Catholic News issue 16, 2017

SUNDAY AUGUST 6, 2017

SINGAPORE $0.70 CENTS / WEST MALAYSIA RM$2.10

MCI (P) 010/08/2017

PPS 201/04/2013 (022940)

VOL 67

NO. 16

INSIDE HOME

Cleaning up the neighbourhood St Stephen’s parishioners do their bit n Page 4

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Art and harmony

This is a very divisive world we live in. There is so much disagreement on all fronts – economic, political, religious, moral, ethical and social. We have extreme religious fundamentalism at one end, and hostile secularism at the other.

The latter is supposed to safeguard extremism by being neutral to all religions, but it has become an enemy of religion! This has given the fundamentalists further grounds to fight a secularism that is anti-religion and hence perceived as an enemy.

We are also divided along the lines of ideology. The modern world favours the rights of the individual over the community.

Protection of individual rights is often so over exaggerated that the greater good of society has become suppressed. Freedom and democracy is abused when the rights of the larger interest of the community is violated.

Relativism has upstaged objective judgement to become the norm and absolute measure of judgement. This explains why it is impossible for anyone to say something is right or wrong, moral or immoral. Truth has been reduced to consensus. Governments today no longer see themselves as the moral conscience of the people. It is left to the individual to decide, based on his whims and fancies.

Indeed, this is the fragile world we are living in. Peace and unity are fragile and volatile. We are constantly reminded by the government not to take the peace and harmony of Singapore for granted. All it takes is for some slight misunderstanding to blow

Canossian schools hold special exhibition n Page 9

ASIA

Fostering peace, intercultural dialogue Catholics work with Muslim communities n Page 12

WORLD

In wake of drought in Rome Vatican shuts down its 100 fountains things out of proportion. We must therefore always be on the alert for possible incidences that could destroy our racial and religious unity.

Singapore needs to be united to withstand the onslaughts of those unhealthy ideologies, political, social, religious and moral values imported into Singapore that are alien to our culture and social fabric.

We thank God that we have a wise government who sees the

importance of religion in the lives of her people. Although we have a secular government that is neutral to all religions, she supports religions and sees religion as partners in the development and growth of her peoples.

How do we as Church add value to the government’s responsibility to maintain unity and peace among our peoples?

What contributions can we make

‘To be Catholic is to accept all peoples and promote unity in diversity.’

– Archbishop William Goh

as Church to promote unity, mutual respect and understanding, peace and harmony among all peoples and not just among Catholics?

We have a special responsibility and mission because as Church we are called to be the Sacrament of unity and love, the sign of unity in the world. We are leaders in promoting peace and unity.

We must begin from ourselves. We must begin from our own homes and our Catholic community. Unless we are united, we are not in a position to be an example of unity among others who are not of the same religion. If we are divided, we cannot be a principle of unity for others. n Continued on Page 5

n Page 15

OPINION

The Charlie Gard situation What Catholic teaching has to say about it n Page 18

FAITH ALIVE! Is touching believing?

Importance of physical as opposed to virtual reality n Page 19

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Sunday August 6, 2017 n CatholicNews

St Joseph’s Church Victoria St to close for restoration works Project includes fixing wall cracks and uneven floor surfaces

By Jared Ng St Joseph’s Church (Victoria Street) will be closed for a year and possibly longer, starting from Aug 1, as it undergoes repainting, repairs and restoration works.

Church rector Msgr Philip Heng told Catholic News, “The building has deteriorated over the past years and is in serious need of a comprehensive restoration.”

He explained that the building has shifted due to ground settlement, resulting in uneven floor surfaces leading to the sanctuary.

There are also cracks along the exterior and interior walls and a shifting of the roof.

The electrical, lighting and sound systems will also need to be coordinated, he said.

Since taking over as rector of the 105-year-old St Joseph’s Church earlier this year, Msgr Heng has expanded upon the restoration initiative started by previous rector Fr Ignatius Yeo, and followed-up by Fr Alex Chua and Fr Augustine Tay, during their tenure as rectors.

The initial idea was to paint over the church building, said Msgr Heng. However when he took over as rector, he felt that more work was needed.

Msgr Heng, who is also rector of the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd, added that the preliminary estimated cost of the project will be at least $4 million and that fundraising would be needed.

Work began in January with the stripping of numerous layers of paint on the exterior of the building.

These had covered up intricate decorative details such as a pattern of leaves and flowers discovered at the front porch, similar to Portuguese colonial features commonly found in buildings in Melaka.

The statues of saints in alcoves inside the church, which are of French origin, have been removed for safe keeping and restoration where needed.

The former Portuguese-mission church will hold its last Mass on the July 29-30 weekend.

To cater to the congregation of

Msgr Philip Heng, St Joseph’s Church rector, points to the 105-year-old church building now stripped of its layers of paint.

St Joseph’s Church, the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd will hold an additional Sunday 1 pm Mass as well as additional 6.30 pm weekday Masses starting from Aug 1.

The Our Lady of Fatima devotion will also be held on the 13th of each month from May to October St Joseph’s Church was gazetted as a national monument in 2005.

In 2014, 72 stained glass panels were restored. These will not be affected by the current restoration, said Msgr Heng.

In 2016, the parochial house was gazetted for conservation as part of the Urban Redevelopment Authority’s efforts to protect Singapore’s building heritage. jared.ng@catholic.org.sg

Above: Intricate decorative details, such as a pattern of leaves and flowers on the front porch, were discovered after the paint was removed.

Right: A crack can be seen along a wall in the church.

The bui lding has ‘deteriorated over the past years and is in serious need of a comprehensive restoration.’

– Church rector, Msgr Philip Heng

Preliminary restoration works have begun in the interior of the church.

The statues of various saints have been removed for safe keeping and restoration where needed.

BUILDING THE CHURCH OF TOMORROW 3

Sunday August 6, 2017 n CatholicNews

26 Nov 2016 - 30 Jun 2017

Giving in Faith & Thankfulness gift campaign report The Catholic Foundation’s Giving in Faith & Thankfulness (GIFT) campaign is a rallying call to all Catholics in Singapore to support the vision of the archdiocese to be a more vibrant, missionary and evangelistic Church. Every individual is challenged to pledge a monthly monetary contribution for the archdiocese’s operational and building needs. Launched in Advent 2016, the GIFT campaign seeks to raise $238.1 million over the next seven years. This is where we are at today.

$6.6 million total raised to date Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, Since the launch of the Giving in Faith & Thankfulness (GIFT) campaign in Advent last year, a total of S$6.6 million has been raised for the operational and building needs of the Archdiocese of Singapore.

On behalf of the Catholic Foundation, thank you, to everyone who has contributed to this mission which God has called all of us to. I believe God will work many wonders and perform miracles with our gifts, no matter how small or large.

breakdown of contributions by parish

Much more resources are still needed for the sustained growth of our Church, but I believe that as we come together to pray, act and give in support of the vision of our archdiocese, the Church’s financial needs will be met. We seek your continued support and prayers for the mission of our Church to spread God’s love.

Yours in faith, Kwek Mean Luck Chairman, Catholic Foundation

how the money has helped organisations archdiocesan commission for the family Contributions have helped fund the programmes and outreach efforts of numerous organisations in the archdiocese, such as the Archdiocesan Commission for the Family (ACF).

One noteworthy event organised by ACF was a talk on love and chastity in January this year.

Jason Evert, a renowned American author and motivational speaker, was invited to be the keynote speaker. Almost 7,000 attended the from such events, ACF also works closely with one-day event comprised of different sessions its partner organisations and ministries to for parents, young adults and youths. Apart empower families.

other organisations Funds have also helped other archdiocesan organisations involved in areas such as the youth, migrants, faith formation, evangelisation, and many others. Visit gift.catholicfoundation.sg to learn more about archdiocesan organisations such as these:

Archdiocesan Commission for the Family

Office for the New Evangelisation

Office for Young People

Office for Catechesis

Catholic Theological Institute of Singapore

buildings seminary and formation building

A topping-off ceremony was held on 26 July to celebrate the completion of the new Seminary and Formation Building’s main structural framework.

“Early fundraising has allowed the building

project to make good construction progress with the recent completion of its structural work.

With continued support from the community through the GIFT campaign, the opening of the seminary is anticipated in mid-2018,” said Mr Winston Hauw, the chairperson of the Seminary and Formation Building committee.

Built on a plot of freehold land in front of St Joseph’s Church (Bukit Timah), the four-storey building will feature eight lecture rooms, a café, a multi-purpose hall, library, and a chapel. These will provide better facilities for the formation of future priests and laity in the archdiocese.

other building projects Visit gift.catholicfoundation.sg to learn about the various building projects of the archdiocese. This includes a retirement residence for priests, an archdiocesan hub, and sinking funds for the renewal of land leases for the Church’s properties. It is possible to contribute directly to restricted funds for these projects.

CITY DISTRICT Cathedral of the Good Shepherd Church of Our Lady of Lourdes Church of St Alphonsus (Novena Church) Church of St Bernadette Church of St Michael Church of Sts Peter & Paul Church of St Teresa Church of the Sacred Heart St Joseph’s Church (Victoria Street)

Nov ’16 - Jun ’17 $283,893.94 $30,968.35 $32,083.00 $181,593.70 $123,789.74 $50,424.46 $103,684.31 $90,577.50 $66,501.35

EAST DISTRICT Church of Divine Mercy Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Church of Our Lady Queen of Peace Church of St Stephen Church of the Holy Family Church of the Holy Trinity

$135,010.70 $376,617.94 $212,356.15 $60,124.00 $299,732.95 $206,624.12

NORTH DISTRICT Church of Christ the King Church of Our Lady Star of the Sea Church of St Anthony Church of the Holy Spirit Church of the Risen Christ St Joseph’s Church (Bukit Timah)

$261,691.18 $69,800.85 $88,543.35 $454,380.60 $206,847.50 $168,771.00

SERANGOON DISTRICT Church of St Francis Xavier Church of St Vincent de Paul Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church of the Transfiguration St Anne’s Church

$272,051.50 $209,813.70 $294,699.25 $250,651.80 $10,650.00 $165,782.20

WEST DISTRICT Blessed Sacrament Church Church of St Francis of Assisi Church of St Ignatius Church of St Mary of the Angels Church of the Holy Cross

$136,652.25 $84,247.40 $475,898.25 $247,150.32 $373,713.36

OTHERS Contributions not identifiable to a parish

$643,899.24 $6,669,225.96

TOTAL

your involvement matters

pray

act

give

visit gift.catholicfoundation.sg or pick up a gift envelope today to play your part in the mission of our church I dream of a missionary impulse capable of transforming everything, so that the Church’s customs, ways of doing things, language and structures can be channelled for the evangelisation of today’s world rather than for her self-preservation.

Pope Francis, 2013, Evangelii Gaudium 27

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Sunday August 6, 2017 n CatholicNews

St Stephen parishioners clean up their neighbourhood Church of St Stephen parishioners went out into the MacPherson neighbourhood to pick up litter as part of their efforts to keep the environment clean and green.

The Church of St Stephen Pick-Up Trash Initiative brought together 19 participants of various ages and church ministries.

The initiative, held on July 1, was first conceptualised when par ish priest Fr Gerard Weerakoon, and the newly elected Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) wanted to organise events that would bring the

church community together for an evangelical experience.

The event started with prayer.

Participants were then divided into three teams and assigned to different areas in MacPherson.

Tongs and trashbags donated by fellow parishioners were used to collect the litter.

Participants were greeted by many supportive neighbours and even met MacPherson MP Tin Pei Ling, who encouraged them to continue their efforts.

For many of them, it was an

Participants of the Church of St Stephen Pick-Up Trash Initiative picked up litter in the MacPherson area.

eye opening e perience filling bag after bag with rubbish as well as gathering recyclables into the recycle bins.

After about four hours, they gathered back in church and shared that it was a fulfilling and memorable experience.

“All the participants were so inspiring, and not afraid to get their hands dirty for the environment. We had so much support from the public too!” said Ms Samantha See, one of the organisers.

Staff from a Malay food stall even offered participants food.

Participants were assigned to different areas in the MacPherson district.

Tongs and trashbags donated by fellow parishioners were used to collect the litter.

Ms Fang Mei Ling, president of the catechetical ministry, said, e were surprised to find so much rubbish in the neighbourhood, many of which were cigarette butts. And it feels good that we were able to relieve the environment of all these.”

The parish is exploring the idea of making the initiative a regular event. Through it, they hope to inspire more communities to help make the environment clean and bring a harmonious atmosphere to the neighbourhood. n

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Sunday August 6, 2017 n CatholicNews

Catholic Business Network holds its second job fair

Appreciating richness of each culture, religion, race n From Page 1 Let us as Catholics, learn to accept each other, appreciate each other and accept each other’s differences; if we are to be able to accept others who do not share our faith, our values, and our culture. This is what it means to be Catholic, which is to be universal, embracing all values that are universal for humanity, namely, that of “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” (Gal 5:22)

People at the Community Employability Day held at Agape Village.

Catholic Business Network (CBN) organised its second Community Employability Day on July 18.

The job fair aimed to help rank and file workers look for employment, especially with Catholic employers.

The event was organised in partnership with Employment and Employability Institute (e2i) and Workforce Singapore (WSG). It was held at Agape Village – an integrated social service hub initiated by Caritas Singapore.

Job seekers could choose from over 800 job vacancies across 20 different organisations from various industries, including nine Catholic employers. The set-up

was designed to facilitate onsite interviews as well as to allow employers and job seekers to engage with one another in a comfortable setting.

A resume writing workshop, which taught job seekers how to write outstanding resumes, was also conducted by WSG. According to CBN, the fair attracted more than 200 people, of which 180 were interviewed and almost 60 percent were either shortlisted or offered a job.

One of the owners of A&B Professional Dry Clean and Laundry, which participated in the fair, said that he was “impressed” with the event and felt

that it was a “good initiative”.

CBN president Anthony Wong expressed his thanks to all participating employers. “It has been very edifying to work alongside Catholic employers and Caritas Singapore in creating employment opportunities to people from all walks of life,” he said.

C s first ob fair was held in November last year.

CBN aims to br ing together Catholic bus iness leaders and professionals for the advancement of Catholic morality, values and ethics in the workplace and to serve the community. For more information, call 68017491 or email admin@cbn.s g. n

Unity must be fostered not just within the Church but with the larger community.

The Church cannot afford to be inward-looking and exclusive. We must reach out and share the love of Christ with others beyond our confines. e must reach out to those of different religions, cultures and races.

We need to strengthen ties with them. God loves us all and we are all His children. This calls for dialogue with them so that we can deepen our respect and appreciation for their beliefs and practices.

We must build bridges, not walls. We must stress on what is common and not what divides us. Most of all, we should become friends first, before we can engage in spiritual or even

theological dialogue. It would be appropriate to invite each other to one another’s celebrations.

Another area in which we can build unity is to work together in social projects, especially for the poor. Finally, we must be supportive of each other in crises, rather than paint those from other religions as being “of the same kind”. All of us have an active part to play in protecting the peace, security and harmony of our nation.

In this way, we learn to appreciate the richness and colours of each culture, religion and race. Indeed, to be Catholic is to accept all peoples and promote unity in diversity, even with people whose values are different from ours. In this way, we show the richness of the peoples of this earth and we can enjoy each other’s diversity. There can be no peace unless there is mutual respect, appreciation and support of each other in our belief, culture and in charity. n Majulah Singapura!

Devotedly in Christ,

Most Rev William Goh Archbishop of Singapore

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Sunday August 6, 2017 n CatholicNews

Friendship between S’porean couple, Myanmar refugees spans 20 years Mr and Mrs Chan gave them emotional and spiritual support Photo: JRS Singapore

“I

WAS born among the bullets,” said Fr Saw Augustine Shwe, 36.

A former child refugee from Myanmar, who recently visited Singapore for the first time, one of Fr Augustine’s earliest memories was hearing gunfire at the age of three in his native Karen state.

The Myanmar government and ethnic minority forces in Karen state, as well as other states, clashed for decades in what has been described as one of the world’s longest running civil wars.

According to news reports, it left hundreds of thousands dead or fleeing their homes as Internally Displaced Persons and refugees.

A ceasefire agreement between the government and armed groups, including fighters in Karen state, was signed in 2015.

Fr Augustine and his friend, Sr Yolandar, 35, who uses one name and is also a former Karen refugee from Myanmar, grew up together in refugee settlements on the Thai side of Thailand’s border with Myanmar, where they had escaped to with their families.

As young adults, they discovered their vocations and eventually took their religious vows.

During their journey from refugees to becoming a priest and nun, grandparents Michael and Joan Chan, now 84 and 79 respectively, supported Fr Augustine and Sr Yolandar for about 20 years in a friendship that the younger pair describe as a family relationship.

It all started with visits by the elderly Singaporean couple to the Mae Khong Kha refugee camp within Mae Hong Son province in northern Thailand, which shares a border with Myanmar, where Fr Augustine and Sr Yolandar lived as children.

As veteran volunteers with Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Singapore, Mr and Mrs Chan visited such refugee camps and settlements at least once a year every two years, on average, either together or individually.

Mr Chan knew a priest from Myanmar, Fr Gregory Saw Doh Soe, who set up a boarding school for about 30 child refugees, including Fr Augustine and Sr Yolandar, who were adolescents then, in the Mae Khong Kha area.

The boarding school was later moved to the Mae Sot district in western Thailand, which has housed many migrants and refugees who left Myanmar.

Fr Augustine said he got an education under Fr Gregory’s guidance, including studying language and computer skills, as well as basic catechism.

During their periodic visits over at least 17 years, usually with several other JRS Singapore

From left to right: Sr Yolandar, Ms Joan Chan, Mr Michael Chan and Fr Saw Augustine Shwe. Mr and Mrs Chan have been friends with and benefactors for the priest and nun since they were refugee children.

volunteers, Mr and Mrs Chan brought items such as pencils, books, Catholic magazines, sardines and other tinned food, and even computers for the 30 or so children at the boarding school.

They also corresponded with Fr Augustine and Sr Yolandar through letters and email.

Mr Chan, who visited them and the other refugee youths up to four times a year, said: “I’m very touched by them. I could relate to them with my own life. During the Japanese Occupation, I too experienced hunger, loneliness, poverty.”

“It brings back memories from when I was a young teen. I made sure I stayed with them, ate with them, and joined them in their prayers,” he added.

W

HEN he was a layperson, Fr Augustine was asked by Fr Gregory if he wanted to become a priest, which he eventually decided for.

Returning to Myanmar for his clergy formation in his early 20s, he was ordained a diocesan priest in 2014, and Mr Chan attended his ordination.

“When I went back to Myanmar, I felt I could not stand shoul-

der to shoulder with other people because I was a refugee. I felt I was not equal to others in having a place, a house [of my own],” recalled Fr Augustine.

“Michael and Joan always encouraged me, writing to me on email to go on with my vocation.

Sometimes I felt disappointed and I told them about the difficulties I faced in my seminary life,” he said.

Sr Yolandar described her

Michael and Joan always encouraged me, ‘ writing to me on email to go on with my vocation.

Sometimes I felt disappointed and I told them about the difficulties I faced in my seminary life.

’

– Fr Saw Augustine Shwe on how Mr and Mrs Chan supported him in his vocation

hardships in her former life as a refugee, where work was not allowed, and even finding firewood to cook food was difficult.

Once, having lost her father to illness at a young age, she even asked Mr Chan to be her father.

In her late teens, she asked Fr Gregory: “How do I be a nun?”

“I only know that I wanted to serve the people. If I can be a Sister, I can teach young people and children about God, and help them in many ways,” she shared.

When she moved to the Mae Sot refugee settlement, she saw for the first time nuns from the Congregation of St Francis Xavier Sisters in Myanmar, who visited refugees at the Thai border where she lived.

“I saw them wearing this black habit. I liked it so much,” she recalled Sr Yolandar eventually returned to Myanmar to train for her profession as a member of this congregation.

Fr Augustine and Sr Yolandar visited Singapore for the first time for six days in late June, having undergone training in the Philippines for communications work.

Part of their work, in different parts of Myanmar, now includes working with Radio Veritas Asia, a Catholic radio station.

The priest and nun met with Mr and Mrs Chan and shared their formation and refugee journey with about 30 volunteers of JRS Singapore when they visited.

During a tea-time gathering with JRS Singapore, Fr Augustine, a refugee for 12 years, said: “I feel like I am part of the family of Michael and Joan. I am part of the work of JRS. You are part of me.”

For her part, Mrs Chan said: “We feel very blessed to have met such people and managed to journey with them.” n

Photo: Fr Saw Augustine Shwe

Photo: Michael Chan

A 2002 photo of JRS volunteers Michael Chan (back row, second from left) and his wife Joan (back row, far right) in a refugee camp in Thailand, with a young Yolandar (front row, left) and Augustine (back row, second from right).

Mr Michael Chan receives a blessing from Fr Augustine after his ordination in 2014.

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Art exhibition promotes racial, religious harmony

By Jared Ng The Canossian Sisters and three Canossian schools organised an art exhibition to celebrate racial and religious harmony in Singapore.

The three schools are St Anthony’s Canossian Primary and Secondary schools and Canossa Convent Primary School.

The Canossian Art Unites Exhibition, which had the theme Faith. Hope. Love, commemorated Racial Harmony Day and featured art works by students, teachers, Canossian Sisters, alumnae and representatives of various religious communities.

It aimed to promote a deeper understanding of love and acceptance among different races and religions.

Ms Sim Ann, Senior Minister of State for Trade & Industry and Culture, Community and Youth, was the guest-of-honour.

She was joined by representatives of various religious communities including Muslims, Hindus, Taoists, Baha’is and Sikhs.

“Racial and religious harmony is the critical factor for a peaceful Singapore and peaceful world,” said Sr Theresa Seow, provincial leader of the Canossian Sisters, during the event held on July 21 at the Visual Arts Centre at Dhoby Ghaut.

“When we of all races, all creeds band together as one, we erase hate and make way for something very powerful: faith, hope and love,” said Sr Theresa, who is also an Inter-Religious Organisation (IRO) council member.

The artworks on display used various media including embroidery, watercolour, photography, mixed media and ceramic.

Artists were encouraged to express, through their art pieces, the exhibition theme as well as incorporate a religious harmony element.

One exhibit featured iconic world personalities, another a montage of flowers and designs, and yet another had the words “faith”, “hope” and “love” embroidered on a colourful piece of cloth.

Canossian Sr Janet Wang, who painted a picture of nine koi fish swimming, titled One Canossian in Faith, Hope and Love, shared with Catholic News her inspiration.

I find the colours of the koi fish

really beautiful and would often look at them swimming in the pond as part of my meditation,” said Sr Janet. “I chose to paint nine because of the number of [Canossian] schools, homes and kindergartens we have here in Singapore,” she said.

Sr Janet added that each school, home and kindergarten “is made up of children from different backgrounds and cultures.”

“It is similar to that of the koi fish because not all of them are alike, but they swim together, united,” said Sr Janet.

Rukshana Burzeen Driver, from the Parsi Zoroastrian Association of South East Asia, said her ink and acrylic painting was based on the “principles of my religion which are ‘good thoughts, good words and good deeds.’”

Titled The Blossom of Life, it shows an angel in the middle of these three Zoroastrian mottos.

“I wanted to do something about life so I added flowers representing the blossom of new life,” said the 16-year-old.

Master Chung Kwang Tong shared the history behind an exhibited “ancient script” which he described as “the main scripture of the Taoist faith.”

According to Master Chung, the script on display was the final of 81 chapters and serves as “a reminder of how to practise good values and to be a good person.”

The art exhibition was open to the public from July 22-27. n jared.ng@catholic.org.sg

Ms Sim Ann, Senior Minister of State for Trade & Industry and Culture, Community and Youth, listening to St Anthony’s Canossian Primary School students as they exp lain the meaning behind some artworks.

Clockwise from above: Sr Theresa Seow, provincial leader of the Canossian Sisters, speaking at the art exh ibition on July 21.

Representatives of various religious communities present at the event.

Left to right: Haji Abdul Razak Maricar (chief executive of Muis), Venerable Seck Kwang Phing, (president of Singapore Buddhist Federation) and Ustaz Mohamed Ali Atan (head, Harmony Centre, and chairman of An-Nahdhah Mosque).

Rukshana Burzeen Driver, from the Parsi Zoroastrian Association of South East Asia, seen with her ink and acrylic painting titled The Blossom of Life.

One of the artworks featured at the exh ibition was a mixe d media piece featuring iconic personalities both past and present.

OBITUARY

Fr Ignatius Low’s mother called to the Lord Mdm Tan Khar Siang, mother of Fr Ignatius Low, passed away on July 16.

Her wake was held at the void deck of Blk 101, Hougang Ave 1.

The funeral was held on July 20 and Mdm Tan was buried according to Buddhist rites.

The archdiocese extends condolences to Fr Ignatius Low and

his family in this time of loss and assures them of our fraternal prayers and support. n Subm itted by : CHANCERY OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC ARCHDIOCESE OF SINGAPORE

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Sunday August 6, 2017 n CatholicNews

Above: An artist’s impression of the four-storey Seminary and Formation Building.

Left: Msgr Ambrose Vaz (left) and Fr Peter Zhang shovelling cement into a cavity on the roof of the building as Fr Valerian Cheong looks on.

Formation building closer to completion

By Jared Ng A topping off ceremony was held to mark the completion of the physical structure of the Seminary and Formation Building.

The building, located within the compound of St Joseph’s Church (Bukit Timah), is expected to be completed by March next year.

The July 26 ceremony saw seminary rector Msgr Ambrose Vaz, archdiocesan vocation director Fr Valerian Cheong, and Fr Peter Zhang, vice-rector of the Catholic Theological Institute of

Singapore (CTIS), shovelling cement into a cavity on the roof of the four-storey building.

They were joined by Mr Winston Hauw, chairman of the building committee; Mr Kenneth Kong, director of DCA Architects; and Mr Woon Wee Phong, director of Welltech Construction.

The 20 or so guests were then brought on a tour of the building where they viewed the various floor plans and the sites of facilities such as the upcoming library and chapel.

According to Mr Bernard Kong, executive director of the

Archdiocesan Land & Properties Singapore (ALPS), the next step of construction will focus on the interior.

The building will have facilities such as seminarians’ bedrooms, 10 classrooms, a cafe, a gym and a multifunction hall.

Archbishop William Goh marked the start of construction works in October last year with a groundbreaking ceremony.

The building sits on land with 999-year leasehold tenure. n jared.ng@catholic.org.sg

Artist’s impression of the chapel and grotto.

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Important to review ways in which Church operates

Photo: FR CHRISTOPHER LEE

Vatican representative highlights this issue during regional bishops’ meeting

By Vincent D’Silva JOHOR BAHRU – The Vatican’s representative to Malaysia has reminded the region’s Church leaders of the importance of reviewing the way parishes operate so as to serve people better.

Apostolic nuncio Archbishop Joseph Marino told the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei that Pope Francis faults some Church structures for people leaving the Church.

“We must recognise that if part of our baptised people lack a sense of belonging to the Church, this is also due to certain structures and the occasionally unwelcoming atmosphere of some of our parishes and communities, or

to a bureaucratic way of dealing with problems,” said Archbishop Marino, quoting the pope’s words in his apostolic exhortation, The Joy of the Gospel.

Archbishop Marino, who addressed the archbishops and bishops during their July 10-14 plenary meeting, noted that the pope has mentioned that in many places, an administrative approach prevails over a pastoral approach.

The pope has also pointed out that the call to review and renew parishes – to make them environments of communion and participation – has not yet brought them closer to people, said Archbishop Marino during the meeting held in Majodi Centre in Plentong, Johor.

The Holy Father is calling for a deep missionary conversion and

Archbishops and bishops of Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei meeting with Apostolic Nuncio to Malaysia Archbishop Joseph Marino (top of photo, in white). Canossian Sr Margarete Sta Maria was the recording secretary.

for this to take place, two things are needed, said Archbishop Marino, who is also the apostolic delegate to Brunei.

First, Catholics must abandon the complacent attitude that says, “We have always done it this way”, and secondly, they must be inspired by an “evangelical spirit” which leads them “to return to the

source and to recover the original freshness of the Gospel”.

The nuncio highlighted the importance of a Church which listens to people – “a mutual listening in which everyone has something to learn”.

He also informed the Church leaders that their audience with Pope Francis is scheduled for Feb

Archbi shop Marino noted that the pope has mentioned that in many places, an administrative approach prevails over a pastoral approach.

8 next year. This is part of the bishops’ ad limina visit that bishops are required to make periodically to the Vatican.

The bishops’ conference is the topmost body of the Catholic Church in Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei. It holds its plenary assembly meeting twice a year to discuss the various aspects of Church life in the region. he five day long meeting included the assessment of reports by various Church offices and commissions and other practical matters. n

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Sunday August 6, 2017 n CatholicNews

HK Catholics remember late Nobel laureate Liu HONG KONG – More than 700 people attended a memorial Mass in Hong Kong for Nobel laureate Liu Xiaobo who died in a China hospital on July 13 while under guard.

Fr Louis Ha, ecclesiastical adviser of the Justice and Peace Commission in Hong Kong diocese, concelebrated the Mass at Holy Cross Church on uly with five other priests and four permanent deacons.

Fr Ha said in his homily that though Liu was not a Catholic, he lived a life in line with Church ideals of mercy and sacrificed himself for peace.

“Liu said he had no enemy.

This is not just in writing. He said this after he suffered much and forgave the many insults that he received,” Fr Ha said.

A black-and-white portrait of Liu sat by an empty chair which

had on it white and red roses that represented his participation in the pro-democratic June 4 student movement in 1989.

Besides commemorating Liu, people at Mass also prayed for his wife Liu Xia and other dissidents in China.

Liu, 61, was sentenced to 11 years for inciting subversion of state power on Dec 25, 2009, and for his leading role in the Charter 08 manifesto which called for reform and the elimination of one-party rule. He was awarded the 2010 Nobel Peace Prize for “his long and non-violent struggle for fundamental human rights in China”.

Suffering late-stage terminal cancer, Liu was released from prison on June 26 and spent his last days hospitalised until he died on July 13. n UCANEWS.COM

Indian Church protest vigilante killings over cows COCHIN, INDIA – The Catholic

Church in India has criticised growing intolerance and mob violence targeting religious minorities over cow protection.

“The vast majority of the people of India of all communities [have] been shocked at the lynching in various states on the pretext of protecting cows,” said a statement issued by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India after a July 16 meeting in New Delhi. About 40 religious leaders – Christians along with Baha’is, Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs – attended the meeting.

The statement asked the government “to end [the] impunity ... at the root of the atmosphere of fear that stalks the land today.”

Some Hindus worship the cow as a goddess and oppose their slaughter.

The bishops’ statement said lynchings over cows threaten “the constitution and the democratic fabric of the country”.

In a June report, The Times of India said that since 2014, when

the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party came to power, vigilantes had killed at least 32 Muslims.

It said that in most of these attacks, the premise had been allegations of cow slaughter, smuggling, eating or even possessing beef.

Mobs have killed meat and cattle traders in the name of protecting cows.

“We are going through difficult times. hat we see on the TV [i.e. lynching] is frightening,” Auxiliary Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas of Ranchi, secretarygeneral of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India, told Catholic News Service.

“Hatred is being spread, and attempts are being made to divide the people. We want to create harmony by bringing people of all faiths together,” he said.

The bishops’ statement urged religious leaders “to assert the inherent unity of the people [to] restore public confidence and remove the mutual growing suspicion.” n CNS

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CNS photo

Catholic laypeople serve among Muslims to foster peace MANILA – Catholic laypeople from

across the Philippines have gone to live in Muslim communities in Mindanao for a year to foster “peace through intercultural dialogue”.

The volunteers are serving as assistant teachers of subjects mandated by the education department in Islamic schools in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

The programme is an initiative of the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines implemented by the Jesuit-run Ateneo de Davao University.

Ms Gracielle Deanne Tubera, coordinator of the programme, said the volunteers live with host families during the entire year and “engage in interreligious dialogue with Bangsamoro communities”.

The “long-term immersion” programme is supported by the National Association of Bangsamoro Education Inc and the Bureau of Madaris Education.

Ms Tubera said the programme aims to help improve the quality of education in the Bangsamoro region “through the creation of a new environment of shared

Children attend school in a makeshift classroom in Mindanao, the Philippines, in this le photo atholic volunteers are servin as assistant teachers in usli co unities here in a special pro ra e CNS photo

learning”. She said “respect and cooperation between and among Islamic and Catholic schools” are necessary for peace.

The volunteers include a doctor, a master’s candidate of theology, and graduates of mass communication, political science, education, international studies and community development courses.

Mr Alfon John Pato, a com-

munications graduate, said he volunteered to debunk negative perceptions in the northern part of the country about Muslims and communities in Mindanao.

“There’s nothing to fear. Fear is created by people, and for us to overcome this, we must explore and experience their way of life,” he told Asian Church news portal ucanews.com. n UCANEWS.COM

Church urged to help fight teen pregnancy MANILA – The Philippines’ Nation-

al Youth Commission has called on Church leaders to play an active role in the government’s campaign against teenage pregnancy.

Ms Marilou Chua, head of social marketing of the commission, said teenage pregnancy has become the “most serious challenge” faced by young Filipinos.

One factor that contributes to the problem is the failure of adults

to guide the youth, she said. “[Teenagers] often go to their fellow youth to seek advice. Most times, these young people are being led in the wrong direction,” she said.

Mr James de Vera, executive director of the Ten Accomplished Youth Organization Awards Foundation, said youth formation programmes of the Church continues to be “relevant”.

He said the Church is “one sector that can best influence our youth nowadays”, adding that many recipients of his group’s awards are school-based Catholic groups.

Teen pregnancy among young people in the Philippines aged 15 to 19 years old are on the upswing with a record 209,872 cases in 2014.

In 2011, there were 203,653 reported cases, an increase of 6,219 in only three years. n UCANEWS.COM

ASIA 13

Sunday August 6, 2017 n CatholicNews

Church leader la artial la e ten ion in indanao MANILA – Church leaders in the

Philippines have decried a decision by lawmakers to extend martial law across the southern region of Mindanao until the end of 2017.

In a joint session of Congress on July 22, legislators voted to approve the request of President Rodrigo Duterte to extend military rule in the southern Philippines where security forces continue to battle Islamic State-inspired terrorist gunmen.

Mr Duterte declared martial law in Mindanao on May 23 shortly after gunmen claiming to have links with the so-called Islamic State occupied the city of Marawi, resulting in armed clashes that have displaced more than 300,000 people after two months of fighting.

Bishop Ruperto Santos of Balanga, however, said the decision to extend martial law showed that the government “did not achieve anything when it first placed Mindanao under military rule.

Martial law is not an urgent need, said the prelate, adding that what is most urgent is to secure the country’s borders, maintain security, and rehabilitate the city of Marawi.

“To continue with martial law is to increase the humanitarian crisis in arawi, he said. hat is happening in Marawi is not a just and fair reason to impose martial law, ishop Santos said.

Bishop Arturo Bastes of Sorsogon said he was disappointed with the lawmakers, saying that even the Bishop of Marawi be-

Indonesian Church urged to e financially tran parent JAKARTA – A senior member

of Indonesia’s anti graft commission has challenged the Catholic Church to help fight corruption by providing a financial audit of its affairs at all levels to encourage transparency.

Mr Alexander Marwata, deputy chairman of the Corruption Eradication Commission, said audits by religious institutions, including the Church, are important, as they set an important example to others, including those in government agencies and the private sector.

“Pope Francis had shown a great example by inviting accountants or economists to audit finances at the atican, r Marwata told a seminar in Jakarta organised by the Indonesian Bishops Conference on July 15.

“Parishioners may have trust in parish management, but the Church needs to audit its financ es, even at grassroots level, he said.

The seminar comes amid a Church row in which 69 priests from Ruteng diocese recently quit their posts as episcopal vicars and parish priests, after accusing the local prelate Bishop Huber-

The Church ‘needs to audit

its finances even at grassroots level.

’

– Mr Alexan der Marwata from the Corruption Eradication Commission

tus Leteng of misappropriating church funds.

Holy Family Fr Hibertus Hartana, one of the speakers, said the entire Church’s financial dealings need to be transparent.

“Only some dioceses in Indonesia have done it so far, said the executive secretary of the Indonesian bishops’ Family Commission. He said bishops were so concerned about corruption that they issued pastoral letters, the first one in ovember last year and the second one in May. Mr Handoyo, a Muslim speaker, said all religious institutions are vulnerable to infiltration by corrupt people.

It is not only Catholic institutions that need to be transparent, Islamic organisations must be too, he said. n UCANEWS.COM

lieves that the extension of martial law is not necessary.

“The situation will get worse because of the abuses that will surely be committed in the name of martial law, said ishop Bastes.

Bishop Edwin de la Pena of Marawi had said that military rule across the southern region of the country is a big inconvenience that hampers the mobility of people, commerce and the transport of goods.

President Duterte said that communist rebels and their supporters would be the government’s next target after security forces have crushed the terrorists in Marawi. n UCANEWS.COM

CNS photo

A Filipino soldier stands guard in Marawi, Philippines. Church leaders have strongly criticised the government’s ext ension of martial law in Mindanao.

14 WORLD

Sunday August 6, 2017 n CatholicNews

Catholic, Lutheran leaders lament refugee entry cap WASHINGTON – Amid a federal judge ordering the government to broaden the exemptions to the immigration travel ban partially upheld by the Supreme Court, Catholic and Lutheran leaders lamented that the immigration cap had been reached for refugees without such e emptions for the fiscal year.

The federal government suspended travel on July 12 for refugee immigrants without close family connections after confirming that 50,000 refugees – the limit imposed by President Donald Trump in a March 6 executive order had arrived on S soil.

“We remain deeply troubled by the human consequences of the revised executive order on refugee admissions and the travel ban, said ishop oe S. as ue of Austin, Texas, chairman of the US bishops’ Committee on Migration, in a uly statement.

“Resettling only 50,000 refugees a year, down from 110,000, does not reflect the need, our compassion, and our capacity as a nation, ishop as ue added. e have the ability to continue to assist the most vulnerable among us without sacrificing our values as Americans or the safety and security of our nation.

“The pause on resettlement and restrictions on the number of persons who can enter our country as refugees will have an immediate effect on our ability to conduct the lifesaving work of providing safety and protection,” said a July 12 statement by Ms Kay Bellor, vice president for programmes of Lutheran Immigrant and Refugee Service, which is second only to the US bishops’ Migration and Refugee Services in the number of refugees it helps resettle in the nited States. n CNS hoto

A protest at San Francisco’s International Airport after people coming in from Muslim-majority countries were held by border control. Catholic and Lutheran leaders are against the immigration cap of 50,000 refugees reaching US soil.

Pope Francis poses with a delegation from the World Communion of Reformed Churches, a network of 230 Protestant churches, at the Vatican on June 10. The Reformed Churches have adopted the Joint Declaration on the octrine of usti cation, ar in another si ni cant ilestone towards the full unit of hristians file hoto

Reformed Churches sign u tification agree ent VATICAN CITY – Signalling a turning point in ecumenical relations with the Catholic Church, the World Communion of Reformed Churches signed an agreement on a key issue that divided Catholics and rotestants for centuries.

In an ecumenical ceremony on July 5 in Wittenberg, Germany, the city where Martin Luther nailed his “95 Theses” that marked the beginning of the Reformation, the Reformed Churches adopted the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of ustification.

The agreement, which explains how people are ustified in God’s eyes and saved by Jesus Christ, was first signed in

by Catholics and utherans. he World Methodist Council adopted the doctrine in .

The Reformed Churches represent an estimated 80 million Christians in Congregational, Presbyterian, Reformed, United, Uniting and Waldensian Churches around the world.

In a statement published on uly , the ontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity referred to the event “as another important milestone on the journey towards the full visible unity of Christians; not yet the end of the road, but a significant stage on the way.

Bishop Brian Farrell, secretary of the ontifical Council for romoting Christian Unity, attended

By signing the declaration, Reformed Churches will join other Christian Churches to find ider and more intensive ways of working together in the service of suffering humanity,’ said the ontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity.

the event along with Fr Avelino on ale , a council official from ashington.

“One of the crucial issues of dissent between the Reformers and the authorities of the Catholic Church in the 16th century is thus being diffused and overcome, making further growth in spiritual and ecclesial communion between the Protestant and Catholic Churches possible, the council said.

By signing the declaration, the statement said, Reformed Churches will join with other Christian Churches to find wider and more intensive ways of working together in the service of suffering humanity.

“In this way, ecumenical progress in dialogue is not merely an academic pursuit of interested experts, but has a positive and practical influence on the way Christians of different confessions live and work together in solidarity and bear common witness to the Gospel in society, the council said. n CNS

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Sunday August 6, 2017 n CatholicNews

Iraqi Christians returning to Mosul need time to rebuild trust: Church leader AMMAN, JORDAN – As some Ira-

qi Christians make a slow return to the region around Mosul following the defeat of the Islamic State group, many say it will take time to rebuild their lives and even longer to rebuild their trust of those who betrayed them. he war isn t finished yet and neither is the Islamic State.

There is no stability and there is still fighting in osul, said atriarch Louis Sako, head of Iraq’s Chaldean Catholic Church, who visited Mosul on July 20. He visited churches left badly damaged during the city’s three-year occupation by the extremists.

“How can Christians return when there are homes destroyed and there are no services? But most important is safety. The return of Christians needs time,” said Patriarch Sako, in remarks carried by Radio Free Europe.

Although Iraqi forces declared victory over Islamic State fighters in Mosul early in July, the patriarch said the region remains unstable, leaving Christians uncertain about their future in their historic homeland.

“Trust must be rebuilt because the Christians of this region have endured such abuse and violence, leaving deep wounds,” said Patriarch Sako.

Trust must be rebui lt ‘because the Christians of this region have endured such abus e and violence, leaving deep wounds.

’

– Patriarch Louis Sako, head of Iraq’s Chaldean Catholic Church

A boy carries his belongings in Mosul, Iraq, on July 23. Some Iraqi Christians are making a slow return to their home towns around the area after the defeat of the Islamic State group. CNS photo

Fr Emanuel Youkhana, an Iraqi priest, or archimandrite, of the Assyrian Church of the East, also warned that although Islamic State may be defeated militarily, “it doesn’t mean that its mentality, ideology or culture will be ended”.

The priest, who runs the Christian Aid Programme Northern Iraq, a programme for displaced Iraqis around the city of Dahuk, spoke to Catholic News Service via Skype.

“The mentality of the Islamic State in terms of accepting or

Vatican shuts down fountains as Rome deals with drought VATICAN CITY – While Rome reels from one of its worst droughts in decades, the Vatican is doing its part to conserve water by shutting down the city-state’s 100 fountains. he office governing atican City State announced on July 25 that the drought has “led the Holy See to take measures aimed at saving water” by shutting down fountains in St Peter’s Square, throughout the Vatican Gardens and in the territory of the state.

“The decision is in line with the teachings of Pope Francis, who reminds us in his encyclical ‘Laudato Si’’ how ‘the habit of wasting

and discarding’ has reached ‘unprecedented levels’ while ‘fresh drinking water is an issue of primary importance, since it is indispensable for human life and for supporting terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, the office said.

The prolonged drought has forced officials from the a io region of Italy to stop pumping water from Lake Bracciano, north of Rome. Less than usual rainfalls in the past two years have steadily depleted the lake, which provides 8 percent of the city’s water supply.

The city may also implement strict water rationing for its esti-

mated 1.5 million residents.

Vatican spokesman Greg Burke told Catholic News Service in a July 25 email that 10 percent of Vatican City State’s 100 fountains “recirculate water currently”.

Others, he added, “will eventually be transformed in order to recirculate” the same water rather than let it be wasted by running into the drainage or sewer system. n CNS

recognising others who are different is still there among people.

Although we are happy for the liberation of Mosul, in reality, no Christian or Yezidi will go back to Mosul. I say this with pain,” he emphasised.

“Now is the time to think about

alternative places to set up public services, health care, businesses and economics in the region,” perhaps to establish these in “one of the Ninevah Plains towns, such as Telaskov, to serve Christians, Yezidis and Muslims”, he said.

Many see Telaskov as a prime location for the reconstruction and rebuilding of lives because Islamic State militants spent less than two weeks occupying it, so damage is minimal.

Before the Islamic State takeover, it was a thriving town of 11,000.

“Now, more than 600 families have returned to Telaskov – those formerly from the town and nearby Batnaya because it is not possible to return to Batnaya due to huge damage,” said Fr Youkhana. n CNS A dry fountain is seen in St Peter’s Square on July 25. The Vatican is shutting down the city-state’s fountains in the midst of drought.

CNS photo

16 POPE FRANCIS

Sunday August 6, 2017 n CatholicNews

Pope, bishops pray as parents o Charlie ard end legal fight

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – Pope

Francis is praying for the parents of Charlie Gard after a US doctor told them nothing could be done to help their son.

Chris Gard and Connie Yates announced in London’s High Court on July 24 that they had ended their legal struggle to take their baby overseas for treatment after a US neurologist, Dr Michio Hirano, said he was no longer willing to offer Charlie e perimental nucleoside therapy after he e amined the results of a new MRI scan.

Their decision means that the child, who suffers from encephalomyopathic mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome, will receive only palliative care and most likely will die before his first birthday on Aug 4.

Mr Greg Burke, director of the atican press office, said in a July 24 statement that Pope Francis, who had taken a personal interest in the case, “is praying for Charlie and his parents and feels especially close to them at this time of immense suffering”.

He said: “The Holy Father asks that we join in prayer that they may find od s consolation and love.”

The Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales also issued a statement on July 24 in which they e pressed their deepest sympathy and compassion” for Charlie and his parents.

“It is for Charlie, his parents and family that we all pray, hoping that they are able, as a fam-

Pope Francis, who has taken a personal interest in the case, ‘is praying for Charlie and his parents and feels especially close to them’.

Supporters of Charlie Gard’s parents demonstrate in London on July 13. The Gards have announced that they have ended their legal struggle to take their baby overseas for treatment after a US neurologist gave his assessment of the situation. CNS photo

ily, to be given the support and the space to find peace in the days ahead,” the statement said.

“Their farewell to their tiny and precious baby touches the hearts of all who, like Pope Francis, have followed this sad and comple story. Charlie s life will be lovingly cherished until its natural end,” the statement continued.

A July 24 statement from the

Anscombe Bioethics Centre, a bioethical institute of the Catholic Church in the UK and Ireland, said it was now time “to remember the preciousness of the child at the heart of this case, and to allow his parents to be with him until he passes from this life”.

“If further treatment may no longer be worthwhile, Charlie’s life is inherently worthwhile, having the dignity and irreplaceabil-

ity of every human life, and this will remain so even in the coming days,” it said.

Charlie’s parents, who live in London, had fought for eight months for medical help that might have saved the life of their son.

They raised 1.3 million pounds (S$2.3 million) to take him abroad for treatment, but the Great Ormond Street Hospital in London had argued that Charlie

was beyond help and that it was not in his best interests to be kept alive, triggering a protracted legal battle with the parents that led to interventions from US President Donald Trump and the pope.

“We are about to do the hardest thing that we’ll ever have to do, which is to let our beautiful little Charlie go,” the parents said in their statement to the court.

“Put simply, this is about a sweet, gorgeous, innocent little boy who was born with a rare disease, who had a real, genuine chance at life and a family who love him so very dearly, and that’s why we fought so hard for him.”

“Had Charlie been given the treatment sooner, he would have had the potential to be a normal, healthy little boy,” they said. “We have always believed that Charlie deserved a chance at life.” n CNS n See commentary on Page 18

Muslims, Jews urged to dialogue VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis called on Muslims and Jews in the Holy Land to “moderation and dialogue” as tensions continued around a key site in Jerusalem that is sacred to members of both faiths.

After reciting the Angelus on July 23, the pope asked people gathered in St Peter’s Square for the midday prayer to join him in asking the Lord to inspire reconciliation and peace in the region.

Tensions in Jerusalem have been high since July 14 when three Israeli Arabs armed with knives and guns killed two Israeli police officers at an entrance to the site the Jews call Temple Mount and the Muslims call Haram al-Sharif.

The site includes the Western Wall and Al Aqsa mosque.

In his main Angelus talk, Pope Francis spoke about the parable of the weeds among the wheat from the Sunday Gospel reading.

The farmer in the parable from the Gospel of Matthew tells

Pope Francis asked people to pray for God to inspire reconciliation and peace in the Holy Land in the wake of recent violence. CNS photo

his workers not to pull up all the weeds because they might uproot the wheat, but to wait until the harvest when the wheat and weeds

can be separated.

“With this image, Jesus tells us that in this world good and evil are so intertwined that it is impossible to separate them and eradicate all the evil – only God can do that,” the pope said.

Human beings are called to the difficult e ercise of discernment” in choosing between good and what is evil, he said, and when they fail – which all people do sometimes – the Church stands ready to help with the grace of baptism and of confession.

Like the farmer in the parable, the pope said, God calls Christians to be patient as they await the harvest.

“Patience means preferring a Church that is leaven in the dough, that is not afraid of getting its hands dirty washing the clothes of its children, rather than being a Church of the ‘pure’, who insist on judging beforehand who is in the kingdom of God and who isn’t.” n CNS

POPE FRANCIS 17

Sunday August 6, 2017 n CatholicNews

Pope urges catechists to be creative in proclaiming Christ VATICAN CITY – Catechists are

must “not only resonate again and called to live their mission as a again in Christian life, but even service, by preaching the Gospel more so on those called to anthrough concrete actions rather nounce and teach the faith,” the than treating it as just a job, Pope pope said.

Francis said.

“This announcement must Like St Francis, who preached accompany the faith already prethrough his deeds, the “vocation sent in the religiosity of our peoand task of the catechist” is found ple,” the pope said. In doing so, when “we visit the poor, helping the gift of faith can be nourished children and giving food to the so that actions and words reflect poor”, the pope told participants the grace of being disciples of Jeof a conference on catechesis in sus”. his native Argentina.

A catechist, he continued, “In fact, to be a catechist is a does not “start from his or her vocation of service in the Church; own ideas and tastes” but rather what has been received as a gift “walks from and with Christ”. from God must in “The more we make turn be transmitJesus the centre of ted,” he said in the In the creative our life, the more He message published makes us come out que st to make by the Vatican on of ourselves, de-cenJesus known, July 12. tres us and makes us The message close to others,” the we should was addressed to pope said. not be afraid Archbishop Ramon Pope Francis Dus of Resistencia, also said that catbe cause Argentina, president echists must also be He precedes us “creative” and look of the Argentine bishops’ commisfor different ways in this task. sion on catechesis to proclaim Christ – Pope Francis and biblical minisand transmit the try. faith, like Jesus, who The commission sponsored “adapted himself to the people in the July 11-14 international front of Him to make them closer symposium on catechesis taking to God’s love”. place in the ontifical Catholic Adapting to others, he added, University of Argentina in Bue- does not change the message nos Aires. “because God does not change; In his letter, the pope said that instead, He renews all things in for catechists to effectively preach Him”. the Gospel, they must “constantly “In the creative quest to make return to that first announcement Jesus known, we should not be or ‘kerygma’, which is the gift afraid because He precedes us in that changed their lives”. this task. He is already in the peo“Kerygma” a Greek word that ple of today, and there He is waitmeans “preaching of the Gospel”, ing for us,” the pope said. n CNS

‘

’

Pope Francis waves after celebrating a Mass for the Jubilee for Catechists in St Peter’s Square last year. He recently sent a message to participants of a conference on catechesis in his native Argentina.

CNS photo

18 OPINION

Sunday August 6, 2017 n CatholicNews

Human desire: surface and depth

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COMMENTARY

Who speaks for Charlie Gard?

What Catholic teaching has to say in this situation CNS photo

ichard oerflin er A seriously ill month old child in reat ritain has garnered the attention of S resident onald rump and ope rancis and sparked an international debate.

Charlie ard is unresponsive and totally dependent due to a severe genetic defect that compromises his brain cells’ metabolism. is parents had wanted to sustain his life and transfer him to an American hospital for a highly experimental treatment – one that has benefited children with a similar but far less serious condition.

But the hospital caring for Charlie wanted to remove the ventilator keeping him alive and provide only palliative care while he dies. ritish courts sided with the hospital, though the parents have raised the funds for treatment and ask only to be allowed to transfer Charlie from this hospital s care. hat does Catholic teaching have to say about a case like this irst, our moral tradition distinguishes between ordinary and e traordinary means or proportionate and disproportionate means . e must assess the e pected benefits of treatment in light of the risk, suffering, cost and other burdens they may impose on the patient. e are morally obliged to accept treatment that offers benefit without entailing greater burdens.

Catholic tradition does not teach a vitalism insisting that everything possible must always be done to prolong life.

Second, if a treatment is e traordinary, it is morally optional, not forbidden. ope rancis could hardly have offered his own hospital in ome for care of Charlie if such care were against Catholic teaching.

Charlie Gard, who was born with mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome, is seen in this family photo. The hospital caring for him had wanted to remove the ventilator keeping him alive and provide only palliative care while he dies.

hird, such udgments must respect the inherent dignity of each human person. he Church re ects discriminatory udgments that the very life of a person is useless or a burden due to physical or mental impairments.

In 2004, speaking of patients with very severe brain damage, St ohn aul II said that even our brothers and sisters who find themselves in the clinical condition of a ‘vegetative state’ retain their human dignity in all its fullness. ... he value of a man s life cannot be made subordinate to any udgment of its uality e pressed by other men. he hospital and the udge in Charlie s case seemed to have made such uality of life udgments. he hospital cited his cognitive state to argue that “this situation is not a tolerable one to leave a child in . he udge agreed, saying that in light of Charlie s diminished brain function, ow can he be

any better off than he is now This approach has grave implications for people with intellectual disabilities. ourth, because udgments about burden and benefit have an inescapably sub ective or personal dimension, we have to ask ho decides Catholic documents say the patient is the primary decision maker then loved ones who can speak for the patient then doctors. hese documents seldom mention udges. his is the decisive point. In a situation with many uncertainties but a consensus that Charlie’s parents love him and want the best for him, their right to make decisions for their child should prevail. hen they are not acting against the demands of human dignity, parents are the best advocates for their children s rights. n CNS oer in er or ed for years in the Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

SOMETIMES while praying the Psalms, I’m caught looking quite uncomfortably into a mirror reflecting back to me my own seeming dishonesty. or e ample, we pray these words in the salms y soul longs for you in the night. ike a deer that yearns for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you my od. or you alone do I long or you alone do I thirst If I m honest, I have to admit that a lot of times, perhaps most times, my soul longs for a lot of things that do not seem of od. ow often can I honestly pray or you, od, alone do I long. or you alone do I thirst In my restlessness, my earthy desires, and natural instincts, I long for many things that don t appear very od focused or heavenly at all. I suspect that s true for most of us for good parts of our lives. are is the mystic who can say those prayers and mean them with her full heart on any given day. ut human desire is a comple thing. here s a surface and there s a depth, and in every one of our longings and motivations we can ask ourselves this hat am I really looking for here I know what I want on the surface, here and now, but what am I ultimately longing for in this his discrepancy, between what we re aware of on the surface and what s sensed only in some dark, inchoate way at a deeper level, is what s captured in a distinction philosophers make between what s e plicit in our awareness and what s implicit within it. he e plicit refers to what we are aware of consciously (“I want this particular thing whereas the implicit refers to the unconscious factors that are also in play but of which we are unaware. hese we only sense, vaguely, in some unconscious part of our soul. or instance, the late erman theologian Karl ahner, who was fond of this distinction and who puts it to good use in his spirituality, offers us this crass though clear e ample of the distinction between the e plicit and the implicit within our motivation and desires. Imagine this, he says A man, lonely and restless and depressed on a Saturday night, goes to a singles bar, picks up a prostitute and goes to bed with her. n the surface his motivation and desire are as undisguised as they are crass. e s not longing for od in his bed on this particular night. r is he n the surface, of course he s not, his desire seems purely self centred and the antithesis of holy longing. ut, parsed out to its deepest root, his desire is ultimately a longing for divine intimacy, for the bread of life, for heaven. e s longing for od at the very depth of his soul and at the very depth of his motivation, e cept he isn t aware of this. aw desire for immediate gratification is all that he s consciously aware of at this time, but this doesn t change his ultimate motivation, of which this is a symptom. At a deeper level, of which he is not consciously aware, he s still longing for the bread of life, for od alone. is soul is still that of a deer, longing for clear flowing streams, e cept that on this given night another stream is promising him a more immediate tonic that he can have right now. ecently I taught a course on the spirituality of aging and dying.

Stealing a line from oethe s poem, oly onging, I entitled the course poetically Insane for the ight. In a term paper, one of the students, a woman, reflecting on her own ourney towards aging and dying, wrote these words I reflected on the Song of Songs and thought that it could be an analogy of how I see dying, not necessarily as the body s disintegration and demise, but rather as the entire transition that I was born destined to make. I think of my life as a love story with its ups and downs like any love story, but always going in the direction of od with the finality of death being the wedding of the love between od and myself after a lifetime betrothal.

She puts it as well as ahner and the philosophers, though her words are more direct. She too, in analysing her desire, points out there are levels, e plicit and implicit, conscious and unconscious.

Yes, our lives, with all their tensions, restlessness, youthful immaturities, adult depressions, cold lonely seasons, times of doubt, times of desperation, breakdowns, and occasional irresponsible e uberance will surely be marked by flirtations and encounters that seem to e hibit desires that are not for the bread of life. ut, they are, ultimately, and one day they will find and know their full consummation. n

FAITH ALIVE! 19

Sunday August 6, 2017 n CatholicNews

Is touching believing?

The importance of physical as opposed to virtual reality

People using their smartphones. The touchscreen gives the illusion that people are physically engaging the world through ‘touching’ information.

A painting of the Incredulity of St Thomas by Caravaggio.

By Brett Robinson The Caravaggio painting in which Doubting Thomas places his hand in the wounded side of Our Lord is a gripping scene in which the apostle’s disbelief in Christ’s resurrection is transformed in an instant, not by forceful argument, but by touching his master’s brutal wound.

In one of the courses I teach at Notre Dame university, I often show Caravaggio’s painting next to a maga ine ad for the very first iPhone back in 2007. The original i hone ad features an inde finger reaching out to touch the glowing screen of an iPhone with the caption, “Touching is Believing.”

The students revel in the similarity between the painting and the ad, recognising the shades of a more religious past that continue

file hotos

to show up in popular culture.

The correspondence between the Caravaggio painting and the iPhone ad is a parable for the digital age. Touching is not necessarily caring unless we enter into the suffering of the other. We are called to suffer with others by being as present to them as possible, even when it’s most inconvenient or harrowing.

It is all too tempting to “like” or react to a social media post that calls on our compassion and feel self satisfied in doing so. I touched the “like” button for that story about the UK parents who

don’t want to take their terminally ill baby off of life support. Was that a work of mercy? There was nothing corporeal about it.

The touchscreen gives the illusion that we are physically engaging the world through “touching” information, but the whole experience is rather discarnate. That’s troubling for a Church that is founded on the Incarnation.

If we can’t believe everything we read or hear, perhaps we should pay more attention to the role touch plays. It certainly shapes how we interact with our devices, using our body’s own electrical activity

It is all too tem tin to li e or react to a social media ost that calls on our com assion and feel self satisfied in doin so.

to bring to life capacitive screens, but there is something more.

There is another scene in the Gospel in which touch is indicative of our longing for God. It is in the garden outside the tomb where Mary Magdalene, in her grief, mistakes the risen Christ for a gardener. She laments that someone has taken the body of her Lord and wants to know where it has gone.

In reply, Jesus simply says her name, Mary, and she immediately recognises Him. In an instant, she reaches out to touch Him, but He says, “Do not touch me, for I am not yet ascended to my Father.”

The Latin “noli me tangere” is translated, “do not touch me.” But the Greek, “me mou haptou,” can be translated as “do not seek to cling to or embrace me.” Herein lies the lesson for our touchscreen generation.

Our screens present transient information, here one second, gone the next. People pop in via text message or WhatsApp and then disappear seconds later. There is nothing to touch or cleave to other than the device itself, which presents us with all of these addictive stimuli.

Reconsider Christ’s words in this context. We must not cleave to this instant contact and gratification. In one of those strange twists in the English language, the word “cleave” can also mean to divide or separate. It is in the heart of this paradox between attachment and detachment that Christ asks us to dwell.

Ultimately, we should be focused on the promise of Christ’s return. The same can be said for our use of digital communication.

Focus on the promise of return when we can see and touch the friends and family that populate our social media feeds and messages, to offer them our full and sincere attention and compassion.

Make it a priority to make physical contact with someone or to read a book rather than a blog.

Revel in the physical matter that makes up our life on this earth.

Just don’t get too attached: “At present we see indistinctly, as in a mirror, but then face to face” (1 Cor 13:12). n CNS obinson is director of communica tions and atholic media studies at the ni ersity of otre ame c rath Institute for hurch ife .

20

Sunday August 6, 2017 n CatholicNews

SPOTLIGHT ON SAINTS:

St John Kemble St ohn Kemble was born in ngland in . ostility towards priests at the time made him sneak away to another country to attend seminary.

After he was ordained a priest in , he returned to ngland and ministered there for years. In , he was arrested and sentenced to death during a persecution of Catholics. efore he was e ecuted, he was allowed to finish his prayers, smoke and have a drink. hen ohn finished, he was martyred. e remember him on Aug . n

“Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water,” he said.

Jesus told Peter to come to Him. Peter left the boat and began walking on the water, but he became frightened and started to sink.

“Lord, save me!” Peter yelled.

Jesus reached out and grabbed Peter.

“O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” Jesus asked.

When Jesus and Peter got into

the boat, the wind died down.

The apostles were amazed.

“Truly, you are the Son of God,” they said. n Read more about it: Matthew 14

Q&A 1. h W at happened when the apostles started to cross the sea?

2. How did Jesus reach the apostles in the boat?

Wordsearch: n FAITH n REACH n ROCK n AMAZE n HUGE n LISTEN n FOLLOW n ORDAIN n BUILD

n PROMISE n COURAGE n TOWARD

ESSAY: How do you show Jesus that you trust in him?

Bible Accent:

WATER (unscrambl ed from TEWAR) Important word: epers

heals the centurion’s servant; heals Peter’s mother-in-law; turns water into wine; raises Lazarus from the dead; Answer to puzzle:

Peter was a very special and important person to Jesus.

It was Peter whom Jesus chose to be one of His apostles. In atthew , after eter recognised esus as the Messiah, Jesus said Peter would be the rock upon which He would build His church.

Even though Peter was special and important, he was not perfect. He sometimes had doubts and fears that made him do sinful things. hen eter and esus first met, eter had been fishing all night but hadn’t caught anything. Jesus told Peter to cast his net where he had already fished and to prepare for a successful catch. Peter doubted Jesus but listened. Peter caught so many fish that the net began to tear.

When Jesus walked on the water during a storm and called Peter to Him, it was Peter’s doubt and fear that caused him to sink.

And just before Jesus was arrested, Peter promised he would never deny knowing Jesus. But after Jesus’ arrest, Peter was afraid. When people asked him whether he was one of Jesus’ followers, Peter lied and said he didn’t know Jesus.

Even though Peter was imperfect, Jesus never gave up on him. Peter’s example shows us that although we aren’t perfect, Jesus never gives up on us and always wants us to have faith and follow Him. n

PUZZLE: Using the hints provided, put a circle around the miracles that Jesus performed. In front of each miracle is a letter. Unscramble the letters next to the correct answers to spell out an important word in the Bible.

(T) raises Lazarus from the dead (Joh n1 1: 43- 4) (E) turns water into wine (Joh n2: 8- 9) (S) heals a woman with a withered hand (Luke 8: 43- 4) (W ) heals Peter’s mother-in-law (Luke 4: 38- 39) (N) heals a paralysed woman (Mark2: 3- 5) (L) heals three women born blind (Joh n9: 1- 7) (A) heals the centurion’s servant (Luke 7: 2- 10) (R) heals 10 lepers (Luke 17: 11- 14)

Answer to Wordsearch

Jesus was very sad after learning of John the Baptist’s death. He wanted to be alone for a little while, so He boarded a boat and went to a deserted place.

A crowd of 5,000 men – not counting the women and children – followed Jesus on land as He travelled by sea. Jesus saw them, so He came ashore and healed the sick.

When evening came, it was time for everyone to eat a meal. The apostles were worried about feeding the huge crowd because they only had five loaves of bread and two fish. esus blessed the food and gave it to His friends to distribute. Miraculously, there was enough for everyone to eat their fill, and there were even baskets of leftovers.

Afterward, Jesus told the apostles to get into the boat and head

across the sea while He went up the mountain to be alone and pray.

As Jesus was praying, a storm started brewing. The apostles’ boat was a few miles offshore when the storm hit.

The boat was tossed about by the strong wind and the churning water of the sea. The apostles tried very hard to continue across the sea, but they were travelling against the wind.

In the very early hours of the morning, Jesus came down the mountain to the shore. He wanted to join His friends, so He went out into the water. Instead of sinking into the sea, He walked on top of the water towards the boat.

The apostles cried out in terror when they saw a figure walking on the water towards them.

“Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid,” Jesus said.

Peter wanted to make sure it was really Jesus.

heals 10l

By Jennifer Ficcaglia

WHAT’S ON 21

Sunday August 6, 2017 n CatholicNews

EVENT SUBMISSIONS W AT’S ON submissions now require H 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 very first Saturday of the month. or 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 –w hat is good and is pleasing to im and is perfect omans .

Organised by the Daughters of St Paul.

For more information, T: 65608003; E: pauline.fsp@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 and morality about sexuality to catechumens is never limited to teaching about avoiding sin –i t 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 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 ene ctkbat hotmail.com; W:www.christtheking.com.sg.

AUG 1 TO AUG 31 CONFRATERNITY OF CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE (CCD) REGISTRATION Catechism classes for international schools. Organised by CCD ministry of St Ignatius Church. CCD is a faith formation programme for children aged 6-13 years old. Grade 1 through grade 7 classes are held weekly on Tuesday or Thursday afternoons from 4pm-5pm and the confirmation classes are held on Sundays at 3.30pm-5pm, starting in September through the end of May 2018. Online registration opens on Aug 1. All students (new and returning have to register at www. stignatius.org.sg. Registration deadline is Aug 31. After submitting the online registration form, please mail the required documents and fees to the church office. or the Sacraments of First Holy Communion

RCIA/RCIY

grade and Confirmation grade , a hard copy of the child s baptismal certificate is required. For more information, E: ccdstignatius gmail.com Chantal ong .

AUG 3 CAREGIVING IW TH 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.

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 SJI Junior’s needy students. Come and support the boys (old and current from St ichael s School S I unior as they wash your car. For more information, ido E: oldboys.sjij.sms@gmail.com.

AUG 7 TO OCT 23 GOSPEL OF MARK BY MSGR AMBROSE VAZ ondays . pm pm . enue 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. or more en uiries, avid .

AUG 11 TOGETHER, OPENING PATHS OF HOPE An evening of prayer with the songs of taize. All are welcome. Time: 8pm-9.30pm.

Venue: Agape Village, Multi- Purpose Hall A orong oa ayoh S . e led through an evening of meditative prayer and singing by Br Ghislain from Taizé, France.

For more information, T: 68017400; E: agapevillage@caritas-singapore.org.

AUG 11 TO AUG 13 GRIEVING: A WAY TO HEALING Aug pm Aug pm . enue 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 15 TEA-TIME W I TH MARY: THE ASSUMPTION Crossings Cafe invites you to “Tea-time with Mary: The Assumption.” Time: 3:30pm-5pm. Have a burning question about Mary’s Assumption? Let’s talk about Mary with Fr Eugene Lee. Cost: $10+ per person. To register: T: 91099940 ernan enedict .

AUG 18 TO AUG 20 VOCATION DISCERNMENT RETREAT ime pm riday pm Sunday . In the silence of your heart, do you hear God calling you to 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 . pm . enue 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 BI-ANNUAL 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 S . ime pm meeting , . pm ass followed by dinner at pa .

For more information, T: 97670579 aura heresa oreen anet .

AUG 23 CREATING SPACE FOR PERSONAL DISCERNMENT Time: 7.30pm-9.30pm. Grounded in the rules of discernment of St Ignatius’ spiritual e ercises, this talk will first explore the dynamic from experience to knowledge then action. 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 TO AUG 27 PRAYER EXPERIENCE RETREAT 23 Aug am Aug pm .

Organised by the Catholic Spirituality Centre CSC . ighly recommended for ex-Conversion Experience Retreatants

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; parish office

JUNE 27/29, 2017 TO MARCH 31, 2018 RCIA @ CHURCH OF THE HOLY CROSS very uesday Chinese and every hursday nglish from . pm pm.

Venue: 450 Clementi Ave 1 S129955. For more information Susan E: holycrosschurch.rcia@gmail.com.

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 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.

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.

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.

JUNE 15,2017 TO MARCH 31, 2018 RCIA @ CHURCH OF THE 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

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

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.

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 . or en uiries, arish ffice .

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/

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 agdalene website www.olps.sg.

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 Sandra

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 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.

as a follow-up. A four-day stay-in retreat at CSC. Cost: $160. R etreat director: Fr Erbin Fernandez. For more information, W: www.csctr.net.

Time: 3.30pm-5pm. Arise and Shine! is a group intervention workshop for young adults between the ages of , who have ust been diagnosed with their first depressive episode. In this workshop, participants will learn behavioural and cognitive strategies to manage depressive symptoms. To register: T: 67577990.

AUG 24 CREATING SPACE FOR COMMUNAL DISCERNMENT ime . pm . pm. his talk will first explore the dynamic from experience to knowledge then action, as well as 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 . pm Aug pm .

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

SEPT 6 TO NOV 1 CLARITY’S W O RKSHOP FOR YOUTHS W I TH DEPRESSION – ARISE AND SHINE! Dates: Sept 6, 13, 20 and 27; Oct 4, 11, and ov sessions .

OCT 4 LITERARY IMAGINATION AND THE SPIRITUAL EXERCISES OF ST IGNATIUS – PART 1 Part 1: Self knowledge. Time: 7.30pm9.30pm. Follow the progression of the spiritual exercises through selected literary works to gain deeper self-knowledge. In this lecture, we will explore existential attitudes, self-awareness, sense of sin and forgiveness, and life choices. Facilitator: Fr Daniel Kister, SJ. Organised by Kingsmead Centre, 8 Victoria Park Rd. Cost: $50. To register: http://tinyurl.com/DanKister; T: 64676072.

OCT 5 LITERARY IMAGINATION AND THE SPIRITUAL EXERCISES OF ST IGNATIUS – PART 2 Part 2: Knowledge of Christ.

Time: 7.30pm-9.30pm. Follow the progression of the spiritual exercises through selected literary works to gain deeper knowledge of Jesus Christ. Explore the incarnation, Jesus and His disciples, parables, death and resurrection. Organised

by Kingsmead Centre, 8 Victoria Park Rd. Cost: $50. To register: http://tinyurl.com/ DanKister; T: 64676072.

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ACROSS 1 What you should do when the herald angels sing 5 Pole thrown by Scottish athletes 10 Exultation 14 Inter _ 15 Czar’s edict 16 Frees 17 Bright star 18 Long and short grain 19 Send forth 20 Genetic marker abbr.

21 The Pharisee was surprised to notice that Jesus did not do this k 22 “Where, O _, is your sting?”

Cor 23 Chooses 25 Matthew follower 27 Israel ending 28 City to which Paul was traveling when he was blinded 32 Sandra’s “The Lake House” co-star 35 Club rule, perhaps 36 _you c razy?

37 They don’t act well 38 “O, men of little t 39 Leadership position in a mosque 40 “Just _t hought” 41 Italian lady 42 “Regina _” 43 Young bird

45 “… but do not notice the _ that is in your own eye t 46 Lubricates 47 Revises 51 Island in the Bay of Naples 54 Delves 55 “Three ___ Match” 56 Applaud 57 The Hindu Destroyer 59 Hershey’s toffee bar 60 902, to Nero 61 Dogma 62 Salamander 63 1949 Gatsby portrayer 64 Nighttime annoyance, perhaps 65 About DOW N 1 The priest’s are anointed during ordination 2 “One does not live by bread _” t 3 Competitor 4 “The Jungle Book” python 5 Parish priest 6 “… i s still _, a sigh… ” 7 German composer 8 Legal conclusion?

9 Matter of law 10 Campus group 11 Home of St. Rose

12 Do paper work 13 OT historical book 21 Alcohol prohibitors abbr.

22 Sketch 24 Ones in Berlin 25 Island in Acts 27–28 26 Asian nanny 28 “___ you destroyed our death… ” 29 “It _upon a midnight clear… ” 30 Mountain range refi with gloss or sweet 32 Asian prince 33 Relaxation 34 Parisian friends 35 The _of matrimony 38 Thwart 39 Othello’s betrayer

41 552, to Nero 42 Amos compared the women of Bashan to these animals Am 44 Lethargic 45 Papal emissary oses floated in one 48 Catholic “Today Show” weather anchor 49 Is aware of 50 Pope St. Pius X’s surname 51 350, to Caesar 52 _M ater 53 Discharged a debt 54 Fred Flintstone’s dog oly ones abbr.

58 Some houses?

59 _j et

Solution to Crossword Puzzle No. 1189 O P E N

L A V A

I T E M

V E N E R B R A A R E T M I L E I D I S E C L E S P I C T I L T A L S O R E A R

E W W J N H I D I N T S L E S S A C K G V O D I S A L E L A V E P O L I S U D E D L E M P E S C O T A M P A B L E R E V S

D E R A N G E D

A B B R E U S E S S R F O F L U A U L N T E I T S T T E

B A I N

E L B A

L E S S

T O U R S

E D I T H

D E N Y

S C A N

T H I S

S Y N E

www.wordgamesforcatholics.com

22 IN MEMORIAM Eighth Anniversary In loving memory of

ANNIE & AMELIA Departed: 10 Aug 09 In our hearts you will always live Your love, your voice and your smile Are forever imprinted in our minds.

Dearly remembered by family & loved ones.

Eighth Anniversary In loving memory of

Sunday August 6, 2017 n CatholicNews

Ninth Anniversary In loving memory of

In loving memory of

MICHAEL GOMES 28/9/29-10/8/2002

JENNIFER GOMES 16/12/56-12/7/1989

Loving husband, father & grandfather

Loving daughter, sister & aunt

IVY YAP Departed: July 30, 2008 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.

Dearly missed and forever cherished by your family.

Fondly remembered by all.

Mass will be celebrated at Church of the Holy Trinity on Sunday Aug 6, 2017 at 9.30am.

Tenth Anniversary Remembering Katho,

Eighth Anniversary In loving memory of

CECILIA CHIA SIAM LUNG Departed: Aug 2, 2009 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.

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

KATHLEEN JANE W O ODFORD Departed: August 9, 2007 Your efforts as a community activist, educator, unionist, sister and aunt have not, and will not be forgotten.

Your legacy lives on in the ones you’ve left behind.

In the darkest of times, you’ll be our guiding light.

“Nus tudu logu engkontra ku bos di tona.

Nus amore ku bos ”

JULIAN DE SOUZA Departed: Aug 3, 2009 Just a thought of sweet remembrance Just a memory sad and true Just the love and sweet devotion Of the ones who think of you.

But still the empty chair Reminds us of the face, the smile Of one who once sat there.

Fifteenth Anniversary In loving memory of

Dearly missed by his beloved wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

JOSEPH ANG POH HOCK Departed: Aug 5, 2002 Gone from our lives One so dear, But in our hearts forever near.

Dearly missed and always remembered by wife; sons and daughters-in-law; daughter and son-in-law; grandsons and granddaughters.

OBITUARY

CLASSIFIED 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.

AGNES ANN JANSEN (VAN HUIZEN) was called home to be with the Lord on June 20, 2017

In loving memory of our parents

We speak your name with love and pride We smile with tears we cannot hide We thank you for the years we shared The love you gave, the way you cared.

Dearly missed by loved ones: Bernard Anthony Alexis Jansen, Serene Jansen, Marina Van Huizen, Gino Shaun Ernest Jansen, Aaron Christopher Jansen, Tricia Anne Jansen, family and friends.

The family would like to thank all who helped in this difficult time.

Please turn to page 23 for more in memoriam advertisements.

FRANK JOSEPH ISABEL FERNANDEZ FERNANDEZ Departed: Jul 18, 2000 Departed: Aug 3, 2005.

Dearest Dad and Mum, Though we are apart, your faith, hope and love live on in our hearts and lives. Thank you for all that you have been to us.

You are fondly remembered by your children and their families.

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord.

IN MEMORIAM 23

Sunday August 6, 2017 n CatholicNews

econd Anniversar In loving memory of

IA A I Departed: Aug 2, 2015

We love you for all that you were in our lives.

Though we miss you, we are comforted that you are now safe in the arms of Jesus.

We miss you everyday and hold you dearly in our hearts.

Now peaceful may you rest because God takes only the best.

Dearly missed and lovingly remembered

by William, children and grand-children.

Inm emoriamr ates Minimum $80f or an insertion not exceeding an eight-centimetre column. Additional space: $8pe r onecentimetre column.

ClassiďŹ ed advertisement rates: Minimum S$40f or the first ords. dditional ords . a ord.

In loving memory of ift fth Anniversar

welfth Anniversar

ourteenth Anniversar

went third Anniversar In loving memory of

A

JOSEPH

Jan 16, 1962

MARY A I Returned to the Lord on Aug 13, 2005

A

PAUL I

Mar 16, 2003

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

Forever cherished and remembered By family and all loved ones.

In loving memory of our dear parents

A

A

A

Departed: May 3, 1988

July 31, 2008.

Self sacrifice, humility and patience Virtues of our dear departed parents.

Called by God to their eternal bliss, We reminisce, cherish and deeply miss.

Love always, Paul & Angie, Patrick & Julie, Perry, Philip & Cecilia, Percy & Sylvia, Grandchildren and all loved ones.

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

I I A Departed: Aug 2, 1994 With peace in our hearts and the joy that you are always nearby.

Dearly missed always loved by Christina, Genevieve, Martin, Benett, Siew Hua, Sabrina, Max.

24 WORLD

Sunday August 6, 2017 n CatholicNews

Beekeeper catechist uses nature in helping kids to praise God ELGIN, IOWA, USA – On a recent

Bob Fassbinder holds a bee hive from one of his apiaries near Elgin, Iowa, USA. The beekeeper and volunteer catechist is a member of St Peter Parish in Clermont, Iowa. CNS photo

sunny Saturday morning, Bob Fassbinder and his wife, Kathy, were surrounded by a chorus of buzzing bees as he held up a hive full of honey. unning his fingers over the perfect hexagonal shapes made by the small insects to catch a drop of this year’s crop for a taste test, he couldn’t contain his enthusiasm.

“This is part of God’s creation right here, and one of the most beautiful things He ever did was to make the honey bee, and we just stumbled onto it, right dear?” said the professional beekeeper as he glanced at this wife.

The Fassbinders, members of St Peter Parish in Clermont, USA, are owners of Fassbinder Apiaries, a beekeeping business.

The couple also are active members of their church, where Kathy sings in the choir and Bob has been a volunteer catechist to middle and high school students for 40 years and counting.

After growing up on a farm near his home parish, Bob served on submarines in the US Navy.

He met his wife while studying at Iowa State University. Graduating with degrees in engineering

and nutrition, respectively, the couple married and moved to Des Moines.

The farm boy didn’t take to big city life. While there, he and his wife developed an interest in beekeeping and eventually planned to start a business near Bob’s hometown.

When you just step “ out on a day like today ... and I’m watching the be es work and doing their things, I can’t help but say, ‘God, this is be autiful.

This is fantastic.’

”

– Bob Fassbinder

In 1976, the Fassbinders moved back to northeast Iowa, finding a place in the country off a gravel road. They took a risk starting an apiaries operation – the technical term for places where bees are kept.

Coming from city life into the country to raise bees, Kathy ex-

plained, has had a profound effect on the spiritual life of her and her husband.

“It makes you aware of the different flowers that are out there, the trees that maybe we would have been too busy to really pay attention to otherwise, not thinking they were all that important,” she said. “I think previous to being in the bees, we would have taken much more for granted and not even been thankful for it. We really need to be thankful for a beautiful world.”

Bob spends a lot of time in nature, either tending to his hives at 60 different locations up and down the Turkey and Volga rivers or as a hunter. He has used this connection to creation as a teaching tool.

“Going back to a classroom, when you teach the kids the four reasons to pray – one of them is praise,” he said. “When you just step out on a day like today when all the things are blooming and I’m watching the bees work and doing their things, I can’t help but say, ‘God, this is beautiful. This is fantastic. You are doing your best work when You did this right here.’” n CNS

People sit at an outdoor chapel on the property of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ in Columbia, Pennsylvania, USA. The chapel was built to block the Atlantic Sunrise natural gas pipeline. CNS photo

Nuns oppose pipeline WASHINGTON – As chapels go,

the simple structure on property owned by the Adorers of the Blood of Christ congregation in Columbia, Pennsylvania, USA, is not much.

It is more of an arbour: four posts and several cross boards built near a cornfield on farmland the Sisters lease.

Still, said the Sisters, it stands as a symbol of resistance by people of faith to a planned natural gas pipeline called Atlantic Sunrise that developers want to build through miles of farmland.

The pipeline’s path takes it through a strip of land the congregation owns in the Harrisburg

diocese and the Sisters contend that construction poses a danger to God’s creation.

“This is something that we felt as a matter of conscience,” said Sr Sara Dwyer, coordinator of the congregation’s justice, peace and integrity of creation ministry.

The chapel was dedicated on July 9 with about 300 people attending.

The Sisters realise the courts could clear the way for construction, which would force the chapel to be removed.

“From a congregational point of view,” Sr Sara said, “we’re just taking it one step at a time and seeing what happens next.” n CNS

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