Catholic News issue 15, 2017

SUNDAY JULY 23, 2017

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The Bible is all about God’s relationship with us This was the central message of the recently held Bible Sunday Seminar Photos: RUN & GUN MEDIA

By Christopher Khoo The message of the Bible can be summed up in one word – relationship. Through engaging with God’s word in Scripture, people can enter into a dialogue with God and become prophets of His word.

Verbum Dei Sr Sandra Seow had this message for the 420 participants who attended the Bible Sunday Seminar on July 8 at Catholic Junior College. The seminar had the theme, Listeners of the Word, Prophets of Today.

“Jesus is present in the Word of God,” said Sr Sandra, director of the Archdiocesan Biblical Apostolate, in her keynote speech.

He wants to bring us into “a personal relationship with Him”.

She gave as an example the passage in Genesis 3:8-9 in which God asked Adam and Eve after they had sinned, “Where are you?”

The word “where” has an additional meaning, she said. “God is asking Adam and Eve: where is your heart? Where are you in your relationship with me?”

Similarly, said Sr Sandra, “God is asking each of us: Where are you? … Are you with me or are you away from me?”

But how does one get to know God more?

Sr Sandra noted that both St Jerome and Pope Benedict XVI have stressed the importance of reading Scripture.

One way of building a relationship with God is by reading the Bible attentively and asking Him, “What do you have to say to me through this passage?”

“When we read, something is stirred inside,” said Sr Sandra. And when one really listens, “the Holy Spirit pushes us to be ‘doers of the Word’”, people who put God’s

VOL 67

NO. 15

INSIDE ASIA

Concerns over HK’s future Bishops urge Christians not to lose hope n Page 6

Crisis in Marawi Christians, Muslims helping each other: cardinal n Page 8

POPE FRANCIS New path to sainthood:

Heroic act of loving service n Page 11

Cardinals are not ‘princes’ They are servants of God’s people, says pope n Page 13

OPINION

How to evangelise young people?

Verbum Dei Srs Sandra Seow (left) and Monika Punan leading a Bible reflection during the Bible Sunday Seminar.

n Page 14

Word into practice in their lives.

“Our lives are transformed more and more” and we become more Christ-like, she said.

From being “listeners of the Word”, Christians grow to “become prophets of the Word”, said Sr Sandra.

“We are all called to mission,” she stressed. Christians are called to be prophets and to proclaim God’s word, she said.

Like Jesus, prophets are called to speak the “language of love and the language of truth”. The aim is to seek the good and the growth of others, she said. n Continued on Page 2

Personal testimonies are best

FAITH ALIVE!

Why we never fully know our children They are God’s mysteries n Page 15

The crowd at the seminar held in Catholic Junior College.

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Sunday July 23, 2017 n CatholicNews

Listening to God and being prophetic n From Page 1 “As we celebrate Bible Sunday, let us ask for the grace to be listeners of the Word and prophets of today.”

A guided reflection on praying with Scripture followed, focusing on Matthew 11: 28-30.

Two people then shared their personal experiences of listening to God and acting on His word.

Ms Desiree Hwang shared how a difficult relationship with another person was slowly being transformed through listening to the Word of God. A couple of weeks ago, she had wanted to speak to this person to tell her how her behaviour was negatively affecting people around her.

Ms Hwang decided to pray about it and the Bible passage she happened to be reading then was 1 Corinthians 13, the famous passage on love.

Ms Hwang said she felt God asking her whether she saw this person “with the same hope-filled joy that He sees when He looks at me?”

She shared that she felt prompted to improve the relationship one step at a time, by just saying “hi” to the person when she saw her. She added that eventually she hopes to be able to get to a “proper ‘how are you?’”

Speaking at the seminar: Ms Desiree Hwang (left) and Ms Nicole Jegathesan.

Archbishop William Goh urged Catholics to share the Word of God with their families and colleagues. Photo: RUN AND GUN MEDIA

Ms Nicole Jegathesan shared about her experiences being God’s “prophet” to others while coping with challenges such as severe health problems in her family.

“He doesn’t call me to speak when everything is fine, when there are blue skies above and the sun is shining bright,” said the mother of three. “Oftentimes, God calls me when I’m downright tired, when I’ve got nothing left.”

One passage that has inspired her is Luke 22:32, Jesus’ prayer for Peter for a strong faith.

Ms Jegathesan shared her ex-

perience relating to a person who used to live in her neighbourhood.

This man used to be shunned by others as he was very loud, looked angry and used to shout at children.

Despite her discomfort at his

Lectio Divina and Ignatian contemplation are ways of praying recommended by the Church for years, said Archbishop Goh.

behaviour, she struck up a friendship with him and eventually went on to become his confidante and support, especially in his decision to quit smoking.

In his homily during the Mass, Archbishop William Goh shared two “childlike” ways of praying in which Catholics can get to know God the Father better.

These are Lectio Divina (Latin for “divine reading”) and Ignatian contemplation “which the Church has recommended” for years.

When using a Bible passage for Lectio Divina, “you read over it, you pray over it, you meditate on it”, said Archbishop Goh. He added that this is “a powerful way in which people hear the word of God directly and engage in a deep relationship with Him”.

Ignatian contemplation, on

the other hand, calls for the use of one’s imagination. For example, one can take a biblical scene in which Jesus is present, “and then you enter into that scene, trying to identify with the characters, imagining what He’s saying, what Jesus is doing”, said Archbishop Goh. He urged Catholics to share the Word of God with their families and office colleagues. “If you can do it, I can assure you – your faith will be strong”.

This was the second Bible seminar organised by the Archdiocesan Biblical Apostolate. The first was in 2015 The apostolate’s website is https://biblicalapostolate.wordpress.com/ n christopher.khoo@catholic.org.sg

Assumption English celebrates return to original site Assumption English School (AES) held its opening ceremony at Upper Bukit Timah Road on July 7, a year and a half after returning to the site.

The school moved to a holding site in Queensway from 2013 to 2015 while the Upper Bukit Timah campus went through the Ministry of Education’s Programme for Rebuilding and IMproving Existing Schools (PRIME) initiative to upgrade the building.

AES returned to its original site in January last year.

The July 7 opening ceremony saw Mr Ng Chee Meng, Minister for Education (Schools), attending as the guest-of-honour. He was welcomed by the uniformed groups’ guard of honour consisting of the National Cadet Corps, National Police Cadet Corps, Red Cross Youth and Girl Guides.

Participants watched a concert highlighting the “Life of AES”. It took the form of a news bulletin with news anchors and reporters covering various school programmes. This was representative of the school’s Applied Learning Programme, SPeak English with grAce and Knowledge (SPEAK), which aims to hone students’ speaking skills.

Participants also saw how Inter-disciplinary Project Work (IPW) for Sec 1 and 2 students brought together concepts from

Mr Ng Chee Meng, Minister for Education (Schools), greets a student during the celebration on July 7.

subjects like Mathematics, Science and Design & Technology.

They then had the chance to go on stage to control Lego robots using iPads. Mr Ng was one of those who volunteered.

In his address to the school, he emphasised the importance of preparing students for the future economy. He acknowledged how SPEAK “gives students opportunities to enhance their communication skills” while the IPW “develops students’ abilities to innovate, analyse complex issues and implement new ideas”.

Such learning experiences, Mr Ng noted, lay the foundation for

students to be ready for their next stage of education.

Participants also watched videos recounting the school’s fundraising events led by chairman of the school management committee, Senior Counsel Tan Chee Meng.

The $38 million upgraded school building includes more learning spaces. Larger classrooms are equipped with IdeaPaint on the walls, in place of the traditional whiteboard, so that classes can be conducted in a more creative and interactive way. There is also the addition of an indoor sports hall, sheltered basketball courts and artificial turf field. n

Mr Ng uses an iPad to control a Lego robot during the celebration.

Students put on a concert that took the form of a news bulletin.

BUILDING THE CHURCH OF TOMORROW 3

Sunday July 23, 2017  CatholicNews

the gift of my church:

COPING WITH GRIEF THROUGH FAITH The Gift of My Church (#TGOMC) is a series featuring how Catholics from different walks of life have been touched by God through their service or participation in the life of the Archdiocese of Singapore. In this issue, writer Daphne Rodrigues learns how the members of Pieta, a new peer ministry for bereaved parents, help one another through their grief by clinging onto faith.

Members of Pieta pose in front of the statue that inspired the group’s Msgr Francis Lau blesses the members of Pieta during a Mass for the name at the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd. Photo: Pieta.

Family at the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd. Photo: ACF. Greg and Elizabeth Krygsman lost their 24-year-old son suddenly two years ago. They were blessed to have family and friends come together to help with the arrangements for sending Andrew off. Yet, despite the support the couple received, they realised that they needed a deeper level of accompaniment as they grappled with questions about their loss.

They also received help through counselling, individually and as a couple. But they sensed that, in the mystery of death, faith was essential to their healing. No one could answer that burning question – why?

“In a crisis like this, you blame God,” said Greg. “The path splits into two, and you can either move closer to Him or away from Him. I had to make a conscious decision to not give up.”

The Krygsmans found themselves on a new path soon after meeting two other couples who had had similar experiences.

Valerie Lim and her husband had lost their 16-month-old daughter, Ning, in 1999. Audrey Kuang and her husband had lost three children: Carys lived for just one day; another child was lost in a miscarriage; and 10-month-old Davey died after heart surgery.

“In our search, the Holy Spirit led us to find Valerie and Audrey, who provided the community support and shared experience that we needed in our grief journey,” said Elizabeth.

pieta In December 2016, Greg, Elizabeth, Valerie and Audrey started a support group, Pieta, named after the famous sculpture of Mother Mary cradling her dead son in her arms in sorrow and surrender. They reach out to other bereaved parents with the aim of seeking God’s wisdom and comfort together, patiently through prayer. Good Shepherd Sister Elizabeth Lim is the group’s spiritual director.

no matter how long ago it happened, no matter how old the child was, and no matter what the circumstances were. Pieta also welcomes non-Catholics, as long as they are open to the group’s faith expressions. “Just come” is the team’s personal invitation.

Outside of the meetings, the team also helps parents cope with the loss of a child by offering a listening ear and sharing their own coping strategies.

in a crisis like this, you blame god, the path splits into two, and you can either move closer to him or away from him. i had to make a conscious decision to not give up.

“At the time of loss, we can’t see the value of submission or put our trust in God,” said Valerie. “But, somehow, it finds its way into our hearts as we wait in faith.”

The group meets at the Agape Village every fourth Tuesday of the month. At each session, those present read and reflect on a chosen scripture passage.

They then share their thoughts, if they choose to. This gives them time and space to express their sorrow and talk about their faith with others who have also suffered the loss of a child. Every session is closed with a prayer.

There is no obligation to speak during these walk-in sessions, or even to attend them regularly.

Any bereaved parent is welcome,

being part of the church’s care for families As Pieta embarks on their journey as the newest family ministry in the local archdiocese, a special blessing was arranged for them during a Mass for the Family at the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd on 27 February this year.

“I was very moved by the blessing Pieta received during the commissioning,” said Valerie.

“I recalled my despair after losing Ning, but as I stood before the altar in the cathedral, I felt whole again.”

The blessing was arranged by the Archdiocesan Commission for the Family (ACF), which aims to lead, support and synergise the efforts of the various family

groups and ministries in the archdiocese.

Pieta’s founders hope that more people will become aware of the support group’s existence.

Remaining connected to God, they believe, even if at first it was in anger, was what really helped them, and they are keen to share their experience to help others.

It is a delicate mission: the healing process is slow and difficult, and every parent’s experience is different. The founders themselves do not pretend to have it all figured out.

“I feel inadequate when I meet another grieving couple,” said Greg.

“We’re all still healing; we’re not there yet,” said Audrey. “I’d stopped talking to God. I was just physically in church. But God has been slowly reeling me back in.”

As a community, perhaps we can also offer some help: by spreading the word about these courageous people and by praying for them and their mission.

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.

GE PLEDW NO

about pieta When: Every fourth Tuesday of the month, 7.30pm.

Where: Agape Village, 7A Lorong 8 Toa Payoh, S319264.

What: Prayer, scripture reading, reflection and sharing.

Contact: pieta.singapore@ gmail.com www.facebook.com/ pietasingapore

The Archdiocesan Commission for the Family (ACF) is one of several organisations in the archdiocese supported by the Catholic Foundation. It was established in 2014 to lead, support and synergise the outreach efforts of its 13 family partners. It promotes their many programmes provided to address the pastoral needs of families in different situations in life, including those grieving the loss of a child. A regular financial pledge to the Catholic Foundation will enable ACF to continue expanding its efforts, so that new ministries such as Pieta may be continually encouraged and supported for years to come.

a series contributed by

4 HOME

Sunday July 23, 2017 n CatholicNews

Priests of the archdiocese at the retreat held at Changi Cove. Photos: Fr Aloysius Ong

Priests on retreat Priests of the archdiocese gathered for their annual retreat from July 3-7.

It was held at Changi Cove and facilitated

by Jesuit Fr Olivier Morin from the Seven Fountains Jesuit Retreat Center in Chiangmai, Thailand.

The centre offers a variety of retreats, conferences, days of prayer, and spiritual direction for those seeking personal growth in faith, prayer and in the ability to respond to God in one’s daily life.

Commenting on the retreat, Fr Stephen

OBITUARY

Fr Alphonsus’ mother called to the Lord

Yim, parish priest of the Church of the Sacred Heart, said it was a “restful and prayerful time for us.”

“The retreat master Fr Olivier Morin presented the humanity of Jesus in a simple yet mystical way which allowed us to deepen our reflections and meditation,” he said.

Fr Jude David from the Church of St Francis Xavier said, “It was a good time to be with the Lord and with my brothers ... and also a good opportunity to support one another in our priestly vocation.” n

Jesuit Fr Olivier Morin speaking at the retreat.

ITE students raise funds for Canossaville beneficiaries

Mrs Agnes Dominic nee Joseph, mother of Fr Alphonsus Dominic, has passed away. She was 69.

The wake began on July 5 at Casa Maria of the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The funeral Mass was held on July 7 at Nativity Church at 3.15pm.

The archdiocese extends condolences to Fr Alphonsus Dominic and his family in this time of loss and assures them of our fraternal prayers and support. n

Ceramic mugs on sale at Blessed Sacrament Church. Proceeds from sales in parishes will go towards the Canossaville Children and Community Services.

I am Faith. I am Hope. I am Love.

I am Joy. Ceramic mugs carrying these words of affirmation were sold at Blessed Sacrament Church over the weekend of July 8 and 9 by a group of ITE College West students who adopted Canossaville Children and Community Services as their charity of choice in the annual Citi-YMCA Youth for Causes project.

The mugs feature drawings done by a 10-year-old girl at the Canossaville student care centre who has autism. Available in four colours, the mugs were sold at $15 each or $50 for a set of four.

Formerly known as Canossaville Children’s Home, the residential home was officially closed earlier this year to make way for an inclusive pre-school and student care centre catering to students from the Canossian School for the hearing impaired, as well as children with learning disabilities. A Child Development Unit (CDU) that will meet the specialised needs of the children is also being set up, and is scheduled to be operational in 2018.

Even while its premises at 1 Sallim Road undergoes major renovations in preparation for its new role as a community preschool and student care centre, a special curriculum is being designed to meet the unique needs of Canossaville, with a distinctive focus on formation of the heart, the key foundation of a Canossian education.

Proceeds from the fundraising initiative by ITE College West will go towards supporting the fees, specialised therapies and programmes for the students to enhance their quality of learning and provide better learning opportunities.

The ITE students will be making their way to various churches, such as the Church of Christ the King and Church of Sts Peter and Paul, over the next few weekends until the end of August.

Also on sale is an illustrated book entitled If Doors Could Speak, which chronicles the 75year history and heritage of the Canossian Eduplex at 1 Sallim Road.

For more information, call 6748 5777 or email info@cccs. org.sg. n

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Sunday July 23, 2017 ď Ž 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

Fr Jude David addressing the participants

above: Participants getting to know each other below: Bonding during UniversiTEA

F E AT U R E

University Freshmen Gathering

by Natalie Wong We welcomed 150 freshmen to KICKSTART, a retreat for freshmen entering university Â?is year.

Held over �e weekend of 10� and 11� June, �e two-day one-night retreat hosted pa€icipants from bo� local and overseas universiƒes. Wi� an overarching �eme of ki„sta€ing a Christ-centered university life, �e retreat revolved around encountering �e Lord �rough praise and worship, preaching, prayer ministries, �e Sacrament of Reconciliaƒon and �e daily Eucharist.

A new iniƒaƒve called UniversiTEA was introduced, which was an avenue for freshmen to get to know seniors from �eir respecƒve universiƒes. It was a blessed ƒme as �ey bonded �rough ice breakers and group sharings. Ki„sta€ was rounded off wi� a closing mass celebrated by Fa�er Jude David.

The mass was a‹ended by a mulƒtude of university Ca�olic students from across all �e universiƒes in Singapore, it signified a beauƒful coŽunion of bro�ers and sisters in Christ who share in a united vision to recoŽit �eir lives to glorifying our Lord, Jesus Christ.

I came into Ki sta inking it was going to be ‘just ano er camp’. But here, I really opened my eyes and hea to God’s love for me, and realised how stubborn I had been towards my fai . As I leave and l­k towards university, I don’t want to be as lost as I was any longer, and I want to con€nue remembering and serving Him as I step into e next phase of my life. - Angela Ho, entering NUS I came into Ki sta wi zero expecta€ons. Here, I experienced e vitality of e Holy Spirit once again. As I leave and l­k towards university, I have found e convic€on to build my prayer life and be a firm witness to God in university. - James Leong, entering e London Sch­l of Economics I came into Ki sta being very nervous at I would be closed off and be by myself in e corner.

Here, I experienced God’s graces and I underst­d how no maŽer how alone I might feel, I will always be impo ant to God and at he would always be walking by my side. As I leave and l­k towards university, I hope to con€nue to grow in my fai and stay close to God. I would hope to strive towards a Christ-centered university life. - Dionne Teo, entering SIM University

GET TO KNOW: OYP COMMUNITY

COME AS YOU ARE

‘Come as You Are’ coŽunity invites you to join �em! We welcome all in JC and NS! Also, whe�er you’re finishing ITE/JC/poly, awaiƒng uni, we welcome all you�s who are going �rough a transiƒon period. It isn’t easy following Jesus when every�ing around you is changing, but it’s much more enjoyable when you have a coŽunity of like-minded peers journeying toge�er. To join us for sharings and fellowship sessions, you can head over to our page at h‹p://oyp.org.sg/oyp-family/ caya/ for more info, and to indicate your interest.

We’ll get in touch wi� you sho€ly after. Alternaƒvely, you could just pop by our sessions from 10am – 12 n§n every Saturday at �e Office for Young People – you’re always welcome. So just come as you are & spread �e G§d News! See you �ere!.

FINAL.indd 1

I really received so much love from God. I am overwhelmed wi love, and it is as ough ere’s a well in my hea , overflowing wi God’s love. I came to e retreat feeling so lost and unloved, but now I have a firm and new-found iden€ty in Christ. Now I know how I want my university life to be, how I want to constantly seek God, and how I want to serve in e university’s Ca olic society next €me, and to be in at co–unity for all my university life. I desire to always put God in e center of every ing I will do in university. I want to share is love to e people around me, e love at Jesus gave to me last night, is morning and forever! - Bernice Lee, entering NUS I came into Ki sta doub€ng at God could make changes in my life. Here, I experienced sessions which made me have a deeper understanding of God, which reminded me at God has great plans for me and He alone knows e best €me and way to affect my life. As I leave and l­k towards university, I will put all my fai and trust in God at He’ll guide me to e right direc€ons and introduce me to e right people and situa€ons according to His great plan for me. - Ta–y Petrina Desker, entering NTU

UPCOMING

TREASURE#8 “... store up treasures for yourselves in heaven, where nei er mo nor w­dworm destroys em and ieves cannot break in and steal. For wherever your treasure is, ere will your hea be t­.�

MaÂŽhew 6:20-21 We spend much of our adult lives working. What treasures are you working for?

What is your hea€ really searching for?

OYP’s stay-in retreat for young working adults, Treasure 8, is now open for registraƒon. It will be held from 31 Aug (Thu) 7:30pm - 3 Sep (Sun) 6:00pm.

Registraƒon fee is $130.

Come and you will see. Register at: oyp.org.sg/treasure8

28/6/17 5:06 PM

6 HOME

Unhappiness over Myanmar’s refusal of UN mission on Rohingya YANGON – A bishop has exagainst humanity should be fully pressed disappointment over the and independently investigated. refusal of Myanmar’s government The warnings of potential genoto grant visas to three members cide need to be heeded,” Cardinal of a UN fact-finding mission to Bo said in a statement. investigate alleged human rights But Rev Kyaw Nyunt, assoabuses by security forces against ciate pastor of Judson Church in the Rohingya minority.

Yangon, said the government’s Asian Church news portal move was about putting national ucanews.com reported that Bish- interest first and human rights op Alexander Pyone Cho of Pyay, second. The pastor, a member of in restive Rakhine the Rakhine Investistate, said he found gation Commission Aung San Suu it hard to believe established in 2012 Kyi’s government under former presithe news when he read it. appears to face a dent Thein Sein, told The governtough challenge ucanews.com it apment of “Aung San peared the governbetween the Suu Kyi appears to ment believed the military and the UN’s investigation face a tough challenge between the might interfere with international military, which still the country’s internal community, said affairs. plays a key role, and one bishop. the international On June 29, community, includMyanmar’s Deputy ing the UN, over the Rakhine cri- Foreign Minister Kyaw Tin told sis,” the bishop told ucanews.com. parliament that the government In late June, Cardinal Charles would not cooperate with the misBo of Yangon urged the govern- sion. ment to work with the international Ms Suu Kyi, who is also Mycommunity to investigate crimes anmar’s foreign minister, has reported by the UN in a “truly backed the country’s military with independent” way that results in whom her government shares “justice and accountability”. power, despite accusations of “Allegations of ethnic cleans- ethnic cleansing by international ing, war crimes and crimes rights groups. n CNS

Sunday July 23, 2017 n CatholicNews

Bishops urge Christians not to lose hope over Hong Kong’s future Women take selfies with Ms Carrie Lam on March 27, the day after she was elected Hong Kong’s Chief Executive.

Bishops have noted that Hong Kong’s political outlook has not improved.

CNS file photo

HONG KONG – On the 20th anni-

versary of Hong Kong’s handover to China two bishops urged Christians not to lose hope and to look for God’s will, despite a negative political outlook for the city.

Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Ha Chi-sing of Hong Kong told a

prayer gathering on July 1 that many issues like the development of democracy, wealth disparity, housing affordability and labour rights had not improved despite people’s efforts over many years.

“It has been 20 years since the handover. The ‘one country, two systems’ and talk of a ‘high degree of autonomy’ are empty words.

I feel tired too,” the bishop said.

“Nowadays Hong Kong diffuses hopelessness, worry and resentment. How can we walk further?

We have to pray to God that we won’t give up even though we cannot see immediate results,” he said.

More than 300 Christians joined the prayer gathering organised by the Catholic Justice and Peace Commission, Hong Kong Federation of Catholic Students (HKFCS) and four other Christian organisations.

Since 2003 the gathering has been held in Hong Kong’s Victoria

Park before an annual pro-democracy rally. This year it had to make way for a pro-Beijing group celebrating the handover and moved indoors to a Methodist church.

Mr Hugo Lam, president of HKFCS, observed that the situation in the city has gotten worse over the past 20 years. Especially on democratic elections, we hope there will be universal suffrage.

Also the police force and the rule of law, which Hong Kong people used to be proud of, have decayed,” the 24-year-old Catholic told Asian Church news portal ucanews.com.

Cardinal Joseph Zen Ze-kiun, retired bishop of Hong Kong, gave a blessing to participants before the gathering ended.

While asking God to grant the people of Hong Kong passion, courage, wisdom and humility, he said, “Let us put hope in God. He can make the impossible possible.”

The cardinal, 85, also participated in the subsequent rally along with an estimated 60,000 people.

It was much lower than last year’s rally attended by 110,000 people. Mr Au Nok-hin, convener of the Civil Human Rights Front (CHRF), which organised the prodemocracy rally in 2003, believed the smaller turnout was because the current Chief Executive of Hong Kong has a better public image than her predecessor.

Ms Carrie Lam, a practising Catholic, was sworn in as the new Chief Executive on July 1. n UCANEWS.COM

Sunday July 23, 2017 n CatholicNews

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8 ASIA

Sunday July 23, 2017 n CatholicNews

SEOUL – With a new govern-

Muslims, Christians helping each other in Marawi: cardinal

ment in power in South Korea, the Catholic Church is now pushing for the complete abolition of the death penalty in the country.

The Subcommittee for the Abolition of Capital Punishment, under the Korean bishops’ Committee for Justice and Peace, jointly held a discussion session with lawmaker Fidelis Lee Sang-min of the ruling Minjoo Party at the National Assembly.

Lawmakers and clerics of four major religions, civic and human rights activists joined the talks.

“We should try hard to stop capital punishment. What we are talking about is people killing other people,” said Bishop Lazzaro You Heung-sik of Daejeon, president of the justice and peace committee. “I wish the National Assembly would completely abolish it in order.”

During the discussion, the clerics decided to collect signatures to push parliament to present a bill abolishing capital punishment. It was also agreed that a special event celebrating the 20th anniversary of the suspension of the death penalty in Korea would be held on Oct 10, the World Day Against the Death Penalty.

There are 61 people currently on death row in the country. The last person executed by the state was in 1997. n UCANEWS.COM

MANILA – Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of Manila has Whoever plans urged Filipinos to be “attento divide Muslims tive to signs of love, hope, [and] light” amid ongoing and Christians clashes between government forces and terrorist will not triumph. gunmen in the southern Phil– Cardinal Luis ippines.

Antonio Tagle of Manila The prelate said attempts

by Islamic State-inspired terrorists to make the consaid the president’s decflict look like a religious war laration is part of efforts “will not succeed” because to foil a plot to establish Muslims and Christians in an Islamic state in MindMindanao are helping each anao. other.

“All elements of rebel“Whoever plans to divide lion were present. There Muslims and Christians will is actual rebellion [on] the not triumph,” said the cardistreets of Marawi …. The nal, adding that “stories of goal is to take over Philhope” continue to emerge ippine territory,” said Mr from the conflict zone.

Calida.

The prelate said he heard A government soldier carries a girl who was rescued along with other residents as Cardinal Tagle said of stories about Muslims tak- government troops fought Islamic militants in Marawi, Philippines. CNS photo Muslim-Christian uning care of Christians whose derstanding and unity in lives are in danger or Chriswi since May 23 when terrorPresident Rodrigo Duterte Mindanao will serve as the tians helping suffering Muslims.

Cardinal Tagle was speaking ists attacked the city, burning a placed the whole southern region “foundation for change and on July 4 during a media brief- Catholic church and a Protestant of Mindanao under military rule reconstruction of society in following the attack.

Marawi”. ing in preparation for the an- school.

The gunmen belonging to the On July 4, the Philippine “Let us help each other in the nual Philippine Conference on New Evangelization to be held in Islamic State-allied Maute group Supreme Court affirmed Mr midst of conflict,” said the Maare still holding about 100 hos- Duterte’s martial law declara- nila prelate. “Let us remove the late July. wall that separates us … because Some 300,000 people, most- tages, including a Catholic priest tion.

Solicitor-General Jose Cal- we belong to one human family.” ly Muslims, have languished in and several Catholic church ida, the government’s counsel, n UCANEWS.COM evacuation centres around Mara- workers.

Working to end the death penalty

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Sunday July 23, 2017 n CatholicNews

Hong Kong Christians pray for terminally ill Liu Xiaobo HONG KONG – Hong Kong Christians came together to pray for terminally ill Liu Xiaobo, the 2010 Nobel Peace Prize winner recently released from a prison in China’s northeast.

Cardinal Joseph Zen Ze-kiun, retired bishop of Hong Kong, and Rev Wu Chi-wai led a July 7 gathering for 300 Christians at St Vincent’s Chapel to pray for Mr Liu, who is suffering from late-stage liver cancer.

Asian Church news portal ucanews.com reported the prayer gathering was organised by two Catholic diocesan commissions and four Protestant groups. Organisers invited each attendee to write words of comfort on postcards to be sent to Mr Liu, 61, and his wife Liu Xia, who has suffered from depression. She has been under house arrest since 2010.

On his postcard, Cardinal Zen

Organisers invited each attendee to write words of comfort on postcards to be sent to Mr Liu and his wife.

Mr Liu Xiaobo, 2010 Nobel Peace Prize winner. Christians prayed for Mr Liu, who has liver cancer. CNS photos

Cardinal Joseph Zen Ze-kiun led a gathering for Christians to pray for Mr Liu.

told the couple that the hearts of all Catholics in Hong Kong are linked with them.

Mr Liu Xiaobo is like the prophet Jeremiah, the cardinal said.

“Your wisdom reminded us that the mission of a prophet naturally includes suffering. We dedicate you and your wife to God for the renewal of our country,” he wrote.

The prayer gathering was the second event held by Church and human rights groups in Hong Kong since Mr Liu’s release from prison on June 26.

The other event – outside of

the central government’s Liaison Office in Hong Kong on June 27 – protested how Mr Liu has been treated by mainland authorities.

In 2009, Mr Liu was sentenced to 11 years for inciting subversion for his leading role in the Charter 08 manifesto. He was awarded the 2010 Nobel Peace Prize for “his long and nonviolent struggle for fundamental human rights in China.”

Mr Liu’s current condition is reportedly grave, and his supporters have begged Chinese authorities to let him receive medical treatment abroad.

Among those voices are two medical specialists from the United States and Germany who have countered calls saying he is too ill to undergo a trip abroad. The two foreign doctors have joined Chinese counterparts in a medical team formed to offer treatment to Mr Liu.n CNS

New cardinal headed to Korea for peace talks; land proceeds to assist poor nated in 1980, was praised for his Gregorio Rosa Chavez said his role in negotiations that brought first assignment will be to travel peace to El Salvador after 12 to South Korea for a meeting on years of civil war. how to achieve peace with North Meanwhile, the Social PastoKorea. Meanwhile, Pusan diocese ral Department of Pusan diocese announced that proceeds from has announced the allocation of sold land will go to assist undocu- 150 million won (S$180,000) to mented migrants’ children. support undocumented migrants’ Celebrating a Mass in his na- children. tive El Salvador on July 8, CardiThe department will use the nal Rosa Chavez said that although money to pay for the living exhe will “continue to be the least of penses, daily necessities and medmy brother bishops” as auxiliary ical expenses for selected families bishop, he is also encaring for undocutrusted to other matmented children in Cardinal ters by Pope Francis. the areas of Busan, “I already reUlsan and Gimhae.

Gregorio ceived my first inviChildren of Rosa Chavez tation to go to Seoul, migrants, even if South Korea, to atborn in South Kowas praised tend a meeting to see rea, cannot obtain for his role in how we can achieve citizenship unless peace between one of their parnegotiations North and South ents is Korean. that brought Korea,” the cardinal Currently, of some said; his remarks 200,000 children of peace to El were followed by migrants, approxiSalvador after applause and cheers mately 20 percent by the faithful. are undocumented 12 years of Tensions conand not eligible for civil war. tinue to escalate in basic rights such as the Korean penineducation. sula after North Korea conducted The budget became available its first successful intercontinental after Pusan diocese sold the land ballistic missile test on July 4. of its charity’s apartment. The With an estimated range of 8,000 social department decided to dokm, the missile is capable of strik- nate the money totalling 2.4 biling the US mainland with a nucle- lion won to the poor to re-enact ar-tipped warhead. the spirit of love and sharing that In response, the US and South defined the social welfare projects Korean military held joint drills of the 1960s. in a show of force against North The Catholic charity apartKorea. However, under the lead- ment was originally built using ership of Mr Kim Jong-un, North money donated by the Austrian Korea has shown no signs of de- Catholic Women’s Association. escalating its nuclear ambitions.

Aside from the apartment block, Cardinal Rosa Chavez, who the diocese built a total of 198 worked closely with Blessed Os- charity houses for poor people. n car Romero before he was assassi- UCANEWS.COM, CNS

KOREA – Newly created Cardinal

Chinese Catholics praying.

China took strongly to a Vatican statement commenting on the disappearance of Bishop Peter Shao Zhumin of Wenzhou.

CNS photo

China takes tougher stance with Vatican HONG KONG – Beijing has taken a strong stance on a Vatican statement about missing Bishop Peter Shao Zhumin of Wenzhou, with a spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry criticising the intervention.

Mr Lu Kang, a foreign ministry spokesperson, was quoted in media saying that even if the Vatican had asked China about the situation of Bishop Shao, “we do not think this is a reasonable and correct thing to do.”

Mr Lu reiterated that China opposed any country using socalled individual cases to interfere in its internal affairs.

The Holy See press office released a statement on June 26 expressing it was “profoundly saddened” with the case of Bishop Shao, who has been missing for a month.

However, Mr Lu said, “China

protects the right to freedom of religious belief and also protects the legitimate rights and interests of religious activities according to the law. But at the same time, like any other country, the Chinese government also strengthens religious affairs management according to the law.

“The Chinese Catholic Church has always acted in accordance with its history and tradition, and in accordance with its relevant laws and regulations,” he continued.

The Vatican statement and Chinese reply comes at a time when a new round of China-Vatican negotiation has concluded in Rome.

A report of the Eglasie D’Asie (EDA), agency of the Paris Foreign Missions Society, reported on June 28 that “after several days of work with their counterparts in

the Vatican, Chinese negotiators took the plane to Beijing a few days ago.” But the EDA report did not give the exact dates of the meeting.

Though some people may suspect Bishop Shao’s situation as the obstacle that led to the recent impasse, a Church commentator in China who asked not to be named said, “Bishop Shao is not the first and only Chinese bishop under detention in recent years, but the Vatican had remained silent.”

“The Vatican statement and remarks by Chinese officials show tension between both sides.

Something must have happened before or during the secret talks that outsiders do not know of yet.

The timing indicates that the latest round of negotiation was not as smooth as expected,” the commentator said. n UCANEWS.COM

10 WORLD

Sunday July 23, 2017 n CatholicNews

Churches, NGOs take Well-known St John Paul’s Canada to court over press officer dies, served US refugee pact for decades under late pope TORONTO – Canada’s major Churches, the Canadian Council for Refugees and Amnesty International Canada are taking the federal government to court, hoping to strike down a 13-year-old agreement between the United States and Canada on treatment of refugees.

The legal challenge to the Safe Third Country Agreement between Canada and the US contends that Canada cannot rely on the fairness or objectivity of the American system for granting or denying asylum to potential refugees. In force since 2004, the agreement forces refugees to claim asylum in the first safe country they arrive in. With a very few exceptions, refugees at Canada’s land border with the US are turned away and told they must apply for refugee status in the US – they may not claim asylum in Canada.

“It is wrong, morally and legally, to send claimants back to the US knowing, as we do, that they may face serious violations of their basic rights,” Ms Loly Rico, president of the Canadian Council for Refugees and co-director of FCJ Hamilton House, said in a July 5 statement.

The Canadian Council of Churches includes the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops

VATICAN CITY – Joaquin Navarro-

People in San Diego, California, USA, demonstrate in support of migrants and refugees. Canada’s major churches and NGOs are challenging an agreement that denies refugees asylum into the country.

In May, the Canadian Council for Refugees and Amnesty International Canada submitted a 52-page brief to Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen outlining their concerns over political interference and dysfunction in the US refugee system.

Ms Janet Dench, executive director of the Canadian Council for Refugees, said the government’s response did not address the issues raised. n CNS

Valls, who spent 22 years as director of the Vatican press office, died at home in Rome on July 5 at age 80 following a battle with pancreatic cancer.

Current director of the Vatican press office, Mr Greg Burke, in a statement to Catholic News Service, said, “Joaquin Navarro embodied what Ernest Hemingway defined as courage: grace under pressure.”

Jesuit Fr Federico Lombardi, who succeeded Navarro-Valls as Vatican press director beginning in 2006, remembered him as a “master in the way he carried out his service.”

“Navarro always remained a friend for me, an example of discreet spiritual life, true and profound, fully integrated in his work, a model of dedication at the service of the pope and the Church, a master of communications,” Fr Lombardi said in an editorial published on July 6 on Vatican Radio.

Mr Greg Erlandson, director and editor-in-chief of Catholic News Service, said that as the first lay director of the Vatican press office, Navarro-Valls “raised the level of professionalism at the press office and embodied that

BUILDING A VIBRANT, MISSIONARY AND EVANGELISTIC CHURCH EVENTS BY THE FOLLOWING ARCHDIOCESAN ORGANISATIONS IN 2017 ORGANISATIONS

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

Office for Young People (OYP)

• Treasure #8 (31 Aug-3 Sep)

• Nox Gaudii (15 Sep) • Poly Leaders’ Retreat

Office for the New Evangelisation (ONE)

• Labourers in the Vineyard Retreat (5-9 Aug) • NEw wiNE Conference (26 Aug) • RCIA Seminar (31 Aug-4 Sep)

• RCIA Seminar (31 Aug-4 Sep) • Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion – EMHC DOR (30 Sep)

Catholic Spirituality Centre (CSC)

• Couples Retreat • Conversion Experience Retreat (9-13 Aug)

• Prayer Experience Retreat • Conversion Experience Retreat – Mandarin (6-10 Sep)

Singapore Archdiocesan Catholic Charismatic Renewal (SACCRE)

• FIRE! Weekend (19 & 20 Aug)

• School of Healing Prayer Level 3 (2, 3, 9 & 10 Sep)

Office for Catechesis (OFC)

• Catechist Elective Course – Church History (15 Aug-12 Sep) • Catechist Elective Course – Liturgical Principles (17 Aug- 7 Sep) • RCIA Seminar (31 Aug-4 Sep)

• RCIA Seminar (31 Aug-4 Sep) • Catechetical Awareness Weekend (9,10 Sep) • Basic Catechist Course – Catholic Social Teachings (14 Sep-12 Oct) • Craft of Catechesis Workshop (20 Sep) • Evangelisation & Mission Retreat & Workshop (23,24 Sep, 7 Oct) • Catechist Elective Course – Church History

Archdiocesan Commission for Catholic Schools (ACCS)

• Faith Formation for Teachers (25 Aug) • Faith Formation for School Leaders (26 Aug)

• Catholic Education Sunday (9 & 10 Sep)

Archdiocesan Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People (ACMI)

• Spiritual Living Through Art – Floral Arrangements (6 Aug) • Exodus V (31 Aug-3 Sep)

• Exodus V (31 Aug-3 Sep) • Migrant Community High Tea (24 Sep) • Spiritual Living Through Art & Craft (24 Sep)

Caritas Singapore (Caritas)

• Personal Moral Compass Module 5 (Bioethics) • Discipleship Retreat (Aug 5) • Agape Experience @ Agape Village (Church of the Holy Spirit) (5 & 12 Aug) • Silver InfoComm Junction (SIJ) IT Courses for Smartphone & Computers @ Agape Village (ongoing)

• Free Haircut @ Agape Village (7 Sep) • Agape Experience @ Agape Village (Churches of the Risen Christ & St Stephen) (9 Sep) • Induction Workshop B (14 Sep) • Living Our Faith in Community Workshop B (16 Sep) • Roadshow for IT Festival @ Toa Payoh Hub Atrium (Courses for Seniors held at Agape Village) (22-24 Sep) • SIJ IT Courses for Smartphone & Computers @ Agape Village (ongoing)

Caritas Humanitarian Aid & Relief Initiatives, Singapore (CHARIS) Archdiocesan Commission for Apostolate of Mandarin-speaking (ACAMS) Archdiocesan Biblical Apostolate (ABA)

• Mission Trip • Walking in Discipleship (4, 11, 18, 25 Aug) • New Evangelisation Seminar (19 Aug) • Fr Grun spiritual talks (26-31 Aug) • China migrants visit churches (5 Aug)

• Conversion Experience Retreat – Mandarin (6-10 Sep) • Walking in Discipleship (8, 15, 22 Sep) • Retreat based on the Word of God (16 Sep)

Note: For more information, please refer to the respective Organisation’s website. This information is correct at the time of printing.

Compiled by Office for the New Evangelisation (ONE), www.one.org.sg

Joaquin Navarro-Valls, who served as director of the Vatican press office from 1984-2006, speaking during a Vatican press conference in 2014. He passed away on July 5. CNS photo

professionalism in his relationship with the world’s news media.”

Born in Cartagena, Spain, on Nov 16, 1936, Navarro-Valls joined Opus Dei after meeting St Josemaria Escriva.

He studied internal medicine and psychiatry before obtaining degrees in journalism and communications sciences. He moved to Rome in 1970, where he collaborated with the Opus Dei founder.

He became a correspondent for the Spanish newspaper ABC

and was elected twice as president of the Rome-based Foreign Press Association in Italy before becoming the first lay journalist to become director of the Vatican Press Office when he was appointed by St John Paul II in 1984.

He travelled with St John Paul II on almost all his apostolic journeys and became a well-recognised figure, especially after the pope became ill in 2004. He regularly held press conferences to relay news to the world of the pope’s deteriorating condition.

In 1992, Navarro-Valls overhauled the press office with a US$2 million ($2.7 million) technological face-lift. He also revolutionised the distribution of material by making archives, documents and statistics concerning the pope’s activity available online. n CNS

Navarro-Valls ‘raised the level of professionalism at the press office and embodied that professionalism in his relationship with the world’s news media.’

– Mr Greg Erlandson, director and editor-in-chief of Catholic News Service

WORLD 11

Sunday July 23, 2017 n CatholicNews

New path to sainthood approved: Heroic act of loving service VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis has

approved a fourth pathway to possible sainthood – giving one’s life in a heroic act of loving service.

In a new apostolic letter, the pope approved new norms allowing for candidates to be considered for sainthood because of the heroic way they freely risked their lives and died prematurely because of “an extreme act of charity.”

The document, given motu proprio (on his own initiative) went into effect the same day of its publication on July 11, with the title Maiorem hac dilectionem, which comes from the Gospel according to St John (15:13): “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

Archbishop Marcello Bartolucci, secretary of the Vatican Congregation for Saints’ Causes, said the addition is meant “to promote heroic Christian testimony.”

For centuries, consideration for the sainthood process required that a servant of God heroically lived a life of Christian virtues or had been

martyred for the faith. The third, less common way, is called an equivalent or equipollent canonisation: when there is evidence of strong devotion among the faithful to a holy man or woman, the pope can waive a lengthy formal canonical investigation and can authorise their veneration as saints.

While these three roads to sainthood remain unchanged, they were not adequate “for interpreting all possible cases” of holiness, the archbishop wrote in the Vatican newspaper, L’Osservatore Romano, on July 11.

According to the apostolic letter, any causes for beatification according to the new pathway of “offering of life” would have to meet the following criteria: n Free and willing offer of one’s life and a heroic acceptance, out of love, of a certain and early death; the heroic act of charity and the premature death are connected. n Evidence of having lived out the Christian virtues – at least in an ordinary, and not necessarily heroic,

Bishops against new Venezuela constitution CARACAS, VENEZUELA – Ven-

ezuela’s bishops said the country’s government aims to install a “military dictatorship, socialist, Marxist and communist.”

The Church and Venezuelan authorities have long had a tense relationship, but the comments by Archbishop Diego Padron Sanchez, president of the bishops’ conference, refer to a process unilaterally initiated on May 1 by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to draft a new constitution for the country.

To create that document, Venezuelans will elect hundreds of representatives to a constituent assembly on July 30.

Mr Maduro said the initiative

aims to bring peace to the country, rocked by more than 100 days of anti-government protests.

But the country’s political opposition and the bishops have denounced the plan as illegitimate and illegal. They believe the assembly’s structure would over-represent progovernment sectors, guaranteeing a body favourable to a government that polls show has the support of less than a quarter of the population.

“A constituent assembly without consultation from the people first will bring negative consequences for the country because the government excludes many sectors to impose a constitutional communal state,” said Archbishop Padron. n CNS A nun prays during a demonstration in Caracas, Venezuela.

Bishops in the country are opposing the government’s plan to draft a new constitution for the country.

CNS photo

CNS photo

Tapestries showing seven new saints hang from the facade of St Peter’s Basilica before a canonisation Mass. Pope Francis has approved a new pathway to sainthood – the giving of one’s life in a heroic act of loving service.

way – before having offered one’s life to others and until one’s death. n Evidence of a reputation for holiness, at least after death. n A miracle attributed to the candidate’s intercession is needed for beatification.

Archbishop Bartolucci wrote that the new norms arise from the sainthood congregation wanting to look into the question of whether men and women who,

“inspired by Christ’s example, freely and willingly offered and sacrificed their life” for others “in a supreme act of charity, which was the direct cause of death,” were worthy of beatification. For example, throughout history there have been Christians who willingly put themselves at risk and died of infection.

Pope Francis approved the congregation carrying out an in-

This addition offers ‘new horizons and opportunities for the edification of the people of God, who, in their saints, see the face of Christ, the presence of God in history,’ said Archbishop Marcello Bartolucci, secretary of the Vatican Congregation for Saints’ Causes.

depth study of the new proposal in early 2014, the archbishop wrote.

After extensive input, discussion and the work of experts, the cardinal and bishop members of the Congregation for Saints’ Causes approved in 2016 “a new pathway for beatification of those who offered their lives.”

Archbishop Bartolucci wrote that the new provisions do nothing to alter Church doctrine concerning Christian holiness leading to sainthood.

Rather, the addition offers an enrichment, he wrote, with “new horizons and opportunities for the edification of the people of God, who, in their saints, see the face of Christ, the presence of God in history and the exemplary implementation of the Gospel.” n CNS

Educators aim to counter extremism JAKARTA – Catholic education

experts in Indonesia are drafting what they say are new school guidelines to counter growing intolerance and radicalism in classrooms.

The guidelines are expected to be ready in the next few months and implemented in Catholic schools when the next academic year begins.

“What we are doing is in response to the current situation, where radicalism is so strong, including among teenagers,” Franciscan Fr Vinsensius Darmin Mbula, chairman of the National Council of Catholic Education told ucanews.com on July 10.

“To stem this, we believe one solution is through education,” he said.

Fr Mbula referred to a 2015 survey conducted on 171 schools in Jakarta and Bandung, West Java that revealed 9.5 percent of students supported violence committed by radical groups, including the so-called Islamic State group.

An earlier survey by the Institute for Islamic and Peace Studies revealed that almost 50 percent of

students supported radical ideas.

If this is ignored, “Indonesia will continue to be haunted by destruction,” Fr Mbula said.

He said the guidelines would be presented to the government, where they would hopefully be integrated into the mainstream curriculum.

The guidelines will not only

we are doing ‘isWhat in response to the current situation, where radicalism is so strong.

’

– Franciscan Fr Vinsensius Darmin Mbula, chairman of the National Council of Catholic Education in Indonesia

incorporate promoting the values of Pancasila – Indonesia’s philosophy to respect pluralism, it will also refer to Pope Francis’ document, Educating Intercultural Dialogue in Catholic Schools: Living in Harmony for a Civilisation of Love.

Ms Prudentia, a lecturer at the University of Indonesia and part

of the team drawing up the guidelines said educators also want to introduce programmes where students visit other religious places of worship, cultural sites and gatherings attended by adherents of other religions.

“What we want to achieve is a process of interaction within the social environment in which they live,” she said.

Mr Ahmad Nurcholish, a Muslim, and chairman of the education of diversity and peace division at the Indonesian Conference on Religion and Peace said students must have an inclusive and contextual understanding of religion.

“There are still many who only believe in the ‘truth’ of their religion, dismissing other people’s beliefs as wrong and misguided,” he said.

“Such attitudes make it difficult to accept the existence of different people.”

Radical groups are increasingly strong, while religious education in both formal and informal institutions only emphasise the aspect of ritual piety, not social piety, Mr Nurcholish said. n UCANEWS.COM

12 POPE FRANCIS

Sunday July 23, 2017 n CatholicNews

Respect parents’ Economic solutions wishes to care need broader vision, for dying child pope tells G-20 leaders

VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis called for respecting the wishes of a terminally ill child’s parents to accompany and care for their child “until the end.”

Mr Greg Burke, Vatican spokesman, said the pope was following “with affection and emotion” the events concerning Charlie Gard, a 10-month-old infant born in England with mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome, which causes progressive muscle weakness, brain damage and respiratory or liver failure; it is typically fatal.

Expressing his closeness to the parents, Pope Francis said he was “praying for them, hoping that their desire to accompany and take care of their own baby until the end is not disregarded,” Mr Burke’s written statement said in Italian on July 2.

In London, Charlie’s parents, Chris Gard and Connie Yates, crowdfunded nearly US$1.7 million (S$2.3 million) in four months to finance having the baby treated in the United States. However, when hospital officials wanted to stop providing life support for the baby, the parents went to a London court with their case, but the court ruled the baby should be allowed to “die with dignity” and doctors could stop providing life support. Further court

Connie Yates and Chris Gard are pictured with their son, Charlie, who was born with mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome. Pope Francis offered his prayers for the UK couple after they lost their legal battle to keep Charlie on life-support and seek treatment for his rare disease in the US. CNS photo

actions, including a decision by the European Court of Human Rights on June 27, upheld the ruling.

The parents’ continued request to the hospital was to allow them to take Charlie home to die. That request has been denied, and the hospital had said it would be suspending life support on June 30 – a date that has since been extended. n CNS

VATICAN CITY – World leaders attending the Group of 20 meeting in Hamburg, Germany, must reflect on the repercussions their decisions may have on the entire global community and not just their own countries, Pope Francis said.

While it is reasonable that the G-20 is limited to a “small number of countries that represent 90 percent of the production of wealth and services worldwide,” a multilateral approach in solving economic problems must be made “for the benefit of all,” the pope said.

The pope’s message to German Chancellor Angela Merkel, host of the July 7-8 leaders’ summit, was dated June 29 and released on July 7 at the Vatican.

“Those states and individuals whose voice are weakest on the world political scene are precisely the ones who suffer most from the harmful effects of economic crises for which they bear little or no responsibility,” the papal message said.

“This great majority, which in economic terms counts for only 10 percent of the whole, is the portion of humanity that has the greatest potential to contribute to the progress of everyone,” he said.

The members of the G-20 are Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the United States and the European Union.

Citing his apostolic exhortation Evangelii Gaudium (The

Pope Francis greets German Chancellor Angela Merkel, host of the July 7-8 G-20 leaders’ summit, at the Vatican. He urged members of the meeting to promote economic policies where ‘unity prevails over conflict.’ CNS photo

Economic differences cannot be resolved if leaders are not committed to ‘substantially reducing levels of conflict, halting the present arms race and renouncing direct or indirect involvement in conflicts,’ said Pope Francis.

Joy of the Gospel), Pope Francis proposed four principles “for the building of fraternal, just and peaceful societies.”

Reflecting on the principle that “time is greater than space,” the pope said the migration crisis, which is “inseparable from the

issue of poverty,” requires an effective solution spread over time with a clear “final objective.”

“In the minds and hearts of government leaders, and at every phase of the enactment of political measures, there is a need to give absolute priority to the poor, refugees, the suffering,” he said.

He also urged world leaders to promote economic policies where “unity prevails over conflict.” Economic differences, he said, cannot be resolved if leaders are not committed to “substantially reducing levels of conflict, halting the present arms race and renouncing direct or indirect involvement in conflicts.”

G-20 leaders, he continued, must turn away from “new ideologies of absolute market autonomy and financial speculation.” n CNS

Cardinal Muller’s term not renewed VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis

has chosen not to ask German Cardinal Gerhard Muller to serve a second five-year term as head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.

The Vatican announced on July 1 that the pope chose as prefect Spanish Archbishop Luis Ladaria Ferrer, 73, a Jesuit theologian who had been appointed secretary of the congregation in 2008 by then-Pope Benedict XVI. “The Holy Father Francis thanked His Eminence Cardinal Gerhard Ludwig Muller at the conclusion of his quinquennial mandate,” the Vatican announcement said. No new position was announced for Cardinal Muller, who at 69 is still more than five years away from the normal retirement age for a bishop.

Anticipating an announcement of the pope’s decision on June 30, both the English Rorate Caeli blog and the Italian Corrispondenza Romana blog presented the

Cardinal Gerhard Muller (above) was replaced by Spanish Archbishop Luis Ladaria Ferrer as prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. CNS photo

pope’s move as a dismissal of the German cardinal, who originally was appointed to the post by nowretired Pope Benedict XVI. Pope Francis had met that morning with Cardinal Muller, whose five-year term was to end on July 2.

Both Rorate Caeli and Corrispondenza Romana implied Cardinal Muller was let go because he insisted that divorced and civilly remarried Catholics could not receive Communion unless they made a commitment to abstain from sexual relations with their new partners.

Other bishops and bishops’ conferences have read Pope Francis’ exhortation on the family, Amoris Laetitia, as presenting a process of discernment that in certain circumstances could allow some couples to return to the sacraments.

Cardinal Mueller told the German daily, Allgemeine Zeitung, that “there were no disagreements between Pope Francis and me” and that there had been no dispute over Amoris Laetitia, the newspaper reported on July 2.

The cardinal told the newspaper that Pope Francis wanted, in general, to limit the term of office to five years and he just happened to be the first person to which the new standard applied. n CNS

POPE FRANCIS 13

Sunday July 23, 2017 n CatholicNews

Pope Francis with five new cardinals after the June 28 consistory at the Vatican. From left: Cardinals Jean Zerbo of Bamako, Mali; Juan Jose Omella of Barcelona, Spain; Anders Arborelius of Stockholm, Sweden; Louis-Marie Ling Mangkhanekhoun of Pakse, Laos; and Gregorio Rosa Chavez of San Salvador, El Salvador. CNS photo

Cardinals are servants, not ‘princes’ of the Church, says pope VATICAN CITY – Cardinals are not called to be “princes” of the Church, but to serve the people of God and tackle the sins of the world, Pope Francis told five new cardinals.

Jesus “calls you to serve like Him and with Him, to serve the Father and your brothers and sisters,” the pope said as he created five new cardinals from five nations on June 28.

The new cardinals created during the prayer service in St Peter’s Basilica were: Cardinals Jean Zerbo of Bamako, Mali, 73; Juan Jose Omella of Barcelona, Spain, 71; Anders Arborelius of Stockholm, 67; Louis-Marie Ling Mangkhanekhoun, apostolic vicar of Pakse, Laos, 73; and Gregorio Rosa Chavez, 74, auxiliary bishop of San Salvador, El Salvador.

The Gospel reading was St Mark’s account of James and John’s pride and ambition to have

a position of power, and how the other disciples reacted angrily (Mk 10:32-45).

Jesus corrects His disciples, explaining that pagan leaders are the ones who lord their authority over their people, and “it shall not be so among you”. The pope said the cardinals, like Christ, are there to serve others.

The reality is always the cross, he said, and the sins the cardinals must face today include “the innocent who suffer and die as victims of war and terrorism; the forms of enslavement that continue to violate human dignity even in the age of human rights; the refugee camps, which at times seem more like a hell than a purgatory; the systematic discarding of all that is no longer useful, people included”.

Jesus “has not called you to become ‘princes’ of the Church, to ‘sit at His right or at His left,’”

the pope told the new cardinals.

“He calls you to serve like Him and with Him.” Laotian Cardinal Ling is one who has experienced persecution first hand. After Laos became a communist nation, he set off – without government permission – to preach the Gospel in small villages and prisons, according to his Vatican biography. He was arrested in 1984 and accused of “making propaganda for Jesus”.

He was imprisoned for three years, “with chains on my arms and my legs”, he said.

But being a prisoner was “an apostolate,” he said. “My presence [in prison] was necessary for my conversion and purification and also for that of others.”

The College of Cardinals now has 225 members, 121 of whom are under the age of 80 and eligible to vote in a conclave to elect a pope. n CNS

Labour unions need to be inclusive: pontiff VATICAN CITY – Labour unions

that protect and defend the dignity of work and the rights of workers continue to have an essential role in society, especially in promoting inclusion, Pope Francis said.

“There is no good society without a good union, and there is no good union that isn’t reborn every day in the peripheries, that doesn’t transform the rejected stones of the economy into corner stones,” the pope said on June 28 during an audience with Italian union leaders.

“There is no justice together if it isn’t together with today’s excluded ones,” he told members of

the Italian Confederation of Union Workers.

Unions, he said, risk losing their “prophetic nature” when they mimic the very institutions they are called to challenge, he said. “Unions over time have ended up resembling politicians too much, or rather political parties, their language, their style.”

Labour unions must guard and protect workers, but also defend the rights of those “outside the walls”, particularly those who are retired and the excluded who are “also excluded from rights and democracy”.

However, men and women are

not created solely for work but also must enjoy a “healthy culture of leisure”, which “isn’t laziness but a human need.”

Pope Francis said he asks working parents if they play with their children and is often told that some parents leave for work when their children are still sleeping or arrive home when they are already in bed.

“This is inhumane,” he said.

“For this reason, this other culture [of leisure] must go together with work; a person is not made just for work, because we don’t always work and we shouldn’t always work.” n CNS

14 OPINION

Sunday July 23, 2017 n CatholicNews

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Personal testimonies are the ‘best way to evangelise youth’ ... says a popular Filipino cardinal MANILA – Want to effectively at-

tract young people to the Gospel?

Use personal testimonies.

“From what I see today, it seems that among the top methods for the youth in terms of evangelisation is, first, they love testimonies,” said Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of Manila.

He said the youth would like to hear testimonies about “Christian witnessing” and, among others, how to overcome a particular issue as a Christian.

Traditionally, preachers, including most members of the clergy, start with teachings and then ask people to apply it to their daily lives.

“But when you start with a testimony, that’s when teaching enters,” said Cardinal Tagle during a media briefing ahead of the Philippine Conference on New Evangelization scheduled for July 28-30.

“Today, the youth seem to listen to stories about life,” he said, adding that what he does after giving a testimony is to cite a similar story in the Bible.

“The teaching moment, the

doctrinal moment, is like a latecomer. So the first is testimony,” said Cardinal Tagle, who is also a sought-after speaker on theology.

The Manila prelate stressed that today’s young people are seeking active involvement in the Church, from charitable to pastoral activities.

When you start ‘with a testimony, that’s when teaching enters.

’

– Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of Manila

“They want to do something,” he said. “Our youth, while they are savvy in the digital world, are also looking for something existential,” he added.

He downplayed observations that today’s young people are not interested in the Church and in spirituality.

He cited a July 1

event in Manila, organised by the Lord’s Flock lay community, where more than 15,000 young Catholics gathered in prayer and discussions on the topic of love.

Cardinal Tagle, who spoke before the gathering – which had the theme, “Relentless” to remind the youth of the “relentless love of God” – noted that the atmosphere was “electrifying.”

“It really was contagious,” he said. “Nowhere else in the world would a bishop get such a warm reception from young people.”

Thousands of Filipino Catholics are also expected to attend the upcoming July 28-30 event on the new evangelisation that will feature discussions on ecology, new media, social justice, interreligious dialogue, and the youth.

Among the speakers are Archbishop Rino Fisichella, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting New Evangelisation, and Archbishop Bernardito Auza, the Holy See’s permanent observer to the United Nations. n UCANEWS.COM

Being good-hearted is not enough CHARITY is about being good-hearted, but justice is about something more. Individual sympathy is good and virtuous, but it doesn’t necessarily change the social, economic, and political structures that unfairly victimise some people and unduly privilege others. We need to be fair and good of heart, but we also need to have fair and good policies.

We need to see the crucial distinction between charity and justice, between being good-hearted as individuals and trying as a community to ensure that our social, economic, and political systems are not themselves the cause of the very things we are trying to respond to in charity.

What causes poverty, racism, economic disparity, lack of fair access to education and health care, and the irresponsibility with which we often treat nature? Individual attitudes, true. But injustice is also the result of social, economic and political policies that, whatever their other merits, help produce the conditions that spawn poverty, inequality, racism, privilege and the lack of conscientious concern for the air we breathe.

Most of us, I suspect, are familiar with a story that’s often used to distinguish between charity and justice. It runs this way: There was a town built alongside a river, but situated around a bend so that the townsfolk could see only that part of the river that bordered their town. One day a few of the children were playing by the river when they saw five bodies floating in the water. They quickly ran for help and the townspeople they alerted did what any responsible persons would do in that situation. They took care of the bodies.

Pulling them from the river they found that two were dead and they buried them. Three were still alive. One was a child for whom they quickly found a foster home; another was a severely ill woman, her they put in a hospital; the last was a young man and, for him, they found a job and a place to live.

But the story didn’t end there. The next day, more bodies appeared and, again, the townsfolk responded as before. They took care of the bodies. They buried the dead, placed the sick in hospitals, found foster homes for the children, and jobs and places to live for the adults. And so it went on for years so that taking care of the bodies that they found each day became a normal feature of their lives and became part of the life of their churches and their community. A few altruistically motivated people even made it their life’s work to take care of those bodies.

But … and this is the point, nobody ever went up the river to see from where and for what reasons those bodies kept appearing each day in the river. They just remained good-hearted and generous in their response to the bodies that found their way to their town.

The lesson is clear enough: It’s one thing (needed, good, and Christian) to take care of the needy bodies we find on our doorsteps, but it’s another thing (also needed, good, and Christian) to go upstream to try to change the things that are causing those bodies to be in the river. That’s the difference between good-hearted charity and acting for social justice.

Sadly though, as good church-going Christians, we have been too slow to grasp this and consequently have not brought the demands of Jesus and faith to bear as strongly upon the question of social justice as we have been to bring them to bear upon charity.

Too many, good, good-hearted, church-going, charitable women and men simply do not see the demands of justice as being anything beyond the demands of private charity and good-heartedness. And so we are often good-hearted enough that we will, literally, give a needy person the shirt off our back even as we refuse to look at why our closets are overfull while some others don’t have a shirt.

But this should not be misunderstood. The Gospel demand that we act for justice does not in any way denigrate the virtue of charity. Charity is still the ultimate virtue and, sometimes, the only positive difference we can make in our world is precisely the, oneto-one love and respect that we give to each other. Our own individual goodness is sometimes the only candle that is ours to light.

But that goodness and light must shine publicly too, namely, in how we vote and in what public policies we support or oppose. n

FAITH ALIVE! 15

Sunday July 23, 2017 n CatholicNews

Why our children will always remain mysteries to us

By Laura Kelly Fanucci I catch her eye across the pew and smile. Her stomach is starting to swell, slightly. After Mass she rushes over, excited and chatty.

“How are you?” I ask.

She glows, bursting with good news. “Everything is great. Eighteen weeks now! We have the big ultrasound on Friday.”

I think of all their losses, their years of yearning. The prayers I offered for them as I’ve pleaded for so many couples struggling with infertility: “Please God, grant them this desire of their heart. Please God, let this be.”

I grin back at her. “I’m so happy for you! So are you finding out?”

The question everyone asks expectant parents: Are you finding out if the baby is a boy or a girl?

She shakes her head happily.

“No, we’re keeping it a surprise.”

I think back to our first two babies, the ones we kept surprises.

The delirious delight after delivery to hear my husband declare, “It’s a boy!” as I pulled a screaming, slippery warm baby to my chest.

I imagine the child we lost to miscarriage. The one we never got to know.

I picture our third son, the first one we found out before birth. The boy I fell in love with as soon as I saw him on the ultrasound screen.

I remember our twins who were born prematurely, our daughters who lived only a few days, who took their last breaths in our arms as we let them go back to God. The girls we got to find out so little about.

And I place my hand now on my own rounded belly, the new baby who kicks and pushes within me. The one we can’t wait to meet.

And I marvel at the fact that all of our children remain mysteries.

Even as parents care for every

inch of children’s bodies while they are young, even though we share each day while they live under our roof – we are always finding out who they are.

Our children are not ours. They are God’s: the work of the creator’s hands. God knit them together in darkness. God breathed life into their lungs. God knew all their days before they were numbered.

God is the only one who knows them fully. We have only begun to find out.

According to a study from Harvard Medical Center, 58 percent of expectant parents plan to find out their baby’s sex. But no medical

Even as parents care for every inch of children’s bodies while they are young, we are always finding out who our children are.

God is the only one who knows them fully. test or magical formula can reveal who our children are becoming.

The calling to parenthood is an invitation to keep finding out, to honour our children as gifts from God, mysteries that keep unfolding before our eyes each day.

One of the best parts of life is mystery. In my youth, I thought adulthood would bring certainty, clarity and control. Instead, I find that God invites me into deeper mystery, the sacred surrender of unknowing.

This is part of the adventure of family life. Even my husband whom I have known for nearly two decades remains a discovery to me. Our children are the same

– delightfully enigmatic, we are finding out.

“At present we see indistinctly, as in a mirror,” writes St Paul. “But then face to face. At present I know partially; then I shall know fully, as I am fully known” (1 Cor 13:12).

What joy to be fully known.

But what joy, too, to discover all along who God is calling us to be. n CNS Fanucci is a mother, writer and director of a project on vocation at the Collegeville Institute in Collegeville, Minnesota, USA. She is the author of several books, including Everyday Sacrament: The Messy Grace of Parenting, and blogs at www.motheringspirit.com.

16

Sunday July 23, 2017 n CatholicNews

God appeared to Moses and told him to go to Egypt. He wanted Moses to tell the pharaoh to release the Israelites from slavery.

God brought 10 plagues on Egypt through Moses to persuade the pharaoh to release the Israelites. But the pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he refused to let them go.

When one of the plagues resulted in the death of his son, the pharaoh, in his grief, set the Israelites free.

God led the Israelites out of Egypt toward the Red Sea. He appeared to them as a column of cloud in the day and a column of fire at night.

Just before they arrived at the Red Sea, God spoke to Moses.

“I will so harden Pharaoh’s heart that he will pursue them,” God said.

“Thus I will receive glory through

Pharaoh and all his army, and the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord.”

When the pharaoh received a report that the Israelites had indeed left, he changed his mind. He realised that he had freed all of his slaves, and he wanted them back.

The pharaoh readied his chariots and his army, and they took off to capture the Israelites and bring them back to Egypt.

When the Israelites saw the Egyptians coming for them, they were terrified.

Moses calmed them.

“Fear not!” Moses said. “Stand your ground, and you will see the victory the Lord will win for you today.”

God told Moses to lift up his staff over the Red Sea. Moses did, and God sent a strong wind that blew all night and parted the water. The Israelites began to walk across the dry land, and there was

SPOTLIGHT ON SAINTS:

St John Vianney St John Vianney was born in France in 1786. He was not a very good student, but he studied very hard and became a priest in 1815.

He was assigned to be a parish priest in Ars-en-Dombes, where he served for 40 years. He was very devoted to his parishioners, and he gave good homilies. Pilgrims came from all around so he could hear their confessions.

John died in 1859, and in 1929, Pope Pius XI made him the patron saint of parish priests. We remember him on Aug 4. n

a wall of water on each side of them.

Just before dawn, the Egyptians chased the Israelites into the dry seabed. God slowed their chariots, making it hard for them to move.

The Israelites made it safely across while the Egyptians were stuck in the middle of the dry seabed. God told Moses to lift his hands, and the walls of water came crashing back together over the Egyptians.

When the Israelites saw that

none of the Egyptians had survived, they believed in God and His servant, Moses. n Read more about it: Exodus 14

Q&A 1. Where were the Israelites living in slavery?

2. How did God get the Israelites across the Red Sea?

Wordsearch: n CALM n PROMISE n SERVANT

n FREED n BELIEVE n VICTORY n TRAVEL n PARISH n STRONG

n GLORY n WORSHIP n DEVOTE

BIBLE TRIVIA: After their escape from Egypt, how long were the Israelites wandering in the wilderness?

Bible Accent:

Answer to puzzle: water turned into blood; frogs; gnats; flies; pestilence; boils; hail; locusts; darkness; death of the firstborn

PUZZLE:

Answer to Bible Trivia: 40 years

After God freed the Israelites from slavery, they sinned against Him by complaining. They grumbled to Moses about being hungry, so God sent the people manna and quail to eat.

After complaining to Moses about being thirsty, God had Moses hit his staff on a rock. Water flowed out for the people to drink. Even with all of the things God did for the Israelites, the people kept sinning against Him. When Moses was on Mount Sinai for 40 days and nights receiving the Ten Commandments from God, the people demanded a new god to worship. Moses’ brother, Aaron, collected gold jewellery from the people and made a golden calf for them to worship.

This made God very angry. He wanted to destroy the Israelites and make a new nation from Moses. However, Moses asked God to spare and forgive the people, which is something that he had to do a lot.

God forgave the people, but they did not go unpunished. Since the people had sinned against God, and because they did not obey God or wholeheartedly believe in him, God made them travel around the wilderness for many years. He did this because He wanted the complaining and wicked generation to pass away before allowing the Israelites to enter the land He had promised them. n

Below is a list of the 10 plagues God brought upon Egypt. Put them in the order in which they occurred, using Exodus 7-11 for hints. frogs locusts darkness death of the firstborn pestilence hail water turned into blood flies gnats boils _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________

Answer to Wordsearch

By Jennifer Ficcaglia

WHAT’S ON 17

Sunday July 23, 2017 n CatholicNews

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

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

JULY 1, 2017 TO FEBRUARY 3, 2019 LIFE DIRECTION AND PRAYER SESSION FOR YOUNG LADIES Every first Saturday of the month. For women aged between 18 and 30. “Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God – what is good and is pleasing to Him and is perfect (Romans 12:2). Organised by the Daughters of St Paul. Come and join our sharing of life experiences and lifting up in prayer all our heart’s desire! For more information, T: 65608003; E: pauline.fsp@gmail.com.

JULY 3 TO AUGUST 14 LIFE IN THE SPIRIT SEMINARS Time: 7.30pm-9.45pm. The seminars at the Church of the Risen Christ comprise praise and worship, talks, sacraments, small group sharing and prayer ministry to bring you to an experience of God’s love. Contribution: $10.

To register: W: https://www.facebook. com/aflamecpc.rc. For more information, 97649432 (Charisse Teo); E: enquiry.liss@gmail.com.

JULY 6 TO AUG 17 CATECHIST ELECTIVE COURSE INTRODUCTION TO VIRTUES Time: 7:30pm-10pm. Venue: CAEC 2 Highland Rd Spore 549102. Introducing Catholic doctrine & morality about sexuality to catechumens is never limited to teaching about avoiding sin – it deals with growth in the Christian virtues and developing the capacity for self- giving.

To register: visit http://tinyurl.com/ y9qxr3r3. W: www.catechesis.org.sg; E: formation@catechesis.org.sg; T: 68583011.

JULY 21 TO JULY 23 ART & SOUL: A WAY TO GOD THROUGH ART July 21 (8pm)-July 23 (1pm). Venue: Montfort Centre. Contribution: $350/ person (includes materials). See how art, life and creativity can lead to “finding God in all things”. This is not an art workshop, but a time for prayer and reflection. Nonartists are most welcome. Organised by the Cenacle Sisters and team. To register: W: www.cenaclemission.com; T: 65652895; E: cenaclemissionsingapore@gmail.com JULY 22 SJI 165TH ANNIVERSARY GALA DINNER Time: 6:30pm. Venue: Fairmont Ballroom, Raffles City Convention Centre. SJI is celebrating its 165th year as a Lasallian school. For more information, W: http://www.sji.edu.sg/165th- anniversary.

JULY 27 TO OCT 19 BIBLE STUDY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN Delivered by Msgr Ambrose Vaz. Time: 8pm-10pm. Organised by the Biblical Apostolate Team, Church of Christ The King. Venue: Ang Mo Kio Ave 8. To register: T: 98321538 (Lene); E:ctkbat@ hotmail.com; W:www.christtheking.com.sg AUG 3 CAREGIVING WITH PURPOSE AND LOVE Time: 7.30pm-9.30pm. Caregiving is the art of providing unpaid assistance and support to individuals in need. In this talk for caregivers, learn about how we can care without feeling burdened. Organised

by Kingsmead Centre, 8 Victoria Park Rd. Cost: $30. To register: W: http://tinyurl. com/caregive17; T: 64676072.

AUG 5 HEALING MASS 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. Please spread the word to your family and friends. Celebrant: Fr Francis Leong. Organised by SACCREPraise@Work. Venue: Church of Sts Peter and Paul. For more information, E: praiseatworksg@yahoo.com; T: 97472467.

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

AUG 5 BOYS FOR THE BOYS - CHARITY CAR WASH Time: 10am-3pm Venue: St Joseph’s Institution Junior, 3 Essex Road S309331.

A charity car wash for the benefit of the SJI Junior needy students. Come and support the boys (old and current from St Michael’s School/SJI Junior) as they wash your car. For more information, T: 96230455 (Fido); E: oldboys.sjij.sms@gmail.com.

JULY 17 TO JULY 19 MONTFORTIAN XPERIENCE 6 – CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP Monday (9am)-Wednesday (1pm).

A live-in retreat based on the spirituality of St Louis Marie de Montfort.

Venue: Montfort Centre. Conducted by Br Dominic Yeo-Koh and Br John Albert.

Cost: $130.

AUG 7 TO OCT 23 GOSPEL OF MARK BY MSGR AMBROSE VAZ Mondays (7.30pm to 9pm). Venue: Church of Sts Peter & Paul, Parish Building, Level 3 Chapel. Come and join us on a 12-week study of the Gospel of Mark. Cost: Love offering.

To register: E: sppbiblestudy@hotmail.com with your name and contact number.

AUG 9 CANTONESE RETREAT Time: 9am-6pm. Venue: Church of Sts Peter and Paul, 225A Queen Street S188551.

All are welcome. FOC. Join us for a day of activities including rosary recitation, praise and worship, testimonies and Mass.

Speakers: Frs Stephen Yim, Philip Lai and Terence Wee. Organised by Church of Sts Peter and Paul Cantonese Group.

For more enquiries, T: 96717083 (David).

AUG 11 TO AUG 13 GRIEVING: A WAY TO HEALING Aug 11 (8pm)-Aug 13 (1pm). Venue: Montfort Spirituality Centre. Contribution: $250/person. This retreat will offer ways of dealing with unfinished business of the past to discover the grace coming from past hurts. Organised by Cenacle Sr Mel Benedictos and team. To register: T: 65652895; W: www.cenaclemission.com; E: cenaclemissionsingapore.com.

AUG 18 TO AUG 20 VOCATION DISCERNMENT RETREAT Time: 6pm (Friday)-6pm (Sunday). In the silence of your heart, do you hear God calling you for a priestly vocation? Come and discern with us. Venue: Immaculate Heart of Mary Retreat House 46 Kovan Road. To register: E: seminariansonline@ gmail.com; E: diocesanvocations@catholic. org.sg. Closing date for registration: Aug 4.

AUG 19 ORDINATION OF JEROME LEON, SJ Aug 19 (5.30pm). Venue: Church of St Ignatius,120 King’s Road. The Society of Jesus of the Malaysia-Singapore Region warmly invites you to the priestly ordination of Jerome Leon, SJ. His thanksgiving Mass: Aug 20, 11.30am, Church of the Risen Christ. For more info, E: infosjordination2017@gmail.com AUG 20 CATHOLIC NURSES’ GUILD BIANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AND ANNUAL MASS 2017 Come celebrate our bi-annual general meeting and Mass at the Church of Our Lady Queen of Peace 4 Sandy lane S437321. Time: 3pm (meeting), 5.30pm (Mass) followed by dinner at $10/pax.

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

AUG 23 CREATING SPACE FOR PERSONAL DISCERNMENT Time: 7.30pm-9.30pm. Grounded in the rules of discernment of St Ignatius’ spiritual exercises, this talk will first explore the dynamic from experience to knowledge then action, as well as the importance of “stretching” oneself to create space for personal discernment.

Facilitator: Fr Pham Hung Trung, SJ. Organised by Kingsmead Centre, 8 Victoria Park Rd. Fee: $50. To register: http://tinyurl.com/Pham17; T: 64676072.

AUG 24 CREATING SPACE FOR COMMUNAL DISCERNMENT Time: 7.30pm-9.30pm. This talk will first explore the dynamic from experience to knowledge then action, as well as the

RCIA/RCIY A journey for those seeking to know more about the Catholic faith.

Baptised Catholics are also invited to journey as sponsors.

MAY 5, 2017 TO MAY 31, 2018 RCIA @ CHURCH OF ST TERESA Every Friday from 7.45pm-9.45pm.

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

MAY 24, 2017 TO MAY 16, 2018 RCIA @ CATHEDRAL OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD Every Wednesday from 7.30pm-9.30pm.

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

MAY 28, 2017 TO MAY 20, 2018 RCIA @ CHURCH OF OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE Every Sunday from 3pm-6.30pm.

For more details, please contact Catherine at kosp2411@yahoo.com.sg or Gregory at teiktiong@yahoo.com.

MAY 30, 2017 TO MAY 20, 2018 RCIA @ CHURCH OF ST BERNADETTE Every Tuesday from 7:45pm-9:45pm at the parish hall. Venue: 12 Zion Road, S247731. Registration forms can be found at http://www.stbernadette.org.sg/ and from the parish office.

MAY 31, 2017 TO MAY 20, 2018 RCIA @ CHURCH OF THE HOLY FAMILY Every Wednesday from 7.30pm-9.30pm.

From August, every Sunday from 11.30am-12.45pm. To register: E: rciaholyfam@gmail.com; T: 63440046 (parish office); T: 93414999 MAY 31, 2017 TO JUNE 5, 2018 RCIA @ CHURCH OF THE RISEN CHRIST Venue: 91 Toa Payoh Central, S319193.

Every Wednesday from 7.30pm-9.45pm.

Registration forms are available at the church’s secretariat/website. For more information: W: www.risenchrist.org.sg; E: rcia1718@gmail.com.

MAY 31, 2017 TO APRIL 25, 2018 RCIA @ CHURCH OF CHRIST THE KING Every Wednesday from 8pm-10pm.

Venue: 2221 Ang Mo Kio Ave 8, S569809.

To register: E: query.rcia@gmail.com; W: http://www.christtheking.com.sg.

JUNE 15, 2017 TO MARCH 31, 2018 RCIA @ CHURCH OF THE importance of “stretching” oneself to create space for communal discernment.

Facilitator: Fr Pham Hung Trung, SJ. Organised by Kingsmead Centre, 8 Victoria Park Rd. Fee: $50. To register: http://tinyurl.com/Pham17; T: 64676072.

AUG 25 TO AUG 27 CREATING SPACE FOR GREATER INTIMACY IN MARRIAGE Aug 25 (7.30pm) - Aug 27 (5pm).

NATIVITY OF THE BVM Every Thursday from 8pm-10pm. Every Sunday from 10.30am-12.30pm. For more information, contact the parish office at 62800980; E: nativitysg@yahoo.com.sg JUNE 16, 2017 TO JUNE 1, 2018 CANTONESE RCIA @ CHURCH OF STS PETER AND PAUL Every Friday from 7:45pm-9:30pm at parish second floor, room 8. For enquiries, T: 63372585 (Parish Office); T: 97120452.

JUNE 18, 2017 TO JUNE 3, 2018 MANDARIN RCIA @ CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL SUCCOUR Every Sunday from 9am-10.30am.

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

For more information: T: 94517396 (Magdalene); W: website@ www.olps.sg.

JUNE 27/29, 2017 TO MARCH 31, 2018 RCIA @ CHURCH OF THE HOLY CROSS Every Tuesday (Chinese) and every Thursday (English) from 7.45pm-10pm.

Venue: 450 Clementi Ave 1 S129955. For more information: T: 97577115 (Susan); E: holycrosschurch.rcia@gmail.com.

JUNE 30, 2017 TO APRIL 1, 2018 RCIY @ CHURCH OF THE RISEN CHRIST Time: 8pm-10pm.Youths aged 15-25 who are interested in learning more about the Catholic faith are invited to come and join us on this journey of discovery. Venue: St John room, Church of the Risen Christ.

To register: E: rciy@risenchrist.org.sg.

JULY 1, 2017 TO MAY 19, 2018 RCIA @ CHURCH OF DIVINE MERCY Every Saturday from 3pm-5.30pm. Register at the parish office. For more information: T: 65833378; E: rcia@divinemercy.sg.

JULY 4, 2017 TO MAY 20, 2018 RCIA @ CHURCH OF STS PETER AND PAUL Every Tuesday at 7.30pm. Registration forms are available at the parish office or register your interest via http://sppchurch. org.sg/contact- us/ JULY 11, 2017 TO APRIL 1, 2018 RCIA @ CHURCH OF ST IGNATIUS Every Tuesday from 8pm-10pm. Sponsors and facilitators start on July 11. Inquirers start on Aug 1. Registration forms are available at: http://stignatius.org.sg/home/ ministries/faith-formation/rcia- ministry/.

For more information, T: 64660625 (Angela); 96286472 (Sandra) This retreat offers the time and space for married couples to renew and celebrate their marriage commitment. Couples will be invited to look deeper into various places where they continue to grow and empower each other, moving ahead towards a life of joy and love.

Facilitator: Fr Pham Hung Trung, SJ. Organised by Kingsmead Centre, 8 Victoria Park Rd. To register: http://tinyurl.com/Pham17; T: 64676072.

Ensuring validity of Eucharistic bread, wine CNS photo

VATICAN CITY – Bishops should

look at ways to help verify and guarantee the validity and worthiness of the bread and wine used for the celebration of the Eucharist, the Vatican said in a recent document.

Because bread and wine for the Eucharist are no longer supplied just by Religious communities, but “are also sold in supermarkets and other stores and even over the Internet,” bishops should set up guidelines, an oversight body and/or even a form of certification to help “remove any doubt about the validity of the matter for the Eucharist,” the Vatican’s Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments said.

The recommendations came in a circular letter, “On the bread and wine for the Eucharist,” sent to diocesan bishops “at the request of the Holy Father, Pope Francis.”

Dated June 15 – the feast of the Body and Blood of Christ – the letter was made public by the Vatican on July 8.

Because the Church requires certainty regarding the conditions necessary for the validity of the sacraments, the congregation offered some suggestions so that bishops can continue to “watch over the quality of the bread and wine” as well as “those who prepare these materials.”

Bishops must provide information to the producers of the bread and wine for the Eucharist and to remind them of the absolute respect that is due to the norms,” it said.

The congregation suggested that bishops offer guidance, for example, by “guaranteeing the eucharistic matter through special certification.”

Bishops may want to agree on

A man prepares communion hosts. The Vatican released a document on how bishops can continue to ‘watch over the quality of the bread and wine.’

and establish “concrete regulations” on the national level through their bishops’ conferences, it suggested.

The letter also reiterated

norms already in place regarding eucharistic matter such as: n Low-gluten hosts are valid matter for people who, “for varying

and grave reasons, cannot consume bread made in the usual manner,” provided the hosts “contain a sufficient amount of gluten to obtain the confection of bread without the addition of foreign materials and without the use of procedures that would alter the nature of bread.” n Wine used “must be natural, from the fruit of the grape, pure and incorrupt, not mixed with other substances,” well conserved and have not soured. n Eucharistic matter made with genetically modified organisms can be considered valid matter. n Permission must be given by the bishop for an individual priest or layperson to use low-gluten hosts or mustum for the celebration of the Eucharist. “Permission can be granted habitually, for as long as the situation continues which occasioned the granting of permission.” n CNS

18 IN MEMORIAM

Sunday July 23, 2017 n CatholicNews

Crossword Puzzle 1189 1

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23 Regrets 25 Patron saint of hermits 26 The Church is the ___ of Christ 27 Article of clothing or bone of a saint 28 A man after God’s heart (1 Sam 13:14, 16:12–13) 29 St Martin of ___ 30 Saintly convert executed in Auschwitz 31 “Amen, I say to you, this very night before the cock crows, you will ___ me three times.” (Mt 26:34) 32 Parisian friends 33 Melchizedek’s domain (Gen 14:18) 36 It leads the way 37 Game of chance 39 Whimper 40 Musician 42 Reader at Mass 43 Devoted follower 45 John, Paul and John Paul 46 ___ of David 47 Heap 48 “Casablanca” role 49 955, to Nero 50 Scrutinize 51 “Give us ___ day our daily bread” 52 End of a yearly song 55 First patriarch, to his friends?

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www.wordgamesforcatholics.com

ACROSS 1 Biblical food 6 Letters some people sport on jewelry 10 Killed by Cain 14 Plate for holding the host at Mass 15 Conceal 16 Bundle 17 Levels 18 Opener (abbr.)

19 Baby covers 20 “He who shall remain ___” 22 Places of contest 24 Tiered shelves 25 Bearded antelopes 26 Applause 28 Abridged and classified 32 Mountain ridge 33 St. Francis de ___ 34 Dedicatory verse

35 36 37 38 39 40 41 43 44 45 46 49 53 54 56 57

Unit of distance Washed Undoing “Last King of Scotland” subject Ancient Greek city-state Days and nights of rain that caused the great flood Isolated It could be royal Type of sch.

St. ___ of the Cross The women brought these to anoint Jesus’ body Disputes Slant Compact by pounding Rarin’ to go Too

58 Showing unusual talent 59 Tide target 60 Spooked-horse reaction 61 Guns the engine 62 Future perfect, for example DOWN 1 Paul and Silas’ prison doors after the earthquake (Acts 16:25–27) 2 Molten rock 3 Agenda notation 4 Revere 5 Put in bondage 6 Whip to a froth 7 Triumphs 8 OT historical book 9 Mad 10 Superior of convent

11 ___ du soleil 12 “Able was I ere I saw ___” 13 More’s opposite 21 Name of the Rose author

Solution to Crossword Puzzle No. 1188 G I V E

A B E L

C A L F

A S I A

M I C A H

A M O R E

M E N D

E M E X G L S L T E R N A M E R D I N A I N O S S P P E K E D D C U P S T E R S P O S I N I R E A E A S K L L T E

R O O F L E A R N

C O O L S D R E A M

G R T I E P E

I M M U P H A N A I A M R I M F A L D A D M E L A L I I T H T R L E E

U S A G E

S I L A S

S A O N E

L Y R E

S E A S

E R G S

A R A L

L I D S

Y O D A

MAY THEY REST IN PEACE Twenty-sixth Anniversary In loving memory of

SIDNEY MINJOOT Departed: July 21, 1991 Time takes away the edge of grief But memory turns back every leaf Gone from our lives one so dear But in our hearts forever near.

Deeply missed and fondly remembered by loved ones.

Fifth Anniversary In loving memory of

DAISY MORAES NEE LIM Departed: Jul 23, 2012 We speak your name with love and pride We smile with tears we cannot hide We thank you for the years we shared The love you gave, the way you cared.

Dearly missed and remembered by loved ones.

First Anniversary In loving memory of

Third Anniversary In loving memory of

Second Anniversary In loving memory of

MRS BEATRICE JOHN BALASUNDRAM Departed: July 27, 2016 Peaceful be your rest, dear mother, It is sweet to breathe your name; As in life we loved you dearly, So in death we do the same.

Deeply missed and remembered

by Dad, Tony, Angie, Gerald, Justin and loved ones.

First Anniversary

Forty-fourth Anniversary

www.wordgamesforcatholics.com

CLASSIFIED

CLARA MONICA GOH KE CHIL Departed: July 28, 2014

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

Amen. Thank you for answering my prayers.

JOHNSON DENNIS Departed: Jul 18, 2015 Our Lord Jesus knew what was best He took you home for eternal rest We wiped our tears and tried not to be sad And remember the precious times we had.

Deeply missed by your loved ones.

Second Anniversary In loving memory of

O Holy St Jude, aposMICHAEL ANG tle and martyr, great BOCK SAN in virtue and rich in Departed: Jul 13, 2015 miracles, near kinsman of Jesus Christ, Love lives on forever in each memory faithful intercessor of and thought all who invoke your Of you who meant special patronage in so much and the times of need. To you I have recourse from happiness you brought. the depth of my heart Love lives on forever and humbly beg you, it will never fade away, to whom God has giv- for, in our hearts, you en such great power, are with us everyday. to come to my assisRemembered by tance. Help me in my Alan, Mien, Marilyn, present urgent petiTimothy and tion. In return, I promloved ones. ise to make your name In memoriam rates known and cause Minimum $80 you to be invoked. St for an insertion not Jude pray for me and all who invoke your exceeding an eightcentimetre column. aid. Humbly in need of your intercession. Additional space: $8 Amen. Thank you for per one-centimetre answering my prayers. column.

The night does not last forever It fades with the dawning of the morn The rose does not last forever It withers with the fading of the spring But your memory will linger forever In the hearts of all who love you Because love does last forever.

Mass will be celebrated at Church of the Risen Christ on Friday, July 28, 2017 at 6.00pm.

Eleventh Anniversary In loving memory of

In loving memory of our beloved parents, grandparents and great-grandparents

AGATHA CHIA JOSEPH TEO BOO LAT HONG CHAR Departed: Jul 26, 2016 Departed: Jun 6, 1973

Our thoughts are always with both of you, Our hearts are sore with pain, This world would be like heaven, If you were both here again.

Dearly missed and fondly remembered by your children, grandchildren, greatgrandchildren, relatives and all loved ones.

A Mass will be celebrated at the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Wednesday July 26, 2017 at 6pm.

In loving memory of Father Eighth Anniversary

Son Eighteenth Anniversary

RENDALL EDMOND DIAS Departed: July 23, 2006 His smiling way and pleasant face Are a pleasure 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.

We shall always love and remember you.

Deeply missed and always cherished by wife, children, grandchildren and loved ones.

Mass will be held at Church of the Holy Family on Sunday July 23, 2017 at 6pm.

Please turn to page 19 for more in memoriam advertisements.

JOHN BAPTIST JOHN TAN TAN TOON SENG TECK LIANG Departed June 10, 2009 July 29, 1999.

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

Sadly missed and remembered by family and loved ones.

IN MEMORIAM 19

Sunday July 23, 2017 n CatholicNews

Tenth Anniversary In loving memory of

In loving memory of JACOB PNG SOON KIAT

CECILIA TEO MENG SUAN

Departed: Jul 25, 1959

Departed: Sep 26, 2006

We often think of bygone days when we were together The family chain is broken but memories live forever.

Deeply missed and fondly remembered by children and all loved ones.

Tenth Anniversary

Second Anniversary

In loving memory of

Seventh Anniversary

In loving memory of

REV FR LOUIS FOSSION Departed: July 26, 2007 Thank you for the years you’ve been there for us Thank you for the way you cared In our hearts you will always live Your memory we will always keep.

Mass will be celebrated at the Church of the Holy Spirit on Wednesday July 26 at 6.30am and 6.00pm.

Thirty-Fifth Anniversary

Eleventh Anniversary

BESSIE RODRIGUES July 27, 2007

FRANCIS RODRIGUES Departed: July 11, 2006

CHRISTINE V. FRANCIS Aug 19, 2010

Dearest parents/sister You are in God’s Kingdom The glory of His universe Eternally the peace and joy flow like a watering-can.

Fondly remembered by loved ones.

S. SUSARETNAM SANTHANAMARY KETHRI MUTHU Departed: Jul 12, 1982 27th July 2015

Second Anniversary In loving memory of

Time changes many things but not the memory this day brings.

Till now you are still in our minds and hearts.

Mass will be celebrated at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes on July 23 at 9.30am Deeply missed by family and loved ones.

Fifth Anniversary In Fond Memory Of

JACINTA A JANAKI Departed: Jul 23, 2015 Remembering you is easy We do it every day Missing you is the hardest part As it never goes away To hear your voice. To see your smile To sit with you and talk for awhile Would be our greatest wish Today, tomorrow, our whole life through We shall always love and remember you.

Always remembered by beloved husband, family and loved ones.

In loving memory Twenty-third Anniversary

Forty-third Anniversary

PETER TAN TECK YAK Departed: Jul 25, 2012 Pa / Kongkong In our hearts, you will always live Your love, your songs, your cooking Your smile, forever imprinted in our minds.

Fifth Anniversary In loving memory of

MARY JOSEPH LEE LEE WAH WONG SENG TEE Departed: Aug 1, 1994 May 14, 1974

There’s a sad but sweet remembrance There’s a memory fond and true And a token of love and affection And a heartache still for you But a certainty of your happiness In God’s glory and Holy Presence Fills our hearts with joy and hope And a longing to meet in Heaven.

Always remembered by children, son-in-law, daughters-in-law and grandchildren.

Please turn to page 18 for more in memoriam advertisements.

NICHOLAS GERARD RETNAM AKA “NICKY OR KEBOY” Born: Jan 3, 1949 Departed: July 21, 2012 He longed to be with Him Now God has him in His keeping We have him in our hearts We will always cherish you with love.

Love always, Rosemary (Wife) Neil and Louis (sons) Christy and Laisan (daughter in-laws) Fayth and Isabella (grand-daughters) Nicky (furry grandson) and all relatives, friends and loved ones.

20

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Sunday July 23, 2017 n CatholicNews

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