Catholic News issue 12, 2017

Sunday June 11, 2017

SINGAPORE $0.70 cents / WEST MALAYSIA RM$2.10

MCI (P) 013/08/2016

PPS 201/04/2013 (022940)

Celebrating marriage and the priesthood Love was in the air as married couples celebrated their milestone wedding anniversaries at the Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

Fifty-two couples and their families attended the special event on May 20, titled LOVE MATTERS 2 – “Love Changes Everything”.

The celebration was the second in a series organised by Worldwide Marriage Encounter Singapore (ME) together with the Archdiocesan Commission for the family (ACF) and its Family Partners.

The first such event was held in May last year.

Six priests also celebrated their priestly anniversaries during the event, which was organised in conjunction with ME’s 38th anniversary Mass.

In his homily, Msgr Ambrose Vaz stressed that love is a decision, and that it transcends feelings. Married couples are visible signs of Christ’s love in the world, he said, and couples should enter into marriage ready to give to one another and not expect just to receive in their relationship.

A highlight of the event was the blessing and renewal of marriage vows of couples celebrating their fifth to 50th wedding anniversaries this year, in multiples of five years, as well as those who have been married for longer.

Before the Mass, ACF Family Partners held five concurrent talks for participants. These were: n Serving God through Christian Marriage, n The Joy of Marital Sex, n NFP (Natural Family Planning), Contraception and the Catholic Church, n Turning Pain to Purpose – a Task for every Christian, and n Couple Prayer Spirituality.

Gregory and Theresa Yeo, who

Vol 67

No. 12

Inside home

Reaching out to needy in neighbourhood CHIJ (Katong) Pri students do just that n Page 6

ASIA

Passing on faith to kids in China Grandparents play vital role n Page 8

WORLD

Church leaders condemn Manchester attack Priests celebrating at the LOVE MATTERS 2 event on May 20. From left: Fr Gino Henriques, Fr Johnson Fernandez, Msgr Ambrose Vaz, Fr Bruno Saint Girons, Fr Charlie Oasan and Fr Joseph Jeannequin.

have been married for 53 years, shared with CatholicNews that marriage is about “understanding and loving each other with a giveand-take attitude. Also, it’s always important to pray together, especially as a family.”

Willi and Lisa Song, who are celebrating their 45th wedding anniversary this year, shared that “apart from the usual traits of trust, forgiveness, and unconditional love, nowadays we think more of what will happen, how we will cope without the presence of the other through death.

“The words of the song, ‘If tomorrow never comes’, helps us to not sweat the small stuff and keep focused on each other in the present.” n

important ‘It’stoalways pray together, especially as a family.’

– Gregory and Theresa Yeo (right), who have been married for 53 years

Prayers offered for victims n Page 11

POPE FRANCIS Backstabbing in parishes ‘Pains me to the core’, says pope n Page 15

FAITH ALIVE! Celebrating Pentecost

Drawing strength from the Spirit Willi and Lisa Song celebrate their 45th wedding anniversary this year.

n Page 19

BACK PAGE

Catholic films coming up: Fatima movie, pope documentary n Page 24

2 home

Sunday June 11, 2017 n CatholicNews

Canossians launch education charter, focus on ‘formation of the heart’

By Jared Ng The Canossians launched an education charter to ensure that their charism is not lost in today’s pace of education.

There is “an urgency to ensure that our unique charism is not watered down in this fast changing world,” said Sr Theresa Seow, provincial leader of the Canossian Sisters, in her opening address at the event.

“While the charter is written specifically with education in mind,” it also focuses on the “formation of the heart” which is the cornerstone of Canossian formation, she said.

All Canossian education institutions were represented by teachers, staff and principals at the event held on May 26 at St Anthony’s Canossian Primary School.

The institutions are Canossian Convent Kindergarten, Magdalene’s Kindergarten, St Anthony’s Canossian Primary School, Canossa Convent Primary, Canossian School and St Anthony’s Canossian Secondary School.

St Joseph’s Home and Canossaville Children and Community Services, both under the Canossians, were also represented.

Sr Cecily Pavri, local leader of the Canossian Formation House, detailed key elements of the charter in her address.

By 2013, “there was a realisation for the need of a charter” because of a declining presence of Sisters in the Canossian schools, she said. “It [the charter] was written for school staff, alumni, parents, the management board and other stakeholders.”

It will be used “as an interpretation of the Canossian education charism, a reference resource in the formation of educators and

Sr Theresa Seow speaking to participants of the launch at St Anthony’s Canossian Primary School.

Launching the Canossian Education Charter on May 26. From left: Sr Louisa Lim (supervisor of Canossian Schools), Sr Cecily Pavri (local leader of the Canossian Formation House), student Kimberly Tan, Sr Theresa Seow (provincial leader of the Canossian Sisters) and Mr Gerard Ee (chairman of Canossian Mainstream Schools and Canossian School Boards of Management).

as inspiration for curriculum design,” said Sr Cecily.

Key points of the charter include: n Legacy: The charism, vison and purpose of St Magdalene of Canossa, foundress of the congregation, was “her preference to educate the poor, raise awareness about their dignity and calling as children of God and the need to be morally upright,” said Sr Cecily. n Hallmarks: The distinctive

identity of the Canossian institutes such as the 3Ps (person-centredness, passion and proactive) in love and service of others, as well as the 3Cs (compassion, commitment and cheerfulness) to encourage the virtues of courage, resilience and zest for life. n Culture: A Canossian school is both Catholic and Canossian and both are nutured through formation by the school’s chaplaincy. Also, Canossian schools in

It is hoped that educators will allow themselves to be affected by the charter in the way ‘you teach, in how you make decisions’, said Sr Cecily Pavri.

Singapore educate within a secular state that respects faith expressions and promotes inter-religious harmony. n Growing St Magdalene’s dream: The charism, vision and purpose left by the Canossian foundress has been left to today’s generation to be used and also evolve with time, such as education in the 21st century. Ingenuity is required to integrate the charism into the curriculum which will be passed onto future generations of educators.

It is hoped, Sr Cecily said, that educators will allow themselves to be affected by the charter in the way “you teach, in how you make decisions and the kindness you ra-

Sr Cecily Pavri said that the charter will be used ‘as an interpretation of the Canossian education charism’.

diate as you provide pastoral care for students.”

She ended by reminding participants that “students are the main reason for the charter.” The Sisters, leaders, educators, parents, alumni are together in this for them, she said.

The official launch of the charter which followed saw St Anthony’s Canossian Primary School student Kimberly Tan emerge from a shell-like structure she was hiding in holding a copy of the charter. It drew loud cheers and applause from the crowd.

All participants also received a copy. n jared.ng@catholic.org.sg

Sunday June 11, 2017 n CatholicNews

BUILDING THE CHURCH of Tomorrow 3

4 home

Sunday June 11, 2017 n CatholicNews

The school’s dance group entertained the crowd with contemporary and hip hop dance moves.

Holy Innocents’ High School’s Chinese orchestra performing at the concert at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park.

School’s concert in the park to mark anniversary Holy Innocents’ High School (HIHS) held an outdoor concert at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park to commemorate the school’s 125th anniversary.

The event, held on May 20, saw a large crowd entertained by performances from the school’s choir, drama club, band, dance and Chinese orchestra groups. Staff and teachers also got in on the act by putting on performances of their own.

In March this year, the school also held a run at the OCBC Arena to kick off the anniversary celebration.

HIHS, in collaboration with their alumni association – Holy Innocents’ Old Students’ Association – will organise two other events later this year to

commemorate the anniversary. n A carnival will be held on Aug 5 at HIHS for students, parents, alumni and members of the Hougang community to play games and to bond. n On Dec 28, the school will hold its annual Feast of the Holy Innocents Mass for students and staff. A special gallery, the 125 Heritage Gallery, will be opened as part of the school’s effort to preserve its history and to foster a strong sense of identity among staff, students and alumni.

A reunion dinner will end off the day that will also see the launch of a commemorative magazine in which 125 people related to the school will be featured. n

Drama club members performing an item.

19 May 2017

Student Lucus Fam playing the keyboard during the concert.

CHANCERY NOTICE

APPOINTMENTS 1. Fr Paul Lim CSsR has been appointed as Assistant Priest to the Church of Christ the King with effect from 23 April 2017 for a term of three [3] years with residence in the same parish.

2. Mr David Chong has been appointed as a member of the Catholic High Management Committee for a term of two [2] years with effect from 18 May 2017.

3. Mr Anthony Lee Kiang Peng has been appointed to the board of Catholic Foundation for a term of two [2] years with effect from 18 May 2017.

4. Fr Paul Staes CICM has been appointed to the board and as “member” of Clarity Singapore Limited for a term of two [2] years with effect from 18 May 2017.

5. Fr John Joseph Fenelon has been appointed Spiritual Director of the Roman Catholic Prison Ministry for a term of two [2] years with effect from 18 May 2017.

6. Ms Grace Tong has been appointed a Consultant for the Archdiocesan Office for Human Resource for a term of two [2] years with effect from 18 May 2017.

7. Fr Edward Lim OCD has been appointed as Parish

CHN/CN/2017/011

Priest of the Church of St Peter and Paul for a term of six [6] years with effect from 29 June 2017 upon presentation in accordance with can. 147.

8. Fr Thomas Lim OCD has been appointed as Assistant Priest of the Church of St Peter and Paul for a term of three [3] years with effect from 29 June 2017 upon presentation in accordance with can. 147.

OTHER MATTERS Missions Etrangères de Paris (MEP) The following have been elected to offices of the Missions Etrangères de Paris (MEP) for a term of 5 years with effect from 27 August 2017: 1. Fr Bruno Saint Girons – Regional Superior for Singapore & Malaysia 2. Fr Donatien Davaine – Assistant 3. Fr Paul Ngo Thanh Phong – Assistant Order of Discalced Carmelites (OCD) The following have been elected to offices of the Order of Discalced Carmelites (OCD) for the 2017 - 2020 triennium: 1. Fr John Chua OCD – General Delegate 2.

Fr Ferdinand Purnomo OCD – 1st Councillor 3. Fr Edward Lim OCD – 2nd Councillor

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

Sunday June 11, 2017 n CatholicNews

advertisement

5

6 home

Sunday June 11, 2017 n CatholicNews

Reaching out to needy in Founder’s Day celebration

Students of CHIJ (Katong) Primary visit a beneficiary of the Society of St Vincent de Paul.

By Elaine Ng CHIJ (Katong) Primary celebrated its Founder’s Day by visiting needy people in the neighbourhood, delivering goodie bags to them and holding a special Mass on May 26.

Selected Pri 6 girls, teachers and parent volunteers visited the beneficiaries of the Society of St Vincent de Paul living in Marine Parade and gave them handpacked goodie bags filled with daily essentials such as bedsheets, toothbrushes, toothpaste, biscuits, towels, Milo sachets and soap.

The activity was part of the school’s annual Gift of Love project, which saw students, parents and staff chipping in to raise $17,500.

This year, the school also gave its support to the IJ (Infant Jesus) Homes and Children’s Centres which assist poor and disadvantaged children and youth in Singapore.

“I feel very humbled to have experienced the visit,” said student Mabel Chew. “I think it is very important to be aware of people around us who need more help.”

A student hands a goodie bag to a beneficiary.

Teacher Pauline Tan, who was participating in the project for the second time, said she hopes the beneficiaries “will be reminded of God’s great love and grace”.

A Mass with the theme, United in Love and Service, was held

I think it is very ‘ important to be aware of people around us who need more help.

’

– Mabel Chew, a student

in the school before the visits.

Fr Eugene Vaz, parish priest of the Church of the Holy Family, stressed how people are blessed with different gifts.

He reminded all present to be united in sharing their gifts and blessings, using them to serve others.

After the Mass, three pupils shared their personal stories based on the theme of love and service.

School principal Judina Cheong then presented certificates to staff who were recently promoted and those who have re-

ceived the Ministry of Education Long Service awards.

Madam Sri Nur’aliaa Mohamed Affandi, one of the two Long Service award recipients, shared her experience being with the school.

“I am very grateful to be part of this IJ family, first as a student, then as a teacher, becoming colleagues with those who used to be my teachers, and now even having my young nieces joining the school,” she said.

The celebration concluded with everyone singing the wellloved CHIJ song, Hold on to Our Dream. n

Alumni mark 40-year milestone Mrs Catherine Zuzarte joined the St Magdalene’s Club when she left St Anthony’s Convent after her O levels in the 1950s.

“There were just a handful of us and we were happy to go back to play netball just to keep in touch with our classmates and friends!” she recalled.

That marked the humble beginning of a group that would evolve to become the Canossian Alumni Association (CAA).

Mrs Zuzarte was among the 300 alumni, current and former educators as well as Canossian Sisters who celebrated the CAA’s 40th Anniversary with a tea party at the Concorde Hotel on May 27.

The Canossian Connect 2017 party was themed “Viva La MusiCAA” (“Live the Music” in Italian) to reminisce the musical culture of the school. Ex-students fondly remember that singing and dancing was a large part of their school days.

Forty girls from the St Anthony’s Canossian Primary School choir warmed the crowd with their angelic voices and mass dancing was also part of the programme for the celebration.

“As Canossian students, we were taught more than just aca-

Canossian Sisters and Canossian Alumni Association members celebrate at Concorde Hotel.

demics,” said current president Veronica Tan in her speech.

“We were encouraged to sing, dance, play, but more than that, we were always reminded to live as women of compassion, commitment, charity, integrity and respect; to always be courageous, holding our heads high to be exemplary daughters, workers, wives and mothers.”

The party ended with their school song led by Mrs Christine Kanagarajah, a music teacher at St Anthony’s Convent, who taught for over 50 years.

The CAA organises regular activities to connect members and strengthen the network of former students. It fosters partnership with the four Canossian schools – namely Canossa Convent, St Anthony’s Canossian Primary and Secondary, as well as the Canossian School (for the Hearing Impaired).

The CAA also works to support current students and sponsors various awards in recognition of excellence in academics as well as character development.

For more information on CAA, visit www.canossianalumni.com n

asia 7

Sunday June 11, 2017 n CatholicNews

Lao Catholics welcome 1st cardinal appointment Hopes for Cardinal-designate Ling to improve religious freedoms LAOS – Catholics in Laos have welcomed their first cardinal appointment in anticipation of improved religious activities within the communist-run country.

Ms Martha Le Thi Thuy Hanh from Sacred Heart Parish in Champasak province, said she believes that as a cardinal, Bishop Louis-Marie Ling Mangkhanekhoun will be able to improve religious freedoms for Catholic communities in the country.

She said the government restricts religious activities. “Soldiers with guns pretend to guard places of worship. They walk around and even enter Christian churches while people gather for services,” she said.

Ms Hanh said religious congregations are also restricted in giving pastoral care to Catholics.

Pope Francis named five new cardinals on May 21, including Bishop Ling and one each from Mali, Spain, Sweden and El Salvador. They will be made cardinals on June 28.

Vietnamese Fr Raphael Tran Xuan Nhan has worked in Laos since 2005. He said Bishop Ling’s

Cardinal-designate Louis-Marie Ling Mangkhanekhoun, apostolic vicar of Pakse, Laos. Photo: FRANCIS CHAN

appointment shows that the Holy See understands the need to support small and impoverished churches in the country.

“Bishop Ling expertly uses dialogue rather than confrontation when addressing Church issues

and has helped government officials to understand that the Catholic Church is focused on social development,” he said.

The soon-to-be cardinal has also worked to improve the conditions for the restoration of Legion of Mary groups across Laos since 2005.

“Five hundred Legion of Mary members teach catechism to Catholics and converts in the communities, bring Communion to the sick, and do other pastoral work,” Fr Nhan said.

Cardinal-designate Ling, 73, is an ethnic Khamu, a hill tribe from northern Laos and southern China. He studied at Voluntas Dei Institute in Canada before he was ordained a priest in 1972. In 2000, he was made apostolic vicar of Pakse apostolic vicariate. He was ordained a bishop in 2001. On Feb 2 this year, the former head of Cambodian and Laotian bishops was appointed as apostolic administrator of Vientiane.

There are about 45,000 Catholics in Laos in four apostolic vicariates, less than one percent of the seven-million population. n UCANEWS.COM

Korean bishops hold meeting on nuclear safety in the anti-nuclear movement.

“Civic groups and Korean conference has organised a symposium analysing the safety prob- people should actively intervene lems of nuclear power based on in the government’s energy poliPope Francis’ encyclical on envi- cy to solve the problem. We also ronment and ecology, Laudato Si’. want to try to change our lifestyle In his keynote speech at the and save energy in an eco-friendly symposium, Bishop Peter Kang way,” he said.

The committee held the symU-il of Cheju, president of the Korean bishops’ Committee for posium on May 15 in Gyeongju where six nuclear Ecology and Envireactors are located. ronment, shared his Civic groups and South Korea’s largexperience of visiting Fukushima in Japan, Korean people est earthquake octhere in 2016 the scene of a severe should actively curred raising awareness of nuclear accident. intervene in the the need to avoid a “I realised that disaster. any accident involvgovernment’s Lee Jeong-yoon, ing nuclear power is energy policy. president of Nuclear not just a technical issue but a problem – Bishop Peter Kang U-il Safety and Future, a forum for nuclear that shakes people’s experts, stressed the need for livelihoods,” said Bishop Kang.

“It is not easy to give up nu- transparent communication.

“As Laudato Si’ noted, transclear power because scientists, large companies and the govern- parency on nuclear power plants ment have vested interests in it,” should be fully secured and civic groups must be allowed to continhe said.

Bishop Kang called for the uously monitor them,” Lee said. participation of civil society n UCANEWS.COM

SEOUL – The Korean bishops’

‘

’

8 asia

Religions urge govt to protect migrants SEOUL – An interreligious group

in South Korea has asked the new government to ensure the protection of migrants and ban racial discrimination.

Solidarity of Four Religions for the Human Rights of Migrants held a press conference on May 17 in front of the Jogye-sa Buddhist temple in Seoul. Composed of Buddhists, Catholics, Protestants and Won Buddhists, they have been campaigning against racial discrimination.

“Even during the presidential election campaign, the candidates did not give any attention to the two million migrants in Korea.

Given that even the basic human rights of migrants are not guaranteed, we should take care of them by establishing concrete policies,” they said in a statement.

The group called on people to raise awareness of the problem, report cases of rights infringement and pray for an improvement in the situation. “Any action based on racial discrimination should be banned and punished,” they added.

Fr Simon Lee Sang-min, secretary of the bishops’ Committee for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Foreign Residents Living in Korea said, “Most migrants left their native countries due to external pressure and not because they chose to. The new government should introduce policies to safeguard their basic rights.” n

UCANEWS.COM

Sunday June 11, 2017 n CatholicNews

In rural China, the elderly pass on faith to grandkids HONG KONG – Every evening, no matter how busy or tired she may be, Grandma Yiu reads the Bible at home to her seven-yearold granddaughter. Sometimes, parishioners from Changzhi diocese in north-central China’s Shanxi province, come and join her.

Changzhi diocese has 80 churches and 37 prayer houses for its 60,000 Catholics. Among them, only four are in cities, 18 are in suburban areas and the rest in rural zones, according to Asian Church news portal, ucanews. com.

However, in the past two decades, young and middleaged villagers have moved to find better opportunities in the cities. Their participation in church activities also shifted from the rural church to the city, reports ucanews.com.

Shanxi is one of the handful provinces in China with more than 200,000 Catholics. Numerous Catholic villages can be found in this rural area, where the faith has been passed down the generations since Franciscan missionaries introduced Catholicism in 1716.

Now, the province’s historic rural churches are mostly used by the elderly and children.

“Some younger Catholics participate in religious activities in the cities, but some are affected by secularisation and stopped going to church. It is tough for them to maintain

In the past two decades, young and middle-aged villagers have moved to find better opportunities in the cities.

An elderly couple drives to church in China’s Shanxi province. ‘It is now the elderly who are the pillars of the Church,’ said a priest. CNS file photo

their faith, let alone pass it on to the next generation,” said Fr Shen Xuezhong of St Stephen’s Church.

“It is now the elderly who are the pillars of the Church, who pass on the faith to their grandchildren,” said Fr Shen.

Fr Zhao Libin, parish priest of Gaozhuang Church, emphasises Sunday school education.

“We have to grasp firmly the formation of the next generation to ensure the Church can continue to develop,” Fr Zhao said. His parish baptises about 30 children each year.

Three hours away by car, in

Taiyuan diocese, based in the provincial capital of Shanxi where there are an estimated 80,000 Catholics, faith life at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish remains strong even though there were no new baptisms this Easter.

“Grandparents take children to church every day after class for half an hour of prayer. It is their habit,” said Sr Chen of the Handmaid of the Holy Spirit congregation.

“Although the elderly may not be able to teach the grand-

children much doctrine and Church teachings, they instil faith in a subtle way that helps ... the younger generation,” she said.

Besides passing on the faith to their own family members, the elderly also evangelise elsewhere.

“Our elderly parishioners evangelise through serving the needy in other villages where there are no Catholics,” said Wang Yana, a young student from Honggou Church in Taiyuan diocese.

“When the people whom they serve feel loved and cared for, they gradually accept the Catholic faith.”

Changzhi diocese offers eight evangelisation training courses each year. More than 100 Catholics attend each weekly course to learn the Bible, catechism, liturgy, spirituality and other topics. n CNS

Catholics help fight drought BHOPAL, INDIA – A Catholic bishop is the first religious leader to join community efforts dealing with water shortages in Jhabua district in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh.

Bishop Basil Bhuria of Jhabua, four priests and nearly 80 Catholic community members worked on Hathipava Hill on May 21 to fill hundreds of pits prepared for planting saplings with black soil.

The bishop was responding to a call by police superintendent Mahesh Chandra Jain in Jhabua district for religious leaders to support community efforts to tackle water shortages.

For the last year, low rainfall has affected many parts of the state leading to droughts and declining ground water levels.

Planting trees help to mitigate the effects of drought.

“People in many villages in my diocese have to walk several kilometres to fetch water during summer. It is difficult for people to source enough water to drink, for agriculture, cattle and other needs,” Bishop Bhuria said.

Superintendent Jain told ucanews.com that the work across 2.5 ha of barren land began in March this year with the support of the forestry department and 100 police personnel.

“So far we have dug and readied 8,500 pits for planting saplings. Once the rain starts, we will ask people to come forward and help with planting trees for a better life,” he said.

Each sapling will be given a number and the people given the responsibility of watering and caring for them. “This will help to create awareness about environmental protection,” he said.

He added that they intend to plant more fruit-bearing trees to help birds and other animals find their food.

Bishop Bhuria said he would issue a circular to parish priests to help promote tree planting in the drought-prone diocese. “We have started to distribute saplings prepared in our own nursery to the people. Efforts will be made to create awareness and promote tree planting,” he said. n UCANEWS. COM

Sunday June 11, 2017 n CatholicNews

advertisement

9

10 aSIA

Sunday June 11, 2017 n CatholicNews

Bishops support ‘temporary’ martial law in wake of violence MANILA – Catholic bishops in the southern Philippines supported the declaration of martial law in Mindanao following an attempt by a band of gunmen, claiming to be Islamic militants, to seize a city in the region.

“At present we simply do not have solid and sufficient facts to absolutely reject the declaration of martial law as morally reprehensible,” the bishops’ said in a statement released on May 29.

President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial across the southern part of the country after gunmen claiming to have links with the Islamic State group stormed Marawi on May 23.

Thousands of people have been displaced.

“We are certainly agreed that martial law must be temporary,” the bishops of Mindanao said in the statement signed by Cardinal Orlando Quevedo of Cotabato, according to Asian Church news portal, ucanews. com.

The cardinal said the Church leaders “condemn the terrorist acts that have caused the loss

of many innocent lives” and the burning of houses, a Catholic cathedral and a Protestant school.

“We condemn the unconscionable kidnapping of teachers and Church personnel,” the bishops said.

The gunmen took several hostages including Fr Teresito Suganob, vicar general of the Prelature of Marawi, some of the prelature’s staff and Churchgoers.

The bishops condemned “terrorism in its various forms,” adding that it is an “ideology totally against the tenets of any religion of peace.”

“Terrorism distorts and falsifies the true meaning of any religion. It destroys harmonious relationships among peoples of different faiths,” the bishops’ added.

They noted that many Filipinos see Mr Duterte’s declaration of martial law as “reminiscent of the horrors of a past dictatorship.”

Former dictator Ferdinand Marcos declared martial law in the 1970s, resulting in human

‘Martial law is a means of last resort,’ said the Catholic bishops in the southern Philippines.

A Philippine soldier inspects a vehicle on May 24. Residents started to evacuate the town of Marawi after President Rodrigo Duterte imposed martial law across the entire Muslim-majority region of Mindanao. CNS photo

rights abuses carried out by the military.

“Martial law is a means of last resort,” the bishops said.

“The answers to many questions are speculative. We have many fears.”

They offered their assurance that they will “condemn any abuse and as in the past will condemn it outright if it goes in the way of evil.”

The prelates urged Filipinos to be “vigilant.”

“We exhort everyone to be calm in the face of martial law, to be obedient to the just commands of lawful authority, and not to provoke violent reaction,” said the bishops.

Mr Duterte, however, warned that he might expand the coverage of martial law to the entire Philippines if terror threats persist. n CNS

Kidnapped priest appeals for help in video Manila – A Filipino Catholic

priest, who was abducted by gunmen claiming to be Islamic militants, appealed to the Philippine government for help in a video posted on social media on May 30.

The video showed Fr Teresito Suganob, vicar general of the Prelature of Marawi, calling on President Rodrigo Duterte to withdraw security forces from the southern city of Marawi.

“Mr President, we are in the midst of this war. We are asking your help to please give what your enemies are asking for,” said the priest in the video.

“They are asking for [you to] withdraw your forces from Lanao del Sur and Marawi,”

said Fr Suganob.

Claiming to speak for 240 “prisoners of war,” the priest addressed Mr Duterte saying “If you want me to kneel before you just for you to find favour for our families who are crying out ... we will do that.”

He said there are two female workers from St Mary Catholic Cathedral and seven teachers of Dansalan College, a Protestant school, among the hostages.

The priest said his abductors are asking the government “to stop the air strikes.”

It cannot be determined whether the priest, who appeared to be standing in the middle of a bombarded area, was making the statement voluntarily. n UCANEWS.COM

Caritas aiding Sri Lanka flood victims Colombo, Sri Lanka – Caritas is struggling to bring relief aid to those affected by monsoon-triggered flooding and mudslides in Sri Lanka’s southern and western regions that have killed at least 180 and left many others missing.

Monsoonal rains have lashed the country since May 26, flooding more than 15 districts including Galle, Ratnapura, Kalutara, Gampaha and Colombo.

Southern Kalutara district was one of the worst affected areas with at least 50 people killed.

Victims said water levels rose so high they completely covered homes, schools and places of worship.

Fr Indika Anthony, Caritas director of Galle diocese, said access to some areas is still very difficult.

“Thousands of people have

Over 100,000 displaced people are already being housed in 304 temporary camps in floodaffected districts.

A man stands on top of rubble after a landslide struck Kalutara, Sri Lanka, on May 26. Monsoonal rains have hit the country since May 26, flooding more than 15 districts. CNS photo

been affected, including Christians. The local Caritas distributed 2,000 food packets with the help of Buddhist monks, priests

and volunteers on the first day,” Fr Anthony said.

“There is no electricity due to flooding in affected areas and

there is a shortage of drinking water, mats and basic needs,” he said.

Over 100,000 displaced people are already being housed in 304 temporary camps in floodaffected districts.

Residents in many more areas have been instructed to evacuate immediately as further rains threaten to exacerbate the flooding.

“Caritas Chilaw, Badulla, Kurunegala and some par-

ishes have organised to collect mats, pillows, candles, bottles of water, and dry rations to distribute among the worstaffected flood victims,” said Fr Anthony.

Some parish priests are preparing food for victims, including Deniyaya parish which has catered for up to 1,250 people.

Buddhist temples, churches, civil society organisations, village groups and media organisations have put up temporary huts on main roads to distribute bottles of water, mats, pillows and dry rations to flood victims.

Some organisations and parish priests have called on Catholics at Sunday Mass to provide support and full cooperation to bring aid to affected families. n UCANEWS.COM

world 11

Sunday June 11, 2017 n CatholicNews

Pope, English Church leaders offer prayers after Manchester attack

Pope Francis ‘commends the generous efforts of the emergency and security personnel and offers the assurance of his prayers for the injured, and for all who have died.’

A man writes a message on the pavement in Manchester, England, in the wake of the terrorist attack at Manchester Arena on May 23. CNS photos MANCHESTER,

England

–

Pope Francis decried the “barbaric attack” on concertgoers in Manchester, adding his voice to Catholic leaders dismayed at what British officials said was the deadliest case of terrorism since 2005.

In a telegram sent to English Church officials on Pope Francis’ behalf, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, said the pope “was deeply saddened to learn of the injury and tragic loss of life” after a suicide bomb killed at least 22 people and injured another 59 at Manchester Arena on May 22. Many concertgoers at the Ariana Grande concert were teenagers, young adults and families.

The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack.

The pope “expresses his heartfelt solidarity with all those affected by this senseless act of violence,” the telegram said, as “he commends the generous efforts of the emergency and security personnel and offers the assurance of his prayers for the injured, and for all who have died.”

“Mindful in a particular way of those children and young people who have lost their lives, and of their grieving families, Pope Francis invokes God’s blessings of peace, healing and strength upon the nation.”

Muslim men pray at a mosque in Manchester, for the victims of the terrorist attack.

In Britain, Cardinal Vincent Nichols of Westminster, president of the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, and other Catholic leaders offered prayers for the victims of the attacks and their families.

“My shock and dismay at the horrendous killing of young and innocent people in the Manchester Arena last night is, I know, shared by all people of goodwill,” Cardinal Nichols said in a May 23 statement posted on the Westminster archdiocesan website.

“May God, in His mercy, strengthen and sustain us and keep us firmly united in the face of all evil.”

Bishop John Arnold of Salford offered a lunchtime Mass on May 23 at St Mary’s, a popular citycentre church close to Manchester Arena.

In a statement the same day, he said: “The citizens of Manchester and the members of the Catholic community are united in condemning the attack on the crowds at the Manchester Arena.”

Bishop Mark Davies of Shrewsbury wrote to his clergy urging them to pray for the victims and their families.

“Let us also keep in our prayer the police and emergency services, together with all hospital staff and chaplains,” he said in his letter. n CNS

– A telegram sent to English Church officials on the pope’s behalf

God, ‘in May His mercy, strengthen and sustain us and keep us firmly united in the face of all evil.

’

– Cardinal Vincent Nichols of Westminster, president of the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales

12 world

Sunday June 11, 2017 n CatholicNews

Prudence, pastoral concern guided Medjugorje commission VATICAN CITY – If the Catholic

Church recognises as “worthy of belief” only the initial alleged apparitions of Mary at Medjugorje, it would be the first time the Church distinguished between phases of a single event, but it also would acknowledge that human beings and a host of complicating factors are involved, said a theological expert in Mariology.

Servite Fr Salvatore Perrella, president of the Pontifical Institute Marianum and a member of the commission now-retired Pope Benedict XVI established to study the Medjugorje case, said that although Pope Francis has not yet made a formal pronouncement on the presumed apparitions, “he thought it was a good idea to clear some of the fog.”

The pope’s remarks to journalists on May 13 on his flight from Portugal to Rome “were a surprise, but he told the truth,” Fr Perrella told Catholic News Service on May 18. “For four years, the commission established by Pope Benedict investigated, interrogated, listened, studied and debated this phenomenon of the

In discussing the apparitions, the commission opted to distinguish between what occurred in the first 10 days and what has occurred in the following three decades.

Pilgrims pray around a statue of Mary on Apparition Hill in Medjugorje, Bosnia-Herzegovina, in this 2011 photo.

A member of the commission now-retired Pope Benedict XVI established to study the Medjugorje case said things became ‘complicated’ after the first apparitions, which supposedly began on June 24, 1981. CNS file photo

presumed apparitions of Mary” in the small town in Bosnia-Herzegovina.

“The commission did not make a definitive pronounce-

Canadians urged to reverse euthanasia decisions TORONTO, CANADA – The Supreme Court of Canada has ruled, Parliament has legislated and provinces have set up new systems. For most Canadians, the assisted suicide debate is last year’s news story. But Cardinal Gerhard Muller, head of the Catholic Church’s theological watchdog-agency, begs to differ.

“We shall prevail,” Cardinal Muller told an audience of bioethicists, theologians, doctors and nurses at Toronto’s St Michael’s Cathedral Basilica on May 15.

The prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith called Canada’s turn to legalised euthanasia “tragic.”

The legislation, passed on June 17 last year, permits adults with a “serious and incurable illness, disease or disability” who are enduring “physical or psychological suffering that is intolerable to them” to request euthanasia if their natural death is “reasonably foreseeable.”

“Euthanasia not only constitutes a grave wrong in itself, but its legalisation creates toxic and deadly social pathologies that disproportionately afflict the weakest members of society,” Cardinal Muller said.

The cardinal was in Toronto to deliver the keynote address at a Canadian Catholic Bioethics Institute conference dedicated to the conscience rights of health care professionals. He urged members of the institute “to persuade Canadian citizens to take the necessary steps to reverse the dangerous legal error of your Supreme Court and Parliament and, in the meantime, to protect the rights of conscience of health care providers who refuse to take the lives of those that they have sworn to treat and comfort.” n CNS

ment,” he said, but in discussing the apparitions that supposedly began on June 24, 1981, and continue today, the commission opted to distinguish between what oc-

curred in the first 10 days and what has occurred in the following three decades.

“The commission held as credible the first apparitions,” he

said. “Afterward, things became a little more complicated.”

As a member of the papal commission, Fr Perrella said he could not discuss specifics that had not already been revealed by Pope Francis to the media. But he did not object to the suggestion that one of the complicating factors was the tension existing at the parish in Medjugorje between the Franciscans assigned there and the local bishop.

In addition to cardinals, bishops and theologians, the papal commission also included several experts in psychology and psychiatry, a recommended component of any official investigation of presumed apparitions. n CNS

Priest says Egypt’s Christians feel they could be martyrs at any time CAIRO – Christians in Egypt “are getting to

this idea that we could be a martyr at any moment,” the spokesman for the nation’s Catholic bishops told Catholic News Service.

The spokesman, Fr Rafic Greiche, also lamented the number of children killed in an attack on a bus carrying Coptic Orthodox Christians to St Samuel Monastery in southern Egypt on May 26.

At least 29 people, many of them children, were killed when masked assailants attacked the bus. Dozens of others were injured.

At the Vatican, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, sent a message to Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, expressing Pope Francis’ prayers and solidarity after the “barbaric attack.”

“Mindful in a particular way of those children who have lost their lives, His Holiness commends the souls of the deceased to the mercy of the Almighty. He assures their grieving families and all who have been injured of his ardent prayers, and he pledges his continued intercession for peace and reconciliation throughout the nation,” the telegram said.

The attack marked the latest in a series of deadly attacks on Coptic Christians, whose Church was founded by St Mark the Apostle in the first century, and whose community represents the largest of the Middle East’s Christian minorities.

On April 9, two suicide bombers attacked St George’s Cathedral in Egypt’s northern city of Tanta and St Mark’s Cathedral in the coastal city of Alexandria. Those

Women grieve as they attend a funeral at the Sacred Family Church in Minya, Egypt. CNS photo

The May 26 bus attack marked the latest in a series of deadly attacks on Coptic Christians. attacks killed and maimed dozens in what was the deadliest attack against Christians in Egypt’s recent history. A nationwide state of emergency has been in place since.

After the May 26 attack, the Coptic Orthodox Church released a statement saying, “We extend our condolences to all the affected families and are suffering with the entire country due to this evil and violence.”

“We hope for the necessary procedures to prevent these kinds of attacks, which degrade the image of Egypt and cause so much suffering to Egyptians,” the statement said. n CNS

world 13

Sunday June 11, 2017 n CatholicNews

Mexican bishops condemn attacks on journalists MEXICO CITY – The Mexican

bishops’ conference has expressed “support and solidarity” with journalists after a spate of attacks on reporters and editors shocked the country and reinforced Mexico’s reputation as a dangerous country to work in the media.

“We call on the [civil authorities] to guarantee that everyone can carry out their profession with freedom and security, and to combat the impunity and corruption that so strikes and injures our nation,” said the bishops’ statement, signed by the conference secretarygeneral, Auxiliary Bishop Alfonso Miranda Guardiola of Monterrey.

“Journalists fall for showing the truth and revealing the alarming relationships between criminals and the authorities, who have been corrupted by the power of an enemy that is destroying us,” read the May 21 editorial on the murdered journalists and priests in the Archdiocese of Mexico City publication, Desde la Fe. It noted that journalists “name and identify the disappeared and the victims in the web of death in which we are falling”.

“We would like to have good news and the confidence the authorities will do their duty and punish those that attack journalists, priests and the thousands of families who have not had justice,” the archdiocesan editorial read. “But this seems impossible and reality tells us the opposite: 99 percent of

VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis prayed for Chinese Catholics embarking on their annual pilgrimage on May 24 to the Marian shrine in Shanghai.

After reciting the “Regina Coeli” prayer at noon May 21 with visitors in St Peter’s Square, Pope Francis called on Catholics around the world to “unite spiritually with the Catholic faithful in China”.

He prayed that Mary would encourage Catholics “to offer our personal contribution for communion among believers, and harmony in society.”

“I say this to the Chinese

Catholics: Let us raise our gaze to Mary our Mother so that she may help us discern God’s will regarding the concrete path of the Church in China and sustain us in receiving His loving plan with generosity,” the pope said.

Despite close monitoring of the event by government authorities, tens of thousands travel every year to the shrine of Our Lady of Sheshan for the feast of Our Lady, Help of Christians.

In 2007, Pope Benedict XVI declared May 24 as a world day of prayer for the Church in China. n CNS

A journalist holds an image of slain Mexican journalist Javier Valdez (left) during a May 19 protest in Santiago, Chile. Valdez was pulled from his car and shot in Culiacan, Mexico. CNS photo

the crimes committed against journalists remain in impunity.”

Outrage erupted after journalist Javier Valdez was pulled from his car and shot 12 times on May 15 in Culiacan, a city currently consumed by drug cartel violence.

Valdez co-founded and edited the weekly newspaper Riodoce.

Valdez was well-regarded in western Sinaloa state and beyond for his fearless coverage of corruption and drug cartels, but also providing a voice for victims of violence, people often stigmatised by society and in the media as somehow complicit in the crimes committed against them or their families.

Colleagues at Riodoce do not know who killed Valdez but blame the attack on the violence stemming from a struggle between rival factions of the Sinaloa Cartel.

Valdez was the sixth journalist murdered in Mexico in 2017 and his murder was part of a violent week in which several members of the media were attacked.

The Committee to Protect Journalists reports 41 journalists murdered in Mexico for their work since 1992. The motives are unclear in the murder of another 50 journalists killed during that time. Few cases are solved, much less punished. n CNS

Lauded: Ghana’s plan to hand back management of mission schools ACCRA, GHANA – The government

of Ghana has indicated it might be making a move to return management and supervision of mission schools to religious bodies.

Church leaders welcomed the move but called for an educational partnership agreement to make a smooth transition.

Bishop John Kwofie of Sekondi-Takoradi, who is in charge of education for the bishops’ conference, said the government originally helped mission schools because it was in charge of education.

“Educating the population of a country is an immense duty that the state cannot do alone,” he said.

“This assistance, however, evolved into what seemed like taking over the schools from their rightful owners who have, in some instances, been relegated to the background on account of the lack of clear policies or agreement,” he said.

“I think returning the mission schools to their owners is a way

Pope prays to Mary for Church in China

Students at St Joseph Catholic School in Accra, Ghana, in 2005. CNS file photo

of recognising the contribution religious bodies have made and the purposes for which they founded mission schools,” he said, adding that it is “recognition by the government that the religious bodies are able partners in the agenda of

government for a better quality of education in our country.”

He said the churches expect to work with the government on a memorandum of understanding for the management of schools established by religious bodies. n CNS

Catholics are seen carrying a statue of Mary to the Sheshan Marian shrine in Shanghai in this file photo. CNS photo

Indonesian Church provides aid after volcanic eruption JAKARTA – The Catholic Church

in Indonesia is providing muchneeded support to thousands of displaced people following the latest volcanic eruption of Mount Sinabung in North Sumatra province.

Mount Sinabung, one of the most active volcanoes in Indonesia, erupted on May 20, forcing thousands of people to flee to safer ground.

More than 2,000 people in Karo regency, North Sumatra, remain in shelters and are “in desperate need of help”, said Capuchin Fr Markus Manurung, director of Caritas in Medan archdiocese.

Fr Manurung has coordinated the support of the Indonesian Bishops’ Conference, dioceses, parishes, Catholic institutions and individuals.

He said Caritas has provided kitchen sets, medicine, rice and supporting logistics for the evacuees, many of whom occupy refugee camps.

“They are afraid to return to their homes because eruptions happen every day,” Fr Manurang said. “We will continue to help them as long as they remain displaced.”

Caritas is also providing education services to young people, including 50 university students

and some elementary and junior high school students, to limit the disruption to their studies.

Ms Maria Manurung, a Catholic, is thankful to the Church for its charity. “I am glad my two children can attend school now because for some months they didn’t go to school,” she said.

Mr Fredy Purba and his family have also received Church aid

Mount Sinabung erupting in 2014.

“I received rice, medicine and educational tools for my children.

We want to thank the Church for their help,” the Protestant told ucanews.com on May 24.

Mr Purba said he and other evacuees remain in shelters as they fear eruptions will continue.

Some 500 survivors who are staying at a Karo Batak Protestant Church building also received Caritas support. n UCANEWS.COM

14 pope francis

Sunday June 11, 2017 n CatholicNews

Catholics, Pentecostals to celebrate Pentecost with pope Gathering also marks 50th anniversary of Catholic Charismatic renewal VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis’

very public friendship with and overtures to Pentecostal and evangelical leaders is a high-profile reflection of a relationship that already existed at the grassroots between Catholic Charismatics and some of their Spirit-filled neighbours, leaders of the renewal said.

While some Pentecostals in some parts of the world, especially in Latin America, have a reputation for trying to convince Catholics to leave the Church, the reality of the Catholic-Pentecostal relationship is much more varied.

In many places, they share praise, worship, music and Bible studies with Catholic Charismatics, and they set out together to proclaim to all that Jesus is Lord and work alongside each other to feed the poor and defend the unborn.

Pope Francis invited some 300 Pentecostal and evangelical leaders to Rome to join an estimated 30,000 Catholic Charismatics in celebrating Pentecost and marking the 50th anniversary of the

Catholic Charismatic renewal.

Introducing the celebrations, which were scheduled to take place from May 31-June 4, Mr Salvatore Martinez, president of Italy’s Renewal in the Holy Spirit, called the Charismatic and Pentecostal movements “the greatest spiritual awakening of the 20th century,” and noted how similar movements of the Spirit impacted the Anglican, Protestant, Catholic and Orthodox Churches.

Recognising that “it is precisely the Holy Spirit who heals divisions,” he said, Pope Francis wanted an ecumenical celebration.

The Vatican-sponsored dialogue with Pentecostals and evangelicals is somewhat different from its other ecumenical dialogues, which are working toward a restoration of full unity, including in doctrine, ministry and the sacraments.

“Catholics, Orthodox, Anglicans and mainline Protestants all come from the same tradition and historical experience of the Church

Young adults at a Charismatic Catholic conference in the US. Pentecostals are set to join an estimated 30,000 Catholic Charismatics in Rome to celebrate Pentecost. CNS file photo

of the first millennium and more,” explained Bishop Brian Farrell, secretary of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity.

“Pentecostals and evangelicals,” he told Catholic News Service, “come from a very different historical experience; they have an entirely different understand-

Where the Catholic Charismatic relationship with Pentecostals is positive, it provides an example of ‘spiritual ecumenism,’ which is less about agreement on theological points and more about common prayer, said Bishop Farrell from the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity.

ing of Church, sacrament, ministry, mission. The aim of dialogue, then, has to be different.

“With these new religious groups the ecumenical goal is greater mutual understanding and cooperation in witnessing the Christian message,” he said.

While some Pentecostals have an “exclusivist and anti-ecumenical, sometimes especially antiCatholic” attitude, many others focus on shared faith in Jesus and a shared experience of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, Bishop Farrell said.

“Where dialogue is possible,” he said, Pope Francis “is ready and willing.”

And, he said, when other groups are attracting Catholics, the first question should be “What is lacking in our pastoral care? Are Catholics sufficiently attentive to the word of God in the Scriptures? In their parish and neighbourhood, do they build a real, operative community in solidarity and mutual care?

Where the Catholic Charismatic relationship with Pentecostals is positive, it provides an example of “spiritual ecumenism,” which is less about agreement on theological points and more about common prayer.

But the relationship also is an example of what is called “receptive ecumenism,” the process by which divided Christians recognise that the other has gifts they can benefit from, too.

Catholics have much to offer Pentecostals, starting with the liturgy and its mystery and sense of sacrifice, Mr Martinez said. But also, with such a strong focus on reading the Bible, Pentecostals also benefit from the writings and reflections of the early Church theologians.

From the Pentecostals, Mr Martinez said, the first thing Catholics can learn is “love for the Holy Spirit, who remains the great unknown for Catholic theology.” n CNS

Pontiff, Trudeau talk about reconciliation VATICAN CITY – Canadian Prime

Minister Justin Trudeau said he asked Pope Francis to help Canadians “move forward on a real reconciliation” with the country’s indigenous people “by issuing an apology” on behalf of the Catholic Church for its role in harming their communities.

The prime minister spoke to a handful of reporters in Rome’s Villa Borghese Park on May 29 after having had a 36-minute private meeting with Pope Francis at the Vatican.

“He reminded me that his entire life has been dedicated to supporting marginalised people in the world, fighting for them,” the prime minister said, adding that the pope said “he looked forward to working with me and with the Canadian bishops to figure out a path forward together.”

The 2015 report of Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which focused on past treatment of the indigenous com-

munities and concrete steps for a future of greater inclusion, included a recommendation that the pope come to Canada to apologise on behalf of the Catholic Church for its participation in the residential schools for indigenous children.

While the idea behind the schools was to promote the greater integration of indigenous communities into modern Canadian life, the schools led to a situation in which many children were torn from their families, lost their native language and cultures and often suffered abuse.

Mr Trudeau told reporters he invited the pope to go to Canada “in the coming years,” but added no further details about such a trip.

The Vatican meeting, Mr Trudeau said, was an opportunity to have “a deeply personal and wideranging, thoughtful conversation with the leader of my own faith.”

For its part, the Vatican issued a statement saying that the prime minister’s meetings with the pope

and with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, included “the themes of integration and reconciliation, as well as religious freedom and current ethical issues.”

Mr Trudeau, who is Catholic, and the bishops of Canada work closely on fighting climate change and on welcoming and assisting refugees, especially from Syria.

However, the bishops have sharp differences with the prime minister over a variety of issues related to the sanctity of human life and the family.

In early March, Mr Trudeau’s government announced it would “invest” C$650 million (S$670 million) over three years to provide abortion and other services in the developing world.

Pope Francis is aware of the current situation in Canada and the concerns of the bishops on all the issues mentioned by Mr Trudeau to the press and in the Vatican communique.

Pope Francis exchanges gifts with Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie during a private audience at the Vatican on May 29.

CNS photo

While all the bishops of Canada have not formally invited the pope to Canada, during their visits to the Vatican, several of the groups explained the situation of Canada’s indigenous peoples, the

history of the residential schools and the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Some of the bishops said they were told Pope Francis would consider a trip in 2018 or 2019. n CNS

Sunday June 11, 2017 n CatholicNews

pope francis 15

Pope talks about bad-mouthing, backstabbing in parishes ROME – The sin committed most frequently in Christian parishes and groups is bad-mouthing and backstabbing each other, which not only divides the community, it drives away people who come seeking God, Pope Francis said.

“Truly, this pains me to the core. It’s as if we were throwing stones among ourselves, one against the other. And the devil enjoys it; it’s a carnival for the devil,” he told parishioners in his homily during an evening Mass at a parish on the outskirts of Rome on May 21.

Pope Francis told parishioners at the Church of San Pier Damiani how important their use of language was. As baptised members of the Church, every Christian has been given the gift of the Holy Spirit, he said.

People must continue to pray

How many people step inside a parish in search of God’s peace and tenderness, but instead they encounter ‘internal fighting’, said the pope.

A parish celebrating Mass. CNS file photo

for and safeguard that gift, which includes using a “special language,” not Latin, he said, but something else. “It is a language of tenderness and respect” that is also mirrored in one’s behaviour.

“It is so awful to see these people who call themselves Christians, but they are filled with

bitterness” or anger, he said in a homily that was off-the-cuff.

The devil knows how to weaken people’s efforts to serve God and safeguard the Holy Spirit’s presence inside them. “He will do everything so our language is not tender and not respectful,” the pope said.

“A Christian community that

does not safeguard the Holy Spirit with tenderness and with respect” is like the serpent with the long, long tongue, who is depicted in statues as being crushed under Mary’s foot.

Pope Francis said a priest once told him about some people in a parish whose tongues were so long from wagging gossip that “they

could take Communion from the front door; they could reach the altar with the tongue they have”.

“This is the enemy that destroys our communities – chatter,” he said, adding that it was also “the most common sin in our Christian communities”.

A language that boasts or shows off “out of ambition, envy, jealousy” not only divides those already gathered, it drives off newcomers, he said.

How many people step inside a parish in search of God’s peace and tenderness, but instead they encounter gossip, competition and “internal fighting among the faithful”?

“And then what do they say?

‘If these are Christians, I’d rather stay pagan.’ And they leave, disappointed,” he said. “We are the ones pushing them away.” n CNS

Mission means never saying: ‘It’s always been done this way’

Pope Francis greets workers as he arrives at the ILVA steel plant in Genoa, Italy. CNS photo

Pope visits Genoa, discusses jobs, vocations, migration VATICAN CITY – Condemning an economy that encourages speculation more than entrepreneurship, warning priests and Religious that they share responsibility for the vocations crisis and telling young people they are right to be puzzled by nations that close their doors to people fleeing persecution, Pope Francis spent a busy day in Genoa, Italy.

Besides being packed with pastoral appointments, the pope’s visit to the northern port city on May 27 was also emotional. He told workers in a struggling steel plant that it was from the Genoa port that his father and grandparents immigrated to Argentina.

Pope Francis’ day-long visit began with an intense morning of answering questions: first, from workers and business owners gathered at the steel plant; then from priests and Religious in the city’s cathedral; and, finally, from young people gathered at a Marian shrine overlooking the city and the sea.

The questions ended when he had lunch – featuring traditional Genovese pesto – with 120 refugees, migrants and homeless people. He also visited a paediatric hospital before celebrating Mass near the port with about 80,000 people, according to local officials. n CNS

VATICAN CITY – Catholics, especially members of Religious orders, are called to be bold, creative and consoling “missionaries without borders”, Pope Francis said.

Meeting on May 26 with members of the general chapter of the Don Orione Sisters, the pope said focusing on the call to reach out to others and share the Gospel with them is what helps Christians stop being preoccupied with their own worries and concerns.

“Mission and service to the poor put you in the position of going out and help you overcome the risks of being self-referential, of limiting your concerns to survival and of defensive rigidity,” the pope told the Sisters.

Those engaged in mission and evangelisation, at home or abroad, must be “bold and creative”, the pope said. “The comfortable criteria of ‘it’s always been done this way’ won’t work.”

A nun joins young people at a Church-organised baseball camp in Cuba. The pope said Catholics must be ‘bold and creative’ in their mission work. CNS file photo

Modern societies and new forms of poverty pose new challenges, particularly for Religious orders with a specific mission of evangelisation and care for the

poor, he said. “We are living in a time when it’s necessary to rethink everything in light of what the Spirit is asking us.”

The first step, he said, is to see and truly listen to the people one is assisting and evangelising. The key is to use “the gaze of Jesus, which is the gaze of the Good Shepherd, a gaze that does not judge, but seeks out the presence of the Lord.”

Following Jesus’ example means drawing near to people for a close-up view and staying with them as long as necessary, he said.

It also means having a gaze that is “respectful and full of compassion, one that heals, frees and comforts”.

The Year of Mercy, which ended in late November, was a call to Catholics to “clean our eyes and our hearts of indifference” and to proclaim to the world a “prophecy of mercy with humility, as servants,” he said. n CNS

Pontiff: Tackle tech-related job loss VATICAN CITY – The growing

gap between those who can find a place in today’s rapidly changing tech-based job market and those who cannot is very serious and worrying, Pope Francis said.

The problem must be tackled “out of a sense of justice between generations and responsibility for the future”, he said.

The pope spoke on May 20 at the Vatican to participants in an international conference sponsored by the Centesimus Annus

Pro Pontifice Foundation, which seeks to promote the teaching of St John Paul II’s 1991 encyclical on social and economic justice.

The May 18-20 conference discussed “constructive alternatives in an era of global turmoil” as well as looked at incentives for “job creation and human integrity in the digital space”.

“How could we not be worried about the serious problem of the unemployment of young people and adults who do not have at

their disposal the means to ‘promote’ themselves? And this has reached a very serious level” of “tragic proportions” both in developed and developing nations, the pope said.

“Efforts to face together issues connected to the growth of new technologies, the transformation of markets and the legitimate aspirations of workers must take into consideration not just individuals but also families,” he said. n CNS

16 Pope francis

Sunday June 11, 2017 n CatholicNews

Pope, Trump speak of hopes for peace Leaders meet at Vatican, exchange gifts VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis and

Pope Francis exchanges gifts with US President Donald Trump, seen here with his wife, Melania, during a private audience at the Vatican on May 24. CNS photos

US President Donald Trump spent 30 minutes speaking privately in the library of the Apostolic Palace on May 24, and as the president left, he told the pope, “I won’t forget what you said.”

The atmosphere at the beginning was formal and a bit stiff.

However, the mood lightened when Pope Francis met the first lady, Mrs Melania Trump, and asked if she fed her husband “potica,” a traditional cake in Slovenia, her homeland. There were smiles all around.

Pope Francis gave Mr Trump a split medallion held together by an olive tree, which his interpreter told Mr Trump is “a symbol of peace.”

Speaking in Spanish, the pope told Mr Trump, “I am giving you this because I hope you may be this olive tree to make peace.”

The president responded, “We can use peace.”

Pope Francis also gave the president a copy of his message for World Peace Day 2017 and told him, “I signed it personally for you.” In addition, he gave Mr Trump copies of three of his documents: The Joy of the Gospel; Amoris Laetitia, on the family; and Laudato Si’, on the environment.

Knowing that Pope Francis frequently has quoted Rev Martin Luther King Jr, Mr Trump presented him with a large gift box containing five of the slain civil rights leader’s books, including a signed copy of The Strength to Love.

“I think you will enjoy them,”

Mr Trump told the pope. “I hope you do.”

After meeting the pope, Mr Trump went downstairs to meet Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, and Archbishop Paul Gallagher, the Vatican foreign minister. He was accompanied by Mr Rex Tillerson, US secretary of state, and Mr H.R. McMaster, his national security adviser. The meeting lasted 50 minutes.

Mr Tillerson later told reporters that climate change did not come up in the meeting with the pope, but that US officials had “a good exchange on the climate change issue” with Cardinal Parolin.

“The cardinal was expressing their view that they think it’s an important issue,” Mr Tillerson said. “I think they were encouraging con-

Mrs Melania Trump interacts with children during a visit to Bambino Gesu Hospital in Rome.

tinued participation in the Paris accord. But we had a good exchange [on] the difficulty of balancing addressing climate change, responses to climate change, and ensuring that you still have a thriving economy and you can still offer people jobs so they can feed their families.”

The Vatican described the president’s meetings with both the pope and with top Vatican diplomats as consisting of “cordial discussions,” with both sides appreciating “the good existing bilateral relations between the Holy See and the United States of America, as well as the joint commitment in favour of life, and freedom of religion and of conscience.”

The discussions also included “an exchange of views” on international affairs and on “the promotion of peace in the world through political negotiation and interreligious dialogue, with particular reference to the situation in the Middle East and the protection of Christian communities.” n CNS

Sunday June 11, 2017 n CatholicNews

Pope Francis gives an Easter blessing to a home in a public housing complex in Ostia, a Rome suburb on the Mediterranean Sea, on May 19. CNS photo

Pope goes door to door blessing homes VATICAN CITY – Like parish priests throughout Italy do during the Easter season, Pope Francis spent an afternoon on May 19 going door to door and blessing homes.

Continuing the Mercy Friday visits he began during the Year of Mercy, Pope Francis chose a public housing complex in Ostia, a Rome suburb on the Mediterranean Sea. The Vatican press office said Fr Plinio Poncina, pastor of Stella Maris parish, put up signs on May 17 announcing that a priest would be visiting the neighbourhood to

bless houses. The signs, which indicate a date and give a time frame, are a common site in Italy in the weeks before and after Easter.

“It was a great surprise today when, instead of the pastor, the one ringing the door bell was Pope Francis,” the press office said. “With great simplicity, he interacted with the families, he blessed a dozen apartments” and left rosaries for the residents.

“Joking, he apologised for disturbing people, however he reassured them that he had respected the hour of silence for a nap after

lunch in accordance with the sign posted at the entrance to the building,” the press office said.

The pope’s Friday visits to hospitals and hospices, homes for children, rehab centres and other places of care were planned for the Year of Mercy as tangible ways for the pope to practise the corporal and spiritual works of mercy.

Although the Year of Mercy ended in November, the pope restarted making Mercy Friday visits in March when he visited a home and educational centre for the blind and visually impaired. n CNS

Illness a reminder of life’s value VATICAN CITY – The frailty associated with illnesses like Huntington’s disease is not a reason to shun the sick but a reminder of the value of life, Pope Francis said.

Jesus came to tear down the walls of stigma and marginalisation and proved through His love that disease and sickness are “never an obstacle to encountering people,” the pope said on May 18 during a meeting with 1,700 people – those with the fatal genetic disorder and their families.

“Fragility is not an evil. And disease, which is an expression of fragility, cannot and must not make us forget that, in the eyes of God, our value is always priceless,” he said.

The meeting was sponsored by HDdennomore (pronounced Hidden no more), a coalition of neuroscientists, research experts and institutes with the goal of “ending the stigma and shame around the disease.”

Huntington’s disease results in the death of brain cells and causes problems with a person’s mental abilities, body coordination and movement.

Since the disease’s discovery

Pope Francis embraces a patient with Huntington’s disease in St Peter’s Square at the Vatican on May 17. CNS photo

in 1872, the uncontrollable movements that characterise the disease have led to the marginalisation of those afflicted.

Acknowledging the “shame, isolation and abandonment” faced by those with the disorder, the pope said that, for too long, people with Huntington’s disease have been met with “misunderstandings and barriers, truly excluding them.”

However, he added, the organ-

ising coalition’s motto, “‘Hidden no more’ is not simply a slogan so much as a commitment that we all must foster,” and Huntington’s disease can become “an opportunity for encounter, for sharing, for solidarity.”

Pope Francis also encouraged the families who care for their loved ones “with self-sacrifice and steadfastness” to not give in to “the temptation of the sense of shame” and accompany their family members “on this difficult path” that can, at times, “be an uphill climb.”

After his speech, the pope spent nearly one hour individually greeting 150 Huntington’s disease patients seated in the front rows along with their families. Many of them were overcome with emotion as he laid his hand on their head or kissed their cheek.

Maria Esther, Franklin and Yosebly, three siblings from Venezuela who inherited the disease, wept as the pope blessed them and embraced them. According to HDdennomore, the siblings were often victims of “cruel stares” and “isolation” after their symptoms manifested. n CNS

pope francis 17

18 opinion

Sunday June 11, 2017 n CatholicNews

Fortnightly newspaper of the Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore

2 Highland Road, #01-03 Singapore 549102.

Telephone: 6858 3055. Fax: 6858 2055.

Website: www.catholicnews.sg Facebook: www.facebook.com/catholicnews Managing Editor: Father Richards Ambrose: ra@catholic.org.sg

Editorial matters and queries: cnedit@catholic.org.sg

Assistant Editor: Christopher Khoo: christopher.khoo@catholic.org.sg

Subscriptions: Richard Paul: subscriptions@catholic.org.sg

In Memoriam: Racquel Castanares: memoriam@catholic.org.sg

STAFF CORRESPONDENT: Jared Ng: jared.ng@catholic.org.sg

Advertisements: Elaine Ong: advertisements@catholic.org.sg

Please include your full name, address and phone no. for all letters to the editor. All decisions on submissions rest with the CatholicNews. Published submissions will be edited.

Design / Layout: Christopher Wong: design@catholic.org.sg Elaine Ong: elaine.ong@catholic.org.sg

The views or positions presented in articles in CatholicNews do not necessarily represent the views of the Church.

Advertisements that appear in CatholicNews are not necessarily endorsed by the Church.

COMMENTARY

The benefits of spiritual direction Effie Caldarola explains why it’s good for you.

HAVE you ever sat down for coffee with a good friend and found yourself sharing a problem with her? This friend is a good listener and suddenly you are able to see your own problem in a whole new light.

In a very real sense, that is what spiritual direction can be.

Spiritual direction is an ancient practice mainly provided by priests and Religious. After the Second Vatican Council, the laity became more aware that God was calling them to a deep and active life of faith and prayer. So it became important that they find help and guidance in listening to how God was speaking in their lives.

It’s important to know what spiritual direction is not. A spiritual director is not a psychologist or a therapist although you might find a few who are also trained in those practices. And, although this is a little contradictory, a good spiritual director does not actually “direct” you in the sense that they tell you what you must do.

Rather, by conversation and questioning, a good spiritual director may help you make your own decisions and discernments.

For this reason, many directors prefer the title “spiritual companion”.

If you feel that life is sometimes messy and unclear and you’d like some help, you’re ready to seek spiritual direction.

A spiritual director helps you see your struggles and challenges in a new light and helps you move forward. CNS file photo

What to expect

what’s going on in your life, how you pray, where you find God – or where you feel God’s absence.

Although you want to be honest with your director, direction is not confession.

A good spiritual director is an active listener. You do most of the talking; the spiritual director listens closely and asks insightful questions. It becomes a sacred conversation about your whole life – you begin to see God in decisions both great and small.

Where to send your child to school? How to resist returning rudeness at the grocery store and react with kindness? The struggle you’re having with weight and cholesterol etc.

Good directors employ complete confidentiality and discre-

So what should you expect from spiritual direction? You may meet for about an hour, perhaps every four to six weeks. You will meet in a quiet, prayerful environment and your session will begin with prayer.

You can expect your director, at your first meeting, to ask you

By conversation and questioning, a good spiritual director helps you make your own decisions and discernments.

tion. They may make suggestions for you about prayer or about a helpful book.

Sometimes, they may call your bluff if they sense you’re being dishonest with yourself. Eventually, you will feel you’re in conversation with a good friend.

Finding a director How do you find a spiritual director? It’s best to find someone who is trained for spiritual direction.

Ask your parish priest if he can recommend a director or call the pastoral centre or chancery of your diocese for a list.

Or ask any Religious Sister you know, as most Religious communities have trained directors.

Why is spiritual direction a good thing? Often we become bound up in false preconceptions about our lives. We navel-gaze and don’t see the big picture.

A spiritual director helps us see, listen and move forward.

That’s a good thing. n CNS Caldarola is a columnist for Catholic News Service.

Despair as weakness rather than sin Classically, both in the world and in our churches, we have seen despair as the ultimate, unforgivable sin. The simple notion was that neither God, nor anyone else, can save you if you simply give up, despair, make yourself impossible to reach. Most often in the popular mind, this was applied to suicide. To die by your own hand was seen as despair, as putting yourself outside of God’s mercy.

But understanding despair in this way is wrong and misguided, however sincere our intent. What’s despair? How might it be understood?

The common dictionary definition invariably runs something like this: Despair means to no longer have any hope or belief that a situation will improve or change. The Catechism of the Catholic Church, which sees despair as a sin against the First Commandment, defines it this way: “By despair, man ceases to hope for his personal salvation from God, for help in attaining it or for the forgiveness of his sins.

Despair is contrary to God’s goodness, to His justice – for the Lord is faithful to His promises – and to His mercy.”

But there’s something absolutely critical to be distinguished here: There are two reasons why someone might cease to hope for personal salvation from God and give up hope in having his or her sins forgiven.

It can be that the person doubts the goodness and mercy of God or, and I believe that this is normally the case, the person is too crushed, too weak, too broken inside, to believe that he or she is lovable and redeemable. But being so beaten and crushed in spirit so as to believe that nothing further can exist for you except pain and darkness is normally not an indication of sin but more a symptom of having been fatally victimized by circumstance, of having to undergo, in the poignant words of Fantine in Les Miserables, storms that you cannot weather.

And before positing such a person outside of God’s mercy, we need to ask ourselves: What kind of God would condemn a person who is so crushed by the circumstances of his or her life so as to be unable to believe that he or she is lovable? What kind of God would condemn someone for his or her brokenness? Such a God would certainly be utterly foreign to Jesus who incarnated and revealed God’s love as being preferential for the weak, the crushed, the broken-hearted, for those despairing of mercy. To believe and teach that God withholds mercy from those who are most broken in spirit betrays a profound misunderstanding of the nature and mercy of God who sends Jesus into the world, not for the healthy but for those who need a physician.

Likewise this too betrays a profound misunderstanding of human nature and the human heart. Why would a person deem himself or herself so unlovable that she voluntarily and hopelessly excludes herself from the circle of life? It can only be because of a deep, profound wound to the soul (which no doubt is not self-inflicted). Obviously, unless it is a case of some clinical illness, this person has been deeply wounded and has never had an experience of unconditional love or indeed of faithful human love. We are facile and naive when, because we ourselves have been undeservedly loved, we cannot understand how someone else can be so crushed and broken so as to believe himself or herself to be, in essence, unlovable. To paraphrase a painful question in the song, The Rose: Are love, and heaven, really only for the lucky and strong? Our common understanding of despair, secular and religious, would seem to think so.

But, nobody goes to hell out of weakness, out of a broken heart, out of a crushed spirit, out of the misfortune and unfairness of never having had the sense of being truly loved. Hell is for the strong, for those with a spirit so arrogant that it cannot be crushed or broken, and also are unable to surrender. Hell is never a bitter surprise waiting for a happy person, and neither is it the sad fulfilment of the expectation of someone who is too broken to believe that he or she is worthy to be part of the circle of life.

We owe it to God to be more empathic. We also owe this to those who are broken of heart and of spirit. What Jesus revealed in His life and in His death is that there’s no place inside of tragedy, brokenness, sadness or resignation, into which God cannot and will not descend and breathe out peace.

God is all-understanding. That’s why we’re assured that “a bruised reed He will not break, and a smouldering wick He will not snuff out.”

You can bet your life on that. You can bet your faith on that. And you can also live in deeper empathy and deeper consolation because of that. n

Sunday June 11, 2017 n CatholicNews

faith alive! 19

Courage from Pentecost’s flame

By Maria-Pia Negro Chin We look forward to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. The Holy Spirit strengthened the disciples so they could preach God’s word without fear. What would you do if you let the Holy Spirit inspire you?

“The Holy Spirit instils [Jesus’] teaching in our heart, helps us to internalise it, making it become part of us, flesh of our flesh,” Pope Francis said on Pentecost Sunday last year. “Every time the word of Jesus is received with joy in our heart, this is the work of the Holy Spirit.”

Often when people tell me how a good intention became a ministry or campaign to help others, they would say they invited the Holy Spirit to be part of the decision-making process. This takes great openness and humility.

I once interviewed Ms Kathy DiFiore, who said the Holy Spirit inspired her to start Several Sources, a network of shelters in New Jersey, USA, for homeless teenage mothers and a daytime shelter for homeless and abused women.

With all of her different respon-

sibilities, she humbly prays that the Holy Spirit helps her prioritise what is important.

“And if I’m not doing what [God] wants, He [the Holy Spirit] has a right to ... hit me over the head a couple times and I’ll pay attention,” she joked.

This reminded me of what Honduran Cardinal Oscar Rodriguez Maradiaga of Tegucigalpa

Just like with the disciples in the upper room, the Holy Spirit gives us the courage and strength to go forth. once said while visiting the Diocese of Arlington in 2014: Letting the Holy Spirit work in our lives is a way to arrive at sanctity – that is why Pentecost is important.

“When we live in intimacy with the Holy Spirit, every day is and should be extraordinary,” Cardinal Rodriguez said. “There will be less negative things if we have the courage to take the Holy Spirit to the midst of our society.

... It’s not easy. I know. But for God, nothing is impossible if we believe, if we are people of faith.”

Today, we might not see the Holy Spirit as a “strong, driving wind” or “tongues as of fire” like it did to the disciples, but you can see His works in your life if you let Him. He can take us from idleness or fear into action and hope.

Just like with the disciples in the upper room, the Holy Spirit gives us the courage and strength to go forth. Trusting in the Trinity and handing over control to the Holy Spirit, or being open to His guidance, produces a sensation of peace.

In hard situations, Holy Spiritinspired courage can be a special gift for stressed-out hearts. Even when we feel weak, confused and we do not know how to pray, the Holy Spirit – as artisan of God’s works – intercedes for us.

If we give Him room to counsel us through prayer, He can give us the strength to approach things differently, face challenges and take actions that would lead us to become the best versions of ourselves.

On the feast of Pentecost, reflect on the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, understanding, counsel,

An artist’s depiction of a scene from the Pentecost. The feast, celebrated on June 4 this year, commemorates the Holy Spirit descending upon the apostles 50 days after Christ’s resurrection.

fortitude, knowledge, piety and fear of the Lord. What gifts have you been given? How are you called to use those gifts to benefit others?

Which one do you need in your life?

By embracing the Holy Spirit,

we can go forth in the world to discover and do God’s will! n CNS Maria-Pia Negro Chin is bilingual associate editor at Maryknoll Magazine, New York.

20

Sunday June 11, 2017 n CatholicNews

By Jennifer Ficcaglia After Jesus spent 40 days and 40 nights in the desert and was tempted

by Satan, He began His public ministry in Galilee.

“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand,” He preached to all who would listen.

As Jesus travelled by the Sea of Galilee, He came upon several men whom He called to follow Him. These men – Peter, Andrew, James and John – became His first four apostles.

Jesus and His new friends travelled all around Galilee. Jesus taught in the synagogues and proclaimed the Gospel of the kingdom. He also cured people of their diseases and illnesses.

Jesus became very famous for His preaching and healing. Great crowds of people came from all around to hear Him speak and to be cured by Him.

One day, a great crowd had gathered around Jesus. He went up the mountain to sit down. When He was seated, the disciples came to Him and He began to teach.

He explained that those who have a hard life on earth are actually very blessed.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land,” Jesus told the crowd.

“Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God,” He continued.

Jesus went on to explain that those who thirst for and are persecuted for righteousness, as well as those

Spotlight on Saints:

St Thomas More Thomas More was born in England in 1478. He studied law and was a member of Parliament.

He eventually began working for King Henry VIII’s court, but he resigned in 1532 because King Henry disagreed with the Catholic Church on marriage and the pope’s supremacy.

He continued to write in defence of the Church, and in 1534, he was imprisoned in the Tower of London for refusing to say that King Henry was head of the Church of England.

Thomas’ friend, John Fisher, also was imprisoned and was beheaded on June 22, 1535. Thomas was beheaded two weeks later on July 6. We honour both men on June 22. n

who are merciful and peacemakers, are all blessed.

Then Jesus acknowledged that those who follow Him and His teachings would suffer for their belief in Him. “Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me,” He told the crowd.

But, instead of being sad, He told the people to be happy.

“Rejoice and be glad, for your

reward will be great in heaven,” He told them. “Thus they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” n Read more about it: Matthew 5

Q&A 1. Where was Jesus when He talked to a large crowd?

2. Did Jesus want His followers to be sad when they were persecuted?

Wordsearch: n ANDREW n REPENT n BELIEF

n FORGIVE

n REWARD n GODLY n CLEAN

n KINGDOM

n CURE

n SERMON n REJOICE n MARRIAGE

ESSAY: Why is it important to listen to what Jesus taught us?

Bible Accent:

Answer to puzzle: Your reward will be great in heaven.

PUZZLE: Unscramble the letters in each word to reveal something Jesus said when he spoke to the crowd. ryuo

dewrar

ilwl

eb

tgear

ni

vehane.

————

——————

————

——

—————

——

——————.

Answer to Wordsearch

In Matthew 5-7, Jesus taught many things to those who had gathered to hear Him preach.

In His talk, which is now known as the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told the people that if they were persecuted on earth, they would find relief, comfort and reward in heaven. This part of Jesus’ talk is called the beatitudes.

Jesus went on to teach the people some new ways of thinking about how to live a godly life.

For example, he said that even being angry with someone is a sin. He also said that it was better to turn the other cheek and forgive people rather than seek revenge.

Jesus taught that loving one’s friends and family was good, but in addition people should love and pray for their enemies.

Jesus told people not to judge others and to treat others the way they would want to be treated.

Jesus also discussed the right way to pray, fast and give alms. He said none of these things should be done for show, like the Pharisees did, but in private so only God would know.

And Jesus also gave His followers a new prayer to pray. It is now known as the Lord’s Prayer. n

Sunday June 11, 2017 n CatholicNews

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

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

june 29 Catholic Business Network My Journey Series Talk Guest speaker: Y.C. Koh, president of Asia, American Express. Time: 7pm-9pm.

Join us for an evening of fellowship, networking and listen to the sharing of Y.C. Koh. He will share about his personal and corporate life journey, his challenges and joys from both a business and a spiritual perspective. Venue: Cathedral of the Good Shepherd, Annex Blk, Level 3. Love offerings welcomed. For more information, 92284463 (Raymond). july 3 to august 14 Life in the Spirit Seminars Time: 7.30pm-9.45pm. The seminars at the Church of the Risen Christ comprise praise and worship, talks, sacraments, small group sharing and prayer ministry to bring you to an experience of God’s love.

Contribution: $10. To register: W: https:// www.facebook.com/afla mecpc.rc, For more information, 97649432 (Charisse Teo). E: enquiry.liss@gmail.com

may 15 to june 29 Catechesis for Adults & Youths Time: 8pm. God loves you as you are!

Come and meet Him! Every Monday and Thursday at the Church of Our Lady Queen of Peace, 4 Sandy Lane. Organiser: Neocatechumenal Way. For more information, visit ncwaysingapore.sg

july 14 to july 16 Montfortian Xperience 4 – Love of Eternal Wisdom Friday (6:30pm)-Sunday (1pm).

“To know Jesus Christ incarnate wisdom, is to know all we need. To presume to know everything and not know him is to know nothing at all” (LEW 1:11).

If you have a burning desire to acquire wisdom,come and join us for a weekend live-in retreat based on the spirituality of St Louis Marie de Montfort. Venue: Montfort Centre.Conducted by Br Dominic YeoKoh and Br John Albert. Cost: $130.

June 6 to July 4 Basic Catechist Certification Level 1 –Liturgy: The Mass Every Tuesday from 7:30pm-10pm.

Venue: CAEC, 2 Highland Rd, S549102.

In this basic course, catechists will gain a deeper understanding of the importance of liturgical worship in our lives as Christian disciples as well as how the liturgy celebrates both the paschal mystery of God and our relationship with Him. To register: visit this URL: http://tinyurl.com/l2a6ovy. T: 68583011; E: formation@catechesis.org.sg June 9 to June 11 FINDING GOD IN DRAMA June 9 (7pm)-June 11 (4pm). In this retreat, encounter the Scriptures and God differently. Through Ignatian contemplation and Bibliodrama, participants will be invited to step into the role of a character, or even of an object. Organised by Kingsmead Centre, 8 Victoria Park Rd. Fee: $260 (non-AC), $300 (AC). To register: http:// tinyurl.com/Goddrama; T: 64676072

july 15, 22 and august 5 Clarity’s Introductory to Self-Worth for Youths Workshop Time: 10am-noon. It is inevitable that life will have its ups and downs, affecting how we perceive ourselves or our value as a person. How can we then better maintain our self-worth and gain a sense of peace through such tough times?

Come join us and learn ways to maintain your self-worth through various activities.

Venue: Blk 854 Yishun Ring Road, #01-3511. Cost: $10. To register: T: 67577990; E: registration@claritysingapore

june 23 to june 25 June Choice Weekend June 23 (7pm)-June 25 (6pm). It takes that one weekend to inspire you for the rest of your life. Come away for a Choice Weekend – it is by the choices we make that we define what our life is all about.

Organised by Choice Singapore - 47 Jurong West St 42, S649368. To register: 9790 0537 (Hill); 97109680 (Francesca); E: registration@choice.org.sg; W: http:// choice.org.sg/? page_id=131

july 16 Our Lady of Mount Carmel Our Lady of Mount Carmel feast day Mass times: 7.30am (English), 2.30pm (Chinese), 4.30pm (English), 6.30pm (English). Venue: Carmelite Monastery, 98 Bukit Teresa Road, S099750.

Crossword Puzzle 1186

RCIA/RCIY A journey for those seeking to know more about the Catholic faith. Baptised Catholics are also invited to journey as sponsors. april 23 to may 20, 2018 RCIA @ church of our lady of perpetual succour Time: 7.30pm-9.30pm. Registration forms are available at the OLPS secretariat or RCIA ministry @ www.olps.sg.

For more information, T: 96718216 (Christina); T: 96355635 (Peter).

May 5, 2017 to may 31, 2018 RCIA @ CHURCH OF ST TERESA Every Friday, from 7.45pm-9.45pm.

To register: W: www.stteresa.org.sg/rcia/; E: stteresa@singnet.com.sg; T: 62711184.

Address: 510, Kampong Bahru Road, S099446. may 24, 2017 to may 16, 2018 RCIA @ Cathedral of the Good Shepherd Every Wednesday from 7.30pm-9.30pm.

Please register at cathedral.rcia@catholic. org.sg. Registration forms are also available at the entrance of the cathedral.

May 28, 2017 to may 20, 2018 RCIA @ Church of Our Lady Queen of Peace Every Sunday from 3pm-6.30pm.

For more details, please contact Catherine at kosp2411@yahoo.com.sg or Gregory at teiktiong@yahoo.com. july 17 to july 19 Montfortian Xperience 6 – Christian Discipleship Monday (9am)-Wednesday (1pm). A livein retreat based on the spirituality of St Louis Marie de Montfort. Venue: Montfort Centre. Conducted by Br Dominic YeoKok and Br John Albert. Cost: $130. july 21 to july 23 ART & SOUL: A way to God through Art July 21 (8pm)-July 23 (1pm). Venue: Montfort Centre. Contribution: $350/ person (includes materials). See how art, life and creativity can lead to “finding God in all things”. This is not an art workshop, but a time for prayer and reflection. Nonartists are most welcome. Organised by the Cenacle Sisters and team. To register: W: www.cenaclemission.com; T: 65652895; E: cenaclemissionsingapore@gmail.com july 22 SJI 165th Anniversary Gala dinner Time: 6:30pm. Venue: Fairmont Ballroom, Raffles City Convention Centre. SJI is

56

57

60

61

62

4 Bank contents 5 Author of the Summa Theologica 6 Obstinate 7 Beats 8 7th letter of the Greek alphabet 9 N.J. neighbour 10 Holy ___ Brothers 11 Book after Judges 12 Netman Nastase 13 Good queen of England 21 Alpine song 22 The feast of St Alphonsus Liguori is the first of this month (abbr.)

24 Marriage vows 25 Flightless bird 26 Destitute 27 Tree of the birch family 28 Urns 29 Separate article 31 Source of chocolate 32 Highway to Fairbanks 33 Building supports 35 Number of sacraments, in Roman numerals

63

64

65

Solution to Crossword Puzzle No. 1185

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

27

28

24

29

34

35

37

33

53

54

55

42

44

49

32

39

41 45

46 48

31 36

38

43

13

25

30

40

12

22

23 26

11

47

50

51 58

52 59

www.wordgamesforcatholics.com

ACROSS 1 Jesus rebuked this 5 Landed 10 Creche 14 Notion 15 Cite Scripture 16 Dominion 17 Resting place 18 Customary 19 Frequent Mayberry jail occupant 20 Writer 22 Palms are burned to make these

23 Slave of Philemon (Philem 15–16) 26 Feliz ___ 30 Heroic St Bernard animal 31 Taxi 34 Delights 35 Charitable org.

36 Robust 37 Ford flop 38 Book attributed to Solomon (abbr.)

39 Birthplace of Muhammad

40 Determine 41 Number of apostles, in Roman numerals 42 Gentile prophet of the Old Testament 43 Jr. and sr.

44 High-tech item 45 Religious speeches 46 Sacerdotal 48 Intro giver 51 Likely customer 56 Fizzy drink 57 Pope before

Benedict III 59 On the main 60 Gator 61 Evade 62 Young salmon 63 Rock add-on 64 Carried 65 Car DOWN 1 It becomes the Blood of Christ 2 Mid-March date 3 Promontory

P A U L

R S T U

I T I M

M I L E S

D I S C

A N C Y

M A N S E

A D O P T

S C A A R R I M N A I T S H A E N A

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

36 Leader’s position 38 Describes the gate that leads to destruction (Mt 7:13) 39 Magdalene and the sister of Martha 41 Benedict’s number 42 “You are my ___ Son…” (Lk 3:22) 44 Coordinator of parish programs (abbr.)

45 Walk with long steps 46 Sign of ___ 47 Issue forth with force 48 Biblical trial word 49 Three-year-old salmon 50 Coagulate 52 Hemingway, convert to Catholicism, as known to his friends 53 Biblical twin 54 Kind of mail (abbr.)

55 Tropical tuber 57 Permit 58 “Strange Magic” rock grp.

I R O N T E N O R L I M E

T O R C H D E D I C A T E D

E A S C T C H O E B R R O D O I K N E G N G E D E A L N A S T K E

M O O R E

I N L A W

D E A L S

L A L A

E V E R

D E E R

A K E E

P E A L

A D D S

www.wordgamesforcatholics.com

May 30, 2017 to may 20, 2018 RCIA @ CHURCH OF ST bernadette Every Tuesday from 7:45pm-9:45pm.

Sessions will be held at the Parish Hall, 12 Zion Road, S247731. Registration forms can be found at http://www. stbernadette.org.sg/ and from the parish office.

May 31, 2017 to may 20, 2018 RCIA @ CHURCH of the Holy Family Every Wednesday from 7.30pm-9.30pm.

From August, every Sunday from 11.30am-12.45pm. To register: E: rciaholyfam@gmail.com; T: 63440046 (parish office); T: 93414999 may 31, 2017 to june 5, 2018 RCIA @ Church of the Risen Christ Venue: 91 Toa Payoh Central, S319193.

Every Wednesday from 7.30pm-9.45pm.

Registration forms are available at the church’s secretariat/website. For more information: W: www.risenchrist.org.sg; E: rcia1718@gmail.com. may 31, 2017 to april 25, 2018 RCIA @ Church of Christ the King Every Wednesday from 8pm-10pm.

Venue: 2221 Ang Mo Kio Ave 8, S569809.

To register: E: query.rcia@gmail.com; W: http://www.christtheking.com.sg. june 16, 2017 to june 1, 2018 Cantonese RCIA @ Church of Sts Peter and Paul Every Friday from 7:45pm-9:30pm at parish second floor, room 8. For enquiries, T: 63372585 (Parish Office); T: 97120452. celebrating its 165th year as a Lasallian school. Our history since 1852 has been rich, not only because of the school’s accomplishments but, more so, because of the many contributions Josephians have made to Singapore, the world and to the local Church. For more information, W: http://www.sji.edu.sg/165th- anniversary. aug 11 to aug 13 Grieving: A Way to Healing Aug 11 (8pm)-Aug 13 (1pm).

Venue: Montfort Spirituality Centre.

Contribution: $250/person. This retreat will offer ways of dealing with unfinished business of the past to discover the grace coming from past hurts. Participants learn how healing comes through grieving and

What’s On 21 june 18, 2017 to june 3, 2018 Mandarin RCIA @ church of our lady of perpetual succour Every Sunday from 9am-10.30am.

Organised by Church Of Our Lady Of Perpetual Succour, 31 Siglap Hill S456085.

For more information: T: 94517396 (Magdalene); W: website@ www.olps.sg. june 27/29, 2017 to march 31, 2018 RCIA @ Church of the holy cross Every Tuesday (Chinese) and every Thursday (English) from 7.45pm-10pm.

Venue: 450 Clementi Ave 1 S129955. For more information: T: 97577115 (Susan); E: holycrosschurch.rcia@gmail.com. july 1, 2017 to may 19, 2018 RCIA @ Church of Divine Mercy Every Saturday from 3pm-5.30pm. Register at the parish office. For more information: T: 65833378; E: rcia@divinemercy.sg. july 4, 2017 to may 20, 2018 RCIA @ Church of Sts Peter and Paul Every Tuesday at 7.30pm. Sessions will be held in the chapel (3rd level, parish building). Registration forms are available at the parish office or register your interest via http://sppchurch.org.sg/contact- us/ july 11, 2017 to april 1, 2018 RCIA @ CHURCH OF ST ignatius Every Tuesday from 8pm-10pm at St Ignatius hall. Sponsors amd facilitators start on July 11. Inquirers start on Aug 1.

Please register before joining. Registration forms are available at: http://stignatius. org.sg/home/min istries/faith-formation/ rcia- ministry/For more information, T: 64660625 (Angela); 96286472 (Sandra) saying goodbye to these experiences of the past. Organised by Cenacle Sr Mel Benedictos and team. To register: W: www.cenaclemission.com; T: 65652895; E: cenaclemissionsingapore.com aug 20 Catholic Nurses’ Guild Biannual General Meeting and Annual Mass 2017 Come celebrate our bi-annual general meeting and Mass at the Church of Our Lady Queen of Peace 4 Sandy lane S437321. Time: 3pm (meeting), 5.30pm (Mass) followed by dinner at $10/pax.

For more information, T: 97670579 (Laura); 92361047 (Theresa); 91093391 (Doreen); 93210031 (Janet).

22 in memoriam Fifth Anniversary In loving memory of

Paul Salassa Departed: Jun 6, 2012

Sunday June 11, 2017 n CatholicNews

Sixteenth Anniversary In loving memory of

Thoughts of you bring tears For one we love so dear But the will of God it must be In silent sorrow you will remain In our hearts eternally.

Deeply missed by family and loved ones.

ANTHONY ALCANTRA Departed: Jun 14, 2001 Rest in peace, dear loving father, Sixteen long years have passed away; You’re gone, but are still living in the hearts of those who stay.

Dearly missed by your loving wife, children and grandchildren.

obituary 40 Day Memorial Mass

Twenty-eighth Anniversary In loving memory of

AUGUSTINE K HARIDAS Departed: May 13, 2017 Your life was a blessing Your memory a treasure You are loved beyond words And missed beyond measure “We love you forever.”

Mass will be celebrated at the Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary on Wednesday June 21, 2017 at 6.15pm.

Sadly missed by Mum – Goorusamy Mynavathy (Dolly) Wife – Arumthadi D/O Dorasamy (Devi) Daughters – Punitha K Haridas and Kavitha K Haridas relatives and friends.

Reception is held at Blk 215 #05-120 Serangoon Ave 4, Singapore 550215 at 1.00pm on June 25, 2017.

Please treat this as a private invitation.

Nineteenth Anniversary In loving memory of

Twenty-third Anniversary In loving memory of

Third Anniversary In loving memory of

31st Anniversary In sweet loving memory of

Queenie Dias Departed: Jun 7, 2016 Gone from our lives One so dear But in our hearts Forever near.

Dearly missed and fondly remembered by your children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren

S. LOUIS SEBASTIAN NESAN PPN KTS In loving memory Called home to the Lord on 12 June 1986 Second Anniversary Rest in peace, dear loving father, Thirty-one long years have passed on; You’re gone, but are still living in the hearts of those who stay.

Forever missed by loving wife: Jeyaceely Roch, sons, daughters, sons-in-law, daughtersin-law, grandchildren, Carmen Foong nee Galistan granddaughter-in-law Departed: Jun 12, 2015 and all loved ones.

You had a heart of gold One of the best Thanksgiving to behold O Holy St Jude, apostle and martyr, power, to come to my assistance. You were generous, great in virtue and rich in miracles, Help me in my present urgent petiloving and kind near kinsman of Jesus Christ, faith- tion. In return, I promise to make These are the memories ful intercessor of all who invoke your your name known and cause you to you left behind. speical patronage in times of need. To be invoked. St Jude pray for me and Dearly missed and you I have recourse from the depth all who invoke your aid. Humbly in of my heart and humbly beg you, need of your intercession. Amen. fondly remembered by to whom God has given such great Thank you for answering my prayers. family and loved ones.

Third Anniversary

NICHOLAS GOH EU ANN JOSEPH LAGER Departed: June 5, 1992 ANTHONY His smiling way Departed: June 9, 1989 and pleasant face He suffered Are a pleasure to recall; patiently and long, He had a kind word his hope was bright, for each his faith was strong, And died beloved by all.

The peace of Jesus Some day we hope filled his breast, to meet him, some day, And in His arms we know not when he sank to rest.

To clasp his hand in the better land, Dearly missed and Never to part again. remembered by beloved family, baby, Sweetie Dearly missed by and loved ones. loved ones.

JOSEPH PAUL Departed: June 1, 2005 A light from home has gone The voice we loved to hear is stilled Gone is your face we so dearly loved Leaving a vacuum in our home Never shall your memory fade Sweet thoughts of you will always remain.

Always remembered and cherished by your loving wife, children, grandchildren and godchildren.

Third Anniversary In loving memory of

Jerome Dorai Departed: Jun 17, 2014 We speak your name with love and pride We smile with tears we cannot hide We thank you for the years we shared The love you gave, the way you cared.

Dearly missed by wife, children, grandchildren and relatives.

Memorial mass will be held at Church of Christ the King on June 17, 2017 at 5.30pm.

In loving memory of

Fifteenth Anniversary

ARIKAN VICTOR Phelomina K. M. Departed: June 6, 2014 Mariadass Dass Born: Sept 10, 1921 You had a heart of gold Born: Sept 1, 1929 Departed: May 30, 2014 Departed: Feb 16, 2002 One of the best to behold In our home, they are fondly remembered, You were generous, loving and kind Sweet memories cling to their names; These are the memories Those who loved them in life sincerely, you left behind.

Still love them in death just the same.

Dearly missed by Deeply missed and forever Sister Helen and loved ones. remembered by loved ones.

Twenty-fifth Anniversary Third Anniversary In loving memory of

In loving memory of TERESA TAN STELLA LEE SIAN FERNANDEZ Departed: June 10, 1998 Departed: June 4, 1994 Sweet are the memories Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord and let your Silently kept, Of one we love dearly perpetual light shine upon her. May she and never forget, rest in peace. Amen Masses will be Sadly missed and celebrated at Church always remembered of the Holy Family by loved ones. on June 10, 2017 at 6.15am and 6.15pm First Anniversary and at the Church of In loving memory of Divine Mercy at 6.30am and 6.15pm.

Always remembered by family and loved ones.

In loving memory of

In loving memory of

VICTOR HENG Departed: Jun 10, 2014 Time changes many things but not the memory this day brings Till now you are still in our minds and hearts.

From your loving wife Antoinette Mary Lim, children Tiffany & Samantha, son-in-law Jeremy, and grandchildren Valerie, Kimberly & Zachary.

STEPHEN CHER MARIA LIM

POH YONG PUAY CHIN Departed:

Sept 14, 1955 June 12, 1983

Thank you for the years we shared Thank you for the way you cared We loved you then and we love you still Forget you, we never will.

Always remembered by children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and loved ones.

Tenth Anniversary In loving memory of

GILBERT S/O V. S. FERNANDEZ Born on Nov 25, 1948 He was called home to our Lord on: Jun 8, 2007

Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure, you are loved beyond words And missed beyond measure.

Fondly remembered by loved ones.

Fourth Anniversary In loving memory of

ANTHONY BHEEM Departed: Jun 12, 2013 Papa, you silently left us all.

Our hearts still ache with sadness and silent tears still flow.

For what it means to love and miss you, Papa no one will ever know.

You will always remain in our hearts forever.

Dearly loved and deeply missed by all loved ones.

Sunday June 11, 2017 n CatholicNews

In loving memory of

In loving memory of Fourth Anniversary

Ninth Twenty-Fifth Anniversary Anniversary

Thirty-seventh Anniversary

WILLIAM LEONG ANDREW LEONG Yoen Thean CHEE SENG

Dec 19, 1926 Feb 3, 1953 to Jun 13, 2013 to Jun 16, 1980

In our hearts, you will always live.

Your love, your smiles and your laughter are forever imprinted in our minds.

We will always cherish the happy times together and the joy you brought to our lives.

Forever remembered by beloved family, wonderful relatives and friends.

Holy Mass will be offered on Sunday, Jun 11, 2017 at 11.30am at the Church of the Holy Spirit.

joseph david mary anthony Departed June 18, 2008 May 20, 1992

Dearest parents Your presence is ever near us Your love remains with us yet You were the kind parents Your loved ones will never forget.

Deeply missed by sons, daughters and family members In loving memory of Mom and Dad

Third Anniversary

Thirteenth Anniversary

Twenty-Ninth Anniversary In loving memory of

CATHERINE PETER KOH JOO MOEY CHAN KIM YONG Departed: June 16, 2014 January 6, 2004

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

Always remembered by family and loved ones.

My soul glorifies the Lord My spirit rejoices in God, my saviour Second Death Anniversary In loving memory of

His weary hours and days of pain His sleepless nights are past His ever patient frame Has found sweet rest at last We who love him know How much we have lost.

Dearly missed by wife, sons, daughters, sons-in-law, STEPHANUS CHAI daughters-in-law, MAN TING grandchildren and Departed: June 6, 1988 great-grandchildren.

Twenty-sixth Anniversary

Fourth Anniversary

In loving memory of

Third Anniversary In ever loving memory of

MARTINA James Tan CHAN Jeok Swee Departed:

Jun 15, 1991 Jun 28, 2013

Terrence Sebastian Loo Jian Liang Departed: June 5, 2015 The angels came to take you home And you left us all alone We know you keep watching us from above As we still pray for the one we love.

Fondly remembered by loved ones.

Third Anniversary In loving memory of

Peter Yim Wan Seng Departed: June 16, 2014 Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, And let perpetual light shine upon him.

May he rest in peace.

Amen Always remembered by your loving wife, children and grandchildren.

LAWRENCE HARRY YEO Departed: June 15, 2014 We often think of bygone days When we were together, The family chain is broken But memories live forever.

Sadly missed by wife, children, siblings and relatives.

Gone from our lives, one so dear.

But in our hearts, forever near.

Fondly remembered by daughters, sons-in-law and grandchildren.

Eighteenth Anniversary In loving memory of

AROKIASAMY ANTHONY Departed: Jun 14, 1999 Loving memories we will never forget, Sadly missed along life’s way, With silent thought and deep regret, We think of you every day, No longer in our life to share, But in our hearts you’ll always remain.

A loving husband... a loving father... a loving grandfather.

Deeply missed by loving wife, daughters, son-in-law and grandchildren.

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

in memoriam 23

24 world

Sunday June 11, 2017 n CatholicNews

Coming up: Fatima movie, pope documentary WASHINGTON – New movies are in the

works with distinctively Catholic themes.

A documentary titled “Pope Francis – A Man of His Word”, has been bought by Focus Features, an American film production and distribution company, for later theatrical release.

And a dramatisation of the Marian apparitions at Fatima, Portugal, starring American actor Harvey Keitel was announced on May 18 by Arclight Pictures, at the Cannes Film Festival in France.

The Pope Francis documentary was written and directed by Wim Wenders, who has been nominated for Best Documentary Feature Oscars three times – for 1999’s “Buena Vista Social Club,” 2011’s “Pina” and 2014’s “Salt of the Earth”. The German-born Wenders started out directing feature films, most notably “Wings of Desire” and “Paris, Texas”, but later gravitated to documentaries.

“Pope Francis – A Man of His Word” was touted by Focus Features, which bought distribution rights to the film, as “only the second co-production that the Vatican has made with outside filmmakers and the first in which a pope addresses the audience directly, discussing topics such as ecology, immigration, consumerism and social justice”.

“Pope Francis is a living example of a man who stands for what he says,” said Wenders in a statement. “In our film, he speaks directly to the viewer, very candidly and spontaneously. We wanted ‘Pope Francis – A Man of His Word’ to be for all audiences, as the pope’s message is universal.”

The movie about the Fatima appari-

Pope Francis at a general audience. He will be the subject of a documentary titled Pope Francis – A Man of His Word. CNS photo

tions, with the working title “Fatima”, is in pre-production, according to The Tablet, an international Catholic weekly newspaper in England. Keitel, 78, is known to audiences for his roles in “Reservoir Dogs,” “Pulp Fiction” and the first “Sister Act” movie.

Announced as a co-star with Keitel is Brazilian-born actress Sonia Braga, best known for her roles in “Kiss of the Spider Woman” and “Dona Flor and Her Two Husbands.”

There was no word on who would play the three child visionaries, or when the film might be in cinemas. n CNS

Wim Wenders directed the pope documentary.

The Fatima seers will be portrayed in a movie about the Marian apparitions. CNS photo

Acting in the Fatima movie are Harvey Keitel (left) and Sonia Braga.

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