MARCH 06, 2016, Vol 66, No 05

Page 1

SUNDAY MARCH 6, 2016

SINGAPORE $0.70 CENTS / WEST MALAYSIA RM$2.10

MCI (P) 009/08/2015

PPS 201/04/2013 (022940)

VOL 66

NO. 05

INSIDE HOME Flash mob promotes marriages Couples make a splash on Orchard Road „ Page 3

ASIA Include women in foot-washing Sri Lankan bishops tell their priests „ Page 6

WORLD Get feedback from laity Church experts recommend for future synods „ Page 7

St John Paul’s friendship with woman Madonna’s concert, Rebel Heart, which is touring Singapore next Sunday on 28 February 2016, is causing a stir amongst Catholic and other Christian communities here. Many have expressed their concern and even outrage at the performer’s disrespectful use of Catholic and other Christian symbols during her performances. Social media is rife with comments about Madonna’s blasphemous music and even props. $V 6KHSKHUG RI KLV Ă€RFN His Grace Archbishop William Goh has made representations to various Ministries and Statutory Boards to communicate the Catholic Church’s grave concerns. Noting that whilst the Catholic community appreciates that “the

task of the government in balancing freedom of the arts and public sensitivities is a challenging one�, the Archbishop nevertheless highlighted that “in multi-racial, multi-religious Singapore, we cannot afford to be overly permissive in favour of artistic expression at the expense of respect for one’s religion, especially in these times of heightened religious sensitivities, particularly among active practitioners of religions�. In response, the authorities have given their assurance in various communiques with the Arch-

bishop, both in writing and orally, that restrictions have been placed to ensure that religiously-offensive content that breaches local guidelines will not be allowed on stage in Singapore and they have undertaken to exercise vigilance in seeing that the guidelines are not breached. The Archbishop reminds all Catholics that it is our moral obligation not to support those who denigrate and insult religions, including anti-Christian and immoral values promoted by the secular world. “There is no neutrality in faith; one is either for or against. Being

The Archbishop reminds all Catholics that it is our moral obligation not to support those who denigrate and insult religions.

present (at these events) in itself is a counter witness. Obedience to God and His commandments must come before the arts. As the people of God, we should subscribe to authentic Arts that lead us to God through the appreciation of beauty, harmony, goodness, truth and love, respect, unity and the transcendent; and not support the ‘pseudo arts’ that promote sensuality, rebellion, disrespect, pornography, contamination of the mind of the young, abusive freedom, individualism at the expense of the common good, vulgarity, lies and half-truths.â€? „ Issued by the Archdiocesan CommuQLFDWLRQV 2IÂżFH GDWHG 6DWXUGD\ )HEUXDU\ „ See also commentary on Page 5

Those close to him give their views „ Page 8

FOCUS People Power 30 years on Religious, priests share how it shaped them „ Page 17

FEATURE Social media initiatives for Lent Tools to help Catholics pray and give „ Page 19

2 HOME

Sunday March 6, 2016 CatholicNews

Archbishop William Goh speaking during his homily at the Rite of Election on Feb 13. He told catechumens that they have to be convinced about God’s love for them to truly receive baptism this coming Easter. Photo: OFFICE FOR CATECHESIS

More than a thousand to join Catholic Church this Easter By Jared Ng “I feel really empowered and embraced by God. He chose me,” shared Ms Anastasia Wendy Ng, 41, from the Church of the Risen Christ. Mr Roger Loh, 56, from the Church of St Vincent de Paul, said that “it is a very big milestone for PH DQG DOVR D WLPH WR UHÀHFW RQ my faith journey so far.” These were the feelings that some people, preparing to become Catholics this Easter, shared following their recent Rite of Election at the Church of Christ the King on Feb 13. There were 498 catechumens (non-Christians seeking Baptism) and 68 candidates (baptised Christians seeking full communion with the Catholic Church) at the Rite of Election at the Church of Christ the King. The following day at the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, there were 393 catechumens and 33 candidates. A Chinese Rite of Election was also held on Feb 21 at the Church of the Holy Trinity with 133 catechumens and two candidates. This would bring the total number of people entering the Catholic Church this Easter to 1127. The Rite of Election on Feb 13 and 14 saw the catechumens writing their names in the Book of Elect, which was in the form of a long scroll. Each person’s godparent placed a hand on his or her shoulder while they were writing their names. The candidates also joined in

Candidates taking part in the Call to Continuing Conversion at the Church of Christ the King.

the service and participated in a rite called the Call to Continuing Conversion in which they were urged to hear the Lord’s call to conversion and be faithful to their baptismal covenant. In his homily during the service held on Feb 13, Archbishop William Goh reminded the catechumens that the “decision [to receive the Sacrament of Baptism] you make for Christ will change your life totally”. “Will you make Jesus your Lord and Saviour?” he asked. Archbishop Goh told the cat-

echumens that “you must be convinced that the Lord has loved and therefore chosen you.” Noting that the temptations facing the catechumens would be similar to that faced by Jesus in the desert, Archbishop Goh called on the sponsors to “continue to journey with them, even after baptism.” Speaking at the end of the service, Archbishop Goh noted that the English Rite of Election last year had a total of “847 catechumens and candidates”. This year for the English Rite

It is a very big milestone ‘ IRU PH DQG DOVR D WLPH WR UHÀHFW on my faith journey so far.’

– Mr Roger Loh, 56, on going through the Rite of Election

Catechumens writing their names in the Book of Elect.

of Election, “we have 992 in total, which means a 17 percent increase,” said Archbishop Goh to the applause of many in the congregation. However, he said that the increase “can be better” and that “we need to work harder”. “It is not just about the numbers. Spreading the message of the good news is ultimately a work of love, a work of mercy,” he said. At the Rite of Election last year, Archbishop Goh said he wanted to see “a minimum of 5,000 catechumens a year in eight years’ time, and 15,000 in 17 years’ time.” Fr Erbin Fernandez, catechetiFDO GLUHFWRU RI WKH 2I¿FH IRU &DWechesis (OFC), told CatholicNews that “through our courses, workshops and formation sessions, we are encouraging catechetical groups to come together to pray

as communities as well as to work with others in the parish in the areas of evangelisation and discipleship.” The Rite of Election refers to an understanding that God continues to choose people through the covenant of baptism, just as He established a covenant with Israel. The rite provides an opportunity for the catechumens to be formally enrolled among God’s chosen people. The Elect, as the catechumens are now called, will undergo the rite of Scrutinies during the Lenten season to help them examine their lives. The community will also pray that the Elect be freed from temptations and be protected as they continue their journey towards baptism. jared.ng@catholic.org.sg

Sunday March 6, 2016 „ CatholicNews

HOME 3

Âś)UHH]H¡ Ă DVK PRE WR FHOHEUDWH :RUOG 0DUULDJH 'D\ More than 260 people, made up celebrating World Marriage Day of married couples, their children ZLWK D ÂżYH PLQXWH ÂłIUHH]H´ and family, came together in a This year, other Family Life Freeze Flash Mob event lasting groups including Focus on the ÂżYH PLQXWHV Family (FOTF), Family Life SoThe rain could not dampen ciety and the Archdiocesan Comspirits of the couples who gath- mission for the Family (ACF) also ered to celebrate World Marriage MRLQHG LQ WKH FHOHEUDWRU\ HYHQW Day in the heart of Orchard Road Couples who participated came RQ )HE from diverse backProudly carryJURXQGV DQG DJHV Since 2011, ing signs declarwere newly Worldwide Marriage Some ing the number of married while othEncounter (WWME) ers were married years they have been happily marIRU RYHU \HDUV Singapore has been ried, the couples The prize for organising a World gamely “frozeâ€? the longest marMarriage Day and held various ried couple went Freeze Flash Mob to to Nancy and Wilfun and loving poses together show that happy and liam Wee, who outside Ngee Ann have been married lasting marriages &LW\ &LYLF 3OD]D IRU \HDUV are possible. Many curious The youngest passersby stopped married couple was to look and take photos, wonder- Laura and Manuel Soliano, who LQJ ZKDW ZDV KDSSHQLQJ 7KLV ZDV ZHUH PDUULHG MXVW WZR PRQWKV DJR quickly explained with signs car-R\FH DQG 5RQDOG .KRR ZRQ ried by volunteers stating: “Please the prize for best pose with the GR QRW EH DODUPHG -XVW KDSSLO\ help of their two children holding married couples having fun!â€? WKH OHWWHUV Âł- ORYHV 5´ Since 2011, Worldwide Mar“We decided to strike this pose riage Encounter (WWME) Singa- as the kids have the same initials pore has been organising a World as our names and, symbolically, Marriage Day Freeze Flash Mob we wanted to draw them into the to celebrate marriage in Singapore love that we share as husband and in a unique way to show the world wife,â€? said the couple, who have that happy and lasting marriages EHHQ PDUULHG IRU \HDUV DUH SRVVLEOH WRGD\ For more information on MarLast year, 10 cities around the riage Encounter, visit www.MEsworld also joined Singapore in ingapore.org. „

Clockwise from above: Married couples came together to celebrate World Marriage Day on Feb 14. A couple striking a pose during the Freeze Flash Mob event. Children posing for a photo while their parents look on.

4 HOME

Sunday March 6, 2016 „ CatholicNews

Students bring Lunar New Year joy to elderly A group of Primary 2 students from St Anthony’s Canossian Primary School sang their way into the hearts of residents of St Joseph‘s Home on Feb 17, the 10th day of the Lunar New Year. The girls were accompanied by members of the Canossian Alumni Association (CAA) along with a few teachers, including their principal, Mrs Eugenie Tan. Also in attendance were Sr Theresa Seow, Provincial Leader of the Canossian Daughters of Charity (FDCC), Sr Janet Wang and Sr Dorothy Lim, spiritual director of the CAA. The eight-year-olds provided an upbeat and entertaining half

hour repertoire consisting of a Chinese New Year jingle and English melodies including I Can Sing a Rainbow, Top of the World and Bruno Mar’s Count on Me with a solo accompaniment on the ukulele. The residents were also presented with oranges and enjoyed luch sponsored by the CAA. The Canossian Schools/Alumni Partnering Programme aims to foster stronger bonds through the collaboration of alumni members getting involved in events and engaging with current students, teachers and parents at the Canossian institutions – namely Canossa Convent Primary School, St Anthony’s

Canossian Primary and Secondary Schools, as well as the Canossian School for the Hearing Impaired. This is the second partnering activity that St Anthony’s Canossian Primary School has organLVHG ZLWK WKH &$$ WKH ÂżUVW EHing a Children’s Day excursion to Universal Studios Singapore in October last year. At the end of the visit, the 27 gleeful little girls were told by Sr Theresa Seow that “these ‘CAA aunties’ used to be like you, students at St Anthony’s, wearing the same uniforms as you did. They loved the school so much that they volunteered to accompany you on this visit here!â€? „

Progress of archdiocesan update on parish Mass attendance survey The Archdiocesan Strategic Planning of Resources Team is pleased to report that we are making good progress with the Parish Mass Attendance Survey. As of the weekend of Feb 20/21, we have received 35,000+ responses representing a estimated total of 106,000 Catholics in Singapore. This is encouraging indeed and we thank all of you who have helped us by taking part in this survey. However, we know from the 2010 census that there are approximately 360,000 Catholics in Singapore. So we need every one of you to respond so that everyone can be accounted for! We need

the best possible picture of parish Mass attendance today so that we can continue to plan for your parishes and for the archdiocese. For those who have not responded, please log in to survey.catholic.sg as soon as you can. If you prefer to respond through printed forms, these are still availDEOH DW \RXU SDULVKHV DQG ZH XUJH \RX WR ¿OO RQH RI these forms and hand them in to your parishes today. His Grace Archbishop William Goh thanks you for your participation in the Parish Mass Attendance Survey and your continued prayers for the mission and work of the archdiocese in Singapore. „

St Anthony’s Canossian Primary School students performing for residents of St Joseph’s Home on Feb 17.

HOME 5

Sunday March 6, 2016 „ CatholicNews

MP weighs in on reactions to archbishop’s message on Madonna concert In a Facebook post, MP Alex Yam comments on online reactions

‘

I read with concern some of the comments online in reaction to the statement issued by His Grace Archbishop William Goh as guidance to Catholics in Singapore. Let us put things in perspective. His Grace as leader of his ÀRFN KDV D PRUDO REOLJDWLRQ WR VKHSKHUG DQG IXO¿O KLV WULIROG UROH to teach, govern and sanctify the local Church. ,Q RWKHU ZRUGV KH OLNH D IDther or a mother, has responsibility over the moral, physical, spiritual growth of the family he is elected to lead and serve. $QG MXVW OLNH DQ\ SDUHQW RU ROGHU VLEOLQJ HYHQ LI LW PDNHV KLP unpopular or seem naggy, he must state what he feels is needed in the context of faith that Catholics QHHG WR IROORZ $QG OLNH DQ\ HOGHU KRSHV WKDW WKH ÀRFN OLVWHQV So why the controversy over a couple of songs and a concert? Well it is the importance of symbolism. There are things we each hold dear to, it could be our famLO\ SKRWRV RXU ÀDJ RXU KRPHV our beliefs, our faith. Religious symbols too. So if someone wilfully burns RXU QDWLRQDO ÀDJ ZH KDYH ODZV that police that and we expect that our leaders will raise their voices in protest. If someone intentionally insults your family, will you not be indignant and defend your family’s honour. If someone enters your home and tears up your treasured photos will you not react and question the intentions. So the same with people of faith and our symbols. Whether or not they sacrilege the Bible, a Koran, the Torah, a Sutra, or tear a sacred image, intentionally burn D FURVV VZDVWLND LGRO ÀDJ VWDWXH symbol, you will expect that there will be a reaction. Profanity whether in the secular or religious context can rile DQG GLYLGH FDQ LQÀDPH DQG GLVDSpoint. And any leader of his or her community, if faced with such a situation must give leadership. :KHQ RXU 6LQJDSRUH ÀDJ ZDV burned in Vietnam in 2014, our leaders raised a protest and MFA LVVXHG D VKDUS UHEXNH 5LJKWO\ VR 7KH ÀDJ LV D VDFUHG QDWLRQDO V\Pbol, our collective identity, any insult to it is an insult to all of us. So we react accordingly. When Terry Jones threatened to burn a Koran in the US, both MUIS and the National Council of Churches in Singapore came

out strongly to give guidance to followers on the right reaction. So when any entertainer purports to burn a religious symbol IRU HQWHUWDLQPHQWœV VDNH WR GHQLgrate religious sensitivities for HQWHUWDLQPHQWœV VDNH WR WDNH GLIferent symbols and profane them, then religious leaders have a moral obligation to state their views to their followers. Which is what the Archbishop has done to guide his ÀRFN We may argue it is for harmOHVV HQWHUWDLQPHQWœV VDNH EXW LI ZH WDNH WKDW FDWFK DOO OLQH RI IUHH VSHHFK IRU IUHH VSHHFKœV VDNH then nothing is left sacred. Not your identity, not your totems, QRW \RXU QDWLRQDOLW\ QRW \RXU ÀDJ your family, your traditions, your language, your religion, nor your race. Everything can be profaned and insulted. (YHQ LI ZH WRRN WKH OLQH RI IUHH speech and freedom of expres-

US singer Madonna is scheduled to hold a concert on Feb 28.

sion, then one must be prepared to WDNH LW DV LW LV WKDW \RXU IUHHGRP of expression must be met with an equally robust and equally free response by those who disagree. One cannot state that your views qualify as free speech but a counter-argument is not. Yes, some argue that MDA has already said the contentious songs will not be performed in Singapore. But read carefully what the concert promoter said, that ultimately the artiste may decide on the stage whether or not a song will be on the set. So given that it may not be performed here but just as one banned overseas Muslim imam may be full of pleasantries when he last VSRNH LQ 6LQJDSRUH LW GRHVQÂśW WDNH DZD\ WKH IDFW WKDW WKH VDPH SUHDFKHU VSHDNV RI WKLQJV RQOLQH that run counter to the religious sensitivities of Singaporeans. As a Catholic myself, the Catechism of the Church teaches that I have free will, that God created

me with free will, as a rational being conferred with the dignity of a person who can initiate and control his own actions. So I am given mastery over my own actions. But this freedom comes with it responsibility. Free will means I can choose to ignore the guidance of my religious leaders or the core teaching of the Church but my responsibility is how I am portraying myself to others. My responsibility is also to ultimately answer to God with my actions. So freedom comes with its responsibilities and obligations. /LNH DQ\ SDUHQW RU OHDGHU +LV Grace has issued a statement to KLV RZQ ÀRFN LQ DFFRUGDQFH WR WKH teachings of the Church, for that particular audience. And a leader QHHGV WR PDNH NQRZQ KLV YLHZV and stance to others in authority. That a national paper should SLFN LW XS DQG UHSRUW LW LQ QR ZD\ purports to be guidance for all Sin-

His Grace as leader RI KLV ÀRFN KDV a moral obligation to shepherd and IXO¿O KLV WULIROG UROH to teach, govern and sanctify the local Church. gaporeans. In fact, liberum arbitrium means some Catholics may also choose to ignore the guidance. So the crux isn’t so much about the Archbishop’s letter being reported in the Straits Times, nor simply about giving guidance to Catholics, but about why symbols and imagery carry so much weight. As a Singaporean, I respect and welcome the artistry of any artiste who wishes to use his or her talent to entertain, but it doesn’t mean I will watch or support their acts if they run counter to my own beliefs, debases the beliefs of others or runs down my country. -XVW DV , WDNH JXLGDQFH IURP P\ SDUHQWV , WDNH FRXQVHO IURP the leadership of my faith to remind me that my freedom comes with equal responsibility, so that within my own actions, I stand guided. „

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5HSURGXFHG IURP 0U <DPÂśV )DFHERRN page with permission.

6 ASIA

Sunday March 6, 2016 „ CatholicNews

+HOS IRU )LOLSLQR ZRUNHUV DIIHFWHG E\ RLO SULFHV MANILA – The country’s Catho-

lic bishops are preparing ways to support Filipinos working in the Middle East who might be affected by falling oil prices in the region. The bishops said they would intensify their pastoral programmes for overseas Filipino workers, “reaching out to them through chaplains and to their families through the parishes,� said Bishop Ruperto Santos of Balanga, chairman of the bishops’ Commission on the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People. His remarks were reported by Asian Church news portal, ucanews.com. The bishop said the Church is ready to provide seminars and transition counselling to the workers. Bishop Santos said news that Filipino workers in the Middle East are in danger of losing their

jobs is “very alarmingâ€?. “A widespread retrenchment >RI ZRUNHUV@ ZLOO GHÂżQLWHO\ DIIHFW adversely their dependents hereâ€? in the Philippines, he said, adding that thousands of Filipinos work in the Middle East. Ucanews.com reported that in a statement on Feb 14, Bishop Santos urged the Philippine government to prepare a contingency plan and coordinate with host countries so that accurate data can be obtained on the conditions of Filipino workers. In early February, the Philippine government assured people that the country has enough funds for repatriation and other forms of assistance for Filipino workers who may be affected by plunging crude oil prices. On a per-country basis, the United States has the most Filipinos sending remittances, followed by Saudi Arabia. „ UCANEWS.COM

&KXUFK MRLQV FDOOV WR HQG ÂśKRQRXU NLOOLQJV¡ KARACHI, PAKISTAN – Church

leaders have welcomed a statement by Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to toughen laws to end the widespread practice of honour killings. Honour killing, also known as NDUR NDUL is the intentional murder of a family member for bringing shame to the family by having an illicit affair or refusing an arranged marriage. Hundreds of women are killed by their family every year in Pakistan in the name of honour. “Honour killing is a most critical issue and my government is determined to adopt all possible ways and means for removing this stain from our society,â€? Mr Sharif said. He made this commitment in a meeting with Oscar-winning 3DNLVWDQL ÂżOPPDNHU 6KDUPHHQ

Obaid Chinoy, whose documentary A Girl in the River: The Price of Forgiveness, highlighting the issue of honour killing, was nominated for an Academy Award. Church leaders have welcomed the statement. “We had been demanding strict laws and a stricter implementation against this tribal practice. The Church condemns killing of any kind,� Bishop Samson Shukardin of Hyderabad told ucanews.com. Fr Joseph Louis, executive secretary of Caritas Pakistan, said honour killing is a very dangerous dilemma in Pakistan. “In many cases, even if parents ultimately accept love marriages, victims’ brothers do not stop until they kill her to restore the so-called family honour,� he said. „ UCANEWS.COM

,QFOXGH ZRPHQ LQ IRRW ZDVKLQJ 6UL /DQNDQ ELVKRSV WHOO WKHLU SULHVWV COLOMBO, SRI LANKA – Sri Lankan bishops have asked priests to follow Pope Francis’ instruction of including women in the washing of the feet during Mass on Holy Thursday. “Pastors may select for the washing of the feet, a small group of the faithful to represent in variety and unity each part of the people of God,â€? said Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith of Colombo, president of the Sri Lankan bishops’ conference, in a statement on Feb 19. “Such small groups can be made up of men and women, and it is appropriate that they consist of people young and old, healthy and sick, clerics, consecrated men and women and laity,â€? the cardinal said. Pope Francis had in January instructed the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments to effect the changes in the rubric of the missal regarding the washing of the feet. This new directive will take effect on Holy Thursday, March 24. Previously, the missal said only males should participate in the foot-washing ceremony. Pope Francis however broke with that tradition when he included women in his celebration of Holy Thursday in 2013. The pope is “reminding pastors of their responsibilities to &16 ÂżOH SKRWR

Foot-washing ritual on Holy Thursday. Sri Lankan bishops have asked their priests to follow Pope Francis’ directive on including women in the ceremony. &16 ¿OH SKRWR

properly instruct both the chosen faithful as well as all the others, so that they may participate consciously, actively and fruitfully in the rite,� said Bishop Vianney Fernando of Kandy, chairman of the bishop’s Catholic National Commission for Liturgy and Culture. All pastors “will follow� the change that has been amended in the liturgy “in virtue of the faculties granted by the supreme pontiff�, the bishop said. “The amended rubric is to be

%R[HU JHWV à DN IRU UHPDUNV DERXW JD\ SHRSOH MANILA – A priest in central

Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao.

followed strictly by all pastors,� said Bishop Fernando, who also signed the statement. “This is something of a new experience for our local community as we have never seen women participation at the of washing of the feet during Holy Thursday. We are very positive of the changes,� said Mr Rayan Senasinghe, a Catholic from Colombo archdiocese. “Women, sick and vulnerable people may now feel that they are also part of the Church with much love,� he added. „ UCANEWS.COM

Philippines took a jab at boxing champ Manny Pacquiao for calling people in gay relationships “worse than animals�. “I think we should maintain the use of politically correct language as a sign of respect,� said Fr Joseph Tan from Cebu archdiocese. The former world boxing champion, who is running for a seat in the Senate in the May national elections, said in a video interview that “animals are better because they can distinguish male from female�. “If men mate with men and women mate with women, they are worse than animals,� Pacquaio said in the video that started circulating on social media on Feb 15. The boxing champ, a bornagain Christian, posted an apology on his Instagram account on Feb 16, but stood by his opposition to gay marriage. “I’m sorry for hurting people by comparing homosexuals to animals,� Pacquiao posted on Instagram. “Please forgive me for those

I’ve hurt. I still stand on my belief that I’m against same-sex marriage because of what the Bible says,â€? he added. “I’m not condemning [lesbian, gays, bisexual and transgender people]. I love you all with the love of the Lord. God bless you all and I’m praying for you,â€? he wrote. Referring to Pacquiao, Fr Tan said Christians should promote the protection of one’s dignity “even if we disagree with them in terms of opinion or lifestyleâ€?. Pacquiao’s statement drew Ă€DN IURP YDULRXV JURXSV ZLWK some calling the boxer’s comments “ignorant and bigotedâ€?. “Even the beloved leader of the Catholic Church does not condemn gays,â€? said gay comedian Vice Ganda. Pacquiao, 37, a second-term congressman, was a champion in eight weight classes. He fought and lost to Floyd Mayweather Jr last May. Boxing promoters announced that the FiliSLQR FKDPSLRQ ZLOO EH ÂżJKWLQJ Timothy Bradley on April 9. „ UCANEWS.COM

WORLD 7

Sunday March 6, 2016 „ CatholicNews

Displaced Catholics yearn for Lenten services Fr Anton Thavaraja, parish GHQWLDO ODQG FRQÂżVFDWHG E\ WKH 6UL priest of the Mullikulam church Lankan military is making it dif- and four other churches, said peoÂżFXOW IRU &DWKROLFV IURP 0DQQDU ple come to the church even on diocese to attend their local church 6XQGD\V ZLWK PDQ\ GLIÂżFXOWLHV “Earlier there were many refor special services during Lent. Âł7KH PLOLWDU\ GXULQJ WKH ÂżQDO strictions with people only being stages of the [civil] war told us allow to visit the church at a time to vacate our homes around the VSHFLÂżHG E\ WKH PLOLWDU\ :H KDG church and that we could return Sunday Mass at 11am but elderly soon but we have never been al- SHRSOH ÂżQG LW GLIÂżFXOW WR UHWXUQ lowed to return and we all became home after Mass in the heat of the sun,â€? the priest said. displaced,â€? said Ms Although the Vincentamma Croos, Mass time has been an 81-year-old parishchanged to 9.15am, ioner of Our Lady of ÂłLW LV VWLOO GLIÂżFXOW WR Assumption Church organise Lenten pracfrom Mullikulam. tices in the church People have to since people live very walk more than 4km far,â€? he said. through dense jun“During Lent we gle to attend Sunday want to conduct the Mass but now during Way of the Cross but /HQW LW LV GLIÂżFXOW WR attend Stations of the An image of the Sta- the elderly can’t come Cross, Benedictions tions of the Cross. Sri to church by walkand other daily special /DQNDQ &DWKROLFV ÂżQG ing 4km. Therefore evening prayer servic- LW GLIÂżFXOW WR DWWHQG we have the service es, she added. FKXUFK VHUYLFHV DV WKH\ near where they live now in the forest,â€? Our Lady of As- OLYH WRR IDU &16 ÂżOH SKRWR Fr Thavaraja told sumption Church in Mullikulam was built in ucanews.com. Moreover, children too miss 1786. Mullikulam is an agriculWXUH DQG ÂżVKLQJ DUHD RI DERXW out on special catechism classes 500 hectares. Inhabitants there and Lenten prayer services as have permanent title deeds but they are not able to trek through said they have been displaced the jungle during the week. “We have sent many petitions due to the establishment of WR JRYHUQPHQW RIÂżFLDOV LQFOXGa naval base in the area. Mannar diocese was hit hard ing the president to get back our by years of war as government lands but still there is no posiand rebels snatched lands from tive answer,â€? said the priest. „ UCANEWS.COM each other.

COLOMBO, SRI LANKA – Resi-

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Synods should get more input from lay faithful, Church experts say VATICAN CITY – An assembly of bishops at the Vatican should have more input from the lay faithful, said Church experts attending a seminar hosted by the head of the Synod of Bishops. A renewed understanding of the role of the people of God and their bishops “warrants considering not just the bishop of Rome [the pope] and the episcopate in the synodal process, but also the lay faithful,â€? said a communique issued by the synod’s secretary general, Cardinal Lorenzo Baldisseri. The communique, released by WKH 9DWLFDQ SUHVV RIÂżFH RQ )HE provided a brief summary of the

conclusions reached by a seminar held from Feb 6-9 at the Vatican. Sponsored by the synod’s secretary-general, the gathering looked at the Synod of Bishops as being at the service of a “synodal Church.â€? This rediscovery of the bishop’s relationship to the local and universal Church and the role of the lay faithful requires rethinking ways lay Catholics can play a bigger part in the entire synodal process – in preparing for a synod, in the actual gathering and in imSOHPHQWLQJ ÂżQDO GHFLVLRQV LW VDLG Based on the past two synod gatherings on the family, which consulted with the lay faithful beforehand through questionnaires

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Jakarta Catholics pledge support for environment JAKARTA – More than 1,000 Catholics from Jakarta archdiocese took to the streets of the capital on Feb 21 to support the government’s new push against plastic waste. Earlier that day the government began a trial policy requiring modern retailers to charge customers 200 rupiah (S$0.02) for each plastic bag. The policy aims at reducing the use of plastic bags and raising the people’s awareness. “In Jakarta, one problem related to environmental destruction is waste. We have a responsibility in this case,� Fr Alexius Andang Listya Binawan, who coordinated the Catholic response to the country’s National Waste Awareness Day, told ucanews.com. During the four-hour programme, Catholics wearing headbands that read, Brave to Care, walked the streets around the Ho-

WHO ,QGRQHVLD WUDIÂżF FLUFOH WR FROlect waste. “We want to make Catholics aware of the waste issue. We want them to understand that having such a concern is an important part of their Catholic faith,â€? Fr Alexius said. Charity Sister Gabriela said WKH SURJUDPPH ZDV D UHĂ€HFWLRQ RI the Lenten season. “We now have the Lenten season. One thing we can do is to fast from the use of plastic bags and styrofoam. We can protect the environment by reducing waste,â€? she told ucanews.com. Ms Sandra Dewi, a Catholic artist, said she was pleased to get involved in the programme. “If we don’t do it, then who will?â€? she asked. Data from the Environment and Forestry Ministry said that the country’s waste levels has reached 175,000 tons per day. „ UCANEWS.COM

and other methods of input, this kind of consultation with “the people of Godâ€? must become a permanent feature in preparing for a synod, it said. A number of participants at the seminar said they hoped there would be “greater listening to and involvement of the faithful who take part in a synodal assembly,â€? VSHFLÂżFDOO\ E\ WDNLQJ JUHDWHU DGvantage of the presence and input of lay experts and observers, it said. “Even though they cannot vote, they can carry out a role that is important, in any case, in the discernment and decision-making process,â€? it said. „ CNS

8 WORLD

Sunday March 6, 2016 „ CatholicNews

Those letters between Saint John Paul II and a woman Neither secret nor extraordinary, say those close to the late pope VATICAN CITY – Experts and

friends of St John Paul II responded quickly to a BBC promotion of a documentary about his friendship with Polish-born female philosopher Anna-Teresa Tymieniecka – questioning some of the portrayals of their friendship and outright dismissing others. “John Paul II’s friendship with her was neither secret nor extraordinary,� Poland’s national library, which hosts the late Tymieniecka’s letters from the pope, said on Feb 15. “The statements made in the media have no basis in the content of the letters of John Paul II to Anna-Teresa Tymieniecka which are in the National Library of Poland’s archives,� the library said, according to Agence France Presse. On Feb 15, BBC News discussed letters and various meet-

ings between the Pope and Tymieniecka, saying that the letters showed a close relationship. The BBC story said there is no suggestion the Pope “broke his vow of celibacy.â€? The news story preceded the Monday evening broadcast of a documentary on the British television station BBC One. Promotional material for the show depicts its subject as “the secret letters of John Paul II.â€? Mr Greg Burke, vice-director RI WKH +RO\ 6HH 3UHVV 2IÂżFH commented on the broadcast on Feb 15. “With regard to a documentary on the BBC, it comes as no great revelation that Pope John Paul II had deep friendships with a number of people, men and women alike,â€? he said. “No one will be shocked by that.â€?

The report started Internet rumours of an affair, but the late Pope’s long-time secretary, countered these. “Those who lived at John Paul II’s side knows very well that there is no space for malicious conspiracy theories,� Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz said in a statement. “He was free and transparent, he lived with no complexes because he was a very pure man, as he respected every person in every life’s situation. This is the only key of interpretation of his exemplary and holy life.� The friendship between St John Paul II and Anna-Teresa Tymieniecka was well known within John Paul II’s inner circle and outside of it. George Weigel’s biography of John Paul II, Witness to Hope, recounts that Tymienecka began

He was free ‘ and transparent, he lived with no complexes because he was a very pure man.

’

– Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz, the late pope’s long-time secretary

writing letters to him before he was a pope – when he was known as Karol Wojtyla. The letters discussed his philosophical thoughts after the publication of his book, The Acting Person. Msgr Pawel Ptasznik, a Polish priest in the Vatican Secretariat of State, was one of Pope John Paul II’s close collaborators for 10 years. +H UHĂ€HFWHG RQ WKH FRUUHVSRQGHQFH between the Pope and Tymienecka. “Even when the philosophical debate was concluded, she kept on writing to Cardinal Karol Wojtyla and then to Pope John Paul II. Since he was a very polite man, he used to respond to every letter of hers he received.â€?

Gianfranco Svidercoschi, a veteran Vatican observer and a biographer of John Paul II, also commented on the story. “Mrs Tymieniecka kept all the letters from the Pope, and also a copy of the letters she sent,� Svidercoschi said, according to quotes obtained by Italian news agency ACI Stampa. After John Paul II’s death, “she tried to sell her exchange of letters with the late Pope, and in the end the Polish National Library bought them all. However, the letters are not available for reading.� In his view, this is the reason why BBC can claim that these are “secret letters.� „ CNA

WORLD 9

Sunday March 6, 2016 „ CatholicNews

Bishop decries shootings in Michigan, prays for victims Calls for an end to all forms of violence Feb 21 in downtown Kalamazoo KALAMAZOO, MICHIGAN – Expressing shock and sadness, without incident and was being Bishop Paul J Bradley of Kala- held in jail. He was charged the mazoo offered prayers for the six afternoon of Feb 22 on more than people who were killed and two a dozen charges, including murothers who were injured by a der and attempted murder. Police said the shootings apgunman in the western Michigan SHDUHG WR EH UDQGRP 7KH ÂżUVW city. The bishop also called for an incident occurred outside an end to all forms of violence in a apartment complex in eastern statement released on Feb 21, the Kalamazoo County, where a woman was seriously wounded day following the shootings. At a special Mass for the vic- after being shot multiple times. tims on Feb 22 at St Augustine Four hours later and several kiloCathedral, Bishop Bradley ac- metres away, police said, a man knowledged the collective shock and his son were fatally shot rippling through the community while looking at vehicles at a car dealership. The last during his homily. incident occurred 15 “We come toThis tragedy minutes later when gether to place all ÂżYH ZRPHQ ZHUH our worries, sorrows, will not have shot outside a resfears and all our quesWKH ÂżQDO ZRUG taurant, police said. tions in God’s hands. Four of the women He is the one who 7KH ÂżQDO died while a 14-yearknows the answers to old girl was hospitalall our questions. He word is Jesus. – Bishop Paul J ised in serious conis the one who will give us the comfort Bradley of Kalamazoo dition. “Our thoughts and consolation for and prayers go out to the famiwhich we all long,â€? he said. The names of the six vic- lies and loved ones of the six tims who died were recited as innocent people whose lives the congregation collectively in this world were so mercilessly ended,â€? Bishop Bradley prayed. Bishop Bradley concluded his said in his Feb 21 statement. remarks by assuring the faithful “May they live forever with WKDW WKH WUDJHG\ ZLOO QRW GHÂżQH God in the life of the world to come.â€? the community. The bishop also offered a “This tragedy will not have WKH ÂżQDO ZRUG ´ KH VDLG 7KH Âż- prayer for the suspect, asking nal word is Jesus – and Jesus is that God “show him mercy and the victor – and those of us who change his heart.â€? “May this Lenten season be follow Jesus share in that vica time for all of us to turn away tory.â€? Jason Dalton, 45, of Kalama- from sin and be freed from the ]RR ZDV LGHQWLÂżHG DV WKH VXVSHFW VWURQJ KROG RI HYLOÂśV LQĂ€XHQFH VR in the shooting spree that kept the that we can live together in secucity on edge for several hours. rity and peace,â€? the bishop said. Dalton was arrested early on „ CNS

‘

’

People hugging at a vigil after six people were killed in a random shooting in Kalamazoo, Michigan on Feb 21. Kalamazoo Bishop Paul J Bradley decried the shootings and offered prayers for victims at a Feb 22 Mass. CNS photo

10 POPE FRANCIS

Sunday March 6, 2016 „ CatholicNews

Pope and Russian Orthodox 3DWULDFK PHHW IRU ÀUVW WLPH 0RQWKV RI QHJRWLDWLRQV DQG PRUH WKDQ WZR GHFDGHV RI 9DWLFDQ ZRUN ÀQDOO\ EHDU IUXLW

Pope Francis and Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill of Moscow embrace after signing a joint declaration during a meeting at Jose Marti International Airport in Havana on Feb 12. CNS photo

‘We spoke as brothers ...

We spoke clearly without mincing words ... We left with a series of initiatives that I believe are viable and can be done.’

– Pope Francis

‘,W ZDV D FRQYHUVDWLRQ ÂżOOHG

with content that gave us the opportunity to understand and hear the position of the other ... Currently both Churches can cooperate together to defend Christians around the world.’

– Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill of Moscow

HAVANA, CUBA – At long last, Pope Francis and Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill of Moscow embraced, kissing each other three times. “Finally,â€? the pope told the patriarch on Feb 12 as they met in a lounge at Havana’s Jose Marti International Airport, “we are brothers.â€? Amid the clicking of cameras DQG PXOWLSOH Ă€DVKHV 3DWULDUFK Kirill was overheard telling the pope, “Things are easier now.â€? “It is clearer that this is God’s will,â€? Pope Francis told him. $ Ă€LJKW RI DOPRVW KRXUV capped months of intense negotiations and more than two decades of Vatican overtures to bring a pope and a Russian patriarch toJHWKHU IRU WKH ÂżUVW WLPH Pope Francis had a pastoral visit to Mexico planned for months; the stop in Havana was announced only a week before the meeting. Pope Francis and Patriarch Kirill signed a joint declaration that emphasised the things the two Churches have in common. Addressing the situation in the Middle East and North Africa, they called on the international community “to act urgently in order to prevent the further expulsionâ€? of Christians, to end violence and terrorism and to ensure that large amounts of humanitarian aid reach victims. “Attempts to justify criminal acts with religious slogans are altogether unacceptable,â€? they said. “No crime may be committed in God’s name.â€? They called those who have died “martyrs of our timesâ€? and said they helped unite various Churches “by their shared sufferingâ€?. The two leaders also spoke of extreme poverty, the “millions of migrants and refugees knocking on the doors of wealthy nationsâ€? and consumerism. After they signed the document, they embraced and each VSRNH EULHĂ€\ Patriarch Kirill said they had a two-hour “open discussion with full awareness of the responsibility we have for our people, for the future of Christianity, and for the future of human civilisation itself. Âł,W ZDV D FRQYHUVDWLRQ ÂżOOHG with content that gave us the opportunity to understand and hear the position of the other. And the results of the conversation allow me to assure that currently both Churches can cooperate together to defend Christians around the world; with full responsibility to work together so that there may be no war; so that human life can be respected in the entire world; so that the foundations of human, family and social morality may be

strengthened through the participation of the Church in the life of human modern society.â€? Pope Francis said: “We spoke as brothers, we share the same baptism, we are bishops, we spoke about our Churches. We agreed that unity is done walking [together]. We spoke clearly without mincing words. I confess that I felt the consolation of the Spirit in this dialogue. I am grateful for the humility of His Holiness, his fraternal humility and his good wishes for unity. We left with a series of initiatives that I believe are viable and can be done.â€? For more than 25 years, Russian Orthodox patriarchs have refused to meet a pope because of what the Moscow Patriarchate claims is “proselytismâ€? on the part of Ukrainian Catholics. The Ukrainian Catholic Church is one of the Eastern Churches in full union with Rome. It was outlawed under the Soviet Union and its rebirth with Ukrainian independence has meant a loss of both buildings and faithful for the Russian Orthodox. In their statement, Pope Francis and Patriarch Kirill said all Christians are called to preach the Gospel. “We are not competitors but brothers, and this concept must guide all our mutual actions as well as those directed to the outside world,â€? they said. They added they hoped their meeting would “contribute to reconciliationâ€? wherever there is tension between Orthodox and Eastern-rite Catholics, who share the same spiritual and liturgical heritage. Using language similar to that found in a 1993 document of the international Roman CatholicOrthodox theological dialogue, the two leaders said “uniatismâ€? – incorporating one portion of a Church into another – “is not the way to re-establish unityâ€?. However, the two leaders, like the 1993 document, acknowledged that “the ecclesial communities which emerged in these historical circumstances have the right to existâ€? and to do what is necessary to minister to their faith. As for the Russian-supported war in Eastern Ukraine, the two leaders said, “We deplore the hostility in Ukraine that has already FDXVHG PDQ\ YLFWLPV LQĂ€LFWHG innumerable wounds on peaceful inhabitants and thrown society into a deep economic and humanitarian crisis.â€? They called on their Churches “to refrain from taking part in the confrontation and to not support any further development of the FRQĂ€LFW´ „ CNS

POPE IN MEXICO 11

Sunday March 6, 2016 „ CatholicNews

‘No more death, no more exploitation,’ pope says at US-Mexico border ‘Forced migration’ the focus of closing Mass during Mexico visit from Feb 12-17 CIUDAD

JUAREZ,

MEXICO

–

Speaking from the symbolic platform of the US-Mexico border in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, Pope Francis pleaded for the plight of immigrants while warning those refusing to offer safe shelter and passage that their actions and inhospitable attitudes were bringing about dishonour and self-destruction as their hearts hardened and they “lost their sensitivity to pain.� Recalling the story of Jonah and his instructions from God to save the sinful city of Ninevah by telling the residents that “injustice has infected their way of seeing the world,� Pope Francis’ homily called for compassion, change and conversion on migration issues. He alluded to Mexico and the US as Nineveh, the city he said was showing symptoms of “selfdestruction as a result of oppression, dishonour, violence and injustice.� He also said mercy was a way to win over opponents. “We cannot deny the humanitarian crisis which in recent years has meant the migration of thousands of people, whether by train or highway or on foot, crossing hundreds of kilometres through mountains, deserts and inhospitable areas,� Pope Francis said on Feb 17 to hundreds of thousands of people from both sides of the border. “The human tragedy that is forced migration is a global phenomenon today. This crisis, which can be measured in numbers and statistics, we want to measure instead with names, stories and families.� The Mass capped a six-day trip to Mexico in which Pope Francis travelled to the northern and southern borders and denounced the indignities of discrimination, corruption and violence. During the trip he also asked oftoppressed indigenous peoples for

Pope Francis arrives to celebrate Mass in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico on Feb 17. He highlighted the migration tragedy facing Mexico and called for an end to the injustice and dishonour facing the people.

Catholics gather at the Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas, to watch Pope Francis celebrate Mass. CNS photos

their forgiveness and chastised the privileged political and business classes – saying their exclusionary actions were creating “fertile ground� for children to fall into organised crime and drug cartels. Pope Francis delivered his homily a stone’s throw from the Rio Grande river, which has swallowed many migrants over the years as they vainly tried to enter the US in search of bettering their lot in life and, more recently, escaping violence enveloping Central America. The Mass was celebrated as a binational event with thousands

watching across the Rio Grande in El Paso and in a college football stadium. Migration has marked Mexico for generations, though the number of Mexicans leaving the country is now surpassed by those returning – involuntarily or otherwise – as poor job prospects, an increasingly forti¿HG ERUGHU DQG DQWL LPPLJUDWLRQ initiatives prompt most to stay put. Ironically, Mexico has assumed an unlikely role over the past several years – as enforcer as it detains and deports record numbers of Central Americans trying

‘

Forced migration is a global phenomenon today. This crisis, which can be measured in numbers and statistics, we want to measure instead with names, stories and families.

’

– Pope Francis

to transit the country. The Mexican crackdown came after thousands of Central American children streamed through Mexico in 2014, seeking to escape forced enlistment in gangs and hoping to reunite with parents living in the shadows of American society. “Each step, a journey laden with grave injustices. ‌ They are brothers and sisters of those excluded as a result of poverty and viROHQFH GUXJ WUDIÂżFNLQJ DQG FULPLnal organisations,â€? Pope Francis said, while lauding the priests, Religious and lay Catholics who accompany and protect migrants as they move through Mexico –

acts of compassion not always popular with the authorities. Ciudad Juarez once held the dubious distinction of “murder capital of the world.â€? More than 10,000 lives were lost between 2008 and 2012 as drug cartels battled over a coveted smuggling route and young people were seduced by easy money into illegal activities that led to their deaths. The pope’s visit was promoted E\ FLYLF RIÂżFLDOV DV D UHELUWK IRU &LXdad Juarez, though priests say the city still suffers from problems like violence and low-paid jobs. „ CNS „ More stories on pages 12-15

12 POPE IN MEXICO

Sunday March 6, 2016 „ CatholicNews

3RSH GHQRXQFHV FULPH YLVLWV MEXICO CITY – Pope Francis demanded forceful denunciations of drug violence in Mexico from the country’s bishops, who have preferred timid pronouncements instead of speaking prophetically on a tragedy that has claimed more than 100,000 lives over the past 10 years and left another 25,000 Mexicans missing. Speaking on Feb 13 to an audience of bishops in Mexico City’s Metropolitan Cathedral, Pope Francis urged them to confront the scourge of drug cartels and organised crime by raising their voices, developing pastoral plans, and “drawing in and embracing the fringes of human existence in the ravaged areas of our cities.� “I urge you not to underestimate the moral and anti-social challenge, which the drug trade represents for young people and Mexican society as a whole,� Pope Francis said. “The magnitude of this phenomenon ... and the gravity of the violence ... do not allow us as pastors of the Church to hide behind anodyne denunciations.� The pope spoke to the Mexican bishops for more than 40 minutes, delivering a tough talk on matters the pope plans to highlight in his six-day Mexican trip, including violence, migrants and indigenous issues. In offthe-cuff remarks, he warned of “the temptation of aloofness and clericalism� for bishops, called for clerical transparency and asked for unity in the Mexican bishops’ conference, which has pursued closer ties with political leaders in recent years. Pope Francis hit hardest on the drug issue, an issue that has vexed

Mexico and the Catholic Church over the past decade as a crackdown on drug cartels and organised crime has caused violence to rise, along with offences such as extortion and kidnap. Many of those victims and victimisers were baptised Catholics. Church observers said the pope’s message was unprecedented for Mexico, where the bishops’ conference has become quite conservative over the past quarter-century as the Church and government restored relations. In some Catholic circles, critical voices on issues such as hu-

I urge you not to ‘underestimate the moral and anti-social challenge, which the drug trade represents for young people.

’

– Pope Francis to Mexican bishops

man rights have been considered an impediment to that process. Pope Francis also alluded to the folkloric Santa Muerte, a skeletal pseudo-saint attracting hordes of followers in Mexico and Latin America, including many in the illegal drug trade. “I am particularly concerned about those many persons who, seduced by the empty power of the world, praise illusions and embrace their macabre symbols to commercialise death in exchange for money,� he said. The rise of Santa Muerte worship over the past 15 years has alarmed

Pope Francis addresses Mexico’s bishops in the cathedral in Mexico City on Feb 13. He urged them to raise their voices to confront the scourge of drug cartels and organised crime. CNS photo

the Mexican Church and drawn Vatican condemnations, said Mr Andrew Chesnut, religious studies professor

3RSH PDNHV ORQJ DZDLWHG YLVLW WR 2XU /DG\ RI *XDGDOXSH MEXICO CITY – Pope Francis ful-

ÂżOOHG KLV PXFK GHVLUHG ZLVK WR pray in silence before the miraculous image of Our Lady of Guadalupe. $IWHU FHOHEUDWLQJ WKH ÂżUVW 0DVV of his papal trip to Mexico on Feb 13, the pope made his way to the “camarinâ€? (“little roomâ€?) behind the main altar of the basilica dedicated to Mary. The miraculous mantle, which normally faces the congregation, can be turned around to allow a closer and more private moment of veneration. Laying a bouquet of yellow roses in front of the image, the pope sat down in prayerful silence with eyes closed and head bowed. After roughly 20 minutes, the pope stood up, laid his hand on the image and departed from the small room. About 12,000 people packed the basilica for the papal Mass and another 30,000 were watching on screens set up in the outer courtyard. Built in 1976, the Basilica

of Our Lady of Guadalupe is located near Tepeyac hill, the site of Mary’s apparitions to St Juan Diego in 1531. With some 12 million people visiting each year, it is Catholicism’s most popular Marian shrine. In his homily during the Mass, WKH SRSH UHĂ€HFWHG RQ WKH *RVSHO reading, which recalled Mary’s visit to her cousin Elizabeth. Mary’s humility in saying “yesâ€? to God’s will, he said, is a response “which prompted her to give the best of herself, going forth to meet others.â€? That very humility also led her to appear to a poor indigenous man, he said. “Just as she made herself present to little Juan, so too she continues to reveal herself to all of us, especially to those who feel – like him – ‘worthless,’â€? the pope said. Recalling the miraculous appearance of Mary’s image, Pope Francis noted that through such a miracle, “Juan experienced in his own life what hope

is, what the mercy of God is.â€? Pope Francis said that those who suffer do not weep in vain and their sufferings are a silent prayer that rises to heaven, “always ÂżQGLQJ D SODFH LQ 0DU\ÂśV PDQWOH ´ Like St Juan Diego, Christians are called to be Mary’s ambassadors and console those who are overwhelmed by trials and sufferings, he said. “‘Am I not your mother? Am I not here with you?’ Mary says this to us again. Go and build my shrine, help me to lift up the lives of my sons and daughters, your brothers and sisters,â€? the pope said. „ CNS

Right: The original image of Our Lady of Guadalupe is seen as Pope Francis delivers his blessing at the conclusion of Mass in the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City. CNS Photo

at Virginia Commonwealth University. There are an estimated 10 million followers in Mexico and abroad.

“It’s the chief concern of the Mexican Church in terms of religious rivals,� he said. „ CNS

POPE IN MEXICO 13

Sunday March 6, 2016 „ CatholicNews

V 0DULDQ LPDJH LQ 0H[LFR WULS ,Q FULPH SODJXHG periphery, pope preaches conversion ECATEPEC, MEXICO – Pope Francis began his travels to Mexico’s “peripheriesâ€? by visiting an overcrowded, sprawling settlement known internationally as a hunting ground for forcing girls into prostitution and for boys to enlist in the drug trade. Ecatepec, on the northern edge of Mexico City, also has tidy gated communities and a new shopping mall with department stores like Sears, a big WalMart, Starbucks and dozens of other shops and restaurants. Pope Francis celebrated Mass RQ )HE RQ D YDVW RSHQ ÂżHOG with some 300,000 people. More than 1.7 million people live in Ecatepec, which, Vatican Radio described as “a lawless neighbourhood where organised crime, pollution and poverty reign and where most people fear to tread.â€? In his homily, Pope Francis did QRW VSHFLÂżFDOO\ PHQWLRQ WKH YLRlence against women or the drug WUDIÂżFNHUV EXW LQVWHDG DGGUHVVHG the ways in which people give into

little temptations that too easily grow into great evil. In the Gospel story of Jesus being tempted by the devil in the desert, the pope said, “Jesus does not respond to the devil with His own words, instead He uses the words of God, the words of scripture. Because, brothers and sisters, ingrain this in your minds: You cannot dialogue with the devil! “You cannot dialogue with the devil because he will always win,� he insisted. “Only the power of the word of God can defeat him.� Lent, the pope said, is a time of conversion, which involves acknowledging each day how the devil tries to tempt and divide people. In a country known for huge inequalities in income and opportunity, Pope Francis denounced as a work of the devil the idea of “a society of the few and for the few.� “Three great temptations� – wealth, vanity and pride – are behind such an attitude and so many other ills that destroy society and attack human dignity, he said.

3HRSOH ZDYH WKH ÀDJV RI 0H[LFR DQG WKH 9DWLFDQ DV WKH\ ZDLW IRU 3RSH )UDQFLV WR FHOHEUDWH 0DVV LQ (FDWHSHF QHDU Mexico City on Feb 14. CNS photo

“We know what it means to be seduced by money, fame and power,� Pope Francis said. “For this reason, the Church gives us the gift of this Lenten season, invites us to conversion, offering but one certainty: He is waiting for us and wants to heal our hearts of all

that tears us down. He is the God who has a name: mercy. His name is our wealth.â€? After Mass, Pope Francis recited the Angelus with the thousands JDWKHUHG RQ WKH GXVW\ ÂżHOG %HIRUH leading the prayer, he recognised “how much each one of you has

suffered to reach this moment, how much you have ‘walked’ to make this day a day of feasting, a time of thanksgiving.� He urged the people to step up and work together to “make this blessed land of Mexico a land of opportunities.� „ CNS

3RQWLII DIĂ€UPV 0H[LFR¡V Be disciples of Christ, youths told Jesus never indigenous people in visit sends anyone out as a hitman, dealMORELIA, MEXICO –

In responding to the oppression of the Israelites, the pope to the culture and ancient wisdom said, God showed them His true of Mexico’s indigenous peoples, face, “the face of a Father who Pope Francis urged them to hold suffers as He sees the pain, misonto hope and condemned those treatment and lack of justice for who exploit their people and their His children.â€? land. During his stay in the city, Pope “Some have considered your Francis communicated the Vativalues, culture and traditions to be FDQÂśV RIÂżFLDO DSSURYDO RI WKH XVH RI inferior. Others, inthe local languages toxicated by power, in liturgical prayer. Yearn for money and market Two of the languages freedom and a trends, have stolen – Tzotzil and Tzeltal your lands or con– were used for some bright future, taminated them,â€? the the readings and it is something of pope said at a Mass prayers during the on Feb 15 with reppope’s Mass. to hold on to resentatives of MexiPope Francis and keep alive. quoted co’s indigenous comPopol Vuh, – Pope Francis munities. a collection of trato Mexico’s “You have much ditional indigenous indigenous peoples to teach us,â€? he told literature, which the elders, activists says, “The dawn rises and simple faithful gathered at a on all of the tribes together. The sports complex in San Cristobal de face of the earth was immediately Las Casas, a city in Chiapas. healed by the sun.â€? In a country rich in natural reThe quotation expresses a sources, but scarred by pollution yearning for freedom and for reachand inequality, Pope Francis com- ing “a promised land where opprespared the indigenous communities sion, mistreatment and humiliation to the ancient Israelites enslaved are not the currency of the day,â€? in Egypt, and he assured them that Pope Francis said. God hears their cry for dignity and Yearn for freedom and a bright respect and their longing to protect future, it is something to hold onto their cultures. and keep alive, the pope said. „ CNS

SAN CRISTOBAL DE LAS CASAS, MEXICO – Paying homage

ing in death, but calls Christians to be His disciples and friends, Pope Francis told Mexico’s youth. “Today the Lord continues to call you, He continues to draw you to Him, just as He did with the Indian, Juan Diego,â€? to whom Our Lady of Guadalupe appeared, he told tens of thousands of young people at Morelia’s Jose Maria Morelos Pavon Stadium on Feb. 16. Dozens of young people carried Ă€DJV UHSUHVHQWLQJ HYHU\ GLRFHVH RI Mexico present in the packed stadium or watching on big screens VHW XS LQ D ÂżHOG RXWVLGH Echoing his words to government authorities earlier in the week, the pope reminded the youths that they are the wealth of Mexico and of the Church. “A mountain can have rich minerals that will serve humanity’s progress; that is its wealth. But it only turns into wealth when the miners who take out the minerals work on it. You are the wealth, and you must be transformed into hope,â€? the pope said, in one of several departures from his prepared speech. However, Pope Francis recogQLVHG WKH GLIÂżFXOWLHV RI UHFRJQLVLQJ one’s value when material wealth, fashion and prestige become symbols of one’s worth.

Young people cheer as Pope Francis leads a meeting with them in Morelia, Mexico on Feb 16. The Holy Father reminded them that they are the wealth of Mexico and of the Church. CNS photo

“The biggest threat is when a person feels that they must have money to buy everything, including the love of others,â€? he said. The pope said belief in Jesus is a sure source of hope and can help \RXWKV ÂżJKW EDFN DJDLQVW WKH LQĂ€Xence of drug dealers “or others who do nothing but sow destruction and death.â€? “It is Jesus Christ who refutes all attempts to render you useless or to be mere mercenaries of other people’s ambitions,â€? he said. Departing yet again from his speech, the pope recalled a song

often sung by mountain climbers. “While they climb, they sing: ‘In the art of ascending, the victory isn’t in not falling, but in not remaining fallen,’� he said. The young can be certain that Jesus always will stretch out a hand to help them up, he said. Sometimes he “sends you a brother or sister to speak to you and help you. Don’t hide your hand when you’ve fallen. Don’t tell Him: ‘Don’t look at me because I’m all dirty, don’t look at me because I have no hope.’ Just reach out your hand and hold onto His.� „ CNS

14 POPE IN MEXICO

Sunday March 6, 2016 „ CatholicNews

Stop slavery; negotiate fair working conditions CIUDAD JUAREZ, MEXICO – God

Prisoners attend a meeting with Pope Francis at Cereso prison in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico on Feb 17.

Pontiff tells Mexican prisoners society needs system of ‘social health’ of this cycle of violence.� Pope Francis’ trip follows a Francis urged society to rethink its ideas of locking up inmates and brawl – blamed on incarcerated throwing away the key, calling members of rival cartels clashing such an approach another symp- – in a Monterrey prison a week tom of the “throwaway culture� earlier where 49 inmates died. In Ciudad Juarez, the pope he often decries. Speaking in a prison previously proposed prevention, along with plagued by riots and controlled by reintegration and rehabilitation, which he said, “bedrug cartels in a city gins outside, in the once considered the We have streets of the city.� “murder capital of forgotten to It also “begins the world,� the pope by creating a system proposed focusfocus on ... which we could call ing on prevention, people’s lives; social health, that is, reintegration and a a society which seeks system of “social their lives, not to cause sickness, health,� instead of those of their polluting relationon only on incarships in neighbourceration. families, and schools, town “Celebratthose who have hoods, squares, the streets, ing the Jubilee of Mercy with you is suffered because homes and in the of the social recalling the pressof this cycle of whole spectrum ... a system ing journey that we violence of social health that must undertake in endeavours to proorder to break the – Pope Francis mote a culture which cycle of violence and crime,� Pope Francis said on acts and seeks to prevent those Feb 17 at Cereso prison, home to situations and pathways that end in damaging and impairing the sosome 3,000 inmates. “We have forgotten to fo- cial fabric.� Toward the end of the brief cus on what must truly be our concern: people’s lives; their meeting, Pope Francis joined the lives, those of their families, and inmates for a moment of silent those who have suffered because prayer, telling them that only they knew what they would ask forgiveness for. Several inmates were seen crying as they prayed. Jesuit Fr Federico Lombardi said the pope’s remarks were broadcast to 389 other prisons, with a potential 254,000 inmates watching. „ CNS

CIUDAD JUAREZ, MEXICO – Pope

‘

will hold humanity responsible for enslaving the poor and treating people as less important than SURÂżWV 3RSH )UDQFLV WROG 0H[LFDQ workers and business leaders. “What kind of world do we want to leave our children?â€? the pope asked on Feb 17 during a meeting in Ciudad Juarez with 3,000 people representing the “world of workâ€? in a border town known for its factories offering low-wage jobs. Mexico’s minimum wage is the equivalent of about US$4 (S$5.60) a day. “God will hold today’s slavers accountable, and we must do everything to make sure that these situations do not happen again,â€? WKH SRSH VDLG Âł7KH Ă€RZ RI FDSLWDO FDQQRW GHWHUPLQH WKH Ă€RZ DQG WKH life of people.â€? Ms Daisy Flores Gamez, her husband, Mr Jesus Gurrola Varela, and two children welcomed WKH SRSH 0V )ORUHV WROG KLP WKH Âżnancial struggles caused by the low wages are obvious, but families also are being tested and even destroyed by the long hours workers are expected to put in to earn a pittance. “We believe the decadence DQG FRQĂ€LFW RI YDOXHV LQ RXU VRFL-

‘7KH Ă€RZ RI FDSLWDO cannot determine WKH Ă€RZ DQG the life of people.

’

– Pope Francis

Pope Francis accepts a gift during a meeting with workers and employers in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico on Feb 17. He told those gathered that dialogue and respect for human dignity are the only paths to a better future. CNS photo

ety come, in part, from an absence of parents in the home,� she said, pleading with the pope to intercede for them with governments and businesses to institute eighthour workdays. Straying from his prepared text, the pope told those present that he once knew a businessman who would go into negotiations saying, “’I know I’m going to lose

something so that we can all win.’ That man’s philosophy is so beautiful. When you negotiate, you will always lose something, but everyone wins.� Business owners, just like the workers, have a stake in improving the situation for individuals and for the nation, the pope said. Mr Juan Pablo Castanon, president of a national business leaders’ organisation, told the pope that half of all Mexicans are poor and six out of 10 workers have no insurance or social security. He thanked the pope for his visit, assuring him that the business leaders present are committed to a vision of human development that aims at “the sustainability of businesses and sources of jobs,� as well as at promoting a “social dialogue� that will help the whole nation move forward. „ CNS

’

Pope Francis waves to people gathered in El Paso, Texas, after praying at a cross on the Mexican side of the border in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico on Feb 17. CNS photo

Holy Father remembers those who crossed Mexican-US border CIUDAD JUAREZ, MEXICO – At

the US-Mexico border, Pope Francis blessed a large cross in memory of all the people who have crossed the frontier. The pope said nothing during the gesture on Feb 17, but he clasped his hands tightly in prayer and bowed his head in silent prayer. Then, to the great joy of people, including immigrants, gathered in El Paso, Texas, on the other side of the fence, the pope waved. The whole thing lasted less

than three minutes. But with hundreds of thousands of people waiting in a fairgrounds nearby for Mass, the pope was intent on taking the time to acknowledge WKH VLJQLÂżFDQFH RI WKH VSRW Ms Lily Limon, of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in El Paso, whose parents were immigrants from Mexico, put her hand over her heart as she saw the pope bless the border. “To know that he was this close to us, and he took time to bless and look over to us, to the VIPs

seated here, our immigrants, our young people that have crossed over undocumented, our migrant workers, this is just an incredible gesture and for us and unforgettable experience,� she said. According to the Pew Research Centre, there were 11.3 million unauthorised immigrants in the US in 2014 – which makes about 3.5 percent of the nation’s population. Mexicans make up about half of all unauthorised immigrants, the centre said in a report in November 2015. „ CNS

POPE IN MEXICO 15

Sunday March 6, 2016 „ CatholicNews

Pope on Zika virus, Trump, John Paul’s ‘relationship’ CNS photo

By InĂŠs San MartĂ­n

CNS photo

ON BOARD THE PAPAL PLANE –

While strongly rejecting abortion as a solution to the Zika virus now sweeping across Latin America and elsewhere, Pope Francis nonetheless appeared to signal an openness to birth control to prevent infection. In remarks to reporters on his way back to Rome from Mexico, the pope cited a decision by Pope Paul VI in the early 1960s to allow Catholic nuns in the Congo to take contraceptives to avoid pregnancy due to rape. Avoiding a pregnancy under such circumstances, Pope Francis said, “is not an absolute evil.â€? +RZHYHU KH GLG QRW VD\ VSHFLÂżcally that he would approve conWUDFHSWLRQ LQ WKH ÂżJKW DJDLQVW =LND During an hour-long press conference aboard the papal plane, Pope Francis also called Mr Donald Trump’s proposal to build a massive wall along the US-Mexico border “not Christian,â€? said bishops who move around abusive priests should resign, suggested the door is open to Communion for divorced and civilly remarried Catholics, and said St John Paul II’s friendship with a married woman was nothing more than that.

Zika virus On the Catholic response to the Zika virus, native to Africa and Asia but with outbreaks now prevalent in Catholic-heavy South and Central America, the pontiff clearly ruled out abortion as a solution. But he seemed to leave the door open as to whether the traditional Catholic principle of the “lesser of two evils� could apply to the use of contraception. The Zika virus, transmitted by a mosquito, has mild symptoms in adults, but is believed to cause mi-

Aboard the papal plane home, Pope Francis answered various questions from reporters including on US politician Donald Trump, taking contraceptives to counter the Zika virus, and communion for divorced and civilly remarried Catholics.

crocephaly in babies when a pregnant woman is infected. “Abortion is never the lesser evil, it’s a crime,â€? Pope Francis said categorically. “It’s to discard one to VDYH DQRWKHU RQH ,WÂśV ZKDW 0DÂżD does; it’s a crime, an absolute evil.â€? Regarding the “lesser of two evilsâ€? when it comes to contraFHSWLRQ KH VDLG WKDW LWÂśV D ÂżJKW EHWZHHQ WKH ÂżIWK FRPPDQGPHQW (thou shalt not kill) and the sixth commandment (thou shalt not commit adultery). But he avoided JLYLQJ D GHÂżQLWLYH UHVSRQVH The pontiff did make an apSHDO IRU GRFWRUV WR ÂżQG D YDFFLQH for the virus.

Donald Trump and his wall Just hours after visiting the USMexico border to bless a group on the US side that included undocumented immigrants, Pope Francis bluntly described a proposal by Grand Old Party (GOP) presidential frontrunner Donald Trump to build a massive wall along the border as “not Christian.� “Building walls instead of bridges is not Christian; this is not in the Gospel,� the pope said.

The pope said he hadn’t heard about Mr Trump’s plan, but took reporter’s word for it, and said KHÂśG JLYH 0U 7UXPS ÂłWKH EHQHÂżW of the doubt.â€? But he added: “I’d just say that this man is not Christian if he said it this way.â€? However, Pope Francis declined to wade into US politics, saying he didn’t want to “get involvedâ€? on whether a Catholic should vote for a candidate who proposes building a wall and deporting 11 million undocumented immigrants.

Bishop accountability Pope Francis said a bishop who moves an abusive priest to another parish instead of reporting him to authorities “is an unconscientious man, and the best thing he can do is to present his resignation.� “Is that clear?� he asked.

Communion for divorced Catholics Asked about divorced and civilly remarried couples, the pontiff said “the doors are open,� but it can’t be said that “from now on you can receive Communion� because that

would be “a wound for marriage, for the couple, because it wouldn’t lead them through a path of reintegration [into the life of the Church].� He noted that there are many Catholic couples that demand access to the sacrament but only go to Mass once or twice a year.

St John Paul and his female friend The Holy Father also shared his thoughts regarding the recent disclosure of letters from St John Paul II and a Polish-American woman, which revealed a deep friendship which some have interpreted as suggesting romantic feelings by the pontiff, though there’s no suggestion that St John Paul was ever unfaithful to his vows of celibacy. Pope Francis said that a man “who doesn’t have the friendship of a woman is incomplete.� “The pope is a man,� he said. “The pope needs the input of women too. And the pope, too, has a heart that can have a healthy, holy friendship with a woman.� He then said that a friendship with a woman is not a sin, it’s a friendship. “A romantic relation-

ship with a woman who is not your wife,â€? on the other hand, he said is a sin. On several opportunities before departing for Mexico, Pope Francis said that the main reason behind his trip was his desire to visit the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe. She had appeared in Mexico City to an Indian in 1531. He had asked to have some time alone with the image, something he got on Feb 13, after celebrating a Mass for 40,000 people. “I asked her for the world, for peace, for so many things ‌ poor her, she ended with her head like this,â€? the pope joked, making a gesture of exhaustion. He said that he’d also asked Our Lady for priests to be real priests, nuns real nuns, and bishops real bishops. “But what a son asks of his mother is secret!â€? Pope Francis added. Asked about what his dreams are, Pope Francis didn’t doubt: “China, going there.â€? „ InĂŠs San MartĂ­n is the Vatican correspondent for Crux, stationed in Rome. Reprinted with permission from Crux: Covering All Things Catholic (www. cruxnow.com).

16 OPINION

Sunday March 6, 2016 „ CatholicNews

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NEWS FEATURE

3RSH FDOOV IRU MXELOHH PRUDWRULXP RQ GHDWK SHQDOW\ VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis called for a moratorium on executions during the Year of Mercy DQG VDLG WKH ÂżIWK FRPPDQGPHQW “Thou shalt not kill,â€? applies not only to the innocent but to the guilty as well. “Even a criminal has the inviolable right to life, a gift of God,â€? he said on Feb 21 after reciting the Angelus with visitors gathered in St Peter’s Square. Marking the beginning of an international conference “For a world without the death penalty,â€? sponsored by the Community of Sant’Egidio, the pope expressed hope that it will strengthen efforts to abolish the death penalty. Increasing opposition worldwide to the death penalty as “an instrument of legitimate social defenceâ€? is “a sign of hope,â€? he said. “This issue has to be considered within the perspective of a penal justice, which is more and more in compliance with human dignity and God’s plan for humanity and society,â€? the pope said. The pope appealed to world leaders to reach an international consensus on the abolition of the death penalty. He also proposed Catholic government leaders “make a courageous and exemplary gesture by seeking a moratorium on executions during this Holy Year of Mercy.â€? “All Christians and people of good will are called today to work not only for the abolition of the death penalty, but also to improve the conditions of life in prison, in the respect of human dignity of people deprived of freedom,â€? he said.

A close-up of a table in the US where executions are carried out by lethal injection Pope Francis appealed to world leaders to come to a consensus on the abolition of the death penalty. CNS photo

In his remarks before reciting the Angelus prayer, the pope recalled his Feb 12-17 visit to Mexico, calling it an “experience RI WUDQVÂżJXUDWLRQ ´ “The Lord has shown us the light of His glory through the body of the Church, of His holy

Even a criminal has ‘the inviolable right to life, a gift of God.’

– Pope Francis

people that lives in this land – a body so often wounded, a people so often oppressed, despised, violated in its dignity. The various encounters we experienced in Mexico were truly full of light: WKH OLJKW RI D IDLWK WKDW WUDQV¿Jures faces and enlightens our path,� he said.

Pope Francis also gave thanks to God for his meeting with Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill of Moscow, calling it “a prophetic light of the Resurrection which the world today needs more than ever.� Before concluding his address, the pope prescribed some “spiritual medicine� to the faithful for the Lenten season: the rosary. Volunteers, including some poor, homeless and refugees along with religious, distributed small white boxes with an anatomical drawing of the human heart that contained a rosary along with the Divine Mercy image of Jesus. “Receive this gift as a spiritual help to spread love, forgiveness and brotherhood, especially during this Year of Mercy,� the pope said. „ CNS

2Q UHDGLQJ GLIĂ€FXOW SDVVDJHV LQ VFULSWXUH A PRIEST colleague of mine shares this story: Recently, after presiding at a Eucharist, a woman from the congregation came up to him with this comment: “What a horrible scripture reading today! If that’s the kind of God we’re worshipping, then I don’t want to go to heaven!â€? The reading for that day’s liturgy was taken from Chapter 24 of the Second Book of Samuel where, seemingly, God gets upset with King David for counting the number of men he had for military service and then punishes him by sending a pestilence that kills seventy thousand people. Is this really the word of God? Did God really get angry with David for doing a simple census and kill 70,000 people to teach him a lesson? What possible logic could justify this? As it stands, literally, yes, this is a horrible text! What do we do with passages like this and many others where God, seemingly, demands violence in His name? To cite just one example: In His instructions to Joshua when they enter the promised land, God orders him to kill everything in the land of Canaan, all the men, all the women, all the children, and even all the animals. Why? Why would God so grossly want all these people destroyed? Can we believe God would do this? There are other similar examples, as, for instance, in the Book of Judges, where God grants the prayer of -HSKWKDK WKH *LOHDGLWH RQ WKH FRQGLWLRQ WKDW KH VDFULÂżFHV KLV RZQ GDXJKWHU RQ WKH DOWDU RI VDFULÂżFH 7H[WV OLNH WKLV VHHP WR JR DJDLQVW the very essence of the nature of God as the rest of scripture reveals it. God, in scripture, is sometimes seemingly shown to be arbitrary, heartless, violent, demanding violence from believers, and completely calloused about the lives of anyone not among His chosen favourites. Nothing could be further from the truth and nothing could be further from the meaning of these texts. These texts, as biblical scholarship makes clear, are not to be taken literally. They are anthropomorphic and archetypal. Whenever they are read they could be preceded by the kind of disclaimer we now often see at movies where we are WROG 1R UHDO DQLPDOV GLHG ZKLOH PDNLQJ WKLV ÂżOP 6R WRR QR UHDO people die in these texts. First of all, these texts are anthropomorphic, meaning that in them we attribute our own emotions and intentions to God. Hence these WH[WV UHĂ€HFW RXU IHHOLQJV QRW *RGÂśV )RU H[DPSOH ZKHQ 3DXO WHOOV XV that when we sin we experience the “wrath of Godâ€?, we are not to believe that God gets angry with us when we sin and sends positive punishment upon us. Rather, when we sin, we punish ourselves, begin to hate ourselves, and we feel as if God has gotten angry with us. Biblical writers frequently write in this genre. God never hates us, but, when we sin, we end up hating ourselves. These texts are also archetypal, meaning that they are powerful, primordial images that explain how life works. I remember a man coming up to me one Sunday after a liturgy, when the reading had proclaimed God’s order to Joshua to kill all the Canaanites upon entering the Promised Land. The man said to me: “You should have let me preach today. I know what that text means: I’m an alcoholic in recovery – and that text means ‘cold turkeyâ€?. As an alcoholic, you have to clean out your liquor cabinet completely, every bottle, you can’t be having even a single drink. Every Canaanite has to be killed! Jesus said the same thing, except he used a softer metaphor: New wine, new wineskins.â€? In essence, that’s the meaning of this text. But even so, if these texts are not literal aren’t they still the inspired word of God? Can we just explain them away because we feel them inconvenient? Two things might be said in response to this: First, all individual texts in scripture must be seen within the larger, overall framework of scripture and our overall theology of God and, as such, they demand an interpretation that is consistent with the nature of God as revealed overall in scripture. And, in scripture as a whole, we see that God is non-negotiably all-loving, all-merciful, and all-good and that it is impossible to attribute bias, callousness, brutality, favouritism, and violence to God. Moreover, scripture is binding and inerrant in the intentionality of its message, not in the literalness of its expression. We do not, for example, take literally Jesus’ command to “call no one on earth your fatherâ€?, nor Paul’s command: “Slaves be subject to your masters.â€? Context and interpretation are not rationalisations, they are sacred duty. We may not make scripture unworthy of God. „

FOCUS 17

Sunday March 6, 2016 „ CatholicNews

How the People Power Revolution affected my faith Filipino priests and Religious recall the dramatic events 30 years ago that transformed their lives MANILA – Religious and clergy in

the Philippines say their experiences in the People Power Revolution 30 years ago have had a lasting impact on their faith and vocations. Sr Porferia “Pingpingâ€? Ocariza, a member of the Daughters of St Paul, told Catholic News Service (CNS) that what she did on Feb 23, 1986, was worth it. “Because for me at that time when we were facing the tanks, I believed heavily that God was there,â€? she said. “God was there as if the seed [of democracy] was being planted.â€? A three-week protest that saw millions of Filipinos converge on a main thoroughfare just outside the country’s military headquarters toppled Ferdinand Marcos who had been in power for more than 15 years. Marcos had ordered his military to disperse angry crowds that claimed he stole a snap election from Corazon Aquino. Standing in pairs, Sr Ocariza and 16 other nuns led the rosary as soldiers escorted rolling military tanks with their turrets trained on the sisters. The nun said staring down those tanks has been the scariest experience of her life. “I said, ‘Lord forgive me for all my sins and even the offences of our Filipino people.’ If really the tanks would crush us, at least ... kill us Sisters, not the people because we [did not] want bloodshed. I love my country.â€? But the tanks stopped. And the soldiers joined the protesters reciting the rosary. Sr Ocariza said she believed that God heard their prayers and saved the country from what could have been a violent, bloody uprising. She said she looks back to that time as a source of courage and a reminder to press ahead to ÂżJKW IRU ZKDW LV ULJKW 7RGD\ VKH continues to press for housing for the poor in metro Manila. The nun, along with droves of clergy and Religious, joined the 1986 protests after a message broadcast from then-Cardinal Jaime Sin of Manila. Fr Larry Faraon, a former Dominican, was station administrator for Radio Veritas, which at the time was one of a handful of broadcasters not controlled by the government. Cardinal Sin “only called up onceâ€?, Fr Faraon told CNS. “But then it was my decision to replay it ... every 10 minutes.â€? The cardinal had implored citizens of the overwhelmingly

Catholic country to pray and especially go and support the rebel forces led by then-defence minister Juan Ponce Enrile and General Fidel Ramos, who both turned against Marcos and sided with the Aquino camp. Fr Anton Pascual, current president of Radio Veritas, said the Marcos regime was “aware of the Church’s moral ascendancy. He [Marcos] knew how to play politics with the Churchâ€? and that the Church was very powerful whenHYHU LW ÂłZRXOG Ă€H[ KHU PXVFOH´ But Fr Pascual, who was a 25-year-old seminarian assigned to help monitor the vote counting, said Marcos retaliated against the station over the message of Cardinal Sin. Fr Faraon said that, during the turmoil following the snap elections, the Marcos military brought down the Radio Veritas transmitter

Sr Ocariza: ‘If really the tanks would crush us, at least ... kill us Sisters, not the people because we [did not] want bloodshed.’

in Bulacan province, just north of metro Manila. He said he learned from rebel troops guarding the station’s only temporary transmitter in Quezon City that their antenna was in danger of being razed. He had to decide whether to close the station. With just little more than a year in the priestKRRG KH FDOOHG LW ÂłD GHÂżQLQJ PRmentâ€? in his vocation. He said, “I really had to make a choice between being a martyr or just living it off and returning to my convent and telling everybody, ‘Well, that’s all for you. That’s not for me.’â€? But his staff said they wanted to see the work through. “All of a sudden I felt there was a very, very strong call ... to answer right now. ... It transformed me. I learned so much ... from that personal experience,â€? he said. „ CNS

Daughter of St Paul nun, Sr Porferia Ocariza, is seen on the left looking stunned as the military tanks approached. CNS photo

18 LENTEN FEATURE

Sunday March 6, 2016 „ CatholicNews

A conversion of heart for the planet’s sake Treating the environment with love and care this Lenten season By Daniel S Mulhall During Lent, Christians examine their conscience to consider the steps they can take to change their lives to better follow Jesus. In his recent encyclical letter Laudato Si: On Care for Our Common Home, Pope Francis has called us to examine our conscience about our relationship with the earth and how we treat it. 5HĂ€HFWLQJ RQ WKH FRQWHQWV RI this letter and its challenges for how we live on this planet seems a valuable Lenten exercise. The encyclical takes its name from the prayer of St Francis of Assisi, beginning with the words, “Praise be to you, my Lord.â€? The pope, citing his namesake, notes that St Francis thought of the earth as his sister “with whom we share our life and a beautiful mother who opens her arms to embrace usâ€? and sustain us. The earth, says Pope Francis, has been wounded by our sin and “is among the most abandoned and maltreated of our poor; she ‘groans in travail’ (Rom 8:22).â€? We have forgotten that we are only a part of God’s creation, and we are “dust of the earth; our very bodies are made up of her elements, we breathe her air and we receive life and refreshment from her waters,â€? as Genesis 1 and 2 remind us.

We must come to understand that ‘to commit a crime against the natural world is a sin against ourselves and a sin against God.’ – Pope Francis quoting Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople, spiritual head of the Orthodox Churches

In calling us to a conversion of heart, the pope quotes the spiritual head of the Orthodox Churches, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople, saying that we are called to “repent of the ways we have harmed the planet,â€? and “acknowledge ‘our contribution, smaller or greater, to the GLVÂżJXUHPHQW DQG GHVWUXFWLRQ RI creation.’â€? We must come to understand that “to commit a crime against the natural world is a sin against ourselves and a sin against God.â€? The pope challenges us to consider the “ethical and spiritual roots of environmental problemsâ€? DQG WR ORRN IRU VROXWLRQV ÂżUVW LQ the heart. Again citing Patriarch Bartholomew, Pope Francis asks us to “to replace consumption with

A man hugs a tree in Nepal. Lent provides an opportunity for Catholics to take responsibility to care for the environment. CNS photo

VDFULÂżFH JUHHG ZLWK JHQHURVLW\ wastefulness with a spirit of sharingâ€? and to develop “an asceticismâ€? that empowers us “to give, and not simply to give upâ€?. While the encyclical provides VSHFLÂżF GHWDLO IRU OLYLQJ DQ HFR-

logically sound life in keeping with Catholic social teaching, its core can be found in these words from the ecumenical patriarch quoted by Pope Francis: “It is our humble conviction that the divine and the human

meet in the slightest detail in the seamless garment of God’s creation, in the last speck of dust of our planet.� „ CNS Mulhall is a catechist. He lives in Laurel, Maryland, USA.

Focusing on God’s love for us By Daniel S Mulhall /HQW LV D WLPH IRU UHĂ€HFWLQJ RQ RXU OLYHV DQG seeking to understand how we can grow closer to God. During this Year of Mercy, perhaps our focus should be on understanding what God has done and will do for us, and then consider what changes we must make in our lives so that we too can do for others. As Jesus says in the Gospel, “If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet. I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also doâ€? (Jn 13:14-15). Following this time of 40 days of fasting and prayer in the desert, Jesus emerged with a passionate message of God’s love and mercy. He went throughout Galilee “proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and curing every disease and illness among the peopleâ€? (Mt 4:23). In His teaching about the good news of the kingdom, Jesus used parables to explain God’s great love for us. The message in the parable in Luke 15:11-32 is of a father who welcomes his wayward son back with open arms without waiting for the son to apologise for anything. The image of God as merciful is not unique

your enemies, do good ‘toLove those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.

’

– Luke 6 :27-29

A statue depicting Jesus washing the feet of one of His disciples. Following Jesus’ example, Catholics should seek to understand how they can serve others in this time of Lent.

to Jesus. It is found frequently in the Old Testament, in many examples in the Psalms. The prophet Isaiah proclaimed God’s never-ending love for us in one of the most beautiful passages in the Bible: “Sing out, heavens, and rejoice, earth,

break forth into song, you mountains, For the Lord comforts His people and shows PHUF\ WR +LV DIĂ€LFWHG So, for Lent this year perhaps our focus should be on practising that teaching of Jesus found in Luke 6:27-36:

“But to you who hear I say, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. To the person who strikes you on one cheek, offer the other one as well, and from the person who takes your cloak, do not withhold even your tunic. “Give to everyone who asks of you, and from the one who takes what is yours do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you. ... love your enemies and do good to them, and lend expecting nothing back; then your reward will be great and you will be children of the most high, for He Himself is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as [also] your Father is merciful.� „ CNS Mulhall is a catechist. He lives in Laurel, Maryland.

FEATURE 19

Sunday March 6, 2016 „ CatholicNews

Lenten Reconciliation Services CITY DISTRICT

The logo of Lentsanity. The app can be downloaded from the Apple App Store and Google Play.

A screengrab of the Catholic Extension’s National Year of Mercy Prayer website.

Cathedral of the Good Shepherd Under renovation/restoration

Church of the Holy Spirit Friday March 11 at 10.30am & 8pm

Church of Sts Peter & Paul No Penitential Service

Church of the Risen Christ Monday March 14 at 10.30am & 8pm

Church of St Alphonsus (Novena Church) Under reconstruction

Church of Our Lady Star of the Sea Tuesday March 15 at 8pm

Church of St Bernadette Monday March 7 at 8.15pm Church of St Teresa Tuesday March 8 at 8pm Church of the Sacred Heart Wednesday March 9 at 8pm Church of St Michael Thursday March 10 at 8pm Church of Our Lady of Lourdes Friday March 11at 8pm

The Knights of Columbus, logo seen above, are encouraging Catholics to use the hashtag #40BucksForLent and to donate money to help Middle East Christians suffering religious persecution.

Social media initiatives to help Catholics pray, give during Lent WASHINGTON – What do a new

social media campaign, a new fundraiser and new features for a popular app have in common? Launched by different Catholic organisations for Lent, the three efforts aim to help Catholics enrich their Lenten prayer experience, VDFULÂżFH WR KHOS RWKHUV LQ QHHG and learn more about the Church’s penitential season overall. Chicago-based Catholic Extension announced the development of a social media campaign that will create a video chain of Lenten mercy prayers. “The three pillars of Lent are fasting, prayer and charity,â€? it said, and the new campaign “is promoting the second pillar and asking Catholics to focus their Lenten prayers on mercyâ€? during the Church’s Jubilee Year of Mercy. The Extension’s National Year of Mercy Prayer – launched on Ash Wednesday, and running all through Lent – is asking people to share their prayer intentions through short digital videos. The website www.mercyprayer.org invites Catholics to use their smartphones to record short videos – about 10 seconds long – of themselves stating a simple prayer intention followed by “Lord, have mercy.â€? A short introductory video posted on the website asks people to “help us harness the power of prayer to change the world.â€? It also tells people to send their videos to socialmedia@catholicextension. org. The Knights of Columbus, based in New Haven, Connecticut,

is asking those considering a Lenten VDFULÂżFH WR JLYH Âł %XFNV IRU /HQW´ DQG XVH WKH KDVKWDJ %XFNV)RULent to help Middle Eastern Christians and other religious minorities suffering religious persecution in that region of the world. “Since many people give up something for Lent, we wanted to provide an opportunity for their VDFULÂżFH WR PDNH D GLIIHUHQFH Âą QRW only in their own life, but in the lives of others,â€? said Supreme Knight &DUO $QGHUVRQ LQ D )HE VWDWHPHQW “During the Lenten season, we recall Christ’s suffering and death,â€? he said. “In turn, remembering and assisting those who are today suffering and dying for their belief in Christ is an excellent way to do good where it is most needed.â€? The donations can be made to the Christian Refugee Relief

)XQG DW FKULVWLDQVDWULVN RUJ ,Q 'HQYHU WKH )HOORZVKLS of Catholic University Students, NQRZQ DV )2&86 KDV DGGHG VHYeral new features to its Lentsanity app this Lenten season. The app features illustrated guides, daily Mass readings and UHÀHFWLYH DUWLFOHV IRU /HQW 7KH app-exclusive Meat Police Early Warning System sends reminders WR DEVWDLQ IURP PHDW RQ )ULGD\V during Lent. The Lentsanity app can be downloaded from the Apple App Store and Google Play. The app also can be accessed at focus.org/ lentsanity. /DXQFKHG LQ WKH )2CUS app shares several illustrated guides to the Catholic faith – including on topics such as Lenten fasting and abstinence. „ CNS

NORTH DISTRICT

St Joseph’s Church (Victoria Street) Monday March14 at 8pm EAST DISTRICT Church of Our Lady Queen of Peace Wednesday March 9 at 8pm Church of the Holy Family Thursday March 10 at 10.30am & 8pm Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Monday March 14 at 10.30am & 8pm Church of Divine Mercy Tuesday March 15 at 8pm Church of the Holy Trinity Wednesday March 16 at 10.30am & 8pm Church of St Stephen Thursday March 17 at 8pm

Church of Christ the King Wednesday March 16 at 10.30am & 8pm Church of St Anthony Thursday March 17 at 7.30pm St Joseph Church (Bukit Timah) Friday March 18 at 8pm SERANGOON DISTRICT Church of St Francis Xavier Wednesday March 9 at 8pm Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Thursday March 10 at 8pm Church of the Nativity of the BVM Monday March 14 at 8pm St Anne’s Church Tuesday March 15 at 8pm Church of St Vincent de Paul Wednesday March 16 at 8pm WEST DISTRICT Church of St Ignatius Monday March 14 at 8pm Church of the Holy Cross Tuesday March 15 at 8pm Church of St Mary of the Angels Wednesday March 16 at 8pm Blessed Sacrament Church Thursday March 17 at 8pm Church of St Francis of Assisi Friday March 18 at 8pm Note: Please check with parishes for updates.

20

Sunday March 6, 2016 „ CatholicNews

During a time when the people of Israel were slaves in the land of Egypt, a man named Moses was tending a ÀRFN RI VKHHS LQ WKH ODQG RI 0LGLDQ +H ZDV ZDWFKLQJ WKH ÀRFN IRU 5HXHO ZKR DOVR ZDV FDOOHG -HWKUR 7KLV PDQ was Moses’ father-in-law, the priest RI 0LGLDQ 0RVHV OHG WKH ÀRFN WKURXJK WKH ZLOGHUQHVV DQG HYHQWXDOO\ FDPH WR 0W +RUHE ZKLFK ZDV FDOOHG WKH PRXQWDLQ RI *RG As Moses guided the sheep toward WKH PRXQWDLQ KH VDZ D FXULRXV VLJKW 7KHUH LQ IURQW RI KLP ZDV D EXVK WKDW KDG ÀDPHV VKRRWLQJ RXW RI LW $V 0RVHV FRQWLQXHG WR ORRN KH QRWLFHG WKDW DV WKH ¿UH FRQWLQXHG WR EXUQ WKH EXVK UHPDLQHG ZKROH 7KH ¿UH GLG QRW GHVWUR\ LW 0RVHV ZDONHG XS WR WKH EXVK ZLWK D ORRN RI ZRQGHU +H MXVW KDG WR

JHW FORVHU VR KH FRXOG ÂżJXUH RXW ZKDW ZDV JRLQJ RQ As Moses drew near, God noWLFHG KH ZDV FRPLQJ DQG VSRNH WR KLP IURP WKH FHQWUH RI WKH EXUQLQJ EXVK Âł0RVHV 0RVHV ´ *RG FDOOHG RXW Âł+HUH , DP ´ 0RVHV DQVZHUHG *RG ZDUQHG 0RVHV QRW WR FRPH WRR FORVH WR WKH EXVK Âł5HPRYH WKH VDQGDOV IURP \RXU IHHW IRU WKH SODFH ZKHUH \RX VWDQG LV KRO\ JURXQG ´ God then explained that He was WKH *RG RI 0RVHVÂś DQFHVWRUV $EUDKDP ,VDDF DQG -DFRE $V *RG VSRNH 0RVHV EHFDPH IULJKWHQHG DQG KLG KLV IDFH +H ZDV DIUDLG WR ORRN DW *RG %XW WKH /RUG FRQWLQXHG WR VSHDN WR KLP +H KDG D YHU\ VSHFLDO DVVLJQPHQW IRU 0RVHV Âł, KDYH ZLWQHVVHG WKH DIĂ€LFWLRQ RI P\ SHRSOH LQ (J\SW DQG KDYH KHDUG WKHLU FU\ DJDLQVW WKHLU WDVNPDVWHUV VR , NQRZ ZHOO ZKDW WKH\ DUH VXIIHULQJ ´ *RG WROG 0RVHV

SPOTLIGHT ON SAINTS:

St John Ogilvie

Âł7KHUHIRUH , KDYH FRPH GRZQ WR UHVFXH WKHP IURP WKH SRZHU RI WKH Egyptians and lead them up from that ODQG LQWR D JRRG DQG VSDFLRXV ODQG D ODQG Ă€RZLQJ ZLWK PLON DQG KRQH\ ÂŤ now, go! I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people, the IsraelLWHV RXW RI (J\SW ´ 0RVHV ZDV VWXQQHG Âł:KR DP I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?â€? he DVNHG *RG SURPLVHG WR EH ZLWK 0R-

VHV 7KH /RUG WROG KLP ZKDW WR VD\ to the elders of Israel so they would NQRZ *RG KDG VHQW 0RVHV WR UHVFXH WKHP IURP WKH (J\SWLDQV „ Read more about it: Exodus 3

Q&A 1. Where was God’s voice coming from? 2. What did God want Moses to do?

Wordsearch: „ BUSH

-RKQ 2JLOYLH G ZDV ERUQ LQWR D „ FLOCK 6FRWWLVK IDPLO\ DQG ZDV UDLVHG D 3URWHVWDQW (YHQ VR DW DJH KH GHFLGHG WR „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„

„ HONEY

„ SANDALS „ FIRE

„ SLAVES „ FACE

„ SHEEP

„ FLAMES „ POWER

„ LAND

Bible Accent:

What is the special name given to the ÂżUVW ÂżYH ERRNV RI WKH Old Testament?

Answer to puzzle: 1. His older brother, Aaron; 2. Zipporah; 3. The house of Levi; 4. 120 years old Answer to Bible Trivia: The Pentateuch

Moses was not always a shepherd, and he did QRW DOZD\V OLYH LQ WKH ODQG RI 0LGLDQ 0RVHV was an Israelite who was born in Egypt during a WLPH ZKHQ KLV SHRSOH ZHUH VODYHV LQ WKDW FRXQWU\ $OVR GXUing that time, the Egyptian leader, or pharaoh, ordered that DOO RI WKH ,VUDHOLWHVœ QHZERUQ PDOH FKLOGUHQ EH NLOOHG :KHQ 0RVHV ZDV ERUQ KLV PRWKHU KLG KLP XQWLO KH ZDV WRR ELJ WR KLGH DQ\ ORQJHU 7KHQ VKH SXW KLP LQ D SDS\UXV EDVNHW DQG SODFHG LW LQ VRPH UHHGV LQ WKH 1LOH 5LYHU 3KDUDRKœV GDXJKWHU IRXQG WKH EDVNHW DQG VDZ WKH FU\LQJ EDE\ LQVLGH 6KH UHDOLVHG WKH EDE\ ZDV D +HEUHZ FKLOG DQG IHOW VRUU\ IRU KLP 6KH GHFLGHG WR DGRSW 0RVHV DQG UDLVH KLP DV KHU RZQ VRQ As Moses grew up, he saw how miserable the Israelites ZHUH 2QH GD\ KH NLOOHG DQ (J\SWLDQ PDQ ZKR ZDV EHDWLQJ DQ ,VUDHOLWH VODYH :KHQ 3KDUDRK IRXQG RXW KH ZDQWHG WR NLOO 0RVHV VR 0RVHV HVFDSHG WR 0LGLDQ ,W ZDV WKHUH WKDW 0RVHV PHW -HWKURœV VHYHQ GDXJKWHUV +H HYHQWXDOO\ PDUULHG RQH RI WKH GDXJKWHUV DQG EHJDQ ZRUNLQJ IRU KLV IDWKHU LQ ODZ „

BIBLE TRIVIA:

PUZZLE: Using the hints provided, answer the following questions about the life of Moses. 1. Who helped Moses speak to Pharaoh? (Exodus 4:14-16) 2. What was the name of Moses’ wife? (Exodus 2:21) 3. What tribe of Israel did Moses belong to? (Exodus 2:1-2) 4. How old was Moses when he died? (Deuteronomy 34:7)

Answer to Wordsearch

By Jennifer Ficcaglia

WHAT’S ON 21

Sunday March 6, 2016 „ CatholicNews

EVENT SUBMISSIONS All WHAT’S ON submissions now require the completion of a form from the Archdiocese before the event can be publicised. For events with foreign speakers, please submit the necessary documentation for approval to the Chancery. For more information and to download the form, visit http://www.catholic. org.sg/chancery/announcementadvertisement-request/. Once forms have been submitted online, kindly send us details of your event for publication at www.catholicnews.sg/whatson/ at least one month ahead of the publication date. SUNSET MASS ON EVERY 2ND AND 4TH SATURDAY OF THE MONTH The St Francis Xavier choir of St Ignatius Church (120 King’s Road) is looking for singers and pianists. The group is composed predominantly of Filipino &DWKROLFV ZKR ORYH WR ZRUVKLS *RG through singing. If interested; E: mtatoy@gmail.com (Mai Tatoy) JAN 14 TO NOV 26 BRIDGING PROGRAMME A one-year catechetical programme for children aged 9 to 13 years who have missed, or not had formal catechesis, or who are seeking baptism. Sessions are conducted weekly at the Catholic Archdiocescan Education Centre (CAEC) at 2 Highland Road, and the Church of 2XU /DG\ RI 3HUSHWXDO 6XFFRXU DW Siglap Hill. Managed by the Catechetical 2IÂżFH 5HJLVWHU 7 (PLO\ E: emily@one.org.sg JAN 18 TO NOV 14 “THE ROAD TO EMMAUSâ€? BIBLE PROGRAMME A Bible programme for all. Designed to help break the Sunday’s Liturgy of the Word, to help apply its truths in our daily lives. A typical session includes praise and worship, group sharings, a wrap-up lecture and fellowship. Time: 7.45pm-10pm. Every Monday except on public holidays. Venue: Church of St Ignatius, level 2 St Ignatius Hall. For enquiries, E: henrythwu@gmail. com or raymond.thng37@gmail.com JAN 20 TO MAY 25 LECTURE SERIES ON THE BOOK OF JOB Lectures to be held from 8pm-10pm on Jan 20, 27; Feb 3, 24; Mar 30 and every Wednesday in April and May. Come and learn how the Book of Job can enrich \RXU OLIH ZLWK *RG HVSHFLDOO\ LQ WLPHV RI

WULDO DQG VXIIHULQJ 6SHDNHU 3URI +DQQDK Lim. Venue: Church of St Bernadette canteen. For enquiries and registration, E: StBernBAT@gmail.com JAN 20 TO DEC 28 ART THERAPY OPEN STUDIO @ AGAPE VILLAGE Every Wednesday throughout the year. Time: 9.30am-12pm. Feeling down, lost and confused? Let your creative energy guide you to tap into your wisdom and expand your insights to your life. Come join us and let the healing qualities of art awaken you. Organised by Clarity 6LQJDSRUH $ /RU 7RD 3D\RK )HH SHU VHVVLRQ 3UH UHJLVWUDWLRQ required. Register; T: 68017467; E: registration@clarity-singapore.org FEB 17 TO MAY 4 BIBLE STUDY BOOK OF EXODUS Time: 8pm-10pm. Venue: Church of St Francis Xavier, SFX room, parish centre. 12 Wednesday sessions conducted by Msgr Ambrose Vaz. Register; E: maisielee21@gmail.com (Maisie Lim)/ ronlee@lucas.com.sg (Ron Lee) FEB 20 TO APRIL 9 “WHAT IS CHRISTIAN MISSION?â€? TALKS Join us on Feb 20 and 27; Mar 12 and April 2 and 9 to learn about the Trinitarian nature of mission – the thrust of the very heart of Christian life – and how we can do so in a dynamic way. All sessions held at the Catholic Centre. Time: 10am-12pm. Organised by Caritas Humanitarian Aid & Relief Initiatives Singapore (CHARIS). For more information, T: 63374119; E: victoria@charis-singapore.org FEB 23 TO MAY 17 SYMBOLON (DVD) AND LIVE PRESENTATIONS Time: 7.30pm-9.30pm. Dr Tan Sri and his team from the Augustine Institute present the foundation and fundamental beliefs of the Catholic faith using the Creed as a guide. There will also be presentations on related topics. Organised by the Bible Apostolate Team at Church of the Holy Spirit, attic (level 4). Cost: $30/Register; T: 97848090 (Louisa) FEB 27 TO MARCH 6 ANGELICO ART AWARD EXHIBITION 2016 An exhibition of paintings by artists UHĂ€HFWLQJ WKHLU VSLULWXDO MRXUQH\V The Angelico Art Award aspires to promote local Christian art expressions. Weekdays: 4.30pm-9.30pm. Weekends: 10am-10pm. Venue: Triple. 7ZR $UWVSDFH 4XHHQ 6WUHHW S188550. For enquiries; T: 92284463 (Raymond); E: admin@cbn.sg; W: http://www.angelicoart.com

FEB 29 TO MARCH 21 PRAYING WITH MERCY IN THE NEW TESTAMENT The objective of the workshop is to cultivate a love for praying with scriptures and apply mercy in one’s own life. Conducted by the Verbum Dei Missionaries. Time: 8pm-10pm. Organised by the Biblical Apostolate Team of the Church of Christ the King. Register; T: 98321538; E: ctkbat@hotmail.com; W: http://www.christtheking.com.sg EVERY TUESDAY IN MARCH SPECIAL NEEDS CATECHESIS 1 – UNDERSTANDING AND SUPPORTING YOUNG PEOPLE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS Time: 7:30pm-10pm. Venue: Catholic Archdiocesan Education Centre (CAEC), 2 Highland Road, S549102. The course is designed to help catechists, assistant catechists and parents serving people with mild to moderate special needs in existing mainstream catechetical sessions. Capped at 25 participants. For enquiries; T: 68583011 (Emily); E: emily@catechesis.org.sg MARCH 2 -16 LENTEN SCRIPTURAL PRAYER REFLECTIONS/RETREAT St Bernadette BAT brings you a Lenten SUD\HU UHWUHDW UHĂ€HFWLRQ ZLWK )U *UHJRU\ Hon, OCD to be held on Wednesday nights on March 2, 9 and 16. Come DQG JURZ FORVHU WR *RG GXULQJ /HQW E\ praying like a Carmelite. No previous Bible study experience is necessary. Time: 8pm-10pm. Venue: Church of St Bernadette Canteen. For enquiries & registration; E: StBernBAT@gmail.com MARCH 2 TO APRIL 13 BCC LEVEL 1 – INTRO TO CATECHETICAL PEDAGOGY & CATECHETICAL METHODS Time: 7.30 pm-10pm. Venue: Church of St Ignatius, 120 King’s Road S268172. This six-session course will introduce participants to the method of teaching as proposed by the Universal Church. For inquiries; T: 68583011, (Emily); E: emily@catechesis. org.sg; W: http://www.catechesis.org.sg MARCH 6 LENTEN RECOLLECTION “So he got up and started back to the IDWKHU ´ /N +RZ RIWHQ ZH ÂżQG ourselves in need of getting up and returning to the Lord. Listen to this invitation and WDNH FRXUDJH WR FRPH EDFN WR *RG ZKR LV unconditional Love. Time: 9:30am-5pm. Venue: Choice House, 47 Jurong West St 42. Love offerings welcomed. MARCH 12 AND 13 MILESTONES: STAGES OF LIFE IN THE LIGHT OF MEDITATION Fr Laurence Freeman will discuss the

RCIA/RCIY A journey for those seeking to know more about the Catholic faith. Baptised Catholics are also invited to journey as sponsors. NOV 1 TO DEC 25 2016 RCIY@CHURCH OF CHRIST THE KING The RCIY team is welcoming nonCatholics, aged between 14 and 24 years old, to join us on a journey to know about the Catholic faith from November 1. Venue: Church of Christ the King. Sessions will take place on Sundays at 3pm. Register; T: 96718555 (Randy), T: 81880239 (Bernadette) DEC 3 TO MAY 11 2017 RCIA@CHURCH OF ST MICHAEL “COME AND SEEâ€?. Every Thursday evening from 7.45pm-9.30pm at Church of St Michael, St Michael’s room (level two) Register; E: stmike@singnet.com.sg; 7 DGPLQ RIÂżFH $GGUHVV 17 St Michael’s Road S327976 FEB 17 TO JAN 18 2017 RCIA@CHURCH OF CHRIST THE KING A journey for those seeking to know more about the Catholic faith. Baptised Catholics are also invited to journey as sponsors. Time: 8pm-10pm. Venue: Church of Christ the King 2221 Ang Mo Kio Ave 8, RCIA Room 105. Register; E: query.rcia@gmail.com 7 *ZHQ /LP

milestones in life: childhood, adulthood, old age and death as stages of maturing in the Christian faith in the light of meditation. Time: 9am-5pm. Cost $80. Venue: Catholic Junior College. Organised by The World Community for Christian Meditation (WCCM). Register by Feb 28; W: www.gevme.com/milestones; E: cecilie. dee@gmail.com; T: 96610362 (Cecilie) MARCH 24, 25 AND 26 MORNING PRAYER OF THE PASCHAL TRIDUUM WITH THE CENACLE SISTERS Time: 9.00am–9:30am. Venue: Cenacle, 47 Jurong West St 42. As a Church community, we ponder the mysteries of the paschal event, solemnly recalling WKHP LQ SUD\HU DQG UHÀHFWLRQ RYHU +RO\ 7KXUVGD\ *RRG )ULGD\ DQG +RO\ 6DWXUGD\ MARCH 28 TO MAY 16 LIFE IN THE SPIRIT SEMINARS Every Monday at 7.30pm at the Church of the Risen Christ. Seminars include praise and worship, talks, sacraments, small group sharing and prayer ministry. 2UJDQLVHG E\ $ÀDPH &KDULVPDWLF 3UD\HU Community. Enquiries; T: 91395518; T:

APRIL 3 TO 4 JUNE 2017 RCIA@OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL SUCCOUR A new RCIA journey will begin April this year and thereafter every Sunday at the &KXUFK RI 2XU /DG\ RI 3HUSHWXDO 6XFFRXU Verbist hall (level 4). Time: 4pm-5.45pm. 3OHDVH UHJLVWHU \RXU QDPH RU QDPHV RI those who are interested in the Catholic faith. Registration forms are available at the Secretariat or RCIA ministry. W: www.olps.sg; T: 96718216 (Christina) APRIL 6 TO JUNE 4 2017 RCIA@CHURCH OF THE HOLY FAMILY The Church of the Holy Family invites nonCatholics seeking to know more about the Catholic faith to join the RCIA. If you’re Catholic, do invite your family and friends to be enquirers. We meet every Wednesday evening from 7.30pm-9.30 pm. And from June, every Sunday 9am-10.30am as well. Venue: Church of the Holy Family. Register; E: rciaholyfam@gmail.com; 7 SDULVK RI¿FH 7 APRIL 29 TO APRIL 10 2017 RCIA@CHURCH OF ST TERESA The Church of St Teresa invites those seeking to know more about the Catholic faith to come and journey with us in the RCIA. Every Friday evening from 7.45pm-9.45pm at the auditorium, (level 3) of the parish house. Address: 510 Kampong Bahru Rd, S099446. Register; W: ssteresa.org.sg; T: 62711184; E: stteresa@singnet.com.sg 90054511 (Jessica); E: jess.francisco.63@ gmail.com; E: m4trinity@gmail.com Registration; W: www.risenchristcpg.org MARCH 31 TO APRIL 3 PRAYER EXPERIENCE RETREAT @ CSC A four-day stay-in retreat designed to help individuals build up their prayer life and deepen their prayer experience. It is especially recommended for those who attended the Conversion Experience Retreat. Organised by the Catholic Spirituality Centre, 1261 Upper Serangoon Road, S534796. Registration opens on Feb 19, and closes on Mar 11. For enquiries, T: 62887901/ 68582716; W: http://www.csctr.net/ APRIL 30 TO MAY 2 CATECHISTS’ RETREAT 2016 Time: 3pm on Saturday to 5pm on Monday. Venue: Catholic SpiritualityCentre (CSC), 1261 Upper Serangoon Road, S534796. Contribution for stay-in retreat: $90. Contribution for non stay-in retreat: $50. Register; W: http://www.catechesis.org.sg; T: 68583011

St Peter’s Basilica altar boys, priests join Rome soccer series VATICAN CITY – Celebrating its

10th anniversary, the Clericus Cup soccer series for priests and seminarians studying in Rome welcomed three new teams to its 2016 league. 3ULHVWV DQG DOWDU ER\V ZKR VHUYH LQ 6W 3HWHUœV %DVLOLFD DUH joining forces to vie for the championship title against 15 other WHDPV ¿HOGLQJ SOD\HUV IURP different countries in the world. Two other new teams formed this year are made up of Consolata Missionaries and the Missionary 6HUYDQWV RI WKH 3RRU Four of the 16 teams in the 2016 series have played since the tournament’s founding. It was established in 2006 after Italian Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone – an avid soccer fan – pitched the idea to the Catholic Italian Sports Centre.

During the summer madness of the 2006 World Cup, the cardinal told representatives of the FHQWUH WKDW 5RPHÂśV SRQWLÂżFDO XQLversities were a unique, untapped treasure trove of sport-lovers from all over the world. 3DUW RI WKH VHULHVÂś PLVVLRQ LV to challenge players to live out WKHLU &KULVWLDQ YDOXHV RQ WKH ÂżHOG and offer the world a more ethical role model in sportsmanship. In addition to the traditional yellow and red cards signaling foul play and expulsion from the game, the tournament includes a unique “sin binâ€? blue card, ZKLFK LV D ÂżYH PLQXWH ÂłSXUJDtoryâ€? for players who get carried away and need time to cool down. The Rome-based series has also been a great way for students to build team spirit with

3RQWLÂżFDO 1RUWK $PHULFDQ &ROOHJH VHPLQDULDQV FHOHEUDWH DIWHU ZLQQLQJ WKH &OHULFXV &XS LQ 5RPH LQ &HOHbrating its 10th anniversary, the Clericus Cup soccer series for priests and seminarians studying in Rome welcomed three new teams to its 2016 league. &16 ÂżOH SKRWR

their fellow housemates and create new friendships with students from other parts of the world, said Martin Amaro,

D ÂżUVW \HDU WKHRORJ\ VWXGHQW from the Diocese of Little Rock studying at the North American College.

3UDFWLFH DQG PDWFKHV DUH D great way “to get to know the other guys,� he said at the news conference on Feb 19. „ CNS

24

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Sunday March 6, 2016 CatholicNews

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