JUNE 15, 2014, Vol 64, No 12

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SUNDAY JUNE 15, 2014

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VOL 64

NO. 12

INSIDE ASIA Typhoon-hit schools to reopen in tents

Gerard O’Connell analyses the impact of Pope Francis’ historic visit to the Middle East JERUSALEM – When Pope Francis, Rabbi Abraham Skorka and Muslim leader Omar Abboud embraced each other at the Western (“Wailingâ€?) Wall in Jerusalem on May 26, the last day of his pilgrimage in the Holy Land, they sent a powerful message of peace to the followers of the three monotheistic religions that count for almost twothirds of the world’s population. The authenticity of this gesture is beyond doubt; they have been friends in Argentina for many years and share together a common vision. They believe that men and women of the three great Abrahamic religions can live together in peace and work together for the good of the entire human race. 7KH ÂżUVW /DWLQ $PHULFDQ SRSH wanted that embrace to take place here in Jerusalem after he and his two friends had visited the various sites that are holy to each other’s religion. It was one of the strongest gestures that he used, and with maximum impact to his global audience during his three-day “pilgrimage of prayerâ€? in the Holy Land. The embrace at the Wall was SHUKDSV WKH PRVW VLJQLÂżFDQW JHVture of his whole visit to the Holy Land, but it was not the only one. His warm embrace with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of &RQVWDQWLQRSOH WKH ³¿UVW DPRQJ equalsâ€? in the leadership of the second largest Christian Church, before entering the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem on May 25 is another one that stands out. It ZDV RQH ÂżOOHG ZLWK VLJQLÂżFDQFH IRU Christians of all denominations on their journey towards unity. I observed the gentleness, care and tenderness with which they related to each other throughout the hour-long ecumenical ceremony in the basilica in memory of the histor-

Haiyan rehabilitation support ‘minimal’ „ Page 6

Myanmar martyrs EHDWLÀHG One is a priest, the other a layperson „ Page 7

WORLD .LGQDSSLQJ of Religious Jesuit abducted, others released „ Page 8

POPE FRANCIS On couples who UHIXVH WR KDYH NLGV Pontiff gives his views „ Page 15

OPINION A gesture that speaks volumes: Pope Francis, Argentine Rabbi Abraham Skorka and Muslim leader Omar Abboud embrace one another at the Western Wall in Jerusalem on May 26. CNS photo

ic embrace of Pope Paul VI and Patriarch Athenagoras on Jan 5, 1964. In their recent meeting, Pope Francis and the Patriarch used strong words of commitment to unity to reinforce their action; words that expressed their heartfelt desire to overcome the almost 1,000-year division between their two Churches. Pope Francis used a

particularly strong image from the Resurrection story when he spoke. He reminded his distinguished audience, that included representatives of all the Christian Churches in Jerusalem, that just as God removed the rock from the tomb of Jesus, so too the rock of divisions between the Orthodox and Catholic Churches can be re-

The embrace at the Western Wall was perhaps WKH PRVW VLJQLÂżFDQW JHVWXUH RI WKH SRSHÂśV YLVLW WR WKH +RO\ /DQG EXW LW ZDV QRW WKH RQO\ RQH

moved if they truly listen to what the Spirit is saying to them today. $QRWKHU VLJQLÂżFDQW PRPHQW LW was a gesture, but not just that) came when, in the meeting with Muslim leaders at the Esplanade of the Dome of the Rock on May 26, Pope Francis called them “brothersâ€?. It was his tradition in Argentina to call Muslims “brothersâ€?; Pope Paul VI, on a few occasions, and Pope John Paul II, in a number of speeches, opted to call Muslims “brothersâ€? rather than „ Continued on Page 14

Fighting climate change How the Church can use its resources to tackle the problem „ Page 16

FAITH ALIVE! Uncomfortable about evangelising? Here are some pointers „ Page 18

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Nun’s dolls highlight Bible stories

Sr Francoise Bosteels (above), a Divine Saviour nun, has made many dolls from materials like cloth and wool. The dolls depict social issues in India as well Bible stories like the wedding at CANA (right).

By Clara Lai Divine Saviour Sr Francoise Bosteels is 72 years old this year, but has been making dolls for about half her lifetime. 7KLUW\ ÂżYH \HDUV WR EH H[DFW Born in Belgium, Sr Francoise has been based in India for the past 40 years but was in Singapore recently for The Dolls Speak H[KLELWLRQ D IRXU GD\ HYHQW WKDW showcased her dolls at CANA the Catholic Centre on Waterloo Street. Speaking to CatholicNews on 0D\ 6U )UDQFRLVH H[SODLQHG that her dolls, which depict Biblical scriptures as well as problems

in India, are “inspired by people’s lives, what I’ve seen, what has saddened me, also the beauty and simplicity of people’s lives�. At the age of 16, a serious illness had caused her to be bedridden for about one and a half years. Her mother then gave her some materials including cloth and wool, and therefore she “started to make dolls and give character to them�. The idea of making dolls had come from the idea of recreating the Christmas crib, Sr Francoise said. Currently based in Bangalore, a city in India, she had wanted to make her creations “Indian� so that they could also highlight

LVVXHV LQ WKH FRXQWU\ VXFK DV ÂłVH[ual abuse, child labour and prejudiceâ€?. To Sr Francoise, her dolls feature the “celebration of life but also sadness and resistance to what is happening in lifeâ€?. It takes her about eight to 13 FRQWLQXRXV KRXUV WR ÂżQLVK RQH GROO Sr Francoise said, and some of these were done even as she worked as a nurse as part of her vocation. Sr Francoise also told CatholicNews that she likes to make WKHVH GROOV DV LW LV D ZD\ RI ÂłH[pressing what I feel about certain issues. It can be happy, can be sad, and it can show hope.â€?

“An awareness about situations in our society, and an invitation to social commitment�, as well as an “invitation to think and take action�, is the message that she hopes her dolls can bring forth. $V IRU WKH H[KLELWLRQ WKDW ZDV held at the Catholic Centre from May 23 to 26, Sr Francoise said that the response in general was “very positive�. Some visitors have told her they were reminded that they have taken for granted the privileges they have in Singapore. „ clara.lai@catholic.org.sg

Jesus washing the feet of His disciples.

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Chinese migrant workers pose with a statue of Our Lady of Sheshan, who is venerated in China.

Mass for World Day of Prayer for the Church in China Above: FMDM Sr Geraldine Ee thanking the audience for their support and donations in aid of Assisi Hospice. Bottom right: Fr John Sim, parish priest of Church of the Risen Christ, conducting an orchestral piece.

Parish orchestra helps hospice The Risen Christ Youth Symphony (RCYS) performed a charity concert in aid of Assisi Hospice on May 24. Inspired by Fr John Sim, parish priest of the Church of the Risen Christ in January 2013, the RCYS had also performed for the church’s Feast Day celebration on Easter Sunday last year, as well as a fundraiser concert for Novena Church’s redevelopment fund in December 2013. The RCYS has also been invited by the National Library to perform a Christmas programme

in December this year. The orchestra aims to perform good quality concerts for the purpose of generating monies for the poor and the needy. Its underlying ethos is to propagate Christian values and teaching, most notably the catechetical teaching of championing the integrity of the human person through the music it performs. String players are still needed for the orchestra. For enquiries, email dr.al.leong@gmail.com with the subject heading “RCYS ORCHESTRA ENQUIRY”.

By Joseph Ho To commemorate the World Day of Prayer for the Church in China, the Commission for Apostolate of Mandarin-Speaking (CAMS) celebrated a bilingual Mass at the Church of St Bernadette on May 23. The Mass was in response to Pope Benedict XVI, who announced in 2007 that May 24 was to be a a day of prayer for the Church in China. The event also hoped to appeal to local Catholics to show their concern for the Church in China. The main celebrant of the Mass was Msgr Ambrose Vaz, concelebrated by Fr Paul Tong, Fr John Baptist Tou, Fr Paul Staes and Fr Peter Zhang. The apostolic nuncio to Singapore, Archbishop

Leopoldo Girelli, was also present for the Mass. During the homily, Msgr Vaz said that we are the body of Christ, and the Church in China is also part of the body of Christ, so we have a responsibility to pray for the Church in China. Before the end of Mass, Msgr Vaz led all present to pray at the statue of Our Lady of Sheshan, who is venerated in China. A China worker who attended the Mass, Mr Li Jun Ci, expressed his thanks to the Singapore archdiocese for organising the event, while another Chinese worker, Mr Li Wei Hung, said that he is looking forward to see China’s Catholics and Catholics around the world join as one in the Body of Christ.

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Two SJI Int’l students receive top marks in Cambridge exam Fr Johnson Fernandez (right) celebrated Founder’s Day Mass at CHIJ Katong (Primary) on May 30.

CHIJ school marks Founder’s Day Pupils, staff and parents of CHIJ Katong (Primary) celebrated Founder’s Day on May 30. The day began with a Eucharistic celebration themed We Serve and Give with Joy. Fr Johnson Fernandez celebrated Mass, and in his homily he mentioned that love has a second language and that is joy. In wanting to experience joy, we must ZDQW WR JLYH VHOÀHVVO\ DQG ZLWK generosity. He likened the joy of giving to the Gospel reading of the Five Loaves and Two Fishes in which the boy shared everything he had, no matter how little there was. The school annually embarks

on a community project and this year, the school’s Gift of Love Project 2 involved everyone in the school community from pupils, teaching and non-teaching staff, parents and canteen vendors to school bus drivers. After contacting the Jamiyah Home for the Aged, the Ramakrishna Mission Boys Home and the Gift of Love Home, various items to be donated towards the charity drive were assigned. 7KHVH ZHUH FROOHFWHG RYHU ¿YH days, then packed and delivered to the homes by staff and pupils at the end of the Eucharistic celebration.

Two students from St Joseph’s Institution International have received prestigious awards from Cambridge International Examinations to acknowledge their outstanding performance in the November 2013 Cambridge examination series. Cameron Cheng Hsian Ming and Kimberly Cheah Jia Wen received the Cambridge Top in the World awards for Music and Literature (English) respectively. This award recognises the success of students who have achieved the highest standard mark in the world for a single subject. Cheng, who is in Grade 11 said, “It’s not just about the content, but the passion for the subject that the teachers instill in us, DQG WKHLU HQFRXUDJLQJ XV WR ¿QG out more. It’s really about learning to learn.” Cheah, also in Grade 11, said, “One thing that is different about SJI International is that we really learn how to serve, and how service should be an integral part of everyone’s lives. In Literature, we study in groups and share ideas with our friends – so we get more out of it than just what we learn in the classroom. It’s one happy, live-andserve-together community.”

Cameron Cheng Hsian Ming (left) and Kimberly Cheah Jia Wen received the Cambridge Top in the World awards for Music and Literature (English) respectively.

Mr Bradley Roberts, principal of the High School at SJI International said, “We are delighted that SJI International students are excelling in all aspects of their learning. Our students are not only performing well in academics, but also in other facets of their lives: service and character development, outdoor education, and co-curricular activities. The Cambridge results are testament to our students’ successful growth in a

holistic learning environment.” It is the third consecutive time that the school has received a Cambridge Learner Awards. Last year, three SJI International students achieved top marks in Additional Maths, International Maths, and Coordinated Sciences.

Update on Archbishop Chia 7KH $UFKELVKRS¶V 2I¿FH released the following update on May 31: His Grace, Archbishop William Goh, wishes to thank you for your well wishes, prayers and concern for His Grace, Archbishop Emeritus Nicholas Chia. Archbishop Goh wishes to share with you the following medical update on Archbishop Emeritus Chia: Since his transfer to Tan Tock Seng Hospital Rehabilitation Centre on 2 May 2014, His Grace has made slow and gradual improvements. Cognitively, he is more alert with improved attention span and is able to follow some simple instructions. His episodic memory (including recall of day-to-day events) however is poor and this impacts on his orientation to time, place and persons and his ability to carry over learning. Given his current cognitive status, the rehabilitation physician has advised that visitation be limited to people whom he is familiar with DQG WKDW YLVLWDWLRQV EH FRQ¿QHG WR lunch time (12 noon to 2 pm). Physically, he still requires moderate to maximal assistance with ambulation, transfers and daily activities. His Grace is expected to continue rehabilitation for another month, pending progress with the primary aim of improving mobility. Please continue to pray for his speedy recovery.

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Sunday June 15, 2014 CatholicNews

Canossian alumni turn dancing queens at reunion The order of the night was to dance. And dance they certainly did – the 350 ex-students, teachers, principals and Canossian nuns who attended Canossians Connect 2014 – Danza Queens, the Canossian Alumni Association’s annual party on May 31. This year also marks 120 years of the Canossian Sisters’ presence in Singapore, and 135 years of mission education that they have been part of. The evening event, held at Copthorne King’s Hotel, started with a dance off competition. The ¿QDOH ZDV WKH FXVWRPDU\ VLQJ D long led by the school’s choir mistress for over four decades, Mrs Christine Kanagarajah, who also penned the school song back then. “Our school song is still the best. I’m always proud to sing it! The Canossian spirit of love and music will bind us for years to come,” said Ms Honey Goh, from the class of 1981. $WWHQGLQJ WKH HYHQW IRU WKH ¿UVW time was Ms Trudy Lee from the class of 1982. She told CatholicNews that she was “very touched by the love of God and closeness we share between the Sisters, teachers and graduates – and despite the years that have gone by, we reunited as though [we] never parted!” The St Anthony’s Canossian primary and secondary schools had their origins in 1879 when the St Anna’s School was opened by Fr Jose Pedro Santa Anna de Cunha of St Joseph’s Church, Victoria St, with an enrolment of six students. Fifteen years later, four Canossian nuns arrived and undertook to run it as an all girls’ school at 111 Middle Road, and renamed it St Anthony’s Convent. The Canossian educational

Above: ExCanossian students and Sr Janet Wang pose for a photo. Right: Dancing the night away.

philosophy aims to grow the body, mind and soul of the students graduate through a holistic education. She is challenged as a thinker,

disciplined as a doer, encouraged to create as an artist, coached as a team player and empowered to be a woman of grace and compassion.

6 ASIA India archdiocese launches suicide prevention helpline GOA, INDIA – The Indian archdiocese of Goa and Daman has launched a round-the-clock emergency suicide prevention helpline to proactively address the escalating suicide rates in the region. “Life is given by God, and only He has the power to take it back,â€? said Archbishop Filipe Neri SebastiĂŁo do RosĂĄrio FerrĂŁo of Goa at the May 24 announcement of the “God Saves Life-lineâ€? initiative. “In today’s society, we need to offer hope to the people that God has created them in love and that He still loves them‌and this hope is what ‘God Saves Life-line’ is expected to offer.â€? Fr Dr Mario Saturnino Dias, creator of the project recounted that over the last two decades, the suicide rate in the country has been “mounting steadilyâ€?. Over 180,000 suicides were reported for 2010 and claimed a younger population between the ages of 15 to 29 years. According to the priest, many suicides also go unreported. He noted that the challenges youth face in India range from family poverty, drug abuse and alcoholism, failure in love affairs, dowry disputes, rural illiteracy, ignorance, and superstitions, agricultural challenges, to bankruptcy loans and many other causes. &DOOHUV DUH DVVXUHG RI FRQÂżdentiality and can also be provided help through a state-wide network of government services like hospitals, law enforcement and legal ERGLHV VXFK DV WKH SROLFH WKH ÂżUH department and associations like the Society of St Vincent de Paul, Caritas and other Church bodies. „ CNA/EWTN NEWS

Sunday June 15, 2014 „ CatholicNews

CHURCH IN PHILIPPINES

Typhoon-hit schools to re-open in tents MANILA – Catholic schools in are-

as devastated by Typhoon Haiyan will hold classes in tents when schools reopen after the April and May summer holiday. Donors have preferred government schools when giving aid following the devastation of the tropical storm in November because they are 150 percent tax deductible, said Mr Anthony Coloma, spokesman of the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP). “Support for [the rehabilitation of] Catholic schools is minimal,â€? he added. Mr Coloma said some 50 Catholic schools in the provinces of Leyte and Samar were affected by Haiyan, which battered the Eastern Visayas region in November. “Our schools will open in time for the new school year... but we VWLOO QHHG WR Âż[ D ORW RI WKH GDP-

A school in Tanauan destroyed by Typhoon Haiyan. Fifty Catholic schools will have to hold classes in tents because rehabilitation support has been minimal. CNS photo

age,� he said. CEAP was able to raise almost US$114,000 (S$143,000) from

donations to repair school buildings but that “is too small to build things up again�, said Coloma.

The Department of Education announced this week that “with or without permanent classrooms�, classes in Haiyan-affected areas will have to open from June 2. Bishop Broderick Pabillo, spokesman of the Catholic bishops’ conference, called on the government to hasten the rehabilitation of devastated areas before the visit of Pope Francis in January during a trip that will also take place in Sri Lanka. “I think [the pope’s] plan of visiting here is to check the condition of the typhoon victims, so the rehabilitation works would be hastened,� Bishop Pabillo said. “It should be shown to the world that we did something so it will not turn disgraceful.� Some 6,200 people were killed and four million were displaced when Haiyan hit the central Philippines at the end of last year. „ UCANEWS.COM

Archbishop urges rosary prayers in wake of political scandal MANILA – The head of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines implored Catholics to pray an “extra rosary� for a threemonth period over a major political scandal that has rocked the country for almost a year. Archbishop Socrates Villegas, conference president, said in a May 24 statement that many Filipinos have been bothered by the millions of tax dollars that went to people in “whom they have entrusted the care of governance of our country�.

Several lawmakers were implicated in a US$229 million (S$288 million) “pork barrel scam�, now under investigation by the executive and legislative branches of the Philippine government. State witnesses said Ms Janet Lim Napoles, a Manila-area businesswoman, created bogus nongovernmental agricultural agencies that received lawmakers’ special earmarks. The money was allegedly channelled back to those lawmakers with a commission for Ms Napoles. She was also implicated in

another funding scandal related to the country’s only natural gas drilling project. Archbishop Villegas said all those being implicated in the scandal should allow an impartial investigation to take place and WKDW SHRSOH LQ SXEOLF RIÂżFH ZKR are being investigated “must not XVH WKH SRZHU RI WKHLU RIÂżFH WR REstruct the pursuit of truthâ€?. “We are much saddened by the pork barrel scandal,â€? he said. “We are shocked, together with our people, at the amount of mon-

ey squandered when there are so many in great need. But we are grateful that in God’s providence the scam is coming to light.� Archbishop Villegas requested that the Catholic faithful say the rosary from May 31 through Aug 15, the feast of the Assumption. The prayers were for “conversion of the culprits ... courage of the witnesses ... and the healing of our country.� “Let us overcome evil by the power of good,� said the archbishop. „ CNS

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Sunday June 15, 2014 „ CatholicNews

Seoul cardinal visits North Korea SEOUL – Cardinal Yeom Soojung, Archbishop of Seoul, has visited the Kaesong Industrial Complex in North Korea. The WULS LV EHOLHYHG WR EH WKH ÂżUVW time that a Korean cardinal has visited the inter-Korean industrial park in the border city of Kaesong. Cardinal Yeom was accompanied by six priests and two staff members from the Archdiocese of Seoul during the May 21 trip during which he met with the South Korean Catholic workers in the factory and toured various facilities. “I saw hope overcoming the pain and sorrow between North and South Korea,â€? said the cardinal upon his return from Kaesong. “I believe that peace can be brought to the Korean Peninsula if we talk to people with good will and make a sincere effort.â€? Cardinal Yeom, who is also the Apostolic Administrator of Pyongyang, has made several

Cardinal Yeom Soo-jung (above) visited the Kaesong Industrial Complex (right) and met with South Korean Catholic workers there.

attempts to visit North Korea since he was appointed Archbishop of Seoul in May 2012. Catholic workers from Kaesong had met with Cardinal Yeom in August 2013 when

%HDWLĂ€HG FDWHFKLVW DQG priest martyred in Myanmar AVERSA, ITALY – The recent beDWLÂżFDWLRQ RI WZR PLVVLRQDULHV who were martyred in Myanmar will give impulse to vocations and mission in the country, says a Myanmar bishop. Âł:H UHMRLFH IRU WKH EHDWLÂżFDtion of PIME missionary Fr Vergara and the lay catechist Isidoro. We are proud of them both,â€? said Auxiliary Bishop Stephen Tjephe of Loikaw. Italian Fr Mario Vergara and Myanmar lay catechist Isidoro Ngei Ko Lat martyred in Loikaw LQ 0D\ ZHUH EHDWLÂżHG RQ May 24 in the Cathedral of Aversa in Italy. The catechist is believed to be WKH ÂżUVW %XUPHVH WR EH EHDWLÂżHG Bishop Tjephe said that the martyrdom has borne fruit: “To-

day, we have about 80,000 Catholic faithful. We are continually blessed with new vocations and WKH EHDWL¿FDWLRQ ZLOO FHUWDLQO\ give new impulse to vocations and to missionary work. It will also offer encouragement to our laity. Isidoro was a layman and he remains a model for all our young people.� Fr Vergara was born in Frattamaggiore in 1910. He was ordained a priest on Aug 28, 1934, and left for Burma (the previous name for Myanmar) at the end of September that year. Not much is known about the life of Isidoro Ngei Ko Lat. He was baptised on Sept 7, 1918 and came from a family of farmers who converted to Catholicism. As a child he accompanied the missionaries on their work. He entered the minor seminary in Taungoo, demonstrating zeal and commitment, but because of poor health he had to return to his family. However, he decided to dedicate his life to the Lord. He remained single and opened a free private school where he held catechism classes. In 1948, he met Fr Vergara, who invited him to carry out the service of catechist in Shadaw. „ UCANEWS.COM/AGENZIA FIDES/NEWS.VA

Fr Mario Vergara (far left) and lay catechist Isidoro Ngei Ko Lat.

the complex was closed due to tensions between the two Koreas. Cardinal Yeom promised to visit the complex after its reopening, which took place in September 2013.

The cardinal initially planned to visit Kaesong on Christmas Day to celebrate Christmas Mass with the workers there but political tensions forced him to cancel the trip. A

request to visit was made again this year, and the North Korean JRYHUQPHQW ÂżQDOO\ DSSURYHG RQ May 19. However, he did not celebrate Mass during this recent trip either. Fr Hur Young-yup, the spokesperson for Seoul archGLRFHVH H[SODLQHG LQ D EULHÂżQJ that the cardinal did not meet ZLWK DQ\ 1RUWK .RUHDQ RIÂżFLDOV and that the visit “has nothing to do with the upcoming papal visitâ€?. The pope is scheduled to visit South Korea for the Asian Youth Day this coming August. Fr Hur also expressed the Church’s desire for continuous dialogue with North Korea. “Cardinal Yeom hopes to visit not only Kaesong but also other regions of the North,â€? he said. “We would like to interact with the Catholic Church of North Korea, if given the chance.â€? „ ZENIT

Catholics attacked during prayers JAKARTA – At least seven people

were injured on May 29 during two attacks on a group of Catholics holding a prayer service in a private home in Indonesia’s Yogyakarta province. The injured included the home RZQHU -XOLXV )HOLFLDQXV DQG ÂżYH women. A journalist also was injured. According to Mr Felicianus, there were two separate attacks at his Sleman district home, at 8.30 pm and 9.20 pm. ,Q WKH ÂżUVW DWWDFN ÂżYH ZRPHQ were injured. Mr Felicianus, who was still at work, rushed home after being alerted by one of his children. When he arrived, he saw that the prayer group had dispersed and his home had been damaged. “Some motorcycles parked outside my house were damaged,â€? he said. “The windows of my house were broken, too. I saw stones everywhere.â€? In the second attack, dozens

of men riding motorcycles arrived and attacked him and a journalist who had come to report on the ÂżUVW LQFLGHQW “They hit my shoulder with iron bars and my head with a Ă€RZHU SRW ´ KH VDLG He was bloodied in the atWDFN DQG UHFHLYHG ÂżYH VWLWFKHV IRU a head gash. He and three other people were treated at a nearby hospital.

The attack took place in a home in Yogyakarta province. Catholics have been holding nightly prayer meetings in his and others’ homes in the district during the Marian month of May. Previous prayer services ran peacefully, Mr Felicianus said. The Association of Journalists for Diversity said in a statement that several incidents of re-

ligious-based discrimination have occurred in nearby Gunungkidul district, including attacks on interreligious activists, the forced closing of a church, banning of an Easter celebration, and the forced dismissal of an Islamic prayer service by an Islamic hardline group. Mr Felicianus told ucanews. com that he was surprised to see that one of the attackers was a neighbour. “I didn’t think I had problems with anyone,� he said. Fr Aloysius Budi Purnomo, head of Semarang archdiocese’s Commission for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs, urged police to quickly investigate the incident. “Bring the perpetrators to justice and protect the victims and their families,� he said in a statement. A Sleman district police spokesman said they are investigating. „ UCANEWS.COM

Former revolutionary becomes Catholic HO CHI MINH CITY – A famous

North Vietnamese composer and former militant revolutionary, has described his decision to embrace Catholicism as “an immense happiness at the end of my lifeâ€?. TĂ´ Hai, 87, was baptised on May 25 and now bears the name of Francis, according to Redemptorists in Vietnam Born in 1927 in Hanoi, he was immediately recognised as a virtuoso for his musi-

cal skills, which he combined with a passion for revolutionary politics in the Communist Party. After the country was divided into North and South, he took part in its wars as an artist and activist. For his body of work, Communist authorities in Hanoi bestowed upon him the regime’s highest honours. However, as time went by his “faith� in Communism and the political revolution gave way to

VSLULWXDO UHĂ€HFWLRQV FXOPLQDWLQJ in 2009 in the publication of his memoir, in English and Vietnamese, which sealed his break with the party. To mark his entrance into the Catholic Church, the composer wrote a song titled God Comes To The Rescue To The Lost. In a recent blog, he wrote, “I ÂżQDOO\ IRXQG WKH ZD\ WR D UHDO reason that makes life worth living.â€? „ ASIANEWS/EDA

8 WORLD

Sunday June 15, 2014 „ CatholicNews

KIDNAPPED RELIGIOUS

Sister and priests released in Cameroon VATICAN CITY – )URP &DPHURRQ

WR QRUWKHUQ ,WDO\ DQG IURP 0RQWUHDO to the Vatican, statements expressing “great joyâ€? accompanied the QHZV WKDW D &DQDGLDQ VLVWHU RI 1RWUH 'DPH DQG WZR ,WDOLDQ PLVVLRQary priests were released unharmed DOPRVW WZR PRQWKV DIWHU EHLQJ NLGQDSSHG LQ QRUWKHUQ &DPHURRQ “It is with great joy that the VLVWHUV RI WKH &RQJUHJDWLRQ RI 1RWUH 'DPH KDYH OHDUQHG RI WKH UHOHDVH RI 6U *LOEHUWH %XVsiere,â€? said a June 1 statement IURP WKH 0RQWUHDO EDVHG RUGHU 6U %XVVLHUH KDG EHHQ ZRUNLQJ LQ &DPHURRQ VLQFH 7KH 'LRFHVH RI 9LFHQ]D ,WDO\ also put out a statement expressing “great joyâ€? that Frs GiampaoOR 0DUWD DQG *LDQDQWRQLR $OOHJUL KDG EHHQ IUHHG )U 0DUWD KDG EHHQ LQ &DPHURRQ VHYHQ \HDUV ZKLOH Fr Allegri joined him at the misVLRQ LQ 7KH WKUHH ZHUH NLGQDSSHG RQ $SULO LQ 7FKHUH DERXW NLORPHWUHV IURP &DPHURRQÂśV ERUGHU ZLWK 1LJHULD 0HPEHUV RI WKH %RNR +DUDP WHUURULVW JURXS DFtive in Nigeria, were suspected of

WDNLQJ WKH WKUHH IURP WKHLU SDULVK LQ 7FKHUH &DUGLQDO )HUQDQGR )LORQL SUHIHFW RI WKH &RQJUHJDWLRQ IRU WKH Evangelisation of Peoples, hapSHQHG WR EH YLVLWLQJ &DPHURRQ when the three missionaries were UHOHDVHG WKH QLJKW RI 0D\ Âł:H WKDQN *RG IRU WKLV PRment of joy,â€? the cardinal told Fides, the congregation’s news DJHQF\ 7KH WKUHH ÂłZHUH H[FLWHG and happy and, I must say, in good physical and psychological condiWLRQ &HUWDLQO\ WKH IDFW WKDW WKH\ were always together helped them WR VXSSRUW HDFK RWKHU ´ He called their release “a welcome surprise and, above all, a JUDFH´ Jesuit Fr Federico Lombardi, 9DWLFDQ VSRNHVPDQ WROG 9DWLFDQ Radio that Pope Francis had been following the case from the beginQLQJ Âł:H WKDQN WKH /RUG WKDW LW ended positively, but at the same time we continue to pray and ZRUN IRU DQ HQG WR HYHU\ IRUP RI YLROHQFH KDWUHG DQG FRQĂ€LFW throughout Africa and around the ZRUOG ´ „ CNS

Kidnapped Jesuit worked with Afghanistan refugees CNS photo

ROME – A Jesuit priest from In-

GLD ZDV NLGQDSSHG RQ -XQH DV KH was leaving a school serving children who were recently returned to Afghanistan after living as refuJHHV LQ ,UDQ RU 3DNLVWDQ The Rome headquarters of the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) conÂżUPHG WKDW LWV $IJKDQLVWDQ FRXQtry director, Jesuit Fr Alexis Prem Kumar, “was abducted by a group RI XQLGHQWLÂżHG PHQ´ DV KH ZDV leaving a JRS-supported school for returnee refugees in Sohadat YLOODJH DERXW NP IURP WKH FLW\ RI +HUDW LQ ZHVWHUQ $IJKDQLVWDQ Âł:H DUH GHHSO\ VKRFNHG E\ 3UHPÂśV DEGXFWLRQ :H DUH LQ FRQtact with all the relevant authorities and doing everything possible to ensure his safe and speedy reWXUQ ´ VDLG -HVXLW )U 3HWHU %DOOHLV LQWHUQDWLRQDO GLUHFWRU RI -56 &KXUFK RIÂżFLDOV LQ ,QGLD H[pressed concern for the safety RI )U 3UHP .XPDU ZKR KDV ZRUNHG LQ $IJKDQLVWDQ VLQFH

Jesuit Fr Alexis Prem Kumar of India was kidnapped on June 2 as he was leaving a school in Afghanistan.

“We are worried and concerned DERXW WKH NLGQDS RI )U $OH[LV ´ )U (GZDUG 0XGXYDVVHU\ -HVXLW provincial for South Asia, told &DWKROLF 1HZV 6HUYLFH RQ -XQH IURP KLV RIÂżFH LQ 1HZ 'HOKL )U -RVHSK &KLQQD\DQ GHSXW\

VHFUHWDU\ JHQHUDO RI WKH &DWKROLF %LVKRSV &RQIHUHQFH RI ,QGLD DSpealed to the Indian government to TXLFNO\ WR VHHN WKH -HVXLWÂśV UHOHDVH 0U 6\HG $NEDUXGGLQ VSRNHVman for the India’s External AfIDLUV 0LQLVWU\ VDLG YLD D 7ZLWWHU SRVW WKDW ,QGLDQ RIÂżFLDOV LQ +HUDW were pursuing the matter with ORFDO DXWKRULWLHV $VLDQ &KXUFK QHZV SRUWDO XFDQHZV FRP UHSRUWHG No group has yet claimed responsibility for the abduction, Fr 0XGXYDVVHU\ VDLG Âł:H DUH NHHSLQJ RXU ÂżQJHUV crossed and very much concerned about the wellbeing of Fr [Prem .XPDU@ ´ KH VDLG %HIRUH PRYLQJ WR $IJKDQLVWDQ )U 3UHP .XPDU ZRUNHG IRU -56 IRU \HDUV VHUYLQJ 6UL /DQNDQ UHIXJHHV OLYLQJ LQ WKH VRXWKern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, his KRPH +H ZDV GLUHFWRU RI -56 LQ ,QGLD IURP WR DQG WKHQ PRYHG WR $IJKDQLVWDQ „ CNS

Church must embrace digital world BROOKLYN, NEW YORK – New

$UFKELVKRS &ODXGLR 0DULD &HOOL SUHVLGHQW RI WKH 3RQWLÂżFDO &RXQFLO IRU 6Rcial Communications challenged Church media organisations to produce engaging content that sparks conversation on social media. CNS photo

technologies are not only changing the way people communicate but communication itself, said the SUHVLGHQW RI WKH 3RQWLÂżFDO &RXQFLO IRU 6RFLDO &RPPXQLFDWLRQV $UFKELVKRS &ODXGLR 0DULD &HOOL ZDV VSHDNLQJ DW WKH %URRNlyn diocese’s annual celebration RI :RUOG &RPPXQLFDWLRQV 'D\ RQ 0D\ “The truth is that the most VLJQLÂżFDQW FKDQJH LV QRW WHFKQRORJLFDO EXW FXOWXUDO ´ KH VDLG “The real challenge is to appreciate how much is changing in the ways people, especially young people, are gathering information, are being educated, are expressing themselves and are forming relationships and comPXQLWLHV ´ 7KH &KXUFKÂśV JRDO $UFKELVKRS &HOOL VDLG LV WR HPEUDFH this new culture of modern communication, which has become ingrained in the daily lives of people everywhere, especially young SHRSOH +H FKDOOHQJHG &KXUFK PHGLD organisations to produce engagLQJ FRQWHQW WKDW VSDUNV FRQYHUVDWLRQ While words and text are still important, he said, multimedia content – including images, video, music and gestures – can be much more effective in conveying the message of a particular PHGLXP &KXUFK PXVW XVH WKHVH SODWIRUPV WR LWV DGYDQWDJH KH DGGHG He also urged those in media to rediscover simple words and metaphors with the goal of capturing the attention of a broader DXGLHQFH „ CNS

WORLD 9

Sunday June 15, 2014 CatholicNews

CHURCH IN UKRAINE CNS photo

Ukrainian president-elect Petro Poroshenko speaks during a May 26 press conference in Kiev, Ukraine. The billionaire candy tycoon won Ukraine’s presidential election with a simple majority, and wants a dialogue with Russia.

Catholic bishop: Election was ‘fruit of the revolution’ OXFORD, ENGLAND – The Ukrainian Catholic Church has welcomed the victory of a billionaire candy tycoon in presidential election and praised the previous interim government for holding the country together in “dramatic circumstances”. “These elections reveal the maturity of Ukrainian society and show it’s willing and able to take responsibility for the homeland,” said Bishop Bohdan Dzyurakh, secretary-general of the Ukrainian Catholic Synod of Bishops. Ukrainians are ready to make decisions about their future “freely and democratically, without interference from outside, and this is the fruit of the revolution...which happened earlier this year”, he told Catholic News Service on May 26. Mr Petro Poroshenko, 48, claimed outright victory in the May 25 presidential ballot after

securing 56 percent of votes on a 60 percent turnout. Bishops Dzyurakh told CNS he believed the new head of state, a Christian, would be “sympathetic to Catholics and open to all confessions” and able to “organise a new life” for the country. “Of course, he’s taking over the Ukrainian state at the most dramatic time in its 23 years of independence, when an undeclared war is being waged against us by Russia,” said Bishop Dzyurakh. “But the Ukrainian nation has shown a great capacity for consolidation, and will be able to mobilise around the person LW¶V VKRZQ WUXVW DQG FRQ¿GHQFH LQ “Unity will be Ukraine’s strength and guarantee the success of reforms which our state and society now urgently need,” he added. The election took place three months after pro-Russian PresiGHQW 9LNWRU <DQXNRY\FK ÀHG

Ukraine amid street protests after resisting calls for closer ties with the European Union. Bishop Dzyurakh said he believed Poroshenko would be accepted in eastern Ukraine. He said it was a “positive signal” the presidentHOHFW KDG SURPLVHG WR SD\ KLV ¿UVW visit to the troubled Donbass region. “We must distinguish between the bandit and terrorist groups active there and the local people who reject violence, even if they took part in the illegal referendums,” the bishop said. “The new president must stop the undeclared war being waged there by separatists with Russia’s support and liberate Donetsk and other areas from the terrorists who are destroying this country. They’re part of Ukraine, and the new head of state must restore peace, security and development there as soon as possible.” CNS

Catholics stay home amid unrest WARSAW, POLAND – A Catholic bishop in eastern Ukraine said Church members are afraid to attend Mass in Donetsk and other towns after a priest from Poland was abducted by pro-Russia separatists. “Local Catholics are living in conditions of great danger – the terrorists are doing what they like and shooting at people indiscriminately,” said Bishop Marian Buczek, outgoing bishop of KharkivZaporizhia, whose diocese includes Donetsk and Luhansk. “People can do nothing but stay at home and await better times, like everyone else. In places where there’s shooting, the Catholic and Orthodox churches have simply stopped functioning.”

Bishop Buczek talked to Catholic News Service on May 28, a day after Fr Pawel Witek, a priest from the Society of Christ for Poles Abroad, was kidnapped by UHEHO ¿JKWHUV LQ FHQWUDO 'RQHWVN A statement from the Society of Christ for Poles Abroad said Fr Witek had ministered in Kazakhstan since 2003 and had travelled to Ukraine to renew his Kazakh visa. It said he had been visiting order members at a Donetsk parish, and members of the society were working with Polish diplomats to secure his release. Poland’s Catholic information agency, KAI, reported on May 28 Fr Witek had disappeared on his way to an ecumenical peace service in Donetsk’s Constitution

Square and was believed to be held in the city’s rebel-occupied Ukrainian Security Service headquarters. Bishop Buczek told CNS there was “no reason why clergy should now become targets”, since “most Catholic priests in this region are Ukrainian citizens simply doing their jobs.” “Many parishes are functioning normally – with the exceptions of Kramatorsk, where our chapel was machine-gunned by separatists last week, and Sloviansk, where the whole town is blocked,” he added. &RQ¿UPDWLRQ RI WKH DEGXFtion came as Ukrainian army units claimed to have restored control of Donetsk’s airport after a twoday battle with separatists. CNS

10 WORLD

Sunday June 15, 2014 „ CatholicNews

Sudanese churches condemn death sentence for Christian woman KHARTOUM, SUDAN – Churches

in Sudan, including the Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference, have condemned the death sentence handed to a Christian woman who refused to renounce her faith. Ms Meriam Ibrahim, whose father was Muslim but whose mother was an Orthodox ChrisWLDQ IURP (WKLRSLD ZDV FRQYLFWed of apostasy by a court in Khartoum in mid-May for marrying a Christian.

In a joint statement, the Sudanese churches appealed to the Sudanese government to free Meriam Ibrahim from prison. In a joint statement, the Sudanese Churches said the charges against her are false. They appealed to the Sudanese government to free her from prison, according to the social commuQLFDWLRQV GHSDUWPHQW RI $0(&($ WKH $VVRFLDWLRQ RI 0HPEHU (SLVFRSDO &RQIHUHQFHV LQ (DVWHUQ $IULFD EDVHG LQ 1DLUREL Kenya. Rights groups and Western governments also have condemned the sentencing of

27-year-old Ibrahim, who gave birth in late May, the BBC reported. It said she would be allowed to nurse her baby girl in prison for two years before the death penalty is carried out. Her one-year-old son already is in prison with her. Sudanese RIÂżFLDOV ZLOO QRW DOORZ 0V ,EUDhim’s husband, Mr Daniel Wani, a US citizen living in New Hampshire, to take custody of their son because, by law, a Christian man cannot raise a Muslim child. Sudan’s penal code criminalizes the conversion of Muslims to other religions, which is punishable by death. $0(&($ÂśV 0D\ VWDWHment said Mr Wani claims his wife is Catholic, but the associaWLRQ FRXOG QRW FRQÂżUP WKLV In a May 23 letter to Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, the World Council of Churches called the ruling an “egregiously unjust punishmentâ€? that violates the fundamental principle of international human rights law “embodied in Sudan’s own constitutional guarantees to all of its citizensâ€?. The Sudanese court also convicted Ms Ibrahim of adultery for her 2011 marriage to Mr Wani and sentenced her to 100 lashes. She has reportedly been held in prison for more than three months. „ CNS

Lusaka archbishop: Africans PXVW GR PRUH WR SURWHFW JLUOV ZAMBIA – Lusaka’s Catholic archbishop said African nations should do more to protect girls from oppression and harassment. Laws need to be put in place to ensure that African girls are safeguarded from useless, abusive and oppressive traditional practices,

LUSAKA,

Archbishop Telesphore Mpundu said in late May at a Mass for the Little Servants of Mary Immaculate. “As a Church, we want to see the African girl child well-protected and respected right from the word goâ€? the archbishop said. He said African Catholic leaders would intensify a campaign to ensure girls also have the same opportunity as boys to safely grow up and realise their full potential. He noted that women stood with Jesus at the time of His death even after most male apostles ran away. The archbishop’s call came in the wake of the April kidnapping of more than 200 Nigerian schoolgirls. In addition, many African nations have traditions of families offering underage girls for marriage, although in most countries the law stipulates girls must be 16. He said gender violence should be outlawed. “The police also need to do more to protect the girl child, and to punish the offenders,â€? he said, noting that many law enforcement RIÂżFLDOV ZLOO QRW GHDO ZLWK JHQGHU based violence on the basis that they were domestic matters. „ CNS

Priests in Libya say Catholics fearful DV FRQĂ LFW HVFDODWHV

Migrants from Libya rescued by the Italian navy off the Sicilian coast on May 21. Priests in Tripoli and Benghazi VD\ &DWKROLFV DUH ¾OLYLQJ LQ IHDUœ DV FRQÀLFW ZLWK ,VODPLVWV QHDUV D VKRZGRZQ LQ WKH FRXQWU\ CNS photo OXFORD, ENGLAND – Catholics in

/LE\D DUH ÂłOLYLQJ LQ IHDU´ DV FRQĂ€LFW escalates between Islamist militias and followers of a rebel general, said priests in Tripoli and Benghazi. “People have been warned not to leave home because of possible attacks, so far fewer are attending Church now,â€? said Franciscan Fr Allan Arcebuche, vicar general of Tripoli’s apostolic vicariate. “The Catholic Church doesn’t encourage a visible security presence by the police or military at its Masses, since this could provoke militant groups. But we’re having

to be cautious at our services and in our movements,� he told Catholic News Service by telephone on May 22. New parliamentary elections were announced for June 25 in a bid to avoid civil war after forces loyal to retired General Khalifa Haftar attacked Islamist bases and accused the interim government of Prime Minister Ali Zeidan of failing to exert control.� US military forces in Italy said on May 22 that they were ready to evacuate Americans, after Haftar’s forces launched an offensive

against Islamist militias, including Ansar al-Shariah, the group blamed for a September 2012 attack on the US Consulate in Benghazi. Fr Arcebuche said Catholic workers from India, Philippines and Africa had had their movements restricted by recent violence in Tripoli. Meanwhile, a priest in Benghazi said Church attendance had plummeted in a current “tense stand-off� in the eastern city, where local police had said they were no longer able to protect Christian activities. „ CNS

Parish reaches out to community DIWHU ÂśKRUULĂ€F QLJKW RI YLROHQFH¡ ISLA VISTA, CALIFORNIA – The

pastor of St Mary’s University Parish in Isla Vista said an evening Mass on May 25 for the victims left dead and those injured in a young man’s killing spree on May 23. In a posting on the parish’s website, Fr John Love said, “May God bless the deceased with light and peace and bring comfort to their families.â€? Fr Love offered the parish church as a crisis centre where people could seek counselling to deal with the tragedy that left six people dead and 13 wounded. According to news reports, D \HDU ROG LGHQWLÂżHG DV (Oliot Rodger went on a murderous rampage around 9.30pm on May 23 in Isla Vista next to the campus of the University of California at Santa Barbara. Police said Rodger later died of an apparent self-inĂ€LFWHG JXQVKRW ZRXQG WR WKH KHDG after a shootout with police. Before the shooting, Rodger stabbed and killed three university

Fr John Love, pastor of a parish in Isla Vista, California, blesses a poster for Katie Cooper at a memorial service on May 25. The service remembered those killed in a shooting spree on May 23. CNS photo

students with whom he shared an apartment. In a lengthy manifesto the killer had emailed to his parents and a few others before he started his night of violence, claiming that being rejected by a girl in middle school

had ultimately led him to such rage and taking other people’s lives. “I started to hate all girls because of this,� he wrote. “I saw them as mean, cruel and heartless creatures that took pleasure from my suffering.� „ CNS

POPE FRANCIS 11

Sunday June 15, 2014 „ CatholicNews

Pope assigns new cardinals to congregations, councils VATICAN CITY – Three months af-

ter he gave 19 new cardinals their red hats, Pope Francis gave new responsibilities to the 16 who are under the age of 80. Cardinals assist the pope in governing the Catholic Church and do so most visibly as members of Vatican congregations and SRQWL¿FDO FRXQFLOV WKH DVVLJQPHQWV RIWHQ UHÀHFW D PL[ RI WKH FDUGLQDOœV SHUVRQDO H[SHUWLVH DQG geographic provenance. In the appointments announced on May 22, German Cardinal Gerhard Muller, prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, was named a member of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life DQG IRXU RWKHU RI¿FHV Cardinal Muller has been involved in monitoring and holding ongoing talks with the US-based Leadership Conference of WomHQ 5HOLJLRXV LQ KLV RI¿FH ordered a major reform of the group, which includes the superiors general of most women’s con-

Cardinal Orlando Quevedo of Cotabato, Philippines. CNS photo

gregations in the United States. Among other assignments for the new cardinals: „ Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, was named a member of the congregations for Eastern Churches, Bishops and the Evangelisation of Peoples. „ English Cardinal Vincent

Nichols of Westminster was named a member of the PonWL¿FDO &RXQFLO IRU 3URPRWLQJ Christian Unity and the congregations for Eastern Churches, Bishops and Clergy. „ Canadian Cardinal Gerald LaFURL[ RI 4XHEHF D IRUPHU PLVsionary with the Pius X Secular Institute, was named a member of the congregation for ReliJLRXV DQG WKH SRQWL¿FDO FRXQcils for Interreligious Dialogue and for Culture. „ Philippine Cardinal Orlando 4XHYHGR RI &RWDEDWR ZKR LV involved in Catholic-Muslim dialogue, also was named to the interreligious dialogue council, as well as the PonWL¿FDO &RXQFLO IRU -XVWLFH DQG Peace. None of the new cardinals was named a member of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, which is charged with promoting and safeguarding Catholic doctrine, as well as with investigating priests accused of VH[XDOO\ DEXVLQJ FKLOGUHQ „ CNS

Pontiff closes Marian month VATICAN CITY – Standing before a

replica of the grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes from France, Pope Francis

told Vatican employees and other guests that Mary is a mother who never makes her children wait for a response to their prayers. “She is the virgin of readiness, Our Lady of Haste,â€? the pope said on May 31 at the end of a rosary procession and prayer service marking the feast of the Visitation and the end of May, the month traditionally devoted to Mary. As darkness fell and those participating in the procession held candles in the Vatican Gardens, Pope Francis noted how in the Gospel of Luke’s description of Mary visiting her cousin Elisabeth, it says Mary went “in haste.â€? Âł6KH GLG QRW ORVH WLPH VKH went right away to serve,â€? the pope said. Mary is always “ready to come to our aid when we pray to her, when we ask her help, her

People attend a Marian prayer service led by Pope Francis in the Vatican Gardens on May 31. CNS photo

protection over us,� Pope Francis said. “In the many moments of life when we need the help of her protection, remember that she will not make us wait: she is Our Lady of Haste.� „ CNS

Cardinals and a bishop walk in a rosary procession to a replica of the grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes in the Vatican Gardens. CNS photo

12 POPE IN HOLY LAND

Sunday June 15, 2014 „ CatholicNews

Pope Francis prays in front of the Israeli security wall in Bethlehem, West Bank. The wall separates Israelis from Palestinians. CNS photos

Pope Francis’ pilgrimage In Jordan, May 24 Pope Francis began a densely packed visit to the Holy Land on May 24 with a call for religious freedom in the Middle East, including respect for the right to change one’s religion. “Religious freedom is, in fact, a fundamental human right, and I cannot fail to express my hope that it will be upheld throughout the Middle East and the entire world,â€? the pope said in a speech to local dignitaries shortly after his arrival in Jordan. Later, celebrating Mass at Amman’s International Stadium, he said hope for peace in a region torn E\ VHFWDULDQ FRQĂ€LFWV FRPHV IURP faith in God. “Diversity of ideas and persons should not trigger rejection or prove an obstacle, for variety always enriches,â€? he told the congregation of some 30,000 people. “We ought, therefore, to show concrete signs of humility, fraternity, forgiveness and reconciliation. “Peace is not something which can be bought,â€? the pope said. “It is a gift to be sought patiently and to be crafted through the actions, great and small, of our everyday lives.â€? The pope acknowledged the presence in the congregation of “many Christian refugees from Palestine, Syria and Iraqâ€?, asking

them to take his greetings to their families and communities, “and assure them of my closeness�. At the end of Mass, Latin Patriarch Fouad Twal of Jerusalem addressed the pope in Italian, calling the Catholic Church a source of unity in Jordan, both among Christians and the general population. But he lamented the “true human haemorrhage� of Christian emigration to other Arab countries and North America. Pope Francis also visited the banks of the River Jordan where he prayed, spoke and blessed Syrian and Iraqi refugees sheltering

in Jordan, along with Jordanian orphans, the sick, and the disabled who shared their stories. The pope signed a welcome book, his message reading, “I ask the all-powerful and merciful God to teach us all to walk in His presence with our souls and feet uncovered and our hearts open to divine mercy and love for our brothers and sisters. In that way, God will be all in all and peace will reign. Thank you for offering humanity this place of witness. Francis. 24.5.2014.� In a papal address in the Catholic church in Bethany Beyond the

Pope Francis visits Bethany Beyond the Jordan, the traditional site of Jesus’ baptism, southwest of Amman, Jordan.

Jordan, Pope Francis hit hard on those who perpetrate and perpetuate wars, saying that peace must be pursued particularly in the troubled Middle East region. “Arms are the main reason for the war. ... We pray for those making and selling arms, that compasVLRQ ÂżOO WKHLU KHDUWV ´ KH VDLG He also singled out Syria, in desperate need of healing and peace. “I think particularly of Syria, rent by nearly three years of civil strife, which has led to countless GHDWKV DQG IRUFHG PLOOLRQV WR Ă€HH and seek exile in other countries,â€? he said.

In Bethlehem and Jerusalem, May 25 On May 25, in Bethlehem, Pope Francis invited Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli President Shimon Peres to pray together at the Vatican for peace between their nations. The pope made the announcement after praying the Regina Coeli at the end of Mass that Abbas attended in Manger Square, in Bethlehem, West Bank. Later in the day, arriving at Israel’s Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv, Pope Francis was

People cheers as the pope arrives to celebrate Mass at Amman International Stadium in Jordan.

POPE IN HOLY LAND 13

Sunday June 15, 2014 „ CatholicNews

Pope Francis and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople walk together after an ecumenical celebration in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

The pontiff kisses the hand of a Holocaust survivor during a ceremony in the Hall of Remembrance at the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial.

e to Holy Land greeted by Peres and by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. There the pope repeated his invitation to Mr Peres using exactly the same words with which he had invited Abbas. The prayer event is scheduled for June 8. The pope also urged Israel to stay on the “path of dialogue, reconciliation and peaceâ€?, saying “there is simply no other wayâ€?. “The right of the state of Israel WR H[LVW DQG WR Ă€RXULVK LQ SHDFH DQG security within internationally recognised borders must be universally recognized,â€? the pope said. “At the same time, there must also be a recognition of the right of the Palestinian people to a sovereign homeland and their right to live with dignity and with freedom of movement.â€? Earlier in the day, en route to the Bethlehem Mass, he made an unscheduled stop to pray before a controversial separation wall, built by Israel over Palestinian protests on West Bank land. The pope unexpectedly stopped the vehicle and alighted, then walked over to the JUDIÂżWL FRYHUHG VWUXFWXUH DQG UHVWed his forehead against it in silence for a few moments. Jesuit Fr Federico Lombardi, the Vatican spokesman, later conÂżUPHG WKDW WKH SRSH KDG EHHQ SUD\ing as he stood against the wall. Meeting with Palestinian leaders in Bethlehem, Pope Francis

voiced his sympathy with “those who suffer mostâ€? from the decades-long Israeli-Palestinian conĂ€LFW D VLWXDWLRQ KH FDOOHG ÂłLQFUHDVingly unacceptableâ€?. During a speech to Mr Abbas and other dignitaries in the presidential palace, the pope decried WKH ,VUDHOL 3DOHVWLQLDQ FRQĂ€LFWÂśV “tragic consequencesâ€?, including “insecurity, the violation of rights,

is not something ‘Peace which can be bought. It is a gift to be sought patiently and to be crafted through the actions, great and small, of our everyday lives.

’

– Pope Francis at Amman’s International Stadium

LVRODWLRQ DQG WKH Ă€LJKW RI HQWLUH FRPPXQLWLHV FRQĂ€LFWV VKRUWDJHV and sufferings of every sortâ€?. “In expressing my closeness to those who suffer most from this FRQĂ€LFW , ZLVK WR VWDWH P\ KHDUWIHOW conviction that the time has come to put an end to this situation which has become increasingly unacceptable,â€? he said. “Each side has to make certain VDFULÂżFHV ´ 3RSH )UDQFLV VDLG

The pope also met with Palestinian refugee children from different camps in the West Bank. He told them not to let the past hinder them, but to always look to the future. Later in Jerusalem, and half a century after a historic encounter between their predecessors, Pope Francis and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew met in the same place to seek inspiration for ChrisWLDQ XQLW\ DW WKH VLWH RI &KULVWÂśV death and resurrection. “We need to believe that, just as the stone before the tomb was cast aside, so, too, every obstacle to our full communion will also be removed,â€? the pope said during a prayer service at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Patriarch Bartholomew said JeVXVÂś WRPE VHQGV WKH PHVVDJH WKDW “history cannot be programmed; that the ultimate word in history does not belong to man, but to God. In vain did the guards of secular power watch over this tomb. In vain did they place a very large stone against the door of the tomb, so that none could roll it away.â€? The patriarch said the tomb also encourages Christians to “love the other, the different other, the followers of other faiths and other confessionsâ€?. „ Continued on Page 14

Pope Francis places a note in the Western Wall in Jerusalem.

Celebration of Mass at Manger Square in Bethlehem.

Pope Francis greets refugee children at a refugee camp near Bethlehem.

14 POPE IN HOLY LAND

3RSH UHDFKHV RXW WR -HZV 0XVOLPV DQG ORFDO &DWKROLFV „ )URP 3DJH

7KHLU SUD\HU VHUYLFH PDUNHG WKH WK DQQLYHUVDU\ RI DQ HQFRXQWHU LQ -HUXVDOHP EHWZHHQ 3RSH 3DXO 9, DQG (FXPHQLFDO 3DWULDUFK $WKHQDgoras of Constantinople. The earlier meeting, which led both Churches to lift the mutual excommunications that started the East-West VFKLVP LQ RSHQHG WKH PRGHUQ period of ecumenical dialogue. 7KH 9DWLFDQ KDG HPSKDVLVHG that the pope’s meeting with Patriarch Bartholomew was the main reason for his trip to the Holy Land. ,Q -HUXVDOHP 0D\ Pope Francis spent his last morning meeting with Muslims and Jews and calling for closer relations among the three major monotheistic religions as the basis for peace in the region. He toured the Dome of the 5RFN RQ WKH 7HPSOH 0RXQW VDcred to Muslims as the place from which Prophet Mohammad asFHQGHG WR KHDYHQ DQG VSRNH WR Muslim leaders. $GGUHVVLQJ KLV OLVWHQHUV as “brothersâ€? rather than “friends,â€? as indicated in his prepared text, the pope SRLQWHG WR $EUDKDP DV D common model for Muslims, Jews and Christians, since he was a pilgrim who left “his own people and his own house in order to emEDUN RQ WKDW VSLULWXDO MRXUQH\ to which God called himâ€?. “We must constantly be prepared to go out from ourselves, docile to God’s callâ€?, especially “His sumPRQV WR ZRUN IRU SHDFH DQG justice, to implore these gifts in prayer and to learn from on high mercy, magnanimity and compassion,â€? the pope said. ,Q KLV UHPDUNV WR WKH SRSH WKH grand mufti of Jerusalem, MuKDPPDG $KPDG +XVVHLQ DFFXVHG Israel of impeding Muslims’ access to Jerusalem’s holy sites. Pope Francis then visited the Western Wall, the only standing part of the foundation of the SecRQG 7HPSOH GHVWUR\HG LQ $' He stood for more than a minute and a half with his right hand against the wall, most of the time in silent prayer, before reciting the Our Father. Then he followed custom by leaving a written message LQVLGH D FUDFN EHWZHHQ WZR EORFNV 5DEEL $EUDKDP 6NRUND D longtime friend of the pope from %XHQRV $LUHV DQG DQ RIÂżFLDO PHPber of the papal entourage, said the message contained the text of the Our Father and of the 122nd Psalm, traditionally prayed by Jewish pilgrims who travel to Jerusalem. The pope then simultaneousO\ HPEUDFHG 5DEEL 6NRUND DQG 2PDU $EERXG D 0XVOLP OHDGHU IURP %XHQRV $LUHV DQG D PHPEHU of the papal entourage. “We did LW ´ 5DEEL 6NRUND VDLG KH WROG WKH other two religious leaders. The pope also visited a memo-

rial to victims of terrorism, a stop that was not on his original itinerary. It was added at the request of Israeli authorities in reaction to his spontaneous decision the previous day to pray at Israel’s sepaUDWLRQ EDUULHU LQ WKH :HVW %DQN $W WKH PHPRULDO WKH SRSH prayed with his hand against the stone, the same gesture he used at the separation wall and at the Western Wall. Following a brief wreath-laying at the grave of Theodor Herzl, father of the Zionist movement that led to Israel’s founding, Pope )UDQFLV YLVLWHG WKH <DG 9DVKHP Memorial to victims of the Holocaust. There he greeted half a dozen survivors of the Nazi genocide, NLVVLQJ WKHLU KDQGV LQ KRQRXU Âł+H WRRN P\ KDQG LQ KLV WZR KDQGV DQG NLVVHG P\ KDQG , ZDV dumbfounded. I never had a rabbi GR WKDW ´ 0U -RH *RWWGHQNHU RI 7Rronto told Catholic News Service. $W <DG 9DVKHP WKH SRSH SUD\HG “Grant us the grace to be ashamed of what we men have done, to be ashamed of this massive idolatry, of having despised and destroyed our

Pope Francis prays in the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem.

RZQ Ă€HVK ZKLFK \RX IRUPHG IURP the earth, to which you gave life with your own breath of life.â€? Pope Francis then visited Israel’s two chief rabbis, leaders of the FRXQWU\ÂśV 6HSKDUGLF DQG $VKNHQDzi communities. He told them that relations between Jews and Catholics had progressed greatly since WKH 6HFRQG 9DWLFDQ &RXQFLO ZKLFK declared that Jews were not collectively responsible for the death of Jesus and that God’s covenant with them had never been abrogated. The pope called on Christians and Jews to develop greater appreciation for their common “spiritual heritageâ€?, through deeper NQRZOHGJH RI HDFK RWKHUÂśV IDLWK especially among the young. +H GHGLFDWHG KLV ÂżQDO KRXUV LQ Jerusalem to meeting local priests, men and women Religious and VHPLQDULDQV LQ WKH &KXUFK RI $OO Nations at the foot of the Mount of Olives. He reminded them that despite GLIÂżFXOWLHV *RG LV DOZD\V E\ WKHLU side. The pope told them their presence in the Holy Land was very important, and the Church was grateful to them. „ CNS

Sunday June 15, 2014 „ CatholicNews

Pope to meet abuse victims, FRQÀUPV SUREH RQ FDUGLQDO ABOARD THE PAPAL FLIGHT FROM TEL AVIV – Pope Francis

will meet with a group of sex DEXVH YLFWLPV IRU WKH ÂżUVW WLPH LQ June, he told reporters on May 26. 'XULQJ DQ LQĂ€LJKW QHZV FRQference on his return to Rome from the Holy Land, he also conÂżUPHG UHSRUWV WKDW WKH 9DWLFDQ LV investigating charges its former secretary of state misappropriated funds IURP WKH 9DWLFDQ EDQN $QG he announced he plans to visit WKH 3KLOLSSLQHV DQG 6UL /DQND LQ January. The pope described the abuse of children by priests as “such an ugly crimeâ€? and a “very grave problemâ€?, comparable to perforPDQFH RI D %ODFN 0DVV “We must move ahead, ahead, zero tolerance,â€? he said. He added that he would meet soon with a group of six to eight sex abuse victims from various countries, including Germany, the UK and Ireland. Pope Francis said the Church cannot have privileged “daddy’s boysâ€?, exempt from punishment when it comes to sex abuse of minors. He revealed that three unnamed bishops are currently XQGHU LQYHVWLJDWLRQ E\ WKH 9DWLFDQ for misdeeds related to sex abuse, and another has been found guilty and is awaiting punishment. 7KH SRSH DOVR ZDV DVNHG DERXW reports that Cardinal Tarcisio BerWRQH ZKR DV IRUPHU 9DWLFDQ VHFretary of state was considered the KLJKHVW 9DWLFDQ RIÂżFLDO PLVKDQdled 15 million euro (S$25.6 million) in funds held by the Institute

3RSH )UDQFLV DQVZHUV TXHVWLRQV IURP MRXUQDOLVWV DERDUG WKH ÀLJKW IURP 7HO Aviv to Rome. CNS photo

Pope Francis also announced plans to visit the Philippines and Sri Lanka in January. IRU WKH :RUNV RI 5HOLJLRQ FRPPRQO\ NQRZQ DV WKH 9DWLFDQ EDQN “It’s something being studied, it’s not clear,â€? the pope said. “Maybe it’s the truth, but at this PRPHQW LWÂśV QRW GHÂżQLWLYH ´ 3RSH )UDQFLV VDLG WKH 9DWLFDQ EDQN ZDV D FDVH VWXG\ RI ILnancial reforms now underway LQ WKH 9DWLFDQ XQGHU WKH QHZ Secretariat for the Economy. 7KH EDQN KDV FORVHG VRPH accounts held by “persons who didn’t have the rightâ€? because they were not Church officials

or institutions, the pope said. “But there will still be incongruities, there always will be, because we’re human,� he said. “The reform must be continual.� /RRNLQJ DKHDG 3RSH )UDQFLV VDLG KLV VHFRQG WULS WR $VLD DIWHU D YLVLW WR .RUHD LQ $XJXVW ZLOO WDNH KLP WR 6UL /DQND IRU WZR GD\V LQ January and then to the Philippines, where he will visit areas VWUXFN E\ 7\SKRRQ +DL\DQ He said the door is also open to allowing more married priests in the Catholic Church, in the Latin rite as well as the Eastern Catholic Churches where the practice is already established. “Celibacy is not a dogma of faith, it is a rule of life that I appreciate very much and believe to be a gift for the Church,� the pope said. “Not being a dogma of faith, the door is always open.� „ CNS

Âś, ZRXOG OLNH WR LQYHQW D QHZ EHDWLWXGH¡ „ )URP 3DJH

just friends. Pope Francis is now using that important word all the time when he meets Muslims, and for this too the followers of Islam esteem and respect him. Prior to those two pre-eminent gestures and the courageous and creative initiative to invite the Presidents of Israel and Palestine WR MRLQ KLP LQ WKH 9DWLFDQ WR SUD\ for peace, Pope Francis the previous day, May 25, acted in a way that has had a major impact on all Palestinians as well as Muslims throughout the Middle East – when he got out of his jeep in Bethlehem and prayed at the wall that separates Israelis from Palestinians. Over the years it has become a symbol of the deep divisions between them, and is an ongoing source of resentment. Francis is a pope that advocates the culture of encounter. His prayer at the wall was a strong gesture in total harmony with that vision. This, however did not go down well with many Israelis. The pope, who has excellent political antennae, realised this and so, on the following day, he acceded to a request from Prime Minister Ben-

jamin Netanyahu to pray at the memorial to the civilian victims of terrorism in Israel. He showed no hesitation in doing so because he is convinced that as a pastor, and follower of Jesus, he must participate in so far as is humanly possible in the sufferings of others, whether they be Israeli or Palestinian. $PRQJ WKH PDQ\ RWKHU UHPDUNDEOH JHVWXUHV WKDW PDUNHG KLV +RO\ Land trip, one can mention his SDUWLFXODU JHVWXUHV RI NLQGQHVV DQG WHQGHUQHVV ZKHQ KH PHW UHIXgees from Syria and other countries, many with disabilities, at Bethany beyond the Jordan, on May 24, and the next day when he visited Palestinian refugee children at the Dehiyshe Refugee Camp outside Bethlehem and greeted each one of them. $V SHRSOH KDYH GLVFRYHUHG since he became pope last year, this pope from the new world is a master craftsman in creating original JHVWXUHV $W WKH VDPH WLPH KH LV D PDQ ZLWK D UDUH WDOHQW IRU VSHDNLQJ in simple but telling ways. Thus, for example, when Israeli President Shimon Peres welcomed him at his residence on the last day of his visit here and at the end of a

long conversation praised him for his peace efforts saying, “Peace PDNLQJ UHTXLUHV LPDJLQDWLRQ DQG fantasy,â€? the pope responded with particular eloquence. +H WROG 0U 3HUHV Âł, ZRXOG OLNH to invent a new beatitude: Blessed is the one who enters the home of a wise and good man,â€? and then he added: “Mr President, I feel myVHOI EHDWLÂżHG LQ FRPLQJ KHUH ´ His eloquence was particularly VWULNLQJ DJDLQ DW <DG 9DVKHP 0Hmorial to victims of the Holocaust, where he delivered a profound reĂ€HFWLRQ RQ WKH HYLO WKDW PDQ FDQ GR to his fellow human beings when he misuses his liberty, does evil DQG WKLQNV KH LV *RG ,W ZDV D PHGitation that resembles the Psalms. He composed it without any assistance. It applies to the Shoah, but DOVR KDV XQLYHUVDO VLJQLÂżFDQFH $OO WKHVH JHVWXUHV WRJHWKHU ZLWK his brief, challenging and inspiring WDONV JLYHQ GXULQJ KLV ÂłSLOJULPDJH of prayerâ€? in the Holy Land, have opened new horizons for Christians, Jews and Muslims in the Holy Land, and raised the hope that peace is still possible in this land that has OLYHG IRU IDU WRR ORQJ LQ WKH GDUNQHVV RI FRQĂ€LFW DQG GLYLVLRQ „ AMERICA

POPE FRANCIS 15

Sunday June 15, 2014 „ CatholicNews

Pontiff invites Charismatics to come to Vatican in 2017

Pope Francis sings during an encounter with more than 50,000 Catholic Charismatics at the Olympic Stadium in Rome on June 1. CNS photo ROME – Meeting more than 50,000 matics in Argentina also sing. Catholic Charismatics in Rome’s “When I celebrated the holy Olympic Stadium, Pope Francis Mass with the Charismatic readmitted he was not always com- newal in the Buenos Aires cathefortable with the way they prayed, dral, after the consecration and but he knelt onstage as they prayed after a few seconds of adoration for him and over him by singing in tongues, we sang this song with and speaking in tongues. such joy and strength,â€? he said. “In the early years of the CharAt another point, when the ismatic renewal in Buenos Aires, I crowd prayed that the Holy Spirit did not have much love for Char- ZRXOG ÂżOO 3RSH )UDQFLV KH NQHOW ismatics,â€? the pope said on June 1. RQ WKH EDUH Ă€RRU RI WKH VWDJH “I said of them: They seem like a while they sang with their hands samba school.â€? raised toward him. After the song, Little by little, though, he came many in the crowd kept their hands to see how much good the move- raised as they prayed in tongues. ment was doing for Catholics and In a speech, Pope Francis told for the Church, he told a gather- the Charismatics that their moveing organised by ment was begun the International by the Holy SpirCatholic Charis“a current The Charismatic itof asgrace matic Renewal in the Services and the Church and for movement is ‘a Catholic FraterniChurchâ€?. current of grace the He ty of Charismatic pleaded Covenant Comin the Church and with Charismatic munities and Felgroups not to try for the Church’. to organise evelowships. Pope Francis rything or create a invited the crowd, bureaucracy that which included Charismatics from attempts to tame the Holy Spirit. 55 countries, to come to St Peter’s The temptation “to become Square for Pentecost in 2017 to ‘controllers’ of the grace of Godâ€? celebrate the 50th anniversary of is a danger, the pope said. Group the movement. The Catholic Char- leaders, sometimes without even ismatic movement traces its ori- meaning to, become “adminisgins to a retreat held in 1967 with trators of graceâ€?, deciding who students and staff from Duquesne should exercise which gifts of the University in Pittsburgh. Holy Spirit. The celebration in Rome’s From the beginning, he said, Olympic Stadium began with the Charismatics were known for song, Vive Jesus, El Senor (Jesus, their love of and familiarity with the Lord, Lives), a Spanish-lan- the Scriptures; the pope asked guage song which Pope Francis – those who lost the habit of carrywho claims he is tone deaf – joined ing their Bible with them everyin singing with his hands open like ZKHUH WR ÂłUHWXUQ WR WKLV ÂżUVW ORYH many in the crowd. The pope said always have the word of God in he likes the song, which Charis- your pocket or purseâ€?.

Pope Francis also said Catholic Charismatics have a special role to play in healing divisions among Christians by praying with members of other Christian churches and communities who share a belief in Jesus as Lord and Saviour. „ CNS

‘Culture of comfort’ blamed for couples not wanting to have kids VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis

test, when children don’t come or blamed a “culture of well-beingâ€? when they are ill,â€? he said. and comfort for convincing marCouples who deal with inferried couples that a carefree life tility or loss can still look to Jesus of world travel and summer and “draw the strength of fruithomes was better than having fulness that Jesus has with His children. Churchâ€?. He said married couples However, “there are things should look at how Jesus loves that Jesus doesn’t likeâ€?, he said, His Church to learn how to be such as married couples “who faithful, persevering and fruitful don’t want children, who want to in their vocation. be without fruitfulnessâ€?. About 15 married couples celThe pope blamed “this culebrating their 25th, ture of well-beingâ€? 50th or 60th anfor convincing niversaries joined married men and Marriages the pope on June 2 women to intenshould be for his early morntionally remain ing Mass in the childless. open to new Domus Sanctae This culture of Marthae, where he comfort, he said, life, Pope lives. “has convinced us Francis said. In his homthat ‘it’s better to ily, Pope Frannot have children! FLV VDLG ÂżGHOIt’s better. That ity, perseverance and fruitfulness way you can see the world, be on were the three characteristics vacation, you can have a fancy of God’s love for His Church home in the country, you’ll be and should be the same carefree.’â€? three pillars of a Christian marPeople think it is better or riage. easier “to have a puppy, two cats, Just as the Church is fruit- and the love goes to the two cats ful by generating new children and the puppy. Isn’t this true or in Christ through baptism, mar- not? Have you seen this?â€? he riage should be open to new life, asked the people in the congregathe pope said in his homily, ac- tion. cording to a report by Vatican “And in the end, this marriage Radio. will end in old age in solitude, “In a marriage, this fruitful- with the bitterness of bad soliness can sometimes be put to the tude.â€? „ CNS

16 OPINION

Sunday June 15, 2014 „ CatholicNews

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COMMENTARY

Coal plants belching smoke into the sky. Now is the time for the Church to use its resources to educate people on climate change. &16 ÂżOH SKRWR

Climate change: Church’s no. 1 pro-life issue The Catholic Church today stands uniquely in a position to not only aid science but also to engage in the ethical discussions essential to any consideration of global warming. If there is a certain wisdom in the pro-life assertion that other rights become meaningless if the right to life is not upheld, then it is reasonable to assert that the right to life has little meaning if the Earth is destroyed to the point where life becomes unsustainable. Cardinal Oscar Andres Rodriguez Maradiaga of Tegucigalpa, Honduras, described the problem during a recent Vatican conference titled Sustainable Humanity, Sustainable Nature: Our Responsibility. He described nature as neither separate from nor against humanity, but rather existing with humans. “No sin is more heartless than our blindness to the value of all that surrounds us and our persistence in using it at the wrong time and abusing it at all times.� Humans, he said, have become technological giants while remaining ethical children. Humans have been driven to a point of decision by the conse-

quences – good and bad – of two centuries of technological development. In his closing remarks at the Rome meeting, New York Times writer Andrew C Revkin stated, Âł6FLHQWLÂżF NQRZOHGJH UHYHDOV RStions. Values determine choices. “That is why the Roman Catholic Church – with its global reach, the ethical framework in its social justice teachings and, as

Humans have become technological giants while remaining ethical children, said a cardinal. with all great religions, the ability to reach hearts as well as minds – can play a valuable role in this consequential century.� The problem is enormous, but so is the opportunity for the Church to use its resources, its access to some of the best experts in its academies and the attention of those in its parochial structures to begin to educate. This is a human life issue of

enormous proportions, and one in which the young should be fully engaged. Catholic high schools and colleges have the freedom to explore these vital issues from both the VFLHQWL¿F DQG HWKLFDO SHUVSHFWLYHV They can bring theological perspectives to bear on the issues. Educators and students could devise ways to become active at all levels, from homes, to communities, to states, to advocating for legal measures to offset the effects of global warming. )LQGLQJ D ¿[ IRU FOLPDWH change and its potentially disastrous consequences, particularly for the global poor, is not the work of a single discipline or a single group or a single political strategy. Its solution lies as much in SHRSOH RI IDLWK DV LQ VFLHQWL¿F data, as much or more in a love for God’s creation as it does in our instinct for self-preservation. „ CNS This commentary, titled Climate Change is Church’s No. 1 Pro-life IsVXH ¿UVW DSSHDUHG LQ WKH 0D\ LVVXH of the National Catholic Reporter, an independent, lay-owned newspaper EDVHG LQ .DQVDV &LW\ 0LVVRXUL 86$

God’s quiet presence in our lives THE Persian poet, Rumi, submits that we live with a deep secret that sometimes we know, and then not. That can be very helpful in understanding our faith. One of the reasons why we struggle with faith is that God’s presence inside us and in our world is rarely dramatic, overwhelming, sensational, something impossible to ignore. God doesn’t work like that. Rather God’s presence, much to our frustration and loss of patience sometimes, is something that lies quiet and seemingly helpless inside us. It rarely makes a huge splash. %HFDXVH ZH DUH QRW VXIÂżFLHQWO\ DZDUH RI WKLV ZH WHQG WR PLVXQGHUVWDQG WKH G\QDPLFV RI IDLWK DQG ÂżQG RXUVHOYHV KDELWXDOO\ WU\LQJ to ground our faith on precisely something that is loud and dramatic. We are forever looking for something beyond what God gives us. But we should know from the very way God was born into our world, that faith needs to ground itself on something that is quiet and undramatic. Jesus, as we know, was born into our world with no fanfare and no power, a baby lying helpless in the straw, another child among millions. Nothing spectacular to human eyes surrounded His birth. Then, during His ministry, He never performed miracles to prove His divinity; but only as acts of compassion or to reveal something about God. Jesus never used divine power in an attempt to prove that God exists, beyond doubt. His ministry, like His birth, wasn’t an attempt to prove God’s existence. It was intended rather to teach us what God is like and that God loves us unconditionally. Moreover, Jesus’ teaching about God’s presence in our lives also makes clear that this presence is mostly quiet and hidden, a plant growing silently as we sleep, yeast leavening dough in a manner hidden from our eyes, summer slowly turning a barren tree green, an LQVLJQLÂżFDQW PXVWDUG SODQW HYHQWXDOO\ VXUSULVLQJ XV ZLWK LWV JURZWK D man or woman forgiving an enemy. God, it seems, works in ways that are quiet and hidden from our eyes. The God that Jesus incarnates is neither dramatic nor splashy. And there’s an important faith lesson in this. Simply put, God lies inside us, deep inside, but in a way that’s almost non-existent, almost unfelt, largely unnoticed, and easily ignored. However, while that presence is never overpowering, it has within it a gentle, unremitting imperative, a compulsion towards something higher, which invites us to draw upon it. And, if we do draw upon it, it gushes up in us in an LQÂżQLWH VWUHDP WKDW LQVWUXFWV XV QXUWXUHV XV DQG ÂżOOV XV ZLWK HQGOHVV energy. This is important for understanding faith. God lies inside us as an invitation that fully respects our freedom, never overpowers us; but also never goes away. It lies there precisely like a baby lying helpless in the straw, gently beckoning us, but helpless in itself to make us pick it up. )RU H[DPSOH &6 /HZLV LQ H[SODLQLQJ ZK\ KH ÂżQDOO\ EHFDPH LQ his words, “the most reluctant convert in the history of Christendomâ€?, writes that, for years, he was able to effectively ignore a voice inside him, precisely, because it was almost non-existent, almost unfelt, and largely unnoticed. On the other hand, in retrospect, he realised it had always been there, a gentle, incessant nudge, beckoning him to draw from it, something he eventually recognised as a gentle, but unyielding, imperative, a “compulsionâ€? which, if obeyed, leads to liberation. Ruth Burrows, the British Carmelite and mystic, describes a similar experience in her autobiography, Before the Living God. Chronicling her late adolescent years, Burrows describes both her religious Ă€LJKWLQHVV DQG KHU ODFN RI DWWUDFWLRQ WR WKH UHOLJLRXV OLIH DW WKDW WLPH in her life. Yet she eventually ends up not only being serious about religion but becoming a Carmelite nun. What happened? One day, in a chapel, almost against her will, triggered by a series of accidental circumstances, she opened herself to voice inside her that she had, until then, mainly ignored because it lay inside her precisely as a voice that was almost non-existent, almost unfelt, and largely unnoticed. But once touched, it gushed up as the deepest and most real thing inside her and set the direction of her life forever afterwards. Like CS Lewis, she too, once she had opened herself to it, felt it as an unyielding moral compulsion opening her to ultimate liberation. Why doesn’t God show Himself to us more directly and more powerfully so as to make faith easier? That’s a fair question for which, partly, there is no fully satisfying answer. But the answer we do have lies in understanding the manner in which God manifests Himself in our lives and in our world. Unlike most everything else that’s trying to get our attention, God never tries to overwhelm us. God, more than anyone else, respects our freedom. For this reason, God lies everywhere, inside us and around us, almost unfelt, largely unnoticed, and easily ignored, a quiet, gentle nudge; but, if drawn upon, the ultimate stream of love and energy. „

YOUTH 17

Sunday June 15, 2014 „ CatholicNews

Young people who don’t attend church Clara Lai speaks to some young people who have not been going to Mass regularly, as ZHOO DV )U %ULDQ '¡6RX]D IRU WKH 2IĂ€FH IRU <RXQJ 3HRSOH¡V UHVSRQVH WR WKLV LVVXH What would make you go back to church? I don’t know where and how to start, I haven’t gone in such a long time that it’s awkward I guess. Now I just feel like a stranger in church. – Timothy, 18, Church of Christ the King

Why did you eventually stop going to church? I still go to church but my National Service duties have gotten in the way recently. Personally, I feel people especially youths stop going after Catechism stops. Catechism class for me was a place to meet friends, do things in retreats and camps and OHDUQ DERXW *RG $IWHU &RQÀUPDWLRQ it’s all just Mass, and honestly it can be a little dry I guess and then you’re not always in a fun environment with your friends and learning about God. – Matthew, 20, Church of the Holy Spirit

What would make you go back to church? If I knew, I’d be in church already. – Esther, 23, Church of the Holy Cross

Do you ever feel like you want to start going to church again but don’t know where and how to start?

Is there anything about going to church that you miss? The warmth among people What would make you go back to church? ,Qà XHQFH RI IDPLO\ PHPEHUV – Isabelle, 22, Church of the Nativity of the BVM

Why did you eventually stop going to church?

Why did you eventually stop going to church?

I didn’t feel any connection with God and I felt that coming to church and being active in a ministry was not helping me in any way. And I felt that the church was too indoctrinating DQG VWLĂ LQJ DQG , GRQ¡W WKLQN WKDW¡V what religion should be about.

I slowly lost interest in the religion after I entered army, with the tiring week in camp, usually I didn’t feel the need to go to church at the end of the week. Then somehow, after I ORD-ed the momentum of not going to church carried on I guess.

– Julie, 19, Church of Christ the King

– Patrick, 21, Church of Christ the King

Youth chaplain Fr Brian D’Souza’s response: The Church has in recent times been aware of the many people who have left the Church, not just the young, and she has been actively trying to respond to this reality. It should be highlighted from the onset that this phenomenon is understandable considering the immense ways in which our world has changed and the prevalent philosophies such as relativism, subjectivism and secularism that pervades our societies. The young people today have grown up in an age where there are many forces that draw them away from a life of Faith and it is true that the Church must make a concerted effort in reaching out to the many of her sons and daughters who have left the Church. This is at the heart of the thrust of the New Evangelisation that the Universal Church has undertaken and which is also the emphasis of our new Archbishop.

:H DW WKH 2IÂżFH IRU <RXQJ 3HRSOH 2<3 DUH GRLQJ RXU best to reach out to young people in Singapore and whilst there are many stories of young men and women who have left the Church, we are also heartened and encouraged by many young men and women who are also passionately and radically living their lives for Christ. The recent School of WitQHVV 62: LV D JRRG H[DPSOH of how the Church has something invaluable to offer young

people of today. At this point, we would also like to emphasise that the issue at hand is not merely about church attendance or membership but ultimately about knowing and following Jesus Christ. <RXQJ SHRSOH KDYH D GHHS hunger for authenticity and it is our conviction that the Gospel of Jesus Christ has the power and attractiveness to captivate the hearts and minds of our young people if only we present Him to them in an unadulterated way. We, as a Christian community, have often not facilitated this life-changing encounter between our young people and Jesus Christ. 7KH 2IÂżFH IRU <RXQJ 3HRSOH 2<3 LQ WKH $UFKGLRFHH is committed to trying to facilitate this personal encounter with Jesus for our young people and hope to inspire in them a commitment to a life of Christian discipleship through sharing life and faith in communities that will re-

Why did you eventually stop going to church?

Why did you eventually stop going to church?

Not one bit, and that’s okay with me! I’m frequently treated by select Christians alike as a lost lamb, of some sort – it’s something I don’t appreciate. People straying from their religion is a personal matter; Some people may drift away because they’re lazy, but just as many (if not more) left for a reason that they’ve pondered upon for very long. The parish tends to appreciate those people who struggle with their faith and eventually realise that they belong to God, but what about those who realise that they don’t? We went through just as much of a VWUXJJOH ZLWK ÀJXULQJ WKDW RXW DQG sometimes instead of with respect, we’re treated like we need to be saved (we don’t!).

I still go to church, just not regularly. A major reason why I eventually stopped going regularly, though, was because of the homilies. A lot of them I couldn’t relate to, because I felt that the Fathers never wrote things that were really relevant to youths.

I started to see it as a ritual and not a need. And that the one hour of Mass could be instead used to do things to give to the less fortunate. What was the point of going for Mass week in and week out without HYHU OLIWLQJ D ÀQJHU WR KHOS WKH QHHG\ right?

Do you ever feel like you want to start going to church again but don’t know where and how to start?

Do you ever feel like you want to start going to church again but don’t know where and how to start?

Always, always. I often feel left out from the other youth members in church, so I don’t really reach out to others, and I feel like I need to be FRQVWDQWO\ VXUH DERXW P\ IDLWK ÀUVW before I try to dedicate myself back into the church.

I feel like it is a place I can go to recharge my spiritual batteries. I believe I can be a better Christian through my actions instead of just going along with the traditions mindlessly.

– Nicholas, 20, Church of St Francis Xavier

– Anna, 19, Church of the Nativity of the BVM

ÀHFW WKH OLIH RI WKH &KXUFK We will also be reaching RXW WR <RXWK :RUNHUV LQ WKH parishes and priests involved LQ <RXWK 0LQLVWU\ WR KHOS them change their mindset DERXW <RXWK 0LQLVWU\ 0RVW SDULVKHV KDYH <RXWK JURXSV and they are seen and directed to be of service in the parishes. Thus the goal of D <RXWK JURXS LV WR GR DFtivities rather than deepening the call of discipleship. We trust that the Lord is raising up for Himself a generation of passionate disciples amongst our young people. We have already seen the budding of this amongst the young people we have started to work with and we are con¿GHQW WKH /RUG LV GRLQJ VRPHthing beautiful. We invite all who are interested in partnering us in our mission to evangelise our young people. 2I¿FH IRU <RXQJ 3HRSOHœV ZHEVLWH LV ZZZ R\S FRP VJ „

Why did you eventually stop going to church? No apparent reason, just gradually stopped going! Is there anything about going to church that you miss? The inspiring feeling you get after every Mass. Do you ever feel like you want to start going to church again but don’t know where and how to start? Yes! What would make you go back to church? Having people to go with! – Benjamin, 20, Church of Divine Mercy

– Terry, 20, Church of the Holy Spirit

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18 FAITH ALIVE!

Sunday June 15, 2014 „ CatholicNews

Being aware of others’ spiritual needs, and sharing the Good News By Marcellino D’Ambrosio We’ve all heard it: “Evangelism? That’s not my charism, not my personality.â€? Others make the excuse: Âł, QHHG PRUH HGXFDWLRQ ÂżUVW ´ RU Âł, HYDQJHOLVH E\ H[DPSOH ´ The Second Vatican Council and all popes since teach that all Catholics are called to evangelise in deed and word. After all, we are told in 1 Peter 3:15 “always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hopeâ€?. Practically, how are we to do this? Not everyone can manage to get a degree in theology. But the story of the Samaritan woman (Jn 4:5-42) teaches the kind of evangelism that all of us can manage. First, Jesus models it for us. He comes to a town where everyone is a member of a heretical sect and sits down by a well. A woman comes to GUDZ ZDWHU ,VUDHOLWHV XVXDOO\ GRQÂśW talk to Samaritans, much less drink out of their ritually impure vessels. To boot, men usually don’t make conversation with women. But Jesus recognises her exLVWHQFH DQG DIÂżUPV KHU E\ EHLQJ willing to accept a drink from her. Once she gets over her shock, a GLDORJXH HQVXHV ,W VWDUWV RXW DERXW water, wells, Jews and Samaritans, and the proper venue to offer

Not everyone can get a degree in theology. But the story of the Samaritan woman teaches the kind of evangelism that all of us can manage.

A man drives a cart with images of Mary and the word ‘evangelisation’ outside a Catholic church in Cotonou, Benin. CNS photo

pleasing worship to God. But Jesus asks her questions that throw her off a bit and make her think. +H ÂżQDOO\ DVNV D TXHVWLRQ WKDW leads her to “fess upâ€? and admit her need. “Where is your husband?â€? She’s hungry for love, and has run through quite a few partners look-

ing for the real thing. Jesus’ soulpiercing glance tells her that his is the love she’s been looking for. She abandons her water jar and returns to city to tell everyone about Jesus. Did she wait until she had cleaned up her act and attained a high degree of virtue? Did she

wait until she had a masters in theology? Did she sit down with people and demonstrate from Scripture why He was the Messiah? No. She acted immediately. She simply told people, with MR\ FRQÂżGHQFH DQG FRQYLFWLRQ what Jesus had done for her. She

shared her experience and invited others to do the same. That’s how a large portion of that heretical town came to believe. There were no crusades in stadiums, no TV preachers. Christians simply listened to neighbours and co-workers with respect DQG ORYH DVNHG TXHVWLRQV WR ÂżQG out their needs, and told how Jesus had met similar needs in their lives. An invitation was issued to “come, check it out.â€? We need to get over our fear of sharing the good news, to be aware of the spiritual needs of those around us, and share His love. More people are looking than you think: ÂłORRN XS DQG VHH WKH ÂżHOGV ULSH IRU the harvestâ€? (Jn 4:35). „ CNS D’Ambrosio writes from Texas. He is co-founder of Crossroads Productions, an apostolate of Catholic renewal and evangelisation.

Evangelising by acting on our values By Louise McNulty What better personal evangelisation can there be than acting out our beliefs, not only professing

GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT: At Pentecost, which is June 8 this year, the Catholic Church celebrates the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, which have been described as “manifestations of the presence of God’s spirit� in the lives of believers. CNS graphic

the virtues of faith, hope and love, but putting them into action. People often end discussions by saying, “Well, everyone’s got their own taste, to each his own.�

That’s true if the subject is where to vacation, or whether we preIHU ¿FWLRQ RU QRQ¿FWLRQ ,W LVQœW WUXH LI LW MXVWL¿HV LPPRUDO DFWV What might be in order is to sim-

ply reply that people’s choices GLIIHU EXW WKDW DIÂżUPLQJ WKHP is only acceptable within moral limits. As for acting out our beliefs, it’s hard to abandon the “tit for tatâ€? principle when a stranger in a car rudely comments, with words or gestures, on our driving ability. Even if we’re in the right, it is best to simply apologise before driving away, especially if they see

How can we know if our behaviour is making us a living advertisement for God and faith? a Catholic-proclaiming bumper sticker on our car. Neither should we respond “in kind� to people who are rude or mean to us. That follows their example. ,I VRPHRQH LQVXOWV XV LQ IURQW of a group, we simply shouldn’t respond. Sometimes their harsh words hanging in the silence prompts them to apologise. As we age, it’s tempting to want to appear more in tune with

the times by using vulgar language and engaging in, accepting or justifying immoral behaviour. ,QVWHDG ZH VKRXOG SDWURQLVH ¿OPV WKDW HVSRXVH IDPLO\ YDOXHV help authors with good moral messages to rise on the best-seller list, not only by buying a book, but by purchasing multiple copies to give as presents. The same goes for good DVDs. How can we know if our behaviour is making us a living advertisement for God and faith? We probably won’t know, at least not in our lifetime. But we may get an idea if someone riding in our car imitates our practice of making a sign of the cross when passing a Catholic Church. Someone may apologise when they swear in our presence, ÀLFN RII WKH PRYLH WKH\œUH ZDWFKing or change a television channel when we enter a room. And someone may observe our behaviour and realise that the Catholic Church does not have to be dragged into the 21st cenWXU\ DV VRPH DVVHUW ,W LV WKHUH unchanging through all the ages. And while popular morality may change, God’s rules don’t. We can prove it by living them. „ CNS McNulty is a freelance writer who lives in Akron, Ohio.

Sunday June 15, 2014 „ CatholicNews

19

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Sunday June 15, 2014 „ CatholicNews

By Joe Sarnicola

regions of Canaan or Assyria or the hill country in the East and beyond. At that time, everyone in the After God had destroyed the earth and all of its people, He repopulated the world spoke the same language. As planet with the descendants of Noah, some of the people looked for new whose family had been spared by liv- lands on which to live and farm, they ing in the ark that God told them to discovered a valley in the land of Shibuild. Noah had three sons, Shem, nar and decided to stay there. They Ham and Japheth, who each had chil- said to each other, “Come, let us mold GUHQ ERUQ DIWHU WKH Ă€RRG $V JHQHUD- EULFNV DQG KDUGHQ WKHP ZLWK ÂżUH ´ 6R tions passed and the people spread out they used bricks and mortar in order to across the lands, they built cities near start building. Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city and a towfarmland and by the sea. New nations and people began er with its top in the sky, and so make WR ÂżOO WKH HDUWK DQG WKH\ FRQWLQXHG a name for ourselves; otherwise we to search for fertile lands and good VKDOO EH VFDWWHUHG DOO RYHU WKH HDUWK ´ After these people had built the places to live and raise their families. All of the people on the earth at that city and its tower, God came down to time could trace their family origins see what the people had made. God to Noah and one of his sons. They said, “If now, while they are one peohad spread out and built cities such as ple and all have the same language, Babylon and Nineveh or settled in the they have started to do this, nothing

they presume to do will be out of their reach. Come, let us go down and there confuse their language, so that no one ZLOO XQGHUVWDQG WKH VSHHFK RI DQRWKHU ´ God did as He said, and He scattered the people to all parts of the earth. 7KH\ GLG QRW ¿QLVK WKH WRZHU VLQFH WKH\ could not work together because they now spoke so many different languages. After that, the city the people had started to build was called Babel,

SPOTLIGHT ON SAINTS:

Wordsearch:

St Barnabas

„ FARM „ EARTH

Read more about it: Genesis 10 and 11

Q&A 1. Why did the people want to build a tower? 2. Where did the people go after the Lord changed their languages?

„ VALLEY „ EAST „ SPARED „ CITY

KIDS CLUB: Share your thoughts on this week’s Bible story with family and friends by writing an essay in response to this question: What would you have said to Jesus if you had seen Him after He rose from the dead?

Answers to Puzzle: 1. T , 2. T, 3. F, 4. F, 5. T, 6. T, 7. T

Bible Accent:

Answer to Bible Trivia: 12.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us, “The Sacred Scriptures contain WKH ZRUG RI *RG´ 1R 5HDGLQJV from the Bible are a very important part of Mass. Usually the Old and New Testament passages are read by a lay volunteer called a lector, and the Gospel is read by either a deacon or a priest. The Psalms also are included in the liturgy. The readings have been broken into short passages to be read during Mass, so that over the course of three years, almost all of the Bible will have been read aloud in church. These years, or cycles, are labeled A, B and C, and then the readings start over again. How well do you know your Bible? „

PUZZLE: Using the Book of Acts as a guide, circle T for true or F for false for the following statements. Chapter numbers have been provided as hints. 1. Matthias was chosen to replace Judas. (1) 2. The Holy Spirit came down on the feast of Pentecost. (2) 6DPXHO ZDV WKH ÂżUVW &KULVWLDQ PDUW\U (7) 4. Saul had always been a friend of the Christians. (9) &RUQHOLXV ZDV WKH ÂżUVW *HQWLOH WR EHFRPH D &KULVWLDQ (10) 6. An angel led Peter out of prison. (12) 3DXO ZDV RQH RI WKH ÂżUVW &KULVWLDQ PLVVLRQDULHV (13)

Answer to Wordsearch

%DUQDEDV G ¿UVW FHQWXU\ ZDV not chosen by Jesus to be one RI KLV ¿UVW DSRVWOHV EXW KH ZDV considered an apostle by the early Christian leaders, especially Luke. :H ¿UVW OHDUQ RI KLP LQ WKH Book of the Acts of the Apostles. When the Christians in Jerusalem doubted the sincerity of the conversion of Paul DOVR FDOOHG 6DXO %DUQDEDV convinced his friends that Paul could be trusted and believed. On several occasions, Barnabas went with Paul as he traveled to spread the Gospel. Barnabas also worked with Paul to help the Jews accept Gentiles into the faith without demanding that they follow traditional Jewish laws. The date of the death of Barnabas is uncertain, but most VFKRODUV EHOLHYH WKDW KH KDG GLHG E\ WKH \HDU :H KRQRXU %DUQDEDV RQ -XQH „

„ FLOOD „ MOLD

ZKLFK PHDQV ÂłFRQIXVHG´ EHFDXVH God had confused their languages. „

WHAT’S ON 21

Sunday June 15, 2014 „ CatholicNews

EVENT SUBMISSIONS We welcome information of events happening in our local Church. Please send your submission at least one month before the event. Online submissions can be made at www. catholic.org.sg/webevent_form.php CARLO CATHOLIC SOCIETY BURSARY SCHEME 2014 Application is now open for ITE/ Polytechnic/University students. Applicant must be a Catholic full-time student. The applicant’s gross monthly household income divided by the total number of household members must not exceed $450, or the gross monthly household income must not exceed $2000. The applicant must possess good conduct and satisfactory academic results. Closing date: June 30. Application form available at 225-B Queen Street, or E: bursary@ carlo.org.sg; or W: http://on.fb.me/YoIA27 MONDAY JUNE 16 TO SUNDAY JUNE 22 CHARIS MISSION FRIENDSHIP Ban Mae Surin Refugee Camp is located along the Thailand-Myanmar border deep in the mountains. Last March, a massive ÂżUH HQJXOIHG PRVW RI WKH FDPS &+$5,6 helped fund the rebuilding of a new Social Service Centre and Child Friendly Space. CHARIS will deploy a mission team to help with the maintenance of these buildings. Join us to render assistance and experience the joy of mission work. Register T: 6337 4119 (Lilynne); E: lilynne@charis-singapore.org MONDAY JUNE 16 TO FRIDAY JUNE 20 REDEMPTORIST VOCATION RETREAT With Him there is plentiful redemption (Psalm 130:7). Come and see, learn more about the Redemptorist charism and how to discern your vocation in life. At 21 Punggol 24th Avenue. Register T: 6445 4009 / 9476 2085 (Fr Simon Pereira); E: sppadre77@gmail.com. W: https:// www.facebook.com/redemptoristsingapore JUNE 17 WHY DID THE GOOD SAMARITAN STOP? 8-10pm: An evening seminar with Fr Matthew Linn, SJ. How to know when to stop to help another or pass by the other side to care for yourself before you collapse? In this seminar Fr Linn explores the dynamics of “compassion fatigueâ€? and how we can choose whether it blesses or breaks us. By Kingsmead Centre, at 8 Victoria Park Rd. Contribution $30. Register by June 12, T: 64676072; E: cisc2664@gmail.com TUESDAY JUNE 17 TO FRIDAY JUNE 20 NUS CATHOLIC STUDENTS’ SOCIETY FRESHMEN ORIENTATION CAMP At Church of the Holy Cross. Register T: 8453 4431; E: cssfoc2014@gmail.com; W: http://www.tiny.cc/csncs/

RCIA/RCIY A journey for those seeking to know more about the Catholic faith. Baptised Catholics are also invited to journey as sponsors. THURSDAYS JUNE 12 RCIA @ CHURCH OF THE HOLY SPIRIT 8-10pm: At 248 Upper Thomson Rd. Register T: 9636 8526 (Audrey); E: holyspiritrcia.coordinator@gmail.com THURSDAYS JUNE 12 RCIA @ CHURCH OF ST VINCENT DE PAUL 8pm: At 301 Yio Chu Kang Rd. Register T: 6482 0959. FRIDAYS JUNE 13 RCIA @ CHURCH OF STS PETER AND PAUL 8-9.30pm: In Cantonese. At 225A Queen Street. Register T: 6337 2585 / 9237 1615 (Yvonne); E: sts_peternpaul@singnet.com.sg SATURDAYS JUNE 14 RCIA @ CHURCH OF ST ALPHONSUS (NOVENA CHURCH) 3.45-5.45pm: In Mandarin. At 300 Thomson Road. Register T: 9626 8546 (Alphonsus); E: alphs_cool@singnet.com.sg TUESDAYS JUNE 17 RCIA @ CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY OF THE BVM 8-10pm: In Mandarin. At 1259 Upper Serangoon Rd. Register E: augustine_chua@ yahoo.com.sg WEDNESDAYS JUNE 18 RCIA @ CHURCH OF THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY 7.45-9.45pm: At 24 Highland Rd. Register

THURSDAY JUNE 19 TO SUNDAY JUNE 22 HEALING THE EIGHT STAGES OF LIFE 9am (Thurs)-5pm (Sun): This retreat will focus on strengthening our positive PHPRULHV DQG KHDOLQJ WKH KXUWV RI WKH ¿UVW twelve years of life as well as help develop our adult strengths and move into a fully adult relationship with God. Conducted by Fr Matthew Linn, SJ. By Kingsmead Centre, at 8 Victoria Park Rd. Contribution $420/$500 (aircon). Register by June 8, T: 64676072; E: cisc2664@gmail.com JUNE 20 NOX GAUDII (NIGHT OF JOY) 8-10pm: A monthly worship event open to all young people of the archdiocese. There will be Eucharistic adoration, praise and worship, preaching and prayer ministry and a time of fellowship. This month, we have Fr Erbin Fernandez, to share with us on the theme: Living the new Pentecost! At Catholic Archdiocesan Youth Centre, 2 Lorong Low Koon. E: juliana68@ gmail.com; W: www.oyp.com.sg JUNE 24 DISCOVERING THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH 8-10pm: This seminar with Fr Matthew Linn, SJ, will draw on psychology and spirituality to answer life’s dilemma: How to live now so that the future will be happy and healthy rather than sad and sick? The session will close with a prayer process. By Kingsmead Centre, at 8 Victoria Park Rd. Contribution $30. Register T: 64676072; E: cisc2664@gmail.com JUNE 24 CBN BUZZ NIGHT 7-9pm: Catholic Business Network Buzz Night is back and would like to invite you to join us for an enjoyable night of fellowship and friendship with fellow Catholic working professionals and business owners, with food and drinks provided. At Crossings Cafe, 55 Waterloo St. Price: $35 (CBN Member), $45 (Non-member). Register T: 9228 4463 (Raymond); E: raymond@cbn.sg JUNE 26 BOYS’ TOWN CHARITY MOVIE – TRANSFORMERS: AGE OF EXTINCTION SP %R\Vœ 7RZQœV ¿UVW FKDULW\ PRYLH fundraising drive. Funds raised will go to the youth we are helping, giving them an education and a place to stay. Donations are entitled to the movie ticket, combo set and 2.5 times tax exemption. To help, please visit http://www.boystown.org.sg/ WR ¿OO LQ WKH UHSO\ VOLS DQG PDLO LW EDFN WR us. At Filmgarde Bugis+ (former Iluma). Enquiries T: 6690 5420 ext 404 (Lorraine) or ext 406 (Elaine), E: lorraine@boystown. org.sg / elainechong@boystown.org.sg FRIDAY JUNE 27 TO SUNDAY JUNE 29 RETROUVAILLE – A LIFELINE FOR MARRIED COUPLES 8pm (Fri) – 5pm (Sun): Marriage Challenges? Retrouvaille helps couples put the pieces back together and rebuild loving relationships. Register T: T: 9627 3835 (Nancy) / 9616 2001 (Agnes); E: rcia@ihm.sg FRIDAYS JUNE 20 RCIA @ CHURCH OF CHRIST THE KING 8-10pm: At 2221 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 8. Register T: 9889 0027 (Joey); E: query.rcia@gmail.com TUESDAYS JUNE 24 RCIA @ CHURCH OF THE HOLY TRINITY 7.45pm: At 20 Tampines Street 11. Register T: 8444 5505 (Greg); E: rciaht@gmail.com RU GURS E\ DW WKH FKXUFK VHFUHWDULDW WR ¿OO XS a form.

6711 6774 (Laurence & Christina Tan); E: info@helpourmarriage.sg WEDNESDAYS JULY 2 TO JULY 23 MARY: A BIBLICAL WALK WITH BLESSED MOTHER 9.30-11.30am: A DVD-based programme by Dr Edward Sri. Filmed on location in the Holy Land, it is an extraordinary pilgrimage that reveals Mary’s unique role in God’s Kingdom and in our lives. Registration Fee: $5, Study Manual (optional): $35. At Church of the Holy Spirit, Room 03-02. Register T: 8228 8220 (Clare); E: HSBibleApostolate@gmail.com WEDNESDAYS JULY 2 TO NOVEMBER 26 ACTS: THE SPREAD OF THE KINGDOM 7.30-9.30pm: A 20-session DVD presentation by Jeff Cavins, the presenter of “The Bible Timeline�. Learn about the spread of the Church after Pentecost. At Blessed Sacrament Church, St James’ Room (Level 3, Damien Centre). Cost of Workbook: $39. Register: SMS 8518 2388 (Andrew); E: cyclops135an@gmail.com

MONDAYS JULY 7 TO AUGUST 25 LIFE IN THE SPIRIT SEMINARS 7.30pm: LISS is a spiritual programme comprising talks, Sacraments, sharing, prayer, scriptures and ministering to deepen personal relationship with Christ. At Church of Risen Christ. Register T: 9005 4511 (Maria); 9657 3097 (Helen); E: m4trinity@ gmail.com / dchelen52@gmail.com WEDNESDAYS JULY 9 TO SEPTEMBER 24 BOOK OF REVELATION BY MSGR AMBROSE VAZ 8-10pm: Want to know and understand this Book of the Bible, then come and join us. Course fee: $30, bring along your Bible and writing materials. At Church of the Holy Spirit. Register T: 9479 3120 (Alexander); E: hsbibleapostolate.pm@gmail.com WEDNESDAYS JULY 9 AND JULY 16 CHRISTIAN MEDITATION FOR CAREGIVERS IN MANDARIN 9.30-11am: A two-session introduction to Christian meditation conducted in Mandarin. Participants must attend both sessions. By Clarity Singapore and WCCM Singapore. At Blk 854 #01-3511, Yishun Ring Road. Register T: 6757 7990; E: rebecca.oh@clarity-singapore.org MONDAY JULY 21 TO FRIDAY JULY 25 NTU CATHOLIC STUDENTS’ APOSTOLATE FRESHMEN ORIENTATION CAMP At Fairy Point Chalet 4. Register T: 9230 1810 / 8183 4532; E: csafoc2014@gmail. com

CLASSIFIED THANKSGIVING

FRIDAYS JULY 4 RCIY @ CHURCH OF THE RISEN CHRIST 8-9.30pm: At 91 Toa Payoh Central. Register T: 9489 8086 (Jeremy), E: jeremyleehr@gmail.com SUNDAYS JULY 6 RCIA @ CHURCH OF ST MICHAEL 9.30am: In Mandarin. At 17 St Michael’s Road. Register T: 9622 8749 (Marie) / 9682 9679 (Sophia); E: mariechong4christ@gmail.com

Thank you for answering my prayers and for my son. You have answered a lot of my prayers. Once again thank you. Darrell

TUESDAYS JULY 1 RCIA @ CHURCH OF ST FRANCIS XAVIER 8-9.45pm: At 63A Chartwell Drive. Register T: 6280 6076; E: sylseck@yahoo.com

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JULY 6, AUGUST 24, SEPTEMBER 7, OCTOBER 5 IS IT POSSIBLE? CATHOLIC FAMILY IN TODAY’S WORLD 2-5pm: Over four months with different themes, Catholic families are invited WR UHÀHFW SUD\ DQG GHOLEHUDWH RQ VRPH pressing issues they grapple on a daily basis with choices on money, work, lifestyle and children. A concurrent programme is available for children aged 3-12 years while their parents attend the sessions. By Earthen Vessels Catholic Community. Contribution: Love offering. Register by June 27, T: 6467 6072; E: cisc2664@gmail.com

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

THURSDAYS JUNE 26 RCIA / RCIY @ CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY OF THE BVM 8-9.30pm: At 1259 Upper Serangoon Road. Register T: 9685 6673 (Genevieve); E: nativitysg@yahoo.com.sg / ailianlau@hotmail.com

Crossword Puzzle 1112

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www.wordgamesforcatholics.com

ACROSS 1 Gold, frankincense or myrrh 5 Titles 10 Parisian heaven 14 Ark builder 15 Greek epic poem 16 Poker stake 17 St ____ de Beaupre 18 Young horses 19 Ostrich-like bird 20 Muscle spasm 21 â€œâ€Śat the name of Jesus every knee should _____‌â€? (Phil 2:10) 22 Gather 23 Simon of ____ 25 He accompanied Joshua as he reconnoitered the land of Canaan 27 Cheer for Manolete 28 Sloping letter 30 First bishop of Canada )XQHUDO ÂżUHV 35 OT historical book 37 David asked Saul if he pursued a “____ dogâ€? (1 Sam 24:14) 38 Sign of ____ 39 Glace or tasse starter 40 Scale note 41 Blow on the cheek delivered by the bishop at &RQÂżUPDWLRQ 42 Worn-out 43 “____ My God to Theeâ€?

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named for Saint Joseph (with “San�) Someone from down under Occupation of Luke, the Evangelist One who favors warlike policies Michelangelo’s statue in the Vatican Mother of Ishmael Constituent Indian nursemaid Futile, with “in� Mother of Jesus Vulgar man Med. Plan NYC sports venue

Solution to Crossword Puzzle No. 1111 L U C I E

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www.wordgamesforcatholics.com

IN MEMORIAM

Please turn to pages 22 and 23 for more in memoriam advertisements.

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Sunday June 15, 2014 CatholicNews

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

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