Catholic News issue 7, 2017

Sunday april 2, 2017

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What’s at the heart of a Catholic school?

Educators, students discuss this at a recent education conference

No. 07

Inside home

Communion ministers learn about their role At special day of recollection

By Jared Ng What sets Catholic schools apart from their secular counterparts?

It’s the “Christian motive”, said Archbishop William Goh. Catholic school educators serve “because we want to reveal Jesus to students, to give them a higher vision of life”.

Catholic educators “must offer nothing less than Jesus Christ to students”, he said.

Archbishop Goh made these remarks during the March 13 Catholic Education Conference, which had the theme, Heart of a Catholic School. The conference aimed to highlight the values of a Catholic education and affirm its relevance for the present and future.

About 600 participants, comprising principals, teachers, school staff, parents and current and former students, attended the conference held at CHIJ Secondary. The event, held every two years, was organised by the Archdiocesan Commission for Catholic Schools (ACCS).

All 35 Catholic institutions from primary school to junior college level were represented as well as five kindergartens.

In his speech during the full-day conference, Archbishop Goh noted that there is the ever present worry that students who are too involved with their faith end up neglecting their studies. However, the opposite is true. “Students who have a motivation for God, a fullness of life, service and purpose, will be the ones scoring top grades,” he said.

“These students are motivated by the right reasons. Not motivated by money or material pleasures but by God.” During the morning segment, a video showing educators and students sharing what a Catholic education means to them was screened. It set the tone for the

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n Page 4

Finding God in suffering Focolare members share their stories n Page 10

LENTEN FEATURE Parishes’ Lenten projects A look at some of their activities n Page 12

Archbishop William Goh joins students in their breakout session during the Catholic Education Conference.

a community ‘Having that is warm and accepting can really empower a student.

Knowing that you’re not alone in your faith journey in school can go a long way.

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– Toh Si En, a Catholic Junior College student

Participants at the conference held at CHIJ Secondary.

first breakout session which saw participants discussing the topic.

Participants were placed into five groups: sponsoring bodies, school leaders, teachers and staff, parents and alumni, and students above Pri 5.

The panel discussion that followed saw five people – each from a group – share what was

discussed in their breakout track.

Ms Serene Sim, a parent, noted that the pressure on students today to focus solely on academic excellence rather than a “Catholic” education could negatively affect their personal growth.

“Students today are spending 10 to 11 hours in school … therefore the environment created in class is

really important,” said Ms Sim. Toh Si En, a Catholic Junior College student, shared that the key takeaway from the students’ group was the importance of a supportive school community. “Having a community that is warm and accepting can really empower a student,” she said. “Knowing that you’re not alone in your faith journey in school can go a long way.” n Continued on Page 2

OUR PARISHES

Blessed Sacrament Church: Aiding the poor, reaching out to youth n Page 14

ASIA

Dealing with ‘fake news’ Catholic journalists discuss issue n Page 16

POPE FRANCIS 1994 Rwanda genocide

Pope asks forgiveness for Catholics’ actions n Page 20

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A panel discussion was part of the programme during the conference. From left: Mr Lin Ganfeng, a teacher from St Gabriel’s Secondary School; Ms Magdalene Chin, principal of CHIJ Kellock; Canossian Sr Theresa Seow; St Joseph’s Institution principal Fr Adrian Danker, who was the moderator; Toh Si En, a Catholic Junior College student and Ms Serene Sim, a parent.

‘Bear witness to the Catholic faith’ n From Page 1

Ms Magdalene Chin, principal of CHIJ Kellock, stressed that Catholic schools today should emphasise both moral and spiritual values. Catholic schools should have a “more factor”, she said, “a belief that staff and teachers bear witness to the Catholic faith.”

Mr Lin Ganfeng, a teacher from St Gabriel’s Secondary School who is not a Catholic, highlighted the important role that Religious play in Catholic schools. He noted that the last time that his school had a Religious Brother was in 2005.

Canossian Sr Theresa Seow urged all Catholic schools to “support” one another and to be a place where “evangelisation takes place”.

The second half of the conference saw former SJI student Matthew Tan sharing how his school rallied around him in 2010 during his O Level year. He had met with an accident during a judo competition resulting in a blood clot in his brain.

He was in a coma for about two months. After he came out of it, he was initially unable to do simple tasks and had to use a wheelchair.

Mr Tan recalled how his classmates visited him in hospital despite being busy with exam preparations, and after he was able to return to school, how his teachers would offer him a lift home after night study sessions there.

On the day of his Physics exam, his Physics teacher, who wasn’t a Catholic, prayed with him in the school chapel. “SJI cultivated a life of prayer in me,” he shared.

Mr Tan took his O Levels in 2012 and obtained an aggregate score of 11 points. He is now a

Archdiocesan Commission for Catholic Schools chairman Prof Tan Cheng Han speaking at the conference.

pastoral care officer in CHIJ St Theresa’s Convent, A second breakout session was held for each school to identify its current situations and future goals and to highlight these to their own management team.

Each school was also tasked with writing, on a large heartshaped paper, a commitment to strengthen its own Catholic identity.

ACCS chairman Prof Tan Cheng Han, in his closing ad-

dress, urged all Catholic schools to “serve others like Jesus did, be evangelisers like He was.”

He urged them not to be “timid” about their faith in God. “Be proud that you are motivated by Christ in your actions!” he said.

Participants told CatholicNews that they were encouraged by their experience of the conference and that it gave them new insights.

Ms Susie Ho, principal of CHIJ St Joseph’s Convent, said the video gave her “rich input as well as multiple perspectives” on what it means to be a Catholic school. Her hope is for “all Catholic schools to rally together with a common understanding and direction.”

Ms Juliana Lee, a Hai Sing Catholic School teacher, said the conference provided a great opportunity for schools to share their challenges and assist one another in overcoming them.

“Overall the conference was really multi-directional and eyeopening for me. My main takeaway would be for us to really embrace God’s love and presence in our schools, and for us to be led

by Him,” she said. n jared.ng@catholic.org.sg

Each school was asked to write a commitment to strengthen its Catholic identity.

About the movie, Beauty and the Beast The archdiocese has released the following response to media inquiries about the new film, Beauty and the Beast: “Disney’s remake of Beauty And The Beast has been given a PG rat-

ing in Singapore. With extensive media reports of the purported ‘gay moment’ in this movie, we believe that parents must discern and reflect with their children on whether the lifestyle portrayed is consonant

with the teaching of Christ. They must explain the implications and the consequences of such a lifestyle for themselves and society.” n Issued by: COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC ARCHDIOCESE OF SINGAPORE

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BUILDING THE CHURCH of Tomorrow 3

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Communion ministers learn more about their role More than 320 Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion from 28 parishes gathered for a day of recollection at St Joseph’s Institution Junior recently.

The March 11 event, organised by the Office for the New Evangelisation (ONE), is believed to be the first of its kind.

It was part of ONE’s outreach to engage members of Church ministries on their roles, and sharing with them how they can play a part in realising the archdiocesan pastoral vision of a being a “vibrant, missionary and evangelistic Church”.

Fr Terence Pereira, Episcopal Vicar for the New Evangelisation, shared with participants the role and privilege of Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion and the corresponding call to grow in

holiness and authentic participation in the Eucharist, citing Sacramentum Caritatis, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s apostolic exhortation.

“Pray one hour a day, bring your daily sacrifices to the Holy Eucharist on the Lord’s Day. Be a beacon to those receiving Holy Communion from you. Do not let distraction or routine rob you of every opportunity to give glory to God through your role,” Fr Terence told participants.

He stressed that their main work is not the “task” of distributing Holy Communion but to “share and show concern” for their community, “worship and pray together,

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion from across the archdiocese attending a day of recollection on March 11.

and teach,” grounded on the Word, tradition and Church teachings.

“Use your gifts to serve and evangelise each other and society,” he urged.

Fr Terence also introduced the “4 Es” of the Formation Roadmap for New Evangelisation, which

a beacon to those receiving ‘Be Holy Communion from you.’

– Fr Terence Pereira, Episcopal Vicar for the New Evangelisation

offers a frame of reference for the formation of members of parishes.

They are:  Excite: Helping the individual become excited about the faith.  Encounter: Helping the individual to experience a deepening of Jesus’ call to “come and see”.  Engage: Providing faith information for the individual, and helping the individual to practise his faith.  Evangelise: Those who are

formed are then ready to evangelise others.

Participants were then divided into groups comprising representatives from different parishes to share their feedback on this roadmap.

Parishes, ministries and other communities can draw up their own roadmap from this framework.

More information on the framework may be obtained from http://www.one.org.sg./resourcesmilestone-conference/ n

Star of the Sea parishioners walk for church renovations

Participants doing warm-up exercises before embarking on a 7.3-km walk.

Artist’s impression of the church after renovations. The main entrance will be widened, there will also be a ramp at the entrance for handicapped persons and at the side for processions.

More than 150 parishioners and friends from the Church of Our Lady Star of The Sea took part in a walkathon to raise funds for the church’s renovations.

The March 11 event saw young and old chatting and laughing on a sunny morning as they walked 7.3 km from the church to scenic Seletar dam and back.

at the church entrance for handicapped persons and a ramp around the church for processions. The canteen will be air-conditioned with a larger seating capacity while the adoration room will be converted into a chapel able to seat 130 people.

The total seating capacity for the main church and upper will be raised from 700 to 1,300. The

Participants looked out for each other as they crossed traffic junctions and used pedestrian crossings. One participant even brought along pet dogs.

The church’s Addition and Alteration programme, scheduled to start end of March, is expected to take about 12 months to complete.

The parish is building a ramp

upgraded staircases will also have handicapped-friendly features.

According to the parish, the renovations will cost an estimated $5.8 million. About $600,000 have been raised so far. The March 11 walkathon raised $122,458 from parishioners, who are mostly HDB dwellers.

The parish has about 6,000

parishioners. With recent developments in and around Yishun, Sembawang and Simpang, the Catholic population is expected to increase to about 8,800 parishioners by 2018.

Currently, there is much overcrowding during Sunday Masses and Days of Obligation.

The parish will hold a charity gala dinner on Oct 1. n

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Make this a Church of forgiveness, acceptance and tolerance ... says Archbishop Goh at Mass to mark anniversary of pope’s election

By Christopher Khoo Pope Francis has a dream, to make the Church “great again” in reaching out to the world, “to show forth the merciful love of God”, said Archbishop William Goh. He was speaking at a Mass to celebrate the fourth anniversary of Pope Francis’ election.

Speaking to a packed Cathedral of the Good Shepherd on March 12, Archbishop Goh noted that the pope wants to “build a Church that is relevant to society”, that can respond to the needs and trends of today’s world.

The pope understands that if the Church does not enter into “a real dialogue with the world”, the Church will be “redundant”.

Archbishop Goh said that many people outside the Church, and even among Catholics, feel

Archbishop Goh delivering his homily.

that the Church is too institutional. They feel that the Church “is cold – with rituals, with disciplines, with laws”.

“Pope Francis understands this,” said the archbishop. “An institution without a heart is not a Church.”

“Hence for Pope Francis, everybody must be included in the Church. This must be an inclusive Church for everyone, for the divorced, for people with samesex orientation, for the poor, for the rich, for the elderly, for the handicapped, for those who are mentally disadvantaged”.

However, this does not mean that the pope is saying that the doctrines of the Church can be compromised, said Archbishop Goh. It is important to underscore the “law of gradualness”, he stressed.

Apostolic nuncio to Singapore, Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli celebrating the Mass to mark Pope Francis’ election anniversary.

The Church’s pastoral “law of gradualness” refers to a progressive path towards total union with the will of God and a decisive break with sin.

Archbishop Goh explained that “everybody is called to attain the ideal of the Gospel … but not everyone is there”.

Under the “law of gradualness”, “we help people in their struggles”, said Archbishop Goh, adding that “people who are struggling must be accepted”.

He noted that it is difficult to live the Gospel life in today’s society for people like married couples. Many young children today are also without love because

‘An institution without a heart is not a Church.’

– Archbishop William Goh

parents have no time for them, he noted.

Archbishop Goh said the problem with the Church today as he sees it is “intolerance”.

“We cannot accept that people

are different. We cannot accept that sometimes things are different. We cannot accept the weaknesses of others. We cannot accept the imperfections of others,” he said.

“Where is Christian charity?

Where is Christian patience and forgiveness?” he asked.

“We are reminded today to listen to Pope Francis,” he stressed.

“Make this is a Church of hospitality, a Church of forgiveness, a Church of acceptance and tolerance.”

Apostolic nuncio to Singapore, Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, in a speech at the end of the special Mass which is held annually, thanked Catholics in Singapore for their prayers for the pope and their generosity in contributing to Peter’s Pence, a financial support for the charitable works of the pope.

He also invoked the pope’s apostolic blessing on all present. n christopher.khoo@catholic.org.sg

The Singapore and Holy See flags flank a portrait of Pope Francis.

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Stories of finding God in the midst of suffering The Focolare Movement’s New Families event saw people sharing how they found God in difficult situations

A singing session during the Focolare Movement’s New Families celebration on March 18.

Learning best practices from other preschools

A young, pregnant woman over- passage of Luke 6:38. (“Give and came suicidal thoughts after her gifts will be given to you; a good husband left her alone in a foreign measure, packed together, shaken land. A couple facing financial down, and overflowing, will be difficulty put God first in their poured into your lap.”)

Ethel shared that they decided lives and experienced numerous “to give God not of our surplus, blessings.

These were some of the per- but to put Him first”. Each month, sonal experiences shared during the couple budgeted for God first, the Focolare Movement’s New such as donating to the church and other charitable causes.

Families event on March 18.

The family saw that God proMore than 130 people, including children, teenagers and adults, vided for their needs. Their son gathered at Agape Village to cel- had his education taken care of ebrate the 50th anniversary of the by bursaries and scholarships and, New Families branch of the Fo- more recently, when 90-year-old colare Movement. The event also Simon needed an oxygen convertcommemorated the nine years er in order to leave the hospital for since Focolare founder Chiara home, where he wanted to be, a friend offered hers.

Lubich passed away.

“Do you believe in miracles?

Ms Lubich launched the New Families in 1967. This branch of That’s what happened. It was like the Focolare focuses on living out a rock had been lifted off our the Gospel in all aspects of family shoulders,” Ethel shared.

In another testimony, Christolife – in the relationship between pher shared how couples, upbringing of children, I am not yet sure his mother’s dementia affected and involvement I can thank God the family. His in the community.

In her sharright now for this father became and ing on March 18, journey instead of depressed frustrated, and for Ms Koh recalled Christopher, the how some 30 questioning him. emotional and fiyears ago, she had But I am more nancial strain took moved to the US aware that God did their toll on him. and then Canada “It’s hard to with her husband, not leave me alone understand why supporting him to deal with the the sufferings just and his ambition for further studies. suffering without the kept piling up,” he said.

However, he left means to develop However, his her, alone, in Canada, while she was my capacity for the wife and four children stood by pregnant. When undertaking. him, as well as his their son was 10 weeks old she re- – Christopher on coping with friends in the Foturned to Singa- his family’s situation after his colare.

“I am not yet pore to be with her mother developed dementia sure I can thank family.

It was a very dark period for God right now for this journey, her as she struggled to understand instead of questioning him,” said what went wrong. She even con- Christopher. “But I am more templated suicide. Yet throughout, aware that God did not leave me she felt a yearning for God, even alone to deal with the suffering though she was not Catholic. And without the means to develop my she experienced the love from the capacity for the undertaking.”

The event also saw the perforpeople around her – her family, mance of songs, dances and skits. friends and shopkeepers.

In 1998, Ms Koh and her son It ended with Mass celebrated by were baptised at the Church of St Redemptorist Fr Francis Vijayan.

Mr Edmund Ang, who attendMary of the Angels.

“I am learning to live my ed the event with his wife and son, life doing his [God’s] will,” she said the sharings are examples of shared, “without calculating the what true love is. “It’s not what cost or having the need to know Hollywood portrays but love that the logical answer to everything.” manifests itself in the form of sufIn another testimony, Ethel, fering,” he said. n Submitted by FOCOwho has been married to Simon LARE MOVEMENT SINGAPORE for 45 years, shared how they and For more information about their son experienced God’s prov- New Families activities in Sinidence. gapore, email foccommsg@focoWhen money was tight, the lare.org.sg couple decided to live the Gospel

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Dr Jacqueline Chung sharing about St James’ Church Kindergartens with Catholic preschool educators.

One hundred educators from various Catholic preschools went on a learning journey during the March school holidays to St James’ Church Kindergartens (Leedon, Harding and Gilstead) and The Caterpillar’s Cove Child Development and Study Centre.

The Archdiocesan Commission for Catholic Schools (ACCS) organised the visits, the first time such visits were conducted outside the 19 Catholic preschools in the archdiocese.

St James’ Church Kindergartens are reputable Anglican

preschools known for their childcentred hands-on activities. Dr Jacqueline Chung, director of the three preschools, shared with the visitors the schools’ best practices.

One feature of their programme is the use of raw materials such as leaves, twigs, branches, logs, pebbles, and recycled materials as learning resources and classroom decorations.

The visitors also visited Caterpillar’s Cove Child Development and Study Centre at Ngee Ann Polytechnic and at Devan Nair Institute under the leadership of the Centre

Director, Dr Geraldine Teo-Zuzarte.

The visitors learnt of the special partnership between the school and parents. One example is the opportunity for parents to have daily breakfasts with their children at the school.

ACCS also organised review and sharing sessions after the visits to the five preschools.

According to participants, the visits were an informative experience for them and provided them with new ideas on how to further expand their explorative and childdirected activities. n Submitted by the ARCHDIOCESAN COMMISSION FOR CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

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Business professionals learn about dialogue, empathy, listening Working adults and business owners learnt about “authentic conversations” during a Lenten retreat conducted by the Catholic Business Network (CBN) recently.

Sixty participants attended the retreat, titled “Authentic Conversation With God, Self & Others -- Learn to Listen With Awareness, from Authenticity, to Act”. It was led

by Mr Lance Ng, a spiritual director in the Ignatian tradition, and held in the lush greenery of the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary (FMM) House of Prayer on Holland Road.

The retreat aimed to helped participants be better Christian witnesses through authentic dialogue, empathy and listening, especially in a busy, crowded society like Singapore.

Participants, such as Mr Mak

Kai Hoe, a senior manager, spent the day sharing their experiences and exchanging perspectives with one another on living out their faith in their working lives.

Mr Mak shared about the challenges he faces in his journey to become a faithful witness of Christ at work. He said he hoped his experiences would be helpful to other working adults.

Ms Elizabeth Chew, a banker, said, “I was looking for a retreat to recharge and heard from my friends about the CBN Lenten Retreat. So I came to find out and am so glad that I attended. The message was simple and it’s that simplicity that really spoke straight and deep into my heart and life.”

The Catholic Business Network’s website is www.cbn.sg n

Participants in a walking meditation during the retreat.

Participants at the Catholic Business Network’s Lenten retreat.

12 LENTEN FEATURE

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Reaching out to the poor, focusing on spiritual growth A look at how some parishes are observing the Lenten season

St Francis Xavier parish’s prayer initiative for Elect The Church of St Francis Xavier has come up with various ways to help its parishioners renew their interior life and turn away from sin during Lent.

Parishioners have been encouraged to sign their families up for 30 minutes of quiet time with the Lord in Eucharistic Adoration on Sundays in Lent.

On Fridays, evening Masses have been pushed back two hours, preceded by the Stations of the Cross, to better accommodate the working crowd.

The parish has also engaged the faithful to commit to pray for its RCIA and RCIY Elect journeying towards baptism in Easter.

Parishioners are invited to pick a name or two of an Elect to pray for daily.

Ms Catherine Tan, a parishioner, commented, “We must give them [Elect] our support

and encouragement. I feel compelled to pray for God’s chosen ones.”

A big coloured banner with photographs of the Elect is available to help parishioners put faces to names and to welcome them as new additions to the parish.

The church is also repeating its 2016 Lenten outreach project entitled “Feed the Hungry”.

The project last year saw needy people in the neighbourhood receiving a food hamper funded by alms, which was packed and personally delivered by parishioners on Divine Mercy Sunday, the Sunday after Easter.

More than 650 people, including migrant workers, refuse collectors, cleaners and the elderly, were the beneficiaries of this initiative.

It is being repeated again this

Adoration for children The Children’s Liturgy Ministry of the Church of Our Lady Queen of Peace organised a Lenten adoration for children on March 11.

A five-minute briefing prior to the half-hour adoration was held to prepare the children.

Parents were also invited to join in with the hope that they, being the first educators of their children’s faith, will bring their children to adoration more often.

The initiative first started in 2013 when Pri 4 and 5 students

were invited to spend 20 minutes doing Lenten reflection in the adoration room during their catechism class.

Besides the prayer initiative, a Good Friday service and Stations of the Cross for children is scheduled to take place on April 14. Some of these children will participate as readers and cross bearers for the event.

Catechism youth getting confirmed in the parish are also scheduled to put on a passion play. n Parents and their children taking part in the Lenten adoration organised by the Children’s Liturgy Ministry of the Church of Our Lady Queen of Peace.

Lenten art

Church of St Francis Xavier parishioners are encouraged to pick a name of an Elect preparing to be baptised in Easter and commit to pray daily for him or her.

year but with an increased emphasis on family engagement.

Every household from the parish has been given an alms box into which every member of the family is asked to drop personal contributions. These donations will be collected later for use to-

wards the purchase of hamper items.

As a way to engage the wider parish, individuals are also invited to mark their own Lenten progress by placing a coloured sticker on a cross found in the church for each sacrifice offered. n

Thanks to the newly formed Art Ministry, parishioners at St Joseph’s Church (Bukit Timah) were inspired through paintings to reflect more deeply on their spiritual conversion during this Lenten season. The mini-exhibition was setup on Ash We d n e s d a y with artwork done by its m e m b e r s . Painting by an Art Other than Ministry member. these works, a large wooden cross has also been displayed at the front of the church for parishioners to write about their sins on pieces of paper to be pinned on the cross. The mini-exhibition will last till the end of Lent and the paintings are on sale through a silent auction to raise funds for the parish. n

Nativity Church’s almsgiving project Lent is an opportunity to bring Christ into the lives of others.

This was one of the objectives of Project Almsgiving, coupled with the need to raise awareness about the poor.

Project Almsgiving was established in 2012 by the Youth Wing of the Society of St Vincent de Paul (SSVP) from the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The SSVP Youth Wing took on this project as part of its outreach programme to needy families in the neighbourhood. It consists of getting donations, packing of household items such as basic toiletries, oats, Milo, coffee powder and biscuits. The need for such rations are publicised in the parish bulletin and collected after Mass during Lent.

The ration bags are distributed to the needy families on Good Friday. Sec 2 children from the catechism classes are also involved in the distribution efforts as part of a collaboration between

Volunteers from the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary preparing to distribute ration bags to needy families.

SSVP Youth Wing and the catechists.

In the later years of the project, the Sec 2 children shared their Christian faith by praying at each household they visited.

After the distribution, all the volunteers together with the SSVP

members would gather back at Nativity Church to reflect and share how God had touched their hearts during the almsgiving.

This Lenten almsgiving project has since been an integral part of catechesis as well as an annual parish event. n

Church of St Anthony parishioners look towards Easter Octave The Church of St Anthony has a three-pronged approach towards commemorating Lent.

Firstly, their Church ministries are focused on using the Office for the New Evangelisation’s Lent reflection booklets for

sharing and reflection during the season.

Secondly, their plans are focused on celebrating the Octave of Easter from April 16-23. During this period of grace, Catholics are brought to mind the promise

and love God has for them.

The parish is inviting all Catholics to experience and embrace the power of Christ’s resurrection.

There will be a different theme each day with praise and worship led by various ministries.

Various speakers will speak on various themes culminating with the last day titled Experience of Heaven.

The third initiative is led by the St Anthony’s Bread Team. The group is currently gathering food

items for distribution to the needy in the neighbourhood. Hampers are given out to families regardless of race or religion.

Collection of food items will end on April 2 and the distribution will be on Easter Sunday. n

Sunday April 2, 2017 n CatholicNews

LENTEN FEATURE 13

Young people tell CN reporter Joseph Lee what the season means to them

Renewing my relationship with God Lent to me is a time when we can truly reflect and renew our relationship with our Heavenly Father.

The world we live in now is so filled with sin that people tend to put little priority on their faith but this is the perfect season to really put that right!

But it shouldn’t be seen as a periodic pause of that particular action (no alcohol for 40 days because of Lent only to return to it after). Lent is a time when the Evil One will be extra hard at work to try and tempt us into sinning. So in order to counter that, I’ll commit to attending daily Mass because it is only through the Eucharist and the reminder that God is my

stronghold that I can overcome the devil! n Bryan James Francisco, 21, St Anne’s Church

a time of forgiveness and repentance. To let go of self and to listen to God in prayer. A time of love, by being present to the needs of others around me. Practising humility and service in all that I do, such as allowing others to board the bus first.

In these days of Lent, I aspire to grow closer to Mother Mary, in her obedience and love in saying “yes” to God. I intend to fast from watching television to watching spiritual videos and movies and to spend time in solitude with God in nature. n Adel Amelia Desmond, 25, Church of the Holy Spirit

Sacrificing my comfort food What does Lent mean to me?

When I was young, it was more the anticipation of Easter. However, as years went by, I realised that Lent is a chance for me to go back to God. At a certain age when I realised that there would be no Easter without Jesus’s death, and Jesus died for our sins, I felt unworthy.

The only way I could think of to reciprocate God’s gift to us is by doing what He did for us: To love. By love I mean not only loving God, the people around us, but also the poor and my enemies.

For me, what I am trying to do this Lent is to sacrifice my comfort food and also to abstain from meat. It’s a challenge for me to re-

To me, Lent is a time for us to repent, fast and to prepare our hearts for the coming of our Heavenly Father. Through these acts, we are acknowledging that we are here, wanting to rebuild and restore our relationship with Him. Thus, the three main pillars of Lent are: prayer, fasting and almsgiving.

For this Lent, I have decided to give up on social media – a platform which is a double-edged sword, social media being a platform for us

to “catch up” on the lives of our friends. However, the time taken to scroll through and read every post can be used in other aspects.

Hence, in this case, I have used my additional time to attend week day Masses and adoration sessions.

Moving forward, I do hope that this change will not stop once Lent is over, because such change should not be a temporary activity. n Amanda Tan, 22, Church of St Mary of the Angels

A chance to reflect on my life

Growing closer to Mother Mary

Lent is a time of renewing my faith, and growing closer to Christ. It is a change of lifestyle, habits and practices. Lent is also

Giving up on social media

member that I am fasting to have a feel of what hunger means to the poor and to be able to give what little I can save to them. n Tricia Chua, 19, Church of Our Lady Queen of Peace

To me, Lent is a time of repentance. It is a time for me to reflect on my life, especially my journey with God, to identify my areas of sin and to turn back to Him. It also helps me purify my mind and my heart as we prepare for the most important celebration in the Church – Easter.

Lent is typically associated with prayer, fasting and almsgiving. I usually try to fast from

Waking earlier to pray Lent is a time for me to be “weak”, Fr Jude said it is a time when you’re supposed to feel weak and that is when you cling to Jesus the most.

It’s a time to continue my growth and relationship with the Lord.

I am going to give up on sleep, to wake up earlier and pray the Divine Office and end the night with Compline.

I tend to act very instinctively on my emotions and follow my heart. But this Lent, I am going to actively detach myself from emotions and step back and focus on God in my friendships. n

Leonard Teo, 21, Church of St Ignatius

Fasting twice a week

Lent, to me, had always been portrayed as this period of dryness, where I feel restricted about certain activities and hobbies I love to do. However this year after a homily, my perspective of Lent

changed. I realise that giving up certain actions cultivates a positive change in me.

This year, I opted to fast on Wednesdays and Fridays, together with a 40-day abstinence plan.

From this, I realised that overcoming the temptations allows me to strengthen my discipline.

This bears fruits in other areas – managing my temper, which I used to find difficult to control now seems easier. There is also this longing to be more filial to my parents.

Lent does not seem that bad after all. It is in fact, a life-changing retreat when one is renewed as a person and a child of God. n Matius Josiah Abraham, 19, Church of St Bernadette

something, but this year I am challenging myself to give more of myself and my time in prayer.

Thus, I am setting aside time every day to reflect on Scripture, to draw/paint the verse and to share it on Instagram. It is challenging sometimes because I am shy or afraid of what others might think, but I’m hoping this Lenten journey will also give me more courage to share my faith with others. n Elizabeth Goh, 23, Church of the Holy Family

A time of sacrifice, prayer Lent to me is a time change, a time to sacrifice and a time to pray.

This Lent, I am going to fast from drinking any coloured and sweet drinks, especially caffeinated ones. At the same time I will sacrifice my time for God, going for adoration at least once a week to pray and reflect to make this Lent a fruitful one.

I will also try to do some good deeds such as doing chores at home and serving in a youth community as a graphic designer, designing posters for Lent. n Miguel Nartates Garcia, 18, Church of St Francis of Assisi

14 our parishes

Sunday April 2, 2017 n CatholicNews

Blessed Sacrament Churc poor, welcoming youth w

A look at how the parish conducts these and other initiatives in this ongoin

By Jared Ng

parish for Mass,” said parish priest Fr Thomas Sukotriraharjo, who is Quaint, rustic and peaceful. These from Central Java, Indonesia. are some impressions that one He shared with CatholicNews might get when visiting Blessed the wide variety of Masses availaSacrament Church. ble in the parish. Apart from weekThe church’s most iconic fea- ly Mandarin Masses, a Tamil Mass ture is its blue slate roof, construct- takes place every third Sunday of ed in folds resembling the shape the month. A Tagalog Mass is held of a tent. The parish website high- every second and fourth Sunday lights how the structure is meant and an Indonesian Mass is availato symbolise the “tent ble on the fifth Sunday of meeting” in the Old of certain months. The Testament where Mo- Headed by the parish also has Malayses spoke to God. Congregation alam, healing and vigil The roof also apof the Sacred Masses. pears to drape over the Every Sunday, the church, with certain Heart of Jesus largely Filipino El portions touching the community and Mary (SS. Shaddai ground, resembling ancomes to the church CC.) priests, for Bible study and choring pegs.

The church was prayer sessions. The the parish granted conservation community also organserves about ises a praise and worstatus by the Urban Redevelopment Authority 3,000 people. ship session followed (URA) in 2005.

by Mass.

Headed by the One unique feature Congregation of the Sacred Heart of the parish is the vigil Mass held of Jesus and Mary (SS.CC.) priests on the first Friday of every month. since its opening in 1965, the par- It is an overnight programme conish serves about 3,000, mostly el- sisting of Bible teaching and adoderly, people. ration. “The whole programme “A lot of the younger couples is from 10pm-5am. It starts with are moving into the upcoming es- Mass and closes with Mass,” tates away from here. However you still see a few of them return to the

Confirmands and the Fishermen of Christ community during a social outing to Sentosa.

Fr Thomas Sukotriraharjo, 53, has been parish priest for almost three years.

said Fr Thomas, adding that about 40 parishioners attend the sessions.

One of the ministries of the parish, the Father Damien Society, reaches out to needy children from the region such as Cambodia, Indonesia and the Philippines. Ministry n Continued on Page 15

A file photo showing beneficiaries of Blessed Sacrament Church’s Meals from the Heart project receiving free packed lunches from volunteers. The initiative serves the needy regardless of race or religion.

Blessed Sacrament Church, located at Commonwealth, was granted conservation status by the Urban Redevelopment Authority in 2005.

Sunday April 2, 2017 n CatholicNews

ch: helping the who have left

our parishes 15

City District

ng parish series n From Page 14

members travel to these countries about twice a year to provide medical and social assistance, and education.

In Singapore, the ministry reaches out to residents of the Singapore Leprosy Relief Association.

The Damien Centre Kindergarten, located within the church compound, serves about 200 children.

According to Fr Thomas, about 80 percent of the children are of other faiths.

The name of the above two organisations are inspired by St Damien de Veuster, who was an SS.CC. priest. He won recognition for his ministry to people with leprosy in Hawaii from 1873 to 1889.

A life-size statue of St Damien can be found within the church compound.

As part of its outreach programme to the needy, a ministry called Meals From The Heart provides daily meals, sponsored by the parish, to the poor living around the neighbourhood.

The project, initiated by assistant priest Fr Anthony Hutjes in 2011, serves the needy regardless of race or religion.

In an effort to reach out to youths who left the Church after their confirmation, the Fishermen of Christ youth community was started in June 2015. “The goal of the community is to bring back those who have left Church and ...

Church of the Holy Spirit Monday April 3 at 10.30am & 8pm

Church of St Alphonsus (Novena Church) Under reconstruction

Church of Our Lady Star of the Sea Tuesday April 4 at 8pm

Church of the Sacred Heart Friday March 31 at 8pm Church of St Bernadette Monday April 3 at 8pm Church of Our Lady of Lourdes Sunday April 2 at 5.30pm (Tamil) Tuesday April 4 at 8pm Church of St Michael Wednesday April 5 at 8pm Church of Sts Peter & Paul Thursday April 6 at 8pm Church of St Teresa Friday April 7 at 8pm

to ensure that those confirmed can stay on in a vibrant youth community,” said youth coordinator Graeme Ortega.

Youth leaders from the community attended the 2016 confirmation Mass as a sign of solidarity and also organised a social outing to Sentosa for all confirmands. There are currently about 25 members in the community and they meet twice a week on Wednesday night and Saturday afternoon.

The youths of Blessed Sacrament Church are also involved in a Lenten campaign which sees them holding fundraising activities every alternate weekend during the season. The money collected will

then be given to Caritas to assist the poor.

Some activities being held this year include the selling of muffins and self-made rosaries.

On the weekends when there are no fundraising activities, a Lenten reflection session is held for the whole parish. Organised by the Youth Council in collaboration with the Neighbourhood Christian Communities, the aim of these sessions – primarily on prayer, fasting and almsgiving – is to provide spiritual input for parishioners. It also provides a platform for the youth and older parishioners to have fellowship. n jared.ng@catholic.org.sg

History of the parish According to the parish’s Golden Jubilee magazine, Archbishop Michael Olcomendy was looking to minister to Catholics living in the Queenstown area in the early 1950s.

The development plan for Queenstown provided places for worship and thus Archbishop Olcomendy applied and was allotted the land where Blessed Sacrament Church stands today.

During that time, he asked the SS.CC. for help with the new church and in 1958, Fr William van Soest and Fr Odo Tiggeloven arrived in Singapore.

Fundraising for the church construction was the main challenge facing Fr van Soest.

The money was raised through activities such as food and fun fairs and even circus performances. There were advertisements in newspapers that also mentioned the fundraising efforts of the church.

The parish hall was first built

Cathedral of the Good Shepherd NIL

St Joseph’s Church (Victoria Street) NIL

Parish buildings, situated behind the main church, include the Damien Centre Kindergarten and canteen.

A 1965 picture of Blessed Sacrament Church.

on Nov 17, 1963, and provided the people from Queenstown a place to attend Mass.

On May 8, 1965, the main church building was blessed and declared

open by Archbishop Olcomendy.

It was named Blessed Sacrament Church because of the SS.CC. Fathers’ devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. n

North District

East District Church of the Holy Trinity Wednesday March 29 at 10.30am & 8pm Church of Our Lady Queen of Peace Thursday March 30 at 8pm Church of the Holy Family Monday April 3 at 10.30am & 8pm Church of St Stephen Tuesday April 4 at 8pm Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Wednesday April 5 at 10.30am & 8pm Church of Divine Mercy Thursday April 6 at 8pm

Church of Christ the King Wednesday April 5 at 10.30am & 8pm St Joseph Church (Bukit Timah) Thursday April 6 at 8pm Church of the Risen Christ Friday April 7 at 10.30am & 8pm Church of St Anthony Monday April 10 at 8pm SERANGOON District Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Thursday March 30 at 8pm Church of St Vincent de Paul Monday April 3 at 8pm St Anne’s Church Tuesday April 4 at 8pm Church of the Nativity of the BVM Wednesday April 5 at 8pm Church of St Francis Xavier Thursday April 6 at 8pm West District Church of St Mary of the Angels Monday April 3 at 8pm Church of the Holy Cross Tuesday April 4 at 8pm Church of St Francis of Assisi Wednesday April 5 at 8pm Church of St Ignatius Thursday April 6 at 8pm Blessed Sacrament Church Friday April 14 at 8pm

Note: Please check with parishes for updates.

16 Asia

Sunday April 2, 2017 n CatholicNews

OBITUARY

Sr Angela called to the Lord VIMERCATE, ITALY – Canossian

missionary, Sr Angela Garavaglia, passed away peacefully in Vimercate, Italy, on March 3 at the age of 86, and after 68 years of Canossian Religious life.

She was born in Inveruno, Milan, in Italy, on April 10, 1930 and joined the Canossian Missionary Novitiate in 1949.

After her Religious profession, she was trained as a teacher of the hearing-impaired.

She arrived in Singapore in 1953 and dedicated her life tirelessly to the education of hearing impaired children. She served first as a teacher (from 1956) and then as principal (1974-1983) of the Canossian School for the HearingImpaired in Canossa Convent, Sallim Rd, and later in Jalan Merbok where the school was re-located.

Even after her retirement from the school, she continued to give her time and energy to the pastoral care of her past students and their families. She also ministered to the Singapore Catholic Deaf Community.

Asian Catholic journalists learn about ‘fake news’ Catholic journalists from Asia recently attended a special meeting for communicators held in Kuala Lumpur Photo: SIGNIS

Canossian Sr Angela Garavaglia passed away on March 3.

She is much loved by all her old girls and boys who kept in touch with her even after she returned to Italy in the year 2000.

There she continued to do some pastoral work until her health deteriorated and she was lovingly cared for in the infirmary for retired missionary Sisters in Vimercate.

Letters and visits from Sisters and friends from Singapore always brought her great joy.

May her soul rest in peace. n

Participants listen as Mr Alan John, former deputy editor of The Straits Times, speaks at the SIGNIS meeting.

By Annabelle Liang KUALA LUMPUR – You may have

read it somewhere, but it is untrue.

Reports such as that of a Singapore food stall selling plastic rice, and Pope Francis endorsing Mr Donald Trump as president of the United States.

The blitz of these reports, commonly known as “fake news”, affects readers across the world.

In some cases, journalists made mistakes. Other reports were deliberately crafted by opportunists.

“Once the false news has gone out, not many people bother with the correction. They still remember the first version,” said Mr Alan John, former deputy editor of The Straits Times.

He was addressing 20 media practitioners at an inaugural SIGNIS journalism roundtable, held in Kuala Lumpur on March 10 and 11. SIGNIS is the World Catholic Association for Communication.

Participants were invited from Asian countries, including Pakistan, South Korea, the Philippines, Vietnam and Singapore.

While participants identified as Catholic, many worked for secular media outlets such as the Korean Broadcasting System, The Manila Times and The Associated Press. The theme of the gathering was Communicating Hope and Trust in our Time.

Over sessions and meals, participants spoke about the challenges of operating as a journalist. A common obstacle was “fake news”.

For instance, after India cancelled its popular 500 and 1,000 rupee bank notes last November, many media outlets claimed that the newly-issued 500 and 2,000 rupee notes had tracking capabilities.

“Even news channels picked up the story that was actually

the false news ‘Once has gone out, not many people bother with the correction.

They still remember the first version.

’’

– Mr Alan John, former deputy editor of The Straits Times

false. The government had to step in,” said Ms Karen Janice Laurie, a Catholic journalist from India.

Elsewhere, journalists are often pressured to present advertisers or newsmakers in a good light.

In developing countries like Cambodia and Vietnam, the pressure is less subtle, according to participants from these countries. After a press briefing, envelopes with money are distributed as a token.

A participant from Pakistan

shared that it was dangerous to advocate for persecuted Christians. As a result, he does not use his name on reports.

During the meeting, participants pledged to uphold journalistic standards by networking, verifying facts and valuing accuracy over speed.

Other speakers during the conference included veteran journalists and Dr Jim McDonnell, secretary of the SIGNIS Journalism Desk.

Archbishop Joseph Salvador Marino, the Apostolic Nuncio to Malaysia, and Archbishop Julian Leow of Kuala Lumpur, also dropped by for lunch with the participants.

“The decision is yours to be a person of integrity. If you put the truth, put your faith before you, opportunities will be there,” Archbishop Leow said.

As the roundtable came to a close, participants came up with a plan to continue telling stories of hope. Suggestions included a blog, expanding the SIGNIS journalism network and starting an online helpdesk for media practitioners.

Created in 2001, SIGNIS aims to harness the power of the media to promote peace. The organisation has five desks – cinema, television, radio, media education and journalism, which is the latest addition. Members come from over 100 countries. n

asia 17

Sunday April 2, 2017 n CatholicNews

Bishops urge harmony after S Korean president ousted SEOUL – Korean bishops have

urged their country to strive for harmony following news that scandal-hit President Park Geunhye has been forced from office by a court ruling on March 10.

Archbishop Hyginus Kim Hee-joong, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Korea, said that it was disconcerting to see Ms Park being impeached, as she was the country’s elected official.

“She was elected by us. Now, she is impeached and we should now build a stable country through harmony and to do this we need to overcome the confrontation and tension among Koreans,” Archbishop Kim said at a press conference at his office in Gwangju just after the Constitutional Court of Korea upheld Ms Park’s impeachment that was filed on Dec 9.

The 64-year-old Park was impeached over her collusion with

friend Choi Soon-sil to pressure big businesses to donate funds.

Ms Choi reportedly manipulated the premier to gain access to secret documents and allegedly embezzled funds through non-profit foundations.

We should now build a ‘stable country through harmony and to do this we need to overcome the confrontation and tension among Koreans.

’

– Archbishop Hyginus Kim Hee-joong

“Most of all, as a Korean, I appreciate those Koreans who tried to restore democracy. They held candlelight rallies without any violence, which shows their mature sense of democracy,” said Archbishop Kim referring to the mil-

lions of people who joined weekend rallies that drove the National Assembly to approve a motion to impeach the president.

However, the motion has divided Korean society and two pro-Park supporters died during a protest near the court on the day of the judgment, reported Reuters.

The archbishop said that a culture of dialogue should be prioritised to help resolve tensions caused by the impeachment.

“In the frame of the Constitution, we should respect and adopt differences,” he said.

The Constitutional Court’s ruling makes Ms Park the first Korean president to be dismissed from office.

Cardinal Andrew Yeom Soojung of Seoul also released a message where he called on Koreans to accept the court’s ruling regardless of their support or opposition to it.

CNS file photo

South Korean President Park Geun-Hye pictured in 2015. A South Korean court removed the president on March 10, a first in the nation’s history.

“From now, we all should think of the common good and unify public opinion,” Cardinal Yeom said. “We should overcome the hard times, crisis and

confusion with patience and wisdom.”

South Korea must now hold an election to choose a new president within 60 days. n UCANEWS.COM

18 asia

Sunday April 2, 2017 n CatholicNews

REACHING OUT TO MIGRANTS

Indian bishops set up online system to register migrants NEW DELHI – The Indian bish-

ops’ labour office has created an online system to register migrant workers, promote safe migration and help them in emergencies, reported Asian Church portal, ucanews.com.

Cardinal Baselios Thottunkal, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India, launched the web-based migrant data management system in New Delhi on March 15.

He said it would pave the way to protect migrants who leave rural areas for cities in search of jobs.

“It will help enhance connectivity between villages and cities where migrant workers are based.

It will also provide them with information from the government and the Church,” he said.

Workers can register at 78 facilitation centres in Catholic dioceses across the country, where they can update their contact details, place of origin and where they work.

Apart from registration, the system also is designed to provide pastoral care, welfare services and counselling to the workers, ucanews.com reported.

Korean diocese begins building migrant centre

Migration is good, ‘ provided it is structured and safe. The new system will help track these workers and make sure they are not trafficked or exploited.

’

– Fr Jaison Vadassery, secretary of the bishops’ labour office

Kashmiri Pandit migrants protest in 2016 at the migrant relief commissioner office in Jammu, India. The Indian bishops’ labour office has created an online system to register migrant workers, promote safe migration and help them in emergencies. CNS file photo

According to the National Sample Survey Office, India has some 309 million internal migrants, the majority leaving home for economic reasons.

Less-developed states such as Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Orissa, Bihar, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh are the main source states of migrants who are mostly employed in construction, domestic

work, textile, brick kilns, transportation and agriculture.

They are often denied basic entitlements, including access to subsidised food, housing, drinking water, public health facilities, education and banking services. They often work in poor conditions devoid of social security and legal protection, said Fr Jaison Vadassery, secretary of the bishops’ labour office.

Although India has millions of migrant works, it lacks any system to document their movements and contact details.

“Some kind of regulation and documentation is needed for people when they migrate,” he said.

“Migration is good, provided it is structured and safe. The new system will help track these workers and make sure they are not trafficked or exploited,” he said.

Fr Vadassery said facilitation centres also conduct awareness programmes in rural areas from which most of the migrants originate. They inform them of their rights and how to best protect themselves. n CNS

SEOUL – Uijeongbu diocese has begun construction of the Lighthouse of Asia centre where immigrants and South Koreans can mutually share their cultures.

The migrant pastoral committee of Uijeongbu diocese on March 12 held a Mass and ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of the migrants’ cultural centre at Bongilcheon Church in Paju, in South Korea’s northern Gyeonggi province.

Bishop Peter Lee Ki-heon said during his homily that he hoped the centre will be a place where people find comfort and feel happiness.

“Korea’s beautiful tradition of loving neighbours and the practice of sharing will be revived in this centre,” he said.

Currently, migrant centres in the country play a role teaching the Korean language and culture plus providing material support. Going one-step further, the Lighthouse of Asia will be a multi-cultural space where migrants and Koreans can share their cultures and interact.

The diocese formed a committee in 2014 to begin preparations for the construction of the centre.

It will house offices, a room for Eucharistic adoration, a rectory, a clinic, lecture rooms and multipurpose rooms. n UCANEWS.COM

world 19

Sunday April 2, 2017 n CatholicNews

Church experience more than just a cut-and-run flash mob, pope says VATICAN CITY – Young men and women can live a true experience of the Church by joining together and reconnecting with the past, Pope Francis told Catholic young people.

“The genuine experience of the Church is not like a flash mob, where people agree to meet, do their thing and then go their separate ways,” the pope said in his message for World Youth Day 2017.

The message, released on March 21 at the Vatican, centred on a verse of the Magnificat: “The Mighty One has done great things for me.”

Pope Francis chose several verses that reflect on Mary’s faith from the first chapter of the Gospel of St Luke as the themes for World Youth Day 2017-2019.

This year and next, World Youth Day will be celebrated on a local level – on Palm Sunday at the Vatican – and in 2019 it will be an international gathering in Panama.

The pope reminded young people that another event, the Synod of Bishops in 2018, will also help them to reflect on how they “live the experience of faith in the midst of the challenges of our time.”

“It is my hope that the journey towards the World Youth Day in

Panama and the process of preparation for the synod will move forward in tandem,” the pope said.

Young people are called to follow the example of Mary who, after saying “yes” to becoming the mother of God, did not remain closed in on herself but went out of her way to help her cousin Elizabeth.

Upon meeting her cousin, he explained, Mary proclaims the “Magnificat,” a “revolutionary prayer” in that while she is aware of her own limitations, she completely trusts in divine mercy.

Like Mary, young men and women today also can experience “great things” if they allow their hearts to be touched by God in the “journey of life, which is not a meaningless meandering but a pilgrimage that, for all its uncertainties and sufferings, can find its fulfilment in God,” the pope said.

To look towards the future God has prepared for them, he continued, young people must look

Pilgrims cheer during World Youth Day in 2016 at Blonia Park in Krakow, Poland. In order to look towards the future, young people must look to the past and remember God’s mercy and love in their own lives, Pope Francis told Catholic young people in his message for the local observances of World Youth Day 2017.

to the past and remember God’s mercy and love in their own lives.

“I would like to remind you that there is no saint without a past or a sinner without a future,” he said. “The pearl is born of a wound in the oyster! Jesus, by His love, can heal our hearts and turn our lives into genuine pearls.”

Although he rejected the notion that young people are “distracted and superficial,” Pope Francis said young people today need to reflect

Pope Francis said young people today need to reflect on their lives in order to decide their future and not rely on current cultural trends that present a false or incomplete reality.

on their lives in order to decide their future and not rely on current cultural trends that present a false or incomplete reality.

Social media, he explained, only offers snippets of a person’s memories and history and those glimpses are rarely “endowed with purpose and meaning.”

“Don’t let yourselves be led astray by this false image of reality!” the pope said. “Be the protagonists of your history; decide your own future.”

He also warned of giving in to society’s tendency to value the present while dismissing “everything inherited from the past, as for example the institutions of marriage, consecrated life and priestly mission,” which are often

written off as “meaningless and outdated forms.”

“People think it is better to live in ‘open’ situations, going through life as if it were a reality show, without aim or purpose,” he said.

Instead, the pope said, by appreciating the wisdom and memory of the past and nourishing themselves through the sacraments in the present, young people can proclaim their own song of praise, like Mary, for the “great things” God is doing for their future.

The full text of the pope’s message for World Youth Day 2017 can be found at https:// w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/ en/messages/youth/documents/ papa-francesco_20170227_messaggio-giovani_2017.html n CNS

US-Holy See ties won’t Bishops welcome impeachment ‘suffer’ under Trump Manila – At least two Catholic

ROME – Despite opposing views Francis and President Trump as adon some issues, the US Embassy to versaries, he added, does not interthe Holy See will still look for com- fere with the relationship between mon ground on global issues, the the United States and the Holy See. interim leader of the embassy said.

“It is also important that we “There’s an expectation that have this strong relationship,” the relationship between Presi- because when “there are areas of dent Trump and Pope Francis will differences, areas where we disabe difficult to establish” and that gree,” it is important “to be able “the bilateral relato speak openly and tionship between frankly about those I expect that the United States issues and to try eventually the and the Holy See and find common pope and the is going to sufground.” he said. fer and that is not president will meet President Trump the case at all,” Mr was scheduled to and they’ll have Louis Bono, charge attend the G7 meetthe opportunity to ing in Sicily in May, d’affaires to the US Embassy to the but it wasn’t yet anspeak frankly if Holy See said. there are any areas nounced whether Speaking to he would also go to of difference.

Catholic News Rome.

Service on March However, Mr – Mr Louis Bono, US 6, Mr Bono talked Embassy to the Holy See Bono said, “I exabout expectations pect that eventually of the future relationship between the pope and the president will the United States and the Holy See meet and they’ll have the opporunder the Trump administration. tunity to speak frankly if there are The embassy, he said, hopes to any areas of differences, but more continue its joint efforts on global is- so, to focus on those areas where sues, such as combating human traf- we do have common ground and ficking and ending modern slavery. to identify how we can work toThe narrative that portrays Pope gether further.” n CNS

‘

’

bishops have welcomed the filing of an impeachment motion against Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte for allegedly masterminding the killing of up to 8,000 suspected drug offenders.

“This is a good move because it signals the seriousness of the situation of human rights violations in our country,” said Bishop Arturo Bastes of Sorsogon.

The prelate said the so-called extrajudicial killings over the past eight months had made the Philippines “notorious throughout the world.”

On March 15, the European Parliament issued a resolution condemning Mr Duterte’s “war on drugs” that has resulted in the killings of suspected drug users and dealers.

The resolution urged the European Union to support the establishment of an independent international investigation into the killings in the Philippines.

Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez of Marbel in the southern Philippines, however, said that despite the statements against Mr Duterte, the impeachment motion was doomed to fail.

The prelate described the at-

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte

tempt to remove the president as “a good try.”

Bishop Bastes agreed, saying that the impeachment move was a “political action” that would

not succeed in Congress, which is dominated by Mr Duterte’s allies.

He said, however, that some legislators “are very concerned with the strange behaviour and stubborn attitude of our president.” “[The president] thinks that killing his countrymen is the only way to keep peace in our nation,” said Bishop Bastes.

Congressman Gary Alejano, a former Marine captain, lodged the impeachment motion against Mr Duterte for allegedly orchestrating the drug-related killings and for supposed acts of graft and corruption.

In a 16-page complaint, Mr Alejano accused the president of “culpable violation of the Constitution, betrayal of public trust, graft and corruption, and other high crimes.” n UCANEWS.COM

20 pope francis

Sunday April 2, 2017 n CatholicNews

Young people urged to imitate St Joseph VATICAN CITY – St Joseph, pa-

tron saint of the Universal Church and Jesus’ earthly father, was a “dreamer capable of accepting the task” entrusted to him by God, Pope Francis said.

“This man takes God’s promise and brings it forward in silence with strength; he brings it forward so that whatever God wants is fulfilled,” the pope said on March 20 during morning Mass at his residence.

Because the March 19 feast of St Joseph fell on a Sunday this year, the liturgical commemoration of the feast was moved to March 20.

St Joseph, the pope said in his homily, provides an example needed “in this time where there is a strong sense of orphanhood”.

By marrying Mary, Joseph ensures that Jesus is born of the House of David and provides Him with an earthly father and with a stable family.

The biblical St Joseph is “a man who doesn’t speak but obeys,

a man of tenderness, a man capable of fulfilling his promises so that they become solid, secure”, he said.

Christians, especially young people, should follow the example of St Joseph who was not afraid to listen to his dreams such as when he was told not to be afraid to take Mary as his wife and when he was told to flee with Mary and Jesus to Egypt.

When “we dream great things, beautiful things, we draw close to God’s dream, the things that God dreams for us”, the pope said.

May St Joseph “give young people – because he, too, was young – the ability to dream, to risk and to take on difficult tasks that they have seen in their dreams”, Pope Francis said.

The previous day, which is celebrated as Fathers’ Day in Italy, Pope Francis also spoke about St Joseph’s feast day and led the crowds in St Peter’s Square in applauding fathers everywhere. n

Pontiff asks forgiveness for Catholics’ role in Rwanda genocide Volunteers burying the remains of victims of the 1994 Rwandan genocide in Murambi in 2005. Pope Francis has asked God’s forgiveness for the participation of Church members in the genocide.

CNS file photo

CNS

BUILDING A VIBRANT, MISSIONARY AND EVANGELISTIC CHURCH EVENTS BY THE FOLLOWING ARCHDIOCESAN ORGANISATIONS IN 2017 Organisations

April

May

Archdiocesan Commission for the Family (ACF)

• The Catholic’s Divorce Survival Guide (21 Mar-6 Jun, every Tue)

• Love Matters 2 @IHM/CAEC (20 May) • The Catholic’s Divorce Survival Guide (21 Mar-6 Jun, every Tue)

Office for Young People (OYP)

• Day of Recollection (1 Apr) • Treasure #7 (20-23 Apr) • Nox Gaudii (28 Apr)

• School of Christian Leadership (7-16 May) • Graduating University Students’ Recollection (19-20 May) • Poly Leaders’ Commissioning (3 May)

Office for the New Evangelisation (ONE)

• Jesus for Everyone (JFE) – Evangelisation 102 (8 Apr) • Easter for everyone (29 Apr)

• Jesus Mary Rally (6 May) • Jesus for Everyone (JFE) – Evangelisation 101 (20 May) • Community Day (21 May) • Lectors Day (27 May)

Catholic Spirituality Centre (CSC)

• Kerygma Retreat (for those in the Archdiocese involved with the Living Word such as Catechists, RCIA, Lectors) (28 Apr-1 May)

• Prayer Experience Retreat

Singapore Archdiocesan Catholic Charismatic Renewal (SACCRE)

• Word & Mission Course (11 & 18 Apr) • Eucharistic Adoration (18 Apr)

• Introduction to Healing Course (17, 24 May) • Eucharistic Adoration (18 May) • Love in Action School in Kkottongnae, South Korea (23-28 May) • CCR Golden Jubilee in Rome, Italy (31 May-4 Jun)

Office for Catechesis (OFC)

• Basic Catechist Course – Intro to Catechetical Pedagogy & Catechetical Methods • Learn to Listen & Facilitate (2, 8 Apr) • Catechist Elective Course – Church History • Craft of Catechesis Workshop (18 Apr) • Basic Catechist Course – Morality (20 Apr-18 May) • Catechists’ Retreat (28 Apr-1 May)

• Basic Catechist Course – Morality • Catechist Elective Course – Special Needs Catechesis 2 (9-30 May) • RCIA Coordinators Gathering (13 May) • Craft of Catechesis Workshop (17, 24 May) • ACT Programme: Maryvale Certification in Catechesis (27, 28 May)

Archdiocesan Commission for Catholic Schools (ACCS)

School Chaplaincy Training • Understanding the Eucharist and Organising Mass in School (19 Apr) • Relating in a Multi-Religious Community (20 Apr) • Connecting with the young and mentoring skills (21 Apr)

Archdiocesan Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People (ACMI)

• MCA – Sharing & Growing Together through Movie Afternoon (23 Apr) • Skills Development Programme (SD) – 2nd Semester Enrolment Day (30 Apr)

Caritas Singapore (Caritas)

• Charities Week Collection (Apr-May) • Agape Experience @St Mary of the Angels (1 Apr) • Agape Experience @St Anthony (8 Apr) • Personal Moral Compass Module 3

• Charities Week Collection (Apr-May) • Agape Experience @Christ The King (27 May)

Caritas Humanitarian Aid & Relief Initiatives, Singapore (CHARIS)

• What is Christian Mission Recollection (22 Apr)

• Movie Screening and Discussion: Poverty, Inc. (6 May)

Archdiocesan Commission for Apostolate of Mandarin-speaking (ACAMS)

• Intercessory prayer session (every Wed) • Spiritual growth session (17 Apr) • Non-Catholics Migrants community gathering • Faith Formation Outreach (22 Apr) • Walking In Discipleship Core team Formation (29 Apr)

• Intercessory prayer session (every Wed) • Faith Formation Outreach (7 May) • World day of prayer for the church in China (21 May) • Spiritual growth sessions (3, 31 May)

Note: For more information, please refer to the respective Organisation’s website. This information is correct at the time of printing.

Compiled by Office for the New Evangelisation (ONE), www.one.org.sg

VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis has

asked God’s forgiveness for the failures of the Catholic Church during the 1994 Rwanda genocide and for the violence perpetrated by some priests and Religious, during a meeting with Rwandan President Paul Kagame.

“He implored anew God’s forgiveness for the sins and failings of the Church and its members, among whom priests and Religious men and women who succumbed to hatred and violence, betraying their own evangelical mission,” said a Vatican statement released on March 20 after the meeting of the pope and president.

Some 800,000, and perhaps as many as 1 million people – most of whom belonged to the Tutsi ethnic group – died in the ferocious bloodshed carried out from April to July 1994.

Catholic churches were the scenes of several of the bloodiest massacres, including the killing of hundreds in Holy Family Church in Kigali, the Rwandan capital. Many Church officials were later questioned in front of Gacaca Tribunals, the traditional Rwandan courts established to try genocide cases.

The Vatican statement said that in light of the recent Holy Year of Mercy and an apology published by the Rwandan bishops last November, “the pope also expressed the desire that this humble recognition of the failings of that period, which, unfortunately, disfigured the face of the Church, may contribute to a ‘purification of memory’ and may promote, in hope and renewed trust, a future of peace”.

Pope Francis “conveyed his

profound sadness, and that of the Holy See and of the Church, for the genocide against the Tutsi,” the Vatican said. “He expressed his solidarity with the victims and with those who continue to suffer the consequences of those tragic events.”

On Nov 20 last year, Rwanda’s bishops apologised for “all the wrongs the Church committed” during the genocide. “We regret

Pope Francis accepts a gift from Rwandan President Paul Kagame during a private meeting at the Vatican. CNS photo

that Church members violated their oath of allegiance to God’s commandments”, the bishops said in a statement.

In President Kagame’s 25-minute private meeting with the pope, and during his meeting with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, note was made of “the collaboration between the state and the local Church in the work of national reconciliation and in the consolidation of peace for the benefit of the whole nation,” the Vatican said.

Nearly 60 percent of Rwandans are Catholic. n CNS

Sunday April 2, 2017 n CatholicNews

Pope goes to confession at penitential service VATICAN CITY – A few hours after urging priests to be generously available for the Sacrament of Penance, Pope Francis went to confession himself and then heard the confession of seven Catholics.

Presiding over the annual Lenten penitential service on March 17 in St Peter’s Basilica, Pope Francis was one of 95 priests and bishops listening to confessions and granting absolution.

After the reading of a Gospel passage, the pope did not give a homily. Instead, he and the thousands of people gathered in the basilica prayed in silence for 10 minutes.

Pope Francis then spent about four minutes kneeling before a priest in one of the wooden confessionals before he walked to one nearby, put on a purple stole and waited for the first penitent to approach.

As people were preparing, confessing and praying, the Sistine Chapel Choir alternated with the organist and a harpist in ensuring an atmosphere of peace.

The pope spent 50 minutes hearing confessions before leading the congregation in prayers of thanksgiving for the experience of the “goodness and sweetness of God’s love for us”.

The Vatican press office said Pope Francis heard the confessions of three men and four women, all laypeople.

The small service booklets

Pope Francis kneels before a priest to confess during a Lenten penitential service in St Peter’s Basilica. CNS photo

distributed to the congregation included a guide for an examination of conscience.

The 28 questions began with a review of one’s motivation for going to confession in the first place: “Do I approach the Sacrament of Penance out of a sincere desire for purification, conversion, renewal of life and a closer friendship with

God, or do I consider it a burden that I am only rarely willing to take on?”

Other questions involved how often one prays, Mass attendance, keeping the Ten Commandments, giving generously to the poor, not gossiping and keeping the Lenten practices of prayer, fasting and abstinence, and almsgiving. n CNS

pope francis 21

22 opinion

Sunday April 2, 2017 n CatholicNews

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Pope willing to study topic of married priests

By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY – While Pope Francis’ recent comments on the subject of married priests made headlines around the world, his response falls clearly in line with the thinking of his predecessors.

In an interview with German newspaper Die Zeit, published in early March, Pope Francis was asked if allowing candidates for the priesthood to fall in love and marry could be “an incentive” for combatting the shortage of priestly vocations.

He was also asked about the possibility of allowing married “viri probati” – men of proven virtue – to become priests.

“We have to study whether ‘viri probati’ are a possibility. We then also need to determine which tasks they could take on, such as in remote communities, for example,” Pope Francis said.

Expressing a willingness to study the question of allowing married men to become priests was hardly a groundbreaking response given that the topic was explored in two meetings of the Synod of Bishops and by both Pope Benedict XVI and St John Paul II. During the 2005 Synod of Bishops on the Eucharist, the possibility of ordaining men of proven virtue was raised as a way to provide priests for areas of the world where Catholics have very limited access to Mass and the sacraments.

“Some participants made reference to ‘viri probati,’ but in the end the small discussion groups evaluated this hypothesis as a road not to follow,” a proposition from the synod said.

Eight years before he was elected pope, then-Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger said that while married priests in the Catholic Church were not on the horizon in “the foreseeable future,” it was not an entirely closed subject.

In “Salt of the Earth,” an interview-book with Peter Seewald published in 1997, the future Pope Benedict said, “One ought not to declare that any custom of the Church’s life, no matter how deeply anchored and well

Pope Francis greets a new priest during an ordination Mass in St Peter’s Basilica. The topic of having married priests in the Church has been debated since the time of St John Paul II and will likely continue for some time.

founded, is wholly absolute.”

The question of mandatory celibacy for most priests in the Latin rite of the Catholic Church has been debated heavily in recent years, with some people seeing a relaxing of this discipline as a way to encourage more men to enter the priesthood.

The celibacy rule is a Church discipline, but its roots are found in the Gospel when Jesus speaks

Pope Francis’ openness to considering an expanded possibility for married priests is not revolutionary at all, but is a continuation of a conversation that has gone on for decades. to His disciples about the possibility of remaining celibate for the kingdom of God. In his apostolic exhortation, “Pastores Dabo Vobis” (I will give you shepherds), written in response to the 1990 Synod of Bishops, St John Paul II wrote that Jesus wished to not only affirm the “specific dignity and sacramental holiness” of marriage, but also to show that another path for Christians exists.

This path, he said “is not a flight

from marriage but rather a conscious choice of celibacy for the sake of the kingdom of heaven.”

Pope Francis’ response to the question of allowing young men thinking about the priesthood to marry as an “incentive” followed in the same line.

“Voluntary celibacy is often discussed in this context, especially where there is a lack of clergy.

However, voluntary celibacy is not a solution,” the pope told Die Zeit.

In the book “On Heaven and Earth,” originally published in Spanish in 2010, the then-Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, acknowledged that while he is in favour of maintaining celibacy in the priesthood, it “is a matter of discipline, not of faith.”

St John Paul II had said the same. During a general audience on July 17, 1993, he said that while celibacy “does not belong to the essence of priesthood,” Jesus Himself proposed it as an ideal.

Similarly, then-Cardinal Ratzinger said the celibacy requirement “is not dogma” but rather a “form of life”.

When all is said and done, Pope Francis’ openness to considering an expanded possibility for married priests is not revolutionary at all, but is a continuation of a conversation that has gone on for decades and is likely to continue for some time. n CNS

Looking at virtue and sin There’s an axiom which says: Nothing feels better than virtue. There’s a deep truth here, but it has an underside. When we do good things we feel good about ourselves. Virtue is indeed its own reward, and that’s good. However, feeling righteous can soon enough turn into feeling self-righteous. Nothing feels better than virtue; but self-righteousness feels pretty good too.

We see this famously expressed in Jesus’ parable of the Pharisee and the Publican. The Pharisee is practicing virtue, his actions are exactly what they should be, but what this produces in him is not humility, nor a sense of his need for God and mercy, but self-righteousness and a critical judgment of others. So too for all of us, we easily become the Pharisee: Whenever we look at another person who’s struggling and say, There but for the grace of God go I, our seeming humble gratitude can indicate two very different things. It can be expressing a sincere thanks for having been undeservedly blessed or can just as easily be expressing a smug selfrighteousness about our own sense of superiority.

Classical spiritual writers like John of the Cross, when talking about the challenges we face as we walk the way of discipleship, speak about something they call: The faults of those who are beyond initial conversion. What they highlight is this: We are never free from struggle with sin. As we mature, sin simply takes on ever more subtle modalities inside us. For example, before initial maturity, what we’ve classically called the seven deadly sins (pride, greed, envy, lust, anger, gluttony, and sloth) express themselves in us in ways that are normally pretty crass and overt. We see this in children, in adolescents, and in the immature. For them, pride is plainly pride, jealousy is jealousy, selfishness is selfishness, lust is lust, and anger is anger. There’s nothing subtle or hidden here, the fault is out in the open.

But as we overcome these sins in their crasser forms they invariably take on more subtle forms in our lives. So that now, for instance, when we’re humble, we become proud and self-righteous in our humility. Witness: Nobody can be more smug and judgmental than a new convert or someone in first fervour.

But sin too has its complexities. Some of our naive ideas about sin and humility also needed to be critically examined. For example, we sometimes nurse the romantic notion that sinners are humble, aware of their need for forgiveness, and open to God. In fact, as a generalisation, this is true for the Gospels. As Jesus was preaching, it was the Pharisees that struggled more with His message, whereas the sinners, the tax collectors and prostitutes, were more open to Him. So this can pose a question: Does sin, more than virtue, make us aware of our need for God? Yes, when the sin is honest, humble, admitted, and contrite or when our wrong actions are the result of being wounded, taken advantage of, or exploited. Not all sin is born morally equal: There’s honest sin and dishonest sin.

As human beings, we’re weak and lack the moral strength to always act according to what’s best in us. Sometimes we just succumb to temptation, to weakness. Sin needs no explanation beyond this: We’re human! Sometimes too, people are caught in sinful situations which are really not of their own making. They’ve been abused, made to live in sinful circumstances not of their own choosing, are victims of trafficking, are victims of unjust familial or social situations, or are toodeeply wounded to actualise their own moral faculties. In situations like this, wrong action is a question of survival not of free choice.

As one woman described it to me: “I was simply a dog, biting in order not to be bitten.” In these cases, generally, beneath an understandably hardened, calloused surface lies a still innocent heart that clearly knows its need for God’s mercy. There’s such a thing as honest sin.

But there’s also sin that’s not honest, that’s rationalised, that’s forever buffered by a pride that cannot admit its own sinfulness. The result then, most often, is a hardened, bitter, judgmental soul. When sin is rationalised, bitterness will invariably follow, accompanied by a hatred towards the kind of virtue from which it has fallen. When we rationalise, our moral DNA will not let itself be fooled. It reacts and punishes us by having us hate ourselves. And, when someone hates himself, that hatred will issue forth in a hatred of others and, more particularly, in a hatred of the exact virtue from which he has fallen. For example, it’s no accident that a lot of people having adulterous affairs have a particular cynicism towards chastity.

Finding ourselves as weak and sinful can soften our hearts, make us humble, and open us to receive God’s mercy. It can also harden our souls and make us bitter and judgmental.

Not every sinner prays like the Publican. n

Sunday April 2, 2017 n CatholicNews

Almsgiving as an act of mercy, charity

By Paul Senz

W

e all recognise Lent as a time of sacrifice, a time to prepare ourselves for the commemoration of Jesus Christ’s passion, death and resurrection. Traditionally, there are three pillars of this intensely spiritual and ascetic period that can help us grow in charity and perfect penitence: prayer, fasting and almsgiving.

Prayer and fasting are the most widely understood of these three pillars, as is their connection to the 40 days of Lent. In these 40 days, we unite ourselves with Christ in the desert, as He prepared for His ministry. He fasted; He fervently prayed. But did He give alms?

Almsgiving calls for a great examination. What exactly does it mean to give alms? How does this relate to prayer and fasting, particularly in the context of Lenten sacrifice?

Almsgiving is more than handing out money; it is about the universal destination of goods, a term used in Catholic social teaching.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us that “the goods of creation are destined for the entire human race” (No. 2452).

Far from being a sort of social-

ist mantra, this is a reminder of our responsibility to our brothers and sisters in the truest sense of “caritas,” or charity: “Giving alms to the poor is a witness to fraternal charity: It is also a work of justice pleasing to God” (No. 2462).

It is just, and the height of mercy, to give of ourselves and our goods for the sake of others. There is perhaps no better time to prac-

Almsgiving is not just about giving money to the Church, of putting a few dollars into the donation basket.

It is about giving of what we have – and giving of ourselves. tise such a virtue than the season of preparing for the paschal mystery.

Almsgiving is not just about giving money to the Church, of putting a few dollars into the donation basket. It is about giving of what we have – and giving of ourselves.

How many of us have more than we truly need? And how much of that excess do we pass along to our brothers and sisters? Jesus lauds the poor widow who gives of her

meagre means (Mk 12:41-44) even in her poverty. We are all called to embrace this spirit of charity.

In the Acts of the Apostles, we are reminded that “it is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). In Tobit we read that “prayer with fasting is good.

Almsgiving with righteousness is better than wealth with wickedness. It is better to give alms than to store up gold, for almsgiving saves from death, and purges all sin. Those who give alms will enjoy full life” (Tb 12:8-9).

What is it that unites the three pillars of Lent together? These pillars help us to empty ourselves, in the spirit of Jesus’ emptying of Himself: “Rather, He emptied Himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance, He humbled Himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross” (Phil 2:7-8).

Almsgiving is a true Lenten sacrifice because we do it without expecting to receive anything in return.

Jesus tells us, “When you hold a lunch or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or your wealthy neighbours, in case they may invite you back and you have repayment.

Rather, when you hold a banquet,

FAITH ALIVE! 23

A Haitian boy drops money into the collection box during a Mass in Portau-Prince. Almsgiving is a true Lenten sacrifice because it is done without expecting anything in return. CNS photo

invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you” (Lk 14:12-14).

It is in this spirit that we give, and in a special way during Lent.

Our almsgiving is to be done in the truest sense of “caritas” – self-sacrificial love. The charitable work of the Church and her members is not just about alleviating earthly suffering or righting

earthly wrongs. As in all things, the point of such charity is the salvation of souls.

When we give alms, we give not only money; we give our time; we give our talents; we sacrifice our own comfort and desires for the sake of others, for their good. This is mercy in a very real sense. n CNS Senz is a freelance writer living in Oregon, USA.

How giving alms can bring about a change of heart

By Effie Caldarola How many of us write a cheque to our local food bank and think of it as “almsgiving”? It’s not really a 21st-century term.

Let’s get ready to change that during Lent. The Church urges us to think of this word as one of the three pillars of Lent – prayer, fasting, almsgiving. An old English word, it has its roots in a Greek term meaning “mercy.”

How can we think of almsgiving in new ways during this penitential season? How can almsgiving bring about a change of heart, the conversion called for during Lent?

First, I find it’s important in my own Lenten journey to think of the three pillars as integral to each other. Prayer is vital to a good Lent. Fasting reminds me of my need for prayer and discipline.

Almsgiving becomes a natural response to where my prayer and fasting take me – a desire to serve Jesus through others, to give of myself and what I have.

How about combining fasting with almsgiving? One Lent, I rec-

ognised that I had developed an expensive taste for designer coffee. Why not calculate what those lattes or mochas were costing me, and give up that habit for Lent, designating a charity that would benefit from my sacrifice.

It’s almost embarrassing to write that paragraph, as I realise what a First World issue that is – poor me, no trips to the barista. Nevertheless, it produced results, not the least of which was eventually realising I was indulging way too much in that pricey habit. And the money not spent went to a good cause.

Remember, the alms we give should come from sacrifice. They shouldn’t come from our excess, the leftover money in our bank account at the end of the month.

And, like my realisation about mochas, they should produce some self-awareness in us as we journey through Lent.

Try giving up shopping for Lent. I had a friend who gave up shopping for a year – only groceries and the unavoidable expenditures, like car repair, were allowed. As you give up shopping,

Try giving up shopping or commit to grocery shopping more economically during the season of Lent.

A man distributes food portions at a soup kitchen for the poor in Athens, Greece. Almsgiving should come from sacrifice and it should produce some self-awareness in Catholics during the journey through Lent. CNS file photo

let it become a source of prayer.

Why do I need so much? Do I shop out of boredom? Will that trendy sweater make me whole?

Keep track of the shopping money you save and use it for alms.

That great dress on sale that you passed up might become a winter coat for a refugee. Be conscious

of this during prayer. And keep a journal. Where did I sacrifice so that another might have what they truly need? This is almsgiving.

Or commit to grocery shopping more economically. Do I splurge on crab meat this Friday, or will simple fish work just fine?

The money saved becomes food

for another, as well as food for prayer and reflection.

At least once or twice during Lent, make the “alms” you distribute be your own time and talent. Call the food pantry and ask if they have any job they need help with on a Lenten Saturday.

One of the most eye-opening volunteer efforts I ever did was assisting clients at a food pantry. I became aware of the struggles I’d only heard about.

So, almsgiving can change our hearts. It should be sacrificial, should be tied to prayer and fasting, should help us reflect on our own journey, and should truly help others. Almsgiving can help us grow in mercy and justice this Lent. n CNS Caldarola is a freelance writer and a columnist for Catholic News Service.

24

Sunday April 2, 2017 n CatholicNews

One day, Jesus and the apostles came upon a man who had been blind since birth.

The apostles thought the man was blind due to sin.

“Neither he nor his parents sinned; it is so that the works of God might be made visible through him,” Jesus explained. “We have to do the works of the one who sent me while it is day. Night is coming when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”

Jesus then put a mixture of clay and his own saliva on the man’s eyes and told him to wash himself. Afterward, the man was able to see.

The man told everyone who asked him exactly how he had gained his sight.

He was then brought before the

Pharisees to tell his story. Some of them did not think Jesus was from God because he cured the man on the Sabbath instead of resting.

But some of the others argued that a sinful person could not do such miracles.

The Pharisees talked to the man’s parents, who confirmed the man was their son who had been born blind.

They were afraid to say more because they did not want to be thrown out of the synagogue for saying Jesus was the Messiah.

So the Pharisees again called the man before them and asked how he gained his sight.

“Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become his disciples, too?” the man asked.

The Pharisees made fun of him, saying that they were disciples of Moses, not Jesus. They still did

Spotlight on Saints:

St Vincent Ferrer St Vincent Ferrer was born in Spain in 1350. He became a Dominican friar in 1367 and was famous for his preaching. He also performed mission work in Spain, France and Italy and became known for his miracles.

He died in 1419 on one of his missions, and we remember him on April 5. n

not believe Jesus came from God. “It is unheard of that anyone ever opened the eyes of a person born blind. If this man were not from God, he would not be able to do anything,” the man said.

The Pharisees became angry and threw him out of the synagogue.

When Jesus heard what happened, he went to talk to the man.

“Do you believe in the Son of Man?” Jesus asked.

“Who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?” the man replied.

“You have seen him, the one speaking with you is he,” Jesus answered.

The man looked at Jesus.

“I do believe, Lord,” he said, and he worshipped Jesus. n Read more about it: John 9

Q&A 1. What did the apostles think caused the man’s blindness?

2. Why did the Pharisees refuse to believe what happened?

Wordsearch: n FRIAR n BIBLE n MISSION n WEDDING n CURING n DISCIPLE n WORSHIP n SABBATH n MINISTRY n SPIRIT n PHARISEE n MESSIAH

BIBLE TRIVIA:

Bible Accent:

What was Jesus’ first miracle?

Curing a leper Healing a paralysed servant; Healing Peter’s mother-in-law; Answer to puzzle: Turning water into wine..

Answer to Bible Trivia:

The Gospels contain many stories about the miracles Jesus performed.

Jesus healed many people during His ministry. He made the blind see, the sick get well and the crippled walk. He even raised people from the dead.

Sometimes, Jesus helped people who were possessed by evil spirits. Once when He commanded a spirit to leave a man’s body, the spirit spoke to Him and recognised Him as the Son of God. There are several miracles Jesus performed with regard to food. At the wedding in Cana, He turned water into wine.

There also are two accounts of Jesus feeding large crowds of people with just a few fish and loaves of bread. Jesus blessed those small amounts of food, and there was enough for everyone to eat as much as they wanted. There was even food left over after all had eaten their fill.

Sometimes, Jesus’ miracles involved nature. Once, when His apostles were on a boat in the sea, He walked on the water to meet them. Another time, He and His apostles were on a boat when a violent storm began. The apostles were afraid, but Jesus calmly said, “Quiet! Be still!” and the storm stopped.

Many people came to believe that Jesus was the Messiah because they saw the miracles He performed. Even though we weren’t there to see Jesus’ miracles firsthand, we can read about them in the Bible and believe.

As Jesus said in John 20:29, “Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.” n

PUZZLE:

Can you find the miracles of Jesus in the list below? Put a tick around the ones that he performed. See Matthew 8 for hints.

n Healing Peter’s mother-in-law n Making flowers grow in the desert n Healing a paralysed servant n Making it rain during a drought n Healing a woman with a broken finger n Curing a leper

Answer to Wordsearch

By Jennifer Ficcaglia

Sunday April 2, 2017 n CatholicNews

EVENT SUBMISSIONS WHAT’S ON submissions now require the completion of a form from the Archdiocese before the event can be publicised. For events with foreign speakers, please submit the necessary documentation for approval to the Chancery. For more information and to download the form, visit http://www.catholic.org.sg/chancery/ announcement-advertisement-request/.

Once forms have been submitted online, kindly send us details of your event for publication at www. catholicnews.sg/whatson/ at least one month ahead of the publication date. feb 21 to may 23 Discover Ministry and Msgr Ambrose Vaz present: The Gospel of Matthew Time: 8pm-10pm. Venue: Church of the Holy Spirit, room #03-11. This Gospel is read at Sunday Mass during Ordinary Time for this liturgical year. Matthew shows us that Jesus is the perfect fulfilment of God’s promises made in the Old Testament as the messiah promised by the prophets. To register: E: kim_f_ ho@yahoo.com; T: 90102829 feb 22 to april 26 SYMBOLON PART TWO A DVD programme. Time: 7.30pm9.30pm. Dr Edward Sri and his team of experts from Augustine Institute turn our attention to how we encounter God in the sacraments and the moral life. Organised

by Bible Apostolate team. At Church of the Holy Spirit (Room # 03- 11) To register: T: 97848090 (Louisa).

Love offerings welcomed. march 25 and april 1 Catechist Elective Course (CEC) - History of the Catholic Church in Singapore This two-week course seeks to create an awareness of the history of the Catholic Church in Singapore. Time: 9:30am12:30pm. Venue: CAEC 2 Highland Road, S549102. Contribution: Waived for 2017. Register using the following URL: http://tinyurl.com/j4x7ucf. For more information: E: enquiry@catechesis.org.sg; T: 68583011; W: www.catechesis.org.sg

march 26 to may 17 Couple Empowerment Programme (CEP) 2017 CEP is a programme for married couples who wish to discover more about building strong marriages and to raise emotionally balanced children. This programme is faithful to the Catholic Church teachings and incorporates well-studied life skills. Childminders available. Venue: Church of St Ignatius. To register: T: 91059921 (Victor); 98579075 (Andrea); E: goto_cep@hotmail. com; W: www.cep-sg.org or fb.com/sg.cep April 1 Healing Mass All are welcome and no registration is needed. Time: 2pm-4pm. You are invited to join us for praise and worship and Mass followed by prayers for healing. After Mass, prayer teams will be available to pray with you for healing. Please spread the word to your family and friends. Celebrant: Fr Tom Curran. Organised by SACCREPraise@Work. Venue: Church of Sts Peter and Paul. For more information: E: praiseatworksg@yahoo.com; T: 97472467.

April 1, 8, 22 Clarity’s Self-Worth Introductory workshop Join us for a three-session workshop to understand self-worth, its importance and impact in your life. Through various activities and exercises, practise ways to recognise and replace self-defeating thoughts. Learn how to love and accept yourself in spite of your imperfections, and how to make your life more meaningful. Time: 10am-noon. Venue: Blk 854 Yishun Ring Rd. Cost: $10 per person.

For more information, T: 67577990; E: email registration@clarity-singapore april 8 open house Canossian Convent Kindergarten open house. N1, N2, K1 and K2 open for registration. Time: 9am-1pm, 100 Jalan Merbok, S598454. “We believe that every child has the potential to shine.” Games for preschoolers, mini food fair, thrift shop and free parents’ workshop. For more information: T: 64692201; E: cckg.generaloffice@ gmail.com; W: www.canossian.org.sg.

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

Registration forms are available at the OLPS secretariat or RCIA ministry @ www.olps.sg. For more information, T: 96718216 (Christina); T: 96355635 (Peter) may 31, 2017 to april 25, 2018 RCIA @Church of Christ the King Every Wednesday from 8pm-10pm.

Venue: 2221 Ang Mo Kio Ave 8, S569809.

To register: E: query.rcia@gmail.com; W: http://www.christtheking.com.sg. april 9 Church Of The Transfiguration Palm Sunday Mass @ Holy Innocetns’ High School Time: 3pm. All Punggol parishioners and Church of the Transfiguration supporters are welcome to celebrate our last off-site monthly Mass. Fr Joachim Chang will start Holy Week by celebrating Palm Sunday and conclude the Paschal Triduum on site at 51 Punggol Central starting with Maundy Thursday Mass at 8pm. april 12 to may 17 The prophets - messengers of god’s mercy Every Wednesday from 9.30am-11.30am.

Venue: Church of the Holy Spirit Level 3 Room 10 - Annex Blk. A DVD-based programme presented by Thomas Smith and Sarah Christmyer (Great Adventure Catholic Bible Study). Prophets bridge the Old and the New Testaments, calling us to return to our covenant relationship with God. This study shows us how their words continue to speak to us with urgency today. No pre-registration.

For more information: E: hsbibleapostolate@gmail.com april 18 Craft of Catechesis Workshop - Managing Youths in the Prayer Space Time: 7.30pm-10pm. Venue: Catholic Archdiocesan Education Centre, 2 Highland Rd, S549102. Please fill out a pre-event survey to help us improve your learning experience at the workshop at the following link: https://tinyurl.com/heg4qy9.

To register: https://www.catholic. sg/event/craft-catechesis-workshopmanaging-youths-prayer-space/.

For more information, E: formation@ catechesis.org.sg; T:68583011; W: www.catechesis.org.sg april 20 to may 18 Basic Catechist Course L2 Introduction to Morality Time: 7:30pm-10pm. Venue: Catholic Archdiocesan Education Centre, 2 Highland Rd, S549102. To provide catechists with an overview to the fundamental guiding principles of morality – acts and assessments, moral conscience and principles,virtues and happiness. Please register using the following URL: http://tinyurl.com/ z842sg3. For more information, E: formation@catechesis.org. sg; T: 68583011; W: www.catechesis.org.sg april 21 to 23 April Choice Weekend April 21 (7pm)-April 23 (6pm). It takes that one weekend to inspire you for the rest of your life. Come away for a Choice Weekend – it is by the choices we make that we define what our life is all about. Organised by Choice Singapore, 47 Jurong West St 42, S649368. To register: T: 97900537 (Hill) or 97109680 (Francesca); E: registration@choice.org. sg; W: http://choice.org.sg/? page_id=131 April 22 FINDING GOD IN MOVIES Time: 2pm-5pm. Stories in movies allow for reflective moments, often inviting us to question something about ourselves, our faith or in a greater sense, humanity.

What’s On 25

Join us to watch Queen of Katwe, the inspiring real-life story of Ugandan chess prodigy Phiona Mutesi. Thereafter, engage in conversation on Phiona’s riveting journey. Organised by Kingsmead Centre, 8 Victoria Park Rd. Fee: $10.

To register: http://tinyurl.com/ Godinmovies; T: 64676072 April 22 clarity’s workshop on ‘a guide to understanding depression’ Time:10.30am-12.30pm. Individuals with depression often have difficulties seeking help for themselves and in most times, causing friends and family members to feel frustrated and burnout. Come join us to find out what depression is about and share insights on the journey of providing care to your friends or loved ones who may need help. CANA The Catholic Centre L2. FOC. To register: E: registration@clarity-singapore.org april 27 to may 18 Panorama of the Old Testament Time: 8pm-10pm. Join us for four weeks of facilitated/DVD little rock Scripture study on the Panorama of the Old Testament. Get a bird’s eye view of all the different books of the Old Testament and how the plan of the old covenant was directed to prepare for the coming of Christ. Organised by the Church of Christ the King, Ang Mo Kio Ave 8.

To register: T: 98321538 (Lene); E:ctkbat@hotmail.com; W:www.christtheking.com april 28 to may 1 Kerygma Retreat – Annual Retreat for Catechetical Teams Venue: Catholic Spirituality Centre (CSC) 1261 Upper S’goon Rd, S534796.

To register: Please register using the following URL: https://cms.catechesis. org.sg/ci vicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=93 For more information, E: formation@ catechesis.org.sg; T: 68583011; W: www.catechesis.org.sg April 29 to may 1 DEEPENING AUTHENTIC CONVERSATIONS April 29 (9am) - May 11 (4pm).

In the workshop ‘Introduction to Authentic Conversations,’ we became more conscious of an experience of the presence of God through real conversations. In this deepening installation (retreat), we dive into the mystery of presence as a ministry of presence. Organised by Kingsmead Centre, 8 Victoria Park Rd. Fee: $260 (non-AC), $300 (AC). To register: http:// tinyurl.com/deepeningacr; T: 64676072 may 12 to may 14 The Spirituality Of Work May 12 (8pm)-May 14 (1pm). Venue: Choice House, 47 Jurong West St 42.

A Cenacle programme. A weekend of prayer and reflection to help working professionals experience God’s labour in and through our busy schedules.

Take a break to ponder on God’s call and direction of our daily work: How do we participate in God’s passion and find meaning in giving life?

To register: W: www.cenaclemission.com; T: 65652895/97223148.

Contribution $200. may 13 Our Lady of Fatima Centennial Celebrations Time: 6pm-9pm. Come join us for Mass and a candlelight procession for the centennial celebrations of Our Lady of Fatima at St Joseph’s Church, 143 Victoria Street. The celebrations commemorate the 100th anniversary of the apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima in Portugal and to honour the Fatima message of penance and prayer.

June 9 to June 11 FINDING GOD IN DRAMA June 9 (7pm)-June 11 (4pm). In this retreat, encounter the Scriptures and God differently. Through Ignatian contemplation and Bibliodrama, participants will be invited to step into the role of a character, or even of an object.

As the Scriptures come alive, recognise areas of your life where God wants to draw your attention to. Organised by Kingsmead Centre, 8 Victoria Park Rd. Fee: $260 (non-AC), $300 (AC).

To register: http://tinyurl.com/Goddrama; T: 64676072

Pope to visit FAtima: Pope Francis touches a statue of Our Lady of Fatima during his general audience in 2015 in St Peter’s Square at the Vatican.

Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima, the pope will lead the evening recitation of rosary and celebrate Mass at the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima when he visits Portugal from May 12-13.

The pope will make the two-day pilgrimage to the site where Mary appeared to three shepherd children on May 13, 1917.

During his visit, the pope also will meet with President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and have lunch with the bishops of Portugal.

Pope Francis will be the fourth pontiff to visit the Marian shrine. n

26 news

in memoriam

EU on religious symbols in workplace MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – Re-

Twenty-fourth Anniversary In loving memory of

tarian” and could lead to Christians being forced to remove a crucifix or a religious medal.

“It limits the religious expression of an individual,” said Bishop Egan, who has encouraged the people of his diocese to be open about their faith.

“This is a grave infringement of human rights,” he said. “It is a disproportionate application, like cracking a nut with a huge sledgehammer ... before we know it we are going to have huge restrictions.”

The ruling was also criticised by the London-based Conference of European Rabbis as a sign that faith communities were “no longer welcome” in Europe, and by the Islamic Human Rights Commission, also based in London. n CNS

ligious leaders have criticised a ruling by the European Union’s highest court that could allow employers to prohibit staff from wearing visible religious symbols in the workplace.

The European Court of Justice, based in Luxembourg, ruled differently on two cases March 14. In one case, it said a firm that demanded a Muslim employee remove her headscarf was not in breach of an EU employment directive on freedom of religion because it banned the wearing of “any political, philosophical or religious sign.”

But Catholic Bishop Philip Egan of Portsmouth, England, told Catholic News Service on March 15 the ruling was “totali-

Crossword Puzzle 1181 1

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ACROSS 1 He wrote most of the epistles 5 Farm machinery pioneer 10 Jesuits’ motto (abbr.)

14 Hindu goddess of fire 15 Flotsam locale 16 “A Doll’s House” doll 17 “Immediately they abandoned their ___ and followed him.” (Mk 1:18) 18 Nick of “Cape Fear” 19 Departed 20 Monograms 22 Archdiocese in northern Italy 23 Church spire 24 “___ Holy Queen” 26 Land in which Cain settled 27 Reinvestment of funds 31 Apostles’ or Nicene 34 Old-fashioned way to write a letter 35 Period of history 36 Purloined fruit of Augustine’s Confessions 37 Attack on all sides 38 Colette novella 39 Berne’s river 40 Little pie 41 Part of the large intestine 42 Plays in the pool 44 He called to

Joseph Silva & Julianal Silva At Home in Glory with the Lord Jesus Christ November 8th 1986 & March 29th 2003

Seventeenth Anniversary In loving memory of

A light from the home has gone, The voices we loved to hear are stilled Gone are your faces we so dearly loved Leaving a vacuum in our home Never shall your memories fade Sweet thoughts of you will always remain.

Mass will be offered at the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour on Sunday, Mar 25, 2017 at 6.30 pm.

Lovingly remembered and cherished by all.

In loving memory of

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In Loving Memory of Our Dearest Papa & Mummy

RAYMOND JULIAN NONIS Called home: Apr 5, 2004 We speak your name with love and pride.

We smile with tears we cannot hide.

We thank you for the years we shared, The love you gave, the way you cared.

From your children and spouses, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

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DEREK LIM SENG CHIU Departed: Apr 10, 1994 In our hearts your memory lingers, Sweetly tender, fond and true, There is not a day, dear son, That we do not think of you.

Fondly remembered by mum, dad and loved ones.

Mass offering at Church of St Francis Xavier at 6.30pm on Apr 10, 2017.

Seventh Anniversary In loving memory of

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Thirteenth Anniversary In loving memory of

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SIMON ANTHONY 26/11/31- 8/4/93

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

Dearly missed and fondly remembered by wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and loved ones.

Sunday April 2, 2017 n CatholicNews

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Adam, “Where are you?” (Gen 3:9) 45 Former “evil empire” 46 Chief honcho 50 “For where your treasure is, there also will your ___ be.” (Mt 6:21) 53 Plot 54 Catholic songwriter Guthrie 55 Small branch 57 Perry’s creator 58 Sly look 59 Tantalize 60 Jaworski of Watergate fame 61 Paycheck letters 62 One of the seven deadly sins 63 Zoom, e.g.

DOWN 1 “___ Angelicus” 2 Representative 3 Undo the knot 4 Auditor 5 Catholic dancer and actor O’Connor 6 Eleve’s place 7 Long fish 8 Tell on 9 Vane reading 10 First name of John XXIII 11 Easter is observed on the Sunday following the first full ___ of the vernal equinox 12 Bond villain

13 Greek goddess of the earth 21 High-tech item 22 Covered in gold (var.)

24 Land of milk and ___ 25 Landed 27 “…the Spirit of glory and of God ___ upon you.” (I Pet 4:14) 28 Veronica’s covering 29 “Tantum ___” 30 There were 40 days and nights of this 31 IRS experts 32 “…a person will ___ only what he sows (Gal 6:7) 33 Sandwich title 34 One of the Twelve 37 Sounds of disgust

38 Play based on the life of Christ 40 Furtive “Yo!” 41 Gear teeth 43 Roman goddess of the dawn 44 Piquancy 46 Diocese in Idaho 47 Company newbie 48 Synthetic fabric 49 Numbers 13 through 19 50 Herod offered this much of his kingdom to Herodias’ daughter (Mk 6:23) 51 “…___ saw Elba” 52 Knighted Catholic actor 53 Steep, rugged rock 55 RR stop 56 Writing instrument

Solution to Crossword Puzzle No. 1180 N O M A D U N C L E M E S S E N M E R E S P I T A G A I N B R I N G B E N E T B E I T T T R I A S P H A L C H U R C H C E R O A R R E I N A T M E D

C A G N E Y R A P T N O P

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

T O R R I D J E D I

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www.wordgamesforcatholics.com

VAN HUIZEN THEODORA CARMEN Departed: Mar 29, 2010 You left with painful thought to bear We miss your love and tender care We still love you all the same Though no word can describe our pain This is the cross we have to bear May you always remain in our Lord’s and Mary’s loving care.

Dearly missed by loved ones.

AMALA THERESA LOURDES Departed: Mar 31, 2000 A light from our home has gone Gone is your face we loved so dear A place is vacant in our home Never will your memory fade Sweet thoughts of you.

Will always remain within our hearts.

Mass will be celebrated at the Church of Risen Christ on Mar 31, 2017 at 6.00pm.

Sadly missed by children, spouses & grand children.

obituary 40 Day Memorial Mass

Fifteenth Anniversary In loving memory of

Fifth Anniversary In loving memory of

Maria Otheris nee Goh Peng Neo On her First Anniversary Resting in the arms of Christ on April 4, 2016 KESSLER PETER JAMES SHANE AUGUSTINE Departed: Mar 26, 2002 Departed: Apr 8, 2012 If only you You had a heart of gold could see the tears One of the best to behold In the world You were generous, you left behind loving and kind If only you These are the memories could heal our hearts you left behind.

Just one more time.

Wife: Rita, Deeply missed by loving children and Mum and Dad, grandchildren.

Wife Juliana Daughter Alisha Jewel, Third Anniversary In loving memory of Sister Kerry and Godma Mary.

Always remembered in the hearts of your daughters, Jeannie and Annie, granddaughters, Angeline and Adelyn, grandsons-in-law, Stefan and Michael, great-grandchildren, Kai, Mia, Matilda, Leo and all loved ones.

Third Anniversary In loving memory of

Eighth Anniversary In loving memory of Eric Chamberlain s/o Assirvatham Father, Son & Brother Called home on 15 Feb 2017 “Your life was a blessing, Your memories a treasure, You are loved beyond words And missed beyond measure” A Holy Eucharistic Celebration will be offered for the repose of our brother’s departed soul at 8am on Sunday the 26th March 2017 in Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church, Jalan Lumba Kuda, Taiping, Perak.

Sadly missed by Daughter : Anne Gabrina Brother : Fitzgerald Kennedy Sister : Jackqueline Bubenheim & family Brother : Richard Stevenson & family Brother : John Baptist & family Parents : Assirvatham Gabriel &

Anne Clara (Deceased) Relatives, ex-colleagues and friends.

Please turn to page 27 for more in memoriam advertisements.

Mrs Dinnie Ong nee Ronnie Rozells Departed: Apr 7, 2014 If in one fleeting moment MARGARET I could see you smile MARY PEREIRA I’d give up Departed: Mar 27, 2009 everything I have Thank you for So I could hold the years we shared your hand for a while Thank you for We all love you the way you cared so much We loved you then We miss you so badly and we love you still And we won’t Forget you, ever forget we never will.

The happy times that we shared.

Fondly remembered by husband, sons, Dearly missed by daughter-in-law, Germaine , Eugene, grandson, brothers, Roberta, Alex, sisters and loved ones.

Alexine and Lilo.

SAMUEL VICTOR EDWARD Who was called to the Lord on Mar 23, 2014 We hold back the tears Daddy when saying your name.

The ache in our hearts is still the same.

No one knows the grief we bear When the family meets and Daddy you are not there We can feel your presence even now you are gone We can cherish your memory and let it live on Or we can do what. you would want, smile, remember your words and go on.

Sadly missed and mourned by wife, sons and daughters, son-in-laws, daughter-in-laws and grandchildren.

Sunday April 2, 2017 n CatholicNews

Twenty-first Anniversary

TOMMY SIM SEOW YONG Departed: Mar 28, 1996 The angels came to take you home And you left us all alone We know you keep watching us from above As we still pray for the one we love.

Dearly missed by: Wife Shirley Daughter: Eulindra Son-in-law: Ivan Lim Son: Brandon Daughter-in-law: Claire Tang Hui Sim Grandchildren: Zachary / Chloe / Helena / Ayden Lim Ashley / Joshua Sim. I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder, Thy power throughout the universe displayed Then sings my soul, my Saviour God to Thee How great Thou art! How great Thou art!

Twenty-sixth Anniversary In loving memory of

In loving memory of

CAROL CATHERINE PEREIRA

First Anniversary In loving memory of

In celebration of her birthday on Mar 29 Called Home to the Lord on Nov 17, 2013 Always in the hearts of Dennis, Denise, Carl, Nicole, Martha, Alexandra (Rafa), Gabriel, Martin, Bryan, Jasmine, Dalva, and all family and friends.

DASSON BARTHOLOMEW Who was called to the Lord on April 3, 1991 In our hearts you will always live Your love, your voice and your smile Are forever imprinted in our minds.

Thirtieth Anniversary In loving memory of

Think how she must be wishing That we could all know today How nothing but our sadness Can truly pass away

Cyril Francis Thomas Departed: March 25, 2016 Our beloved Dad, He had us in his heart for as long as he lived; He was generous, kind, and would always give; His laughter and hugs we will always miss; In our hearts he now lives, a part that will always be his.

And think of her as living In the hearts of those she touched For nothing loved is ever lost And she was loved so much Happy Birthday Mummy/Carol/Grandma!

Please turn to page 26 for more in memoriam advertisements.

RAYMOND IGNATIUS JOSEPH Departed: Apr 2, 1987 Gone from our lives One so dear But in our hearts Forever near.

Dearly missed by family.

in memoriam 27

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Sunday April 2, 2017 n CatholicNews

Published by the catholic news, 2 HIGHLAND ROAD #01-03, Singapore 549102. Printed by TIMES PRINTERS private limited, 16 TUAS AVEnue 5, SINGAPORE 639340.