Catholic News Issue 13 2018 by CatholicNews

SUNDAY JUNE 24, 2018

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Participate actively at Mass, says archbishop on Corpus Christi By Jared Ng A prayerful candlelight procession with the Blessed Sacrament was the highlight of the Feast of Corpus Christi celebration at the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd. Led by Archbishop William Goh, about 1,000 faithful recited prayers and sang hymns as they made their way around the cathedral compound on June 3. Msgr Philip Heng, cathedral rector, guided those present with reflective questions and prayers as the procession stopped at four points – at the statues of St John Paul II, Mary, the Homeless Jesus and a wire sculpture of the crucified Christ. Many others seated in the cathedral viewed the procession through a live video broadcast. In his homily, Archbishop Goh urged Catholics to make the Eucharist the “real power and strength in life.” It is the Lord inviting us to have a deep and meaningful relationship with Him, he said. Through the Eucharist, “we become what we eat. We become what we receive,” he said. For many Catholics, attending Mass has become a ritual rather than an active participation in the

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INSIDE HOME

Humanae Vitae and Natural Family Planning A doctor shares his experiences n Page 10

ASIA

Reducing Malaysia’s debt Archbishop asks Catholics to help n Page 12

POPE FRANCIS

Switch to alternative energy The procession around the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd led by Archbishop William Goh.

Eucharist, said Archbishop Goh. Only when you prepare your hearts and actively participate in the Mass by praising God can we live the Mass in our lives, Archbishop Goh said.

He also emphasised the need to come together to receive the Eucharist as a community. “To receive the Eucharist means to journey with our brothers and sisters. We can’t do it alone,” he said.

The celebration also saw the cathedral’s Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion renew their commitment to their ministry. n jared.ng@catholic.org.sg

Pope tells oil execs n Page 14

Pastoral needs in Medjugorje Pope appoints archbishop to assist faithful n Page 17

OPINION

Father’s Day feature Honouring dads with love n Page 18 Msgr Philip Heng, cathedral rector, leading a guided reflection.

About 1,000 faithful joined in the candlelight procession.

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Sunday June 24, 2018 n CatholicNews

Charities Week raises $6.5m, exceeding last year’s amount Caritas Singapore’s annual archdiocesan Lenten campaign, Charities Week 2018, raised $6.5 million, exceeding last year’s amount by more than $480,000. Caritas Singapore, the archdiocese’s social mission arm, is the umbrella body of 25 Catholic charities serving more than

50,000 beneficiaries from among the poor and vulnerable. It runs more than 70 programmes ranging from psychotherapy to residential care, legal advice and family health. “Charities Week remains our main annual source of funds to support our 25 Catholic charities,” said fundraising committee chairman Paul Beh. “It is indeed heart-warming to see fellow Catholics and the larger community faithfully answering the call to love and reach out to those in need.”

It is indeed ‘ heart-warming to see fellow Catholics and the larger community ... answering the call to love.

’

– Fundraising committee chairman Paul Beh

Source: CARITAS SINGAPORE

Fundraising staff member Pamela Lim gave special thanks “to all the parish priests who made huge efforts to announce and promote Charities Week during weekend Masses throughout the Lenten season”. Caritas executive director Bernadette Lau also thanked the team of volunteers for their support and assistance in the collection, counting and checking of the Charities Week envelopes. “Without them, we would not have been able to complete the process within 10 weeks of the Charities Week campaign. We thank God for their contributions and selfless giving,” she said. The collections for Charities Week were done in collaboration with Catholic Welfare Services, a Caritas member organisation. n For more information on Caritas Singapore, visit www.caritassingapore.org

1 June 2018

CHANCERY NOTICE

BANNS OF ORDINATION The following Seminarian Bro. Gabriel Wong Feixiang will be called to the Order of Deacons on 25 July 2018 at the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour (OLPS) by His Grace, Archbishop William Goh DD. The publication of this

CHN/BNN/2018/001

banns fulfils the canonical requirement, can. 1051 2. Catholics are obliged to reveal any impediments or circumstances that would prevent Bro. Gabriel from receiving Sacred Orders and should contact the Parish Priest or the Archbishop with such information as soon as possible. n

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

Sun

BUILDING BUILDINGTHE THE CHURCH CHURCH OF OFTOMORROW TOMORROW 3

Sunday June 17, 24, 2018 n  CatholicNews

fostering a lifetime of service and giving The GIFT programme encourages Catholics to make a monthly pledge to help support the needs of the Archdiocese of Singapore. In this feature, we speak with Jason Cheong, a longterm altar server who contributes monthly to GIFT. He shares with us the life experiences that have shaped his faith and his choice to give and to serve. Jason Cheong, a 19-year-old student at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, United States, was baptised at the age of eight, when his parents were converted to the Catholic faith. Jason soon became an altar server and has continued doing so for over a decade now. Currently studying English and International Relations abroad, Jason continues to serve earnestly as an altar server and sacristan for the university’s Catholic community. In addition, he is serving as the Treasurer on the community’s Pastoral Council and is a photographer for the community.

service Being able to play a role in the Catholic community in school is not something Jason takes for granted. He was not enrolled in a Catholic primary school, and spent years admiring how friends from Catholic schools were able to participate in catholic retreats during the semester and attend weekly mass on campus. Through his service for the Lord, Jason fostered a deep love for the Liturgy. Altar servers play an important role in the celebration of Holy Mass, contributing to the Body of Christ present in the parish. By committing to regular altar

Jason (left) and Family, posing in front of the St Mark’s Basilica in Venice, Italy. Photo: Jason Cheong.

a continuous journey When it came to his faith journey, Jason’s parents have always been very encouraging and supportive. As they grew to know more about the faith, they would share what they learnt with him. Jason remembered, “Over the past year, my family has been regularly going for the Holy Hour at the Church of the Holy Spirit. We also try to pray the rosary together even if we can only manage to do it during our car rides together.” “These are among the ways we try to strengthen our faith. It is a work-inprogress, and a family effort,” he added. Similarly, Jason feels that

for all the faithful, regardless of the stage of their faith journey. It is a call to grow in holiness and discipleship in the living community of one Church.”

selflessness “You received without charge, give without charge.” (Matthew 10:8) Jason explained that although Jesus said this in the context of commanding his disciples to exercise the spiritual gifts without cost, he finds it equally relevant as an instruction about one’s attitude towards money and material possessions, because truly all that we have on this earth is a gift from God.

i am telling you not to worry about your life and what your are to eat, nor about your body and what you are to wear. - mathew 6:25 services, they learn about the order of the Mass and have a myriad of tasks and responsibilities in the Holy Sanctuary. More importantly, altar servers come to imbibe the true meaning of the Mass. With the commitment required, Jason has had to learn how to manage his time to accommodate school, sports, and cultural activities, without neglecting his spiritual formation and role at the altar.

the New Evangelisation should not stop at the baptism of new converts; it is a continual process of giving to others and growing in holiness from this act of life long giving. “The New Evangelisation means meeting people where they are and using all the gifts and resources available to us in the modern age, to spread the Good News of God. Above all it is a call to a deeper conversion

He shared, “There are many who can give. As a student, I do not have much I can gift the Church, and there may be some who question the impact of what I can give every month. The Church has the mission of saving souls; her mission is a matter of eternal life and death. I cannot by my own power save my own life, and that is why I need Christ and the Church. Thus, whatever I can give, I will try and give to the Church.”

He continued, “I support the GIFT campaign because I think it is an elegant solution that brings the needs of the archdiocese under one banner, and presents a more visible face that can better canvas support from the faithful.” Jason is glad that the Office for Young People is among the organizations that his monthly pledge will provide for. Together with many friends, he has benefited from their many programmes like the bimonthly Nox Gaudiis, the NS Youth group, “Come as You Are”, as well as the preuniversity Kickstart retreat – all of which were crucial to his faith formation journey.

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

Gift Now

gift.catholicfoundation.sg

unafraid to give To encourage those who may be afraid of giving because they are worried they will not have enough for themselves, Jason finds that remembering Jesus’ own words can be very reassuring. “I am telling you not to worry about your life and what you are to eat, nor about your body and what you are to wear.” (Mathew 6:25) Jason declared, “God will provide for all that we need. He only asks that we give Him ourselves, our time, our resources and talents. Just like with the five loaves and two fish, He will be able to take what we have, multiply it and do a greater good for His people, more than we could ever do ourselves.”

a series contributed by

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Panel speakers at Caritas’ July 21 conference (from left): Fr David Garcia, Mr Han Fook Kwang (The Straits Times), Mr John Lim (Ministry of Social and Family Development), Ms Teo Jin Lee (Agape Village Management Committee) and panel moderator Prof Tan Cheng Han.

Sunday June 24, 2018 n CatholicNews

Social Mission Conference to focus on integral human development Conference to address issues such as what an authentic and integral development of S’pore would look like Singapore might have developed families and migrants. rapidly economically, but has it Other conference speakers matured as a cohesive society, who will share from their work especially when certain groups of and life experiences include: persons are left out of the develArchbishop William Goh; Dr opment equation? Ng Kok Hoe, Assistant Professor, What would a true, authentic Lee Kuan Yew School of Public and integral development of Sin- Policy, National University of gapore look like? Singapore; Dr Wong Sweet Fun, Caritas Singapore’s Social Chief Transformation Officer, Mission Conference 2018, to be Khoo Teck Puat Hospital and held at Catholic Junior College on Yishun Health, National HealthJuly 21, aims to address this. care Group (NHG); Mr Han Fook The keynote speaker is Cardi- Kwang, Editor at Large, The nal Peter Turkson, Straits Times; and head of the Vatimany others. can’s Dicastery for Participants the Promotion of can also join any Integral Human Deof three breakout velopment. groups focusing He will speak on the elderly, mion the Catholic grants and families. Church’s teachings These offer paron integral human ticipants a closer development where look at these people there is the physiand how they can cal, mental, social, be helped in their economic, cultural Keynote speaker: Cardi- continued developand spiritual devel- nal Peter Turkson. ment. opment of each inThe final segdividual. ment of the conference features He will elaborate on how a panel presentation on how sopeople can develop in this man- ciety, culture, the government ner so that their families, friends and the Church are challenged and communities can also benefit to reach out in service; the strucfrom it. From this, society as a tures and mindsets needed to inwhole, achieves true development clude all persons in their develtogether. opment; and how through this Cardinal Turkson will also inclusiveness, the whole society challenge conference participants develops. to see how they can put Church For more information and teachings into action, especially in to register for the conference, the treatment of vulnerable groups visit www.caritas-singapore.org/ such as the elderly, multi-stressed smc2018 n

Valuing the gift of life In this month’s issue of famfare!, two couples, one of whom will be speaking at the upcoming Humanae Vitae conference, share how they decided not to abort their child after discovering that he had a life-threatening condition. They share their pain-

ful struggles of how they stayed faithful to the Catholic Church’s teaching to value the dignity of life, no matter how short that life is. In the process they found peace and sanctification. To read their stories, go to Pages 6 and 7. n

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Sunday June 24, 2018  CatholicNews

GET CONNECTED: 2 LORONG LOW KOON, SINGAPORE 536449 T 6285 2571 | 6286 0341 W www.oyp.org.sg For enquiries, please email: info.oyp@catholic.org.sg

TESTIMONY & THANKSGIVING

School of Christian Leadership 2018 I learned to not be fooled by emotions because they are fleeting. I had allowed them to define my relationship with God — on days where I was more irritable or sinful, I felt defeated, as if my interior life had gone back to ground zero. But through prayer ministry, I was reminded that I have to focus on the journey inwards. I had to become more acquainted with the matters of the heart. I claimed the truth that my emotions and fears do not define my relationship with God or how much He wants to meet me. The truth is, God’s everlasting peace is a constant, and I simply have to dig down deeper into my heart to find Him. - Christine Saw

UPCOMING

KICKSTART Freshmen Gathering 2018

The OYP Chaplains and staff with the School of Christian Leadership 2018

As it says in the book of Proverbs,” Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:12). We pray that the faith of our brothers and sisters below will serve to increase your own faith! Before SOCL I was spiritually dry and skeptical about my faith. I was just so lost and felt that my connection to God was broken. I knew that it was up to me to open the door of my heart to Him. This school was the key I needed to unlock the door for Jesus to enter. To be touched by His love, was something that I craved so much and got to experience through the sessions, prayer ministry, people and praise and worship. It helped to give me the certainty to commit to the Lord and always put Him first. I now know what it is like to fall in love with Jesus and I want to continue deepening that love. - Shannia Marie Nadarajan Before SOCL, I already felt inspired to serve the Lord and did not feel the need to come, but as the days went by, I was reminded of how much there was to unlearn and learn, and I felt the importance of my participation in it. The school wasn’t so much a rite of passage, as it was a journey which helped me to find conviction in my faith and it guided me to open my heart to the Lord. I discovered how I had previously desired to leave behind a legacy, but I realised how amazing the legacy of Jesus is and how great it was to be invited to share a part in it. - Benedict Eli Abraham

Sat,23 June 2018 (10 am) to Sun, 24 June 2018 (6pm) Are you entering university and wondering how to grow your faith life? Looking for a community of fellow Catholic students on campus? Join us at KICKSTART Freshmen Gathering 2018 for a time of PRAYER, WORSHIP, COMMUNITY and ENCOUNTER! The Father waits with open arms. Want to find out more? Sign up at http://oyp.org.sg/kickstart2018/

THANKSGIVING

Praise & worship

Eucharistic Adoration

Coming into SOCL 2018 as a Service Team member felt different from when I entered as a participant last year. I came in thinking the Lord had nothing more He could do for me but praise God, because I was very wrong! The Lord revealed many truths to me and allowed me to gain better self-perception by the grace of the Holy Spirit. My experience as a participant at SOCL 2017 was one of homecoming and being assured of the Father’s love for me. At SOCL 2018, I felt that the Lord was calling me to expand my capacity to love His children and bring His love to them. I praise God also for rekindling my conviction to strive for a Christ-centred life. In short, I just want to give thanks to God for all He has done and continues to do and I pray for the grace to choose His Way, His Truth, and His Life daily! - Nikki Pereira

University has been a challenging period for me, and I think, it’s very easy to get overwhelmed by stress in the pursuit of excellence. But taking the step of giving myself the chance to know more about FIDES through the freshman orientation camp has been one of the best university decisions I’ve made because God really worked through the community to bring me back to Him. The FIDES community has been an anchor of my faith in university as I struggle with things like competitiveness and stress. Community has given me an awareness that there’s a group of Christ-centred brothers and sisters who are always willing to offer support and words of truth. This has really made a difference to my university life because I’m constantly reminded of what I should focus on and to cast away the lies that have been planted in me. It’s really through this constant support system of community that God has revealed His love for me and continues to do so! – Anne Tan, SMU Fides. Want to find out more? http://oyp.org.sg/kickstart2018/ #OYPkickstart18 #testimonythursdays

Breakfast fellowship

FINAL.indd 1

Community bonding games

8/6/18 12:02 PM

Sunday June 24, 2018  CatholicNews

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Celebrating the Culture of Life Pope St John Paul II revitalised the defence of human life as a fundamental Christian value in his writing of Evangelium Vitae (The Gospel of Life) and, in doing so, coined the phrase “culture of life”. In Evangelium Vitae, he issued a pressing appeal addressed to all, in the name of God: “Respect, protect, love and serve life, every human life! Only in this direction will you find justice, development, true freedom, peace and happiness!” (EV 5) A growing culture of death Now more than ever the Church finds itself in a battle to defend the culture of life against a growing “culture of death”, which has arisen in part from a faulty understanding of human freedom. With easy accessibility today to contraception, abortion and, increasingly, euthanasia, these acts of ending human life are seen as human rights and freedoms, removing the decision on life from God’s hands and placing it in the ill-equipped hands of Man.

While this culture of death is perpetuated in part by atheism and agnosticism, the Irish referendum in May 2018 reveals a worrying descent among Catholics to the ban on abortion, with the vote overwhelmingly being cast against the pro-life argument. While we acknowledge that the issues are complex and emotions run high, at the heart of God’s Covenant with Man is the indisputable commandment: “Thou shalt not kill”, which points to the respect and defence of

A mission fulfilled

John and Joan are the proud parents of four beautiful gifts from God – their children: Julian 12, Jeanne 9, Joseph 6, and Joachim 3. However, God also gifted them with three unsuccessful pregnancies. Although the losses were great, they strengthened the couple’s faith. They believe their first born, Joshua, in particular, carried a special message from God. When John and Joan got married on New Year’s Day in 2005 they were full of joy and hope for a future trusted in God. They found out two months later that Joan was expecting their first child, and they were overjoyed. “Every visit to the hospital was so exciting, seeing how fast our baby was growing,” Joan recalls. “We eagerly awaited the

scheduled scan to find out if our baby was a boy or a girl, as we were so excited about giving our baby a name.” The scan did not go as expected. The couple were informed that their baby boy had abnormalities in the brain, heart and intestines. They were referred immediately for a Fetal Anomaly Scan.

all human life. Pope St John Paul II wrote: “The deliberate decision to deprive an innocent human being of his life is always morally evil and can never be licit either as an end in itself or as a means to a good end.” (EV 57) Have courage to defend life “In the proclamation of this gospel, we must not fear hostility or unpopularity, and we must refuse any compromise or ambiguity that might conform us to the world’s way of thinking.” (EV 82)

cyst in the brain and his head was slightly flat at the back, he had two major holes in the heart, and his intestines were outside his body. The couple were further told there was a possibility of Edward’s Syndrome, where babies seldom live until birth or beyond the first month after birth. This was devastating news for the newly weds. At first they refused an Amniocentesis, which is a medical procedure to determine the nature of the chromosomal disorder, as there was a risk of miscarriage. However, a Catholic doctor in the hospital advised the couple that the test would allow them to focus on the medical help they could provide for the baby after birth.

They knew abortion was not the solution “Before the scan, we spent time reading up on whatever little information we could get just to prepare ourselves for the worst,” says John, “but there was no doubt at all that we would keep our baby regardless of the outcome.” The second scan delivered even worse news. Their baby had three major problems: he had a

The Church was the first place they turned to for help “Obviously this was all so much for us to take in,” says John. “So we went straight to Novena Church from the hospital to pray and seek advice from the priest. Thank God a priest was there to provide the support and guidance we were desperate for.”

In proclaiming by word and deed the Gospel of Life, all Catholics have a role to play in enlightening consciences, solving social problems and supporting life. Evangelium Vitae calls all of us to work for human dignity for all human beings as part of our human responsibility. We must find solutions that respect life as a gift from the Creator, who breathed into man the divine breath, thus making the human person the image of God.

It’s time to open the conversation

They decided to do the test so that they would be able to make informed decisions on how to care for their son, once born. It was an agonising two weeks’ wait for the result. To compound John and Joan’s despair, they were pressured by many of their family members and friends to abort the baby. Some even thought the couple were not considering seriously enough, the financial, physical and mental burdens of keeping the baby. “We were extremely disappointed that we didn’t get the support we had hoped for,” says Joan. “But for us, we knew we would never have been able to cope with the guilt of killing our own child. We felt that was a decision only God could make.” However, God was with the couple. Over the next few days of prayers, people around them changed their hearts about the abortion. They began to accept that every child is a blessing from God and every baby is beautiful just the way they are. “The turnaround in support was really encouraging for us,” says John, “and we named our little baby Joshua, meaning, “God is Salvation”.

recalls the moment she was told: “My mind went blank but I did not cry. The thought that came to my mind later was, ‘My baby is going to die… Why didn’t God give me a Down’s Syndrome child?… Why must he take him away?’’ At the time of their deepest despair and questioning of God’s plan for them, they were encouraged by a friend to visit the Carmelite Sisters for prayers, and that’s where they met Sr. Francisca. Through her, they were again filled with a sense of hope and peace from her encouragement, and she has been their spiritual mentor ever since. Buoyed by Sr Franscisca’s faith and guidance, the couple decided to treasure and enjoy every moment of Joshua’s life. They rejoiced in his every movement and kick. “Joshua gave his last kick on my birthday,” recalls Joan. “We knew something was wrong so we went to the hospital, and the doctor told us Joshua’s heart was failing. All we could do was pray. But when we went back to the hospital four days later, our doctor was surprised that Joshua’s heart had somehow recovered, although he had stopped moving. Still, we were overwhelmed with joy.” Unfortunately, a scheduled checkup three weeks later revealed that Joshua’s heart had finally stopped beating.

Finding strength through the Church The results revealed that Joshua had Edward’s Syndrome. Joan

While these are indisputable truths, it is clear that the Church needs to open a conversation on the issue of abortion in relation to Catholic teachings, especially with the younger generations of the faith. In this issue, we start this conversation by hearing from two couples who were offered abortion as a choice and chose to trust in God’s plan for them instead, by allowing their pregnancies to run their natural courses, recognising their inescapable responsibility of choosing to be open to life.

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Sunday June 24, 2018  CatholicNews

A faith tested but not broken “We were shocked and heartbroken,” John explains. “We did not expect him to leave so soon, so quietly. He was born on 5 August 2005 after 17 hours of induced labour. And the next day, we held a beautiful funeral service for Joshua in Church.” It was an extremely difficult time for the couple – to carry Joshua after he was delivered, but not see him move or cry like the other babies in the ward; to be discharged from the hospital without him; to collect his little body from the mortuary and watch him being laid into a casket instead of a cradle; and to finally say goodbye to him after his funeral. “It was also especially difficult when we went home emptyhanded and had to live through the period of maternity leave without Joshua,” says Joan. “However, we brought Joshua home in our hearts and hold precious the experience of loving him unconditionally.” One little small heart linked many big hearts Sr. Francisca’s words comforted the couple and guided them through their grief: The message that Joshua brings to this world is that pure love exists, we live out of love. We love through hearts. One little small heart has linked to many big hearts. My dear, the Lord gives, the Lord takes away. He is the creator. He has the right and He knows when is the best time for little Joshua to go back to Him as he has fulfilled the mission that God has entrusted him. He died in the love of Mom and Dad. I guess he was happy to slip away in silence because he loves you. “Though we still cry today as we miss Joshua terribly,” says Joan, “there is a sense of peace and joy that Joshua is now with God because he completed his mission... that is to teach all of us what love is about.” To hear more of John and Joan’s sharing as well as sharings from other couples, do sign up for the HV50 Conference happening in July (Refer to details of the conference in the Catholic Family Events Calendar below).

50 days with our son… When Patrick and Lillian turned up for their scheduled scan in Lillian’s fourth month of pregnancy with their first child, little did they expect the news that was to follow. The doctor told the newly expecting couple that the baby was not growing properly. The head was abnormally large, the brain stem was not growing and hydrocephalus was also suspected. In light of the bad news and the lack of brain development, the doctor recommended that the couple consider aborting the baby. Abortion was never an option

University Hospital, who while sadly confirming the initial diagnosis, was supportive of the couple’s decision to see the pregnancy through. Their Church community gave invaluable support “Our friends prayed with us,” says Patrick, “and this really helped us through. We had decided at that point to leave it all in God’s hands. We knew He had a plan for us. It wasn’t the plan we had wanted, but we trusted in God’s plan.”

However, for Patrick and Lillian, this option was out of the question right from the start. The couple had support to help them deal with this new reality and adjust their expectations around parenthood. They went to a Professor in the National

Their baby, who they named John Paul, was born on 21 April 1996, and they were told that nothing could be done for him but to take him home and wait for him to pass on. Not knowing how much time John Paul had, the couple baptised him that day. The couple made the most of the time they had with him, treasuring every day beyond the two weeks they were told he would live. Lillian was grateful to their church community, who came to visit them every day to lend their support and to pray: “It was a difficult time, but kindness from people around brought hope. All these acts told us that God was journeying with us.”

We had decided at this point to leave it all in God’s hands. We knew he had a plan for us. It wasn’t the plan we had wanted, but we trusted in God’s plan.

Building a close bond in a short 50 days “Although the doctors said he didn’t have a brain and couldn’t respond to stimulus around him, he did respond to me.” Patrick says. He felt a very close bonding with his son and made the most of the time he spent with him, holding him, feeding him and bathing him in the 50 days John Paul remained with them. When he passed away on 10 June 1996, the couple knew that they wouldn’t have done anything

Couples who are facing a challenge or crisis in their pregnancy can consider the following: Catholic Medical Guild - Bioethics Centre The Catholic Medical Guild of Singapore (CMG) provides answers to real-life ethical dilemmas on issues ranging from contraception and abortion counselling to that of end-of-life care in a manner that is professional and faithful to the teachings of the Catholic Church. The CMG bioethics centre consisting of Fr David Garcia, OP and medical doctors trained in medical ethics will be available to address ethical dilemmas via the email cmgethicscentre@gmail.com, or if necessary, through a personal face-to-face dialogue at a date and time that can be arranged.

26 Pieta Monthly Support Session for Bereaved Parents 26 June and 24 July (Tuesday) 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm Agape Village 7A Lorong 8 Toa Payoh Singapore 319264 We meet as a group of bereaved parents to find mutual support through prayer, scripture and sharing of experiences.

Family Life Society - Pregnancy Crisis Service Family Life Society (FLS) provides a Pregnancy Crisis Service (PCS) that is helmed by a team of volunteers and supported by dedicated therapists and medical professionals. PCS provides a safe and non-judgemental environment for women with unplanned pregnancies. It supports individuals and couples who may be facing challenges arising from unplanned pregnancies. All discussions are strictly confidential. For more information: www.pregnancycrisis.sg Contact the PCS Helpline: 6339 9770 or email help@pregnancycrisis.sg

For a list of family events in the Archdiocese visit

catholicfamily.org.sg/events

July 6

facebook.com/PietaSingapore

“We believe we can’t interfere in God’s plan,” says Lillian. “God is faithful to us. We don’t know what plan He had for John Paul, but we take comfort that John Paul helped those who came to see him. He also helped to strengthen our marriage and our faith in God. I’m comforted that he is now with God.” Patrick and Lillian went on to have two more children, John Paul’s younger siblings, Justin, who is now 20 and Joan, 17. John Paul would have been 22 years old today. The family continues to celebrate his life and take comfort in the fact that, as short as it was, his life made a difference.

Seeking answers for a Pregnancy Crisis

June

Pieta.singapore@gmail.com

John Paul’s impact

Welcoming an angel on Earth

Catholic Family Events in June - July 2018

No need to register, just walk in.

differently if they had had the chance to do things again. His life was short but precious.

“There were happy moments too. John Paul was very active in the womb. We could feel him moving and ‘see’ his movement,” shared Lillian.

CHOICE Weekend

Marriage Encounter Weekend

HV50 Conference

29 June – 1 July Friday 7 pm to Sunday 6:30 pm CHOICE Retreat House, 47 Jurong West Street 42, Singapore 649368

6 – 8 July (Friday – Sunday) Friday 8 pm to Sunday 6 pm Marriage Encounter House 201B Punggol 17th Avenue Singapore 829651

14 July (Saturday) 10 am – 4:30 pm SJI Lecture Theatre 2 38 Malcolm Road Singapore 308274

CHOICE is for single young adults aged between 18 – 40 years old (Catholics and Non-Catholics) seeking some time to re-examine the values, lifestyle and relationships in their own lives.

Discover the weekend that has been transforming marriages all over the world for more than 40 years.

Come learn more about Blessed Pope Paul VI’s prophetic Encyclical, Humanae Vitae, and learn how its teachings can be applied to the challenges facing marriage, the family and society today.

registration@choice.org.sg Hillary (9790 0537) Carrie (9671 6695) Francesca (9710 9680)

For couples married two years and above. Programme starts Friday (8pm) and ends Sunday (6pm). wwmesg.org/me-weekend-selector to book a weekend.

To register, please visit www.hv50sg.info

This section is produced by the Archdiocesan Commission for the Family and is published on the last issue of each month. For more information on Catholic family life matters, visit catholicfamily.org.sg.

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Doctors, mission group inform pope of humanitarian collaboration About 20 representatives from the World Federation of Catholic Medical Associations (FIAMC) and A Call To Share (ACTS), a Singapore Catholic humanitarian mission, met Pope Francis at the Vatican on May 28. The FIAMC members were seeing the pope ahead of their congress in Zagreb, Croatia, held from May 30-June 2. In his address to the Holy Father, Dr John Lee, a Singaporean doctor who is president of FIAMC, pledged to promote the authentic teachings of the magisterium of the Church as expressed in the papal encyclicals. He also pointed out that one of the objectives of the congress in Zagreb was to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Humanae Vitae, one of the most important documents written by Pope Paul VI. The congress would also include an exhibition entitled “Evangelisation and Works of Mercy”. One of the highlights of the meeting with the pope was presenting him the collaboration of

ACTS with the Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco. Dr Lee shared that this collaboration would be launched during the FIAMC congress to enlist various national medical associations to help the poorer communities in the world. This would provide an opportunity for doctors to live the social mission of the Church and a way towards sanctification in their chosen vocation. ACTS, which organises medical and educational mission trips to countries such as Cambodia, Philippines, Myanmar and Vietnam, celebrates its 12th anniversary this year. A specially-produced book commemorating this anniversary was presented to Pope Francis during the meeting.

Dr John Lee (wearing glasses), World Federation of Catholic Medical Associations president, together with members of the federation and A Call To Share (ACTS), a Singapore Catholic humanitarian mission, meet Pope Francis.

Following Dr Lee’s speech, Pope Francis gave his address in Italian. He encouraged doctors to reflect on the theme of the congress, which was “Holiness in life and the medical profession, from Humanae Vitae to Laudato Si’”. He said it was important for a

Know how to harmonise your efforts ‘ with those of priests, men and women Religious, and all those who work in health pastoral care. ’

– Pope Francis to the healthcare professionals

doctor to have “concrete participation in the life and mission of the Church”. The pope said that this participation – as underlined by the Second Vatican Council – is “so necessary within the Church communities that without it the apostolate of the pastors is often unable to achieve its full effectiveness” (Decreto Apostolicam Actuositatem, 10). Pope Francis also emphasised that “it is desirable that the activities of the associations of Catholic doctors be interdisciplinary and

also involve other ecclesial realities. In particular, know how to harmonise your efforts with those of priests, men and women Religious, and all those who work in health pastoral care”. He urged them to be “ministers, not only of care but also of fraternal charity, transmitting to those you approach, along with the contribution of your knowledge, your wealth of humanity and evangelical compassion”. Some 80 countries are members of the FIAMC, representing over 100,000 healthcare individuals. n

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Alumni walk in ‘footsteps’ of Canossian saints in Italy trip The Canossian Alumni Association (CAA) organised its first ever Canossian learning journey to Italy from May 20 to June 2. Led by Canossian Sr Cecily Pavri, the trip, named “In the Footsteps of our Canossian Saints”, was designed to trace the life journeys of St Magdalene of Canossa, foundress of the Canossian Daughters of Charity, and St Josephine Bakhita, a Sudanese slave who became the first ever African Canossian nun. Made up of alumni members and Canossian volunteers and friends, the group of 33 visited the cities of Verona, Venice, Florence, Padua, Assisi and Rome, with a day at St Peter’s Basilica for a papal audience. Highlights of the trip included visiting the Canossa Palace and the Canossa family summer villa in Grezzano – places where St Magdalene lived in her youth. In Venice, they visited the baptismal font of St Bakhita. En route from Florence to Assisi, the group stopped over at the Basilica of St Anthony in Padua. While in Assisi, they also had a half-day retreat in La Verna where St Francis of Assisi received his stigmata.

Canossian alumni, vounteers and friends pose for a photo with a statue of St Magdalene of Canossa at the Verona Mother House Convent.

The group also visited St Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel in Rome. Towards the end of their trip, the group stayed in the Ospitalita Bakhita in Ottavia near Rome, which is also the Canossian Provincial House. There, they had a night of recreation with the Sisters and

met Sr Annamaria Babbini, mother general of the Canossian Sisters. Recollecting the trip, Ms Maryanne Lim shared that she was moved by the story of St Bakhita – how she was tortured as a young girl. “I was touched by her action to forgive her enemies,” she said. Ms Adeline Foo said that “the

Canossian Srs Jane Chong (left) and Yoko Maria Kiyota (from Japan) at the baptismal font of St Bakhita in Venice.

introduction to the lives of the saints gave me new insights into my faith.” Over the past two decades, such trips were organised only for principals and educators in the Canossian schools. Ms Veronica Tan, president of the CAA, shared that the alumni

decided to organise this trip because “the faith and footsteps of our Canossian saints had impacted thousands of students like us half the world away.” This trip reinforced “our school values and reminds us to keep the Canossian charism and spirituality alive,” she added. n

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About Humanae Vitae and Natural Family Planning Dr Gabriel Seow shares about the wisdom behind the papal encyclical, Humanae Vitae, as a physician Humanae Vitae (“Of Human Life”) is an encyclical issued by Blessed Pope Paul VI 50 years ago on July 25, 1968. Subtitled “On the Regulation of Birth”, it reaffirms the constant teaching of the Church regarding abortion, contraception and other issues pertaining to human life and love. In this document, Blessed Pope Paul VI predicted a number of consequences should contraception be accepted and promoted, one of which was “how easily this course of action could open wide the way for marital infidelity and a general lowering of moral standards ... [A] man…may forget the reverence due to a woman, and…reduce her to being a mere instrument for the satisfaction of his own desires”. I realise how uncannily prophetic Humanae Vitae has been during these 21 years in my general practice:

Not only is Natural Family Planning effective in helping couples plan their families generously and responsibly, but stories abound of how they rejoice in their babies as gifts, whether in anticipation or in retrospect. Natural Family Planning

Contraceptives Over the years, I have seen an increase in requests for contraceptives or the morning after pill among teenagers. Sadly, in medical decision making nowadays, I have to assume that a teenager is sexually active until proven otherwise. I can’t forget the many cases whereby young women burst into tears when their pregnancy tests turn out positive and how the guys are dazed and at a loss as to what to do. Almost invariably abortion follows. I have noticed how difficult it is to counsel contracepting cou-

ples (even married couples) to keep their babies. Their minds seemed made up. Another child appears to be too much of a burden in modern life.

Sexually transmitted infections I am also treating an increasing number of STI (sexually transmitted infections) in husbands working overseas who sheepishly admitted they would not otherwise have taken a risk with prostitutes if not for the false sense of security offered by condoms. Some go on to infect their wives

with incurable diseases like genital herpes. I have witnessed families destroyed as the wives become depressed and suspicious while others end in divorce.

A chore How often have I heard wives resent the fact that sex is just another chore to them. The most vivid description I recall must be this: “He knows I’m always available ... If not he’d go look for someone else.” It’s certainly sad to see what is so beautiful degenerate to such a state.

In contrast, I am edified by the wonderful stories of couples who practise NFP (Natural Family Planning). These wives often express that they feel loved and respected, not used. There is that certain selfmastery that develops in the husband that reassures the woman that she has married an exceptional and faithful man. Not only is NFP effective in helping couples plan their families generously and responsibly, but

stories abound of how they rejoice in their babies as gifts, whether in anticipation or in retrospect. It is wonderful for me to witness how their marital relationships have blossomed with the passing of time by faithfully practising NFP proposed by Humanae Vitae. It is now clear to me now how contraception opposes the total, faithful and fecund gift of self to one’s spouse, hence frustrating God’s beautiful plan. How could the Church possibly have known these 50 years ago? To me, the inspiration of the Holy Spirit is the only adequate explanation. Looking back, I can only thank God that He left us His Church as our infallible guide through the moral storms of our earthly sojourn. I exhort my brothers and sisters in Christ to learn and promote NFP, study Humanae Vitae (it takes two hours to read it), pray it, live it and share its life-giving message. We will then, in our little way, be fulfilling Christ’s command to “proclaim the Good News to all of creation”. Dr Seow and his wife Teresa are family physicians. They both serve in the Catholic Medical Guild and the Marriage Preparation Course in the archdiocese. n

For more information about an upcoming Humanae Vitae conference on July 14, visit www.hv50sg.info The Singapore Natural Family Planning website is at http://naturalfamilyplanning.sg/site/ The Humanae Vitae document is at http://w2.vatican. va/content/paul-vi/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_p-vi_ enc_25071968_humanae-vitae.html n

CJC students learn about advocacy planning at workshop About 40 Catholic Junior College (CJC) students learnt more about the Church’s role in helping the poor and needy during a workshop conducted by Caritas Singapore on May 30. The students were among a larger group of 88 CJC students attending the college’s threeday-one-night Ignite Residential Programme which aimed to expose them to an authentic service learning experience. The programme, held in University Town (UTown) at the National University of Singapore, also saw the students making rojak with the elderly from Ling Kwang Home for Senior Citizens, and visiting Assumption Pathway School and the Singapore As-

CJC students conducting a stakeholder analysis at the workshop conducted by Caritas.

sociation of the Visually Handicapped. During the advocacy and research workshop conducted by

Caritas, students learnt about advocacy planning and conducted their own stakeholder analysis of key groups involved in the is-

sue of workplace discrimination faced by people with disabilities. Ms Tiffany Tham and Ms Jorain Ng who conducted the workshop spoke of Caritas’ social mission to bring God’s love to the vulnerable. Participants also learnt about Caritas’ initiative, Agape Village, the one-stop integrated social service hub at Toa Payoh. “I am now aware of Agape Village and that they cater to people who have multiple issues,” said student Wang Hao Min, 16. “If I meet people in crisis, I will refer them there,” said the JC1 science stream student. Ms Ng said that the workshop was part of Caritas’ outreach to young people to equip them with

knowledge of the “Church’s active role in helping the poor and needy. It is also to inspire them to continue to have a preferential option for the poor when they rise to leadership position in their various chosen fields.” Ms Renee Chong, the main organiser for the event and Head of Department (Integrated Curriculum) at CJC, said she hoped the school programme will help students acquire critical thinking skills such as “analysing different perspectives, challenging assumptions, understanding relations across the different layers of societal structure in real-life context, as well as inculcate social awareness and empathy for others”. n

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Catholic centre brings joy to Muslims at Ramadan LAHORE, PAKISTAN – A Catho-

disabled people more independlic organisation distributed gifts ent,” he said. to disabled Muslim students Mr Shahzad said Muslim at a pre-Id al-Fitr ceremony in families do not allow DCSC’s the eastern Pakistani city of La- Catholic staff to leave without hore. food during home visits even at The Dorothea Centre for Spe- Ramadan. “True acceptance is cial Children (DCSC) hosted the vital for interfaith harmony,” he ceremony for 35 mentally and said. physically handicapped students Mr Khalil Tahir Sindhu, a and their parents at the Ambas- Catholic, spent his last day as Punsador Hotel on May jab’s minister for mi31. norities and human The Dorothea The students, rights with DCSC aged 6-18, ofstudents. The Punjab Centre for fered garlands to Assembly dissolved Special speakers who said on May 31. prayers before urgMr Aneesur ReChildren ing the need for hman, vice-president gave gifts interfaith events of Special Olymduring the Islamic pics Pakistan, told to disabled fasting month of ucanews.com that Muslim Ramadan. interreligious semistudents. DCSC direcnars and events have tor Khalid Shahzad become an annual called for the imtradition in Pakistan. plementation of a jobs quota for “Our gifted children deserve people with special needs. all the support, especially beAccording to the Disabled cause they are better than normal Persons (Employment and Re- athletes. Our teams have won habilitation) Ordinance passed hundreds of medals in world in 1981, any company em- games,” he said. ploying more than 100 peoFounded in 2001, DCSC ofple has to reserve 2 percent fers free therapy classes in sports, of jobs for people with dis- arts, music, daily living skills, abilities. However, the law is toilet training, hygiene and behardly implemented, said Mr haviour to children with Down Shahzad. syndrome and other disabilities. “The only solution is to make n UCANEWS.COM

Marian procession prays for peace in Myanmar state MANDALAY,

MYANMAR

–

Catholics displaced by the ongoing conflict in Myanmar’s Kachin State joined thousands of others for a Marian peace procession through the state capital Myitkyina. Some 7,000 Kachin Catholics took part in the procession led by Bishop Francis Daw Tang of Myitkyina on May 28. Fr Peter Hka Awng Tu, parish priest of St Columban’s Cathedral in Myitkyina, Ethnic Kachin refugees at a camp in said some 1,000 internally Myitkyina, Myanmar. CNS file photo displaced people (IDP) now living in nearby camps joined the near Inngyanyan township said he hoped God would fulfil their procession. “We prayed and said the rosary prayers for peace in Kachin State to Mother Mary, who is the Queen and elsewhere in Myanmar. “We want to go back home but of Peace, for peace in Kachin State and elsewhere in Myanmar,” we can’t return because fighting may erupt again,” said Mr Tang Fr Awng Tu told ucanews.com. The priest said hostilities be- Sham who took part in the Marian tween Kachin rebels and the My- procession. Mr Patrick Gum Seng, a anmar military was ongoing. He said there were reports that some Catholic in charge of St Joseph civilians trying to avoid the fight- IDP camp in Maina, Waimaw ing remained trapped in jungle township, said Catholics in the area had a strong faith in God areas. More than 3,000 people have and hoped their prayers would taken refuge at Catholic churches be answered. “We haven’t lost hope in in Myitkyina, Tanai, Letwa, Namti and Tangphre, said Fr Awng Tu. peace. We keep praying for an end Mr Joseph Tang Sham who is to the fighting,” he told ucanews. newly displaced from a village com. n UCANEWS.COM

Malaysian Catholics asked to help trim nation’s debt KUALA LUMPUR – With their

prayers answered for a peaceful election and change of leadership, Catholics in Malaysia are now pitching in to help the country reduce its RM1 trillion debt (S$334 billion). Archbishop Julian Leow of Kuala Lumpur, in a letter to Catholics on June 4, said church collections during Masses held from June 22-24 would be donated to Tabung Harapan Malaysia as part of the Church’s commitment to assisting in rebuilding the country. Archbishop Leow said the bishops of Peninsular Malaysia had agreed to offer up one weekend’s collection from all parishes towards the fund to help trim the nation’s debt. He asked that the donation drive be announced in parish bulletins and upcoming Masses, adding that there would be a single collection at each Mass during the fourth weekend of this month. “I thank you for your generosity and as one Malaysian Church, let us continue to pray for our be-

Photo: HERALD

Archbishop Julian Leow of Kuala Lumpur said Mass collections from June 22-24 would go towards a fund.

loved country, Malaysia,” Archbishop Leow said. Churches in the two Borneo states of Sabah and Sarawak are expected to follow suit. The collection is expected to be significant as Catholics make up about 3.5 percent of

the 31-million population of the country. The Council of Churches Malaysia has also urged Christians to donate to the fund in a “special appeal” to members of congregations to “play their part in this extraordinary effort”. The Tabung Harapan Malaysia (Malaysia Hope Fund) was set up on May 30 in response to Malaysians’ concerns over the economic mismanagement by the former Barisan Nasional government. It was started after social media users said they wanted to raise funds to help repay colossal debts that had accumulated under former prime minister Najib Razak. The fund has been enthusiastically welcomed by Malaysians who are still celebrating the change of government following the May 9 elections. The fund has seen groups of children and teenagers washing cars for contributions, businesses pledging a part of their profits and individuals and groups organising donation drives. n UCANEWS.COM

Philippine Church against idea of arming priests against attacks MANILA – Church leaders in the Philippines have criticised a proposal to arm priests as a protective measure in the wake of recent attacks on clergy. Calls have come from several quarters for priests to take advantage of a 2014 law allowing journalists, priests, lawyers, doctors, nurses, accountants and engineers to carry firearms outside their homes. The calls come after three recent shooting incidents involving priests. In the most recent case on June 6, Fr Rey Urmeneta, 64, who serves at a parish in Calamba City north of Manila, survived a gun attack by two assailants. He was the third priest to have been shot since December. In April, Fr Mark Ventura from Gattaran in the northern Philippines died after being shot by a lone gunman shortly after celebrating Sunday Mass, and in December, Fr Marcelito Paez was shot dead in Jaen, north of Manila. The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, however, expressed strong opposition to the idea of arming priests. “Arming priests is not a solu-

Filipino priests praying in Manila. Calls have come from several quarters for priests to carry firearms in the wake of attacks on clergy. CNS file photo

tion to crimes against them,” said Fr Jerome Secillano, executive secretary of the bishops’ Public Affairs Committee. He said there is no need for priests to arm themselves because, like any ordinary citizen, they are also entitled to protection from the government. “I am for a gunless society,” said retired Archbishop Ramon Arguelles of Lipa. “We priests are

not afraid of dangers. If the public, especially the poor, are exposed to dangers, we cannot be less.” Bishop Honesto Ongtioco of Cubao said a priest’s “vocation and role in the transformation of society” is different from other people. “Our security is more on what we do, how we interact and live with people,” he said. n UCANEWS. COM

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Vatican releases first document on sports Document warns against corruption in the sports world VATICAN CITY – A new Vatican

document cautions against the dangers of highly competitive children’s sports, political and economic pressures on athletes to win ‘”at all costs” and the unsportsmanlike or violent behaviour of fans. The document on sports also calls on every group or institution sponsoring sports programmes to have expert-guided child protection policies in place and it urged bishops, parishes and lay Catholics to be proactive in helping “humanise” sports. The document, “Giving the Best of Yourself,” also condoned sports on Sundays as a means of bringing families and communities together in joy and celebration, but only as long as such events are not used as an excuse to miss Mass. The document was released on June 1 by the Dicastery for Laity, the Family and Life, and is the first Vatican document on sports, said Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the dicastery’s prefect. In a message to the cardinal, Pope Francis applauded the document and said, “Sport is a very rich source of values and virtues that help us to become better people.” The 52-page document highlighted the Church’s positive view of the important values inherent to sport and blew the whistle on the growing threats in the sports world, including corruption, over-commercialisation, manipulation and abuse. The document made specific reference to the need to protect the environment when it comes to hosting sporting events and to respect animals involved in sports, ensuring “that they are treated in a morally appropriate way and not as mere objects.” It also mentioned briefly the growing and lucrative business of

The new Vatican document urged seminaries to include formation in the pastoral care of sport as well as opportunities to practise sports, noting its potential as a way to evangelise. CNS photo

e-sports, that is, video game competitions and tournaments that award large cash prizes and draw huge numbers of spectators. While not trying to touch on every problem or pinpoint one sport in particular, the document listed what it saw as four serious challeng-

The document condoned sports on Sundays but only as long as such events are not an excuse to miss Mass. es that are the result of an obsession with success and the huge economic and political pressures put on sports and athletes: the debasement of the body, doping, corruption and the negative behaviour of spectators. “Sports that inevitably cause serious harm to the human body can-

not be ethically justified,” it said. Among the rights of life, dignity and freedom that must be protected in sports is protection against abuse, it said. “Incidences of abuse of children whether physical, sexual or emotional by coaches, trainers or other adults are a direct affront” to minors, it said, so “institutions that sponsor sports programmes for youth, including at the elite level, must develop policies with the help of experts that ensure the safety of all children.” The document called for “an educational strategy” to help coaches, teachers and managers seek the “best, most holistic” ways to humanise sports, and it urged seminaries to include formation in the pastoral care of sport as well as opportunities to practise sports, noting its potential as a way to evangelise. Lastly, the document emphasised how sports must always include fun. Competition is meant to fruitfully engage and draw the best out of people, it said, not to face “an enemy who must be annihilated.” n CNS

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Switch to alternative energy, pontiff tells oil executives VATICAN CITY – The world needs a new kind of leadership that believes in building up the whole human family and protecting the environment, Pope Francis told a group of energy and oil executives and global investors. That also means using alternatives to fossil fuels for meeting everyone’s energy needs and mitigating the effects of global warming, he said. “Civilization requires energy, but energy use must not destroy civilization,” he said in his address on June 9 at the Vatican. The pope spoke to leaders taking part in a June 8-9 conference on “Energy Transition and Care for Our Common Home,” sponsored by the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting

‘

This is a challenge of epochal proportions ... There is no time to lose.

’

– Pope Francis to energy and oil executives

Civilization requires energy, but energy use must not destroy civilization, Pope Francis said at a conference on energy transition. CNS file photo

Integral Human Development and the University of Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of

‘Small’ acts of kindness show God’s love best VATICAN CITY – God shows his love, not with great speeches, but with simple, tender acts of charity, Pope Francis said. “When Jesus wants to teach us how a Christian should be, He tells us very little,” the pope said, but He shows people by feeding the hungry and welcoming the stranger. Celebrating Mass in his residence on June 8, the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the pope spoke about the boundless love of Christ, “which surpasses knowledge”. It is not easy to understand, he said, but God expresses His infinite love in small, tender ways. In the day’s first reading, the prophet Hosea says the Lord loved His people like a child, taking them into His arms, drawing them in, “close, like a dad” would, the pope said.

“How does God show His love? With great things? No, He becomes small with gestures of tenderness, goodness,” he said. In Christ, God then became flesh, lowering Himself even unto death, the pope said, which helps teach Christians the right path they should take. The pope said Christ expressed God’s love concretely on a small scale by feeding someone who was hungry, giving the thirsty something to drink, visiting a prisoner or someone who is ill. Therefore, there is no need for grand speeches about love, he said, but there is a need for men and women “who know how to do these little things for Jesus, for the Father”. Works of mercy continue that love, which is made small so it can “reach us and we carry it forward”, Pope Francis said. n CNS

Business in the United States. The private conference invited executives of leading

energy, petroleum and natural gas companies as well as leaders in investment firms. Among those taking part in the conference was Mr Darren Woods, chairman and CEO of ExxonMobil. There needs to be a serious effort to transition to energy sources that are highly

efficient while producing low levels of pollution, said Pope Francis. “This is a challenge of epochal proportions,” he said, adding that “there is no time to lose”. The pope said that the talent, creativity and experience that have made these leaders successful are the same skills that are needed for improving the lives of the poor and caring for the environment. “I invite you to be the core of a group of leaders who envision the global energy transition in a way that will take into account all the peoples of the earth, as well as future generations and all species and ecosystems,” he said. n CNS

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Head of Catholic migration body sees hope for the future ROME – The way young people

around the world are embracing attitudes of welcome, tolerance and acceptance of differences bodes well for a future where anti-immigrant rhetoric and policies may not have the upper hand, said the new president of the International Catholic Migration Commission (ICMC). “There is a level of tolerance and a level of what is not acceptable in terms of discrimination that wasn’t there when I was growing up,” said Ms Anne T. Gallagher, an Australian lawyer and expert on migration and A mother and her children at a Catholic human rights, who took office in migrant shelter in Tijuana, Mexico. March . “We might be seeing the death throes of the past” with anti- network of national Catholic bishimmigrant sentiment “getting par- ops’ conferences and Catholicticularly vigorous before it dies inspired agencies working with away,” she told Catholic News migrants and refugees. Ms Gallagher said CathoService on June 3. ICMC facilitates a worldwide lics advocating for the rights and

needs of migrants and refugees have to be sensitive to how “the pace and scale” of migration is frightening some people. Changing neighbourhoods, questions about job opportunities and concerns about further sharing already limited government resources for assistance and services must be addressed, she said. However, understanding fears is one thing, using them for political gain is another, she said. Msgr Robert J. Vitillo, a US priest who is secretary-general of ICMC, noted that the largest portion of displaced people are being welcomed and cared for in the world’s poorer countries. According to the UN Refugee Agency, the top hosting countries are Turkey, Pakistan, Lebanon, Iran, Uganda and Ethiopia. n CNS

Pope accepts resignations of 3 Chilean bishops VATICAN CITY – After an in-

depth Vatican-led investigation into clerical sexual abuse and cover-ups, Pope Francis accepted the resignation of 61-year-old Bishop Juan Barros of Osorno, Chile, and two other Chilean bishops on June 11. The two other bishops, who had reached the customary retirement age of 75, were Archbishop Cristian Caro Cordero

of Puerto Montt and Bishop Gonzalo Duarte Garcia de Cortazar of Valparaiso. The pope named apostolic administrators to run each diocese in the meantime. Abuse survivors have alleged that when Bishop Barros was still a priest, he witnessed their abuse by his mentor, Fr Fernando Karadima. In 2011, Father Karadima was sentenced to a life of prayer and penance

by the Vatican after he was found guilty of sexually abusing boys. The resignation of Bishop Barros comes after years of accusations and questions concerning his knowledge of abuse by his mentor and protests when Pope Francis appointed the then-head of the military ordinariate to head the Diocese of Osorno in 2015. n CNS

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Space station crew members give pope special flight suit VATICAN CITY – If Pope Francis ever plans an apostolic trip to space, he’s all set after receiving a custom-made blue flight suit with patches of the Argentine flag, his papal coat of arms and a pair of angel wings with his crew name, Jorge M. Bergoglio. The outfit also came with addon white mantle, or short cape, just so there would be no mistaking he was still the pope.

The gifts were presented to the pope on June 8 by Italian astronaut Paolo Nespoli and four other astronauts, who returned from the International Space Station in two groups, one in December and one in February. They had requested an audience with the pope during their post-flight tour of Italy, so they could meet him face-to-face after speaking with him via satel-

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ACROSS 1 Chalice covering 5 A patriarch 10 One of two names in a Catholic book publishing company 14 Hip bones 15 Franciscan founder of California missions 16 Composer Stravinsky 17 Recedes 18 Speeder

40 43

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CHURCH STATISTICS: Catholics around the world numbered more than 1.29 billion people, which was about 17.7 percent of the global population, as of Dec 31, 2016. This was according to the Vatican’s Central Statistics Office, which compiles the figures from dioceses and Church jurisdictions yearly. Collecting and compiling the figures take more than a year. CNS

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Pope Francis accepts a gift of a flight suit from Italian astronaut Paolo A. Nespoli.on June 8. CNS photo

Crossword Puzzle 1212

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lite last October, US Commander Randy Bresnik from Fort Knox, Kentucky, told Catholic News Service. Recalling that conversation from space, Commander Bresnik, who is a Baptist, said, “It was interesting seeing the Catholics on our crew, the Eastern Orthodox crew members, to see everybody energised by talking with the pope, with what he represents.” n CNS

40 Embankment 41 Melville adventure 42 Pharaoh refused to give this (Ex 5:10) 44 Is afflicted 45 Rite in the Catholic Church 47 Daughter of Cronus 48 “The ___ ran away with the spoon” 49 Saintly Philadelphia heiress 51 Shot contents 53 OT prophetic book

Aerie Hook’s hand “Have ___ on us” Very, in Versailles

DOWN 1 One of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit 2 Playwright Edward ___ 3 Zodiac scales 4 Intense light beam 5 Middle easterners 6 See 30D 7 Type of angel that Gabriel is 8 Extents 9 Elijah held his challenge here 10 Describes some men in the Bible 11 Culture medium 12 Paul traveled here 13 ___ Scott decision 21 ___ jet 23 Agape ___ 25 “Where, O ___, is your sting?” (1 Cor 15:55) 28 Monsters

30 With 6D, a Holy Land site 31 507, to Nero 32 Long fish 33 20th letter of the Hebrew alphabet 34 Jesus is the ___ of God 35 Cupid 36 A few 37 Hoodwink 39 Paddled 43 Written guarantee 46 Pop classic 50 Impasse 52 Non-pro sports org. 54 Silhouette 56 “___ us peace” 57 Errand runner 58 Rub out 59 Indoor game 60 ___ of Thunder (Mk 3:17) 61 Streetcar 62 Assess 63 ___ vera 64 Former Russian ruler 68 Mythical sea monster

Solution to Crossword Puzzle No. 1211

www.wordgamesforcatholics.com

19 Alike 20 Saint of Avila 22 Did a carpenter’s job 24 Longed for 26 Holy ___ 27 Topping in a tub 29 Jacob’s dream (Gen 28:12) 34 The Pharisee was surprised to notice that Jesus did not do this (Lk 11:38) 38 Othello villain

72 73 74 75

55 Hauled 60 A street in Damascus (Acts 9:11) 65 Roman goddess of the dawn 66 Like much lore 67 He housed Paul and Silas in Thessalonica 69 A place to worship from? 70 Western pact 71 Separate

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16 POPE FRANCIS

Gossip destroys Holy Spirit’s gift of peace: pontiff VATICAN CITY – Peace is a gift

duty of charity and love. that can easily be destroyed “Some may think that in the through petty gossip and speaking Church there are masters – the ill of others, Pope Francis said. pope, the bishops, the priests – People who receive and give and then the workers who are the sign of peace “should be men something else,” he said. “No, the and women of peace” and not Church is everyone. And we all ruin “the peace made by the Holy have the responsibility of sancSpirit with your tongue,” the pope tifying one another, of caring for said on June 6 during his weekly others,” said the pope. general audience. During the Sacra“Gossip is not a work Preach the ment of Confirmation, of the Holy Spirit, it is he continued, the bishnot a work of the unity of Gospel with op tells the candidate, deeds and the Church. Gossip de“Peace be with you,” stroys the work of God. words ‘that which is “a gesture that Please stop gossiping,” edify and not expresses the ecclesial the pope said. communion with the with words bishop and with all the Continuing his series of gossip of audience talks on confaithful.” firmation, Pope Fran- that destroy,’ However, that gift cis spoke about the gift can be lost if Christians said Pope of the Holy Spirit that start saying mean things Francis. Christians receive in the about each other once sacrament. they leave Mass. When a person is anointed “Gossip is war,” the pope said. with oil, that gift “enters us and “Poor Holy Spirit! [Imagine] the bears fruit so that we can then work He has with us with our habgive it to others,” the pope ex- it of gossiping!” plained. The gift is not meant to Pope Francis urged the faithful be tucked away and stored “as if to preach the Gospel with deeds the soul was a warehouse.” and words “that edify and not with While it usually is the bishop, words of gossip that destroy.” who is a successor of the aposLike the parable of the talents, tles and guarantor of the unity of he added, the Holy Spirit’s gift is the Church, that confers the Sac- a seed that bears fruit when it is rament of Confirmation upon a shared with others and not “when person, his role does not exclude it is buried because of selfish the bishop from the Christian fears.” n CNS

Sunday June 24, 2018 n CatholicNews

Pope to journalists: Be responsible, avoid ideological warfare VATICAN CITY – Journalists must

meticulously uphold their craft of responsible reporting and not be tempted into partisan or ideological warfare, Pope Francis said. “Today, in a world where everything is fast, it is ever more urgent to call upon the tough and strenuous rule of exhaustive research, exchange and, if necessary, also keep quiet rather than harm a person or group of people or delegitimise an event,” he said. “I know it’s hard, but a life story is understood at the end, and this should help us become courageous and prophetic,” the pope told a delegation promoting integrity in journalism on June 4. The delegation represented the foundation and jury that award the Biagio Agnes Prize. The prize is named after the late Italian journalist and former general director of Italy’s state broadcasting network, RAI. Biagio Agnes’ brother, Mario, was a journalist for the Catholic press and headed the Vatican newspaper, L’Osservatore Romano, from 1984-2007. Biago Agnes served the public by seeking to guarantee informa-

Being a journalist ‘has to do with the formation of people, of their vision of the world and their attitude towards events.

’

– Pope Francis Journalists must offer a sense of hope and meaning to their reporting, Pope Francis said. CNS file photo

tion that was “correct, credible, authentic and timely,” the pope said. He praised the delegation for its efforts in promoting a form of communication that “knows how to put the truth before personal interests or the interests of corporations.” “In fact, being a journalist has to do with the formation of people, of their vision of the world and their attitude towards events,” he said. This “demanding work” is undergoing profound changes, he said, not only with digital platforms, but also in the way media

is produced, presented and communicated. “It is hard to enter into that process of transformation, but it is increasingly necessary if we want to continue to be educators of the new generations” and offer depth, wisdom and love without getting drowned out in the din of so much information, he said. Pope Francis called on journalists always to offer a sense of hope and meaning to their reporting, even when needing to denounce “situations of degradation and desperation,” and to not ignore “the peripheries,” where there are stories of suffering and great solidarity. n CNS

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POPE FRANCIS 17

Sunday June 24, 2018 n CatholicNews

Pontiff names apostolic Pope ‘ashamed’ by Church’s visitor to Medjugorje failure to listen to abuse victims CNS file photos

Pilgrims pray in front of a statue of Mary on Apparition Hill in Medjugorje, BosniaHerzegovina in this file photo.

Chilean clerical sex abuse survivors (from left to right) Juan Carlos Cruz, James Hamilton and Jose Andres Murillo. Pope Francis will send two priests back to Chile ‘with the aim of advancing the process of reparation and healing of abuse victims.’ CNS photo

CNS photo.

VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis

has named as apostolic visitor to Medjugorje the Polish archbishop he had initially sent to the town as his personal envoy to study the pastoral needs of the townspeople and of the thousands of pilgrims who flock to the site of the alleged Marian apparitions. The pope appointed Archbishop Henryk Hoser, the retired archbishop of Warsaw-Praga, Poland, to be apostolic visitor to Medjugorje, Bosnia-Herzegovina, for an indefinite period, the Vatican announced on May 31. “The mission of the apostolic visitor has the aim of assuring a stable and continuous accompaniment of the parish community of Medjugorje and of the faithful who go there in pilgrimage, whose needs require special attention,” the Vatican announcement said. Mr Greg Burke, director of the Vatican press office, told journalists that Archbishop Hoser “will reside in Medjugorje” and that his mission does not involve investigating the authenticity of the alleged apparitions. The Polish archbishop was appointed in February 2017 as the pope’s special envoy to study the pastoral situation in Medjugorje. At a news conference following his first visit, Archbishop Hoser said that although he has no authority or expertise to discuss the authenticity of the alleged apparitions, it was clear that “there is a special spiritual climate” in Medjugorje. In 1981, six young people claimed that Mary had appeared

to them. Some of the six say Mary still appears to them and gives them messages each day, while others say they see her only once a year now. In 2010, retired Pope Benedict XVI established a papal commission to study the alleged apparitions. The Medjugorje commission recommended that Pope Francis

Archbishop Henryk Hoser of Warsaw-Praga, Poland, has been appointed by Pope Francis as apostolic visitor to Medjugorje.

lift the ban on official diocesan and parish pilgrimages to Medjugorje and that he designate the town’s parish Church of St James as a pontifical shrine with Vatican oversight, said Servite Fr Salvatore Perrella, a member of the commission. Such decisions would be “an intelligent pastoral choice,” Fr Perrella said, it would ensure that “a pastor and not a travel agency” is in charge of what happens there. n CNS

VATICAN CITY – In a letter to Catholics in Chile, Pope Francis expressed shame for the Church’s failure to listen and defend survivors of sexual abuse at the hands of the clergy. Released by the Chilean bishops’ conference on May 31, the letter from the pope said that the time of “revision and purification” in the Church was possible through the efforts of abuse survivors “who, against all hope or painted as discredited, did not tire of looking for the truth.” The Vatican announced earlier in the day that “the pope will send the president of the Chilean bishops’ conference a letter written personally by him and addressed to all the people of God, as he had promised the bishops.” The Vatican also announced that Pope Francis will send Archbishop Charles Scicluna of Malta and Fr Jordi Bertomeu Farnos back to Chile and visit the Diocese of Osorno “with the aim of advancing the process of reparation and healing of abuse victims.” Shortly after, Bishop Juan Ignacio Gonzalez Errazuriz of San Bernardo, president of the Chilean bishops’ commission for abuse prevention, and Auxiliary Bishop Fernando Ramos Perez of

Santiago, secretary-general of the Chilean bishops’ conference, held a news conference in Santiago to release the eight-page letter. In his message, the pope said it has been a “time of listening and discernment” for the Church to get to the root of the sexual abuse crisis in the Chilean Church and to find concrete solutions and not

It has been a ‘time of listening and discernment’ for the Church to get to the root of the sexual abuse crisis in the Chilean Church. – Pope Francis

“mere strategies of containment.” He also acknowledged the Church’s shortcomings in not listening to survivors of abuse. “Here, I believe, lies one our principal faults and omissions: to not know how to listen to victims. Thus, partial conclusions were built that lacked crucial elements for a healthy and clear discern-

ment. I must say with shame that we did not know how to listen and react in time,” the pope wrote. In January, the pope sent Archbishop Scicluna and Fr Bertomeu to Chile to listen to people with information about Bishop Juan Barros of Osorno, who, according to survivors, had allegedly witnessed their abuse by his mentor, Fr Fernando Karadima. Pope Francis said their visit was made after “verifying the existence of situations that we did not know how to see and listen.” “The culture of abuse and cover up is incompatible with the logic of the Gospel given that the salvation offered by Christ is always an offering,” the pope said. Mr Juan Carlos Cruz, one of three survivors who met with Pope Francis from April 27-29, said he was moved by the pope’s letter. “There are phrases in the letter that are things that we spoke about with the pope, such as the culture of cover-ups. It is an emotional feeling to know that he was listening to us,” Mr Cruz said on May 31 in an interview with Chilean radio station Tele 13. n CNS

18 OPINION

Sunday June 24, 2018 n CatholicNews

Mercy, truth and pastoral practice

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FATHER’S DAY FEATURE

How to honour fathers with love By Laura Kelly Fanucci Beer. Golf. TV. Burping. Fishing. According to greeting cards in the store aisles, this is all that modern fathers care about. But think about the fathers you know. Chances are they defy such silly typecasting. They’re washing dishes and changing diapers. They’re sacrificing to pay for college or moving to be near grandkids. Many men today are redefining what it means to be a father. They are intimately involved in the raising of children and the responsibilities of family life, navigating the competing demands of work and home with love. How can we as a Church support their callings? What sources of inspiration in our Catholic tradition offer ways to honour fathers? Scripture holds tender images of fatherhood. Moses reminds the Israelites that God is both fiercely protective and faithfully nurturing: “The Lord, your God, who goes before you, is the one who will fight for you, just as He acted with you before your very eyes in Egypt, as well as in the wilderness, where you saw how the Lord, your God, carried you, as one carries his own child, all along your journey until you arrived at this place” (Dt 1:30-31). Saints give us real-life examples of fathers devoted to their families. St Louis Martin wrote letters to his daughters that reveal a hardworking, tenderhearted parent: “If distance separates us a little, my heart is always close to you. So don’t worry and don’t be sad, my children ... A thousand kisses to everyone in my family. (Your father who loves you.)” Sacraments bless the vocation of fathers, too. The rite of baptism offers a blessing of the father: “God is the giver of all life, human and divine. May He bless the father of this child. He and his wife will be the first teachers of their child in the ways of faith. May they be also

A father kisses his daughter. Fatherhood deserves to be supported with words of love and gratitude.

the best of teachers, bearing witness to the faith by what they say and do, in Christ Jesus our Lord.” This Father’s Day, let us lift up the love of fathers. Just as Mother’s Day calls us to widen our prayers to include all who mother, let us pray for fatherhood in many shades and hues: Men who long to be fathers. Fathers who have lost children. Children whose fathers have died. All those whose fathers were absent. Fatherhood deserves to be supported with words of love and gratitude. Next to our sons’ toothbrushes in the bathroom sits a card with

one of these images of St Joseph: sitting in a rocking chair, soothing the Christ child to sleep. Years ago I placed it there in the hope it might be a quiet reminder for our boys – just like their father’s tender love for them – of what fatherhood means: everyday rhythms of love and duty, sacrifice and joy. If our sons are called to become fathers, my prayer is that their Church will nurture them just like this: in prayer and sacrament, through Scripture and saints, with honour and hope. The same ways we can support fathers today. n CNS Fanucci is a mother and writer.

Let us pray for fatherhood in many shades and hues: Men who long to be fathers. Fathers who have lost children. Children whose fathers have died.

RECENTLY a student I’d taught decades ago made this comment to me: “It’s been more than twenty years since I took your class and I’ve forgotten almost everything you taught. What I do remember from your class is that we’re supposed to always try not to make God look stupid.” I hope that’s true. I hope that’s something people take away from my lectures and writings because I believe that the first task of any Christian apologetics is to rescue God from stupidity, arbitrariness, narrowness, legalism, rigidity, tribalism, and everything else that’s bad but gets associated with God. A healthy theology of God must underwrite all our apologetics and pastoral practices. Anything we do in the name of God should reflect God. It’s no accident that atheism, anti-clericalism, and the many diatribes levelled against the Church and religion today can always point to some bad theology or Church practice on which to base their scepticism and anger. Atheism is always a parasite, feeding off bad religion. So too is much of the negativity towards the churches which is so common today. An anti-Church attitude feeds on bad religion and so we who believe in God and Church should be examining ourselves more than defending ourselves. Moreover, more important than the criticism of atheists are the many people who have been hurt by their churches. A huge number of persons today no longer go to church or have a very strained relationship with their churches because what they’ve met in their churches doesn’t speak well of God. Thus, there is a need for all of our sacramental and pastoral practices to reflect a healthy theology of God, that is, reflect the God whom Jesus incarnated and revealed. What did Jesus reveal about God? First, that God has no favourites and that there must be full equality among races, among rich and poor, among slave and free, and among male and female. No one person, race, gender, or nation is more favoured than others by God. Nobody is first. All are privileged. Next, Jesus taught that God is especially compassionate and understanding towards the weak and towards sinners. Jesus scandalised His religious contemporaries by sitting down with public sinners without first asking them to repent. He welcomed everyone in ways that often offended the religious propriety of the time and He sometimes went against the religious sensitivity of His contemporaries, as we see from His conversation with the Samaritan woman or when He grants a healing to the daughter of a Syro-Phoenician woman. Moreover He asks us to be compassionate in the same way and immediately spells out what that means by telling us that God loves sinners and saints in exactly the same way. God does not have preferential love for the virtuous. Shocking to us too is the fact that Jesus never defends Himself when attacked. Moreover, He is critical of those who, whatever their sincerity, try to block access to Him. He surrenders Himself to die rather than defend Himself. He never meets hatred with hatred and dies loving and forgiving those who are killing Him. Jesus is also clear that it’s not necessarily those who explicitly profess God and religion who are His true followers, but rather those, irrespective of their explicit faith or church practice, who do the will of God on earth. Finally, and centrally, Jesus is clear that His message is, first of all, good news for the poor, that any preaching in His name that isn’t good news for the poor is not His gospel. We need to keep these things in mind even as we recognise the validity and importance of the ongoing debates among and within our churches about whom and what makes for true discipleship and true sacrament. It is important to ask what makes for a true sacrament and what conditions make for a valid and licit minister of a sacrament. It is important too to ask who should be admitted to the Eucharist and it is important to set forth that certain norms be followed in preparation for baptism, Eucharist, and marriage. Difficult pastoral questions arise around these issues, among other issues, and this is not suggesting that they should always be resolved in a way that most immediately and simplistically reflects God’s universal will for salvation and God’s infinite understanding and mercy. Admittedly, sometimes the long-term benefit of living a hard truth can override the short-range need to more quickly take away the pain and the heartache. But, even so, a theology of God that reflects the compassion and mercy of God should always be reflected in every pastoral decision we make. Otherwise we make God look stupid – arbitrary, tribal, cruel, and antithetical to church practice. American novelist Marilynne Robinson says Christianity is too great a narrative to be underwritten by any lesser tale and that should forbid in particular its being subordinated to narrowness, legalism, and lack of compassion. n

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Sunday June 24, 2018 n CatholicNews

Catholic investing: The role we play in our investment decisions By Carolyn Woo

The Vatican recently released a document jointly prepared by the Dicastery for the Promotion of Integral Human Development and the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith titled “Considerations for an Ethical Discernment Regarding Some Aspects of the Present Economic-Financial System.” The document indicates that profits, trading, financial credits are not in themselves bad, but condemns the distortions, abuses and exploitation that result when profits dominate and drive out the ethical impulse to care for the other. The last two sections (Nos. 3334) apply to each of us, through consumption and savings decisions, to help shape markets for human flourishing. Having spent 20 years on this topic, I can say that never before are there as many opportunities to bring about socially responsible conduct through our investments.

Opportunities for responsible investing The coming together of different forces empowers investors to educate themselves about and monitor corporate performance along environmental, social and governance (ESG) dimensions. Disclosure requirements, increasingly rigorous standards, watchdog groups, ubiquitous reporting and affordable big data computation have enabled comprehensive rating and “outing” of bad corporate behaviour. Pressure by certain large investor groups, millennials, pension funds and religious institutes have given teeth to the data when these are used to raise questions and seek accountability. Many funds now are composed of companies that meet certain standards on environmental, social and governance performance. Emerging is the ability to customise a person’s investments by selecting profitable companies that also deliver strong performance on the spe-

cific values chosen and ranked by the individual.

Impact investing Another exciting area is impact investing: the use of private capital, sometimes “blended” with philanthropy and public funding, to support businesses that can improve the lives of the poor.

FAITH ALIVE! 19

Duty as Catholics Such investments may deliver risk-adjusted returns over, at, or below the prevailing market rate. Frequently these businesses contribute to job creation, improved health, access to education, agricultural productivity and infrastructure development. One variant is used by about 20 Catholic charities to provide capital for employee-owned ventures or for immigrants to start businesses such as construction, catering, manufacturing and commercial building maintenance.

What holds us back is that not enough people know about such options. Even when they do, the priority remains captured by an obsession to attain the highest returns. Even Catholic funds sometimes punt on the issue of the common good and go no further than guidelines to exclude certain harmful or illicit industries (examples: tobacco, gambling, abortifacients, nuclear arms). This is a pity, and we fall short of our duties as Catholics in this regard. Each of us not only can, but according to doctrine, must contribute to the common good in all activities, our savings and investments included. “Catholic investing” involves a simple question: How do our investments honour God with a preferential option for the poor and powerless? n CNS The link to the Vatican document can be found at http://press.vatican. va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2018/05/17/180517a. html. Woo served as the CEO and president of Catholic Relief Services from 2012-2016.

Sunday June 24, 2018 n CatholicNews

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By Jennifer Ficcaglia One day, as Zechariah the priest entered the sanctuary of the Lord to burn incense, the angel Gabriel appeared to him. “Your prayer has been heard,” Gabriel told Zechariah. “Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall name him John.” Zechariah did not believe what he had heard. He and his wife were very old, and Elizabeth couldn’t have children. Gabriel did not appreciate Zechariah’s doubt. “I was sent to speak to you and to announce to you this good news. But now you will be speechless and unable to talk until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled at their proper time,” he said.

And just as the angel said, Zechariah suddenly could not speak. When he came out of the sanctuary, everyone who had been waiting for him outside knew he had seen a vision. Zechariah fulfilled his priestly duties and then returned home. Not long after, Elizabeth became pregnant, just as Gabriel had said. The time finally came for Elizabeth to have her baby. And just as the angel Gabriel had said, she gave birth to a boy. On the eighth day, the time came to have the baby circumcised. Those who gathered with Elizabeth and Zechariah for the circumcision expected the baby to be named after his father, as was the custom. Elizabeth was very firm. “No. He will be called John,” she said with certainty. The people attending the circumcision were shocked.

SPOTLIGHT ON SAINTS:

St Elizabeth of Portugal Elizabeth of Portugal was born in 1271 in Spain. She was the daughter of the king of Aragon as well as the niece of St Elizabeth of Hungary, for whom she was named. At age 12, she married King Diniz of Portugal and worked to found hospitals, orphanages and a home for women. She was known as a peacemaker, helping to avert wars and to heal a rift between her husband and her son. After her husband died in 1325, she moved to a Poor Clare convent she helped to found and spent the rest of her days devoted to God and those in need. She died in 1336 as she was trying to bring peace between two kings, her son and her nephew. We honour her on July 4. n

30 Qu or W

“There is no one among your relatives who has this name,” they said as they turned to consult with Zechariah. They made signs to Zechariah, asking him what the baby’s name should be. Zechariah then asked for a tablet to write upon. “John is his name,” Zechariah wrote, and everyone was amazed. Just then, Zechariah regained his speech and immediately started to praise God. Those gathered were afraid, and

what happened became the talk of Judea. “What, then, will this child be?” people wondered of John, whom we know by the name John the Baptist. n Read more about it: Luke 1

Q&A 1. To whom did the angel Gabriel appear? 2. Why were people shocked that the baby was named John?

Wordsearch: n ANGEL

n PROPER n ACCEPT n FIRM

n VISION

n BIRTH

n CUSTOM n AMAZE

n POWER

n HELP

n GATHER n FAVOR

BIBLE TRIVIA:

Who visited the pregnant Elizabeth for three months?

(Hint: Luke 1:56)

Bible Accent: Your prayer has been heard.

been prayer has your heard Answer to puzzle:

Mary. Answer to Bible Trivia:

AC 1 5 10

PUZZLE: Unscramble the letters in each word and arrange them in the correct order to form a sentence from the Children’s Story. eben

ryreap

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______

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Answer to Wordsearch

Zechariah was not the only person to whom the angel Gabriel appeared in Luke 1. In Luke 1:26-38, we read that God sent Gabriel to tell Mary that she would be the mother of Jesus. “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God,” Gabriel told Mary. “Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. ... The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God.” Mary’s reaction to Gabriel’s message was much different from Zechariah’s. While Zechariah expressed doubt, Mary accepted what she had been told. “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word,” she said to the angel. Afterward, Mary visited her cousin, Elizabeth, who was six months pregnant with her son, John the Baptist. Elizabeth praised Mary for her belief. “Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled,” Elizabeth said. n

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EVENT SUBMISSIONS WHAT’S ON submissions now require the completion of a form from the Archdiocese before the event can be publicised. For events with foreign speakers, please submit the necessary documentation for approval to the Chancery. For more information and to download the form, visit http:// www.catholic.sg/events/announcementadvertisement-request/. Once forms have been submitted online, kindly send us details of your event for publication at www. catholicnews.sg/whatson/ at least one month ahead of the publication date. JUNE 18 TO JUNE 24 PARISH RETREAT Theme: Building a vibrant and missionary community. Retreat masters: Fr Michael Payyapilly, VC, and Fr Joseph Edattu, VC. Sessions start at 8pm on weekdays at the Church of the Transfiguration. Full-day session will be held during the weekend at Holy Innocents High School. Cost: $100 per person. Registration forms are available at the parish office or may be downloaded at www.transfiguration.sg. JUNE 22 TO JUNE 24 WORKING WITH OUR DREAMS Friday (8pm)-Sunday (1pm). Venue: Lifesprings Spirituality Centre, 100 Jalan Merbok. This programme will help us understand our dreams and their symbolic language, listen to and experience them as a way in which the Divine can speak to us. Participants are asked to bring a significant dream to use during the weekend. Conducted by Sr Linda Lizada, RC, and Cenacle team. To register: W: www.cenaclemission.com; T: 97223148. JUNE 23 BISHOP’S CATECHESIS FOR NEOPHYTES Time: 10:30am-12:30pm. Venue: Church of the Holy Trinity, 20 Tampines Street 11, S529455. This third talk by Archbishop William Goh aims to rally the neophytes to continuing conversion as new members of the Body of Christ. Register using the following URL: https:// docs.google.com/forms/d/1DpKBxqJrRm cDZlJmQHvvDUMBFMhCcsJ5F5NSY io-Tqo/edit. For more information, E: formation@catechesis.org.sg; W: www.catechesis.org.sg; T: 69110400. JUNE 23 CLARITY’S INTRODUCTORY GUIDE TO UNDERSTANDING ANXIETY WORKSHOP Time: 10.30am-12.30pm. Venue: Agape Village. Anxiety is a normal emotional response many experience as part of everyday life. However, some of us experience anxiety in ways that affect our daily lives. We will explore the reasons behind our anxieties, debunk myths and misconceptions that we may have and learn different ways to manage our anxieties. Cost: $15. To register, W: https://tinyurl.com/TC23Jun; T: 67577990. JULY 4, 2018 TO FEB 27, 2019 JEFF CAVINS’ BIBLE TIMELINE Journey through the entire Bible and experience God’s love for His people in the amazing salvation history recorded in the Bible since the beginning of time. Every Wednesday from 9.30am-noon at the Church of St Ignatius. For more information, T: 97852268 (Viv); T: 81832273 (Jo). JULY 7 MASS FOLLOWED BY PRAYERS FOR HEALING All are welcome and no registration is needed. Time: 2pm-4pm. You are invited to join us for praise and worship and Mass followed by prayers for healing. After Mass, prayer teams will be available to pray with you for healing. Celebrant: Fr Tom Curran. Organised by Praise@Work. Venue: Church of Sts Peter and Paul. For more information, E: praiseatworksg@ yahoo.com; T: 97472467. JULY 7 HEART OF WORSHIP Time: 6:30pm-9pm. Jesus Youth Singapore presents an evening of music, praise and fellowship under the banner ‘Heart of Worship’ at Agape Village. Grab your complimentary seat at: http://singapore. jesusyouth.org/heart-of-worship/. JULY 7 RCIA: MARRIAGE AND BAPTISM Time: 9am-4pm. Venue: CAEC 2 Highland Rd, S549102. This symposium will help participants gain an insight into the complexity of the issues related to divorce, separation and annulment within the RCIA process. Register using the URL: https:// tinyurl.com/y9tl2bk7. For more information, E: formation@catechesis.org.sg; W: www.catechesis.org.sg; T: 69110400.

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WHAT’S ON

Sunday June 24, 2018 n CatholicNews

RCIA/RCIY A journey for those seeking to know more about the Catholic faith. Baptised Catholics are also invited to journey as sponsors. MAY 16, 2018 TO JUNE 6, 2019 RCIA @ CHURCH OF THE HOLY FAMILY Every Wednesday from 7.30pm-9.30pm at 6 Chapel Road. From July, sessions will also be held on Sundays. Registration forms are available at the parish office. For more information, T: 63440046; 93414999; E: rciaholyfam@gmail.com. JUNE 3, 2018 TO APRIL 21, 2019 RCIA @ THE CHURCH OF ST FRANCIS XAVIER “Come and See” information session will be held on June 3 from 10.15amnoon at the Good Shepherd room. To register: W: tinyurl.com/sfxrciy2018; E: rciy@sfxchurch.sg. Registration forms are available on the parish website. Actual RCIA sessions begin on June 19 from 8pm-10pm. JUNE 5, 2018 TO MAY 21, 2019 RCIA @ THE CHURCH OF ST BERNADETTE Time: 7:45pm-10pm. Interested to know about the Catholic faith? Come on a journey with us at the Church of St Bernadette, 12 Zion Road. To register: T: 93859581 (Ginnie). JUNE 6, 2018 TO JUNE 5, 2019 RCIA @ CHURCH OF THE RISEN CHRIST Every Wednesday evening from 7.30pm9.30pm at the parish hall. Registration forms are available at the parish office. For more information, T: 94243608; E: iwanttobeaCatholic@gmail.com. JUNE 7, 2018 TO JUNE 13, 2019 RCIA @ CHURCH OF ST VINCENT DE PAUL Every Thursday from 8pm-10pm in room #03-02. RCIA inquirer registration forms are available at the parish office. For more information, T: 64820959; E: rcia.svdp.sg@gmail.com

more information, E: rcia@bsc.org.sg; W: https://tinyurl.com/RCIA-BSC; T: 64740582.

JUNE 27, 2018 TO MAY 22, 2019 RCIA @ CHURCH OF CHRIST THE KING Every Wednesday from 8pm-10pm at Room 105. From September, additional sessions will also be held on every Sunday morning. Registration forms are available at the parish office.For more information, T: 64599958; E: query.rcia@gmail.com. JUNE 27, 2018 TO MAY 29, 2019 RCIA @ CATHEDRAL OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD Every Wednesday from 7.30pm-9.30pm. Register at goo.gl/xJ4AgX and at the cathedral office. For more information, E: cathedral.rcia@catholic.org.sg; T: 96308346 (Terese). JULY 1, 2018 TO JUNE 2, 2019 RCIA (MANDARIN) @ CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL SUCCOUR Every Sunday from 9am-10.30am. Calling all who wish to know about Catholic faith. Organised by Church Of Our Lady Of Perpetual Succour, 31 Siglap Hill, S(456085). For more information, T: 97712135; W: www.olps.sg. JULY 3, 2018 TO JUNE 9, 2019 RCIA @ CHURCH OF ST IGNATIUS Every Tuesday from 8pm-10pm at St Ignatius Hall. For more information, T: 64660625 (Angela); T: 96286472 (Sandra); W: https://tinyurl.com/stignatius-rcia. JULY 7, 2018 TO JUNE 9, 2019 RCIA @ CHURCH OF DIVINE MERCY New RCIA journey will begin with a welcome day on July 7 and thereafter every Saturday in the parish hall, Level 2. Time: 3pm. RCIA forms available at parish office. For more info, contact Raj (96266202) / Timothy (96189826) or email: rciacdm@gmail.com

JUNE 14, 2018 TO APRIL 20, 2019 RCIA @ CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY OF THE BVM Every Thursday from 7.30pm-10pm. Every Sunday from 10.45am-12.30pm. For more information, call 96856673 (Genevieve Lau); E: nativitysg@yahoo.com.sg. Registration forms are available in the parish office.

JULY 14, 2018 TO JUNE 9, 2019 RCIY @ CHURCH OF ST IGNATIUS Calling all youths who are not Catholic aged 17-24. Key dates: welcome tea and information session: July 14 (4pm-6pm). Introductory Sessions: July 21 and July 28 (4pm-6pm). Subsequent RCIY sessions will commence on Aug 7 and continue every Tuesday from 8pm-10pm. For more information, T: 97247613 (Eliza); T: 82283419 (Aaron); T: 98172118 (Debbie); E: rciy.ignatius@gmail.com; W: https://tinyurl.com/ignatiusrciy.

JULY 9 TO SEPT 3 LIFE IN THE SPIRIT SEMINAR By Church of St Francis Xavier Charismatic Prayer Group. 9 Monday sessions (7.45pm-9.45pm). To register, W: http://www.bit.ly/SFXLISS. Enquiries: T: 90663514 (Catherine), 90026616 (Jean). E: sfxlifeinthespirit@gmail.com JULY 10 TO NOV 13 SALVATION HISTORY By Fr Ferdinand Purnomo, OCD. Every Tuesday from 9.30am-11.30am. (No class on Aug 28, Sept 4 and Nov 6). Venue: 2 Highland Road, CAEC, S549102. Cost: $120 ($100 if paid by July 6). Organised by the Archdiocesan Biblical Apostolate. For more information and registration: W: https://goo.gl/forms/gjDhir2bocPIrIL53; E: aba_secretariat@catholic.org.sg; T: 62800354. JULY 11 TO SEPT 5 CATECHIST ELECTIVE COURSE – VIRTUES No sessions on Aug 15 and 22. Time: 7.30pm-10pm. Venue: CAEC 2 Highland Rd, S549102. Contribution: Waived for 2018. Introducing Catholic doctrine and morality about sexuality to catechumens is never limited to teaching about avoiding sin. Please register using the following URL: https://tinyurl.com/ycbmuufb. For more information, E: formation@catechesis.org. sg; T: 69110400; W: www.catechesis.org.sg. JULY 13 TO JULY 15 MONTFORTIAN XPERIENCE II (MXII) – TRUE DEVOTION TO MARY Friday (6:30pm)-Sunday (1pm). A weekend live-in retreat based on the spirituality of St Louis Marie de Montfort. To him, Mary is “the surest, easiest, shortest and most perfect means by which to go to Jesus Christ.” Discover for yourselves the means

Twentieth Anniversary In loving memory of

JUNE 26, 2018 TO APRIL 20, 2019 RCIA @ CHURCH OF THE HOLY CROSS For English: Every Thursday at 7.45pm. It begins on June 28. For Mandarin: Every Tuesday at 7.45pm. It begins on June 26. For more information, E: holycrosschurch.rcia@gmail.com; T: 97577115 (Susan for English RCIA); T: 96772709 (Wendy for Mandarin RCIA).

JUNE 10, 2018 TO APRIL 21, 2019 RCIY @ CHURCH OF ST FRANCIS XAVIER Sessions will be held every Sunday from 10.15am-noon. “Come and See” information session will be held on June 3 at the Good Shepherd room. For more information, W: tinyurl.com/sfxrciy2018; E: rciy@sfxchurch.sg.

JUNE 25, 2018 TO MAY 13, 2019 RCIA (MANDARIN) @ BLESSED SACRAMENT CHURCH Every Monday from 7.30pm-9.30pm. For

Fourth Anniversary In loving memory of

given by God Himself to bring us salvation through the way of Mary. Venue: Montfort Centre. Facilitators: Br Dominic Yeo-Koh, SG, and Br John Albert, SG. Cost: $130 (twin/sharing). For more information, E: enquiries@montfortcentre.org; T: 67695711. JULY 14 UNDERSTANDING LABOUR BIRTH & POSTNATAL SELF-CARE Time: 10am-12.30pm. Venue: Agape Village, 7A Lor 8 Toa Payoh S319264. Come, be an empowered parent! Gain insights and tips from professionals and trainers in the field of counselling, psychology, childbirth education and breastfeeding. Learn from experienced mothers as you listen to their struggles and triumphs of parenthood. To register: E: agapevillage@ caritas-singapore.org; T: 68017400. JULY 14 TO AUG 4 ADULT CONFIRMATION PREPARATION COURSE Time: 3:30pm-5:30pm. Catholics (aged 17 and above) who have not received the Sacrament of Confirmation are invited to join. There are four preparation sessions followed by a day of recollection on Aug 4 (1pm-6pm). Confirmation will be on Aug 19 at the Church of St Bernadette, 12 Zion Road. To register: E: stbern.sg@gmail.com; T: 67373529. JULY 20 TEEN RESILIENCE SEMINAR Teenage years can very difficult on both our youths and their families as they struggle with self-identify and a sense of belonging amidst academic and social pressures. We invite parents and teens to come together for this talk to develop healthy resilience and to transform battle scars to a “badge of honour”. To register: W: www.olps.sg/events; T: 82782559 (Juliana).

JEFFERY LIAW MUN CHONG Departed: June 20, 1998 GERALD LUI SIEU LEONG Departed: June 23, 2014 Rest in peace, dear Gerald Another year has passed, But your love, your voice and your smile still live in our hearts May you always remain in our Lord’s loving care. Cherished and fondly remembered by your family and loved ones. Mass will be celebrated at the Church of St Teresa on June 23 at 6pm. In loving memory of

Dearest Jeffery, loving husband and father, Twenty long years have passed; You may be gone, but you are still living in the hearts of us all. “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Dearly missed by wife Maudrene, son Adrian and daughter Audrey, and loved ones. In loving memory of

41st glorious years 28th glorious years

AUGUSTINE NG ANNE TAN HONG KHIM GUEK NGO Called to their reward on: June 22, 1977 July 27, 1990

Their smiling ways and pleasant faces Are pleasures to recall; They had a kind word for each And died beloved by all. Some day we hope to meet them. Some day, we know not when, To clasp their hands in the better land, Never to part again. Fondly remembered by loved ones and friends.

ANNIE CHUA GEK CHOO June 21, 1999

Departed:

STEPHEN TAN SOO CHUAN April 15, 2012

Love still bridges the chasm of the worlds We live apart Memories still draw us together on the different journeys we embark Forever and ever you will always Live in our hearts. Deeply missed and always remember by family and all loved ones.

OBITUARY

In loving memory of

JOHN DE CRUZ Departed: June 10, 1988 In our hearts you will always live Your love, your voice and your smile Are forever imprinted in our minds. Lovingly remembered by wife, children and loved ones. Fourth Anniversary In loving memory of

JOHN BAPTIST TAN SWEE HUAT Departed: Jun 21, 2014 Time changes many things, but not the Memory this day brings Till now you are still in our minds and hearts. Dearly missed by family and friends. Please turn to pages 22 and 23 for more in memoriam advertisements.

CLASSIFIED

O Holy St Jude, aposTHANKSGIVING tle and martyr, great Thank you Sacred in virtue and rich in Heart of Jesus and miracles, near kinsman Saint Jude for answer- of Jesus Christ, faithful intercessor of all who ing my prayer. invoke your special –––––––––––––––– Thank you St Jude patronage in time of for all your help with need. To you I have my prayers. Always, recourse from the depth always grateful to you. of my heart and humbly From the bottom of my beg you, to whom God has given such great heart. H.S.

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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.

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urn to page 23 in memoriam rtisements.

22 IN MEMORIAM

Sunday June 24, 2018 n CatholicNews

First Anniversary In loving memory of

Sun

EMILE GOH PENG KOK Departed: June 16, 2017 YOU NEVER SAID GOODBYE

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(Author Unknown)

You never said I’m leaving, You never said goodbye. You were gone before I knew it, And only God knew why.

Ninth Anniversary In loving memory of

A million times I needed you, A million times I cried. If love alone could have saved you, You never would have died. Fifth Anniversary In loving memory of

It broke my heart to lose you, But you didn’t go alone. For part of me went with you, The day God took you home.

ANNE ONG POH SOON Departed: Jun 28, 2013 Time takes away the edge of grief But memory turns back every leaf Her memory is as dear today As in the hour God took her away. Always remembered by loved ones and great grandchildren.

NOEL ARTHUR PEREIRA Departed: Jun 29, 1995 His life was earnest, his actions kind, A generous hand and an active mind, Anxious to please, loath to offend, A loving husband, father and faithful friend. Sadly missed and fondly remembered by family and friends.

In everloving memory of our beloved Grandmother Father

MARIAMAL FRANCIS ROZAMAL THARMARAJOO Departed:Jun 28, 1989 Departed:Jun 23, 1989

The years may wipe out many things But this they’ll wipe out never; The memory of those happy days Which we have spent together. Dearly missed by sons, daughters loving wife daughters-in-law, children and sons-in-law grandchildren grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Fourteenth Anniversary In loving memory of

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In life I loved you dearly, In death I love you still. In my heart you hold a place, That no one could ever fill.

In loving memory of

Sixth Anniversary In loving memory of

Dearly missed by Ethel, children and grandchildren. Fourth Anniversary In loving memory of

ELIZABETH POON GUAK NGOH Loving Mother, Mama and Lau Ma Called home to our Lord: June 25, 2009 “Even when we close our eyes There’s an image of your face And once again we come to realise You’re a loss we can’t replace. Dearly missed and fondly remembered by loved ones.

“

LAWRENCE GUINEA GOH Departed: June 27, 2012 God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be. So he put his arms around you and whispered “Come to Me”. With tearful eyes, we watched you fade away. Although we loved you dearly, we could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands now rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best. DADDY, MAY YOUR SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH CHRIST. Your ever loving Family. In loving memory of Mom and Dad First Anniversary

Forty-seventh Anniversary

In loving memory of

ERIC MARTIN OLIVEIRO Born on 8 February, 1951 Called home to be with the Lord on 29 June, 2014 In our hearts you will always live. Your love, your voice and your smile are forever imprinted in our minds. Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord, And let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul rest in peace. Amen. Missing you dearly and loving you always. Wife : Angelina Son : Adrian Daughters : Fiona and Irene Son-in-law : Kenneth Granddaughter : Alyssa-Mae Grandson : Zachary Always loved and remembered by family and friends. Thirteenth Anniversary In loving memory of

In S T S In loving memory of Twenty-fourth Anniversary

Twentieth Anniversary

Tw In

AGNES JANSEN

JOSEPHINE GOMES Departed: Jun 29, 2004 Take her in Thy arms, dear Lord, And ever let her be A messenger of love Between our hearts and Thee. Always remembered by family and all loved ones.

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

ERNEST BENJAMIN JANSEN Departed: June 20, 2017 April 15, 1971

CHIA KIM YAN RAYMOND Departed: June 11, 2004

CHOK MAY LIN ROSALIND Departed: Jun 19, 2000

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” (Psalm 23:6) Fondly remembered by family and loved ones.

We speak your name with love and pride You were the ones we could confide Although we’re full of sadness that you’re no longer here Your influence still guides us and we still feel you near What we shared will never die, it lives within our hearts Bringing strength and comfort while we are apart Dearly missed by son, Bernard daughter-in-law, Serene and grandchildren, Shaun, Aaron and Tricia.

SIMON GILBERT WILLIAM LIM LIM Departed: June 30, 2005 July 5, 2005

Treasured memories hold both of you near Silent thought bring many a tear Tears in our eyes we can wipe away But the love in heart will always stay We make no outward show To what it meant to lose both of you Only we will ever know. Deeply missed and fondly remembered by wife, children and their spouses, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and all loved ones.

SAVRINATHAN MARISUSEAMAL DASS LUCAS (MRS DASS) Departed June 27, 1994 Oct 21, 1998.

Dearest parents, You are in God’s Kingdom The glory of His universe Eternally the peace and joy Flow like a watering-can. Always loved by your children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mass will be celebrated at Church of the Risen Christ on Wednesday June 27 at 6pm.

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Sunday June 24, 2018 n CatholicNews

MAY THEY REST IN PEACE Thirteenth Anniversary In loving memory of

RANDY HAROLD ISBELL Departed: Jun 24, 2005 His smiling way and pleasant face Are pleasures to recall; He had a kind word for each And died beloved by all. Some day we hope to meet him, Some day, we know not when To clasp his hand in the better land, Never to part again. Sadly missed by Popps (deceased), Mum, Steph, Colin, Cheyenne and Schuyler (God-son), Kyle, Sean Paul, family and friends.

Fourth Anniversary In loving memory of

ANTONY JOOSA Departed: Jun 18, 2014 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Blessed are those who trust in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord.â&#x20AC;? Jeremiah 17:7

Always remembered by family and loved ones. Sixth Anniversary In loving memory of

TERESA MARIA ANG Departed: June 28, 2012 In our home she is fondly remembered, Sweet memories cling to her name; Those who loved her in life sincerely, Still love her in death just the same. Fondly remembered by family and loved ones. Twelfth Anniversary In loving memory of

WILLIAM TAN WEE LEONG Departed: Jun 30, 2006 We speak your name with love and pride We smile with tears we cannot hide We thank you for the years we shared The love you gave, the way you cared. Judith, Joanna, Chris, Cheyenne, and all loved ones. Please turn to pages 21 and 22 for more in memoriam and classified advertisements.

IN MEMORIAM 23

Sunday June 24, 2018 n CatholicNews

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