MAY 17, 2015, Vol 65, No 10

Page 1

SUNDAY MAY 17, 2015

SINGAPORE $0.70 CENTS / WEST MALAYSIA RM$2.10

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PPS 201/04/2013 (022940)

Pope prays for quake victims, urges solidarity He also sends donation as ‘concrete expression’ of concern

VOL 65

NO. 10

INSIDE HOME Nun receives award from president Sr Bernadette honoured for healthcare work „ Page 5

Marking 80 years Catholic High School stages allegorical drama „ Page 8

ASIA Religious violence in India A woman mourns near the body of her 10-year-old daughter outside her destroyed home on the outskirts of Kathmandu, Nepal.

Quake victims living in makeshift shelters on an open ground in Kathmandu. CNS photos

VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis of-

used to support the assistance efforts underway on behalf of the displacedâ€? and others impacted by the quake, said the council. The papal donation is meant to be “a Âżrst and immediate concrete expressionâ€? of the pope’s personal concern for all the quake’s victims, Cor Unum said, adding that bishops’ conferences and Catholic charities from around the world are already working to help survivors. “Pope Francis was deeply saddened to learn of the earthquakeâ€?

fered his prayers for all affected by the deadly earthquake in Nepal, encouraged rescue and emergency workers in their efforts, and sent an initial donation of US$100,000 (S$132,000). Thousands have been killed and an estimated 1 million people were left homeless after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake hit a mountainous region near Kathmandu on April 25. The devastation included not just buildings collapsing from the tremors, but also people and villages being buried by landslides and avalanches triggered by the quake and aftershocks. The number of casualties is expected to rise as rescue teams try to make their way into more remote areas. “I pray for the victims, those wounded and for all those who suffer because of this calamity,� Pope Francis said after reciting the Regina Coeli prayer with visitors gathered in St Peter’s Square on April 26.

Before leading people in praying the Hail Mary together, he expressed his hope that those affected by the disaster would “have the support of fraternal solidarityâ€?. The PontiÂżcal Council Cor Unum, which promotes and coordinates charitable giving, announced on April 28 that Pope Francis had sent “a Âżrst contribution of US$100,000â€? to assist the victims. The money “which will be sent to the local Church will be

and the damage it caused, said a telegram sent on April 25 by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, to Bishop Paul Simick, apostolic vicar of Nepal. The pope expressed his prayers and solidarity, and “he offers encouragement to the civil authorities and emergency personnel as they continue their rescue efforts and assistance to those touched by this tragedy�, the telegram said. „ Continued on Page 28

HOW YOU CAN HELP THOSE AFFECTED A solidarity Mass will be held at the Church of St Ignatius to pray for all who have been affected by the recent Nepal earthquake. The Mass will take place on May 10 at 12.15 pm and will be celebrated by Jesuit Fr Colin Tan, spiritual director of the Caritas Humanitarian Aid & Relief Initiatives, Singapore (CHARIS). CHARIS, which is organising the Mass, is working with Caritas Nepal and other Catholic groups to establish the needs on the ground. CHARIS has committed an initial $100,000 in grant aid. It is also sending relief supplies such as tarpaulin

sheets, solar lamps and water Âżlters. More aid will be needed and provided during the reconstruction phase which could take years. 7R ÂżQG RXW PRUH DERXW &+$5,6Âś DLG HIIRUWV YLVLW KWWS ZZZ FKDULV VLQJDSRUH RUJ LQGH[ SKS QHSDO HDUWKTXDNH RXU UHVSRQVH <RX FDQ DOVR GRZQORDG D GR QDWLRQ IRUP DW WKLV ZHEVLWH DQG VHQG D FURVVHG FKHTXH SD\DEOH WR Âł+XPDQLWDULDQ $LG )XQG´ WR &+$5,6 DW :DWHUORR 6WUHHW &DWKROLF &HQWUH 6LQJDSRUH )RU TXHULHV FRQWDFW $OEHUW /LP RU VHQG DQ HPDLO WR LQIR#FKDULV VLQJDSRUH RUJ „

Report recommends human rights training „ Page 10

WORLD Muslims donate money to build church Aim to show solidarity with Christians „ Page 13

FEATURE Church support for the divorced A look at the Marriage Tribunal „ Page 23

ASCENSCION DAY MASSES „ Page 6

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Sunday May 17, 2015 CatholicNews

SG50 Mass to be celebrated on July 4 SG50 banners will also be put up at parishes to exhort Catholics to pray for Singapore More than 10,000 faithful and guests are expected to gather at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on -uly afternoon to participate in a thanksgiving (ucharistic celebration to commemorate the nation’s 50th birthday.

The Mass will commence at 2 pm. However there will be a preMass and post-Mass segment during which the role of the Catholic Church in Singapore will be highlighted through a multimedia-andstage production. The segment be-

PM LEE OFFICIALLY OPENS GOOD SHEPHERD PLACE: Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong receives a gift of a scroll as he of¿cially opened the *ood Shepherd Place on May 2 (above). The scroll, presented to him by Marymount Kindergarten children and Sr -oan Lope], provincial superior of the *ood Shepherd nuns, contains the Chinese character for “a spirit of good will”. The *ood Shepherd Place, located in Toa Payoh, is a ¿vestorey building which includes facilities such as a kindergarten, a retreat centre, a chapel, a children’s home and a convent. The *ood Shepherd nuns

Archbishop William Goh seen here with the archdiocese’s SG50 logo.

fore the Mass will trace the early beginnings of the local Church and the second segment after the Mass will showcase the future of the Church. “Both 30-minute productions will feature members of the clergy, Religious and laity ± both the young and the young at heart,” revealed Franciscan Friar 'errick <ap, chairman of the organising committee. Singaporean singer-songwriter Corrinne May will also compose and perform an original song for the occasion. The Mass and “live” stage productions will be backed up by two 100-strong combined choirs and supported by a 60-member orchestra. The archdiocese has adopted the theme of “joy” for its S*50 commemoration, which captures the essence of the celebration. Said Friar 'errick “The human soul needs to celebrate to remember with grateful hearts, to bond as a human family, to dream together the future. And the organising committee hopes that through the Mass and the productions that precede and follow, we can truly celebrate, especially to be grateful to *od for his blessings.”

Special intentions

moved into this new compound (above) last year as the land their former convent sat on, at Marymount, was to be used to build the North-South (xpressway.

S*50 banners will also be put up at all parishes to show the archdiocese’s participation in union with the rest of the nation, as well as to exhort Catholics to pray for Singapore. In a coordinated move, each parish will be assigned two particular intentions from among the fruits of the Holy Spirit ± -oy, Peace, Charity, Patience, Kindness, *oodness, *enerosity, *entleness, Faithfulness, Modesty, Self-control and Chastity. The banner that will be displayed at each church will indicate the two intentions the parish will be praying for.

“These banners are not merely for display, but they are also meant to remind Catholics to keep the nation in prayer. In addition, the message helps to evangelise,” said Mr Paul Tan, a committee member who is coordinating the exercise. Friar 'errick added, “In a fast and ever changing world, this is really a timely opportunity for the entire Catholic population to do our bit to help sanctify our little red dot of a nation.”

and facilitating an initiative called “50,000 Prayers for the Nation”. In these initiatives, Catholics can look forward to offering a meal for the poor, a Mass, a fast, a decade of the rosary, or an act of charity for the intentions and well-being of Singapore. A dedicated Catholic S*50 website for participants to simply “click and offer” these prayers or acts of charity will go “live” from -une 1. The thanksgiving Mass at the indoor stadium will not be the only

We are engaging ‘many youths and young adults to be involved in this event ... I hope that this experience will pull the different generations together, to walk together towards being the future Church.

’

– Friar Derrick Yap, chairman of the Catholic SG50 Committee

Fringe activities Besides the Mass, other activities are also being planned to involve and engage the faithful all over Singapore to be part of this national celebration. Parish groups like the Society of St Vincent de Paul and Kanektas <outh Ministry will be organising “50,000 Meals for the Poor”

(ucharistic celebration commemorating S*50. 2n the National 'ay weekend of Aug 8- , all parishes will also be dedicating their Sunday Masses to the occasion. Parishes who are organising their own SG50 events can write to the Catholic SG50 Secretariat at cana.sg50@gmail.com to get WKHP OLVWHG LQ WKH RI¿FLDO ZHEVLWH

Tickets Tickets for the S*50 Mass will be sent to all parishes from -une 1. Parishioners who are keen to attend the Mass are advised to register with their parish of¿ces on a ¿rst-come-¿rst-served basis. The number of tickets allotted to each parish is based on a uniform percentage calculated against the population si]e of the parish.

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Sunday May 17, 2015 CatholicNews

Young people learn to identify charisms at workshop Young people who took part in a charism workshop learnt how to identify their charisms and exercise Charismatic gifts in their ministries and daily lives. The April 17-19 workshop, titled the Charism Workshop for New Evangelisation, was held at the St Francis Xavier Major Seminary. About 60 participants from various Catholic Charismatic groups attended the workshop organised by (Singapore Archdiocesan Catholic Charismatic Renewal) SACCRE Youth. They listened to talks by Mr Alex Antony from the Jesus Youth International Formation Team. 'uring the ¿rst session, Mr Antony told participants that in order for them to love Jesus, they have to have a personal encounter with Him. Over the next two days, he encouraged participants to use their Charismatic gifts in their everyday lives. Mr Antony also spoke about the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, the cardinal virtues and gifts, as well as the participants’ Christian role. Participants were then invited to complete a questionnaire which

Mr Alex Antony from the Jesus Youth International Formation Team was the invited speaker.

Participants of the charism workshop praying over the service team leaders.

would help them identify their charisms. Throughout the sessions, Mr Antony emphasised the role of Mother Mary. He said that in order for them to know the Holy Spirit, they had to turn to Mother Mary. During the workshop, participants took part in ice-breakers and praise and worship. They also prayed over one another, celebrated Mass and took part in Eucharistic adoration.

Overall, the groups which attended the workshop comprised: Jesus Youth Livingstone Nanyang Technological University Charismatic Prayer Group Ignite from the Church of the Holy Trinity Emmaus from the Church of St Mary of the Angels Kanektas from St Joseph Church Bukit Timah

Amplify Teens Connect

from the Church of the Holy Trinity Wheat & Darnel from the Church of Our Lady Star of the Sea Vocare from the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary FLOW from the Church of St Bernadette Church of the Holy Family Youth Ministry

Participants who were interviewed found the workshop bene¿cial. “There were so many take aways from this workshop. One of it was to grow a deeper relationship with Christ through the silence of heart,” said Ms Johanna Canlas, 30, from Ignite. Mr Ben Liu, from Emmaus agreed and “found the workshop to be insightful”.

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Sunday May 17, 2015 CatholicNews

S’pore Church faces lack of priests By Lorna O’Hara Without priests there will be no sacraments. “When there are no sacraments – no Eucharist, no Church,” said Archbishop William Goh on the April 25 World Day of Prayer for Vocations. The Singapore Church lacks priests because Catholics have “not yet created a community that is deeply embedded with this strong faith in Christ”, he said in front of eight seminarians, several Religious and the laity during his homily at the Church of St Francis Xavier. The church was almost packed despite the rain. Priestly “vocations come from a community that truly believes in Jesus as the risen Christ,” he said. “If we are proud to be Catholics, then of course, there will be some people who will say I want to shepherd my people.” But sadly there is a “dwindling number of priests”, Archbishop Goh said. “For the next eight years, we will only have eight diocesan priests” if the current eight seminarians make it through their formation. A vocation is also “different from a career”, he said. “A career is concerned about you making the best of yourself”

Left: Archbishop William Goh heading to the main altar for Mass for the World Day of Prayer for Vocations. Right: Seminarians attending the event.

but “a vocation is not concerned about self.” “That is why the heart of all vocations is the priestly vocation,” the archbishop said. “Why should we lead a life of celibacy, poverty and obedience if we do not believe in what we are doing?” Currently, the “real problem” is that Church activities are often not “rooted in prayer”, he said. Thus, “If our activities don’t spring from our deep love for God, this is not a vocation.” God “never said to have a vocation promotion campaign”,

For the ‘ next eight years, we will only have eight diocesan priests.

’

– Archbishop William Goh

said Archbishop Goh. He never said “let us advertise... the fact that we have to do this means to say the situation is bad.” A Holy Hour was also held prior to the Mass. The eight diocesan seminarians along with several priests, Religious and laity spent

time in silent reÀection. There was also Eucharistic adoration which was led by archdiocesan vocation director Fr Alex Chua. After the Mass, CatholicNews spoke to laypeople and a few seminarians. “I think that it’s really important that we are praying for the Church as there’re really not enough priests,” said 24-year-old Brandon Ng, who shared that he was considering becoming a priest himself. Mr Joshua Koh, 28, who agreed that praying for vocations

was important, added that parents “should be more open to their child being a priest”. “There is a need like what the bishop said for people to come together to pray and to pray visibly,” said 38-year-old Br Cornelius Ching, who is in his ¿nal year at the St Francis Xavier Major Seminary. This day has “inspired me and renewed my commitment and passion for the priesthood,” said Br Nicholas Lye, 34, a sixth year seminarian. lorna.ohara@catholic.org.sg

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Sunday May 17, 2015 CatholicNews

SSVP holds Mass and tea for Friends-in-Need

Fr Eugene Vaz giving communion to one of the Friends-in-Need (FINs).

By Magdalene Tan Nine chartered buses ferried more than 600 aid recipients of the Society of St Vincent de Paul (SSVP) Church of Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM) for a special Mass on April 25. Several SSVP members, or Vincentians, used their own cars to shuttle wheelchair-bound FINs while a mini bus was also deployed to bring St Joseph’s Home residents to and from the church. During the Mass for Friendsin-need (or FINs as SSVP bene¿ciaries are known), Archbishop William Goh said that “if we don’t share our faith in Jesus, who is the giver of gifts, we are short-changing our FINs. When we give them Jesus, we are not only giving them the ability to endure everything in their lives but also the courage to face suffering. “When we give the gift of

Archbishop William Goh mingles with FINs during the tea reception. Photos: RICHARD KOH AND DANNY LEE

faith, we also give the gift of contentment. We give them the gift of dignity, recognising them as our brothers and sisters of the same Father,” he said in his homily. Archbishop Goh also reminded Vincentians to proclaim the Gospel by serving the FINs humbly.

Only humble ‘ service can touch people’s lives.’

– Archbishop William Goh during the April 25 Mass

“It is not what we do, but how we do. Only humble service can touch people’s lives. If we are condescending, the face of Christ will not be received.” Several other priests including SSVP spiritual advisers – Fr Eugene Vaz and Fr Adrian Yeo – also attended the Mass.

Mr David Lau, a member from the SSVP Faith and Formation team said, “the Mass is a good way to show tangible, genuine concern for the poor, the most vulnerable members of society”. “It is in times like this that we feel a heightened sense of togetherness and solidarity with our FINs. It is also a way to make more evident the Church’s mission to be a witness of mercy and compassion.” After Mass, everyone headed to St Gregory Hall for a tea reception and fellowship. During the tea, several FINs showed their interest in learning more about the Catholic faith. Some 200 Vincentians also helped to serve the FINs by dishing out food at the buffet stations, while others helped by bringing food to elderly FINs. It was the fourth time that SSVP has held a special Mass for FINs.

Nun receives healthcare award from president

Sr Bernadette greets President Tony Tan before the start of the Healthcare Humanitarian Awards 2015 ceremony. Looking on are Minister for Health Gan Kim Yong (far right) and beside him is chairman of the Courage Fund, Ms Kay Kuok Onn Kwong.

Sr Bernadette Mary Yeo Geok Tho received the Healthcare Humanity Awards Honourable Mention Medallion for her contributions to the healthcare industry on April 27. The award, which was given out by President Tony Tan at the Healthcare Humanitarian Awards 2015 ceremony, was sponsored by the Courage Fund. It honours individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the Singapore healthcare industry. Sr Bernadette, along with ¿ve others received their medallions at the Matrix Auditorium @ Biopolis. The Franciscan Missionary of Divine Motherhood was one of the ¿rst few local Sisters who joined Mount Alvernia Hospital after its inception in 1961. She trained and worked as a nurse and midwife before becoming a clinical pastoral care counsellor in the 1980s. Prior to that, Sr Bernadette was a nurse at the old Mandalay Road Hospital’s isolation ward for tuberculosis patients in 1957.

Before and after the award ceremony, there was a meet-and -greet session between the six medallion recipients and the president.

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Sunday May 17, 2015 CatholicNews

CITY Cathedral of the Good Shepherd Under renovation/restoration. St Joseph’s Church (Victoria Street) May 13: 6.30pm May 14: 6.30pm, 1.15pm & 7.45pm Church of Sts Peter & Paul May 13: 5.30pm May 14: 7.20am, 6pm & 7.30pm (M*) Church of Our Lady of Lourdes May 13: 6.30pm May 14: 12.30pm, 6.30pm & 8pm (T*) Church of the Sacred Heart May 13: 7.30pm May 14: 7am, 12.30pm, 5.30pm & 7.30pm Church of St Teresa May 13: 8pm May 14: 12.30pm & 8pm

Church of St Francis Xavier May 13: 7pm May 14: 6.30am, 6.30pm & 8pm St Anne’s Church May 13: 8pm May 14: 6.30am, 6.15pm & 8pm Church of St Vincent De Paul May 13: 8pm May 14: 7am, 6pm & 8pm WEST Church of St Ignatius May 13: 6pm May 14: 7am, 6pm & 8pm Blessed Sacrament Church May 13: 7.30pm May 14: 7am, 8.30am, 6pm & 7.30pm

Church of St Alphonsus (Novena Church) Under reconstruction.

Church of St Mary of the Angels May 13: 7.30pm May 14: 6.55am, 1.15pm, 6.30pm & 8.15pm

Church of St Bernadette May 13: 6pm May 14: 6.30am & 7pm

Church of St Francis of Assisi May 13: 7pm May 14: 6.30am, 7pm (M*) & 8.15pm

Church of St Michael May 13: 8pm May 14: 6.30am & 8pm

Church of the Holy Cross May 13: 6pm (M*), 7.30pm May 14: 6.15am, 6pm, 7.30pm

EAST Church of the Holy Family May 13: 7.30pm May 14: 6.15am, 1pm & 7.30pm Church of Our Lady Queen of Peace May 13: 6.30pm May 14: 6.30am & 7pm Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour May 13: 6.15pm May 14: 6.30am, 12.30pm, 6pm & 8pm Church of St Stephen May 13: 8pm May 14: 6.30am & 8pm Church of the Holy Trinity May 13: 8pm May 14: 6.30am, 6pm & 8pm Church of Divine Mercy May 13: 7pm May 14: 6.30am, 1pm, 7pm & 8.30pm NORTH St Joseph Church (Bukit Timah) May 13: 8pm May 14: 6.30am & 8pm Church of St Anthony May 13: 8pm May 14: 6.30pm & 8pm Church of Our Lady Star of the Sea May 13: 7pm May 14: 6.45am, 12.15pm & 8pm Church of the Holy Spirit May 13: 8pm May 14: 6.30am, 6pm & 8pm Church of the Risen Christ May 13: 7pm May 14: 6.30am, 12.15pm, 6pm & 8pm Church of Christ the King May 13: 8pm May 14: 6.30am, 1pm, 6.15pm & 8pm SERANGOON Church of the Nativity of the BVM May 13: 6.30pm, 8pm (M*) May 14: 6.30am, 6.30pm & 8pm Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary May 13: 8pm May 14: 6.15 am, 6.15pm & 8pm

CATHOLIC PRAYER SOCIETY All Masses below are on Thursday May 14 CPS Orchard Venue: Grand Hyatt Hotel (please check hotel signage board for exact location) Time: 12.40pm & 1.20pm Contact: 9754-3672 / 9794-0963 CPS Outram Venue: The Alumni Association Building Level 2, 2 College Road (SGH Campus) Time: 12.15pm Contact: 9823-3971 / 9878-2833 CPS Raffles Place Venue: The 3rd Space (basement of China Square) Time: 11.15am, 12.15pm, 1.15pm Contact: 9622-1775 / 9765-8832 CPS Shenton Way Venue: Singapore Conference Hall, 2nd Level Time: 12.20pm, 1.20pm Contact: 9090-6032 / 9114-9240 CPS Suntec Venue: Hall 606 room, Suntec Convention Centre Time: 12.15pm & 1.15pm Contact: 6408-7891 CPS Jurong East Venue: Please check CPS website (http:// cps.org.sg) or call contact numbers Time: 12.15pm Contact: 9889-3438 / 9376-9897 CPS Changi Business Park Venue: UE Convention Centre, Level 1 Auditorium Time: 12.15pm Contact: 9826-2246 / 8180-7089 SCIENCE PARK Science Park Venue: “Curie” building, 02-02, 83 Science Park Drive, Singapore 118258 Time: 12.30pm. Note: M*: Mandarin; T*: Tamil Mass times correct at time of printing. Please check with parishes for updates.

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Sunday May 17, 2015 CatholicNews

Indonesian Catholic choir raises funds to build mobile clinic in Cambodia By Arvelia Yardhika Ong The Vox Cordis Chorus (VCC), an Indonesian choir, held a performance titled Joy of the Gospel to help raise funds to build a mobile clinic in Kampung Spue, Cambodia. VCC or the Voice of the Heart Chorus, performed a medley of traditional spiritual and contemporary Gospel songs in front of an 800-strong audience at the Church of the Risen Christ on April 25. The songs were arranged in a manner to help the audience experience the longing for God and how joyful it is when Jesus ¿lls our lives. For the ¿rst part of the concert, the choir sang well-known pieces composed and arranged by Moses Hogan, an American. These included Hear My Prayer, Elijah Rock, I Can Tell the World, and I Couldn’t Hear Nobody Pray. In the second part of the concert, VCC sang modern Gospel

songs such as I Will Follow Him, Hail Holy Queen and Joyful, Joyful from the movie Sister Act. It took VCC almost a year to prepare for the performance as its members had to also sing at the bi-monthly Migrant Community Mass, as well as at weddings. Altogether, the choir raised $10,000 from ticket sales as well as from the love offering. All proceeds will be used by the DOVE team of Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School to help build a mobile clinic and bring the team a step closer to improving the lives of 1,000 villagers in Cambodia. Previously in 2013, VCC also held a charity concert called Once Upon a Tree Easter Concert. The money raised was given to Roslin Orphanage in Timor Leste. A representative of VCC said that the choir wishes to continue to share their passion in music to glorify the Lord, inspire others and lend a helping hand to those in need.

CHANCERY NOTICE

April 29, 2015

APPOINTMENTS 1. Fr John Bosco Pereira is appointed parish priest of the Church of St Teresa for a term of six [6] years with effect from 1 July 2015. 2. Fr Kenson Koh is appointed parish assistant to the Church of the Holy Trinity for a term of three [3] years with effect from 1 July 2015. 3. Fr Eugene Vaz is appointed parish priest of the Church of the Holy Family for a term of six [6] years with effect from 22 July 2015. 4. Fr Patrick Goh is appointed parish assistant to the Church of St Bernadette for a term of three [3] years with effect from 22 July 2015. 5. Fr Samuel Lim will assist in pastoral duties at the Church of the Holy Family from the months of May to July of 2015. 6. Fr Michael Arro MEP is appointed as priest in residence at Church of St Teresa following the canonical possession of the parish by the incoming parish priest. 7. The following priests have been elected to the senate for a term of two [2] years beginning in August 2015 by their respective districts: a. Fr Christopher Lee – North District b. Fr Aloysius Ong – East District c. Fr Peter Tan – City District d. Fr Clifford Augustine OFM – West District e. Fr Henry Siew – Serangoon District OTHER MATTERS 1. All priests are to note that church marriages celebrated here which have a prior civil registration overseas, and with either one or both parties baptised overseas are required to forward these information to the Chancery. Our Chancery will liaise with the overseas Chanceries to ensure that the canonical status of these persons are updated in the baptismal records of the parish of their home dioceses. Forms may be obtained from the Chancery for this administrative purpose. 2. A Personal Data Protection Policy Statement has been approved by the Senate of Priests on 26 March 2015. The policy statement will be sent to all parishes and entities from the Chancery. A copy of which may also be downloaded from the Archdiocesan website.

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

The Indonesian choir performing at the Church of the Risen Christ on April 25. Photo: ANDREAS SETIO NUGROHO

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Sunday May 17, 2015 CatholicNews

Catholic High School celebrates 80th anniversary with play Catholic High School (CHS) held a play on two separate dates as part of its 80th anniversary celebrations. The play, titled Di’Vine, was also part of the school’s bi-annual Easter production. It was performed by secondary school students on April 22 and April 28 at the secondary school hall. Mr Isaiah Christopher Lee wrote the play while Mr Darren Sng composed the original score. Both are CHS alumni. The play told a story of villagers who became greedy and sinful. Due to their sel¿sh ways, they ended up cutting themselves off from their life source which was a mountain called Mount Moriah. As crops died and necessities such as food and water became scarce, this wreaked chaos in the village. Fortunately, Lucius whose character parallels that of Christ’s, managed to reconcile the villagers to their life source and restore harmony in the village by sacri¿cing his own life. On each of the days, the cast performed in front of 3,500 people including teachers, primary and secondary school students, parents and several VIPs, such as CHS’ principal Ms Soh Lai Leng, Fr Joe Lopez, chaplain of the secondary school, and Fr Henry Siew, supervisor of CHS and chairman of the school management committee.

July 24: Countdown launch

to anniversary and Founder’s Day, launch of school’s Heritage Gallery, Prize Giving Day for secondary school, and 80 Fun Facts of CHS daily Sept 12: Archdiocesan Teachers’ Day Thanksgiving Mass with Msgr Ambrose Vaz Oct 13: Founders Day, 80th Anniversary Thanksgiving Mass, Tiles In Tribute – Aspirations and Dreams for Our Future (School Wall Tiles Mural) and an 80th Anniversary Founder’s Day Dinner.

HISTORY OF CHS: 1935: CHS was founded

Catholic High School students playing the role of villagers in Di’Vine.

Preparations for the play began months in advance and CHS students worked after school, going over their lines and preparing the props. The CHS Symphony Band which played on both days also spent many hours during weekdays and weekends to practise. Ms Susan Pang, pastoral coordinator of CHS and producer of the play, said she aimed to build on the success of the previous drama productions for Easter for

Catholic High School students worked tirelessly after school, going over their lines and preparing the props. the school with the help of Mr Lak Yau Hui, the vice-principal of the secondary school. She said that the message for everyone was that Christ could

bridge the divide between God and His people. Omar Daniel Sherif who was part of the cast, said that the play was a good way for laypeople to understand who Jesus is. Hansen Salim from the ensemble, agreed that the drama was an expressive way for students from all faiths to work together as one community rather than separated by different belief systems. Fr Henry Siew gave a rousing Easter message at the end of the play. As part of the school’s 80th anniversary celebrations, other events that will take place include: July 4: Homecoming cum Family Day.

by Fr Edward Becheras, a French missionary. He envisaged the school to be a bilingual institution. 1937: CHS moved into its new school building on Queen Street, beside the Church of Sts Peter and Paul. 1951: Under the Marist Brothers, CHS’ primary school section was opened 1992: CHS’ primary and secondary sections of the school moved to their current, permanent campus at Bishan Street 22. This was to cope with the increased enrolment. 2000: On Sept 1, the Ministry of Education announced that CHS would become an Integrated Programme school in 2013. 2013: CHS became an Integrated Programme School.

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Sunday May 17, 2015 CatholicNews

Canossian alumni spread joy in St Joseph’s Home Canossian Alumni Association (CAA) members – about 40 of them, together with family and friends, mingled with residents of the St Joseph’s Home at their holding site at Mandai Road. The visit on Labour Day began with simple exercises led by a few CAA exco members. Residents practised their motor skills by creating personalised maracas or shakers. To make them, the residents were given materials such as green beans, plastic spoons, plastic bottles, foil and coloured tape. Soon after, St Joseph’s Home was ¿lled with joy as the residents shook their maracas and clapped their hands to songs such as Take Me Home, Country Roads and Rasa Sayang. They even sang a few Chinese classics by Teresa Teng. The morning visit wasn’t over as the group also played a game of Bingo with the residents. A sponsored buffet lunch by CAA for the residents and staff workers closed the morning visit as volunteers served and fed the elderly folk.

Everyone was so ‘enthusiastic... It’s a simple gesture but when we see the folks enjoying, it is so gratifying.

’

– Ms Irene Ow Soo Cheng, St Anthony’s Convent alumna

“This visit had one of the best turnout in many years... big crowd, great makan [food] and entertainment”, said Sr Dorothy Lim, spiritual director to the CAA. For many of the volunteers, it was also a ¿rst-time experience. “This [visit] is certainly more satisfying than sleeping in late on a public holiday!” said Mr George Punnosse, chairman of Canossa Convent Primary School’s Parent Support Group. He was there with his daughter, Mariesa, a junior alumna, who graduated from St Anthony’s Canossian Secondary School last year. Ms Irene Ow Soo Cheng, an alumna from St Anthony’s Convent added that she found the visit “meaningful”. “Everyone was so enthusiastic. It’s a simple gesture but when we see the folks enjoying, it is so gratifying,” she said. “It was so rewarding to see the happy smiles of the residents as everyone bade farewell with a promise to return again next year,” said Ms Veronica Tan, president of CAA. It is an annual tradition of CAA to visit the residents on May 1 – the Feast of St Joseph, Patron Saint of Workers.

Above: Volunteers and their children help elderly residents in a Bingo game.

Left: One of the residents singing John Denver’s Take Me Home, Country Roads with volunteers.

10 ASIA

Sunday May 17, 2015 CatholicNews

Report slams India’s attitude towards religious violence &16 ¿OH SKRWR

DELHI – A report on religious free-

dom in India paints a grim picture of the relations between the majority Hindu population and its smaller religious minorities. India is struggling to protect minority religious communities including Christians, Muslims and Sikhs from increased violent attacks and a “climate of impunity”, according to the report by the US-based Commission for International Religious Freedom (CIRF). The commission lists India as a Tier 2 country, alongside nations such as Afghanistan, Kazakhstan and Laos. The report notes that incidents of violence against religious minorities have increased for three consecutive years, peaking last year during national polls that were won in a landslide by the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). “Since the election, religious minority communities have been subject to derogatory comments by politicians linked to the [BJP] and numerous violent attacks and forced conversions by Hindu nationalist groups, such as the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and Vishva Hindu Parishad,” the report said. It added that “reportedly, local police seldom provide protection, refuse to accept complaints, rarely investigate, and in a few cases

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Demonstrators protest outside Sacred Heart Cathedral in New Delhi earlier this year against anti-Christian violence.

encourage Christians to move or hide their religion”. It further recommended repealing all existing anti-conversion legislation, and improving training on human rights and religious freedom among the police and judiciary – particularly in states that have a history of religious or communal violence. “These are excellent recom-

mendations, and every Indian conscious of human rights and dignity would welcome them,” said Fr Ajay Singh, a Catholic priest and rights activist who has worked among the victims of the 2007 anti-Christian riots in Odisha. He said seven Indian states have adopted laws that make the changing of one’s religion without

Chinese bishops ‘elected’ in polls HONG KONG – Two dioseen as a way to protest ceses in China’s Henan the controlled nature of the province have elected bishelection, said the Church op candidates in the ¿rst source. such polls since China and “Even if you wanted the Vatican resumed negoto write a cross to vote tiations last June. against the nominee, the In what are expected to people next to you could be the ¿rst bishops ordained see that,” the source added. in China this year, voters on “Such an election is not April 28 and 29 elected the held according to our cononly candidates in ballots science. It is just to comthat were heavily controlled plete a procedure.” by authorities in ZhumadiThe recent elections an and Anyang dioceses. were supposed to have Fr Cosmos Ji Chengyi been held in March but of Zhumadian and Fr Jo- People praying in a Beijing church. Two Chinese were cancelled without seph Zhang Yinlin of An- bishops were recently elected in government-con- any reason offered. yang were previously ap- trolled polls. &16 ¿OH SKRWR The Chinese authoriproved by the Vatican, but ties vet bishop candidates the Holy See still does not recog- sons. “Even if someone becomes for their loyalty to the state, the nise the state-sanctioned bishops’ a bishop in the future, he would main point of contention between conference which gives approvals face many dif¿cult issues and may Beijing and the Vatican. for ordinations. Critics of the Chinese govhave to follow the instructions of “We could not elect voluntari- the Communist Party.” ernment have said its refusal to ly a candidate that we had in mind. Of 42 voters in Anyang, four relinquish control of ordinations But the China Church needs some- abstained and the rest voted in has caused in¿ghting and splits one to bear the responsibility [as a support of Fr Zhang. In Zhumadi- among Church leaders, who rebishop], so we have to participate an, 22 backed Fr Chengyi with main divided on whether to folto vote,” said a Church source at four abstentions out of 26. Three low the status quo or protest Beithe ballot in Anyang, who declined priests failed to attend. jing’s control of the Church. to be named for security reaAbstentions and no-shows are UCANEWS.COM

permission from the government a crime, adding that these so-called Freedom of Religion acts were “laws that no civilised society will accept”. Mr ET Mohammed Basheer, a member of the Indian Union Muslim League, said the government has weakened the country’s established institutions and dismissed violence against minorities as ran-

dom acts of crime. “But when a crime against a religious minority goes unpunished in an atmosphere of hate, impunity increases and violence becomes more frequent,” he said. However, BJP leader and parliamentarian Vinay Katiyar dismissed the US report as “biased”. “India enjoys religious freedom enshrined in our constitution. Minorities have had no problems,” he told ucanews.com. The report provides only an observation of “stray incidents and taking cognisance of media reports which are basically based on sensationalism”, he added. Six churches have been vandalised by Hindu mobs since December last year, along with several other anti-Christian attacks across the country – including the rape of an elderly nun earlier this year. UCANEWS.COM

Filipino Catholic to lead climate-change pilgrimage MANILA – A Catholic advocate for climate change took a walk across Metro Manila on April 22 as a small-scale precursor to a major event called The People’s Pilgrimage. Beginning in October, Mr Naderev “Yeb” Sano will help lead this pilgrimage starting from the Vatican. The pilgrimage will be made up of concurrent walks from spiritually signi¿cant locations in European cities; all will end in Paris where the UN Climate Conference, or COP21, will take place. Mr Sano and 11 other Filipinos of various faiths – including Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism – walked the 13 km through Manila amidst searing heat. In an interview with Catholic News Service, he said this smaller group covered just half of what they expect to be doing on a daily basis later this year. “I am very enthused by the people I am with,” he said. “People, friends who are selÀessly offering their time, their availability, practically more than two months of their lives... Having these 20 Filipinos who have made the commit-

ment, it is really heartening for me. It’s something we can really gain strength from, walking together.” The Philippine group is part of a larger interfaith group called Our Voices, formed last year to push for international climatechange legislation to be signed during the climate conference. Mr Sano said if it is not signed, Our Voices will focus on building a “parallel world” where grassroots groups such as youth organisations and even local governments will push for changes. “I’m very optimistic about the role of faith communities, churches divesting from fossil fuels, investing in green solutions and advocating for social justice in every country; I think that’s very powerful.” He added, “Being a Catholic, I take a lot of pride in having a pope who is very outspoken on the environment,” he said, “and I’m really imagining if we get lucky and have the [good] fortune of being sent off by Pope Francis from the Vatican, that is all we need to get to Paris.” CNS

ASIA 11

Sunday May 17, 2015 CatholicNews

Religions in Nepal launch joint operation to help those affected by quake NEPAL – Dozens of religious

NGOs have responded positively to an appeal launched by the Apostolic Vicar of Nepal, Bishop Paul Simick, to launch a joint operation to help the quake survivors, according to Vatican Radio. The charitable organisations of various faiths and Christian Churches have decided to unite under the leadership of Caritas of the Catholic Church. Of¿cials of the local Caritas will lead the operation, supported by Caritas India and Australia. A week after the massive earthquake on April 25 killed more than 6,600 people and collapsed buildings, temples and homes, remote villages remain cut off from help. According to Bishop Narayan Sharma of Believers Church, “Prayers are not enough to heal an open wound and don’t feed those who live outdoors. Prayer is fundamental, but it is important also to serve those in need. We still need international support,” he said. Mohammad Sannaulha, imam of Jame mosque in Kathmandu, said: “Those who are suffering today are our brothers and sisters in Nepal, their religion does not matter. It should not divide us; we must indeed be united as much as possible to make our aid more effective. We are happy that the Catholics lead this, because they were the ¿rst to respond after the disaster.” The Venerable Renchen, representative of the Buddhist community, and Manohar Prasad Sah of the Hindu community said: “We are doing our best, and when religions come together they can meet the basic needs of the people. Solidarity, peace and charity are concepts shared by all”.

St Joseph Sr Monique Niraula joins two other women in packing relief material for earthquake victims at Assumption Catholic Church in Lalitpur, Nepal on May 1. CNS photos

Muslim and Christian leaders join in to promote peace in Pakistan LAHORE, PAKISTAN – Following

the March 15 attack against two Christian Churches in Lahore, Pakistan, a meeting was organised to promote peace, harmony and security between Christians and Muslims. The recent meeting was organised by the Council for Interreligious Dialogue and the Interfaith Conference of Peace. According to Fides news agency, the organisers of the event brought together leading Muslim and Christian leaders, scholars, intellectuals, civil society representatives and local residents of Youhanabad, the district hit by the attacks. The participants discussed in depth the social and religious situation in Pakistan. All agreed that “there is an ongoing effort to increase conÀicts

and misunderstandings among Christian and Muslim citizens in the country”, said Carmelite Fr Francis Nadeem, provincial superior of the Capuchin Friars of Pakistan, who helped organise the meeting. “The efforts carried out by forums and organisations like ours,” he continued, “have produced fruitful results and have been able to develop religious harmony in the country. We strongly condemned the acts of terrorism and the killing of innocent people in Pakistan and other countries of the Middle East.” The participants also launched an appeal to the government and political leaders so that they would adopt initiatives for harmonious and peaceful development in Pakistan. ZENIT

Migration is a priority for Vietnam Church HANOI – Bishops in Vietnam

Tourists Tave Teloye and his children Alan and Juliet prepare lentil packets for earthquake victims in a church in Latipur.

Meanwhile, Nepal’s government renewed its appeal to international donors to send tents, tarpaulins and basic food supplies in the wake of the recent devastating earthquake. Information Minister Minendra Rijal said Nepal would immediately need 400,000 tents and so far has been able to provide only 29,000

to the people who need them. The Nepal government exempted tarpaulins and tents from import taxes on May 1, but United Nations Resident Representative Jamie McGoldrick told Reuters that the government has to loosen customs restrictions further to deal with the increasing Àow of relief material. UCANEWS.COM

addressed the issue of internal and external migration at a round table in their ¿rst annual meeting held in mid-April in Ho Chi Minh City. Vietnam’s Catholic Church is looking for answers to the increasing challenges. However, Catholic leaders noted that the highest of¿ces of the state must be involved as well; in particular, the organisations responsible for the well-being of travellers and those ¿ghting against human traf¿cking. In an interview with Radio Free Asia, Bishop of Vinh Paul Nguyen Thai Hop of Vinh, president of the Commission of Justice and Peace

of the Vietnamese Church, analysed the issue of migration and listed the most critical situations. “There are two different types of migration: internal and external,” the prelate said. To meet this challenge, the “pastoral ministry of migrants” was born. “It is our duty,” he said. Host communities have a duty to “welcome migrants” and promote “the right conditions for their integration”. “The Commission for the pastoral care of migrants will cooperate with other commission to ¿nd answers to the most topical issues,” he said. ASIANEWS

12 WORLD

Sunday May 17, 2015 CatholicNews

No current terrorist threat to Vatican: spokesman VATICAN CITY – Italian police

arrested at least nine people in what of¿cials described as a terrorist cell that had planned, in 2010, to strike at the Vatican with a suicide bomber. A few hours after the police in Cagliari announced the arrests, Jesuit Fr Federico Lombardi, Vatican spokesman, said the planned attack on the Vatican was “a hypothesis going back to 2010, one which did not take place”. The threat did not appear to be ongoing, he said, therefore it was not “a reason for particular concern”. DIGOS, the Italian police division that investigates ter-

rorism and organised crime, arrested eight Pakistanis and an Afghan in seven Italian provinces on April 24. They were still looking for three more suspects. Mr Mauro Mura, chief prosecutor in Cagliari, told reporters that DIGOS agents had arrested the spiritual leader of the terrorist cell, which was believed to have ties to AlQaeda. The Italian investigation dates to 2005 and included telephone wiretaps of conversations that led to the theory of a plan in 2010 to strike the Vatican using a suicide bomber from Pakistan. The man apparently is no longer in Italy. CNS

Atrocities show need to strengthen dialogue with Muslims: interfaith body &16 ¿OH SKRWR

VATICAN CITY – The Vatican

said interreligious dialogue with the Muslim community must be strengthened given “the barbarism underway” by terrorists claiming to be Muslims. The statement, issued by the Ponti¿cal Council for Interreligious Dialogue, comes after hundreds of Christians have been killed in recent months, often barbarically, by Islamist extremist groups in the Middle East, Libya, Nigeria, Kenya and several other African nations. More recently, more than 20 Ethiopian Christians were killed Egyptian Christians hold placards during a Feb 16 protest in Cairo against the killing of Coptic Christians by Islamic State militants in Libya.

by Islamic State militants in Libya. Thousands of other Christians in war-torn regions have also been driven out of their homes by Islamist groups. Pope Francis and other Church leaders have called on the international community to come to the aid of these persecuted Christians. In the face of the atrocities, the ponti¿cal council said some people are questioning whether interreligious dialogue with the Muslim community should continue.

The events of recent ‘times cause many of us to ask: ‘Is there still space for dialogue with Muslims?’ The answer is yes, more than ever.

’

– Ponti¿cal Council for Interreligious Dialogue

“The answer is yes, more than ever,” said the council in an April 22 statement. “First, because the vast majority of Muslims do not recognise themselves in the barbarism underway.” The council cited Pope Francis and Pope Benedict XVI in saying that the use of religion to justify violence must be condemned. Lamenting that “religion is

often associated with violence” today, the council said people of faith must instead demonstrate that “religions are called to be heralds of peace and not of violence”. In the wake of the attacks on Christians, the council said there was a “radicalisation of communitarian and religious discourse”, which it warned only risks increasing “hatred, violence, terrorism and the growing and trivial stigmatisation of Muslims and of their religion”. The proper response, the council said, is a “strengthening of fraternity and dialogue”. “To continue dialoguing, even when you experience persecution, can become a sign of hope,” the council said. “It’s not that believers want to impose their vision of the person or of history, but they want to propose the respect of difference, freedom of thought and religion, the protection of human dignity and love for truth.” “We must have the courage to review the quality of life in the family, the ways religion and history are taught, the content of the sermons in our places of worship,” the council suggested. The family and education are “the keys” that will create a world “based on reciprocal respect and fraternity”, it added. CNS

WORLD 13

Sunday May 17, 2015 „ CatholicNews

Catholic groups urge greater humanitarian response to migrant crisis Migrants wait to disembark from a tug boat in the Sicilian harbour of Pozzallo on May 4. More than 3,600 migrants were rescued at sea in 17 different operations in just one day in early May. &16 SKRWR

OXFORD, ENGLAND – As the Eu-

ropean Union (EU) announced tough measures to curb the Ă€ow of migrants and refugees across the Mediterranean Sea, Catholic aid groups urged a more humanitarian response. “We’re disappointed by the EU’s proposals – although changes have been promised to stop people dying on our borders, these policies are insufÂżcient,â€? said Ms Karolina Babicka, an advocacy ofÂżcer with Caritas Europe. “Catholic agencies like ours have warned the EU for years about this crisis, but its leaders haven’t responded seriously.â€? She told Catholic News Service (CNS) that EU governments were “at least partly responsibleâ€? for conditions in Libya and other countries because of past interventions, and should be doing more to deter refugee Ă€ights by promoting stable development. More than 3,600 migrants were rescued at sea in 17 different operations in just one day in early May, according to the Italian coast guard. On April 20, Caritas reported more than 1,500 people had drowned in the Mediterranean so far this year. The number of refugees and migrants attempting the crossing to Europe have increased sharply

A QUICK LOOK AT CHURCH TEACHING ON THE ENVIRONMENT... as Pope Francis prepares to release his much anticipated encyclical on the environment and ecology within the coming months.

with growing violence in the Middle East and North Africa. On April 23, the European Union announced measures to deter boat refugees. It said it would strengthen sea patrols by its Frontex border agency and destroy human traf¿ckers’ boats, as well as increase the speed at which it processed asylum applications. It

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’

– Ms Karolina Babicka, Caritas Europe

also announced a pilot project on migrant resettlement. But Archbishop Silvano Tomasi, the Vatican’s representative at the United Nations in Geneva, said priority should be given to “rescuing threatened human life� rather than “economic questions or immediate state interests�. “Europe needs to go beyond the normal methods of control,� he was quoted as saying by France’s

Catholic La Croix on April 24. “If the European Council doesn’t deal with this problem in a radically new way, there’ll be a risk of merely leaving things as they are.â€? Ms Babicka told CNS that tripling Frontex’s budget was “a small step in the right directionâ€?. However, she added that the border agency had no mandate to conduct search-and-rescue operations and said Catholic representatives had been “surprised and shockedâ€? by the EU’s proposal to destroy smugglers’ boats. “If you start destroying boats, as the EU has tried to do against pirates off Somalia, it’s likely you’ll destroy the people in them too, and this raises legal and moral questions,â€? she said. “The smugglers are there because there’s a demand – from desperate people who’ve no other way to reach safety. If you sink them, other even more dangerous routes will be found instead.â€? The World Council of Churches has also urged Europe to take “collective responsibilityâ€? rather than leaving the problem to border services in Greece, Italy and Malta, and to recognise the need to tackle “poverty, social instability and conĂ€ictsâ€? in the migrants’ countries of origin. „ CNS

Court sentences 69 people for burning church in Egypt CAIRO – An Egyptian court has sentenced 69 people to life in prison for setting Âżre to the Coptic Church of the Virgin Mary in Kerdasa in 2013. Two underage defendants were sentenced to 10 years each for the same crime. “This is the Âżrst time that someone is convictedâ€? for destroying a Christian building, said Fr RaÂżc Greiche, spokesman for the Catholic Church in Egypt. It is a sign that “Christians are not second-class citizensâ€?, he said, in a country that is 90 per cent Muslim. The church is located in Kerdasa, a Cairo suburb, not far from the pyramids. It was torched overnight on Aug 14-15, 2013. Violence broke out in Kerdasa and all over Egypt after President Mohamed Morsi was ousted and the Muslim Brotherhood held rallies. About 60 churches, Christian institutions, homes and shops were attacked; 13 police ofÂżcers were killed, along with dozens of other people.

Judge Mohammed Nagi Shehata, who issued the ruling, convicted 183 people last February for killing the 13 police ofÂżcers. The recent sentencing was on April 29. “This,â€? said Fr Greiche, “is the Âżrst time that a prison sentence was handed down for a church burning. On other occasions, people were convicted of burning a church in connection with other crimes. This time, the sentence was imposed only for burning a church.â€? For the clergyman, “This is an important verdict because it shows that Christians are not second-class citizens; that churches are not second-class buildings, but have the dignity of all other sacred buildings; that the Church is an institution to be respected like any other.â€? Likewise, “It is also a sign of the independence of the judiciary, of judges’ freedom before public opinion, that they are not politicised,â€? he added. „ ASIANEWS

Muslims donate money to build church

Friends and relatives of Egyptian Coptic Christians killed in Libya attend a Mass for them. A Muslim community is showing its solidarity with the Christians by donating money to build a church. &16 ¿OH SKRWR ROME – A Muslim community in Egypt has donated money for the building of a new Coptic church. According to Fides News Agency, Muslims from the Governorate of Al Manu¿yya, located in northern Cairo, made the donation. The Muslim community said it wished to show its solidarity with Coptic Christians following the murder of 21 Egyptian Copts

in Libya by the so-called Islamic State. Following a call for collections made by Coptic Orthodox Bishop Benyamin, several leading members of the Muslim community offered a contribution. Young people and even children gave money for the construction project. Bishop Benyamin said that the donation “is a message addressed to the whole world�. „ ZENIT

14 WORLD

Sunday May 17, 2015 CatholicNews

Left: Archbishop Lori visits the riot-hit section of West Baltimore. Right: Fire¿ghters walk past a residence which was set ablaze on April 28. CNS photos

In the wake of the riots in Baltimore ... ... Church pledges to participate in dialogue on underlying issues BALTIMORE, USA – As the US city of Baltimore cleaned up after rioting following the funeral of a black man who died in police custody, an archbishop said the Church’s place is to pray and participate in a community dialogue to solve the underlying issues. Freddie Gray, 25, died on April 19, one week after being arrested on a weapons charge and sustaining a severe spinal cord injury while in custody. After his funeral on April 27, peaceful protests turned into unrest later in the day, leading to damage of buildings and cars, and looting and ¿res. The next morning, as Archbishop William E Lori, Auxiliary Bishop Denis J Madden and other archdiocesan leaders toured the

First of all, ‘let’s pray... We need to strengthen our communities that they might be a force of peace.

’

– Archbishop William E Lori of Baltimore

affected West Baltimore neighbourhoods, adults and children with brooms and trash bags were as numerous as the rioters the night before. Archbishop Lori made stops at St Peter and St Gregory the Great churches and the senior centre next door, and at St Edward

church, before surveying looted buildings and the carcass of a burned car. He said during the unrest he called as many West Baltimore pastors as he could, and spoke to them. “We will continue to do a lot of work, especially through Bishop Madden and the city pastors, especially on the west side,” he said. “First of all, let’s pray... We need to strengthen our communities that they might be a force of peace. We need to participate vigorously in a citywide dialogue on the systemic issues that have really bubbled up to the surface here,” the archbishop said. Ms Shirley Washington, who works at the senior centre, said she hopes those who participated in the violence will realise what they have done. “When it all settles down, you’ll think about what you did wrong then,” she said. At St Bernardine Parish, a previously scheduled three-night revival opened as the violence Àared. “I think we’re all heartbroken over what’s happening, but we’re going to keep our faith in God and keep praying, keep looking for truth and answers, and look for peace as well,” said Msgr Richard Bozzelli. Willa and Brendan Walsh of the Baltimore Catholic Worker Viva House, located several blocks from the violence, said in a statement: “The unrest and anger are the results of decades of unemployment [over 50 percent in our ZIP code], decades of miserable uninhabitable housing, decades of under-funded chaotic schools, decades of the drug trade, and, it goes without saying, centuries of racism.” CNS

WORLD 15

Sunday May 17, 2015 CatholicNews

In US, Vatican airs its opposition to nuclear weapons WASHINGTON – Saying that nucle-

ar weapons increase instability and reduce security, the Holy See’s permanent representative to the United Nations reiterated the Vatican’s call for the abolition of such weapons to a US congressional committee. Money spent on building, maintaining and upgrading nuclear weapon systems would go a long way to making the world more peaceful if the funds were used to better the lives of people around the world, Archbishop Bernardito Auza told the House Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights and International Organizations on April 28. The archbishop explained that the Vatican has always opposed the possession and use of nuclear weapons on moral grounds and that Church leaders have become concerned that in recent years limited progress has been made towards the goal of nuclear disarmament. He summarised the Vatican’s stance on nuclear weapons that was outlined in statements and a paper

presented at the Vienna Conference on the Humanitarian Impact of Nuclear Weapons in December. The paper said the concept of deterrence – the principle that such weapons might be used and that they exist to deter another country from using them – was accepted only as a step towards disarmament. He called for the United States and the world’s seven other nuclear powers to step up efforts to abolish nuclear weapons. “For our own good and that of future generations, we have no reasonable and moral option other than the abolition of nuclear weapons,” Archbishop Auza told the committee. “Nuclear weapons are a global problem and they impact on all countries and all peoples, including future generations.” The archbishop pointed to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and said the pact called upon the world to eliminate all nuclear weapons. The treaty is undergoing a month-long review at the UN. CNS

New commission to reform Vatican media VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis has set up a ¿ve-person committee to ¿nd ways to implement recommendations for streamlining and modernising the Vatican’s many communications structures. When the pope met with his Council of Cardinals in April, the cardinal advisers suggested he name a new commission to implement a reform plan drafted by a previous 11-member papal commission. The reform effort is looking at how Vatican communications outlets can adapt to changing media consumption trends, better coordinate its existing channels and make substantial ¿nancial savings. The Vatican announced the of¿cial establishment of the new commission and its members on April 30. Three of the papal appointees are top-level of¿cials at

Some of the Vatican communication outlets.

Vatican communications outlets. The ¿ve members of the commission are: Msgr Dario Vigano, director of the Vatican Television Centre, and now president of the new Commission for the Vatican’s Communications Media.

Msgr Paul Tighe, secretary of the Ponti¿cal Council for Social Communications. Italian Jesuit Fr Antonio Spadaro, director of the inÀuential Jesuit journal – La Civilta Cattolica. Argentine Msgr Lucio Adrian

Ruiz, who serves as head of the Vatican Internet Service and the Vatican’s telecommunications of¿ce. Mr Paolo Nusiner, the only layperson on the commission, is managing director of Avvenire, the daily newspaper of the Italian bishops’ conference. The Vatican has nearly a dozen separate communication outlets and of¿ces, many of which operate independently of one another. They include the Ponti¿cal Council for Social Communications; the Vatican newspaper, L’Osservatore Romano; Vatican Radio; the Vatican television production studio, CTV; the Vatican Information Service; the Vatican press of¿ce; the Fides missionary news agency; the main Vatican website; the news.va news aggregator; the Vatican publishing house LEV; and the Vatican printing press. CNS

Special Mass held at request of sex-abuse victims BROOKLYN, NEW YORK, USA –

When Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio of Brooklyn celebrated a Mass of Hope and Healing for survivors of sexual abuse by the clergy, the mood was pensive. After all, this had not been done before in this diocese. It was dif¿cult to judge what the reactions would be. The liturgy was celebrated on the evening of April 15 at St James Cathedral-Basilica in downtown Brooklyn with more than 100 people in the congregation. The bishop was joined in the

procession by Auxiliary Bishops Raymond F Chappetto and Octavio Cisneros, 57 priests and 10 deacons. “The traumatic experience of sexual abuse clearly destroys peace of mind and soul,” said Bishop DiMarzio in his homily. “We come here tonight for the hope of healing. Healing of a wound that seems never to heal. A wound that is the result of the betrayal of trust especially from those who should have been the bearers of hope and trust, but rather were clergymen who instead

for many reasons became purveyors of despair.” This type of liturgy has been celebrated in several other dioceses and only recently Pope Francis had joined with victims of sexual abuse for Mass at the Vatican. The pope refers to these sexual sins as “execrable acts of abuse that have left lifelong scars”. Bishop DiMarzio picked up on that metaphor and said the sins of some clergy have caused wounds that eventually left scabs that eventually turn to scars. But hope and healing are rea-

sonable, beginning with the fact that a survivors group meets in Brooklyn to support each other’s recovery. It was the members of that group who asked Bishop DiMarzio to offer the Eucharist with them. Mr Phil Franco, an abuse victim, said, “I was able to realise from an early time that the abuser is one person, and the overwhelming majority of priests and Catholics and parishioners have been extremely positive in my life. So, I was able to make that separation.” CNS

Archbishop denounces executions ROME – Archbishop Anthony Fisher of Sydney has denounced the execution of two Australian citizens in Indonesia who were part of a drug ring. Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran, were part of the “Bali Nine”, a group attempting to smuggle 8.3 kg of heroin in plastic bags strapped to their bodies from Indonesia to Australia. They were arrested at Bali airport in 2005. Although drug smuggling carries an automatic death sentence in Indonesia, Ms Mary Jane Veloso, a member of the group from the Philippines was granted clemency. However, despite calls for clemency around the world, the other members were executed. In a statement released by Sydney archdiocese, Archbishop Fisher recalled a joint statement made alongside the Grand Mufti of Australia, Dr Ibrahim Abu Mohamed. “We are all aware of the terrible damage drugs cause. But refusing even to entertain appeals for mercy – even after the pair had demonstrably turned their lives around – seemed to us to damage our neighbour’s reputation for justice,” he wrote. “In some ways capital punishment punishes the families more than those executed. They must carry the memories for years to come.” ZENIT

16 POPE FRANCIS

Sunday May 17, 2015 „ CatholicNews

Vatican unveils logo, prayer, details of Holy Year of Mercy VATICAN CITY – The Holy Year of

Mercy will be an opportunity to encourage Christians to meet people’s “real needsâ€? with concrete assistance, to experience a “true pilgrimageâ€? on foot, and to send “missionaries of mercyâ€? throughout the world to forgive even the most serious of sins, said Archbishop Rino Fisichella. The year-long extraordinary jubilee also will include several individual jubilee days, such as for the Roman Curia, catechists, teenagers and prisoners, said the president of the PontiÂżcal Council for Promoting New Evangelization, the ofÂżce organising events for the Holy Year of Mercy. During a news conference at the Vatican on May 5, Archbishop Fisichella unveiled the ofÂżcial prayer, logo, calendar of events and other details of the special Holy Year, which will be celebrated from Dec 8, 2015, until Nov 20, 2016. The motto, “Merciful Like the Father,â€? he said, “serves as an invitation to follow the merciful example of the Father who asks us not to judge or condemn but to forgive and to give love and forgiveness without measure.â€?

Pope’s intention for Holy Year Pope Francis announced in March his intention to proclaim a holy year as a way for the Church to “make more evident its mission to be a witness of mercyâ€?. One way the pope wants to show “the Church’s maternal solicitudeâ€? is to send out “missionaries of mercyâ€? – that is, specially selected priests who have been granted “the authority to pardon even those sins reserved to the Holy Seeâ€?, the pope wrote in Misericordiae Vultus (The Face of Mercy), the document ofÂżcially proclaiming the Holy Year. Archbishop Fisichella said the priests will be chosen on the basis of their ability to preach well, especially on the theme of mercy, and be “good confessorsâ€?, meaning they are able to express God’s love and do not make the confessional, as Pope Francis says, like “a torture chamberâ€?. The priests will also have to “be patientâ€? and have “an understanding of human fragilityâ€?, the archbishop said. Bishops can recommend to the council priests from their own dioceses to serve as missionaries of mercy, he said, and priests themselves can submit their request to serve, he said. When a priest volunteers, however, the council will confer with his bishop to make sure he would be “suitable for this ministryâ€? and has the bishop’s approval to serve temporarily as a missionary of mercy, he said.

The logo for the Holy Year of Mercy, which opens on Dec 8 and runs until Nov 20, 2016. CNS photo

2016 Jubilee celebrations More than a dozen individual jubilee celebrations will be scheduled in 2016, such as a jubilee for consecrated men and women on Feb 2 to close the Year of Consecrated Life; a jubilee for the Roman Curia on Feb 22; a jubilee for those devoted to the spirituality of Divine Mercy on Divine Mercy Sunday, April 3; and separate jubilees for teenagers; for deacons; priests; the sick and disabled; and catechists. A jubilee for “workers and volunteers of mercy� will be celebrated on Blessed Teresa of Kolkata’s feast day, Sept 5, and a jubilee for prisoners will be celebrated on Nov 6. Archbishop Fisichella said the pope wants the jubilee for inmates to be celebrated not only in prisons, but also with him in St Peter’s Basilica. He said the council is discussing the possibility with government authorities and is not yet sure if it can be done. The Vatican is asking bishops and priests around the world to conduct “similar symbolic ges-

tures of communion with Pope Francisâ€? and his vision of reaching out to those on the margins. At the news conference, the council distributed copies in several languages of the Holy Year prayer and logo, which features Jesus – the Good Shepherd – taking “upon his shoulders the lost soul, demonstrating that it is the love of Christ that brings to completion the mystery of his incarnation culminating in redemptionâ€?, the archbishop said. The image, created by Jesuit Fr Marko Rupnik, also shows one of Jesus’ eyes merged with the man’s to show how “Christ sees with the eyes of Adam, and Adam with the eyes of Christ.â€? The council has joined with the United Bible Societies to distribute to pilgrims 1 million free copies of the Gospel of Mark; the texts will be available in seven languages. The Jubilee of Mercy has DQ RIÂżFLDO ZHEVLWH LQ VHYHQ ODQJXDJHV DW ZZZ LP YD D 7ZLWWHU KDQGOH #-XELOHHBYD D )DFHERRN SDJH DQG DFFRXQWV RQ ,QVWDJUDP )OLFNU DQG *RRJOH „ CNS

Pope suggests reading Dante’s work for Jubilee VATICAN CITY – Dante Alighieri’s

Divine Comedy is more than a literary masterpiece, it is an invitation “to rediscover the lost or obscured meaning of our human path and to hope to see again the glowing horizon on which the dignity of the human person shines in its fullness�, Pope Francis said. As the Italian government formally celebrated the 750th anniversary of Dante’s birth on May 4, Pope Francis sent a message saying that while the centuries have passed Dante (portrait above) “still has much to say and to offer through his immortal works to those who wish to follow the route of true knowledge and authentic discovery of the self, the

world and the profound and transcendent meaning of existence�. Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi, president of the Ponti¿cal Council for Culture, read the pope’s message at the celebration in the Italian Senate where Oscar-winning actor Roberto Benigni read from Dante’s Paradise. Paradise is the ¿nal portion of the Divine Comedy, an epic poem written between 1308 and 1320, recounting Dante’s allegorical journey through hell, purgatory and heaven. Pope Francis said he hoped that as Catholics prepare to celebrate the extraordinary Holy Year of Mercy they would pick up Dante’s work and allow it to be a spiritual guide. „ CNS

POPE FRANCIS 17

Sunday May 17, 2015 „ CatholicNews

Protect earth, feed hungry, pontiff says at Expo 2015 &16 ÂżOH SKRWR

People lose when culture doesn’t care about marriage, family

VATICAN CITY – People need to

stop destroying the planet and instead Âżnd ways to safeguard it and share its resources, particularly to feed the hungry, Pope Francis told ofÂżcials from around the world. In a live video address to the opening ceremony of Expo 2015 in Milan, the pope urged fairgoers and organisers to show real concern for the poor and to undertake concrete efforts to promote solidarity. Otherwise, he said, the world’s fair could be part of the “paradox of abundanceâ€? that St John Paul II denounced when he noted how a small percentage of the world’s people had much more than they needed to live while so many people are starving. Expo 2015 opened on May 1, bringing together more than 140 nations with pavilions and exhibits connected to the theme, “Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life.â€? Running through Oct 31, the exhibits – including a Vatican pavilion – focus on guaranteeing healthy, safe and sufÂżcient food for everyone, while respecting the planet. Pope Francis said that to ensure the motto “does not remain just a themeâ€?, people attending Expo 2015 should make a real effort to keep in mind “the faces of the men and women who are hungry and who become sick or even die because of poor and bad nutritionâ€?. Introducing himself as “the bishop of Romeâ€?, Pope Francis said he wanted to be a “spokesman for all these brothers and sisters of ours – Christians and nonChristians – whom God loves as sons and daughtersâ€?.

A newly married couple from Poland enjoy ice cream cones after attending Pope Francis’ general audience in St Peter’s Square. &16 ¿OH SKRWR

A man takes a bath at a public hand pump along a road in Karachi, Pakistan. Pope Francis called on people to keep in mind those who are poor.

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– Pope Francis

Pope Francis expressed his hope that the exhibits would help people undergo “a change of mentality and stop thinking that our daily actions – whatever our position of responsibility – have no impact on the lives of those near or far who suffer from hunger�. The pope prayed that God would give wisdom and courage to farmers and researchers

and that all those involved in the production, distribution and sale of foodstuffs would feel called to “a great solidarity project: that of feeding the planet while respecting every man and woman who lives there and respecting the environmentâ€?. “This is the great challenge to which God is calling humanity in the 21st century: To Âżnally stop abusing the garden God has entrusted to us so that all may eat its fruits,â€? he said. Pope Francis ended his message praying that no one would be lacking their daily bread and the dignity of a job that would allow them bring it home to their families. „ CNS

Catholics must be active in Pope hopes politics, no matter how ‘dirty’ to visit Fatima VATICAN CITY – Catholics must Christians have a duty to in 2017 get involved in politics even if it may be “dirty�, frustrating and fraught with failure, Pope Francis said. Given today’s “throwaway� culture and so many problems unfolding in the world, “Do I as a Catholic watch from my balcony? No, you can’t watch from the balcony. Get right in there!� he said. The pope made his comments on April 30 during an informal question-and-answer session with members of Italy’s Christian Life Community and the Student Missionary League – groups inspired by Ignatian spirituality. Pope Francis set aside his prepared text and instead took questions from four people in the audience. One man asked how to keep strong the link between faith in Jesus and the responsibility of building a more just and caring world.

work for the common good in the world of politics, the pope said, adding that that does not mean forming a Catholic political party. “That is not the way. The Church is the community of Christians who adore the Father, follow the way of the Son and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. It is not a political party,� he said. However, individual Catholics must get involved and “embroiled� in politics, he said, because it is one of the “highest forms of charity� since it seeks the common good. Yet, it isn’t easy, especially when there is so much corruption, he said. “It’s a kind of martyrdom� where one carries the cross of the ideal of the common good every day “without letting yourself be corrupted� or discouraged in the midst of failure. „

CNS

VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis

already is looking ahead to 2017 and particularly to marking important Marian feasts that year. Portuguese Bishop Antonio dos Santos Marto of Leiria-Fatima issued a statement on April 25 saying that Pope Francis authorised him to share publicly the pope’s hope to go to Fatima in 2017 for the 100th anniversary of the apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima. “Pope Francis conÂżrmed to Bishop Antonio Marto that, Âľif God gives me life and health’ he wants to go to Cova da Iria to celebrate the centenary of the apparitions of Fatima,â€? said a statement posted on the website of the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima. Cova da Iria was the place near Fatima where three shepherd children reported seeing Mary between May 13 and Oct 13, 1917. „ CNS

VATICAN CITY – God’s plan for to encountering a woman as well fruitful, everlasting unions be- as love: “to Âżnd the woman, man tween a man and woman has been must Âżrst dream about her and lost in a world Âżlled with skepti- then he will Âżnd her,â€? he said. cism, distrust and hostility, Pope While God generously entrusts Francis said. the earth to this man and woman, A culture that does not value the evil one “introduces suspicion, “the stable and life-giving cove- disbelief, distrust in their mindsâ€?, nant between a man and woman is which leads to their disobedience, certainly a loss for everyone. We he said. must bring honour back to mar“Sin generates difÂżdence and riage and the family,â€? he said on division between man and womApril 22 during his general audi- an. Their relationship will be unence in St Peter’s Square. dermined by thousands of forms But much also must be done of abuse of power and subjugato return respect and dignity to tion, of deceptive seduction and women, who are humiliating arrooften exploited, he said. $ FXOWXUH WKDW GRHV gance,â€? objectiÂżed and People can QRW YDOXH WKH VWDEOH still see traces understandably skeptical of the of “the negaDQG OLIH JLYLQJ possibility of tive excesses of FRYHQDQW EHWZHHQ patriarchal culharmony between men and D PDQ DQG ZRPDQ turesâ€? and chauwomen, he said. vinism, which LV FHUWDLQO\ The pope view women as continued his D ORVV IRU HYHU\RQH second-class citcatechesis about izens, he said. VDLG 3RSH )UDQFLV the family with Other lingerthe second of ing effects of this two talks on the complementary original sin can be seen in “the nature of men and women. exploitation and commercialisaThe Book of Genesis shows tion of the female body in today’s how God created the heavens and mediaâ€?, as well as in “the recent earth, and then a special creature epidemic of distrust, skepticism made in His likeness to care and and even hostility that has spread watch over the earth but still “some- in our culture – in particular skepthing was missingâ€?, the pope said. ticism by women – concerning God, therefore, creates a wom- the covenant between man and an whom Adam instinctively and woman being able to perfect the “joyfullyâ€? recognises as “part of intimacy of communion while at Him: Âľbone of my bones and Ă€esh the same time safeguarding the of my Ă€esh.’ Finally there is a mir- dignity of differencesâ€?. rored reĂ€ection, a reciprocity,â€? the If people cannot “jump-startâ€? pope said. a renewed drive for God’s intendEve was not an exact “replicaâ€? ed covenant of communion and of man, he said, but was made by harmony, protecting young people another original creative act by from “mistrust and indifference, God. then children will come into the The image of a woman being world even more uprooted from made from a man’s rib “does not this [covenant] starting from the at all express inferiority or subor- mother’s wombâ€?, he said. dination, but on the contrary, that Pope Francis said the Church man and woman are made of the thus has an important task in safesame substance and are comple- guarding this covenant even if mentaryâ€?, Pope Francis said. men and women are “sinners and Speaking off-the-cuff, the wounded, confused and humiliatpope said it also shows the secret ed, discouraged and unsureâ€?. „ CNS

18 POPE FRANCIS

Sunday May 17, 2015 CatholicNews

No boring homilies, pope tells new priests at ordination

Pope Francis celebrates the ordination Mass for 19 new priests in St Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican on April 26. CNS photo

VATICAN CITY – Ordaining 19 sands of people gathered for the men to the priesthood, Pope Fran- Mass in St Peter’s Basilica that cis not only told them to make the men were accepted and put sure their homilies were not bor- forward by their bishops. “And ing, but he offered them advice the bishop risks – he risks! – and on how to ensure their preaching chooses them, just as the Father would touch people: speak from has risked for each one of us.” your heart. Reading the prepared homily’s Priests are called to nourish exhortation for priests to be mindful the faithful, he said, so they must always of the mystery they celebrate ensure “that your homilies are not when they preside at Mass, Pope boring, that your Francis told them, homilies arrive di“Never rush it!” [Ensure] that rectly in people’s And, he read, hearts because they you will bring new your homilies Àow from your into the peoare not boring, faithful heart, because what ple of God through that your you tell them is baptism. But he what you have in homilies arrive added, “never refuse your heart”. baptism to those directly in Celebrating the who request it.” people’s hearts... Mass on April 26, In the Sacrathe World Day of ment of Reconcilibecause what Prayer for Vocaation, he said, “you you tell them is will remit sins in the tions, Pope Francis what you have in name of Christ and planned to use the set homily given of the Church. And I your heart. in the ritual book – in the name of Je– Pope Francis for priestly ordinasus Christ the Lord tions; but as he has and His spouse, the done in the past, he added his own holy Church – ask you never to reÀections as well, including his tire of being merciful. You will homily tips. be in the confessional to forgive, The prepared homily speaks of not to condemn. Imitate the Father the effectiveness of a holy priest’s who never tires of forgiving.” example. The pope added, “exA priest, the prepared homamples edify, but words without ily says, must be intent only on examples are empty words, they pleasing God and not himself. “It are just ideas that never reach the is ugly to see a priest who lives heart and, in fact, they can harm. to please himself, who acts like They are no good!” a peacock” strutting around, the Pope Francis told the thou- pope said. CNS

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POPE FRANCIS 19

Sunday May 17, 2015 CatholicNews

Pope focuses on the family in message for Communications Day VATICAN CITY – The family is where members of the Church and wider society learn the essential lessons of communication, Pope Francis says in his message for World Communications Day. “Communicating the Family: a Privileged Place of Encounter With the Gift of Love” is the theme of this year’s special day, which most dioceses will mark on May 17. “It is in the context of the family that we ¿rst learn how to communicate,” the pope writes in his message. “Focusing on this context can help to make our communication more authentic and humane, while helping us to view the family in a new perspective.” He notes that “the womb which hosts us is the ¿rst µschool’ of communication”. “This encounter between two persons, so intimately related while still distant from each other, an encounter so full of promise, is our ¿rst experience of communication. It is an experience which we all share, since each of us was born of a mother.” After birth, “the family is where we learn to live with others despite our differences”, he adds. In particular, the pope notes that the family is the “setting in which the most basic form of communication, which is prayer, is handed down”. Because the “family is where we daily experience our own limits and those of others”, the pope writes, it is also a “school of forgiveness. Forgiveness is itself a process of communication. When contrition is expressed and accepted, it becomes possible to restore and rebuild the communication which broke down.” The pope says that the modern media, “which are an essential part of life for young people in particular, can be both a help and a hindrance to communication in and between families”.

A family prays in a church in Bethlehem. ‘The family is where we learn to live with others despite our differences,’ says Pope Francis. &16 ¿OH SKRWR

“The media can be a hindrance if they become a way to avoid listening to others, to evade physical contact, to ¿ll up every moment of silence and rest,” he elaborates. On the other hand, “the media can help communication when they enable people to share their stories, to stay in contact with

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– Pope Francis in his message for World Communications Day, May 17

distant friends, to thank others or to seek their forgiveness, and to open the door to new encounters”. The pope stresses that the Christian community is called to help parents in teaching children “how to live in a media environment in a way consonant with the dignity of the human person and service of the common good”. The pope notes that “the great

challenge facing us today is to learn once again how to talk to one another, not simply how to generate and consume information”. “Information is important, but it is not enough,” he says. “All too often things get simpli¿ed, different positions and viewpoints are pitted against one another, and people are invited to take sides, rather than to see things as a whole.” Noting that this year’s World Communications Day falls between the October 2014 extraordinary Synod of Bishops and the world synod on the same topic planned for October 2015, the pope seems to allude to some of the contentious issues of marriage and family that have characterised discussions at the earlier meeting, and which were reported in the media. The family “is not a subject of debate or a terrain for ideological skirmishes”, the pope writes. “We are not ¿ghting to defend the past. Rather, with patience and trust, we are working to build a better future for the world in which we live.” CNS See also stories on Page 22

20 OPINION

Sunday May 17, 2015 CatholicNews

Who am I to judge?

Fortnightly newspaper of the Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore

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COMMENTARY

Don’t let terrorists give conversion a bad name CNS photo

By Tom Sheridan “Conversion” – at least in today’s news – can be an ugly word. The vicious so-called Islamic State warns Christians and non-Christians in the Middle East and elsewhere to convert to Islam or suffer a brutal death. It’s ironic that the vile threat – convert or die – Àoods the media even as Catholics applaud other conversions. That’s because the Easter season is conversion season in our parishes, as we celebrate the journey many take in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults process that culminated at the Easter Vigil. For Catholics, conversion – thankfully without the threats to life and limb – is a core tenet of faith. True conversion must be more than a shedding of one religious practice for another. Conversion means a change of heart much more than a change of rules. For the Islamic State group, conversion is about power and control. For us, conversion must be about love and ¿delity. It’s a difference the terrorists do not understand. But if we look closely enough, many other religions and secular belief systems have made the same mistake. Even Christianity. In the late Roman Empire when Christianity became “of¿cial”, soldiers battled pagan Germanic tribes who would not accept baptism and Jesus. Thousands did accept – convert – and Europe eventually became Christian. For centuries, often with threats and violence, Native Americans were hunted and coerced to forsake their “heathen” faith for Christianity. And democracy. Jews have long been a handy target for conversion, forced into becoming Christians (at least publicly) during the Inquisition and at other times. But butchery, beheadings and burnings don’t change hearts. True conversion cannot be involuntary. Over the millennia, Catholicism

A member of the Kurdish Security Forces accompanies an injured civilian to evacuate him in Tal Tamar, Syria, on Feb 25. Kurdish militia pressed an offensive against Islamic State militants in northeast Syria earlier in the day.

has learned that. The Islamic State group – and some others – haven’t. Even evangelisation, which can open the door to conversion, must walk a gentle path. Evangelisation cannot be the bullhorn-toting street-corner preacher warning the dire result of not heeding his words. Or the fundamentalist televangelist smoothly promoting his version of faith. Such proselytising, such shoving one’s faith down another’s throat, is neither evangelisation nor conversion.

Conversion means a change of heart much more than a change of rules. In Catholicism, conversion has come full circle from apostolic times. In the early Church, people got to know other Christians, saw the presence of God in their lives and were changed. And converted. Yet, as Christianity grew into a public institution, it often regressed, again demanding conversion by sword, ¿re or threats of banishment. Just a few generations ago, conversion was mainly quiet and academic, with people receiving “instructions” behind rectory

doors. With the Second Vatican Council came the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. There’s instruction, yes, but with an experiential dimension, because faith is not just the head, but also the heart. Pope Francis has startled more than a few Catholics by reminding us that we shouldn’t proselytise. It’s a “solemn nonsense”, he said in one interview. To a group of Belgian young people he said, “If you go with your faith like a Àag, like the Crusades, and you engage in proselytism, that’s no good.” So then, if the sword is butchery and banishment out of favour, how do we convert? The pope said, “The best way is witness, but humble witness: ‘I am like this,’ with humility, without triumphalism.” RCIA accomplishes that. So, as we march deeper into the Easter season, the season of conversion, it becomes our task to continue the quiet witness of faith. Don’t be an introverted Catholic; share your faith. CNS Tom Sheridan is a former editor of the Catholic New World, newspaper of the Archdiocese of Chicago, and a deacon ordained for the Diocese of Joliet, Illinois. He writes from Ocala, Florida, USA.

PERHAPS the single, most-often quoted line from Pope Francis is his response to a question he was asked vis-à-vis the morality of a particularly-dicey issue. His, infamous-famous reply: Who am I to judge? Although this remark is often assumed to be Àighty and less-than-serious; it is, in fact, on pretty safe ground. Jesus, it seems, says basically the same thing. For example, in His conversation with Nicodemus in John’s Gospel, He, in essence, says: I judge no one. If the Gospel of John is to be believed, then Jesus judges no one. God judges no one. But that needs to be put into context. It doesn’t mean that there aren’t any moral judgments and that our actions are indifferent to moral scrutiny. There is judgment; except it doesn’t work the way it is fantasized inside the popular mind. According to what Jesus tells us in John’s Gospel, judgment works this way: God’s light, God’s truth, and God’s spirit come into the world. We then judge ourselves according to how we live in the face of them: God’s light has come into the world, but we can choose to live in darkness. That’s our decision, our judgment. God’s truth has been revealed, but we can choose to live in falsehood, in lies. That’s our decision, our judgment to make. And God’s spirit has come into the world, but we can prefer to live outside that spirit, in another spirit. That too is our decision, our judgment. God judges no one. We judge ourselves. Hence we can also say that God condemns no one, though we can choose to condemn ourselves. And God punishes no one, but we can choose to punish ourselves. Negative moral judgment is self-inÀicted. Perhaps this seems abstract, but it is not. We know this existentially, we feel the brand of our own actions inside us. To use just one example: How we judge ourselves by the Holy Spirit. God’s spirit, the Holy Spirit, is not something so abstract and slippery that it cannot be pinned down. St Paul, in the Epistle to the Galatians, describes the Holy Spirit in terms so clear that they can only be rendered abstract and ambiguous by some self-serving rationalisation. How does he describe and de¿ne the Holy Spirit? So as to make things clear he sets up a contrast by ¿rst telling us what the Holy Spirit is not. The spirit of God, He tells us is not the spirit of self-indulgence, sexual vice, jealousy, rivalry, antagonism, bad temper, quarrels, drunkenness, or factionalism. Anytime we are cultivating these qualities inside of our lives, we should not delude ourselves into thinking we are living in God’s spirit, no matter how frequent, sincere, or pious is our religious practice. The Holy Spirit, He tells us, is the spirit of charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, trustfulness, gentleness, and chastity. Only when we are living inside of these virtues are we living inside God’s spirit. So then, this is how judgment happens: God’s spirit (charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, trustfulness, gentleness, and chastity) has been revealed. We can choose to live inside the virtues of that spirit or we can choose to live instead inside their opposites (self-indulgence, sexual vice, rivalry, antagonism, bad temper, quarrels, drunkenness, and factionalism). One choice leads to a life with God, the other leads away from God. And that choice is ours to make; it doesn’t come from the outside. We judge ourselves. God judges no one. God doesn’t need to. When we view things inside this perspective it also clari¿es a number of misunderstandings that cause confusion inside the minds of believers as well as inside the minds of their critics. How often, for instance, do we hear this criticism: If God is all-good, all-loving, and all-merciful, how can God condemn someone to hell for all eternity? A valid question, though not a particularly reÀective one. Why? Because God judges no one; God punishes no one. God condemns no one to hell. We do these things to ourselves: We judge ourselves, we punish ourselves, and we put ourselves in various forms of hell whenever we do choose not to live in the light, the truth, and inside God’s spirit. And that judgment is self-inÀicted, that punishment is self-inÀicted, and those ¿res of hell are self-inÀicted. There are a number of lessons in this. First, as we have just seen, the fact that God judges no one, helps clarify our theodicy, that is, it helps deÀate all those misunderstandings surrounding God’s mercy and the accusation that an all-merciful God can condemn someone to eternal hell¿re. Beyond this, it is a strong challenge to us to be less judgmental in our lives, to let the wheat and the darnel sort themselves out over time, to let light itself judge darkness, to let truth itself judge falsehood, and to, like Pope Francis, be less quick to offer judgments in God’s name and more prone to say: “Who am I to judge?”.

FOCUS 21

Sunday May 17, 2015 „ CatholicNews

FEATURING RETREAT HOUSES IN SINGAPORE

Group retreats welcome Montfort Centre

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FMM House of Prayer and Formation

– Gabrielite Br Dominic Yeo-Koh

The Montfort Centre chapel is replete with blue, the colour of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

By Mel Diamse-Lee Since Montfort Centre became operational in 2005, many groups from Catholic parishes and other Christian traditions have Àocked to the place in Upper Bukit Timah. Catholic churches usually organise day-long retreats or recollections for those in ministry, such as wardens and communion ministers. These groups would sometimes approach Gabrielite Br Dominic Yeo-Koh to conduct the retreat for them and usually, he would speak on evangelisation, discipleship and spirituality. Those who belong to the Legion of Mary like to know more about the rosary. Religious congregations, such as the Carmelite and Franciscan

Name an occasion/incident when you felt God was far away.

It was many years ago when I was still in college. It was the time of struggle in my studies, searching for my own identity, plus crisis in my faith as a Catholic. I prayed but there was no consolation. The weekly novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help did not do any good. I was frustrated. It was as if God had abandoned me. I met a Religious Sister and she told me that God is always near. She told me to keep on praying and to surrender to God. What do you like best about being a Religious/consecrated person?

Friars, have also used the centre for their community retreats. On the other hand, retreats of Christians from other denominations are usually conducted by their pastors. Due to his hectic schedule, Br Dominic limits the number of individuals he journeys with as a spiritual director. The Gabrielite Brother is a member of Life Direction Singapore. To those whom he accompanies, he recommends no particular prayer style, saying, “prayer is an individual preference�. However, if retreatants don’t have a prayer preference, Br Dominic recommends a contemplative rosary to those who are tactile, or Ignatian contemplation to those who like to use their imagination. Br Dominic conducts three to four retreats a year on a life of

devotion to Mary, which is one of the themes of Montfortian spirituality. He says, “We try to teach people, in light of the new evangelisation, to be passionate for God, to be willing to give up everything for God. In group retreats we teach ministry people to be passionate about their ministry, [they] must be touched by Jesus and see Jesus in the people they serve.â€? The other Montfortian theme is the cross. Br Dominic says, “The underlying philosophy of St Louis Marie de Montfort [founder of the congregation] is, ‘If everything goes well with your ministry, you are probably not on the right track. But if you are doing God’s work, expect crosses.’ â€? 7R ÂżQG RXW PRUH YLVLW ZZZ PRQWIRUWFHQWUH RUJ „

The Labyrinth, a walking meditation, is one of the features of the FMM House of Prayer & Formation.

The happiness and joy. I always feel that my life is blessed.

How would you make vocations attractive to the youth of today?

What are the usual distractions during your prayer time? What do you do about them?

What has sustained your life as a Religious, especially in the face of challenges/changes?

To show them that Religious life is not some kind of alien lifestyle but a life that is full of joy and happiness.

My own siblings are always there to support me mentally and emotionally.

What aspect of Religious life has brought you most joy?

What was one of the biggest challenges you have faced as a Religious and how did you deal with it?

That I have touched so many lives; more friends; the lifestyle among the members of my community and the assurance from my siblings.

It is to choose between my wants and the common good of the community. The way I deal with it, the best word I can use is “discernment�.

How would you summarise your life today as a Religious/ consecrated person? It is a life of joy.

Three of the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary (FMM) Sisters give spiritual direction, according to Sr Maria Ng Swee Wan. Sr Maria said that many Catholics and other Christians come to the FMM House of Prayer and Formation at 49 Holland Road, for retreats and spiritual direction. They come with a mixture of desires: “to search for God and Âżnd answers to issues of deep concernâ€?, she added. In addition to accompanying retreatants according to the Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius, the FMM Sisters also share on the Franciscan spirituality of simplicity or poverty (detachment from material gain or comfort); community (nurturing relationships);

Wandering mind. I use a simple mantra to keep me on track. Pope Francis calls for a Church for the poor, by the poor. How do you live that within your vocation?

To live a simple lifestyle. The goods of the earth are meant to be shared and not owned by certain individuals.

Malaysian Br Thomas Paul Montfort Brothers of St Gabriel www.stgabrielinst.org

compassion (serving others) and love of nature. “Very often I ask retreatants to go out and be with nature at Botanic Garden. It’s fantastic – they Âżnd peace and their problems don’t seem as big anymore‌ When you are really in touch with nature, sometimes it speaks to you. But one must spend time, at least two hours, in order to experience nature calmly and quietly,â€? said Sr Maria. One way to get in touch with oneself and God is through the labyrinth walk, which is also popular with retreatants, she added. 7R ÂżQG RXW PRUH YLVLW KWWS ZZZ IPPVLQJDSRUH RUJ „ mel.lee@catholic.org.sg

What do you like doing most when with your biological family?

Just enjoy their company. There is lots of fun and laughter. „

22 WORLD COMMUNICATIONS DAY

Sunday May 17, 2015 CatholicNews

Time to learn tech ethics By Liz Quirin If not actually ruling our lives and the universe, technology has become ubiquitous. If people aren’t texting in meetings, or even in church, they’re sitting at the dinner table in homes or restaurants with their phones in their laps, staying connected to someone through a text. In fact, some people prefer texting to talking so they are not so much interrupted as redirected brieÀy by a text and then a reply. Whether it’s texting or Facebooking (is that really a word?) or tweeting, people use their technology for good or ill, based on their ethical frame of reference. If we consider the need for texting or actually calling people, the technology can potentially save lives. For instance, colleges can send a text or voice blast to all of their students if something happens on campus that everyone needs to know immediately. Instant communications can save lives, and technology can alert people to potential dangers. However, not all use of technology works for the good of individuals or society. We have children texting at the dinner table, employees texting during business meetings,

By Tom Sheridan My grandfather was an early Bell Labs engineer who helped lay the foundations for today’s telephone system. He was born before the ¿rst automobile and saw man venture into space before he died. He was scienti¿cally curious, intellectually inquisitive and morally anchored. I often wonder what he would think about today’s instant, pervasive and overwhelming communications with everything from smartphones to computers and wireless connections. I’m certain he would have loved to probe the technology behind it all. But, because he was a good man, he would have been a bit dismayed by how some of the technologies he helped pioneer have been perverted. A bad side to technology? Of

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some texting during liturgies and, heaven forbid, a few texting while driving (which has caused numerous accidents). It has fallen to the schools to go beyond “netiquette” to teach students about cyber rules, and they are trying. Classes are being taught on cyber bullying, what to do to be safe on the Internet and

what not to put on a Facebook page. What are 11-year-olds doing on Facebook in the ¿rst place? Sometimes adults forget that they are parents. They are not their children’s friends. But some of them didn’t get that memo or text. If they didn’t have cellphones growing up, they’re giving them

to their children. If they didn’t have all the other technological gimmicks, they want to make sure their children don’t miss out. Here’s a memo: If you spend time with your children, laughing, talking and even praying, they are not missing out on anything. In fact, they’re way ahead of the kids who have all the gadgets and none

of the real face time with their parents or other adults who love them, can talk with them and hug them right now. We are our brothers’ and our sisters’ keepers no matter what their age. We need to stay engaged with our youngsters at every twist and turn they make so that they don’t become a casualty of this cyber age. With good advice and nurturing, they can lead their peers and the next generation into a responsible and responsive technology age where all people are respected and ethical behaviour is the rule, not the exception, where all of our gizmos and technological toys are used to help not hurt others. CNS

course. After all, nearly every aspect of life has a dark side as well as good one – a moral use and an immoral one. You can build a house with a hammer or beat your neighbour senseless with it. You can enjoy a steak dinner or commit the sin of gluttony. See what I mean? Technology has changed our lives. While change is good, the miracles of technology also carry the danger of bringing humanity down. Technology always has had a dark side. The porn industry was quick to take advantage of ¿rst the VCR and now the Internet. What once was held furtively beneath a store counter now sits easily available in most homes or slipped into a shirt pocket. Techsavvy kids have more knowledge to get it than their parents have the ability to block it.

That said, is technology moral or immoral? St Peter had it right when he said it’s not what goes into a person that creates sin, but what comes out. OK, Pete was talking about Jewish dietary laws, but it can apply to technology as well: Writing a computer virus is wrong; writing software to bene¿t the user is good. Simple, right? But it’s perhaps not quite so simple in an era when technology is so readily available and the temptation to do wrong so compelling.

Today’s technology gives us medical advances, instantaneous communication and powerful business tools. But it also gives terrorists a pathway to violence, gives credit card thieves a way to rip off thousands of people and helps dirty old men abuse boys and girls. The morality isn’t in the means, it’s in the action. Such duality creates a challenge for parents and religion, both of which are charged with teaching moral behaviour. The easy answer – and likely

the wrong one – is simply to shun that which has even the potential for immorality or concern. That’s why totalitarian governments often seek to control communication or social media. What’s a parent to do? What’s a church to do? Why, communicate of course. And use technology to do it. My grandfather, who wasn’t Catholic, taught me to embrace the promise of technology but to have a healthy respect for its perils. Church and parents must do no less. CNS

Turkish women try to connect to Twitter at a cafe in Istanbul, Turkey. &16 ¿OH SKRWR

FEATURE 23

Sunday May 17, 2015 CatholicNews

Church support for the divorced The Marriage Tribunal assists those wanting to live in a sacramental union Failure is something that most of us are not predisposed to in meritocratic Singapore. From the earliest years of our existence, we have been oriented towards achieving higher standards and being “the best”. For most of us, being successful means having a good paying job, a spouse and a couple of children. Divorce is seen by most as a failure. It carries with it a stigma, even though it seems to be more prevalent now. Statistics indicate that one in three marriages ends in a divorce. The struggle to keep the marriage going, the trauma of being divorced, and the aftermath of a divorce and now being called a “divorcee” is painful, if not devastating. Those who have not gone through a divorce cannot fully understand the pain, the sense of betrayal and the hurt experienced by a person who is going through a divorce or has divorced.

Misinformation Some well-intentioned but misinformed Catholics in the past have caused further hurt to those struggling with their divorce. There have been instances where divorced Catholics have not received the sacrament of Holy Communion for over 20 years because some Catholic friend of theirs had told them that once divorced, they could not receive Christ in the Eucharist! A civil divorce is viewed as a separation in the eyes of the Church and therefore the person is still considered married before God. Therefore, like all other married persons, they can receive the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. God does not condemn a divorced person. Some Catholics even go to the extent of saying that the divorced are excommunicated from the Church. There are divorced

Roles in the Tribunal

‘

If one’s marriage is annulled, it means that at the point of exchanging of vows a canonical marriage did not take place.

’

Catholics that feel they are no longer welcomed and they leave the Church. Some think that God has failed them! As Jesus speci¿cally speaks about divorce and remarriage as being wrong, the Catholic Church discourages and frowns upon divorce. However, like Jesus, the Catholic Church is compassionate towards those caught in this situation.

How Church helps What can a divorcee do? The baptised divorcee who chooses not to enter into another marriage can fully participate in the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist, and Anointing of the Sick. If a nonbaptised divorcee chooses to remain unmarried, he or she may receive the Sacrament of Baptism. Should a Catholic divorcee choose to re-marry, he or she needs to ¿rst seek an annulment or dissolution from the Catholic Church.

This is so that he or she may continue receiving the sacraments. Should a non-baptised divorcee, who has married again, want to receive the Sacrament of Baptism, he or she must seek an annulment or dissolution of the ¿rst marriage from the Catholic Church. Many who have approached the Tribunal of¿ce of the Catholic Church have been helped with their situation. The Tribunal exists for those who want to live in a sacramental union in the sight of our Father in heaven. Annulment is one of the areas the Tribunal of¿ce is tasked to undertake. Anyone who wants to get an annulment would ¿rst need to approach the Tribunal of¿ce for a brief consultation as to which process can best help. A guide sheet will be given to assist the applicant in providing information about the marriage. The process of remembering one’s past prior to the divorce

The Judge’s duty is to read through the ¿le which contains the testimonies and facts of a case and to come to a decision with moral certitude. The Defender of the Bond upholds the marriage bond and states his case as to why there should be no annulment. The Advocate is the person who ensures the rights of the plaintiff and respondent are safeguarded. He also puts forward the case of the plaintiff and respondent. The advocate for the plaintiff must be a different person from the advocate for the respondent. The work of the Notary is to notarise all tribunal case docuwill always be dif¿cult. At times the very process of writing out one’s past is itself a cathartic and a healing process. Sometimes, participants ¿nd themselves speaking for the ¿rst time about what took place during the marriage, without anyone condemning them.

Annulment Annulments are different from divorces. The annulment declared by the Church is a matter of Church law. A divorce is a matter of civil law. The two are separate issues and one does not affect the other. An annulment declares that the wedding that took place had some essential elements missing when the vows were exchanged. If one’s marriage is annulled, it means that at the point of exchanging of vows a canonical marriage did not take place. An annulment is strictly about

ments. The signature of the notary authenticates all these documents. The Tribunal of Second Instance is independent of the

above-mentioned tribunal. This tribunal may ratify the annulment decision or differ from it. When the latter happens the case will go up to Rome for review and ¿nal decision.

the couple’s relationship. It is not a declaration about the rights or the standing of the children born within the legal marriage. At the beginning of every case, there may be a possibility of an annulment or dissolution but one is never certain until the process ends. No one person can tell you de¿nitely that you have, or do not have, a case until the process is completed. One man who went through this process felt he had been “given this opportunity to return to full communion with the Church, and to live life to the fullest again – an experience worth more than its weight in gold!” (See story below.) ,QGLYLGXDOV ZKR QHHG WR ¿QG out if they have a case for an annulment may make an appointPHQW ZLWK WKH 7ULEXQDO RI¿FH VHFretary at 6288 4659. The Tribunal RI¿FH LV RSHQ 0RQGD\ WKURXJK Friday from 9 am to 12 noon.

‘Annulment process has given me a sense of completion’ The journey towards the annulment of my ¿rst marriage and full reconciliation with the Church began in early 2012. However, I had been struggling with the psychological, physical and mental stresses of a failed marriage since 2007. The end of the civil proceedings in 2011 allowed me to proceed with the petition for annulment in the Catholic Church. Having just gone through a slow, painful and expensive civil divorce involving lawyers, sadness, anger and much negativity, I did not wish to have to live through the whole experience all over again. In addition, I knew little about what would be involved in the entire process. In the meantime, I had also

met my current wife, and it was far more tempting to continue our lives in a modern secular model. By comparison, the Catholic Church’s ¿rm stance against divorce and continued honouring of the marriage sacrament seemed archaic and wholly unfair. I was also made aware that I could not receive Holy Communion due to my new relationship, and this only increased the feeling of alienation from the Church. Fortunately, I was repeatedly encouraged to make enquiries about the annulment process by family members and past mentors. My new partner also started to attend RCIA sessions and I too began to feel a strong urge to reconcile fully with the Church. My advocate, Fr Adrian Yeo

‘

Taking that big leap in seeking the guidance of the tribunal has been one of the most important steps in the journey towards healing.

’

was always sensitive and kind. During our meetings, he explained the implications, steps and procedures that would follow the application for annulment. The Tribunal members were very adept at probing for answers in an unobtrusive and sensitive manner. The total cost of the annument was non-prohibitive and at no point

did I feel as pressured, stressed or strung-out as in the civil proceedings. More importantly, I did not have to meet or deal with my exwife although she was called to participate in the process. The entire process was less intimidating and painful than I had feared. The most challenging aspect of the annulment process had to be the writing of the pre-statement for the of¿cial petition. There was much soul-searching, recollecting and raking up of past events: the Àaws, mistakes, plastered-over cracks, blind spots, and most importantly, realisation of my errors and expectations. It was absolutely humbling. The introspection helped to deepen my understanding of marriage. This helped me to identify and correct the critical mistakes

made before, and to see what is truly essential in a successful marriage. Taking that big leap in seeking the guidance of the tribunal has been one of the most important steps in the journey towards healing. The ensuing feelings of closure, release and inner peace since receiving my annulment has been something that I cannot explain well with words alone. It has given me a sense of completion and wholeness. In a way, I felt almost like the prodigal son being welcomed back to the fold. Being given this opportunity to return to full communion with the Church and to live life to the fullest again is an experience worth more than its weight in gold.

24

Sunday May 17, 2015 CatholicNews

Jennifer Ficcaglia After Jesus was resurrected, He appeared to His apostles many times over a period of 40 days. When He visited His friends, He talked about God’s kingdom and how they should stay in Jerusalem and wait for “the promise of the Father about which you have heard me speak, for John baptised with water, but in a few days you will be baptised with the Holy Spirit”. At the end of the 40 days, the apostles gathered together with Jesus at the mount called Olivet. “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,” He told His friends. When He finished speaking, Jesus was lifted into the air by a

cloud and vanished from sight. Suddenly, two men in white clothes stood beside Jesus’ friends. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why are you standing there looking at the sky? 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 returned to Jerusalem, as Jesus had asked. Peter stood up and spoke to the apostles and a group of people who believed that Jesus was the Messiah. “My brothers,” Peter said, “the Scripture had to be ful¿lled which the Holy Spirit spoke beforehand through the mouth of David, concerning Judas, who was the guide for those who arrested Jesus. He was numbered among us and was allotted a share in this ministry... For it is written in the Book of Psalms: ‘May another take his of¿ce.’”

SPOTLIGHT ON SAINTS:

St Eric of Sweden St Eric was king of Sweden in 1150, and his relatives ruled for 100 years. He worked hard to establish Christianity in upper Sweden and built the ¿rst large church in his country. He went to war with the people of Finland, and when he won, he asked the bishop of Uppsala, who was English, to stay on to evangelise the Finns. Not everyone liked the saint’s devotion to the faith. Some Swedish nobles plotted against him with the king of Denmark. In 1160, St Eric was at Mass when news came that the Danish army and some Swedish rebels were coming for him. After Mass was over, he marched out to meet them. He was beaten off his horse by the rebels and beheaded. We remember him on May 18.

Peter suggested that Judas’ replacement should be someone who was with Jesus from His baptism to His ascension into heaven. Two men were chosen: Matthias and Joseph, who also was known as Barsabbas or Justus. Then they prayed, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this apostolic ministry from which Judas turned

away to go to his own place.” Then lots were given to the people. The lot fell upon Matthias, and he became the new apostle. Read more about it: Acts 1

Q&A 1. What did Jesus promise to send to the apostles? 2. Which apostle was being replaced?

Wordsearch: OFFICE

SIGHT

SHARE PRAYED

CLOTHES SPIRIT

GUIDE HEAVEN

HEARTS

HOLY

PSALMS

CLOUD

KIDS CLUB: Pretend you are an apostle. How do you feel about the coming of the Holy Spirit?

Bible Accent: Answer to puzzle: “Men of Galilee, why are you standing there looking at the sky?”

PUZZLE: Unscramble the letters in each word to reveal a sentence spoken by someone in the Bible story. Hint: Acts 1:11 Enm

fo

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________

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Answer to Wordsearch

In biblical times, certain numbers were considered to be sacred or perfect. One of those was the number 12, which is mentioned many times throughout the Bible. For example, Genesis 46 lists the names of Jacob’s 12 sons, who became the heads of the 12 tribes of Israel. In Leviticus 24, God told the people that every week they were to bake 12 cakes using bran Àour, place them in two piles of six on the gold table before the Lord and put pure frankincense on them as a bread offering. In the New Testament, Jesus chose 12 men to be His apostles. In Revelation 7, it is written that 144,000 people – 12,000 people from each of Israel’s 12 tribes – will be marked with a seal upon their foreheads, which shows they are servants of God. And in Revelation 21, the “new Jerusalem” is described as having 12 gates, each one inscribed with the name of a tribe of Israel.

WHAT’S ON 25

Sunday May 17, 2015 CatholicNews

RCIA/RCIY

EVENT SUBMISSIONS

We welcome information of events happening in our local Church. Please send your submission at least one month before the event. Online submissions can be made at www.catholicnews.sg/whatson

A journey for those seeking to know more about the Catholic faith. Baptised Catholics are also invited to journey as sponsors. TUESDAYS MAY 19 RCIA @ CHURCH OF STS PETER AND PAUL 7.30pm-9.30pm: 225A Queen Street. Register T: 9753 6863 (Joanna Sng, coordinator); E: sng.joanna@gmail.com.

CATECHISM FOR THE ELDERLY Catechism classes for the elderly are held in English, Mandarin, Peranakan, Hokkien, Teochew and Cantonese on Thursdays from 1pm-2.45pm at Church of the Holy Family and on Saturdays at St Joseph’s Church (Victoria Street), parish hall from 9.30am11.30am. Register T: 9115 5673 (Andrew).

THURSDAYS JUNE 4 RCIA @ CHURCH OF THE HOLY SPIRIT 8pm-10pm: 248 Upper Thomson Road. Register W: http://goo.gl/CSK2XE. Enquiries E: holyspiritrcia.coordinator@ gmail.com.

MAY 9 MEDITATIVE PRAYER WITH THE SONGS OF TAIZE 8pm-9.30pm: Come and pray with fellow Christians and all who want to create greater trust and openness through prayer. All are welcome. Organised by Singapore Taize core group. At Armenian Church of St Gregory the Illuminator, 60 Hill Street. E: bennycah@gmail.com; W: www.taize.fr/en.

SATURDAYS JUNE 6 TO APRIL 2, 2016 CHINESE RCIA @ SJI JUNIOR WHILE CHURCH OF ALPHONSUS (NOVENA CHURCH) IS UNDER RENOVATION 1.30pm-3.15pm: SJI Junior, 3 Essex Road. Led by Sr Assunta Cheng. Register T: 9626 8546 (Alphonsus); E: alphs_cool@singnet.com.sg.

MAY 13 THE GIFT OF CARING 9.30am-5pm: What does it mean to care for oneself, for others and for those we encounter? It is caring that makes us human. This one-day retreat with time for quiet prayer, small group sharing and presentations will centre around the ¿lm The Untouchables. Fr Monty Williams, SJ, will facilitate the retreat. Fee: $100. Organised by Kingsmead Centre. At Kingsmead Centre, 8 Victoria Park Road, Hall of the Pilgrim. Register T: 6467 6072; E: cisc2664@gmail.com.

TUESDAYS JUNE 9 RCIA @ CHURCH OF THE HOLY TRINITY 7.45pm-9.45pm: 20 Tampines Street 11. Register T: 8444 5505 (Gregory); E: rciaht@gmail.com. FRIDAYS JULY 24 RCIA @ CHURCH OF THE SACRED HEART 7.30pm-9.15pm: 111 Tank Road. Register T: 6737 9285; E: sacredheartchurch@catholic.org.sg.

WEDNESDAYS FROM MAY 13 TO MAY 20 BOOK OF RUTH 9.30am-11.30am: A DVD-based Bible programme by Fr Scott Coutney. Though it is a simple story of love and loyalty, the Book of Ruth has other major themes. Organised by Bible Apostolate of the Church of the Holy Spirit. At Church of the Holy Spirit, 248 Upper Thomson Road, #03-02. Fee for study manual (optional): $16; Registration fee: love offering. Register T: 8228 8220 (Clare); E: HSBibleApostolate@gmail.com.

MAY 15 MEDITATIVE PRAYER WITH THE SONGS OF TAIZE 8pm-9pm: Come join us in this ecumenical meditative prayer with the songs of Taize, every third Friday of the month. All are welcome! Organised by Taize Group at Good Shepherd Place. At Good Shepherd Place Chapel, 9 Lor 8 Toa Payoh, Singapore 319253. Enquiries E: a.quiet. time@gmail.com; W: www.taize.fr/en. MAY 15 TO MAY 17 A LOVER’S DIALOGUE WITH GOD 9.30am-5pm daily: Join us for a 3-day non-stay-in retreat for spiritual directors. The theme will centre around spiritual discernment. An award-winning ¿lm, Like Father, Like Son will be shown. There will also be presentations, time for prayer and group sharing. Retreat Director: Fr Monty Williams, SJ. Organised by Kingsmead Centre. At Kingsmead Centre, 8 Victoria Park, Hall of the Pilgrim. Fee: $300. Register T: 6467 6072; E: cisc2664@gmail.com.

MAY 15 NOX GAUDII (NIGHT OF JOY) 7.45pm-10.30pm. Calling all young people in Singapore! Join us for a night of praise and worship, preaching, Eucharistic adoration, Sacrament of Reconciliation and fellowship. Bring your friends along! Organised by OYP. Enquiries W: www. oyp.org.sg; E: info.oyp@catholic.org.sg. MAY 15 HEALING MASS 8pm-9.30 pm: Fr Tom Curran will be celebrating a healing Mass, followed by a time of prayer for healing. At the Church of Sts Peter & Paul, 225A Queen Street, Chapel, Level 3. Organised by Praise@ Work. Enquiries T: 9459 2450 (Marilyn); E: marilyn8sep@yahoo.com; W: https://praiseatwork.wordpress.com.

MAY 16 REVIEW OF LIFE (ROL) WORKSHOP 10am-4pm: How do we respond to the changing needs of our ministry members? How can we better analyse the situation and respond in a way that God is asking us to? This workshop will provide an introduction to the ROL method, followed

by an exercise using the three steps in the ROL – See, Judge, Act to analyse and reÀect on an actual situation. Organised by Caritas Singapore. At Catholic Centre, 55 Waterloo Street, Level 2. Register E: formation@caritas-singapore.org. MAY 19 NOT SEVEN TIMES, BUT SEVENTYSEVEN TIMES 7.30pm-9.30pm: Join us to discover how we are invited to forgive. Speaker: Fr Monty Williams SJ. Organised by Kingsmead Centre. At Kingsmead Centre, 8 Victoria Park, Hall of the Pilgrim. Fee: $30. Register T: 6467 6072; E: cisc2664@gmail.com. MAY 21 TO MAY 24 FORGIVENESS 10am (Thursday)-5pm (Sunday): Join us for a 4-day live-in retreat. Forgiveness is more than saying “sorry”. How do we forgive ourselves, others, God, and how do we allow ourselves to be forgiven? This silent retreat will include presentations, time for prayer, small group sharings, spiritual direction and daily Eucharist. Facilitators: Fr Monty Williams SJ, assisted by Kingsmead spiritual directors. Organised by Kingsmead Centre. At Kingsmead Centre, 8 Victoria Park Road. Fee: $420 (non-aircon); $500 (aircon). Register T: 6467 6072; E: cisc2664@gmail.com. MAY 21 CBN MY JOURNEY SERIES – TALK BY LYDIA LIM 7-9pm: Join us for an evening of fellowship, networking and to listen to a sharing by Lydia Lim. She has taught the Called & Gifted workshop in Singapore, Hong Kong and to the Catholic community at Stanford University where she spent a year on a journalism fellowship. She loves to help others discern their charisms. Fee (inclusive of light dinner): $20. Organised by CBN. At 55 Waterloo St, Catholic Centre, St Mary Rm, Level 3. Register T: 9228 4463 (Raymond); E: raymond@cbn.sg. MAY 22 TO MAY 23 LEADERSHIP PROGRAMME – FOLLOWING JESUS: A CALL TO SERVE 9am-5pm (on both days): This programme will look closely at what Jesus did in growing His ministry and how He inÀuenced and transformed His team. Participants will be able to reÀect on their leadership capability, grow and help one another develop as leaders and follow in the footsteps of Jesus. There will be 4 follow-up sessions. Organised by Caritas Singapore. At IJ Village, 503 Ang Mo Kio Street 13. Register W: www.caritas-singapore.org; E: formation@caritas-singapore.org. MAY 22 TO MAY 24 MAY 2015 CHOICE WEEKEND 6pm (May 22)-6pm (May 24): It takes that one weekend that will inspire you for the rest of your life. Come away for a Choice weekend. It is by the choices we make that will de¿ne what our life is all about. Register T: 9790 0537 (Hillary) / 9424 2606 (Jacqueline); registration@choice.org. sg; W: www.choice.org.sg/registration.htm.

MAY 23 MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS DAY 10am-1pm: Learn more about mental health. There will be talks on managing depression and other mental illness, education about stigma. Hear a recovery story of someone who has battled mental illness. Refreshments will be provided. Fee: $10. Concession for THRIVE partners only. Organised by Clarity and KTPH THRIVE. At Auditorium, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, 90 Yishun Central. Register T: 6757 7990 / 9710 3733; E: registration@clarity-singapore.org.

MAY 30 CHARIS HUMANITARIAN FORUM AND FAIR 1pm-8.30pm: Have you ever wanted to do overseas volunteer work but never knew where to start? Or have you thought about going on a mission trip but never found the time? Come learn more about overseas humanitarian work during our fair and forum. Organised by CHARIS. Register W: www.charis-singapore.org. Enquiries W: www.facebook.com/ CHARISHFF.

MAY 23 JOYFUL PARENTING WORKSHOP – THE GENTLE BIRTH 12pm-5pm: Calling all new parents-to-be! The Gentle Birth workshop aims to debunk myths, break stereotypes and correct misinformation surrounding childbirth, breastfeeding and parenting.Organised by Family Life Society and Joyful Parenting. At The Catholic Centre, St Emma Level 2, 55 Waterloo StreetSingapore 187954. Register via SMS: 9271 3335. For credit card payment, Register T: 6488 0278 (Doris).

MAY 30 TO MAY 31 INTERCESSION RETREAT @ CSC This two-day non stay-in retreat will help Catholics understand more about intercession and be convinced of its importance, and thereby contribute towards the new evangelisation. Organised by Catholic Spirituality Centre. At Catholic Spirituality Centre, 1261 Upper Serangoon Road. Registration is open. Register: www.csctr.net. Enquiries T: 6858 2716 / 6288 7901 JUNE 6 FINDING GOD IN YOUR WRITING 9.30am-5pm: Join us for a full day writing workshop designed to help you write your sacred story. Through writing exercises and other activities, you will explore and express your innermost thoughts and feelings and gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your relationship with others and with God. No prior writing experience required. Fee: $100. Organised by Kingsmead Centre. At Kingsmead Centre, Hall of the Pilgrim, 8 Victoria Park Road. Register T: 6467 6072; E: cisc2664@gmail.com.

MAY 23 MAGDALENE’S KINDERGARTEN OPEN HOUSE 9am-1pm: Calling all parents with children who are between Nursery 1 and Kindergarten 2. Join us for our open house! Learn more about what our kindergarten has to offer your child. There will be an exciting programme including daily meditation and prayer in the mornings. Enjoy a fee waiver registration till May 29! Organised by Canossian Sisters. At Magdalene’s Kindergarten, 1 Sallim Rd. Enquiries T: 6747 6554 / 6747 5122 / 9012 4778 (Sr Margaret Goh, supervisor); E: magkg@singnet.com. sg; W: www.magdalene.canossian.org.sg

JUNE 19 TO JUNE 21 PRAYING OUR CROSSROADS 8pm (Friday)-1pm (Sunday): Crossroads in life can be the most challenging times but they offer great opportunities for growth. Hence, we need to listen attentively to God who walks faithfully with us so we can ¿nd the right direction in our life. Those in transition, or at the brink of decision-making will ¿nd this retreat helpful, with its input on discernment, prayer, reÀection and sharing. Organised by the Cenacle Sisters. At Choice Retreat House, 47 Jurong West Street 42. Register T: 6565 2895 / 9722 3148; E: cenaclesing@gmail.com.

MAY 23 AND MAY 31 FOOD & FAITH Calling all non-Catholic young adults between the ages of 20 and 40! Discover more of what life has to offer us. There will be two sessions and light dinner, snacks and drinks will be provided. The ¿rst session will take place on May 23 (4-8pm) and its focus will be on: Is your life a journey? The second session will take place on May 31 (2-6pm) and it will focus on: Who is your companion on life’s journey? Fee per session: $10. Organised by Verbum Dei Missionaries. At 4 Sommerville Road. Register T: 6274 0251/ 9793 2605 (Sr Sandra Seow); E: verbumdeispore@yahoo.com.sg.

JUNE 19 TO JUNE 21 MANDARIN CHILDREN’S CAMP A Mandarin camp for children aged 5-12 will be held for them to experience Christian fellowship, to learn how to love one another and work together, and to grow closer to Jesus Christ. NonCatholics are welcomed! Theme: I am a Lamb of God. The whole camp will be conducted in Mandarin. Children aged 8-12 are required to stay overnight. For children 5-7 years old: (June 20: 8.30am-8pm). For children 8-12 years old: (June 19-21: 8.30am (June 19)11pm (June 21)). Register T: 9113 6598 (Nicholas); E: acamsyouthcomm@gmail. com; W: www.cams.org.sg; FB:www.facebook.com/camsyouthcomm

MAY 27 THE EUCHARIST 9.30am-11.30am: A DVD-based programme presented by Fr Robert Baron. This fresh look at the Eucharist brings to light its reality as a sacred meal, the sacri¿ce necessary for communion with God, and the real presence of Christ. The programme will offer inspiring insights into the mystery of Christ’s presence in our lives and the centrality of the Eucharist as an important part of that presence. At Church of the Holy Spirit, 248 Upper Thomson Road, #03-02. Registration fee: love offering. Register T: 8228 8220 (Clare); E: HSBibleApostolate@gmail.com.

Crossword Puzzle 1135 1

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14

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75 www.wordgamesforcatholics.com

ACROSS 1 Son of Adam 5 Builder of the golden calf 10 Jesus slept in one 14 Potpourri 15 Dinah, to Esau 16 The pope is the bishop of ____ 17 Furrows 18 OT historical book 19 ____ about 20 Loafers 22 Tepid 24 Poorer 26 Sea of Exodus crossing 27 A/C letters 29 Pertaining to God 34 A great deal 38 ____, talent, and treasure 40 Kind of tot? 41 Capital of Yemen 42 ____ Gay 44 Highland caps 45 Lure 47 Slip 48 Move along briskly 49 Name of God

51 Soissons seasons 53 Theology on ___ 55 Patron saint of jewelers 60 Guard 65 Fit for cultivation 66 “_____, Sing America” 67 She renamed herself Mara 69 City in Germany 70 Price paid 71 Landed 72 Fill up 73 GenuÀection joint 74 Barrier 75 Supplements DOWN 1 He established Notre Dame, Fr. Edward ____, CSC 2 Avoid capture by 3 Name 4 Washed (with “down”) 5 A liqueur 6 Direct a gun 7 _____ presence in the Eucharist 8 Happen

9 Long-_____ 10 “By the sweat of your _____…” (Gen 3:19) 11 The Little Tramp’s wife 12 Cupid 13 School division 21 Adam donation 23 Prepare for publication 25 Debris 28 White for a pope, black for no pope 30 Arizona-Vatican connection 31 ____-Tass 32 Lost ¿sh in a Pixar ¿lm 33 At one time it was “at one time” 34 The Blessed ____ 35 Stadiums 36 Sometimes it’s hi37 Frozen water vapor 39 Type type 43 This archdiocese is found in South Australia 46 Abominable snowman

50 Mother of Samuel (1 Sam 1:20) 52 Title for Catholic actor Guinness 54 Fruit of the Holy Spirit 56 Catholic actor of “Gone with the Wind” fame 57 Apple variety

58 Forearm bones 59 Transmits 60 Sacrament of the _____ 61 School since 1440 62 Some win by one 63 Carry 64 _____ of Hosts 68 Tom’s “You’ve Got Mail” co-star

Solution to Crossword Puzzle No. 1134 W A R E S B O A T P A P A

O S O L E

R E F E R

D A L M A T O W I T I C O L E L E A I G G B E L E T E G A S

T U N E N P E E L E M S A P A R M Y E S S

O B I T S F O R T Y N E H

R M E O A T T I D F S R H E S H A D O I L S U N T T O H H M A C A R T O R T O K I P I A E E N

A P P E A R

M I R A

E P O S

N E S T

A R S K A S C R O I L S L T I Y E

C O I N

H I N T

L L A M A

L A T E R

www.wordgamesforcatholics.com

28 NEPAL QUAKE

Sunday May 17, 2015 CatholicNews

‘What people need is shelter’ CNS photos

From Page 1

Huge “tent cities” have sprung up in Kathmandu to shelter those whose homes have collapsed or been damaged and those who dared not return as strong aftershocks continue, Caritas Internationalis reported in a press release on April 27. “We hope to go back to our house soon, but are hesitating because of the aftershocks,” said Ms Renuka Magdalene Thakuri, 54, who sought shelter with other families in Assumption Church in Kathmandu. Jesuit Fr Pius Perumana, head of Caritas Nepal, said the Catholic charity has been supplying tarpaulins, tents and food, and was trying to help protect people from the rain and cold. “People are still trapped in buildings and we don’t know whether they are dead or alive,” Fr Perumana told Caritas Internationalis, the Vatican-based umbrella organisation for more than 150 Catholic relief and development organisations around the world. It said Catholic Relief Services, the US Caritas partner, was sending relief materials from north India and working with Caritas Nepal to procure additional relief materials locally and in India.

“What the people need immediately is shelter. Temperatures are dropping at night and there is also rain. Children are sleeping outside at night. It is really traumatic for them,” Fr Perumana said. Immediate shelter as well as water and sanitation were among the top priorities, Caritas Internationalis said. Mr Santosh Kumar Magar, 29, said he was attending the ordina-

What the people ‘need immediately is shelter.’

– Jesuit Fr Pius Perumana, head of Caritas Nepal

tion of a new priest in Okhaldhunga, a remote part of eastern Nepal, when the earthquake hit. “I came out of the room, and saw two, three houses falling down around me. Some of the animals died around the same time. The people were saved because all the villagers were gathered for the ordination,” he told Caritas. A boy, identified as Ahmed, who was staying at the Assumption Church in Kathmandu with his family, said, “My

A man carrying goods walks along a street with houses that were destroyed by an earthquake in Bhaktapur, Nepal.

elder brother dragged [me] from the house to the street.” “We came to the church because we know a lot of people here so we can be together and coordinate and help each other out. Now I feel everything is going to be all right,” he told Caritas.

Church groups come to aid of quake survivors

CNS

Nepal bishop: I ran to save my life ROME – Nepal’s Catholic bishop gave a graphic account of the country’s catastrophic April 27 earthquake – describing how he was lucky to survive. In a message to international Catholic charity, Aid to the Church in Need, Bishop Paul Simick of Kathmandu, said he “saw houses falling like a pack of cards”, and that people “were running in all directions to save their lives. “It was a very, very frightening scene,” he said. The bishop added: “I myself had to literally run to save my life.” He said that he “ran away from my of¿ce” when the aftershocks hit. It had also made people “frightened so they left their houses and pitched tarpaulin tents on the streets and open ¿elds,” he said. Bishop Simick recalled that he “saw animals killed by falling cow sheds and stone walls” and landslides “all over the hills” . The bishop described the devastating impact of the earthquake on Nepal’s small Catholic community numbering just 10,000 faithful. “Here in Kathmandu city, many Catholic families have cracks intheir houses or major damage,” he said.

A pastor prays with relatives of victims of the recent earthquake in Nepal. Church groups are providing aid to the survivors.

Bishop Paul Simick of Nepal visits an injured Catholic earthquake survivor.

Bishop Simick stressed the problems of trying to assess the situation on the ground, describing the crippling impact of communications breakdown, impassable roads, no domestic Àights and entire communities still cut off from any help. The bishop added: “I would also like to request your prayer support for the victims’ families who have lost loved ones, those who are still missing loved ones and those who are seriously injured.”

Reporting on the suffering of Catholic communities, he described how some faithful had lost their lives in a mission station which takes three days by foot to reach from the capital. “Yesterday [April 27], one helicopter went to see the place and victims but because of bad weather it could not land and saw nothing. “Many of our churches, schools, convents and other institutions have developed precarious cracks,” he said. ZENIT

KATHMANDU – Among the ¿rst to mobilise, the Italian Bishops’ Conference has decided to allocate 3 million euros (S$4.5 million) for emergency aid through Msgr Salvatore Pennacchio, apostolic nuncio to India and Nepal. The Church in South Korea was also quick to react. Bishop Lazzaro You Heung-sik of Daejeon contacted a priest from his diocese currently in the Pokhara area (near Kathmandu) where he is working with eight South Korean Religious. “They’re all ¿ne, thank God,” he told AsiaNews, “but the devastation is terrible.” “Meeting this morning with the Diocesan Chancery, we decided to send US$100,000 (S$132,700) through the nunciature in India, who will then they turn the money over to Bishop Simick,” said Bishop You. “I asked the faithful to pray for the victims of Nepal,” the prelate added.

He also said that he hopes to hold another fundraiser. The Archdiocese of Seoul has already sent about US$50,000 dollars. Cardinal Yeom Soo-Jung of Seoul released a statement with a message of condolence and support for the victims. In Hong Kong, the Red Cross contributed HK$500,000 (S$8,500) for immediate aid work. World Vision Hong Kong, a Christian humanitarian organisation, said that more than 200 of its staff were in Nepal ready to join the relief effort. It also said that it had contributed HK$1.56 million to help survivors. Also in Hong Kong, the NonResident Nepali Association has already purchased 1,000 blankets and 1,000 Àashlights for emergency relief with supplies dropped off at the Nepali consulate. The group also plans to open a bank account soon to accept donations. ASIANEWS See also story on Page 11

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

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