AUGUST 21, 2016, Vol 66, No 17

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SUNDAY AUGUST 21, 2016

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New priest hopes to help people experience God’s mercy Fr Cornelius Ching, ordained on Aug 9, shares with CatholicNews his journey to the priesthood By Jared Ng “To help people experience WKH ORYH DQG PHUF\ RI *RG WR bring the community together,â€? VDLG )U &RUQHOLXV &KLQJ ZKHQ DVNHG DERXW KLV DVSLUDWLRQV DV D priest. 7KH \HDU ROG ZDV RUGDLQHG on Aug 9 at the Church of the NaWLYLW\ RI WKH %OHVVHG 9LUJLQ 0DU\ ,Q KLV VSHHFK DIWHU WKH RUGLQDWLRQ 0DVV KH WKDQNHG DOO ZKR KHOSHG KLP WKURXJK KLV VHPLQDULDQ MRXUQH\ DQG JDYH VSHFLDO thanks to his family for their “unHQGLQJ VXSSRUW DQG ORYH´ 7KH QHZO\ RUGDLQHG SULHVW WKHQ DSSURDFKHG KLV SDUHQWV KLV younger brother who is a teacher, DQG KLV JUDQGPRWKHU VHDWHG LQ WKH ÂżUVW SHZ DQG EOHVVHG WKHP )U &RUQHOLXV ZKR ZDV DWWDFKHG WR WKH &KXUFK RI WKH +RO\ 6SLULW SULRU WR KLV RUGLQDWLRQ WROG &DWKROLF1HZV LQ DQ LQWHUYLHZ HDUOLHU WKDW KH HQMR\V ÂłVSHQGLQJ WLPH with the youth, communicating DQG EXLOGLQJ WUXVW ZLWK WKHP DW WKHLU OHYHO ´ 1HYHUWKHOHVV KH ÂłKDV no preferenceâ€? which community he works with in the parish. Looking back at his time before joining the seminary, he reFDOOHG \HDUQLQJ IRU D ÂłVHQVH RI IXOÂżOPHQW´ LQ KLV OLIH +H ZDV DQ LQVXUDQFH VDOHVPDQ for eight years before he felt a SURPSWLQJ WR VHUYH *RG “I was looking to change my VFRSH RI ZRUN DQG , EHJDQ SUD\LQJ DERXW LW :KDW , UHDOLVHG JDYH PH D VHQVH RI IXOÂżOPHQW ZDV P\ PLQLVWU\ LQ FKXUFK ´ KH WROG &DWKROLFNews. +H ZDV DFWLYH ZLWK WKH \RXWK community at the Church of the 1DWLYLW\ RI WKH %OHVVHG 9LUJLQ 0DU\ WKHQ 8SRQ WKH DGYLFH RI )UV -RKQ %RVFR DQG .HQVRQ .RK WKH SULHVWV LQ KLV SDULVK DW WKDW WLPH )U &RUQHOLXV DSSURDFKHG )U :LOOLDP

VOL 66

NO. 17

INSIDE HOME Daughters of St Paul release cookbook Share special recipes „ Page 2

S’pore pilgrims share WYD stories Inspiring, uplifting experiences „ Pages 4-5

Bonding over art Young lawyers go on retreat „ Page 6

ASIA Mother Teresa’s canonisation Fr Cornelius Ching poses for a photo with Archbishop William Goh and family members. He was ordained at the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

*RK WKHQ UHFWRU RI WKH 6W )UDQFLV ;DYLHU 0DMRU 6HPLQDU\ Âł+H DVNHG PH Âľ:K\ GR \RX ZDQW WR EH D SULHVW"Âś DQG RWKHU TXHVWLRQV WKDW DOORZHG PH WR SUD\ DQG UHĂ€HFW ´ )U &RUQHOLXV UHFDOOHG +LV IDPLO\ DOVR DVVXUHG KLP RI WKHLU ÂłSUD\HUV DQG VXSSRUW´ ZKHQ KH WROG WKHP RI KLV LQWHQWLRQV WR enter the seminary. $IWHU D SHULRG RI GLVFHUQPHQW KH HQWHUHG WKH VHPLQDU\ LQ On some of the challenges KH IDFHG LQ WKH VHPLQDU\ )U &RUQHOLXV VKDUHG WKDW ÂłWKHUH ZHUH WLPHV ZKHQ WKH SUD\HUV JRW GU\ DQG WKH ULJRXUV VWDUWHG WR VHW LQ ´ 7KH VXGGHQ FKDQJH LQ OLIHVW\OH DOVR WRRN VRPH JHWWLQJ XVHG WR Âł%HLQJ DQ LQVXUDFH DGYL-

have learnt ‘toI put my faith and trust in His plan.’

– Fr Ching on what he learnt during his journey to the priesthood

VRU PHDQW WKDW , FRXOG FRQWURO P\ ZRUNLQJ KRXUV DQG EH Ă€H[LEOH ZLWK WKHP +RZHYHU LQ WKH VHPLQDU\ WKHUH ZDV D VFKHGXOH WR IROORZ DQG WKH GD\V VWDUWHG UHDOO\ HDUO\ LQ WKH PRUQLQJ ´ KH VDLG $OWKRXJK KH QHYHU DFWXDOO\ WKRXJKW RI OHDYLQJ WKH VHPLQDU\ )U &KLQJ VDLG WKDW KH KDG KLV GRXEWV DERXW KLV YRFDWLRQ

,W ZDV )U ,JQDWLXV +XDQ WKH WKHQ 6SLULWXDO )DWKHU RI WKH +RXVH ZKR KHOSHG )U &RUQHOLXV RYHUFRPH KLV GRXEWV Âł+H >)U +XDQ@ WROG PH WR UHPHPEHU ZK\ , MRLQHG LQ WKH ÂżUVW SODFH DQG WKDW *RG ZRXOG UHDVVXUH PH LQ P\ SUD\HUV ´ KH VDLG Looking back at his journey, )U &RUQHOLXV VDLG WKDW KH LV QRZ ÂłDW SHDFH NQRZLQJ WKDW WKH /RUG KDV FDOOHG PH WR VHUYH DV D SULHVW´ Âł, KDYH OHDUQW WR SXW P\ IDLWK DQG WUXVW LQ +LV SODQ ´ KH VDLG +LV DGYLFH WR WKRVH WKLQNLQJ RI EHFRPLQJ D SULHVW Âł%H KRQHVW DQG fair to yourself. Look at the gifts WKDW *RG KDV JLYHQ \RX DQG GRQÂśW EH DIUDLG WR XVH WKHP ´ „ jared.ng@catholic.org.sg

Kolkata now a ÀXUU\ RI DFWLYLW\ „ Page 9

FOCUS From abortion to forgiveness $ ZRPDQ ¿QGV KHDOLQJ in the Church „ Page 17

BACK PAGE US cardinal on Trump: ‘I worry about his rhetoric’ „ Page 24

2 HOME

Sunday August 21, 2016 „ CatholicNews

Charity group teaches English to ethnic minority group in Vietnam Four missioners from BarrÊ, an DI¿OLDWH RI &DULWDV +XPDQLWDUian Aid & Relief Initiatives, SinJDSRUH &+$5,6 WUDYHOOHG WR .RQWXP D SURYLQFH LQ 9LHWQDP to teach English to an ethnic minority community. BarrÊ is a group of SingaporeDQ &DWKROLF YROXQWHHUV ZKR KDYH been working with underprivileged children in Southeast Asia since 2010. From July 17-23, the missioners headed to Kontum, 600 NP QRUWK RI +R &KLQ 0LQK &LW\ to reach out to the Bahnah community through education to give them hope of better opportunities in life. The missioners conducted English lessons and teachers’ training sesssions daily for local teachers during their stay.

This was done through simple grammatical worksheets and providing guidance for lesson plans. The team also incorporated the use of popular movies and songs which was a clear hit with the students. BarrĂŠ, together with Kontum 0LVVLRQDULHV DQG )ULHQGV .0) are adopting a 10-year approach to this educational work which began in 2013. This programme involves teaching native teachers who in turn train other teachers to teach in their community. The Bahnah community, to-

A teacher from Kontum, Vietnam, writes on the board during a lesson conducted by members of BarrĂŠ, a Singapore missionary group.

gether with the many other minority ethnic groups, form approximately 13 percent of the SRSXODWLRQ LQ 9LHWQDP 7KH\ DUH

The missioners conducted English lessons and teachers’ training sessions daily for local teachers.

mostly uneducated and have lived IDU XS LQ WKH KLJKODQGV RI 9LHWQDP all their lives. Most of the families are too poor to send their children to PDLQVWUHDP 9LHWQDPHVH VFKRROV While BarrĂŠ has missionHUV JRLQJ WR .RQWXP ÂżYH WR VL[ times a year, they also conduct weekly Skype lessons with their

students to provide continuous learning. From 2010 to 2012, the group also provided support to refugee children at the Thai-Myanmar border. By BENEDICT CHUA, STEPHANIE ROBERT AND FIONNA WEE

To know more about BarrÊ and their work, visit www.barregroup.org. „

The cover of the cookbook, titled Taste of Heaven.

The Daughters of St Paul share their recipes in a cookbook. From left: Sr Aeran Kim, Sr Karen Eng, Sr Wendy Ooi, Sr Lorenzina Nota, Sr Clare Choo, Sr Theresa Lim and Sr Jocelyn Veritas Kwek.

Sisters serve up ‘Taste of Heaven’ The Daughters of St Paul are releasing a cookbook containing various recipes from the Sisters. Titled Taste of Heaven, the cookbook was scheduled to be launched on Aug 13 at a fundraising dinner, to aid the building fund for a new convent for the Sisters.

The book offers recipes of local delights, ranging from Peranakan to Teochew and Hokkien dishes, among others. Sr Wendy Ooi, superior of the Daughters of St Paul in Singapore, and Sr Jocelyn Kwek share a hearty selection of home-style recipes. “My mum, who is a good cook, taught me to cook when I got older. I was more interested in the eating than the cooking when I was younger!� shared Sr Wendy. The cookbook also includes sushi recipes from Sr Lorenzina Nota’s decades of being a missionary in Japan, recipes from her native Italy, and varieties of

kimchi from Sr Aeran Kim. More $VLDQ ÀDYRXUV IURP 9LHWQDP DQG the Philippines are included as Sr Karen Eng shares what she learnt from her co-novices. Besides food for the body, Taste of Heaven also provides a sprinkling of spiritual food as each dish is accompanied by a Bible verse, quote or proverb. In a segment called Food for Thought, each Sister shares her unique way of combining food and spirituality. In the convent of the Daughters of St Paul, the Sisters take turns weekly to cook and share from the wealth of their experiences to serve one another through community meals. It was at table one day that the idea of putting

together a book of their convent recipes came up. All proceeds will aid the building fund of a new covent for the Daughters of St Paul, which will be located in the Upper Serangoon area. The Sisters have been staying at Jurong West for the past 22 years. The book will be available at $25 at Apostolate of the Media at the Church of the Risen Christ or at the congregation’s weekend parish media outreaches (venues are announced weekly on their Facebook page at /www.facebook. com/Paulines.Sg). Sample pages of the Sisters’ cookbook can be viewed on their website www.paulines.org.sg „

HOME 3

Sunday August 21, 2016 „ CatholicNews

People of various faiths learn about Catholicism By Melissa Lim The Church of St Vincent de Paul hosted 150 participants from Cheng San for an interfaith visit on July 30. The event was organised by the Cheng San-Seletar Inter5DFLDO DQG 5HOLJLRXV &RQ¿GHQFH Circle (IRCC) and aimed to increase participants’ awareness of the various religions in Singapore as well as how places of worship are extending a hand to the community around them. Arriving in four buses, the participants were ushered by church wardens into the nave of the church where they were welcomed by parish priest, Fr Michael Sitaram, and members of the parish pastoral council (PPC). Many of the visitors were seen viewing the stained glass winGRZV DQG WKH ÀRZHUV DQG FDQGOHV decorating the altar. They listened intently as Mr Leonard Neo, chairman of the PPC, as well as other speakers, explained about Jesus, Mary and St Vincent de Paul, patron saint of the church. There was also a sharing on the various parts of the church, including the tabernacle, confessional box and Stations of the Cross. A 15-minute video on the Mass was screened, which exSODLQHG WKH VLJQL¿FDQFH RI WKH Mass for Catholics. Participants also learned about

Participants of the July 30 interfaith learning journey pose for a photo with parish priest Fr Michael Sitaram in front of the Church of St Vincent de Paul.

the history of the church’s set-up in Jalan Kayu in 1963. The work of the church in the community, and also the work of all the Societies of St Vincent de Paul (SSVP) were outlined to visitors.

Members of the Cheng SanSeletar IRCC thanked the church for putting in the effort to provide Chinese translation during the sharing as well as Chinese subtitles in the video. Mr Ang Hin Kee, MP for Ang

a lot about the Mass! ‘WeThelearned sharing was informative, clear and detailed.’

– Ms Alice Seah, a participant of the interfaith visit

Mo Kio GRC, was also present GXULQJ WKH YLVLW +H UHĂ€HFWHG RQ the need for promoting mutual understanding given the way the world has recently been shaken by acts of violence by extremists. He encouraged participants to share what they had learned during the visit with their friends. “We learned a lot about the Mass! The sharing was informative, clear and detailed,â€? said Ms Alice Seah, one of the participants. Ms Yeo Pheck Suan, 68, ap-

Mr Sudirman, 71, brought his whole family to take part in the interfaith visit.

preciated the warmth of the sharing and the purpose of the visit. She said, “It’s important to understand and care for one another.â€? Mr Sudirman, 71, who had rounded up his whole family to WDNH SDUW LQ WKH YLVLW WKHLU ÂżUVW WR a Catholic church, said, “We are happy about being able to visit!â€? After lunch in the church cafeteria, participants left to continue their learning journey at the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Silat Road Sikh Temple. „

4 WORLD YOUTH DAY

Sunday August 21, 2016 „ CatholicNews

Christ the King pilgrims s

The contingent, called W4, visited various churc July 19 „ Arrived in Warsaw, Poland „ Visited the St Maximilian Kolbe

Shrine and Monastery in Niepokalanów „ Visited Church of St Anne in Old Town, Warsaw

After checking in the hostel, we travelled to the St Maximilian Kolbe shrine. It was beautiful and inspiring for me, personally, to revisit St Maximilian’s life. He is, after all, the patron saint of journalists, and I am one by profession. Heading back to Warsaw, we decided to explore the Old Town. We arrived at the Church of St Anne to discover that it had closed minutes earlier. Undaunted, Canossian Sr Doreen Soh ventured in via a side door and we chanced upon Peter, the caretaker of the church. Despite being pressed for time, he brought us on a private tour of the church. By Jeanette Tan

The pilgrims had the chance to see some artefacts from the life of St Maximilian Kolbe, a Franciscan friar, in a museum in NiepokalanĂłw, Poland on July 19. He volunteered to die in place of a stranger in the German death camp of Auschwitz during World War II. He is also known for his work in broadcast media and publishing.

W4 pilgrims with Mr Peter, the caretaker of the Church of St Anne in Warsaw, on July 19.

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0V 6HUHQH .RK OHIW WDNHV D ZHÂżH ZLWK KHU 3ROLVK KRPHVWD\ KRVW LQ 5Xmia during the Days in the Diocese programme.

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July 20 „ Visited the Cathedral of St John

the Baptist in Old Town, Warsaw „ Visited the Jesuit Church of Our

Lady of Graces in the Old Town „ &HOHEUDWHG RXU ¿UVW 0DVV LQ 5X-

mia

We woke up early and headed to the Old Town in Warsaw to visit two churches: the Cathedral of St John the Baptist, as well as the Jesuit Church of Our Lady of Graces next door. It was very common to see people begging for money outside cathedrals, or along the streets. 2XU ÂżUVW 0DVV LQ 5XPLD ZDV held at the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Help of Christians, ZKLFK LV UXQ E\ WKH 5HOLJLRXV 6RFLety of Don Bosco (SDB). By Jeanette Tan and Marissa Loo

July 21 „ Visited the Kashubian Museum in

the village of Szymbark „ 7UHNNHG WKH KLOO RI :LHĪ\FD

Today, we visited the open-air Kashubian Museum in the village of Szymbark. The Kashubians are an ethnic minority, distinct from the Poles in both language and culture. 2XU ÂżUVW VWRS ZDV WKH 8SVLGH down House. The house was designed with furnishings from the 1970s when Poland was under communist rule. It makes a statement on wrongdoLQJV DJDLQVW KXPDQLW\ DQG UHĂ€HFWV life in communist Poland. By Sr Doreen Soh and Joyce Ng

W4 pilgrims pose for a group photo with pilgrims from Egypt, the US and South Africa alongside their hosts and pilJULPDJH FRRUGLQDWRUV IURP WKH 3ROLVK GLRFHVH RI 5XPLD RQ -XO\

July 22

July 23

July 24

July 25

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„ Had a tour of Gdansk „ Visited the European Solidarity

„ Joined a combined youth celebra-

„ 0DVV ZLWK 5XPLD FRQJUHJDWLRQ „ Cooked Singapore meal for host

„ Had Mass in the morning „ Met the kids at the parish

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family „ &RQFHUW DW WKH SDUN ZLWK 5XPLD community

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Centre „ Visited Gdansk Oliwa Cathedral

We toured Gdansk, a bustling coastal city with modern buildings amongst historical architecture. 2XU ÂżUVW SRUW RI FDOO ZDV WKH European Solidarity Centre. The industrial building holds a museum that commemorates the Polish civil movement in the 1980s against the bureaucracy and political repression of the VRFLDOLVW LQĂ€XHQFHG 3ROLVK JRYHUQment. Leaving Westerplatte, we arrived at Gdansk Oliwa Cathedral. Consecrated in 1594, the cathedral is dedicated to the Holy Trinity, Blessed Virgin Mary and St Bernard. By Victor Chen

tion at the square outside the European Solidarity Centre „ Marched together towards a combined Mass at St Mary’s Church „ Joined a youth festival at Plac =HEUDĔ /XGRZ\FK

:H KDG WKH ÂżUVW PDMRU JDWKHULQJ ZLWK DOO *GDÄ”VN SLOJULP JURXSV LQ 3ODFH 6ROLGDQRÄžFL D SOD]D VTXDUH RXWVLGH the Solidarity Centre. His ExcellenF\ 6ĂĄDZRM /HV]HN *ĂĄyGĨ DQG DQG WKH mayor Pawel Adamowicz warmly welcomed us to the diocese. We then started on a march to St Mary’s Church for Mass. With the march being called Saint’s March, we were told prior that we had to dress up in WKH RXWÂżWV RI GLIIHUHQW VDLQWV We witnessed a Sister make her ÂżQDO YRZV $IWHU 0DVV ZH VSHQW the afternoon getting to know other pilgrims at a youth festival. By Christophe Truong

6SHQGLQJ WLPH LQ 5XPLD ZLWK WKH SDULVKLRQHUV YROXQWHHUV DQG 5Hligious is one I will never forget. Everyone we met was warm and extremely hospitable, even if they KDG VRPH GLIÂżFXOWLHV VSHDNLQJ English and likewise for us with Polish. Each pilgrim group was asked to serve in different capacities at Mass, and we were encouraged to read or sing in our own native language. With the usage of different languages at the liturgy, I felt a strong sense of appreciation and unity for Mass and the Catholic faith that I had never felt before. By Serene Koh

We started the day with Mass. I felt sad knowing that this was going to be the last Mass that we ZRXOG EH DWWHQGLQJ LQ 5XPLD After Mass, we met a group of underprivileged kids who stay at the parish. The kids were so excited to meet us and we gave them some Singapore souvenirs. In appreciation of their hospitality, Sr Doreen and I set time aside on this day to cook for our host family. When the time came to bid IDUHZHOO , ZDV ÂżOOHG ZLWK ZRQder and awe that, although I had only known them for a couple of days, they treated me as family. By Michelle Goh

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WORLD YOUTH DAY 5

Sunday August 21, 2016 „ CatholicNews

s share their WYD stories

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PHOTOS: JEANETTE TAN, SERENE KOH, CHRISTINE WONG, VALERIE GOH AND SDM RUMIA ORGANISING COMITTEE

church a few minutes’ drive from the place we stayed in. I think many of us that day heaved a sigh of relief at the opportunity to get away from the crowds in Krakow. We were led to sit with pilgrims we did not know and were asked to share with each other our prayer intentions and then pray personally for each other. In an instant, strangers, some struggling through language barriers, turned into brothers and sisters. After receiving the Sacrament of reconciliation at St Mary’s BasilLFD ZH KHDGHG RQZDUGV WR %åRQLD Park for the Way of the Cross. By Judith Ho

The W4 contingent visited Auschwitz I (above) and Birkenau concentration camps on July 27 where more than a million prisoners died at the hands of the Nazis.

A visit to St John Paul II sanctuary on July 28 gave the pilgrims a close look at the bloodstained cassock of St John Paul II during an assassination attempt in 1981.

July 30 „ Visited the Church of St Berna-

dine and Wawel Cathedral „ Made our 16-km pilgrimage to

Campus Misericordiae „ Participated in an overnight vigil

We started our journey by visiting the Church of St Bernadine in Krakow. The church houses the bone relics of St Szymona Lipnicy. We started our pilgrim walk toward Campus Misericordiae, where we would be staying overQLJKW IRU D YLJLO DQG ÂżQDO 0DVV ZLWK Pope Francis. Throughout the walk, my one and only aim was to reach the destination, just like how I set my mind on Jesus Christ, knowing He will guide us no matter what hardship we experience. By Christine Wong

July 31 The contingent attended Mass at the Sanctuary of Divine Mercy in Krakow on July 28.

The pilgrims travelling to Campus Misericordiae, where the overnight vigil of WYD was held.

„ WYD closing Mass with Pope

Francis „ Made a mad scramble to the air-

July 26 „ Met our homestay hosts in Sanka,

Krakow, „ Attended WYD opening Mass in

picture together and continued to focus on Mass. By Joyce Ng

July 27

Blonia Park

At one point during the train ride to Krakow, I was looking out of the window as the train pulled into another station. I was very moved by a common sight I had taken for granted over the past few days – many Polish people working hard, to ensure that all the pilgrims were safe. In the late afternoon, we made RXU ZD\ WR %åRQLD 3DUN IRU WKH opening Mass of WYD. Some of the people in our group had previously been part of WYD ¿YH \HDUV DJR LQ 0DGULG 'XULQJ WKH opening Mass, we spotted one of our hosts from WYD Madrid as she walked past us during communion. $OO WKUHH RI XV ZHUH ¿OOHG ZLWK so much emotion when we met. With teary eyes we took a quick

„ Visited Auschwitz I and Birkenau,

two Nazi concentration camps

Pope St John Paul II. It is a cheery town; at the heart of it stands the saint’s family home, and the major Basilica of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, where he was baptised. By Marissa Loo

„ Visited Wadowice, St John Paul

July 28

II’s home town „ Attended Mass at St Mary’s Basilica in Krakow

„ Made a Pilgrimage of Mercy to the

Being in the physical environment of Auschwitz-Birkenau brings to mind everything I have ever read, heard or watched about Nazism and Hitler. The remnants of the barracks are neatly aligned and spread far out into the horizon. It was a solemn walk, to say the least. The Holocaust is a reminder of how far man can fall and how history continues to replay itself in different guises and magnitudes. We headed on to Wadowice, better known as the birthplace of

Sanctuary of Divine Mercy „ Visited the St John Paul II Sanctu-

ary „ Joined in the welcoming ceremony

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We visited the Sanctuary of Divine Mercy. On the way up to the sanctuary, we learnt more about the Divine Mercy Chaplet, prayed it and UHĂ€HFWHG RQ ZKDW LW PHDQV WR EH merciful. Next up, we headed over to the nearby St John Paul II Sanctuary. The land this centre stands on LV WKH VDPH VLWH WKDW .DURO :RMW\ĂĄD

used to work during World War II as a factory worker. In the sanctuary, we got a close up look at the bloodstained cassock that he wore during the assassination attempt in 1981. Towards the evening, we made RXU ZD\ WR %åRQLD 3DUN IRU WKH ZHOcoming ceremony of the Holy Father. Towards the end of the ceremony, Pope Francis drove past us! That moment of excitement combined with joy and peace is something that I’ll treasure for years to come! By Yvonne Low

July 29 „ Had catechesis at Nawojowa Góra „ Received the Sacrament of Recon-

ciliation at St Mary’s Basilica in Kraków „ Prayed the Way of the Cross at %åRQLD 3DUN

We started the day with catechesis at Nawojowa GĂłra, a village

port to head home

July 31 marked the end of our overnight vigil at Campus Misericordiae and our WYD 2016 adventure. I woke up with a tinge of sadness knowing that the adventures would all come to an end soon. WYD had been nothing short of amazing and I had lost count of the number of times I had felt overwhelmingly blessed. Under the scorching heat, we attended the closing Mass for WYD. The truth is, save for rare moments, almost nothing about WYD was peaceful or stress-free. Instead, WYD was the hectic gathering of millions of young Catholic pilgrims who came with different perspectives and objectives and who were at different stages of their lives. It is in the chaos and jam-packed VHWWLQJV WKDW ZH ¿QG ZKR ZH DUH and admire the universality of our faith. „ By Valerie Goh

6 HOME

Sunday August 21, 2016 CatholicNews

Young lawyers bond over art

Left: Artwork by young lawyers portraying how they see themselves in God’s plan during their day of recollection. Right: Retreatants looking at their artistic creations.

By Melissa Teo A day of recollection for young lawyers and lawyers-to-be has left them refreshed and energised. “I started the retreat feeling

tired and desolate from work. The retreat helped me gain a sense of community,” said Ms Geraldine Yeong. “I feel really rejuvenated and hopeful about life and practice now.” Ms Hilda Foo echoed Ms

Yeong’s sentiments. “It was comforting to hear others share about their struggles,” she said. “I appreciate how my fellow &DWKROLF ODZ\HUV WU\ WR ¿QG *RG in their daily lives.” The Catholic Lawyers Guild

organised the July 23 event at the Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Retreat Centre. About 16 participants aged around 25-30 years attended the day of recollection. It started with praise and worship and a personal sharing by lawyer Dominic Chan. This was followed by a Breaking of the Word and spiritual input by ex-lawyer Michelle Tan. Then Ms Grace Ong, an art therapist with the Assisi Hospice, guided retreatants to express through art how they saw themselves in God’s plan. At the end of the sessions, all the artwork was gathered and retreatants reflected on their

common struggles as well as the many blessings they have received. Commented Ms Foo, “We know that everyone’s personal journey is tough but it is important for us to communicate.” The day of recollection ended with Mass celebrated by the guild’s spiritual director, Fr Adrian Yeo. The Catholic Lawyers Guild seeks to assist its members to obtain sanctity in the legal profession, and also assists people who require legal counsel through the provision of pro bono legal clinics. The guild’s website is at http://www.clgsingapore.com/ clg/HOME.html, email: admin@ clgsingapore.com.

The retreat helped me ‘ gain a sense of community.’

– Ms Geraldine Yeong.

HOME 7

Sunday August 21, 2016 CatholicNews

Daughters of St Paul Sisters and laypeople preparing food at the carnival held on July 31. Photos: LAWRENCE YAP

Fr Christopher Soh, parish priest of the Church of St Ignatius, taking part in the dunking machine game at the carnival.

Religious raise funds at carnival By Keith Neubronner “It is very inspiring and encouraging to experience the solidarity of the various Religious congregations, coming together to share their blessings with their fellow Religious,” said Daughter of St Paul Sr Jocelyn Kwek. She was referring to the Church of St Ignatius Carnival on July 31. Various Religious gathered to man food and game stalls to raise funds for the Cenacle Sisters and Daughters of

St Paul in need of a new home. Dressed in their distinctive cassocks and habits, congregations such as the Canossian Daughters of Charity, Carmelite Fathers, Gabrielite Brothers, Infant Jesus Sisters, Missionaries of Charity and Religious of the Good Shepherd turned up to show their support for the two Religious communities. With over 50 food stalls, 16 games stalls, and many other offerings, including a bouncy castle and a silent auction, there was fun for all those gathered.

The ever-popular dunking machine was also present. Special guests for the game included parish priest Fr Christopher Soh and Sr Wendy Ooi, superior

atmosphere was ‘The one of pure joy!’

– Cenacle Sr Linda Lizada

of the Daughters of St Paul. Over at the entertainment tent, there were contests for children plus several performances. Among those taking to the stage was Scheut Missions Fr Kamelus Kamus, who serenaded the crowd with his smooth vocals. The carnival was also part of the parish feast day celebrations. Noticing the difference from

other carnivals, Mr Noel Liu, a parishioner, remarked: “The parish community coming together with the various Religious communities was a sight to behold, but importantly it is exactly what it means to be a community of Christians.” Cenacle Sr Linda Lizada added that “the atmosphere was one of pure joy!”

8 ASIA

Sunday August 21, 2016 CatholicNews

Death threat against Suu Kyi

Cardinal defends China-Vatican ties

MANDALAY, MYANMAR – Muslim

HONG KONG – Cardinal John

leaders in Myanmar have strongly condemned a reported death threat made by the so-called Islamic State against Ms Aung San Suu Kyi who is due to visit Malaysia in August. Al Haj Kyaw Soe, secretary general of the Myanmar Maulawi Organisation, said the Muslim community in Myanmar strongly opposed the threat made in a letter sent to a police station on Aug 1 in the Malaysian state of Negri Sembilan. “We stand against the terror [threat against] the country’s leader Aung San Suu Kyi and strongly condemn terrorist acts around the world,” said Mr Kyaw Soe. “Our religion never supports violence.” He added that he is concerned for Ms Suu Kyi if her name is on a hit list. The terrorist group’s letter also named several top Malaysian leaders as targets. UCANEWS.COM

Tong Hon of Hong Kong has defended China-Vatican negotiations as a win-win situation ZKLOH UHEXI¿QJ ZRUULHV WKDW the Holy See would give up &KXUFK SULQFLSOHV DQG VDFUL¿FH the “underground Church” in exchange for successful negotiations. His article, published in the Chinese and English diocesan weeklies on Aug 4, comes at a time when China and the Vatican are ready for another round of negotiations in August. Negotiations between China and the Vatican have quickened since a working group was established in April. Both sides are ready to sign an accord, according to a report by Reuters on July 14. Cardinal Tong observed that many people in and outside

China-Vatican ‘Aagreement will certainly be a win-win outcome.

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– Cardinal John Tong Hon of Hong Kong

China “wondered if Vatican of¿FLDOV RU WKH SRSH KLPVHOI PD\ go against Church principles, and aim their criticism and strong reproaches at certain Vatican RI¿FLDOV´ He added, “They even di-

rectly pinpoint their attack on the pontiff, claiming that Pope Francis has violated Church principles upheld by Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI.” Some people have voiced concerns about the Vatican sacUL¿FLQJ WKH OHJLWLPDWH ULJKWV RI the underground Church community, while noting that eight illegitimate China bishops, who were ordained without Vatican approval, and whom the pope

intends to pardon for the Year of Mercy, are being treated with excessive leniency. The cardinal dismissed these worries as “a mistrust of the love of the Holy See” and “an offence against the Holy See and its delegated representatives in the negotiations”. “Even though the concrete terms of the mutual agreement have not been made public, we believe that Pope Francis, as the protector of the Church, would not accept any agreement that would harm the integrity of faith in the universal Church,” the cardinal said. “We do not expect that the problems accumulated over several decades between China and the Vatican can be solved in one go but a China-Vatican agreement will certainly be a winwin outcome,” he said. UCANEWS. COM

Hindu hardliners worry Indian bishops BHOPAL, INDIA – Catholic bish-

ops in central India’s Madhya Pradesh state have condemned increasing attacks on religious minorities and those belonging to lower caste groups, saying they would not succumb to pressure from Hindu extremists to stop working among the poor. In an incident on July 27, a group of Hindu women beat up two Muslim women at a railway station accusing them of carrying beef for sale. The slaughter of cows, an animal considered sacred to orthodox Hindus, is banned in the state. The victims were jailed but some reports say they were carrying buffalo meat, which is not banned. “It really is a hopeless situation,” said Bishop Gerald Almeida of Jabalpur. He said activists of KDUGOLQH JURXSV DI¿OLDWHG ZLWK WKH nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) that rules the state, “act with impunity” and engage in violence purportedly to defend their brand of Hinduism. The attack on the Muslim

women comes a week after a Christian pastor and his co-worker were attacked and tied to a tree in Rewa district. While their attackers got away with the assault, the victims were jailed on charges of violating a law that prohibits religious conversion. “We are witnessing a series of attacks and we do not know

We are witnessing ‘ a series of attacks and we do not know how to deal with such a gruesome situation.

’

– Bishop Gerald Almeida

how to deal with such a gruesome situation,” Bishop Almeida said. In most cases, the perpetrators project themselves as defenders of Hindu culture and social order. They want religious minorities like Christians and Muslims, as well as low caste people, to accept their hegemony.

Media have reported, almost on a weekly basis, stories of hardliners beating up lower caste and tribal people and persecuting Christians and Muslims in remote villages with no legal repercussions. “Complaints to local police will have only one answer, ‘We will take action.’ But no action is taken,” Bishop Almeida said. For example, the bishop said, on March 20, Hindu activists attacked Christians who were sleeping inside a school in his diocese and destroyed religious statues. “Even after providing video footage of the attack, nothing happened,” he said. The Church in the state will not be intimidated and will not abandon its work among low caste groups and tribal people, Bishop Almeida said. Bishop Chacko Thottumarickal of Indore agrees. “We will not give up our mission,” he said. “We will continue our work and will not hesitate to face these challenges.” UCANEWS.COM

ASIA 9

Sunday August 21, 2016 „ CatholicNews

.RONDWD JHDUV XS IRU %OHVVHG 7HUHVD¡V XSFRPLQJ FDQRQLVDWLRQ KOLKATA, INDIA – A group of

young independent photographers are busy clicking away, taking photos in Kolkata, where Blessed Teresa worked and lived. Their photos, part of the crowdsourced Sainthood Project, will be displayed in several locations in Rome in early September, to coincide with the canonisation of Blessed Teresa. The photographers are volunteers, trying to highlight aspects of the young Mother Teresa, who founded the Missionaries of Charity to serve the “poorest of the poor� in India. The young people are funding their own travel to Rome to participate in the ceremony and exhibit the photographs in open-air galleries. “This is our tribute to Mother,� said Srijita Deb Burman, 25, a business professional. “These images will depict the inspiration that must have attracted Mother to this city.� Although the Sept 4 canonisation is at the Vatican, Kolkata is making preparations. Scholars, priests, students and artists are continuously holding seminars, exhibitions and prayer meetings every day across the city to propagate “Mother Teresa’s philosophy towards humanity�. “I have made several new paintings depicting her ideology that will be exhibited at the arts exhibition at St Xavier’s School in Kolkata until her canonisation,� said noted artist Sunita Kumar, a Sikh who volunteers for the Missionaries of Charity. The vibrant Park Street in

The Vatican will release this special postage stamp two days before Blessed Teresa is canonised. In Kolkata, preparations are underway to celebrate the widely anticipated event. CNS photo

Kolkata, a prominent hangout for young people, has already been renamed Mother Teresa Sarani. Special festivities will continue in that area until Christmas. At Mother Teresa’s home, the headquarters of the Missionaries of Charity, the doors are open for all, and devotees and admirers come every day, visiting and praying at her tomb. Many say their prayers have been heard. Some people drop in to be counselled by the Sisters, asking

Bishops warn of Philippines EHFRPLQJ ÂśNLOOLQJ Ă€HOGV¡ QDWLRQ MANILA – Catholic Church lead-

ers say they are “powerlessâ€? to stop a growing number of extrajudicial killings in the Philippines that have come with President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs. “What I predicted is happening, and the Church is powerless to stop the killings,â€? said Fr Amado Picardal, head of the Philippine bishops’ Commission for Basic Ecclesial Communities. The Redemptorist priest said the killings are “already unstoppable,â€? adding that some Church leaders are losing hope. During his campaign for the presidency, Mr Duterte vowed to stop crime, especially the illegal drugs trade, and corruption in the ÂżUVW VL[ PRQWKV RI KLV WHUP ZDUQing that his administration will be a “bloodyâ€? one. Estimates put the number of people killed since he was elected in May at more than 600, with 211 PXUGHUHG E\ XQLGHQWLÂżHG JXQmen.

Archbishop Socrates Villegas of Lingayen-Dagupan, president of the bishops’ conference, appealed to Filipinos’ sense of humanity amid the killings. “There is a little voice of humanity in us that I believe is disturbed by the killings,â€? said the archbishop in a statement read in churches in his archdiocese recently. He noted that the “voice of disturbed humanity is drowned out by the louder voice of revenge or silenced by the sweet privileges of political cloutâ€?. “In our dream to wipe out drug addiction are we not becomLQJ D ÂľNLOOLQJ ÂżHOGVÂś QDWLRQ"´ KH asked. In the statement titled Let Humanity In Us Speak, the archbishop said, “From a generation of drug addicts, shall we become D JHQHUDWLRQ RI VWUHHW PXUGHUHUV" [Can] the do-it-yourself justice system assure us of a safer and EHWWHU IXWXUH"´ „ CNS

for solace; others come looking for medicine or other daily items. The Sisters will hold a thanksgiving Mass here on Aug 26, Mother Teresa’s birthday, ahead of the canonisation. The nuns and novices say they will watch the Sept 4 canonisation through a live broadcast. „ CNS

3DNLVWDQ &KXUFK GHSORUHV VXLFLGH EODVW DW KRVSLWDO NEW DELHI – The Catholic Church

in Pakistan has condemned a suicide blast at a hospital in Quetta, Pakistan, where at least 70 people – many of them lawyers and journalists – were killed and more than 120 injured. The Aug 8 blast took place at the entrance of the emergency department of the hospital where the body of Bilal Anwar Kasi, president of Balochistan (provincial) Bar Association, was being taken after he ZDV VKRW E\ WZR XQLGHQWLÂżHG JXQmen while on his way to court. “Killing innocent people is [an] inhuman act and totally unacceptable,â€? said the National Commission for Justice and Peace, a rights-based organisation of the Pakistan Catholic Bishops’ Conference, in a statement condemning the violence. “The commission and the &DWKROLF &KXUFK VWDQG ÂżUPO\ ZLWK the people of Balochistan in this hourâ€? and asked the government “to bring the perpetrators of this heinous crime to justice,â€? said the

Church statement signed by jusWLFH DQG SHDFH RIÂżFLDOV LQFOXGLQJ Bishop Joseph Arshad of Faisalabad, the chairman. “This tragic incident has caused bereavement throughout the country,â€? the statement said, offering prayers for peace and condolences to the families of the victims. Pointing out that Balochistan province has experienced more than 1,400 incidents of violence and targeted killing over the past 15 years, the Pakistani Church statement urged the government of Pakistan to improve security measures. Pope Francis also offered his prayers and condemned the blast as a “senseless and brutal act of violenceâ€?. In a message the Vatican said was sent to Church and civil authorities in Pakistan, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, said the pope offered his “heartfelt condolences to the relatives of the deceased, to the authorities and to the entire nationâ€?. „ CNS

Pakistani journalists in Lahore, Pakistan, protest the Aug 8 bombing that killed at least 70 people in Quetta. CNS photo

10 WORLD YOUTH DAY

Sunday August 21, 2016 „ CatholicNews

Pope Francis walks with World Youth Day pilgrims as he arrives for a July 30 prayer vigil at the Field of Mercy in Krakow, Poland. CNS photos

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The pope arrives in procession to celebrate the closing Mass of WYD at Campus Misericordiae in Krakow.

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WORLD YOUTH DAY 11

Sunday August 21, 2016 „ CatholicNews

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Pope Francis walks to sign a guest book after praying in front of the original Divine Mercy image during his visit to the Divine Mercy Shrine in Lagiewniki, a suburb of Krakow, Poland, on July 30.

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Pilgrims hold candles during eucharistic adoration with Pope Francis at the July 30 prayer vigil at the Field of Mercy in Krakow.

The Holy Father prays in the chapel of the Black Madonna at the Jasna Gora Monastery in Czestochowa on July 28. The famous icon is traditionally believed to have been painted by St Luke the Evangelist.

12 YOUTH WORLD DAY

Sunday August 21, 2016 CatholicNews

Youthful face of mercy

Pope Francis visiting Auschwitz, young people praying at an over

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saying, “At last, we are together.” ful face of God’s mercy can change Encouraging them to cheer for the hearts of people who have lost St John Paul II, the pope thanked hope, Pope Francis said. his predecessor for initiating World A young person who is touched Youth Day. by Christ is “capable of truly great “From heaven, he is with us, things,” the pope told thousands and he sees all of you: So many of young men and women on July young people from such a variety 28 at the welcoming ceremony of of nations, cultures and languages, World Youth Day in Krakow. but with one goal: that of rejoicing “Today the Church – and I that Jesus is in our midst,” he said. would add, the world – looks to The pope noted the festive atyou and wants to learn from you, mosphere of World Youth Day and to be reassured that the Father’s praised the “enthusiasm, dedicamercy has an ever-youthful face tion, zeal and energy” of the young and constantly invites us to be part men and women who make God’s of His kingdom,” the love palpable to the pope said. world. Arriving at BloHowever, while Today the nia Park in his popeextolling the virtues Church – and of a young, mercimobile, Pope Francis was enveloped in ful heart, the pope I would add, a sea of red, yellow also lamented young the world – and blue as pilgrims people “who seem to donned brightly colhave opted for ‘early oured ponchos to looks to you and retirement.’” shield them from the “It worries me wants to learn rain. to see young people from you. Taking his seat on who have ‘thrown in the main stage, the the towel’ before the – Pope Francis pope was welcomed game has even beby Cardinal Stangun, who are defeatislaw Dziwisz of Krakow and six ed even before they begin to play, young men and women represent- who walk around glumly as if life ing Europe, Asia, North America, has no meaning,” he said. South America, Africa and AusDeep down, he added, “young tralia. people like this are bored and are After presenting the pope with boring.” a custom pilgrim’s backpack, a The celebration in Poland, the group of young performers from pope continued, offers an opportuaround the world entertained the nity for young men and women to pope and the crowd by dancing tra- help each other and “not be robbed ditional dances. of the best of ourselves.” Following the Gospel reading, Pope Francis encouraged the the pope thanked the youth for their youths to look to Jesus to represence, greeting them warmly ceive a “true passion for life” and

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App on Church’s social teachings released to pilgrims KRAKOW, POLAND – Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of Manila presented a “special gift” to World Youth Day pilgrims on July 26. The Filipino prelate introduced DOCAT, a mobile app that will enable young people to have an easy access to documents on the Church’s social teachings. DOCAT, a popular adaptation of the social doctrine of the Catholic Church that draws on Scripture, features a foreword by Pope Francis. The app allows readers to start groups and participate in discussions. Cardinal Tagle said the DOCAT app is Pope Francis’ gift to young people. “The Church wants to spread the Good News using modern means of communication … to set WKH ZRUOG RQ ¿UH E\ EULQJLQJ WR WKH world the power of the word of Je-

sus Christ,” said Cardinal Tagle. The app is a project of the Youth Catechism of the Catholic Church designed after YOUCAT, a 2011 publication that aims to help young people understand the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Cardinal Tagle said DOCAT is a sequel to YOUCAT and will help guide the youth in conscience formation and Gospel-based action on social issues such as poverty, labour, environment and peace, among others. The prelate also said young people are a mirror of the present world that is “wounded, afraid, insecure, and very much confused.” “Among the youth I see a longing for love, a longing to be accepted, a longing to give love,” said Cardinal Tagle. “Isn’t that what the human race is all about?” UCANEWS.COM

Pope Francis greets the crowd as he arrives to attend the World Youth Day welcoming ceremony on July 28 at Blonia Park in Krakow, Poland. CNS photo

to “give the very best of ourselves.” “Are you looking for empty thrills in life, or do you want to feel a power that can give you a lasting VHQVH RI OLIH DQG IXO¿OPHQW" :KLFK one do you want: empty thrills or WKH SRZHU RI JUDFH" 7R ¿QG IXO¿Oment, to gain new strength, there is

a way. It cannot be sold, it cannot be bought, it is not a thing, nor an object. It is a person: His name is Jesus Christ,” the pope said. He also invited them to dedicate their time in Poland to listening to Jesus and to each other in order to live a full life and to embark “on

the adventure of mercy.” “Here we are, Lord! Send us to share your merciful love,” Pope )UDQFLV SUD\HG ³:H ZDQW WR DI¿UP WKDW RXU OLYHV DUH IXO¿OOHG ZKHQ they are shaped by mercy, for that is the better part and it will never be taken from us.” CNS

WYD volunteers enjoy special lunch with pope KRAKOW, POLAND – Thirteen young Catholics had the unique opportunity to lunch privately with Pope Francis on July 30 in Krakow. They were chosen by lottery to attend the 80-minute encounter at the cardinal’s residence, during which questions were put to the pope in Italian and Spanish with simultaneous translations. Ms Malgorzata Krupnik, who was one of two Poles at the lunch, told Catholic News Service (CNS) she had been “very nervous and unsure what to expect,” but said her stress vanished as soon as the pope arrived. “As we sat there, he said, ‘Speak to me; I want to talk to you.’ He was really optimistic, lighthearted and humorous, and not at all stiff and severe,” Ms Krupnik said. “We talked about practical things, not just philosophy. It was really like being at home – and at the end, he hugged each of us, smiling, in a very Franciscan way.” Mr Quan Vu Hong, a Vietnamese, said he asked the pope how youths could live as faithful Christians in today’s world. ³>+H WROG XV@ WKH ¿UVW WKLQJ WR do is to accompany others to a life of faith,” Mr Hong said. The pope,

he added, impressed upon them the importance of prayer and confession, even giving them tips on how to confess to a priest. ³+H WRRN D VHO¿H ZLWK XV DQG joked around during lunch,” Mr Hong added. Poland’s Catholic information agency, KAI, said the youths ate a hearty traditional Polish meal

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YOUTH WORLD DAY 13

Sunday August 21, 2016 „ CatholicNews

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Palestinians, Israelis share faith at World Youth Day KRAKOW, POLAND – At least for a few minutes at World Youth Day, the physical barriers between Palestinian and Israeli communities vanished. A group of Palestinian Catholics and a contingent of Hebrew-speaking Catholics from Israel found themselves in the same sector at the Field of Mercy for the closing programmes of World Youth Day. The two groups talked for a short time after arriving on the open ¿HOGV RQ WKH DIWHUQRRQ RI -XO\ members of both delegations said. The time together was cordial and offered a chance to meet people of the same faith living in neighbouring communities who might not meet under ordinary circumstances.

“We can’t really meet each other in our country,� said Danielle Maman, 22, of Jerusalem, one of the Israeli Catholics. “We can’t talk face-to-face because there are walls and checkpoints.� “We’re all Christians. We always try for peace,� said Asil Zarek, 17, of Beer Sheva, Israel. Pilgrims in both groups said they were not sure how to overcome the political barriers that exist across the two communities, but they thought their faith could be a bridge. “We should all, as Palestinians and Christians, be one together,� said Michael Abusada, 26, a Palestinian living in Jerusalem. “All of us can bring home peace, love and the mercy of Jesus.� „ CNS

3RSH )UDQFLV HQWHUV WKH PDLQ JDWH RI WKH $XVFKZLW] 1D]L GHDWK camp in 2VZLHFLP RQ July 29. CNS photo

Holy Father pays tribute to Holocaust victims in silence, prayer OSWIECIM, POLAND – Sitting with

head bowed and eyes closed, Pope Francis paid silent tribute to the victims of one of the worst atrocities of the 20th century. The pope arrived on July 29 at the Auschwitz-Birkenau Nazi death camp in Oswiecim, an area QRZ EODQNHWHG E\ JUHHQ ¿HOGV DQG empty barracks lined by barbed wire fences, remnants of a horror that remains embedded in history. Used by the Nazis from 1940 to 1945, the camp was the Nazis’ largest. It was the site of the mass extermination of over 1 million Jews, 23,000 Roma and 15,000 Soviet prisoners of war.

Crossing the gate inscribed with the infamous motto Arbeit macht frei (Work sets you free), the pope quietly sat on a small bench for 10 minutes with his head bowed, closing his eyes in silent prayer. The pope then made his way to Block 11 to greet a dozen survivors of the camp, including a 101-yearold violinist, who survived by being in the camp orchestra. The pontiff then made his way toward the “death wall� where thousands of prisoners were lined up and shot. Candle in hand, the pope lit an oil lamp in front of the wall before praying. He then turned around and entered the barracks of Block 11.

Pope Francis entered the cell where St Maximilian Kolbe, who gave his life to save a stranger, VSHQW KLV ÂżQDO KRXUV +H RQFH again sat in silence with his head bowed. He then made his way to the Holocaust memorial at Auschwitz II-Birkenau. While he prayed, the voice of Poland’s Chief Rabbi Michael Joseph Schudrich echoed Psalm 130 in Hebrew throughout the camp. The event ended with the pope greeting 25 people honoured as “righteous among the nations,â€? a recognition of non-Jews who risked their lives to save Jews from the Nazi extermination. „ CNS

Bishops see WYD 2019 as a symbolic bridge KRAKOW, POLAND – Panama, which will host World Youth Day in 2019, is a small country, but the head of its bishops’ conference has no doubts the Church will be able to organise the event. “Panama, with its canal, is a bridge between two continents, and we’ll also make it a symbolic bridge between young people, especially in Latin America,� said Cardinal Jose Lacunza Maestrojuan of David, Panama. At a news conference in Krakow on July 31, the cardinal said Panama was well-placed for air, road and sea communications with North and South America and would give the World Youth Day a distinctive character. “We truly hope this will be a blessing for our country, placing it at the centre of the whole world’s attention,� Cardinal Lacunza said. Archbishop Jose Domingo Ulloa Mendieta of Panama told jour-

nalists Pope Francis had “once again surprised usâ€? by choosing Central America as a venue. “Panama’s youngsters are suffering from mass emigration, unemployment, violence and [huPDQ@ WUDIÂżFNLQJ Âą VR WKLV ZLOO EH D great stimulus for us to start again,â€? the archbishop said. In a July 31 statement, Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela

said he was happy Pope Francis had recognised that Panama’s values of “peace, dialogue and coexistence� were similar to those of World Youth Day, adding that his government would back the Catholic Church in facilitating “an event which includes every part of society.� Catholics traditionally make up three-quarters of the 3.3 million inhabitants of Panama. „ CNS

Panamanian ÀDJV DUH VHHQ DW WKH :<' FORVLQJ 0DVV on July 31. CNS photo

14 POPE FRANCIS

Sunday August 21, 2016 „ CatholicNews

Go for the solidarity, pope tells Olympians VATICAN CITY – A more impor-

tant prize than a gold medal is up for grabs at the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro: a chance to experience solidarity and contribute to the realisation that all people are members of one human family, Pope Francis said. Speaking in Portuguese at his weekly general audience on Aug 3, Pope Francis offered special prayers and greetings to the people of Rio and to the athletes and fans who will gather in the Brazilian city for the games from Aug 5-21. “In a world thirsting for peace, tolerance and reconciliation,â€? he said, “I wish that the spirit of the Olympic Games would inspire all – participants and spectators – to ÂżJKW ÂľWKH JRRG ÂżJKWÂś DQG HQG WKH race together, desiring as a prize not a medal, but something much more precious: the creation of a civilisation where there reigns solidarity founded on the recognition that we

are all members of one human family, no matter the differences of culture, skin colour or religion.â€? 3RSH )UDQFLVÂś UHPDUNV FDPH one day after the release of the monthly video he makes for the Apostleship of Prayer, a Jesuit-entrusted organisation that promotes ZRUOGZLGH SUD\HUV IRU WKH SRSHÂśV intentions. In view of the Olympics, the SRSHÂśV SUD\HU LQWHQWLRQ IRU $XJXVW was: “That sports may be an opportunity for friendly encounters between peoples and may contribute to peace in the world.â€? The video – posted at www. thepopevideo.org – features a variety of athletes forcefully striking or throwing balls so hard that they break holes in a wall, symbol of the barriers between people. “Sports make it possible to build a culture of encounter among everyone for a world of peace,â€? the pope says in the video. „ CNS

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It’s not right to equate Islam with violence, pope says ABOARD THE PAPAL FLIGHT FROM KRAKOW, POLAND – An

A banner advertising the 2016 Rio Olympics. Pope Francis urged participants and spectators to experience solidarity during the event. CNS photo

economy that focuses on the God of money, not human beings, is the foundation of terrorism, Pope Francis said. Speaking to journalists aboard KLV UHWXUQ ÀLJKW IURP .UDNRZ Poland, on July 31, the pope also

Pontiff commends Refugee Olympic Team VATICAN CITY – In a personal message addressed to each of the 10 members of the new Refugee Olympic Team, Pope Francis wished them success in their events and thanked them for the witness they are giving the world. 1DPLQJ HDFK RI WKH WHDPÂśV athletes from South Sudan, Syria, Congo and Ethiopia, Pope Francis said he had read some of the interviews with team members “so that I could get closer to your lives and your aspirationsâ€?. “I extend my greetings and wish you success at the Olympic Games in Rio – that your courDJH DQG VWUHQJWK ÂżQG H[SUHVVLRQ through the Olympic Games and serve as a cry for peace and solidarity,â€? he said in the message. The 2016 Summer Games PDUNHG WKH ÂżUVW WLPH D UHIXJHH WHDP RIÂżFLDOO\ SDUWLFLSDWHG LQ the Olympics. Team members PDUFKHG XQGHU WKH 2O\PSLF Ă€DJ and, in the event a team member wins a medal, the Olympic anthem was to be played instead of the national anthem of the athOHWHÂśV KRPH FRXQWU\ Pope Francis expressed his hope that through the team “humanity would understand that peace is possible, that with peace everything can be gained,

stressed that violence exists in all is always a small fundamentalist religions, including Catholicism, group. We have them, too,â€? the and it cannot be pinned to one sin- pope said. gle religion. “I do not think it is right to iden“I do not like to speak of Is- tify Islam with violence. This is not lamic violence because everyday right and it is not true,â€? he said. when I look through the papers, Instead, the pope said, that I see violence here in Italy,â€? the those who choose to enter fundapope told reporters. The pope said mentalists groups, such as the Isthat he has read in the newspaper lamic State, do so because “they DERXW DQ ,WDOLDQ ZKR NLOOHG KLV Âż- have been left emptyâ€? of ideals, ancĂŠ or his mother in law. work and values. “And they are baptised CathoPope Francis was also asked lics. There are violent Catholics. if he was all right after he stumIf I speak of Islamic violence, I bled and fell during Mass outside also have to speak of Catholic vio- the Marian shrine of Jasna Gora lence,â€? he added. in Czestochowa on July Spending about 30 28. He missed a step as There minutes with reporters he was blessing the altar are violent and an image of Mary and responding to six questions, Pope Francis Catholics. with incense. was asked to elaborate “I was looking at the If I speak Madonna and I forgot on comments he had PDGH Ă€\LQJ WR 3RODQG of Islamic about the step,â€? he reon July 27 when he told “I had the thurible violence, called. the journalists that reliin my hand and I just let gions are not at war and I also have myself fall. If I had tried want peace. resist, then there would to speak of to 7KH SRSHÂśV LQLWLDO have been consequences.â€? Catholic comment came in speakRegarding his abiling about the murder ity to speak and relate to violence. on July 26 of an elderly young people, the pope – Pope Francis told journalists that he priest during Mass in a Catholic church in Stlikes to talk to them “beEtienne-du-Rouvray, France. Two cause they tell me things that I men, armed with knives, entered the never thought about before or that church during Mass. The attackers I never thought through.â€? murdered 85-year-old Fr Jacques He also emphasised the imporHamel, slitting his throat. The Is- tance of a “dialogue between past lamic State group later claimed re- and futureâ€? and said older and sponsibility for the murder. younger generations must learn to Although the death of the speak to and learn from each other. French priest was committed in “Listen to them, speak to them the name of Islam, the pope said because they must learn from us that it is unfair to label an entire and we must learn from them. religion violent because of the ac- That is how history is made, that tions of a few fundamentalists. is how we grow. Without closing “One thing is true. I believe them off, without censuring them,â€? that in almost all religions, there Pope Francis said. „ CNS, CRUX

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The new Refugee Olympic Team arrives for the opening ceremony in Rio de -DQHLUR 3RSH )UDQFLV ZLVKHG WKHP VXFFHVV LQ WKHLU HYHQWV CNS photo

but with war all can be lostâ€?. “Your experience serves as WHVWLPRQ\ DQG EHQHÂżWV XV DOO ´ KH wrote. Yusra Mardini, 18, was the ÂżUVW PHPEHU RI WKH WHDP WR FRPpete in Rio. The swimmer is ranked 41st among women swimmers competing in the 100-m butWHUĂ€\ 0DUGLQL ÂżQLVKHG ÂżUVW LQ KHU initial heat on Aug 6. Like tens of thousands of SyrLDQV VKH Ă€HG KHU ZDU WRUQ FRXQWU\ through Lebanon and Turkey. She found a space on a rubber dingy to make her way to Lesbos, Greece,

but the motor stalled. She, her sister and another woman – the only people on the boat who could swim – pushed the boat to shore. From Greece, Mardini travelled to Germany, where she was JLYHQ RI¿FLDO UHIXJHH VWDWXV LQ March and continued her training as a competitive swimmer. Five of the athletes – including Rose Nathike Lokonyen, 23, the WHDPœV ÀDJ EHDUHU IRU WKH RSHQLQJ ceremony – are South Sudanese refugees who were living in the KXJH .DNXPD UHIXJHH FDPS LQ .HQ\D „ CNS

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POPE FRANCIS 15

Sunday August 21, 2016 CatholicNews

Pope names panel to study topic of women deacons VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis has appointed six men and six women to a commission to study the issue of women deacons, particularly their ministry in the early Church. In addition to the 12 members named on Aug 2, the pope tapped Archbishop Luis Ladaria Ferrer, secretary of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, to serve as president of the commission. The pope set up the commission at the request of the International Union of Superiors General, the organisation for the leaders of women’s Religious orders around the world. Meeting the group in May, Pope Francis said that while his understanding was that the women described as deacons in the New Testament were not ordained as male deacons are today, “it would be useful for the Church to clarify this question”. The International Theological Commission, a body that advises the doctrinal congregation, included the question of women deacons in a study on the diaconate almost 20 years ago. While its report, issued in 2002, did not offer recommendations for the future, it concluded that biblical deaconesses were not the same as ordained male deacons. In June this year, Pope Francis told reporters that he had asked Cardinal Gerhard Muller, prefect of the doctrinal congregation, and Sr Carmen Sammut, president of the superiors’ group, to suggest scholars to include in the study group.

Dr Phyllis Zagano, from the religion department at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York, is one of six women appointed to a 13-person commission to study the issue of women deacons. CNS photo

At least one of the members Pope Francis named to the commission – US scholar Phyllis Zagano – has written extensively on the role of women deacons in the early Church, arguing that they were ordained ministers and that women can be ordained deacons today. Dr Zagano is a senior research associate in the religion department at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York. She told Catholic News Service, after learning of the appointment, that she was “happy for the Church”. She said she knew some of the people named to the commis-

sion but was not familiar with their writings on women in the diaconate. “The theological question isn’t whether women were ordained [in the early Church], but rather whether women can be ordained as deacons. The Church has stated GH¿QLWLYHO\ WKDW ZRPHQ FDQQRW EH ordained as priests. The Church has always left the question of restoring women to the diaconate as open,” she told CNS on Aug 2. “It appears to me that this is an opportunity for the Church to discuss whether women can be restored to the ordained diaconate,” she said. CNS

Dream big, build bridges, don’t fear, pope tells Cuban youths VATICAN CITY – Fear nothing,

break the chains that may bind you and bring hope to the world, Pope Francis told young people attending a special World Youth Day gathering in Cuba. Let the Gospel transform your lives so that you can build bridges and promote a culture of encounter, respect, mutual understanding and forgiveness, the pope said in a video message sent on July 28. “This is ‘making trouble,’ this is to dream. And you young people have to ‘make trouble,’” he said. The Vatican released a transcript of the message on July 29. To help young Cubans who couldn’t afford the trip to World Youth Day in Krakow, Poland, feel more connected to the international gathering, the pope sent D YLGHR PHVVDJH VSHFL¿FDOO\ IRU them as they attended their own celebrations in Havana. “We cannot love God if we do

‘

Young people, do not be afraid of anything, be free from the shackles of the world.

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not love our brothers and sisters,” he said. He told them that when they walk through the Holy Door in their archdiocese they should let themselves become “infected” with God’s love, so that they would be able to look at others with mercy and tenderness, especially those in need.

“Love is constructive, love does not destroy – not even your enemy,” he said. “Young people, do not be afraid of anything, be free from the shackles of the world and proclaim to everyone – to the ill, the elderly, the sad – that the Church is crying together with them and that Jesus can give them new life, revive them.” Bring people hope – the kind of hope that even includes people who think differently, Pope Francis told them. Everyone can build bridges with their words, hearts and desires, and by working together, he said. CNS

16 OPINION

Sunday August 21, 2016 CatholicNews

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LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Catholicism as bulwark against self-centred ideologies Mr Nick Chui’s article, Gender Theory: A Questionable View Of The Human Person” (CN, July 10), clearly and concisely explains the problems with the modern idea that one’s identity can be entirely self-constructed, even if completely at odds with biological reality. The idea that “I can do, or be, anything if I put my mind to it” encourages people to strive for excellence and break down barriers. But applying this individualistic mindset blindly to all areas of life – in particular, vocation and human relationships – is a recipe for disaster when it reduces those around us to objects that exist to IXO¿O RXU GHVLUHV A woman cannot become a wife or mother “by herself” – she needs a man to marry her, and to father her children. A man cannot become a priest “by himself” – he needs a semiQDU\ RU 5HOLJLRXV RUGHU WR DFFHSW him, and a bishop to ordain him. Our relationships and life vocations can only be discerned in community with others. Yet some reject this dependence on others – and the vulnerability that it brings – and claim the “right” to

CN, July 10

attain their dreams, no matter how impossible they are or how they might harm others. But as Pope Benedict XVI once wrote, “Human beings are relational, and they possess their lives – themselves – only by way of relationship. I alone am not myself, but only in and with you am I myself. To be truly a human being means to be related in love, to be of and for.” (‘In the Beginning…’: A Catholic Understanding of the Story of Creation and the Fall) Christian life reminds us that

we exist in relationship. The faith was passed down to us from our ancestors. We humbly accept baptism and the other sacraments being administered to us. No one can baptise or ordain himself, and no one can absolve his own sins – not even the pope! And so Catholicism itself – which necessitates a community of faith – is perhaps one of the best bulwarks against self-centred ideologies of the human person. Estella Young Singapore 457266

Learning about mental health AS A young boy, I longed to be a professional athlete but I had to soon accept the unwelcome fact that I simply wasn’t gifted with an athlete’s body. Speed, strength, coordination, instinct, vision – I got by in ordinary life with what I had been given of these – but I wasn’t physically robust enough to be an athlete. It took some years to make peace with that, but it took me even longer, well into mid-life, before I came to both acknowledge and give thanks for the fact that, while I wasn’t blessed with an athlete’s body, I had been given robust mental health, and that this was a mammoth undeserved blessing, more important for life than an athlete’s body. I had often wondered what it would be like to have an athlete’s body, to possess that kind of speed, strength, and grace, but I had never wondered what it must be like not to have a strong, steady, resilient mind, one that knows how to return a lob, split a defence, not be afraid of contact, absorb a hit, and not let the rigours of the game break you. And that recognition was bought and paid for by some of the most painful moments of my life. As I aged, year after year, I began to see a number of my former classmates, colleagues, trusted mentors, acquaintances of all kinds, and dear friends lose their battle with mental health and sink, slowly or rapidly, into various forms of clinical depression, mental paralysis, mental anguish, dementia of various kinds, dark personality changes and even suicide. Slowly, painfully, haltingly, I came to know that not everyone has the internal circuits to allow them the sustained capacity for steadiness and buoyancy. I also came to learn that one’s mental health is really parallel to one’s physical health – fragile, and not fully within one’s own control. Moreover just as diabetes, arthritis, cancer, stroke, heart attacks, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and multiple sclerosis can cause debilitation and death, so too can mental diseases wreak deadly havoc inside the mind, also causing every kind of debilitation and, not infrequently, death and suicide. +RZ PLJKW RQH GH¿QH UREXVW PHQWDO KHDOWK" 5REXVW PHQWDO KHDOWK LV QRW WR EH FRQIXVHG ZLWK LQWHOOLJHQFH RU EULOOLDQFH ,W¶V QHLWKHU 5DWKHU it is steadiness, a capacity to somehow always be anchored, balanced, buoyant, and resilient in the face of all that life throws at you, good and bad. Indeed, sometimes it can be a positive blockage to creativity and brilliance. Some people, it seems, are just too grounded and sane to be brilliant! And brilliant people, gifted artists, poets, musicians, not infrequently struggle to stay solidly grounded. Brilliance and steadiness are frequently very different gifts. Through the years that I have been writing on suicide, I have received many letters, emails, and phone calls, with anguished concerns about understanding mental health. One letter came from a woman, a brilliant psychoanalyst, somewhat anxious about her own steadiness and that of her family, who wrote: “Everyone in my family is brilliant, but none of us is very steady!” Of course, we all know families where the reverse is true. In short, we need a better understanding of mental health; perhaps not so much among doctors, psychiatrists, and mental health professionals, where there is already a considerable understanding of mental health and where valuable research goes on, but within the culture at large, particularly as this pertains to suicide. When we see someone suffering from a physical disability or a bodily disease, it’s easy to understand this limitation and be moved to empathy. But this is predicated largely on the fact that we can see, physically see, the disability or the sickness. We may feel frustrated, helpless, and even angry in the face of what we see, but we generally understand. We get it! Nature has dealt this person a particular hand of cards, no one’s to blame! But that’s not the situation with mental health. Here the disability or sickness is not so overt or easily understood. This is particularly true where the breakdown of a person’s mental health results in suicide. For centuries, this has been badly misdiagnosed, not least morally and religiously. Today, more and more, we claim to understand, even as we don’t really understand. A deeper, more intuitive eye is still required. We still don’t really understand mental fragility. Our physical health can be robust or fragile, the same for our mental health. In both cases, how strong we are depends a lot upon the hand of cards we were dealt, our genetic endowment and the environment that shaped us. We don’t get to order our bodies and minds from a catalogue, and nature and life don’t always deal the cards evenly. We need to better understand mental health and mental breakdown. Psychologically and emotionally, we are not immune to all diseases. And they too can be terminal, as is the case with suicide.

FOCUS 17

Sunday August 21, 2016 CatholicNews

B

ACK in 1974, a year after abortion was fully legalised in the United States, Katherine White (not her real name) was enjoying her senior year of college. Her parents were proudly anticipating her graduation; she would be the ¿UVW FROOHJH JUDGXDWH LQ WKH IDPLO\ Then she started throwing up, and eventually missed a period. So she walked into a clinic for a blood pregnancy test. It was positive. “When I found myself pregnant, I was in denial,” she said. “I was frightened. I was too ashamed to tell my parents.” Yet White assumed her boyfriend would support her. They would get married and have the baby. “He didn’t want anything to do with it,” she told The Catholic Accent, newspaper of the Diocese of Greensburg. White recalled that back then abortion “was billed as a simple procedure that would get your period restarted – back to normal”. She underwent the procedure at a clinic in Pittsburgh, and there was never any mention of the word “baby,” she said. “I think deep down I probably knew, but in order for me to do that, I told myself that it truly wasn’t a child. Nobody convinced me otherwise. “I remember coming home back to my college dorm, and I just curled up in a ball for two days,” she said. “It forever changed me. I never ever spoke to anybody about that awful day – ever.” For 40 years that she kept the painful experience inside herself, long after her college graduation. White said that for a few years, she stayed away from the Catholic Church because she felt shame and estrangement from God, believing He no longer loved her. Fearful of God’s punishment, she abused alcohol and suffered from depression for many of those 40 years. And at all costs, she avoided reading anything about abortion; it was simply too painful. During a bad time in 2015, she had an inspiration partly because she was spending time with pro-life advocates and also hearing compassionate Year of Mercy messages. She realised that her problems stemmed from her inability to face what she had done decades ago. “I just faced it,” White said. “I realised that I had truly taken a life. I knew I wanted to confess it.”

I know that ‘ there are women out there in our churches who are suffering silently, as I did, and are in terrible pain. You are not alone.’

– ‘Katherine White’

S

HE sought a wise, compassionate priest and received the Sacrament of Reconciliation. “It set me on my healing journey,” she said. “It was just beautiful. When I was with him [the priest], I saw the hands and voice of Christ. But healing didn’t happen overnight, White said. She struggled to accept God’s forgiveness for her deed. She continued to seek advice from her confessor, who helped her realise she needed to humbly accept the unmerited gift of forgiveness from God who forgives all sins, even abortion. He helped her to begin seeing her child in God’s loving arms and also recommended that she attend a Rachel’s Vineyard Weekend, a retreat that gives women and men an opportunity to accept and grieve their loss from abortion and ultimately move towards reconciliation and peace. “I never thought I could discuss something so personal and painful with others,” she said. But, ultimately, she found the courage. “I wanted to grieve for my child, but I felt like I didn’t deserve to,” White said. “Rachel’s Vineyard allowed me to share my sorrow with other women who have experienced the same loss of a child through abortion ... Not only do we deserve to grieve, it’s a needed step in our recovery, our healing.” That special weekend allowed White to fully accept she was a

mother who had a child. “Before, I referred to it as an ‘it,’” she said. “Now ... I ask him [her child] to pray for me.” Referring to the Year of Mercy, White said, “I know what mercy is. I truly, truly get it.” White attributes her healing to a combination of confession, on-

going discussion with her confessor, prayer, the Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat, and her ongoing relationships with the women she met at the retreat. “I know that there are women out there in our churches who are suffering silently, as I did, and are in terrible pain,”

White said. “You are not alone.” She encourages women to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. “It will start you on your healing journey, and, more importantly, help you connect with your child.” But the path is different for everyone, she said. “It takes time, just as with any other loss,” White said. “You go through stages, but each day gets better. But you have to go forward.” CNS To contact Rachel’s Vineyard in Singapore, visit www.rachelsvineyard. sg or contact Rose Boon (98185102). The organisation is conducting a retreat from Sept 23-25.

18 FEATURE

Sunday August 21, 2016 „ CatholicNews

Muslim leaders denounce killing of French priest, stand in solidarity with Christians They attend Mass in various churches around the world to honour slain priest WASHINGTON – Fr Jacques Hamel’s gruesome murder in northern France on July 26 – by men claiming allegiance to the Islamic State – prompted sorrow and outrage from Muslim leaders around the world. “This attack in a place of worship and on innocent worshippers in particular demonstrates that there are no boundaries to the depravity of these murderers,â€? wrote Imam Qari Muhammad Asim, senior imam at the Makkah Mosque in Leeds, England. The knife-yielding attackers slit the throat of 85-year-old Fr Hamel and also injured two others in the church, Eglise St-Etienne, before they were fatally shot by police. Âł,Q WKLV H[WUHPHO\ GLIÂżFXOW time for the Catholic community, we stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters of all faiths,â€? the English imam said in a statement. “An attack on any place of worship is an attack on a way of life of faith communities and therefore an attack on all of us.â€? Muslims and Jews attended Fr Hamel’s Aug 2 funeral at the Notre Dame Cathedral in Rouen. “It

People holding a banner with a picture of French priest Fr Jacques Hamel, which reads: ‘Where there is hatred, let me sow love,’ after a July 27 Mass at the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Various Muslim leaders denounced the killing calling it an attack on all religions. CNS photo

was a duty,� Mr Hassan Houays, a Muslim teacher from SaintEtienne-du-Rouvray, told the AFP news agency. “We are here so that we can get along together.� That solidarity also was evident on July 31 when Muslims leaders and community members attended Masses at the Notre Dame Cathedrals in Paris and

Rouen, France, and Catholic basilicas in Rome. Mr Yahya Yahe Pallavicini, vice president of the Islamic Religious Community of Italy, attended Mass at Rome’s Basilica of the Holy Cross of Jerusalem with about two dozen representatives of the community. At a gathering before Mass,

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– Imam Qari Muhammad Asim, senior imam at the Makkah Mosque in Leeds, England

he said they came to “demonstrate brotherhood and to defend the sacred values of religion.� Across the city, at Rome’s Basilica of St Mary in Trastevere, dozens of Muslims joined members of the Community of Sant’Egidio and parishioners for the main morning Mass. Mohammed ben Mohammed, imam of a nearby mosque, told worshippers that those who murdered Fr Hamel “have nothing to do with Islam.� “They are dangerous and the enemies of Islam,� he said. The support among religious leaders was also immediately apparent after news spread about

the murder of the beloved priest GHVFULEHG DV D JUDQGIDWKHUO\ ÂżJure at the parish in the Normandy working class town of St-Etiennedu-Rouvray. French President Francois Hollande had not only assembled VHFXULW\ RIÂżFLDOV DIWHU WKH FKXUFK attack, he also gathered representatives of Christian churches and Muslim, Buddhist and Jewish leaders to display interfaith unity. Mr Mohammed Karabila, president of the Regional Muslim Council of Normandy, told a French newspaper he was “distressed at the death of his friendâ€?, Fr Hamel, and pointed out that the two of them had worked together in an interfaith committee for nearly two years since the beginning of Islamic State attacks in France. He described the priest as “a man of peace, of religion, with a certain charisma. A person who dedicated his life and his ideas to KLV UHOLJLRQ +H VDFULÂżFHG KLV OLIH for others.â€? Ahmad el-Tayeb, grand imam of Egypt’s al-Azhar mosque and university, who met with Pope Francis in May after years of suspended dialogue with the Vatican, said in a July 26 statement that the church attackers lacked “any sense of humanity and all the values and principles of Islamic tolerance, which invite us to peace and to avoid the bloodshed of innocents, without any distinction of religion, colour, gender or ethnicity.â€? The imam also called for an ÂłLQWHQVLÂżFDWLRQ RI HIIRUWV DQG MRLQW initiatives to deal with the cancer of terrorism that now threatens the entire world, destroys innocent souls and threatens world peace.â€? „ CNS

FEATURE 19

Sunday August 21, 2016 CatholicNews

US Sisters urge civility in presidential campaign SILVER SPRING, MARYLAND, USA – More than 5,600 US Reli-

gious Sisters have signed a letter asking for civil discourse in the presidential campaign. The letter was sent on Aug 8 to the candidates of the Democratic, Republican, Green and Libertarian parties as well as their vice presidential running mates and the chairs of their respective parties. “We simply ask that all who seek to lead refrain from language that disrespects, dehumanises or demonises another,” the letter said. “We pray that all who seek WR LQÀXHQFH SXEOLF RSLQLRQ ZLOO EH mindful of the common good and respectful of the dignity of each and every person.” The letter was written by the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR), which represents about 80 percent of the 49,000 women Religious in the United States. LCWR, based in the Washington suburb of Silver Spring, has about 1,350 congregations of women Religious as members, representing 80 percent

of the 57,000 women Religious in the United States. As of Aug 3, 5,671 Sisters had signed the letter. Their ministries include education, health care, and other pastoral and social services. “We urge you to join us in pledging to engage in careful listening and honest dialogue that honours the dignity of those with whom we disagree and treats all with the respect that is their God-given right,” the letter said. “Please join us in promising to seek the common good, to desire only good for all others, and to offer our own truth with equal measures of conviction and humility.” The letter quoted from Pope Francis’ address to Congress when he visited the United States last September: “You are called to defend and preserve the dignity

Delegates to the July 26 Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. More than 5,600 US Religious Sisters have appealed via a letter to candidates in the presidential race to be ‘respectful of the dignity of each and every person’. CNS photo

of your fellow citizens in the tireless and demanding pursuit of the common good, for this is the chief aim of all politics.” The Sisters’ letter said, “Unfortunately, we live in a time when our politics is too often marked by selfinterest and demeaning rhetoric.

We simply ask that all who seek to lead ‘refrain from language that disrespects, dehumanises or demonises another.’

– From the letter signed by more than 5,600 US Religious Sisters

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We seem to be caught in a political system paralysed by ideological extremism and hyper-partisanship.” The letter added, “Those on all sides of the growing political divide too often appeal to our basest LQVWLQFWV DQG VWRNH WKH ¿UHV RI IHDU that tear at the fabric of our nation. We cannot let the voices of hatred and fear carry the day.” An Aug 3 statement by Sr Joan Marie Steadman, a Sister of St Joseph who is LCWR’s executive director said, “Unfortunately, it seems in this particular political season,

commitment to political discourse that preserves the dignity of the human person and promotes the common good is in short supply.” “This is why LCWR is calling for civility in our discourse and decency in our political interaction.” The letter concluded, “We know that you offer yourself in service of the people of the United States at great cost to yourself and your family. We promise you our prayers in the weeks and months ahead.” CNS See related story on Page 24

20

Sunday August 21, 2016 „ CatholicNews

By Jennifer Ficcaglia During their travels, Jesus told the apostles about the kingdom of heaven. After He was done preaching to a crowd, some parents brought their children to Jesus for a blessing. The apostles scolded them and tried to keep the children away. But Jesus laid His hands on the children’s heads, saying, “The kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.� Soon after, a rich young man asked Jesus what he needed to do to gain eternal life. The Lord told him to sell all of his things and to follow Him. The young man was very sad and walked away. He did not want to give up his possessions. “It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of God,� the Lord told His friends.

Peter wanted to know what the apostles would receive, because they had given up everything to follow Jesus. The Lord said all who give up their possessions and families to follow him would inherit eternal life in heaven. %XW +H DGGHG Âł0DQ\ ZKR DUH ÂżUVW ZLOO EH ODVW DQG WKH ODVW ZLOO EH ÂżUVW ´ To help His friends understand, He told a parable. “The kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out at dawn to hire labourers for his vineyard,â€? he said. A group of men agreed to do the work for the usual daily wage paid to laborers. At 9 am, noon, 3 pm and 5 pm, the landowner hired more men, saying he would pay them what was just. At the end of the day, the landowner told his foreman to pay the workers “beginning with the last and HQGLQJ ZLWK WKH ÂżUVW ´

SPOTLIGHT ON SAINTS:

St Rose of Lima St Rose (1586-1617) was born in Lima, Peru. When she grew up, she wanted to be like St Catherine of Siena. Rose was very happy living with her family, and she helped support them by selling her needlework and WKH ÀRZHUV VKH JUHZ For 10 years, her family tried to force her to marry. Instead, she joined the Third Order of St Dominic and lived alone in a small hut in the family garden. For most of her life, her family and friends made fun of her for how she chose to live. But God gave her many graces, and she had many visions from Him. At the end of her life, she suffered from a long, painful illness. She prayed to suffer even more so her heart could become more loving. 6W 5RVH EHFDPH WKH ¿UVW FDQRQLVHG VDLQW RI WKH 1HZ :RUOG in 1671. We honour her on Aug 23. „

The men hired at 5 pm were paid the usual daily wage even though they had not worked a full day. 7KH PHQ KLUHG ÂżUVW KDG ZRUNHG longer and expected to make more money. Instead, they, too, received the usual daily wage. “You have made them equal to XV ´ WKH PHQ KLUHG ÂżUVW FRPSODLQHG “Did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage?â€? the landowner

asked. “What if I wish to give this last one the same as you? ... Are you envious because I am generous?â€? “Thus,â€? Jesus said, “the last will EH ÂżUVW DQG WKH ÂżUVW ZLOO EH ODVW ´ „ Read more about it: Matthew 19 & 20

Q&A 1. Who will inherit eternal life? 2. What parable did Jesus tell his friends?

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There are many passages in the Bible that talk about heaven. For example, in the Book of Revelation, John describes how he was taken up into heaven and what he saw there. In Revelation 4, he talks about seeing the throne of God and the living creatures and elders who worship the Lord all day and night. “He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain,� he wrote in Revelation 21:4. Jesus also talked about heaven. In John 14:2, He told His apostles, “In my Father’s house, there are many dwelling places. If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?� In Matthew 25, He told some parables about how important it is to be faithful, wise and prepared in order to be welcomed into the kingdom of heaven. And in Matthew 19, the Lord said that to inherit eternal life in heaven, one must give up everything and follow Him. „

WHAT’S ON 21

Sunday August 21, 2016 „ 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.org.sg/chancery/ announcement-advertisement-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 11 TO OCT 31 MSGR AMBROSE VAZ: LETTER TO THE HEBREWS AND BOOK OF TOBIT Time: 8pm-10pm. Letter to the Hebrews invites us to persevere in our Christian faith and to restore our lost fervour we once had. Come and be refreshed and recharged! Organised by the Chuch of the Holy Spirit Discover Ministry. Registration required. Venue: #02-05, Church of the Holy Spirit, 248 Upper Thomson Road. Register: T: 90102829 (Kim); E: kim_f_ho@yahoo.com JULY 12 TO NOV 22 BIBLE STUDY: 1 AND 2 SAMUEL Conducted by Msgr Ambrose Vaz. Time: 8pm-10pm. Organised by Bible Apostolate Team of Church of St Francis Xavier. No course fees. Register: E: maisielee21@ gmail.com; E: ronlee@lucas.com.sg JULY 13 TO OCT 12 MSGR AMBROSE VAZ: THE GOSPEL OF JOHN Join us as we follow Jesus’s footsteps and ministry here on earth. Invite your friends, even if they are non-believers, or a fellow Catholic in need of faith renewal. Together, we can learn how to be authentic disciples. Wednesday, 8pm-10pm at the Church of St Bernadette, 12 Zion Road, parish hall. Register: E: BatSB@outlook.com AUG 1 TO AUG 31 REGISTRATION FOR CONFRATERNITY OF THE CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE (CCD) CCD is a faith formation programme for Catholic children, aged 6 to 13 years old in international schools. Online registration for intake year 2016-2017 opens from Aug 1 - Aug 3. All students (new or returning) have to register. Registration accepted via online only at http://www.stignatius.org.sg/Ministries/ Faith-Formation/Catechetical-Ministry/ CCD. After submission, please submit WKH IROORZLQJ WR WKH &KXUFK RI¿FH )LUVW Holy Communion (FHC), a hard copy of EDSWLVP FHUWL¿FDWH DQG IHH E\ FKHTXH AUG 4 TO OCT 16 10-WEEK DVD BIBLE STUDY ON THE BOOK OF PSALMS A DVD study by Jeff Cavins. Time: 8pm-10pm. At the heart of the Bible are the Psalms – prayers and words from God that help us to pray, confess, lament or sing praise. Organised by the Biblical Apostolate Team, Church of Christ The King at Ang Mo Kio Ave 8. Register: T: 98321538 (Lene) or E: ctkbat@hotmail. com AUG 4 TO NOV 10 MSGR AMBROSE VAZ: HISTORICAL BOOKS-RUTH,

RCIA/RCIY A journey for those seeking to know more about the Catholic faith. Baptised Catholics are also invited to journey as sponsors. MAY 5, 2016 TO JUNE 4, 2017 RCIA @ BLESSED SACRAMENT CHURCH Time:7.30pm to 9pm. Venue: St James Room (Level 3). Register: E: rcia@bsc.org.sg; T: 64740582 MAY 8, 2016 TO MAY 2017 RCIY @ ST FRANCIS XAVIER FOR BAPTISM IN 2017 Youths between the ages of 13 to 23 who have not received the Sacrament RI &RQÂżUPDWLRQ DUH LQYLWHG WR MRLQ XV Register: http://tinyurl.com/sfxrciy. Enquiries: Mark at tctay60@gmail.com or Angela at angela.soh137@gmail.com. MAY 11, 2016 TO MAY 30, 2017 RCIA @ CHURCH OF IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY Every Wednesday from 7.45pm-9.45pm. Venue: Sts Peter & Paul room (Level 3, IHM Parish Centre, 24 Highland Road). Registration forms can be downloaded from our church website. Email to rcia@ LKP VJ RU GURS LW RII DW RXU SDULVK RIÂżFH upon completion. For more information: 96273835 (Nancy); 96162001 (Agnes)

JONAH, JUDITH, TOBIT Thursday evenings from 8pm-10pm. At Church of St Ignatius, level 1 St Ignatius Hall. No pre-registration required. All are ZHOFRPH &RPH DQG HQMR\ WKH OLYLQJ ZRUG of God! E: henrythwu@gmail.com AUG 13 TO DEC 10 COMMON SENSE PARENTING The workshop gives parents and caregivers a set of skills to manage children’s and teens’ behaviours without affecting their self-esteem. Dates: Aug 13,20,27; Sept 17,24; Oct 1,8,15,22; Nov 5,12,19 26; Dec 3,10. Every Saturday from 9am-1pm. Organised by: Morning Star (Seng Kang Centre) 261B Seng Kang East Way, #01-400 S(542261) Fees: $64.20/pax $85.60/couple. W: http:// www.morningstar.org.sg/events_CSP.html AUG 14 TO OCT 2 COUPLE EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMME (CEP) CEP is a programme for married couples who wish to discover more about building strong marriages and to raise emotionally well-balanced children. The programme is faithful to Catholic teachings and incorporates well-studied life skills expounded by modern-day marriage sociologists, psychologists and psychiatrists. For more information: T: 91059921 (Victor); 98579075 (Andrea); E: goto_cep@hotmail.com AUG 18 IGNATIAN SPIRITUALITY IN THE ASIAN CONTEXT Time: 7.30pm-10pm. Introducing the cultural, historical and social background of the life of St Ignatius, relating these to one’s own current cultural, historical and social background in Singapore. Cost: $50. Organised by Kingsmead Centre, 8 Victoria Park Rd. To register: W: http://tinyurl. com/kingsmeadregi stration; T: 64676072 AUG 19 IGNATIAN SPIRITUALITY FOR TODAY’S MEN Time: 7.30pm-10pm. A talk by Fr Pham +XQJ ,JQDWLDQ VSLULWXDOLW\ DQG UHĂ€HFWLRQ on one’s life, focusing also on the work of Pat Arnold, “Wildman, Warriors, and Kings: Masculine Spiritualityâ€?. Cost: $50. (If you are registering for another talk by Fr Hung on Aug 18, the total fee for both talks is $80). Organised by Kingsmead Centre, 8 Victoria Park Rd. To register: W: http://tinyurl.com/kingsmeadregi stration; T: 64676072 AUG 19 TO AUG 21 DIOCESAN VOCATION DISCERNMENT RETREAT How open are you to the Lord’s calling? Come spend a meaningful weekend at this retreat at the Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Retreat House, 24 Highland Rd. Registration: E: seminariansonline@ gmail.com; E: diocesanvocations@catholic. org.sg. Closing date for registration: Aug 12. AUG 20 TO AUG 21 COUPLE RETREAT - BUILDING A STRONG MARRIAGE Aug 20 (9am-9pm) and Aug 21 (9am1pm). A stay-out retreat led by Fr Pham Hung, designed to help couples focus on building trust and communication in their marriage. Cost: $300/person or $500/ couple. Organised by Kingsmead Centre, 8 Victoria Park Rd. To register: W: http://tinyurl.com/kingsmeadregi stration; T: 64676072 MAY 11, 2016 TO APRIL 15, 2017 RCIA @ CHURCH OF THE RISEN CHRIST Every Wednesday from 7.30pm-9.45pm. Registration forms are available at the Church secretariat. Venue: 91 Toa Payoh Central, S310175. W: www.risenchrist.org.sg MAY 27, 2016 TO MAY 26, 2017 CANTONESE RCIA @ CHURCH OF STS PETER AND PAUL Every Friday from 8pm-9:30pm. At Church of Sts Peter and Paul, Level 2 room 8. For enquiries: T: 63363606; T: 97120452 (Bosco) MAY 27, 2016 TO APRIL 15, 2017 RCIA @ CHURCH OF OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE St Carlo room. Time: 7.45pm-10pm. &RQWDFW 7 SDULVK RIÂżFH E: martinds52@gmail.com JUNE 5, 2016 TO JUNE 4, 2017 MANDARIN RCIA @ CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL SUCCOUR Every Sunday from 9am-10:30am. At parish verbist hall. For enquiries: T: 97564783 (Theresa); T: 96612262 (Darryl); T: 97761181 (Peter)

AUG 20 TO AUG 21 PRAYING OUR LIFE’S QUESTIONS: A VOCATION RECOLLECTION Aug 20, 9am to Aug 21, 1pm. This retreat will help young women pray and discern some common questions: What will I do with my life? Does God have a plan for me? It offers a glimpse into one life option – Religious life in the Cenacle. Open only to single women, 21-35 years old. Organised by the Cenacle Sisters. T: 65652895; E: cenaclemissionsingapore@gmail.com

SEPT 5 TO SEPT 7 CHILDREN’S DRAMA WORKSHOP 2016 Theatre of Gifts, a youth drama ministry from the Church of Christ the King, presents our annual drama workshop for children aged 6-12. Cost: $40 per child. Theme: We ORYHG FDXVH +H ¿UVW ORYHG XV (YHU\GD\ from 8am-6pm. Venue: Church of Christ the King @ 2221 Ang Mo Kio Ave 8, S569809. For more information: T: 91722784 (William); T: 90179751 (Samantha)

AUG 25 MASS WITH PRAYERS FOR HEALING $OO DUH LQYLWHG WR MRLQ XV LQ WKLV 0DVV WR pray for healing. After Mass, prayer teams will be available to pray with you for healing. Please spread the word to your family and friends. Time: 7.40pm-9.30pm. Venue: Church of Sts Peter and Paul (main church). Celebrant: Fr Thomas Curran. For enquiries, E: marilyn8sep@yahoo.com. Organised by SACCRE- Praise@Work

SEPT 7 TO SEPT 28 PRAYING WITH MERCY IN THE NEW TESTAMENT Every Wednesday from 9.30am-11.30am. Venue: Church of Holy Spirit at the attic (level 4). Presented by Sr Sandra Seow and the Verbum Dei Missionaries. This Bible programme aims to cultivate the love of praying with the Scriptures and applying mercy to one own’s life’s situation. For more information: E: hsbibleapostolate@gmail.com

AUG 26 TO AUG 28 A SPIRITUALITY FOR THE SECOND HALF OF LIFE This weekend retreat will deal with the experience of transition that moves us into a stage of personal growth and development. Participants will work with material on the crisis of limits, emphasising this life VWDJH DV DQ LQYLWDWLRQ WR VSLULWXDO MRXUQH\ Organised by the Cenacle Sisters. For more information: T: 65652895, 97223148; E: cenaclemissionsingapore@gmail.com AUG 26 TO SEPT 1 CHARIS MISSION FRIENDSHIP: BIO-SAND WATER FILTRATION SYSTEM BUILDING, ROMBLON :H DUH ORRNLQJ IRU QLQH YROXQWHHUV WR MRLQ XV LQ EXLOGLQJ ELR VDQG ZDWHU ÂżOWUDWLRQ systems with the local community in Romblon, Philippines. $670 per pax. Terms and conditions apply. To register: contact Caritas Humanitarian Aid & Relief Initiatives Singapore (CHARIS) at E: victoria@charis-singapore.org; T: 63374119; W: www.charis-singapore.org AUG 27 INTRODUCTION TO AUTHENTIC CONVERSATIONS Time: 9am-5pm. How does one nurture safe spaces for authentic conversation that is so needed in the world today? Listen to your call through the needs of the many who thirst for real conversation. Organised by Kingsmead Centre, 8 Victoria Park Rd. Cost: $60 (including lunch). To register: http://tinyurl.com/ kingsmeadregi stration; T: 64676072

SEPT 16 TO DEC 2 ALPHA@CHURCH OF ST BERNADETTE Every Friday from 7.30pm-9.30pm. The Alpha programme comprises of a series of video talks covering topics on Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. All are welcome. Meals are followed by talks and group discussions. FOC. Venue: Church of St Bernadette, 12 Zion Rd, S247731. For more information: T: 97987788 (Richard); 83225356 (Andy); E: andy_lee_4health@yahoo.com

SEPT 4 CHURCH OF THE TRANSFIGURATION MONTHLY MASS Time: noon. Venue: Holy Innocents High School hall 1191 Upper Serangoon Rd S534786. Come celebrate Mass with fellow Punggol parishioners as we strengthen our spiritual fellowship. For more LQIRUPDWLRQ : ZZZ WUDQVÂżJXUDWLRQ VJ

OCT 8 TO OCT 9 A RELIGIOUS-CHARISM RETREAT Oct 8 (10am)-Oct 9 (3pm). Have you wondered about the many Religious orders for women in Singapore? Who are they, what do they do and how do they live in community? Come, listen and explore as we hear from each of their call and response to God’s love. Cost: $90

JUNE 7, 2016 TO MAY 30, 2017 RCIA @ CHURCH OF ST FRANCIS XAVIER Sessions will be conducted every Tuesday from 8pm-10pm. Registration forms are DYDLODEOH DW WKH SDULVK RIÂżFH )RU PRUH details, E: rcia@sfxchurch.sg.

JULY 5, 2016 TO JUNE 4, 2017 RCIA @ CHURCH OF STS PETER AND PAUL Every Tuesday from 7.30pm-9.30pm. Sessions will be held in the chapel. Registration forms are available at the SDULVK RIÂżFH 7 -RQDWKDQ E: 2kumleong@gmail.com

JUNE 18, 2016 TO JUNE 3, 2017 RCIA @ CHURCH OF DIVINE MERCY Every Saturday from 3pm-5pm. 5HJLVWHU YLVLW WKH SDULVK RIÂżFH T: 65833378; E: rcia@divinemercy.sg JUNE 30, 2016 TO APRIL 15, 2017 RCIA @ CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY Every Thursday from 7.30pm-10pm. Every Sunday from 10.30am-12.30pm. E: nativitysg@yahoo.com.sg; T: 62800980

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SEPT 11 CHURCH OF THE HOLY FAMILY 80TH ANNIVERSARY CARNIVAL &RPH MRLQ XV IRU RXU )DPLO\ &DUQLYDO IURP DP SP (QMR\ GHOLFLRXV IRRG games, a live band, arts and craft and shopping at the bazaar! Bring along your family and friends too! For tickets, FRQWDFW WKH SDULVK RIÂżFH DW

SEPT 3 TO OCT 1 INNER PEACE AND DIVINE LOVE Sept 3 (9.30am-1pm), Oct 1 (9.30am1pm). Spiritual exercises retreat made in daily life over four weeks. The retreat consists of exercises for beginners, new visions for searchers and solid food for those desiring more.Cost: $130. Organised by Kingsmead Centre, 8 Victoria Park Rd. To register: http://tinyurl.com/ kingsmeadregi stration; T: 64676072

JUNE 16, 2016 TO JUNE 17, 2017 NEW RCIA JOURNEY @ CHURCH OF THE HOLY SPIRIT Every Thursday from 8pm-10pm. Register: W: https://goo.gl/Mvm9EX; E: holyspiritrcia.coordinator@gmail.com.

NOV 18 TO NOV 22 GAZING BACK ... IMAGINING FORWARD Two nights: Nov 18 (7.30pm) to Nov 20 (5pm) or four nights: Nov 18 (7.30pm)Nov 22 (noon). A gratitude retreat to mark the end of the Liturgical Year with restfulness. Cost: Two nights - $180 (nonaircon), $220 (aircon); Four nights - $360 (non- aircon), $440 (aircon). Organised by Kingsmead Centre, 8 Victoria Park Rd. To register: W: http://tinyurl.com/ kingsmeadregi stration; T: 64676072

SEPT 10 TEACHERS’ DAY MASS Time: 4pm. Venue: School hall of CHIJ St Theresa’s Convent School, 160 Lower Delta Road, S099138. Celebrant: Msgr Ambrose Vaz. All are welcome! Organised by the Archdiocesan Commission for Catholic Schools (ACCS). Kindly register with Shirley to assist with reception: E: accs@catholic. org.sg; T: 68587080; W: www.accs.sg

SEPT 26 ECUMENICAL CHARISMATIC HEALING SERVICE $OO DUH LQYLWHG WR MRLQ LQ WKLV KHDOLQJ service with Archbishop William Goh, Bishop Terry Kee (Lutheran), Bishop Dr Wee Boon Hup (Methodist) and Bishop Low Jee King (Anglican). Prayer teams will be available to pray with you for healing. Time: 7.30pm-10.30pm. Venue: St Andrew’s Cathedral (New Sanctuary). For enquiries, E: saccre.resource.centre@ gmail.com. Organised by SACCRE, Ad Hoc Protestant Team and Alpha Singapore

JUNE 14, 2016 TO MAY 9, 2017 RCIA @ HOLY TRINITY Who is Jesus? Want to know more? Time: 7.45pm to 9.45pm. Please register with the SDULVK RIÂżFH RI +RO\ 7ULQLW\ ( UFLDKW# gmail.com; T: 97378194 (Emily Tan).

(non-aircon), $110 (aircon). Organised by Kingsmead Centre, 8 Victoria Park Rd. To register: W: http://tinyurl.com/ kingsmeadregi stration; T: 64676072

JULY 8, 2016 TO MAY 17, 2017 RCIA @ CHURCH OF CHRIST THE KING Every Friday from 8pm-10pm. Venue: Church of Christ The King, 2221 Ang Mo Kio Ave 8, RCIA room 105. Register: T: 98217795 (Devin); E: query.rcia@gmail.com JULY 18, 2016 TO MAY 15, 2017 RCIA @ CHURCH OF THE SACRED HEART Time: 7.30pm-9.30pm. Address: 111 Tank Rd, S238069. E: rcia@ churchofthesacredheart.sg; W: http://www. churchofthesacredheart.sg/; T: 67379285 JULY 26, 2016 TO APRIL 16, 2017 RCIA @ CHURCH OF ST IGNATIUS Every Tuesday evening 8pm-10pm at St Ignatius hall. Registration forms are available at: http://www.stignatius.org.sg/ Ministries/Faith-Formation/RCIA- Ministry/ For registration enquiries; T: 64660625 3DULVK RIÂżFH 6DQGUD

CLASSIFIED THANKSGIVING

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

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

24 WORLD

Sunday August 21, 2016 CatholicNews

US cardinal worried about Trump rhetoric WASHINGTON – While most US

bishops have not publicly addressed comments from Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump regarding immigration, a popular US cardinal and adviser to the pope said he is worried about such rhetoric. Boston Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley directly addressed the issue on July 17 when he answered a question by Irish media: “Are you worried about Donald Trump’s simplistic solutions at all?” “I worry about his rhetoric,” said the cardinal in response to the question by a reporter during DQ LQWHUYLHZ ZLWK 5DLGLR 7HLOL¿V Eireann. “It’s very easy to stir up resentment and to blame groups of people.” The US Catholic bishops, citing the Gospel mandate to “welcome the stranger,” have long supported comprehensive immigration reform and a path to citizenship, especially for those immigrants already in the country. When announcing his candidacy for president on June 16, 2015, Mr Trump famously said that the US has become “a dumping ground for everybody else’s problems,” while referring to immigrants. “When Mexico sends its people, they’re not sending their best,” he said. “They’re sending people that have lots

of problems and they’re bringing those problems with us. They’re bringing drugs, they’re bringing crime, they’re rapists, and some, I assume, are good people, but I speak to border guards and they tell us what we’re getting.” He added, “They’re sending us, not the right people. It’s coming from more than Mexico, it’s com-

ing from all over South and Latin America and it’s coming probably ... from the Middle East ... and it’s gotta stop and it’s gotta stop fast.” In his recent interview, Cardinal O’Malley, too, recalled how the Irish in the United States were the ones blamed for the economic problems of the country at one point. But the cardinal said that in-

US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaking at a campaign rally on March 4. Boston Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley voiced his concerns over Mr Trump’s proposed solutions to the US immigrant issue. CNS photo

VWHDG RI ORRNLQJ DQG ¿QGLQJ EODPH for a country’s problems, “we need to take care of one another.” “We need to be able to work together as a community of nations to deal with the reasons that all of this movement of people takes place,” he said. “Very often, wars or economic injustice or oppression causes people to make the life-changing decision to abandon everything that is familiar to them and go off to another country.” This year, most bishops, while refraining from addressing Trump’s words directly, have focused on recognising the contributions of immigrants or emphasising Bible teachings about welcoming the stranger.

In Los Angeles, Archbishop Jose H. Gomez celebrated a July 17 Mass for immigrants. “We pray for immigration reform in our country, for our HOHFWHG RI¿FLDOV DQG IRU SHRSOH all over the world that they open their hearts to the immigrants who come to their countries,” Archbishop Gomez said. CNS

about his rhetoric. ‘I worry It’s very easy to stir up resentment and to blame groups of people.’

– Boston Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley

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

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