrorists into the United States brought an outcry from Catholic leaders across the country.

They expressed their solidarity with Muslims and refugees in their response to the Jan 27 action that left already-approved refugees and immigrants stranded at US airports and led the Department of Homeland Security to rule that green card holders – lawful permanent US residents – be allowed into the country.

The leadership of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) on Jan 30 praised fellow bishops for speaking out against Mr Trump’s actions and “in defence of God’s people”, and called on “all the Catholic faithful to join us as we unite our voices with all who speak in defence of human dignity.

“The bond between Christians and Muslims is founded on the unbreakable strength of charity and justice,” said Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, USCCB president, and Archbishop Jose H. Gomez of Los Angeles, USCCB vice president, in a joint statement.

“The Church will not waiver in her defence of our sisters and brothers of all faiths who suffer at the hands of merciless persecutors,” they said.

“The refugees fleeing from ISIS [Islamic State] and other extremists are sacrificing all they have in the name of peace and freedom,” they said. “Often, they could be spared if only they sur-

A woman holds a sign as protesters march toward the US Capitol in Washington on Jan 29. The group was protesting an executive memorandum issued by President Donald Trump (right) suspending admission of any refugees to the US for 120 days and banning entry for 90 days of people from seven predominantly Muslim nations. CNS photos

rendered to the violent vision of their tormentors. They stand firm in their faith.”

Like all families, refugees “are seeking safety and security for their children”, they said. The US

Church will not waiver in her defence of ‘ourThesisters and brothers of all faiths who suffer at the hands of merciless persecutors.’

– US Conference of Catholic Bishops

“should welcome them as allies in a common fight against evil” and also “must screen vigilantly for infiltrators who would do us harm”. But the country “must always be equally vigilant in our welcome of friends,” the Church leaders said.

The chairmen of three US bishops’ committees on Jan 31 also expressed solidarity with the Muslim community and expressed deep concern over religious freedom issues they said President Trump’s refugee ban raises.

In addition, they expressed their “firm resolution that the order’s stated preference for ‘religious minorities’ should be applied to protect not only Christians where they are a minority, but all religious minorities who suffer persecution, which includes Yezidis, Shia Muslims in majority Sunni areas, and vice versa”.

“While we also recognize that the United States government has

a duty to protect the security of its people, we must nevertheless employ means that respect both religious liberty for all, and the urgency of protecting the lives of those who desperately flee violence and persecution,” they said.

As followers of Christ, the bishops said, they believe “that welcoming the stranger and protecting the vulnerable lie at the core of the Christian life. And so, to our Muslim brothers and sisters and all people of faith, we stand with you and welcome you.”

The statement was written by Bishop Mitchell T. Rozanski of Springfield, Massachusetts, Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore and Bishop Oscar Cantu of Las Cruces, New Mexico. They are, respectively, the chairmen of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs, Ad Hoc Committee for Religious Liberty and Committee on International Justice and Peace. n CNS

12 world

Sunday February 19, 2017 n CatholicNews

Catholics, Muslims unite in face of deadly Quebec shooting

Mr Boufeldja Benabdallah, co-founder of the Quebec Islamic Cultural Center, speaks during a solidarity Mass on Jan 31 at the Notre-Dame-deFoy church in Quebec City. CNS photos

QUEBEC CITY, CANADA – People of many faiths gathered for a solidarity Mass at Notre-Dame-deFoy church, next to the mosque belonging to the Quebec Islamic Cultural Center, where six men were killed by a gunman while they were praying.

Cardinal Gerald Lacroix of Quebec, who had returned from Rome just hours before, called everyone to reject violence.

“Men and women of dialogue: This is what we are called to be.

Full of respect and truth. Like Jesus, let us be mindful of the needs of those we live with. Let us learn to know them and to advance with them. We have a lot to gain from listening, meeting, and living together. We are made to enrich each other, and we’ll do it by learning how to love each other,” said Cardinal Lacroix.

Muslim leaders and members of the Muslim community, as well as Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard and other high-level politicians attended the Jan 31 Mass.

The co-founder of the Islamic center, Mr Boufeldja Benabdal-

lah, brought many to tears with his remarks. Referring to Mr Alexandre Bissonnette, 27, the only suspect who is now accused of first-degree murder and attempted

Pope Francis greets Cardinal Gerald Lacroix of Quebec after celebrating Mass at the Vatican on Jan 30. The pope assured Cardinal Lacroix of his prayers for the victims of a shooting in a mosque in Quebec City.

murder, Mr Benabdallah said it is not Canada’s fault, but the acts of one individual who got lost.

One by one, Mr Benabdallah named all his friends killed two days before. He said that through

it all, the doubts he had about racism and Islamophobia are fading.

All of it can be erased “by the love God put in ourselves.”

Cardinal Lacroix told him that he wished to give him a gift he had received the day before from Pope Francis: a hug. Cardinal Lacroix and Mr Benabdallah then embraced while the assembly applauded.

Cardinal Lacroix, who was in Rome when the shooting occurred on Jan 29, met briefly with Pope Francis on Jan 30 before heading home. The pope assured the cardinal of his prayers for the victims of the attack on the mosque. A Vatican statement said the pope highlighted the importance of Christians and Muslims remaining united in prayer in these moments.

Over the years, the mosque had been targeted by hate crimes.

A few months ago, a pig’s head was left at the front door, sparking indignation throughout the city.

Quebec City is the capital of the province and its second-biggest city, with more than 500,000 people. It has 6,100 Muslims. n CNS

Sunday February 19, 2017 n CatholicNews

pope francis 13

‘Church without martyrs is Church without Jesus’

Pope Francis celebrates the beatification Mass of 124 Korean martyrs in 2014. He noted recently that there are more Christian martyrs today than in the first centuries of the Church. CNS file photo

VATICAN CITY – Martyrs and Christians who endure persecution for their faith are the Church’s great glory, strength and hope, and they humble those who have so much but still complain, Pope Francis said.

The heart of the Church is made up of “those who suffered and gave their life like Jesus”, who were “stoned, tortured and killed by the sword” in order to remain faithful to Christ, the pope said on Jan 30 during Mass in his residence.

“A Church without martyrs, dare I say, is a Church without Jesus,” he added.

In his homily, the pope focused on the day’s first reading, from the Letter to the Hebrews (11:32-40), which underlines that faith means trusting in God no matter what happens, even if it brings great personal suffering, hardship and death.

“Martyrs are the ones who carry the Church forward, they are

the ones who sustain the Church,” the pope said.

While big Church events that draw a lot of people are seen as huge successes, “the greatest strength of the Church today is in the small churches, really small,

Martyrs are the ones who carry the Church forward; they are the ones who sustain the Church, said the pope. with a few people, persecuted, with their bishop in prison,” he said. “This is our glory and strength today.”

There are more Christian martyrs today than in the first centuries of the Church, but “the mass media doesn’t say so

because it isn’t newsworthy”, he said.

So many men and women “are blessed because [they are] persecuted, insulted, incarcerated. There are so many in jail just for wearing a cross or for confessing Jesus Christ,” he said.

Their witness “is the glory of the Church and our support and also our humiliation – we who have everything, everything seems easy for us and if we lack something, we complain,” the pope said.

“They are our hope,” he added, saying the blood of martyrs is the seed for future Christians.

He asked that everyone reflect on and pray for the many people who suffer martyrdom for their faith and lack the freedom of worship, and thanked God for being present and giving them the strength to be faithful. n CNS

14 pope francis

Papal message for World Day of the Sick VATICAN CITY – In a message for the 2017 World Day of the Sick, Pope Francis called for renewed efforts in facing today’s challenges in health care and in promoting respect for life.

“May we find new incentive to work for the growth of a culture of respect for life, health and the environment,” he said, and may the day “also inspire renewed efforts to defend the integrity and dignity of persons, not least through a correct approach to bioethical issues, the protection of the vulnerable and the protection of the environment.”

The World Day of the Sick is celebrated annually on Feb 11, the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes.

Thanking those who care for the sick, the elderly and those who suffer or are in need, the pope underlined the importance of treating everyone with respect and care.

Even those who have serious disabilities or are debilitated “have their own inalienable dignity and mission in life. They never become simply objects,” he said.

Inspired by the selfless love and obedience of Mary and Jesus, the Church continues to serve those who suffer or are in need, the pope said.

“The solidarity shown by Christ,” with his birth and then death on the cross for the redemption of humanity, “is the expression of God’s merciful omnipotence, which is made manifest in our life – above all when that life is frail, pain-filled, humbled, marginalised and suffering – and fills it with the power of hope that can sustain us and enable us to get up again.”

The pope asked that “this great wealth of humanity and faith” not be lost or forgotten. “It should inspire us to speak openly of our human weaknesses and to address the challenges of present-day health care and technology,” he said, leading to greater efforts to build a culture of respect for life, health and the environment. n CNS The pope’s full message is at http://w2.vatican.va/content/ francesco/en/messages/sick/documents/papa-francesco_20161208_ giornata-malato.html

Sunday February 19, 2017 n CatholicNews

Pope in solidarity with Church leaders serving Middle East VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis prayed for an end to the daily violence and brutality waged by fundamentalist extremists in the Middle East.

“Your sufferings are our sufferings. I join you in praying for an end to the conflict and for God’s closeness to those who have endured so much, especially children, the sick and the elderly,” the pope told representatives of the Oriental Orthodox Churches on Jan 27.

The representatives were in Rome for a meeting of the Joint International Commission for Theological Dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Oriental Orthodox Churches, which include Churches with large communities in Syria, Iraq and throughout the Middle East. The Oriental Orthodox Churches that officially participate in the dialogue include the Coptic, Syriac, Armenian, Ethiopian, Eritrean and Malankara Orthodox Syrian Churches.

The pope said he recognised that “many of you belong to churches that witness daily the spread of violence and acts of brutality perpetrated by fundamentalist extremism.”

Praying for an end to the conflicts, the pope said his heart went out to all those affected, in particular the most vulnerable and “the bishops, priests, consecrated men and women, and the lay faithful who have been cruelly abducted, taken hostage or enslaved.”

Often, he said, such situations of “tragic suffering more easily take root in the context of great poverty, injustice and social ex-

Syrian refugees arriving at a camp in Royashed, Jordan, last year. Pope Francis told representatives of Oriental Orthodox Churches he was praying for people who have suffered much in the Middle East. CNS file photo

clusion, due to instability created by partisan interests, often from elsewhere, and by earlier conflicts that have led to situations of dire need, cultural and spiritual deserts where it becomes easy to manipulate and incite people to hatred.”

As Christ’s disciples, the pope said, “we are called to testify everywhere, with Christian fortitude, to His humble love that reconciles men and women in every age.

Wherever violence begets more

Your sufferings ‘ are our sufferings.

I join you in praying for an end to the conflict.

’

– Pope Francis to representatives of Oriental Orthodox Churches

violence and sows death, there our response must be the pure leaven of the Gospel, which, eschewing strategies of power, allows fruits of life to emerge from arid ground and hope to dawn after nights of terror.”

Representing the Oriental Orthodox participants, Coptic Orthodox Metropolitan Bishoy of Damiette, Egypt, asked the pope to pray for their people and he presented the pope with an icon made by nuns living in the Monastery of St Demiana.

The icon, he said, represented the “ever-flowing cup” of Mary because it was in her womb “that she carried the body and blood of Christ before it was in the cup of the Eucharist”.

At the end of the audience, the pope asked that they pray the Our Father together, each in his own language. n CNS

Pope highlights women’s courage, wisdom VATICAN CITY – The humble counsel of courageous women should never be disregarded but rather embraced as advice full of God’s divine wisdom, Pope Francis said.

Women like the biblical heroine Judith are an example of trusting God amid sufferings and difficulties when it is easy to give up hope and fall into despair, the pope said on Jan 25 during his weekly general audience.

“This is my opinion, but women are more courageous than men,” the pope said to applause.

Pope Francis focused his audience talk on Judith, “a woman of great beauty and wisdom,” who reproached the people of Israel for their lack of trust in God

to deliver them from foreign invaders.

The pope said that in the moment of despair, Judith confronts the people’s doubts with the “courageous language” of faith and hope. Her courage, he explained, is a reminder for Christians “to knock on the door of God’s heart; He is a father, He can save us. This widow risks [everything], even of making herself look like a fool in front of the others. But she is courageous, she goes forward.”

Christians must “never put conditions on God,” the pope said. Instead, they should allow “hope to conquer our fears.”

“To trust God means entering into his plans without assuming

anything” and to believe that “he knows better than us,” the pope said.

The story of Judith exemplifies the importance of the “courageous counsel” of humble women, Pope Francis said.

Their words, he added, contain “the wisdom of God” and should never be “dismissed as ignorant.”

“The words of grandmothers – how many times do grandmothers know the right word to say,” the pope said. “They give words of hope because they have the experience of life, they have suffered so much, they trusted in God and the Lord gave them this gift of giving us hopeful advice.” n CNS

Sunday February 19, 2017 n CatholicNews

advertisement

15

16 Pope francis

Sunday February 19, 2017 n CatholicNews

Dream, prophesy, don’t focus on survival, pope tells Religious VATICAN CITY – When Religious orders focus on survival rather than on sharing the joy and hope of faith in Jesus, they end up being “professionals of the sacred, but not ‘fathers’ and ‘mothers’,” Pope Francis said.

“The temptation of survival turns what the Lord presents as an opportunity for mission into something dangerous, threatening, potentially disastrous,” the pope told consecrated men and women who joined him on Feb 2 for Mass on the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord and the World Day for Consecrated Life.

Speaking as a fellow member of a Religious order, Pope Francis urged Religious to keep alive the faith, hope and audacity of the men and women who founded the orders to which they belong.

“We are heirs to those who have gone before us and had the courage to dream,” he said during the Mass,

which began with the blessing of candles celebrating the presentation of Christ as the light of the world.

The feast day Gospel reading from St Luke tells the story of Mary and Joseph bringing the newborn Jesus to the temple in fulfilment of the law. The elderly and pious Simeon and Anna are in the temple and rejoice when they see Jesus, recognising Him as the Messiah.

The pope said Religious have inherited Simeon and Anna’s hymn of hope from their founders and elders, who “had the courage to dream.”

Religious hold candles as Pope Francis celebrates Mass marking the World Day for Consecrated Life in St Peter’s Basilica on Feb. 2. The Mass also marked the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. CNS photo

Hope in the Lord and the prophetic announcement of His presence “will protect us from a temptation that can make our consecrated life barren: the temptation of survival” and of preserving institutions above all else, said the pope, a member of the Jesuit order.

Putting Jesus in the midst of his people... ‘ means wanting to touch the wounds of Jesus in the wounds of a world in pain, which longs and cries out for healing.

’

– Pope Francis

“The mentality of survival makes us reactionaries, fearful, slowly and silently shutting ourselves up in our houses and in our own preconceived notions,” he said. “It makes us look back to the glory days – days that are past – and rather than rekindling the prophetic creativity born of our founders’ dreams, it looks for shortcuts in order to evade the challenges knocking on our doors today.

“A survival mentality robs our charisms of power, because it leads us to ‘domesticate’ them, to make them ‘user-friendly,’ robbing them of their original creative force,” Pope Francis continued. “It makes us want to protect spaces, buildings and structures, rather than to encourage new initiatives.”

Like Mary and Joseph, Religious are called to bring Jesus into the midst of His people, the pope

said. “Only this will make our lives fruitful and keep our hearts alive.”

All Christians, but especially those consecrated with the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, are called to be the leaven of the Gospel in the world, he said.

“Perhaps there are better brands of flour, but the Lord has called us to be leaven here and now, with the challenges we face.

Not on the defensive or motivated by fear,” he said, “but with our hands on the plough, helping the wheat to grow, even though it has frequently been sown among weeds.”

“Putting Jesus in the midst of His people,” he said, “means taking up and carrying the crosses of our brothers and sisters. It means wanting to touch the wounds of Jesus in the wounds of a world in pain, which longs and cries out for healing.” n CNS

Sunday February 19, 2017 n CatholicNews

pope francis 17

Christian unity requires learning from each other, pope says CNS Photo

Reconciliation ‘ between Christians

VATICAN CITY – Divided Chris-

tians need to recognise the gifts God has given to other communities and learn from them “without waiting for the others to learn first,” Pope Francis said.

Leading an ecumenical evening prayer service on Jan 25 for the close of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, Pope Francis said Christians must overcome the “temptations of self-absorption that prevent us from perceiving how the Holy Spirit is at work outside our familiar surroundings,” including in the lives of other Christian communities.

The Vatican’s Sistine Chapel Choir and the Anglican Westminster Abbey Choir sang at the service at Rome’s Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls.

Pope Francis walked to the tomb of St Paul, under the basilica’s main altar, and prayed there with Orthodox Metropolitan Gennadios of Italy, the representative of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, and with Anglican Archbishop David Moxon, the representative of the archbishop of Canterbury.

At the end of the service, the two took turns with Pope Francis in reading segments of the solemn blessing and in blessing the congregation with the sign of the cross.

In his homily, Pope Francis said St Paul, who was persecuting the Christians, went from being a person who trusted “his own abil-

will only be achieved when we can acknowledge each other’s gifts and learn from one another, with humility and docility.

’

– Pope Francis

Pope Francis delivers a joint blessing with Orthodox Metropolitan Gennadios of Italy and Malta (far left) and Anglican Archbishop David Moxon, the archbishop of Canterbury’s representative to the Vatican, during an ecumenical prayer service to conclude the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.

ity to observe the law strictly” to conversion and “cleaving with his whole being to the gracious and unmerited love of God: to Jesus Christ, crucified and risen.”

Like St Paul, he said, “each person, forgiven and loved, is called in turn to proclaim the Gospel of reconciliation in word and deed, to live and bear witness to a reconciled life.”

“Authentic reconciliation between Christians will only be

achieved when we can acknowledge each other’s gifts and learn from one another, with humility and docility, without waiting for the others to learn first,” he said.

In the year marking the fifth centenary of the Protestant Reformation, Pope Francis said Christians must acknowledge the past but not allow themselves to be fixated on it and on the injuries suffered at the hands of the other.

Christians must allow God,

“who makes all things new, to unveil before our eyes a new future, open to the hope that does not disappoint, a future in which divisions can be overcome and believers, renewed in love, will be fully and visibly one,” he said.

Praying for Christian unity, the pope said, is sharing in Jesus’ own prayer for the unity of His disciples.

Echoing a call he made during major ecumenical meetings in 2016 with Lutheran and with Anglican leaders, Pope Francis prayed that Christians would “take advantage of every occasion that providence offers us to pray together, to proclaim together and together to love and serve, especially those who are the most poor and neglected in our midst.”

Speaking at the end of the service, Cardinal Kurt Koch, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, said, “Love is the motor of any ecumenical effort.

True love does not erase the legitimate differences among Christian Churches, but leads them together, reconciled, to a deeper unity.” n CNS

18 opinion

Sunday February 19, 2017 n CatholicNews

God’s power as powerlessness

Fortnightly newspaper of the Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore

2 Highland Road, #01-03 Singapore 549102.

Telephone: 6858 3055. Fax: 6858 2055.

Website: www.catholicnews.sg Facebook: www.facebook.com/catholicnews Editorial matters and queries: cnedit@catholic.org.sg

Managing Editor: Father Richards Ambrose: ra@catholic.org.sg

In Memoriam: Racquel Castanares: memoriam@catholic.org.sg

Assistant Editor: Christopher Khoo: christopher.khoo@catholic.org.sg

Subscriptions: Richard Paul: subscriptions@catholic.org.sg

STAFF CORRESPONDENT: Jared Ng: jared.ng@catholic.org.sg

Advertisements: Elaine Ong: advertisements@catholic.org.sg

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

Design / Layout: Christopher Wong: design@catholic.org.sg Elaine Ong: elaine.ong@catholic.org.sg

The views or positions presented in articles in CatholicNews do not necessarily represent the views of the Church.

Advertisements that appear in CatholicNews are not necessarily endorsed by the Church.

Share money with the poor, pope tells business leaders VATICAN CITY – A truly Christian approach to running a business would be modelled after the father in the Gospel story of the prodigal son, by giving jobs and a second chance to those who have made mistakes, Pope Francis said.

A business plan inspired by “communion,” he said, “is not blocked by the meritocracy invoked by the older son and by many who, in the name of merit, reject mercy.”

Meeting on Feb 4 with hundreds of people involved in the “economy of communion” project of the Focolare Movement, Pope Francis said their business model of promoting co-responsibility, sharing profits and creating jobs can be the leaven needed to promote an economic model where “the rich know how to share their riches and the poor are called blessed”.

Like the father in the Gospel story, he said, “an entrepreneur of communion is called to do everything possible so that even those who make a mistake ... can hope for a job and a dignified income, and not find themselves eating with the pigs”, like the younger son.

Even before requiring a sharing of money, an economic and business model more in line with the Gospel requires business leaders and workers to share their time and their talent, the pope said.

“Capitalism knows philanthropy, not communion. It simply means giving a part of your profits, but without embracing and touching the people who are receiving those ‘crumbs.’”

“In the logic of the Gospel,” he said, “if one does not give everything, one does not give enough.”

“Money is important, espe-

People attend a job fair in Minsk, Belarus. The pope told business leaders to help young people study and find jobs. CNS file photo

An entrepreneur of communion ‘ is called to do everything possible so that even those who make a mistake ... can hope for a job and a dignified income.

’

– Pope Francis to people involved in the Focolare’s ‘economy of communion’ project

cially when there is none and it is needed for food, schooling and the future of one’s children,” he said.

“But it becomes an idol when it is the aim.”

“When capitalism makes the search for profits its only goal, it risks becoming an idolatrous structure, a form of worship,” he said.

Pope Francis told the business leaders and workers that “the best and most concrete way to ensure money does not become an idol is to share it with others, especially with the poor” and use it to help

young people study and find jobs.

Capitalism clearly promotes an “economy that kills” when anything or anyone that does not increase profits is not just tossed aside, but actively hidden from sight, the pope said.

“Gambling companies finance campaigns to rehabilitate the pathological gamblers they create.

“And the day that weapons manufacturers finance hospitals to care for the children mutilated by their bombs, the system would have reached its culmination,” he said. “This is hypocrisy!” n CNS

The French novelist and essayist, Leon Bloy, once made this comment about God’s power in our world: “God seems to have condemned Himself until the end of time not to exercise any immediate right of a master over a servant or a king over a subject. We can do what we want. He will defend Himself only

by His patience and His beauty.”

God defends Himself only by His patience and His beauty! How true! And how significant for our understanding of power!

The way we understand power is invariably bound up with how we see power exercised in our world. Our world understands power precisely as a force that can lord it over others, a force that can compel others to obey. In our world, power is understood to be real only when it can forcibly assert itself to make others obey it. For us, strong people have power, political rulers have power, economic systems have power, billionaires have power, the rich and the famous have power, muscular bodies have power, and the playground bully has power; power that can make you buckle under, one way or the other.

But such a notion of power is adolescent and superficial. Power that can make you buckle under is only one kind of power and ultimately not the most transformative kind. Real power is moral. Real power is the power of truth, beauty, and patience. Paradoxically, real power generally looks helpless. For example: If you put a powerfully muscled athlete, the CEO of a powerful corporation, a playground bully, an academy-award winning movie star, and a baby into the same room, who has the most power? Ultimately, it’s the baby. At the end of the day, the baby’s helplessness overpowers physical muscle, economic muscle, and charismatic muscle. Babies cleanse a room morally; even the most callous watch their language around a baby.

That’s the kind of power God revealed in the incarnation. Against almost all human expectation, God was born into this world, not as Superman or Superstar, but as a baby, helpless to care for its own needs. And that’s how God is still essentially present in our lives. Pulitzer prize-winning writer, Annie Dillard, suggests that this is how we forever find God in our lives, as a helpless infant lying in the straw whom we need to pick up and nurture.

She’s right, and her insight, like that of Leon Bloy, has huge implications for how we understand God’s power in our lives and for how we understand God’s seeming silence in our lives.

First, God’s power in our lives: When we examine the biblical account of Adam and Eve and original sin, we see that the primary motivation for eating the apple was their desire to somehow grasp at divinity, to become like God. They wanted Godlike power. But they, like us, badly misunderstood what makes for genuine power. St Paul shows us the antithesis of that in how he describes Jesus in the famous Christological hymn in the Epistle to the Philippians. Paul writes there that Jesus did not deem equality with God something to be grasped at, but rather that He emptied Himself of that power to become helpless, trusting that this emptying and helplessness would ultimately be the most transformative power of all. Jesus submitted to helplessness to become truly powerful.

That insight can shed light on how we understand God’s apparent absence in our world. How might we comprehend what is often called “the silence of God”? Where was God during the Holocaust? Where is God during natural disasters that kill thousands of people? Where is God when senseless accidents and illnesses take the lives of countless persons? Why doesn’t God forcefully intervene?

God is present and intervening in all these situations, but not in the way we ordinarily understand presence, power, and intervention. God is present the way beauty is present, in the way a helpless, innocent newborn is present, and in the way truth as a moral agent is always present. God is never silent because beauty, innocence, helplessness, and truth are never silent. They’re always present and intervening, but unlike ordinary human power, they’re present in a way that is completely non-manipulative and fully respectful of your freedom. God’s power, like that of a newborn, like the power of beauty itself, fully respects you.

When we look at the struggles within our world and within our private lives, it often seems like divine power is forever being trumped by human power. As the cartoon character, Ziggy, likes to put it: The poor are still getting clobbered in our world. But, like David, standing with a just a boy’s slingshot before Goliath, a giant who looks overpowering in terms of muscle and iron; and just like the apostles being asked to set five little loaves of bread and two tiny fish before a crowd of 5,000, God always looks underwhelming in our world.

But we know how these stories end. n

Sunday February 19, 2017 n CatholicNews

faith alive! 19

Going to Mass strengthens our marriage and faith

By Kelly Bothum

A mother prays as her children look on during a Mass. Despite the struggle of looking after children, attending weekly Mass can help support a family’s faith and allow it to grow. CNS photo

Sunday Mass is supposed to be a time of peace and reflection, an opportunity to deepen our relationship with God and celebrate Jesus through the gift of the Eucharist.

And, of course, it can be all that. But if you are parents of small children, church can feel more like a game of liturgical hot potato, where you take turns holding a squirming child.

During these awkward times, Mass can seem like a chore. Weary from lack of sleep and overstimulated by too many cartoons, you just may want to take a week off.

Don’t. Keep going, no matter how loudly the kids yell or whether you keep getting cold stares from the people around you. Your marriage will thank you.

I firmly believe our regular Mass attendance has been the glue keeping us together for the past 16 years. It has supported our faith and provided a framework for our family. And much like exercise, I always feel better after I go.

I’m glad to see my own personal experience reflected in the findings of a recent study showing that couples who regularly attend religious services are less likely to divorce. There is something special about the time spent together at church. It is a wonderful com-

mingling of the individual and the group, and it can give us the spiritual strength we need.

In an age where so many things are dividing us – technology, politics, laundry (you know it’s true) – Mass can be a valuable unifier. I say with no sarcasm that weekly Mass is the one hour a week I know I will spend with my husband, albeit with three kids sandwiched between us. But even that physical togetherness is powerful.

At Mass, I feel my husband’s

Sitting together during Mass is a weekly reminder that our life is directed by God. presence next to me, whether it’s the exchange of a knowing look during the homily or the way he casually wraps his arm around my shoulder in the pew. At the end of the Our Father, we squeeze each other’s hand a little harder than we should.

Sitting together during Mass is a weekly reminder that our life is directed by God. Perhaps it’s in the communal experience – seeing other families of different backgrounds and ages and realising that our family is part of a larger family of Catholics.

Scriptural resources for married life

By Daniel Mulhall While the Bible is filled with stories of great loves and devoted marriages such as those of Abraham and Sarah and of Jacob and Rachel, it offers relatively few verses that speak directly to the relationship between husband and wife.

But there are numerous verses in the Bible that describe the attitudes and behaviour that are necessary for a healthy and holy life within the community. These same attitudes and behaviours are important within a marriage as well.

These Bible verses all emphasise the importance of a healthy love. As 1 Peter 4:8 puts it, “Above all, let your love for one another be intense, because love covers a multitude of sins.”

1 Corinthians 13:4-8 spells this out more emphatically: “Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, (love) is not pompous, it is not inflated, it is not rude, it does not seek its own interests, it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury, it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. It bears

all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”

St Paul’s understanding of the importance of love within the community certainly shapes his understanding of the love that should exist between husbands and wives.

In Ephesians 5:21-32, Paul writes that men and women are to be “subordinate to one another” in the same way that they would give themselves to Christ, freely because of love, and work with love to grow increasingly close to each other.

Paul notes that we should love our spouse as we love our own bodies, cherishing and nourishing each other, for the more we care for the other, the more we are ourselves cherished and nourished.

The familiar passage from Micah 6:8 is also a spiritual resource for couples: “You have been told, O mortal, what is good, and what the Lord requires of you: Only to do justice and to love goodness, and to walk humbly with your God. St Paul in Ephesians 4:2-3, echoing Micah, encouraged all Christians to live “with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, striv-

The Bible provides married couples with verses that describe attitudes necessary for a healthy and holy marriage.

ing to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace.” These instructions for following God are just as true for life within a marriage.

In practical terms, within marriage we do justice by honouring and respecting the other, appreciating and celebrating their gifts and giving credit where it is due.

We love goodness by show-

ing appreciation for acts of love and kindness. We walk humbly by understanding that others are wonderful in their own right and not because of what they do for us. We put the needs and desires of our spouse ahead of our own. n CNS Mulhall is a catechist who lives in Louisville, Kentucky, USA.

Praying together gives my husband and me a shared identity, just like when we established ourselves as a collective unit by registering together in our first parish. We rarely think about it, but each Mass is like our wedding day, when we spoke our vows and shared the Eucharist for the first time as husband and wife.

We continued that with the baptism of our three children. We reaffirm that bond as they receive their other sacraments.

I’ll be honest – going to Mass doesn’t just help when we make it to church on time and the priest offers us a relatable homily. It also helps in those lonely moments, too, when I’m feeling disconnected from my husband or one of us is still stewing over a squabble despite the smiles plastered on our faces.

Parents, keep going to Mass even if you feel like everyone is staring at your crying baby or toddler.

You may not get an hour of undivided attention to speak with God. Your spouse may spend the consecration with a wailing baby at the back of the church. Maybe your only prayer will be saying, “Amen,” when you receive Communion.

That is enough. n CNS Bothum is a freelance writer and a mother of three.

IN A NUTSHELL It is nearly impossible to define married love in a precise way, since each couple and family is unique. But there are important steps and actions that strengthen a couple’s love.

Tenderness is a necessary virtue in marriage and family life. Married couples also “speak well of each other,” and they “develop the habit of giving real importance to the other person,” says Pope Francis.

Sitting together during Mass is a weekly reminder that a couple’s life is directed by God. Each Mass is like a couple’s wedding day, when they spoke their vows and shared the Eucharist for the first time as husband and wife. n CNS

20

Sunday February 19, 2017 n CatholicNews

By Jennifer Ficcaglia After Adam and Eve disobeyed God, they were banished from the Garden of Eden.

After leaving the garden, Adam and Eve started a family. They had two sons. The eldest son was named Cain, and the younger one was named Abel.

When Cain and Abel grew up, they each chose a different profession. Cain tilled the earth and grew crops, while Abel tended flocks and raised sheep.

After a time, the two brothers decided to make an offering to God. Cain offered God some of his crops, and Abel offered one of the first and best offspring from his flock.

God was very pleased with Abel’s offering but not with Cain’s.

Cain was devastated. Then he became angry.

“Why are you so resentful and crestfallen,” God asked him. “If you

do well, you can hold up your head; but if not, sin is a demon lurking at the door: His urge is toward you, yet you can be his master.”

Even though God warned Cain not to give in to sin, Cain did not listen.

Instead, Cain went to talk to his brother.

“Let us go out in the field,” he said to Abel.

Once the brothers were in the field, Cain attacked Abel and killed him.

After a time, God came to speak with Cain.

“Where is your brother Abel?”

God asked.

Cain gave God a rather testy reply.

“I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?” Cain snapped angrily.

“What have you done!” God exclaimed. “Listen: Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the soil! Therefore you shall be banned from the soil that opened its mouth to receive your

Spotlight on Saints:

St Boniface of Lausanne

brother’s blood from your hand.”

God told Cain that as punishment for murdering Abel, Cain would not only be banished from being able to grow crops, he also would be banished from God’s presence and wander the earth for the rest of his life.

Cain feared he would be killed on sight, so God put a mark on him so he would not be killed.

After a time, Adam and Eve had more children.

“God has granted me more offspring in place of Abel,” Eve said, “because Cain slew him.” n Read more about it: Genesis 4

Q&A 1. What were the names of Adam and Eve’s first two sons?

2. What did Cain do to Abel, and why?

Wordsearch: n TIME

n FIELD

n LISTEN

n EARTH

St Boniface of Lausanne was born in n RECEIVE n Family n CAIN n GARDEN Belgium. He studied in Paris and was well-known for his university lectures. n SHEEP n ABEL n MOUTH n PRESENCE He eventually taught at the cathedral school in Cologne, Germany, and it was there that he was appointed bishop of Lausanne, Switzerland.

As bishop, he was attacked for pointing out the corruption of the clergy and emperor, so he asked the pope to release him from being a bishop. Afterward, he lived the rest of his days at a Cistercian nunnery in Brussels, Belgium.

He died in 1260, and we honour him on Feb. 19. n

ESSAY: Why is it important to obey God?

Bible Accent:

Answer to puzzle: 1. T; 2. F; 3. F; 4. T

PUZZLE: Put a T next to the sentences that are true, and put an F next to the ones that are false. Hints from Genesis 4 have been provided.

1. Cain went to live in the land of Nod. (Verse 16) 2. Adam and Eve’s third son was named John. (Verse 25) 3. After he was banished, Cain’s crops grew very well.

(Verse 12) 4. Cain founded a city named Enoch. (Verse 17)

n n n n

Answer to Wordsearch

Ever since the fall of Adam and Eve, God has been trying to get people to change their wicked ways and not give in to sin.

He warned Cain that his anger toward his brother, Abel, was sinful and not to give in to it. But Cain did not listen and instead committed the first murder by killing his brother.

In Genesis 6, we read that God saw “how great the wickedness of human beings was on earth.”

God was very sorry that he had made human beings.

So he decided to send a great flood to destroy everyone on earth except a righteous man named Noah, along with Noah’s family and two of every creature on earth.

After God destroyed all the wicked people on earth and the floodwaters receded, he said, “Never again will I curse the ground because of human beings, since the desires of the human heart are evil from youth.”

Even though God knows that people tend to sin, he still loves us and wants to give us the chance to be forgiven and change our ways. He even sent us his son, Jesus, to die for our sins.

As we read in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.” n

Sunday February 19, 2017 n CatholicNews

EVENT SUBMISSIONS 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/ announcement-advertisement-request/.

Once forms have been submitted online, kindly send us details of your event for publication at www. catholicnews.sg/whatson/ at least one month ahead of the publication date. feb 1 to may 10 Bible Study on the Gospel of Matthew Conducted by Msgr Ambrose Vaz. Every Wednesday from 8pm-10pm. Venue: Church of St Francis Xavier. No course fee. To register: E: maisielee21@gmail. com; E: ronlee@lucas.com.sg feb 2 to may 11 lectures by Msgr Ambrose vaz: The Gospel According To Matthew Every Thursday from 8pm-10pm at the Church of St Ignatius, level 2 St Ignatius Hall. No pre-registration required.

All are welcome. FOC. Come and enjoy the living word of God! For more information: E: henrythwu@gmail.com

feb 11, 12, 25 Basic Catechist Course Level 1 – Evangelisation & Mission Retreat and Workshop Feb 11: 9am- 9pm. Feb 12: 9:30am-5pm.

Feb 25: 9:30am-5pm. Venue: Catholic Archdiocesan Education Centre 2 Highland Rd, S549102. Please register using the following URL: http://tinyurl.com/hxtx5zz.

For more information, contact Sylvia Stewart from Office For Catechesis at 68583011. W: www.catechesis.org.sg feb 11, 18 Basic Catechist Course 2 - Learning to Listen and Facilitate Feb 11: 9am-5pm. Feb 18: noon-5pm.

Venue: Church of St Francis Xavier, 63A Chartwell Dr, S558758. Contribution :$5 (Lunch will be only be catered for Feb 11). Please register using the following URL: http://tinyurl.com/jg77jsn. For more information, contact Sylvia Stewart from Office For Catechesis at 68583011.

W: www.catechesis.org.sg feb 13 to april 17 At Home Retreat Every Monday from 7.15pm-9.30pm.

Venue: Church of Sts Peter and Paul.

A 10-week programme based on the Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius of Loyola, which enables one to know Jesus Christ more intimately in the midst of the daily routine of life. It includes a weekly meeting of faith sharing, daily prayer using Scripture, and spiritual direction. As the retreat period falls within the Lent season, the retreat theme of “Journeying from Ashes to Easter” would be a timely opportunity for us to deepen our Lenten pilgrimage.

Organised by the Cenacle Sisters. feb 16 Catholic Business Network presents My Journey Series Talk By Prof Leo Tan Time: 7pm-9pm: The Catholic Business Network invites you to join us for an evening of fellowship, networking and a sharing by Prof Leo Tan. He will share about his personal and corporate life journey, his challenges and joys from both a business and a spiritual perspective.

Venue: SJI@Malcolm Road Indoor Sports Hall. FOC. Love offerings welcomed.

Light dinner provided. To register: T: 92284463 (Raymond); E: admin@cbn.sg feb 16 to feb 19 Prayer Experience Retreat (PER) 21 This is a 4D/3N stay-in programme, designed to help individuals build up their prayer life and deepen their prayer experience. It is especially recommended for Conversion Experience Retreat participants, following their conversion experience.

Facilitated by Fr Erbin Fernandez, the PER incorporates praise and worship, prayers, talks, testimonies and healing.

Cost: $160. Registration opens on Jan 6.

FEB 18 ‘COME TO ME’ EUCHARISTIC ADORATION Time: 8pm-9pm. Venues: Church of the Risen Christ Parish Hall, Church of Sts Peter and Paul Praise & Worship Room (Level 1), Church of Divine Mercy, Chapel (Basement 1), Church of St Anne, St Joachim Hall. Join us to pray for a

What’s On news 21 RCIA/RCIY A journey for those seeking to know more about the Catholic faith.

Baptised Catholics are also invited to journey as sponsors. april 23 to may 20, 2018 RCIA at church of our lady of perpetual succour (OLPS) Time: 7.30pm-9.30pm. Interested to inquire about the Catholic Faith? New RCIA Journey will begin with a welcome night on April 23 and thereafter every Sunday evening till May 20, 2018. Please register your name or names of those who are interested in our Catholic faith.

Registration forms are available at the OLPS secretariat or RCIA ministry @ www.olps.sg. For more information, T: 96718216 (Christina); T: 96355635 (Peter) fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the start of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal during the “Duquesne Weekend”. Organised

by SACCRE. T: 62807003 (Jessica).

Feb 18 to Feb 19 Marital First Responders Workshop Time: 9am-5pm. A two-day workshop facilitated by Fr (Dr) Charles Sim. It is meant for those constantly approached by close friends and relatives regarding their marital issues. With this training, these “marital first responders” can better provide frontline counselling help or a listening ear. Contribution: $250 (inclusive of lunch and tea). Organised by Kingsmead Centre, 8 Victoria Park Rd. To register: W: http://tinyurl.com/mfr2017; T: 64676072 feb 21 to may 23 Discover Ministry and Msgr Ambrose Vaz present: The Gospel of Matthew Discover Ministry and Msgr Ambrose Vaz present the Gospel according to Matthew.

Time: 8pm-10pm. Venue: Church of the Holy Spirit, room #03-11. This Gospel is read at Sunday Mass during Ordinary Time for this liturgical year. Matthew shows us that Jesus is the perfect fulfilment of God’s promises made in the Old Testament as the messiah promised by the prophets. To register: E: kim_f_ ho@yahoo.com; T: 90102829 feb 22 to april 26 SYMBOLON PART TWO A DVD programme. Time: 7.30pm-9.30pm.

Dr Edward Sri and his team of experts from Augustine Institute turn our attention to how we encounter God in the sacraments and the moral life. Organised by Bible Apostolate team. At Church of the Holy Spirit (Room # 03- 11) To register: T: 97848090 (Louisa). Love offerings welcomed. feb 24 to feb 26 Feb 2017 Choice Weekend Feb 24 (7pm) to Feb 26 (6pm). It takes that one weekend that will inspire you for the rest of your life. Come away for a Choice Weekend – the choices we make define our life. To register: W: http://choice.org. sg/? page_id=131; T: 97900537 (Hillary); T: 96716695 (Carrie); T: 97109680 (Francesa); E: registration@choice.org.sg feb 24 to march 31 Walking in the Spirit Every Friday from 8pm-9.30pm at Church of St Bernadette, 12 Zion Rd. Inspiring video talks to help Catholics continue to discover the joys of their faith, to open their minds and hearts to the wonder of God, who is at all times guiding their lives. To register: T: 90070987; E: acptcafe@gmail. com with your name and age. Presented by the Archdiocesan CaFE Promotion Team. feb 25 Clarity’s Workshop on ‘A Guide to Understanding Depression’ Time: 10.30am-12.30pm. Individuals with depression often have difficulties seeking help for themselves and in most times, cause friends and family members to feel frustrated and burnout. Come join us to find out what depression is about and share insights on the journey of providing care to your friends or loved ones who may need help. Venue: CANA The Catholic Centre level two. FOC. To register: E: registration@clarity-singapore Feb 25 to feb 26 Praying Our Life’s Questions: Vocation Recollection Feb 25 (9am) to Feb 26 (1pm). This stayin retreat will help young women pray and discern some common questions such as “What will I do with my life? Does God has a plan for me? Is this all there is to life?” It offers retreatants a glimpse into a life option – Religious life in the Cenacle – by providing information and experiences about the Sisters. Open to

single women, aged 21-35. To register: W: www.cenaclemission.com; T: 65652895 feb 28 to march 28 Special Needs Catechesis 1 – Understanding & Supporting Young People with Special Needs Time: 7:30pm-10pm. Venue: Catholic Archdiocesan Education Centre 2 Highland Road, S549102. Please register using the link before Feb 20: http://tinyurl.com/ hexcsgx. This course aims to provide participants with an insight into the wide spectrum of physical, intellectual, emotional, behavioural and learning challenges more commonly faced by people with special needs. For more information, T: 68583011; W: www.catechesis.org.sg MARCH 4 MASS WITH PRAYERS FOR HEALING Time: 2pm-4pm. 2pm: Praise and Worship.

2.25pm-4pm: Mass celebrated by Fr. Tom Curran, followed by prayers for healing.

Venue: Church of Sts. Peter and Paul (main church). E: praiseatworksg@yahoo.com T: 98170152 (Kristyn). Organised by SACCRE and Praise@Work march 4 Clarity’s Public Talk on ‘Youth Depression & SelfHarm’ Time: 10am-noon. Learn more about youth depression and self-harm, recognise early warning signs and available therapeutic interventions. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from our keynote speaker Assoc Prof Ong Say How and our panel of speakers. Fee: $10 per person. Free for students who present their student card.

Venue: Agape Village level one. To register: W: http://www.clarity-singapore. org/english-programmes.html; T: 68017467 MARCH 8 TO APRIL 12.

BASIC CATECHIST COURSE LEVEL 1 – Intro to Catechetical Pedagogy & Catechetical Methods Mar 8, 15, 22, 29. Apr 5, 12: 7.30 pm-10pm.

Venue: Church of St Ignatius, 120 King’s Road. This 6-session course will introduce participants to the method of teaching as proposed by the Universal Church. To register: Register before March 3 at http:// tinyurl.com/h5by795 Contact: Office For Catechesis. E: enquiry@catechesis.org.sg T: 68583011 W: www.catechesis.org.sg march 17 to march 19 Montfortian Xperience 3 (MX3) - Friends Of the Cross Time: 7pm (Fri)-1pm (Sun). A weekend live-in retreat based on the spirituality of St Louis Marie de Montfort. A Friend of the Cross is one chosen by God, from among thousands. A Friend of the Cross is one who is holy and set apart from the things that are visible. Are you walking along the true way of life – the narrow and stony way of calvary? By Br Dominic Yeo-Koh and Br John Albert. Venue: Montfort Centre. To register: T: 67695711; E: enquries@montfortcentre.org March 18 Finding God in Writing Workshop Time: 10am-5pm. A full-day workshop designed to help you write your sacred story. Through writing exercises and other activities, explore and express your innermost thoughts and feelings. No prior writing experience required. Fee: $80 (includes lunch and refreshments).

Organised by Kingsmead Centre, 8 Victoria Park Rd. To register: W: http:// tinyurl.com/writing2017; T: 64676072 March 19 Introduction to Authentic Conversations Time: 9.30am-5pm. The lack of authentic conversation spaces has reduced many conversations into gossip and slander.

How does one facilitate and nurture safe spaces for authentic conversation that is so critically needed today? Listen to your call through the needs of the many who thirst for real conversation. Fee: $60.

Organised by Kingsmead Centre, 8 Victoria Park Rd. To register: W: http:// tinyurl.com/iac2017; T: 64676072 march 26 to may 17 Couple Empowerment Programme (CEP) 2017 CEP is a programme for married couples who wish to discover more about building strong marriages, and to raise emotionally well-balanced children. This programme is faithful to the Catholic Church teachings and incorporates well-studied life skills. Child-minders available.

Venue: Church of St Ignatius. To register: T: 91059921 (Victor); 98579075 (Andrea); E: goto_cep@hotmail.com; W: www.cep-sg.org or fb.com/sg.cep

VIETNAMESE CELEBRATION: A woman leads prayers during a Jan 30 Mass at St Anthony shrine in the Vietnamese Diocese of Vinh. US Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz was among the celebrants of the well-attended Mass. He was sent by the US Conference of Catholic Bishops to see how they could help with the Catholic Institute of Vietnam, the first college-level Catholic school approved in the country in about 40 years. According to Archbishop Kurtz, the Vietnam Church is looking for support to build the institute’s library, create programmes that would have students go to the US to learn English, and help for starting a visiting professor programme. CNS photo

22 in memoriam

Sunday February 19, 2017 n CatholicNews

Fifth Anniversary In loving memory of

Sixth Anniversary In loving memory of our beloved

Five years passed quickly, our beloved Father We miss you.

You loved us and gave us your care.

Without you our house is so bare.

Sweet are the memories.

Silently kept of you.

Dearly missed by your wife, children, daughterin-law, grandchildren and loved ones.

SELVAM GEORGE Departed: Feb 7, 2012

Robert Crasta Departed 19 February 2011 You were a husband and Dad who was so special Your life was a blessing to us Now your memory a treasure You are loved beyond words And missed beyond measure Life has never been the same Ever since you have been gone What would we give to hear your voice And see you smile But we continue to feel your great love as you bless and watch over us from Heaven above.

Forever in our hearts and fondly remembered by your loving wife Stella, daughters Sharon, Karen, Renita, son-in-law Ramana and all loved ones.

Seventeenth Anniversary In loving memory of

PETER LEOW Departed: Feb 29, 2000 “All you that fear the Lord, look forward to his blessings of mercy and eternal happiness.”

Sirach 2:9 Always remembered by: wife – Teresa, children – Maria & Ignatius, Paul & June, Angela and grandsons – Gerard, Gregory & Linus.

Crossword Puzzle 1178 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

24 26

27

28

29

30

37

38

40

41

33

34

35

36

In precious & loving memory of

ANNA CHEONG AH NYONG Departed: Feb 26, 2001 You had a heart of gold One of the best to behold You were generous, loving and kind These are the memories you left behind.

Always loved and cherished by all your loved ones.

GOH NEE ROZELLS VIRGINA MONA Departed: Feb 9, 2014 Gone from our lives one so dear But in our hearts forever near Forever loved and dearly missed by loving husband (James), children, relatives and loved ones.

In loving memory of

44 49

50

51

52

56

57

60

61

62

63

64

65

58

53

54

55

59

www.wordgamesforcatholics.com

45 Straddling 49 Catholic author Tolkien’s initials 50 Mock 51 Proper 56 Thor’s father 57 Sea of _____ 59 Poultry enclosure 60 Agts.

61 Letter by which a priest is released from one diocese and accepted into another 62 Brouhaha 63 Scottish Gaelic 64 Compact 65 Hits the slopes DOWN 1 “There is a _____ in Gilead” 2 “…_____ lema sabachthani?”

(Mk 15:34) 3 Envelope letters 4 Funeral _____ 5 Biblical language 6 Catholic vaudevillian, Gracie _____ 7 Scottish Celt 8 ___ loss for words 9 Kept 10 Film critic who was a former altar boy 11 Set apart as sacred 12 Peter and Andrew may have used this 13 “…and darkness covered the _____.” (Gen 1:2)

21 Car with removable panels 23 Alphabet string 25 Sharp end 26 Mount from which Moses saw Canaan 27 Water 28 Wee one 29 Trucks 30 “…the spirit indeed is willing, but the _____ is weak.” (Mk 14:38) 32 Angry 33 Jesus shared this with his apostles the night before he died 34 Unusual 35 Designer Piccone 36 Scratch and ______ sale

38 Offered 42 She appeared in “Where the Boys Are” before becoming a nun 43 Help 44 Sad 45 Worship 46 Passover meal 47 Falls 48 Word on a shampoo bottle 49 Betrayer 51 Observed 52 NT book that follows John 53 Bible section 54 City southeast of Milan 55 Epic poetry 58 River of Devon

JOSEPH MONTEIRO (Former principal of Foorman Music Studios) Born: Jun 10, 1924 Departed: Feb 14, 2007 God looked around His garden And found ANTOINETTE an empty place MARIE ZEHNDER Called to be with the He then looked down upon this Earth Lord on Feb 22, 1972 And saw your tired face.

Eternal rest grant He put His arms unto her, O Lord, around you and let perpetual light And lifted you to rest shine upon her.

God’s garden May she rest in peace. must be beautiful Lovingly remembered He always takes the best. by daughter Valerie, Dearly missed and sons Patrick, fondly remembered by Desmond, Barry, management and staff grandchildren, of Foorman Music great-grandchildren Studios, current and and loved ones. former students.

O N O R

M U T E

A R R A N B O G N I G E A B E D I L E F E S T E F R A N A O L L A M L D S

N I S A E S A C S U T E D F U L I L E A E Y P R R G O I C A R A R O L E S E R E D S P N T C O H E U R B A N E A R N S S L A K E

A R R O G A N T

C B E O A N S I E I N N C I G D P I C O O C O S T O R T R O D I N A O A T T L E A

F E A R

A R M S

N U L L S

G O E S

A M A S

S I R E

www.wordgamesforcatholics.com

Please turn to page 23 for more in memoriam advertisements.

Theresa Lim Augustine Goh Puay Choo Gek Seng Departed Feb 23, 2013 Dec 23, 1971

One thing I ask of the Lord; This I seek: To dwell in the Lord’s house All the days of my life, To gaze on the Lord’s beauty, To visit his temple From your beloved children and grandchildren.

The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

Fifth Anniversary In loving memory of

Cher Choo Hui Joseph Departed: Feb 25, 2011 Time takes away the edge of grief But memory turns back every leaf Gone from our lives one so dear But in our hearts forever near.

Fondly remembered and cherished by loving wife, children, children-in law, grandchildren, grandchildren-in law, great grand-daughter, relatives and friends.

Michael Yong Wah Cheong Departed: Feb 22, 2012 We remember and cherish the happy times together Remembering them today and forever.

Dearly missed and fondly remembered by your family and loved ones.

Eleventh Anniversary In loving memory of

Solution to Crossword Puzzle No. 1177 W I N D

(Psalm 27:4)

Sixth Anniversary In loving memory of

42

48

ACROSS 1 “…but do not perceive the wooden ___ in your own?” (Mt 7:3) 5 Mother of Ishmael 10 Miss Kett 14 The Archdiocese of Edmonton is in this province (abbr.)

15 Bring up?

16 Sharp bristle 17 A great deal 18 Sheep cry 19 PayPal parent company 20 Medieval musician 22 Sign from Jonathan that David’s life was in danger (1 Sam 20:20–23) 24 Number of foolish and wise virgins in the Gospel 25 Firearms 26 Enter by the ____ gate 30 Baptismal basin 31 Fit out 32 Netman Nastase 33 TV horse, of course 37 Stopper 38 Tendency 39 Overhang 40 Food for 33A 41 Direction from Bethlehem to the Jordan 42 City that was the home of Abram 43 Nat’l song 44 Biblical money

Thirteenth Anniversary In loving memory of

Forty-fifth Anniversary In loving memory of

39

43 47

13

23

32

46

12

Seventh Anniversary In loving memory of

VINCENT PEREIRA

S. KULANDAI V. JOSEPH Departed: Feb 28, 2010 STEWART TEO VEDAMANICKAM THIRESAMMAL Selvaraj MARIARAJ CHYE SOON Departed: We miss you DORETT Departed: Feb 19, 1996

Apr 11, 1990 Mar 16, 2015 Feb 15, 2003 in so many ways Departed: Feb 21, 2004 We miss things Nothing could be Time may heal the broken heart, you used to say We miss you more beautiful And when old times in so many ways than the memories Time may make the wound less sore, we do recall We miss things you we have of you, Pa. But time can never stop the longing It’s then we miss used to say To us they are truly you most of all.

And when old times precious because For the loved ones gone before. we do recall they are of you.

Sadly missed by family It’s then we miss you Dearly missed by all loved ones. and all loved ones.

Always remembered most of all. by your family, Mass will be offered at the Church of Christ Sixteenth Always remembered Lilian, Elaine, Jimmy, Anniversary the King on February 15, 2017 at 6.15pm. by wife, children Jaramy and Lenna.

In loving memory of and loved ones.

Fifteenth Third Anniversary In loving memory of Anniversary In loving memory of In loving memory of

LILY LIM HONG DAVID Called home to be with the Lord on 14 February 2002 (Church of St Francis Xavier, St Francis Xavier J5) Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name!

Dearly missed and cherished by children and loved ones.

25

31

45

11

Twenty-first Anniversary In loving memory of

In memoriam rates Minimum $80 for an insertion not exceeding an eight-centimetre column.

Additional space: $8 per one-centimetre column.

JOSEPH VICTOR SAMY Departed: Feb 17, 2006 Walled in our hearts There’s a garden Where memories bloom every day In the rainbow, colours of happiness Before the Lord took away.

Deeply missed and always remembered by wife Margaret Samy and daughter Theresa Samy, son-in-law Nathan and granddaughters Bernadette Lucy Nathan, Bridget Victrine Nathan and all loved ones.

Sunday February 19, 2017 n CatholicNews

In loving memory of our beloved parents Fifth Anniversary

Sixth Anniversary In loving memory of

Eighteenth Anniversary

ALBERT KHOO Departed: Feb 11, 2011 Fondly remembered by loved ones.

Wife: Maureen Son: Christopher Daughter: Adeline Son-in-law: Keith Grandson: Tyler

MAGDALENE LEE Paul YOKE KHENG choo Departed on:

Feb 22, 2012 June 12, 1999

We speak your name with love and pride We smile with tears we cannot hide We thank you for the years we shared The love you gave, the way you cared.

Dearly missed by children, grandchildren, great grandchild and loved ones.

In loving memory of

Eleventh Anniversary In loving memory of

GUY RICARDO MORIER Departed: Feb 11, 2006 Your heart of gold stopped beating Two smiling eyes at rest God broke our hearts to prove He only takes the Best The tears in our eyes will wipe away But the love in our hearts Will forever stay.

From loving wife, children, grandchildren and loved ones.

GREGORY CHEOK POH SEONG Departed: Feb 17, 1999 Gone from our lives One so dear But in our hearts Forever near.

Wife Cecilia and son Vincent.

Twenty-first Anniversary In loving memory of

Forty-second Anniversary In loving memory of

RAPHAEL NG GERTRUDE

POH SIONG HWANG Departed: Sep 28,2002 Departed: Feb 23,1994

Fondly remembered and dearly missed by daughter Cornelia and family.

Twentieth Anniversary In loving memory of

Please turn to page 22 for more in memoriam advertisements.

Eighteenth Anniversary In loving memory of

PETER TEO KHEOK KAY Departed: Feb 17, 1997 Your memory will never grow old.

It was destiny that made us part The sorrow that broke every heart But as time will heal all pain We know we’ll one day meet again.

Fondly remembered and missed by sister Helen and loved ones.

JOHN DANAM Called home on Feb 28, 1975 We remember and cherish the happy times together Remembering them today and forever.

Always remembered by wife, daughters and loved ones.

PETER ANG YONG MONG Departed: Feb 15, 1996 In our home he is fondly remembered, Sweet memories cling to his name; Those who loved him in life sincerely, Still love him in death just the same.

Always remembered and sadly missed by wife Teresa and loved ones.

Fourteenth Anniversary In Ever Loving Memory of Our Precious Darling Pa

Twelfth Anniversary In loving memory of

ANTHONY ADAIKELASAMY Departed: Feb 26, 2003 Take him in Thy arms, dear Lord, And ever let him be A messenger of love Between our hearts and Thee.

Forever loved and remembered by children and loved ones.

ERIC TAN CHUN KWAN Departed: Feb 24, 2005 Among the many gifts we have received from God, we are most thankful for you.

Our fondest memories of you will always remain in our hearts.

Always cherished by family and loved ones..

“Safe in Jesus’ Arms”

in memoriam 23

24

advertisement

Sunday February 19, 2017 n 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.