Catholic News issue 17, 2017

SUNDAY AUGUST 20, 2017

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Transfiguration Church holds Dedication Mass

By Jared Ng “After four long years of waiting, the church in Punggol is at last ready,” proclaimed Archbishop William Goh. He was speaking at the Dedication Mass of the Church of the Transfiguration (COTT) on Aug 6, the Feast of the Transfiguration.

About 1,200 people attended the celebration including Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean and Archbishop Emeritus Nicholas Chia.

In his homily, Archbishop Goh reminded the congregation that the Dedication Mass “is just the beginning of a greater work to be done.”

The focus now should be the “formation of people.”

“The Church doesn’t exist for itself, it exists for the world, for humanity,” Archbishop Goh said.

“Everyone has a part to play, whether big or small, in the formation of the Church and its people,” he added.

Noting that many people in the world are seeking “meaning and purpose in life”, Archbishop Goh said that “the Feast of the Transfiguration is an invitation to all of us to radiate the glory of God to these people.”

The fundamental meaning of life can only be found in Christ and the transfiguration of the Lord shows the way, he said.

Archbishop Goh said Catholics must draw strength from the Transfiguration the same way the three apostles, St James, St Peter and St John, did when they saw His glory on Mount Tabor.

After the Liturgy of the Word, Archbishop Goh deposited the

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NO. 17

INSIDE HOME

Making end-oflife decisions Catholic Medical Guild offers advice n Page 5

ASIA

A meeting of cultures, languages Asian Youth Day participants urged to be beacons of unity n Page 8

Dialogue between Vatican and Far East Cardinal talks of ‘new challenges’ n Page 9

WORLD Archbishop William Goh depositing the relics of St Laurent Imbert and St Jerome Lu into the altar. With him are parish priest Fr Joachim Chang (far left), Fr Ignatius Yeo (second from left) and Fr Valerian Cheong (far right).

relics of St Laurent Imbert and St Jerome Lu into the altar.

St Laurent Imbert visited Singapore in 1821, and was believed to be the first Catholic priest to celebrate Mass in Singapore.

The Cathedral of the Good Shepherd also houses a relic of the saint.

St Jerome Lu was a lay catechist in China who was martyred in Vietnam during anti-Christian persecutions.

Archbishop Goh also deposited the relics of St James, St Peter and St John, who followed Jesus up Mount Tabor.

These can be seen enclosed in glass reliquaries just below the altar. n Continued on Page 4

Excommunication for criminal organisations?

Vatican group makes proposal n Page 12

OPINION

The challenge to enjoy life fully What Jesus teaches about this n Page 14

ASSUMPTION MASS SCHEDULE The relics of St James, St Peter and St John, as well as a rock from Mount Tabor, are seen through a glass window below the altar.

n Page 15

2 HOME

Sunday August 20, 2017 n CatholicNews

Jesuit leader visits S’pore, discusses issues facing Church Fr Arturo Sosa met with Jesuits and their lay collaborators during his first visit to this part of the world

By Fr Gregory Tan, SJ It was an exciting time for the Jesuits of the region and their partners in mission as Fr Arturo Sosa, the Superior General of the Society of Jesus, met up with them during his recent visit to Singapore.

Fr Sosa, a Venezuelan, was elected on Oct 14, 2016, to lead the Jesuits worldwide. He was in Singapore from July 17-22 to attend a meeting of the Jesuit Major Superiors of Asia Pacific countries.

This was his first visit to this part of the world, and it gave him the opportunity also to meet the Jesuits of Malaysia and Singapore, as well as their lay and Religious partners in mission.

During such a meeting on July 22, Fr Sosa highlighted six areas of serious concern for the Church and the Society of Jesus today.

These include: n The unprecedented demographic shifts around the world as a result of mass migrations of peoples searching for a better life from poverty, conflicts or natural dis-

asters, and the sometimes hostile reception they have encountered in the countries they have travelled to. n The growing social inequality and widening wealth gap between the rich and the poor. n The increased polarisation and conflict within and between countries, and the use of religion and God to justify violence, when the root causes of many problems are poverty, fear, ignorance and despair. n The ecological crisis facing humanity. n The “expanding digital ecosystem” with the rise of the Internet and social media which have brought many benefits, but which also present challenges because of the speed at which they have affected cultures and interpersonal relationships. n The “weakening of politics as a means of seeking the common good”, the increasingly widespread disillusionment with politicians and governments in many parts of the world, and the corresponding risks of the rise of populist leaders who

Fr Arturo Sosa meeting parishioners of the Jesuit-run Church of St Ignatius after Mass.

exploit people’s fear and anger.

Fr Sosa said that the Jesuit approach is to first ask how God is acting in the world in response to these concerns, and how God is calling them to share in His work of “reconciling the world to Himself in Christ” (2 Cor 5:19). The Jesuit mission of reconciliation thus contains three key dimensions of reconciliation – with God, with one another, and with creation.

In response to the mission of reconciliation with God, Fr Sosa urged Jesuits and their partners in mission to continue promoting Ignatian spirituality and other ministries that help people to “know, love and surrender to the living God”.

In response to the mission of reconciliation of peoples with one another, he called on them to promote a “generous culture of hospitality” where all people recognise their common humanity and mutual moral claim on each other, because all are created in the image of God. In particular, special concern should be given to the displaced and marginalised, and also to promoting interreligious harmony and understanding.

Finally, in response to the mission of reconciliation with creation, Fr Sosa urged them to pro-

mote more ecologically minded lifestyles, beginning with their own and that of their communities. He also emphasised the importance of celebrating and giving thanks for creation as a starting point for changing attitudes.

Addressing the importance of collaboration in the mission of the

Among the issues Fr Sosa discussed were the increased polarisation within societies, the ecological crisis and the weakening of politics.

Church and of the Jesuits today, Fr Sosa pointed out that they are all sharers and collaborators in the mission of Christ, called to live their different vocations faithfully.

Collaboration allows people to bring their individual gifts and vocations together to share Christ’s mission more effectively, he said.

Fr Sosa also emphasised the

Fr Sosa with the Jesuits of the Malaysia-Singapore region.

importance of Ignatian spirituality in helping them to grow in inner freedom and discernment, as well as the importance of discernment in common as a part of collaborative planning.

Collaboration itself is a witness of the transformative power of the Gospel, when Christians working together are able to support each other in a spirit of patience and forgiveness when the need arises, he said.

Speaking with the Jesuits of Malaysia and Singapore at a separate meeting on July 19, Fr Sosa emphasised the three aspects of discernment, collaboration and reconciliation in the Jesuit mission today.

He called for the continual renewal of Jesuit vocation and community life, centred on Ignatian spirituality and discernment, as well as the Eucharist, which help in identifying more closely with Christ and His mission.

He reminded the Jesuits to foster an “affective and effective proximity to the poor” because of their centrality to the Gospel.

“Being friends with the poor, hearing them, learning from their wisdom, inspires a mission that seeks a just world where all have a place and find conditions for a dignified life,” he said. n

BUILDING BUILDINGTHE THE CHURCH CHURCH OF OFTOMORROW TOMORROW 3

November 27, 2016  CatholicNews n CatholicNews Sunday August 20, 2017 

SEEING THE BIG PICTURE IN GIVING In this adapted extract of Archbishop William Goh’s homily at the CHARIS Humanitarian Forum & Fair on 10 June 2017, Catholics and the various organisations in the archdiocese are urged to see that we are one Church with one mission.

Archbishop William Goh giving his homily during a Mass at the Humanitarian Forum & Fair 2017, held at Catholic Junior College.

Photo: Vita Images.

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, this world is really ironical. The dignity of the human person is something that the Church has always championed even until today.

Every person is unique, is an individual, irreplaceable.

This is one of the more important social teachings of the Church, alongside another important social teaching—that every person is called to freedom.

Unfortunately, the dignity of the individual has been overaccentuated, at the expense of the community. And the freedom of the individual, at the expense of the greater good of the community. This is the reason why, today we have a situation where people are very individualistic. It is about themselves, their needs, their wants, and never about others.

the poor around us These tensions between the individual and the community exist in our personal dimensions of life, in the global arena, as well as within the Church.

In the local archdiocese, we have CHARIS (Caritas Humanitarian Aid & Relief Initiatives, Singapore) and Caritas Singapore. CHARIS is for humanitarian aid, to help those people in need overseas, while Caritas attends to the local needs of the people. In itself, this is also a tension.

Should we help the poor people in Singapore? There are many who cannot afford to have three meals per day, and would have a late lunch at 2 or 3 o’clock, just so they can skip dinner. If you talk about the poor in Singapore, there are many.

But what about the poor overseas? Should we help our local people first, or should we

send aid overseas?

the dioceses in the church As archbishop, I am also faced with this tension. You know that the Archdiocese of Singapore is in dire need of funds. We need more than 230 million dollars over the next seven years to finance our operations and infrastructure to build up a more vibrant, missionary and evangelistic Church.

children. She brought two bags of rice and gave them to this family. While Mother Teresa was talking to the children, the mother disappeared. She returned 15 minutes later, and Mother Teresa asked, “Where were you? What happened?”.

The woman said, “Sister, you gave me two bags of rice, and I remembered that down the road, there is another big family who have been without food. So, I gave them the other bag of rice.”

My brothers and sisters, we are never too poor to give. There will always be someone who is in greater need than us. If you think you are poor, that might be true compared to someone who is richer. But there will always be those who are poorer than you.

basis of giving The basis of assistance to those who are needy is rooted in the very fact that the God we worship is a God of compassion.

For the faithful, our attitudes towards those who are suffering is not simply based on human sympathy, but more. It is that this God we worship is a God of

We will make the world a happier place if all of us, according to the talents and resources the Lord has given us, share them and use them well together.

But I am not just Archbishop of Singapore, but also a bishop in communion with the rest of the bishops in the world. We are a college of bishops. The Archbishop of Singapore must not only attend to the needs of the local church; he also has a duty towards the other churches of the world, especially those who are poorer.

Every time I go for an international meeting, priests from the many dioceses that are much poorer than Singapore, turn to me for help.

Should I say no to them because our own archdiocese is struggling to meet our expenditure? I have an obligation both towards the archdiocese, and the other dioceses. I have to put aside some funds to help those overseas.

compassion, and we are called to live out the compassion of God. For us as Catholics, we are asked to go further. When we celebrate the feast of the Holy Trinity, we are saying that God is one and yet three, one being, and three relations. You cannot speak of the Father without the Son. For a human person, we are not exactly like God. We are unique individuals, yet social beings. As unique individuals, it is possible to live by yourself—although your life may not be complete. But we

are also social beings. And that is the beauty of the human person.

It is these relationships that give us meaning and purpose in life.

It is because we are different, that we can be for each other.

mutual giving and receiving It is good for us to realise this. Whether we are givers, facilitators, or recipients, all of us are one together. If God has given us things, it is always for the service of others. It is when we continue to give ourselves to others, that we receive joy.

We will make the world a happier place if all of us, according to the talents and resources the Lord has given us, share them and use them well together. This is unity in diversity.

In helping the poor and those who need our services, the joy you receive would be incomparable to what the money and time given could have been spent on. There is mutual giving and mutual receiving.

I feel sad for the Church when I see divisions and narrow mindedness. We are one Church, we have one mission. Every organisation, every affiliate body, is important. Each has its own role. But when we become parochial minded, when it becomes only about “my organisation”, instead of the people we are called to help, we have lost our focus.

Of course, those of you who are in the various organisations, you must certainly champion your own organisation. But champion, never at the expense of the bigger picture.

And so, I pray that as we celebrate the feast of the Holy Trinity, all of you who are involved with various Catholic organisations, let us work together as one, just as the Father and the Son, one in mission, one in love. Amen.

never too poor to give I want to share a story of Mother Teresa that has inspired me.

One day, Mother Teresa went to visit a very poor family comprising a mother and six

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

GE PLEDW NO

a series contributed by

Attendees of the Humanitarian Forum & Fair 2017 participate in Mass, celebrated by Archbishop William Goh. Photo: Vita Images.

4 HOME

Sunday August 20, 2017 n CatholicNews

Maris Stella marks Founder’s Day, Marist Brothers’ anniversary A wushu performance, music pieces by the Chinese orchestra and symphonic band, and a skit on the early life of St Marcellin Champagnat, founder of the Marist Brothers.

These were part of Maris Stella High School’s 59th Founder’s Day celebration and also marked the Marist Brothers’ 200th anniversary.

The July 28 event was held at Maris Stella High School, which comprises both primary and secondary sections. It is the only Marist Brothers school in Singapore.

Br Michael Green, executive director of the Marist Association of St Marcellin Champagnat in Australia, was the guest-ofhonour at the celebration. Upon arrival, he was greeted with a lion dance performance by primary school students.

In his address, Br Michael highlighted the common Ave Maria monogram used as a symbol by Marist schools around the world in their school logos and badges.

He explained that the symbol is held together at its heart by the letter “M”, which stands for Mary.

Mary was special for St Marcellin and he took her as his role model.

Br Michael said that Mary “was a woman who put others first, a selfless woman, a mother, a person who loved. To be Marist is to be these things – faithful, hopefilled and loving.

And it is to be someone who increases how much faith, hope and love there is in the world,” he said.

Mrs Woo Soo Min, principal of the Special Assistance Plan school, described the challenges that founding principal, Br Chanel Soon, overcame to set up Maris Stella High School in 1958, and to have its own site in 1967, where the school has been situated since.

From having to borrow classrooms in the initial days of the school and raising funds to build it, Br Chanel personified the five Marist values of presence, simplicity, family spirit, love of work and “in the way of Mary,” said Mrs Woo. She also paid a special tribute to Br John Lek, who was principal of the school from 1982-1984, and remains an active member of the school management committee.

After her speech, the school presented an achievement report of its academic and co-curricular results, followed by performances.

A skit by students and teachers portrayed the struggles of St Marcellin as he struggled with his schooling, never ceasing to believe in God and Mother Mary as he discerned his vocation to the priesthood. The skit also showed his mother’s untiring love and belief in her son and the measures that she took to secure him a place in the seminary.

A Chinese orchestra performance was part of Maris Stella High Schools’ 59th Founder’s Day celebration.

Br Michael Green, executive director of the Marist Association of St Marcellin Champagnat in Australia, speaking at the celebration.

The celebration ended on a high note as students, alumni, staff and parents sang the school song.

Founded in 1817 and originating from France, the Marist Brothers have set up schools in more than 70 countries. n

Students performing a skit on the early life of St Marcellin Champagnat, founder of the Marist Brothers.

Forming a new community in Punggol n From Page 1

A rock from Mount Tabor is also placed together with the relics.

Archbishop Goh then anointed the altar with chrism and incensed it.

The celebration also saw parish priest Fr Joachim Chang leading a procession to the adoration room to place the Blessed Sacrament there.

Later in his address, he described the “monumental task” of building the church and gave thanks to fellow priests, Religious, laypeople and other parishes for aiding the fundraising efforts.

Participants shared with Catholic News their thoughts after the celebration.

Timeline

“I’ve been attending their monthly Masses prior to the completion of the church and I’m really proud to see the church in its fullest,” said Mr John Low, 68. “Like what archbishop said, I hope now this church can be with the people, for the people,” he added.

Mrs Sophia Lee, who came with her family, said she is looking forward to being apart of the “new Transfiguration community.”

“We’ve been following the progress of the parish and now that it’s been completed and dedicated, we’re really looking forward to being parishioners and getting involved in the activities,” she said. n jared.ng@catholic.org.sg

Archbishop William Goh strikes the church door with his crosier as part of the dedication Mass ceremony.

n March 2013: The archdiocese of Singapore successfully tendered for a piece of land in Punggol. n July 2013: The name of the church was chosen. n August 2014: Archbishop William Goh conducts the groundbreaking ceremony. n August 2015: Fr Joachim Chang is appointed parish priest. n March 2016: The church kicks off its first monthly Mass at Holy Innocents’ High School. n February 2017: Construction works are completed. n April 13, 2017: The church celebrates its opening Mass on Maundy Thursday. n Aug 6, 2017: The church celebrates its Dedication Mass.

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Sunday August 20, 2017 n CatholicNews

Making end-of-life decisions: the need for advance care planning The Catholic Medical Guild offers some advice on the issue CNS photo

By Dr Colin Ong and

cate if an unexpected event should happen and you can no longer speak for yourself.

This person(s) should know and honour your personal values, beliefs and healthcare preferences especially in difficult medical situations such as the use of CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), ventilator support and so on. You may even want to share your wishes with your doctor.

Dr Irwin Chung

A

DVANCE care planning is essential today, as technological advances in medicine have enabled people to live longer even when a cure is no longer possible.

However, the use of advance directives or “living wills” may be morally problematic if they contain language that is too simplistic or vague, and suggest that all choices at the end of life are morally the same, for example, “If my doctors decide that I have severe brain damage and I am not likely to get better and life-support only delays death, I (want/ do not want) life support treatment”.

Such questions are prone to the “slippery slope” towards euthanasia especially when patients’ conditions are poor and erroneously considered “not worth living”.

In truth, not all end-of-life choices are morally the same.

Catholic teaching affirms that “ordinary” or “proportionate” treatments, i.e. those that would likely benefit the patient’s life and health without undue burden to oneself or one’s family, are morally required. It also affirms that all human life, even in less-than-ideal states, has intrinsic dignity and is worth caring for.

Furthermore, advance directives are made without knowing the actual circumstances during the time of severe illness and may not reflect the real wishes of the patient at that moment.

Perhaps during the experience of being severely short of breath, one may want the life-sustaining treatment that was previously decided against; or one’s decision may have changed because of an important family commitment or a new religious worldview.

As such, advance directives are often not robust enough to ensure that the patient’s preference is upheld at the end of life.

The only legal advance directive in Singapore, the Advance Medical Directive (AMD), contains the problems mentioned above.

AMD states that you do not want to receive extraordinary lifesustaining treatment to prolong your life if you become terminally ill, unconscious, and where death is imminent.

While the parameters are narrow and well defined, it is still prone to different interpre-

Here is a brief suggestion of how to do ACP: Setting the stage: Think of a suitable place or time of day in which you and your loved ones feel comfortable to begin this conversation.

Start with a familiar topic: Talking about care at the end of life may be difficult. Some conversation starters include: - Death of a family member, friend or colleague - Hospitalisation or serious illness in the past - Newspaper articles and TV news stories, shows - Books and magazines - Religious teachings Go slow and keep an open mind: Discussing healthcare matters can bring up concerns and uncomfortable feelings.

Your loved ones may not even agree with your decisions.

That’s okay. Be patient and give it time.

For persons with more complex conditions, ACP discussions may need to be facilitated by a trained healthcare professional.

These facilitators are available in most public and community hospitals. For more information please refer to www.livingmatters.sg.

Let’s not put it off any longer.

Planning for our end of life is not only responsible, but also the loving thing we can do for those who love us both “now and in the hour of our death”. n

• •

tations of what one means by “imminent death” or “extraordinary treatment” as well as lacks ability to definitively know the actual wishes of the patient at the moment when treatment is needed.

Better than an advance directive, or at least something that should be made in conjunction with one, is the appointment of a surrogate decision maker for one’s end-of-life care. There are two complementary instruments to do so: 1. LPA – appointing a surrogate for when one no longer has the mental capacity to make decisions Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document that you sign to appoint a donee to make financial or personal welfare decisions on your behalf when you

Planning for our end of life is not only responsible, but also the loving thing we can do for those who love us. no longer have the mental capacity to do so (e.g. dealings with banks, CPF matters, where to live etc).

While the donee may not make any decision with respect to the carrying out or continua-

Guild’s bioethics centre The Catholic Medical Guild of Singapore (CMG) provides a resource for those who are seeking help in answering reallife ethical dilemmas on issues ranging from contraception and abortion counselling to that of end-of-life care in a manner that is both professional and faithful to the teachings of the Catholic Church.

The new CMG bioethics centre consisting of moral

theologian, Fr David Garcia, OP, and two medical doctors both trained in medical ethics at the John Paul II institute for marriage and the family in Melbourne – Dr Colin Ong and Dr John Hui – will be available to address ethical dilemmas via the email cmgethicscentre@ gmail.com, or if necessary, through a personal face-to-face dialogue at a date and time that can be arranged. n

tion of life-sustaining treatment, he/she can inform the medical team about your care preferences and execute your LPA in accordance with those wishes (e.g. unlocking funds to finance care in your preferred care setting) if you have appointed him/her as your nominated healthcare spokesperson as well (see ACP below).

You can email enquiry@publicguardian.gov.sg to find out more.

2. ACP – planning for one’s future care with loved ones Advance Care Planning (ACP) begins by having an open discussion about your end-of-life wishes with loved ones, preferably written down for future reference.

Consider who among your loved ones (a nominated healthcare spokesperson) can be your advo-

•

6 ASIA

Sunday August 20, 2017 n CatholicNews

Canossian colouring book

The cover of the book titled Senza Tempo.

A drawing inside the book done by Canossian Sr Janet Wang.

SINGAPORE – St Anthony’s Ca-

Road to the Bedok campus.

Finally, Transformation depicts the development and movement into the present, the new programmes and facilities.

The illustrations are also a way for others to appreciate the Canossian philosophy The drawings were done by students, staff, Canossian nuns, alumnae and parents. Each piece is accompanied by a poem or write up.

Each copy is sold at $10.

For purchase enquiries, please contact Ms Monica Ko at 64490616 ext 117 or email ko_miew_han_ monica@moe.edu.sg. n

nossian Secondary School has launched a colouring book which allows students to identify, appreciate and deepen their understanding of the school’s values and ethos.

Titled Senza Tempo, which means “timeless” in Italian, the colouring book is categorised into three main portions: Tradition, Transition and Transformation.

Tradition focuses on the origins and beginnings of the school.

Transition shows the changes the school has undergone throughout the years and the move from the old campus at Middle

Regional Caritas network fights human trafficking

Marymount Convent School celebrates 60th anniversary

The sarong kebaya-clad choir was a highlight of the July 31 celebration.

SINGAPORE – Marymount Convent School, started by the Good Shepherd Sisters, is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year with various activities.

One such celebration was held on July 31, the birthday of St Mary Euphrasia Pelletier, the foundress of the Good Shepherd Sisters.

During this event, students were taken on a picture tour to various places in France, to the places where their foundress lived and worked. Some Good Shepherd Sisters also shared with the cohorts of different levels their experiences, ministries and hopes.

The celebration saw Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean officiating at the opening of the school’s upgraded premises and new Heritage Gallery.

The day climaxed with a homecoming dinner during which students put on a musical reminiscing the past. The sarong kebaya-clad choir sang and the gymnasts put on displays of their prowess.

Modern and Chinese dancers also took to the stage, as did a young harpist playing

Good Shepherd Sisters of Vietnam seen here with organisers of the Blue Heart Campaign at an exhibition booth in Yangon, Myanmar. Photo: JULIAN CHUA (CHARIS) SINGAPORE – CHARIS, the Singapore archdiocese’s umbrella body for overseas humanitarian aid, has contributed US$6,000 (S$8,100) towards the organisation of an anti-human trafficking campaign in Myanmar.

The Blue Heart Campaign, aimed at raising awareness and empowering people towards ending human trafficking in the region, was organised by the Greater Mekong Sub-Region (GMS) Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force.

The Aug 6 event was held at the People’s Square and Park in Yangon.

The task force comprises Caritas Myanmar, Cambodia, Macau, Thailand, Vietnam, and Caritas Asia. The organisers hope that the campaign would encourage neighbouring governments in the Greater Mekong Sub-Region to

strengthen law enforcement and policies against human trafficking.

The event was attended by more than 500 participants from NGOs, representatives from the Myanmar government, law enforcement agencies, foreign embassies and the Myanmar public.

Exhibition tents were also set up by representatives of the GMS task force and NGOs to inform the public of the various anti-human trafficking initiatives in the region.

During the event, Mr John Jirawat, a representative of the GMS Task Force, called for cooperation between the task force and other like-minded organisations.

He emphasised maximising the use of resources to fight human trafficking and provide support to survivors. n Submitted by: CARITAS HUMANITARIAN AID & RELIEF INITIATIVES, SINGAPORE (CHARIS)

Korean diocese to train young missionaries

DPM Teo Chee Hean officiating at the opening of the school’s upgraded premises and new Heritage Gallery.

with the music ensemble.

Former pupils who returned for the celebration included Senior Minister of State for Law and Finance Indranee Rajah, celebrity chef Violet Oon, veteran singer Jacintha Abishe-

ganaden and radio DJ Jean Danker.

The school now also has a small prayer room where children’s adoration sessions are held weekly.

The school will hold a carnival on Nov 18. n

SEOUL – Cheongju diocese in South Korea says it will train young Catholics to become missionaries by living the Gospel and spreading its message to others.

The Youth Ministry Department of the diocese will begin the one-year long Cheongju Youth Missionary Training (CYMT) programme in August.

“We will try to raise these youths’ awareness as missionaries and help them to share their faith with their neighbours,” said Fr David Yang Yun-seong, youth ministry director of the diocese.

The programme includes the Church’s teachings on missionary

work, meetings with missionaries plus exposure to local and overseas missionary activities.

The CYMT programme is in line with Cheongju diocese’s long-term pastoral plan to be a “community spreading the Gospel all over the world”.

Bishop Gabriel Chang Bonghun of Cheongju said in his 2017 pastoral letter that “Cheongju diocese will offer and support various programmes to train the youth as future missionaries based on their missionary experience and thus help them be main players evangelising the whole world”. n UCANEWS.COM

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Sunday August 20, 2017 n CatholicNews

Catechists learn how to talk to teenagers about sex HO CHI MINH CITY – Catechists in

an archdiocese in southern Vietnam have been trained on how to best educate teenagers on sex.

About 400 catechists attended the week-long course held by the Ho Chi Minh City Archdiocese’s Ministry Committee for Catechism from July 17-22.

The catechists attending the course were given information on sex education, human dignity, sexual desire and affection, self-control, loyalty, real love and mutual respect.

Mr Dominic Nguyen Minh Hy, a catechist from Phat Diem parish, said such information is essential for teenagers who are curious about sex while their parents are reluctant to talk about the issue. “Without help from educators, youths will indulge in poisonous information found on the Internet,” said the 24-year-old.

Mr Minh said he felt heartbro-

ken when he saw a ninth grader leaving school because she got pregnant, and another 13-year-old girl who had an abortion.

“It is important to apply sex education to catechism pro-

Vietnamese catechists were given information on human dignity, sexual desire and affection, self-control, loyalty, real love and mutual respect. grammes for youths in the coming school year,” Mr Minh said. Catholic youth will attend catechism classes in parishes in September.

Fr Peter Nguyen Van Hien, head of the Ministry Committee for Catechism, said most catechists

are embarrassed to talk about sexual issues, a taboo in Vietnamese culture. If it is done via catechism, it is an easier approach, he said.

The priest said the Church could not deal with all the challenges facing children but it could offer them a moral foundation to help them cope.

Sex education is a compulsory part of the catechism programme for children this year.

Fr Hien said the Ministry Committee for Catechism, which officially came into operation in 2010, oversees sex education for adults, converts, teenagers, couples preparing for marriage and people with physical disabilities.

The committee also conducts three-year training courses for catechists.

The archdiocese has 6,000 catechists, most of them lay volunteers without salaries. n UCANEWS.COM

Philippine cardinal wants an end to parochialism – Catholic parishes should continue to serve people and communities equally without being “parochial.”

This was the call made by Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of Manila at the end of the three-day Philippine Conference on New Evangelization on July 30.

The Manila prelate said the Church should continue to support and serve people by making room for others and “entering the wounds of others.”

“How I wish our parishes would enter the doors of the wounds of people so that no parish would become parochial,” he said.

“The word parochial means narrow,” said Cardinal Tagle before some 6,000 participants at the annual gathering in Manila.

Now in its fourth year, the conference discussed issues of social justice, the environment, youth, social media and family, among others.

Cardinal Tagle said that in a world “enveloped by fear” the annual gathering is an invitation to Catholics to make room for those “who want to take the first step towards journeying.”

“By making room for others we become agents of God’s hand, guiding those who have lost direction so that they could find their way,” said the cardinal.

He said “touching the wounds of others” is the “way of communion” that will help people recover a sense of common humanity.

“I hope that every parish re-

MANILA

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of Manila said the Church should ‘enter the doors of the wounds of people’ to avoid becoming parochial. CNS file photo

ally becomes a communion where we open doors, where we surpass our fears, and we see a brother or a sister whose wounds are my wounds too,” said Cardinal Tagle.

In his homily at the closing

of the conference, Archbishop Salvatore Fisichella stressed the Church’s mission and the role of people in evangelisation.

“We recognised that we are all involved in a true movement, a movement that unites us to Christ,” said the president of the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization.

The annual meeting is an initiative of the Archdiocese of Manila to find and introduce new methods to evangelise cultures and societies.

Fr Jason Laguerta, conference director, said the event is a continuing effort of exploring new expressions and narratives in sharing the Gospel “in a language that touches and transforms hearts and souls.”

“New evangelisation is fundamentally about the encounter with Jesus and without this there can be no other communion,” said the priest.” n UCANEWS.COM

8 ASIAN YOUTH DAY

Sunday August 20, 2017 n CatholicNews

Asian Youth Day: A meeting of cultures, languages Young people from 21 Asian countries took part in the Aug 2-6 celebration YOGYAKARTA,

INDONESIA

–

Cardinal Patrick D’Rozario of Dhaka, chairman of the Office of Laity and Family of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conference, officially launched the 7th Asian Youth Day (AYD) festivities in Yogyakarta on Aug 2.

More than 2,000 young people from 21 Asian countries attended the Mass at the Jogya Expo Centre in the Indonesian city.

In his homily, the Bangladeshi cardinal compared the AYD festivities – with the theme Joyful Asian Youth! Living the Gospel in Multicultural Asia – to Pentecost in which people of different cultures and languages gathered in communion.

“You have come from different cultures, ethnic groups and nations. And you have come to-

gether to rejoice in the Lord,” he told the youth.

Young people are sent “to see the needs of the people and to bring Jesus to them and to bring them to Jesus,” he said.

Speaking to ucanews.com, Cardinal D’Rozario said youth “live their faith in their own cultures. And when they come together, they share their experiences. That is an inspiration to others.”

The AYD festivities are not just about sharing by Church leaders but by young people themselves because “that is the Joy of the Gospel,” he said.

Archbishop Robertus Rubiyatmoko of Semarang in Central Java said this year’s theme reflects the real context of Indonesia.

“We grow up in diverse cultures, but we can live together. We learn from others and others learn

Youth representatives from different countries taking part in the Aug 2-6 Asian Youth Day in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.

from us,” he said, hoping that the Aug 2-6 programme will encourage young people to build net-

works that can be used as means of evangelisation.

Speaking during the official

opening ceremony after the Mass, Indonesia’s Religious Affairs Minister, Lukman Hakim Saifuddin, stressed the importance of promoting solidarity between the young people participating in the Asian Youth Day festivities.

“Your presence shows the commitment of solidarity to live together in the diversity of culture, race and nation. This spirit is in line with the programme’s theme which is to spread the Good News to the Asian region,” he said.

Present for the opening Mass were Indonesian bishops’ conference chairman Archbishop Ignatius Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo of Jakarta and its secretary-general Bishop Antonius Subianto Bunyamin of Bandung, Bishop Pius Riana Prapdi of Ketapang, chairman of the bishops’ Commission for Youth, 52 other bishops and 158 priests. n UCANEWS.COM

Learning to care for creation Become champions YOGYAKARTA,

INDONESIA

–

Protecting the world’s environment was a feature during the Asian Youth Day celebration.

The more than 2,000 young Asian Catholics were encouraged to seek the meaning of Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’ (On Care for Our Common Home).

In his encyclical released in 2015, the pope called for swift action on climate change, among other issues. In Indonesia, activists say issues linked to the environment and climate change are particularly pressing.

Participants at the Yogyakarta gathering exhibited environmentally friendly products, as well as information on their environmental protection activities, at the Jogya Expo Centre.

Bishop Pius Riana Prapdi of Ketapang in Indonesia’s West Kalimantan, chairman of the Indo-

A child walks across a drain filled with garbage in New Delhi. Part of the Asian Youth Day programme focused on Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato si’ on care for the environment.

INDONESIA

–

Asian Youth Day participants committed to use social media to spread positivity and share the Word of God to inspire others.

Their commitment was read out by two representatives during the closing ceremony of the celebration on Aug 6.

“Technology and social media have become part of our life as young people. We will use these tools responsibly to spread positivity and ... to share the Word of God

Asian Youth Day participants enjoying a time of fun and fellowship.

Bishop Henry D’Souza said the Church needs the ‘youth’s talents, their energy, their imagination and their leadership,’

CNS photo

nesian bishops’ Commission for Youth, called on young people to serve as a bridge to the future.

“In the context of nature, we are brothers and sisters,” the bishop said. “That is why, in his encyclical, Pope Francis calls the Earth his brother. And today this Earth cries out for attention.”

Ms Shefali Xavier Chaudary, 20, from India learned more about environmental protection from the Asian Youth Day’s programme.

“Obviously, it is very important to know about the encyclical,” she said. “You use everything for yourself, but what about the next generation?” n UCANEWS.COM

Use social media to spread Gospel YOGYAKARTA,

of unity, youths told

and to inspire others,” they said.

“When we go home, we will inspire our families and friends to join us in our journey and experience to Gospel,” they said.

Mr Deril De Melo, a 25-yearold participant from India, committed to focus on social media.

“I will start a youth ministry and actively spread the Gospel message through social media. I will also ask my friends to have Facebook and Twitter accounts so that I can share the Gospel message

with them,” he told ucanews.com.

For Ms Saharon Padilla from the Philippines, the Internet is the main challenge faced by young people in her country.

“Youth are very much interested in social media. But with my participation in the Asian Youth Day festivities, I will spread the Good News through my Facebook account,” she said.

The previous Asian Youth Day was held in South Korea in 2014. n UCANEWS.COM

YOGYAKARTA, INDONESIA – In-

dian bishop Henry D’Souza, from the Diocese of Bellary (Karnataka), in his homily during a Mass at the Asian Youth Day, focused on the theme of unity.

He said that “Asia is facing the rise of religious fundamentalism and threat to peace and security. More violence and deaths are caused by religious intolerance than any other weapon.”

“The Catholic youth of Asia have the God-given responsibility to respond to such situations.

Concerted action to promote religious harmony and conflict resolutions in Asia should be a priority of our youth associations.”

The greatest challenge facing young people in Asia is “to kindle hope in millions in the region who look for a ray of hope to brighten their lives and make their struggles meaningful.” The goal is for young people to “become champi-

ons of unity of all peoples.”

The bishop, who also heads the Bishops’ Youth Commission, gave the gathered youth an important task: “To be leaders of tomorrow by taking up leadership roles in all areas of modern life,” as well as in political life, media, arts and other professions.

“The Church and Asia need the youth. They need youth’s talents, their energy, their imagination and their leadership. The youth of today cannot afford to be distracted by violence, materialism, pornography, addiction to substance and wayward life. Neither can they be indifferent and silent spectators.

“They need to be focused and become achievers, veritable transforming agents. They need to build bridges linking people of all faiths, cultures and nationalities.

Let us start here in Yogyakarta, and carry the torch to the ends of Asia.” n ASIANEWS

ASIA 9

Sunday August 20, 2017 n CatholicNews

New challenges in Vatican–Far East ties HONG KONG – Cardinal Pietro

Parolin said the Vatican’s dialogue in the Far East has met with “new challenges”.

The Vatican’s Secretary of State was asked if the Far East has its own particular way of dialogue with the Catholic Church in an interview with Italian business daily Il Sole 24 Ore published on July 27.

Though the interviewer did not name any country in his question, the Vatican’s dialogue with Beijing has been in strong focus since Pope Francis assumed the papacy in 2013 and several rounds of negotiation have been held.

“Certainly, compared to past times, now new challenges have cropped up that call for unprecedented and creative responses, but in the end the aim of the Church has always been the same, and it is by nature pastoral: bring God to man and man to God,” said Cardinal Parolin.

“Specifically, the Catholic Church asks that people are guaranteed the right to freely profess one’s faith for the benefit of everyone and for harmony in society.

‘Compared to

past times, now new challenges have cropped up that call for unprecented and creative reponses.’

– Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican’s Secretary of State

China’s flag is seen as Pope Francis greets people in St Peter’s Square at the Vatican. Observers believe that the latest round of Vatican-China talks has not been smooth. CNS file photo

Catholics wish to live their faith serenely in their respective countries like good citizens, working toward the positive development of the national community,” he said.

“In this framework, I think that the path of dialogue taken up by the governments of some countries of the region

Pope names coadjutor to Hong Kong as cardinal retires VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Cardinal John Tong Hon as bishop of Hong Kong. Coadjutor Bishop Michael Yeung Ming-cheung, 70, succeeds the cardinal as head of the diocese, the Vatican announced on Aug 1.

Cardinal Tong, 78, has led the Diocese of Hong Kong since 2009, when Cardinal Joseph Zen Ze-kiun retired as head of the diocese.

Cardinal Tong defended China-Vatican negotiations as a win-win situation while rebuffing worries that the Holy See would give up Church principles and sacrifice the underground Church in exchange for successful negotiations, reported Asian news portal ucanews.com. His outlook has been more optimistic than that of Cardinal Zen’s.

When Bishop Yeung’s appointment as coadjutor was announced in November, he said he was grateful for having two predecessors who stand “like two big trees offering shelter” while storms rock Hong Kong society.

Hong Kong has a charged political atmosphere due to the clash between pro-democracy activists and the local and Beijing governments, and the atmosphere has spread to Christian Churches.

Younger Christians are unhappy with their leaders adopting a reconciliatory attitude towards the Chinese communist regime, reported ucanews.com.

Coadjutor Bishop Michael Yeung Ming-cheung, 71, will succeed Cardinal John Tong Hon as bishop of Hong Kong. CNS photo

Bishop Yeung praised the wisdom of Cardinal Zen as “God’s gift” and said “Cardinal John Tong Hon taught me to love Chinese culture, love the Chinese people and love the Church.”

Ms Yiu Sau-hing, English secretary of the Hong Kong Central Council of Catholic Laity, said Bishop Yeung has a rich administrative and pastoral experience from being the president of Caritas Hong Kong for many years.

“He is not conservative nor radical but a moderate person.

I believe he will be a bridge between China, Hong Kong and the Vatican,” Ms Yiu told ucanews. com. n CNS

should be welcomed, including China,” said Cardinal Parolin, who was the chief negotiator between China and the Vatican before things were put on hold by Pope Benedict XVI in 2009.

“Dialogue in itself is already a positive fact, which opens towards encounter and helps confidence to grow. We face it in a spirit of healthy realism, knowing well that the destiny of humanity is, above all, in the hands of God,” he said.

Chinese observers believe the latest round of negotiations that ended on June 28 were not

smooth and that there was no open gesture coming from either side.

Earlier, on June 26, the Vatican issued a statement saying it was saddened with the situation of the disappearance of Bishop Peter Shao Zhumin of Wenzhou. China’s Foreign Ministry rebuked the Vatican claiming the statement was not a reasonable and correct thing to do and that China opposed any country using so-called individual cases to interfere in its internal affairs.

“The Vatican statement and remarks by Chinese officials show tension between both sides. Something must have happened before or during the secret talks that outsiders do not know of yet,” said a Catholic commentator who asked not to be named.

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

10 WORLD

Sunday August 20, 2017 n CatholicNews

Russia, West must settle differences for peace: Vatican official

Religious leaders in Malaysia signed a declaration against human trafficking on July 30.

M’sian faith leaders on human trafficking KUALA LUMPUR – Ten leaders

of different religions in Malaysia signed an Inter-Faith Joint Declaration against Human Trafficking, in an event hosted by the Catholic Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur.

The faith leaders on July 30 jointly declared that “every girl, boy, woman and man is a free person, and all exist for the good of all in equality and fraternity. That people are trafficked and exploited

physically, economically, sexually and psychologically for the profit, benefit and pleasure of others goes against the fundamental conviction that all people are equal and have the same freedom and dignity”.

The historic joint declaration, held on the United Nations World Day against Trafficking in Persons, is an initiative spearheaded

by Kuala Lumpur archdiocese in collaboration with the Conference

of Religious Major Superiors Malaysia-Singapore-Brunei.

Said Archbishop Julian Leow of Kuala Lumpur: “People of faith must play their part in the fight against human trafficking, and I ask everyone to consider what each of us can do. It may be something as simple as talking about the issue with our friends, or learning how to spot a possible victim of human trafficking.” n

VATICAN CITY – Peace and an end to violent conflicts around the world should be placed above any national interests when it comes to the relationship between Western countries and Russia, said the Vatican secretary of state.

Ahead of his visit to Russia at the end of August, Cardinal Pietro Parolin said that differences between Russia and the West are often highlighted “as if they were different worlds, each with their own values, their own interests, a national or transnational pride, and even their own concept of international law to oppose others”.

“The effort to understand each other does not mean the yielding of one to the position of the other. It is rather a patient, constructive, frank, and at the same time, respectful dialogue,” the cardinal said in an interview with Il Regno, an Italian Catholic magazine, published on July 27.

Calm, persistent efforts to promote understanding, he said, are “even more important on the questions which are at the origin of current conflicts and on those that risk provoking a further increase in tension”.

While recently “there has been a period of uncertainty” regarding Russia’s position on various issues, including on Syria, Cardinal Parolin said efforts to reach mutual understanding and discovering solutions to various world crises should “be placed above any national or, in any case, partisan interest”.

The Holy See, he added, will continue to encourage Russia and Western countries to engage in respectful dialogue instead of in-

dulging in special interests which are a characteristic of “this age of a return to nationalisms” that distracts from averting “the possibility of catastrophe”.

“I am convinced that it is part of the Holy See’s mission to insist on this aspect,” he said.

The interviewer also asked about the Holy See’s view of President Donald Trump. Cardinal Parolin said that the Trump administration is “so different and unique” that it will need “time to find its own balance”.

Cardinal Parolin called for a patient and respectful dialogue. CNS file photo

As for the Vatican’s view of his presidency, “time is needed to judge; you cannot be in a rush,” said the cardinal. “Any judgment now is hurried, even if sometimes the show of uncertainty itself can surprise.”

However, Cardinal Parolin expressed his hope that the United States and other countries will not change course “from their international responsibilities” on important global issues, especially the commitment to addressing climate change. n CNS

Korean peace accord urged SEOUL – Religious leaders have called for a peace accord between the two Koreas during an event commemorating the truce that ended the Korean War in 1953.

Catholic, Protestant, Won Buddhist and native Korean religion Cheondogyo leaders called for an accord during a jointly organised peace prayer at the Won Buddhist Seongju Shrine on July 26.

The event was held to mark the 64th anniversary of the truce which ended the Korean War (1950-1953). The truce went into effect on July 27, 1953. It was originally seen only as a temporary measure before a peace accord could be agreed upon.

Since the war, the North and South have remained bitter enemies and in recent months, tensions have been high over North Korea’s nuclear weapon and missile development programme.

“If peace in the Korean peninsula is not settled, the peace of Northeast

Asia will collapse, thus the Korean peninsula will be the powder keg for another war,” said Archbishop Hyginus Kim Hee-joong of Kwangju, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Korea, at the event.

“For peace in this land, we need a peace accord, not a truce.”

He also spoke about the deployment of the controversial Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) anti-missile system in the region.

“Its deployment was done without social consent, so it should be reconsidered. For peace, we should take each other’s hand and work for the peace accord in Korea,” he said. “It is a delusion to settle peace with arms. THAAD cannot bring peace in Korea.”

The deployment of the US missile defence system is designed to guard against North Korean attacks, but it has evoked threats from Pyongyang and upset China. n UCANEWS.COM

WORLD 11

Sunday August 20, 2017 n CatholicNews

US Church leader urges Trump to act quickly on contraceptive issue WASHINGTON – The head of the were not just in his speeches,” US Catholic bishops has urged Cardinal DiNardo said. “The text President Donald Trump to ease of the executive order itself dithe “onerous” contraceptive man- rects the secretary of Health and date of the Department of Health Human Services to “consider isand Human Services under the Af- suing amended regulations, confordable Care Act because it vio- sistent with applicable law, to adlates religious freedom. dress conscience-based objections Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo to the preventive-care mandate”. of Galveston-Houston said in a “Yet the onerous regulations commentary piece in The Hill that are still on the books have not political website on Aug 3 that been amended,” he said. the mandate, which requires most The cardinal called on Mr employer-offered health insur- Trump to act so “that the governance programmes to ment give us the space cover contraceptive to fully participate in Religious and abortion-inducing American life”. drugs and devices, freedom freedom is a is a“Religious “has tested this counfundamental right, fundamental not a political football. try’s commitment to a healthy pluralism”.

Freedom belongs to us right, not Citing Mr Trump’s by human nature, not a political pledge to ease the by government dicmandate during a tate. A government that football.

White House signing serves its citizens is one – Cardinal Daniel ceremony on May 4 that respects the right N. DiNardo for an executive order to religious freedom,” promoting free speech the cardinal added. and religious liberty, Cardinal DiThe commentary followed Nardo lamented that after three failed efforts by Congress to months no steps have yet been pass a law to repeal the Affordtaken to erase the Department able Care Act. It also comes two of Health and Human Services’ months after the May 31 leak of (HHS’) mandate for organisations a draft rule from HHS exempting that object to it for faith reasons. religious groups from the contraReligious charities, schools ceptive mandate. and pro-life advocacy organisaThe draft was welcomed at the tions, the cardinal wrote, could time by Church officials and attorface millions of dollars in fines neys representing the Little Sisfrom the federal government for ters of the Poor, one of the groups not complying with the mandate. that challenged the mandate in the “The president’s promises courts. n CNS

‘

’

Nuns demonstrate against the United States’ Affordable Care Act’s contraceptive mandate outside the Supreme Court in Washington last year. The mandate requires most employeroffered health insurance programmes to cover contraceptive and abortioninducing drugs and devices.

CNS file photo

12 WORLD

Sunday August 20, 2017 n CatholicNews

Vatican group considers excommunication in fighting organised crime VATICAN CITY – A Vatican consul-

selves from the Church. tation group will consider initiatives In a June 2014 visit to Sibari, in to bolster the fight against corrup- Italy’s Calabria region, Pope Francis tion and organised crime, includ- said that “those who follow the path ing by looking at possibilities for of evil, like the mafiosi do, are not excommunicating members of the in communion with God; they are Mafia and other criminal organisa- excommunicated”. tions.

The June 15 meeting on corThe Vatican Dicastery for Pro- ruption, sponsored by the dicastery moting Integral Huand the Pontifical man Development One proposal is the Academy for Social published an outlooked excommunication Sciences, come document on at corruption as a Aug 2 highlighting of the Mafia global problem and anti-corruption proat its connections to and other posals that came out organised crime and similar criminal the Mafia. of the Vatican’s first International De- organisations, and Fighting corbate on Corruption. ruption “will not excommunication be a simple road to Among the proposals made by the follow”, the outfor corruption. consultation group come document is the “development of a global re- said. Coming up with appropriate sponse – through bishops’ confer- concrete action will require listenences and local Churches – to the ing to the Church in various parts of excommunication of the Mafia and the world and entering into dialogue other similar criminal organisations with people of other faiths. and to the prospect of excommuniAmong the participants at the cation for corruption”.

June meeting were 50 anti-Mafia Popes and local bishops, es- and anti-corruption magistrates, as pecially in Italy, have long warned well as bishops and Vatican offimembers of the Mafia that by com- cials, heads of movements, victims, mitting such grave sins, they, in ef- journalists, scholars, intellectuals fect, have excommunicated them- and several ambassadors. n CNS

POPE GREETS BLIND ITALIAN TENOR: Pope Francis greets Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli after he performed with the choir, Voices of Haiti, during the pontiff’s weekly audience on Aug 2. The pope resumed his audiences indoors after a month’s break. He also resumed his series of talks about Christian hope.

CNS photo

Ethical concerns arise as scientists advance gene-editing work WASHINGTON – Catholic observers are raising ethical questions about the work of an international team of scientists who report that they were able to edit the DNA in human embryos to correct a health disorder.

The questions focus on two concerns: the creation of human embryos for scientific experimentation and then destruction, and the still-unknown effect that changing DNA will have on future generations because the changes could become a permanent part of a family’s genetic line.

The success reported by the scientists in work funded by the Oregon Health and Science University worries observers, who said that it could lead to the development of “designer babies” with traits that make them seem superior.

“Now we’re specifically manufacturing human embryos solely for the purpose of doing lethal experiments on them. I think the public needs to be well aware of

A laboratory director inspects a procedure in an in vitro fertilisation clinic.

A team of scientists said they managed to edit the DNA in human embryos to correct a health issue. CNS photo

that and hopefully horrified by entists said they were able to edit that reality,” said Mr Gregory the DNA in human embryos withSchleppenbach, associate direc- out introducing other harmful mutor of the Secretations that have tariat of Pro-Life plagued other efCertainly there Activities at the forts. should be concerns US Conference The particuof Catholic Bishlar experiment about genetically ops (USCCB) in involved gene modifying human Washington. editing to correct “ C e r t a i n l y beings in a way that a genetic defect there should be that causes a heart concerns about we don’t really know disorder known as genetically modiwhat effect that will cardiomyopathy, fying human beaffects the have on subsequent which ings in a way that heart’s ability to we don’t really pump blood. generations. know what effect Fr Tadeusz that will have on – Mr Gregory Schleppenbach, Pacholczyk, disubsequent gen- Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities rector of educaat the US Conference of erations,” he told tion at the NaCatholic Bishops Catholic News tional Catholic Service.

Bioethics Center The focus of such concerns is in Philadelphia, USA, told CNS a report that appeared online on that he is concerned that human Aug 2 in the journal Nature. Sci- embryos have been created in vitro and “treated not as ends but as mere means to achieve particular investigative goals”.

“The value as human beings is denigrated every time they are created, experimented upon, treated as research fodder and then killed,” he wrote in an email on Aug 3. “Moreover, if such embryos were to grow up, as will doubtless occur in the future, there are likely to be unintended effects from modifying their genes,” he added.

He said that should the procedure eventually become practice, it is possible that parents may opt for gene editing and then select the one embryo that had incorporated the desired genetic modifications, leaving the rest to be destroyed.

The USCCB’s Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services prohibit non-therapeutic experiments on a living embryo or foetus even with the consent of the parents. n CNS

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POPE FRANCIS 13

Sunday August 20, 2017 n CatholicNews

Pope may visit Myanmar in late November YANGON – Pope Francis is expected to focus on trying to improve the troubles of about a million ethnic Muslim Rohingya when he visits Myanmar in the last week of November, reported Asian Church news portal ucanews.com.

The Vatican has acknowledged that a possible trip is being studied, but it has said it is too early to confirm the trip. Ucanews.com reported that the visit is expected to be announced officially in September.

Sources told ucanews.com that the current plan calls for the Myanmar visit to precede a visit to Bangladesh.

The news of the pope’s Myanmar trip has already drawn the ire of hard-line Buddhist groups in Myanmar who have fanned sectarian violence and protest, especially against the Rohingya and other Muslims, over the past five years, ucanews.com reported.

Bishop Raymond Sumlut Gam of Banmaw said a visit by Pope Francis to Myanmar is most likely, although he said he had not officially been informed.

“The Catholic bishops invited Pope Francis before the 500th anniversary of Catholicism in Myanmar in late 2014,” Bishop Gam told ucanews.com. “Some improvements have occurred such as diplomatic relations between Myanmar and the Vatican, plus the appointment of an apostolic nuncio.”

President Htin Kyaw had also invited the pope.

Senior Catholic sources told ucanews.com that Pope Francis would arrive in Myanmar on Nov 27 for four nights.

The Vatican has acknowledged that a possible trip is being studied, but has said it is too early to confirm it.

Pope Francis talks with Ms Aung San Suu Kyi, de-facto leader of Myanmar, during a private audience at the Vatican on May 4. The pope is expected to address the Rohingya issue if he visits Myanmar. CNS file photo

According to information shared with top clergy in late July, the pope is expected to first visit the capital, Naypyitaw, where he will meet President Htin Kyaw and Ms Aung San Suu Kyi, state counsellor and foreign affairs minister and the country’s de-facto leader.

Sources said Pope Francis will celebrate at least two Masses before heading to the country’s largest city and business capital, Yan-

gon, for a large open-air Mass. He is expected to visit and celebrate Mass at St Joseph’s Catholic Major Seminary in Yangon.

One senior clergyman with knowledge of the pope’s visit but not authorised to speak about it told ucanews.com: “The main impetus behind the pope visiting is to try and help the government make peace with the Rohingya and improve their plight.”

Most of the Rohingya popu-

lation in Myanmar’s Rakhine state have been denied citizenship. About 120,000 of them are trapped in internally displaced person camps near the state capital, Sittwe. A further 400,000 live in the state’s north, which is currently under martial law.

Ms Suu Kyi has been increasingly criticised by democratic governments around the world for her hands-off attitude to the Rohingya crisis and her National League for Democracy’s insistence on calling the group not by their self-determined name but as Bengalis.

A papal visit could “be a way for her to change the perception that she is ignoring the plight of the Rohingya, internationally”, one observer noted.

While Pope Francis will not visit Rakhine, he would fly over it on the way to Bangladesh, Church sources said, and probably would use that time to make some sort of statement. n CNS

Pope saddened by shooting in Nigerian church VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis sent his condolences to the victims and survivors of a deadly shooting that occurred during Mass on Aug 6 at a parish in Nigeria.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, expressed the pope’s feelings in a message dated Aug 7 to Bishop Hilary Odili Okeke of Nnewi.

Pope Francis, the message said, was “deeply saddened to learn of the loss of life and injury following the violent attack” in St Philip’s Catholic Church in Ozubulu, a town located in the Nigerian southern state of Anambra.

According to the Nigerian newspaper, The Vanguard, witnesses say a gunman entered during an early morning Sunday Mass and opened fire during the prayer of the faithful.

The BBC and other news outlets reported on Aug 7 that at least 11 people were killed and as many as 18 others wounded as they attempted to flee the carnage. Authorities believe the target was a young businessman involved in a drug deal gone wrong.

The pope extended “heartfelt condolences” to the faithful of the diocese, especially “the families of the deceased and all those affected by this tragedy”, the message said. n CNS

14 OPINION

Sunday August 20, 2017 n CatholicNews

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COMMENTARY

What thoughts most direct your life?

By Fr Eugene Hemrick “Sow a thought and you reap an action; sow an act and you reap a habit; sow a habit and you reap a character; sow a character and you reap a destiny.”

This maxim, often attributed to American essayist and philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson, raises the question: “When, if ever, have we conducted a thought check, and why is it so important?”

As a result of truncated thoughtfulness, we are seeing an increase in prominent leaders making clarifications or retractions because of poorly stated off-the-cuff comments. It also hampers the action and character needed for making progress.

Here are some thought checks to consider: When did an inspiring thought last energise you? Why was it moving? How lasting were its effects?

Have there been thoughts you visit repeatedly to guide you through life? From where did they emanate: a spouse, a book, a teacher, a friend, a movie? Or

did they come while you were cated mind to be able to entertain at church or just while you were a thought without accepting it.” musing? What made them memo- How often have you rejected certain thoughts or chose one thought rable? over another? How American essayare you on ist and poet Henry When was the discerning a regular basis?

David Thoreau said, last time that How many mem“As a single footstep orable thoughts have will not make a path you eluded led to desired outon the earth, so a single thought will not distractions, comes? What in them you into acmake a pathway in gone deeply moved tion? the mind. To make a Life is filled with deep physical path, within innumerable thoughts we walk again and yourself and that take us in untold again. To make a deep directions. When was mental path, we must assiduously the last time that you think over and over focused your eluded distractions, the kind of thoughts gone deeply within we wish to dominate thoughts? yourself and assiduour lives.” ously focused your What thoughts thoughts? most direct your life?

Thoughtfulness is the golden A quote sometimes attributed to the Greek philosopher Aristotle key for creating character and reads: “It is the mark of an edu- destiny. n

The Gospel challenge to enjoy our lives JOY is an infallible indication of God’s presence, just as the cross is an infallible indication of Christian discipleship. What a paradox!

When we look at the Gospels we see that Jesus shocked His contemporaries in seemingly opposite ways. On the one hand, they saw in Him a capacity to renounce the things of this world and give up His life in love and self-sacrifice in a way that seemed to them almost inhuman and not something that a normal, fullblooded person should be expected to do. Moreover He challenged them to do the same: Take up your cross daily! If you seek your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life, you will find it.

On the other hand, perhaps more surprisingly since we tend to identify serious religion with self-sacrifice, Jesus challenged His contemporaries to more fully enjoy their lives, their health, their youth, their relationships, their meals, their wine drinking, and all the ordinary and deep pleasures of life. In fact he scandalised them with his own capacity to enjoy life.

We see, for example, a famous incident in the Gospels of a woman anointing Jesus’ feet at a banquet. All four Gospel accounts of this emphasise a certain raw character to the event that disturbs any easy religious propriety. The woman breaks an expensive jar of very costly perfume on His feet, lets the aroma permeate the whole room, lets her tears fall on His feet, and then dries them with her hair. All that lavishness, extravagance and raw human affection is understandably unsettling for most everyone in the room, except for Jesus. He’s drinking it in, unapologetically, without dis-ease, without any guilt or neurosis: Leave her alone, He says, she has just anointed me for my impending death.

In essence, Jesus is saying: When I come to die, I will be more ready because tonight, in receiving this lavish affection, I’m truly alive and hence more ready to die.

In essence, this is the lesson for us: Don’t feel guilty about enjoying life’s pleasures. The best way to thank a gift-giver is to thoroughly enjoy the gift. We are not put on this earth primarily as a test, to renounce the good things of creation so as to win joy in the life hereafter. Like any loving parent, God wants His children to flourish in their lives, to make the sacrifices necessary to be responsible and altruistic, but not to see those sacrifices themselves as the real reason for being given life.

Jesus highlights this further when He’s asked why His disciples don’t fast, whereas the disciples of John the Baptist do fast. His answer: Why should they fast? The bridegroom is still with them. Someday the bridegroom will be taken away and they will have lots of time to fast. His counsel here speaks in a double way: More obviously, the bridegroom refers to His own physical presence here on earth which, at a point, will end. But this also has a second meaning: The bridegroom refers to the season of health, youth, joy, friendship, and love in our lives. We need to enjoy those things because, all too soon, accidents, ill health, cold lonely seasons, and death will deprive us of them. We may not let the inevitable prospect of cold lonely seasons, diminishment, ill health, and death deprive us of fully enjoying the legitimate joys that life offers.

This challenge, I believe, has not been sufficiently preached from our pulpits, taught in our churches, or had a proper place in our spirituality. When have you last heard a homily or sermon challenging you, on the basis of the Gospels, to enjoy your life more? When have you last heard a preacher asking, in Jesus’ name: Are you enjoying your health, your youth, your life, your meals, your wine drinking, sufficiently?

Granted that this challenge, which seems to go against the conventional spiritual grain, can sound like an invitation to hedonism, mindless pleasure, excessive personal comfort, and a spiritual flabbiness that can be the antithesis of the Christian message at whose centre lies the cross and self-renunciation. Admittedly there’s that risk, but the opposite danger also looms, namely, a bitter, unhealthily stoic life. If the challenge to enjoy life is done wrongly, without the necessary accompanying asceticism and self-renunciation, it carries those dangers; but, as we see from the life of Jesus, self-renunciation and the capacity to thoroughly enjoy the gift of life, love, and creation are integrally connected. They depend on each other.

Excess and hedonism are, in the end, a bad functional substitute for genuine enjoyment. Genuine enjoyment, as Jesus taught and embodied, is integrally tied to renunciation and self-sacrifice.

And so, it’s only when we can give our lives away in self-renunciation that we can thoroughly enjoy the pleasures of this life, just as it is only when we can genuinely enjoy the legitimate pleasures of this life that we can give our lives away in self-sacrifice. n

COMMENTARY 15

Sunday August 20, 2017 n CatholicNews

Teens around the globe seek peace CITY

SERANGOON

Cathedral of the Good Shepherd Aug 14: 6.30pm Aug 15: Noon, 1.15pm & 7.30pm

Church of the Nativity of the BVM Aug 14: 6.30pm & 8pm (Mandarin) Aug 15: 6.30am, 6.30pm & 8pm

St Joseph’s Church (Victoria Street) Closed for restoration works

Church of the Transfiguration Aug 14: 8pm Aug 15: 6.30am & 8pm

Church of Sts Peter & Paul Aug 14: 5.30pm Aug 15: 7.20am, 5.30pm & 7.30pm (Mandarin) Church of Our Lady of Lourdes Aug 14: 6.30pm Aug 15: 12.30pm, 6.30pm & 8pm (Tamil)

Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Aug 14: 8pm Aug 15: 6.15am, 6.15pm & 8pm Church of St Francis Xavier Aug 14: 8pm Aug 15: 6.30am, 6.30pm & 8.30pm

Church of the Sacred Heart Aug 14: 7pm Aug 15: 7am, noon & 7pm

St Anne’s Church Aug 14: 8pm Aug 15: 6.30am, 6.15pm & 8pm

Church of St Teresa Aug 14: 8pm Aug 15: 12.30pm & 8pm

Church of St Vincent De Paul Aug 14: 8pm Aug 15: 7am, 6pm & 8pm

Church of St Alphonsus (Novena Church) Aug 15: 12.15pm at Church of the Risen Christ Church of St Bernadette Aug 14: 7pm Aug 15: 6.30am & 7pm Church of St Michael Aug 14: 8pm Aug 15: 6.30am & 8pm

EAST Church of the Holy Family Aug 14: 7.30pm Aug 15: 6.15am, 1pm & 7.30pm

WEST Church of St Ignatius Aug 14: 6pm Aug 15: 7am, 6pm & 8pm Blessed Sacrament Church Aug 14: 7.30pm Aug 15: 7am, 8.30am, 6pm & 7.30pm Church of St Mary of the Angels Aug 14: 7pm Aug 15: 6.55am, 12.15pm, 7pm & 8.30pm Church of St Francis of Assisi Aug 14: 7pm Aug 15: 6.30am, 7pm (Mandarin) & 8.15pm

Church of Our Lady Queen of Peace Aug 14: 8pm Aug 15: 6.30am & 7.30pm

Church of the Holy Cross Aug 14: 6.15pm & 8pm (Mandarin) Aug 15: 6.15am, 6.15pm & 8pm

Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Aug 14: 8pm Aug 15: 6.30am, 12.30pm, 6pm & 8pm

Please check with parishes for updates.

Church of St Stephen Aug 14: 8pm Aug 15: 6.30am & 8pm Church of the Holy Trinity Aug 14: 8pm Aug 15: 6.30am, 6pm & 8pm Church of the Divine Mercy Aug 14: 7pm Aug 15: 6.30am, 1pm, 6.30pm & 8.30pm

NORTH St Joseph Church (Bukit Timah) Aug 14: 8pm Aug 15: 6.30am, 6pm & 8pm Church of St Anthony Aug 14: 8pm Aug 15: 6.30am & 8pm Church of Our Lady Star of the Sea Aug 14: 6.30pm Aug 15: 6.45am, 12.15pm, 6.30pm & 8pm Church of the Holy Spirit Aug15: 7.30pm Aug 15: 6.30am, 6pm & 7.30pm Church of the Risen Christ Aug 14: 7pm Aug 15: 6.30am, 12.15pm, 6pm & 8pm Church of Christ the King Aug 14: 7pm Aug 15: 6.30am, 1pm, 6.15pm & 8pm

Teenagers dance during a music session on July 4 at the Scholas Youth Summit for Peace in Jerusalem.

The July 2-5 summit saw Christian, Jewish and Muslim teenagers from different countries gather to ‘build peace through a culture of encounter.’

Catholic Prayer Society Aug 15 Masses Orchard Road Grand Hyatt Hotel – refer to event board for room venue Time: 12.30pm & 1.20pm Contact: 97543672 / 97940963 Raffles Place The 3rd Space, 18 Cross Street, #B1-05 China Square Central Time: 11.15am, 12.15pm & 1.15 pm Contact: 98270815 / 97658832 Outram Medical Alumni Association, 2 College Road, Level 2 Auditorium, S169850 Time: 12.15pm Contact: 98233971 / 98782833 Shenton Way B1 City House, 36 Robinson Road S068877 (directly opposite Lau Pa Sat - Robinson Road) Time: 11.20pm,12.20pm & 1.20pm Contact: 90463061 / 90906032 Suntec City Suntec Convention Centre, 1 Raffles Boulevard, Level 3 Room 331 Time: 12.15pm & 1.15pm Contact: 64087891 / 93665573 Changi Business Park UE Bizhub East 3 Changi Business Park Avenue 1 Auditorium Time: 12.15pm Contact: 98262246 / 81807089 Please refer to http://www.cps.org.sg/ centres/Assumption.php for updates.

CNS photo

By Maria-Pia Negro Chin What can 75 teenagers from around the world teach us about encounter?

In early July, Christian, Jewish and Muslim teenagers from different countries gathered at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem to “build peace through a culture of encounter.”

The students – who came from Israel, Palestine, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Kenya, Burundi, Congo and Spain – shared their experiences and connected through music, poetry, sports and technology.

The summit was organised in part by Scholas Occurrentes, an organisation initially formed in Argentina that promotes education, arts and sports to create a culture of encounter for peace. Its name means “schools encounter” in Latin.

Pope Francis has said that faith is an encounter with Christ, and we must imitate Jesus by encountering others.

To encounter others, we must step out of ourselves – which is exactly what the young people did during their July 2-5 summit in Jerusalem.

According to the Scholas web-

site, the youth shared that often they can be so focused on their own problems that they are not even aware of issues affecting other parts of the world. So, meeting peers who could tell their stories was eye-opening.

Niri Boasson, a 16-year-old from Israel, told Scholas that she gained a new perspective.

“I thought that Israel had the worst problems with the conflict

The youth shared that often they can be so focused on their own problems that they are not even aware of issues affecting other parts of the world. between Israelis and Palestinians, but discovered that there is a civil war in Congo,” she said.

“I never knew how blind I was to other problems and places,” said Adan Othman-Cabat, an 18-year-old from Palestine.

Throughout the summit, they also worked on ideas to promote a culture of encounter that would lead to peace and understanding.

One idea was to have a bus take Israeli and Palestinian youth to play sports together, and another was to create an app to connect students from across the globe to shatter stereotypes.

At the end of the summit, the pope sent a video to the young people celebrating their experiences in Jerusalem. He said that the phenomenon of encounter took place once they were open to life and one another. “There are as many stories as individuals but life is one,” the pope said. “You yourselves, beginning from your differences, have achieved unity.”

The Scholas teenagers also created a mural representing their dreams, passions, doubts and fears. Each student took a piece of the mural with them as a reminder that they are united by the same dream and goal: achieving peace.

In a world that is afraid of what is different and barriers are built out of fear, a true encounter is very much needed, the pope added. “We can be united and value the diversity of cultures, not a uniformity but in harmony,” he said.

How then can we encounter others in our lives? We too can teach the world about encounter. n CNS

16

Sunday August 20, 2017 n CatholicNews

St Dominic

Kids’ Club:

Dominic (1170-1221) began his religious studies in Spain when he was 14. He became a canon of the cathedral of Osma and remained there after he was ordained. In time, Dominic was named the new leader of the religious community there.

In 1204 Dominic accompanied his bishop to Denmark. While there, Dominic was able to convert a family to Christianity, and he knew God wanted him to become a missionary. He asked the pope to free him of his duties so he would be able to travel. Within two years he had started a small monastery that would serve as a shelter for the first nine nuns who were assigned there.

Dominic preached as he travelled across France for the next 10 years in the company of a group of young preachers. When Dominic had another audience with the pope, he was given permission to establish a new order, which became known as the Dominicans. n

Share your thoughts on this week’s Bible story with family and friends.

Q&A 1. What did the woman want Jesus to do for her?

2. What did Jesus say about the woman’s faith?

Wordsearch: n MERCY

n GRACE

n GENTILE n FOREVER

n SPAIN

n ROMAN

n PREACH

n ABRAHAM

n VISION

n POLAND

n JEWISH

n CHRISTIAN

PUZZLE: Circle the letter of the word that correctly answers each of the following questions: 1. The first Gospel of the New Testament is _________________. a. James b. Matthew c. John 2. Our church service is called ___. a. Scripture b. choir c. Mass 3. Matrimony, Eucharist and baptism are___________________. a. sacraments b. gifts c. commandments 4. A parable is a ______________. a. miracle b. story c. plant 5. The first man was ___________. a. Moses b. Joshua c. Adam 6. The church’s holiest day is _____. a. Halloween c. Epiphany

b. Easter

3. a; 2. c; Answer to puzzle:

Answer to Wordsearch

7. Noah built _______________. a. an ark b. a temple c. a bridge

1. b;

Jesus travelled to cities, villages and country regions in order to preach. The Gospels mention many of these places by name, but no one has been able to determine the actual routes He followed. He was more interested in meeting the poor, the sick and ordinary labourers than religious or political leaders or wealthy citizens.

But not everyone welcomed Jesus. When He told the people of Nazareth, the city where He grew up, that He had been anointed by the Spirit of the Lord to preach, they became angry. To them, Jesus was only the son of Joseph, the carpenter.

Jesus continued to preach and perform miracles, making both friends and enemies. He never stopped loving His people, no matter how they treated Him. n

Read more about it: Matthew 15

5. c;

Bible Accent:

home, and He continued on His way by boat towards the district of Magadan. n

4. b;

SPOTLIGHT ON SAINTS:

lame and sick. His miracles amazed all those who saw them, and they glorified God for His power.

Jesus also knew that the people who had come to see Him were hungry.

Even though His disciples had only seven loaves of bread and a few fish among themselves, Jesus was able to multiply the food and feed more than 4,000 men plus the women and children who were with them. Then Jesus sent the people

6. b;

Jesus did not stay in one place very long when He was preaching. He decided to stop in the region of the Phoenician port cities of Tyre and Sidon. A Canaanite woman who lived there heard about Jesus and came out to see Him for herself.

She had a very special need.

“Have pity on me, Lord, Son of David!” she said. “My daughter is tormented by a demon.”

Although Jesus ignored the pleading of the woman, she did not give up. Finally, His disciples came to Him and said, “Send her away, for she keeps calling out after us.”

Jesus gave His disciples an answer they did not completely understand. “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”

Still the woman persisted. Again

she came before Jesus and reverently said to Him, “Lord, help me.”

This time Jesus spoke to the woman directly. “It is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs.”

The woman looked at Jesus and tried to answer with the same riddletype answer he gave her. “Please Lord, for even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from the table of their masters.”

Then Jesus looked into the eyes of the woman with love and compassion, and said: “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” And the woman’s daughter was immediately healed.

Jesus continued to move on. He passed by the Sea of Galilee and up one of the mountains. Crowds followed Him wherever He went, and Jesus healed those who were blind,

7. a.

By Joe Sarnicola

WHAT’S ON

Sunday August 20, 2017 n CatholicNews

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

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

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

JULY 27 TO OCT 19 BIBLE STUDY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN Delivered by Msgr Ambrose Vaz. Time: 8pm-10pm. Organised by the Biblical Apostolate Team, Church of Christ The King. Venue: Ang Mo Kio Ave 8. To register: T: 98321538 (Lene); E:ctkbat@ hotmail.com; W:www.christtheking.com.sg.

AUG 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. For the Sacraments of First Holy Communion (grade 2) and Confirmation (grade 8), a hard copy of the child’s baptismal certificate is required. For more information, E: ccdstignatius@gmail.com (Chantal Wong).

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

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

AUG 15 TEA-TIME WITH 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 (Xernan); 81126996 (Benedict).

AUG 16 TALK: IS THERE SUCH A THING AS A JUST WAR? Time: 7.30pm-9pm The crusades and other conflicts have sometimes been called “just wars”. This talk explores whether the “just

RCIA/RCIY A journey for those seeking to know more about the Catholic faith. Baptised Catholics are also invited to journey as sponsors.

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 JUNE 16, 2017 TO JUNE 1, 2018 CANTONESE RCIA @ CHURCH OF STS PETER AND PAUL Every Friday from 7:45pm-9:30pm at parish second floor, room 8. For enquiries, T: 63372585 (Parish Office); T: 97120452.

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

war” theory is still relevant in modern context. Speaker: Mr Kelvin Ng has a masters in Imperial and Commonwealth History from the University of Oxford and has an abiding interest in the history of war, empire and the middle ages. Venue: St Joseph’s Church Victoria St parish house.

For more enquires: 97843682 (Nick) AUG 18 TO AUG 20 VOCATION DISCERNMENT RETREAT Time: 6pm (Friday)-6pm (Sunday). In the silence of your heart, do you hear God calling you 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 19 (5.30pm). Venue: Church of St Ignatius,120 King’s Road. The Society of Jesus of the Malaysia-Singapore Region warmly invites you to the priestly ordination of Jerome Leon, SJ. His thanksgiving Mass: Aug 20, 11.30am, Church of the Risen Christ. For more info, E: infosjordination2017@gmail.com AUG 20 CATHOLIC NURSES’ GUILD 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 S437321. Time: 3pm (meeting), 5.30pm (Mass) followed by dinner at $10/pax.

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

AUG 23 CREATING SPACE FOR PERSONAL DISCERNMENT Time: 7.30pm-9.30pm. Grounded in the rules of discernment of St Ignatius’ spiritual exercises, this talk will first explore the dynamic from experience to knowledge then action. 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 CBN MY JOURNEY SERIES - TALK

BY GERARD LEE Time: 7pm-9pm. The Catholic Business Network invites you to an evening of fellowship, networking and to listen to the sharing of Mr Gerard Lee, CEO of Lion Global Investors. He will share about his personal and corporate life journey, his challenges and joys from both a business and a spiritual perspective. Venue: Cathedral of the Good Shepherd, Annex Blk, Lvl 3, Queen St, S188533. To register: 92284463 (Raymond); E:admin@cbn.sg AUG 24 TO AUG 27 PRAYER EXPERIENCE RETREAT 23 Aug 24 (9am)-Aug 27 (6pm).

Organised by the Catholic Spirituality Centre (CSC). Highly recommended for ex-Conversion Experience Retreatants as a follow-up. A four-day stay-in retreat at CSC. Cost: $160. Retreat director: Fr Erbin Fernandez. For more information, W: www.csctr.net.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This retreat offers 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 can 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.

AUG 26 NEW WINE CONFERENCE 2017 Time: 9.30am-4pm. For priests, parish pastoral councils and exco members, and ministry leaders, small Christian communities and neighbourhood Christian communities. “Communion around the Word”. Get to know people from your district and share your own bridge-building experiences. Hear from other parishes on their bridge-building stories and pick up practical pointers. Venue: SJI Junior. To register: E: enquiry@one.org.sg.

SEPT 6 TO NOV 1 CLARITY’S WORKSHOP FOR YOUTHS WITH DEPRESSION – ARISE AND SHINE! Dates: Sept 6, 13, 20 and 27; Oct 4, 11, and 25; Nov 1 (8 sessions). Time: 3.30pm-5pm.

Arise and Shine! is a group intervention workshop for young adults (between the ages of 18-30), who have just 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.

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: 7.30pm9.30pm. 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.

OCT 6 TO OCT 8 “WHERE YOUR TREASURE IS, THERE IS YOUR HEART ALSO” Oct 6 (7.30pm) – Oct 8 (5pm). In this retreat, consider your life and attitudes from the perspective of God, as well as recall Jesus’ life and attitudes. In exploring Jesus’ relationships with His disciples, renew your relationship with Him. Facilitator: Fr Daniel Kister, SJ. Organised by Kingsmead Centre, 8 Victoria Park Rd. Cost: $270 (non-AC), $330 (AC). To register: http:// tinyurl.com/DanKister; T: 64676072.

NOV 9 TO NOV 12 WATCHMEN RETREAT A four day/three night stay-in retreat open to Catholics above the age of 21. This retreat is about being on watch until the Lord returns and being alert to the dangers to your spiritual life. Held at Majodi Retreat Centre, Johor, Malaysia. Organised by the Office for the New Evangelisation. To register: E: enquiry@one.org.sg; W: www.one.org.sg.

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

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

For more information, T: 64660625 (Angela); 96286472 (Sandra)

17

Crossword Puzzle 1191 1

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65 www.wordgamesforcatholics.com

ACROSS 1 “In the ___ of the Father…”

5 Jai alai basket 10 Sir’s complement 14 Biblical dry measure 15 Chief minister of the Persian king in the Book of Esther 16 Hello, from Jacques 17 By memory 18 Bakery lure 19 Nautilus captain 20 Following 22 ___ of Christ 23 Norse goddess 24 T or F, perhaps 25 Something to cop 27 Parts of psyches 28 Unbreakable 32 Restless 35 Utterly stupid person 36 Japanese sash 37 God, in ancient Rome 38 Mary appeared here in Ireland 39 Per ___ 40 Winding shape 41 Move sideways 42 Church runway 43 Sebastian is their patron saint 45 As yet unscheduled, briefly 46 Credit card co.

47 NT book 48 Some Carmelites (abbr.)

51 Italian composer 54 Paul’s teacher (Acts 22:3) 56 Among 57 It’s on your head 59 Showing unusual talent 60 The daughter of Pharaoh found a baby here (Ex 2:5–6) 61 Hard exterior 62 Slide 63 Pun or fun ending 64 Take off the board 65 Denomination DOWN 1 Direction from Jerusalem to Nazareth 2 Dean Martin song word 3 Dense element 4 “…___ saw Elba” 5 August 1, Feast of St. Peter in ___ 6 Merits 7 LA problem 8 Glasgow cap 9 Anecdotal collection 10 Lunatic 11 Catholic portrayer of Obi-Wan 12 Soprano Gluck 13 Heath 21 The Blessed ___ 22 Outlet 25 Cost 26 “We ___ for the

27 28

29 30 31 32 33 34 35 38 39 41

resurrection of the dead…”

Catholic letters Paul was upset because of the number of these in Athens (Acts 17:16) Grandmother of Timothy Son of Adam 10 cents US Notion “Do not put the Lord your God to the ___” (Lk 4:12) Moses married a woman from here The ___ of Forbidden Books High flyer Completed 18-wheeler

42 Jesus’ name for the Father 44 Jacob’s dream (Gen 28:12) 45 Worship place in Jerusalem 47 Assembly rooms 48 Holy Book 49 Saint item 50 What Samson did while his hair was shaved 51 Soccer moms’ conveyances 52 Send forth 53 Vex 54 Greek goddess of the earth 55 Young woman of the Highlands 57 Vane reading 58 Abbr. for two OT books

Solution to Crossword Puzzle No. 1190 H A N D S

A L O N E

R I V A L

K H A N

E A S E

A M I S

C C C L

A L M A

P A I D

K A A

C U R W A E C T I T E N U S F D O T L I O I L R I P S I T S D

A K I S S B A N N S H E N

B E R A S E C E S H D M A R D A M A Y L A W I T H N A C L O G R E W D I G S I V A N E T O R E

G R E E K S

L I M A

E D I T

E S T H

C A I M A E G O R O S K N E O R

U R A L

S E M I

K N O W S

S A R T O

www.wordgamesforcatholics.com

18 IN MEMORIAM The LORD is with me to the end.

(Psalm 138: 8)

Sunday August 20, 2017 n CatholicNews

Eighteenth Anniversary In loving memory of

Second Anniversary In loving memory of

FOURTH ANNIVERSARY In loving memory of

ANASTASIA ANTONIUS IRAWAN ASTA BUDISETIA BUDISETIA Departed: Aug 17, 2013 Jun 15, 2013

Gone from our lives One so dear But in our hearts Forever near.

Dearly missed and fondly remembered by children: Mirlani, Tekky, Irawati (deceased), Mariani and loved ones.

Fifth Anniversary In loving memory of

TERESA AGATHA NONIS NEE PEREIRA was called home

GERARDA CHAMPION formerly Mrs. G. C. Pereira nee Gerarda Gomez (‘Bene Merenti’ Dec 1997) 3.10.1915 - 16.8.1999 Mama dear, always near.

Bind us together with love – we pray.

Walk with us mama, Greet us mama, At Heaven’s gate one day.

to be with the Lord on August 12, 2015 (Perth, Australia)

First Anniversary In loving memory of

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

Dearly missed and fondly remembered by her children & spouses, grandchildren & spouses, and great-grandchildren.

STELLA BHEEM Departed: August 21, 2016 Mummy you left us too soon which we did not foresee.

The pain we felt losing you is nothing compared to the pain which you endured silently.

You cared for us unconditionally and never complained.

We all miss you And love you very much.

Always remembered and cherished by all loved ones.

In loving memory

First Anniversary In loving memory of ANTHONY TERESA DI-DIER DI-DIER Born: Jul 31, 1924 Born: Jan 13, 1934 Departed: Aug 18, 1982 Departed: Jun 5, 2015

Fifth Anniversary In loving memory of

Gone from our lives one so dear But in our hearts forever near.

Always cherished with love and deeply missed by all in the family.

SAMINATHAN BASIL JOSEPH Departed: Aug 18, 2012 His smiling way and pleasant face Are a pleasure to recall; He had a kind word for each And died beloved by all.

Some day, we hope to meet him, Some day, we know not when To clasp his hand in the better land, Never to part again.

Dearly missed, always loved by wife Cecilia, children and grandchildren.

Twenty-Fifth Anniversary In loving memory of ALOYSIUS JOSEPH ZUZARTE Called home to our Lord: Aug 13, 2016 Gone from our lives One so dear But in our hearts Forever near.

ESTHER HO GOON MUI Departed: Aug 26, 1992 Gone from our lives one so dear But in our hearts forever near.

Deeply missed and lovingly remembered by family and loved ones.

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.

Holy Spirit; you who make me see everything and show me the way to reach my ideal.

You who give me the divine gift to forgive and forget the wrong that is done to me and who are in all instances of my life with me. I, in this instances of my life with me. I, in this short dialogue, want to thank you for everything and confirm once more that I never want to be separated from you no matter how great the material desires may be.

I want to be with you and my loved ones in your perpetual glory.

Amen. Please continue to watch over my husband and me. Most gratefully Christabell

Please turn to page 19 for more in memoriam advertisements.

Ninth Anniversary With fond memories of

Dearly missed and fondly remembered by loved ones.

CLASSIFIED

JOSEPH WEE BAN HUAT Departed: Aug 13, 2012 Dearest Daddy/Kong Kong Rest in peace The love you gave us and the way you cared for us We will always remember you with love.

Dearly missed by wife Doreen and all loved ones.

In loving memory of our beloved parents

Fifty-first Anniversary

Eleventh Anniversary

In memory of our loving parents Twenty-fourth Anniversary

ANDREW BENJAMIN

Third Anniversary

JOSEPHINE BENJAMIN Departed:

Aug 17, 1993

In loving memory of

Forty-first Anniversary In loving memory of

Twentieth Anniversary In loving memory of

BABY DI-DIER Thank you, Lord, for lending us this child a while A beautiful child we so dearly loved CHE’RIE MAE Your angel called MARIANA DI-DIER her to return to you Born: May 23, 1975 JANET DI-DIER Glory be, Lord, now Born: Dec 26, 1958 Departed: July 29, 1997 Baby boy is with you. Departed: June 28, 1976 Peacefully sleeping, I dream of you, rest at last, dear loved one, The world’s weary And see your troubles and smiling face, trials are past.

And know that In silence she suffered, you are happy in patience she bore, In your Father’s Till God called her home chosen place. to suffer no more.

Deeply missed and always remembered by brothers, sisters and loved ones.

Aug 29, 2014

In our hearts they will always live Your love, your voices and your smiles Are forever imprinted in our minds.

Always cherished and loved by Gerard, Raymond, Wilfred, Jacinta and all family members.

CHRISTOPHER GAN HAN LIM Departed: Aug 22, 2008 It has been nine years since God took you home.

Gone from our lives you may have But not from our hearts And day by day we missed you more As I walked through life alone But as time will heal all pain We know we’ll one day meet again.

Deeply missed and fondly remembered by loving wife: Agnes, children, grandchildren and loved ones.

Seventh Anniversary In loving memory of

SEBASTIAN MARY LOUIS CROSS CROSS Departed: Aug 31, 1966 Aug 17, 2006

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

Sadly missed and always remembered by family and loved ones.

Second Anniversary In loving memory of

In loving memory of

ANTHONY M. STELLA FERNANDEZ FERNANDEZ Who were called to their eternal rest on Aug 23, 2007 Nov 20, 1988.

We think of you in silence and we miss you in so many ways There is a place in our hearts which is yours alone.

Always remembered by sons, daughter, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, relatives and loved ones.

MARK LOW SANG CHIN Departed: August 20, 2010 There is a place in our hearts which is yours alone A place in our lives No one else can ever own We hold back tears when we speak your name But the ache in our hearts Remain the same.

Dearly missed and fondly remembered by loved ones.

STEPHEN LOW TONG SOON Departed: August 24, 2015 In our hearts you will always live Your love, your voice and your smile Are forever imprinted in our minds.

Dearly remembered by family and loved ones.

Mass will be celebrated at Church of the Holy Family on Aug 24, 2017 at 6pm.

IN MEMORIAM 19

Sunday August 20, 2017 n CatholicNews

Thirty-third Anniversary In memory of our beloved father

A. P. JOHN Departed: Aug 16, 1984 Dearest papa, Our prayers, always.

Your loving children, Kerwin, Nancy, Ranny, Morris and Mary.

Sixth Anniversary In loving memory of

ALBERT BUENAVENTURA Departed: Aug 17, 2011 Sadly missed along the way, quietly remembered everyday.

No longer in our Life to share, but in our Hearts you are always there.

Remembered by loved ones.

In loving memory of

ANTHONY AMIRDANATHAN Departed: Aug 19, 2004 We think of you in silence No eyes can see us weep But still within our aching hearts Your memory we keep.

Dearly missed by wife and loved ones.

May his soul rest in peace.

Twenty-seventh Anniversary In loving memory of

MOSES GOH KHENG JOO Departed: Aug 18, 1990 God took you home, it was His will But in our hearts we love and miss you Your memory is still dear today As we often sit and think of you.

Always remembered by all loved ones.

Second Anniversary In loving memory of

PATRICK LEONG NAM HO Departed: Aug 23, 2015 In our hearts you will always live Your love, your voice and your smile Are forever imprinted in our minds.

Always remembered by family and loved ones.

Twelfth Anniversary In memory of a loving husband, father and grandfather

ALOYSIUS LEO DE CONCEICAO (LOFTY) Departed: Aug 19, 2005 Your heart of gold stopped beating Two smiling eyes at rest God broke our hearts to prove He only takes the Best The tears in our eyes will wipe away But the love in our hearts will forever stay.

Forever cherished and remembered by your beloved wife: Marina, Children: Edward, Gwendolyn & Anthony, Gerard & Juliana, Jacqueline & Richard, Christopher, Julian & Tammy, Michelle & William, Grandchildren: Vanessa, Christopher & Natasha, Joel & Joshua, Kirsten, Keiran & Ian.

Nineteenth Anniversary In loving memory of

CAROLINE PAUL Departed: Aug 20, 1998 Time changes many things but not the memory this day brings Till now you are still in our minds and hearts.

Remembered always

by John and family.

Nineteenth Anniversary In loving memory of

CAROLINE PAUL Departed: Aug 20, 1998 A touch to the wound that never heals As the years pass on the more we feel.

Always remembered by family members.

20 WORLD

Sunday August 20, 2017 n CatholicNews

Canada’s Jesuits, indigenous hope canoe trip can aid reconciliation TORONTO – The path to reconcili-

ation between Canada and its indigenous or First Nations’ people will ultimately be a long journey, but the road to healing needs to start somewhere.

The Canadian Canoe Pilgrimage is a project of the Jesuits in English Canada in response to the country’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission. It set off from Sainte-Marie Among the Hurons in Midland, Ontario, on July 21 on a monthlong, more than 800km canoe journey expected to end on Aug 15 at the Kahnawake First Nation near Montreal.

The project, two years in the making, has brought together different cultures in an example of how to foster respect, trust, dialogue and friendship. The goal is to have the diverse core group of 30 indigenous and Jesuit paddlers – with others joining at stops along the way – become immersed in each others’ customs for an entire month.

“We’re working together, both sides in a sense, coming through this,” said Jesuit scholastic Kevin Kelly, an organiser.

The relationship between Canada and its indigenous peoples has been complicated since the first Europeans arrived four centuries ago. While the colonisers found wealth, indigenous nations became mired in poverty and still suffer from its effects.

Among many wrongs, perhaps the greatest was the Indian residential schools system that saw indigenous children taken from their families and placed in government-funded, Church-run schools. The purpose of these schools was to assimilate indigenous youth into European culture by separating them from

Canoe pilgrims – Jesuits and indigenous people – are seen in Canada in mid-July. The group hopes that their journey can help heal the pain that indigenous people experienced at the hands of the European colonisers. CNS photo

their familial and cultural roots.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission ran for six years and gathered the written and oral history of the residential schools to begin a process of reconciliation

The Canadian Canoe Pilgrimage brings together different cultures in an effort to foster respect, trust, dialogue and friendship.

between indigenous people and the rest of Canada.

“Our interest as Jesuits is working with indigenous peoples,” said scholastic Kelly, who noted that the Jesuits also had a residential school. “We really believe the step forward in this must be coming to terms with those things.”

He said he believes the simplicity of the pilgrimage is what makes it so powerful.

“There’s no agenda, we’re not setting out to, at the end, have a statement on reconciliation or a process for dialogue. This is about the very fundamentally human practice of how do we better communicate in a space where we’re going to be together exclusively for a month. The informal and the simple are really important ways of getting past the things that structure us.” n CNS

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