MAY 18, 2014, Vol 64, No 10Cn10

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&DQRQLVHG SRSHV œUHQHZHG DQG XSGDWHG &KXUFK¡ Pope Francis pays tribute to predecessors in twin canonisation ceremony

VOL 64

NO. 10

INSIDE HOME

Archbishop UHà HFWV RQ VW \HDU LQ RIÀFH Catholics give their views „ Pages 2-3

:RUNHUV¡ 3DUW\ 03 DW &$1$ HYHQW Sylvia Lim talks about faith „ Page 7

WORLD 9DWLFDQ VWDWV &KXUFK JURZWK VWHDG\ ZRUOGZLGH Number of nuns declining „ 3DJH

323( )5$1&,6 3RQWLII¡V DGYLFH IRU FKDVLQJ DZD\ WKH EOXHV Banners depicting St John XXIII (left) and St John Paul II hang from the facade of St Peter’s Basilica on April 27. CNS photos VATICAN CITY – Canonising two recent popes

in the presence of his immediate predecessor, Pope Francis praised the new Sts John XXIII and John Paul II as men of courage and mercy, who responded to challenges of their time by PRGHUQLVLQJ WKH &DWKROLF &KXUFK LQ ÂżGHOLW\ WR its ancient traditions. “They were priests, bishops and popes of the 20th century,â€? Pope Francis said in his homily during the April 27 Mass in St Peter’s Square. “They lived through the tragic events of that century, but they were not overwhelmed by them. For them, God was more powerful.â€? “John XXIII and John Paul cooperated with the Holy Spirit in renewing and updating the Church in keeping with her original features, those features which the saints have given her throughout the centuries,â€? he said. Speaking before a crowd of half a million that included retired Pope Benedict XVI, Pope Francis praised St John for his best-known accomplishment, calling the Second Vatican Council, which he said “showed

an exquisite openness to the Holy Spirit�. “He let himself be led, and he was for the Church a pastor, a servant-leader,� the pope said. “This was his great service to the Church. I like to think of him as the pope of openness to the Spirit.� Pope Francis characterised St John Paul as the “pope of the family�, a title he said the late pope himself had hoped to be remembered by. Pope Francis said he was sure St John Paul was guiding the Church on its path to two upcoming synods of bishops on the family, to be held at the Vatican this October and in October 2015.

May both of them teach us... to ‘enter ever more deeply into the mystery of divine mercy, which always hopes and always forgives, because it always loves.

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– Pope Francis

The pope invoked the help of the two new papal saints for the synods’ success, and he prayed, “May both of them teach us not to be scandalised by the wounds of Christ and to enter ever more deeply into the mystery of divine mercy, which always hopes and always forgives, because it always loves.â€? Pope Francis has said the agenda for the family synods will include Church teaching and practice on marriage, areas he has said exemplify a particular need for mercy in the Church today. The pope repeatedly mentioned mercy in his homily, which he delivered on Divine Mercy Sunday, an observance St John Paul put on the Church’s universal calendar in 2000. The Polish pope died on the vigil of the feast in 2005 and ZDV EHDWLÂżHG RQ 'LYLQH 0HUF\ 6XQGD\ LQ In addition to Pope Benedict, making only his third public appearance since he resigned in February 2013, Pope Francis’ concelebrants included some 150 cardinals and 700 bishops. „ Continued on Page 17

Attend Mass, read Word of God „ 3DJH

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WORLD DAY OF PRAYER FOR 92&$7,216 6833/(0(17 „ 3DJHV

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By Clara Lai Almost on time, he walks into the meeting room at the Archbishop’s House where the interview with CatholicNews is to be held. “Do you want a drink? Coffee? Tea?â€? he asks me. I decline. Heading to his seat, he is about to sit down when he decides that he should still get a drink for me and goes to the pantry. “Ah, this bishop‌â€? his personal assistant murmurs in mild amusement. Throughout the hour-long interview (with a cup of tea for each of us now), it became obvious that Archbishop Goh, who took charge of the Singapore archdiocese a year DJR RQ 0D\ LV FRQÂżGHQW RI KLV plans for the Singapore Church. Yet at the same time, he exudes humility when he speaks of these, insisting that he is “still the same person, the same priest, the same Fr William Gohâ€?. When asked about what he thinks he achieved over the past year, Archbishop Goh, who turns 57 in June, said, “I don’t quite like the word ‘achievements’. I think that being a bishop is not an ambition.â€? So we discuss what he has done over the past year, which he says has “given everyone a clear vision and mission [that] cannot be compromised. I have my plans [but the] methods and approach can be discussed.â€? He goes on to credit his vicars general, Msgr Philip Heng and Msgr Ambrose Vaz, who he says are “capable, hardworking, re-

Sunday May 18, 2014 „ CatholicNews

sourceful and dynamicâ€?. He also mentions chancellor Fr John-Paul Tan, judicial vicar Fr Terence Pereira, episcopal vicar Fr Erbin Fernandez, executive secreWDU\ )U ,JQDWLXV <HR DQG ÂżQDQFLDO administrator Deacon Clement Chen, saying that he is “happy with the team I have chosenâ€?. $IWHU WKHVH SRVLWLRQV ZHUH ÂżOOHG he then shifted his focus to the variRXV RIÂżFHV LQ WKH DUFKGLRFHVH 7KH 2IÂżFH IRU 1HZ (YDQJHOLsation (ONE) was set up to “promote, foster, steer the work of new evangelisation across the dioceseâ€?, said Archbishop Goh. “It is not a standalone thing, the whole Church is involved‌[and] ONE is a catalyst to ensure that the spirit of new evangelisation is adopted.â€? He then mentions the new OfÂżFH IRU <RXQJ 3HRSOH 2<3 DQG his appointment of Fr Jude David to assist archdiocesan youth chaplain Fr Brian D’Souza. The young people “are a necessary component of the Church with so much ideas and energy,â€? he stressed. Archbishop Goh said he has asked Msgr Ambrose Vaz to coordinate all movements promoting family life in the archdiocese. Listing a few family-focused organisations such as Family Life Society, Marriage Encounter, Engaged Encounter, Retrouvaille and CHOICE, Archbishop Goh said, “There are so many groups, so I feel that there should be a greater coordination, especially in terms of resources.â€? On foreign Catholics living in Singapore, Archbishop Goh said

that “more should be done to coordinate� foreign communities, rather than just serving them on a “social level�. He also shared that as a bishop, he now has fewer opportunities for “interpersonal relationships� and “individual ministering�, but has to spend more time in board meetings that help to “put structures in place�. Archbishop Goh has also made pastoral visits to various parishes in the past six months, as he feels this will help him to “know the ground�. He added that he hopes to visit all the local Catholic churches by next year, and “bring different pastoral structures for other parishes to learn�. “There should be more sharing [among churches],� Archbishop Goh said. “Every parish must help each other to grow.� He is also working towards setting up a diocesan pastoral council and a diocesan synod, as he feels these will “empower diocesan organisations�. Right now, he said, “most of the steering is still done by the priests�. “It’s like only using one lung to breathe,� he added. Since January, Archbishop Goh has been helping priests, Religious and lay leaders get to “know each other personally� through informal

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– Archbishop William Goh

monthly dinner meetings with them. “Friendship is important,â€? said Archbishop Goh. On his working relations with KLV RIÂżFH VWDII DW WKH $UFKELVKRSÂśV House, he said that the “emphasis is not on success, [but] helping a person to growâ€?. To him, “people are PRUH LPSRUWDQW WKDQ HIÂżFLHQF\´ Speaking about the changes he has made in the archdiocese, Archbishop Goh said, “Generally, I think people are happy. There is this new spirit in the Church that is moving, [and] I think people are excited about the new evangelisation.â€? However, he acknowledged that “people are wondering how my vision and mission can translate into concrete projectsâ€?. It is a “new style of leadershipâ€?, he said, adding that “I believe in compassion and personal authorityâ€?. “Some people may think I’m going too fast, some just cannot accept changes,â€? he said. “Those who are still sceptical, we’ll slowly convince them.â€?

He added, “Hopefully, this new bishop can also imitate Pope Francis to make radical changes, for the good of course.â€? Nevertheless, some projects he has in mind have to be put on hold EHFDXVH RI LQVXIÂżFLHQW IXQGV “But if this is God’s plan, He will provide somehowâ€?, he said. These projects include a retirement house for priests and Religious, and a centre for Church organisations that currently have no place to house them. Finally, Archbishop Goh stressed the importance of community life in the Church. There are “too many individual Catholics who have no sense of belonging, no community. Every Catholic must belong to a Catholic communityâ€?, Archbishop Goh said. People should be “sharing the faith before serving togetherâ€?, he said in his parting words. „ clara.lai@catholic.org.sg

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He has brought a certain freshness to the archdiocese with his friendly and easy style. Things are more relaxed in the good sense of the word. He trusts in the goodness and ability of his people. Recognising the gifts of each individual, he allows them to use their gifts in such a way as to achieve great things for God and for the Church. Borrowing the words of Pope Francis, I hope Archbishop Goh will take the local Church to the peripheries whether it is in the area of mission work, evangelisation formation of laity, social involvement in society or any other area. The Church needs to be seen as relevant both by society and by Catholics.

’

– Fr James Yeo, Rector, Catholic Theological Institute of Singapore

His Grace taking the occa‘I appreciate sion of celebration to meet the Religious and people. It create a bond between him and the local Church. He consults especially in areas that he is not familiar with e.g. interreligious dialogue. He doesn’t turn down requests for dialogue with him. It is easy to read the direction he is leading the archdiocese and helpful for us as Religious to align our mission with that of the archbishop. [On what direction it is hoped he will lead the local Church:] A concerted effort at evangelising the entire archdiocese ... Encourage strong partnership between Religious and the priests in the diocese and building trust between laypeople and priests.

The archdiocese and Religious can collaborate more to meet the needs of both sides especially in seeing to the needs of the elderly priests and Religious. I hope to see an improvement in the partnership style among all that is built on mutual trust and respect.

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– Sr Theresa Seow, Canossian Provincial Leader

‘to, ¿QG WKDW WKH DUFKELVKRS KDV PDQDJHG capture the hearts and minds of the ÀRFN , ¿QG WKLV LV SDUWLFXODUO\ LPSRUtant, as it is indeed a turning point for us, the laypeople to be renewed and reevangelised. His communication style serves as an easy conduit for laypeople to be moved towards Christ. At least for me as a lapsed Catholic, I ¿QG WKH &KXUFK PRUH SDVVLRQDWH DQG QRZ ¿QG LW LV OHDGLQJ PH EDFN WR KRPH 7KH direction I’d like to possibly see is for the GLIIHUHQW SDULVKHV WR EH D XQL¿HG DV RQH Church with communion as mission.

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– Kevin Goh, polytechnic lecturer

I believe he has reached out to many of ‘KLV EURWKHU FOHUJ\ DQG DI¿UPHG WKH JLIWV of each of them. He has also shared his vision for renewing the pastoral life of the archdiocese for the next 10 years and WKLV KDV OHG WR D ORW RI UHÀHFWLRQ E\ FOHUJ\ and laypeople about what needs to happen for the New Evangelisation. His working style is very collaborative. And once he has tasked persons with a job, he trusts them to do it with lots of input and encouragement from his part. I hope that we will experience a renewed partici-

pation of the laity in the mission of the Church. And we will see an increase in the exercise of charisms in the Church by both laity and clergy.

’

– Fr Erbin Fernandez, Episcopal Vicar, 2I¿FH IRU WKH 1HZ (YDQJHOLVDWLRQ

good in people. His Grace has a clear vision of wanting an evangelical and missionary Church ... I believe he will help our Church face the challenges of the ever changing world that we live in.

’

– Fr Jude David, Asst Youth Chaplain, 2I¿FH IRU <RXQJ 3HRSOH

$UFKELVKRS *RK LQ KLV ¿UVW \HDU KDV ‘done very well in giving the Catholic In the short year that he has become the Church in Singapore the impetus for ‘ archbishop, he has touched us with his change. As much as he is addressing necessary structural changes, his most valuable work in our opinion, has been in revitalising the Church’s sense of purpose, as well as recovering her source of power, namely prayer. [His working style is] empowering, encouraging, consultative and with a clear dependence on God. While possessing incredible focus and fortitude, Archbishop Goh is also a man with a great sense of humour, which makes working with him both a stretching and joyful experience. [On what direction it is hoped he will lead the local Church:] That the Church in Singapore will fully embrace the spirit of the New Evangelisation and become who she is meant to be: a united force for spiritual awakening and societal transformation.

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– Leonard Koh and Cassilda Lim, Youth Directors, Amplify Ministry

He is a man of ‘collaboration and communion. A compassionate leader who leads by example and tries his best to appreciate the

humility and compassion. We are inspired DQG PRYHG E\ KLV DI¿UPDWLRQ RI WKH FOHUgy, and his trust and belief in the gifts of the laity and their empowerment.

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– Fr Stephen Yim, Chairman, City District, Senate of Priests

decision, despite his busy schedule, ‘toHiscontinue with his Conversion Retreats at CSC [Catholic Spirituality Centre} as well as his personal invitations to priests and lay leaders from the different organisations and parishes for occasional meals at the Archbishop’s House shows that he is not a leader who operates from the ivory tower but one who sincerely wants to keep abreast of what goes on at the ground level – something that augurs well for the Church.

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– Andrew Low

What Archbishop Goh has done is a ‘breath of fresh air. What I think he has achieved is looking at how things are done and have taken a positive step towards being more transparent. I am hopeful that he will bring us all together as one church ... in sharing his pastoral vision.

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– Deacon Clement Chen, Archdiocesan Financial Administrator

He delegates and works on the prin‘ciple of subsidiarity. A person-oriented

Photo: DOMINIC WONG

leader that fosters good team work. [On what direction it is hoped he will lead the local Church:] A collaborative Church that has a heart for the poor, needy and underprivileged with particular attention towards the migrant workers.

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– Sr Agnes Lee, Provincial, Sisters of the Infant Jesus

FRQ¿GHQW WKDW $UFKELVKRS *RK ‘will, DP continue to unify and lead our Church to be a true witness of God’s love and compassion in Singapore society, especially to the disadvantaged and those in need.

’

– George Lim, Chairman, Caritas Singapore

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Special Mass held Theology institute to for Friends-in-Need launch Chinese programme Archbishop William Goh serving communion to a Friendin-Need, an aid recipient of the Society of St Vincent de Paul. Photo: PETER KAY

By Natalie Seah A special Mass to pray for the poor and aid recipients of the Society of St Vincent de Paul (SSVP) was held on April 12. About 400 Vincentians, together with their Friends-in-Need (FINs or aid recipients), Caritas representatives, Canossian Sisters and well-wishers attended the celebration held at the Church of St Stephen. Archbishop William Goh, Fr Eugene Vaz, Fr Louis Loiseau and Fr John Khoo concelebrated the event, the third to be held annually. In his homily, Archbishop Goh noted that in the secular world, the OLQH EHWZHHQ ZKDW LV GHHPHG VXIÂżcient and what is a “wantâ€? is often blurred. This is a result of people’s

inherent fear of not having enough. Instead of helping others in need, people guard their self-interests and cultivate self-indulgence. Archbishop Goh said that every resource that one has is Godgiven, and that the SSVP, as a Catholic society dedicated to the poor and needy, has to challenge itself to employ this resource in service to God. The society should also endeavour to stay relevant to the changing landscape and needs of the New Poor in Singapore, he said. %HIRUH WKH ¿QDO EOHVVLQJ Archbishop Goh also reminded Vincentians to thank the FINs for the opportunity to serve them, as God works through them to teach society members generosity, compassion and love. „

The Chinese section of the Catholic Theological Institute of Singapore (CTIS), headed by vice-rector Fr Peter Zhang, will launch a certificate programme in Theology this July. The programme aims to provide Mandarin-speaking Catholics with a firm grounding in the Catholic faith and Church teachings. According to CTIS, this will equip lay people to serve in the various Mandarin-speaking ministries, and in so doing, help alleviate the shortage of clergy who are proficient in Chinese. The program is a one-year course providing a systematic formation in Catholic theology through six modules split over two academic semesters. In the first semester, students will be exposed to the fundamentals of the academic study of Theology through three foundation modules, namely Introduction to Christian Philosophy, Overview of Catholic Theology, and a short writing module that introduces and develops students’ skills in academic writing and theological research. The modules in the second semester introduce students to

CTIS vice-rector Fr Peter Zhang.

three major subfields of Catholic theology, namely, Introduction to Biblical Theology, Introduction to Moral Theology, and

CTIS logo

Introduction to Sacramentology and Liturgy. Anyone who is relatively proficient in the Chinese language, and who has a calling and desire to reach out to the Mandarin-speaking population can enrol in this programme. However, considering the academic rigour of these courses, prospective students should have attained a minimum educational qualification of GCE O Level or its equivalent. Those who do not meet this academic pre-requisite can still sign up as an Audit student. Those interested to find out more about our programme may obtain a copy of the Chinese prospectus from CTIS (Catholic Centre, 55 Waterloo Street 0504, Singapore 187954) or from your parish. All are also cordially invited to the information session at the Catholic Centre on Sunday, May 25, from 2.30-5.30 pm. Admission is free, but do register in advance to facilitate planning and logistical arrangements. To register, contact Agnes Toh at 6434-8006 or email agnestoh@ctis.sg. „

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Sunday May 18, 2014 CatholicNews

New pastoral centre for Our Lady of Lourdes By Darren Boon The Church of Our Lady of Lourdes is building a pastoral centre to better cater to the needs of its parishioners and the largely South Asian migrant communities it serves. The Lourdes Pastoral Centre is the second phase of a project WR HQKDQFH WKH SDULVK 7KH ¿UVW phase, which involves repairs and restoration of the church – a gazetted national monument – has already been completed. The third phase, a proposed spirituality centre, will commence only after the pastoral centre is built. The church is “lacking in many facilities and amenities due to the growing number of parishioners and migrants”, parish priest Fr Augustine Joseph told CatholicNews. According to parish records, there are about 1,800 registered parishioners including the migrants. Masses in English, Tamil and Malayalam are held on the weekends. The pastoral centre is expected to cost between $10 million and $12 million. Construction will begin when the parish is able to raise about 70 percent of the building costs or $7 million. To date, about half a million have been raised. The parish hopes to commence construction by October 2015. The new facilities will include more meeting rooms, prayer rooms, counselling rooms, an adoration room, a catechetical centre, migrants’ centre, parish bookshop,

New facilities will include counselling rooms, a catechetical centre, migrants’ centre, two funeral parlours and a columbarium.

Artist’s impression of the Lourdes Pastoral Centre which is expected to cost between $10 million and $12 million.

parish heritage room, two funeral parlours, a columbarium, and an auditorium and multi-purpose hall that can hold about 500 people each. 7KH SDULVK RI¿FHV ZLOO EH ORcated in the building, along with the priests’ residence. There will be a rosary garden on the top of the building with stained glass depicting scenes from the mysteries of the rosary as well as Stations of the Cross. The new facilities will help the parish offer more services to the migrant workers such as large- scale retreats, a legal and medical clinic, and training pro-

grammes, said Fr Augustine. The parish already provides marriage preparation, Bible sharing, Charismatic prayer, overnight vigils, counselling and the celebration of various Tamil cultural feasts for migrants (see story below). More spiritual talks and activities will also be organised for local parishioners, said Mr Jerry Fernandez, chairman of the fundraising committee. He added that parishioners have lamented the lack of an adoration room. The parish only has only one meeting room for all groups and ministries.

Migrant workers pray in overnight vigil Visiting Indian priest Fr Amal Raj shares the Word of God during the Maundy Thursday vigil.

About 100 Tamil-speaking Catholics, including many migrants, participated in an overnight vigil on Maundy Thursday. The six-hour event, starting from midnight and lasting till 6 am the following morning, was held on the premises of the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes. Visiting Indian priest Fr Amal Raj led the participants, who comprised both young and elderly, in deep prayer. The event was organised by the Commission for the Apostolate for Tamil Speaking.

Meanwhile, fundraising efforts have begun. A food and fun fair was held in February and a charity dinner is scheduled for July. Other fundraisers include a Christmas and Advent fair, golf tournament and possibly another charity dinner. The upcoming charity dinner show will be held on July 4 at Mandarin Orchard Hotel. Tickets per table of 10 are available at $5,000, $10,000 and $20,000. For more information, contact the parish administrator at ololpasco@gmail.com or 6294-0624, or Ruby Goh at ololfundraising1888@ gmail.com or 9784- 4691.

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Various religions play sports in Harmony Games

Church of St Joseph’s (Bukit Timah) football team members took part in the futsal competition at this year’s Harmony Games.

By Gerald Kong Catholic youth and young adults from the Church of St Joseph’s (Bukit Timah) Football Club participated in this year’s Harmony Games with people from other races and religions. Shamir Robinson, 19, said that “even though we were representing the Catholic Church, there were no barriers in interacting with others from different faiths”. He was part of a team of eight men aged 17-34 who took part in futsal, one of the four events in the Harmony Games.

This year, the Hindu Endowments Board and the Hindu Advisory Board hosted the games at the Singapore Indian Association at 69 Balestier Road on April 26, under the theme ‘Play Together, Friends Forever’. The annual games are supported by the Ministry of Community, Culture and Youth and the National Steering Committee on Racial and Religious Harmony. The event aims to encourage interaction between different racial and religious communities through sports. Apart from the Catholic team,

there were about 200 participants from the Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim and Protestant communities, as well as people from various other associations and schools. The guest-of-honour was Mr Lawrence Wong, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth. Nicholas De Silva, 19, said that the games demonstrated “futsal as a universal sport with different races and religions showing passion for the game.” The Catholic Church will be the host of Harmony Games 2015.

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Sunday May 18, 2014 „ CatholicNews

Workers’ Party MP talks about her faith and life %\ 'DUUHQ %RRQ Opposition MP Sylvia Lim was a member and cantor in a choir at St Mary of the Angels for many years. And although she has not gone to confession for a while, she still tries to read the Bible daily. These were some nuggets of her faith journey that Ms Lim, chairman of The Workers’ Party, shared at a dinner talk organised by CANA The Catholic Centre. The April 24 event was part of CANA’s Talk of the Town series, which aims to have well-known personalities share how they integrate faith and life. About 50 people attended the talk, held at the Catholic Centre’s Crossings CafĂŠ at Waterloo St. The evening took place in the form of a conversation with facilitator Winifred Loh, a Pauline cooperator working with the lay arm of the Daughters of St Paul. Ms Lim shared that in the course of her “political journeyâ€?, she had experienced moments of intense introspection during which she asked herself whether she was doing the right thing, or how long she could or should continue. However, every time she experienced doubt, there would be a VLJQ RI DIÂżUPDWLRQ IURP D PHPEHU of public which encouraged her. At such times, Ms Lim said, she is reminded of God’s presence. “Because I always feel whatever we are doing now‌whatever vocation we are in‌I think God calls us to do these things.â€? She added that it is important to be “open to God to see whether He wants us to continue

I always feel ‘ whatever we are doing now‌ whatever vocation we are in‌ I think God calls us to do these things.

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or wants us to change course�. Responding to questions from WKH ÀRRU VKH VKDUHG WKDW VKH ZRXOG pray whenever she had some major decisions to make. She would also try to follow the daily readings that the Daughters of St Paul offer, and tries to start the day by reading the Word of God. Ms Lim was also asked by a member of the audience how she reconciles her Catholic faith with

certain policies that may contradict it. Ms Lim highlighted issues such as the death penalty, casinos and abortion which the Catholic Church has a stand against. She said that the reality of party politics was that one had to toe the party line unless one was prepared to resign. However, she noted that while her party did not call for the abolition of the

S’pore chapel in Holy Land basilica

death penalty altogether, it argued against it being mandatory. When asked whether she tries to share her faith with her colleagues, Ms Lim answered that it is “not in my nature to evangeliseâ€? as others may have their own religion which they are comfortable with. On what has shaped her character and thinking, Ms Lim mentioned her father as being very LQĂ€XHQWLDO LQ OLIH 6KH DOVR GUDZV strength from a particular Bible passage from Corinthians. Ms Lim added that she is also impressed with the late former

South African President Nelson Mandela, who said hatred “clouded the mindâ€?, something which leaders could not afford to harbour. Towards the end of the conversation, Ms Lim encouraged those present to be “comfortedâ€? that whatever role one plays, one is contributing to society or, as the Bible puts it, contributing one’s talents in the service of others. The evening concluded with Ms Lim singing On Eagle’s Wings, with those present joining in. Members of the audience told CatholicNews they were impressed with her sharing. Ms Natasha Yong said that Ms Lim seemed genuine and downto-earth. Ms Catherine Tan said the Workers’ Party chairman appears to be just like any other Catholic, and is happy to know that she depends on God’s Word in her daily life. Mr Justin Tan told CatholicNews that “it was a good ideaâ€? for D SXEOLF ÂżJXUH WR VKDUH DERXW KHU faith. The next Talk of the Town event is on May 22 at 7pm at Crossings CafĂŠ. The speaker is MP Christopher De Souza. Dinner is provided at $25 per person. Contact CANA at 6338-4080 for more information and registration. „

%\ 'U *DEULHO 2RQ A Singapore chapel built in a new basilica in Magdala, the Holy Land, is “providentialâ€?, said a SULHVW ZRUNLQJ WKHUH ,W LV ÂłWKH ÂżUVW in the world from Asia in the Holy Land,â€? Fr Juan Solana told some 200 people gathered at the St Ignatius Hall on April 24. Fr Solana, builder of the Magdala Centre, an 8-ha area of land in the heart of the area where Jesus did most of his ministry, was giving a talk on new archaeological discoveries in the area and the Singapore chapel in the Basilica of St Mary Magdalene. The basilica was built over the PDUNHW RI D ÂżUVW FHQWXU\ SRUW GDWing to before the birth of Christ and overlooks the Sea of Galilee. On Dec 20 last year, 30 local benefactors and a few members of the Singapore Order of Malta were present at the dedication and blessing of the Singapore chapel,

Update on Archbishop Chia 7KH $UFKELVKRSÂśV 2IÂżFH UHOHDVHG WKH IROORZLQJ XSGDWH RQ $UFKELVKRS (PHULWXV 1LFKRODV &KLDÂśV FRQGLWLRQ RQ 0D\

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which local donors had contribXWHG ¿QDQFLDOO\ WRZDUGV Fr Solana, who is Charge of WKH +RO\ 6HH IRU WKH 3RQWL¿FDO Institute of Notre Dame in Jerusalem, said more than 2,200 coins have been discovered beneath the ÀRRU RI WKH 6LQJDSRUH FKDSHO GDWing from about 50 BC to AD 63. Scholars and archaeologists

have said these coins were apparently minted in neighbouring cities at a time when Jesus was doing his ministry. Pope Francis is expected to bless the tabernacle of the basilica when it is brought to him in Jerusalem on May 26, during his Holy Land visit. „

His Grace, Archbishop William Goh, is happy to announce that Archbishop Emeritus Nicholas Chia has been making good progress in his recovery. The team of doctors appointed to prognosticate his condition has issued the following statement: “Our Archbishop Emeritus suffered traumatic brain injury, enough to affect his speech, movement and his cognitive function. He has made good progress in terms of his ability to swallow and has recovered his ability to speak. “He is still weak on the right side and is able to take a few small steps with the aid of a walking

frame. We recommend sending him to Tan Tock Seng Hospital’s department of rehabilitation based in Ang Mo Kio (TTSH-AMK) for further rehabilitation. “We feel that TTSH-AMK, which has a specialised unit that looks after patients with traumatic brain injury, offers the best care available for our Archbishop Emeritus at this moment.� Accordingly, Archbishop Emeritus was moved from Mt Alvernia Hospital to TTSH-AMK today. Details of the rehabilitation facility are as follows: TTSH-Rehabilitation Centre, 17 Ang Mo Kio Ave 9, Singapore 569766. Rm 3307, Level 4 General visiting hours: 12 noon-2 pm, 5 pm-8 pm. Doctor-in-charge: Dr Kong Keng He

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Archbishop outlines his 10-year plan for Church Parish representatives attend strategic meeting with Archbishop Goh By Christopher Khoo Every Christian must be a missionary! This was the rallying call Archbishop William Goh made as he outlined his 10-year pastoral plan for the archdiocese during a meeting with representatives of parish ministries. About 750 people, including a few priests, attended the meeting, titled Building a Missionary and Evangelical Church, held at the Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. “If we compare our Church with many other dioceses, I think we’re doing very well. If we compare our parishes with others, we are vibrant‌ so many Masses, EDSWLVPV FRQÂżUPDWLRQV ´ VDLG Archbishop Goh. “Our priests are UHDOO\ KDUGZRUNLQJ ´ Nevertheless the Church here is in a crisis, he said. “Half of the Catholics go to church. The Church is full thanks WR WKH PLJUDQWV ´ KH VDLG 0LJUDQW Catholics attending church here “are giving the impression that the &KXUFK LV YLEUDQW´ KH VDLG “How many of your children KDYH VWRSSHG JRLQJ WR FKXUFK"´ he asked the crowd. “How many of your friends have gone to other &KULVWLDQ FKXUFKHV"´ <RXQJ SHRSOH DIWHU &RQÂżUPDtion also stop going to church, he noted. Furthermore, a sign that the local community is spiritually vibrant is the number of vocations from parishes. “If you have no vocations from your parish, it means WKDW LW LV QRW >YLEUDQW@´ KH VDLG The fact that people are “not inspired to join means they have not IDOOHQ LQ ORYH ZLWK -HVXV´ KH VDLG He noted that the problem with the Catholic Church here is WKDW ÂłZH DUH WRR IXQFWLRQDO´ WRR ÂłDFWLYLW\ RULHQWHG´ Âł<RX PXVW SUD\ ´ KH H[KRUWHG “Only the Holy Spirit can touch SHRSOHÂśV OLYHV ´ He also stressed that the &KXUFK KDV WR EH ÂłLQFOXVLYH´ He warned against marginalising groups such as LGBT (lesbian, JD\ ELVH[XDO DQG WUDQVJHQGHU people, divorcees and people who have undergone abortions. “Have FRPSDVVLRQ IRU WKHP ´ KH VDLG Archbishop Goh said he wants every parish to build communities. However, to do that one must ÂżUVW H[SHULHQFH WKH ORYH RI &KULVW in his or her own ministry. He said his vision is for every Catholic to “belong to a faith sharing group. All communities must

Archbishop Goh at the May 3 meeting.

have the sharing of the Word toJHWKHU ´ KH VDLG Archbishop Goh shared that his “vision is to build a missionary and evangelical Church. Every &KULVWLDQ PXVW EH D PLVVLRQDU\ ´ He also added that there is a need to build another 30 parishes in Singapore. “The purpose of being Church is to bring everyone LQWR WKH &KXUFK ´ KH VDLG Archbishop Goh shared his ZRUN SODQ IRU KLV ÂżUVW \HDUV LQ RIÂżFH ,Q KLV ÂżUVW \HDU KH SXW LQ SODFH his key appointment holders and VHW XS DUFKGLRFHVDQ RIÂżFHV VXFK DV WKH 2IÂżFH IRU WKH 1HZ (YDQJHOLVDWLRQ 21( +H DOVR YLVLWHG parishes and met up with priests, Religious, diocesan movements, organisations and new ecclesial communities. From his second year onwards, he plans to set up ONE in parishes, KDYH DOO QHZ &KXUFK RIÂżFHV DQG commissions running, and a diocesan synod in three years’ time. “Parishes must move from a maintenance mode to a visionary &KXUFK ´ KH VWUHVVHG During the full-day meeting, a video was screened on the challenges and changes in the Church in Singapore.

Parish representatives gathered at the Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

Archbishop Goh says he plans to VHW XS DQ 2I¿FH IRU WKH 1HZ (YDQJHOLVDWLRQ LQ SDULVKHV KDYH DOO QHZ &KXUFK RI¿FHV DQG FRPPLVVLRQV UXQQLQJ and a diocesan synod in three years’ time. The video showed that according to statistics, the rate of divorce among Catholics was higher than the national average, and that Catholics here appeared to be more liberal in issues of morality compared to some other religions. A 2007 Church census conducted also showed that less than half of Catholics here attended Mass regularly. Participants were also given a survey with questions such as whether they thought the Church in Singapore is in a crisis, and whether it is missionary and evangelistic. Responses were submit-

Church of the Holy Trinity representatives in a group discussion.

ted electronically via smartphone. An analysis of the survey later showed that most agreed that the Church here is in a crisis, and that it is not missionary and evangelistic. The kinds of assistance people felt was needed to achieve the archbishop’s vision were, in order of importance, spiritual formation, leadership and skills training, pastoral care formation and organisational management. Archbishop Goh, responding WR WKH VXUYH\ ÂżQGLQJV QRWHG WKDW most people want a more evangelical, missionary Church. Âł7KH QH[W TXHVWLRQ LV KRZ FDQ WKLV EH GRQH ´ KH VDLG Âł*RG will make it happen, not you, not me. So patience is very important. Patience, perseverance, compasVLRQ ´ During lunchtime, participants were divided according to parishes and asked to discuss questions aimed at helping parishes think about a parish pastoral plan. These include “how can we make Christ the centre of our pasWRUDO DFWLYLWLHV"´ DQG ÂłKRZ FDQ ZH organise ourselves so that we feel deeply the presence of Christ in WKH ZRUN ZH GR WRJHWKHU"´

Participants CatholicNews spoke to gave the thumbs up to the archbishop’s vision. Mr John Eng said he felt the meeting to learn about the archbishop’s vision was “very necesVDU\´ DV SDULVKHV QHHG ÂłWR NQRZ WKH SODQV RI WKH DUFKGLRFHVH´ “It’s good that we see him ZDONLQJ WKH JURXQG ´ VDLG WKH 3DULVK 3DVWRUDO &RXQFLO 33& FKDLUman of the Church of the Risen Christ. +LV SDULVK JURXS LGHQWLÂżHG two areas they needed to work on during their discussions, he said. 7KH ÂżUVW ZDV WR HQFRXUDJH WKRVH who have completed RCIA to join church ministries, and the second was outreach to those who have EHHQ FRQÂżUPHG Âł$ ORW RI \RXWKV OHDYH WKH SDULVK´ DIWHU &RQÂżUPDtion, he said. Ms Maisie Lee, a member of the Church of St Francis Xavier PPC, noted that the meeting stressed the importance of prayer, ZKLFK LV ÂłYHU\ LPSRUWDQW´ 2QH needs to allow Christ and the Holy Spirit to work, she added. “We have to do more evangeliVDWLRQ ´ FRPPHQWHG 0V &RQFKLWD Mercado, secretary of the Charismatic group at Church of the Holy Trinity. She said one thing her group can do is to reach out more to those who have attended the Life in the Spirit Seminar. Archbishop Goh is scheduled to meet with Church organisations and movements on June 21. „ christopher.khoo@catholic.org.sg

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Sunday May 18, 2014 „ CatholicNews

Catholic social teachings to WDNH FHQWUHVWDJH DW Ă€OP IHVW CANA the Catholic Centre will be organising an inaugural CANA Film Festival (CFF) for both adults and children this year. To be held on June 7 and 8, WKH ÂżOP IHVWLYDO ZLOO IRFXV RQ WKH universality of Catholic social teachings. During the festival, documentaries, shorts and indeSHQGHQW IHDWXUH ÂżOPV RI GLYHUVH origins outside the Catholic faith will bring to life the principles of Catholic social teachings. The selection of participatLQJ ÂżOPV LV FORVHO\ JXLGHG E\ WKH principles of human dignity, association, subsidiarity, participation, common good, universal destination of goods, solidarity, dignity of work, dignity of creation and promotion of peace. While Catholic social teachings encapsulate the social mission of Catholics, the festival aims to dramatise this mission and its VLJQLÂżFDQFH WKURXJK WKH P\ULDG stories told on screen. According to Fr Johnson Fernandez, spiritual director for CANA and the CFF, “Film is a IRUFH IRU VRFLDO JRRG 7KH ÂżOPV that we have selected reinforce our shared humanity with their

ised people arriving on Australian shores today. Adomya (India): about the relationship between a single mother who is an AIDS survivor and her daughter amidst strong rejection by family and society.

0RYLH VWLOOV IURP &KRFRODWH &RPHG\ OHIW DQG 0HQVWUXDO 0HQ WZR ÂżOPV WR EH VFUHHQHG DW WKH &))

empowering messages.� During the weekend event, there will be four screenings per day, with two screenings running concurrently. The overall programme has three categories: Showcase (1 screening ‡on Kids June 7 only) Who is it for?:

Ages eight to 14 years old )LOPV WR EH IHDWXUHG DUH

Chocolate Comedy (Indonesia): Fatih who wants to be a stand-up comedian, jokes about the one thing that he cannot have: chocolate!

Autograph Book (Singapore): Focuses on the friendship of two young girls, and how non-threatening actions can affect relationships with people around us.

7,0(ÂśV LQĂ€XHQWLDO SHRSOH LV a visionary who aims to empower poor Indian women with access to both basic feminine hygiene and a livelihood.

Singapore Showcase (mixed ‡ International Showcase (mixed ‡DFURVV VFUHHQLQJV RQ ERWK GD\V

DFURVV VFUHHQLQJV RQ ERWK GD\V

The CFF will open and close each day with panel discussions to help foster a clearer understanding of the Catholic social teachings. There will be question-and-anVZHU VHVVLRQV DERXW WKH ¿OPV DIWHU each screening. „

7KH &$1$ )LOP Festival (CFF) Date: June 7 and 8, 1.30 to 6.30pm Venue: CANA @ The Catholic

)LOPV WR EH IHDWXUHG DUH

)LOPV WR EH IHDWXUHG DUH

Before We Forget (Singapore): 7KLV ÂżOP ZKLFK LV VXSSRUWHG E\ the Lien Foundation, looks at the lives of two women with dementia.

The Fall (Belgium): about a couple on vacation and their loss of innocence.

Centre (55, Waterloo Street #02-01) Tickets: $20 (adults) per day, $8 (children, for the Kids Showcase). Refreshments will be provided. To register, contact CANA at 6338 4080 or email canatheplacetobe2013@gmail.com.

A Nun’s New Habit (Australia): about an ordinary Religious sister with extraordinary compassion for some of the most marginal-

Films are subject to change. Please check with CANA or the event’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/ CanaFilmFestivalSG) for updates.

Menstrual Man (India): Mr Arunachalam Muruganantham, who was recently voted one of

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Sunday May 18, 2014 CatholicNews

OBITUARY

FILODEP co-founder dies at age 78 Sr Andy (Andrea) Casuso, FMM, was called to the Lord on April 14. She suffered two severe heart attacks and died on the same day at 9pm in a Philippine hospital. Sr Andy was 78 years old. A memorial Mass will be celebrated by Fr Eugene Vaz and Fr Jacob Ong at the FILODEP Damian Hall, 49A Holland Road, on May 18 at lpm. Sr Andy came to Singapore in 1982, and was once a Provincial Counsellor of the FMM Sisters. She was also administrator of the Singapore Pastoral Institute, and was involved in many other apostolates. In 1987, together with FMM Sr Georgina, Good Shepherd Sr Laetittiae and the then Philippine ambassador to Singapore, they started FILODEP (Filipino Ongoing Development Programme), a skills training centre for domestic helpers. Due to ill health, Sr Andy returned to the Philippines in 1991.

Good Shepherd Convent Kindergarten celebrates Foundress Day By Margaret Spruyt

Sr Andy (Andrea) Casuso

On Nov 3 last year, Sr Andy attended FILODEP’s 25th anniversary celebration in Singapore.

To celebrate the Feast Day of their foundress, St Mary Euphrasia, the staff, children and parents of Good Shepherd Convent Kindergarten carried out a community service project on April 29. Titled Project BLESS, it was a collaboration with the Marine Parade Family Service Centre (MPFSC), to serve the needy families under their care. The kindergarten children and their families donated healthy food items including oats, brown rice, and tuna spread. The children and parents were divided into six groups. Each group was given a family address in Marine Parade, a list of food items to be packed and coasters for the children to draw and decorate. When the cards were done, the children and parents packed the food items, before setting off to the families to distribute them.

The staff, children and parents of Good Shepherd Convent Kindergarten distributed food items to needy families on April 29.

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Sunday May 18, 2014 „ CatholicNews

Couples mark marriage milestones By Ignatius Soh and Florence Soh Live to forgive as misunderstandings are inevitable, and never let a night pass without expressing love for each other. These are some words of advice on staying faithfully in love, from two couples who have been married for 60 years. Over 1,000 people consisting of married couples, their families and friends attended the Worldwide Marriage Encounter in Singapore’s 35th anniversary celebration at the Church of St Mary of the Angels on May 1. The main celebrant for Mass, Archbishop William Goh delivered a homily reminding the congregation of what they should aspire to be, in order to live out the anniversary’s theme, to “glow as a community of faith and loveâ€?. Archbishop Goh, who had previously participated in ME in 1980, also urged the movement WR EH ÂżUPO\ URRWHG LQ &KULVW ÂżUVW of all. The two couples who have been married for 60 years, Mr Peter Pong and Mrs Helen Pong as well as Mr Victor Sim and Mrs Elizabeth Sim shared their love stories with CatholicNews. Mr Sim, 84, has been Mrs Sim’s caregiver for the past 10 years through her dementia and diabetes. Faithfully, he waits for another lucid moment when

Mr Victor Sim and Mrs Elizabeth Sim (left), and Mr Peter Pong and Mrs Helen Pong at the Marriage Encounter celebration on May 1. Both couples have been married for 60 years.

she says “I love youâ€?, thanking God that she recognises him each day. Mr Pong, 90, says he cherishes the freedom to serve the Church with his wife, especially in tending together the sick and LQÂżUP DW WKH 6LQJDSRUH &KHVKLUH Home. Marriage Encounter is a weekend programme for married couples that aims to help them enhance their marriage. 7R ÂżQG RXW PRUH DERXW 0( DQG WR UHJLVWHU IRU D ZHHNHQG YLVLW ZZZ PHVLQJDSRUH RUJ „

12 ASIA

Sunday May 18, 2014 „ CatholicNews

Chinese authorities remove religious symbols in Wenzhou

Christian leaders urge peace with Philippines Communist rebels

WENZHOU, CHINA – Authorities MANILA – Church leaders have

held a special service urging the Philippines government and Communist insurgents to return to the negotiating table to end 45 years of civil war. In a joint Catholic and Protestant service led by Archbishop Antonio Lesdesma of Cagayan de Oro in Manila on May 3, the Pilgrims for Peace – an ecumenical alliance – called on both the government and Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) to resume negotiations, after formal talks collapsed more than a year ago. “We dream of a lasting peace that is denied us, that is why we continue to call both parties back to the negotiation table to pursue and realise peace in our time,� said the archbishop during the service. Although the government signed a landmark deal with the rebel Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in March, formal talks with the CPP and its armed wing, the New People’s Army, have stalled amid disagreement on both sides. During its 45th anniversary in March last year, the CPP said it would no longer engage in formal talks with the government, citing the “proven unwillingness of the Aquino regime to negotiate a just peace�. Mr Alex Padilla, the government’s peace negotiator, expressed hope that “informal talks with the support and participation of

Church people� might lead to the resumption of a formal dialogue. The government wants a “new framework� to the negotiations, Mr Padilla said, similar to the track the government followed in talks with the MILF. President Benigno Aquino said recently that the resumption of peace talks with communist rebels depended on their “willingness to go back to the bargaining table�. The Philippines military es-

We dream of a lasting ‘peace that is denied us, that is why we continue to call both parties back to the negotiation table to pursue and realise peace in our time.

’

– Cagayan de Oro Archbishop Antonio Lesdesma

timates the country’s communist movement have only about 4,000 armed men under its command, compared to more than 26,000 at its peak 30 years ago. Despite dwindling numbers, the rebels still hold considerable sway in poor, rural areas where they receive material and moral support from a population which has endured the brunt of the Philippines’ widening rich-poor divide. „ UCANEWS.COM

in Wenzhou have removed all religious statues and images from a hilltop Catholic site, in another instance of what appears to be a widening crackdown against Christianity in this southeastern Chinese port city. More than 50 workers sealed off roads around Longgang Hill and removed the Way of the Cross and religious statues on April 26, two days before bulldozers were ordered to begin the forced demolition of the sanctuary at the US$4.8 million (S$6 million) Sanjiang Church, also in Wenzhou. Authorities have accused both sites of illegal construction, a charge many in Wenzhou’s church community of about 150,000 people say is a pretext for cracking down on a vibrant Christian movement. “Even if the authorities determined that erecting religious articles on the site is against the law, they should allow us to appeal through legal means,� said Mr Joseph, a Wenzhou Catholic who declined to give his full name due to security concerns. “This could help build the rule of law in society and stop corruption.� There was no confrontation on April 26 as authorities kept a promise not to damage holy statues of the Pavilions for the Blessed Mother, Jesus Christ and St Joseph. State workers bricked around

the statues as they were too heavy to remove – some 5,000 kg – to hide them from public view at the 1.3-ha park. Other holy statues and tablets of the Way of the Cross were lifted away with cranes and taken to be stored at a Church property in Hengdaiqiao, a Wenzhou suburb, according to Catholic sources. All other religious decoration at Longgang Hill was demolished, said witnesses. “About 100 Catholics who came to watch the removals were

The action appears to be a widening crackdown against Christians in this southeastern port city. blocked at the entrance. Some who managed to sneak in sang hymns and prayed while watching. Some could not hold back their tears,� said another Catholic observer, speaking on condition of anonymity. The motive for the recent government crackdown on Christianity in this city of more than three million people remains unknown in what has become an increasingly violent standoff between authorities and the Church. 2Q $SULO VWDWH RI¿FLDOV beat and injured four Catholics

as an argument broke out during the forced demolition of a four-storey building owned by a lay Catholic in Wenzhou, a site authorities claimed was an underground religious meeting point. The top two storeys were illegal, according to city regulations. Catholics familiar with the case complained that authorities had no legal right to demolish the entire structure in response. Similarly, authorities ordered the destruction of the Protestant Sanjiang Church sanctuary recently after it was deemed to have been built illegally on farmland the Church does not own. Some churchgoers have been detained, and local benefactors ZDUQHG WR FHDVH ¿QDQFLDO VXSSRUW of the Church. Reports of ambulances and that people have been injured or may even have died during the demolition at Sanjiang Church FRXOG QRW EH FRQ¿UPHG DV DXWKRULties continue to threaten Protestants in Wenzhou to remain silent on the widening crackdown, which has also included the removal of 14 crosses at other Protestant churches in the area. $ FRS\ RI DQ RI¿FLDO GRFXPHQW obtained by ucanews.com, which could not be independently veri¿HG VWDWHG WKDW :HQ]KRX DXWKRULties decided in early January to begin shortlisting illegal worship sites in the city for demolition. „ UCANEWS.COM

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Sunday May 18, 2014 CatholicNews

Vatican statistics report Church growth remains steady worldwide VATICAN CITY – The number of

Catholics in the world and the number of priests, permanent deacons and Religious men all increased in 2012, while the number of women in Religious orders continued to decline, according to Vatican statistics. The number of candidates for WKH SULHVWKRRG DOVR VKRZHG LWV ¿UVW global downturn in recent years. The statistics come from a recently published Statistical Yearbook of the Church, which reportHG ZRUOGZLGH &KXUFK ¿JXUHV DV RI December 31, 2012. By the end of 2012, the worldwide Catholic population had reached 1.228 billion, an increase of 14 million or 1.14 percent, slightly outpacing the global population growth rate, which, as of 2013, was estimated at 1.09 percent. Catholics as a percentage of the global population remained essentially unchanged from the previous year at around 17.5 percent. However, the latest Vatican statistical yearbook estimated that there were about 4.8 million Catholics that were not included in its survey because they were in countries that could not provide an accurate report to the Vatican, mainly China and North Korea. According to the yearbook, the percentage of Catholics as part of the general population is highest in the Americas where they make up 63.2 percent of the continent’s population. Asia has the lowest proportion, with 3.2 percent. During the 2012 calendar year, there were 16.4 million baptisms of both infants and adults, according to the statistical yearbook.

A Mass at the Church of St Joseph (Bukit Timah). According to statistics provided by the Vatican, the Church in general has been growing steadily.

It said the number of bishops of the world stayed essentially the same at 5,133. Here are some other statistics published: The total number of priests – diocesan and Religious order – around the world grew from 413,418 to 414,313, with a modest increase in Africa, a larger rise in Asia, and slight decreases in the Americas, Europe and Oceania. Asia saw a 13.7 percent growth in the number of priests between 2007 and the end of 2012. The number of permanent deacons reported – 42,104 – was an increase of more than 1,100 over the previous year and a 17 percent increase since 2007. The vast majority – more than 97 percent – of the world’s permanent deacons live in the Americas or in Europe. The number of Religious

Brothers showed 0.4 percent growth worldwide. The number of Religious brothers totaled 55,314 at the end of 2012. The number of women in Religious orders continued its downward trend. The total of 702, 529 temporarily and permanently professed sisters and nuns in 2012 was a 1.5 percent decrease from the previous year and a 5.9 percent decrease since 2007. The number of candidates for the priesthood – both diocesan seminarians and members of 5HOLJLRXV RUGHUV ± VKRZHG LWV ¿UVW downturn since 2003. The number of candidates dropped slightly to 120,051 men at the end of 2012 as compared to 120,616 at end of 2011. Africa reported 245 more candidates than in 2011 and Asia UHSRUWHG PRUH PHQ LQ WKHLU ¿QDO years of study for ordination. CNS

Botched execution shows brutality of death penalty OKLAHOMA CITY – Archbishop

Paul S Coakley of Oklahoma City said the botched execution on April 29 of an Oklahoma inmate “highlights the brutality of the death penalty” and should bring the nation to “consider whether we should adopt a moratorium on the death penalty or even abolish it altogether”. The planned execution of convicted killer Clayton Lockett in McAlester, Oklahoma, using a new three-drug lethal injection protocol, failed, leaving Lockett showing signs of pain and causing prisRQ RI¿FLDOV WR KDOW WKH SURFHGXUH Lockett later died of a heart attack. Republican Govenor Mary Fallin then ordered to conduct a “full review of Oklahoma’s execution procedures to determine what happened and why” during the execution. Archbishop Coakley, in an April 30 statement, said: “How we treat criminals says a lot about us as a society.” “We certainly need to administer justice with due consideration for the victims of crime, but we PXVW ¿QG D ZD\ RI GRLQJ VR WKDW does not contribute to the culture of death, which threatens to completely erode our sense of the innate dignity of the human person and of the sanctity of human life from conception to natural death,” he added. The archbishop said a clearer understanding of the dignity of human life should lead people

to recognise that there should be “very strict limits to the legitimate use of the death penalty”. He said it should never be used “to exact vengeance, nor should it be allowed simply as a deterrent. In general, there are other ways to administer just punishment without resorting to lethal measures.”

Death row inmate Clayton Lockett. Lockett’s April 29 execution was botched, but he later died of a heart attack. Archbishop Paul S Coakley of Oklahoma City called for a moratorium on executions. CNS photo

He also called for prayers for those affected by the execution, including Lockett, his family, prison employees and others who witnessed the event. “My compassion and prayers go out especially to the family of Stephanie Neiman, whom Lockett was convicted of killing,” he added. CNS

14 WORLD

Sunday May 18, 2014 „ CatholicNews

9DWLFDQ VWUHVVHV IUDWHUQLW\ LQ 9HVDN 'D\ PHVVDJH Buddhists and Christians should join forces to educate people, particularly the young, “to seek fraternity, to live in fraternity and to dare to build fraternityâ€?. This was the message for VeVDN 'D\ IURP WKH 3RQWLÂżFDO &RXQcil for Interreligious Dialogue. In its message to Buddhists this year, the council said its greetings are inspired by Pope Francis’ Message for the World 'D\ RI 3HDFH HQWLWOHG )UDternity, the Foundation and Pathway to Peace. The council noted Pope Francis saying that “a lively awareness of our relatedness helps us to look upon and to treat each person as a true sister or brotherâ€?. Addressing Buddhists on the occasion of their celebration, the council said “your religious tradition inspires the conviction that friendly relations, dialogue, the sharing of gifts, and the respectful and harmonious exchange of views lead to attitudes of kindness and loveâ€?. The council added that as Buddhists and Christians, “we live in a world all too often torn apart by opSUHVVLRQ VHOÂżVKQHVV WULEDOLVP HWKnic rivalry, violence and religious fundamentalism, a world where the ‘other’ is treated as an inferior, a non-person, or someone to be feared and eliminated if possibleâ€?. Yet, “we are called, in a spirit of cooperation with other pil-

grims and with people of good will, to respect and to defend our shared humanity in a variety of socioeconomic, political and religious contexts�. The message added that “we hope that interreligious dialogue will contribute, in the recognition of the fundamental principles of universal ethics, to fostering a renewed and deepened sense of unity and fraternity among all the members of the human family�. The message said that “to

We hope that ‘ interreligious dialogue will contribute to a deepened sense of unity.

’

build a world of fraternity, it is vitally important that we join forces to educate people, particularly the young, to seek fraternity, to live in fraternity and to dare to build fraternity�. “We pray that your celebration of Vesakh will be an occasion to rediscover and promote fraternity anew, especially in our divided societies,� the message concluded. „ CNS „ Page 18: Singapore archdiocese’s message for Vesak Day

&DWHFKLVWV ÂśSUD\ RQ WKH UXQ¡ LQ 6RXWK 6XGDQ SEATTLE, USA – Two mass kill-

ings in South Sudan have taken place in a Catholic diocese whose OHDGHUV ZHUH IRUFHG WR Ă€HH WKH FRQĂ€LFW OHDYLQJ WKH &KXUFKÂśV work in the hands of lay workers who are often on the run from the ÂżJKWLQJ WKHPVHOYHV “We are a diocese in diaspora. My priests and I were forced out of our pastoral setting by a situation on the ground that is beyond our control,â€? Msgr Roko Taban Mousa, apostolic administrator of Malakal, told Catholic News 6HUYLFH LQ DQ $SULO LQWHUYLHZ LQ -XED A handful of foreign Comboni missionaries remain in the town RI 2OG )DQJDN EXW 0VJU 7DEDQ 0RXVD DQG RWKHU SULHVWV LQ WKH GLRFHVH ZHUH IRUFHG RXW E\ ÂżJKWing that began in December, when a political split within the ruling party quickly tore the country apart along ethnic lines. 0RUH WKDQ PLOOLRQ 6RXWK 6Xdanese are internally displaced or living as refugees in neighbouring countries. Yet Msgr Taban Mousa said the Church’s work continues because of a committed group of lay activists. “Many of our catechists are on the run with the people in the bush. Some of them call me when they get to a place where there is a [phone] network, maybe under a tree or on a high place. They ran from their villages because of

A nun leads a group of children in singing inside a camp for internally displaced families at a UN base in Juba, South Sudan. CNS photo

WKH ÂżJKWLQJ DQG WKH\ÂśUH VXIIHULQJ with their people, with few possibilities of getting food for themselves and their children,â€? he said. Msgr Taban Mousa said the diocese, with almost a million Catholics spread over a huge swathe of the country, has long had to wrestle with an inadequate supply of priests and Religious. As a result, the diocese trained PRUH WKDQ FDWHFKLVWV “When they call me now, for security reasons I don’t ask them exactly where they are. But they tell me that on Sundays they are always trying to gather people and

pray with them. It’s not like before, when they’d gather children and teach them the catechism and SUHSDUH WKHP IRU ¿UVW &RPPXQLRQ DQG FRQ¿UPDWLRQ 1RZ WKH\ gather people to pray on the run,� he said. $OWKRXJK WKH FRQÀLFW EHJDQ LQ -XED WKH FDSLWDO RI 6RXWK 6XGDQ VRPH RI WKH ZRUVW ¿JKWLQJ WRRN place in Malakal, where Msgr Taban Mousa lived in the cathedral compound. Control of the city changed hands several times as government troops and rebels alternately pushed out the other side. „ CNS

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VATICAN CITY – Pope Paul VI,

judges who support laws in conĂ€LFW ZLWK &KXUFK WHDFKLQJ RQ abortion, euthanasia, marriage and related issues commit “sacrilegeâ€? and cause “grave scandalâ€? if they receive Communion, said a US cardinal who heads the Vatican’s highest court. Cardinal Raymond L Burke, prefect of the Supreme Court of the Apostolic Signature, spoke at an international conference of pro-life organisations in Rome on May 3. He explained that the “discipline is not a punishment but the recognition of the objective condition of the soul of the person involved in such sin. “It prevents them from committing sacrilege by violating the incomparable sanctity of the body, blood, soul and divinity of Christ, and safeguards the Christian community at large from scandal, that is, from being led to believe that the violation of the moral law, for example in what pertains to the inviolable dignity of human life, the integrity of marriage and the family, and the freedom of conscience, is not sinful, does not gravely break communion with our Lord.â€? „ CNS

Credere said the mother’s pregwho led the Church between the nancy was at risk, and with it the SRQWL¿FDWHV RI %OHVVHGV -RKQ ;;- life and health of the baby. Doc,,, DQG -RKQ 3DXO ,, PD\ EH EHDWL- tors advised her to terminate the ¿HG LQ 2FWREHU DQ ,WDOLDQ &DWKROLF pregnancy, but instead she sought magazine reported. prayers from an Italian nun who Credere, a magazine run by was a family friend. Praying, the the Pauline Fathers, reported on nun placed on the woman’s belly April 24 that the alleged miracle a holy card with Pope Paul’s phoneeded for Pope tograph and a piece 3DXOœV EHDWL¿FDof his vestment. tion would be conThe baby was sidered by the carborn healthy. For dinal members of Pope Paul’s saintthe Congregation hood cause, phyfor Saints’ Causes sicians continued on May 5. monitoring the The Italian child’s health up to magazine said the WKH DJH RI DQG EHDWL¿FDWLRQ 0DVV everything was likely would be normal, Credere FHOHEUDWHG LQ 2Freported. tober, probably Pope Paul VI Born Giovanni 2FW WKH ¿QDO Battista Montini in day of the extraordinary Synod of LQ WKH QRUWKHUQ ,WDOLDQ SURYBishops on the family. ince of Brescia, Pope Paul is probThe miracle being considered ably best remembered for seeing involves the birth of a baby in the Second Vatican Council through &DOLIRUQLD LQ WKH V DOWKRXJK to its end and helping implement its to protect the family’s privacy, far-reaching reforms. He was electthe child’s name and city have not HG LQ DIWHU WKH GHDWK RI %OHVVHG been released. -RKQ DQG GLHG RQ $XJ „ CNS

ROME – Catholic politicians and

POPE FRANCIS 15

Sunday May 18, 2014 „ CatholicNews

Fight the blues with the Eucharist and Gospel, says pope

Âś&UXFLĂ€[LRQ¡ photos shock Pope Francis

God. When you’re feeling down, pick up the Word of God and go to Sunday Mass.

’

– Pope Francis, seen celebrating Mass (left)

head to Mass burdened with problems and worries. “Life sometimes hurts us and we go there, toward our ‘Emmaus’, feeling sad with our backs to God’s plan. We distance ourselves from God,� he said. But when people open themselves to the Word of God, “Jesus explains the Scriptures to us and rekindles the warmth of faith and hope in our hearts, and, in Com-

munion, he gives us strengthâ€?, the pope said. “Be sure to remember this: Read a passage of the Gospel every day and go to Communion every Sunday to receive Jesus,â€? he said. Âł'RQÂśW IRUJHW :KHQ \RX DUH VDG pick up the word of God. When you’re feeling down, pick up the word of God and go to Sunday Mass to take Communion, to participate in the mystery of Jesus.â€? The Word of God is always there to give direction and guidance “after our lapsesâ€? and Christ is always present in the Eucharist “to help us go forward on our journeyâ€? despite the fatigue and let-downs in life, he said. „ CNS

Swiss Guard urged to impress ZLWK NLQGQHVV QRW Ă DVK\ XQLIRUP

VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis said

he cried when he recently saw images of Christians allegedly killed E\ FUXFLÂż[LRQ “Still today there are people who kill, who persecute in the name of God,â€? he said on May 2 during the homily at the early morning Mass in the chapel of his residence. And still today there are Christians who, like the Apostles, are “happy to be judged worthy of suffering dishonour for Christ’s nameâ€?. “I cried when I saw in the mediaâ€? photographs allegedly VKRZLQJ Âł&KULVWLDQV FUXFLÂżHG LQ a certain non-Christian countryâ€?, he told those at the Mass, according to a report by Vatican Radio. In late April, a number of news outlets reprinted photographs showing what were described as FUXFLÂż[LRQV LQ 6\ULD New outlets that reprinted or posted the images online said they FRXOG QRW FRQÂżUP WKDW WKH ERGLHV KXQJ RQ FURVVHV GLHG E\ FUXFLÂż[ion or that they were Christians. Today, Pope Francis said, there are many people who are persecuted for their faith. “In some countries, people go to jail just for having a Bibleâ€? while in others “people can’t ZHDU D FURVV RU WKH\ ZLOO EH ÂżQHG But their hearts are happy.â€? „ CNS

Fiorentina’s coach Vincenzo Montella, (second from left), presents a gift to Pope Francis during a special audience on May 2.

When you are sad, ‘pick up the Word of

VATICAN CITY – Receive Com-

munion every Sunday and read the Gospel every day to keep discouragement and the blues away, Pope Francis said. “The Word of God and the (XFKDULVW DOZD\V ÂżOO XV ZLWK MR\ ´ the pope said in his address to people gathered in St Peter’s Square on May 4 to pray the Regina Coeli with him. The pope spoke about the day’s reading from the Gospel of St Luke (24:13-35), in which two of Jesus’ disciples left Jerusalem, saddened and dejected by Christ’s death. Failing to grasp the truth of the prophets, the despairing disciples did not recognise the risen Christ when he appeared before them on the road to the village of Emmaus. However, when Jesus explained the Scriptures, and blessed and broke bread with them, their “eyes were openedâ€? and their hearts started “burningâ€? with joy and hope. Often the same thing happens to people today, the pope said. /LIHÂśV GLIÂżFXOWLHV DQG GLVDSSRLQWments take their toll and people

Celebration, not money should rule sports: pontiff

New recruits of the Vatican’s Swiss Guard march during a swearing-in ceremony on May 6. CNS photo

VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis told members of the Swiss Guard to impress Vatican visitors with their courtesy, kindness and generosity, QRW MXVW ZLWK WKHLU Ă€DVK\ FRORXUIXO uniforms. Guardsmen also should extend their Christian charity to one another: reaching out to a fellow VROGLHU LQ GLIÂżFXOW\ RIIHULQJ HQcouragement and avoiding any behaviour that creates “contempt, marginalisation or racismâ€?, he said. The pope held a private audience with the Swiss Guard, including new recruits and their family members, on May 5, the day before the guard’s annual swearing-in ceremony.

New recruits pledge to “faithfully, loyally and honourablyâ€? serve and protect the pontiff and, if necesVDU\ VDFULÂżFH WKHLU OLYHV IRU KLP The colourful induction ceremony held on May 6 every year marks the date in 1527 when 147 Swiss Guards lost their lives defending Pope Clement VII in the Sack of Rome. Today, the 110 Swiss soldiers are responsible for guarding all entrances into Vatican City State as well as keeping watch over the pope and his residence in the Domus Sanctae Marthae. They also provide security and ceremonial services during liturgical events and visits of heads of state and other dignitaries to the Vatican. „ CNS

CNS photo

VATICAN CITY – Soccer-fan Pope Francis urged professional athletes to always be sportsmanOLNH RQ DQG RII WKH ÂżHOG EHFDXVH so many people, especially kids, look up to them. The pope also said he wished all sports could be about celebration, not money and big business, which risk “tainting everythingâ€?. The pope made his remarks during a May 2 audience with the top two ranking Italian major league soccer teams and representatives of an Italian soccer federation. The audience came the day before the two teams – Fiorentina and Napoli – were to hit the pitch in Rome and vie for the Italian Cup championship title. The pope, who has been a lifelong supporter of the San Lorenzo soccer team in Buenos Aires, Argentina, said he has “wonderful memoriesâ€? of going to the stadium. Watching games with his IDPLO\ PHPEHUV UHĂ€HFWHG VRPH “joyous moments on Sundaysâ€?, he recalled. “I hope that soccer and every other popular sport could

recover the sense of celebration. “Today, soccer, too, is immersed in a world of big business, with advertising, television, etc.,â€? he said. “But the economic side must not prevail over sports because it risks tainting everything at the international, national and local levels,â€? he said. People at the top of the sports industry need to be proactive, “restoring dignityâ€? to sporting events, he said. But soccer players and other pro-athletes have enormous responsibility, too. “You are at the centre of attention and many of your fans are young, very young; keep this in mind, think about how your behaviourâ€? both good and bad, VSHDNV YROXPHV DQG LQĂ€XHQFHV others, he said. The pope explained that sports have important educational value because they contribute to personal growth, highlight the harmony of body and spirit, foster social development and promote the values of “solidarity, loyalty and respectâ€?. „ CNS

16 POPE FRANCIS

Vatican: Pontiff didn’t change Church teaching VATICAN CITY – Reports that Pope

Francis told an Argentine woman civilly married to a divorced man that she can receive Communion ÂłFDQQRW EH FRQÂżUPHG DV UHOLDEOH´ VDLG -HVXLW )U )HGHULFR WKH 9DWLcan spokesman. 0U -XOLR 6DEHWWD ZURWH on his Facebook page that Pope )UDQFLV SKRQHG KLV ZLIH 0V -DFTXHOLQD /LVERQD RQ $SULO DW WKHLU KRPH LQ $UJHQWLQD LGHQWLI\LQJ KLPVHOI DV Âł)U %HUJRJOLR´ He said he was calling in regard to a letter she had written him last September about not being able to receive Communion because Mr Sabetta was divorced. 0HGLD LQ $UJHQWLQD ,WDO\ England and then all over the world picked up the story based on Mr Sabetta’s claim that his wife told him Pope Francis told her she could receive CommunLRQ DOWKRXJK KHU SDULVK SULHVW KDG told her that was not possible unless Mr Sabetta received an annulment and the two married in the church. %DVLOLDQ )U 7KRPDV 5RVLFD who is serving as an assistant to Fr /RPEDUGL WROG UHSRUWHUV RQ $SULO

WKDW 3RSH )UDQFLV KDG SKRQHG /LVERQD EXW VDLG WKH FRQWHQW RI the conversation was private. )U /RPEDUGL LQ KLV IRUPDO VWDWHPHQW RQ $SULO VDLG WKH SRSH RIWHQ SKRQHV SHRSOH EXW since the calls “do not in any way form part of the pope’s public acWLYLWLHV QR LQIRUPDWLRQ RU FRPPHQWV DUH WR EH H[SHFWHG´ IURP WKH 9DWLFDQ SUHVV RIÂżFH “That which has been commuQLFDWHG LQ UHODWLRQ WR WKLV PDWWHU ´ KH VDLG DQG LWV ÂłFRQVHTXHQW PHGLD DPSOLÂżFDWLRQ FDQQRW EH FRQÂżUPHG DV UHOLDEOH DQG LV D VRXUFH of misunderstanding and confuVLRQ´ While Pope Francis has made LW FOHDU WKH &KXUFK VKRXOG ÂżQG D pastoral approach to helping diYRUFHG DQG UHPDUULHG &DWKROLFV he has said any decisions on how to handle such situations would have to be discussed by the Synod RI %LVKRSV ZKLFK ZLOO PHHW LQ 2FWREHU DQG DJDLQ LQ “Consequences relating to the teaching of the Church are not to EH LQIHUUHG´ IURP DQ\WKLQJ WKH SRSH PD\ KDYH VDLG WR /LVERQD )U Lombardi said. „ CNS

Sunday May 18, 2014 „ CatholicNews

Pope tells Christians not to live like bats in darkness VATICAN CITY – Don’t live the

faith as if it were a “nonstop fuQHUDO´ 3RSH )UDQFLV VDLG %HFDXVH -HVXV LVQÂśW ÂłXS WKHUH´ IDUDZD\ EXW LV FORVH E\ GRQÂśW EH afraid of reaching out to Him and H[SHULHQFLQJ +LV MR\ WKH SRSH VDLG RQ $SULO GXULQJ KLV KRPily at Mass in the Domus Sanctae 0DUWKDH ZKHUH KH OLYHV Some Christians are afraid of EDVNLQJ LQ &KULVWÂśV OLJKW DQG MR\ preferring to dwell like bats in the GDUNQHVV IULJKWHQHG RI EHOLHYLQJ &KULVW LV E\ WKHLU VLGH KH VDLG Jesus wants to bring humanity WKH ÂłMR\ RI WKH UHVXUUHFWLRQ WKH MR\ RI KLV SUHVHQFH´ KH VDLG 7KH SRSHÂśV KRPLO\ UHĂ€HFWHG RQ the day’s reading from the Gospel RI 6W /XNH LQ ZKLFK the risen Christ appears before the GLVFLSOHV ZKR UHDFW ÂłVWDUWOHG DQG WHUULÂżHG´ WKLQNLQJ WKH\ DUH VHHing a ghost. Jesus invites them to WRXFK +LP RYHUFRPH WKHLU IHDUV and believe He is really alive and in their midst. 7KH GLVFLSOHVÂś IHDU UHĂ€HFWV ÂłDQ LOOQHVV´ DIIHFWLQJ VRPH &KULVWLDQV WRGD\ WKH SRSH VDLG DFFRUGLQJ WR D UHSRUW E\ 9DWLFDQ 5DGLR Âł:HÂśUH DIUDLG RI MR\ ,WÂśV EHWWHU WKLQNLQJ Âľ<HDK \HDK *RG H[LVWV EXW +HÂśV XS WKHUH -HVXV LV ULVHQ

Pope Francis spoke out against ‘funeral Christians’ who prefer ‘sadness to joy’. CNS photo

+HÂśV WKHUHÂś >DW@ D ELW RI GLVWDQFH ´ he said. “We’re afraid of Jesus’ closeQHVV ´ ZKLFK LV D VRXUFH RI &KULVWLDQ MR\ KH VDLG This fear explains why there DUH ÂłVR PDQ\ ÂľIXQHUDO &KULVWLDQVÂś right? Whose life seems like a nonstop funeral. They prefer sadness and not joy. They get around more HDVLO\ LQ WKH GDUN QRW LQ WKH OLJKW RI MR\ ´ OLNH QRFWXUQDO FUHDWXUHV ZKR only come out and see at night. Âł7KHUH DUH ÂľEDW &KULVWLDQVÂś who prefer darkness over the light RI WKH /RUGÂśV SUHVHQFH ´ ZKR DUH

DIUDLG RI MR\ DIUDLG RI EHOLHYLQJ &KULVW LV QHDU KH VDLG %XW ZLWK +LV UHVXUUHFWLRQ -HVXV ÂłEULQJV XV MR\ WKH MR\ RI EHLQJ &KULVWLDQ WKH MR\ RI IROORZLQJ +LP FORVHO\ WKH MR\ RI WDNLQJ WKH SDWK RI WKH EHDWLWXGHV WKH MR\ RI EHLQJ ZLWK +LP ´ Pope Francis cautioned people DJDLQVW EHLQJ ÂłGHIHDWHG´ E\ WKH FURVV WKLQNLQJ HYHU\WKLQJ HQGHG WKHUH WKDW -HVXV ZHQW +LV RZQ way and is far away in heaven. “Many times we are troubled ZKHQ WKLV MR\ FRPHV WR XV RU IXOO RI IHDU RU ZH WKLQN ZHÂśUH VHHLQJ D JKRVW RU ZH WKLQN WKDW -HVXV LV MXVW DERXW KRZ WR EHKDYH Âľ:HOO we’re Christians and we have to GR LW WKLV ZD\ ϫ KH VDLG ,QVWHDG &KULVWLDQ OLIH PXVW EH “a dialogue with Jesus because – WKLV LV WUXH Âą -HVXV LV DOZD\V ZLWK XV +H LV DOZD\V QHDU RXU SUREOHPV RXU GLIÂżFXOWLHV DQG RXU JRRG ZRUNV ´ He asked people to pray for God’s grace to not be afraid of MR\ DQG WKDW *RG KHOS WKHP Âą OLNH He helped the disciples – to open their minds to understand the Scriptures; “to let us understand that He is a living reality; that He has a body; that He is with us; that He accompanies us; and that He is YLFWRULRXV´ „ CNS

Council is ‘critical’ in helping Church VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis told

his new economic oversight council that it must be “courageous DQG GHWHUPLQHG´ LQ LWV FULWLFDO UROH of helping the Church not waver from its real mission of bringing the Gospel to the world and helping those most in need. The Church has a duty to use its assets and manpower responsibly in promoting its spiritual PDQGDWH DQG ÂłD QHZ PHQWDOLW\ RI HYDQJHOLFDO VHUYLFH´ PXVW WDNH KROG WKURXJKRXW WKH 9DWLFDQ WKH SRSH VDLG RQ 0D\ The pope’s comments came WKH VDPH GD\ WKH QHZ 9DWLFDQ Council for the Economy met for WKH ÂżUVW WLPH VLQFH WKH SRSH HVWDElished the council in February. The council is an international

group of eight cardinals and seven lay experts appointed to set policies for the administrative and ÂżQDQFLDO DFWLYLWLHV RI DOO 9DWLFDQ RIÂżFHV DQG ERGLHV The council “has the task of supervising economic activities and monitoring the structures and DGPLQLVWUDWLYH DQG ÂżQDQFLDO DFWLYLWLHV´ RI WKH 9DWLFDQÂśV YDULRXV RIÂżFHV DQG DJHQFLHV WKH SRSH VDLG He thanked members for their ZRUN VR IDU DGGLQJ WKDW ÂłZH QHHG LW´ Pope Francis told the council members that they play a critical role in his larger efforts of reforming the Roman Curia so it may “betWHU VHUYH WKH &KXUFK´ DQG WKH SRSH “This is a notable challenge that FDOOV IRU GHYRWLRQ DQG SUXGHQFH ´ as well as “courage and determina-

WLRQ´ VLQFH WKH SURFHVV ÂłZLOO QRW EH VLPSOH´ RU HDV\ KH VDLG The pope said he established the council and the related Secretariat for the Economy because of “the Church’s awareness of its responsibility to protect and carefully manage its assets in light of its mission of evangelisation with particuODU DWWHQWLRQ WR WKRVH PRVW LQ QHHG´ “We must not waver from this SDWK (YHU\WKLQJ WUDQVSDUHQF\ HIÂżFLHQF\ HYHU\WKLQJ KDV WKLV DV LWV DLP ´ KH VDLG 7KH VHFUHWDULDW KHDGHG E\ $XVWUDOLDQ &DUGLQDO *HRUJH 3HOO ZLOO have authority over all economic and administrative activities withLQ WKH +RO\ 6HH DQG 9DWLFDQ &LW\ State as it implements the policies determined by the council. „ CNS

CANONISATIONS 17

Sunday May 18, 2014 „ CatholicNews

CNS photos

The feast days of the new saints can now be celebrated at Masses around the world.

St Peter’s Square and the broad Via della Conciliazione avenue leading up to it were tightly packed with pilgrims for the canonisation Mass.

800,000 attend ceremony in Rome „ From Page 1

Pope Benedict did not join the procession of bishops at the start of Mass, but arrived half an hour earlier, wearing white vestments and a bishop’s miter and walking with a cane; he sat in a section of the square designated for cardinals. Pope Francis greeted his predecessor with an embrace at the start of the Mass, drawing applause from the crowd, and approached him again at the end. During the canonisation ceremony, which took place at the beginning of the Mass, devotees carried up relics of the new saints in matching silver reliquaries, which Pope Francis kissed before they were placed on a small table for veneration by the congregation. St John’s relic was a piece of the late pope’s skin, removed when his body was transferred to its present tomb in the main sanctuary of St Peter’s Basilica. Ms Floribeth Mora Diaz, a Costa Rican woman whose recovery from a brain aneurysm was recognised by the Church as a miracle attributable to the intercession of St John Paul, brought up a silver reliquary containing some of the saint’s blood, taken

Pope Francis hands back the relic of St John Paul to Ms Floribeth Mora Diaz, who received a healing, attributed to the saint’s intercession.

Retired Pope Benedict XVI embraces Pope Francis before the canonisation Mass at the Vatican.

from him for medical testing shortly before his death in 2005. The Mass took place under cloudy skies and only a sprinkle of rain fell just before the 10 am start of the liturgy. Huge tapestries bearing portraits of the two saints hung from the facade of the basilica, and the square was decorated with URVHV DQG RWKHU ÀRZHUV GRnated by the nation of Ecuador. St Peter’s Square and the broad Via della Conciliazione avenue leading up to it were tightly

million people, according to Italian police estimates at the time. The Vatican said 93 countries VHQW RIÂżFLDO GHOHJDWLRQV WR WKH Mass, and more than 30 of the delegations were led by a president or prime minister. The current king and queen of Spain and the former king and queen of Belgium also attended.

packed with approximately half a million pilgrims, many of whom had been standing for hours before the start of Mass. Among the PDQ\ QDWLRQDO ÀDJV RQ GLVSOD\ the majority were from Poland, the native land of St John Paul. The Vatican estimated that 800,000 attended the ceremony LQ 5RPH ZLWK RYHUÀRZ FURZGV watching on giant-screen TVs set up at various locations around WKH FLW\ 7KH EHDWL¿FDWLRQ RI Pope John Paul drew more than 1

Feast days From the moment Pope Fran-

FLV VDLG Âł:H GHFODUH DQG GHÂżQH Blesseds John XXIII and John Paul II be saintsâ€? and “they are to be venerated as such by the whole Churchâ€?, their October feast days automatically could be celebrated at Masses around the world. St John’s feast day is Oct 11, the anniversary of the day in 1962 that he opened the Second Vatican Council. St John Paul’s feast day is Oct 22, the anniversary of the LQDXJXUDWLRQ RI KLV SRQWLÂżFDWH LQ 1978. „ CNS

Pope hopes new saints will inspire Church in its mission VATICAN CITY – Just days before Pope Francis

Pilgrims gather in St Peter’s Square for the canonisations.

was set to canonise two of his predecessors, he expressed his hopes the two soon-to-be saints would continue to inspire the whole Church in its mission. The pope sent a video message via Polish television and radio on April 24 thanking the Church and nation “for the gift of John Paul II�. The pope also sent a written message to the Italian Diocese of Bergamo, the home of Blessed John XXIII, to honour him and “the great gift that his holiness has been for the universal Church.� The Vatican released copies of

the two messages on April 25. “John Paul II continues to inspire us. His words, his writings, his gestures, his style of service inspire us. The suffering he went through with heroic hope inspires us. His complete trust in Christ, redeemer of man, and in the mother of God, inspires us,� Pope Francis said. He said he hoped the canonisations would give the Church in Poland “a new impetus� in its work and commitment to helping the family, young people, poor people and religious vocations. “I’m pleased by the fact that, God will-

ing, I will visit for the first time your country for World Youth Dayâ€? in 2016, he added. In his written message to the Diocese of Bergamo, the pope said he hoped Blessed John’s life and legacy would continue to inspire the Church today, which is “called to live the sweet and comforting joy of evangelisation and to be companions along every person’s journeyâ€? in life. (YHQ QRQ &DWKROLFV LQ VRFLHW\ VKRXOG ÂżQG inspiration from Blessed John as they seek “new ways that are appropriate for the times to support coexistence based on the perennial values of fraternity and solidarityâ€?, he wrote. „ CNS

18 OPINION

Sunday May 18, 2014 „ CatholicNews

Fortnightly newspaper of the Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore

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Dear Buddhist Friends, I would like to extend my heartfelt greetings and best wishes to all of you as you celebrate the feast of Vesak which commemorates the ELUWK HQOLJKWHQPHQW DQG ÂżQDO QLUYDQD RI WKH %XGGKD May you continue to grow in wisdom, gratitude and compassion towards all sentient beings. On this special feast we would like to thank you for the invaluable contribution you have made towards building a stronger bond of unity and harmony between us and the other religions in our country. 6LQJDSRUH LV WKH PRVW UHOLgiously diverse country in the world. People of different religions in our country live in close proximity. Thus, it is of paramount importance that we continue

to build genuine respect for one another and deepen our appreciation of our diversity and fraternity. As life becomes more hectic, complex and competitive LQ RXU DIĂ€XHQW VRFLHW\ ZH QHHG WR ÂżJKW DJDLQVW LQGLYLGXalism and secularism. We are called to discourage materialism; as it promotes a self-centredness that estranges us from our neighbours. As such, it is rightly so that a notable number of our %XGGKLVW DQG &DWKROLF FRPmunities have social outreach programmes to reach out to WKH QHHG\ LQ VRFLHW\ ÂżQDQFLDOly, and through projects such as soup kitchens, free medical clinics and other charitable endeavours. On behalf of the CathoOLF FRPPXQLW\ LQ 6LQJDSRUH I pray that the celebration of Vesak Day would be a special

time of spiritual growth for DOO %XGGKLVWV DQG D UHQHZDO RI our mutual friendship. Happy Vesak Day!

Most Rev Msgr William Goh, DD Archbishop of Singapore

Rev Msgr Philip Heng, SJ Vicar General (Administration and Religious)

What dark nights do for us AFTER Mother Teresa died, her diaries revealed something that shocked many people, namely, during the last sixty years of her life, from age 27 until she died at age 87, she struggled to imagine that God existed and had no affective experience of either the person or the existence of God. Yet, during all those years, everything in her life incarnated and radiated DQ H[FHSWLRQDO RQH LQ D KXQGUHG PLOOLRQ VHOĂ€HVVness, altruism, and faith commitment. On the surface this might seem incongruous, even contradictory; but those two things, her feeling that God was absent DQG KHU H[FHSWLRQDO VHOĂ€HVVQHVV DUH QRW XQFRQQHFWHG 7KH RSSRVLWH The latter depends precisely upon the former; her inability to feel God affectively, the dryness of her faith experience, the dark night that enveloped her, were precisely the reason her faith was so pure and her DFWLRQV ZHUH VR VHOĂ€HVV In short, with all affective feelings gone and with her imagination helpless to create images of God and a concept of God’s existence, she was no longer able to manipulate her experience of God and reshape LW WR ÂżW KHU RZQ QHHGV 6KH KDG WR UHFHLYH *RG RQ *RGÂśV RZQ WHUPV not on her terms. The very dryness of her faith was what made it so pure. The seeming absence of God also helped assure the absence of her own ego. To more fully appreciate what is being said here it can be helpful to contrast Mother Teresa, both in the barrenness of her experience of faith and the effect this had on her life, with countless popular ReliJLRXV ÂżJXUHV SDVW DQG SUHVHQW ZKR VDGO\ WRR IUHTXHQWO\ UDGLDWH WKH exact opposite. They boost of a robust, affective faith, declaring again and again how real God is in their lives and how deeply they sense the presence of Jesus. And indeed there is no reason to doubt their sincerity and KRQHVW\ D JHQXLQH IHUYRXU GRHV Ă€RZ RXW RI WKHP %XW XQOLNH 0RWKHU Teresa, both their preaching and their own lives often exhibit far too much ego, narcissism, projection, and manipulation of God and reliJLRQ IRU WKHLU RZQ EHQHÂżW Without being cruel, it is fair to say that we, and indeed the whole world, never much confuse many of our popular Religious preachers and writers with Mother Teresa. We see in their Religious fervour far WRR PXFK RI WKHPVHOYHV DQG KRZ WKHLU 5HOLJLRXV H[SHULHQFHV EHQHÂżW them. The irony is that they, so many popular Religious preachers and writers, boast of a much stronger faith than did Mother Teresa, but their experience of God translates far less altruistically into their lives. German philosophers Ludwig Feuerbach and Friedrich Nietzsche KDYH ZULWWHQ SHUKDSV WKH PRVW SHQHWUDWLQJ FULWLTXH WKDW KDV \HW EHHQ written on religion and religious experience. Their theory is that all religious experience is ultimately human projection, that we create God in our own image and likeness, and that we then use that image of God IRU RXU RZQ EHQHÂżW For them, all religious experience is ultimately self-created for our RZQ EHQHÂżW ,Q WKHLU YLHZ LQVLGH RI DOO UHOLJLRXV H[SHULHQFH WKHUH LV always an element of manipulation, rationalisation, and dishonesty, although the person having the experience is blind to that fact. He or she is convinced that God is somehow dictating what is happening inside his or her soul, when in fact it is mostly self-interest that is dictating what is happening inside the soul, and that is why we so commonly see that distressing discrepancy between the religious fervour inside so many of us and the self-interest that is ultimately served by that religiosity. What’s to be said about this? My guess is that Nietzsche and FeuHUEDFK DUH SHUFHQW FRUUHFW +RZHYHU WKH\ DUH ÂżYH SHUFHQW ZURQJ DQG WKDW ÂżYH SHUFHQW PDNHV DOO WKH GLIIHUHQFH 7KH HYLGHQFH VXJJHVWV that 95 percent of the time we do manipulate our experience of God to serve our own interests. However God arranges things so that we cannot do this all the time. God corrects our proclivity to create a God who works for our self-interest by sending us, as he did to Mother Teresa, crushing dark nights of the soul, namely, periods of imaginative and affective dryness within which we simply are unable to imagine and affectively feel either God’s existence or God’s love for us. While we continue to somehow “knowâ€? God at a deeper level, our imaginations and our emotions run out of gas, completely. And when WKLV KDSSHQV ZH ÂżQG RXUVHOYHV SRZHUOHVV WR PDQLSXODWH RXU H[SHULence of God in any way – and certainly not to work it for our own EHQHÂżW *RG FDQ WKHQ Ă€RZ LQWR XV SXUHO\ ZLWK RXU HJRV QDUFLVVLVP DQG VHOÂżVKQHVV QRZ XQDEOH WR FRORXU WKH H[SHULHQFH Canadian singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen coined this now-famous line: There is a crack in everything, but that’s how the light gets LQ 6LQFH ZH FDQQRW UHVLVW KDELWXDOO\ PDQLSXODWLQJ RXU IDLWK DQG UHOLJLRXV H[SHULHQFH WR PDNH LW ZRUN IRU RXU RZQ EHQHÂżW *RG HYHQWXDOO\ puts a stop to it. As he did with Mother Teresa, God sends us crushing dark nights that purify us, in spite of ourselves.„

COMMENTARY 19

Sunday May 18, 2014 „ CatholicNews

Of rudeness, impatience, and road rage Keeping your cool when you feel like snapping DW VRPHRQH KDV LWV EHQHĂ€WV VD\V .DUHQ 2VERUQH &16 ÂżOH SKRWR

7UDIÂżF FRQJHVWLRQ URDG UDJH KDSSHQV ZKHQ GULYHUV FDQÂśW FRQWURO WKHLU IUXVWUDWLRQ OHYHO

I don’t know what’s going on – maybe it’s the heat or the rising gas prices – but everyone seems testy and rude, visiting nastiness and annoyance on their fellow human beings: The guy in line yesterday at the sandwich place who called the new kid behind the counter an “idiotâ€? or the woman who growled “get a jobâ€? to the homeless person panhandling on the corner this morning. Sure, when you’re annoyed, frustrated or angry, it’s hard to be nice. It’s easier to listen to the ÂżJKW RU Ă€LJKW UHVSRQVH WKDW FDOOV us to bite and scratch. But we don’t live in the annals of prehistory: This is 2014, and we should have learned by now that being kind is the way to go in life. For many people, frustration causes a lot of nastiness. However, lacking control of your frustration level can really mess up your life. Ever hear of road rage? That’s what happens when drivers can’t control their frustration level and let it boil over like an unwatched kettle. The same thing happens to all of us in smaller ways. When I get frustrated, I am a lot more likely to snap at my friends and family – most of whom aren’t even involved in the situation that’s making me feel like a shaken-up soda bottle. It’s also hard to be nice when you’re annoyed or angry with someone – maybe a person in your English group project who isn’t turning in work fast enough, or a bully making fun of your clothes. In this situation, being kind is more than the right thing to do – it may help you kick the bully problem. Usually, what bullies really want is to get a rise out of their vic-

tims, to see them upset or see them cry. When their victims are calm, cool, collected, complimenting them on their sweaters, they often have no idea what to do. So, when you’re feeling particularly nasty, take a deep breath, smile and ask yourself these three questions: ³,V WKLV VLWXDWLRQ JRLQJ WR JHW EHWWHU LI ,œP PHDQ WR VRPHRQH

7KLV LV DQG ZH VKRXOG KDYH OHDUQHG E\ QRZ WKDW EHLQJ NLQG LV WKH ZD\ WR JR LQ OLIH HOVH"´ The answer is usually no. Like the old saying goes: “You FDWFK PRUH Ă€LHV ZLWK KRQH\ WKDQ with vinegar.â€? You’ll make more friends and fewer enemies by being nice, and it often repays you in kind. Imagine what a better experience the guy in the sandwich shop could have had if he’d been nice to the

clerk (extra cheese, anyone?) Âł:KDWÂśV UHDOO\ JRLQJ RQ KHUH"´ Maybe the person you’re frustrated with is feeling down or dejected about their work or their day, and all they would need is a few kind and encouraging words from you to help them along – and, in turn, make your day better, too! Âł$P , WDNLQJ P\ IUXVWUDWLRQ RXW RQ VRPHRQH ZKR GRHVQÂśW GHVHUYH LW"´ I have a nasty habit of being short and testy with my husband when we’re out in terrible WUDIÂżF %XW KH GLGQÂśW FUHDWH WKH WUDIÂżF Âą VR LQVWHDG , WU\ WR VD\ VRPHthing kind instead. The result? The WUDIÂżF LVQÂśW VR IUXVWUDWLQJ DQ\PRUH If the world were a water park, it wouldn’t be like a lazy river – it’s a water slide with stressful turns, twists, dark tunnels, breathless moments and crazy, frustrating drops where you’re absolutely certain you’re going to freak out. Being kind to others on the same crazy journey makes everything a little less frightening – and a lot more fun! „ CNS

20 VOCATIONS

Sunday May 18, 2014 „ CatholicNews

Pope Francis’ message for Vocation Sunday Vocations, Witness to the Truth is the theme of the pope’s message for the 51st World Day of Prayer for Vocations. CNS photos

Dear Brothers and Sisters, 1. The Gospel says that “Jesus went about all the cities and villages... When He saw the crowds, He had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into His harvest’â€? (Mt 9:35-38). These words surprise us, because we all know that it is necHVVDU\ ÂżUVW WR SORZ VRZ DQG FXOtivate to then, in due time, reap an abundant harvest. Jesus says instead that “the harvest is plentifulâ€?. But who did the work to bring about these results? There is only one answer: God. Clearly WKH ÂżHOG RI ZKLFK -HVXV LV VSHDNing is humanity, us. And the efÂżFDFLRXV DFWLRQ ZKLFK KDV ERUQH “much fruitâ€? is the grace of God, that is, communion with Him (cf. Jn 15:5). The prayer which Jesus asks of the Church therefore concerns the need to increase the number of those who serve His Kingdom. St Paul, who was one of “God’s fellow workersâ€?, tirelessly dedicated himself to the cause of the Gospel and the Church. The Apostle, with the awareness of one who has personally experienced how mysterious God’s saving will is, and how the initiative of grace is the origin of every vocation, reminds the Christians of Corinth: “You are *RGÂśV ÂżHOG´ &RU 7KDW LV ZK\ ZRQGHU ÂżUVW DULVHV in our hearts over the plentiful harvest which God alone can bestow; then gratitude for a love that always goes before us; and lastly, adoration for the work that He has accomplished, which requires our free consent in acting with Him and for Him. 2. Many times we have prayed with the words of the Psalmist: “It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, and the sheep of his pastureâ€? (Ps 100:3); or: “The Lord has chosen Jacob for Himself, Israel as His own possessionâ€? (Ps 135:4). And yet we are God’s “possessionâ€? not in the sense of a possession that renders us slaves, but rather of a

strong bond that unites us to God and one another, in accord with a covenant that is eternal, “for His steadfast love endures for everâ€? (Ps 136). In the account of the calling of the prophet Jeremiah, for example, God reminds us that He continually watches over each one of us in order that His word may be accomplished in us. The image is of an almond branch which is the ÂżUVW WUHH WR Ă€RZHU WKXV DQQRXQFing life’s rebirth in the springtime (cf Jer 1:11-12). Everything comes from Him and is His gift: the world, life, death, the present, the future, but — the Apostle assures us — “you are Christ’s; and Christ is God’sâ€? (1 Cor 3:23). Hence the way of belonging to God is explained: it comes about through a unique and personal relationship with Jesus, which Baptism confers on us from the begin-

Therefore every vocation, even within the variety of paths, always requires an exodus from oneself in order to centre one’s life on Christ and on His Gospel. ning of our rebirth to new life. It is Christ, therefore, who continually summons us by His word to place our trust in Him, loving Him “with all the heart, with all the understanding, and with all the strength� (Mk 12:33). Therefore every vocation, even within the variety of paths, always requires an exodus from oneself in order to centre one’s life on Christ and on His Gospel. Both in married life and in the forms of Religious consecration, as well as in priestly life, we must surmount the ways of thinking and acting that do not conform to the will of God. It is an “exodus that leads us on a journey of adoration of the Lord and of service to Him in our brothers and sisters� (Address to the International Union of Superiors General, 8 May 2013).

Pope Francis speaks at a special audience at the Vatican on May 3. Seated is Archbishop Georg Ganswein, prefect of the papal household. The pope’s message for Vocation Sunday this year focused on giving witness to the truth.

Novices look on as Pope Francis meets with those discerning vocations on July 6. The pontiff’s message for this year’s 9RFDWLRQ 6XQGD\ VDLG WKDW D YRFDWLRQ ÀRZV IURP WKH KHDUW RI *RG DQG EORVVRPV LQ WKH JRRG VRLO RI IDLWKIXO SHRSOH

Therefore, we are all called to adore Christ in our hearts (1 Pet 3:15) in order to allow ourselves to be touched by the impulse of grace contained in the seed of the word, which must grow in us and be transformed into concrete service to our neighbour. We need not be afraid: God follows the

work of His hands with passion and skill in every phase of life. He never abandons us! He has the fulÂżOPHQW RI +LV SODQ IRU XV DW KHDUW and yet He wishes to achieve it with our consent and cooperation. 3. Today too, Jesus lives and walks along the paths of ordinary life in order to draw near to eve-

ryone, beginning with the least, DQG WR KHDO XV RI RXU LQ¿UPLWLHV and illnesses. I turn now to those who are well disposed to listen to the voice of Christ that rings out in the Church and to understand what their own vocation is. „ Continued on Page 21

VOCATIONS 21

Sunday May 18, 2014 „ CatholicNews

‘Guide the young in their personal journeys’ „ From Page 20

I ask you bishops, priests, Religious, Christian communities and families to accompany young people on these pathways of holiness.

I invite you to listen to and follow Jesus, and to allow yourselves to be transformed interiorly by His words, which “are spirit and lifeâ€? (Jn 6:62). Mary, the Mother of Jesus and ours, also says to us: “Do whatever He tells youâ€? (Jn 2:5). It will help you to participate in a communal journey that is able to release the best energies in you and around you. A vocation is a fruit that ripens in a well cultivated ÂżHOG RI PXWXDO ORYH WKDW EHFRPHV mutual service, in the context of an authentic ecclesial life. No vocation is born of itself or lives for LWVHOI $ YRFDWLRQ Ă€RZV IURP WKH heart of God and blossoms in the good soil of faithful people, in the experience of fraternal love. Did not Jesus say: “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one anotherâ€? (Jn 13:35)?

Priests at the Chrism Mass in St Peter’s Basilica on April 17. There is the need to increase the number of those who serve His Kingdom, the Holy Father said in his message for Vocation Sunday. CNS photo

4. Dear brothers and sisters, this “high standard of ordinary Christian living� (cf John Paul II, Apostolic Letter Novo Millennio Ineunte, 31) means sometimes going against the tide and also encountering obstacles, outside ourselves and within ourselves. Jesus Himself warns us: the good seed of God’s word is often snatched away by the Evil one, blocked by

tribulation, and choked by worldly cares and temptation (cf Mt $OO RI WKHVH GLIÂżFXOties could discourage us, making us fall back on seemingly more comfortable paths. However, the true joy of those who are called consists in believing and experiencing that he, the Lord, is faithful, and that with Him we can walk, be disciples and witnesses

assistance, as well as the more recent forms of support offered in associations and movements recognised by the Church� (Novo Millennio Ineunte, 31).

of God’s love, open our hearts to great ideals, to great things. “We Christians were not chosen by the Lord for small things; push onwards toward the highest principles. Stake your lives on noble ideals!â€? (Homily at Holy Mass and the Conferral of the SacraPHQW RI &RQÂżUPDWLRQ $SULO 2013). I ask you bishops, priests, Religious, Christian communities

and families to orient vocational pastoral planning in this direction, by accompanying young people on pathways of holiness which, because they are personal, “call for a genuine ‘training in holiness’ capable of being adapted to every person’s need. This training must integrate the resources offered to everyone with both the traditional forms of individual and group

Let us dispose our hearts therefore to being “good soil�, by listening, receiving and living out the Word, and thus bearing fruit. The more we unite ourselves to Jesus through prayer, Sacred Scripture, the Eucharist, the Sacraments celebrated and lived in the Church and in fraternity, the more there will grow in us the joy of cooperating with God in the service of the Kingdom of mercy and truth, of justice and peace. And the harvest will be plentiful, proportionate to the grace we have meekly welcomed into our lives. With this wish, and asking you to pray for me, I cordially impart to you all my Apostolic Blessing. „ CNS

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VOCATIONS 23

Sunday May 18, 2014 „ CatholicNews

Words from the seminary’s rector By Clara Lai A seminarian should be deeply in love with the Lord, excited about prayer and eager to grow towards perfection, unafraid to admit weaknesses that need to be overcome. This is according to Msgr Ambrose Vaz, rector of the St Francis Xavier Major Seminary (SFXMS). Speaking to CatholicNews in an interview, Msgr Ambrose said that basically, a seminarian must “put others before yourself and be open to community livingâ€?. Since stepping into this position last July, Msgr Ambrose has been consolidating and developing the vision of having “a brotherhood of disciplesâ€?, together with the “whole aspect of the new evangelisationâ€?, which is a “direction set by Pope John Paul IIâ€?. Msgr Ambrose also described the process that an aspirant takes to becoming a seminarian and eventually, a priest. The steps are: 1. See vocation director, Fr Alex Chua (SingaporeDiocesan Vocation@gmail.com) Msgr Ambrose said, “This is an important part as Fr Alex will journey with those who think they have a calling.â€? Also, Fr Alex will “give them an idea of what vocation is DERXW´ DQG ÂłVHH LI WKH\ FDQ ÂżW LQ´

Rector Msgr Ambrose Vaz

During this time, the aspirant can also participate in quarWHUO\ UHĂ€HFWLRQ HYHQWV DW 6);06 The amount of time that a person VSHQGV DW WKLV ÂżUVW VWHS GHSHQGV RQ the individual, Msgr Ambrose said, before the person is recommended to proceed to the next step. 2. Journey with formators When the aspirant has been recommended to take this step, he will start to journey with the seminary’s formators for about one and a half years. Aspirants will “see us once a monthâ€?, and be invited to “stay with us for a week, experience the life of a seminarianâ€?, Msgr Ambrose said. During this time, aspirants will also be sent for psychological tests.

The St Francis Xavier Major Seminary (SFXMS) in Ponggol.

3. Formators’ decision After the one and a half years, the formators will decide if the aspirant is suitable to be a diocesan seminarian. “Sometimes, they may have a calling but not in a diocesan setting,� Msgr Ambrose said. The aspirant will then undergo a medical check-up, and tender his letter of resignation if he is still working during that time. 4. Journey as a seminarian Thereafter, the seminarian will

spend seven years residing in the seminary, and one year in regency, before he is ordained a priest. There will also be an annual assessment, where the seminarLDQV ZLOO UHĂ€HFW RQ WKHLU MRXUQH\ The rector also sees them every TXDUWHU DV DQ ÂłRIÂżFLDO FKHFN LQ RQ themâ€?. But other than that, Msgr Ambrose said there is also “a lot of chance to journey and feedbackâ€? with the formators. Msgr Ambrose’s advice to people considering a Religious

vocation is to pray, seek a spiritual director and be actively involved in church ministry. To those who have not settled on a life option, Msgr Ambrose said, “Be aware of the various options available on how best to serve the Lord, and seek guidance in discerning.� For more information on the St Francis Xavier Major Seminary, visit www.sfxms.org.sg. „ clara.lai@catholic.org.sg

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26 VOCATIONS

Sunday May 18, 2014 CatholicNews

Putting aside doubts and worries to follow God’s call By Clara Lai Seminarian Cornelius Ching was an insurance salesman for eight years but “felt something was missing”. Through discernment and prayer, the Singaporean and Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary parishioner found that he had a calling to the priesthood. In an interview with CatholicNews, the now 37-year-old Br Cornelius related his initial feelings when he was about to join the St Francis Xavier Major Seminary. “I felt nervous [because] I wasn’t very sure about what the structure here is like,” he shared. “How am I going to be away from home for so long?” He did not mention to his family that he was journeying with the seminarians until he decided to apSO\ RI¿FLDOO\ :KHQ KH WROG WKHP that he was going to join the seminary, his parents were supportive while a couple of friends were “shocked, as this is a totally differ-

ent career path”, and were asking if he was sure about his decision. The vocations director, then Fr Ambrose Vaz, had also asked him, “Are you sure? Is this what you want?” “That forced me to clarify my own doubts,” he said. “I started thinking, ‘Am I running away from the world? Is it just because of the security that the Church provides?’” “But I also felt peacefulness, because I know that I’m walking this path that the Lord is showing to me,” he added. “And to be reasonably sure, I just had to keep praying.” Br Cornelius said that Fr Ignatius Huan, the then Spiritual Father of the House had reassured him, saying, “It’s not that secular life is not for me. It’s choosing between two good things.” “It was a leap of faith, but with a lot of prayer, I also felt the Lord reassuring me,” he said. Now in his seventh year of formation, Br Cornelius said that the “experience has been good, and the community has grown much

Seminarian Cornelius Ching

stronger and more loving” through various activities that they participate in, like daily prayer, weekly adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, monthly Holy Hour, and Stations of the Cross during Lent. “I feel that this has helped the community gel closer,” he said. But if he could do it all over again, Br Cornelius said that one thing he would do is to look for a spiritual director. Back then, he

The chapel in the St Francis Xavier Major Seminary, where each seminarian and formator has his own assigned seat.

did not, and there was “a lot of personal prayer and struggling”. A spiritual director, he said, can provide “more direction, more clarity”, and is “someone that I can share with and guide me”. Looking forward, Br Cornelius said that after he is ordained, he would like to be a “priest of uni-

ty”, and to “help people to experience Christ”. ³:H¶UH DOO EXLOGLQJ WKH .LQJdom of God,” he said. “Unity helps people put aside their differences with a common goal to work towards.” clara.lai@catholic.org.sg

VOCATIONS 27

Sunday May 18, 2014 CatholicNews

An alternative way of living out her calling By Clara Lai At 21 years old, she was taking a secretarial course after her GCE A Level examinations when she felt the call to join the Religious life. Jane Chong went to speak to Canossian Sr Marilyn Lim, and also attended retreats by the Canossian Sisters as the “call was very strong” and she “wanted to ¿QG RXW PRUH DERXW ZKDW LW LV´ She eventually joined the Canossian Sisters at that tender age. Sr Jane, now 53, shared that in 2004, she learnt about alternative therapy through a naturopath, and that it attracted her as she was “very interested in anything natural”. “A lot of people come to me sharing their pain,” Sr Jane commented, and added that the cause of the pain is that the “psychic spirit is not in harmony with the body”. “The only solution is God,” Sr -DQH VDLG FRQ¿GHQWO\ She started to introduce counselling sessions to “help people get in touch with their pain and unblock whatever is in their system”, because in her study of natural therapy, the “body can heal itself”. “If they’re in touch with God, it’s easier to heal [them] also. It’s connected,” she added. Eventually, the Catholic Wellness Centre, which currently stands at 4 Lorong Low Koon, was set up in March 2012. But Sr Jane also shared about the initial obstacles that she faced, from self-doubts to skepticism from her fellow Sisters. “It takes time for the Sisters to believe in what I was doing, because it’s so new,” Sr Jane said. “Only in recent years, there has been a newer understanding

of things. Now they bring in more people and recommend the centre to others, because when they’re more convinced, they will then introduce more people,” she added. According to Sr Jane, over 1,300 people of all ages have come to the centre since it started, 80 percent of whom are Catholics. On average, each individual undergoes six sessions. Her staff consists of 12 assistant therapists, and there are also three external chiropractors who voluntarily help out at the centre once a month. Apart from physical therapy like acupressure, the Catholic Wellness Centre also has various machines that can “help different kinds of ailments in the body”. Firstly, there are bio-feedback PDFKLQHV WKDW FDQ ³¿QG RXW WKH body’s problems” by bringing “awareness of the stress in the body cells”. There is also a frequency generator. “When the body is diseased, the frequency is reduced,” Sr Jane explained. The machine helps to “regenerate and stimulate the cells to bring back healthy circulation”. Lastly, the centre’s MI energy machine produces negative ions which help to “clear the acidity of the body and bring the body back to health”. Nonetheless, Sr Jane reiterated that the “machine only helps to unblock congestion. It does not heal, the body takes over its healing.” For young people who are considering a Religious vocation, Sr Jane said, “Most important is the relationship with God. If we feel loved by God, we would want to share this love with others.” clara.lai@catholic.org.sg

A client using the frequency generator machine, which is said to ‘regenerate and stimulate the cells to bring back healthy circulation’.

Canossian Sr Jane Chong, who has been living out her vocation through alternative therapy, shared that when she does not know how to deal with a client, she looks at the picture of Jesus (left) for help.

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Sunday May 18, 2014 „ CatholicNews Sunday May 18, 2014 „ CatholicNews

%DSWLVHG FRQĂ€UPHG at age 18 and now a Cenacle novice By Clara Lai Lee Siew Hwee was baptised in 1992, at the age of 18 in Church of Christ the King where she attended RCIA. Taking Amy as her EDSWLVP QDPH VKH ZDV FRQÂżUPHG four months later. She was trained as a civil engineer and had worked for about six years before she decided to join a school of mission in the Philippines in 2002. She had previously heard about the Cenacle Sisters in Singapore, but it was only in 2007 that she started to know about the Cenacle Sisters in Manila when she was ORRNLQJ IRU D VSLULWXDO ÂżUHFWRU WR help her discern her next step as she was completing her studies. When she returned to Singapore at the end of 2008, she knew that besides wanting to put to use the knowledge gained from her studies in developmental psychology, she was also attracted to the consecrated life. She eventually asked to begin her discernment process with the Cenacle Sisters in Singapore. “I experienced living and

Sr Amy Lee

praying with the Cenacle community... and participating in their ministries for about nine months,� she said. Subsequently, she said she found herself feeling “like the Cenacle was where I was sent from and where I return�. Sr Amy then entered the postulancy in Manila in September 2010. Along the way, she had her doubts but by God’s grace, she was able to trust that she would not know if she is truly suitable unless she tried.

She added, “I also learned to dare to ask better questions, seeing that no Cenacle Sister is completely the same, [like] ‘What makes me a Cenacle Sister?’ or ‘How can I be a Cenacle Sister?’â€? Sr Amy said that attending recollections, retreats and having spiritual accompaniment had been helpful for her in her Cenacle journey thus far. “They had been experiences and channels of grace of healing, of challenging to grow up, of coming to know God, self and others better,â€? she said. 6U $P\ QRZ PDGH KHU ÂżUVW vows in December last year. In her journey ahead, “I do desire to continue to grow in knowing, loving and following Jesus and to be able to share this journey toward fullness of life with others,â€? she said. Her advice to anyone who is discerning a Religious vocation, is that “our very seeking of God is itself a gift – a journey in faith, a witnessing of God’s love and faithfulness. Be not afraid to explore, to risk, to dare to choose.â€? „ clara.lai@catholic.org.sg

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30 VOCATIONS

Sunday May 18, 2014 „ CatholicNews

Finding Christ while caring for sick people By Rhina Guidos Over the last couple of years, I’ve watched small episodes of illness, recovery and eventually death, as the life of a Poor Clare nun came to an end. Sr Imelda Valencia recently died at 82 of Parkinson’s disease at her convent, with two Sisters at her bedside. One of them was her long-time caretaker who rarely left her side. Sr Maria Elena Romero would take Sr Imelda in a wheelchair out to get fresh air when she was in a rehabilitation centre outside of Wilmington, Delaware, USA. She took her to Mass every day in the chapel of their convent. She kept in constant touch with Sr Imelda’s friends DQG IDPLO\ GXULQJ GLIÂżFXOW SHULRGV when a phone call, a bouquet of Ă€RZHUV EXW PRUH LPSRUWDQW D YLVLW would be helpful to Sr Imelda. During a recent visit, as Sr Imelda began a descent from which she wouldn’t recover, we were in the room at a rehabilitation centre and she fell asleep. Sr Maria Elena sitting quietly nearby said something that surprised me: “She has helped me so much.â€? More than 800 years ago, Clare of Assisi, follower of St Francis, and the founder of the Poor Clares emphasised the care the Sisters

should have for one another. Even though most of us think of life in a convent as a passive experience, there’s a lot of work involved in the day to day of making it run. Sr Imelda’s illness had helped her live out that part of her vocation, Sr Maria Elena said, even if it involved not sleeping at all, getting up at all hours to administer medication, performing all the functions of a nurse. It was no different all those

‘Asof aStdaughter Clare, I was called to do this, called to help out my Sister. - Sr Maria Elena

’

years ago when St Clare urged the ÂżUVW FRPPXQLW\ RI 3RRU &ODUHV to take joy in the most menial of tasks, washing dishes, doing laundry, anything that involved serving the other. “As a daughter of St Clare, I was called to do this, called to help out my Sister,â€? Sr Maria Elena said. “To be with her as our Mother Clare asked. It helped me live out the life that I committed

myself to when I took my vows, the life I promised to live.â€? “What kept me focused was knowing that what I was doing for her, I was doing for Jesus. I was caring for Christ,â€? she said. It’s hard not to think of this Biblical statement without thinking of Pope Francis and the famous HPEUDFH RI WKH GLVÂżJXUHG PDQ WKDW most of us have now seen. It was a gesture that should have made us all think: What would I have done? Would I have run, quickly turned away from the man? It should also make us think that Pope Francis was embracing Christ Himself, just as the Poor Clares embrace Christ in caring for one another. Many of us run from the sick. A lot of us can say that we understand that feeling. But can we use it to excuse our Christian duties? Do we wait until death takes away those feelings, by taking away that person and their illness? We may not be able to cure the sick, but we can spend time with them. We can give them words of comfort, pray with them, and as the Holy Father showed us, we can embrace them. „ CNS Guidos is an editor at Catholic News Service, USA.

VOCATIONS 31

Sunday May 18, 2014 „ CatholicNews

What is the priesthood? By Fr Gerald O’Collins, SJ One modern parish church has two tables facing the congregation: the table of the Word, where the presiding priest reads the Gospel and in his homily breaks the bread of the Scriptures, and the table where the Eucharist is celebrated. Placed at the centre of the sanctuary in that church, these two tables indicate two key functions of priests as preachers and teachers and as leaders in worship. Priests mediate teaching from God and lead the assembly in worship. They bring the Word of God to the people and bring the assembly to share in Christ’s selfoffering of His body and blood. By communicating the Word, priests act in a prophetic fashion, and by leading the worship they act in a priestly fashion. As kings or pastors, priests lead those who have assembled for worship or liturgy. Gathering the baptised for “liturgy�, as early Christians used the word, referred both to worshipping together and to meeting the material needs of those in distress. “Liturgy� involves both worship and the service of those who suffer, both the altar and the soup kitchen. It is in both settings that priests are called to be kings (or shepherds) and liturgical leaders. Priests have often been described as acting “in the person of Christ�. Those who cite this classical axiom should, however, recall its complete form. Priests “act in

the person of Christ, the head of the Church�. The role of priests is embedded in Christ and His community, in that living relationship between Christ and His body, the Church. During His whole lifetime, and not merely at His death, resurrection and sending of the Holy Spirit, Jesus acted as priest, prophet and king. – As king or shepherd, He gathered and built up a community of disciples. – As prophet He preached the kingdom of God and taught what the coming of that kingdom involved here and hereafter. – As priest He healed the sick and forgave sinners. Occasionally, artists portray Jesus wearing priestly vestments on the cross. Often He is pictured in a priestly way at the Last 6XSSHU 8QTXHVWLRQDEO\ WKH ¿UVW Holy Thursday and Good Friday SURYHG WR EH GH¿QLQJ PRPHQWV LQ the exercise of Jesus’ priesthood. Nevertheless, the years of His public ministry had already shown Jesus acting as a priest – a kingly and prophetic priest. The full scope of the priesthood exercised by Jesus shows us the full scope of the priesthood of His ordained ministers too. They act as priests not only when they put on vestments to preside at the altar or administer the Sacraments but also when they visit the sick, teach the good news of the kingdom, feed the hungry and engage in other pastoral ministries. Wherever and however they exercise their ministry for the

Helping others to discern a call from God By Fr Tom Lawler, SJ

One of the biggest temptations in the vocation director’s job is to It’s not easy to know who you are. measure success by the number of As a vocation director for the Wis- candidates discerning their call who consin province of the Society of are accepted each year. In fact, the Jesus, I try to help young people vast majority in a given year will make good decisions following a choose not to join us or will be enprocess of prayerful discernment. couraged to consider other options. I encourage them to learn about We are not interested in high themselves and to numbers, but rather discover God’s allhigh quality. If you truly embracing and faithI am not a salesunderstand who man or a recruiter. Inful love for them. This lays a foundation for stead, I invite people you are as a making a good decito consider the radiunique person sion and leading a life cal call of Jesus to a of deep joy, whether life of service in povloved by God, as a priest, Religious erty, chastity, obedibrother, married or then what you’re ence and commusingle person. supposed to do nity. I cast a wide net, If you truly uneducating young men derstand who you are naturally follows. about the Jesuit life of as a unique person service. When some loved by God, then what you’re show interest, I put them through a supposed to do naturally follows. very narrow funnel to evaluate their Some men discerning a call potential and test their call. to the priesthood worry about fuBecause of the challenges of ture loneliness and their ability Religious life, it’s important that a to be happy with a vow of chas- man end up in a place suitable for tity. Some worry about a future of him and the good of the order. „ CNS challenging ministry. Each vocational story is Jesuit Fr Lawler is vocation director for unique and deserves to be heard. his order’s Wisconsin province, in USA.

$Q DUWZRUN GHSLFWV WKH ELEOLFDO DFFRXQW RI -HVXVÂś YLVLW WR WKH DLOLQJ GDXJKWHU RI -DLUXV D V\QDJRJXH RIÂżFLDO ,Q +LV PLQLVWU\ -HVXV KHDOHG WKH VLFN DQG IRUJDYH VLQQHUV CNS photo

good of the body of Christ and the world, ordained priests are visible signs of the invisible Christ who through His Holy Spirit is always present and dynamically active.

In a real sense, there is only one priest: Christ Himself. The 1992 Catechism of the Catholic Church (No. 1545) quoted the words of St Thomas Aquinas: “Only Christ

is the true priest, the others being only His ministers.� „ CNS Jesuit Fr O’Collins has authored or co-authored 53 books.

32

Sunday May 18, 2014 „ CatholicNews

SPOTLIGHT ON SAINTS:

St Paschal Baylon

Peter answered them, “Repent DQG EH EDSWLVHG HYHU\ RQH RI \RX LQ the name of Jesus Christ for the forJLYHQHVV RI \RXU VLQV DQG \RX ZLOO UHFHLYH WKH JLIW RI WKH +RO\ 6SLULW ´ Peter reassured the people who ZHUH OLVWHQLQJ DERXW WKH *RGÂśV ORYH for them. Many of those people beOLHYHG DQG ZHUH EDSWLVHG DQG RQ WKDW day alone nearly 3,000 people accepted the message of Peter. After that, many people followed the teaching and supported the work of

the apostles, and the Lord performed many wonderful acts. The apostles DQG WKH RWKHU EHOLHYHUV VKDUHG ZKDW they had with each other, so no one lacked what they needed. „ Read more about it: Acts 2

Q&A 1. Why were so many people in Jerusalem? 2. What did Peter say the people needed to do to be forgiven?

Wordsearch: „ SOUND

Paschal Baylon (1540-1592) „ DEEDS was a shepherd tending his father’s sheep from the time he ZDV VHYHQ \HDUV ROG DQG ODWHU working for other farmers. +H DVNHG IRU DGPLVVLRQ into the order of the Friars Minor, but the monks there did not think the boy was ready for monastic life. A few years later 3DVFKDO FRQYLQFHG WKHP DQG KH was able to join the monastery. +H VRRQ SURYHG KLPVHOI WR EH D YHU\ GHYRXW PRQN 3DVFKDO ZDV VHQW RQ D YHU\ GDQJHURXV PLVVLRQ WR GHOLYHU D PHVVDJH WR WKH PLQLVWHU JHQHUDO RI WKH RUGHU +H ZDV VXFFHVVIXO EXW UHFHLYHG D ZRXQG RQ KLV VKRXOGHU WKDW FDXVHG KLP SDLQ IRU WKH UHVW RI KLV OLIH +H OHG D OLIH GHYRWHG WR WKH KRO\ (XFKDULVW :H KRQRXU KLP RQ 0D\ „

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Bible Accent:

Share your thoughts RQ WKLV ZHHNÂśV %LEOH story with family and friends by writing an essay in response to this question: Why is Peter so important to our faith heritage?

1. Matthias 3. Ananias, 5. Saul/Paul 7. Agrippa

The Acts of the Apostles tells us about VRPH RI WKH LPSRUWDQW HYHQWV WKDW KDSpened after Jesus had ascended into KHDYHQ DQG DERXW KRZ WKH ¿UVW &KULVtians tried to spread the Good News of Jesus to the world. 6RPH RI WKHP ZHUH VHQW WR SULVRQ RU HYHQ NLOOHG IRU WKHLU faith. The apostles waited in Jerusalem as Jesus had instructed WKHP DQG WKH +RO\ 6SLULW ¿OOHG WKHP RQ WKH GD\ RI 3HQWHFRVW $ -HZLVK RI¿FLDO ZKR KDG EHHQ RQH RI WKH VWURQJHVW SHUsecutors of Christians became one of our most important faith ¿JXUHV +LV QDPH ZDV 6DXO DQG ZDV ODWHU NQRZQ DV 3DXO The second part of Acts tells us mostly about Paul’s misVLRQDU\ MRXUQH\V DQG WKH KDUGVKLSV KH IDFHG +H DOVR ZURWH VHYHUDO ERRNV WKDW EHFDPH SDUW RI WKH 1HZ 7HVWDPHQW „

KIDS CLUB:

PUZZLE: 8VLQJ WKH $FWV RI WKH $SRVWOHV DV D JXLGH ÂżOO LQ WKH EODQNV ZLWK WKH correct names. Not all names in the list will be used. Chapter numbers have been provided as hints: Agrippa Ananias Barnabas Cornelius Matthias Nathaniel Saul/Paul Peter Stephen 1. I was chosen to replace Judas. (Chapter 1) _______ , VSRNH WR WKH SHRSOH RI -HUXVDOHP RQ 3HQWHFRVW (Chapter 2) _______ 3. I tried to cheat the apostles. (Chapter 5) _______ , ZDV WKH ÂżUVW PDUW\U (Chapter 7) _______ 5. I was blinded by a light from the Lord. (Chapter 9) _______ , ZDV WKH ÂżUVW *HQWLOH WR EH EDSWLVHG (Chapter 10) _______ , ZDV WKH NLQJ ZKR KHDUG 3DXOÂśV GHIHQVH LQ FRXUW (Chapter 26) ______

Answer to Wordsearch

On the day of Pentecost, the apostles were in Jerusalem praying together. Out of a quiet sky came the sound of a powerful wind that blew into the house where the men were meeting. 7RQJXHV RI ÂżUH IRUPHG RYHU WKH KHDGV RI HYHU\RQH WKHUH DQG DV WKH PHQ ZHUH ÂżOOHG ZLWK WKH +RO\ 6SLULW WKH\ began to pray in different languages. Because of the noise and commotion coming from within the building, a crowd formed outside. Many people had come to Jerusalem for the holiday from different parts of the world. They were amazed because each person heard the apostles praying in their own languages at the same time. They declared, “We hear them speaking in our own tongues of the mighty acts of God.â€? 6RPHRQH DVNHG Âł:KDW GRHV WKLV mean?â€? And another person answered,

Âł7KH\ KDYH KDG WRR PXFK QHZ ZLQH ´ In order to explain what was really happening, Peter spoke to the people. “These people are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only nine o’clock in the morning. No, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel: ‘It will come to pass in the last days,’ God says, ‘that I will pour out D SRUWLRQ RI P\ VSLULW XSRQ DOO Ă€HVK ϫ Then Peter continued: “You who are Israelites, hear these words. Jesus was a man commended to you by God with the mighty deeds, wonders, and VLJQV ZKLFK *RG ZRUNHG WKURXJK +LP LQ \RXU PLGVW DV \RX \RXUVHOYHV NQRZ This man you killed, using lawless PHQ WR FUXFLI\ +LP %XW *RG UDLVHG KLP XS UHOHDVLQJ +LP IURP WKH WKURHV of death, because it was impossible for +LP WR EH KHOG E\ LW ´ When the people heard Peter’s words, they felt them deep within WKHPVHOYHV DQG WKH\ DVNHG Âł:KDW DUH we to do, my brothers?â€?

Answer to Puzzle: 2. Peter, 4. Stephen, 6. Cornelius,

By Joe Sarnicola

WHAT’S ON 33

Sunday May 18, 2014 „ CatholicNews

EVENT SUBMISSIONS We welcome information of events happening in our local Church. Please send your submission at least one month before the event. Online submissions can be made at www. catholic.org.sg/webevent_form.php

RCIA/RCIY A journey for those seeking to know more about the Catholic faith. Baptised Catholics are also invited to journey as sponsors.

ONGOING RCIA @ CHURCH OF OUR LADY STAR OF THE SEA At 10 Yishun St 22. E: rcia.olss@gmail.com ONGOING RCIA @ CHURCH OF THE HOLY FAMILY 7.30-9.30pm: At 6 Chapel Road. From May, sessions will also be held on Sundays. Register T: 9666 6542; E: rciaholyfam@gmail.com ONGOING RCIA @ CHURCH OF ST STEPHEN 8-9.30pm: At 30 Sallim Road. Register T: 9107 6862 (Peter Thien); E:peter3562@yahoo.com.sg FRIDAYS MAY 16 RCIA @ CHURCH OF ST TERESA 7.45-9.30pm: At 510 Kampong Bahru Rd. Register T: 6271 1184; E: stteresa@gmail.com FRIDAYS MAY 30 RCIA @ CHURCH OF OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE 8pm: At 4 Sandy Lane. Register T: 9030 9527 (Martin); E: admin@queenofpeace TUESDAYS JUNE 3 RCIA @ CHURCH OF ST IGNATIUS 8-10pm: At 120 King’s Rd. Register T: 6466 0625 (Angela); 9630 8346 (Terese) WEDNESDAYS JUNE 4 RCIA @ CHURCH OF ST FRANCIS OF ASSISI 8-9pm: At 200 Boon Lay Avenue. Register T: 6264 0078; E:secretariat@sfa-parish.org.sg THURSDAYS JUNE 5 RCIA @ CHURCH OF ST VINCENT DE PAUL 8pm: There will be an Info Nite on May 22, 8pm. At 301 Yio Chu Kang Rd. Register T: 6482 0959. FRIDAYS JUNE 6 RCIY @ CHURCH OF ST FRANCIS OF ASSISI 8-9pm: At 200 Boon Lay Avenue. Register T: 6264 0078; E:secretariat@sfa-parish.org.sg THURSDAYS JUNE 12 RCIA @ CHURCH OF THE HOLY SPIRIT 8-10pm: At 248 Upper Thomson Rd. Register T: 9636 8526 (Audrey); E: holyspiritrcia.coordinator@gmail.com

SATURDAYS JUNE 14 RCIA @ CHURCH OF ST ALPHONSUS (NOVENA CHURCH) 3.45-5.45pm: In Mandarin. At 300 Thomson Road. Register T: 9626 8546 (Alphonsus); E: alphs_cool@singnet.com.sg TUESDAYS JUNE 17 RCIA @ CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY OF THE BVM 8-10pm: In Mandarin. At 1259 Upper Serangoon Rd. Register E: augustine_chua@yahoo.com.sg WEDNESDAYS JUNE 18 RCIA @ CHURCH OF THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY 7.45-9.45pm: At 24 Highland Rd. Register T: 9627 3835 (Nancy) / 9616 2001 (Agnes); E: rcia@ihm.sg FRIDAYS JUNE 20 RCIA @ CHURCH OF CHRIST THE KING 8-10pm: At 2221 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 8. Register T: 9889 0027 (Joey); E: query.rcia@gmail.com TUESDAYS JUNE 24 RCIA @ CHURCH OF THE HOLY TRINITY 7.45pm: At 20 Tampines Street 11. Register T: 8444 5505 (Greg); E: rciaht@gmail.com or drop by at WKH FKXUFK VHFUHWDULDW WR ÂżOO XS D IRUP THURSDAYS JUNE 26 RCIA / RCIY @ CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY OF THE BVM 8-9.30pm: At 1259 Upper Serangoon Road. Register T: 9685 6673 (Genevieve); E: nativitysg@yahoo.com.sg / ailianlau@hotmail.com

brain? Learn how to prevent chronic diseases and poor mental health. Discover the experience of focusing on the “here and now� through a Mindfulness Relaxation Exercise. Fee: $20 (Payment collected at the door). Door Gift will be given to participants and refreshments will be served. At Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, Main Auditorium, Tower B. Register T: 6757 7990; E: registration@clarity-singapore.org

faith and learning experience in a community setting. A time of teachings, sharings, prayer, ministry times, Eucharist, games and conclude with the combined freshmen gathering on May 17. At CAYC (2 Lorong Low Koon). Cost: $80. Register W: www.oyp.com.sg MONDAYS MAY 12 TO MAY 26 THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE EARLY CHURCH IN CORINTH 10am-12pm: Discover how St Paul challenges the Early Church in Corinth in WKHLU VSLULWXDO ZDON LQ WKHLU VDQFWL¿FDWLRQ as they were abusing their liberty in Christ. This talk is about the progressive walk of the believers. Speaker: Mr Philip Kok. Cost: $10. By Novena Bible Apostolate. At Novena Church (Peter Donders Room – Level 2). T: 9626 3824/6743 8831 (Bob); E: bible.novena@gmail.com MAY 13 CATHOLIC MOMS ANNUAL RETREAT 8.45am-1.30pm: An annual retreat to empower moms. At St Francis Convent, next to Mt Alvernia Hospital. Register T: 9271 3335; E: marketing@familylife.sg MAY 13 OUR LADY OF FATIMA DEVOTION 6.30pm: Mass followed by candle-light procession and benediction. At Church of St Joseph (Victoria Street). All are welcome. MAY 16 NOX GAUDII (NIGHT OF JOY) 8-10pm: A new monthly worship event organised by OYP to stir faith in the young people and foster among them the sense of being part of the local Church as they come together to worship God. There will be Eucharistic adoration, praise and worship, preaching and prayer ministry and a time of fellowship. Theme: Rise Up! Light snacks will be provided. Preacher: Fr Jude David. At CAYC (2 Lorong Low Koon). For more information E: juliana68@gmail.com (Juliana); W: www.oyp.com.sg

TUESDAYS JULY 1 RCIA @ CHURCH OF ST FRANCIS XAVIER 8-9.45pm: At 63A Chartwell Drive. Register T: 6280 6076; E: sylseck@yahoo.com FRIDAYS JULY 4 RCIY @ CHURCH OF THE RISEN CHRIST 8-9.30pm: At 91 Toa Payoh Central. Register T: 9489 8086 (Jeremy), E: jeremyleehr@gmail.com SUNDAYS JULY 6 RCIA @ CHURCH OF ST MICHAEL 9.30am: In Mandarin. At 17 St Michael’s Road. Register T: 9622 8749 (Marie) / 9682 9679 (Sophia); E: mariechong4christ@gmail.com SUNDAY MAY 11 TO SATURDAY MAY 17 OYP SCHOOL OF CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP SP 6XQ SP 6DW 7KH ¿UVW Christian leadership school organised by 2I¿FH )RU <RXQJ 3HRSOH &UHDWHG IRU potential leaders in the six universities (NUS, NTU, SMU, JCU, SUTD, SIM). Providing student leaders with a common

MAY 18 35TH ANNIVERSARY OF ST JOSEPH PRAYERS IN TAMIL 6.30-9pm: At Blessed Sacrament Church. T: 64745249 / 96783855 (Margaret Samuel); E: jackies@mediacorp.com.sg

SATURDAY MAY 24 AND SUNDAY MAY 25 WEEKEND TALKS BY FR IGNATIUS HUAN Topics: 1. We Remember: the Mass in the context of Salvation History, 2. We Celebrate: Understanding the rites & rituals of the Mass, 3. We Believe: living the Mass in daily life as a means of growing in holiness. At Church of St Francis Xavier parish hall. Cost: Love offering. Register by May 18, T: 6280 6076

WEDNESDAYS AND SATURDAYS MAY 21, MAY 31 AND JUNE 4, JUNE 14 LIFE IN THE SPIRIT 2014 @ ST ANNE’S CHURCH 8-10pm (Wed), 4-10pm (Sat): Comprising talks, sharing, fellowship and healing pray-over, come experience an outpouring of the Holy Spirit! Be transformed into victorious Catholics and received gifts that will empower you. At St Joachim’s Hall, Level 4 St Anne’s Church. Register W: www.burningbush.sg/LSP

MAY 30 CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT AND DINNER 1-10pm: The Charity Golf Tournament & Dinner is in aid of Montfort Junior School’s upgrading project. All proceeds will go towards the School Building Fund for new facilities such as a teaching laboratory, band room, dance studio and student care centre. At Orchid Country Club. Register T: 6510 1588 (Mrs Brenda Ng); E: brenda_koh@moe.gov.sg

MAY 22 BUILDING THE KINGDOM TOGETHER – THEOLOGY OF WORK 7-9pm: Opus Dei Fr Frank Aniban will VKDUH DERXW KRZ FDQ ZH ¿QG DQG FHQWUH our lives around God. By Catholic Business Network. At the Catholic Centre, St Mary Rm, 3rd Lvl, 55 Waterloo St. Register T: 9228 4463 (Raymond); E: raymond@cbn.sg

FRIDAY MAY 30 TO SUNDAY JUNE 1 MAY CHOICE WEEKEND 6pm (Fri)-6pm (Sun): Single young adults aged 18 to 35, come away for a Choice Weekend – it is by the choices we make WKDW ZH GH¿QH ZKDW RXU OLIH LV DOO DERXW At 47 Jurong West Street 42. Register T: 9790 0537 (Hillary David); E: registration@choice.org.sg

FRIDAY MAY 23 TO SUNDAY MAY 25 THE HEART OF LIVING: A MONTFORTIAN PATHWAY TO CHRISTIAN LIVING 7pm(Fri) - 1pm(Sun): This weekend OLYH LQ UHWUHDW KHOSV \RX ÂżQG D ZD\ WR OLYH a committed Christian life. The spiritual pathway as proposed by St Louis Marie de Montfort is a radical living out of the Gospel in being a friend of the Cross and a true devotion to Mary. Retreat Director: Br Paul Raj and Br Dominic Yeo-Koh. At Montfort Centre (624 Upper Bukit Timah Road). Cost: $100 for Twin/sharing room (air-con). Register T: 6769 5711; enquiries@montfortcentre.org

MAY 17 COMBINED FRESHMEN GATHERING 3-10pm: Calling all Catholic freshmen entering JCU, NTU, NUS, SIM, SMU, SUTD. Come and meet the Catholic students of these six universities and experience the joy, fellowship and fun of being in a campus community. There will be games, introductions to each university, dinner, live music by the university students and the celebration of the Eucharist. At CAYC (2 Lorong Low Koon). Register W: www.oyp.com.sg

MAY 24 FINDING GOD IN YOUR WRITING 9.30am-5pm: A full-day writing workshop designed to help you write your sacred story. Through writing exercises and other activities you will explore and express your inmost thoughts and feelings and gain a deeper understanding of self and your relationship with others and with God. No prior writing experience is required. Facilitated by: Roselie Chia (trained writing group leader). Cost: $100 (with

MAY 17 THINKING MATTERS: TRAIN YOUR BRAIN, MANAGE YOUR MIND 1-3pm: Want to hold the key to a healthy

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lunch and refreshments). By Kingsmead Centre, at 8 Victoria Park Rd. Register by May 14. T: 6467 6072; E: cisc2664@ gmail.com; W: www.catholic.org.sg/cisc

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MAY 31 DANZA QUEENS – CANOSSIANS CONNECT 2014 6.30-10.30pm: Calling all Canossian ex-pupils! 2014 celebrates the 120th year of Canossian Sisters in Singapore as they continue with the mission of our Foundress. This eight-course dinner is also dedicated to the PRIME fundraising project for Canossa Convent Primary School. Tickets are at $88 per person; $880 per table. $1200 for a donation table. At Copthorne King’s Hotel (Havelock Road). Register T: 9039 2130 (Catherine); E: info@canossianalumni.com JUNE 1 CELEBRATING INNER FREEDOM – CHOOSING TO BE HAPPY 2-5pm: It is never easy until you know how to. This workshop based on Choice Theory is suitable for everyone who values personal growth and relationships. You will learn to: identify cause of unhappiness, understand your needs and behaviour and acquire skill to exercise effective control of one’s life and make a deliberate choice to be happy. At LifeSprings Spirituality Centre, 100 Jalan Merbok. Cost: $35. Register T: 6466 2178 (Brenda); E: lifesprings@singnet.com.sg MONDAY JUNE 2 TO THURSDAY JUNE 5 AUSTRALIAN-CERTIFIED TRAINING (REAP) IN RELIGIOUS EDUCATION 10am-4pm: Calling all Catholic educators and catechists in schools and parishes (Preschool to Secondary). A four-day intensive training at Nativity Church by trainers from Brisbane Catholic Education 2I¿FH &RQWULEXWLRQ LQFOXGHV resources, materials and all meals). Register by May 15, E: susie.lim@catholic.org.sg

IN MEMORIAM CLASSIFIED THANKSGIVING

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Please turn to pages 34 and 35 for more in memoriam advertisements.

O Holy St Jude, apostle and martyr, great in virtue and rich in miracles, near kinsman of Jesus Christ, faithful intercessor of all who invoke your special patronage in times of need. To you I have recourse from the depth of my heart and humbly beg you, to whom God has given such great power, to come to my assistance. Help me in my present urgent petition. In return, I promise to make your name known and cause you to be invoked. St Jude pray for me and all who invoke your aid. Humbly in need of your intercession. Amen. Thank you for answering my prayers.

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Sunday May 18, 2014 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.

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