MAY 31, 2015, Vol 65, No 11 by CatholicNews

SUNDAY MAY 31, 2015

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Pope Francis meets 7,000 children at Vatican War, jail and family fights among questions asked by the kids CNS photo

VATICAN CITY – Why do chil-

dren suffer? Why do some leaders choose war over peace? Has the pope ever fought with his siblings? Does the pope want some peace and quiet amidst his hectic schedule? And what if someone does not want to make peace with you after a ¿ght? These questions were asked by elementary school students during a May 11 gathering at the Paul VI Audience Hall at the Vatican. About 7,000 kids attended the gathering sponsored by the Fabbrica della Pace (The Peace Factory). Responding to the last question, the pope said, “That’s a very good question.” The only thing to do, he said, was to respect that person’s freedom to think and feel the way they wanted. “You don’t want to make peace with me, I did everything possible to do so, but I respect your choice. We have to learn respect,” said Pope Francis. A young boy asked the pope why children had to suffer “when they have done nothing bad”. “One can only raise one’s eyes up to heaven and look for answers that can’t be found,” replied the pope. However, people can do something by making sure society offers the needed medical support and by being close to them, he said. A young detainee from a detention centre asked if the pope agreed that prison was the appropriate response to troubled youth like him. “No, I do not agree,” he said. People need to help those who make mistakes pick themselves back up “with education, with love, with being close”. “The easiest path? Go to pris-

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INSIDE HOME Loneliness and the elderly person Archbishop on the needs of the aged Page 4

Archdiocese’s Vesak Day message ‘Path to holiness is through compassion’ Page 6

WORLD Philippines to welcome Rohingya migrants Decision hailed by Church leader Page 13

POPE FRANCIS Pope Francis leads an audience with children from the Peace Factory group at the Vatican.

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Even I have argued many times, even now... I get a little hot-headed, but I always look to make peace together.

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– Pope Francis on family squabbles

on. And there is no forgiveness. And what does forgiveness mean? Did you fall? Get up! I will help you to get up, to reinsert yourself in society. There is always forgiveness and we must learn to forgive.” When an Egyptian boy asked why some powerful people do not help schools, the pope posed this question: “Why do many powerful people not want peace? Because they live off of war: the arms industry,” he said, explain-

ing how the weapons industry will arm all sides in a conÀict. When asked if he sought peace for himself given his hectic life, the 78-year-old pontiff said that there was a difference between peace and tranquility. “Often I’d like a little tranquility, to rest a little more. This is true. But being with people doesn’t take away peace,” he said. “It’s tiring a bit because one gets tired, I am no longer a young man,” he said.

But what robs people of peace is when there is no love, when there is “jealousy, envy, greed, taking things from others”, he said. One girl who said that she argued a lot with her sister asked the pope if he, too, had family squabbles. “Even I have argued many times, even now... I get a little hot-headed, but I always look to make peace together. It is human to argue. The important thing is that it does not remain, that peace is done after. Understood?” The pope also told the children that peace cannot be mass-produced, but is “a handcrafted product. We make it every day with our work, our life, our love, our closeness, our loving each other.” CNS, ZENIT

Two Palestinian saints canonised Pope urges prayers to them for peace Page 15

‘I could become a Catholic’ Says communist leader after meeting pope Page 17

FEATURE Coping with death and grief Catholics on how faith community helped them Pages 20-21

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Sunday May 31, 2015 CatholicNews

Solidarity Mass held for those affected by Nepal quake By Lorna O’Hara Those who attended a special Mass for the people affected by the Nepal quake felt that it was important to show solidarity and be with those who are suffering. After the May 10 Mass at the Church of St Ignatius, a 28-yearold Nepalese man told CatholicNews that a few of his colleagues’ relatives died in Nepal. The man who declined to be named also said that one of his ex-colleagues, along with his entire family, died in the disaster. “Everything is destroyed. Those who have been directly affected need food and shelter and they will also need their houses to be rebuilt,” he said. During the Mass, Jesuit Fr Colin Tan said in his homily that

the Catholic Church is “in solidarity with you [the Nepalese community], your family members and your loved ones”. He also said that he “knew of a friend who was in Nepal [when the disaster struck]. Unfortunately, I have not received any news from him.” Fr Colin told the crowd that “God is planting a seed of love, a seed of compassion and a seed of solidarity to reach out beyond yourself” to help those who have been greatly affected by the disaster. The church was packed and people were spotted standing along the aisles. During the offertory, members of the Caritas Humanitarian Aid & Relief Initiatives, Singapore, went up in pairs to offer up

Jesuit Fr Colin Tan accepting items which will be sent to Caritas Nepal by members of the Caritas Humanitarian Aid & Relief Initiatives, Singapore.

baskets of various disaster relief items such as a lamp, a jerry can, a water ¿ltration bottle and a tarpaulin sheet. During the prayers of the

faithful, laity also prayed for the victims of the earthquake. “The Mass serves as a reminder of the sanctity of life and the value of people coming together

serves as a reminder of the sanctity ‘TheofMass life and the value of people coming together to pray for the Nepalese community, ’

– Ms Claudia Tan, 27

to pray for the Nepalese community,” said Ms Claudia Tan, 27. Ms Rani Suppiah, who used to be a volunteer teacher in Nepal, agreed. “I am happy that this Mass was held for those affected by the earthquake. It’s the least that we can do,” she said. See stories on Pages 9 and 10 lorna.ohara@catholic.org.sg

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Sunday May 31, 2015 CatholicNews

SG50 banners go up in parishes all over S’pore By the time you read this, redand-white banners would have gone up at all parishes here asking parishioners to pray for the nation. As part of the archdiocese’s SG50 celebrations, each parish is being asked to pray for “joy” and another fruit of the Holy Spirit throughout 2015. In addition to joy, the other fruits are peace, charity, goodness, modesty, patience, kindness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self-control and chastity. Joy is the mainstay because it expresses the essence of the occasion, and the word is part of the archdiocese’s SG50 logo. Some parishes are already getting into the groove of the initiative. Fr Terence Kesavan, assistant parish priest of the Church

of Divine Mercy, said he will be asking parishioners to pray for the special intentions over the Pentecost weekend. “It is an appropriate time since we can link it to the fruits of the Holy Spirit on that day. Our parish will be praying for joy and generosity,” he said. “Many in our parish are excited with the SG50 Mass and already some are enquiring about tickets,” he added. Other parishes are still working out ways to implement the prayers. Fr Andrew Wong, parish priest of the Church of The Holy Spirit, said he will be working out a plan with his parish’s liturgical committee. Mrs Kelly Gan, whose parish of Christ the King has been assigned “joy” and “peace”, said, “It’s a good way to rally Catho-

The Catholic SG50 banner displayed outside the Church of the Risen Christ.

lics to do our part and contribute purposefully for the welfare of our nation. We must make a difference.” Besides incorporating these intentions into the Prayer of the Faithful, Mr Paul Tan, a member of the archdiocese’s SG50 organising committee, also gave the following suggestions: “Those who have been asked to pray for “charity” can, besides praying for Singaporeans to be more charitable, organise a charity drive by asking parishioners to donate foodstuff that

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I pray that through joy and the other fruits of the Holy Spirit, Catholics will continue to sanctify the nation.

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– Fr Derrick Yap, archdiocesan SG50 organising committee chairman

can then be distributed to the poor living within their parish boundaries. Or those who have the word “generosity” on their

banners could think of visiting a home for the aged and spending time with them. They are thus being generous with their time.” Fr Derrick Yap, organising committee chairman, added that it is only right for Catholics to render a spiritual dimension to the national celebration. “I am con¿dent that the different parishes will come up with novel ways to adopt these assigned fruits in prayer as well as in other creative expressions among ministries and church groups,” he said.

Check out the SG50 Joy website By Damien Teo

Banner at the Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

Creative ways to pray Some creative ideas to adopt in praying for the fruits of the Holy Spirit: Incorporate them in each Sunday’s Prayer of the Faithful, but with different aspects. For example, to pray for “chastity”, the prayer can be worded like this: “For the young of Singapore, we pray that they may embrace the discipline of chastity in every area of their life.” On another weekend, the prayer can be: “For parents of Singapore, that they may be models of chastity for their children.” Invite every ministry, group or catechism class to come up with a Prayer of the Faithful based on the fruit and then use it on different Sundays. Google the particular fruit in Bible websites for various verses on it. For example, if your parish is assigned “modesty”, type “Bible verses about modesty” and you will ¿nd many examples and

situations where the word is used. Then take a particular verse for prayer, reÀection or whatever appropriate action you may wish to adopt. Different verses can be applied for each week. Express the fruits in action within ministries, groups, catechism classes, etc. For example, if the fruit is “self-control”, offer a fast (not necessarily from food); for “kindness”, you can set out to do extra acts of courtesy each week. Organise an essay competition or a catechism class project on the fruits, such as “How can I live out peace in 10 ways?” Or for the older ones, “Is peace merely the absence of war?” For the more creative ones, you can organise an art competition for parishioners to express the two fruits in art, sculpture, Àoral arrangement, papier mache, etc. They can then be exhibited on a special parish occasion.

One way that Catholics of all ages can commemorate SG50 is through the SG50 Joy website (sg50.catholic.org.sg), slated to go live on June 1. The website will not only host details of the SG50 Thanksgiving Mass, but it will also be the platform for the archdiocese’s 50,000 Prayers for the Nation and 50,000 Meals for the Poor challenge. The latter is organised by the Society of St Vincent de Paul across various parishes. In these initiatives, Catholics are invited to contribute a prayer

Users visiting the website will be able to click to pledge a prayer or perform an act of charity. or meal for the intentions of the nation. The aim is to hit or even exceed the 50,000 goals by the end of 2015. Users visiting the website will be able to click to pledge a “¿ve-¿nger” prayer, with each ¿nger representing a different type of sacri¿ce – praying the rosary, fasting, attending a

weekday Mass, spending time in adoration, and doing an act of charity. Each click will count towards the 50,000 goal. “More importantly, each click will help to sanctify the nation further,” said Mr Jeremy Tan, the project’s spokesman. Participating in all ¿ve forms of sacri¿ce is not as daunting as it seems, said the organisers, as participants can take their time to ful¿l them before the jubilee year ends. Parishes who wish to include their own SG50 events can write to cana.sg50@gmail.com to have these listed in the SG50 Joy website.

Getting your SG50 Mass tickets The SG50 Thanksgiving Mass will be held at Singapore Indoor Stadium on July 4. The laity who are keen to attend can register their interest with their parish of¿ce. As tickets are limited, your parish may give them out either on a ¿rst-come-¿rst-served ba-

sis or by ballot. The decision is left to individual parishes to decide. All parishes will get their tickets by the ¿rst week of June for distribution. The event will of¿cially begin at 12.30 pm with praise and worship songs (doors to open at noon). Preceding the 2 pm Mass

will be a 30-minute multimedia and stage production on the history of the Singapore Church. After Mass, another 30-minute segment will showcase the future of the Church, represented by the young – both laity and clergy. The event is likely to end at about 4 pm.

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Sunday May 31, 2015 CatholicNews

Lonely elderly people don’t need luxuries. They need love Archbishop Goh talks about relating to the elderly at the opening ceremony of the Villa Francis Home for the Aged By Christopher Khoo

Archbishop William Goh chatting with the home’s most senior resident, Madam Yap Twin Puck, who is 102 years old. Photo: JOSE VIVEN C BALSOMO

“Loneliness is the greatest sickness of afÀuent countries”, said Archbishop William Goh. Lonely elderly people “always tell me one thing”, he said. “The greatest pain is not that they don’t have the luxuries of life. They are looking for the most basic thing – love.” Archbishop Goh was speaking at the of¿cial opening ceremony of the Villa Francis Home for the Aged on May 1 . Addressing a crowd of hundreds gathered at the Canossianrun home in Yishun, he warned them to be careful not to embrace “the mentality of the world – that the person is only acceptable, important, if he or she is productive”. “To look after the elderly and the sick is a great challenge,” he told the crowd which included representatives of other faiths. “Elderly people are dif¿cult to handle because sometimes they are very grumpy« Why? Because they are wounded,” he said. “They feel that society has done them wrong. They have given so much to society and the family. Now that they are old, we abandon them. It is the humilia-

tion they are going through.” The challenge for Villa Francis is to make it a home “where the elderly feel loved and cared for« The distinguishing mark of a Catholic nursing home is that we provide them with that love, that community,” he said. Archbishop Goh also stressed that “the greatest gift we can give [the elderly] is the gift of faith. Faith brings hope. When there is no hope, there is no reason to live.” Archbishop Goh, together with special guest, Dr Lam Pin Min, Minister of State for Health, were later taken on a tour of the nine-storey building, where they chatted with some of the home’s more than 200 residents. One highlight of the event was a special performance put on by some residents who sang songs such as The Moon Represents My Heart by the late Taiwanese singer Teresa Teng. Villa Francis moved from its original site in Mandai to Yishun in 2013. For more information on Villa Francis, visit http://villafrancis. org.sg/ christopher.khoo@catholic.org.sg

Archbishop Goh, Dr Lam Pin Min (on archbishop’s right) and Catholic Welfare Services chairman Thomas Tan cutting the ribbon. Photo: JAMES CHIA

Residents performing a Hokkien song for guests with help from staff.

Sunday May 31, 2015 CatholicNews

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Sunday May 31, 2015 CatholicNews

Kindergarten principal appointed Early Childhood Development Agency Fellow Ms Shirley Tan, principal of the Church of the Holy Trinity Kindergarten, was appointed an Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) Fellow on May 6. She, together with 13 other leaders in the early childhood sector, were the ¿rst batch to receive this appointment. “I feel honoured, humbled and grateful,” said Ms Tan, who has been principal of the kindergarten since 2004. “To my mind, much more will now be required and expected of me, professionally,” said the mother of three. The Fellows were selected based on criteria such as their professional expertise in teaching and learning; their leadership in building

a culture of professionalism and collaboration; and their building of a culture of lifelong learning through continuing professional development. ECDA Fellows are expected to help uplift the professionalism and quality of the early childhood sector and are appointed for a period of three years. The kindergarten, under the leadership of Ms Tan, received Good Practice Awards three years in a row, from 2010-2011. Ms Tan had also been invited by the Ministry of Education to speak on good practices, professional development and the learning management system. The May 6 ceremony took place at the Ministry of Social and Family Development. Ms Shirley Tan, seen here with kindergarten students.

Dear Buddhist Friends, We rejoice with you in your celebration of the feast of Vesak recalling the birth, enlightenment and ¿nal nirvana of Gautama Buddha. May your celebration be a very joyful and peace-¿lled one. It is a ¿tting occasion for us to remember and reÀect on the poor, needy and marginalised who suffer so much in the world. As we celebrate the golden jubilee of Singapore’s nation building this year, it is all the more timely that we also each renew our efforts to care for and build up the lives of these least of our brothers and sisters. Singapore is one of the most developed countries in the world. Many of our people are privileged to share in the great economic prosperity of the city-state. Nevertheless, many continue to suffer economic hardships, physical illnesses, psychological ailments and a

myriad of other painful concerns and needs of their family and future.

Both our Buddhist and Christian WUDGLWLRQV DI¿UP that the path to holiness is through D OLIH RI FRPSDVVLRQ and respect for the VDFUHGQHVV RI KXPDQ persons and all life. As a gracious society and, more so, as believers of our respective religions who are con-

The Most Rev William Goh, DD Archbishop of Singapore

cerned about alleviating the sufferings of others, let us renew our commitment to reach out to those who live in darkness with profound compassion. Life acquires deeper meaning when it is lived for others and not merely for ourselves. Both our Buddhist and Christian traditions af¿rm that the path to holiness is through a life of compassion and respect for the sacredness of human persons and all life. May we continue to live this truth more fully as we are inspired to do so in concrete ways. On this note, on behalf of the Catholic community in Singapore, I sincerely wish you a happy and spiritually fruitful Vesak Day.

Msgr Philip Heng, SJ Vicar General (Interreligious Relations)

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Sunday May 31, 2015 CatholicNews

CHIJ Our Lady of Good Counsel marks anniversary Prayer monitors from CHIJ Our Lady of Good Counsel were blessed by Fr Brian D’Souza on April 24, during the school’s feast day and 55th anniversary celebrations. The prayer monitors’ role in school is to help to lead their fellow classmates in prayer at prerecess, post-recess and at the end of the school day. After a Mass attended by guests-of-honour Sr Maria Lau, provincial of the IJ Sisters, and former principal, Mrs Josephine Colaco, the monitors, dressed in white, were led on stage. In the meantime, the school sang the hymn Our Lady of Good Counsel, written by alumnae Jacqueline Peeris. The monitors then recited the prayer to Our Lady of Good Counsel, which was written by Mrs Lesley Goonting, the school’s chaplain. Prayer monitor, Shawnna Van Huizen, a Pri 6 student, said that she found her role meaningful as she could lead her friends in prayer. The prayer monitor programme began in 2012. It aims to provide students an opportunity to engage in servant leadership roles. Each class has two student monitors, who undergo a short training programme led by two staff members.

Fr Brian D’Souza blessing the prayer monitors during the celebrations.

School’s milestones 1960: Convent of Our Lady

of Good Counsel was established, comprising a single building block with its main school gate at Cooling Close, Serangoon Gardens.

1970: The school was con-

verted to a primary school while another full-Àedged convent, St Joseph’s Convent, converted from a full school to a secondary school. The secondary pupils of the school were transferred to St

Joseph’s Convent while the primary pupils came over to the Convent of Our Lady of Good Counsel. 1988: Convent of Our Lady of

Good Counsel was renovated and extended again. The main school gate was relocated to Burghley Drive.

1992: Convent of Our Lady of

Good Counsel was renamed CHIJ Our Lady of Good Counsel.

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Sunday May 31, 2015 CatholicNews

Strengthening families’ spiritual life &RPPLVVLRQ VHWV XS WHDPV SODQV WR ERRVW IDPLO\ OLIH LQ ZDNH RI VXUYH\ ÀQGLQJV The faith life of Catholic families in Singapore is sadly inadequate. And this de¿ciency pervades all stages of family life – from the schoolgoing and teenage periods to the young adult and parenting years. This is the stark ¿nding of a survey conducted by the Archdiocesan Commission for the Family (ACF) in conjunction with the Archdiocesan Catholic Family Dialogue held last October. Four key areas were identi¿ed: the prayer life of the individual and family, relevance of God in people’s lives, the responsibility of faith formation, and living out marriage as a sacrament. Mr James Wong, ACF executive director, cited the causes according to the survey: secular activities pulling members in different directions, a lack of a prayer habit, and parents not being adequate models and teachers. “Why have we reduced God in our lives? AfÀuence and selfreliance are two likely reasons,” suggested Mr Wong. According to ACF, progressive societies have shown that a neglect of religious values usually leads to the erosion of societal values, which can then result in the breakdown of a people’s moral fabric. “And sadly, the most affected

ACF ACTION PLANS AT A GLANCE Promote faith formation and encounter with Christ in families. Promote an appreciation of marriage as a sacrament so as to strengthen marriages, and to reinforce marriage preparation and the married life journey.

The vision is to work Hopefully by the grace ‘towards ‘ an evangelical of God, the outcome parish community that will help families become fully alive in God.

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– Dr John Hui, ACF chairman

casualty is usually the family,” said Dr John Hui, ACF chairman. “As Catholics, it’s good to ask ourselves what priority we give to growing our faith, so as to preserve and nourish family life. And if there are practical challenges like inadequate faith formation, how we can seek ways to overcome them.” ACF has been in touch with parish priests on the survey results.

will be stronger and happier families.

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– Mr James Wong, ACF executive director

It plans to work with diocesan agencies to provide and strengthen ongoing faith formation and vocational enhancement programmes, such as those on better parenting and marriage enrichment. Several committees have been formed by ACF to address these issues. One development is the formation of Parish Engagement Teams, which will help parishes

without a family life group (FLG) set up one over the next few months. A Family Life Team Clinic was scheduled on May 23 at the Catholic Archdiocesan Education Centre to help parishes form FLGs. “The broad plan is for ACF to collaborate with these parish FLGs to accompany families and family members in their faith cum life’s journey,” explained Dr Hui. “The vision is to work towards an evangelical parish community that will help families become fully alive in God,” Talks and forums such as Catholic Parenting in the New Evangelisation, which will address practical topics like interfaith or mixed-marriage parenting, are being planned. A seminar titled Understanding the Church’s Teachings on Divorces, Separations and Annulments is scheduled for July 25, and aims to help Catholics manage their special familial circumstances and still

Empower parents in their role as primary educators of their children. Support initiatives to address the familial needs of singles, the separated or divorced, grandparents and the elderly.

be in communion with the Church. Another seminar early next year is being planned around St John Paul II’s Theology of the Body, which teaches the beauty of God’s plan for sexuality. In the meantime, ongoing marriage preparation and enrichment programmes are being reinforced to address relationship issues in today’s context. ACF says its members will continue to dialogue and consult with families and other family life agencies to review and enhance its programmes so that they can be relevant in Singapore’s changing social landscape. “All these are designed to provide support in each stage of life’s journey. And hopefully by the grace of God, the outcome will be stronger and happier families,” said Mr Wong. The ACF website is http:// catholicfamily.org.sg/

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Sunday May 31, 2015 CatholicNews

Church workers face renewed fear after second quake hits

Left: Nepalese military personnel remove debris in Kathmandu, Nepal, in search for survivors after an earthquake struck on May 12. Right: A victim is comforted outside a hospital in Kathmandu. CNS photos KATHMANDU, NEPAL – The second major earthquake in less than three weeks spread renewed fears and dented the con¿dence of people, said Church and charity workers. “The death and devastation may be less, but the psychological impact is very high,” Bishop Paul Simick of Nepal told Catholic News Service (CNS) on May 13. “They were slowly recovering from the shock and the trauma and [were] trying to restart [their lives]. Now they have been stunned by

this unprecedented quake.” More than 60 people, most of them trying to recover valuables from the debris of collapsed houses and buildings, died and more than 1,200 were injured when the 7.3 magnitude quake hit. “The fear is back and everyone is worried about the future,” said Bishop Simick. Mr Josh Niraula, former coordinator of Caritas Asia, told CNS, “The massive quake has shattered more Nepalese minds and hearts

and has generated more fear and worry for the future.” Bishop Simick also said he is getting reports of Church build-

The massive quake has ‘shattered more Nepalese minds and hearts and has generated more fear and worry for the future.

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– Mr Josh Niraula, former coordinator of Caritas Asia

ings that developed serious cracks in different parts of Nepal. More than two dozen staff at Caritas Nepal headquarters in Kathmandu could be seen working outside the building on May 13 after engineers said the cracks that developed on May 12 had made part of the building unsafe. St Joseph’s School in Gorkha, about 130 km from Kathmandu, developed serious cracks, and the principal’s residence had severe damage.

“It is not safe to stay in the building,” Fr Dennis D’Souza, principal, told CNS. Jesuit Fr Robert Simick, parish priest in Tipling – a day’s travel by road and three days’ walk from Kathmandu – emailed Bishop Simick to report that one of his friends who eagerly carried out relief work to the victims of the April 25 quake “is now scared and not even able to drive his car”. CNS See related story on Page 10

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Sunday May 31, 2015 CatholicNews

Pope advances sainthood of martyrs who died in Laos VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis

has advanced the canonisation of 12 potential saints, two of whom were martyred by communist revolutionaries in Laos in 1960. The two martyrs were the Servants of God Frs Mario Borzaga and Paul Thoj Xyooj, who were killed in hatred of the faith in April 1960. Born in Italy in 1932, Fr Borzaga joined the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate at the age of 20, and was ordained a priest at 25. In 1957 he was sent as one of the ¿rst Italian missionaries to the Oblate mission in Laos. He met with families and cared for the sick in the Hmong village of Kiucatiàm in 1958.

During his ministry, another group of Hmong from Pha Xoua asked him to visit their own village in 1960. He set out on April 25 on a three-day mountain trek for the village, where he was to spend two weeks. He was joined by Paul Thoj Xyooj, a young lay catechist. The two vanished after a day of working with the sick and were never found, despite various searches. Testimonies gathered since their disappearance con¿rm that the two were killed by the Pathet Lao. The Pathet Lao defeated the royalist forces in 1975, and Laos has been a communist state ever since. CNA

Relief workers from the St Vincent de Paul Society of Assumption Parish in Lalitpur, Nepal, distribute food items and tents on May 9 to Hindus and Muslims on top of a mountain. CNS photo

Church workers reach out to quake victims in remote Himalayan villages NAMJUNG, NEPAL – “Sir, because

of luck, we all survived. But, we may die of hunger,” Mr Mithuram Pariyar said when a Church relief team arrived after a four-hour drive from Kathmandu. “Nobody [relief worker] has set foot here in two weeks,” said Mr Pariyar, summing up the travails of 29 families. It was this neglect that prompted the St Vincent de Paul Society of Assumption Parish in Lalitpur to carry nearly 1,360 kg of rice and other food items along with shelter material to a mountain where victims were sheltering on May 9. “It was painful for us to see helicopters dropping food on other [nearby] mountains regularly. But nothing [no food] was dropped here,” said Mr Suba Pariyar, holding the arm of his mentally challenged son. Mr Augustine Lepcha, coordinator of the relief team at Assumption Parish, told Catholic News Service (CNS) the group decided to take supplies to the village “when we heard of the situation through our contacts. We want to help the most needy people.” Ms Jennifer Hardy, Asia communications of¿cer for Catholic Relief Services (CRS), said the situation in remote villages was “very challenging”. “We are racing against time to cover at least 15,000 families before the rains come,” Ms Hardy told CNS. She spoke while awaiting tractors carrying relief material for distribution among 360 families who had converged on the Namjung hills. After hours of waiting on the hill – a two-hour mountain

drive from Gorkha, where the CRS has its operational base – the CRS relief distribution team received frustrating news. The tractors carrying tarpaulin and woollen blankets to be distributed among the families was stuck along the path due to the previous night’s rain. “The tractor carrying tarpaulins is yet to come. It is most crucial for the people. We have to wait,” Mr Farhad Ali, a Muslim coordinating the CRS relief distribution on the mountaintop, told CNS when asked about the delay.

this house with ‘myI built savings from living in Delhi for 20 years. All that has gone down now. We are happy that at least this group [CRS] has come here and is taking serious interest in helping us.

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– Villager Bhuminand Dhahal

“All the houses in this village are unlivable. Some have collapsed and others will collapse when monsoon comes,” said villager Bhuminand Dhahal. “I built this house with my savings from living in Delhi for 20 years. All that has gone down now. We are happy that at least this group [CRS] has come here and is taking serious interest in helping us,” said Mr Dhahal. By May 14, CRS had distributed relief kits to as many as 5,200 families – more than 26,000 members. CNS

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Sunday May 31, 2015 CatholicNews

Irish woman’s ministry serves Vietnamese and Mongolian kids

Ms Christina Noble (centre) of the Christina Noble Children’s Foundation, poses in a 2013 photo with Vietnamese children that her foundation serves. CNS photo DUBLIN, IRELAND – Christina Noble has helped hundreds of thousands of marginalised children in Vietnam and Mongolia, and although it has affected her health, the 70-year-old grandmother would not have it any other way. In a May interview with Catholic News Service (CNS), she said she can no longer go down the sewers of the Mongolian capital, Ulaanbaatar, in search of abandoned children. She said the children take refuge in the sewers from a society that does not want them and to escape the freezing temperatures, which can plummet as low as minus 30 degrees Celsius. In the sewers, disease is rampant. Ms Noble developed cellulitus in her eyes and had to undergo surgery to save her sight. “Mongolia is a country rich in minerals but many are still dying from malnutrition. The poverty is shocking,” she told CNS. In 1997 the Christina Noble Children’s Foundation, established in 1991, set up a Ger tent village, similar to the traditional nomadic homes of rural Mongolia, on the outskirts of Ulaanbaatar for the sewer children. Ms Noble overcame childhood poverty and degradation in Dublin’s slums in the 1940s and 1950s, as well as physical and sexual abuse. Today she is a champion of the downtrodden, and her foundation runs more than 100 projects across Vietnam and Mongolia. Ms Noble said her vocation stems from a dream she had dur-

ing the Vietnam War about the children of a country she could barely ¿nd on the map. It also grew out of her own experiences of Ireland’s slums and religiousrun industrial schools. In 1989, having raised her own three children, she went to Vietnam and began a onewoman operation helping homeless children in Ho Chi Minh City. Since the establishment of her foundation in 1991, projects have continued to expand, providing health services, education

Ms Christina Noble is a champion of the downtrodden, and her foundation runs more than 100 projects across Vietnam and Mongolia. programmes, social and child protection services and community support programmes. The foundation has a special focus on child welfare and outreach to children abandoned on the streets and at risk of being traf¿cked into prostitution as well as those cast aside due to physical disability. She has been honoured with international awards, including the Order of the British Empire in 2003. For outsiders, working in Vietnam is fraught with bureaucratic dif¿culties, but Ms Noble said

she has managed to work around this. “Everybody understands love and fun. That is how I make things work,” she said. Ms Noble said she and Blessed Teresa of Kolkata hit it off when their paths crossed in Vietnam in the 1990s. “You really love the poor,” Ms Noble said Blessed Teresa told her. To this day, those entering Ms Noble’s Dublin home are greeted by a huge photo on the wall of one of her meetings with Blessed Teresa in Ho Chi Minh City. “I have to raise US$2.5 million (S$3.3 million) a year myself – do you know what that takes? I’ve had heart disease, surgeries, breast cancer, stomach tumours – I’ve had everything.” But the personal cost is “OK because those kids have their lives back”. She said she is motivated by the belief that “you don’t have to be a bad person because you have been treated badly. The way forward is to help others.” CNS

Caritas members elect Cardinal Tagle as confederation president ROME – Philippine Cardinal Luis

Antonio Tagle of Manila was elected president of Caritas Internationalis, the confederation of 165 national Catholic charities, during the organisation’s general assembly in Rome. The 57-year-old cardinal, who was in Chicago receiving an honourary doctorate from Catholic Theological Union, accepted the election and addressed delegates by telephone immediately after the voting on May 14. Cardinal Tagle told delegates that although he has his limits, “with all of you, with the love that Jesus has poured into our hearts and in the name of all of the poor people in the world, I accept this election”. “Let us together strengthen the Church of the poor so our witness can help guide us to a world of understanding, justice, true freedom and peace,” he said. Chairman of Caritas Manila, the cardinal is the ¿rst Caritas Internationalis president to be elected from Asia. He succeeds Honduran Cardinal Oscar Rodriguez Maradiaga of Tegucigalpa, who had served the maximum two four-year terms. Ms Carolyn Woo, CEO and president of Catholic Relief Services (CRS), the US bishops’ overseas and relief agency, praised the election. Both CRS and Catholic

Charities USA are members of Caritas Internationalis. Recalling a meeting with Cardinal Tagle after the 2013 typhoon Haiyan, Ms Woo said, “He spoke not only with words on the tragedy, but with deep pastoral love and emotion for the people of the

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of Manila, Philippines. CNS photo

Church. In the midst of destruction, he reminded us that what the people needed was not pity or handouts, but our solidarity as one family. “The presence of God clearly came through in his deep love for people, his gentleness and the sense of hope,” she said. CNS

12 WORLD

Sunday May 31, 2015 CatholicNews

China’s Catholics, Protestants hit back over cross restrictions HONG KONG – Catholic and Prot-

estant leaders in Zhejiang have widely criticised draft legislation by authorities that aims to reduce the appearance of Church crosses across the province. The proposed law would add legal weight to a campaign over the past 18 months that has seen authorities forcibly remove at least 470 crosses and destroy more than 35 churches, often following violent confrontations with local Christians. The authorities recently asked for feedback on draft rules claiming to “protect freedom of religious belief” including a ban on crosses being af¿xed to the tops of churches as well as restrictions on mosques, and Buddhist and Taoist temples. “It is quite standard around the world that the cross is placed on the rooftop. How can we just ¿x it on the faoade? It’s dif¿cult for us to accept,” said an underground Catholic priest in Wenzhou who asked not to be named for security reasons. “Under such circumstances, we may have to build our churches in the Chinese temple style in the future,” he added. The 36-page directive also states that crosses must be painted in colours to blend in with church façades, and designed with a height-to-width ratio of one to 0.618 at Catholic churches and three to two on Protestant churches.

A Protestant catechist in Wenzhou told ucanews.com the new measures showed the Communist Party was now planning to directly interfere in the design of churches. Other provisions state that kitchens and bathrooms must primarily use solar power or other renewable energy, a costly requirement that has not been imposed on

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A labourer works on scaffolding at a construction site near a church in China. &16 ¿OH SKRWR

other organisations in China. “It is simply ridiculous,” said the catechist, who also asked not to be named. Chongyi Church, the largest Protestant church in Zhejiang’s provincial capital Hangzhou, has issued a statement calling for the government’s proposals to be scrapped. UCANEWS.COM

Christians in India appeal for federal protection MADHYA

PRADESH,

INDIA

–

Christians in Madhya Pradesh have appealed to the federal government to provide them protection following a spate of attacks on the Christian community by suspected Hindu hardliners. A three-member delegation met federal Home Minister Rajnath Singh on May 17 requesting his help in ending what they called “continuous anti-Christian attacks” in the state ruled by the pro-Hindu Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The Christian leaders, including Ms Anita Benjamin, spokesperson of the Rashtriya Isai Mahasangh (national Christian forum) met Mr Singh after a church and a home for disabled children run by Augustinian nuns were attacked recently. The state has witnessed attacks on Christians ever since the BJP came to power in the state more than a decade ago, Ms Benjamin said. The BJP winning federal elections a year ago has further emboldened extremists, she told ucanews.com. More than 20 attacks and incidents of police ¿ling fake conversion cases against Christians have been recorded in the state this year,

A worker catches a ballot box as the election commission stores them at a warehouse in Manila, prior to the May 13, 2013 national elections. Philippine Church leaders have launched a campaign to combat vote-buying.

according to Christian leaders. During the May 19 meeting, the delegation told Mr Singh about an attack on Christians praying in a church while police looked on. The alleged attack took place on May 12 at a Presbyterian church in Indore. Ms Benjamin said Mr Singh listened to what they had to say and immediately telephoned Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and told him to take action against those involved in the attack, she added. Eyewitnesses said police stood at the gate while the attackers stormed into the church and beat up Christians, accusing them of conversion activities. “They kept hitting us, alleging that we were involved in religious conversion and fake healings”, said Mr V Joseph, a Protestant pastor. Religious conversion is a punishable offence in the state, if done without the permission of government of¿cials. He and two others were later charged with conversion offences, Mr Joseph said. “Police, even after knowing our innocence, registered a case against us,” he said. UCANEWS.COM

Church leaders launch campaign for honest elections MANILA – Church leaders in the

Philippines on May 8 launched a Thou Shall Not Steal campaign against “vote buying” and “vote selling” in next year’s national elections. The campaign, spearheaded by the country’s Catholic bishops and Religious congregations, urges Filipinos to stop trading votes “for it signi¿es selling the dignity not only of oneself but of the whole country”. “You are pushing the politician to steal to get back the money they used to buy your vote,” said Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo during the launch of the campaign in the capital. Bishop Pabillo, who heads the public affairs committee of the bishops’ conference, said the campaign also challenges politicians not to buy votes and steal the votes of citizens. Fr Anton Pascual, president of the Church-run Radyo Veritas, said the campaign is a “prophetic non-partisan political movement”.

He said it aims “to address corruption, dishonesty and collusion in government and society”. An election commission of¿cial admitted that “vote buying” and “vote selling” have become rampant with the automation of the Philippines’ method of voting. “We noticed that [cheating] in-

9RWH EX\LQJ LQ WKH 3KLOLSSLQHV KDV LQFOXGHG GLVWULEXWLQJ PRQH\ DQG HYHQ HGXFDWLRQ VFKRODUVKLSV WR YRWHUV creased so much, including the ¿gures for buying votes,” Commissioner Christian Robert Lim said. A Church-based election watchdog noted that fraud, including vote buying and vote selling, was “bolder and on a bigger scale” in recent elections. Ms Henrietta de Villa, chairwoman of the Parish Pastoral

Council for Responsible Voting, said politicians “do everything to entice people to vote for them”. “Vote buying” has included distributing money, rice, food packs, mobile phones and even education scholarships to voters. In April, Ms De Villa’s group launched a voters’ education program aimed at promoting “clean and honest elections” in the coming year. Reports of election candidates bribing, intimidating or even killing to ensure election victory are common in the Philippines. During 2013 mid-term elections, at least seven people were reported killed on polling day alone, while at least 60 people were killed in the lead-up to the election. Aside from homilies and media interviews, Church leaders will be holding education seminars in parishes and schools. They are also encouraging people to wear white shirts emblazoned with the words: Thou Shall Not Steal. UCANEWS.COM

Pope: Church needs women’s voices VATICAN CITY – Women can be

appointed heads of some of¿ces of the Roman Curia, Pope Francis said, but that will not be enough to “recover the role” women should have in the Catholic Church. “Women should be promoted,” he said on May 16 during an audience with an international group of men and women Religious working in the Diocese of Rome. What is important is to ensure that women have a voice and are listened to, he said, because the Church needs their speci¿c contributions. “When we men are dealing with a problem, we arrive at a conclu-

sion, but if we deal with the same problem along with women, the conclusion could be different,” he said. “Women in the Church must have this role,” because the Church needs “the feminine genius”. Pope Francis also encouraged Religious superiors – of both men and women – to identify members of their congregation who are good and wise and patient, and get them training in spiritual direction. “It’s not easy,” the pope said. “A spiritual director is one thing and a confessor is another. I go to a confessor, say what my sins are, feel condemned, then he forgives everything and I go forward.

“But with a spiritual director, I have to talk about what is in my heart. The examination of conscience isn’t the same for confession and for spiritual direction,” he said. “For confession, I have to look at where I was lacking, where I lost patience, if I was greedy – that kind of thing, those concrete things that are sinful. “But in spiritual direction, I must examine what is happening in my heart, where the Spirit is moving, if I felt desolation or consolation, if I am tired, why I am sad: These are things to talk about with the man or woman who is my spiritual director,” he said. CNS

WORLD 13

Sunday May 31, 2015 Â&#x201E; CatholicNews

+DLOHG 3KLOLSSLQH GHFLVLRQ WR ZHOFRPH 5RKLQJ\D PLJUDQWV â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Philippines is ready to welcome about 3,000 ethnic Rohingya refugees from Myanmar and Bangladesh, and both the state and Catholic Church agree this is the proper course of action. According to Fides news agency, the Asian nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Minister for Communications, Mr Herminio Coloma, stressed that the Philippines pledged to â&#x20AC;&#x153;provide assistance and relief to people involuntarily displaced from their lands due to conĂ&#x20AC;ictâ&#x20AC;?, when it signed the 1951 convention related to the status of refugees. He recalled that in the 1970s, the Philippines welcomed the Vietnamese â&#x20AC;&#x153;boat peopleâ&#x20AC;? who, after the Vietnam War, Ă&#x20AC;ed their country. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We will continue to do our part to save livesâ&#x20AC;?, Mr Coloma stressed, Fr Socrates Mesiona, national director of the PontiÂżcal Mission Societies in the Philippines, praised the governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s position on this. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is our duty to welcome these people,â&#x20AC;? he said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;If necessary, we will welcome them and will try to ensure them a decent life. They are human beings and children of God, created in the image and likeness of God.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;The fact that they are Mus-

PHILIPPINES

VATICAN CITY â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Everyone would not departures of the type â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;see you do well to reĂ&#x20AC;ect on their â&#x20AC;&#x153;Âżnal soon,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;laterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; or â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;until we meet farewellâ&#x20AC;? from earthly life and on again,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; when a person knows he whether they are prepared to en- or she will return,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They trust themselves and all they will are departures where we do not leave behind to God, said Pope know when and how we will reFrancis. turn.â&#x20AC;? During a morning Mass at the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Do I think of my Âżnal fareDomus Sanctae Marthae on May well, of the moment when I must 19, the pope said that every life say not â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;see you soonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;laterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, involves many leave-takings, both â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;until we meet againâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, but â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;faregreat and small. wellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;,â&#x20AC;? the pope asked. Drawing on current events, the The dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Scripture readings pope recalled the â&#x20AC;&#x153;poor Rohingya speak of farewell, he said, and of Myanmarâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; an estimated 8,000 of Paul and Jesus entrusting their members of the mostly Muslim disciples to Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s care. ethnic group have been adrift at â&#x20AC;&#x153;To entrust to the Father, to sea, refused asylum by several entrust to God: this is the origin countries â&#x20AC;&#x201C; as well as the Chris- of the word â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;adieu,â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We tians and Yezidis say â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;adieuâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; only in who are being pergreat leave-takAm I prepared the secuted in Iraq. ings in life, whether â&#x20AC;&#x153;When leaving to entrust my in life or the Âżnal their homeland to one.â&#x20AC;? loved ones to escape persecution, The pope enGod? To entrust couraged reĂ&#x20AC;ection they did not know what would happen on oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own evenmyself to God? to them,â&#x20AC;? the pope tual Âżnal farewell. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Pope Francis said, speaking of â&#x20AC;&#x153;It will do us the Rohingya peogood,â&#x20AC;? he added. ple. After having â&#x20AC;&#x153;Who will be the been on a boat for months, â&#x20AC;&#x153;they person who will close my eyes? arrive in a city where they are giv- What am I leaving behind? What en water, food, and are told, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Go did I do? awayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. It is a leave-taking,â&#x20AC;? the â&#x20AC;&#x153;It would do me well to imagpope said. ine myself in that moment. When â&#x20AC;&#x153;Incidentally, today there is it will be, no one knows, but the great existential leave-taking,â&#x20AC;? he moment will come when â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;laterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Think of the departure of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;see you soonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;see you tomorthe Christians and of the Yezidis, rowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;until we meet againâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; will who think they will never return become â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;farewellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;,â&#x20AC;? he said. to their land because they have â&#x20AC;&#x153;Am I prepared to entrust my been forced from their homes.â&#x20AC;? loved ones to God? To entrust myThe pope then spoke of the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Âż- self to God?â&#x20AC;? he continued. nal leave-taking, which everyone He concluded by invoking will face, when the Lord calls us the risen Christ to send the Holy to the other side.â&#x20AC;? Spirit, so that â&#x20AC;&#x153;we may learnâ&#x20AC;? The great leave-takings in life, to say the Âżnal adieu â&#x20AC;&#x153;with full including the Âżnal farewell, â&#x20AC;&#x153;are strengthâ&#x20AC;?. Â&#x201E; CNS

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lim, he stressed, does not create any problem and does not change the state of things. As the Gospel teaches us, we are ready to give them hospitality.â&#x20AC;? After Indonesia, Malaysia and

Thailand decided not to accept thousands of migrants belonging to the Rohingya Muslim minority, who are adrift in the sea of the Andaman Islands, the Southeast Asian countries are under pressure to accept. Many Rohingya Ă&#x20AC;ee from Myanmar, where they are not granted citizenship and where they are not recognised holders of fundamental rights. An emergency trilateral meeting was scheduled on May 20 between the foreign ministers of Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia to discuss the situation of the migrants. Â&#x201E; ZENIT

-56 $VLD 3DFLĂ&#x20AC;F LVVXHV VWDWHPHQW The following statement was released on May 19: Jesuit Refugee Service Asia Pacific is deeply concerned on the rapidly deteriorating situation the Rohingya are facing in the region over the last years. The failure of governments in Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and Myanmar to adequately respond to their current plight is a human tragedy â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and a sign that governments are detached from the values deeply embedded in the cultures, society and religions of ASEAN countries. Hospitality matters immensely, especially for vulnerable women, children and those who are on their journey to Âżnd safety. Countries failing to allow people to disembark from ill-equipped vessels and ensuring access to their right to seek asylum have jeopardised the value of hospitality for those in dire need. In this very moment, we are creating a precedent on how we deal with people in distress, ask-

Pope Francis urges UHĂ HFWLRQ RQ ÂśĂ&#x20AC;QDO IDUHZHOOÂˇ IURP HDUWKO\ OLIH

ing for our help in maybe their darkest hours. It is in this moment that ordinary people have shown hospitality and solidarity in preventing death at sea like the Âżshermen bringing to shore the stalled boats, even when their military are pushing them back out to sea. It is these Âżshermen and communities extending their

Hospitality matters immensely, especially for vulnerable women, children and those who are on their MRXUQH\ WR ÂżQG VDIHW\ support and welcome to Rohingya people after months at sea that is a strong symbol that these values are alive and give reason for hope. ASEAN governments and leaders should follow this important example by addressing the Rohingyaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s immediate needs for

protection and start to develop a long-term vision on how to end their plight after decades of deteriorating suffering. Now is the time to call into action the protection-sensitive regional approach, which was envisaged in the Jakarta Declaration of 2013, and redeÂżne ASEAN as a community. Using resources to save lives is needed, not extending consistent rejection experienced by one of the most persecuted people of our times. JRS AP welcomes an initiative to hold a joint meeting at the end of this month to address this crisis and to Âżnd a coordinated solution. We urge everyone participating in this meeting to observe the values of hospitality, solidarity, and justice as pillars of a protection-sensitive regional approach. As only by acknowledging and addressing the plight of the Rohingya people will we be able to Âżnd a way to address the root causes of their suffering. Â&#x201E;

â&#x20AC;&#x2122;

Vatican: Date for Blessed Teresaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s FDQRQLVDWLRQ QRW FRQĂ&#x20AC;UPHG VATICAN CITY â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Despite reports in the Italian press that Blessed Teresa of Kolkataâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s canonisation has been set for Sept 4, 2016, a Vatican spokesman says the date is only hypothetical and cannot be conÂżrmed. Jesuit Fr Federico Lombardi issued a statement on May 19 in response to media reports that the founder of the Missionaries of Charity, who worked among the poorest of the poor, would be canonised before the end of the upcoming Holy Year of Mercy. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is a working hypothesis, therefore there is no ofÂżcial conÂżrmation to be given,â&#x20AC;? said Fr Lombardi. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The cause for Mother Teresa is still underway and it is therefore premature to speak of an already established date for the canonisation.â&#x20AC;? Italian media have reported that Archbishop Rino Fisichella, president of the PontiÂżcal Coun-

Blessed Teresa of Kolkata. File photo

cil for the New Evangelization, told Romeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s municipal ofÂżcials on May 18 that Blesssed Teresaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s canonisation has been set for Sept 4, 2016. Archbishop Fisichellaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ofÂżce is organising the Holy Year of Mercy, which will begin on Dec 8, 2015. Â&#x201E; CNS

14 WORLD

Sunday May 31, 2015 CatholicNews

Vesak Day message: Buddhists, Christians must MRLQ WR ÀJKW PRGHUQ VODYHU\ Pope Francis greets Buddhist monks in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on Jan 14. The president RI WKH 3RQWL¿FDO Council for Interreligious Dialogue calls on Buddhists and Christians to end modern slavery.

VATICAN CITY – Vatican and Pal-

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VATICAN CITY – Buddhists and Christians must “cooperate together to end the social plague” of modern slavery, said Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, president of the Ponti¿cal Council for Interreligious Dialogue. “Dear friends, we share the conviction that modern slavery and human traf¿cking are grave crimes, open wounds on the body of contemporary society,” said the message to Buddhists around the world for Vesak Day, which falls on June 1 in Singapore. Signed by Cardinal Tauran and by Comboni Fr Miguel Ayuso Guixot, council secretary, the message referred to the Eightfold Path, one of the foundations of Buddhism. In the Buddhist principle of Right Livelihood, they said, “the Buddha declares that trading live beings, including slaves and prostitutes, is one of ¿ve occupations that are no longer to be engaged in”. In addition, they said, the core values of Buddhism promote re-

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spect for the life and freedom of each person. Cardinal Tauran and Fr Ayuso noted how important the issue is to Pope Francis and cited his message for the 2015 World Day of Peace, No Longer Slaves, but Brothers and Sisters, which was dedicated to the millions of people today living in conditions of slavery. Each spring, the ponti¿cal council sends its best wishes to Buddhists around the world for Vesak Day, a feast commemorating key events in the life of the Buddha. Cardinal Tauran offered his prayers for the celebration in hopes that it will be a time to make “special efforts to bring happiness to those less fortunate in our midst.” The full message is at http:// ZZZ YDWLFDQ YD URPDQBFXULD SRQWL¿cal_councils/interelg/documents/rc_ pc_interelg_doc_20150420_vesakhhanamatsuri-2015_en.html CNS

estinian representatives have ¿nalised the text of a formal agreement recognising freedom of religion in the “State of Palestine” and outlining the rights and obligations of the Catholic Church, its agencies and its personnel in the territory. The Vatican has been referring to the “State of Palestine” at least since January 2013. The Annuario Ponti¿cio, the Vatican’s of¿cial yearbook, lists a diplomatic relationship with the “State of Palestine”. The Vatican said on May 13 that the bilateral commission working on the agreement had ¿nalised the text. “The agreement will be submitted to the respective authorities for approval,” the statement said. The Palestinian president was scheduled to meet Pope Francis on May 16, a day before attending a canonisation Mass at the Vatican for two new Palestinian saints. Msgr Antoine Camilleri, the Vatican under-secretary for relations with states and head of the Vatican delegation at the negotiations, said the Vatican wanted the agreement to “promote the life and activity of the Catholic Church and

Palestinian Catholic Scouts play bagpipes outside the Church of Nativity on Christmas Eve in Bethlehem, West Bank. Vatican and Palestinaian representatives have outlined the rights and obligations of the Catholic Church, its agencies and its personnel in the territory. &16 ¿OH SKRWR

case, because ‘Initthis deals with the presence of the Church in the land where Christianity was born, the agreement has a unique value DQG VLJQL¿FDQFH

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– Msgr Antoine Camilleri, the Vatican undersecretary for relations with states and head of the Vatican delegation at the negotiations

its recognition on a juridical level”. The text of the agreement will not be released until it receives top-level approval. However, Msgr Camilleri described the general contents to L’Osservatore Romano, the Vatican newspaper. The agreement, he said, expresses hope for an end to Palestinian-Israeli tensions. The chapter on “freedom of

religion and conscience,” he said, is “very elaborate and detailed.” Other chapters deal with “various aspects of the life and activity of the Church in the Palestinian territories: its freedom of action, its personnel and jurisdiction, its personal status, houses of worship, social and charitable activity [and] means of social communication. Finally, a chapter is dedicated to ¿nancial and property questions.” Asked if the agreement could be a model for agreements with other Muslim-majority countries, Msgr Camilleri said, “In this case, because it deals with the presence of the Church in the land where Christianity was born, the agreement has a unique value and signi¿cance.” The Vatican, he said, also wants to encourage “the international community, especially the parties most directly interested, in undertaking more decisive action to contribute to reaching a lasting peace and the hoped-for solution of two states”. CNS

POPE FRANCIS 15

Sunday May 31, 2015 Â&#x201E; CatholicNews

Pope canonises four saints including two Palestinians VATICAN CITY â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Declaring four 19th-century women Religious saints, Pope Francis said they are models for all Christians of how faith, nourished in prayer, is expressed concretely in acts of charity and the promotion of unity. The new saints, proclaimed during a Mass on May 17 in St Peterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Square, included two Palestinians â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Sts Marie-Alphonsine, founder of the Rosary Sisters, and Mary of Jesus CruciÂżed, a Melkite Carmelite. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas was present at the Mass, as were Melkite Patriarch Gregoire III Laham and Latin Patriarch Fouad Twal of Jerusalem. Mr Abbas had a 40-minute private meeting with Pope Francis the day before the canonisation Mass. The Vatican said the two expressed pleasure that their representatives had Âżnalised the text of an agreement on â&#x20AC;&#x153;essential aspects of the life and the activity of the Catholic Church in Palestine, to be signed in the near futureâ&#x20AC;?. They also spoke about the need for a resumption of direct talks in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, the Vatican said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Finally, with reference to the conĂ&#x20AC;icts that afĂ&#x20AC;ict the Middle East, and in reafÂżrming the importance of combating terrorism, the need for interreligious dialogue was underlined.â&#x20AC;? Pope Francis gave Mr Abbas a medallion depicting the Angel of Peace and said he hoped Abbas would be that angel of peace for his people. Peace and understanding were also key elements in Pope Francisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; homily during the canonisation Mass the next morning. Speaking about St Mary of Jesus CruciÂżed, the pope said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Her docility to the Holy Spirit made her a means of encounter and fellowship with the Muslim world. So, too,

$ GHYRWHH NLVVHV WKH UHOLF RI QHZ VDLQW 6W 0DU\ RI -HVXV &UXFLÂżHG GXULQJ WKH FDQRQLVDWLRQ 0DVV for four new saints celebrated by Pope Francis in St Peterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Square on May 17. CNS photos

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas greets Pope Francis at the conclusion of the canonisation Mass.

to the two new saints â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Pray for peace in your land so that this interminable war would end and there would be peace among nations. And pray for the persecuted Christians, those chased from their homes and land.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Pope Francis to Rosary Sisters and Carmelites from the Holy Land on May 18

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Sr Marie-Alphonsine Danil Ghattas came to understand clearly what it means to radiate the love of God in the apostolate, and to be a witness to meekness and unity. She shows us the importance of becoming responsible for one another, of living lives of service one to another.â&#x20AC;? The faith of Christians today, the pope said, is Âżrmly linked to the testimony of the Apostles who witnessed the resurrection and

to those who have passed on the faith through the centuries. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Like the apostles,â&#x20AC;? he said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;each one of Christâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s followers is called to become a witness to his resurrection, above all in those human settings where forgetfulness of God and human disorientation are most evident.â&#x20AC;? Pope Francis held a special audience on May 18 with dozens of Rosary Sisters and Carmelites

from the Holy Land, who had come to Rome for the canonisation. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Pray to the two new saints for peace in your land so that this interminable war would end and there would be peace among nations,â&#x20AC;? the pope told them. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And pray for the persecuted Christians, those chased from their homes and land,â&#x20AC;? as well as for victims of â&#x20AC;&#x153;whiteglove persecution,â&#x20AC;? those discriminated against because of their faith.

The four women saints, the pope said in his homily at the canonisation Mass, were shining links in the chain of witnesses to Christâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s resurrection, offering their testimony not primarily through their words, but through their actions of love. The witness of the four women, Pope Francis said, should prompt all Christians to examine the strength of their own witness to Christ. Â&#x201E; CNS

Pope thanks Maliâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Christians and Muslims for preserving harmony VATICAN CITY â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The commitment

to dialogue and harmony demonstrated by Maliâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tiny Christian minority and most members of its Muslim majority ensured the protection of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cultural treasures, including the ancient Timbuktu manuscripts, Pope Francis said. Meeting Âżve of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bishops at the Vatican on May 7, the pope asked them to convey his appreciation to their faithful and â&#x20AC;&#x153;your fellow citizens of every social class and every religion, men and women of goodwill who are committed to Âżghting intolerance and exclusionâ&#x20AC;?. The countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history of peaceful coexistence and the bishopsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; engagement in interreligious dialogue, he said, helped Malians overcome the difÂżculties of

Pope Francis holds a gift received from bishops from Mali during a meeting at the Vatican on May 7. CNS photo

2011-2013 when separatists in the North joined forces with terrorists linked to Al-Qaeda. The violence threatened â&#x20AC;&#x153;the

richness of a glorious pastâ&#x20AC;? marked by tolerance and social cohesion, the pope said. A joint commitment to dialogue and collaboration

helped â&#x20AC;&#x153;safeguard the cultural treasures of Mali, especially the large libraries of Timbuktuâ&#x20AC;?, a collection of ancient manuscripts which the terrorists had threatened to burn. Especially in a nation where Christians are only about 2.5 percent of the population, the pope said dialogue must be based on a strong identity in oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own faith. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Christian communities and their pastors are called to witness to even greater faith based on an unconditional acceptance of the values in the Gospel,â&#x20AC;? he said. And important step was ensuring the Bible was translated into the local languages so that people could read it themselves, the pope said, but now it is time to help them â&#x20AC;&#x153;assimilate itâ&#x20AC;? and witness to Gospel values in their lives, in-

cluding through acts of charity. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The disciples of Christ are growing in number and in fervourâ&#x20AC;? in Mali, he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But the Christian witness on the level of the family still needs greater coherence. In your social-cultural context, marked by divorce and polygamy, Catholics are called to proclaim the Gospel of life and of the family with their witness.â&#x20AC;? Pope Francis also urged the bishops to pay particular attention to ways they can assist women and girls in their dioceses. â&#x20AC;&#x153;To promote the place of women in society and to combat all forms of abuse and violence against them is also a form of proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ, who chose to be born of a woman, the Virgin Mary,â&#x20AC;? he said. Â&#x201E; CNS

16 POPE FRANCIS

Sunday May 31, 2015 Â&#x201E; CatholicNews

Solve problems with dialogue, QRW Ă&#x20AC;JKWLQJ says pontiff

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Faith...

makes us understand the dignity of every person, even those less gifted and at a disadvantage.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;

VATICAN CITY â&#x20AC;&#x201C; When the Church

has a problem to solve or a big decision to make, the Holy Spirit works by helping people discuss the issues openly and frankly, not by fomenting gossip and backroom deals, Pope Francis said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In a Church where people always argue and there are factions, and brothers and sisters betray each other, the Spirit is not there,â&#x20AC;? he said in his homily during morning Mass in the chapel of the Domus Sanctae Marthae on May 8. The Spirit is the one who brings something new, who moves the situation forward, who creates new areas, who creates the wisdom that Jesus promisedâ&#x20AC;? and who creates â&#x20AC;&#x153;harmonious unity among everyoneâ&#x20AC;?, he said, according to Vatican Radio. The pope talked about the dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Âżrst reading from the Acts of the Apostles in which the First Council of Jerusalem met to solve a dispute concerning whether Gentiles converting to Christianity had to observe all the laws of Moses as the Jewish Christians did. â&#x20AC;&#x153;How do they solve the problem?â&#x20AC;? the pope asked. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They get together and each one gives his judgment, gives his opinion. They argue about it, but like brothers and not like enemies. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t form outside factions in order to win, they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go to civil authorities in order to win, they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t kill in order to win. They seek the path of prayer and dialogueâ&#x20AC;? so that even those who disagree with each other can come to an understanding, he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is the world of the Holy Spirit.â&#x20AC;? Christian harmony is not â&#x20AC;&#x153;a simple act of goodwill, but is the fruit of the Holy Spiritâ&#x20AC;?, he said, asking that the Church stay faithful to the movement of the Spirit. Â&#x201E; CNS

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Pope Francis to sports coaches and trainers

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Pope: importance of coaches as role models VATICAN CITY â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Coaches need to

show integrity, fairness, patience, joy and kindness, especially towards those who are struggling, Pope Francis said. Like any good educator, a good coach or trainer is extremely important in helping kids develop into mature, well-balanced and well-rounded adults, he said. Instilled with solid values and Christian faith, athletes can help prevent sports from becoming distorted by â&#x20AC;&#x153;pressure from many increasingly intrusive interests, especially economicâ&#x20AC;?, he said in a written message released on May 14. The popeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s message was presented to participants at an inter-

national seminar on the role of coaches and trainers as educators of human and Christian values. The May 14-16 seminar at the Vatican was sponsored by the Church and Sport ofÂżce of the PontiÂżcal Council for the Laity. Good teachers and coaches are vital for children and young adults because they are at a â&#x20AC;&#x153;delicate stage in lifeâ&#x20AC;? as their personalities are developing and they are looking for role models and approval from others, the pope wrote. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a stage in life when â&#x20AC;&#x153;the danger of getting lost by following bad examples and seeking false happiness is more realâ&#x20AC;?, he wrote. Therefore, coaches, like teachers, have a great responsibil-

ity because they often â&#x20AC;&#x153;have the privilege of spending many hours each week with young people and have a great inĂ&#x20AC;uence on themâ&#x20AC;?, he wrote. But their inĂ&#x20AC;uence depends more on â&#x20AC;&#x153;who they are as people and how they live than on what they sayâ&#x20AC;?, the pope wrote. â&#x20AC;&#x153;How important it is then a coach be an example of integrity, consistency, correct judgment, impartiality, but also joy for life, patience, ability [to show] esteem and kindness towards everyone and especially those most disadvantaged.â&#x20AC;? Being a person of faith is just as important, he said, because being able to raise peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eyes up to God helps put victories and

losses into better perspective. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Faith gives us that gaze of kindness towards others and it makes us overcome the temptation of a rivalry thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s too heated and aggressive; it makes us understand the dignity of every person, even those less gifted and at a disadvantage,â&#x20AC;? he said. Coaches can do much to help make sports an occasion for solidarity and inclusion by giving those usually left out a chance to play and socialise. For this reason, Pope Francis said, resources and time must be invested in educating coaches and trainers so that they can be â&#x20AC;&#x153;authentic witnesses of life and lived faithâ&#x20AC;?. Â&#x201E; CNS

On those who kill â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;in the name of Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; VATICAN CITY â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Holy Spirit

strengthens modern martyrs, giving them the force to proclaim their faith in Christ even as they are about to die, Pope Francis said. But the Holy Spirit also gives strength to every Christian facing even the tiny trials of everyday life, he said on May 11 during his morning Mass in the chapel of the Domus Sanctae Marthae. The popeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s homily centred on a telephone conversation he had on May 10 with Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria, patriarch of the Coptic Orthodox Church, as well as on Jesusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; promise in the dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gospel reading to send the Holy Spirit to strengthen the disciples. Jesus also tells His followers in the passage that â&#x20AC;&#x153;the hour is coming when everyone who kills you will think he is offering wor-

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;

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ship to God. They will do this because they have not known either the Father or me.â&#x20AC;? Pope Francis told the congregation that something similar is

â&#x20AC;&#x2122;

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Pope Francis quoting Jesus in the Gospel

happening today when some people â&#x20AC;&#x153;kill Christians in the name of God because, according to them, they are non-believersâ&#x20AC;?. Jesus was â&#x20AC;&#x153;talking about the future, of the cross that awaits us and of the Holy Spirit who prepares

us to give a Christian witness,â&#x20AC;? the pope said. But He also is telling them, â&#x20AC;&#x153;This happened to me and will happen to you, too â&#x20AC;&#x201C; persecution, tribulations â&#x20AC;&#x201C; but please donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be scandalised. The Spirit will guide you and help you understand.â&#x20AC;? The pope said he had spoken by phone the day before with Pope Tawadros to mark the â&#x20AC;&#x153;day of friendshipâ&#x20AC;? between the Coptic Orthodox and Catholic churches. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I remembered his faithful whose throats were slit on the beach [in Libya in February] because they were Christians,â&#x20AC;? the pope said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;By the strength the Holy Spirit gave them, these Christians were not scandalised. They died with the name of Jesus on their lips. It was the strength of the Holy Spirit. Witness. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s true, martyrdom is the supreme witness.â&#x20AC;? Â&#x201E; CNS

POPE FRANCIS 17

Sunday May 31, 2015 Â&#x201E; CatholicNews

Cuban communist leader says he could become a Catholic VATICAN CITY â&#x20AC;&#x201C; After spending close to an hour with Pope Francis, Cuban President Raul Castro told reporters he is so impressed by what the pope does and says that he might start praying and could even return to the Church. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I had a very agreeable meeting this morning with Pope Francis. He is a Jesuit, as you well know. I am, too, in a certain sense because I was always in Jesuit schools,â&#x20AC;? Mr Castro told reporters on May 10. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When the pope comes to Cuba in September, I promise to go to all his Masses and will do so happily,â&#x20AC;? the president told reporters at a news conference he held later in the day with Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi. Mr Castro said he left his meeting with the pope â&#x20AC;&#x153;very much struck by his wisdom, his humility and all the virtues that we all know he hasâ&#x20AC;?. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I read all the speeches of the pope,â&#x20AC;? Mr Castro said, and he told reporters that he already had told Mr Renzi, â&#x20AC;&#x153;if the pope continues to speak this way, sooner or later I could start praying again and return to the Catholic Church. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not kidding. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m a communist, [a member] of the Cuban Communist Party. The party has never admitted believers.â&#x20AC;? Today, he said, the country allows people to hold important positions even if they are not members of the party. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a step forward,â&#x20AC;? he said, although many of the reforms he would like to make are still being implemented. Jesuit Fr Federico Lombardi, Vatican spokesman, said that during their private meeting in a studio of the Vatican audience hall, Mr Castro thanked Pope Francis for â&#x20AC;&#x153;the active role he played in improving relations between Cuba

Cuban President Raul Castro gestures towards media as he leaves a private meeting with Pope Francis in the popeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s studio at the Vatican. CNS photo

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and the United States of Americaâ&#x20AC;?. In December, Mr Castro and US President Barack Obama announced that their nations were working toward re-establishing ofÂżcial diplomatic relations. Both

leaders credited Pope Francis with helping to secure the deal through his letter-writing and by hosting a secret meeting at the Vatican between Cuban and US representatives last year.

Mr Castro also relayed to the pope the expectations of the Cuban people for his upcoming trip to the nation and outlined how the preparations were going, Fr Lombardi said. During the exchange of gifts, Mr Castro gave Pope Francis a commemorative medal featuring Havanaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cathedral and, in honour of Pope Francisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; concern for migrants, a contemporary painting of a cross made up of migrantsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; boats

with a migrant kneeling before it in prayer. Pope Francis gave Mr Castro a copy of his apostolic exhortation, The Joy of the Gospel, and a large medallion featuring St Martin of Tours covering a poor man with his cloak. Fr Lombardi said Pope Francis told Mr Castro the medallion is a reminder not only of the obligation â&#x20AC;&#x153;to assist and protect the poor, but also to actively promote their dignityâ&#x20AC;?. Â&#x201E; CNS

Pope: In family relations, good manners are no joke VATICAN CITY â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The closer two

people are to each other, the more care is required in respecting the otherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s freedom and feelings, Pope Francis said. Even Jesus knocks at the door of a personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s heart awaiting permission to enter, he said on May 13 at his weekly general audience in St Peterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Square. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Intimacy does not authorise you to take everything for granted,â&#x20AC;? he said, starting a series of audience talks he said would look at the â&#x20AC;&#x153;real lifeâ&#x20AC;? of families today. The audience was held on the feast of Our Lady of Fatima. Pope Francisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; main talk focused on the three phrases he often recommends families use frequently: May I? Thank you. Forgive me. The words are simple, he said,

and hearing the pope advise their frequent use could make someone smile at Âżrst. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But when we forget them, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no laughing matter, right?â&#x20AC;? The three phrases, he said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;open the path to living well in a family, living in peaceâ&#x20AC;?. Without them, he said, the familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s foundation develops â&#x20AC;&#x153;cracks that can even make it collapseâ&#x20AC;?. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sometimes it seems that we are becoming a civilisation of bad manners and dirty words as if they were a sign of emancipation. We hear them so often, even publicly,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kindness and an ability to say â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;thank youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; are almost seen as a sign of weakness.â&#x20AC;? Families must work hard to counter that tendency, he said. In addition, he said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;for believers, gratitude is at the very

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heart of faith. A Christian who does not know how to give thanks is one who has forgotten Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s language.â&#x20AC;? Asking permission, even to do something that one thinks one has a right to do as a husband, wife, parent, son or daughter is a sign

of respect, the pope said, and one that builds trust. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The more intimate and profound love is,â&#x20AC;? he said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;the more it requires respect for the otherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s freedom and an ability to wait for the other to open the door of his or her heart.â&#x20AC;? The most difÂżcult and most important phrase of all, he said, is â&#x20AC;&#x153;forgive meâ&#x20AC;?. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not for nothing that in the prayer Jesus taught us, the Our Father, which summarises all the things essential for our life, we Âżnd

this expression: â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us,â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? the pope said. With God and with loved ones, â&#x20AC;&#x153;recognising one has failed and wanting to restore what was lacking â&#x20AC;&#x201C; respect, sincerity, love â&#x20AC;&#x201C; makes one worthy of forgivenessâ&#x20AC;?, he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s how you stop the infection.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;So many wounds in the family, so many breakups begin with the loss of these precious words: â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Forgive meâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;,â&#x20AC;? he said. As he has done on many occasions, the pope said that while Âżghts are never a good thing, they are normal, and even if â&#x20AC;&#x153;plates Ă&#x20AC;yâ&#x20AC;? in the heat of the moment, a sincere apology and request for forgiveness â&#x20AC;&#x201C; sometimes even just a caress â&#x20AC;&#x201C; can restore the peace. Â&#x201E; CNS

18 OPINION

Sunday May 31, 2015 CatholicNews

Fortnightly newspaper of the Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore

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FEATURE

Nun asks to spare Boston bomber’s life BOSTON, USA – In the defence’s ¿nal move to save the life of convicted Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, Sr Helen Prejean, an advocate against the death penalty, had asked the jury not to execute the young man. The man responsible for the Boston bombings is “genuinely sorry for what he did”, testi¿ed Sr Prejean on May 11 before a federal jury. “He said it emphatically. He said no one deserves to suffer like they did,” she recounted of Tsarnaev. “I had every reason to think that he was taking it in and that he was genuinely sorry for what he did.” Sr Prejean was the last of 44 witnesses heard in the sentencing trial for Tsarnaev. He was sentenced to death on May 15. Prior to his sentence, St Prejean began meeting with Tsarnaev in March at the request of his defence team, and continued to meet with him, last seeing him only days before the testimony. Challenging the prosecution’s narrative that Tsarnaev has no remorse, Sr Prejean told the jury that the young man “kind of lowered his eyes” when speaking about victims and his “face registered” what he said about them. She testi¿ed that indeed Tsarnaev felt remorse for his actions. “It had pain in it, actually,” she said of his face, when his actions were brought up. Sr Prejean also said she was moved and concerned by how young the defendant was. “I walked in the room, I looked at his face and said, ‘Oh my God, he’s so young!’” she said of their ¿rst meeting. Sr Prejean also revealed that she and Tsarnaev had discussed their religions, saying that she “talked about how in the Catholic Church we have become more and more opposed to the death penalty”, and that he was “very open and receptive” during these talks. The nun is one of many Catholic voices who have petitioned the

Sr Helen Prejean, from St Joseph of Medaille, pictured in a 2010 photo in Geneva, is an advocate for the abolition of the death penalty. &16 ¿OH SKRWRV

The nun is one of many Catholic voices who have petitioned the court and the public to not take the life of Tsarnaev. Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, 19, was accused of carrying out the Boston Marathon bombings.

court and the public to not take the life of Tsarnaev. On April 7, the Catholic bishops of Massachusetts issued a joint statement reaf¿rming the opposition of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops to taking a life if there are other ways for society to protect itself. “The defendant in this case has been neutralised and will never again have the ability to cause harm,” the bishops wrote. “Because of this, we, the Catholic Bishops of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, believe that society can do better than the death penalty.” Bill and Denise Richard, who are Catholics and the parents of

the bombing’s youngest victims: 8-year-old Martin Richard, who passed away, and his 7-year-old sister who survived with serious injuries, also opposed the death penalty in the trial. They stated that if Tsarnaev were to receive the death penalty, their family’s pain would continue rather than end. “We understand all too well the heinousness and brutality of the crimes committed. We were there. We lived it,” wrote the Richards in an April 16 column for the Boston Globe. “We know that the government has its reasons for seeking the death penalty, but the continued pursuit of that punishment could bring years of appeals and prolong reliving the most painful day of our lives.” CNA

Evolution’s ultimate wisdom EVOLUTION, Charles Darwin famously stated, works through the survival of the ¿ttest. Christianity, on the other hand, is committed to the survival of the weakest. But how do we square our Christian ideal of making a preferential option for the weak with evolution? Nature is evolutionary and, inside of that, we can perceive a wisdom that clearly manifests intelligence, intent, spirit, and design. And perhaps nowhere is this more evident than how in the process of evolution we see nature becoming ever-more uni¿ed, complex, and conscious. However, how God’s intelligence and intent are reÀected inside of that is not always evident because nature can be so cruel and brutal. In order to survive, every element in nature has to be cannibalistic and eat other parts of nature. Only the ¿ttest get to survive. There’s a harsh cruelty in that. In highlighting how cruel and unfair nature can be, commentators often cite the example of the second pelican born to white pelicans. Here’s how cruel and unfair is its situation: Female white pelicans normally lay two eggs, but they lay them several days apart so that the ¿rst chick hatches several days before the second chick. This gives the ¿rst chick a head-start and by the time the second chick hatches, the ¿rst chick is bigger and stronger. It then acts aggressively towards the second chick, grabbing its food and pushing it out of the nest. There, ignored by its mother, the second chick normal dies of starvation, despite its efforts to ¿nd its way back into the nest. Only one in ten second chicks survives. And here’s nature’s cruel logic in this: That second chick is hatched by nature as an insurance-policy, in case the ¿rst chick is weak or dies. Barring that, it is doomed to die, ostracised, hungry, blindly grasping for food and its mother’s attention as it starves to death. But this cruelty works as an evolutionary strategy. White pelicans have survived for thirty million years, but at the cost of millions of its own species dying cruelly. A certain intelligence is certainly evident in this, but where is the compassion? Did a compassionate God really design this? The intelligence in nature’s strategy of the survival of the ¿ttest is clear. Each species, unless unnaturally interfered with from the outside, is forever producing healthier, more robust, more adaptable members. Such, it seems, is nature’s wisdom and design – up to a point. Certain scientists such as Pierre Teilhard de Chardin suggest that physical evolution has reached its apex, its highest degree of unity, complexity and consciousness, inside the central nervous system and brain of the human person and that evolution has now taken a leap (just as it did when consciousness leapt out of raw biology and as it did when selfconsciousness leapt out of simple consciousness) so that now meaningful evolution is no longer about gaining further physical strength and adaptability. Rather meaningful evolution is now concerned with the social and the spiritual, that is, with social and spiritual strength. And in a Christian understanding of things, this means that meaningful evolution is now about human beings using their self-consciousness to turn back and help nature to protect and nurture its second pelicans. Meaningful evolution now is no longer about having the strong grow stronger, but about having the weak, that part of nature that nature herself, to this point, has not been able to nurture, grow strong. Why? What’s nature’s interest in the weak? Why shouldn’t nature be happy to have the weak weeded out? Does God have an interest in the weak that nature does not? No, nature too is very interested in the survival of the weak and is calling upon the help of human beings to bring this about. Nature is interested in the survival of the weak because vulnerability and weakness bring something to nature that is absent when it is only concerned with the survival of the ¿ttest and with producing ever-stronger, more robust, and more adaptable species and individuals. What the weak add to nature are character and compassion, which are the central ingredients needed to bring about unity, complexity, and consciousness at the social and spiritual level. When God created human beings at the beginning of time, God charged them with the responsibility of “dominion”, of ruling over nature. What’s contained in that mandate is not an order or permission to dominate over nature and use nature in whatever fashion we desire. The mandate is rather that of “watching over”, of tending the garden, of being wise stewards, and of helping nature do things that, in its unconscious state, it cannot do, namely, protect and nurture the weak, the second pelicans. The second-century theologian, Irenaeus, once famously said: The glory of God is the human being fully alive! In our own time, Peruvian theologian and Dominican priest Fr Gustavo Gutierrez, generally credited with being the father of Liberation Theology, recast that dictum to say: The glory of God is the poor person fully alive!” And that is as well the ultimate glory of nature.

FOCUS 19

Sunday May 31, 2015 Â&#x201E; CatholicNews

Fr Luke Fong speaks about his two-year journey with leukemia in a conversation with Mel Diamse-Lee.

CN: Nothing prepares us enough for the kind of ordeal you went through. What do you think prepared you? FR LUKE: Seeing the reality that

so many people suffer from this kind of bad news is enough reason for one to, I suppose, get ready for the day when you may have to face the same thing. My spiritual director in the seminary [Archbishop Goh now] had always recommended that we do a meditation on death at least once a month as part of our spiritual exercises. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve never actually gone into why we should do it [but] I had an inkling that it was good, it was necessary and various results came from such meditations. The beneÂżts do come later, as I was to Âżnd out. I had been relatively spared a lot of lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s challenges, I guess. So the way I ministered to these people with such illnesses, and who are in some sort of a suffering, came only from a cerebral concept of what they must be going through, and what the Church would say or should say are the politically and religiously correct terminologies, approaches and attitudes to have. Looking at the way spiritual giants have handled sufferings and all that, you know what to say, you know what not to say. All that formed a foundation. That must have been Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plan to prepare me for whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s to come. When I was given the news in early February 2013, I surprised even myself at my reaction. CN: What was your reaction? Was there complete acceptance? FR LUKE: Yes. I was like, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Oh,

OK, I got cancer.â&#x20AC;? When the doctor told me that it was blood cancer, serious and very aggressive, it was like everything came to that perfect point. And despite the very, very dark horizon in front, there was calm. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s almost mystical, I think. And I actually thanked God at that point in time. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t remember it as a time of mourning, or as a time that I entered into a blank space. I was able to say to myself, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s OK, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been prepared for this.â&#x20AC;? I had priest friends who called me up, who seemed far more anxious and even fearful for me than I was for myself and I had to calm them down. [I said] â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s OK, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s OK. It will be good.â&#x20AC;? It didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t make sense to say that at that time. Again, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s got to be God putting me and getting me through that. CN: As you look back now, do you think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a blessing? FR LUKE: Yes! Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve always seen

this suffering as a blessing. It gave me plenty of time to reĂ&#x20AC;ect on my life, on how God loves, and to respect Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s timing for things. There is no best time for one to get ill, but just to respect that that is inside Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time, not outside of it. CN: Do you now see yourself ministering to people in a different way? FR LUKE: I guess Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m more mel-

There is blessing in what I have gone through

day but I just slept through it. We must live our Christian lives in the way that we are always ready. Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s being rammed by a truck, or being drowned in the sea or being electrocuted accidentally, or through an illness, it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t matter. What really matters is that we are ready for death and that we can embrace death in the way that St Francis Assisi himself did. Calling death Sr Death is something remarkable, but I think that must have been the spirituality behind a lot of my conÂżdence. St Joseph is considered to be the saint for a happy death but I think a lot of people donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have an expanded notion of what a happy death is. Happy death is something that allows us to be ready for any kind of death. There is no unÂżnished business. CN: Does that mean you said your farewells to your parents, to your friends? FR LUKE: No, I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think I was

on deathâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bed. Social media has a downside, it can spread rumours, it can exaggerate a situation beyond its reality. And I think thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what happened to me. CN: Are you saying that you have made friends with death? FR LUKE: Yes, but who knows

Fr Luke Fong with his stem cell donor, Mr Peter Mui, in Chicago, the United States.

low now. I think I make less demands of myself as well as others. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m still quite OCD [obsessive compulsive disorder], that one doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t change but I think I choose my battles. You get tired too easily if you Âżght every battle. Some battles you just let go, you gain a certain wisdom to choose the correct battles. CN: There is a cancer support group in this parish. Have you met them? FR LUKE: I have spoken to some

members who need a listening ear, who are probably in the later stages of illness, over the phone. I havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t visited them personally yet, because Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m still immunity suppressed. So I minister to them on the phone, also emails and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m constantly remembering speciÂżc people in my prayers and in the Masses I celebrate. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a greater awareness now when I do that. I used to tell people, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Yes, I will pray for you,â&#x20AC;? and I did but I would usually place them at Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mantle or place them in the arms of Jesus as they asked me. But now I tend to remember them and bring them with me into the Mass and include them in the moments of silence in the Eucharistic Prayer, when we are called to pray for people, and I speciÂżcally call them to mind. In that way, I suppose, it has made me more aware of the need

to be in touch with the suffering Body of Christ. The mystical dimension of the Body of Christ being so big, so wide is made anew for me. I remember being in the plane Ă&#x20AC;ying from Washington to Chicago [USA], looking out of the window and seeing all those huge, huge expanse of land. To think that the world is so big and that my perfect [stem cell] match came from somewhere half

,ÂśYH DOZD\V VHHQ WKLV VXIIHULQJ DV D EOHVVLQJ ,W JDYH PH SOHQW\ RI WLPH WR UHĂ&#x20AC;HFW RQ P\ OLIH RQ KRZ *RG ORYHV DQG WR UHVSHFW *RGÂśV WLPLQJ IRU WKLQJV Âś a world away. That reality hit me when I was so high up in the air and I saw how huge the world is. And yet God places speciÂżc people in your life that you would not even think of connecting from a geographical standpoint. Despite how big the world is, we are connected in our faith, in our love for God. Clearly, my encounter with Peter [Mui], my stem cell, donor has shown me that God has given me someone who is deeply in love with Him.

CN: Have you ever felt abandoned or had a crisis of faith during your illness? FR LUKE: I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know whether

you would call it a crisis, but one time when I was so weak after the transplant, I realised how dangerous it was for me to actually be alone. I fell in the bathroom, was unconscious for quite a while and when I woke up I was lying on the Ă&#x20AC;oor in the shower. I had an ache on my right cheek and right shoulder... The next morning I was aching all over. It was painful to eat from my right side and I found out later on that the fall cracked my wisdom toothâ&#x20AC;Ś it had to be removed a few weeks later. That morning, when I woke up thinking of how weak I was, put me in a self-pity mode. I think that was the only time I was feeling self-pity. Self-pity didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t come when I lost my hair, when I had to eat baby food, when I had to wear diapers, when I had to use a walker. But it came at that point, I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know why. I snapped myself out of it very easily. I would like to think that great saints were hardly â&#x20AC;&#x153;pity partyâ&#x20AC;? people. CN: So what was it like to be close to death? FR LUKE: Peaceful. Yes, there

were nights when I wondered whether I would wake up the next

how I will react when the second round comes. Hopefully, I will do it with a certain â&#x20AC;&#x153;Christian classâ&#x20AC;?, a classiness that is distinctively Christian.

CN: And what does that look like? FR LUKE: With certain calm, with

joy. Seeing the gravitas for what it is but at the same time not being overwhelmed by it. My ideal death would be one where Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m able to face it courageously, like Maximillian Kolbe did, when he was just ready to stand in the place of someone. In that very action, actually youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re readying yourself even better for it. Because in giving of yourself, you are actually loving. As St Peter says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Love covers a multitude of sinsâ&#x20AC;?. CN: Is this a second chance at life for you? FR LUKE: I see it as my being

given back â&#x20AC;&#x201C; me given back to my family, to the community, to the Church, to ministry â&#x20AC;&#x201C; because someone has given. We, clearly, are not the ones who drive our own lives. The fact that Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been given is because Peter [Mui] gave. There is a cause and effect there. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m just Âżlled with gratitude over and over again. Each day I wake up, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m Âżlled with a sense of gratitude: to God, to Peter. He [Peter] knows how grateful I am, I can never express it in full. The CatholicNews understands that Fr Luke Fong was hospitalLVHG GXH WR D YLUDO Ă&#x20AC;X RQ 0D\ 3UD\HUV IRU KLV VSHHG\ UHFRYHU\ DUH HQFRXUDJHG Â&#x201E; PHO OHH#FDWKROLF RUJ VJ

20 FEATURE

Sunday May 31, 2015 CatholicNews

Experiencing suppor A wife, a mother and a son share about how God and the

Transformed in the face of death was an even more ‘This profound change.

Madam Germaine Yeo was 49 when she was diagnosed with stage fourcolorectal cancer in 2008. She was told she had three months to live. At this stage, patients would traditionally be put on palliative care. But her doctor, wanting to give her a chance at life, went against his seniors’ advice and recommended a less conventional and more aggressive treatment. Madam Yeo went through two major surgeries and aggressive chemotherapy. The treatment worked and for about two years she was cancer-free. And then it returned. In February this year, seven years after a cheerful and courageous ¿ght, she succumbed, leaving behind her husband, Vince Lin, and their only child, Keegan.

Experiencing cancer A pharmacist with the National Cancer Centre, the young Mr Lin, 33, journeyed with his mother throughout her ordeal. He recalled what it was like to live with a cancer diagnosis. “It was always a challenge for me, ¿rst to accept the diagnosis and then to accept that medically there was so little we could do about it, we were limited by medical technology. While having to come to terms with these, we had to make important decisions with regard to her treatment options and lifestyle changes.” No cure has been found for stage four cancers so far, except lymphoma, he added. “It was terrible. I think cancer is a cancer of the family, not so much of the individual. The more close knit you are, the more it affects you. We were suddenly struck with the idea of mortality and that we could do nothing about it.” As his mother was receiving treatment at the cancer centre, he was often the ¿rst to ¿nd out about her condition. “I kept receiving bad news.

So much so that she seemed the strongest one among us throughout her illness. She was the one consoling us.

’

– Mr Keegan Lin, on the change in his mother after the cancer diagnosis

strangely calm because I know that God is with me, and He is good.” Keegan said the journey did “a lot of character building. I thank God. He watched over us every step of the way. It took a lot of courage, a lot of trust in Him and a lot of hope that things were not what they seemed.” Madam Germaine Yeo with husband Vince (right), son Keegan and Redemptorist Fr Jacob Ong. Madam Yeo passed away in February this year.

Every doctor’s visit, 90 percent of the time, I heard things like ‘Hey, I could see signs of the treatment not working so well. Maybe we should consider alternative treatments, which is probably more expensive, more toxic.’ It was depressing.”

Grace in acceptance While father and son struggled to come to terms with the prospect of losing their wife and mother, something else was happening in Madam Yeo. Keegan described her as a worrier, very ef¿cient, focused and well-prepared for worst-case scenarios. The eldest among ¿ve siblings, she was the ¿rst to rush over to see to things at home in an emergency. She was selÀess and felt she had the responsibility to set things right. She also had an aggressive and impatient streak. When the cancer struck, there was no way she could prepare for it, noted Keegan, “It was very tax-

ing for her because it was so not her. So she completely abandoned herself and she just trusted in God.” He added that his mother’s attitude changed after the family was baptised about 15 years ago, but did not elaborate. “This was an even more profound change. So much so that she seemed the strongest one among us throughout her illness. She was the one consoling us.” Keegan recalled what she once said, “You know in retrospect, during prayer I said a lots of things, I said, ‘I love God, I trust God.’ But I trusted Him so little. In comparison to what I’m doing right now, it was almost like doing lip service, even though at that time I felt I was sincere. Nothing is more sincere than where I am right now.” She also told him, “One day I would have to go, don’t worry about where I’m going because I’m not worried. Can you imagine if I was not a convert? If this were to happen I think I would be scared out of my wits. But I’m

Seeing God at work While the trio did not reach out actively to their parish community for support, they found that the Lord sent many angels their way: Franciscan Missionaries of the Divine Motherhood Sr Carmen was introduced by a friend, and she sometimes gave her Holy Communion at home. Extraordinary communion ministers would drop by their house, as did the Neighbourhood Christian Community 500 of the Church of Christ The King. She was prayed for by the St Peregrine Cancer Support Group in the parish. Perhaps emboldened by this, Keegan asked for a miracle. “His miracles came, lots of it, but tiny ones. Sometimes I would say, ‘I know God, I’m a bit greedy, but give me one big one. Let her be ¿ne. But it’s not meant to be. That is not to say that He was not there because you could see Him everywhere.”

Remembering The day Madam Yeo passed away, Keegan and his father were plan-

Cancer support in the archdiocese Life in the Vine group Base: Church of the Holy Spirit Contact: Eugenius Kuntarjo

Budiono (6252 5646)

St Mary of the Cross group Base: Meets monthly at a

member’s home. Contact: Ms Rosa Lim (limrosa@singnet.com.sg) St Peregrine group Base: Church of St Mary of the

Angels.

Contact: Karen Sng/Lionel See

(6567 3866)

ning their dinner, talking about what she would have liked to eat. She passed on peacefully, looking like she was sleeping. Keegan recalled, “The loss was almost surreal, I felt like I was not myself. I think God was standing in my place because if I was myself I would have crumbled. There was nothing I imagined that could be worse than her death.” He added, “Her life was always for others and so my dad and I were strengthened and consoled because of that. God is with her, what have we to worry? She has ¿nally reached the end-goal and for that we are happy. That is the end-goal of life, isn’t it, to be with the Lord. I feel she had run the good race.” To keep Madam Yeo’s memory alive, Keegan and his father would visit her niche at the church columbarium after every Mass. He would also pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet at three o’clock every day in her memory. Often she would come to mind with the request “to pray for others... for the poor souls in purgatory.” Added Keegan, “I do miss her presence in church. But I also know that with the Communion of Saints, she is with us... She is still very much a part of us.”

Loss was opportunity to return to God It was Chinese New Year 1998. Ms Siva was deathly pale and feeling like the world was spinning. Her husband rushed her to the hospital where doctors discovered she was bleeding internally. A gynaecologist found that she had an ectopic pregnancy, where the foetus latched outside the fallopian tube, instead of in the uterus. After the emergency surgery, she woke up in the hospital’s maternity ward.“The women had babies, but not me,” she recalled, adding that “things happened so fast, I

had no chance to process what was going on. All that registered in my head was the word ‘ectopic’.” She does not remember grieving, not even during her maternity leave. “I remember that even while in hospital, I was doing work, calling people as we were organising a concert. That’s how much I enjoyed my work,” she said. However, each time she recalled the loss of her child, she would blame herself. “I would think, ‘Perhaps God is saying I’m not a good enough parent.’” Ms Siva returned to work be-

Perhaps if those ‘ events did not happen,

I would not have returned to the Church and have my son baptised.

’

fore her six-week medical leave was up and shortly after, she lost her job. Then she lost a niece, whom she was close to. “Those events were the beginning of my search for my faith,” she said, adding that although she was not a practising Catholic at

the time of her sudden illness, she prayed the Hail Mary. She also had her son baptised at the Church of Our Lady Star of the Sea, to her husband’s surprise. But the memory of her lost child would not leave the family. In the weeks and months following her operation, whenever she spoke to her husband about trying for another baby, he would Àatly refuse, fearful of what would happen. She would also think of the child whenever her son grumbled about his being an only child, or when she was with a friend whose

son would have been the same age as the baby. She needed a proper closure to the loss, she said. “Looking back, I found that God has always been with me. My Catholic education was inÀuential in me calling on Mother Mary. Growing up, I did not have a family that was prayerful or went to church faithfully.” Ms Siva added, “I also realised that there are no answers to everything. Perhaps if those events did not happen, I would not have returned to the Church and have my son baptised.”

FEATURE 21

Sunday May 31, 2015 Â&#x201E; CatholicNews

rt in death and grief faith community helped them cope in their pain and grief

Peace came through community Ms Rennie Jonathan lost her husband, Percival, on their 15th wedding anniversary 19 years ago. What was meant to be a day of celebration turned into days and months of mourning for the then 34 year old mother of three. Mr Percival, 39, suffered a massive heart attack. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was in a daze,â&#x20AC;? Ms Jonathan, now 53, recalled. â&#x20AC;&#x153; I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to believe what was happening. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;How could something like this happen to me?â&#x20AC;&#x2122; I kept asking myself. There was disbelief.â&#x20AC;? She remembered that their family doctor had said then that her husband was Âżt and had no medical issues. But on October 16, 1996, Mr Jonathan felt unwell after exercising and went to the family clinic. It was there that he collapsed, shortly after being given medication. He was rushed to the hospital where he passed away. With her husbandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s death, Ms Jonathan lost her Âżrst love and best friend. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I met my husband when I was 16, he was my Âżrst and only boyfriend,â&#x20AC;? she said. With Mr Jonathanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s passing, she was left to raise the three kids â&#x20AC;&#x201C; aged 11, seven and Âżve â&#x20AC;&#x201C; on her income as a senior executive ofÂżcer in an insurance company. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I had to think of the future. What I was earning wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t enough and I took on several part-time jobs to manage Âżnancially,â&#x20AC;? she recalled. She often found herself wondering about what had happened. â&#x20AC;&#x153;At one point I was lamenting and refused to go to church. I wanted

When was the last time you had fun?

That has got to be a couple of weeks ago when I climbed Mt Kinabalu. Although terribly exhausted, I was deeply consoled by the view along the climb and at the peak. It was remarkably awesome to be in the midst of something so beautiful! Name an occasion you felt embarrassed/humiliated.

While leading prayers at an interment recently, instead of saying the name of the deceased person I said his sonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name, who stood right beside me. Needless to say, I wanted to crawl into the niche myself and hide because I was so embarrassed. Instead, I apologised profusely. Name an occasion/incident when you felt God was far away.

There were times in my Jesuit life when I questioned my own voca-

Help for the widowed, divorced and permanently separated Beginning Experience Singapore is a peer ministry for the widowed, divorced and permanently separated individuals to facilitate the resolution of the grief surrounding the end of a marriage/relationship. The movement started in the United States and was introduced in Singapore in 1988. The current spiritual director is Fr Eugene 9D] 7R ÂżQG RXW PRUH YLVLW KWWS www.besingapore.com/

Ms Rennie Jonathan (second from left) with her children. From left, Keith Russell, Karl Gerard and Laura Rebecca, during a holiday in France last year.

to stay away ... That made it worse because I had no one to turn to.â&#x20AC;? In addition, she had to hide her grief from the kids. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The mourning was continuous. I felt extremely sad but for the sake of my three children, I could not show them that I was heartbroken.â&#x20AC;? She found it trying to care for the children, see to their studies and juggle a few jobs. At the same time, she felt the void left by her husband, especially during Christmas when her in-laws would get together for a big family dinner.

Emotional support Thankfully, she received support

tion and when I suffered interiorly because I wanted to give up being a Jesuit. Not only did I not know what God wanted me to do, I did not know what I wanted to do. The ambivalence was both painful, and a moment of profound grace. What do you like best about being a Religious/consecrated person?

As a Jesuit, what I have liked the most is the formation, both spiritual and intellectual, that I have been privileged to experience. This has allowed me to enter into the depths of my being and the world, and to unveil the God who is already present there.

from kin and community. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I had a lot of emotional support from my family, in-laws and friends in church,â&#x20AC;? Ms Jonathan said. Praying together as a family to thank God for blessings received was also healing, she said. At that time, the Church of the Holy Trinity, where she is still a parishioner, was running a pro-

The bonding and â&#x20AC;&#x2DC; fellowship with other ladies and their children made me feel I wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t alone.

â&#x20AC;&#x2122;

mind. They range from the banal to important matters that tug at my heart, things that make me sad or Âżll me with despair or worry. When I am distracted, I pray about those distractions. Pope Francis calls for a Church for the poor, by the poor. How do you live that within your vocation?

I Âżnd that it is challenging to live vows of poverty in Singapore. It was easier to live simply when I was elsewhere, when I had direct contact with the materially poor. Here, I try to learn to live simply amidst afĂ&#x20AC;uence. I try to be more generous with what I have and who I am to those who need me.

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

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

Often I am not even aware of the distractions that come to my

I truly enjoy just being with my siblings. It does not matter what

gramme called Rainbows, which offered social, emotional and spiritual support for the widowed and divorced. She took part in it. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The bonding and fellowship with other ladies and their children made me feel I wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t alone. I was in the programme for three months and we met weekly. We have been coming together for 15 years now, although the programme was stopped after just a few months of my joining it.â&#x20AC;? Ms Jonathan would consult the group when she had questions or struggled with raising the children. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It would be good to have this programme in every parish. Prayers for people like us would uplift us.â&#x20AC;? (See boxed article above)

Staying positive Ms Jonathan felt that â&#x20AC;&#x153;acknowledging the loss and pain was difÂżcultâ&#x20AC;? but it helped in her grieving process. â&#x20AC;&#x153;What kept me going were

we are doing or where we are. Conversations will be meaningful. Laughter will ensue. What do you normally do to relax?

I love running in the Botanic Gardens or at MacRitchie Reservoir, or sitting down at the piano playing some music. Nothing relaxes me more than thisâ&#x20AC;Ś Oh yes, I enjoy having some German wheat beer with my Jesuit brothers and close friends. Favourite book or author?

Being and Time by Martin Heidegger. It is a book I re-read every year. It reminds me of the continMalaysian Fr Mark Aloysius Society of Jesus http://www.mas-jesuits.org

my children because I felt that they needed me to be strong in order for them to heal themselves too.â&#x20AC;? She also credits her positive mindset for not dwelling on her loss for too long. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I told myself back then, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Yes, this has happened to you. Just go on.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? The family keeps the memory of Mr Jonathan alive in several ways. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Time and time again, the kids and I would talk about things we used to do together. They would recall vividly such moments with joy. Although we still tear up sometimes when speaking of the past, there is also acceptance and peace,â&#x20AC;? she added. In addition, the family visits the cemetery at least once a year, offers prayers for the soul of Mr Jonathan and keep his photographs.â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our wedding photo is displayed in our bedroom. We also remember him on his birthday, death anniversary and on All Soulsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Day. We believe that heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s looking after us from heaven,â&#x20AC;? said Ms Jonathan. Ms Jonathan shares the following to cope with grief: Â&#x201E; Be patient with yourself, believe that God has you in the palm of His hands and allow the grieving process to take place naturally. Â&#x201E; Get support from family and friends. By conÂżding and sharing difÂżculties you can heal and grow together as a community. Â&#x201E; Turning back to God is important to stay strong. Â&#x201E; mel.lee@catholic.org.sg

gency of our human knowing, our blindness in trying to see reality. It is also a book that speaks about how we become truly human by caring for one another. Favourite food?

Nasi lemak or phad khrapao [a Thai dish]. Â&#x201E;

22 PENTECOST FEATURE

Sunday May 31, 2015 CatholicNews

Pentecost falls on May 24 this year

The bigger picture of Pentecost By Daniel S Mulhall There are four accounts in Scripture that describe the apostles after Jesus’ ascension. Matthew 28:19 has the apostles going forth to make disciples of all nations. Mark 16:20 says that the apostles “went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and con¿rmed the word through accompanying signs” sending them throughout the world proclaiming “eternal salvation”. Luke 24:52-53 says the apostles returned to Jerusalem proclaiming Jesus and praising God in the temple. And the most detailed presentation is found in Acts 1 and 2, which describes the election of a new apostle to replace Judas Iscariot and the effects of the coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. In each of these four passages, the followers of Jesus are seen as strong, courageous and determined messengers. They have no doubt that they have been charged by Jesus to proclaim the Good News to the world. Nowhere after the ascension is there any indication that they were afraid to appear in public, and we see that the coming of the Holy Spirit gave them the courage to take up Jesus’ mission. What Acts tells us is that when the tongues of ¿re came to rest on them, they became able to speak languages they did not know. In reading the account in the Bible it is important to understand

The question for Christians today is this: How do we proclaim the Gospel now so that people today will hear it, understand it and have their hearts set RQ ¿UH E\ LW"

A scene from Pentecost is depicted in artwork at Our Lady of Divine Providence Church in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands. &16 ¿OH SKRWR

the context as well as the words used. Note that Acts 2:5-11 describes a great festival where “devout Jews from every nation under heaven” were gathered in Jerusalem. This festival is Shavuot,

which Judaism still celebrates. The original Pentecost coincided with Shavuot. Devout Jews from many different countries would have gathered to offer the ¿rst fruits of their

harvest in the temple. What a perfect opportunity to get the message of Jesus’ death and resurrection, the good news of faith, out to a worldwide audience. From this background we can

begin to understand and appreciate the bigger picture of Pentecost. The gift of the Holy Spirit, symbolised by the tongues of ¿re, was the ability to share this message so that others could understand it. Pentecost, then, was the ¿rst true example of “enculturation”, which is the word the Church uses to describe its efforts to proclaim the Gospel everywhere in such a way that it can be heard and understood by the listener. That is the story of Pentecost in Acts: the apostles were compelled to spread the Good News to everyone, everywhere. For Christians, Pentecost con¿rms the completion of what once was and the beginning of all things new. The question for Christians today is this: How do we proclaim the Gospel now so that people today will hear it, understand it and have their hearts set on ¿re by it? Mulhall is a catechist. He lives in Laurel, Maryland, USA.

The Holy Spirit’s role as advocate &16 ¿OH SKRWR

By Daniel S Mulhall Some of the most popular TV series in the US have taken place in make-believe courtrooms. Just think of Law & Order. Some of the episodes feature an innocent person who is doomed to be found guilty of some dastardly deed, only to have his or her lawyer pull off a last-minute save. Lawyers are advocates, people who speak for others in a court of law. Interesting enough, the Holy Spirit also is referred to as an advocate. Jesus uses the word “Advocate” in John’s Gospel (14:26, 15:26 and 16:7). While the original Greek word “Parakletos” is sometimes translated as comforter or counsellor, most translators of the Gospels use “Advocate”, which reÀects the Greek usage of the word – one who speaks for you in a court of law. The New Testament passage that gives us the clearest understanding of the word’s meaning is found in 1 John 2:1. In this passage the word “Paraclete” is applied to Jesus: “But if anyone does sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous one.” Here, Jesus is seen as pleading our

We have one who ‘ always defends us, who

defends us from the snares of the devil, who defends us from ourselves and from our sins!

’

– Pope Francis

be with you always.” This Advocate that the Father will send will be “the Spirit of truth” (Jn 14:17). In this way, we will not be left as orphans. “The Advocate, the Holy Spirit that the Father will send in my name – He will teach you everything and remind you of Stained glass featuring the Holy Spirit in St Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican.

case with the Father, arguing that we deserve mercy and that we should be forgiven for our sinfulness. During his general audience of April 17, 2013, Pope Francis explained it this way: “He is with God the Father where He intercedes forever in our favour. As St John says in his ¿rst letter, He is our Advocate: How beautiful it is to hear this! When

someone is summoned by the judge or is involved in legal proceedings, the ¿rst thing he does is to seek a lawyer to defend him. We have one who always defends us, who defends us from the snares of the devil, who defends us from ourselves and from our sins!” In John 14:16, Jesus says that He “will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to

all that [I] told you” (Jn 14:26). When the Advocate “comes He will convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and condemnation: sin, because they do not believe in me; righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will no longer see me; condemnation, because the ruler of this world has been condemned” (Jn 16:8-11). As the sequence traditionally prayed at Pentecost puts it so poetically, the Advocate will “cleanse our souls from sinful stain, lave our dryness with your rain, heal our wounds and mend our way, bend the stubborn heart and will, melt the frozen, warm the chill, guide the steps that go astray.”

FOOD FOR THOUGHT The original Pentecost of Christianity is said to have coincided with the Jewish feast called Shavuot. It marked the celebration of the “¿rst fruits” of the harvest. Christians also received the “¿rst fruits” of our inheritance on that original Pentecost, the Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us in No. 735, namely a pledge, “the very life

of the Holy Trinity, which is to love as God [has] loved us”. In No. 731, the catechism says, “On the day of Pentecost... Christ’s Passover is ful¿lled in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, manifested, given and communicated as a divine person: Of His fullness, Christ, the Lord, pours out the Spirit in abundance.”

FEATURE 23

Sunday May 31, 2015 Â&#x201E; CatholicNews

Not enough to love pope; live his teachings too, says archbishop On why Pope Francisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; document, The Joy of the Gospel, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;demands a new lifestyleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; from people VATICAN CITY â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Pope Francis

urged people to wake up and take action in his document, The Joy of the Gospel, but it seems people â&#x20AC;&#x153;are still sleeping, caught up in a million secondary thingsâ&#x20AC;?, said an Argentinian archbishop. Archbishop Victor Fernandez, in his short guide on how to apply the popeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2013 apostolic exhortation (Evangelii Gaudium in Latin), said if the teachings here were taken seriously, Church communities would see signiÂżcant changes, renewal, life and new energy. The Vatican newspaper published an article on the guide in mid-March and excerpts of an interview with Archbishop Fernandez in early May. The archbishop is familiar with the thought and vision of the pope. He was a key collaborator in 2007 of then-Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio in drafting the Latin American bishopsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Aparecida document, which offers a pastoral vision and guidelines for the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Church. The rector of the PontiÂżcal University of Argentina in Buenos Aires was named an archbishop by Pope Francis in May 2013. In his 64-page book, Archbishop Fernandez said the popeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Âżrst apostolic exhortation is not just another document to study, comment on or take as inspiration. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is a work plan for all Catholics and for all our communities.â&#x20AC;? Evangelii Gaudiumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s call â&#x20AC;&#x153;is not just about changing somethingâ&#x20AC;?, he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The pope says we must â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;transform all thingsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; to evangelise the world todayâ&#x20AC;? and to â&#x20AC;&#x153;enter into a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;permanent state of mission.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? Catholics and the Church as a whole must stop being self-referential and leave behind their selfcentredness and egoism if they are to be close to and merciful towards the people, he said in the guide. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The risk is that many people love Francis but are unable to apply what he proposes, and everything stays the same,â&#x20AC;? he said in the interview that originally appeared on the website of CELAM, the Latin American bishopsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; council. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is very difÂżcult to apply the documents of the Church because many people stop on the secondary details and are unable to grasp ... the fundamental message of a document,â&#x20AC;? he said. The result is that most of the teachings in a document are not applied concretely, he added. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The problem becomes all the more serious with Evangelii Gaudium because the pope pre-

Pope Francisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 2013 apostolic exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel). &16 ÂżOH SKRWR

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â&#x20AC;&#x2122;

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Argentinian Archbishop Victor Fernandez

sented it as the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;programmeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; of his pontiÂżcate,â&#x20AC;? he said. The archbishop said Pope Francis is one who â&#x20AC;&#x153;destabilises everyoneâ&#x20AC;?, even those who think like him, because â&#x20AC;&#x153;he demands a new lifestyleâ&#x20AC;? that requires changes to â&#x20AC;&#x153;the way people employ their time and energyâ&#x20AC;?. These changes include a shift in â&#x20AC;&#x153;oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s personal frameworkâ&#x20AC;? and the capacity to put oneself in the shoes of those who are less fortunate, he said. The point, â&#x20AC;&#x153;as Pope Francis asks constantly, is to live more

detached from our ego and from our personal interests, with more generosity, [and] to have courage to enter into contact with the various peripheries that are not part of our closed circleâ&#x20AC;?, he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The big problem today is that of translating thought into coherent lifestyles,â&#x20AC;? he continued. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is the tragedy of the Church today â&#x20AC;&#x201C; that it is still unable to react.â&#x20AC;? Another problem, he said, is that â&#x20AC;&#x153;some people listen to a pope only if what he says coincides with their own ideasâ&#x20AC;?. â&#x20AC;&#x153;While these people seem to appear conservative as regards doctrine, fundamentally they seem not to have faith in the special assistance of the Holy Spirit, which Jesus promised the pope,â&#x20AC;? he said. Â&#x201E; CNS (YDQJHOLL *DXGLXP FDQ EH DFFHVVHG DW KWWS Z YDWLFDQ YD FRQWHQW IUDQFHVFR HQ DSRVWBH[KRUWDWLRQV GRFXPHQWV SDSD IUDQFHVFRBHVRUWD]LRQH DSB B HYDQJHOLL JDXGLXP KWPO

Sunday May 31, 2015 Â&#x201E; CatholicNews

After Jesus had ascended into heaven, the apostles stayed in Jerusalem and waited for the coming of the Holy Spirit. The Twelve were gathered in one place when the time of the Jewish feast of Pentecost had ended. Suddenly, they heard a loud sound that Âżlled the entire house that they were in. Even though they were indoors, the noise reminded them of a great rush of wind coming from the sky. Then they saw tongues of Âżre, which separated and rested upon each one of them. The Holy Spirit had come. Then something even more incredible happened. After the Twelve had received the Holy Spirit, they suddenly could speak other languages, which was something they could not do before.

There were many people who were visiting Jerusalem for the feast of Pentecost, and a large crowd had heard the loud sound of rushing wind. They came to the apostlesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; house to Âżnd out what was going on. When they heard the apostles speaking in foreign languages, they were amazed. These visiting Jews had come to Jerusalem from many different countries, and each was hearing his own language being spoken. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Are not all these people who are speaking Galileans?â&#x20AC;? they asked each other in wonder. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Yet we hear them speaking in our own tongues of the mighty acts of God.â&#x20AC;? Others in the crowd made fun of the apostles, saying they had been drinking too much wine. Then Peter stood up to address the crowd. He gave a great speech, telling everyone that the words of the prophets had come to pass: God had

SPOTLIGHT ON SAINTS:

St Joan of Arc St Joan of Arc was born in France in 1412. When she was young, France was Âżghting a civil war and also was trying to stop the English king from taking the French throne. At age 14, Joan began to hear the voices of St Michael, St Catherine and St Margaret. In 1428, they told her to help the king of France reconquer his kingdom. It took a little while, but Joan convinced the king that she had received a mission from God to help him. Joan was given soldiers to command, and she won many battles. She was eventually captured and handed over to the English, who burned her at the stake for being a heretic. Many years later, Pope Callixtus III reopened her case and found that she was not a heretic. Joan was canonised in 1920, and we honour her on May 30. Â&#x201E;

poured out His spirit upon mankind, and Jesus, who had been cruciÂżed, was indeed the Messiah that had been foretold. The people in the crowd wanted to know what they should do. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Repent and be baptised, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit,â&#x20AC;? Peter told them. Those who heard Peterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s speech and believed what he said were bap-

tised that day. In all, about 3,000 people became followers of Jesus on the day the Holy Spirit came to the apostles. Â&#x201E; Read more about it: Acts 2

Q&A 1. What sound did the apostles hear in the house? 2. Who came to the apostlesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; house to ÂżQG WKH VRXUFH RI WKH VRXQG"

Wordsearch: Â&#x201E; SKY Â&#x201E; WINE Â&#x201E; FIRE Â&#x201E; CROWD Â&#x201E; SPEAK Â&#x201E; LOUD Â&#x201E; NOISE Â&#x201E; SPEECH Â&#x201E; SOUND

Â&#x201E; WIND Â&#x201E; HEAVEN Â&#x201E; HOUSE

BIBLE TRIVIA: What does the -HZLVK IHDVW RI 3HQWHFRVW celebrate today?

Bible Accent:

Answer to puzzle: 1. F; 2. F; 3. T; 4. F Answer to Bible Trivia: God giving the law to the Israelites.

There is another place in the Bible that talks about people suddenly being able to speak foreign languages. But instead of this ability being a gift, it was a consequence from God. In Genesis 11, we learn that at one time, all the people on earth spoke the same language. They settled in a land called Shinar and decided to build a great city, with a tower that reached to heaven. They thought this would show how powerful they were. What it really showed was that they believed they no longer needed God. God saw what was going on and decided to confuse their language so the people couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t understand one another. When God did this, the people stopped their building and went to live in different places. That is why the city was called Babel. The word sounds like the Hebrew word â&#x20AC;&#x153;balalâ&#x20AC;?, which means to confuse. It also sounds like the English word â&#x20AC;&#x153;babbleâ&#x20AC;?, which means to make sounds that make no sense. Â&#x201E;

PUZZLE: Put a T next to the sentences that are true, and an F next to the ones WKDW DUH IDOVH +LQWV KDYH EHHQ SURYLGHG *RG ZDV KDSS\ WKDW WKH SHRSOH ZHUH EXLOGLQJ VXFK D ÂżQH FLW\ DQG tower. (Genesis 11:6) 2. Peter admitted that the apostles had been drinking too much new wine. (Acts 2:15) 3. The people were amazed to hear their own languages being spoken. (Acts 2:7) $IWHU 3HWHU VSRNH SHRSOH ZHUH EDSWLVHG (Acts 2:41)

Answer to Wordsearch

By Jennifer Ficcaglia

WHAT’S ON 25

Sunday May 31, 2015 CatholicNews

EVENT SUBMISSIONS We welcome information of events happening in our local Church. Please send your submission at least one month before the event. Online submissions can be made at www.catholicnews.sg/whatson 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 9.30am-11.30am. Register T: 9115 5673 (Andrew). RISEN CHRIST YOUTH SYMPHONY IS LOOKING FOR MUSICIANS TO PLAY AT SG50 MASS ON JULY 4 The Risen Christ Youth Symphony is currently recruiting instrumental players (strings, winds, brass and percussionists) to play for the SG50 Mass at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. Register E: dr.al.leong@gmail.com. MAY 23 MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS DAY 10am-1pm: Learn more about mental health. There will be talks on managing depression and other mental illness, and 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 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, 55 Waterloo Street, St Emma Level 2. Register via SMS: 9271 3335. For credit card payment, Register T: 6488 0278 (Doris). 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. 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. 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.

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

TUESDAYS FROM JUNE 9 RCIA @ CHURCH OF ST IGNATIUS 8pm-10pm: 120 Kings Road. Register 6466 0625 (Angela) / 9628 6472 (Sandra); W: www.stignatius.org.sg.

TUESDAYS FROM 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.

TUESDAYS FROM JUNE 16 RCIA @ CHURCH OF ST FRANCIS XAVIER 8pm-10pm: 63A Chartwell Drive. Registration forms available at parish of¿ce. Enquiries T: 6280 6076.

SUNDAYS FROM MAY 31 CHINESE RCIA @ CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL SUCCOUR 9am-10.30am: 31 Siglap Hill, Verbist Hall Level 4. Register T: 9756 4783 (Therese) / 9661 2262 (Darryl) / 9776 1181 (Peter).

THURSDAYS FROM JUNE 18 RCIA @ CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY OF THE BVM 8pm-10pm: 1259 Upper Serangoon Road. Register T: 9685 6673 (Genevieve); E: nativitysg@yahoo.com.sg.

WEDNESDAYS FROM JUNE 3 RCIA @ CHURCH OF THE HOLY FAMILY 7.30pm-9.30pm: 6 Chapel Road. Register 9341 4999; E: rciaholyfam@gmail.com.

FRIDAYS FROM JUNE 19 RCIY @ CHURCH OF THE RISEN CHRIST 8pm-10pm: 91 Toa Payoh Central, St Matthew Room (Level 2). Register T: 9857 2241 (Sherwin) / 9489 8086 (Jeremy); E: rcrciy2015@gmail.com.

THURSDAYS FROM 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.

TUESDAYS FROM JUNE 30 CHINESE RCIA @ CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY OF THE B.V.M 8pm-10pm: 1259 Upper Serangoon Road. Register T: 9696 9374 (Augustine).

SATURDAYS FROM JUNE 6 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.

FRIDAYS FROM JULY 3 RCIA @ CHURCH OF CHRIST THE KING 8pm-10pm: 2221 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 8. Register T: 9889 0027 (Joey); E: rcia@ gmail.com; W: www.christtheking.com.sg.

SUNDAYS FROM JUNE 7 RCIA @ CHURCH OF DIVINE MERCY 3.30pm-6.30pm: 19 Pasir Ris Street 72. Register T: 9726 4775 (Mark); E: rcia@divinemercy.sg.

TUESDAYS FROM JULY 7 RCIA @ SJI JUNIOR WHILE CHURCH OF ALPHONSUS (NOVENA CHURCH) IS UNDER RENOVATION 7.30pm-10pm: St Joseph’s Institution Junior, 3 Essex Road. Register T: 6255 2133; E: rcianovena@gmail.com; W: http://www.novenachurch.com/rciaform-01.html

TUESDAYS FROM 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 FROM JULY 24 RCIA @ CHURCH OF THE SACRED HEART 7.30pm-9.15pm: 111 Tank Road. Register T: 6737 9285; E: sacredheartchurch@catholic.org.sg.

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.

THURSDAYS FROM JUNE 18 TO JULY 30 THIS IS MY BODY – EXPERIENCING THE POWER OF THE MASS! 7.45pm-9.30pm: Join us for a sevenpart DVD session. This inspiring video is designed to inform, inspire and raise prayerful discussion about the great gift of the Mass. Refreshments will be served. It’s free. All are welcome! Organised by CaFE@IHM. At Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, 24 Highland Road, Level 3 Sts Peter & Paul Room. Register E: cafe@ihm.sg, Tel: 9221 2816 (Agnes) or 9127 0707 (Faustina).

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. JUNE 13 TO JUNE 14 DIVINE LOVE RETREAT – YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ARE SAVED 9am-5pm: God’s love can bring healing, peace, wholeness for you and your family. Join us for a non stay-in retreat led by Fr Augustine Vallooran, director of the Divine Retreat Centre, India. Fee: $22. Organised by Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. At Nativity Church, 1259 Upper Serangoon Road. Register T: 6280 0980 (parish of¿ce) / 9634 5448 (Martinus).

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. 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. JUNE 19 TO JUNE 21 MANDARIN CHILDREN’S CAMP For children aged 5-12 for them to experience Christian fellowship, to learn how to love one another and work together, and to grow closer to Jesus Christ. Non-Catholics are welcome! 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 – June 20: 8.30am-8pm. For children 8-12 years – 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.

JUNE 19 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. No registration needed. Organised by Taize Group at Good Shepherd Place. At Good Shepherd Place Chapel, 9 Lorong 8 Toa Payoh. Enquiries T: 9859 0769 (Ms Adeline Tay); E: a.quiet.time@gmail. JUNE 25 SUPPORT GROUP FOR CATHOLICS WITH LOVED ONES IN PRISON 10am-7pm: Clarity Singapore and RCPM Aftercare are starting a support group for Catholics, both young and old, with loved ones in prison.It will be a day of engaging activities. For adults, it will be a time for restoration, renewal and prayer. For children, it will be a time for interaction and expression. Meals will be provided. Pre-registration is required. All calls will be treated with the strictest con¿dentiality. Organised by Clarity. At Good Shepherd, Lorong 8 Toa Payoh. Register T: 6757 7990 (Lyn). JUNE 26 TO JUNE 28 MARRIAGE RETORNO 8.30pm (Friday)-5pm (Sunday): Calling all couples. Spend a weekend away from the daily hustle and bustle of life. Fee (per couple inclusive of lodging and all meals): $250. Organised by Marriage Encounter. At ME House, 201B Punggol 17th Avenue. Register T: 9655 3708 (Susize) / 9011 2795 (Esme). Register by June 5. JUNE 26 TO JUNE 28 A PERSONAL CALL – VOCATIONS IN LIFE 7pm (Friday)-4pm (Sunday): Ever wondered about your vocation in life? Come for a weekend stay-in retreat to explore and discover God’s invitation to you as you listen to a panel who will share on how they discovered and lived their vocations in these contemporary times. Facilitators: Celine Lin, Lance Ng and Diana Koh. Fee: $180 (non-aircon) / $220 (aircon). Organised by Kingsmead Centre. At Kingsmead Centre, 8 Victoria Park Road. Register T: 6467 6072; E: cisc2664@gmail.com. MONDAYS FROM JULY 6 TO AUGUST 24 LIFE IN THE SPIRIT SEMINARS 7.30pm-9.45pm: This series of seminars is for all who desire to live a renewed Christian life in the power of the Holy Spirit. Organised by AÀame! Charismatic Prayer Community. At Church of the Risen Christ, 91 Toa Payoh Central. Register W: www.risenchristcpg.org. Enquiries T: 9139 5518 (Jess) / 9005 4511 (Maria); E: jess.francisco.63@gmail.com / m4trinity@gmail.com. JULY 11 MEDITATIVE PRAYER WITH THE SONGS OF TAIZE 8pm: Join us in prayer using the Songs of Taize. All are welcome. No registration required. Organised by SG Taize Core Group. At The Armenian Church of St Gregory the Illuminator, 60 Hill Street.Enquiries T: 9837 7256; E: bennycah@gmail.com.

THURSDAYS FROM JULY 16 TO NOVEMBER 26 GUIDED TOUR OF THE BIBLE 8-10pm: Join us for an easy to follow programme of 15 lectures starting from Genesis to Revelation. It will be free of charge. Presented by Sundaresh Menon. No registration needed. Come and enjoy the living word of God! Organised by Bible Apostolate Team. At Church of St Ignatius, 120 King’s Road, Annexe Hall Level 2. Enquiries E: henrywu@lucas.com.sg. JULY 16 FEAST OF OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL Join us to celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. There will be Mass at 6.30am, 2.30pm in Mandarin, 4.30pm and 6.30pm. Organised by Carmelite Monastery. At Carmelite Monastery, 98 Bukit Teresa Road. WEDNESDAYS FROM JULY 25 TO AUGUST 1 CHARIS-BARRÉ MISSION LEADERSHIP TRAINING Barrp, an af¿liate of CHARIS, is a mission group that works with ethnic minorities in the Central Highlands of Vietnam where many are deprived of education and opportunities. They run a 10-year education programme in various villages. Barré organises four mission trips a year to run interactive English lessons and are seeking mission leaders to lead week-long trips in future. A CHARIS-Barré mission team will be deployed to receive training as potential mission leaders. Come join the big family of Barré and the wonderful people of the Central Highlands! Register E: lilynne@charis-singapore.org. SATURDAYS FROM JULY 25 TO AUGUST 22 SELF-WORTH WORKSHOPS 11am-1pm: Join us for a four-session workshop and understand self-worth and its importance and impact in your life. Through activities and exercises, practise ways to recognise and replace selfdefeating thoughts. Learn how to love, approve and accept yourself in spite of your imperfections to improve and add meaning to your life. Because you deserve it! Organised by Clarity. At Clarity Singapore, 854 Yishun Ring Road #01-3511. Fee: $10. Register T: 6757 7990 / 9710 3733; E: registration@clarity-Singapore. AUGUST 29 TO AUGUST 30 INKSPIREME! @ ST BERN’S 10TH ANNIVERSARY PAINTING EXHIBITION Aug 29: 5pm-8pm; Aug 30: 9am-2pm. InkspireME!@St Bern’s, a Chinese painting class under the tutelage of Mr Yap Sin Guan, a local Chinese artist with over 30 years’ experience, is celebrating its 10th anniversary with an exhibition cum silent auction of paintings to raise funds for the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd. The exhibition will be held over two days in the Parish Hall at Church of St Bernadette, 12 Zion Road. Do come and share our 10th anniversary celebration with us. Enquiries: 8351 4520 (Winnie).

CATHEDRAL OF THE SACRED HEART IN SARAJEVO, BOSNIAHERZEGOVINA: Pope Francis will meet with priests, Religious and seminarians at the cathedral during his June 6 trip to Sarajevo. CNS photo

28 NEWS

Sunday May 31, 2015 CatholicNews

Conveying pope’s concern for displaced Iraqis IRBIL, IRAQ – The head of the Vatican’s Congregation for Eastern Churches visited Iraq to convey Pope Francis’ blessing and concern for those displaced as a result of religious persecution. In Dohuk, Cardinal Leonardo Sandri hugged children and comforted adults who expressed only one wish: to go back home. He left a few pictures of the pope that children held proudly, with large smiles. The displaced slept up to 20 per room, with baggage and cardboard boxes marking the space for each family. Carpets on the Àoor and an ever-running television were the only comforts for 60 families that share a few gas stoves and even fewer toilets. At a Mass outside a Syriac Catholic church in Irbil on May 3, Cardinal Sandri told Iraqis who had Àed from Islamic State militants that their “hearts and lives had signs of the violence, persecution and dissemination that forced many to abandon their house in the plain of Ninevah, in Mosul, in Bakhdida [Qaraqosh] and in other villages, to ¿nd a safe shelter”. “We remain speechless,” he said, “before this violence and aggression, but mostly because the human heart seems to have learned nothing from the dramas that shook the 20th century and that continue today while shedding more innocent blood with a blind and destructive blindness. “Your pastors, the pope and the Universal Church fear a general exodus from lands that have been Christian for 2,000 years,” he said.

took everything, ‘ISIS but we still have our faith in Jesus Christ, and they will never take it.

’

– Tamara, a girl of 12

Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, head of the Vatican’s Congregation for Eastern Churches, speaks with displaced Iraqis on May 4 in Irbil, Iraq. CNS photo

Before going to Irbil, Cardinal Sandri spent three days in Baghdad, where he met with Iraq’s president and prime minister. Iraq without Christians would not be Iraq anymore, Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi told him, echoing Pope Francis’ recurring declarations about the Middle East. President Fuad Masum told the cardinal

he hoped the pope would visit as soon as the situation will allow it. In Irbil, Cardinal Sandri met with about 10 members of ROACO, a coalition of funding agencies coordinated by the Congregation for Eastern Churches. Among them were the heads of French and German agencies as well as Aid to the Church

in Need, the Holy Childhood Association and the Catholic Near East Welfare Association. Members of ROACO had earlier visited many camps with displaced people, trying to evaluate their needs. Msgr John Kozar, head of Catholic Near East Welfare Association, told Catholic News Service that water is the “single most important reality” and is always in short supply. “Even in the midst of extreme poverty and the complete lack of privacy and personal or family space, the refugees were so loving, welcoming and ¿lled with gratitude and hope,” he said. “Some who had no kitchen or running water humbled us by offering us tea.” During a meeting with the displaced in Ankawa, one man told the agencies: “The only thing we want is to go back home.” Then a girl named Tamara, 12, told them with a radiant face: “ISIS took everything, but we still have our faith in Jesus Christ, and they will never take it.” CNS

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