SEPTEMBER 22, 2013, Vol 63, No 19

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100,000 join pope in prayers for Syria VATICAN CITY – War is ultimately

be overcome only though expressions of fraternity and never with violence, Pope Francis said as he led a prayer vigil for peace in Syria. “Leave behind the self-interest that hardens your heart, overcome the indifference that makes your heart insensitive towards others, conquer your deadly reasoning, and open yourself to dialogue and reconciliation,� the pope said in St Peter’s Square before about 100,000 people on Sept 7. The pope had called the prayer vigil less than a week earlier as the central event of a worldwide day of fasting and prayer for peace in Syria, the Middle East and the world. The Vatican called the vigil an unprecedented papal gesture for peace by virtue of its scale and prominence of location. It took place the same day US Secretary of State John Kerry met with European leaders to make President Barack Obama’s case for a military strike on the Syrian government. The strike was in punishment for the alleged use of chemical weapons in the ongoing civil war there. The pope’s homily, which took up about 15 minutes of the four-hour liturgy, did not refer to contemporary events but spoke in biblical terms about the nature of war, whose origins he traced to

der by Cain of his brother Abel. Answering Cain’s famous question to God, “Am I my brother’s keeper?�, the pope replied: “Yes, you are your brother’s keeper! To be human means to care for one another.� “We bring about the rebirth of Cain in every act of violence and

VOL 63

NO. 19

INSIDE HOME SJI alumni display artworks Exhibition held at old school building „ Pages 2-3

in every war,� the pope said. “All of us!� War’s ultimate source, Pope Francis said, is the original sin of disobedience. “When man thinks only of himself, his own interests and places himself in the centre, when he permits himself to be captivated by the idols of dominion and power, when he puts himself in God’s place, then all relationships are broken and everything is ruined,� the pope said. “Then the door opens to vio

The pope concluded on a hopeful note, asking the crowd: “Can we get out of this spiral of

Monsieur Vincent: The Saint for all Seasons A review of the musical „ Page 9

ASIA Philippine priests, laypeople warned Church leaders accuse them of lack of zeal, greed „ Page 12

we get out of ‘thisCanspiral of sorrow

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and death? Can we learn once again to walk and live in the ways of peace?

Vatican asks families to join pilgrimage in Year of Faith

Families invited to Rome

’ – Pope Francis

sorrow and death? Can we learn once again to walk and live in the ways of peace?� “Yes, it is possible for everyone!� he said, drawing applause, and he then invoked the image of the ultimate symbol of peace. “How I wish that all men and women of good would look to the cross, if only for a moment,� he said. “There, we can see God’s reply: violence is not answered with violence, death is not answered with the language of death. In the silence of the cross, the uproar of weapons ceases and the language „ Continued on Page 16

„ Page 13 Pope Francis leads a vigil at St Peter’s Square on Sept 7 to pray for peace in Syria. CNS photos

POPE FRANCIS Reforming the Church’s central administration Pope holds meeting with „ Page 16

CATECHETICAL FEATURE Catechists as agents of the new evangelisation The crowd at the vigil.

„ Page 20

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Sunday September 22, 2013 CatholicNews

Ex-SJI students display artw

The Creation exhibition was part of events to launch a guidebook on t By Clara Lai A layered oil painting portrays Jesus nailed to the cross. Superimposed on the image are spray-painted, small crosses in neon green and yellow. The artwork, Today, the Perseverance of Faith, was one of several prominent pieces displayed at an exhibition at the Singapore Art Museum (SAM), organised by St Joseph’s Institution (SJI). Speaking to CatholicNews about his painting, SJI old boy Lim Jun Hong, 21, explained that his colour choice for the spray painted crosses was inspired by pop art. He explained that he was making a statement about how people these days “tend to trivialise the symbol of a cross” and that it has “become a fashion and pop icon”. Lim, a Christian, said that his work was also a comment on alleged corruption within a church, which has dominated local news headlines. A total of 12 young SJI alumni had their artworks featured in the exhibition, titled Creation, and which ran from Sept 3-6. The exhibition, together with guided tours of the former SJI, now the Singapore Art Museum, were part of events held to launch a guide book on the iconic building on Sept 3. The 14-page book, titled SJI Heritage@Singapore Art Museum, features information and photos of the old school compound, including the main courtyard, school hall and chapel. About 60 old boys, SJI staff

Soul Counsellor II, a sculpture by La Salle Br Joseph McNally, was among school artefacts displayed.

and La Salle Brothers attended the launch of the book, which was compiled by recent SJI graduates and teachers, and which is to be given free to museum visitors. According to Ms Eliza Lim, SJI’s manager of corporate communications and external relations, the event was to commemorate 25 years since the school moved out of its Bras Basah compound to its present location at Malcolm Road. Commenting on the art exhibition, 25-year-old Alvin Ong, curator of the exhibition and one of the artists whose works were exhibited, said having the display at SJI’s former

Artist Lim Jun Hong explaining his artwork, Today, the Perseverance of Faith, to visitors at the Singapore Art Museum.

premises made it “more meaningful”. All the exhibitors had taken part in the special Talent Art Programme when they were studying in the school. According to the organisers, the exhibition aimed to showcase the works of graduates who have continued their artistic pursuits, while serving as a platform for alumni to come together and present their artistic and cultural expressions in public. Two of the artists – Esmond Loh and Alvin Ong – had previously won the UOB Painting of the Year award.

The exhibition also aimed to “showcase the school’s rich history” and “make it meaningful for old boys”, said another artist, 23-year-old Michael Ee. The artworks were displayed in the museum’s Chapel, with the

space divided into three sections: Creation, Journey and Freedom. Creation showcased works featuring a Josephian’s journey in and after SJI. This area also featured four Continued on Page 3

All 12 exhibitors had taken part in the SJI Talent Art Programme when they were studying in the school. Two had previously won the UOB Painting of the Year award.

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Sunday September 22, 2013 „ CatholicNews

works at museum

n the old Bras Basah campus

Some of the artists seen here with their art teacher Pennie Ong (in yellow) and Arts head of department Vivian Tan. The artists are (front row, from left): Bonaventura Kevin Satria, Lim Jun Hong, Alvin Ong, Michael Ee, Glen Heng, Esmond Loh, (back row, from left) Bryan Tan, Lee Chuan and Ernest W. The angel stoup on the right is an artefact from the old SJI campus. „ From Page 2

artefacts from the former school – an angel stoup (basin for holy water) that used to stand at the entrance of "#$ % a monstrance and a stone sculpture by the late La Salle Br Joseph McNally titled Soul Counsellor II. The Journey section appeared somewhat darker, featuring the && %' leave their alma mater. The main pieces displayed here are works by 20-year-old Glen Heng, portraying a person swimming in rough waters before emerging in what appears to be an atmosphere of peace. The Freedom section show * % & liberation, of Josephians relooking their identity and what they have achieved thus far. One of the more prominent pieces here was 21-year-old Bryan Tan’s oil painting of a colourful hot

& * The Sept 3 event also saw SJI teachers who were former students of the school taking guests on a tour of the museum. One of them was Mr Bernard Teo, 53, who graduated in 1976. He shared stories about himself and the school, such as how the soc the Singapore Management University now stands, was the favour-

The Turbulent Calm by Glen Heng.

ite place for the then-rugby player. The left side of the chapel used to be a “Catholic library with an organ� where former old boy, jazz musician Jeremy Monteiro, “would play his pieces�, Mr Teo recounted. He also pointed out a tall altar with the inscribed words “St Joseph Ora Pro Nobis� (Latin for St Joseph Pray For Us). + * %isted then. It was only when SAM took over the building and started renovations that it came to light. „ clara.lai@catholic.org.sg

High by Bryan Tan.

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Sunday September 22, 2013 „ CatholicNews

Marking 60 years of Our Lady’s procession More than 12,000 people includ & * Novena Church for the annual procession in honour of Our Mother of Perpetual Help. The Sept 1 procession, which had the theme Mary, Our Model of Faith, was the 60th for Novena Church and drew visitors from Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia, Australia and the United Kingdom. Archbishop William Goh presided over the Mass and the crowning of the Our Lady icon. $ * edged the role Mary has played and continues to play in his life, his faith and his vocation. The Superior General of the Redemptorists, Fr Michael Brehl, and his Vicar-General Fr

Enrique Lopez were also present for the event. $ / 8 * of God’s vision of the world – a world without borders and boundaries; a world in which all peoples come together as one; a world where people of different religions, languages and colours share joy and peace. Towards the end of the evening’s celebration, Fr Simon Tan, rector of the Redemptorist community at Novena Church, * ticipation and support. < * & generosity of those who helped raise more than $26 million for the building of the new church and pastoral centre. He added that he hopes re-

The procession with the icon of Our Mother of Perpetual Help on Sept 1.

* early as next year. He also expressed appreciation to Archbishop Goh and Fr John Sim, parish priest of the Church of the Risen Christ, for allowing the Redemptorists to use the Toa Payoh church for Saturday Novena devotions when & * & Negotiations are still being carried out on this matter and more information will be re „

Archbishop William Goh shares a light moment with the crowd.

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Sunday September 22, 2013 „ CatholicNews

Groundbreaking ceremony for upcoming Agape Village

Archbishop William Goh blessing the cornerstone for Agape Village during the groundbreaking ceremony. Photo: CARITAS SINGAPORE

Groundbreaking ceremony on Sept 5. From left: Agape Village steering committee chairperson Janet Ang, Archbishop William Goh, Minister for Social and Family Development Chan Chun Sing, Archbishop Emeritus Nicholas Chia and Caritas Singapore chairman George Lim.

By Darren Boon Caritas Singapore held a groundbreaking and blessing ceremony for the upcoming Agape Village at Lorong 8 Toa Payoh on Sept 5. Archbishop Emeritus Nicholas Chia conducted the rite of blessing of the construction site while Archbishop William Goh later conducted the rite of blessing of the cornerstone. The two archbishops were joined by Minister for Social and Family Development Chan Chun Sing. The four-storey centre with a & QX ZZZ [ feet is expected to be completed in [ \Z]X + ^_ Q

^]X

$ & the chairperson of Agape Village’s & ` # & said that Agape Village will bring the “resources and services� of " & \_ sion groups “virtually under oneroof� to “provide an integrated one-stop connection� for the needy “regardless of race or religion�. The groups that will provide direct services at Agape Village include Catholic Welfare Servic { |"} / ~ " (FLS) and Roman Catholic Prison Ministry (RCPM). CWS would be in charge of providing integrated case management. Caritas Singapore’s social workers and volunteers have ies have multiple needs but the help they receive is often piecemeal and ` &

& & respite space for caregivers are planned for the centre. Agape Village hopes to offer support skills

&

&

& € & as well as social and recreational ` & < that promotes the “social teaching of caring for creation while at the same time providing a space for community engagement� will be shelved until further funding is ob € ` & Ms Ang also expressed her hopes for Agape Village to partner & &

& &

Agape Village will bring the resources and services of Caritas Singapore’s 23 social mission groups virtually under one-roof to provide an integrated one-stop connection for the needy regardless of race of religion. & & sionals and entrepreneurs to come

social responsibilities in creating social innovation to help the vulnerable in the community. Archbishop Goh in his address noted that Agape Village “is not a centre for the poor but rather a centre of the poor�. Those working at Agape Village are there to & solidarity and identifying with them “in addressing the many challenges we face as a society�. < | &

possess is not ours; these rightly belong to our brothers and sisters too. The good that we do together at Agape Village is not sought for oneself but for the betterment of our society.â€? $ ` Agape Village is an example of how social services can be integrated to serve people in need. He said that different Voluntary Welfare Organisations (VWOs) can come together regardless of faith and background to “provide an integrated package of help to the people in needâ€?. For example Agape Village can do more than integrate the services of Caritas Singapore’s & * & nity partners in Singapore as well as the VWOs in and around Toa  &

& out to the many needy people in +  ` ` ‚ ƒ „  ` † his organisation will be moving over to Agape Village as they can tap into the services offered by & „  ` ciaries. They can also make use of the premises for fellowship for ex-prisoners. FLS executive director Paul ~ & they will not be moving out of their & lage would be an extension of FLS’ existing services. The morning’s ceremony also saw a soft launch of the I Gave to Agape Village (iGAVe) a Brick & ing campaign that allows people to contribute to the building of &

& * + paign is in November. „ darren.boon@catholic.org.sg

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Sunday September 22, 2013 „ CatholicNews

Vincentians learn how to improve their outreach By Magdalene Tan More than 150 members of the Society of St Vincent de Paul (SSVP) attended a talk-cumworkshop on Aug 31 to learn how to serve the poor better. “The poor are no different from you and me, even though we may sometimes be baffled by their seemingly irrational and impulsive decisions,� said Ms Vivienne Ng, chief psychologist of the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF). Ms Ng, who spoke on the Psychology of the Poor, explained that the poor are often trapped in their poverty due to factors such as poor decision-making and a lack of motivation. When the poor are overwhelmed by hardship and perceive they are powerless, their aspirations are lowered and their

motivation to succeed decreases over time, she said. Understanding their circumstances would help to sensitise Vincentians when they interact with the people they serve, she said. The second speaker Ms Jessica Chan, acting executive director of Kampong Kapor Family Service Centre, touched on the topic When Talking becomes ‡ " % ences as a senior social worker in dealing with challenging cases. When talking with people be & such as looking for the good in the person and being accepting are helpful, she said. She also advised Vincentians to be conscious of their body language and adopt “SOFTENing�, an acronym for smile, open posture, facial expression,

Society of St Vincent de Paul members at a workshop on Aug 31. Photos: GAIUS LEE

Speakers Vivienne Ng (left) and Jessica Chan.

touch, eye contact and nod. Vincentians said they found the talks enlightening.

Mr Michael Koh said Ms Ng’s talk provided an “excellent framework to view the

poor and how to help them�. Ms Michelle Yap said Ms Chan gave “practical tips� for building relationships with the poor. The workshop, held at the Catholic Archdiocesan Education Centre on Highland Road, was organised by the SSVP National Council’s Faith Formation and Development committee. It was a “response to the need for training to help members to live out their vocation as Vincentians to better serve their Friendsin-Need (FINs) and the poor�, said Mr David Lau, from the committee. „

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Sunday September 22, 2013 „ CatholicNews

Canossian alumni visit refurbished alma mater Close to 500 alumni of St Anthony’s Canossian Secondary School (SACSS) toured the newly-refurbished school and played netball with current students during a “Homecoming� celebration on Aug 24. After slightly over two years, the school in Bedok North completed its Programme for Rebuilding and Improving Existing Schools (PRIME). The Aug 24 event, organised by the Canossian Alumni Association, saw the attendance of exstudents aged 18 to 80, curious to see what the new campus had to offer. The afternoon’s programme began with the alumni holding their 36th annual general meeting. Former school principal Sr Cecily Pavri told the crowd that in 1989, she had envisioned a performing arts niche for the school. Sr Pavri, who is now the Canossian Supervisor of Schools, added that not only was the school a pioneer in Singapore to achieve this, but today a new performing arts block – with dance studios, music rooms and a Black Box theatre – stands as evidence of that dream. Other new facilities include an

& A Mass, celebrated by Fr Johnson Fernandez, followed. There was also a guided tour around the premises led by current student leaders in the school, while those who were game for it played a friendly match of netball against the current school team. Ms Melissa Jayme Chan from the class of 2005 commented that the new school is “so big and breezy, brings back lots of great memories�. “I miss my school!� she quipped. „

Former students of St Anthony’s Canossian Secondary School at the ‘Homecoming’ celebration.

Life Direction S’pore launched Those seeking spiritual direction in the Christian tradition can now look towards a new group of people belonging to Life Direction Singapore (LDS), and who come from various Christian Churches. LDS evolved from Life Direction Team (LDT), an effort which began in 1983 under the auspices of the late Archbishop Gregory Yong to initiate a formation programme for spiritual direction. The resource persons comprised Jesuit Frs John Reilly and Robert Rice, and Cenacle Srs Linda Lizada and Patricia Cluston. By 1985, those who completed this formation programme wanted to support one another in the ministry of spiritual direction and accompaniment to persons in their faith journey, and also offer this to parishes and Religious congregations in Singapore and Malaysia. LDT was then established under the leadership of Good Shepherd Sr Elizabeth Lim.

LDT membership comprised Religious, ordained ministers and lay persons formed through LDT and houses of spiritual direction formation locally and overseas. LDT also developed formation programmes in spiritual direction in response to the increased need for training of spiritual directors. At their 2012 annual general meeting, members expressed the need to reassess the vision and mission of LDT. LDS was the new name proposed by the members to make it more inclu laborative and ecumenical aspect of an enlarged group of spiritual directors. Archbishop Emeritus Nicholas Chia endorsed this change earlier this year. LDS was formalised at an annual general meeting in August. For more information, contact Diana Koh (9757-0245). „

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Sunday September 22, 2013 „ CatholicNews

Religion, spirituality and the importance of contemplation Sr Theresa Seow delivers interfaith lecture on ‘Seeking Spirituality’ By Clara Lai Contemplation is important to keep a person on track in his spiritual journey. Canossian Sr Theresa Seow made this comment during her lecture, Seeking Spirituality in the 21st Century, at the Singapore Islamic Hub on Sept 6. According to her, to contemplate is to exercise patience. With the proliferation of information in today’s world, and people’s obsession with power and status, one has to make time to be quiet, to reflect and contemplate, said the nun, who is the vice-chairperson of the new Archdiocesan Catholic Council for Interreligious Dialogue (archCCID). About 300 people including Buddhists, Catholics, Hindus, Methodists and Muslims, attended the interreligious lecture held at Braddell Road. Religious leaders from various faiths were also present. The Abdul Aleem Siddique Memorial Lecture, organised by the Muslim community for the third year running, is targeted primarily at youth groups and activists within the various faiths to promote greater understanding on humanity issues. In her talk, Sr Theresa offered “contemplation� as the “sixth C� to counter society’s emphasis on the 5Cs – cash, condominium,

‘Contemplation’ was offered as the ‘sixth C’ to counter society’s emphasis on the 5Cs.

Sr Theresa Seow, from the Archdiocesan Catholic Council for Interreligious Dialogue, speaking at the Singapore Islamic Hub. The moderator (seated) is Mr Vivek Kumra from the Hindu Endowments Board.

credit card, car and country club membership. Contemplation is needed because “a lot of people are saying,

‘I don’t have a religion but I have spirituality’,� she said. The nun noted that people’s general sentiment on spirituality

$

space for myself in the mountains and at the sea� and “I don’t need to go to a church, a temple or a mosque�. However, Sr Theresa said she believes that religion and spirituality go hand-in-hand. “Without spirituality, there is no religion. Without religion, spirituality cannot be communicated,� she said. During her talk, Sr Theresa also highlighted the similarities in the way different religions are organised, such as by having a creed or shared beliefs within the community, a code of conduct, rituals and acts of religious devotion usu-

ally directed towards a deity. A question-and-answer session followed. One participant, Mr Muhd Azfar Anwar, who was studying in Egypt until the current unrest made him return home, comment ality in Singapore�. He added that it is time for the of progress�, to which Sr Theresa agreed. Participants CatholicNews spoke to said they enjoyed the lecture. Ms Nur’aini binte Sidik, 25, said she found it “very enlightening� while Mr Teo Heng Hao, 23, from the Buddhist Fellowship Youth, said he found it “good� and “in-depth�. Ms Denise Ho, 24, from the Church of St Mary of the Angels, felt that the “event was wonderful in creating common ground for different religions�. “Seeing religious leaders representing their individual faiths and getting along so well is a real inspiration for me as a believer,� she said. The annual Abdul Aleem Siddique Memorial Lecture is organised by the Harmony Centre, a key initiative of the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS). According to Mr Ustaz Ali, head of Harmony Centre, the lecture aims to “give a platform� to spiritual leaders “to share about global and national issues that are close to their heart�. „ clara.lai@catholic.org.sg

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Sunday September 22, 2013 „ CatholicNews

MUSICAL REVIEW

A saint for all seasons By Clara Lai It would have seemed like a history lesson if not for the impressive elements of music and dance in the Church of St Vincent de Paul’s musical. The two-and-a-half-hour-long musical, Monsieur Vincent: The Saint for All Seasons, was staged at The Republic Cultural Centre Theatre at Republic Polytechnic from Sept 6-8. The show started off with a solemn prologue set in Paris in 1660, where followers and friends of St Vincent de Paul are saddened by his passing. was brought to Singapore’s Jalan Kayu in 1959, when French priest Fr Henri Saussard (played by Shaun de Souza) is posted to Singapore to build a church. The cleverly intertwined historical sequence between St Vincent de Paul’s life and the journey of the church in Singapore named after him brought the intervening 300 or so years much closer. Then the audience was brought back to the year 1600 and learned that young Vincent (Brendan Hoe) had just been ordained. Fast forward a few years and he is seen being attacked and captured by pirates while en route to Marseille. Here we had an original choreographed contemporary dance sequence that also had some of the dancers jumping out from the audience for extra scare effect.

Jonathan Lauw played St Vincent de Paul in Monsieur Vincent: The Saint for All Seasons.

Just when you thought that was all to it, the stage lights were switched off and four dancers wearing LED lights took centrestage. The enthusiastic reaction from the $ impressed. Unfortunately, I felt that was the only highlight of the entire production, which had little of the dramatic element of con The show came full circle, ending with

the death of St Vincent de Paul, and a tribute by the whole cast in the number, A Song

$ not upbeat enough to get the whole crowd on its feet and cheering. On the positive side though, the storyline was supported by original songs composed by music director and arranger Jacqueline Peeris, together with Trevor Nerva, Julie Sim, Jonathan Ooi and Wilson Wong. There was also a live band and vocal

ensemble supporting the main cast from the orchestra pit. Jonathan Lauw, who played St Vincent de Paul acted and sang remarkably well & iting from the young Vincent in the duet, Follow Your Heart, with his mentor Fr Pierre Berulle (Trevor Nerva). The cheers

scene’s impact. Other harmonious duets came from cast members portraying Vincent’s benefactors and members of the parish’s early building committee. Overall, Monsieur Vincent was a humble production in terms of set design, props and costumes, perhaps just like the saint himself. I personally would have preferred more interaction with the audience, such as the Pirate Dance, to make the show livelier. Nonetheless, it is commendable that so many people of different ages were involved in this production. Perhaps the main message for the audience was when the Queen (Stacey Fernandez) said to Vincent when he was on his deathbed, “It’s time for you to rest now; it’s time for the rest of us to continue your work.� Monsieur Vincent: the Saint for All Seasons was part of the Church of St Vincent de Paul’s 50th anniversary celebrations. A DVD recording of the show is expected to be released at the end of October. „ clara.lai@catholic.org.sg

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Sunday September 22, 2013 „ CatholicNews

Catholics learn about Sikhism A group of young Catholics vis " * + 2 Towner Road on Sept 6, following various interreligious dialogue learning trips that have been held recently. Prior to the trip, the group at tion session to learn how to engage with their hosts. The participants donned suit & * spect to the religion before enter & ` „ " & & " * ‰ 8 then gave an introduction on the " * as its roots, way of life, presence " & Mr Karpal Singh Mehli, pres " * ‰ 8 logue session. Participants posed various

Memorial service for IJ nun

The high priest of the Central Sikh Temple, Giani Patwant Singh, demonstrating how the Sikh sacred writings, the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, are read.

questions, such as “what is the & " * ‰ & Š + " * + high priest, Giani Patwant Singh, " * ` " ‚ deep Singh, also helped to answer the visitors’ questions. When Ms Daphne Chui, 26

" $& * | " * Š ` ‚ " &

responded that God gave people * ‹ && *

` & Œ " * ‘ were to us, people of another re &

Mr Rishpal Singh giving a presentation on the basics of Sikhism.

Mr Keith Neubronner, 24, " $& tius, said he “particularly enjoyed " * + * [ * *

The group learnt about various aspects of Sikhism such as its way of life, ceremonies and celebrations.

the things about his faith, and & * " $

& * $ *

answers when hosting people in $ This series of interreligious visits is organised by the Archdiocesan Catholic Council for Interreligious Dialogue (archCCID). „

Prayers for vocations and Syria By Gregory Ho

Sr Aloysius Manikam.

+

for Infant Jesus Sr Aloysius Mani* < / " \’ ]Z Sr Aloysius returned to the Lord on July 26 while in Ipoh. " at CHIJ Katong Convent. After re & " ‚ & „

A Day of Prayer for Vocations was held at the Church of St Francis of Assisi on Sept 7. The Canossian Sisters, Daughters of St Paul, Missionaries of Charity and Religious of the Cenacle also participated in this event through an exhibition that showcased their congregations. The event began with a Holy Hour during which participants & cipleship using a Gospel reading. Together with the Universal Church, participants also prayed

& & "

to serve God as priests and Religious. |

‰ ebrated the Sunset Mass. In his * tion crisis and how it can be over Archbishop Goh shared that living out one’s vocation brings happiness to oneself and that the * sis of faith. | * daily part of their lives, they will * journey which God has planned

„

The Holy Hour during the Day of Prayer for Vocations.

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Sunday September 22, 2013 „ CatholicNews

Pope hails pilgrimages to honour Korean martyrs CNS photo

SEOUL – Pilgrimages to places associated with Ko-

rean martyrs are “an opportunity for pilgrims to rekindle the faith� and “commit themselves more fully to the urgent task of evangelisation�, says Pope Francis. The pope made this comment in a message to Archbishop Andrew Yeom Soo-jung of Seoul on the occasion of the celebration of the Month of Korean Martyrs in September. The archdiocese is organising “martyrs’ routes� – pilgrimages linking the holy sites of the Korean Church with churches erected in memory of the martyrs of Seoul. The message, signed by Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Vatican secretary of state, said the pope was pleased to learn that the archdiocese was celebrating the special month. “His Holiness trusts that all who participate in pilgrimages during this month, aided by the prayers and example of the martyrs, will deepen their communion with the Lord Jesus Christ who laid down His life that we might share in the inestimable gift of eternal life,� the message said. The pope also entrusted “all the pilgrims to the powerful intercession of Mary, Mother of the Church, and the prayers of the martyrs of Korea�. Pope John Paul II canonised 103 Korean martyrs in 1984, on the occasion of the 200th anniversary of the arrival of Catholicism in Korea. Those martyrs died in the 19th century. „ ASIANEWS

Statue of Korean martyr, St Andrew Kim Tae-gon.

Bishops slam Japanese govt’s treatment of Filipino migrants TOKYO – Japanese bishops have

accused their own government of “inhumane� behaviour towards Filipino migrants who were forcibly deported because they lacked proper papers. “We question and oppose the forced mass deportation of the 75 undocumented Filipino migrants because we found that their human rights were violated and their welfare disregarded,� said the Catholic Commission of Japan Migrants, Refugees and People on the Move (J-CaRM), a sub-commission of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Japan’s (CBCJ) Commission on Society. After taking them from their homes and holding them in prison, Japanese authorities deported 75 Filipino migrants on July 6. From Aug 20-26, a joint delegation of J-CaRM and Solidar-

ity Network with Migrants Japan (SMJ) interviewed the deportees one by one in the Philippines. The two groups said that all the deportees needed medical attention and counselling. Most of them, they added, were suffering from symptoms of depression like “attempted suicide, insomnia, skin disorders, ulcer, & According to sources within the Japanese and Philippine bish-

ops’ conferences, none of those deported can provide for themselves without help. All 75 migrants have lived in Japan for 10 years. “They have no money to start a new life or family to return to,� the groups explained. There are about 200,000 Filipinos living and working in Japan. Some 5,700 are undocumented. On Aug 27, the organisations also met with key Filipino government agencies. „ ASIANEWS

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Sunday September 22, 2013 „ CatholicNews

4 Chinese priests ‘detained’ HONG KONG – Tensions be-

tween the Chinese government and unregistered Catholic communities have increased with the detention of four priests in August, reported the Justice and Peace Commission of Hong Kong diocese. The report was submitted to the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva on Sept 2 in a pre-session meeting ahead of a Periodic Review of China’s human rights record. The review is scheduled for Oct 22. The report said security of & Fr Song Wanjun, an unregistered priest in Xiwanzi diocese. According to a Church source from Luolong district in Henan province, “Local authorities often

crack down on unregistered communities of the Catholic and Protestant churches, trying to eradicate them.� The source, who requested anonymity, added that 39-yearold Fr Song had evaded arrest for months by hiding from authorities. Three other priests – Frs Shi Weiqiang, Tian Jianmin and Yang Gang – all from Hebei, were also arrested in September, the commission report noted. The current whereabouts of all four priests remain unknown. The commission was part of a coalition of eight rights groups from Hong Kong who petitioned the UN rights body to address what they said was a worsening human rights record in China. „ UCANEWS.COM

Philippine Church leaders issue warnings to priests and laypeople MANILA – A Philippine Church leader has urged priests to be more zealous in their work while another has called on laypeople to shun greed. The Catholic Church in the Philippines does not face a problem of shortage of priests but a “zeal shortage�, said Archbishop Socrates Villegas of LingayenDagupan. In a letter to his priests on Aug 30, he accused them of becoming the “pastors of the status quo�. He said members of the clergy have descended into just “maintaining the Church, keeping the schedule, continuing the order of the day�. “This cannot continue,� said the prelate, who will start his term as head of the bishops’ conference in December. “We must get out to the [villages] and public schools, visit the charity wards of hospitals, teach catechism again, visit homes again, make a ‘mess’ in society,� he said. He said one of the serious problems the faithful are subjected to is “long-winded and dry homilies� of priests. “Our youth complain about

Our youth ‘ complain about

The arrogance of ‘ those who claim what

lifeless and uninspiring liturgies.

is not theirs is appalling.

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’

– Archbishop Socrates Villegas of Lingayen-Dagupan in a letter to his priests

– Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of Manila on recent corruption scandals

lifeless and uninspiring liturgies. How can we set their hearts on for God?� he said in his letter. He said teaching Christian doctrines is not enough if priests failed to connect them to life. “We know the faith but we do not live it,� he wrote. “What does it matter if we know the dogma of the Trinity but we cannot live the love of the Trinity among us? What does it matter if the Ten Commandments can be recited backwards and forwards and yet people continue stealing and killing, cheating and coveting?� he asked. Meanwhile Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of Manila has called on Filipinos to shun greed and live a life of simplicity, saying that abundance for some may cause hunger for those less fortunate.

“We have to lead a life that is not characterised by lavishness, but instead by adequateness that allows us to live simply and properly,� he said on Aug 31 during the launch of an ecological campaign called the Season of Creation. The campaign runs from Sept 1 to Oct 6. “Look at the crisis we are experiencing now. The arrogance of those who claim what is not theirs is appalling,� he said, referring to recent corruption scandals involv & & “Do not fear, for those who show great arrogance lose everything. They will be forced to accept the fact that they do not own anything,� the cardinal stressed. He urged people to live simple and contented lives and share their blessings with others. „ UCANEWS. COM

WORLD 13

Sunday September 22, 2013 „ CatholicNews

Vatican invites families to join pilgrimage as part of Year of Faith VATICAN CITY – As part of the

Year of Faith, the Vatican wants to celebrate bonds that last a lifetime. The international pilgrimage of families to Rome on Oct 2627 is being planned as a celebration and not a protest against any policy or trend, said Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, president of the  / “The time has come to set the streetsâ€? simply with the joy and happiness of being part of a loving family. The archbishop and his staff are hoping the pilgrimage will be “a beautiful celebration of parents and children, grandchildren and grandparents and families with other familiesâ€?, he said. The central message will be that “happiness does not lie in going it aloneâ€?, the archbishop said. For the 68-year-old Archbishop Paglia, the presence of grandparents at the pilgrimage will be particularly important because, as Pope Francis has emphasised on several occasions recently, modern culture seems to see some human lives – particularly the lives of the elderly and the unborn – as “disposableâ€?. “I want to help people rediscover the positive force of bonds that last from one generation to the next,â€? the archbishop said. Archbishop Paglia said he hopes tens of thousands of families show up – grandparents and parents with kids. All of them are equally welcome and show “the extraordinary ordinariness of Catholic family lifeâ€?.

A graphic promoting the Year of Faith’s international pilgrimage of families on Oct 26-27.

curity forces in Nghe An province & a group of Catholics demonstrating in front of the My Yen church for the release of two parishioners. “Some 40 people were severely wounded by about 3,000 police, soldiers and civil guards using grenades, tear gas and batons to disperse the crowd,� a priest from Nghe An province told ucanews. com. “Most of the wounded are being given medical treatment at a clinic in the compound of the Bishop’s House, while those with severe head injuries are being treated at a local state-run hospital,� the priest added. A Church source who asked not to be named said security forces also destroyed homes and Catholic statues and images.

KOLKATA, INDIA – Hundreds of people who gathered to observe the death anniversary of Blessed Teresa of Kolkata, India also observed –† $ ‡ Charity designated to honour the Catholic nun on Sept 5. “Those who want to please Mother Teresa on her feast day home and then among the poor in the neighbourhood,� Sr Prema the head of the Missionaries of Charity said on Sept 5 in Kolkata. She was speaking after a morning prayer programme marking the 16th death anniversary of Blessed Teresa. The nun, popularly known as Mother Teresa, founded the Missionaries of Charity (MC) congregation in 1950, two years after leaving the Loreto sisters to work among the poorest of the poor in the slums of what is now Kolkata. She dedicated the rest of her life to working in this eastern Indian city, where her congregation is also based. “The MC mother house is the / ‡ Gomes, vicar general of Kolkata archdiocese, pointing out that some 5,100 nuns from the congregation work in over 120 nations. The UN general assembly on ‡ ]\ resolution introduced by Hungary designating Sept 5 as Internation-

In the run-up to the event, the Pontifical Council for the Family is seeking help from the younger generation: It is collecting children’s drawings of their families as a gift to the pope; encouraging teenagers to post photographs illustrating “living life to the fullest� on the council’s Facebook page;

and accepting audition tapes or videos from young adults 1832 who want to sing or dance at the pilgrimage gathering spot in Rome on Oct 26. The rules and instructions for submissions from all three age groups are found on the council’s website: www.family.va. „ CNS

On Sept 4, hundreds of Catholics surrounded the Nghi Phuong commune’s headquarters to demand the release of two Catholic men – Nguyen Van Hai and Ngo Van Kho, aged 43 and 53, respectively – who were detained on June 27 and are reportedly being held at a prison in Vinh city. State-run media accused the two men of “causing public dis € & destroying public property�, in the wake of an earlier confrontation on May 22 when a group of Catholics were prevented from visiting the local shrine of St Anthony of Padua. According to Church sources, * clothes security personnel and local residents, during which three injured & crowd of Catholics by local priests.

‡ & " Q police arrested at least nine people, according to a report from Radio Free Asia (RFA). Security personnel have since left the parish and redeployed to the commune headquarters. State-owned Nghe An television blamed yesterday’s violence on local Catholics, saying they were forced to take action when the demonstrators turned violent, according to the RFA report. On Sept 5, police and troops no longer surrounded the parish but gathered to protect the commune’s headquarters, according to local Church sources. One source said that on Sept X * help diffuse the crisis, but they have refused until the two parishioners are released from custody. „ UCANEWS.COM

Blessed Teresa of Kolkata.

‡ Its aim is to organise special events and increase public support for charities that “promote the rights of the marginalised and underprivileged and spreads the message of ‚— ˜ < & –† bassador, told the General Assembly when introducing the resolution. Blessed Teresa, who won the 1979 Nobel Peace Prize, was born on Aug 26, 1910. She went to India as a missionary at the age of 19 and died at the age of 87, in 1997. $ \ZZ_ her, calling her “Blessed�, which is one step away from her canonisation that will make her a saint. „ UCANEWS.COM

Philippine Church spokesman urges stars to be better role models MANILA – Videos being posted

Vietnam Catholics injured in crackdown VINH, VIETNAM – Vietnamese se-

India observes Blessed Teresa’s death anniversary

online in the Philippines of local celebrities having sex have been condemned as another example of a sharp decline in basic morals by Church leaders. “Actions like this manifest poor discernment and lack of moral grounding,� Fr Conegundo Garganta, executive secretary of the bishops’ conference’s Episcopal Commission on Youth, said on Sept 4. He was responding to a video showing TV hosts Wally Bayola and Babe Yosh having sex, which went viral recently on video sharing site YouTube. The incident was the second & ' % the country in recent weeks. In August, a sex video featuring singer songwriter Chito Miranda and girlfriend Neri Naig also caused an internet storm. Fr Melvin Castro, executive secretary of the Episcopal Commission on Family and Life, described the sex videos as “saddening and disturbing�, especially since people in the entertainment industry are idolised by young people. “With great love and respect, we appeal to our brothers and sisters in the entertainment industry, we look up to you. The youth look up to you,� he said in an interview on Sept 4. He called on celebrities to be “role models for the young who are the future of the

country and of the Church�. “In God’s divine plan, marital union, physical intimacy, is so sacred it was created within the institution and sacrament of marriage. It should remain as such, sacred and intimate. Not to be trivi public,� Castro said. „ UCANEWS.COM

14 WORLD

Sunday September 22, 2013 „ CatholicNews

Christians, Muslims join Pope Francis in praying for Syria JERUSALEM – At the Church of All Nations

at the Garden of Gethsemane, the stone that traditionally has represented Jesus’ agony was scattered with notes in different languages – all asking for peace in Syria. Christian leaders of the Holy Land gathered there on Sept 7, as Christians and Muslims all over the world prayed with Pope Francis for Syria. In the West Bank and in Turkey, in Canada and the United States people gathered, responding to the papal call for prayer and fasting. “We prayed for peace for Syria and for Egypt,� said Mr Yusef Daher, executive secretary of the Jerusalem Inter-Church Centre. “We were resisting the other call for war with a call to stop the [possible US air] strike and save Syria and Egypt. Everybody was really praying.� “There is no fear of retaliation. All the attention is focused on [the Syrian people],� he told Catholic News Service. Following the prayers, the courtyard of the church was lit by hundreds of candles as the worshippers joined in a small candlelight procession. In front of one of the ancient olive trees, the word “peace� was spelled out with stones. Halfway around the world, in New Orleans, USA, people were gathered at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Prompt

Succour. “We are far, far away from Rome yet we are connected to our Holy Father and his pleas for peace,� said New Orleans Archbishop Gregory M Aymond. “What can we do, thousands upon thousands upon thousands of miles away from Syria and from Rome? What can we do? We can pray,� Archbishop Aymond said. Pray for the children who have lost their lives in war and for their families and friends to have consolation, he added, and pray for world peace, not just in Syria but in other troubled parts of the world. “Jesus said things can only be driven out, some evils can be stopped only by prayer and fasting, and that’s what we do today,� he said. In Ottawa, Canada, Cardinal Archbishop Terrence Prendergast led a prayer vigil at St Patrick’s Basilica that began at 1pm to coincide with the pope’s vigil in St Peter’s Square. By the 4.30pm Mass, more than 1,000 people packed the basilica; others came and went throughout the day. In his homily, Archbishop Prendergast

In Istanbul, a Muslim preacher read parts of the Qur’an during a church service.

Syrian women light candles before a prayer service at the Melkite Catholic patriarchate in Damascus, Syria.

said all involved – the Syrian regime, those & & | & ful use of poisonous gas on innocent civilians� – should pursue peace rather than “risk disgrace by starting something� they * & & overwhelmed by war�. Canadian Church leaders renewed their call for a second day of fasting and prayer, previously set for Sept 14. In Istanbul, Mahmut Kurtoglu, a Muslim preacher, was asked to read parts of the Qur’an during a two-hour service at Santa Maria Draperis Church. “The message is if you haven’t got a prayer, you have nothing, so God says ‘Pray, and I will answer you’,� Kurtoglu told CNS afterward.

During the prayer service, Bishop Louis Pelatre, apostolic vicar of Istanbul, told the packed church, “Peace requires a lot of effort. Engaging in war is relatively easy.� He added, “This evening we have no weapons other than fasting and prayer.� In Ramallah, West Bank, about 300 Christians and Muslims gathered at Annunciation Melkite Catholic Church. Following prayers, they processed by candlelight to the nearby Islamic Club. “The idea was for all to pray together,� said Fr Raed Abusahlia of Holy Family Catholic Church. “We are all very concerned about the situation in Syria and are against violence and any US attack against Syria. We are not with Assad or the rebels, because no one understands what is going on there.� „ CNS

WORLD 15

Sunday September 22, 2013 „ CatholicNews

US Muslims discuss minority rights The rights of non-Muslims in Muslim countries must be protected, say participants at a convention of the Islamic Society of North America By Fr Thomas Ryan WASHINGTON – The world’s Is-

lamic leaders must hear stories about the persecution of religious minorities in majority-Muslim countries so that such incidents are not overlooked, said the president of the Islamic Society of North America. Speaking on Sept 1 at a session during the society’s 50th annual convention, Mr Mohamed Magid said the rights of members of religious minorities must be protected around the world, much like the rights of Muslims are protected in Western nations. “People from other religions have stood together with us in interfaith movements ... to make sure that our rights will be protected,� said the Sudanese-born Muslim. “But it also behooves us to speak up for the rights of others. Religious minorities in majorityMuslim countries are being intimidated and attacked. What can we do?� Speakers noted that the rights of religious minorities in predominantly-Muslim communities to practise their faith without harassment was guaranteed in the Charter of Medina, written by Prophet Mohammad in the early seventh century. Ms Asma Uddin, an attorney with the Beckett Fund for Religious Liberty, pointed to the charter, saying that Prophet Mohammad dealt with the question of religious minorities within the concept of pluralism. Citing the burning of Christian churches in Egypt, she said, “It’s not credible to enjoy religious rights and at the same time deny them to others. We should be meeting with the Coptic Christian community in the United States to see what we can do to help them.�

Abdulaziz Sachedina, professor of Islamic studies at George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, agreed, explaining that “a universal recognition of ethical values� is important across cultures. “The time has come for us to address some of the tough questions around being a community that is accepting of others,� he said. “We still haven’t started this kind of dialogue around questions of freedom of religion and freedom of conscience. We need to come out of the shadow, and we have not yet done so.� Ms Uddin shared examples

time has come ‘The for us to address some of the tough questions around being a community that is accepting of others.

’

!

"

from her experience working in a pre-dominantly Muslim Asian country in which international law is usually seen as a Western construct. “A starting point has to be to begin to change the legal framework,� she said. “When someone kills another because that other is perceived to have broken the Qur’an, and nothing is done to the murderer, it reinforces within the community that these things can be done with impunity.� Ms Uddin said American Muslims “have an ambassadorial role to play with regard to these questions in Muslim countries�. „ CNS

CNS photo

16 POPE FRANCIS

Help the poor and needy with greater charity ROME –

poor person just the way he is does " 10 during a visit to the Rome headquarters of Jesuit Refugee Service. In his remarks, the pope re

# ` ~ € $ undocumented migrants from Africa. During that trip, he denounced &

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& „ & * &er commitment to the poor. “Empty convents do not serve the Church so that they can ing money,� he said, referring „ & women. “Empty convents are Christ, who are the refugees.� ‡ &

„ the pope greeted some of the hundreds who come there every day

refugees from various countries, & & " „ CNS

Pope greets refugees during his visit to the Astalli Centre of the Jesuit Refugee Service.

Singapore also prays for Syria „ From Page 1

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tries or regions with direct or in * " � š& < ~ „ – " "

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* & the congregation for their company and asking them to continue praying for peace. In Singapore, parishes prayed for Syria at Masses over the Sept ž'’ * |

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coming together as a community, to pray and intercede for peace�. He urged the Church here to & & & & &

„ CNS

Sunday September 22, 2013 „ CatholicNews

input on reforming Vatican bureaucracy VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis

Sept 10 to hear their questions and suggestions about his ongoing reform of the Vatican bureaucracy. The Vatican spokesman, Jesuit Fr Federico Lombardi, said the & and, except for a brief greeting by the pope, was devoted to remarks by the other participants. _Z

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dent of the commission governing " &

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„ as part of the reform process rec  / +

have another important moment ‰ š & ‹ ]'_ / Lombardi noted.  /

I think that the ‘Curia has fallen somewhat from the level it once had.

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– Pope Francis

# ! ! $ on Sept 10 to hear their input on the ongoing reform of the Vatican bureaucracy.

Fr Lombardi declined to comment on the content of the discussions.

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‰'’ & & mandate to advise him in the “gov – and his reform of the Roman Cu-

tration at the Vatican. Pope Francis has said that the

other bishops on matters of govern & + * edged the indications of corruption and mismanagement documented ~ * correspondence in 2012. “There are saints in the Cu * „ # # \’ ones you tend to hear about.� “I think that the Curia has

+ & * | I think there are some, but not as many as there once were. ... We need more of them.� „ CNS

Putin receives letter from pontiff on Syria VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis

* \Z

& " & & & tiation�. The pope’s words appeared „   ‰'\Z summit in St Petersburg, Russia, " X'œ + " Q

& –" *ers prepared to vote on President 8 * ‹ * " " X foreign minister met with ambassadors to underscore the Vatican’s & the fate of Syria’s Christian minority and the danger posed by extremists among opponents to the &  8 Assad. $ `   Francis wrote that “from the very & & " ' and, in fact, hindered the search

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Pope Francis sent a letter to Russian president Vladimir Putin (above) on Sept 5.

Mr Putin is Assad’s major for & * addressed to the Russian presi ‰'\Z summit, which is dedicated pri issues. “Without peace, there can be never begets peace, the necessary

Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, the Vatican’s secretary for & & tiation in his remarks to more than 70 ambassadors accredited to the < " The archbishop said any reso " not divide the country into ethnic & & & � & & & `

& " & & & to the common good� in the Mus ' € " [ % over their fate in case Mr Assad’s &

is the growing presence in Syria of extremist groups, often coming from other countries,� Archbishop Mamberti said. “Hence the impor % & & keep their distance from such ex oppose terrorism.� „ CNS

POPE FRANCIS 17

Sunday September 22, 2013 „ CatholicNews

New appointments for two crucial

VATICAN CITY – The pope has ap-

pointed Italian Archbishop Pietro  XÂ’ & the Vatican secretariat of state and nuncio to Venezuela since 2009, to be his secretary of state. On Oct 15, Archbishop Parolin succeeds 78-year-old Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone who came to the post in 2006 after serving as archbishop of Genoa, Italy. The secretary of state is the pope’s highest-ranking collaborator, coordinating the work of the entire Roman Curia, overseeing the operation of the Vatican press ing the preparation and publication of papal documents, and supervising the work of Vatican nuncios in their relations with Catholic communities in individual countries and with national governments. For years, Archbishop Parolin led Vatican delegations to Vietnam to discuss Church-state issues with the country’s communist government, a process that eventually led Vietnam to accept a non-resident papal representative to the country. The move was widely seen as a step towards establishing full diplomatic relations. In the current Vatican organisational framework, the secretary of state is responsible for ensuring that the pope’s policies and priorities take concrete form in the work + typically has been very close to the pope and meets with him often. Many observers have suggested that the secretary’s role could change as part of a wider reform and reorganisation of the curia. Because the – covering the internal workings of the Vatican, international Church affairs and foreign relations – Cardinal Bertone was often blamed by critics when things went wrong during  8 Â&#x; $ A day after the announcement

Italian Archbishop Pietro Parolin (left) will succeed 78-year-old Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone as Vatican secretary of state.

In an apparent reference to the ‘VatiLeaks’ of

! of his replacement, the cardinal defended his record, telling journalists that “I see these seven years as positive on balance�, but also acknowledging “many problems, especially in the last two years�. In an apparent reference to the ~ * ments that pointed to corruption and mismanagement inside the Holy See, Cardinal Bertone blamed a “tangle of crows and vipers� for “throwing accusations at me�. Meanwhile, a Legionary priest

who led a major overhaul of the Vatican’s telecommunications infrastructure and set up public email addresses for two popes has been named the new secretary-general of & & Spanish-born Legionaries of Christ Fr Fernando Vergez, 68,

Bishop Giuseppe Sciacca, whom the pope named on Aug 24 to the Vatican’s supreme tribunal as adjunct secretary under US Cardinal Raymond L Burke. Fr Vergez, who is director of the Vatican’s telecommunications department, will continue to hold his old post while serving in his new & His appointment is also seen as part of the pope’s efforts to reorganise how the Vatican operates. The secretary-general’s post is critical because he coordinates and manages the daily operations of Vatican City State and is in charge of making all “fundamental working decisions�, said Jesuit Fr Federico Lombardi, the Vatican spokesman. „ "

18 OPINION

Sunday September 22, 2013 „ CatholicNews

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COMMENTARY

Intervention against Syria: how much is too much? IT SEEMS beyond doubt that chemical weapons were used in late August against the people of Syria in residential areas of Da & ing. It is almost beyond doubt that Syrian armed forces were responsible for this massacre, though the Russian government, one of Syria’s few friends, has insisted that Revulsion at the use of poison gas against civilian populations is € follow, even if the facts are clear, that the international community has an automatic duty to intervene. There is a list of conditions least that the civilian population at risk should gain some tangible tection. That has yet to be demonstrated. International law and Just War theory both require legitimacy, which means either a UN Security Council resolution or some previously established binding principle. Both the 1925 Geneva Convention and the United Nations “Responsibility to Protect� resolution of 2005 have been cited as alternative legal grounds for action in the event of a Security Council vote being vetoed by a permanent member who is an interested party. There are some instances where civilised norms have been so clearly and grossly violated that morality is reason enough. Nevertheless, international law is too important to the peace of the planet to be set lightly aside. The cavalier treatment of international law by Britain and America over Iraq still casts its shadow. + intervention against Syria concerns proportionality, which both law and Just War theory insist on. The means must be proportional to the end. The end in this case has to be to discourage or deter further attacks of the same kind. Merely to extract a price from the Assad regime by way of punitive

A protester waves signs during a hearing for US military action against Syria on Sept 3 at Washington’s Capitol Hill.

* the ruthless and vicious way it has treated the civilian population in the past, leaving chemical attacks aside, suggests it is well beyond & by the threat of further punishment. Opinion in the West has a particular horror of poison gas as a legacy of the First World War,

$

about any intervention against Syria concerns proportionality. but someone like Assad does not share that memory. The same may apply to Russia – gas was mainly used on the Western Front – where Russia was not involved. The case against intervention becomes stronger when outcomes are as unpredictable as they are in this case, which makes proportionality – balancing ends against means – almost impossible to compute.

What is the strategic aim? + " and complicated, with bad people on both sides. The possibilities of escalation are incalculable, including the risk of drawing Israel Is it a Western objective to remove President Assad and hand the country to his enemies? Would that deliver chemical weapons € & ers, who are growing in strength among the rebel forces and who are aligned to al-Qaeda? How does the West resist being drawn further and further into the Syrian morass, without an end in sight or indeed without knowing which side to favour? And fundamentally, what course of action by the West would help bring peace at last to the suffering people of Syria? Those are key questions that need to be answered if armed in € at the moment it does not seem likely they can be. „ CNS This commentary appeared in the Aug 31 edition of The Tablet, a Londonbased international Catholic weekly.

Have I been saved? THE famed and feisty psychologist, Fritz Pearls, was once asked by a well-meaning Christian if he was saved. He responded by saying, I am still trying to &  < from Teresa of Avila who states that once we reach the highest mansion of maturity we are left with only one question: How can I be helpful? They’re right, and their insight is a needed challenge. We too easily and too frequently get the wrong focus apposite both Christian discipleship and human maturity. The real question in our lives, at least during our adult years, shouldn’t be: What must I do to go to heaven? Or, what must I do to avoid going to hell? Not that concerns about our own salvation are unimportant or that heaven and hell are unreal, the point is rather that our deepest motivation has to be to do things for others and not for ourselves. For the main part, our own salvation will take care of itself if we focus on the needs of others. Granted, both scripture and what’s best in human wisdom do say that we may not be so overly-focused on helping others that we neglect our own needs, but both also make it clear, as does the Prayer of St Francis, that taking care of ourselves is paradoxical and we receive what we need for our own lives primarily by giving it away to others. And so our primary concern shouldn’t be with the questions: Am I saved? Or even with the question: “Have I found Jesus as my personal Š & [ ÂĄ

relationship to Jesus is not, for a Christian, any Christian, an unimportant or negotiable thing. Indeed in the Gospels, particularly in the Gospel of John, a deep, affective, personal relationship to Jesus is the central component within Christian discipleship and is an end in itself. We don’t, at the end of the day, develop a relationship to Jesus so that we have the energy and proper compass out of which to minister to others, though that is very much part of it. Rather we develop an intimate relationship with Jesus because that is an end in itself, the ultimate reason we become Christian. $ & š & Roman Catholic devotional practice are correct. Nothing trumps a personal, affective relationship to Jesus and outside of that connection we aren’t in fact real disciples of Christ. However Jesus, himself, mitigates any fundamentalism or one-sided devotional understanding of this by linking intimacy to Him with the other half of the great commandment: Love God and love neighbour. Simply put, we show our love for God, our intimacy with Jesus, by laying down our lives for our neighbour. Christian discipleship is never only about Jesus and me, even as it is always still about Jesus and me. A priest friend of mine who teaches at a secular university was once asked by one of his students: “Father, have you met Jesus Christ?â€? His & ÂĄ ƒ $ #  + $ $ <  | correctly highlights is that meeting Jesus implies a lot more than a private, romantic, affective, and safe encounter with him and that meeting Jesus is more than having a private feeling in the soul that we are loved by and secure with God. A non-negotiable part of meeting Jesus means being sent out, and not just alone on some private spiritual quest or individualised ministry. It means being called into community, into a church, and then sent out with others, “in pairsâ€?, to, as Greek writer and philosopher Nikos Kazantzakis poetically puts it, “walk in Christ’s bloody footstepsâ€?, that is, to walk & % and tiredness, darkness and God’s seeming silence, wondering some

Intimacy with Jesus mostly doesn’t look like intimacy in a Hol * spirituality. It looks more like the intimacy that Jesus experienced with His Father as He walked resolutely towards Jerusalem, against the advice of His intimate circle, swallowing hard, knowing what awaited Him there. The Jesuit volunteer corps summarise their discipleship ¥ „  +

& intimacy and what it means. St Teresa of Avila suggests that we’re mature in following Christ if our questions and concerns no longer have a self-focus: Am I saved? Have I met Jesus Christ? Do I love Jesus enough? These questions remain, and remain valid; but they’re not meant to be our main focus. Our real question needs to be: How can I be helpful? Fritz Pearls simply puts it more graphically: How can I be spent? During our adult lives, that trumps the question: Have I been saved? „

FOCUS 19

Sunday September 22, 2013 „ CatholicNews

Online tracking, freedom of expression and responsibility Erick Rommel offers some do’s and don’ts while entering cyberspace Nothing we do is private. In a world where our every movement is tracked, it’s best to assume that anything we do can be known by anybody at the touch of a button. Recently, many have expressed concern about the news that the US government required a certain company to provide records of customer phone calls and has made efforts to track email, video and sonal information. Some people are in an uproar, complaining about the invasion of privacy. Others are more realistic and realise we gave up our privacy a long time ago. If you use a Global Positioning System to get from here to there, you’re using multiple satellites that track your movement so well that it knows you should turn left in 50 feet. Every time you use the Internet to go to any website, your service provider is sharing your location with the website you’re visiting. If you’re using an app to track your route while running or walking, it’s not only keeping your statistics, in many cases the app is sharing your route and how long you take to complete it. If this doesn’t concern you at least a little, it should. That being said, common sense indicates we have nothing to worry about. ~ to care about our online habits, as long as we’re not breaking the law. To be safe, follow two simple rules: Don’t do anything that appears illegal and don’t do anything stupid. American teen Cameron D’Ambrosio broke both rules. Cameron lives in the

To be safe, follow two simple rules: Don’t do anything that appears illegal and don’t do anything stupid.

Every time you use the Internet to go to any website, your service provider is sharing your location with the website you’re visiting.

Boston area. To put it as politely as possible, the 18-year-old is an aspiring rap artist who gravitates toward profane lyrics. In May, after the Boston Marathon bombings, he posted lyrics on his Facebook account where he not only claimed what he planned would be far worse than the bombings, he also implied he might “go insane� and attack the White House. Law enforcement became involved,

not because of high-tech surveillance, but because several of his classmates reported what he said to school administrators, who then called the police. Authorities then charged Cameron with “communicating terroristic threats�. Some people were outraged. More than 90,000 people signed a petition demanding an immediate release. Others thought the & € Nevertheless, consider this: If you

claim you are going to be violent, it’s reasonable to expect law enforcement agencies to assume you’re planning violence. It’s also reasonable to assume that you’ll be freed once investigators realise you’re at no risk of harm to anyone but yourself. That’s not what happened with Cameron. A judge kept him in jail for more than a month because previous incidents indicated he was a threat to others. He stayed behind bars until June when a grand jury refused to indict him. He was immediately released and prosecutors say they will not pursue the case. In the end, Cameron is free, authorities are slightly embarrassed and those who have strong opinions on either side can & cant it may be. What about us? Are we happy with the privacy we have? They aren’t easy questions, but they’re ones we should ask every time we pick up a cellphone or go online. If not, anything said could make us the next Cameron. „ CNS

20 CATECHETICAL FEATURE

Sunday September 22, 2013 „ CatholicNews

Different forms of catechesis in the Singapore archdiocese: Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (left) and home-based catechesis.

Catechists as agents of the New Evangelisation In conjunction with Catechetical Awareness Weekend (Sept 21-22), Fr Erbin Fernandez examines the implications of the New Evangelisation for catechists CATECHISTS as Agents of the New Evangelisation – this was the theme chosen by the Catechetical ‹ + & &

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* € & < " & # % € & ~ & If you feel you are being called to be a catechist, whether in the areas of children’s, youth, special needs or adult catechesis, please contact your parish coordinator for more information on training and formation available; or visit www. one.org.sg for more information. Fr Erbin is Episcopal Vicar for the New Evangelisation, and Catechetical Director. „

FAITH ALIVE! 21

Sunday September 22, 2013 „ CatholicNews

Fear and the Christian response

By Dan Mulhall ANYONE who has lived through a major earthquake knows that the experience doesn’t end when the ground stops shaking. Instead, tremors of fear and anxiety cascade through our bodies and minds for days, perhaps even weeks following the initial shock. But as time passes, memories fade and we continue to remember the event, but the fear and anxiety associated with it gradually dissipates. It is the same for acts of horror that happen around us, like the tragedies of Columbine and Aurora, Colorado, and Newtown, Connecticut, or acts of terror, such as Pearl Harbour, the Oklahoma City bombing or 9/11. We pledge never to forget. But over time, the fear, the terror, the pain, the anger and rage, the desire for revenge slowly fade. We create monuments to help us remember, whether makeshift ones, like the piles of teddy bears † manent ones of steel and stone. These monuments do recall the event, but the emotions evaporate quickly for most people. This long perspective is important to keep in mind as we consider our response to acts of horror of any kind, whether caused by deranged people with access to weapons of mass destruction or by organisations or nation-states that use acts of violence to cause terror within a group of people in order to accomplish political aims. In the long

A Franciscan priest was administering last rites to victims when he was also caught in the World Trade Centre’s collapse.

run, this too shall pass. We will remember, but we will move on. There is no one Christian response to acts of terror. That said, there are basic rules of thumb that & tianity that can guide our responses to such acts. Our immediate response is to care and pray for those injured or killed by these acts. We also extend this care to the families and communities involved. While we will be immediately shaken by the act of violence, and

protect our loved ones, we need to

remember that our only ultimate protection is in God. Yes, we can tighten security and become more observant of those around us, but we also are called to lean on Jesus’ promise of everlasting life. The human desire for revenge is very strong. It is only natural that we want to lash out to punish those responsible for these acts. However, as Christians we are called to temper the desire for revenge with the desire for justice and mercy. The Catholic Church’s developing teaching on the death penalty would not support putting someone to death just because

As Christians we are called to temper the desire for revenge with the desire for justice and mercy.

A sculpture of Jesus embracing the World Trade Centre twin towers outside a Brooklyn parish.

they had done a horrible deed. The natural human reaction to danger is frequently described & & | lash out to protect ourselves or run to safety. The Christian message doesn’t teach against such reactions, but it does call us to act more intentionally, guided by our beliefs more than by our fear. So Christians, because of

their faith, put their lives at risk to save others, to care for others, to defend others – even those who caused the damage. We do so out of love for our neighbour and belief that God reigns over life and death. As Jesus implored us, “Do ÂĄ $ „ CNS Mulhall is a catechist and writer who lives and works in Laurel, Maryland, USA.

Love and pray for your enemies, says the Bible By Fr Lawrence E Mick THROUGH the centuries, the Catholic tradition has struggled with the question of the Christian response to aggression. The Catechism of the Catholic Church summarises current teaching: “All citizens and all governments are obliged to work for the avoidance of war. However, ‘as long as the danger of war persists and there is no international authority with the necessary competence and power, governments cannot be denied the right of lawful self-defence,

Catholic theology has developed € must apply for a war to be consid € However, many early Christians called The Apostolic Tradition of Hippolytus of Rome, for example, says that “catechumens or believers who want to enlist as soldiers are to be sent away, for they have treated ‰ Jesus did not directly address the issue of war, though He did warn that “all who take the sword

{` 26:52). $ " ` He teaches, “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil. When someone strikes you on [your] right cheek, turn the other

{` XÂĄ_Â’'_¤} In the same sermon, Jesus also rejects limits to our love: “You

Jesus gave powerful witness to His own teaching when He was nailed to the cross. have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those {` XÂĄQ_'QQ} And, of course, He gave powerful witness to His own teaching when He was being nailed to the cross and prayed, “Father, forgive * {~* \_ÂĄ_Q} In the Old Testament, it is true

that God is often portrayed there as supporting Israel in its wars. But there are also several times when the prophets denounced war and called Israel to trust in God. The Bible does not give an ab But it is clear that we must never

respond to injury by seeking revenge. If war is necessary, it must be for defence, not vengeance. As St Paul reminds us in Romans 12:17-19: “Do not repay anyone evil for evil; be concerned for what is noble in the sight of all. If possible, on your part, live

at peace with all. Beloved, do not look for revenge but leave room for the wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, ~ „ CNS Fr Mick is a priest of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati and a freelance writer.

22

Sunday September 22, 2013 „ CatholicNews

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Wordsearch: „ SERVANTS „ JUSTICE „ EVIL „ GROUND „ HARVEST „ ANGER „ VISION „ LION „ INHABIT „ WOES

BIBLE TRIVIA: What is the last book of the Old Testament?

Answer to Bible Trivia: Malachi.

By Joe Sarnicola

Bible Accent: Answers to Puzzle: 1. Isaiah, 2. Ezekiel, 3. Hosea, 4. Amos, 5. Jonah, 6. Zechariah, 7. Micah, 8. Malachi.

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Sunday September 22, 2013 „ CatholicNews

23

ADVERTORIAL

Taking the Society of St Vincent de Paul into the New Millennium AS THE 4th National Council President since its inception, Paul Foo heads the Society of St Vincent de Paul in Singapore, comprising over 700 volunteer members (called Vincentians) administering to more than 3000 Friends-in-Need (FINs) across 30 parishes in Singapore. Started in the early 60s, the Society had its work cut out for it in the poverty-stricken kampongs and slum areas across the island. Fast-track 60 years later to urban city-state Singapore and one can be forgiven for thinking that poverty is extinct. We talk to Paul Foo to learn why this isn’t quite so, and why the Society still has an important role to play in caring for the needs of the poor and needy in Singapore.

Q:

From your own experience, what has and hasn’t changed about the Society and the work it does?

A: The primary mission of the Society, with its roots trailing back to our Founder Blessed Frederic Ozanam in Paris 180 years ago

Â? cation and evangelisation, where a spiritually matured Vincentian can

&  Our members are all lay volunteers who give of themselves for the love of Christ and their FINs. We are typically action-oriented, we are ‘doers’ rather than ‘talkers’. The fact that the Society is one of the most established charity organisations in Singapore with many of our Vincentians having served the poor for more than 20 years shows that there is much meaning in the Vincentian service. What has changed over the years is the way we organise ourselves, how we serve the poor, and the kind of assistance we provide. We also see ourselves increasingly playing

in the form of tuition grants, transport subsidy and incentive schemes to help the FINs’ children pursue their education as far as they can go. Our members and FINs also build close relationships over the years. We know that there are many more poor in Singapore whom we have not yet reached out to. And I recognise that we can improve our outreach efforts. One such example is the way that we coordinate our work with those of the various government bodies like the Community Development Councils, Family Service Centers, MUIS etc. The closer we work together, the more effective we can all be, and I am glad to say that we are starting to move in this direction.

the role of an advocate where we assist our FINs to seek help from relevant agencies and where necessary speak on their behalf.

Q

: Has the poor in Singapore changed? Who are the ‘new poor’?

A:

The new poor are more educated and no longer lack basic necessities like running water, electricity etc. Our FINs own TVs, mobile phones, and no longer wear clothes that are tattered and torn, but they are still fundamentally poor. Some are single parents struggling to make ends meet and pay their monthly bills. Others have health problems and cannot earn a regular income for the family. And there are also many elderly with no family members to care for them. We also encounter families who for some reason or other, do not qualify for regular government aid.

Q: With so many Governmentled Charity Institutions, Community Development Councils, Family Service Centers, NGOs etc., are the works of SSVP still relevant?

A: We have journeyed and helped thousands of families over the years and will continue to do so. The poor need to be helped with compassion and love which we provide to keep their dignity. The is just a means, but most importantly, it is being there for them during their times of need as a friend year

in and year out. When we conduct interviews to assess their situation, we do this with a compassionate heart and with the dignity of our FINs always foremost in mind. What also sets us apart from other charity organisations is that we look beyond just the “now� – it is about building strong and lasting & dence that we will be there for them as long as our assistance is needed. Through it all, our FINs know that there are people who will stand & times, providing unconditional love and support that is badly needed. We see progress in education for the next generation as a means to break out of the poverty cycle and this is where we offer support

Who are our Vincentians? Vincentians are the life-blood of the Society, and it is blessed with many dedicated and selfless members. Here’s what some of them have to say concerning the various aspects of being Vincentians:

to a deep sense of gratitude that will bring forth the gifts and graces needed to serve the needy. " & cases. But we are called to practise the Christian virtues of patience and going the extra mile. These actually help us to grow spiritually in being more Christ-like.

ANNIE WANG, SMOTA Church

Q

: As the current National Council President, what are the top items on your agenda?

A

: I would like our members to be more spiritual, and to develop a closer relationship with God. This inculcates the right attitude of service and love among our members and it helps us to go about our duty of evangelisation. Through * FINs, and if they can see the love of God in our actions, then we would have done our part. I would also like our priests who are our spiritual advisors to be more involved in our Society and our members’ spiritual growth.

$ * " ciety to work more closely with our parish priests and church leaders; and to involve them and the parishioners more in the works of charity. Many Catholics see the work of administering to the poor as the sole duty of SSVP – the poor belongs to the Society. With the participation of parishioners at large we can double our ability to outreach more FINs overnight! And these parishioners

' & Vincentians. Such ideas would imply a radical change in how we organise ourselves and the way that we work with parishioners. It will take some time but I would like to work towards this vision.

Youth Wing Leader, 3 years

BOBBY & LILY LEAN St Ignatius Church, 32 years

Q: What are the key characteristics to being a good Vincentian?

A: Anybody who really wants to serve Christ needs to be able to feel his love for them. This leads

Q: What do you see as some of Q: What keeps you going? Q: As a youth, what have you the key challenges for the Society in A: I always believe Vincentian work gained from becoming a Vincentian? Singapore? takes three – myself, my Friends-inNeed and God. And God has to be at A: I have grown in so many differ- A: As a lay organisation that is the centre. And when that happens, everything will fall into place. I’ve made many wonderful friends through the years being in the Society. For me, they’re just like family. And I’ve made wonderful friends with my FINs! „

ent aspects ever since I joined the ministry 3 years ago. I became more independent, learnt to be more appreciative for what I have in my life, and at the same time, experienced how it is like, to not only serve, but serve with a humble heart.

predominantly volunteer-based, the quality and commitment of our members can vary widely due mainly to their spiritual maturity. This results in gaps in our service. I hope to improve this through deepening members’ spirituality;

engaging professional staff to provide some supplementary services; and changing our mindsets to keep up with the times to provide more holistic care. I believe we need to move faster and reach out more to those who really need help. The harvest is plentiful but the labourers are few; so we need more new members.

Q

: " % members?

AÂĄ | & members for various reasons. Firstly, we are looked upon as an ‘old people’ organisation where the leaders and members are old and set in their ways. This is not quite true. Many of our members go out of their way to welcome and encourage younger adults to speak their minds and introduce new ways of doing things to help the poor. We recognise the need to bring in new blood to infuse a new lease of life in the Society and we invite all parishioners, especially youth and young adults to come join us on this journey. The second reason is that the works of the Society, when we administer to the poor, are not very visible to parishioners since it takes place outside of the church (at the homes of the FINs.) This is in keeping with our goal of maintaining the dignity of our poor, where we go about our work quietly. Nevertheless we are starting to make inroads with attracting young adults to the society. We have some great examples like the youth team at St Mary’s of the Angels conference where they are given more autonomy to look after their own FINs; and at Immaculate Heart of Mary conference where younger members are quickly assimilated into the conference’s work with the FINs.

Q

: Any parting words for CN readers?

A: The Society has been around for over 60 years in Singapore and * the less fortunate among our Vincentian community. This is our faith response to the call of Jesus in Matthew 25:31-45 to serve and feed the hungry, visit the sick and prisoners and other acts of mercy. Serving the poor is a duty of all Christians. We certainly want to do more and amplify our reach. If you have a special interest in serving the poor, and growing in spirituality within the Vincentian community, this is the place to come to. Join us on our journey of self-renewal as a Society. " & more about our Society, please go to www.ssvpsingapore.org, or email to ssvp.sg@gmail.com, or contact your local SSVP representative in your parish. „

24

Sunday September 22, 2013 „ CatholicNews

WHAT’S ON 25

Sunday September 22, 2013 „ CatholicNews

EVENT SUBMISSIONS We welcome information of events happening in our local Church. Please send your submission at least one month before the event. Online submissions can be made at www. catholic.sg/webevent_form.php FIRST AND THIRD WEDNESDAYS OF THE MONTH RELAXATION EXERCISES IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE RESPECTIVELY 10-11am: Therapeutic breathing and guided imagery exercises will be taught to release tension, boost energy and mood to help one stay calm and stable in midst of the stresses of life. First Wednesdays conducted in English and third Wednesdays in Chinese. By Clarity Singapore. At Block 854 #01-3511, Yishun Ring Road. Register: 6757 7990, 9710 3733; E: registration@clarity-singapore.org WEDNESDAYS SEPTEMBER 18 TO NOVEMBER 6 WALKING TO ETERNITYENGAGING THE STRUGGLES OF YOUR HEART 9.30-11.30am: A DVD-based programme by Jeff & Emily Cavins. Open one’s eyes to obstacles in one’s Christian walk such as greed, envy, fear and shame. Through & ¨ Holy Sprit, learn crucial steps toward & of the Holy Spirit. Register T: 8228 8220 (Clare); E: HSBibleApostolate@gmail. com SEPTEMBER 18 SERRA BI-MONTHLY HOLY HOUR FOR VOCATIONS 7.30-8.30pm: Pray for more priestly vocations and for our priests. At Church of St Bernadette Adoration Room. Register E: clara@serrasingapore.org SEPTEMBER 21 EXAM RALLY: CROSS EXAMINATION 2-5pm: Holy Mass will be offered

* & € examinations. Presided by Friar Edward Lim, OCD. No registration needed; all students are cordially invited. At Blessed Sacrament Church. SEPTEMBER 21 TEOCHEW RETREAT: IN GOD’S GRACE 9am-3pm: Speaker: Fr Henry Siew. Free admission, no registration required. At Church of the Nativity of the BVM Blk B 2-2. Please bring along rosary, sweater and friends. E: teochewgroup@ gmail.com SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 21 TO SATURDAY OCTOBER 19 CAFE – KNOWING GOD EVEN BETTER 3-5pm: Come & have coffee with us at CaFE to know God even better. Deepen one’s faith even more. At Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (1259 Upper Serangoon Road). Register T: 9329 9252 (Siska) SEPTEMBER 21 SJI SENIOR SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE 9am-1pm: Come and experience the SJI International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme through trial lessons, information talks and more at the Open House. At SJI (Malcolm Road). „ & |¥ € & SEPTEMBER 22 EL-SHADDAI DWXI PPFI SINGAPORE 22ND ANNIVERSARY 9am-6pm: At Toa Payoh Sports Hall (297A, Lorong 6 Toa Payoh). T: 6474 0714 (Jun) SEPTEMBER 27 EUCHARISTIC ADORATION FOR YOUNG ADULTS 8-9.30pm: With rosary, scriptural By Generation CHRIST! Ministry. At St Francis Xavier Chapel Kingsmead Hall (Church of St Ignatius). E: gen.christ.ministry@gmail.com FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 27 TO SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 29 CHOICE WEEKEND Fri (6pm)-Sun (6pm): The choices we *

Be inspired for the rest of one’s life. For singles 18 to 35 years old. By Choice

Singapore. At 47 Jurong West St 42. Register T: 9880 3093 (Dawn), 9046 2297 (Albert), 97600826 (Felicia); E: registration@choice.org.sg SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 28 TO SATURDAY OCTOBER 5 MISSION TRIP TO PHILIPPINES Calling young adults for mission trip to Tagaytay, Philippines. Register early as limited space available. 8 ‡ Missionaries. Register T: 6274 0251; E: verbumdeispore@yahoo.com.sg SEPTEMBER 28 BAREFOOT PRAYING: A LABYRINTH WALK 2-5pm: The labyrinth is a metaphor of € % and discover this tool for prayer, possibilities for renewal and change. At Church of St Ignatius Sacred Heart Hall Annexe. Contribution $30. Register by Sept 20. T: 6467 6072; E: cisc2664@gmail.com SEPTEMBER 28 COMMUNICATE IN LOVE & TRUTH 2-6pm: Based on Dr Marshall Rosenberg’s Nonviolent Communication. Learn how to empathise and express one’s thoughts and feelings in ways that help to reduce misunderstanding ¥ ^QZ ~ " & Canossian Spirituality Centre (100 Jalan Merbok). Register T: 6466 2178 (Brenda); E: lifesprings@singnet.com.sg WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 2 AND THURSDAY OCTOBER 3 INTERRELIGIOUS HARMONY AND MY FAITH (OCT 2); BUILDING CHRISTIAN UNITY AND MY FAITH (OCT 3) 8-10pm: Well-known speaker, theologian, professor and interreligious dialogue practitioner, Fr James Kroeger, MM, has been invited to speak as part of the archdiocese’s efforts to promote interreligious dialogue. At Church of St Ignatius St Ignatius Hall (120 King’s Road). Register by Sept 30. T: 6858 7016 (Gerald); E: gerald@ catholicspi.org FRIDAY OCTOBER 4 TO SUNDAY OCTOBER 6 MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEKEND Fri (8pm)-Sun (6pm): This is a live-in marriage enrichment programme for happily married couples. A wedding is for a day whilst a marriage is for a lifetime. Come for this once-in-a-lifetime experience to equip yourselves on this

' ' ' ' € At 201-B Punggol 17th Avenue. Register T: 9670 5390 (Vincent & Julyn); E: register@marriage-encounter-sg.org OCTOBER 12 EFFECTIVE PARENTING IN EARLY YEARS 9am-12pm: Learn to balance being a parent, a successful professional, and keeping in touch with friends. Learn from a panel of four prominent speakers, all of whom are happy parents. At IRAS Revenue House (55 Newton Road). Register W: http://www.familylife.sg/ events/effective-parenting-young-parents; E: susie@familylife.sg FRIDAY OCTOBER 18 TO SUNDAY OCTOBER 20 MARRIAGE RETORNO Fri (8.30pm)-Sun (5.30pm): A couple spirituality weekend. Spend a weekend away from the hustle and bustle. ^XZ ' booking. At ME House (201B Punggol 17th Avenue). Register by Sept 30. T: 9655 3708 (Susie) or 9011 2795 (Esme).

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 2 TO SATURDAY NOVEMBER 9 MISSION AWARENESS PROGRAMME (MAP) 2013 – PATTAYA THAILAND MAP 2013 will provide participants with a better understanding of mission and its intrinsic usefulness and relevance to everyday Christian living. The spiritual director for MAP 2013 is Fr Larry Radice, an American Maryknoll missionary. Participate and discover more about one’s vocation and mission. Cost: $700 (covering air and land transport, food and lodging). Register by Sept 30. T: 9732 0730 (Lynnette); E: admin@acma.sg TUESDAY NOVEMBER 5 TO SATURDAY NOVEMBER 9 GROUP LEADERSHIP ORGANISATION AND SPIRITUALITY 9.30am-5.30pm: This 5-day workshop aims to help participants become more aware of the structures and processes at work in the collaborative ministry teams in which they minister. The guiding matrix will be The Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius of Loyola. Participants should be currently working in a collaborative ministry team or similar group. Facilitated by Fr Michael Smith, SJ, & Mrs Bernadette Miles from Campion Centre, Melbourne. Cost: $500. By Kingsmead Centre (CISC). At 8 Victoria Park Rd. Register by Oct 25. T: 6467 6072; E: cisc2664@gmail.com FRIDAYS NOVEMBER 8 TO NOVEMBER 22 THE SACRAMENTS – STILL RELEVANT TO YOUR LIFE TODAY? 7.45-9.30pm: Frank interviews with priests in Rome and the UK that show how the Sacraments can transform one in this lively DVD course. By Archdiocesan CaFE Promotion Team. At Church of St Bernadette AVA Room (12 Zion Rd). Register by Oct 28 with name and contact information SMS: 8467 6161, 8467 6363; E: acptcafe@gmail.com NOVEMBER 9 MEDITATIVE PRAYER USING THE SONGS OF TAIZE 8-9.30pm: At the Armenian Church of St Gregory the Illuminator (60 Hill Street). T: 9837 7256 (Benny); E: bennycah@ gmail.com; W: http://www.taize.fr/en FRIDAY NOVEMBER 22 TO SUNDAY NOVEMBER 24 BEGINNING EXPERIENCE WEEKEND Fri (6pm)-Sun (5pm): Beginning Experience Weekend Programme is run by people who have shared a similar experience of losing a loved one through divorce, separation or death of spouse. Work through one’s grief and put one’s in life and to love oneself, God and others. Register T: 9661 8089 (Joseph), 9828 5162 (Jean), 9647 9122 (Sue); š¥ € ª NOVEMBER 28 TO DECEMER 7 OR DECEMBER 1 TO DECEMBER 7 QUIETING THE SOUL RETREAT IN CHIANGMAI Choice of 5 days (Dec 1 to Dec 7) or 8 days retreat (Nov 28 to Dec 7). A silent retreat at Seven Fountains Chiangmai, Thailand. Dates inclusive of travel time. By Cenacle Sisters. Register by Sept 30. T: 6565 2895/9722 3148; E: cenaclesing@gmail.com; W: http://www.catholic.org.sg/cenacle

OCTOBER 20 WORLD MISSION SUNDAY EUCHARISTIC CELEBRATION 12pm: Main celebrant: Archbishop Emeritus Nicholas Chia. By ACMA. At Church of St Ignatius. E: acmasg@singnet.com.sg

NOVEMBER 30 CHRIST@WORK 2013 CONFERENCE 8am-6.30pm: Targets working adults who are looking to hear from other Catholic business leaders and peers on how to * ‚ speaker Hector Molina, has appeared in numerous forums around the world. Early bird rate, till 29 Oct: $60 (Adult), $40 (Student) Normal: $70 (Adult), $40 (Student) At Catholic Junior College Performing Arts Centre. Register E: admin@cbn.sg; W: www.christatworkconference.com

NOVEMBER 2 STRESS MANAGEMENT 12.30-2pm: Learn about the symptoms and common sources of stress and pick up tips on how to manage the stress in one’s life more effectively. Cost: $20. By Clarity Singapore. At At Khoo Teck Puat Hospital Auditorium, Tower B. Register: 6757 7990, 97103733; E: registration@clarity-singapore.org

DECEMBER 13 TO DECEMBER 21 ACTS29 MISSION TRIP 2013 Experience living with the community € * \¤ mission group in both social and spiritual work in Manila, Philippines. „ & € within the dates of the mission. Register E: charmainekxh@gmail.com; W: http://www.acts29mission.com

A SYRIAN BOY sits beside his family’s belongings as they wait for a vehicle to pick them up after entering Turkey from the Turkish Cilvegozu border gate on Sept 6. Analysts say the answers remain murky to moral and ethical questions about whether a military strike is the appropriate ! * + ! & ian civilians. CNS photo

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Sunday September 22, 2013 CatholicNews

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