Catholic News issue 10 2018

SUNDAY MAY 13, 2018

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Christian leaders share their pastoral challenges

NO. 10

INSIDE HOME

Making her final vows at 50 IJ Sister shares her faith journey

By Jared Ng What is the greatest pastoral challenge in your ministry?

Pastors and pastoral staff from various Christian traditions were invited to share on this topic during the annual ecumenical Easter lunch.

Rev James Nagulan Poona Sami, from the Tamil Methodist Church, said his greatest challenge is helping migrants whom he works with daily.

“We are limited in how we can help them because of changing policies” and also of them not being able to continue working here for various reasons.

It is a struggle sometimes to cater to them and we need prayers, he said during the lunch held at CANA The Catholic Centre on April 23. It was the fifth such event organised by the Archdiocesan Catholic Council for Ecumenical Dialogue (ACCED).

Young people today no longer believe in the faith, they are not convinced of Christ’s resurrection, shared Rev Aniyan K. Paul, from the CSI Immanuel Congregation (Singapore).

“Certainly it is a challenge today in reaching out and connecting with the young people,” he said.

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Canossian school holds inaugural night festival Rev Ling Kin Yew, from Fairfield Methodist Church, speaking at the annual ecumenical Easter lunch.

Elder Richard Chong, from the National Council of Churches of Singapore, said that he felt unity among the various Christian traditions was still lacking because leaders have “different views and agendas.”

He urged greater prayer, collaboration and understanding between Christian traditions to foster greater unity.

Rev Martin Yee, from the Lutheran Church in Singapore, said one challenge he faces is avoiding

misinformation when promoting ecumenism.

There is still a lack of understanding of the ecumenical movement, he noted. There are people who still question the signing of the joint statement between the Catholic and Lutheran Churches during the commemoration of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, he added.

Franciscan Missionaries of Mary Sr Veronica de Roza highlighted the lack of vocations in the

Catholic Church and the subsequent challenge of managing resources in her Religious congregation.

There is a struggle to “properly utilise resources such as land, personnel and finances ... the elderly Sisters also need to be cared for,” she said.

After the sharings, participants proceeded to Crossings Cafe to enjoy lunch and fellowship with one another. n jared.ng@catholic.org.sg

Visitors treated to various performances n Page 6

ASIA

Clampdown on religious freedom in Chinese province Catholics warned to follow rules on religion n Page 11

WORLD

Airstrikes on Syria criticised Caritas struggling to aid displaced n Page 13

POPE FRANCIS Pope meets with clergy abuse victims

Meetings seen as hopeful, constructive n Page 14

Rev Martin Yee, from the Lutheran Church in Singapore, said one challenge is avoiding misinformation when promoting ecumenism.

Franciscan Missionaries of Mary Sr Veronica de Roza highlighted the lack of vocations in the Catholic Church.

ACENSION MASS SCHEDULE Christian representatives having fellowship at Crossings Cafe.

n Page 6

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Sunday May 13, 2018 n CatholicNews

IJ Sister who had late vocation shares her faith journey

Infant Jesus Sr Elizabeth Moey with family members and priests during the April 22 Mass when she made her final vows.

By Jared Ng She felt God’s call to the Religious life in her 20s but ignored it because she was focused on her education and establishing a career in nursing.

In her 30s, Infant Jesus (IJ) Sr Elizabeth Moey felt God calling her again and this time it was more “intense.”

It coincided with a time in her career when she had achieved a

managerial position in the nursing industry and there was no longer a “sense of fulfilment in my work,” said Sr Elizabeth, now 50.

The nun, who made her final vows as an Infant Jesus Sister on April 22 at the Church of St Francis Xavier, said she eventually took her mother’s advice. She decided to attend a retreat to “get in touch with myself and spend more time with the Lord.”

It was during this retreat that

her interest in the Religious life started to stir.

In 2008, Sr Elizabeth underwent spiritual direction with Sr Maria Lau, IJ, as part of her discernment journey. She also attended a discernment retreat overseas and “it became more evident and certain to me that I was being called to join the Religious life.”

“There was also a feeling of ease and peace in my decision to

Sr Elizabeth’s ministry at Mount Alvernia Hospital includes working as a counsellor to provide patients, families and staff with pastoral and spiritual support.

join the IJ Sisters,” she said. and also to Penang for a 30-day Because of her background silent retreat and a session to in nursing, Sr Elizabeth said she deepen her understanding of Rewas often told by her friends ligious vows. that she was joining the wrong In 2015, she began her minReligious congregation and that istry at Mount Alvernia Hospishe would be better suited to tal and currently works with the others. clinical pastoral care team as a The IJ Sisters’ charism is fo- counsellor, providing patients, cused on the Incarnation of Jesus families and staff with pastoral through “recognising the dignity and spiritual support. of persons” as well as forming a On the weekends, she spends person holistically and spiritu- her time with the RCIY commually, she said, adding that educa- nity at St Francis Xavier Church tion is just one part of and also provides adthis formation. nursing care and Better late hoc In 2009, she entered counselling to the poor. than never. the IJ convent as a posHer advice to those tulant at the age of 40.

You won’t thinking of answerHer main struggle ing the call to a late know if you vocation: “Better late initially was learning to adapt to her new situathan never. You won’t don’t try. tion. know if you don’t – Infant Jesus Sr “No longer was I try.” A vocation is Elizabeth Moey making decisions and not based on chronoon late vocations initially I had a lot of logical time but God’s questions,” she said. time, she said.

What helped her was the During the April 22 Mass amount of dialogue that she had when she made her final vows, with her mentors.

Fr Brian D’Souza, in his homily, “It wasn’t a top-down ap- told the crowd that “it is a blessproach where you just follow ing today that Sr Elizabeth is givinstructions, so that definitely ing her life for God.” benefitted me and it also helped He reminded them also of the me shift the way I handled situa- dwindling number of Religious tions,” she said. vocations in Singapore and urged In 2011, she made her first the young people not to be afraid profession. to think and pray about the ReliAs part of her formation, Sr gious life. n Elizabeth travelled to the Himalayas for a psychospiritual course jared.ng@catholic.org.sg

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BUILDINGTHE THE CHURCH CHURCH OF OFTOMORROW TOMORROW 3 BUILDING

May 13, 2018 CatholicNews Sunday November 27,n2016 n CatholicNews

gift of gratitude The GIFT campaign has been reaching out to the Catholic community to gather support for the growth of the archdiocese. In this article, we learn about a senior couple who have generously given in gratitude to ensure our priests are looked after in their old age.

Dr Paul Chan, 72, and Dr Irene Lim, 71, both born just after World War II, grew up in a tough post war era.

Having spent their childhood in such circumstances, both Paul and Irene learned about the value of resiliency and perseverance at a very young age. Spurred on by the conditions of that time, they both dedicated their lives to medicine and to helping others.

god’s guiding hand Despite the various trials and challenges they have had to face, both doctors have constantly felt the invisible, loving hand of God in their lives.

Paul clarified, “We are very blessed to be Catholic.

No matter what happened, He was always there for us. We could always feel His support, His love, and His guidance, especially through our interactions with priests and our parish community. And that gave us the spiritual strength we needed for the challenges in our journey.”

In 1976, the husband and wife team opened a small general practice (GP) clinic in Hougang, and are still treating patients there today.

Paul said, “At our age, we find work can be really demanding on us.

He has given us the gift to become doctors, and we are thankful for the

opportunity to serve. In His goodness, God has blessed us with grandchildren to bring us joy. We have an amazing and supportive family that enables us to continue helping others.”

Amongst those who have sought their medical advice and treatments have been priests and seminarians.

These patients have been of particular significance to the couple as it has been their joy to give back, in a small way, to the shepherds who have given their lives to God and the Church.

very special priests Paul continued, “We have also been blessed to encounter and befriend many wonderful priests, who have administered the sacraments to us, and been there for us in times of joy, and in times of sorrow.”

Paul and Irene said that among the priests who have inspired them, and who have touched their lives in a very special way with their priestly wisdom, compassion, and loving actions are the late Reverend Frs Carlo Ly, Alfred Chan, Lawrence Yeo, and Hippolyte Berthold.

Fr Berthold in particular,

Dr Paul Chan and Dr Irene Lim with their grandchildren.

Photo: Dr Paul Chan

holds a very special place in their hearts. He presented Paul’s grandfather with a pair of live geese during World War II – which proved invaluable to ensuring that the family had nourishment in the remaining year of the war.

In later years, Fr Berthold gave Paul and Irene a cocker spaniel that became an integral part of their growing family, and was symbolic of the love shown by their favourite priest.

Irene explained, “The last time Paul and I saw Fr Berthold was when we visited him in St Theresa’s Home.

He was retired and getting along in years. His basic daily needs were taken care of, but we truly believe that priests

we truly believe that priests deserve so much more for everything they do for us.

Bethany East

As doctors, Paul and Irene are very concerned about the physical and mental well-being of our elderly priests, and have contributed to the Bethany East Fund under the GIFT campaign.

When completed, Bethany East will provide priests with a much needed place of rest, designed

to be elderly friendly. Among its features are a lift and en-suite bathrooms for the priests’ bedrooms. It can accommodate about eight priests and is located along Changi Road, a short walk from the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, where priests can continue to play an active role in the community.

deserve so much more for everything they do for us.”

answering the call As a gesture of gratitude to priests, Paul and Irene decided to make a contribution of more than $300,000 to the Bethany East Fund under the GIFT campaign. A small portion of the donation came from the estate of Paul’s late brother, Chan Swee Huat.

Paul said, “This is a cause which is very close to our hearts. When we heard about the opportunity to contribute specifically to Bethany East, we knew we had to do our part.”

He continued, “We live a simple life, so we do not usually spend much. Our children are able to care for themselves. We want to do our share and we urge others to also do what they can. After all, when we die, we can’t take our material goods with us.”

Our archdiocese envisions a more vibrant, missionary and evangelistic Church. As the fundraising arm of the Archdiocese of Singapore, the Catholic Foundation has launched the Giving in Faith & Thankfulness (GIFT) campaign to urge every Catholic to participate in making the vision of the archdiocese a reality.

Gift Now

gift.catholicfoundation.sg

Correction In a previous article, “Fundraising for God’s Work”

by Msgr Philip Heng, SJ, and its accompanying diagram in this column, it was stated that the Daughters of St Paul conduct fundraising to support their ministry through the sale of books and media. The Daughters of St Paul clarified that they have only started fundraising in mid-2014 for their building fund in aid of their new convent. The sale of books and media is part of their ministry of evangelizing with the media, which is not supported by any fundraising activity.

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Promoting hope through the arts and testimonies The message of Christian hope was expressed through visual arts, the spoken word, dance and testimonies during an event organised by the Office for the New Evangelisation (ONE).

Held on April 21 at the annex building of Cathedral of the Good Shepherd, the aim of the event, titled Hope in the City, was for Catholics to invite their non-Catholic and Catholic family and friends so that they may desire to know more about Jesus Christ.

“Hope is important because life is uncertain,” seminarian Nicholas Lye said in his sharing to about 80 audience members.

He recounted some of the struggles in his life and how he relied on Christian hope to overcome them. Br Nicholas then spoke about how Christian hope is a gift from God that allows Catholics to desire eternal life by relying on Jesus Christ.

The audience then listened intently to poet Marc Nair as he performed two poems – The

25 April 2018

APPOINTMENTS 1. Fr Joseph Kace has been appointed Chaplain to the Myanmar Catholic Community and as Assistant Priest at the Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary for a term of two [2] years with effect from 1 February 2018.

2. Ms Gan Siok Loon has been appointed a board member of Abilities Beyond Limitations & Expectations Ltd (ABLE) for a term of two [2] years with effect from 1 April 2018.

3. Fr Kenson Koh has been appointed a member of the College of Consultors in accordance with can. 502 for a term of five [5] years with effect from 19 April 2018.

4. The following have been renewed in their appointment to the Board of Trustees of the Migrants Fund of the Archdiocesan Commission for Migrants and Itinerants (ACMI) for a term of two [2] years with effect from 19 April 2018:

Flood (a poetic reflection on Noah and The Flood), and Nails (which linked Jesus’ work as a carpenter to His work of redemption on the cross).

Br Nicholas and his team of dancers concluded the first segment of the programme with a “prayerformance” dance to the song, What Faith Can Do by Kutless, a US Christian rock band.

Another segment of the event saw Susan (not her real name) sharing her story of hope. She recounted painful memories of living with her abusive exhusband and shared how she and her children managed to seek refuge in a shelter run by Religious Sisters, and how she began to grow in her faith.

Today Susan and her children live in their own flat and have good relationships with one another.

“Our God is a faithful God. He has helped me and He can help you too. We are all God’s treasure,” she said.

Br Nicholas Lye (front dancer in white) and a team of dancers putting on a ‘prayerformance’ during the Hope in the City event.

Audience members were able to take home pieces of artwork based on Scripture and conveying the message of hope.

Poet Marc Nair shared two poems titled The Flood and Nails during the event.

Mr Michael Roberts, 64, gave a testimony on how he found hope in Christ when he was battling

with five different cancers and a stroke since 2010.

Having gone through major operations, radiation, chemotherapy, and depression, Mr Roberts shared that it was prayer, especially praying for others, that got him through the ordeal. He also wrote a book ti-

tled Grown Men Don’t Cry to help others going through similar struggles.

At the end of the event, audience members were able to take home pieces of artwork based on Scripture and conveying the message of hope.

Speaking after the event, participant Charlene Tan, 37, said she “loved how different mediums, especially the personal stories, were used to communicate the message of Christian hope.”

ONE aims to inspire, equip and support Catholics to be agents of the New Evangelisation through their personal witness, community life and the explicit proclamation of the Good News. n Submitted by: OFFICE FOR THE NEW EVANGELISATION

CHANCERY NOTICE a. Mr Mark Goh – Chairman b. Sr Mariana D’Costa FMDM – Treasurer c. Mr Jack Chew – Secretary d.

Deacon Clement Chen – Trustee e. Sr Maria Lau – Trustee

8. Fr Romeo Yu Chang CICM has been reappointed Spiritual Director and Shareholder for Abilities Beyond Limitations and Expectations Ltd (ABLE) for a term of three [3] years with effect from 19 April 2018.

5. The following have been reappointed to the Board of Family Life Society (FLS) for a term of two [2] years with effect from 19 April 2018: a. Mr John Ooi b. Mr Kevin Kwek c. Ms Alison Snodgrass d. Ms Stephanie Yap

9. Fr Colin Tan SJ has been reappointed a Shareholder for Abilities Beyond Limitations and Expectations Ltd (ABLE) for a term of three [3] years with effect from 19 April 2018.

6. The following have been appointed to the Archdiocesan Council for Interreligious Dialogue (ACCIRD) for a term of two [2] years with effect from 19 April 2018: a. Fr Avelino Marin, Opus Dei b. Fr Kamelus Kamus CICM 7. Sr Maria Lau IJ has been appointed a member of the Board of Caritas Humanitarian Aid & Relief Initiatives Singapore (CHARIS) for a term of two [2] years with effect from 19 April 2018.

10.

Fr John Bosco Pereira has been appointed to head the Archdiocesan Office for Human Resource for a term of two [2] years with effect from 19 April 2018.

11. Fr Edward Seah has been reappointed Spiritual Director of Queen of Charity Serangoon Curia for a term of two [2] years with effect from 19 April 2018.

12. The following have been reappointed members of the College of Consultors in accordance with can. 502 for a term of five [5] years with effect from 20 May 2018 (Pentecost Sunday):

a. Mgr Ambrose Vaz b. Mgr Philip Heng SJ c. Fr John Bosco Pereira d. Fr John Paul Tan OFM e. Fr Terence Pereira f. Deacon Clement Chen OTHER MATTERS Catholic News Beginning 1 July 2018, Catholic News will come under the umbrella of the Archbishop’s Communications Office.

The Archbishop of Singapore remains the owner and publisher of the Catholic newspaper. This new arrangement will bring together the different mass media platforms for greater synergy and effectiveness in the communications of the Archdiocese.

Mr Andre Ahchak who is the Director of Communications will

CHN/CN/2018/006

be the manager of the paper. Mr Sunny Wee will be the Editor in Chief of the Catholic News.

Office for Young People Fr Brian D’Souza, while resident at the Church of St Francis Xavier, will be a full-time chaplain with the Office for Young People (OYP).

Fr Jude David will continue as a chaplain at the OYP during his further studies and will return to the Archdiocese during his vacations to continue to exercise his pastoral ministry through the OYP. Malayalam Pastoral Care Fr Antony Kuttianickal CMI, currently residing at St Michael’s Church, is Chaplain to the Malayalam Speaking Community which comprises both the Latin and Eastern Rites. n

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

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Canossian school holds inaugural night festival

CITY Cathedral of the Good Shepherd May 9: 6.30pm May 10: Noon, 1.15pm & 7.30pm St Joseph’s Church (Victoria Street) Under renovation/restoration Church of Sts Peter & Paul May 9: 5.30pm May 10: 7.20am, 12.15 (M*) & 6pm Church of Our Lady of Lourdes May 9: 6.30pm & 8pm (T*) May 10: 12.30pm & 6.30pm Church of the Sacred Heart May 9: 7pm May 10: 7am, noon & 7pm

Various dance performances took place around the school compound during the St Anthony’s Canossian Secondary School Night Festival.

More than a thousand visitors to St Anthony’s Canossian Secondary School (SACSS) were treated to drama, dance and music performances during the school’s inaugural Night Festival held on April 13.

Themed “Let the Light Shine”, in conjunction with the school’s theme of Hope Alive 2018, the festival was an inclusive event of joy, hope, connection and celebration as the school brought the Canossian family including parents, alumni, Canossian Sisters and partners together to celebrate the artistic talents of fellow Canossians.

The song, “Let My Little Light Shine”, performed by the Canossian Sisters and alumni at the school chapel served to accentuate the message to bring light to all.

To break away from the usual indoor-staged concerts, unconventional venues around the school were used in creative ways to entertain visitors. For example, the Indian dancers made use of the stairways leading down to the foyer for their dance performance.

The school buildings and gardens were also illuminated with

Church of St Teresa May 9: 8pm May 10: 12.30pm & 8pm Church of St Alphonsus (Novena Church) May 9: 7pm May 10: 6.30am, 12.15pm & 7pm

Church of St Vincent De Paul May 9: 8pm May 10: 7am, 6pm & 8pm Church of the Transfiguration May 9: 8pm May 10: 6.30am & 8pm

WEST Church of St Ignatius May 9: 6pm May 10: 7am, 6pm & 8pm Blessed Sacrament Church May 9: 7.30pm May 10: 7am, 8.30am, 6pm & 7.30pm

Church of St Michael May 9: 8pm May 10: 6.30am & 8pm

Church of St Francis of Assisi May 9: 7pm May 10: 6.30am, 7pm (M*) & 8.15pm

Church of Our Lady Queen of Peace May 9: 6.30pm May 10: 6.30am, 7pm & 8.15pm (M*)

a number of CCA groups including the Chinese Cultural Society and Badminton CCA, sold crafts to raise funds for St Magdalene’s fund for needy students. The Drama Club collaborated with three CCA Groups, namely the Girl Guides, the Library and the St Magdalene’s Club to make handwoven necklaces using upcycled yarns.

Catering to a multi-generational and multi-interest festival goers, there were also carnival games, badminton and a flea market. Another unique highlight was the silent disco, taking participants into a surreal experience.

Schweigner Lais Raquel, president of the school’s Drama Club, said, “Seeing my CCA mates perform their devised pieces filled my heart with pride and accomplishment, as our hard work and determination paid off.”

Johann Rala, a St Patrick’s School student, said, “This unusual concept of a night festival ... brought about an enlivened and energised atmosphere. There wasn’t a dull moment for my family, with various activities at different times and venues.” n

St Anne’s Church May 9: 8pm May 10: 6.30am, 6.15pm & 8pm

Church of St Mary of the Angels May 9: 7pm May 10: 6.55am, 12.15pm , 6pm & 8pm

Church of the Holy Family May 9: 7.30pm May 10: 6.15am, 1pm & 7.30pm

bright lights and colourful installation artwork.

Students were empowered to take ownership of their own learning and creative endeavours by proposing how they would like to be involved. A professional lighting designer also worked with them to design the architectural lighting to transform the school into a multi-sensory light installation.

Non-performing arts students,

Church of St Francis Xavier May 9: 8pm May 10: 6.30am, 6.30pm & 8.30pm

Church of St Bernadette May 9: 7pm May 10: 6.30am & 7pm

EAST

A music performance by students featuring instruments such as the angklung.

Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary May 9: 8pm May 10: 6.15am, 6.15pm & 8pm

Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour May 9: 8pm May 10: 6.30am, 12.30pm, 6pm & 8pm Church of St Stephen May 9: 8pm May 10: 6.30am & 8pm Church of the Holy Trinity May 9: 8pm May 10: 6.30am, 6pm & 8pm Church of Divine Mercy May 9: 7pm May 10: 6.30am, 1pm , 6.30pm & 8pm

NORTH St Joseph Church (Bukit Timah) May 9: 8pm May 10: 6.30am, 6pm & 8pm Church of St Anthony May 9: 8pm May 10: 6.30am & 8pm Church of Our Lady Star of the Sea May 9: 6.30pm May 10: 6.45am, 12.15pm , 6.30pm & 8pm Church of the Holy Spirit May 9: 7.30pm May 10: 6.30am, 6pm & 7.30pm Church of the Risen Christ May 9: 7pm May 10: 6.30am, 6pm & 8pm Church of Christ the King May 9: 7pm May 10: 6.30am, 1pm, 6.15pm & 8pm

SERANGOON Church of the Nativity of the BVM May 9: 7pm & 8.30pm (M*) May 10: 6.30am, 7pm & 8.30pm

Church of the Holy Cross May 9: 6.15pm & 8pm (M*) May 10: 6.15am, 12.15pm, 6.15pm & 8pm

CATHOLIC PRAYER SOCIETY All Masses below are on Thursday, May 10, 2018 CPS Orchard Venue: Grand Hyatt Hotel, 10 Scotts Road, S228211. (Refer to event board for room venue). Nearest MRT: Orchard Time: 12.30pm & 1.20pm Contact: 9754-3672 / 9794-0963 CPS Outram Venue: SGH Campus, Medical Alumni Association, 2 College Road, S169850.

Level 2 Auditorium. Time: 12.15pm Contact: 9823-3971 / 9878-2833 CPS Shenton Venue: Singapore Conference Hall, 7 Shenton Way, Level 1 Exhibition Hall, S068810.

Time: 12.20pm & 1.20pm Contact: 9046-3061 / 9090-6032 CPS Suntec Venue: Suntec Convention Centre, 1 Raffles Boulevard, Level 6, Room 606A&B. Time: 12.15pm & 1.15pm Contact: 6408-7891 / 9366-5573 CPS Raffles Venue: TPI Building, 62 Cecil Street, #06-00, S049710 (Corner of Cecil St & Cross St).

Time: 11.15am, 12.15pm & 1.15pm Contact: 9827-0815 / 9380-0202 CPS Changi Venue: UE Convention Centre, 4 Changi Business Park Ave 1, Level 1, S486016 (opposite FairPrice). Auditorium (see signage). Time: TBC. Contact: 9826-2246 / 8180-7089 Visit http://cps.org.sg/centres/Ascension. php for latest CPS updates.

SCIENCE PARK Oasis, 87 Science Park Drive (Ayer Rajah), S118620. Time: 1230pm Note: M*: Mandarin; T*: Tamil Please check with parishes for updates.

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Vincentians hold special outreach for beneficiaries Besides English and Mandarin, event also held in various dialects The Society of St Vincent de Paul 5212, which was not a 4D sugges(SSVP) Singapore held its first tion, but a reminder of how Jesus evangelical outreach rally to its fed thousands with five loaves and beneficiaries from various par- two fishes and with 12 baskets full ishes in the archdiocese. of leftovers.

The April 21 event, held at After praise and worship by St Joseph’s Institution, was a de- a Teochew choir and the Burnparture from the society’s usual ing Bush choir in English and practice of gathering annually to Mandarin, the congregation heard celebrate Mass. testimonies from three FINs who Titled “Jesus Loves You”, the shared how they came to know of rally saw 551 Friends-in-Need God’s love through the SSVP. (FINs) attending, together with One of them, Mr Peter Lee, 267 SSVP members. became a FIN in 2010, and was Archbishop William Goh and baptised in 2013, around his 80th Fr Henry Siew were birthday. Although also present. he was suffering One FIN, who Because 80 perfrom stage four canwas suffering cent of the FINs cer, he was optimispresent comprised tic and happy, and from stage four non-English speaksaid that his bigcancer, said ing elderly, the gest blessing in life emcees joked with was to have known that his biggest them in Hokkien, God, because God blessing in life Teochew and Canis love, and Jesus is tonese, and sang his greatest friend. was to have evergreen songs.

The rally also known God. Golden hits had a paraliturgy such as Teresa segment with readTeng’s “The Moon Represents ings taken from 1 John 4:7-12 and My Heart” and folk tunes such John 3:16-20. as “Burong Kakak Tua” were In his sermon, Archbishop met with enthusiastic singing and Goh shared that love was the most hearty applause. important thing in the world beA skit in Hokkien led by Mr cause life had no meaning without Andrew Goh, who teaches the it, regardless of how much possesCatholic faith to elderly in various sions one had. He also reminded dialects, followed. the people that human love was fiIt gave the FINs a brief under- nite and conditional, and that peostanding of the Catholic faith, and ple can only love unconditionally also sought to allay their anxieties because they have received God’s about joining the faith through an unconditional love. informative question-and-answer It is this love manifested through format. the Church that has enabled CathoMr Goh also joked with the FINs about the special number

More than 500 of the Society of St Vincent de Paul beneficiaries attended the rally held at St Joseph’s Institution on April 21.

Archbishop William Goh said that love is the most important thing in the world.

lics to become who they are, he said.

And today, it is manifested through the work of the SSVP, he said.

Fr Henry Siew, who delivered his sermon in Mandarin, said that the poor and uneducated feel deep insecurity, apprehension and even humiliation because of how society perceives and judges them. But he reassured the crowd that this is not how it is with God, because God loves everyone completely and unconditionally, regardless of who they are.

He added that if anyone wishes to visit a Church, they would always be welcomed and would never be turned away.

The Teochew choir leading praise and worship during the event.

Alice, a FIN, shared that she enjoyed the rally as it was an opportunity for the elderly FINs to learn about God. As a Pentecostal, she said, “I thought Catholics prayed to Mary, and that

we prayed to Jesus.” But she realised that she had “wrongly interpreted” this, and came away with a much better understanding of the Catholic faith. n

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Why and how does the truth set us free?

A spiritual reflection on the pope’s message for World Communications Day 2018 CNS file photo

By Estella Young, OP

When we are addicted to the emotional highs of sensationalised and falsified news, we can no longer appreciate the truth, goodness and beauty of the real world that God created.

The Holy Father’s decision to tackle “fake news” for this year’s World Communications Day (WCD) on May 13 comes at a time when governments worldwide are grappling with the abuse of social media for political gain and to inflame racial and religious sentiments.

The Catholic Church is no exception, with its members vulnerable to distorted reporting about the Church, her members, and her teachings.

Why World Communications Day? Realising that technological advances had fundamentally changed the way people communicate and access information, Vatican II called for an annual celebration to remind Catholics to use social communications for the salvation of souls. It is celebrated the Sunday before Pentecost, the feast marking the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles and the start of their ministry to all mankind.

Fifty-two years after the first WCD, the evil fruits have grown more poisonous: the deliberate spreading of lies; the slanting of news to provoke strong emotions; and the withdrawal of people into comfortable “echo chambers” where they hear only what pleases them.

People fall prey to falsehoods,

sensationalism and conspiracy theories because they lack the skills to sift fact from fiction, to identify media bias, and to find authoritative sources.

The insidious power of “fake news” Although some of these “evil fruit” seem uniquely modern, Pope Francis traces their roots to the Garden of Eden. The serpent, he writes, created the first “fake news” by disguising evil as good, provoking the Fall and the tragic inheritance of human sin.

The serpent appealed to Adam and Eve’s greed for knowledge and power, and he appeals to us in the same way today.

Our greed for social influence encourages us to share false-

hoods which excite our emotions, regardless of whether they are good or true. Our greed for fame provokes us to bend the truth and lower our moral standards to create more attractive social media posts, because all we care about is how many people “like” and “share” them.

We end up enslaved to superficial and self-centred relationships; to insecurity and low self-esteem; to an obsession with external appearances; and – worst of all – to the drowning out of that interior silence where we communicate with our God. As Pope Francis puts it: “Constant contamination by deceptive language can end up darkening our interior life.” When we are addicted to the emotional highs of sensationalised and falsified news, we can no longer ap-

preciate the truth, goodness and beauty of the real world that God created.

Why truth matters All human societies need truth so that people can find a common basis for interaction. But for Christians, truth goes far deeper: God tells us that He is the God of Truth (Is 65:16).

Jesus says that He is the Truth (Jn 14:6), and that He has come to testify to the Truth (Jn 18:37).

The Holy Spirit, which descends at Pentecost, is the Spirit of Truth (Jn 16:13). Each Person of the Holy Trinity embodies Truth itself.

• • •

Clearly, truth is more than just accuracy. Truth characterises our very relationship with

God. Pope Francis writes that the Bible uses the word “truth” to denote trustworthiness: “Truth is something you can lean on, so as not to fall … The only truly reliable and trustworthy One – the One on whom we can count – is the living God … We discover and rediscover the truth when we experience it within ourselves in the loyalty and trustworthiness of the One who loves us. This alone can liberate us: ‘The truth will set you free.’”

And since truth characterises our relationship with God, it also characterises our relationship with each other. We communicate to build human community.

Pope Francis writes that “We can recognise the truth of statements from their fruits: whether they provoke quarrels, foment division, encourage resignation; or, on the other hand, they promote informed and mature reflection leading to constructive dialogue and fruitful results.” A factually correct statement becomes untruth when it is used to hurt another person or obscure the voice of God. He does not mean that Catholics should avoid discussing painful or controversial issues. But we are called to do so in a way which is informed by the theological virtues of faith, hope and charity. Only then do we build a communion of peace in our world.

Only then do we become Christ to others. n Estella Young is a lay member of the Dominican Order in Singapore.

Catholic journalists, communication and media professionals are invited to attend the WCD Mass held on Sunday, May 13, 10.30 am, at the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd. The rosary will be recited at 9.45 am for the intentions of WCD. To learn more about how you can be a defender for truth, visit www.fakenews.catholic.sg n Page 17: Pope’s World Communications Day message

Sunday May 13, 2018 n CatholicNews

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10 OUR SCHOOLS

Sunday May 13, 2018 n CatholicNews

Alumni fund aids needy students

By Joyce Gan

funds to give out a “Good Progress Award” for needy students as well.

This is done to provide some form of academic motivation for students who struggle with their studies because of difficult life circumstances.

Some come from single-parent families while others come from families where both parents need to work long hours to make ends meet. Some boys also have medical problems or have parents with illness.

Twelve years ago at one of their monthly meet-ups, some old boys from the former St Michael’s School decided they wanted to help the school’s needy as they were in a position to do so.

They got more of their old schoolmates together, organised a dinner and fundraised for the first contributions to the St Michael’s School (SMS) Alumni Fund.

The fund was officially set up in Annual ‘hong bao’ 2007 when the school changed its name from St Michael’s School to On Feb 8, the alumni fund commitSt Joseph’s Institution Junior (SJIJ). tee held its annual SJI Junior Hong Since then, these old boys have been Bao Presentation at SJI Junior. This is contributing to help the school’s a yearly event where needy students needy students as well as supporting and their families come to receive a other areas of the school such as the The St Michael’s School (SMS) Alumni Fund Committee includes Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean, special hong bao presented by Deputy sports hall and the stained glass at the himself an old boy of the school. The school has been renamed St Joseph’s Institution Junior.

Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean, himschool hall. self an old boy of the school as well as This is on top of what the Ministry of a founding member of the committee.

To date, the SMS Alumni Fund has as- from the fund, said that it is a boon for lowsisted more than 500 students. er-income families. “It really helps the chil- Education (MOE) is offering to families in During the event, principal Timothy crisis, and especially for boys who may not Goh noted that “community has always Ms Nora, a mother of six, says she is dren to continue at school,” she said. qualify for the MOE Financial Assistance been one of those things which sets our grateful for the financial aid since her eldest Scheme. son was transferred to SJIJ in Primary Four.

Aiding students school apart.”

The alumni fund helps provide support “At that time, I was not working and my Mr Joseph Bong, another founding husband had just got retrenched. That was Forty-five students from 40 families are for after-school care, additional transport member of the alumni fund, said, “We hope the time when, yes, we felt like giving up,” currently being aided by the SMS Alum- when boys stay behind for CCAs, meals that this can help to encourage other schools she shared. ni Fund Committee. Every year, about required to be taken in school outside of to set up similar support for their students.”

“At least now I can give the kids a bit of $12,000-15,000 are given to these families; recess time, and other miscellaneous costs Effective Feb 9 this year, a new commitpocket money to bring to school every day.” the sum fluctuates depending on the num- incurred by the boys while at school. tee comprising younger ex-Michaelians has This year, the school is utilising these been formed to oversee the fund. n Ms Christine, whose son also benefited ber of families in need each year.

ASIA 11

Sunday May 13, 2018 n CatholicNews

Myanmar churches offer refuge amid army offensive MANDALAY, MYANMAR – Hun-

dreds of civilians have fled their homes and are seeking refuge in churches in Myanmar’s conflicttorn Kachin State amid the military’s offensive against Kachin rebels.

More than 900 civilians from Kasung and Zup Mai villages are taking refuge in two Catholic churches and a Baptist church in Namti town after church groups rescued them on April 22.

Fr Peter Hka Awng Tu, parish priest of St. Columban’s Cathedral, said people from Zup Mai had to walk for three days after fleeing their homes on April 20.

The priest said clothes donated by parishioners and food were given to the displaced people on April 23.

He said they rescued fleeing civilians, including women, children and the elderly, after he had a meeting with the military’s northern commander, who gave the green light.

“At present, people can’t go back to their villages as it is not safe for them because more fighting could erupt. Church groups will continue providing humanitarian assistance,” Fr Awng Tu told ucanews.com.

On April 20, Myanmar’s military launched an offensive against the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) by using airstrikes near Kasung village that led to hundreds of people fleeing their homes.

More than 1,000 civilians

More than 900 civilians from Kasung and Zup Mai villages are taking refuge in two Catholic churches and a Baptist church in Kachin State.

Ethnic Kachin refugees are seen at a camp in Myitkyina in Kachin State in this 2015 file photo. An outbreak of fighting between the military and rebels since 2011 has led to thousands of people being displaced. CNS file photo.

from Kasung, which is about 25 km from Namti town, fled their homes in August 2017 following clashes between the military and the KIA. Namti town is about 26 km from Myitkyina, the capital city of Kachin State.

More than 2,000 people remain trapped in a jungle since heavy fighting between Myanmar’s military and the KIA erupted near Awng Lawt and nearby villages on April 11.

About 200 Catholics remain stranded after attending a jubilee celebration on April 8-9 in Tanai, a gold and amber mining region, and cannot return to their village, according to Fr Awng Tu. He said Bishop Francis Daw

Tang of Myitkyina had a meeting with Major-General Nyi Nyi Swe, the military’s northern commander, on April 18 to discuss the trapped civilians, humanitarian assistance, ongoing fighting and the peace process.

Rev Hkalam Samson, president of the Kachin Baptist Convention, said the church and local donors are providing temporary shelter, food and non-food items to newly displaced people.

“While we are very concerned for the safety of civilians trapped in a jungle with a lack of food and no access to aid groups, more fighting erupted that led more people to become displaced,” he told ucanews.com.

The Baptist leader said the Catholic and Baptist churches are planning a new resettlement programme for those who have twice fled their villages and those unable to return to their homes.

About 3,000 people have been recently displaced in Kachin State, according to a United Nations report on April 23.

Kachin State is 90 percent Christian and has been beset by sporadic fighting for several decades. More than 100,000 people remain displaced in Kachin and Shan states since fighting restarted on June 9, 2011.

Myanmar’s military has stepped up its offensive in Kachin since early December by launching attacks against the KIA using heavy artillery, helicopters and jet fighters.

The government has pledged to bring an end to the decades-long conflict but renewed clashes have undermined peace initiatives. The fighting has also raised questions about how much influence State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi has over the military. n CNS

Chinese Catholics warned to follow rules on religion HONG KONG – Catholics in China’s Henan province have been warned that venues will be closed if they do not observe revised regulations on religious affairs.

Asian Church news agency ucanews.com reported that a clampdown on religious freedom has intensified in the province in recent months, with crosses removed from churches, minors banned from entering churches, church-run kindergartens closed and children expelled from Mass.

Now Henan Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association and Henan Catholic Administration Commission have jointly issued a circular, warning worshippers to take the new rules seriously.

It warned people to follow “the principle of religion and education separation” and the revised regulations on religious affairs. It said no religious venue should hold training sessions and no child should be brought to church by parents.

“It was only propaganda and education previously, but now there is a red line, a high-pressure line, so take it seriously,” the circular said.

It warned that if anyone did not follow the rules, authorities would pursue the person responsible and close the venue.

A Catholic who asked to be unnamed told ucanews.com that officials of the Religious Affairs Bureau of Huiji district went to North Church of Zhengzhou Diocese on April 1 and

People pray during morning Mass in a church in China.

ordered all minors to leave the Easter Mass. He said local officials had previously blocked minors at church entrances in Henan’s Shangqiu and Anyang dioceses.

“We do not know what will happen next,” he said.

Two primary schools in Henan have written an open letter to all students and parents warning them that minors were not allowed to enter religious venues, according to Article 36 of the constitution, the Education Act, Minors Protection Law and the revised regulations on religious affairs.

It stated that China had adopted the principle of separating education and religion, so religions must not intervene in national and public education.

“It is an offence for any organisations or individual to guide, support, permit and condone minors to believe in religions or participate in religious activities,” the letter said.

It said that minors were at a critical stage of physical and mental development and had no independent thinking, so parents had an obligation to nurture children in accordance with national laws and social requirements.

Parents were asked to sign the letter and write down their children’s names and classes.

Another circular widespread on the Internet states that citizens have religious freedom but schools are places for education. “For the state to foster students to build up socialist society”, no organisation is allowed to use propaganda and engage in any religious activities, it said.

It emphasised that citizens should engage in religious activities approved by the government outside schools, but students could not take their schoolmates and friends to participate in such activities.

Class teachers were asked to explain items on the circular, and students were told to write down their names, teachers’ names and the place and time that they heard the explanation.

One priest told ucanews.com that the measures on minors and crosses in Henan were pilot projects conducted by national institutions. “If those measures are successful in Henan, they could be implemented in other provinces,” he said. n CNS

Young Filipinos learn about social media, evangelisation TACLOBAN, PHILIPPINES – An archdiocese in the central Philippines is encouraging young people to use social media responsibly.

In its “Digital in 2018” report of Internet and social media usage, Canada-based social media company Hootsuite noted that Filipinos spend an average of nine hours and 29 minutes online daily.

Fr Chris Arthur Militante, spokesman of Palo archdiocese, said young people have to acquaint themselves with being “responsible media users”.

“The are fully adept at using these tools,” the priest noted, adding that the power of youth who know how to use social media responsibly “is a strong force that will benefit society”.

A summer youth camp was held recently in the archdiocese to convince young people to utilise social media for evangelisation.

Fr Militante said the Church sees the need to use technology “in propagating Catholic teachings”.

“We need more guidance,” said Jhonel Cobacha, a 17-yearold who admitted that he spends most of his time on social media.

He said that people his age are drawn to pornographic and illegal sites because of curiosity. “Many are not aware of the consequences of their actions,” he said.

Mr Gregorio Angelo Villar, deputy director-general of the Philippine Information Agency, said 67 million Filipinos out of the country’s 105.7 million population are active social media users. “[Social media] has become both a gift and a curse,” said the official, adding that there was a growing number of Filipino children falling victim to the online sex trade.

He said that with the growing access to technology among Filipinos, “the main problem that we have is how to use it”.

“More people are exploited because of ignorance,” he said. n UCANEWS.COM

12 ASIA

Sunday May 13, 2018 n CatholicNews

Pakistani Christians launch ‘white flag’ peace campaign LAHORE, PAKISTAN – Catholic

compensation for victims of tarand Protestant Church leaders geted killings in Quetta at another announced on April 19 that they news conference organised by the would raise white flags across Pa- National Commission for Inter-rekistan to show their rejection of ligious Dialogue and Ecumenism. what they claim is increasing reOn April 15, two Catholics ligious persecution at the hands of were gunned down in Quetta, the hard-line Islamists. provincial capital of Balochistan, “We request all the Christians within two weeks of a prior attack and civil society to hoist a white on clergymen. flag on their rooftops for one On March 26, a Catholic famonth. This campaign is a pledge to ther of four was allegedly beaten make Pakistan a hub to death by doctors of justice and secusecurity guards This campaign and rity,” said Reverend at a government is a pledge to Amjad Niamat, conhospital in Lahore. vener of the Pakistan Mr Sajid Masih, make Pakistan Christian Action also Christian, rea hub of justice mains hospitalised Committee (PCAC).

“We demand the after he jumped and security. government help our from the fourth floor – Reverend Amjad committee in this of the Punjab headNiamat, convener of regard and give a quarters of the Fedthe Pakistan Christian positive message to eral Investigation Action Committee the whole world,” he Agency in a suicide added while addressattempt on Feb 23 ing the media at Lahore press club. while being interrogated with his Dominican Fr James Channan, cousin. five pastors and several laypeople Reports say both the man and among the panellists also voiced his cousin were tortured. their support for the campaign at “We know some miscreants the conference. want to create panic in the country They urged the government with these attacks. But our nation and the Supreme Court of Paki- is against such attempts to weaken stan to take note of recent cases of it,” said Mr Khalid Gill, chairman persecution against Christians. of the Minority Inqalabi Tehreek Meanwhile, a group of three (Revolution Movement) Pakistan. priests and two clerics demanded n UCANEWS.COM

‘

’

Christian, Muslim youth hold dialogue in war-torn Marawi MARAWI CITY, MINDANAO, PHILIPPINES – For the first time since

the conflict in the southern Philippine city of Marawi in 2017, a group of Christians and Muslims gathered for a three-day inter-religious dialogue in the city from April 13-15 to help foster peace.

About 30 students joined the activity spearheaded by the Catholic social action secretariat of the prelature to “share life and faith experiences” and “find solid grounds of unity towards peace.”

Mr Reynaldo Barnido, executive secretary of Duyog Marawi, said the activity aimed to “plant seeds of peace and harmony among Filipinos of different faiths.”

Duyog Marawi (One with Marawi) is a rehabilitation programme of the Catholic prelature and the Redemptorist Religious congregation in the war-torn city.

“We focus on our young Muslims and Christians because they are future leaders,” said Mr Barnido.

Thousands of Marawi residents continue to stay in temporary shelters after the conflict last year destroyed most of the structures in the city.

It started in May when Islamic State-inspired gunmen attacked Marawi and left more than 1,000 people dead and dis-

Residents who returned from evacuation centres walk past a bullet-ridden house believed to have been used by pro-Islamic State militant group leaders in Marawi, Philippines. CNS photo

placed about 400,000 others.

Mr Barnido told Asian Church news agency ucanews.com that while Catholic Church programmes provide aid services to the victims of conflict, “it is our main objective to perform a long-term Church-based response, which is peace-building.”

Christian and Muslim religious leaders have expressed optimism that organising such events among young people will help build peace in the city.

Marawi Sultan Abdul Hamid-

ullah Atar said the city can still move forward despite harbouring scars from the conflict “because we still have our young people.”

Archbishop Rolando Tria Tirona of Caceres, head of Caritas Philippines, said raising young people to be peace educators would curb the rise of violent extremism on the island.

“We should show young Filipinos that they are the key stakeholders of the future,” said the prelate. n UCANEWS.COM

WORLD 13

Sunday May 13, 2018 n CatholicNews

Caritas Syria criticises air strikes, struggles to aid displaced AMMAN, JORDAN – Caritas Syria has criticised the April 14 missile strikes by the US, Britain and France, intended to weaken Syria’s chemical weapons capability, even as it assists those affected by the civil war in the country.

“Those [strikes] won’t help.

It’s the opposite. They are opening the wounds of our hearts,” said Ms Sandra Awad, communications director for the Catholic aid agency, Caritas Syria.

Those “living in the areas close to the targeted points were very afraid”, Ms Awad told Catholic News Service by phone from Damascus on April 19.

Caritas Syria is the country’s branch of Caritas Internationalis, the Catholic Church’s international network of charitable agencies.

Ms Awad said Caritas is doing what it can to meet the huge needs of many suffering the violence in the country. It provides food and nonfood necessities to a large number displaced due to fighting.

“They lost everything, their properties, their houses. They are forced to rent tiny apartments in big cities, and the rent is very expensive,” she said, referring to rent in Damascus and Aleppo, where some reconstruction is beginning.

“We are helping families with destroyed houses in Aleppo to re-

turn to their homes and live there instead of paying high rents or staying in shelters,” she said.

Medical assistance is also provided in Damascus, Aleppo, Hasakeh, Homs and the Houran.

“Family medical expenses are very high. Sanctions prohibit materials needed to make medicines.

Most of the medical [or pharmaceutical] factories have been destroyed. All the good doctors left the country and emigrated. Half

Those [strikes] won’t ‘help.

It’s the opposite.

They are opening the wounds of our hearts.

’

– Ms Sandra Awad, Caritas Syria

of the health centres are also destroyed,” she said.

This means patients requiring medical treatment often wait very long to see an available physician and even months for surgery.

“Paying for medical expenses is very difficult for Syrian families, so charities must help pay for medical care, otherwise they wouldn’t get any medication, examinations, etc.,” she said.

Caritas is also providing psy-

Displaced people from Ghouta, Syria, take refuge in this shelter in Herjelleh. Caritas Syria is doing what it can to meet the needs of those suffering the violence in the country. CNS photo

chosocial support to children in Damascus and Aleppo most affected by the grinding conflict.

“They are very vulnerable.

The psychosocial team uses activities to make them more comfortable, express their feelings,

their fears, and to get relief from the trauma they have suffered,” she added.

Caritas also assists some 150 elderly in Aleppo and helps to pay for tuition, uniforms, and stationery used by Syrian university

and other students still in school.

“More and more elderly come to the Caritas centres for help because most of the young people left the country and their parents behind without any income or care,” she said. n CNS

Catholic group: Young Europeans Toronto cardinal calls for need political support to start families prayers after van kills 10 WARSAW, POLAND – Young people in Europe need political support to start families in countries with aging populations, a French Catholic campaigner said.

While “young people want to form lasting relationships and have children”, they “don’t feel safe” to start families, said Mr Antoine Renard, president of the Brusselsbased Federation of Catholic Family Associations in Europe.

“Unless something is done rapidly, Europe risks a total demographic collapse,” Mr Renard said in an April 19 interview with Catholic News Service after the federation called on European Union governments to “put the family at the centre of national policies”.

Young people are “often discouraged by inadequate and individualistic policies and cultures which are hostile to the family”, the federation said in an April 13 statement at the end of its spring meeting in Vienna.

The European Union had 1.58 live births per woman in 2015, according to official statistics. A total fertility rate of around 2.1 live births per woman is considered the replacement level in developed countries, Eurostat said on its website.

A family enjoying dinner together. A Catholic family organisation has urged European Union governments to ‘put the family at the centre of national policies’. CNS file photo

Member states of the European Union should “implement a policy that recognises the unique, fundamental and irreplaceable position of the family in society”, the federation said.

Ministers in European governments show “absolutely no reaction” when federation members raise demographic issues at meetings, Mr Renard said, adding that he had been assured that Europe’s problem of population decline would

be resolved through immigration.

“Of course we need immigration” but “unless we continue raising children and provide incentives for young people to have them, our own families will simply disappear”, he said.

The federation’s statement stressed that Europe’s “demographic winter” needs urgent action “for the well-being of aged people, for the rights of our youth,” and “for the future of our children”. n CNS

TORONTO – Toronto Cardinal Thomas Collins called for special prayers after a van jumped a curb and killed 10 people on Toronto’s busy Yonge St. Although officials said the April 23 incident did not appear to be terrorism, they said it did appear to be deliberate.

“I invite the Catholic community across the Archdiocese of Toronto to join me in offering our prayers for all those who were killed and injured in the violent incident earlier today,” the cardinal said in a statement. “I will be asking all 225 Catholic churches in the Archdiocese of Toronto to offer special prayer intentions this week for all those who have suffered. Let us all unite in our efforts to bring comfort and care to those who are hurting today.”

Authorities identified the driver as Alek Minassian, who was charged with 10 counts of first-degree murder. The Associated Press reported witnesses as saying Minassian appeared to intentionally jump a curb in the North York neighbourhood as people filled the sidewalks on a warm afternoon. He con-

A mourner visits a makeshift memorial a day after a van rammed into people along Toronto’s busy Yonge St. CNS photo

tinued for more than a kilometre, knocking out a fire hydrant and leaving bodies strewn in his wake.

Basilian Fr Thomas Rosica, CEO of the Toronto-based Salt and Light Catholic Media Foundation, tweeted: “Death toll of today’s horrific accident is now at 10 with many more in critical condition. Tonight we celebrated Mass for all who have died. Such senseless, horrible killing of many innocent people who were outside enjoying our first taste of spring. God bless Toronto tonight.” n CNS

14 POPE FRANCIS

Pray rosary for peace each day in May: pope VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis

prayed that the hopes for peace strengthened by the meeting of the leaders of North and South Korea will not be dashed, and he urged Catholics during the month of May to pray the rosary for peace.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in made a “courageous commitment” on April 27 to ongoing dialogue to achieve “a Korean peninsula free of nuclear weapons,” Pope Francis said on April 29 after leading some 30,000 people in praying the “Regina Coeli.”

“I pray to the Lord that the hopes for a future of peace and more brotherly friendship will not be dis-

appointed and that the collaboration may continue bringing good fruits for the beloved Korean people and the whole world,” the pope said.

Noting that May is a month the Catholic Church dedicates to Mary in a special way, Pope Francis told the crowd gathered in St Peter’s Square that he would begin the month with a visit to Rome’s Shrine of Divine Love and lead a recitation of the rosary there.

“We will recite the rosary praying particularly for peace in Syria and the whole world,” the pope said. “I invite you to spiritually join me ... for the whole month of May praying the rosary for peace.” n CNS

Sunday May 13, 2018 n CatholicNews

Clergy abuse survivors grateful after meeting with pontiff CNS photo

Mr James Hamilton (left) and Mr Juan Carlos Cruz (right) are seen on a terrace over St Peter’s Square on April 29.

VATICAN CITY – After private

South Korean President Moon Jae-in (right) and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attend a banquet inside the demilitarised zone separating the two Koreas on April 27. CNS photo

Listening is vital to communication, says pope VATICAN CITY – Catholic journalists and news organisations must realise that “only by shutting down the noise of the world and our own gossip will it be possible to listen, which remains the first condition of every communication,” said Pope Francis.

Speaking on May 1, the pope said that in today’s world where “the speed of information surpasses our capacity of reflection,” Church members are exposed “to the impact and influence of a culture of haste and superficiality” and risk reducing the Church’s mission to a “pastoral ministry of applause, to a dumbing down of thought and to a widespread disorientation of opinions that are not in agreement.”

Marking the feast of St Joseph the Worker and International Workers’ Day, which is a public holiday in Italy and many other countries, he noted that Jesus’ foster father was a “man of silence,” which at first “may seem the opposite of a communicator.”

The example set forth by St Joseph, he said, is a reminder for all Christians working in the field of communications to “recover a sense of healthy slowness, tranquility and patience.”

“With his silence, he reminds us that everything begins from listen-

ing, from transcending oneself in order to be open to another person’s word and history,” the pope said.

Nevertheless, in an age when technology is ever-evolving, Catholic news organisations must be willing to adapt to effectively proclaim the Gospel to all, he said.

“Authentic servants of tradition are those who, while keeping memory alive, know how to discern the signs of the times and open new paths.”

Recalling the words of Blessed Paul VI, Pope Francis said that Catholic newspapers should not just report news to “make an impression or gain clients” but rather to educate their readers “to think, to judge” for themselves.

“Catholic communicators avoid rigidities that stifle or imprison,” he said. “They do not cage the Holy Spirit, but seek to let it fly, to let it breathe within the soul. They never allow reality to give way to appearances, beauty to vulgarity, social friendship to conflict. They cultivate and strengthen every sprout of life and goodness.”

Pope Francis encouraged journalists and news organisations to be heralds of the Gospel and, like St Joseph, be true guardians who protect society’s well-being and dignity. n CNS

meetings with Pope Francis, three survivors of clergy sexual abuse from Chile said they felt they had been heard and were hopeful for changes in the way the Catholic Church handles accusations of abuse.

“I spoke for more than two and a half hours alone with Pope Francis. He listened to me with great respect, affection and closeness, like a father. We talked about many subjects. Today, I have more hope in the future of our Church. Even though the task is enormous,” Mr Juan Carlos Cruz tweeted on April 29 after meeting with the pope.

Pope Francis had invited Mr Cruz, Mr James Hamilton and Mr Jose Andres Murillo to stay at the Domus Sanctae Marthae, the Vatican residence where he lives, and to meet with him individually from April 27-29. The three were scheduled to meet with the pope again as a group on April 30.

Although the three survivors tweeted after their private meetings, Mr Greg Burke, director of the Vatican press office, said Pope

Francis “expressly wished” that no official statements would be released by the Vatican regarding his discussions with the survivors.

“His priority is to listen to the victims, ask their forgiveness and respect the confidentiality of these talks,” Mr Burke said in a statement on April 27. “In this climate of trust and reparation for suffering, the desire of Pope Francis is to allow his guests to speak as long as necessary, in a way that there is no set timetable or preestablished content.”

In a tweet sent after his April 27 meeting, Mr Murillo said he spoke with Pope Francis for two

talked about many ‘Wesubjects.

Today,

I have more hope in the future of our Church.

Even though the task is enormous.

’

– Mr Juan Carlos Cruz on his meeting with Pope Francis

hours and that “in a respectful and frank way, I expressed the importance of understanding abuse as an abuse of power, of the need to assume responsibility, of care and not just forgiveness.”

Mr Hamilton sent two tweets on April 28 shortly after his meeting with the pope, saying that it lasted a “little over two hours” and that it was “sincere, welcoming and enormously constructive.”

I am “very happy and satisfied,” he said.

The Chilean survivors have alleged that Bishop Juan Barros of Osorno – then a priest – had witnessed their abuse by his mentor, Fr Fernando Karadima. In 2011, Fr Karadima was sentenced to a life of prayer and penance by the Vatican after he was found guilty of sexually abusing boys.

Although he initially defended his 2015 appointment of Bishop Barros as head of the Diocese of Osorno, Pope Francis apologised after receiving a 2,300-page report from a trusted investigator he sent to Chile to listen to people with information about the bishop. n CNS

Community life can be form of evangelisation VATICAN CITY – A truly fraternal community, one that welcomes all and settles differences lovingly and patiently, is itself a witness to the Gospel, Pope Francis told members of the general chapter of the Montfort Brothers of St Gabriel.

A true Christian community “attracts and evangelises each day; it is contagious,” the pope told the Brothers on April 27. “Those who see how we live are sensitive to our way of being, of accepting different points of view, of facing tensions and resolving them with delicacy, charity and humility.”

The Brothers of St Gabriel is a Religious order primarily dedicated to teaching; it has about 1,200 members and novices.

Living in community and serving one another can make daily life “easier and more joyful,” the pope told them.

In many societies, he said, there is a “spiritual crisis that generates anxiety and sadness” because so many people have lost sight of the meaning and purpose of life.

Catholics, especially Catholic Religious orders, need to “form welcoming communities in which

it is beautiful to live, showing especially the young the joy of following Christ and responding to his call,” the pope said. “They should feel welcomed without prejudice, recognised and valued so that with their enthusiasm they can offer the gifts God has given them for the good of all.”

The welcome must extend to the poor and marginalised, who always have been at the brothers’ centre of attention, he said. “Continue to help them be protagonists of their future so they can occupy their place in society.” n CNS

Sunday May 13, 2018 n CatholicNews

POPE FRANCIS 15

Pope, others mourn death of British toddler Alfie Evans A Vatican-owned hospital in Rome had offered to care for him LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – Pope

Francis said he was mourning the death of English toddler Alfie Evans, who died a few days after doctors withdrew his life support system.

The 23-month-old boy died on April 28 after his father, Tom Evans, spent 10 minutes trying to revive him by mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, according to reports in the British media.

Mr Evans, a Catholic, announced the death of his son on Facebook later that day with words: “My gladiator lay down his shield and gained his wings at 02:30 ... absolutely heartbroken ...

I LOVE YOU MY GUY.” Alfie’s mother, Kate James, wrote: “Our baby boy grew his wings tonight at 2:30 am. We are heartbroken.”

Soon afterwards, Pope Francis, who had met Mr Evans at the Vatican on April 18, tweeted: “I am deeply moved by the death of little Alfie. Today I pray especially for his parents, as God the Father receives him in His tender embrace.”

The Vatican-owned Bambino Gesu hospital in Rome offered to care for Alfie, although doctors who examined him said not much could be done but to make him comfortable. On April 23, the Italian government granted citizenship to the boy so he could be evacuated by a waiting air ambulance.

But that same day, Alfie was taken off his ventilator, and he was expected to die imminently. He began breathing unaided, prompting appeals by his parents to the High Court and then the Court of Appeal to allow their son to leave the country.

Judges upheld the original

Pope Francis blesses Mr Tom Evans, father of Alfie Evans, during a private audience at the Vatican on April 18.

Alfie Evans passed away on April 28.

decision that it was in the “best interests” of Alfie, who suffered from a severe degenerative brain condition, to be allowed to die.

Mr Evans, who had been highly critical of Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool, ceased to give media interviews on April 26, saying he wanted to cooperate with doctors in the hope Alfie might be taken home.

His inability to remove his child from the hospital led to passionate demands from politicians and media commentators for an “Alfie’s law” to allow parents to

according to an April 25 report in The Tablet magazine.

Following the death of the boy, the archbishop praised the professionalism of the staff of the hospital in a statement posted on April 28 on the website of the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales.

“I would like to express my deepest sympathy at this moment of loss to Tom and Kate as we hold little Alfie in our prayers,” said Archbishop McMahon.

“We must recognise that all who have played a part in Alfie’s life have wanted to act for his good, as they see it,” he said.

“Above all, we must thank Tom and Kate for their unstinting love of their son, and the staff at Alder Hey Hospital for their professional care of Alfie.” n CNS

seek help elsewhere when doctors believe they can do no more.

The case had also drawn criticism of the British courts and health service from all over the world.

The Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales however, has defended the actions of the hospital.

Archbishop Malcolm McMahon of Liverpool said he discussed the case personally with the pope and has assured him that Alder Hey Hospital had done everything “humanly possible” to help Alfie,

We must recognise that all who have ‘ played a part in Alfie’s life have wanted to act for his good, as they see it.’

– Archbishop Malcolm McMahon of Liverpool

Pontiff to host prayer for peace in Middle East VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis will travel to Bari, the southern Italian Adriatic port city, on July 7 to host a day of reflection and ecumenical prayer for peace in the Middle East.

The pope intends to invite the heads of Christian Churches and communities in the Middle East to join him, the Vatican said on April 25, announcing the pope’s plans.

The Vatican did not release a list of those who would be invited.

Describing Bari as a “window to the East” and noting that it preserves the relics of St Nicholas, venerated by both Catholics and Orthodox, the Vatican said the pope chose the city as an appropriate place to reflect on and pray about “the dramatic situation in the Middle East, which afflicts so many brothers and sisters in the faith.”

The ongoing violence in Syria obviously is one of the top concerns and an issue for which Pope Francis has made repeated appeals. Reciting the “Regina Coeli” prayer on April 15 with people gathered in St Peter’s Square, he said he was “deeply disturbed by the current world situation, in which, despite the instruments available to international community, it struggles to agree on joint action in favour of peace in Syria and other regions of the world.”

Pope Francis had asked Christians around the world to set aside Feb 23 as a day of fasting and prayer for an end to violence and conflict, especially in South Sudan and in Congo.

He had called for similar days of prayer and fasting for peace in Syria in 2016 and in 2013.

In June 2014, Pope Francis invited then-Israeli President Shimon Peres and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to the Vatican for an interreligious “invocation for peace” in the Holy Land. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople also participated in the meeting. n CNS

16 POPE FRANCIS

Sunday May 13, 2018 n CatholicNews

Ordaining new priests, pope asks them to be merciful

VATICAN CITY – Ordaining 16 men to the priesthood, Pope Francis urged them to be merciful with the people who approach them, especially in the confessional.

Marking the World Day of Prayer for Vocations on April 22, the pope ordained 11 men for the Diocese of Rome, four for the Family of Disciples and one for the Sons of Divine Providence.

The new priests ranged in age from 26-41 and came from Italy, Colombia, Croatia, El Salvador, Madagascar, Myanmar and Vietnam.

As is his custom for ordinations, Pope Francis used the homily prescribed by the Italian Missal but paused when he reached the description of how, through each sacrament, the new priests would minister to the people.

“With the sacrament of penance, you will remit sins in the name of Christ and the Church,” he read from the text. “And here I’m going to stop to ask you, please, never tire of being merciful. Think of your sins, your wretchedness, which Jesus forgives. Be merciful.”

After the Mass, Pope Francis went up to the window of his studio in the Apostolic Palace to lead the midday recitation of the “Regina Coeli” prayer with an estimated 30,000 people gathered below in St Peter’s Square.

He brought four of the new

Never tire ‘ of being merciful.

Think of your sins, your wretchedness, which Jesus forgives.

Be merciful.

’

– Pope Francis to newly ordained priests

Pope Francis ordains one of 16 new priests during a Mass in St Peter’s Basilica on April 22. CNS photo

priests with him, inviting them to join him at the window to greet the crowd and give the people their blessing.

“We ask the Lord to send many good workers to labour in his field and also to increase vocations to consecrated life and to

Christian marriage,” the pope told the crowd.

Pope Francis also commented on the day’s reading from the Gospel of John in which Jesus describes Himself as the good shepherd.

“Jesus says to each person,

Pontiff: Church, like a bike, balances best when in motion

People raise their ice cream cones donated

by Pope Francis at a soup kitchen on April 23.

CNS photo

Pope donates gelato to poor ROME – Cones raised in the air, the crowd

gathered for dinner at the Sant’Egidio Community’s soup kitchen toasted Pope Francis on his name day, the feast of St George.

The gelato was offered by the pope, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, as part of his name day celebration on April 23. He provided 3,000 servings of ice cream – mostly vanilla cones with chocolate and nuts on top, but also a few pistachio cones and a couple strawberry ones – to soup kitchens and homeless shelters around Rome.

“Everything this pope does he does for the poor,” Mr Ruggiero, a beneficiary of the soup kitchen, told Catholic News Service.

Mr Alberto was seated next to Mr Rug-

‘Your life is worth so much to me that in order to save it, I will give myself,’” the pope said. “It is precisely the offer of His life that makes Him the good shepherd par excellence, the one who heals, the one who enables us to live a beautiful and fruitful life.”

Jesus tells His disciples that He knows His sheep and that His sheep know Him. That relationship, the pope said, is the key to happiness and fulfilment.

The first step towards creating “a living relationship with Jesus,” he said, is “allowing ourselves to be known by Him.” “Don’t close yourself off; open yourself to the Lord,” the pope said. “He is attentive to each of us, He knows the depths of our hearts. He knows our virtues and our defects, the plans we have realised and the hopes that have been dashed.

“But He accepts us as we are, even with our sins, in order to heal us, forgive us and guide us with love so we can cross even the most arduous paths without losing the way,” Pope Francis said. “He accompanies us.” n CNS

giero for the dinner, which began with a course of gnocchi, then moved on to the main course of veal and potatoes and would normally have finished with fruit. Oranges were the day’s offering.

The two men, along with five other friends, had begun their evening in the tiny Church of San Calisto, where they join in singing evening prayer and prayers for peace twice a month. Then they walk to the soup kitchen nearby for dinner.

Across the room, Mr Antonino Siragusa was eating, but also helping to serve. He said he has met the pope “six times. He’s a good person, very lively. He smiles and will meet anyone.” n CNS

VATICAN CITY – The Church is like a biof John, on the other hand, are an example cycle – it stays upright as long as it keeps of the problems that occur with a closemoving, Pope Francis said. minded approach.

The first disciples “were not a closed “They had received a law that was life, group of the elect, but a missionary but they ‘distilled’ it, they transformed it Church,” boldly undertaking new initia- into an ideology and so they toss and turn tives prompted by the Holy it and are unable to move Spirit, the pope said on forward,” Pope Francis said.

The April 24 during his early “Anything new for them is a morning Mass in his resithreat.” equilibrium dence.

However, the pope acof the Church “In fact, the equilibrium knowledged that not all new of the Church, so to speak, things are good. At the end ... is found is found precisely in its moof his homily, he prayed precisely bility, in fidelity to the Holy that God would grant CathSpirit,” the pope said. olics “the grace of knowin its mobility, “Someone once said that ing how to resist that which in fidelity to the we must resist, that which the equilibrium of the Church is like balancing a bicycle: comes from the evil one, Holy Spirit. it’s stable and goes well when that which deprives us of our – Pope Francis it is moving. When you stop freedom.” it, it falls,” Pope Francis said “May we know how to in his homily. open ourselves to new things, but only In the Bible, the Holy Spirit can evoke those that come from God,” he prayed. two diametrically opposed reactions: open- “May He grant us, with the strength of the ness and closure, the pope said. Openness Holy Spirit, the grace to discern the signs is what defines the disciples and the apos- of the times in order to make the decisions tles. that we need to make in that moment.”

The “doctors of the law” in the Gospel n CNS

‘

’

Sunday May 13, 2018 n CatholicNews

POPE FRANCIS 17

Sharing ‘fake news’ makes one an accomplice in evil ... says Pope Francis in World Communications Day message VATICAN CITY – People have a responsibility to check the source of what they share on social media to ensure it is not “fake news” designed to further prejudices or increase fear, Pope Francis said.

Fake news grabs people’s attention “by appealing to stereotypes and common social prejudices, and exploiting instantaneous emotions like anxiety, contempt, anger and frustration,” Pope Francis wrote in his message for World Communications Day 2018.

The message is a reflection on the theme, “‘The truth will set you free.’ Fake news and journalism for peace.” World Communications Day will be celebrated on May 13 at the Vatican and in most dioceses. The papal message was released at the Vatican on Jan 24, the feast of St Francis de Sales, patron saint of journalists.

Fake news is so effective, he said, because it mimics real news but uses “non-existent or distorted data” to deceive and manipulate.

The first to employ the fakenews tactic was the serpent in the Garden of Eden who convinced Eve she would not die by eating the fruit of the forbidden tree, he said. The Bible story shows that “there is no such thing as harmless disinformation; on the contrary, trusting in falsehood can have dire consequences.”

Pope Francis praised educators who teach young people how to read and question the news and the information they see on social media. He encouraged efforts to develop regulations to counter

fake news and he praised tech and media companies for trying to improve ways to verify “the personal identities concealed behind millions of digital profiles.”

But, he insisted, individuals always will have the final responsibility for discerning what is real news and what is helpful to share on social media.

We can recognise the ‘truth of statements from

their fruits: whether they provoke quarrels, foment division, encourage resignation; or, on the other hand, they promote informed and mature reflection leading to constructive dialogue and fruitful results.

’

– Pope Francis

“We need to unmask what could be called the ‘snake tactics’ used by those who disguise themselves in order to strike at any time and place” like the serpent in the Garden of Eden did.

The snake’s power grows as people limit their sources of information to “homogeneous digital environments impervious to differing perspectives and opinions.”

“Disinformation thus thrives on the absence of healthy con-

frontation with other sources of information that could effectively challenge prejudices and generate constructive dialogue,” he wrote.

People who repost or retweet such false information, the pope said, become “unwilling accomplices in spreading biased and baseless ideas.”

One way to know if something should be checked and not be shared, he said, is if it “discredits others, presenting them as enemies, to the point of demonising them and fomenting conflict.”

In the modern world, with the rapid and viral spread of news and information – both real and fake – lives and souls are at stake, he said, because the “father of lies” is the devil.

True discernment, the pope said, means examining information and keeping what promotes communion and goodness, while rejecting whatever “tends to isolate, divide, and oppose.”

“We can recognise the truth of statements from their fruits: whether they provoke quarrels, foment division, encourage resignation; or, on the other hand, they promote informed and mature reflection leading to constructive dialogue and fruitful results,” Pope Francis wrote.

Journalists, he said, have a special responsibility in the modern world amid the media “feeding frenzies and the mad rush for a scoop.”

Pope Francis asked media professions to promote “a journalism of peace,” which does not mean

At the end of his message for World Communications Day 2018, Pope Francis included a prayer he wrote adapted from the ‘Prayer of St Francis.’ CNS photo

ignoring problems or being saccharine. It means “a journalism that is truthful and opposed to falsehoods, rhetorical slogans and sensational headlines.”

A journalism of peace is at the service of all people, “especially those – and they are the majority in our world – who have no voice,” he said. It is “a journalism committed to pointing out alternatives to the escalation of shouting matches and verbal violence.”

Pope Francis ended his message with his own adaptation of the “Prayer of St Francis” for both those who report the news

and those who read or watch it.

“Where there is shouting, let us practise listening,” the prayer says. “Where there is ambiguity, let us bring clarity.”

“Where there is prejudice, let us awaken trust,” it continues.

“Where there is hostility, let us bring respect; where there is falsehood, let us bring truth.”

The full text of Pope Francis’ message can be found at http://w2.vatican.va/content/ francesco/en/messages/communications/documents/papa-francesco_20180124_messaggio-comunicazioni-sociali.html n CNS

18 OPINION

Sunday May 13, 2018 n CatholicNews

Moral outrage and genuine morality

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COMMENTARY

Physical presence and the digital age CNS file photo

By Brett Robinson Attempts to evangelise online are not wrong, but the venue is not ideal.

When St Paul arrived in Athens, he spent most of his time debating the philosophers and citizens in the marketplace. But then, Scripture tells us, they brought him to the Areopagus.

The Areopagus was set aside from the noise of the marketplace.

It was made up of a council of elders who heard the most important arguments regarding serious crimes and matters of religion.

Even the pagans knew that Paul’s ideas deserved a more important venue because they had to do with fundamental truths.

The marketplace was no place for working out such sublime teaching.

Much religious discussion takes place within the walls of the social media marketplace built by marketing companies like Facebook. Inside these gated information factories, the noise is cacophonous as pitched debates take place in comment feeds and Twitter threads.

Marketplaces are built on the idea that things can be created and sent fast enough to fulfil our needs and wants almost as fast as we can conceive them. Companies like Amazon have mastered this.

Likewise, in the digital age, we tend to imagine ideas and speech as things to be sent as quickly as possible. What is often forgotten is that speech is best performed in the physical company of others, not transmitted over virtual networks.

There is a ritual aspect to speech that demands presence, attention and respect. This is hard to accomplish online. When we say we are “on” Facebook, we are not really there. We are uploading bits of information to a distant server for others to see, freed from the

limitations that being present requires.

Words on the screen are like the seeds thrown among the thorns. They risk being choked by the cares, temptations and idols of this world that populate the online “marketplaces” like Facebook and Google.

Rather than spending so much

In the digital age, we tend to imagine ideas as things to be sent as quickly as possible.

What is often forgotten is that speech is best performed in the physical company of others, not over virtual networks. rhetorical energy in the marketplace, take it to the field. When Pope Francis says to go to the peripheries, it is tempting to think that the online environment is one of those peripheries. Sadly, the opposite is true.

The online venue is becoming the centre of culture. It is schools, parishes and homes that now sit at the periphery, looking in on the

culture through the windows of smartphones.

Face-to-face encounters are far less common than Facebook ones.

Changing the culture means getting back to our roots – simple Christian charity. Not pious pronouncements on Facebook or email campaigns. Simple Christian charity is our most attractive offering.

It’s no coincidence that the word “culture” shares a Latin root with cultivation. “Cultura” means tend and grow.

We do a really good job tending to the digital shrines on social media – making daily offerings and making friends with others who like the same things we like – while the fertile fields of our schools, parishes and homes remain fallow.

Be like St Paul. Cast your seeds in the online marketplace but do not be afraid to enter the Areopagus where your ideas and beliefs can be tried face to face.

Done in charity, it will bear fruit. n CNS Robinson is director of communications and Catholic media studies at the University of Notre Dame McGrath Institute for Church Life in Indiana, USA.

MORAL outrage is the antithesis of morality. Yet it’s everywhere in our world today and is everywhere rationalised on the basis of God and truth.

We live in a world awash in moral outrage.

Everywhere individuals and groups are indignant and morally outraged, sometimes violently so, by opposing individuals, groups, ideologies, moral positions, ecclesiologies, interpretations of religion, interpretations of Scripture, and the like. We see this everywhere, television networks outraged at the news coverage of other networks, Church groups bitterly demonising each other, pro-life and pro-choice groups angrily shouting at each other, and politics at its highest levels paralysed as different sides feel so morally indignant that they are unwilling to contemplate any accommodation whatever with what opposes them.

And always, on both sides, there’s the righteous appeal to morality and divine authority (however explicit or implicit) in ways that, in essence, says: I have a right to demonise you and to shut my ears to anything you have to say because you’re wrong and immoral and I, in the name of God and truth, am standing up to you. Moreover, your immorality gives me the legitimate right to bracket the essentials of human respect and treat you as a pariah to be eliminated – in the name of God and of truth.

And this kind of attitude doesn’t just make for the angry divisions, bitter polarisations, and the deep distrust we live with today within our society, it’s also what produces terrorists, mass shootings and the ugliest bigotry and racism.

But moral outrage, however much it tries to justify itself on some lofty basis, religion, morality, patriotism, historical hurt, or personal injustice, remains always the opposite of genuine morality and genuine religious practice? Why? Because genuine morality and religious practice are always characterised by the opposite of what’s seen in moral outrage. Genuine morality and genuine religious practice are always marked by empathy, understanding, patience, tolerance, forgiveness, respect, charity, and graciousness – all of which are glaringly absent in virtually every expression of moral outrage we see today.

In trying to draw us into a genuine morality and religiosity, Jesus says this: Unless your virtue goes deeper than that of the Scribes and the Pharisees you will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven. What was the virtue of the Scribes and Pharisees? On the surface, theirs was a very high virtue. To be a good Scribe or Pharisee meant keeping the Ten Commandments, being faithful to the prescribed religious practices of the time, and being a man or woman who was always just and fair in your dealings with others. So what’s lacking in that?

What’s missing is that all of these things (keeping the commandments, faithful religious observance and being fair to others) can be done with a bitter, accusatory, unforgiving heart just as easily (and perhaps even more so) than with a warm, empathic, forgiving heart.

Keeping the commandments, going to church, and being a just person can all be done (as is only too clear sometimes) out of moral outrage.

To paraphrase Jesus: Anyone can be gracious to those who are gracious to you. Anyone can love those who love you. And anyone can be good to those who do good to you … but can you be gracious to those who are bitter towards you? Can you be loving towards those who hate you? And can you forgive those who kill you? That’s the litmus test for Christian morality and religious practice – and nowhere inside of anyone who passes this test will you still find the kind of moral outrage where we believe that God and truth are asking us to demonise those who hate us or do us evil.

Moreover, what we do in moral outrage is deny that we are ourselves morally complicit in the very things we demonise and pour our hatred out on. As we watch the world news each day and see the anger, bitter divisions, violence, injustices, intolerance and wars that characterise our world, a deep, honest, courageous scrutiny should make us aware that we cannot fully separate ourselves from those things.

We live in a world of longstanding and present injustice, of ever-widening economic inequality, of endemic racism and sexism, of countless people living as victims of plunder and rape in history, of millions of refugees with no place to go, and in a society where various people are branded and ostracised as “losers” and “sickos”. Should we be surprised that our society produces terrorists? However sincere and innocent we might personally feel, how we’re living helps create the ground that breeds mass killers, terrorists and playground bullies.

We’re not as innocent as we think we are.

Our moral outrage is not an indicator that we are on the side of God and truth. More often than not, it suggests the opposite. n

Sunday May 13, 2018 n CatholicNews

FAITH ALIVE! 19

Sports, play a reminder of joy, the joy of the Lord

By Fr Patrick Kelly, SJ

I

T IS time to give some thought to what difference a Catholic approach to sport makes. Such reflection will benefit not only Catholics, but the wider culture and sport itself. The following are four themes from the Catholic heritage that can make a difference in how Catholics and others approach sports.

• Play is accepted in cultural expressions and taken seriously intellectually.

According to St Thomas Aquinas, there can be “a virtue about games.” For him, virtue had to do with moderation. A person should not work or study all the time, but needs time for recreation, which play and games provide.

For St Thomas, play is not merely the “pause that refreshes” so that the person can get back to work and be more productive.

Rather, it is engaged in for its own sake. As he put it, “the only thing that is sought in play is the soul’s delight.” The enjoyment of play does have an end, however, and that is the restoration and re-creation of the human person.

St Thomas’ thought had a significant influence on late me-

diaeval preaching about games and sport and on Catholic education up to the present. The “play ethic” of St Thomas needs to be retrieved and developed in our time, as sports are increasingly regarded instrumentally as a means to money or prestige, and the play element is being marginalised or lost altogether.

• The human being is created in the image and likeness of God. This understanding of the human being is the foundation for the emphasis in Catholic social teaching on the unity of the human family. The popes have emphasised that sports competitions provide the opportunity for people from different cultures, races and religions to encounter one another as members of the same human family.

Bishop Bernard J. Sheil, who founded the Catholic Youth Organisation (CYO) in Chicago, Illinois, USA, in 1930, is a good model in this regard. In one of the most segregated cities in the US,

CNS file photo

Children play with tires in Pakistan. The element of joy associated with play is important for the human person.

the CYO from the start welcomed athletic participation by all and provided a context for young people from different socioeconomic, racial and religious backgrounds to encounter one another.

This understanding of the human being is also the foundation for the emphasis in Catholic social teaching on the dignity of the human person. According to the popes, the dignity of the person needs to be front and centre when it comes to the consideration of sport practices and policies.

As St John Paul II put it, “Sport is at the service of the person, and not the person at the service of sport.” He pointed out that sport serves the person when it leads to his or her integral development.

The enjoyment of play does have an end and that is the restoration and re-creation of the human person.

• The human being is a unity of body, mind and spirit.

Because the person is a unity, embodied activities such as sport necessarily affect persons at the level of consciousness – their making of meaning, understanding of themselves and their relationships with others. It will also affect them at the level of spirit, that dimension of the person that makes one capable of relationship with the Holy Spirit.

Educational institutions should provide opportunities for young people to reflect on how playing sports is affecting the way they understand themselves, their relationships with others and the meaning of their lives. The element of joy associated with play is particularly important to attend to with respect to their spiritual lives. As Pope Francis said, “Play reminds us of joy, the joy of the Lord.”

As it stands, most schools tend

to operate out of a body-mind dualism, with athletics and academics having little or nothing to do with one another.

• The human being is social by nature.

We are meant to live in community and it is in the context of community that our gifts are recognised and called forth. When team sports are practised within a Catholic institution where community values flourish, there can be a symbiotic relationship between sports participation and the educational mission of the school.

Experiences of playing on a team with communal values can help young people to appreciate the importance of commitment to the common good and to persons who are excluded, discriminated against or living in poverty. n CNS Jesuit Fr Patrick Kelly is associate professor of theology at Seattle University.

The logic of sports and life

By David Gibson Sports and spiritual life resemble each other in notable ways that caught St Paul’s attention in his First Letter to the Corinthians (9:24-27).

In the back of St Paul’s mind when he urged Corinth’s Christians to “run so as to win” was an image of athletes training for the ancient Isthmian Games, held in alternate years on Greece’s Isthmus of Corinth.

Winning was everything in these games; there were no second or third-place awards. Without disciplined, demanding training, the athletes – wrestlers, long jumpers, chariot racers and numerous others – were unlikely to achieve their dreams. “Every athlete exercises discipline in every way,” St Paul observed.

His discussion briefly mentioned the great demands of his endeavours to spread the Gospel far and wide. He drew upon his

St John Paul II urged every Christian ‘to become a strong athlete of Christ, that is, a faithful and courageous witness to His Gospel.’

A basketball game. Becoming an athlete of Christ requires perseverance in prayer and training in virtue. CNS photo

image of the training the games required. “I do not run aimlessly; I do not fight as if I were shadowboxing,” he said. “No, I drive my body and train it, for fear that, after having preached to others, I myself should be disqualified.”

Few 21st-century heirs to more

than 2,000 years of Christian thinking will be surprised that St Paul thought it made sense to prepare to meet the demands of Christian life, to get into condition, so to speak, perhaps through prayer, reading, discussion and participation in the Christian community’s life.

Indeed, there can be times when Christians must ready themselves to live their faith under adverse circumstances.

As St John Paul II noted in an October 2000 speech, St Paul’s “metaphor of healthy athletic competition” has a way of highlighting “the value of life, comparing it to a race not only for an earthly passing goal, but for an eternal one. A race in which not just one person, but everyone can be a winner.”

Human growth and development do not tend to come easy, certainly not over the long term.

In sports and in all of life, it is

safe to say with St John Paul II that “without sacrifices, important results are not obtained”; dissatisfaction takes root.

This is “the logic of sport,” just as it is “the logic of life,” he explained.

In other words, close observation reveals that sacrifice, commitment and, yes, elements of suffering are inherent to achieving honourable goals and advancing in human maturity.

St John Paul II urged every Christian “to become a strong athlete of Christ, that is, a faithful and courageous witness to His Gospel.” This, he said, requires perseverance in prayer, training in virtue and following “the divine Master in everything.”

In this, he suggested, the wisdom of Psalm 126 is pertinent: “Those who sow in tears will reap with cries of joy.” n CNS Gibson served on Catholic News Service’s editorial staff for 37 years.

20

Sunday May 13, 2018 n CatholicNews

By Jennifer Ficcaglia After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His apostles and other followers several times.

He spoke to Mary of Magdala at His empty tomb. He twice appeared in the midst of the apostles when they were in a locked room. He walked along with two followers as they travelled from Jerusalem to the village of Emmaus. And He waited on the shore of a lake for seven of His friends to return from fishing.

Jesus did all these things during the 40 days after His resurrection.

Whenever He appeared to His friends, He talked to them about the kingdom of God. Jesus also told His apostles not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for “the promise of the Father about which you have heard me speak; for John bap-

tised with water, but in a few days you will be baptised with the Holy Spirit.”

When all of the apostles were gathered with Jesus at the mount called Olivet, they asked Him a question.

“Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” they wanted to know.

“It is not for you to know the times or seasons that the Father has established by His own authority,” Jesus replied. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

The apostles were looking at Jesus as He finished speaking. Then, right before their eyes, Jesus was lifted up upon a cloud that took Him from their sight.

As they strained their eyes and craned their necks to get a better look

SPOTLIGHT ON SAINTS:

at the sky where they last saw Jesus, two men dressed in white suddenly appeared next to them.

“Men of Galilee, why are you standing there looking at the sky?” the men asked the apostles. “This Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven will return in the same way as you have seen Him going into heaven.”

The apostles began walking back to Jerusalem. They returned to the up-

per room where they had been staying, and they prayed there with some of the other followers of Jesus. n Read more about it: Acts 1

Q&A 1. What did Jesus talk to His friends about?

2. What took Jesus up to heaven?

Wordsearch:

St Eugene de Mazenod

n WATER n DECIDE n GATHER n REPLY

St Eugene de Mazenod was born in France in 1782. He and his family fled to Italy during the French Revolution.

St Eugene returned 11 years later and decided to become a priest when he saw the state of the French Church.

After ordination, he ministered to needy people in Aix-en-Provence.

In 1816, he founded and was superior general of an order that eventually became known as the Oblate Missionaries of Mary Immaculate.

In 1837, he became bishop of Marseilles, where he was a reformer and built new churches for those immigrating to France.

St Eugene died in 1861, and we honour him on May 21. n

n APPEAR n ISRAEL n CHOICE n EMMAUS n FRANCE n SEASON n RESTORE n CLOUD

ESSAY: How would you feel or what would you do if you saw the resurrected Jesus?

Bible Accent:

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

PUZZLE: Using the hints provided from Acts 2 about the coming of the Holy Spirit, write T next to the sentences that are true and F next to the ones that are false.

1. ___ The Holy Spirit came silently. (verse 2) 2. ___ The Holy Spirit appeared like a dove. (verse 3) 3. ___ A large crowd gathered around when they heard the Holy Spirit come. (verse 6) 4. ___ The Holy Spirit allowed the apostles to speak other languages. (verse 4)

Answer to Wordsearch

After Jesus returned to heaven, His followers decided they needed to choose a replacement for Judas, the apostle who betrayed Jesus.

In Acts 1:15-26, about 120 of Jesus’ followers, including the apostles, were gathered together.

Peter stood up to speak. He reminded everyone how Judas had betrayed Jesus for money, and that Judas had died after using that money to purchase a piece of property.

Since it was written in the Psalms, “May another take his office,” Peter said that Judas needed to be replaced.

“Therefore, it is necessary that one of the men who accompanied us the whole time the Lord Jesus came and went among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day on which He was taken up from us, become with us a witness to His resurrection,” Peter said.

Two men were suggested – Matthias and Joseph, called Barsabbas, who also was known as Justus.

After those gathered had prayed for guidance to make the right choice, the two men were given lots. The lot fell on Matthias, who was chosen as Judas’ replacement and was counted as an apostle with the other 11. n

Sunday May 13, 2018 n CatholicNews

EVENT SUBMISSIONS

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

Once forms have been submitted online, kindly send us details of your event for publication at www. catholicnews.sg/whatson/ at least one month ahead of the publication date.

APRIL 11 TO SEPTEMBER 19 FAITH FORMATION AT CHURCH OF ST TERESA Come journey on an exciting 24 weeks through the Bible to learn, understand and be inspired by God’s great plan in salvation history and your role in this great plan.

Register online at: www.goo.gl/UMsUPS. MAY 3 TO MAY 31 BIBLE STUDY DVD PANORAMA OF THE OLD TESTAMENT Every Thursday. A four-session DVD programme (no class on May 17). Time: 8pm-10pm. Come and join us to get a bird’s eye view of how all the different books of the Old Testament fit into the messianic coming of Christ. Venue: Church of Christ the King, Ang Mo Kio Ave 8, St Mary’s Room Lvl 3. To register: T: 98321538; E: ctkbat@hotmail.com.

Workbook to be purchased – cost: $25.

MAY 12 MEDITATIVE PRAYER WITH THE SONGS OF TAIZE Time: 8pm. Come and pray with fellow Christians and all who want to create greater trust and openness through meditative prayer. No registration is needed. All are welcome. Organised by the Singapore Taize core group. Venue: The Armenian Church of St Gregory the Illuminator, 60 Hill St. For more information, E: bennycah@gmail.com; W: www.taize.fr/en.

MAY 17 CONNECTED PARENTS, THRIVING KIDS Time: 7.30pm-9.30pm. Learn how to connect with your children to express understanding, validation and affirmation for who they are becoming. Organised by Kingsmead Centre, 8 Victoria Park Rd. Cost: $30. To register: T: 64676072; W: http://tinyurl.com/parentsxkid.

MAY 19 FINDING GOD THROUGH WRITING Time: 10am-4.30pm. Come and spend a day to connect with God through writing and journalling. Learn to explore and express your innermost thoughts and feelings through activities and writing exercises.

Organised by Kingsmead Centre, 8 Victoria Park Rd. Cost: $80. To register: W: http:// tinyurl.com/Godwriting; T: 64676072.

MAY 25 TO MAY 29 LABOURERS IN THE VINEYARD RETREAT A stay-in retreat open to Catholics above the age of 21. Come away and allow yourselves to be encountered by the Lord. Programme includes daily Mass, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, talks, praise and worship sessions and spiritual counselling. Retreat master: Fr Terence Pereira. To register: W: www.one.org.sg/events. Organised by Office for the New Evangelisation.

MAY 26 JESUS-MARY RALLY 2018 Time: 1pm-4pm. All are invited to encounter Jesus Christ through Mary, the first disciple! Programmes includes praise and worship by Jesus Youth, Eucharistic adoration and a preaching

by Fr Luke Fong. Venue: Cathedral of the Good Shepherd, “A” Queen Street.

Organised by the Legion of Mary and Office for the New Evangelisation.

For more information, T: 69110420; E: enquiry@one.org.sg; W: www.one.org.sg.

MAY 26 TO MAY 29 COME AWAY (BEACH RETREAT FOR YOUNG ADULTS) A Cenacle programme. Take a holiday in a meaningful way in this “play and pray” retreat designed to help us grow and deepen our faith despite our busy lifestyle.

Following the pattern of the spiritual exercises of St Ignatius of Loyola, these days offer tips on self-care, daily discernment and a way of finding God in all things and time. For more information, E: cenaclemissionsingapore@gmail.com; W: cenaclemission.com.

MAY 30 HOW TO MAKE STRESS YOUR FRIEND Time: 7.30pm-9.30pm. Based on the latest research by Dr Kelly McGonigal, learn how

RCIA/RCIY

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

APRIL 8, 2018 TO JUNE 9, 2019 RCIA @ THE CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL SUCCOUR Time: 7:30pm-9:30pm. New RCIA journey will begin with a welcome night on April 8 and thereafter every Sunday onwards in Verbist Hall, Level 4. Please register your name or names of those who are interested in the Catholic faith. Registration forms are available at the parish secretariat. For more information, W: www.olps.sg; T: 96671137 (Elayne); T: 96355635 (Peter).

MAY 3, 2018 TO JUNE 6, 2019 RCIA @ BLESSED SACRAMENT CHURCH Every Thursday from 7.30pm-9.30pm.

For more information, T: 64740582; E: rcia@bsc.org.sg; W: https://tinyurl.com/RCIA-BSC. MAY 16, 2018 TO JUNE 6, 2019 RCIA @ CHURCH OF THE HOLY FAMILY Every Wednesday from 7.30pm-9.30pm at 6 Chapel Road. From July, sessions will also be held on Sundays. Registration forms are available at the parish office.

For more information, T: 63440046; 93414999; E: rciaholyfam@gmail.com.

JUNE 3, 2018 TO APRIL 21, 2019 RCIA @ THE CHURCH OF ST FRANCIS XAVIER “Come and See” information session will be held on June 3 from 10.15amnoon at the Good Shepherd room.

To register: W: tinyurl.com/sfxrciy2018; E: rciy@sfxchurch.sg. Registration forms are available on the parish website.

Actual RCIA sessions begin on June 19 from 8pm-10pm. For the RCIY, sessions begin on June 10 from 10.15am-noon.

JUNE 6, 2018 TO MAY 29, 2019 RCIA @ CATHEDRAL OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD Every Wednesday from 7.30pm-9.30pm.

Register at goo.gl/xJ4AgX and at the cathedral office. For more information, E: cathedral.rcia@catholic.org.sg; T: 96308346 (Terese). the handling of stress can either shorten or extend our healthy life span. Facilitator: Fr Matthew Linn, SJ. Organised by Kingsmead Centre, 8 Victoria Park Rd. Fee: $50 ($80 if also attending “What is the Key to Happiness talk”). To register: W: http:// tinyurl.com/MattLinn18; T: 64676072.

MAY 31 WHAT IS THE KEY TO HAPPINESS? Time: 7.30pm-9.30pm. Where are the happiest people in the world, and what are their secrets to yielding true happiness?

We will answer this with research from the award winning documentary “Happy.”

Experience simple processes to daily find happiness wherever it eludes us. Facilitator: Fr Matthew Linn, SJ. Organised by Kingsmead Centre, 8 Victoria Park Rd. Fee: $50 ($80 if also attending “How to Make Stress Your Friend” talk). To register: http:// tinyurl.com/MattLinn18; T: 64676072.

MAY 31 TO JUNE 3 FAMILY CAMP 2018 Come and spend some time away with your family to encounter God in each other. Sessions for children, teenagers, and adults. Cost: $350 per adult/teen and $200 per child. Venue: Batam View Beach Resort. To register: W: www.one.org.sg/ events. Organised by the Office for the New Evangelisation and Archdiocesan Commission for the Family.

JUNE 1 TO JUNE 3 PEACE BE WITH YOU: TRANSFORMING FEAR INTO GIFT June 1 (7.30pm)-June 3 (5pm). This healing retreat will focus on how Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to transform the disciples “behind locked doors out of fear” into bold, risk-taking apostles rooted in a deep peace. Discover how this transformation can happen to us. Facilitator: Fr Matthew Linn, SJ. Organised by Kingsmead Centre, 8 Victoria Park Rd. Fee: $270 (non-AC), $330 (AC). To register: T: 64676072; W: http://tinyurl.com/MattLinn18 JUNE 2 MASS FOLLOWED BY PRAYERS FOR HEALING All are welcome and no registration is needed. Time: 2pm-4pm. You are invited to join us for praise and worship and Mass followed by prayers for healing. After Mass, prayer teams will be available to pray with you for healing. Celebrant: Fr Tom Curran.

Organised by Praise@Work. Venue: Church of Sts Peter and Paul. For more information, E: praiseatworksg@yahoo.com; T: 97472467.

JUNE 6, 2018 TO JUNE 5, 2019 RCIA @ CHURCH OF THE RISEN CHRIST Every Wednesday evening from 7.30pm9.30pm at the parish hall. Registration forms are available at the parish office.

For more information, T: 94243608; E: iwanttobeaCatholic@gmail.com.

WHAT’S ON 21

Crossword Puzzle 1209

JUNE 7, 2018 TO JUNE 13, 2019 RCIA @ CHURCH OF ST VINCENT DE PAUL Every Thursday from 8pm-10pm in room #03-02. RCIA inquirer registration forms are available at the parish office.

For more information, T: 64820959; E: rcia.svdp.sg@gmail.com JUNE 25, 2018 TO MAY 13, 2019 RCIA (MANDARIN) @ BLESSED SACRAMENT CHURCH Every Monday from 7.30pm-9.30pm.

For more information, T: 64740582; E: rcia@bsc.org.sg; W: https://tinyurl.com/RCIA-BSC. JUNE 26, 2018 TO APRIL 20, 2019 RCIA @ CHURCH OF THE HOLY CROSS For English: Every Thursday at 7.45pm.

It begins on June 28. For Mandarin: Every Tuesday at 7.45pm. It begins on June 26. For more information, E: holycrosschurch.rcia@gmail.com; T: 97577115 (Susan for English RCIA); T: 96772709 (Wendy for Mandarin RCIA).

JULY 3, 2018 TO JUNE 9, 2019 RCIA @ CHURCH OF ST IGNATIUS Every Tuesday from 8pm-10pm at St Ignatius Hall. For more information, T: 64660625 (Angela); T: 96286472 (Sandra); W: https://tinyurl.com/stignatius-rcia.

JULY 14, 2018 TO JUNE 9, 2019 RCIY @ CHURCH OF ST IGNATIUS Calling all non-Catholic youths aged 17-24. Key dates: welcome tea and information session: July 14 (4pm-6pm).

Introductory Sessions: July 21 and July 28 (4pm-6pm). Subsequent RCIY sessions will commence on Aug 7 and continue every Tuesday from 8pm-10pm. For more information, T: 97247613 (Eliza); T: 82283419 (Aaron); T: 98172118 (Debbie); E: rciy.ignatius@gmail.com; W: https://tinyurl.com/ignatiusrciy.

JUNE 2 FULLY ALIVE IN GOD’S LOVE Time: 10am-5.30pm at Agape Village (7A, Lorong 8 Toa Payoh S319264). Preregistration is required. A social mission event for young adults to discern their own personal mission and get to know more about what the Church is doing to help those in need. To register: E: youngadults@ caritas-singapore.org; T: 63383448.

JUNE 5 TO NOV 20 THE BIBLE TIMELINE Time: 7.30pm-9.45pm. Due to popular demand, F.R.E.E. Ministry will be presenting a rerun of “The Bible Timeline” – a 24-week Bible video course. Come and see how God’s loving plan for humanity unfolds, resulting in a greater love for God and a deeper appreciation of our Catholic faith. A study kit is available at $66. Venue: Church of the Risen Christ Parish Hall.

To register: W: http://free.risenchrist.org. sg; E: free.risenchrist@gmail.com.

JUNE 23 CLARITY’S INTRODUCTORY GUIDE TO UNDERSTANDING ANXIETY WORKSHOP Time: 10.30am-12.30pm. Venue: Agape Village. Anxiety is a normal emotional response many experiences as part of everyday life. However, some of us experience anxiety in ways that affect our daily lives. We will explore the reasons behind our anxieties, debunk myths and misconceptions that we may have and learn different ways to manage our anxieties. Cost: $15. To register, W: https://tinyurl.com/TC23Jun; T: 67577990.

JULY 4, 2018 TO FEB 27, 2019 JEFF CAVINS’ BIBLE TIMELINE Journey through the entire Bible and experience God’s love for His people in the amazing salvation history recorded in the Bible since the beginning of time. Every Wednesday from 9.30am-noon at the Church of St Ignatius. For more information, T: 97852268 (Viv); T: 81832273 (Jo).

JULY 16 TO OCT 15 A STUDY ON THE BOOK OF REVELATION

By Msgr Ambrose Vaz. The Book of Revelation is not so intimidating once you understand what the author was up to. Every Monday frpm 7.45pm-10pm.

Venue: Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour. Cost: $10. To register: W: https://www.cognitoforms.com/OLPS1/ ABiblicalCourseByMsgrAmbroseVaz.

ACROSS 1 Epistle of the New Testament that contains only 25 verses 5 Stagnant 10 Prod 14 Southwestern Indians 15 Marriott, for example 16 Raison d’_____ 17 Juke joint, maybe 18 Apple variety 19 Pleasing 20 Boxing champ Muhammad 21 Cut 22 _____ of Christ 23 Shrew 25 Greek goddess of the earth 27 Crew tool 28 Boxing 32 His name was changed to Israel 35 Catholic Canadian Prime Minister Mulroney 36 “…____ thousand times…”

37 Apple-eater?

38 Defiles 39 Number of the commandment that instructs us to honour our parents 40 “When we eat this bread and drink this _____…”

41 Lyric poem

CLASSIFIED THANKSGIVING 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 time 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.

Classified advertisement rates: Minimum S$40 for the first 25 words.

Additional words: $1.00 a word.

42 Bad-tempered 43 Remembrance 45 Eve beginner 46 Employs 47 Plague insects 51 Vestment made of a narrow strip of cloth 54 Peter (with “The”) 55 Altar in the sky 56 Traffic sign 57 Rough cabin 59 Type of gun 60 Novelist Morrison 61 Muscular type 62 Northern European 63 Tiff 64 Plentiful 65 Opener (abbr.)

DOWN 1 Ancestor of Jesus 2 Beneficial 3 See 48D 4 Wind direction 5 Land in which the tower of Babel was built 6 Husband of Anna 7 Over 8 Pope of the fifth century 9 North American deer 10 Cordial 11 Auricular 12 Medieval Spanish chest 13 Bambi, for example

21 Strikebreaker 22 Blood vessel 24 Apparatus for weaving 25 Cunning 26 Muslim titles of honor 28 One of the seven deadly sins 29 “Are you ___ out?”

30 It is immortal 31 The Blessed Mother 32 Mr. Lemmon 33 Together, musically 34 A superhero sports one often 35 What the Bible is made up of 38 Foretell 39 Clothing company 41 Being (Lt.)

42 The Works of Mercy require us to visit them 44 The Gospel is read from here 45 Catholic football great 47 Pertaining to a particular place 48 See 3D 49 Sixteenth century Council 50 More rational 51 Former JFK arrivals 52 Car with removable panels 53 O’Neill’s daughter 54 Incline 57 _____ Na Na 58 Sew 59 Reagan security programme

Solution to Crossword Puzzle No. 1208

22 IN MEMORIAM

Sunday May 13, 2018 n CatholicNews

In loving memory of

Fifth Anniversary In loving memory of

9th Year Anniversary “I die the King’s good servant, but God’s first.”

Sir Thomas More

GEORGE NEELANKAVIL Departed: May 13, 2013

Always on our minds, Forever in our hearts.

Mum,Val, Ron, Nic, Jun, Mike, Gabby, Rafa, Emma, Anna & Padmae.

We speak your name with love and pride.

We smile with tears we cannot hide.

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

Eighteenth Anniversary In loving memory of

STEPHEN FAM CHYE KIM Departed: May 20, 2000 Always remembered and cherished by Marcus, Stephanie, Matthew, Serafina, Bindiya, Helias, Shann and Monica.

First Anniversary In loving memory of Thirty-ninth Anniversary In loving memory of

DOMINIC ALOYSIUS D’ COTTA Departed: May 7, 1979

The angels came to take you home and you left us all alone We know you keep watching us from above We still pray for you, the one we love.

Deeply missed by wife Zelie, children and their spouses, grandchildren and all loved ones.

May he rest in peace.

OBITUARY

Twenty-third Anniversary In loving memory of

First Anniversary In loving memory of

NG EE CHOON MOSES Departed: May 8, 2017 The Lord took you home, but you will never leave our thoughts or the place you have taken in our hearts.

Fondly remembered and cherished by Brothers and Sisters, Brothers-In-Law & Sisters-In-Law Nephews, Nieces and Grand Nephews, All Relatives & Friends.

ADELINE RETNAM NEE ADELINE DE MELLO Departed: May 13, 1995 Gone from our lives One so dear But in our hearts Forever near.

From: children, in-laws, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Fifteenth Anniversary In loving memory of

In loving memory of our beloved parents

CHARLES MOTI FRANCIS, LLB (HONS.)

AUGUSTINE K HARIDAS Departed: May 13, 2017 Deeply missed by loved ones.

Mass will be offered at the Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary on May 13, 2018 at 8.30am.

Third Anniversary In loving memory of

Twenty-fifth Anniversary In loving memory of

His smiling way and pleasant face Are a pleasure to recall; He had a kind word for each And died beloved by all.

Some day, we hope to meet him, Some day, we know not when To clasp his hand in the better land, Never to part again.

HARRY ARTHUR Dearly and deeply PETERSON missed by children Departed: May 10, 1993 and grandchildren.

Eighth Anniversary In loving memory

Eleventh Anniversary In loving memory of

Called home to the Lord on March 27, 2018

Like roses in a garden, kindness fills the air With a certain bit of sweetness As it touches everywhere Time slips by and life goes on, But from our hearts you’re never gone.

Wife Margaret M. Santhana-Francis expresses her heartfelt thanks to immediate and extended families and friends for their attendance, kind assistance and condolences during the recent bereavement.

Please turn to pages 21 and 23 for more in memoriam and classified advertisements.

VERONICA LLOYD CHUA WEI LING Born: Feb 10, 1948 Departed: May 11, 2003 Even when we close our eyes There’s an image of your face And once again we come to realize You’re a loss we can’t replace.

Missed dearly by family and loved ones.

ESS NEVILLE

Time takes away the edge of grief But memory turns back every leaf Gone from our lives one so dear But in our hearts forever near From wife / mum and loved ones.

Third Anniversary In loving memory of

Twentieth Anniversary In loving memory of

Fondly remembered by beloved wife Elizabeth Sun and loved ones.

JOE VARGHESE 13 July 1948-10 May 2009 Faithful HusbandV Loving FatherV Devoted GrandfatherV

A. C. D’CRUZ FRANCIS E. D’CRUZ Departed: May 15, 1976 May 28, 1988

ESS PATSY ELIZA BERNARD NEE DE COSTA Departed: Nov 3, 2006 May 15, 2007

Time takes away the edge of grief But memory turns back every leaf Gone from our lives one so dear But in our hearts forever near.

Your loving children, grandchildren and loved ones.

DAVID GROSSE SILVADIMA Departed: May 11, 2007 ANTHONY ROZARIO Time unfolds Departed: May 4, 2010 another year, But memories In our hearts SIMON LEE keep you ever near. you will always live YUE KIAT Never more than Your love, your voice Departed: May 8, 2015 a thought away. and your smile Loved and remembered Gone from our lives Are forever imprinted everyday.

One so dear in our minds.

But in our hearts By wife, children, Dearly missed and Forever near. daughter-in-law, always cherished grandchildren, siblings Pa, we love by wife, children and all loved ones. and miss you dearly. and loved ones.

STELLA BANGAR – UNO CLEMENT Departed: May 5, 2015 DE SOUZA Departed: May 11, 1998 The angels came to take you home Our Lord Jesus And you left us all alone knew what was best We know you He took you home keep watching for eternal rest us from above We wiped our tears As we still pray for and tried not to be sad the one we love.

And remember the precious times we had.

Dearly missed and fondly remembered Dearly missed by

by Uno, Yumiko, wife: Doris, Hide and Reiko children: Virginia, and Bangar family.

Anna and Gerard.

Sunday May 13, 2018 n CatholicNews

In loving memory of

MARIE THERESA DA SILVA NEE SCULLY Gone to be with the Lord on May 7, 2017 One year has passed and you still continue to live in our hearts.

Missed by your family and relatives.

In loving memory of

V. PINNAVANAM ANTHONY GNANAPRAGASAM AMBLOR MARY Departed:

Apr 26, 1994 May 18, 2011

Dear parents We’re assured of your love Even though we’re apart ‘Cause so much we’ve shared Is written in our hearts.

Fondly remembered by family and loved ones.

First Anniversary In loving memory of

FRANCIS LIM CHOY KAK Departed: April 29, 2017 Thank you for the years we shared Thank you for the way you cared We loved you then and we love you still Forget you, we never will.

Fondly remembered and cherished by your family and relatives.

Seventh Anniversary In loving memory of

AROKIAHMARY D/O ANTHONYSAMY CHETTIAR @ AROKIAMMAL Departed: May 10, 2011 Your presence is ever near us Your love remains with us yet You were the kind mother Your loved ones will never forget.

Dearly missed and fondly remembered by loved ones.

Mass will be celebrated at the Church of Our Lady Star of the Sea on Sunday May 13, 2017 at 6.30pm.

As a deer longs for a stream of cool water, so I long for you, O God... Psalm 42

Seventeenth Anniversary In loving memory of

Please turn to pages 21 and 22 for more in memoriam and classified advertisements.

Twenty-ninth Anniversary In loving memory of

MRS TAN PATSY NEE ANG PATSY Beloved wife of Michael Tan E. C. Departed: May 17, 2001 Always remembered by Children and Spouses: Stanley & Hwee Tee, Yolanda & Kin Keong Daniel & Shusen Grandchildren: Kimberly, Kristin, Trevor, Ashley, Nicholas and Samantha And all loved ones.

Mass will be offered at Church of the Holy Family on Sunday, May 13, 2018 at 7.15am.

A. M. PEREIRA Departed: May 16, 1989 In our hearts you will always live Your love, your voice and your smile Are forever imprinted in our minds.

Mass will be celebrated at the Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary on Wednesday May 16, 2018 at 6.15pm.

Deeply missed and fondly remembered by your loving children, in-laws, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and all your loved ones.

Eleventh Anniversary

Forty-first Anniversary

In loving memory of

JOSEPHINE ALOYSIUS MARION NONIS FRANCIS nee MONTEIRO NONIS Departed:

May 7, 2007 Dec 29, 1977

Dearest parents, You are in God’s Kingdom The glory of His universe Eternally the peace and joy Flow like a watering-can.

Mass will be held at the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour on May 7, 2018 at 6pm.

Deeply missed by children, grandchildren and loved ones.

IN MEMORIAM 23

24

Sunday May 13, 2018 n CatholicNews

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LET US PRAY FOR THE FUTURE MISSIONARY DISCIPLES OF CHRIST.

“PRAYER AND ACTION MUST ALWAYS BE PROFOUNDLY UNITED.” Pope Francis.

We pray especially for the youths of your Church, Lord. Many of them are lost. We pray that you send shepherds to find these lost sheep, to call them back to you, as you have called us.

Young Catholics today live in trying times, in an environment in which religion is increasingly seen as irrelevant.

Thankfully, we have the Office for Young People. (OYP)

It reaches out to nearly 10,000 young people, Catholics and non-Catholics each year across different tertiary education institutes in Singapore. Its pastoral work includes a range of formation programmes, encounter retreats, and many other initiatives aimed at helping youths discover and cultivate their faith.

We pray that Catholics from all walks of life can provide the resources critically needed to nurture future generations of the Church as missionary disciples of Christ.

Help answer the call to build the Church of tomorrow. Details at gift.catholicfoundation.sg This community project is funded by Catholic Foundation

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