MARCH 20, 2016, Vol 66, No 06

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SINGAPORE $0.70 CENTS / WEST MALAYSIA RM$2.10

SUNDAY MARCH 20, 2016

MCI (P) 009/08/2015

PPS 201/04/2013 (022940)

The Church doesn’t need ‘dirty money’ Pope warns benefactors against donating to the Church money gained from exploiting others

NO. 06

INSIDE HOME Convalidating Filipino marriages in S’pore Priest serves couples who were only civilly wed Page 6

VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis

has warned people to forget about donating money to the Church if their earnings came from mistreating others. “Please, take your cheque back and burn it,” he said to applause. “The people of God – that is, the Church – don’t need dirty money. They need hearts that are open to God’s mercy,” the pope said on March 2 during his general audience in St Peter’s Square. Speaking out against exploitation and unfair wages for workers, the pope said that God wants people to turn away from evil and do what is just, not cover up their sins ZLWK JHVWXUHV RI VDFUL¿FH Just as God derives no pleasure from “the blood of bulls and lambs” slaughtered in His name, He is especially averse to offerings from hands dirty with the blood of another human being. “I think of some Church benefactors who come with an offering,” he said, and sometimes that offering is the “fruit of the blood of many people, who are exploited, mistreated, enslaved by poorly paid work”. The pope said he would tell these donors to go away because *RG ZDQWV VLQQHUV ³ZLWK SXUL¿HG hands” who have changed course, avoid evil and work for what is good and just, like aiding the oppressed and defending the weak. “I am thinking of many, many refugees who are landing in Europe and don’t know where to go,” he said. The pope’s impassioned speech came days after he stressed that salvation is not found through extraordinary things or powerful people but through the “little things” of God.

VOL 66

ASIA Anti-Zika measures in Philippines Concerns as Holy Week approaches Page 9

WORLD Women preaching at Mass? Vatican newspaper UHÀHFWV RQ LVVXH Page 12

“In our minds, salvation must come from something big, from something grandiose,” the pope said on Feb 29 during the Mass in the chapel of his residence. People think that “only the powerful are saved, those who have strength, money, power, they can be saved. [But] God’s plan is something else,” he said. The pope’s homily looked at the day’s reading from the Second Book of Kings (5:1-15) in which the army commander, Naaman, doubted the prophet Elisha’s simple instructions that washing in

the Jordan River would cure his leprosy. Jesus also told the story of Elisha and Naaman in the day’s Gospel reading from Luke (4:2430), which triggered fury in his listeners – in “the doctors of the law who were seeking salvation in moral casuistry” and in many laws, the pope said, according to Vatican Radio. The doctors of the law and “the Sadducees, who sought salvation in compromises with the powerful of the world, with the [Roman] Empire – the one group with the

‘

I think of some Church benefactors who come with an offering ... [the] fruit of the blood of many people, who are exploited, mistreated, enslaved by poorly paid work.

’ – Pope Francis

network of clerics, the others with political networks – they sought salvation that way”, he said. 7KH SHRSOH KDG OLWWOH FRQ¿dence in these leaders and instead “believed in Jesus because He spoke with authority”. However many leaders were indignant “because they cannot understand that salvation only comes from little things, from the simplicity of the things of God”, the pope said. Jesus never spoke about the path of salvation being linked to “great things”, the pope said, but rather to the “little things” expressed in the Beatitudes and the “Judgment of the Nations”, which refers to feeding the hungry, welcoming the stranger and the other actions mentioned in Matthew 25:31-46. Pope Francis urged people to prepare for Easter by reading these two passages. CNS

Missionaries of Charity killed in Yemen ‘They gave their blood for the Church’ Page 14

Pope’s surprise visit to drug rehab centre Offers encouragement to residents Page 16

QUESTIONS ON THE FAITH Is it OK to sign an AMD? Fr Luke Fong replies Page 18

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Sunday March 20, 2016 CatholicNews

Parishes open their doors to pray for 24 hours By Jared Ng Responding to Pope Francis’ call to participate in the “24 Hours for the Lord” initiative, several parishes in Singapore held Eucharistic adoration and reconciliation services from the evening of March 4 to the evening of March 5. The pope launched this worldwide initiative in 2014, to be held on the Friday and Saturday preceding the fourth week of Lent. Churches were invited to be open all night for Eucharistic adoration and confession, to help Catholics receive the mercy of God. The parishes in Singapore that participated in this observance included the Churches of the Risen Christ, Holy Cross, Sacred Heart, Divine Mercy, St Vincent de Paul and Christ the King. Eucharistic adoration and reconciliation at selected timings were available at all six parishes. Prayers, such as the Benedic-

Fr Michael Sitaram speaking at the Church of St Vincent de Paul.

People participate in Eucharistic adoration at the Church of the Risen Christ.

tion, Divine Mercy prayer, praise and worship, rosary, novena and Stations of the Cross were also conducted. In some chuches, such as the Churches of the Risen Christ, Christ the King and Holy Cross, different church ministries took turns to lead participants in prayer.

*XLGHG UHÀHFWLRQV LQ 0DQdarin were also conducted at selected timings at the Church of the Holy Cross. The Church of St Vincent de Paul also had a string of other acWLYLWLHV 3ULHVWV JDYH ¿YH WDONV RQ topics such as Living the Year of Mercy and Jubilee in Church History. A movie, Jesus of Nazareth, was also screened. Ms Marie Yu from the Church of Christ the King said, “I was here last year as well and I hope this event will continue to be an annual thing. “Seeing parishioners come together to pray and reflect on their faith somehow brings

People in prayer at the Church of the Holy Cross.

me great comfort,” she said. Mr Benjamin Wee, who attended the programme at the

Church of Christ the King, said he hopes to “see more people attending the 24-hour vigil” in future. “Even just sitting quietly in front of the Blessed Sacrament in the parish can lead to ... a deepening of our faith,” he said. Ms Mary Andrews, from the Church of Divine Mercy said, “It was a very quiet moment in the presence of God. We are so preoccupied with our lives, [that] having such an opportunity to adore the Blessed Sacrament for 24 hours is so precious.” jared.ng@catholic.org.sg

Seeing parishioners ‘come together to pray DQG UHÀHFW RQ WKHLU faith somehow brings me great comfort.

’

– Ms Marie Yu See story on Page 17

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Mr Vincent Lau, 77, was the oldest graduate in this cohort.

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ABOUT CTIS The Catholic Theological Institute of Singapore was established in 2013 to provide systematic faith formation in Catholic theology in faithfulness to Holy Scripture and the Magisterium of the Catholic Church. It aspires to be a premier institute of theology preparing students for the New Evangelisation amidst the pluralistic cultures and religions of the region.

Registration for the next intake for the CerWL¿FDWH LQ 7KHRORJ\ SURJUDPPH RSHQV RQ $SULO 1, and classes start on July 11. For information on other programmes such as the Diploma in 7KHRORJ\ $GYDQFHG 'LSORPD LQ 7KHRORJ\ DQG Baccalaureate in Sacred Theology (STB), visit www.ctis.sg „

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Sunday March 20, 2016 CatholicNews

26 February 2016

CHANCERY NOTICE

APPOINTMENTS 1. The following have been reappointed to the board of Catholic Foundation for a term of three [3] years with effect from 1 January 2016: a. Mr Kwek Mean Luck (Chairperson) b. Mr Willie Cheng (ViceChairperson) c. Mgr Ambrose Vaz d. Fr John-Paul Tan OFM e. Dr Lim Cheok Peng f. Ms Vy-vyen Lim g. Ms Pauline Goh h. Ms Cheryl Tang i. Ms Joyce Koh 2. The following have been appointed to the board of Catholic Foundation for a term of three [3] years with effect from 1 January 2016: a. Mr Wong Toon King b. Ms Patricia Chan 3. The following have been reappointed to the board of Caritas Humanitarian Aid & Relief Initiatives Singapore (CHARIS) for a term of two [2] years with effect from 1 January 2016: a. Mr Philip Lim-Feng (Deputy Chair) b. Mgr Philip Heng SJ c. Mr Jeremy Khoo d. Mr Stephen Poon Chee Keong e. Ms Sherlyn Khong Swee Lin 4. The following have been appointed Directors of ABLE SEAS Ltd. (ABLE SEAS) for a term of two [2] years with effect from 18 February 2016: a. Mr Ambrose Law Tiang Beng (Chairperson) b. Mr Simon Wong Kwek Seong c. Mr Harry Tan Siak Chen d. Mr Anthony David Baluyut e. Ms Jessica Lee Guat Hoon 5. The following have been reappointed to the Archdiocesan Catholic Council for Ecumenical Dialogue (ACCED) for a

term of two [2] years with effect from 18 February 2016: a. Fr Jude David (Chairperson) b. Sr Elizabeth Lim RGS (Vice-Chairperson) c. Mgr Philip Heng SJ d. Fr Michael Arro e. Sr Veronica de Roza FMM f. Mr Gerald Kong g. Ms Gabrielle Jestina Low h. Ms Terese Huang 6. The following have been reappointed to the Archdiocesan Catholic Council for Interreligious Dialogue (ACCIRD) for a term of two [2] years with effect from 18 February 2016: a. Sr Maria Lau IJ (Chairperson) b. Sr Theresa Seow FDCC (Vice-Chairperson) c. Mgr Philip Heng SJ d. Fr Avelino Marin, Opus Dei e. Fr Kamelus Kamus CICM f. Mr Francois Bretault g. Mr Gerald Kong h. Mr Lawrence Chong i. Mr Patrick Prakash j. Ms Janet Lim OFS 7. The following have been appointed to the Archdiocesan Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People (ACMI) for a term of two [2] years with effect from 18 February 2016: a. Mr Benjamin Frois b. Mr Jeremy Khoo c. Mr Mark Goh Aik Leng d. Mr Patrick Lau e. Ms Nicole Vivienne Wee Chui Ling 8. The following have been appointed Trustees to the Migrant’s Fund of the Archdiocesan Commission for the

CHN/CN/2016/003

Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People (ACMI) for a term of two [2] years with effect from 18 February 2016: a. Deacon Clement Chen b. Sr Maria Lau IJ c. Mr Jack Chew 9. Fr Albert Ng has been appointed the Spiritual Director for the St Pio Devotion Singapore for a term of two [2] years with effect from 18 February 2016. 10. Fr James Yeo has been appointed the Spiritual Director for the Apostolate for Catholic Truth for a term of two [2] years with effect from 18 February 2016. 11. Fr Edward Seah has been appointed Spiritual Director for the Serangoon Curia (Our Lady Queen of Charity) for a term of two [2] years with effect from 18 February 2016. 12. Ms Judy Ng has been appointed to the board of Clarity Singapore Limited for a term of two [2] years with effect from 18 February 2016. 13. Fr John Bosco Pereira has been appointed a member of the Council of Priests (Senate) in accordance with can. 497 3° for a term of two [2] years with effect from 25 February 2016. 14. Fr John Bosco Pereira has been appointed a member of the Board of Consultors in accordance with can. 502 IRU D WHUP RI ¿YH > @ \HDUV with effect from 25 February 2016.

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

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Sunday March 20, 2016 „ CatholicNews

Young adults discover their ‘treasure’ at OYP retreat %\ -R\FH <LS Young adults who attended a reWUHDW RUJDQLVHG E\ WKH 2IÂżFH IRU Young People (OYP) said it has JLYHQ WKHP FOHDUHU SHUVSHFWLYHV on how to lead their lives. The Treasure retreat “gave me WKH RSSRUWXQLW\ WR UHĂ€HFW RQ ZKHUH , DP DQG KRZ , FDQ PRYH IRUZDUG´ VDLG 0V &KHU\O &KHH IURP WKH &KXUFK RI WKH +RO\ 6SLULW 6KH QRZ IHHOV PRUH DEOH WR ÂłOHDG D PRUH DXWKHQWLF PDWXUH &KULVWLDQ OLIH LQ WKH IDFH RI SUHVVXUHV DQG DGYHUVLWLHV´ Âł, FDPH WR 7UHDVXUH ORVW H[SHFWLQJ DQ DQVZHU WR D ZRUOGO\ SUREOHP ´ VKDUHG 0V 0HOLVVD /LP IURP WKH &KXUFK RI WKH +RO\ &URVV %XW WKH /RUG DGdressed a spiritual and emotional ZRXQG WKDW LV IDU PRUH LPSRUWDQW ´ Ms Chee and Ms Lim were among the 71 young workLQJ DGXOWV DJHG WR \HDUV ZKR DWWHQGHG WKH ÂżIWK UXQ RI WKH 7UHDVXUH <RXQJ $GXOWV (QFRXQWHU

Retreat. It was held at the OYP premises on Lorong Low Koon IURP )HE 'XULQJ WKH UHWUHDW SDUWLFLSDQWV UHFHLYHG LQSXW IURP SULHVWV 2<3 staff and other lay young adults. Fr Jude David spoke of OYP’s intention to equip young working DGXOWV WR SOD\ DQ DFWLYH UROH LQ WKH QHZ HYDQJHOLVDWLRQ +H VDLG KH hopes the number of young adults VHUYLQJ LQ WKH &KXUFK ZLOO FRQWLQXH WR JURZ DQG QHZ FRPPXQLWLHV RI VXFK DGXOWV EH IRUPHG There were also sessions on WRSLFV VXFK DV WKH ORYH RI *RG WKH )DWKHU VLQ DQG VDOYDWLRQ WKH +RO\ 6SLULW GLVFLSOHVKLS DQG PLVVLRQ )RU WKH ¿UVW WLPH WKH UHWUHDW ZDV FRRUGLQDWHG DQG UXQ E\ D VHUYLFH WHDP RI VRPH PHPEHUV from the growing OYP young DGXOW FRPPXQLWLHV DQG SDVW 7UHDVXUH SDUWLFLSDQWV 7KH DUHDV RI VHUYLFH LQFOXGHG ORJLVWLFV IRRG DQG KRVSLWDOLW\ LQWHUFHVVLRQ DQG VPDOO JURXS IDFLOLWDWLRQ 0U ,DQ 2HL ZKR KDG UH-

$ERYH $ SDUWLFLSDQW RI WKH 7UHDVXUH <RXQJ $GXOWV (QFRXQWHU 5HWUHDW UHĂ€HFWV EHIRUH WKH %OHVVHG 6DFUDPHQW %HORZ 3DUWLFLSDQWV DQG VHUYLFH WHDP PHPEHUV ERQG RYHU JDPHV

WXUQHG WR WKH &DWKROLF IDLWK VKDUHG how he learnt to open his heart to the Lord at the retreat. 2IIHULQJ ZRUGV RI HQFRXUDJHment to other young adults who KDYH OHIW WKH &KXUFK KH VDLG “Don’t feel lost and undeserving. The Lord is forgiving and he is alZD\V WKHUH ZLWK RSHQ DUPV ´ 2<3 UHDFKHV RXW WR \RXQJ SHRSOH DJHG The next OYP event is the Nox Gaudii worship session (March 18). The next Treasure retreat will be from Oct 28-31. Visit www.oyp.org. sg or the OYP Facebook page. „

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Sunday March 20, 2016 „ CatholicNews

Convalidating Filipino marriages in Singapore )LOLSLQR FRXSOHV ZKR KDYHQ¡W EHHQ PDUULHG LQ FKXUFK Ă€QG KHOS LQ )U /XFLDQR $QQDEHOOH /LDQJ UHSRUWV On every third Sunday of a month, Filipino Fr Angel Luciano presides over an unusual celebration at the Church of St Michael. There, he convalidates the marriages of Filipinos – with a few with kids in tow – at no cost. After the quick afternoon ceremony, infants are baptised. Some of them belong to couples whose unions were newly recognised by the Catholic Church. The numbers are sizable: Since 1999, the Scheut Missions priest has seen one to three couples per month for convalidation. “Many of them were focused on supporting their children and family in the Philippines. There was no time to think about getting married in church. It was the least of their problems,â€? he said. “They have children; they are already committed to one another and have a life together.â€? Complications arise when these couples relocate to Singapore for work and want their children to be baptised. Infant baptisms are not granted here if the Catholic parents were only civilly wed. Church weddings in the Philippines are often a village affair, with long guest lists, large recepWLRQV SULFH\ GUHVVHV DQG Ă€RZHUV “It’s such a good business,â€? Fr Luciano said. Many are therefore deterred by the expenses. A reception after tying the knot in a basilica can cost up to a million pesos (S$29,000). A similar reception after a wedding in a church in the province can be a gala worth 250,000 pesos (S$7,000), Fr Luciano shared. On the other hand, a civil PDUULDJH FHUWLÂżFDWH FRVWV MXVW 320 pesos (S$9), according to the RIÂżFLDO VLWH RI VXEXUEDQ 4XH]RQ City, northeast of Manila.

Many of them ‘were focused on supporting their children and family in the Philippines. There was no time to think about getting married in church. It was the least of their problems.

’

– Filipino Fr Angel Luciano

Fr Angel Luciano is chaplain of the Filipino community. He notes that wedding receptions in the Philippines are often a pricey affair, deterring people from church weddings.

Civil marriages are also seen as a quick way to seal the deal, should a partner have to relocate for work at short notice. Fr Terence Pereira, judicial vicar of Singapore archdiocese’s Ecclesiastical Tribunal, said that couples going for convalidation should make receiving the Sacrament of Matrimony their focus. “Convalidation shouldn’t be seen as just a means of baptising their offspring,� he said. In fact, opting for a civil marriage before convalidation should not be standard practice, Fr Pereira added. “Marriage is not an issue of pomp and nice photographs – it’ll cost less if we go back to the basics of a sacred union between two individuals,� he said.

Serving the community As chaplain of the island nation’s Filipino community, Fr Luciano keeps his door open and listens to members’ struggles and concerns. The community has grown from 70,000 in 1991 to anywhere between 170,000 and 200,000 today, he estimated. Fr Luciano conducts house blessings, answers calls for help and visits different parishes on Sundays to get to know the Filipino congregations better. He also takes on a guiding role. “The family should always be solid. If they would like to get married, I always tell them to follow the steps: Attraction, Courtship, Engagement and Marriage,� he said. For those who have since

found life partners within the community, the priest encourages these couples to save up before getting married in a church back in the Philippines. “Singapore has given them such good possibilities. They have been blessed with a job that can help secure a better life for their children,� he explained.

Support system A support net is nevertheless close at hand. Filipinos in parishes regularly organise picnics and sports gatherings. Many of them are involved in Couples for Christ (CFC, www.couplesforchrist.org. sg), a global mission committed to living in God’s righteousness and holiness.

In Singapore, the movement comprises 464 couples and 600 singles. Although it is not targeted at Filipinos, they make up 90 percent of membership. “It’s a womb-to-tomb mission where each and every member of the family has a ministry to belong to,â€? said Ms Maleen Ngan, who does administration and accounts for CFC. Apart from a CFC ministry that caters to couples, there are ÂżYH RWKHU JURXSV XQGHU WKH PRYHment’s umbrella. Kids for Christ and Youth for Christ give young members a safe place to express their thoughts and grow. Singles for Christ is suited for individuals in their 20s to 40s. 6LQJOH PDWXUH PHQ ÂżQG D home in Servants of the Lord, while their female counterparts form Handmaids of the Lord. Ms Ngan, 58, has been a part of the movement for more than a decade now. “Through CFC, you feel the love of God in other people ... We share our struggles and pray together,â€? she said. To contact Fr Luciano, email fracl@singnet.com.sg „

One Filipino couple’s story

Norman and MellanieVillaplana, seen here with their daughter Hannah and Fr Angel. The couple had their marriage convalidated recently.

On an average day, convalidation is a simple affair. But when Mr Norman Villaplana and his wife Mellanie showed up in a full suit and bridal garb on Jan 17, Fr Luciano asked if they wanted a wedding march. Down the aisle they went. Their daughter Hannah, 15, led the way with roses in hand. “We felt lucky to get this blessing for our relationship. Before that, we were married in the eyes of the people but not in the eyes of God,� Mellanie said. The Villaplanas, who are both 40, also

organised a small reception after the ceremony. The couple had opted for a civil marriage in the year 2000 in Manila. Norman was set to leave for work as an IT programmer in Singapore, and Mellanie could only join him six months later. They were once co-workers on an IT project in the Philippines ZKR ZRUNHG RQ GLIIHUHQW Ă€RRUV A mutual friend introduced them at a Christmas party, and the two have been inseparable since. “I felt something special with her, so I told her that I was ready

for a serious relationship in a letter,â€? Norman quipped. Years passed and getting married in church did not seem practical. Then, the pair went through a heartbreaking trial when Mellanie had a miscarriage in January 2015. This brought them closer and the desire to take part in convalidation slowly grew, Mellanie shared. “I felt that God was guiding XV (YHQ ZKHQ ZH ÂżJKW ZH ORYH each other and always value family. It’s a give and take relationship,â€? she added. „

Sunday March 20, 2016 CatholicNews

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Sunday March 20, 2016 „ CatholicNews

Madonna’s concert, use of 3KLOLSSLQH à DJ FULWLFLVHG MANILA – The National Histori-

“I never thought there could cal Commission of the Philip- be people like that who cannot pines is looking at possible vio- tell the difference between right lations allegedly committed by and wrong and are only driven by international pop diva Madonna the desire to make money,â€? said when she danced on stage with a retired Archbishop Oscar Crux of 3KLOLSSLQH Ă€DJ GXULingayen-Dagupan. ing her Rebel Heart “It’s called amoI never concert in Manila in rality, not immoralFebruary. ity,â€? the prelate said. thought there The commisHe also expressed could be people disappointment that sion said it might recommend banning some Filipinos seem like that who the artist from perto approve of the cannot tell forming again in the singer’s behaviour. country for violating Madonna held the difference a law that prohibits her concerts in Mabetween right the wearing of the nila on Feb 24 and )LOLSLQR Ă€DJ DV D and wrong and 25. costume. Earlier, Filipino are only driven Archbishop Local organisers Ramon by the desire to Arguelles of Lipa of the concert could also face prosecuhad called for Mamake money. tion and one-year donna’s concerts to – Retired Archbishop imprisonment if be banned, describOscar Crux of found guilty of coning them as “subtle Lingayen-Dagupan doning the use of the attacks of the evil QDWLRQDO Ă€DJ )RUoneâ€?. eign organisers of the show could He called on Filipinos to “pray face deportation. for our country that the devil will A Catholic bishop, meanwhile, not succeed to draw anyone ‌ to condemned the American singer’s his evil waysâ€?. “amoralityâ€? for climbing a stripReligious leaders have heavSHUÂśV SROH VKDSHG OLNH D FUXFLÂż[ ily criticised Madonna in the past during the concert while dancers over some of her performances dressed like nuns gyrated in the which used Christian symbols. „ UCANEWS.COM background.

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No plans for pope to visit Pakistan currently, says Vatican ISLAMABAD – Vatican spokesman Fr Federico Lombardi said there were no plans for Pope Francis to visit Pakistan, refuting media reports that the pontiff had accepted an invitation to the South Asian nation. Fr Lombardi said there is “currently no travel programme to Pakistan being studied,â€? reported the US-based National Catholic Register newspaper on March 3. 3DNLVWDQÂśV RIÂżFLDO PHGLD KDG reported that Pope Francis accepted Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s invitation to visit Pakistan later this year. Federal Minister for Ports and Shipping Senator Kamran Michael, a Catholic, and Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf called on Pope Francis at the Vatican City on March 2, reported Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) news agency. Reacting to the earlier report, %LVKRS 5XÂżQ $QWKRQ\ RI ,VODPabad-Rawalpindi said the possibility of Pope Francis coming to Pakistan is very good news. “The PLQRULW\ &KULVWLDQV ZLOO EH GHÂżQLWH-

Pakistani Christians attend a Good Friday service in Lahore. A news report said Pope Francis has accepted the Pakistan prime minister’s invitation to visit the nation. &16 ¿OH SKRWR

ly encouraged,� he told ucanews. com. “However the security of the Holy Father will be the sole responsibility of the government.� Fr Saleh Diego, director of the bishops’ National Commission for Justice and Peace in Karachi archdiocese, is thrilled at the prospect of a papal visit. “This is totally unexpected. Our joy know no bounds ever since we heard about it,� he said. “The pope might tie up his visit with his tour to India slated for 2017. However this is a big risk for the government as things are different than they were when Pope John Paul II had visited Karachi in 1981,� he added.

St Pope John Paul II who celebrated Mass at National Stadium in Karachi during a threehour stopover, has been the only pope to visit Pakistan. A small bomb exploded outside the stadium minutes before his arrival. Fr Morris Jalal, founder and programme director of the Lahore-based Catholic TV, said the acceptance of the prime minister’s invitation by the pope was a diplomatic courtesy. “We are still not sure whether or when he will be visiting Pakistan,� Fr Jalal said. “Such a mega event would require serious meetings with bishops and a critical review of the situation on the ground.� „ UCANEWS.COM

Such a mega event would require ‘ serious meetings with bishops and a critical review of the situation on the ground.’

– Fr Morris Jalal, founder and programme director of the Lahore-based Catholic TV

Philippine Catholic shrine to go 100 percent green MANILA – Tapping into greener

power, a popular Catholic shrine in Manila is taking steps towards EHFRPLQJ WKH ÂżUVW FKXUFK LQ WKH Philippine capital to be completely solar-powered. The National Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help, a shrine operated by the Redemptorists, will be installing solar panels in the coming months. Br Ciriaco Santiago, head of the congregation’s Commission on Social Mission Apostolate, said the project is a “step toward becoming a green church.â€? The Religious community approved the use of the church’s roof to generate electricity for the VKULQH LQFOXGLQJ LWV RIÂżFHV DQG other facilities. “It would take at OHDVW WKUHH PRQWKV WR ÂżQLVK WKH installation, but the target is to complete it within the year,â€? Br Santiago told ucanews.com. More than reducing the elec-

tricity bills, he said the decision to go solar is part of the congregation’s environmental advocacy that is inspired by Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato si’. Br Santiago said the use of solar power will reduce the shrine’s carbon footprint, a key goal in the FKXUFKÂśV PLVVLRQ WR ÂżJKW FOLPDWH change and protect the environment. “This is basically rooted on our desire to help protect our environment and raise awareness about climate change,â€? he said. The shrine also will be using art as a medium to promote the care of the environment. At the front and right side of the church will rise a dynamic mixed media installation, including mosaics and sculptures, about the environment and other social issues. Visual artist Emil Yap said it ZLOO WDNH WZR \HDUV WR ÂżQLVK WKH project using recycled materials. „ UCANEWS.COM

ASIA 9

Sunday March 20, 2016 „ CatholicNews

Little ‘concern’ for China’s child policy for Catholic couples CNS photo

HONG KONG – Five years ago,

Ms Maria Yang rejected the idea of becoming pregnant again. She had all sorts of worries: tedious childcare, less freedom, the economic burden of quitting her job. Today her second son is seven months old. Her change of mind was brought about by the Neocatechumenal group in her parish in northeastern China, where Ms Yang and her husband learned to be open to life, reported ucanews. com. “It is the will of God. It is what God’s love is. Since we understood that, we didn’t use contraceptives anymore,â€? she said. Although the Chinese government ended the country’s one-child policy on Jan 1, the parish priest of this Catholic community told ucanews.com that the birth control policy – old or new – was “never the concernâ€? of lay couples. Since Ms Yang’s baby was born before the introduction of the two-child policy, she still may EH ÂżQHG Âł:H KDYHQÂśW JRW KLP registered yet,â€? she said. $FFRUGLQJ WR RIÂżFLDO VWDWLVtics, China is estimated to have 13 million unregistered people, mostly because of violations of the one-child policy that started LQ 3DUHQWV RI XQUHJLVWHUHG FKLOGUHQ FDQ EH ÂżQHG DQG their children are ineligible for public school and other social EHQHÂżWV Like many others in China, Ms Yang said she “simply wanted to have more children.â€? “The national policy or a penalty was not our concern,â€? she said. Many believe the new twochild policy is not about human rights but was adopted to address the needs of an aging society and to boost the domestic economy. “The concept of human rights

Women carry their babies in Beijing. Since the start of 2016, China has introduced a new two-child policy.

GRHV QRW H[LVW LQ &KLQDÂśV YDOXH standard. It is not the reason for WKH JRYHUQPHQW WR UHOD[ WKH SROicy,â€? a former Catholic journalist ZKR LGHQWLÂżHG KHUVHOI DV &ODUH told ucanews.com. The consideration of the twochild policy is the same when China introduced the one-child policy, said Mr Ng Wai-kit, professor of economics at the City University of Hong Kong. “It’s an economic measure. The population is too huge and it puts pressures on society,â€? he H[SODLQHG

Before such economic aims yield results, a new family issue must be confronted: threats of suicide from “little emperors,� a phrase that refers to the oncedoted lone children born under the one-child policy. 6LQFH &KLQD UHOD[HG WKH ELUWK policy there have been occasional reports of children threatening to kill themselves if their parents have another child, ucanews.com reported. In the Church, however, an open attitude to life helped Ms Yang’s eldest son, Liu Jianbo, ad-

Parishioners with multiple children said that more children create a joyful atmosphere in their families.

Priests asked to take anti-Zika measures MANILA – Philippine Church

leaders have urged priests to ensure that parishes around the country implement measures to prevent the spread of the Zika virus. They “should make sure that churches are totally clean,â€? VDLG )U -HURPH 6HFLOODQR H[ecutive secretary of the public DIIDLUV RIÂżFH RI WKH ELVKRSVÂś conference. The priest issued the statement following an announcement made by Philippine authorities that an American woman who stayed in the Philippines in January tested positive for the virus. Health Secretary Janette Garin said the American was WKH VHFRQG FRQÂżUPHG FDVH RI

the mosquito-borne virus in the Philippines. A 15-year-old boy in the province of Cebu was reported as infected by Zika in 2012. The Health Department said the American woman, who travelled mostly in the northern region of the country, developed symptoms of the virus upon returning to the United States. Ms Garin emphasised that there is “no outbreak of the Zika virus in the Philippines.� She advised pregnant women to WDNH H[WUD SUHFDXWLRQV DJDLQVW being bitten by mosquitos. The country’s bishops urged Catholics to wear clothes that will cover their arms and legs when going to church as a preventive measure against mos-

quito bites. With large numbers of peoSOH H[SHFWHG WR DWWHQG +RO\ Week services, parishes are urged to making sure that surroundings are clean. “The virus can hit anybody. But since it comes from a certain type of mosquito, possible breeding places of mosquitoes should be eliminated,� said Fr Secillano. “Electric fans should be working. Pastors should also put in place repellents,� the priest said. The Zika virus is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, the same type responsible for dengue fever, which is endemic in the Philippines. „ UCANEWS.COM

just to life with a sibling. “I support my parents’ decision,� said Liu, 18. “This is what I learned in church. We have to be open to God’s gift. And if you want to become a Christian, you have to be a giver of love.� Parishioners with multiple children said that more children create a joyful atmosphere in their families. “My relation with my mother was not particular good in the past. We argued a lot. Now with the birth of my brother, I understand my responsibility in the family,� Liu said. „ CNS

Sri Lankan Catholics ask president for Good Friday holiday SRI LANKA – Catholics in Sri Lanka are asking the country’s president to make Good Friday a “mercantile holidayâ€? so Christians working in the private sector can properly commemorate the day. “[Good Friday] is a public holiday but not a mercantile holiday which means Christians working in the private sector do not enjoy WKH ULJKW WR IXOÂżO RXU UHOLJLRXV REligations,â€? said Catholic teacher Kumarasiri Fernando. Good Friday currently is a holiday only for banks and the government. Aquinas University College lecturer, Fr Jayalath Balagalla, said workers should be able to properly commemorate the cruciÂż[LRQ RI -HVXV &KULVW “We hope it could be a holiday for all private sector workers from this year on,â€? said Fr Balagalla. Garment factory worker, Ms Nalini Fernando said if she did not have to work on Good Friday she would attend all religious services with her family. “Traditionally we fast, pray and spend the day in church but many of us lose the opportunity,â€? she said. Rosa Kusume Deevasansaday, a Catholic lay group has launched a signature campaign that asks President Maithripala Sirisena to declare Good Friday a mercantile holiday. Sri Lanka’s 20.5 million peoSOH LV DSSUR[LPDWHO\ SHUFHQW Buddhist, 15 percent Hindu, eight percent Christian and seven percent Muslim. „ UCANEWS.COM

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Sunday March 20, 2016 „ CatholicNews

Priest blends food and faith in his ministry

US Vice President Joe Biden (left) and former House Speaker John Boehner are to receive the Laetare Medal from the University of Notre Dame for putting ‘the good of the nation ahead of partisan victory’. &16 ÂżOH SKRWR

Catholic university to honour two US politicians SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, USA –

Fr Leo Patalinghug, a celebrity Filipino-American chef, holds up a Lenten seafood pasta meal he prepared in his Baltimore kitchen. ‘The idea of food in faith is implicit in our Scriptures,’ he says. CNS PHOTO BALTIMORE, USA – For Fr Leo some advance planning he could Patalinghug, faith and food go also easily whip up a Lenten meal hand in hand, or in cooking terms, of brown butter smoked paprika they blend. sauteed with cherry tomatoes and “The idea of food in faith is im- shrimp over pasta. plicit in our Scriptures. It’s implicit “If a family thinks ahead about in our liturgical calendar,â€? he said, what they’re going to do in Lent – also adding that without question, as opposed to making it seem like a it’s a key component of the Mass. drudgeryâ€? that they have to think of The 45-year-old Filipino- something meatless to eat, he said, American, known as the “cooking they can easily prepare a similar priestâ€?, has made the combination dish and not have to rely on cheese of these two worlds his life’s work SL]]D RU IUR]HQ ÂżVK VWLFNV KH VDLG with his apostolate called Grace He attributes his cooking pasBefore Meals. This ministry aims, sion to growing up in what he jokas he puts it “to bring families to ingly calls “Hotel Patalinghugâ€?, the dinner table and bring God to a reference to his family’s hosthe tableâ€?. pitality so typical He not only does of Filipino culture. Fr Patalinghug’s a cooking show The youngest of unusual outreach called Savoring our four kids said he aims to ‘bring Faith on the Eterhelped or watched nal Word Televi- families to the dinner his mother cook. table and bring sion Network, a US Fr Patalinghug Catholic network, admits his work God to the table’. he also travels is not a traditional across the country giving parish ministry, but he said it is meeting workshops and speaks at confer- people where they are just as Jeences, on radio programmes and sus sent His disciples out and told via social media about the need them to “eat what is set before for families to celebrate not just youâ€?. Catholic feast days but everyday Some responses to his ministry meals together. were quite unexpected. He once Without irony, he says there is received an email from a woman a hunger for this ministry, noting who told him that after watching that the parish workshops he gives his cooking show, she went to DUH W\SLFDOO\ ERRNHG ÂżOOHG ZLWK church the next day, went to conparishioners of all ages interested fession and received the Eucharist in how food and faith meet, and IRU WKH ÂżUVW WLPH LQ \HDUV on connecting or reconnecting “And I thought, I was just cutwith each other and God. ting onions, you know?â€? he said. And since it is now the Lenten “It’s kind of crazy, but I was doing season, he also shared that with it in the name of the Lord.â€? „ CNS

:LWK SXEOLF FRQÂżGHQFH LQ WKH 86 government “at historic lowsâ€? and cynicism “highâ€?, the University of Notre Dame will honour two public servants known for “their leadership, civility and dedication to our nationâ€?, the university’s president announced. Vice President Joe Biden and former Speaker of the House John %RHKQHU Âą WZR &DWKROLF RIÂżFLDOV from opposing political parties – will be this year’s recipients of the Laetare Medal . They will be honoured on 0D\ GXULQJ WKH &DWKROLF XQLYHUVLW\ÂśV VW FRPPHQFHPHQW ceremony. “We live in a toxic political environment where poisonous invective and partisan gamesmanship pass for political leadership,â€? said Holy Cross Fr John I. Jen-

kins, president of the university in Indiana. “It is a good time to remind ourselves what lives dedicated to genuine public service in politics ORRN OLNH :H ÂżQG LW LQ WKH OLYHV RI Vice President Biden and Speaker Boehner,â€? the priest said. By recognising both men, Fr Jenkins said, “Notre Dame is not endorsing the policy positions of either, but celebrating two lives dedicated to keeping our democratic institutions working for the common good through dialogue focused on the issues and responsible compromise.â€? The Laetare Medal has been JLYHQ DQQXDOO\ VLQFH WR D Catholic “whose genius has ennobled the arts and sciences, illustrated the ideals of the Church and enriched the heritage of humanityâ€?.

The honour is so named because its recipient is announced each year in celebration of Laetare Sunday, the fourth Sunday in Lent, which this year was March 6. While both Mr Biden, a Democrat, and Mr Boehner, a Republican, “have been loyal and committed partisans, they were leaders who put the good of the nation ahead of partisan victory, seeking through respectful dialogue honourable compromise and progress,� Fr Jenkins said in his statement. “Boehner’s resistance to a simple reductionism made him suspect in his own party; Vice President Biden reminded his fellow Democrats that those in the other party are ‘our opponents, not our enemies,’� the priest added. „ CNS

Capitalism needs infusion of virtues: cardinal VATICAN CITY – When economic progress is “propelled primarily by self-interest, by greed, by zeal for material accumulation and unfettered consumption, the result is dysfunction and imbalance,â€? said Cardinal Peter Turkson, president RI WKH 3RQWLÂżFDO &RXQFLO IRU -XVtice and Peace. He was speaking on March 5 DW WKH *OREDO 5HVSRQVLELOLW\ conference in Bad Honnef, Germany. A well-functioning market is propelled not by an exclusive VHDUFK IRU SURÂżW EXW E\ YLUWXHV such as “trust, honesty, solidarity, reciprocity and cooperationâ€?, he said. Those virtues promote other virtues, including concern for the “common goodâ€?. “If we do not slow down and reassess our behaviour, we will

Cardinal Peter Turkson

destroy the bountiful earth given by God to all of us. In doing so, we undermine the conditions for KXPDQ ÀRXULVKLQJ ¹ HVSHFLDOO\ for the poor and for future generations,� he said. Change is possible, though, he added, citing the success of

the UN Millennium Development Goals, a project that ran from WR DQG VHW WDUJHWV IRU reducing poverty, hunger and inequality and promoting education and child and maternal health in developing countries. The broader and more ambitious Sustainable Development Goals, approved in September, seek to impact people around the world and “encompass the full range of challenges facing our human community�, he said. The market economy can contribute to the realisation of the goals but “the market does not guarantee social inclusion, and it certainly does not seek to sustain our limited natural resources�, he said. “So the market alone will not be able to bring about sustainable development.� „ CNS

Sunday March 20, 2016 CatholicNews

ADVERTORIAL

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Sunday March 20, 2016 „ CatholicNews

In Vatican newspaper, theologians UHà HFW RQ ZRPHQ SUHDFKLQJ DW 0DVV VATICAN CITY – The Vatican

newspaper, L’Osservatore Romano, published several commentaries reflecting on the possibility of allowing laypeople, including women, to preach at Mass. Women already guide retreats, lead conferences and preach in some circumstances, wrote French Dominican Sr Catherine Aubin. “So why can’t they preach before everyone during a celebration� of Mass? said the commentary – one of a series that appeared on March 1 in the newspaper’s monthly insert dedicated to women. Church liturgical norms say that people who are not ordained – including nuns – may not preach

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I am convinced that listening to the voice of women at the moment of the homily would enrich our Catholic worship.

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– Swedish Dominican Sr Madeleine Fredell

the homily at Mass, although they can preach in other situations. The Catholic Church’s Code of Canon Law teaches that qualified and committed lay Catholic men and women are allowed to preach in particular circumstances and cooperate in exercising the ministry of the

Sri Lankan women bring forward offertory gifts during a Mass in St Peter’s Basilica. A Vatican newspaper has published several commentaries reÀHFWLQJ RQ WKH SRVVLELOLW\ RI DOORZLQJ OD\SHRSOH LQFOXGLQJ ZRPHQ WR SUHDFK at Mass. &16 ¿OH SKRWR

word. Preaching during Mass, however, is reserved to those who have received the sacrament of orders, that is, deacons and priests. Sr Aubin, who is a theologian and professor at Rome’s PonWLÂżFDO 8UEDQLDQ 8QLYHUVLW\ VDLG people who have experienced the joy and love of Christ are unable to “stop themselves from going

out to speak it, to announce it, to proclaim it, because it is Him, Christ, who makes all men and women – encountered along His journey – witnesses, messengers and apostles.� Swedish Dominican Sr Madeleine Fredell wrote in her article that preaching is part of her vocation as a Dominican, and “even though I can [preach] almost anywhere,�

she regretted “not being able to give the homily during Mass.� “I am convinced that listening to the voice of women at the moment of the homily would enrich our Catholic worship,� said the theologian. Mr Enzo Bianchi, prior of the Bose ecumenical community, wrote in the newspaper’s main section that the issue of allowing laypeople, especially women, to deliver the homily “is sensitive, but I believe it is urgent to address it.� “It would be important, without changing traditional doctrine, to offer the possibility to laypeople, men and women, to speak in the liturgical assembly with some clear conditions,� he wrote. Specifically, he said, the lay Catholic must recognise that preaching is a charism and gift meant to be of real service to others and he or she must receive approval, even temporary, from the bishop, he said. Additionally, he said, before the delivery of the homily, at the ambo the priest presiding at Mass could bless the person the bishop has authorised to preach. „ CNS

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Sunday March 20, 2016 „ CatholicNews

App connects people to pray for pope’s intentions VATICAN CITY – The Apostleship

of Prayer, an international Catholic prayer network, has created a mobile app that aims to connect people around the world to pray for the pope’s monthly intentions. The Click to Pray app was created as part of the re-launch of the Apostleship of Prayer, the USbased Jesuit-run ministry that has given Catholics the pope’s monthly prayer intentions since 1890. In an interview with Vatican Radio, Jesuit Fr Frederic Fornos, international director of the apostleship, said the app responds to Pope Francis’ message for World Communications Day 2016, which stresses the power that modern means of communications have to build bridges between people. “The app accompanies you throughout your day. It connects you with thousands of people who ÂżQG SXUSRVH LQ SUD\LQJ HYHU\ GD\ for the challenges of humanity and for the mission of the Church as the pope proposes in his monthly prayer intentions,â€? according to the Click to Pray website. The app allows the user to choose three times in the day to receive prayers. “You set the time you want to start your day in the

The Click to Pray mobile app allows the user to choose three times throughout the day to receive prayers. It was created by Apostleship of Prayer, a ministry that has given Catholics the pope’s monthly prayer intentions since 1890. CNS photo

morning. You select another moment during the day to receive an LQVSLUDWLRQDO WKRXJKW $QG ¿QDOO\ you select a moment in the evening to close your day with a daily review,� the website said. Vatican Radio said that users DOVR FDQ RSW WR UHFHLYH QRWL¿FDtions to remind them to pray, and the app offers the option of writing one’s own intention or prayer. The app is the second new media feature to be rolled out this year by Apostleship of Prayer. Working with the Vatican Televi-

sion Centre, it also began a video series in January featuring Pope Francis discussing his universal prayer intention. The monthly videos are uploaded on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube RQ WKH ¿UVW )ULGD\ RI HDFK PRQWK While the pope speaks in Spanish, the videos have subtitles for 10 languages, Fr Fornos told Vatican Radio in January. The Click to Pray app is available for iPhone, Android and Windows. The prayers also can be found at clicktopray.org. „ CNS

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Sunday March 20, 2016 „ CatholicNews

Missionaries of Charity killed in Yemen are ‘martyrs of charity’ VATICAN CITY – The four Missionaries of Charity murdered on March 4 in Yemen “are the martyrs of todayâ€?, Pope Francis said. “They gave their blood for the Church.â€? After reciting the Angelus in 6W 3HWHUÂśV 6TXDUH RQ 0DUFK Pope Francis publicly offered his condolences to the Missionaries of Charity and prayed that Blessed Teresa of Kolkata would “accompany to paradise these daughters of hers, martyrs of charity, and that she would intercede for peace and a sacred respect for human lifeâ€?. The four Missionaries of Charity and 12 other people were killed by uniformed gunmen, who entered the home the Sisters operate for the elderly and disabled in Aden. The superior of the Missionaries of Charity at the home survived by hiding, according to the Vatican’s Fides news agency. Fr Tom Uzhunnalil, an Indian Salesian priest who had been living at the home since Holy Family Parish in Aden was sacked and burned in September, was missing after the attack. The Sisters and others who died “are victims of the attack by those who killed them, but also [victims] of indifference, this globalisation of indifference

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that just doesn’t care�, the pope said. Yemen has been experiencing a political crisis since 2011 and is often described as being in a state of civil war with members of the Shiite and Sunni

Meeting to approve Blessed Teresa’s canonisation VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis will preside over a meeting to approve WKH FDQRQLVDWLRQ RI ÂżYH PHQ DQG women, including Blessed Teresa of Kolkata, the Vatican announced. The March 15 consistory, or meeting of cardinals, will also determine the approval of canonisation of Blessed Jose Sanchez del Rio, a 14-year-old Mexican boy martyred for refusing to renounce his faith during the Cristero War of the 1920s, the Vatican said on March 7. The meeting of cardinals and promoters of the sainthood causes, also known as an “ordinary public consistoryâ€?, formally ends the process of approving a new saint. Although the canonisation dates are often announced at the consistory, it is widely believed Blessed Teresa’s canonisation will take place on Sept 4. That date celebrates the Jubilee of Workers and Volunteers of Mercy and comes the day before the 19th anniversary of her death, Sept 5, 1997. On Dec 17, Pope Francis approved a second miracle attrib-

It is widely believed Blessed Teresa’s canonisation will take place on Sept 4. &16 ¿OH SKRWR

uted to Blessed Teresa’s intercession. That miracle involved the healing of a now 42-year-old mechanical engineer in Santos, Brazil, who was in a coma after being diagnosed with a viral brain infection that resulted in multiple brain abscesses. „ CNS

Muslim communities vying for power. In the midst of the tensions, terrorist groups have been operating in the country, including groups believed to be associated with the so-called

Islamic State and Al-Qaeda. Although most Christians KDYH ÀHG WKH FRXQWU\ D KDQGful of Salesian priests and about 20 Missionaries of Charity chose to stay and continue their ministry.

A condolence message released on March 5 by the Vatican said the pope “prays that this pointless slaughter will awaken consciences, lead to a change of heart, and inspire all parties to lay down their arms and take up the path of dialogueâ€?. Bishop Paul Hinder, head of the vicariate of Southern Arabia, which includes Yemen, told AsiaNews, a Rome-based missionary news agency, that at 8.30am on March 4, “persons in uniformâ€? broke into the Aden compound, killing the guard and all employees who tried to stop them. “They then reached the Sisters and RSHQHG ÂżUH ´ Two of the Sisters killed were Rwandan, one was from India and one was from Kenya, the bishop said. Fr Uzhunnalil apparently was kidnapped, he added. “The signal was clear: This has to do with religion,â€? Bishop Hinder said. „ CNS

Increase in baptised Catholics worldwide, says Vatican report VATICAN CITY – The number of baptised Catholics worldwide has grown at a faster rate than that of the world’s population, according to Vatican statistics. Although the number of priests has increased globally, the number has decreased slightly in Europe and Oceania, according WR WKH 9DWLFDQÂśV &HQWUDO 2IÂżFH IRU Church Statistics. 7KH ÂżJXUHV DUH SUHVHQWHG LQ WKH $QQXDULR 3RQWLÂżFLR the Vatican yearbook, and will appear in the Statistical Yearbook of the Church, which gives GHWDLOHG ÂżJXUHV RQ WKH &KXUFKÂśV workforce, sacramental life, dioceses and parishes as of Dec 31, 2014. The number of baptised Catholics reached 1.27 billion or 17.8 percent of the global population, WKH VWDWLVWLFV RIÂżFH UHSRUWHG RQ March 5. With the exception of Oceania, the number of baptised Catholics has grown faster than the general population growth on every continent. “The African continent remains without a doubt the one with the highest growth,â€?

the report said; the number of Catholics here increased by 41 percent, while the number of Catholics in Asia grew by 20 percent. The percentage of baptised Catholics as part of the general population remains highest in North and South America where

$IULFD VKRZV WKH KLJKHVW JURZWK ZLWK D SHUFHQW LQFUHDVH EHWZHHQ DQG 7KH QXPEHU RI &DWKROLFV LQ $VLD JUHZ E\ SHUFHQW they “make up almost half� of the world’s Catholics, it said. The number of bishops of the world continued to increase, reaching 5,237 worldwide compared to 4,841 a year earlier. The total number of priests – diocesan and Religious – around the world was 415,792, which the report said was statistically “sta-

ble�. There was a steady increase of diocesan priests in Africa, Asia and Central and South America, while numbers in North America, Europe and Oceania continued to decrease. The number of permanent GHDFRQV UHSRUWHG ¹ ¹ ZDV an increase of more than 1,000 over the previous year. The number of Religious Brothers was down slightly, from 55,253 at the end of 2013 to 54,559 at the end of 2014. The number of women Religious continued to decrease, GURSSLQJ E\ LQ 7KH biggest decreases were seen in North and South America, Europe and Oceania while numbers in Africa and Asia continue to rise. The number of candidates for the priesthood – both diocesan seminarians and members of Religious orders – who had reached the level of philosophy and theology studies showed a slight downturn. The number fell WR DW WKH HQG RI compared to 118,251 at the end of 2013. „ CNS

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Sunday March 20, 2016 „ CatholicNews

Don’t be caught up in ‘dogmatic conundrums’, Church leaders told VATICAN CITY – Jesus’ call to be

the salt of the earth is a reminder to His disciples to preach hope and life and not be wrapped up in dogmatic conundrums, a Servite priest told the pope and Vatican RIÂżFLDOV “We are salt that has lost its Ă€DYRXU LI ZH DUH QRW UHVROXWH PHQ if we are not free from masks and fear. People want to receive fragments of life from Jesus’ disciples, not fragments of doctrine,â€? Servite Fr Ermes Ronchi said. The Italian priest, who is a PHPEHU RI 5RPHÂśV 3RQWLÂżFDO “Marianumâ€? theological faculty, was chosen by Pope Francis to lead the Lenten retreat of the Roman Curia; he chose to preach on the theme: The bare questions of the Gospel. The March 6-11 retreat was held at the Pauline Fathers’ retreat centre in Ariccia, 20 miles southeast of Rome. In his morning meditation on March 7, Fr Ronchi spoke about fear, which entered the world after Adam and Eve’s disobedience in the Garden of Eden. Adam’s hiding out of fear of God’s wrath, he said, indicates the effect of sin which keeps the possibility of mercy far from him. For Christians, he added, this fear “produces a sad Christianity, a God without joy.â€? “In this sense, the enemy of fear is not courage but faith,â€? he said. 5HĂ€HFWLQJ RQ WKH SDVVDJH LQ Mark’s Gospel (4:35-41) where

OTTAWA – The Catholic archIt is not tolerant of religious dibishops in two of Canada’s larg- versity,â€? Cardinal Collins said. est English-speaking dioceses “It is religious discrimination that stepped up their campaign against punishes those who so faithfully euthanasia and assisted suicide, serve everyone who comes to calling the faithful to action. them.â€? Cardinal Thomas Collins of Cardinal Collins urged CathToronto and Archbishop Terrence olics to join the Coalition for Prendergast of Ottawa issued HealthCARE and Conscience pastoral letters read in parishes via its website Canadiansforconduring Masses over the March science.ca. The coalition repre5-6 weekend, reported Canadian sents an array of groups, at least Catholic News. four of them Catholic. “Physicians across our coun“Mindful of the inherent digtry who have devoted their lives nity of each person, it is time to healing patients will soon be for families across the country asked to do the exact opposite,â€? WR KDYH D GLIÂżFXOW EXW QHFHVCardinal Collins sary conversation wrote. “They will about the reality of Physicians across death,â€? not be asked to ease Cardinal our country who their suffering by Collins said. “We providing them with have devoted their need to understand treatment and lovthe destructive imlives to healing ing care, but by putplications of these patients will soon ting them to death. legal changes and In fact, killing a pabe asked to do the offer truly loving tient will no longer and merciful alterexact opposite. be considered a natives.â€? – Cardinal Thomas crime, but will acArchbishop Collins of Toronto tually be seen as a Prendergast also kind of health care, called on Catholics complete with legislation to regu- to share their concerns with their late it.â€? federal and provincial representaCardinal Collins said recent tives. recommendations of a parliamen“Talk to your friends and cotary committee “should shock workers about the grave threat to us to the core.â€? The recommen- human dignity and life that assistdations open the possibility of ed suicide and euthanasia pose to euthanasia for minors, include our most vulnerable neighbours,â€? advanced directives so those diag- he said. “Explain to your children, nosed with dementia can schedule grandchildren, friends and associtheir deaths, and recommend al- ates the importance of reverenclowing euthanasia for those with ing human life that begins at conpsychiatric conditions. ception in the womb and ends in The committee also recom- natural death.â€? mended doctors who refuse to kill In news coverage following WKHLU SDWLHQWV ÂżQG VRPHRQH HOVH WR the remarks, Archbishop Prendo it, he said, adding, “No other dergast said those who request a country in the world requires such doctor-assisted death would not a violation of conscience.â€? be able to receive the sacrament of “It is unjust to force people the sick. A priest could come and to act against their conscience in pray with them, and perhaps try to order to be allowed to practice dissuade them, he said. „ CNS as a physician or, in the case of a health care facility, in order to qualify for government funding.

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3RSH )UDQFLV LQ PLGGOH LQ ZKLWH DQG 9DWLFDQ RIÂżFLDOV DWWHQG D ZHHNORQJ Lenten retreat. CNS photo

Jesus calms the storm, Fr Ronchi said that fear initially drives the disciples on the boat to “almost command� God to act and save them from doom. However, he added, “God does not take us out of the storm but supports us within the storm.� The Church, which “for a long time has transmitted a faith mixed with fear,� is called instead to free men and women from the fear of God like “the angels have done through sacred history.� In the afternoon, Fr Ronchi focused on the Bible passage from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount in which He says, “You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned?�

People want to receive ‘ fragments of life from Jesus’ disciples, not fragments of doctrine.’

– Fr Ermes Ronchi

The Servite priest told Vatican RIÂżFLDOV WKDW WKH LPDJHU\ RI WKH salt, which dissipates in order to VHDVRQ UHĂ€HFWV WKH PLVVLRQ RI D Church that “gives of itself and melts away.â€? “Salt and light are not intended to perpetuate themselves but to pour themselves out. And so it is with the Church: It is not an end, but a means to make person’s life better and more beautiful,â€? he said. )U 5RQFKL FKRVH WR UHĂ€HFW RQ the Church’s mission to give a true witness to Jesus on the retreat’s third day. Drawing from the Gospel reading on Peter’s profession of faith, the Italian theologian said Jesus’ question, “But who do you say that I am?â€? is a query that “digs into the soul.â€? “The answer Jesus is looking for are not words. He is looking IRU SHRSOH 1RW GHÂżQLWLRQV EXW engagements,â€? he said. “Jesus does not give lessons, He does not suggest answers; He gently leads you to look inside of yourself.â€? „ CNS

International Women’s Day celebrated at Vatican Marking International Women’s Day on March 8, women gathered in the Vatican and highlighted their great contributions to the world and Church. The annual conference titled Voices of Faith, was held in the Vatican’s Casina Pio VI, and welcomed speakers from around the world who spoke on everything from stopping girls from being sold as sex slaves, providing health care to the poor, and giving

Canada archbishops call faithful to action against euthanasia

an education to refugees. The event shared stories of women who have extraordinarily helped other women reach their potential. The event began at 3pm in the Vatican’s Casina Pio IV with a welcome by Ms Mary Lou Falcone, Voices of Faith Advisory Board Chair, who discussed women and how their uniqueness contributes to the Year of Mercy. There were two sessions of the event. „ ZENIT

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16 WORLD

Sunday March 20, 2016 „ CatholicNews

‘We were speechless when we saw the car with the pope enter our community where every day our young people ÂżJKW WKHLU EDWWOH to return to life.

’

– Mr Roberto Mineo, president of the Italian Solidarity Centre Pope Francis visits the San Carlo Community, a Catholic-run drug rehabilitation centre on the outskirts of Rome on Feb 26. The pope encouraged the 55 patients to trust God’s mercy to keep them strong. CNS photo

For ‘Mercy Friday’ initiative, pope visits young addicts at rehab centre VATICAN CITY – In the second of

his “Mercy Friday� gestures, Pope Francis spent two hours with a group of young adults at a Catholic-run residential drug rehabilitation centre. To the complete surprise of the 55 residents, Pope Francis showed up in his compact Ford Escort at the San Carlo Community on Feb 26 with just a driver. Archbishop Rino Fisichella, organiser of the Vatican’s Year of Mercy events, arrived separately at the community outside of Rome near Castel Gandolfo. “We were speechless when we saw the car with the pope enter our

community where every day our \RXQJ SHRSOH ÂżJKW WKHLU EDWWOH WR return to life,â€? said Mr Roberto Mineo, president of the Italian Solidarity Centre, which runs the facility. “The pope, like a caring father, spent a long time which each person, listening to their stories and embracing them one by one. Some of the young people showed him photos of their families, their children, and the pope had a word of hope and a blessing for each of them.â€? Using tiny photos of past and present community members, the residents made a mosaic of Our

Lady of Lujan, patroness of Argentina, and asked Pope Francis to sign it, which he did “with affection and friendship.� Sitting in a large circle, Pope Francis asked the residents about their activities and learned that one of their therapeutic projects is learning how to cook. “What is the best thing you make?� the pope asked. Their response was not reported by the few people present, but at break time, they shared with Pope Francis some of their cheese pizza. In a press release, Archbishop Fisichella said Pope Francis chose the drug rehab centre as a follow-

up to his visit to Mexico where he repeatedly denounced drug trafÂżFNHUV DQG XUJHG &DWKROLF SDVWRUV and parishioners to be close to all those who have fallen prey to drug addiction. In one of his earliest Year of Mercy events, in December, Pope Francis opened a “door of charityâ€? at the main soup kitchen of the Rome diocesan Caritas. One Friday a month for the rest of the jubilee year, Pope Francis was to demonstrate personally the works of mercy. In January, he visited a home for the aged and a nearby facility caring for people in persistent

vegetative states. Reporters are not invited to accompany the pope and news of the events is not released until the pope already has arrived. Also related to the Year of Mercy, an Italian group of physicians and nurses – Solidarity Medicine – opened a mobile health clinic for the poor and homeless under the colonnade at St Peter’s Square on Feb 29. Working with WKH SDSDO DOPRQHUœV RI¿FH ZKLFK installed showers there and coordinates the weekly visit of barbers, the doctors and nurses will offer checkups and referrals for tests. „ CNS

Cardinal promises clergy abuse victims to support healing ROME – Australian Cardinal George Pell promised to work with a group of abuse survivors to help prevent suicide among victims and support healing and protection programmes. “One suicide is too many. And there have been many such tragic suicides. I commit myself to working with the group to try to stop this so that suicide is not seen as an option for those who are suffering,� he said on March 3 after meeting with a group of survivors from his hometown of Ballarat in Rome. The closed-door meeting came after the survivors watched the cardinal give evidence over four days to Australia’s Royal Commission about what he knew about the actions of child abusers among clergy and about bishops reassigning them to other parishes during his tenure in Australia. A number of survivors and supporters had come to Rome thanks to a crowd-funding campaign in order to witness in person the cardinal’s testimony, which was de-

I commit myself to ‘ working with the group to try to stop this so that suicide is not seen as an option for those who are suffering.

’

– Australian Cardinal George Pell (left) speaking after meeting with a group of clergy abuse survivors

livered over a live video link-up with the commission in Australia. The cardinal, prefect of the Vatican Secretariat for the Economy, had admitted during the hearings that Church leadership “has made enormous mistakes� in confronting suspected and known abuse against minors. Hundreds of child abuse claims or complaints have been made against clergy in

the Archdiocese of Melbourne and the Diocese of Ballarat, the cardinal’s hometown and the diocese for which he was ordained in 1966. He said that during his meeting with survivors, he heard “their stories and of their sufferings. It was hard; an honest and occasionally emotional meeting.� He promised to continue to help the group work with Church agen-

cies in Rome and at the Vatican, esSHFLDOO\ WKH 3RQWLÂżFDO &RPPLVVLRQ for the Protection of Minors. In a written statement released on March 4, the commission said it would use input from the survivors to help it in its work in promoting local responsibility and best practices for healing and prevention. “The victims/survivors spoke of models of educating children, parents and teachers so as to effect structural change within the Church and society concerning the effective safeguarding of chil-

dren and adolescents,� it said. After the meeting with Cardinal Pell, one survivor from Ballarat, Mr Phil Nagle, told London’s Catholic Herald paper that they “talked about the future not the past. ... I think he gets it.� Mr Nagle said they discussed the importance of counselling and care for survivors and how the Church “from [Cardinal] George’s level down� would help with that. Mr David Ridsdale, whose uncle – a former priest – abused him and others, told reporters on March 2 that people should “never underestimate broken people.� When people notice someone who seems to be in need or hurting, “stop the judging. Pick them up like we picked each other up because that is how humanity is going to go forward. Not this hiding, not this power struggle, not this power imbalance,� he said. Gerald Ridsdale, who is now in prison, had lived in the same house with Cardinal Pell for a few years in the 1970s. „ CNS

POPE FRANCIS 17

Sunday March 20, 2016 „ CatholicNews

Rome launches ‘24 Hours for the Lord’ VATICAN CITY – Exercise a little courage and go to confesVLRQ WXUQ DZD\ IURP VHOÂżVKQHVV and sin and back to God during the Year of Mercy, Pope Francis urged people at a Lenten penance service. “When our desire to be healed becomes more courageous, it leads to prayer, to crying out fervently and persistently for help, as did Bartimaeus: ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me,’â€? the pope said, quoting from the Gospel of St Mark. The penance service in St Peter’s Basilica on March 4 kicked off the Rome celebration of 24 Hours for the Lord, a period when select churches around the city were to be open all night – or at least for extended hours – for confession and Eucharistic adoration. After delivering his homily at the service, Pope Francis walked to one of the confessionals in the basilica and knelt in front of a priest to confess his sins. Then he and 60 priests went to other confessionals, or even just plastic chairs set in quiet corners, to hear confessions. Like Bartimaeus, who was blind, Catholics go to confession because they want to see again,

Pope Francis in confession in St Peter’s Basilica on March 4. The penance service kicked off the Rome celebration of 24 Hours for the Lord. CNS photo

Pope: When it comes to our sins, God has a ‘bad memory’ VATICAN CITY – Although God

is all-powerful, when it comes to sins, He has one weakness: a bad memory, Pope Francis said. “Once He forgives you, He forgets. This is great,� the pope told a group of seminarians, new priests and priests who hear confessions in the major basilicas of Rome. “Every faithful penitent, after receiving absolution from the priest, has the certainty through faith that their sins no longer exist, they have been cancelled by divine mercy,� he told the group on March 4. The forgiveness of sins offered in the Sacrament of Reconciliation is open to all and is “the greatest of the ‘Holy Doors’� that remain wide open to those wounded by sin and who wish to experience God’s love and mercy, the pope said. Departing from his prepared remarks, the pope highlighted the importance of celebrating God’s forgiveness in the sacrament. “Let us not forget this: It is very easy to go [to confession],

ask forgiveness, feel the embrace of forgiveness and forget to celebrate. This isn’t theological doctrine, but I would say that celebration is part of the sacrament. Just as penance is part [of the sacrament], so is celebration; I must celebrate with the Father who has forgiven me,â€? the pope said. Those who administer the sacrament of confession, he said, are called to follow the example of St Padre Pio and St Leopold Mandic, two Capuchins known for the long hours they would spend hearing confessions. Offering God’s love and mercy like they did means looking for a way to offer absolution to peniWHQWV HYHQ LQ WKH PRVW GLIÂżFXOW situations. “How many times have you heard people who say: ‘I will never confess again because one time I went and he shouted at me.’ Even if I can’t absolve them, they can at least feel the warmth of a father, who blesses them and says: ‘Come back, come back’ and to pray with him or her,â€? the pope said. „ CNS

the pope said. “Our sins have made us lose sight of all that is good and have robbed us of the beauty of our calling, leading us instead far away from our journey’s end.� The blindness of sin “impoverishes and isolates us,� the pope said. It prevents people from seeing what is most important and instead makes them focus on themselves “until we are indiffer-

our desire ‘When to be healed becomes more courageous, it leads to prayer.

’

– Pope Francis

ent to others and to what is good.� The Year of Mercy, Pope Francis said, “is the favourable time to welcome God’s presence, to experience His love and to return to Him with all our heart. Like Bartimaeus, let us cast off our cloak and rise to our feet: that is, let us cast aside all that prevents us from racing toward Him.� Speaking to priests, particularly those about to administer the sacrament, Pope Francis

urged them to ensure that nothing WKH\ GR PDNHV LW PRUH GLIÂżFXOW IRU people to draw close to Jesus in confession. Priests are meant to “inspire courage, to support and to lead others to Jesus,â€? he said. “Our ministry is one of accompaniment so that the encounter with the Lord may be personal and intimate, and the heart may open itself to the saviour in honesty and without fear.â€? The gift of priesthood, he said, is a gift that brings with it the ability to facilitate a sinner’s personal encounter with the Lord and, even more, “to stretch out our hand and to absolve, thus making His mercy visible and effective.â€? “We certainly must not water down the demands of the Gospel, but we cannot risk frustrating the desire of the sinner to be reconciled with the Father,â€? Pope Francis said. “For what the Father awaits more than anything is for His sons and daughters to return home. “May every man and woman ZKR FRPHV WR FRQIHVVLRQ ÂżQG D father who welcomes them and the Father who forgives them,â€? the pope said in a brief addition to his prepared homily. „ CNS

18 OPINION

Sunday March 20, 2016 „ CatholicNews

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About signing an AMD and ACP Q: I have two questions on the

Catholic faith in connection with AMD (Advance Medical Directive) and ACP (Advance Care Planning): 1) Does signing an AMD goes against Catholic teaching? I have signed that document a few years ago because I do not want my life prolonged in the case of terminal disease with no hope of cure. But one of my Catholic friends says that signing an AMD may go against Catholic teaching. Therefore she hesitated to sign it. 2) Does signing an ACP go against Catholic teaching if I state in that document that in case of terminal disease with no hope of cure, I do not wish to be resuscitated, nor do I want to be intubated and attached to a ventilator? As a Catholic I do not support euthanasia. I just wish to die naturally without any medical intervention which would only prolong my suffering before dying. But I do accept palliative therapy. Oei Khoen Hwa Singapore 268845

A

: If you want a quick answer to your question, it is “yesâ€?. Catholics can sign AMDs. But there are conditions that must be met, and a Catholic needs to understand why these are in place. Just signing an AMD without knowing about what our faith teaches about such issues could end up being a difÂżFXOW LVVXH IRU RXUVHOYHV DQG RXU loved ones. This is a very pertinent question, especially when we are living in a time where debilitating illnesses are becoming very common. Many of these may require treatments and/or procedures which DUH QRW RQO\ ÂżQDQFLDOO\ VWUDLQLQJ but also sometimes disproportionate to the expected results. Further complicating the situation may be the fact that some of these medical procedures may not actually correspond to the situation that the patient is experiencing. The basic drive for one to sign an AMD comes from the princi-

ple of self-determination where one is fully in charge of one’s life. But to attain this end requires also that one is fully informed of all the risks involved in any medical treatment and procedure. This directive comes into effect only when the patient himself/herself is unable to give consent or to make known to others his or her wants and needs, and when death is imminent and extraordinary life sustaining meas-

Individuals who intend to sign such directives should make sure they talk to their loved ones, doctors, caregivers and pastors about the care and treatment they would like to have if they reach a point in their lives when they can no longer speak for themselves. ures are used. Because this directive has to be signed before one actually gets sick and requires such treatments, it is simply not possible to preempt all the possible scenarios that one could face, especially when some serious illnesses only show up a long time after the AMD is signed. What has to be made clear is that one does not make any request for euthanasia when signing the AMD. Perhaps what is

more pressing is the need to make it clear that while signing these directives can give patients and caregivers some information to guide their decisions, they do not solve all the issues and problems that will inevitably ensue. The same considerations and conditions would apply to the signing of an ACP as well. But what needs to be emphasised is that individuals who intend to sign such directives should make sure that they talk to their family, loved ones, doctors, caregivers and pastors about the care and treatment that they would like to have if they reach a point in their lives when they can no longer speak for themselves. 0DQ\ PD\ ¿QG WKLV D YHU\ GLI¿FXOW FRQYHUVDWLRQ WR KDYH and to sign this without going through that very important step could end up clouding the issue rather than making it easier. It is not uncommon to have a scenario where even doctors differ in their opinions on whether death is imminent. In these cases, having an AMD may serve to give the doctors a general guideline to know the patient’s intent. A good explanation from a Dominican website (http://opcentral.org/resources/2014/09/05/ the-catholic-tradition-onforgoing-life-support/) can give some further insights. One can also gain further clarity by referring to Evangelium Vitae (64-67), an encyclical written by Pope St John Paul II, which expresses the position of the Catholic Church in matters of the value and inviolability of human life. In it, he says that when one forgoes extraordinary or disproportionate means at such times where death is imminent, it is not euthanasia, but rather the acceptance of the human condition in the face of death. „ Continued on Page 24 Letter to the editor on page 21

Mourning our barrenness SEVERAL years ago, while teaching a summer course at Seattle University, I had as one of my students, a woman who, while happily married, was unable to conceive a child. She had no illusions about what this meant for her. It bothered her a great deal. 6KH IRXQG 0RWKHUÂśV 'D\ YHU\ GLIÂżFXOW $PRQJ RWKHU things, she wrote a well-researched thesis on the concept of barrenness in scripture and developed a retreat on that same theme which she offered at various renewal centres. Being a celibate whose vows also conscript a certain biological barrenness, I went on one of her weekend retreats, the only male there. It was a powerful group experience, but it took most of the weekend for that to happen. Initially, mostly everyone on the retreat was tentative and shy, not wanting to admit to themselves or others the kind of pain the loss of biological parenthood was creating in their lives. But things broke open on the Saturday night, after the group watched a YLGHR RI D V %ULWLVK ÂżOP 6HFUHWV DQG /LHV D VXEWOH EXW SRZHUIXO drama about the pain of not having children. The tears in the movie catalysed tears within our group and the Ă€RRGJDWHV RSHQHG 7HDUV EHJDQ WR Ă€RZ IUHHO\ DQG RQH E\ RQH WKH women began to tell their stories. Then, after the tears and stories had stopped, the atmosphere changed, as if a fog had lifted and a weight had been removed. Lightness set in. Each person in the group had mourned her loss and now each felt a lightness in knowing that one might never have a child and still be a happy person, without denying the pain in that. Barrenness is not just a term that describes a biological incapacity to have children or a life choice to not have them. It’s wider. Barrenness describes the universal human condition in its incapacity to be generative in the way it would like and the vacuum and frustration that leaves inside lives. German Jesuit priest and theologian Karl Rahner VXPPDULVHV WKDW LQ WKHVH ZRUGV ,Q WKH WRUPHQW RI WKH LQVXIÂżFLHQF\ of everything attainable we ultimately learn that here, in this life, all V\PSKRQLHV PXVW UHPDLQ XQÂżQLVKHG 1R PDWWHU LI ZH KDYH ELRORJLFDO FKLOGUHQ RI RXU RZQ RU QRW ZH VWLOO DOO ÂżQG RXUVHOYHV EDUUHQ LQ WKDW IRU QRQH RI XV LV WKHUH D ÂżQLVKHG V\PSKRQ\ KHUH RQ HDUWK 7KHUHÂśV DOZD\V some barrenness left in our lives and biological barrenness is simply RQH DQDORJDWH RI WKDW WKRXJK DUJXDEO\ WKH SULPH RQH 1RQH RI XV GLH having given birth to all we wanted to in this world. What do we do in the face of this? Is there an answer? Is there a response that can take us beyond simply gritting our teeth and stoically getting on with it? There is. The answer is tears. In mid-life and beyond, we need, as Swiss psychologist Alice Miller normatively suggests in her classic essay, The Drama of the Gifted Child, to mourn so that our very foundations are shaken. Many of our wounds are irreversible and many of our shortcomings are permanent. We will go to our deaths with this incompleteness. Our loss cannot be reversed. But it can be mourned, both what we lost and what we failed to achieve. In that mourning there is freedom. I have always been struck by the powerful metaphor inside the story of Jephthah’s daughter in the biblical story in the Book of Judges, chapter 11. It captures in an archetypal image the only answer there is, this side of eternity, to barrenness. Condemned to death in the prime of her youth by a foolish vow her father made, she tells her father that VKH LV ZLOOLQJ WR GLH RQ WKH DOWDU RI VDFULÂżFH EXW RQO\ RQ RQH FRQGLtion. She will now die without experiencing either the consummation of marriage or the birthing of children. So she asks her father to give her two months before her death to “mourn her virginityâ€?. Properly mourned, an incomplete life can be both lived in peace and left in peace. Tears are the answer to barrenness, to all loss and inadequacy. Marilyn Chandler McEntyre, in her book, A Faithful Farewell, has this to say about tears: “Tears release me into honest sorrow. They release PH IURP WKH VWUHQXRXV EXVLQHVV RI ÂżQGLQJ ZRUGV 7KH\ UHOHDVH PH LQWR D FKLOGOLNH SODFH ZKHUH , QHHG WR EH KHOG DQG ÂżQG FRPIRUW LQ HPEUDFH – in the arms of others and in the arms of God. Tears release me from the treadmill of anxious thoughts, and even from fear. They release me from the strain of holding them back. Tears are a consent to what is. They wash away, at least for a time, denial and resistance. They allow me to relinquish the self-deceptive notion that I’m in control. Tears GLOXWH UHVHQWPHQW DQG ZDVK DZD\ WKH Ă€RWVDP OHIW E\ ZDYHV RI DQJHU ´ 1RW LQVLJQLÂżFDQWO\ WHDUV DUH VDOW ZDWHU +XPDQ OLIH RULJLQDWHG LQ the oceans. Tears connect us to the source of all life on this earth, within which prodigal fecundity trumps all barrenness. „

FOCUS 19

Sunday March 20, 2016 „ CatholicNews

Get thee to a confessional: Pope sets an example A look at Pope Francis’ emphasis on the Sacrament of Reconciliation

Pope Francis confesses in St Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican on March 4. CNS photo

G

O TO confession. Soon. For Pope Francis, the Year of Mercy is all about sharing the experience of God’s mercy with others. But ÂżUVW KH ZDQWV SHRSOH WR H[SHULence it themselves, in the confessional. Lent is the perfect time for that kind of spring cleaning and at the Vatican, in Rome and in many dioceses around the world, Catholic churches were to have extended hours for confessions from March 4-5 in a project called “24 Hours for the Lord.â€? Afterwards, for those who did not make it to a local church, there were still three weeks left before Easter. The pope has said he goes to confession every two weeks, and he has done so very publicly, most noticeably in 2014 during a Lenten penance service in St Peter’s Basilica. He also went on Feb 11, on the eve of his trip to Cuba and Mexico, when he stopped by the Basilica of St John Lateran where the priests of the Diocese of Rome were holding their Lenten meeting.

Pope Francis heard the confessions of several priests, then went to confession. At St John Lateran, as in almost every speech he has given to priests in the three years since his election on March 13, 2013, Pope Francis gave the priests advice, exhortations and pleas that they dedicate time to hearing confessions and that they do so with warmth, care and a father’s love. He wants them to acknowledge the reality of the penitent’s sin, but pay even more attention to the penitent’s desire for forgiveness and a fresh start. He spends less time telling Catholics to get to a confessional than he does telling priests they have a serious obligation to ensure the experience is not so horrible that the faithful never come back. A lot of that probably has to do with the fact that a turning point in his own life – and the beginning of his discernment about becoming a priest – began with an unplanned confession on the way to a school picnic when he was 17.

He said he felt that the priest, whom he’d never seen before, was waiting there to show him God’s mercy. Rather than trying to convince people that they are sinners who need to go to confession, Pope Francis tries to take seriously the reasons people say they do not go and gives them another point of view. “Some say, ‘I confess only to God.’ Yes, you can say, ‘God forgive me,’ but our sins are also against our brothers and sisters, against the Church,� he said at a general audience in February 2014. “This is why it is necessary to ask forgiveness from our brothers and sisters and from

the Church in the person of the priest.� Embarrassment or shame is another reason people stay away from the confessional, which the pope sees as a normal feeling, but one that should be overcome. “Sometimes when you’re in line for confession, you feel all sorts of things, especially shame, but when your confession is over, you’ll leave free, great, beautiful, forgiven, clean, happy – this is what’s beautiful about confession,� he said. In the recent book-length interview, The Name of God Is Mercy, Pope Francis also spoke about confession as an important means of helping people be truly

Some say, ‘I confess only to God.’ Yes, you ‘can say, ‘God forgive me,’ but our sins are also against our brothers and sisters, against the Church. This is why it is necessary to ask forgiveness from our brothers and sisters and from the Church in the person of the priest.

’

– Pope Francis

honest before God. “It’s a way to be real and authentic,â€? he said. “We face the facts by looking at another person and not in the mirror.â€? The pope repeatedly has told priests that in the confessional they should ask only questions that help penitents recognise their sins rather than conducting ÂłD KHDY\ ÂżQLFN\ DQG LQYDVLYH interrogation.â€? But that does not mean penitents should approach the sacrament without doing their own examination of conscience and even a detailed one. In “The Name of God Is Mercyâ€?, the pope was asked how one should prepare for confession. His answer: “He ought to UHĂ€HFW RQ WKH WUXWK RI KLV OLIH RI what he feels and what he thinks before God. He ought to be able to look earnestly at himself and his sin. He ought to feel like a sinner, so that he can be amazed by God.â€? As he said in December 2014, “Go to confession to clean up a bit. This is good for you.â€? „ CNS

20 LENT FEATURE

Sunday March 20, 2016 „ CatholicNews

Rising with Christ in a broken world %\ &DURO\Q :RR In my daily work at Catholic Relief Services, I routinely encounter suffering: the crisis of 60 million displaced people around the world, a number larger than those displaced in World War II; at least 50 million children not in school; KXPDQ WUDI¿FNLQJ VODYH ODERXU impending food shortage for a large number of Ethiopians; or the dry corridor in Central America with unpredictable bursts of torrential rain that eliminate growing seasons and sometimes wipe out complete plantings. I generally plough on. But one day, two emails made PH VWRS 7KH ¿UVW GHVFULEHG WKH death of 21-year-old Elias, a volunteer at a Catholic organisation in Aleppo, Syria. He was cut down by a bomb. The second email from a longtime friend who expressed her deep sadness over her son’s divorce. For this lady, marriage

is sacred: a lifelong commitment to which she and her husband devoted themselves. As if this heartbreak needed an external marker, she also sustained a broken elbow, which made impossible her playing the piano for the enjoyment of the elderly in a facility. I was overwhelmed with the degree of brokenness in our world: broken marriages, broken vows, broken bones, broken families, broken livelihoods, broken governments, broken societies, broken earth, broken spirits. I imagine the apostles must have felt pretty broken in their world on the Friday and Saturday after Jesus’ death. Thoroughly confused and defeated, they must have wondered how the victory

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that was playing out so spectacularly before the cheering mob just a few days before turned into the KLGHRXV GUDPD RI WKH &UXFLÂż[LRQ Now what were they supposed to believe in? Did they feel

Jesus did not ask us to change the world, but to change our hearts so that we can forgive, serve, heal, bear the world’s insults, lift up those forsaken by others.

betrayed by their master? Whom could they count on? How were they to return to a world in which they witnessed people breaking people? How could they love as Jesus asked them to? What could they do? They burrowed deep in hiding. Total darkness. Then Jesus rose from the dead. In a way, you can say that nothing changed. The Romans were still there; the Pharisees did not change their minds about Him; and as we

now know too well, death, oppression and destruction continued. Jesus performed no miracles to change the circumstances of His world and our world. Jesus’ rising only changed people, His apostles and each of us who professes His resurrection, that life could not be defeated by death, nor chained by fear, hatred and suffering. Jesus did not ask us to change the world, but to change our hearts so that we can forgive, serve, heal, bear the world’s insults, lift up those forsaken by others. At the Easter Vigil, when our tapers receive the light from the paschal candle, be reminded that we are light from the source of all light, God’s chosen to recover the goodness of what He has made, to be hope, to love the people He entrusts to us, and to rise from the resignation that Pope Francis characterised as one of the devil’s most favourite weapons. Let us rise with Christ this Easter. „ CNS Woo is president and CEO of Catholic Relief Services.

FOCUS 21

Sunday March 20, 2016 „ CatholicNews

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Holy Week and what this little lamb taught me No morning Masses on Holy Thursday and Holy Saturday. Holy Thursday (Mar 24): Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper. Adoration till midnight. Good Friday (Mar 25): Service only, no Mass. Holy Saturday (Mar 26): Easter Vigil. Easter Sunday (Mar 27) CITY DISTRICT CATHEDRAL OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD Under renovation/restoration. ST JOSEPH’S CHURCH (VICTORIA STREET) Holy Thursday: 10am (Chrism Mass) & 6.30pm Good Friday: 1pm, 3pm & 5pm Holy Saturday: 8pm Easter Sunday: 8am, 10am & 5pm CHURCH OF STS PETER & PAUL Holy Thursday: 7pm, 7pm (M* @ Chapel) Good Friday: noon (M*) & 3pm Holy Saturday: 8pm Easter Sunday: 8.30am (M*), 11am &

4.30pm CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF LOURDES

CHURCH OF OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE Holy Thursday: 7pm Good Friday: 9am (M*), noon & 3pm Holy Saturday: 7.30pm (with Baptism) Easter Sunday: 7.30am (M*); 9am;10.45am & 5.30pm CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL SUCCOUR Holy Thursday: 5pm & 7.30pm Good Friday: 7.30am (M*); 10am; 12.30pm & 3pm Holy Saturday: 8pm Easter Sunday: 7am (M* with Baptism); 8.45am, 10.30am, 12.30pm, 3pm (Children’s Mass) & 6pm CHURCH OF ST STEPHEN

11am & 5.30pm

Holy Saturday: 7.30pm. Easter Sunday: 7am, 9am, 11am & 5.30pm

CHURCH OF THE HOLY TRINITY Holy Thursday: 6pm & 8pm. Good Friday: 8am (M*), 11am, 3pm &

6pm Holy Saturday: 7.30pm (with Baptism) Easter Sunday: 6.45am, 8am (M*), 9.30am,

followed by Service in Tamil Holy Saturday: 8pm (English & Tamil) Easter Sunday: 7.30am, 11.30am, 1pm, 9.30am (T*) & 6.30pm (T*)

CHURCH OF DIVINE MERCY Holy Thursday: 7pm Good Friday: 9am; 11.30am and 3pm, Children’s Service (Chapel): 11.30am, 3pm & 5.30pm Stations Holy Saturday: 7pm (with Baptism) Easter Sunday: 7am; 9am; 11.30am & 5.30pm (Infant Baptism)

Hour at 9pm Good Friday: 10am (M*), 2.30pm & 5.30pm Holy Saturday: 7pm (M*), 8.30pm (with Baptism) Easter Sunday: 9am, 10.30am, noon & 5.30pm CHURCH OF ST TERESA Holy Thursday: 6.30pm & Holy Hour @ 9pm Good Friday: 10am (Children’s Service @ Auditorium), 10am Stations followed by Service. 2.30pm Stations followed by Service Holy Saturday: 8.30pm (with Baptism) Easter Sunday: 8.30am Children’s Mass, 10.30am, 12.30pm & 6pm CHURCH OF ST ALPHONSUS (NOVENA CHURCH) Under reconstruction. Celebrations now held at SJI Junior School Hall Holy Thursday: 8pm Good Friday: 11am (Passion Play) 3pm (Passion Play & Services) Holy Saturday: 8pm Easter Sunday: 8am, 10am & noon CHURCH OF ST BERNADETTE Holy Thursday: 7.30pm Good Friday: 9am (M*); 11.30am,

(Indonesian) & 3pm Holy Saturday: 7.30pm Easter Sunday: 8am (M*) & 9.30am,

NORTH DISTRICT ST JOSEPH CHURCH (BUKIT TIMAH) Holy Thursday: 7pm Good Friday: 9am (M*), 11am & 3pm Holy Saturday: 7.30pm (with Baptism) Easter Sunday: 7.30am (M*), 9am, 11am

& 5.30pm

CHURCH OF ST MICHAEL

5.30pm EAST DISTRICT CHURCH OF THE HOLY FAMILY Holy Thursday: 7.30pm Good Friday: 9am, noon, 3pm & 6pm (M*) Holy Saturday: 8pm Easter Sunday: 7.15am, 9.15am, 11.30am

& 6pm (M*)

at 8pm

ST ANNE’S CHURCH Holy Thursday: 7pm Good Friday: 8am, 11am & 3pm Holy Saturday: 8pm Easter Sunday: 7.15am, 9am, 11am & 6pm

CHURCH OF ST VINCENT DE PAUL Holy Thursday: 8pm Good Friday: 11am (Tagalog), 2.30pm &

5.30pm Holy Saturday: 8pm Easter Sunday: 7am, 9am, 11am & 6pm

WEST DISTRICT CHURCH OF ST IGNATIUS Holy Thursday: 7.30pm Good Friday: noon, 3pm & 6pm Holy Saturday: 8pm Easter Sunday: 6.45am, 8.15am, 10.15am, 12.15pm & 6pm BLESSED SACRAMENT CHURCH Holy Thursday: 7pm Good Friday: 10.30am, 12.30pm (M*) &

3pm CHURCH OF ST ANTHONY Holy Thursday: 9pm Good Friday: 9am & 3pm, 11.30am (M*) & 5.30pm (T*). Holy Saturday: 7.30pm Easter Sunday: 7.30am (M*), 11.15am & 6pm CHURCH OF OUR LADY STAR OF THE SEA Holy Thursday: 6.30pm & 8.30pm Good Friday: 8am (M*), 1pm (T*), 10.15am & 3pm & 5.30pm (Tagalog) Holy Saturday: 8pm Easter Sunday: 8.30am, 10.15am & 5pm & 1.45pm (M*). CHURCH OF THE HOLY SPIRIT Holy Thursday: 7pm Good Friday: 10am & 3pm Holy Saturday: 7.30pm Easter Sunday: 7am, 9am, 11.30am &

5.30pm

11.15am, 3.30pm (Indonesian) & 5.30pm Holy Thursday: 8pm Good Friday: 8am (M*), 11am & 2.30pm Holy Saturday: 8pm Easter Sunday: 7.30am (M*), 9.30am &

CHURCH OF ST FRANCIS XAVIER Holy Thursday: 7.30pm Good Friday: 9am, noon & 3pm. Stations

11.15am & 6pm

CHURCH OF THE SACRED HEART

CHURCH OF THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY Holy Thursday: 6.30pm Good Friday: 10am (Stations at 9.15am) & 3pm (Stations at 2.15pm). Holy Saturday: 7.30pm Easter Sunday: 6.45am, 8.30am, 11.15am & 5.45pm.

Holy Thursday: 8pm Good Friday: 11am and 3pm Holy Saturday: 9pm Easter Sunday: 7.30am (M*), 9.00am,

Holy Thursday: 9pm (English & Tamil) Good Friday: 3pm, 5.30pm Stations

Holy Thursday: 6pm followed by Holy

SERANGOON DISTRICT CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY OF THE BVM Holy Thursday: 6.30pm Good Friday: 8am, 10am Teochew Stations, 10.30am (M*) 1pm, 3pm, 5pm & 7pm Holy Saturday: 7pm (M*) 10pm Easter Sunday: 7.30am, 9.15am, 11am & 5.30pm (Korean 12.45 pm)

Holy Saturday: 8pm Easter Sunday: 7.30am, 9am (M*), 11am

& 5.30pm CHURCH OF ST MARY OF THE ANGELS Holy Thursday: 6.30pm & 8.30 pm Good Friday: 8.30 am (Morning Prayer),

9am, 11am, 1pm (M*), 3pm, 5pm, 7pm and 8.30pm (Night Prayer). Veneration of the Cross follows after Good Friday Liturgy. Holy Saturday: 7.30pm (with Baptism) Easter Sunday: 7.30am, 9am, 11am, 12.45pm, 5.30pm & 7.15pm CHURCH OF ST FRANCIS OF ASSISI Holy Thursday: 7.30pm Good Friday: 7.30am(T*),10am, 1pm &

3pm (M*). Holy Saturday: 6pm (M*), 9.30pm Easter Sunday: 7.30am, 9am, 11am; 6pm

(M*); 7.30pm (Malayalam) & 7.30pm (T* at Basement Chapel). CHURCH OF THE HOLY CROSS

CHURCH OF THE RISEN CHRIST Holy Thursday: 4pm & 6pm Good Friday: 8am (M*), 10.30am, 2.30pm & 5pm Holy Saturday: 7pm Easter Sunday: 7am, 8.15am (M*), 9.45am, 11.30am & 6pm CHURCH OF CHRIST THE KING Holy Thursday: 6.30pm Good Friday: 7.30am, 10am, 12.30pm (M*), 3pm & 5.30pm Holy Saturday: 7.30pm Easter Sunday: 7.30am (M* with Baptism), 9.45am, 11.30am & 5.30pm

Holy Thursday: 6pm & 8pm Good Friday: 7.30am, 10am, 12.30pm,

3pm followed by Stations & 6pm (M*) Holy Saturday: 7.30pm (with Baptism) Easter Sunday: 7.30am, 9.30am, 11.30am

& 1.30pm (M* with Baptism) Note: Stations refer to Stations of the Cross or Way of the Cross. Mass/Service in English unless indicated. (M*): Mandarin; (T*): Tamil All information provided correct at press time. Please contact the individual parishes for updates.

In the Bible, there are more than ing sheared with an electric shaver 500 references to sheep, and “lambâ€? IRU WKH ÂżUVW WLPH is mentioned more than 120 times. The lamb, despite having Of all animals, the docile lamb watched and sensed the distress had always intrigued me, more so of the other lambs that were beduring Holy Week. ing sheared before it, and then So on a recent trip to Perth, I being subjected to this unnerving took a long drive to a sheep farm maiden encounter itself, did not seeking to unravel this scriptural pe- struggle. No resistance. Not even culiarity. I had wanted to understand the slightest bleat. why the lamb was so special and Its gentle eyes seemed to cast why it was used to personify Jesus. placidly into a hopeful future and Actually, what drove me was the aspect of its composed mouth the desire to comprehend and cap- seemed to speak of total acceptture the essence of Isaiah 53:7, ance and surrender... how they referring to the Passion of Jesus resonated with the Isaiah verses! &KULVW Âł,OO WUHDWHG DQG DIĂ€LFWHG Superimposed over scripture, he never opened his mouth, like a this poignant picture of extreme lamb led to the slaughter house, like weakness exuded ultimate power: a sheep dumb before its shearers, he the power of love. never opened his mouth.â€? It took a real lamb Down Under Every Holy Week, I would listen to those familiar words as part of the liturgy. Sometimes, they Ă€RDWHG RYHU P\ KHDG Most times, they fell on fairly receptive soil. But for an urban dweller schooled in modern-day catechism, the lamb is like any other ordinary fourlegged animal; the verses ÂżUHG P\ LPDJLQDWLRQ QR It took a real lamb Down Under to shed light more than a history book about the True Lamb from up above. would excite me. And yet those words seemed like to shed light about the True Lamb they had a loaded conjecture and from up above. The characteristic continued to enthrall me. acquiescence of the lamb illustrated The farm visit opened my how Jesus totally surrendered “like mind to see beyond the ordinary. a sheep dumb before its shearers, Farm owner Judy Priestly had gra- he never opened his mouthâ€?. ciously arranged for me to visit a Now I understand. Now, each Ă€RFN RI ODPEV D IHZ PRQWKV ROG time I recite the Lamb of God beundergo their inaugural shearing. fore Holy Communion, I recall And so, I painstakingly observed WKLV LPDJH $QG LQ D Ă€DVK LW WHOOV their behaviour under stress. I fo- me the story of how the Almighty cused on their facial disposition. I Son became the meekest crealooked closely into their eyes. ture... because love entails sacriArmed with a good digital ÂżFH $QG XOWLPDWH ORYH FDOOHG IRU camera, I took many close-up WKH XOWLPDWH VDFULÂżFH )RU PH „ shots, including of this random lamb (pictured above), held down M Chua by a seasoned shearer as it was be- Singapore 359011

22

Sunday March 20, 2016 CatholicNews

SPOTLIGHT ON SAINTS:

St. Enda (d. 530) According to legend, St Enda was an Irishman whose sister was married to a king. He asked his brother-in-law for some land on the Aran Islands so he could build a religious community there. St Enda built a monastery and 10 smaller houses. To test his followers for sinfulness, it is said that he would place each one in a wicker canoe that did not have its covering, so WKH ERDW ZDV QRW ZDWHUWLJKW ,I WKH ERDW VWD\HG DÀRDW LQ WKH water when the person was in it, the person was free from sin. St Enda is credited with starting monasticism in Ireland, and we honour him on March 21.

“Let the one among you who is ZLWKRXW VLQ EH WKH ¿UVW WR WKURZ D VWRQH at her,” the Lord answered them. Then He again bent down to write on the ground. The scribes and the Pharisees had no response, other than to slowly leave Jesus one by one. Eventually, the woman was left alone with Jesus. “Woman, where are they?” Jesus asked. “Has no one condemned you?” “No one, sir,” the woman replied.

Jesus looked at the woman with love and forgiveness. “Neither do I condemn you,” He told the woman. “Go, (and) from now on do not sin any more.” Read more about it: John 8

Q&A 1. Where was Jesus teaching? 2. Who brought the woman to Jesus?

Wordsearch: FEAST

DIE

KILLED

MIND

TEMPLE HOUR

TEACH

TRICK

GROUND STONE

LOVE

WOMAN

KIDS’ CLUB: Essay: Why is it important to be forgiving?

Bible Accent:

4. T

In Leviticus 23, God told Moses about the seven festivals He wanted the Israelites to celebrate. One of those festivals was the Feast of Booths, a pilgrimage festival that also was sometimes called the Feast of Tabernacles. During these festivals, the Israelites were to do or not do certain things on certain days. For example, the holy days during the feasts were to be days of rest when no work was to be done. During the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Israelites were not to eat any bread that contained leavening, which is a substance such as yeast that makes bread rise. On New Year’s Day, God wanted trumpets to be sounded to remind people of the special day, which is why it also was referred to as the Feast of Trumpets. During Pentecost, different kinds of offerings were to be made to God. On the Day of Atonement, all those who did not humble themselves before the Lord were to be cut off from the people. And during the Feast of Booths, the people were to dwell in booths for seven days as a reminder of the temporary shelters in which the people lived after God led them out of slavery in Egypt.

PUZZLE: Jesus spoke a lot about forgiveness. Using the hints provided, put a “T” next to the sentences that are true and an “F” next to the ones that are false.

1. Jesus forgave a paralyzed man and healed him. (Mark 2:1-5) 2. You can stop forgiving someone after 20 times. (Matthew 18:21-22) -HVXV GLG QRW IRUJLYH WKH SHRSOH ZKR FUXFL¿HG KLP (Luke 23:33-34) 4. If you do not forgive others, God will not forgive you. (Matthew 6:14-15)

Answer to Wordsearch

Jesus planned to stay in Galilee instead of going to Jerusalem for the Feast of Tabernacles. He knew that some of the Jewish leaders there wanted Him arrested and killed. He also knew His time to die had not yet come. After some more thought, He changed His mind and went. During the feast, He taught in the temple. All who heard Him were amazed, because He taught as if He were a rabbi, even though He had not been trained as one. One morning, He came to the temple area at an early hour. When the people saw Him, they gathered around to hear Him teach. Suddenly, Jesus’ teaching was interrupted by loud, angry voices. The scribes and the Pharisees were dragging a woman along with them

as they walked toward Jesus. They forced the woman to stand in the middle of the group of people who were gathered around Jesus. “Teacher,” the scribes and Pharisees announced, “this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery. Now in the law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?” The scribes and Pharisees were not truly interested in what Jesus had to say. They only wanted to try to trick the Lord into saying something wrong so they could bring a charge against Him and have Him arrested. Jesus knew this. He didn’t say a word. He just bent down and began to ZULWH RQ WKH JURXQG ZLWK +LV ¿QJHU But the scribes and the Pharisees wouldn’t let up. They kept pressing for Jesus to answer them. Jesus stood up.

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

By Jennifer Ficcaglia

Sunday March 20, 2016 „ CatholicNews

23

WHAT’S ON

24

EVENT SUBMISSIONS

About signing an AMD and ACP „ From Page 18

,W LV ÂżWWLQJ WKDW ZKHQ GHDOLQJ with issues that make one think RI ÂłTXDOLW\ RI OLIH´ ZH DOVR DW the same time consider what the Church teaches about redemptive suffering. A wrong or unhealthy understanding of this term can end up with Catholics thinking that even when they are terminally ill, they must accept all aggressive treatments so that they can VXIIHU OLNH -HVXV 7KLV VKRXOG QRW be the case. Redemptive suffering doesn’t mean that one should subject oneself to all kinds of extraordinary WUHDWPHQW ,W GRHVQÂśW PHDQ WKDW D patient in such a condition who chooses to accept analgesia (pain blocking medication) is steering away from participating in the sufferings of Christ. Christians with a healthy regard to suffering must not “run WR WKH &URVV´ QRU IHHO DQ\ JXLOW LI

they are not taking suffering well like Jesus. Perhaps what needs to be inculcated throughout our OLYHV LV WKDW LI ZH ¿QG RXUVHOYHV avoiding all forms of suffering in our younger and healthy years, we may inoculate ourselves from meaningfully participating in the redemptive suffering of Christ on Calvary when these situations present themselves to us later in life. „ Fr Luke Fong

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

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. JAN 14 TO NOV 26 BRIDGING PROGRAMME A one-year catechetical programme for children aged 9 to 13 years who have missed, or not had formal catechesis, or who are seeking baptism. Sessions are conducted weekly at the Catholic Archdiocescan Education Centre (CAEC) at 2 Highland Road, and the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour at 31 Siglap Hill. Managed by the Catechetical 2IÂżFH 5HJLVWHU 7 (PLO\ ( HPLO\#RQH RUJ VJ 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 DQG IHOORZVKLS 7LPH SP SP Every Monday except on public holidays. 9HQXH &KXUFK RI 6W ,JQDWLXV OHYHO 6W ,JQDWLXV +DOO )RU HQTXLULHV ( KHQU\WKZX#JPDLO FRP RU UD\PRQG WKQJ #JPDLO FRP JAN 20 TO DEC 28 ART THERAPY OPEN STUDIO @ AGAPE VILLAGE Every Wednesday throughout the year. 7LPH DP SP )HHOLQJ GRZQ ORVW and confused? Let your creative energy guide you to tap into your wisdom and expand your insights to your life. &RPH MRLQ XV DQG OHW WKH KHDOLQJ TXDOLWLHV of art awaken you. Organised by Clarity 6LQJDSRUH $ /RU 7RD 3D\RK )HH SHU VHVVLRQ 3UH UHJLVWUDWLRQ UHTXLUHG 5HJLVWHU 7 ( UHJLVWUDWLRQ#FODULW\ VLQJDSRUH RUJ

Leonardo DiCaprio meets Pope Francis at the Vatican on Jan 28. During his speech at the Feb 28 Academy Awards, the actor said the threat of climate change is ‘real’. CNS photo

DiCaprio’s speech UHĂ HFWV FKXUFKHV¡ concern on resources: nun MANILA – “Be like Leonardo Di-

&DSULR ´ Asian church news portal ucanews.com reported that that was the call of Sr Aloha Vergara of the Handmaids of the House of God, who said DiCaprio’s speech DW WKH )HE $FDGHP\ $ZDUGV ÂłUHĂ€HFWV WKH SHRSOH DQG WKH Churches’ position on the protecWLRQ RI WKH HQYLURQPHQW ´ 7KH +ROO\ZRRG DFWRU VDLG FOLPDWH FKDQJH ÂłLV UHDO´ DQG EODVWHG what he called the “politics of JUHHG´ LQ KLV VSHHFK DFFHSWLQJ KLV ÂżUVW 2VFDU “We need to stand to uphold WKH SURWHFWLRQ RI DOO FUHDWLRQ ´ 6U Vergara said at a March 1 media conference in Manila at which Catholic and Protestant churches and environmental activists de-

nounced alleged human rights violations in a mining town in the northern Philippines. 6KH XUJHG &DWKROLFV WR UHĂ€HFW RQ 3RSH )UDQFLVÂś HQF\FOLFDO /DXGato Si’, on Care for Our Common Home, and “support those who speak for all those who are affected of corporate greed and the GHVWUXFWLRQ RI WKH HQYLURQPHQW ´ Redemptorist Br Ciriaco Santiago, convener of an anti-mining group in Manila, said candidates in May national elections should take DiCaprio’s position and “act upon people’s concrete and legitiPDWH GHPDQGV ´ 7KH 5HOLJLRXV %URWKHU VDLG LW LV ÂłYHU\ WLPHO\´ IRU )LOLSLQRV WR UHĂ€HFW and respond to the situation, especially after years of plunder of the country’s natural resources. „ CNS

FEB 17 TO MAY 4 BIBLE STUDY BOOK OF EXODUS 7LPH SP SP 9HQXH &KXUFK RI 6W )UDQFLV ;DYLHU 6); URRP SDULVK centre. 12 Wednesday sessions conducted E\ 0VJU $PEURVH 9D] 5HJLVWHU ( PDLVLHOHH #JPDLO FRP 0DLVLH /LP URQOHH#OXFDV FRP VJ 5RQ /HH

FEB 20 TO APRIL 9 “WHAT IS CHRISTIAN MISSION?â€? TALKS Join us on April 2 and 9 to learn about the 7ULQLWDULDQ QDWXUH RI PLVVLRQ Âą WKH WKUXVW RI WKH YHU\ KHDUW RI &KULVWLDQ OLIH Âą DQG how we can do so in a dynamic way. All sessions held at the Catholic Centre. 7LPH DP SP 2UJDQLVHG E\ Caritas Humanitarian Aid & Relief ,QLWLDWLYHV 6LQJDSRUH &+$5,6 )RU PRUH LQIRUPDWLRQ 7 ( YLFWRULD#FKDULV VLQJDSRUH RUJ FEB 23 TO MAY 17 SYMBOLON (DVD) AND LIVE PRESENTATIONS (YHU\ 7XHVGD\ IURP SP SP 'U 7DQ 6UL DQG KLV WHDP IURP WKH $XJXVWLQH ,QVWLWXWH SUHVHQW WKH IRXQGDWLRQ DQG fundamental beliefs of the Catholic faith XVLQJ WKH &UHHG DV D JXLGH 7KHUH ZLOO also be presentations on related topics. Organised by the Bible Apostolate 7HDP DW &KXUFK RI WKH +RO\ 6SLULW DWWLF OHYHO &RVW 5HJLVWHU 7 /RXLVD

FEB 29 TO MARCH 21 PRAYING WITH MERCY IN THE NEW TESTAMENT 7KH REMHFWLYH RI WKH ZRUNVKRS LV WR cultivate a love for praying with scriptures and apply mercy in one’s own life. Conducted by the Verbum Dei 0LVVLRQDULHV (YHU\ 0RQGD\ IURP SP SP 2UJDQLVHG E\ WKH %LEOLFDO $SRVWRODWH

Sunday March 20, 2016 „ CatholicNews

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 7KH 5&,< WHDP LV ZHOFRPLQJ QRQ &DWKROLFV DJHG EHWZHHQ DQG \HDUV old, to join us on a journey to know about the Catholic faith from November 9HQXH &KXUFK RI &KULVW WKH .LQJ Sessions will take place on Sundays at SP 5HJLVWHU 7 5DQG\ 7 %HUQDGHWWH

DEC 3 TO MAY 11 2017 RCIA@CHURCH OF ST MICHAEL ³&20( $1' 6((´ (YHU\ 7KXUVGD\ HYHQLQJ IURP SP SP DW &KXUFK RI 6W 0LFKDHO 6W 0LFKDHOœV 5RDG 6 6W 0LFKDHOœV URRP OHYHO WZR 5HJLVWHU ( VWPLNH#VLQJQHW FRP VJ 7 DGPLQ RI¿FH 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 MRXUQH\ DV VSRQVRUV 7LPH SP SP 9HQXH &KXUFK RI &KULVW WKH .LQJ $QJ 0R .LR $YH 5&,$ 5RRP 5HJLVWHU ( TXHU\ UFLD#JPDLO FRP 7 *ZHQ /LP

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28 MOVIES

Sunday March 20, 2016 „ CatholicNews

MOVIE REVIEW

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The Roman tribune Clavius’ investigation into the disappearance of Christ’s body has life-altering consequences for him. Joseph Fiennes stars in the movie, Risen, about a cynic coming to terms with the Resurrection. CNS photo

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A scene from the movie, Spotlight. The Vatican newspaper VD\V WKH ¿OP ‘succeeds’ in giving voice to the pain of clergy sexabuse victims.

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

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