SEPTEMBER 21, 2014, Vol 64, No 19

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SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 21, 2014

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Pope blesses international interfaith soccer match for peace CNS Photos

VOL 64

NO. 19

INSIDE HOME Last Our Lady procession before Novena Church closes Set to reopen in mid-2016 „ Page 2

Pilgrimage to Kampong Bahru Catholics learn about Church history in the area „ Page 6

WORLD Scottish independence referendum Pope Francis speaks via video link from the Vatican before the start of the ÂżUVW ,QWHUUHOLJLRXV 0DWFK IRU 3HDFH

)RUPHU $UJHQWLQH VRFFHU VWDU 'LHJR 0DUDGRQD FRPSHWHV LQ WKH ¿UVW ¾,QWHUreligious Match for Peace’ at the Olympic Stadium in Rome on Sept 1. VATICAN CITY – Taking up a suggestion from

Pope Francis, Argentine Diego Maradona and other soccer stars past and present played an Interreligious Match for Peace and tolerance on Sept 1, drawing some 20,000 spectators to Rome’s Olympic Stadium. “The match is an occasion for raising funds for solidarity projects, but above all [for promoting] values that draw people together, no matter what their culture or religious creed,� the pope told the participants and organisers earlier in the day, during a private audience at the Vatican. He thanked those present for having “promptly followed my desire to see champions and coaches of various countries and diverse religions face each other in a sports match, to bear witness to feelings of fraternity and friendship�. “Soccer is a human phenomenon, and special,� Pope Francis said. “A sports event is a highly symbolic act that helps show it is possi-

When people play as a team, ‘ competition, instead of being war, becomes a seed of peace.’

ble to build a culture of encounter and a world of peace, in which believers of diverse religions conserve their own identity while living in mutual respect.â€? “It’s important that you give a good examSOH ERWK RQ DQG RII WKH SOD\LQJ ÂżHOG ´ WKH SRSH told the athletes and organisers. The players included the legendary Maradona, 53, who led Argentina to World Cup victory in 1986, and Roberto Baggio, 47, an Italian footballer inducted into his country’s Football Hall of Fame in 2011 and named World Player of the Year by World Soccer magazine in 1993. Another player, Andriy Shevchenko of Ukraine, asked the pope to pray for his civilwar-torn country. Maradona told reporters he was deeply moved when he met the pope. “I hugged him, and I felt proud to be an Argentine,â€? Maradona said. “After being far from the Church, [I am] proud of returning to

– Pope Francis

Bishops urge attention to religious freedom „ Page 10

Ending today’s wars Former Israeli president thinks pope is best bet „ Page 11

it after God took my mother. Today I am happy to be once again with the Church, with Pope Francis, and to play for peace.â€? The pope did not attend the game but appeared in a video shown at the stadium. “When people play as a team, competition, instead of being war, becomes a seed of peace,â€? the pope, speaking in Spanish, told fans in the stadium and those watching live on television in Italy and Argentina. Players representing the Pupi Onlus Foundation defeated those representing the Catholic agency Scholas Occurrentes, 6-3. Pope Francis established Scholas Occurrentes as an educational agency within the 3RQWLÂżFDO $FDGHP\ RI 6FLHQFHV WR IRVWHU ÂłVRcial integrationâ€? of the needy and promote a “culture of encounterâ€? through sports, the arts and technology. „ CNS „ See story on Page 13

POPE FRANCIS ‘Be strong, bold witnesses’ Pontiff’s message to Christians in Iraq, Gaza „ Pages 14, 15

OPINION What Robin Williams’ death teaches us Get help if suffering from depression „ Page 16

2 HOME

Sunday September 21, 2014 „ CatholicNews

Final Our Lady procession before Novena Church closes for renovations

Part of the congregation singing hymns while standing under the hot sun in the Novena Church carpark.

By Lorna O’Hara The sun beat down on the backs of the thousands who stood in the carpark, fanning themselves and waiting in anticipation of the Our Lady procession to begin at the Novena Church on Sept 7. The 61st anniversary of the \HDUO\ SURFHVVLRQ ZDV WKH ÂżQDO one before the church closes for renovations. “I’m very sad. I don’t know if I’ll be able to live to see the next procession,â€? said 88-yearold Theresa Klyne who has never missed the annual Novena procesVLRQ VLQFH LW ÂżUVW VWDUWHG LQ The celebration was a communal affair as those in the carpark ate food and sat on foldable chairs and rattan mats while waiting for “The Joy of the Gospel with Maryâ€? Novena procession to begin. The pews and plastic chairs in the main hall were already packed by 2.30pm despite the procession starting at 6pm. Half an hour before the procession, a man and woman led the congregation in a lively praiseand-worship session. Accompanied by a live band, the lady named “Rossâ€? sang loudly as her

EODFN DQG EOXH VDUL ÀXWWHUHG LQ WKH breeze. As the congregation prayed the rosary and sang hymns with WKH DLG RI ZRUGV ÀDVKHG RQ screens throughout the church, ER\V DQG JLUOV WKUHZ ÀRZHU SHWals as women carrying the Our Mother of Perpetual Help icon made their way slowly around the carpark towards the main altar. Joining them was a lady was carrying a crown; a boy carrying

a joy to know ‘It’s that there will be a new church.’

– Mr Lawrence Png, 79

a “Families for Consecrationâ€? book, and priests, Religious and Ă€DJ EHDUHUV The Mass was presided over by the Vice-Provincial Superior of the Redemptorists in Singapore and Malaysia, Fr Patrick Massang, and the homily delivered by Redemptorist Fr Joseph Stephen. During the homily, Fr Joseph posed a question to the 15,000 present: “Are Christians joyful people?â€?

As dark clouds began blanketing the sky, he invited them to UHĂ€HFW RQ WKH WKHPH 7KH -R\ RI the Gospel with Mary, and pray and understand what joy actually meant. The Redemptorist priest said that joy is a virtue which should be cultivated. He added that as a Church, “we are called and sent to give others joyâ€?. Only through that would God liberate us “from our weaknesses and failuresâ€?. Fr Massang then placed the crown on top of the Marian icon while the “Families for Consecrationâ€? book was placed at the foot.. It was announced that the book contained 93,200 consecrations to Our Lady from families. People in the congregation clapped and many were seen whipping out their phones to snap photos. Mr Lawrence Png, 79, who attended the last Our Lady procession, feels that “it’s a joy to know that there will be a new church. We can look forward to new activities. I’ll come back every year.â€? At the end of the procession, Novena Church rector Fr Simon Tan said that the church was still in need of funds. „

Fr Patrick Massang crowning Our Lady’s picture.

The Marian picture making its way to the main altar.

lorna.ohara@catholic.org.sg

Updates on new Novena Church and services In a phone interview with CatholicNews, Fr Simon Tan revealed that the new main church hall would be able to sit 2,000 people – up from 700. Other facilities include an auditorium which can house up to 200 people, a multi-purpose hall, a spacious canteen and three to four meeting rooms. He added

that the main church hall would also be air-conditioned. Fr Simon said he hopes the new church would be ready by the middle of 2016. The last Novena service would be on Sept 28. However, services would continue at the Church of the Risen Christ from Oct 4 on Saturdays at 8am, 9am,

10am, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm (Mandarin). Masses would also be held on Sundays at SJI Junior at 8am, 10am and noon. Slightly over $6.1 million still needs to be raised – $5.3 million for the church infrastructure and $823,478 for 19 panels of stained glass from Milan, Italy. „

An artist’s impression of the new church which is expected to open in mid2016.

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Sunday September 21, 2014 „ CatholicNews

CHIJ pays tribute to founder, Mother Mathilde, with forum

Left (left to right): Dr Angela Wong, Dr Chow Wan Cheng, IJ Board of Management member Elaine Yew and Ms Cassandra Chiu at the panel discussion. Above: Participants of the CHIJ Forum singing Hold On to Our Dream.

By Clara Lai As part of Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus’ (CHIJ) 160th anniversary celebrations, a CHIJ Forum organised by CHIJ Our Lady Queen of Peace was held on Aug 30 at Catholic Junior College. The Women in the Footsteps of Mother Mathilde forum paid tribute to the French Infant Jesus ,- VLVWHU ZKR VHW XS WKH ¿UVW CHIJ School for girls and a home for children in Victoria Street in 1854.

Panel discussion Dr Angela Wong, Dr Chow Wan Cheng and Ms Cassandra Chiu were members of a panel discussion during the forum, which was attended by about 750 representatives from 11 CHIJ schools, as well as IJ Sisters. They shared their own personal stories in relation to their IJ education. Ms Cassandra Chiu a visually handicapped counsellor, told the audience that despite having

role models ‘inI see our [IJ] Sisters

’

and in our teachers.

– Dr Chow Wan Cheng, former CHIJ St Nicholas Girls’ School student

eyesight problems while still a young student in the then CHIJ Bukit Timah (now CHIJ Our Lady Queen of Peace), she credits “some of the values that IJ has taught me�, one of which would be love. “It’s not just about loving others, but loving ourselves as well,� Ms Chiu said. Dr Chow Wan Cheng, formerly from CHIJ St Nicholas Girls’ School, shared why she chose to stay in public service. Her reason was “because I see role models in our [IJ] Sisters and in our teachers. They chose to stick with us and toiled their lives in service.� Dr Angela Wong shared that she had worked with a few people to develop a teacher training

curriculum, which she later taught to trainee teachers in the Catholic Church’s boarding house in Myanmar. She also trained other teachers in the CHIJ schools in Singapore to teach these trainee teachers.

Keynote address Dr Noeleen Heyzer was the keynote speaker. The Special Adviser of the United Nations Secretary General for Timor-Leste shared “3Psâ€? that guide her in her daily life: principles and values, purpose and practice, and people. “Principles and valuesâ€? would relate to the CHIJ motto – simple in virtue, steadfast in duty. For “purpose and practiceâ€?, Dr Heyzer said that it was “living a meaningful life, discovering the purpose of each of our lives and ZH IXOÂżO LW WKURXJK SUDFWLFH´ For “peopleâ€?, Dr Heyzer said, “IJ Convents have invested in nurturing people, unlocking the potential of people, to empower our daughters to become future ethical leaders.â€?

Archbishop Goh, bishops from other Churches to hold healing service Bishops from different churches will come together on Oct 6 to hold an Ecumenical Charismatic Healing Service. Archbishop William Goh will give the homily, Bishop Terry Kee of the Lutheran Church will serve in the healing ministry team and Methodist Bishop Dr Wee Boon Hup will give the benediction. The service will take place at Aldersgate Methodist Church, Dover Road at 7.30pm. It aims to give Protestants and Catholics the opportunity

to worship God, commit to love one another, and minister the Lord’s healing as one. Ministry team members made up of pastors, priests and lay leaders from Catholic and Protestant Churches will be available to pray for the sick. After the service, the congregation would be invited to stay on for fellowship over light refreshments and pray for each other using guided liturgy. This year’s organisers comprise a Catholic committee led by Fr Michael Arro, a Protestant

team and Alpha Singapore. A similar ecumenical service took place last year on Aug 26. Representatives of various Church communities including the Catholic, Anglican, Methodist, Assembly of God and Lutheran Churches, worked together in leading worship and in the prayer ministry teams. The nearest MRT station to Aldersgate Methodist Church is One North and is a 3-minute walk away. Car park spaces are DOVR DYDLODEOH DW WKH 'RYHU ÀDWV nearby. „

Tribute to Mother Mathilde Throughout the forum, there were performances by the students of the 11 CHIJ schools that depicted the life of Mother Mathilde and her contributions to the CHIJ community in Singapore. Performances included skits, poem recitals and original songs.

Tribute to IJ Sisters DQG ÀQDOH Towards the end of the forum, school leaders from the 11 CHIJ

schools went onstage to present ÀRZHU ERXTXHWV WR WKH ,- 6LVWHUV present: Supervisor of Schools Sr Deirdre O’Loan, Sr Maria Lau, Sr Joan Tay, Sr Celine Low, Sr Teresa Lee and Sr Elizabeth Moey. The morning event ended with the singing of a well-known song among the CHIJ schools, Hold On To Our Dream. Other events to mark the CHIJ anniversary include a bazaar and a gala dinner in November, planned by the CHIJ Alumni. „ clara.lai@catholic.org.sg

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Sunday September 21, 2014 CatholicNews

CHANCERY NOTICE APPOINTMENTS 1. Archbishop William Goh DD has been elected to the following Regional Episcopal Commissions of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei for the term of 2015 to 2016; a. President, Commission for Consecrated Life b. President, Commission for Apostleship of the Sea 2. Fr Kenson Koh has been appointed as Spiritual Director for Catholic AIDS Response Effort (CARE) for a term of two years starting 21 August 2014. OTHER MATTERS Erratum The appointment of Fr Bruno Saint Giron as Spiritual Director and a member of the National Ecclesial Team of Worldwide Marriage Encounter (Singapore) for a term of two (2) years was dated from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2017. The term should be from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2016. Archdiocesan Policies 1. All local (Singaporean) lay speakers intending to speak on any topic at parish level would need clearance and permission from the parish priest of the parish involved. 2. A review of the Moratorium for new religious institutes applying for an establishment in the Archdiocese of Singapore which was to last till October

of 2014 has been extended for another year to October 2015. Catholic publications Any publication on matters of faith or morals must be submitted to the local Ordinary for a ‘Nihil Obstat’ in accordance with can. 830. This can be done by submitting the works with a letter requesting the Archbishop to appoint a censor prior to the publication of the literature. Fraudulent fundraising The Holy See has alerted us that a certain “Rev. Fr Jonathan Mahajire OSB Cam” presenting himself as the Superior of the Camaldolese Benedictines of the Diocese of Kondoa (Tanzania) is fraudulent and attempts at fundraising for projects are false. A timely reminder that any requests for fundraising from any visiting clergy or SHUVRQV VKRXOG ¿UVW EH FKHFNHG ZLWK WKH Chancery for authentication. Miscellaneous Work Pass Any parish or organization intending to bring into Singapore a foreigner who will be involved in activities directly related to the organization or conduct of any seminar, conference, workshop, or gatherings, including any foreign religious worker giving talks (up to a maximum of 60 days) is required to apply for a “Miscellaneous Work Pass” from the Ministry of Manpower. Failure to comply may result in being prosecuted under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act.

2 September 2014

This requirement is in addition to the other requirements related to the Statement of Suitability for Ministry that is required by the Archdiocese. Further information on the requirements from the Ministry of Manpower may be found at their website or from the Archdiocesan Chancery. All Saints Day / All Souls Day 2014 Evening Mass on All Saints Day (Saturday VW 1RYHPEHU IXO¿OV WKH REOLJDWLRQ IRU ERWK All Saints and the Sunday (All Souls Day) Ash Wednesday 2015 Ash Wednesday Mass is to be celebrated on its actual day (Eve of the Lunar New Year). Fasting for Ash Wednesday may be observed either on Ash Wednesday or another day ad libitum (of one’s choosing). Chrism Mass 2015 Chrism Mass for the year 2015 will be held at the Church of Our Lady Queen of Peace on the 2nd of April 2015 at 10.30am.

Fr John-Paul Tan, OFM, JCL, Chancellor, Chancery of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore, #07-01 Catholic Centre, 55 Waterloo Street, Singapore 187954 Email: chancery@catholic.org.sg

Archbishop Emeritus Nicholas Chia seen here in St Theresa’s Home.

Archbishop Chia now in St Theresa’s Home 7KH $UFKELVKRS¶V 2I¿FH UHOHDVHG WKH IROlowing message on Sept 1: Dear Rev Fathers, Brothers, Sisters and Brothers and Sisters-in-Christ, On behalf of His Grace, Archbishop William Goh, this is to update you on Archbishop Emeritus Nicholas Chia’s condition. According to his doctors, Archbishop Emeritus has completed his rehabilitation programme at TTSH-AMK Rehabilitation Centre. His condition remains largely unchanged. He requires assistance with daily activities. Archbishop Emeritus was transferred today to St Theresa’s Home, where he will continue to receive necessary care and attention. Visiting hours are from 3pm to 5pm. Thank you for keeping him in prayer. Please continue to pray for his full recovery.

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Sunday September 21, 2014 „ CatholicNews

Catholic varsity group leaders renew commitment to Christ By Teresa Luo From Aug 29-30, Catholic leaders from several local and private universities in Singapore got together to renew their commitment to Christ and to journey in faith with other university leaders DW WKH 2I¿FH IRU <RXQJ 3HRSOH 2<3 LQ /RURQJ /RZ .RRQ They came from National University of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore Management University, Singapore University of Technology and Design, Singapore Institute of Management, Singapore Institute of Technology and James Cook University SinJDSRUH 2Q WKH ¿UVW QLJKW WKH SDUticipants gathered in front of the (XFKDULVW LQ DGRUDWLRQ RI WKH /RUG This was despite them not knowLQJ HDFK RWKHU 7RJHWKHU WKH\ RIIHUHG XS VRQJV RI SUDLVH Time was also set aside for personal and communal prayers, inputs from the various school leaders’ chaplains – Fr Samuel

/LP )U -XGH 'DYLG DQG )U -RYLWD &\SULDQ +R 3DUWLFLSDQWV DOVR KDG IHOORZship over meals and time to bond WRJHWKHU A highlight of the recollection was when various school leaders shared and presented their challenges, achievements, goals and developments in their campus FRPPXQLW\ 1HZHU FRPPXQLWLHV gathered and brainstormed ideas on how to grow while the more developed communities listened to the FKDOOHQJHV IDFHG E\ RWKHUV From the sharings, participants were reminded that like others, they too face similar chalOHQJHV 7KH OHDGHUV DOVR IRXQG RXW that instead of only focusing on their own community, they should EH SUD\LQJ IRU WKH ODUJHU &KXUFK They also learnt to build up common shared resources for all the XQLYHUVLW\ FRPPXQLWLHV Through the big group discussions, there were many suggesWLRQV UDLVHG 6RPH DUHDV GLVFXVVHG were: leadership training and regular meetings for leaders, spiritual

Above: A group photo of the Catholic varsity leaders with (in the centre from left to right) Fr Samuel Lim, Fr Jude David and Fr Jovita Cyprian Ho. Right: Catholic university leaders from NTU engaging in a discussion.

formation of students, and better VXSSRUW QHWZRUN VWUXFWXUHV $W SUHVHQW 2<3 LV LQ WKH midst of consolidating these ideas to better meet the needs of the uniYHUVLW\ FRPPXQLWLHV „ The 20-year-old student is part of the Singapore Management University’s FIDES Catholic Community.

6 HOME

Sunday September 21, 2014 CatholicNews

Pilgrimage to Kampong Bahru Photos: PATRICK WONG

By Michelle Scully A group of Catholics learnt about the history surrounding the Church of St Teresa and its vicinity in a special pilgrimage tour. Twenty-nine pilgrims gathered at the church in Kampong Bahru on Aug 31 for the tour, which combined history, heritage DQG VSLULWXDO UHÀHFWLRQ Participants learnt about how Paris Foreign Missions (MEP) priest, Fr Emile Mariette started the church, which was blessed in 1929, and Fr Stephen Lee, who beFDPH LWV ¿UVW SDULVK SULHVW LQ As the visitors were shown the unique features of the church’s architecture, altar and stained glass windows, they learnt how its patron, St Teresa (or St Therese) of Lisieux was determined to become a saint, and her simple but profound spirituality of “The Little Way”. Participants learnt about the former Hood Lodge which was set up in the vicinity, and which provided shelter for the needy. It was here that the early Infant Jesus sisters ran a school for girls in the 1930s. During the war, it housed women and homeless people. After the war, it was used as an orphanage and a place of refuge for seafarers.

Learning about the Church in Kampong Bahru: Participants of the Pilgrimage In My Backyard at the Church of St Teresa (left) and the Carmelite Monastery (right). Inset: Altar and stained glass at Church of St Teresa.

The church still assists seafarers today, thanks to Scheut Missions priest, Fr Romeo Yu Chang. The pilgrimage also drew attention to the important role the MEP priests played in Catholic education in the area, from St Teresa’s High School to CHIJ Kellock, De La Salle School and St Teresa’s Convent. They saw it as a way of educating children to be true Christians with the aim to prepare them for life. The highlight for many participants was the visit to the

nearby Carmelite Monastery. Mr Mark Hansen said he loved the serenity and calm surrounding the church and monastery, adding that he deeply appreciated the sense of space here amidst crowded Singapore. Mr Jerome Chow, 26, from the Church of Our Lady Star of the Sea, said the pilgrimage helped him to know more about the life of St Teresa, especially in its depiction in the church’s stained glass windows. “Knowing about St Teresa’s

philosophy of ‘The Little Way’ helped me understand that it is actually possible for us, too, to try and achieve goodness like her, in small ... ways.” CANA’s Pilgrimage In My Backyard (PIMBY) series aims to help Catholics discover and understand the rich stories behind the early Catholic churches in Singapore. For more information on this and other pilgrimages CANA conducts, email canatheplacetobe2013@gmail.com or call 6338-4080.

HOME 7

Sunday September 21, 2014 „ CatholicNews

Launch of mission awareness campaign A mission awareness campaign will be launched on Sept 21, about a month prior to World Mission Sunday. 2UJDQLVHG E\ WKH 2I¿FH IRU WKH 1HZ (YDQJHOLVDWLRQ 21( WKH FDPSDLJQ FDOOHG One Family On Mission: a Joy Shared, invites every baptised person to share the joy of Christ. To prepare for World Mission Sunday on Oct 19, mission awareness kits have EHHQ VHQW WR DOO SDULVKHV 21( DOVR HQFRXUages parishes to heighten awareness of mission by having a Mission Awareness Board. $Q RI¿FLDO ZHEVLWH KDV DOVR EHHQ VHW XS with the collaboration of several archdiocesan organisations. This was done through publicising the joy of their work, and offering a spectrum of mission options on the webpage. Those involved in mission are invited to post videos, photos or messages on what mission means to them. Other than missionary activity happening ZLWKLQ WKH &KXUFK PLVVLRQ ¿HOGV DOVR LQFOXGH sharing the love of God within neighbourhoods, at workplaces, schools and elsewhere. Visit the archdiocesan website at www. mission.one.org.sg. „ The One Family On Mission: a Joy Shared campaign logo.

Visually impaired perform for elderly residents of home “As I am physically handicapped myself, I know it’s not easy for them to come out and perform. To do so, it takes great courage,â€? said Mr Law, a resident in St Theresa’s Home. He was among elderly residents who watched 16 visually impaired people from a Catholic music centre perform evergreen numbers on Sept 6. Faith Music Centre, that started in mid2008 in Blessed Sacrament Church, has several centres across Singapore. Since 2010, it has been collaborating with the Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped to impart music skills to the visually challenged. The centre started a visually impaired band in 2013 which plays in homes for the elderly. 7ZR SHRSOH ZKR KDYH EHQHÂżWWHG IURP the training are Mr Clarence Chan and Ms Adrienne Lim. As part of the Visually ImSDLUHG %DQG 9,% ZKLFK KDV DOVR EHHQ SHUforming at corporate events, the two organised a Singing Lotus concert to give hope to others with disabilities and to help integrate them into society. During the recent hour-long concert, seven-year-old Keane Zhuang Jun Hao made his debut. Born without sight and diagnosed with autism, the youngest performer during the event played Edelweiss and a Mandarin song by the late Teresa Teng called The Moon Represents my Heart on his keyboard. Mr Ken Wong, a 26 year-old visually impaired guitarist who lost his sight due to muscular dystrophy also performed Oh My Angel – an original piece that he composed. The graduate from the School of Music and the Arts who has a diploma in songwrit-

Members from the Visually Impaired Band performing in front of elderly residents at St Theresa’s Home.

ing and production will release his debut CD soon. The oldest to perform was VIB guitarist, James Chong, 72. “We want to prove and show other physical disabled persons that we can play music,â€? he said. VIB also performed familiar Christian songs such as Amazing Grace and As the 'HHU :KHQ WKH\ SHUIRUPHG WKH ÂżQDO QXPber which was an upbeat song by the late Teresa Teng, residents clapped and sang along. “With whatever little skills these visually impaired learners learnt, they gave everything,â€? said Mr Alvin Yeo, founder and deputy CEO of Faith Music Centre. For more information on the centre, visit www.faithmusic.com.sg, or www.facebook.com/faithmusiccentre. „

Youngest visually impaired performer, Keane Zhuang, seven, playing a few numbers.

8 HOME

Sunday September 21, 2014 CatholicNews

HK Church ordains 3 auxiliary bishops Photo: UCANEWS.COM

HONG KONG – Cardinal John

Auxiliary bishops Joseph Ha (second from left), Michael Yeung (third from left) and Bishop Stephen Lee (second from right). The other prelates are (from left) Archbishop Savio Hon, Cardinal John Tong and Cardinal Joseph Zen.

Tong Hon of Hong Kong ordained Frs Joseph Ha Chi-shing, Stephen Lee Bun-sang and Michael Yeung Ming-yeung as auxiliary bishops at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral on Aug 30. “As a pastor, I feel an urgent need for more priests to care for the more than 500,000 Catholics in our diocese,” Cardinal Tong said in his homily. He added that today’s society is “full of confusion, a sense of moral values. Ours a bewildering time. As a pastor, I feel the urgent need for more priests to care for the more than 500,000 Catholics in our diocese.” Cardinal Tong, who reached the age of 75 on July 31 this year, advised the new bishops and all faithful to pray constantly and to live according to Gospel values and the teaching of the Church, when facing challenges and worries in life. +H UH DI¿UPHG KLV SDVWRUDO SULorities of evangelisation, priestly vocations, pastoral care for foreigners, and taking up the mission and responsibilities of building a bridge between the China

Church and the Universal Church. The cardinal also thanked Pope Francis for appointing the three auxiliary bishops to assist him in “facing the new challenges of our age”. The three were appointed by Pope Francis in July. Cardinal Tong added that the new bishops would have to help him in his four pastoral priorities, one of which includes promoting contacts between the Church in China and the Universal Church. Retired bishop of Hong Kong, Cardinal Joseph Zen Ze-kiun and Archbishop Savio Hon Ta-fai, secretary of the Vatican’s Congregation for the Evangelisation of the Peoples, served as co-ordainers in the ordination. Eight other bishops and more than 200 priests concelebrated in the ceremony, attended by 2,000 Catholics, including several priests and laypeople from mainland China. The last episcopal ordination in Hong Kong was in 1996 when Frs Joseph Zen and John Tong were ordained as coadjutor and auxiliary bishops respectively. UCANEWS.COM, ASIANEWS

ASIA 9

Sunday September 21, 2014 „ CatholicNews

Philippine Church launches programme to stem migration MANILA – In an attempt to em-

power the families of those who live and work abroad, the PhilipSLQH (SLVFRSDO &RPPLVVLRQ IRU WKH 3DVWRUDO &DUH IRU 0LJUDQWV DQG Itinerant People has decided to launch a series of job training proJUDPPHV IRU OHVV DIĂ€XHQW IDPLOLHV in Luzon and Mindanao. 7KH 3UHVLGHQW RI WKH &RPmission and the Bishop of BalDQJD 0VJU 5XSHUWR & 6DQWRV announced the initiative in an LQWHUYLHZ ZLWK 5DGLR 9HULWDV 7KH programmes aim to “improve the capabilities of these people, freeing them from dependence on remittances from abroadâ€?. $FFRUGLQJ WR WKH &RPPLVVLRQ RQ 2YHUVHDV )LOLSLQRV &)2 there are approximately 13 million recorded Filipino citizens abroad to date, no less than 2.2 million of whom the Philippine Overseas Employment AdminisWUDWLRQ 32($ LGHQWLÂżHV DV 2YHUseas Filipino Workers or migrant workers. However, it is likely that many more are working abroad, but not registered. Economists point the ÂżQJHU DW WKH QDWLRQDO XQHPSOR\ment in the Philippines which effectively compels job seekers to leave. According to Msgr Santos,

Filipino migrant workers at ION Orchard. )LOH SKRWR

the purpose of the programme is precisely to “improve the earning capacity of these people and their lifestyle�. “We are in contact with the governmental authority for technical education and other organisations, which will provide the materials for the courses and indicate the priorities to be followed,� he added. For now the programmes will

concentrate on Mindanao and Luzon, but “by November they will be expanded to include the dioceses of Dipolog, Pagadian, Iligan and Ozamizâ€?, he said. Âł7KH XOWLPDWH GHVLUH LV WKDW in the future, Filipinos will not have to leave their loved ones behind to seek greener pastures overseas,â€? the bishop added. „ ASIANEWS

Kidnapped priest is ‘alive and safe’ in Afghanistan KABUL – Fr Alexis Prem Kumar, In a letter sent to the chief minthe Indian Jesuit priest kidnapped ister Jayalalithaa in June, Indian in Afghanistan last Prime Minister Nar&16 ÂżOH SKRWR June, “is alive and endra Modi said that safe. We are working at this stage the main for his release,â€? anconcern was to ensure nounced India’s Forthe integrity of the eign Affairs Minister ongoing efforts for Fr Sushma Swaraj, on Kumar’s release and Sept 8. “to make sure that he $ QDWLYH RI 7DPLO is not injuredâ€?. Nadu, Fr Prem Ku“I can assure you mar was in charge of that the government the Afghan section will spare no efforts of the Jesuit Refugee ,â€? Mr Modi had writService (JRS). He Jesuit Fr Alexis Prem ten, “in ensuring Fr was seized last June Kumar. Kumar’s safe and 2 in Herat province, speedy release. I will $IJKDQLVWDQ E\ XQLGHQWLÂżHG JXQ- continue to monitor the situation men. closely.â€? „ ASIANEWS

Philippine earthquake survivors to dine with pope MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Several survivors of the earthquake that devastated the Philippine province of Bohol last year are among those set to dine with Pope Francis when he visits the country in Jan next year. “We will be sending some of my people there who were victims RI WKH TXDNH ÂżYH RI WKHP 7KH\ ZLOO dine with the pope,â€? said Bishop /HRQDUGR 0HGURVR RI 7DJELODUDQ Bishop Medroso expressed

hope that the pope will also visit Bohol “even for just one or two hours to counsel our people�. 7KH SUHODWH VDLG WKDW WKH Oct 2013 earthquake, ruined 33 churches in his diocese. Archbishop John Du of Palu recently revealed that Pope Francis will dine with 30 typhoon and earthquake victims when he visLWV 7DFOREDQ &LW\ RQ -DQ „ UCANEWS.COM

10 WORLD

Sunday September 21, 2014 CatholicNews

Scottish archbishops urge Catholics to vote in independence referendum MANCHESTER,

ENGLAND

–

Scotland’s archbishops have encouraged Catholics to vote in the forthcoming referendum on independence – and to pay attention to the issue of religious freedom. The Sept 18 ballot will decide whether Scotland will break away from union with England and Wales after more than 300 years. Archbishops Philip Tartaglia of Glasgow and Leo Cushley of St Andrews and Edinburgh each issued pastoral messages on Aug 31 to encourage Catholics to help to shape the outcome of the election. They did not direct Catholics precisely how to vote but urged their participation and asked them WR UHÀHFW RQ LVVXHV RI FRQFHUQ when making their decision. In his message, Archbishop Tartaglia, president of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, said the bishops were “deeply conscious of the importance of this referendum.” “I encourage and urge all those eligible to vote to do so with complete freedom of choice and in accordance with their prayerful judgment of what is best for the future,” he said. “May God guide us and bless us in whatever choice we make in good conscience.” In a longer pastoral letter, Archbishop Cushley asked the faithful to have religious freedom at the forefront of their con-

Labour Party member of the British Parliament, Mr Jim Murphy, addresses a crowd in Edinburgh, Scotland, on Sept 2, as part of his campaign to keep Scotland as part of the United Kingdom. CNS photo

We are called to promote peace, integral ‘ human development and authentic human rights, and to have a special care for the poorest and the weakest in society.

’

– St Andrews and Edinburgh Archbishop Leo Cushley

cerns when considering how they should vote. “We are called to promote peace, integral human development and authentic human rights, and to have a special care for the poorest and the weakest in society,” Archbishop Cushley said.

“We are also concerned for the rights of all people, to freedom of conscience and to the right to believe and to practice their faith,” he continued. “These freedoms are as important as they are fragile, as has been proven all too often, to the dismay and death of many millions.” He added: “These freedoms

are absolutely essential to a modern democratic society, and we should always be vigilant of those who would seek to limit them.” “So I encourage you, in the light of Catholic social teaching, carefully to consider the issues and to do your civic duty on the day itself,” he said. The referendum was called by the Scottish National Party after it won Scottish parliamentary elections by a landslide in 2011. The party has fought a long campaign for the repeal of the 1707 Act of Union that united Scotland to the rest of Britain. On referendum day, voters will be presented with the single question: “Should Scotland be an independent country?” to which they will be invited to answer either yes or no. Opinion polls have repeatedly found that a small majority say they are in favor of Scotland remaining part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) and Northern Ireland, but support for independence appears to be increasing, and the narrowing margin is making the outcome of the vote uncertain. Residents of Scotland who are at least 16 years old are eligible to vote, meaning that 400,000 non-Scots living in the country will have a say in the referendum while some 800,000 Scots living in England and Wales will not. CNS

Italian bishop calls on Muslims to condemn Islamist violence ROME – An Italian bishop has called on Muslims in traditionally Christian countries in Europe to publicly denounce Islamist persecution or they should be “courageous” enough to own up to their beliefs “and leave our country”. In a forceful editorial in his local diocesan newspaper recently, Bishop Tommaso Ghirelli of Imola called on citizens to stop blaming foreigners en masse. “Rather we are asking the Muslims who live among us to show that they are honourable men, and publicly condemn these persecutions and acts of cruelty,” he said. “Otherwise they ought to have the courage to leave our country, because nobody wants to have enemies in their own home.” He added: “We know that they are intimidated by fundamentalists, but the time has come to break the vicious cycle of abuse.” He also called on politicians WR IXO¿O WKHLU GXW\ WR SURWHFW DQG defend the lives and the freedom of the people, otherwise they “will pay dearly for every silence and every act of cowardice”. Bishop Ghirelli’s words have apparently had some impact. The president of the House of Islamic Culture in Imola, Mohamed Sabir, said he wishes to address the bishop’s concerns during commemorations on Sept 11, the 13th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. ZENIT

WORLD 11

Sunday September 21, 2014 „ CatholicNews

Peres: Pope is only leader who can end today’s wars VATICAN CITY – Former Israeli President Shimon Peres asked Pope Francis to head a parallel United Nations (UN) called the “United Religionsâ€? to counter religious extremism in the world today. “In the past, most wars were motivated by the idea of nationhood. Today, however, wars are incited above all using religion as an excuse,â€? Mr Peres told the Catholic magazine, Famiglia Cristiana, ahead of the papal meeting on Sept 4. Jesuit Fr Federico Lombardi, 9DWLFDQ VSRNHVPDQ FRQÂżUPHG that Mr Peres, who ended his presidential term in July, had requested the meeting and told the pope about his idea. The pope, however, did not commit himself to the proposal. Fr Lombardi said the pope’s meeting with Mr Peres lasted an unusually long 45 minutes, reĂ€HFWLQJ WKH SRSHÂśV ÂłHVWHHP DQG appreciationâ€? for the former Israeli president, whom he earlier praised as a “man of peaceâ€?. “The pope listenedâ€? to the idea just as he always does with any peace initiative, “showing his interest, his attention and encouragementâ€?, Fr Lombardi said. Their talk did not include current “political issues in any depthâ€?, he added. Moreover, the pope reminded Mr Peres that the Vatican has the 3RQWLÂżFDO &RXQFLOV IRU ,QWHUUHligious Dialogue and for Justice DQG 3HDFH Âą WZR RIÂżFHV ÂłWKDW DUH suitableâ€? for supporting or following such initiatives, the Vatican spokeman said. In an exclusive interview with Famiglia Cristiana, the 91-yearold former president and two-term prime minister said that he wanted to establish an international body

Pope Francis welcomes former Israeli President Shimon Peres during their meeting at the Vatican on Sept 4. Mr Peres asked Pope Francis to head a parallel United Nations called the ‘United Religions’ to counter religious extremism. CNS photo

‘

What we need is an unquestionable moral authority who says out loud, ‘No. God doesn’t want this and doesn’t allow it.’

’

– Former Israeli president Shimon Peres

representing the world’s major religions, as a moral force able to LQWHUYHQH LQ FRQĂ€LFWV Mr Peres said that Pope Francis would be the best person to head such a world body because ÂłSHUKDSV IRU WKH ÂżUVW WLPH LQ KLVtory, the Holy Father is a leader who’s respected, not just by a lot of people, but also by different religions and their representativesâ€?. “In fact, perhaps he is the only leader who is truly respectedâ€? in

the world, said Mr Peres, who was jointly awarded the Nobel Peace prize in 1994 with Palestine Liberation Organisation Chairman Yasser Arafat and Israeli Premier Yitzak Rabin. Mr Peres said that UN and its peacekeepers “do not have the force or the effectiveness of any one of the pope’s homilies, which can draw half a million people just in St Peter’s Square alone�. He added that “United Religions� would be “the best way to counteract these terrorists who kill in the name of their faith�. “What we need is an unquestionable moral authority who says out loud, ‘No. God doesn’t want this and doesn’t allow it,’� he said. Prayer is also an important part of peacemaking, he said; people should not underestimate “the power of the human spirit�. „ CNS

12 POPE FRANCIS

Sunday September 21, 2014 „ CatholicNews

Lessons from Mary: joy, helpfulness, perseverance VATICAN CITY – When a mother

has a birthday, children send their greetings and love, so make sure to do the same thing on the feast of the Nativity of Mary, Pope Francis said. “What do you do when your mom has a birthday?â€? asked the pope, referring to the Sept 8 liturgical feast day. “You send her greetings and best wishes,â€? said the pontiff after praying the Angelus with people gathered in St Peter’s on Square Sept 7. Mary has three very important lessons for today’s Christians, the pope said in a written message to Cuban bishops marking Sept 8 as the feast of Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre, patroness of Cuba. He said Mary teaches people to experience the joy of Christ and share it with others; never to let adversity beat you down; and always help those in need with love and mercy, he said. The pope said people should imitate how Mary responded to God’s call with her same joy, haste and perseverance. “Every time I read sacred Scripture, in the verses that talk about Our Lady, three verbs catch my attention,â€? he said. The three kinds of action – be joyful, help without hesitation and persevere, should be “put into practiceâ€? by all Catholics, he added. Whoever discovers Jesus will EH ³¿OOHG ZLWK DQ LQQHU MR\ VR great that nothing and no one can take it awayâ€?, he said. With Christ LQ WKHLU OLYHV SHRSOH ÂżQG WKH strength and hope “not to be sad

Pope Francis praying in front of a statue of Mary earlier this year. &16 ÂżOH SKRWR

and discouraged, thinking problems have no solution�, he said. For the second action, people should always rise “in haste� just like Mary, to help others in need, he said. “Victory is to those who repeatedly rise up, without getting discouraged. If we imitate Mary, we cannot sit with our arms crossed, just complaining or perhaps avoiding any effort so that others do what is our responsibility.�

If we imitate Mary, ‘ we cannot sit with our arms crossed ... so that others do what is our responsibility.

’

– Pope Francis

Making a difference and helping others do not have to be done on a grand scale, he said, but entails doing everyday things “with tenderness and mercy�. “The third verb is to persevere,� the pope said. Mary relied on God and His goodness for the strength and courage needed to stay by Christ’s side no matter what and to encourage His disciples to do the same. “In this world in which longlasting values are rejected and everything is changing, in which the disposable triumphs, in which it seems people are afraid of life’s commitments, the Virgin encourages us to be men and women who are constant in their good works, who keep their word, who are always faithful,� the pope said. „ CNS

Pope sends condolences to family of 2nd slain journalist MIAMI, FLORIDA, USA – Pope

peace,� Cardinal Parolin wrote. Francis sent a letter of condolence “Upon you and your loved ones, to the family of Steven Sotloff, he invokes the Almighty’s blessthe second US journalist slain this ings of consolation and strength.� year by ISIS, also known as IsCardinal Parolin asked Archlamic State. bishop Carlo Maria Vigano, the “His Holiness Pope Francis Vatican nuncio to the United was deeply saddened to States, to relay the learn of the tragic death pope’s condolence of your son and brother, message to the bishop Steven Joel, and he has of the diocese in which asked me to convey to Sotloff’s relatives you his prayerful conlived. That turned out dolences,� said the Sept to be the Archdiocese 5 letter signed by Cardiof Miami, where the nal Pietro Parolin, Vatimessage was entrusted can secretary of state. to Archbishop Thomas “He entrusts Ste- 6WHYHQ 6RWORII ZDV G Wenski. ven’s soul to the Lord EHKHDGHG E\ ,VODPLF The letter was postand offers prayers for 6WDWH CNS photo ed on the archdiocesan you and all who mourn website. his death,� the letter said. Sotloff, 31, who had both “His Holiness urges people US and Israeli citizenship, was everywhere to reject violence, ag- kidnapped a year ago in Aleppo, gression and lack of compassion, Syria. A video of his beheading and asks each one to pray and was released on Sept 2 by Islamic work for forgiveness, healing and State. „ CNS

DISPLACED IRAQI CHRISTIANS PRAY: A nun prays with GLVSODFHG ,UDTL &KULVWLDQV ZKR ÀHG ,VODPLF 6WDWH PLOLWDQWV LQ 0RVXO DW D VFKRRO ZKLFK QRZ VHUYHV DV D UHIXJHH FDPS LQ ,UELO ,UDT ,UELO QRZ KRVWV PRUH WKDQ GLVSODFHG &KULVWLDQV DQG RWKHU PLQRULWLHV CNS photo

POPE FRANCIS 13

Sunday September 21, 2014 „ CatholicNews

In Google Hangout, pope helps launch youth social network

Pope: Gospel brings new life and freedom; don’t fear change VATICAN CITY – Do not be afraid to

Salvadoran Gerardo Ernesto Mancia, 15, video chats with Pope Francis in San Salvador’s gang-infested neighbourhood of La Campanera on Sept 4. VATICAN CITY – The wisdom of “It takes

a village to raise a childâ€? has been lost as kids are either overprotected by permissive parents or neglected, Pope Francis said. “The educational partnership has been brokenâ€? as families, schools and society are “no longer united together for the childâ€?, KH VDLG RQ 6HSW DIWHU KROGLQJ KLV ÂżUVW Google Hangout – a live video conversaWLRQ Âą DFURVV ÂżYH FRQWLQHQWV ZLWK WHHQDJHUV who belong to the international network of “Scholas occurentesâ€?, uniting students of different faiths and cultures. The pope’s comments came at the end of an afternoon encounter to launch scholas.social – a new social network for students from all over the world to cooperate on environmental and social causes, sport and art initiatives, and charitable activities. The Scholas initiative was begun in Buenos Aires and supported by its then-Archbishop Jorge Bergoglio, who also used to teach high school when he was a young Jesuit priest. When he became pope, he asked fellow Argentine Bishop Marcelo Sanchez SoronGR FKDQFHOORU RI WKH 3RQWLÂżFDO $FDGHP\ of Sciences, to expand the network’s reach and impact.

Pope Francis video chatting with a Salvadoran student through a computer screen.

During the live video conversation, he said that “it’s very important to strengthen bonds: social, family and personal tiesâ€? with kids and young adults, and create an environment that helps them approach the world with “trust and serenityâ€?. Otherwise, kids will be “left only with the path of delinquency and addiction,â€? he added. With a small digital camera and studio lights aimed at him in the Vatican synod hall, WKH SRSH WRRN TXHVWLRQV IURP ÂżYH 6FKRODV members, who were linked in from Australia, Israel, Turkey, South Africa and El Salvador. The pope urged the young people to build bridges through open and respectful communication, in which they listen carefully to others and exchange experiences, ideas and values. He said that “Today’s young people need

The Scholas initiative which began in Buenos Aires, unites students of different faiths and cultures.

three key foundations: education, sports and culture, that’s why Scholas unites everything.â€? He also urged the teens to speak out against war and injustice, and to stick together like a team, defending each other against ÂłJDQJV´ DQG RWKHU QHJDWLYH LQĂ€XHQFHV WKDW only seek to destroy and isolate people. Sina, a teenage boy in Istanbul, thanked the pope for letting more than schools and students come together, “but also our beliefs and heartsâ€?. He then asked the pope if he thought the future was going to get better or worse. “I don’t have a crystal ball like witches do to see the future,â€? the pope answered, adding that what the future will be like is in the hands of today’s young people. The future “is in your heart, it’s in your mind and your handsâ€?, and if people cultivate constructive thoughts and feeling and do good things, “the future will be betterâ€?. His last piece of advice, he said, came from Jesus, who often said, “Be not afraid!â€? “Don’t lose your nerve. Don’t be afraid. Keep going. Build bridges of peace. Play as a team and build a better future because, remember, that the future is in your hands.â€? „ CNS

change and let go of obsolete structures, Pope Francis said. “The Gospel is newness. The Gospel is celebration. And one can live the Gospel fully only with a joyous and renewed heart,â€? he said in a homily on Sept 5. The pope’s homily centred on the day’s Gospel reading in which the scribes and Pharisees questioned Jesus about his disciples not following laws concerning fasting. Pope Francis said Jesus brought a new freedom in which the Christian is not “the slave to many tiny lawsâ€?, but follows with an open heart a new commandment of love and the rules of the beatitudes. The Pharisees and scribes created “small lawsâ€? that they were custodians of but also prisoners, he said during Mass in the chapel of his residence. He said that the people were just imprisoned, “in wait for the faith to comeâ€?. “The newness of the Gospel is that – it is to redeem [us] from the law,â€? he said. Jesus’ parable of new wineskins for new wine means “to not be afraid of changing things according to the law of the Gospelâ€?, he added. “That’s why the Church asks us, all of us, for some changes. It asks us to leave behind temporary structures: They’re not needed. Take up fresh wineskins, those of the Gospel.â€? Christians today observe “the law WKDW -HVXV EURXJKW WR LWV IXOÂżOOPHQW LQ the commandment of loveâ€? and following the beatitudes, he said. „ CNS

14 POPE FRANCIS

Sunday September 21, 2014 CatholicNews

Iraq’s persecuted Christians are true, bold witnesses of Christ, says pope VATICAN CITY – Iraqi Christians are true and courageous witnesses of Christ’s message of hope, forgiveness and love, Pope Francis said. “The Church suffers with you and is proud of you, proud to have children like you,” he said on Sept 3, in a greeting to Arabic-speaking pilgrims, especially those from Iraq. Speaking in Italian, with Arabic translation in St Peter’s Square, he told the pilgrims that the Church is a mother who knows how to help her children most in need, “pick up the child who falls, heal the sick, seek the lost, wake up the sleeping, and also defend her defenseless and persecuted children”. The pope said he wanted to assure Iraqis, and all those helpless and persecuted, of his closeness. “You are in the Church’s

heart,” he said, as he asked God to bless and protect them. The Church is proud of those who persevere through such hardship, he said, because “you are the strength and real and authentic witness of her message of salvation, forgiveness and love. I embrace you all, all of you!” The pope’s words to Iraqis came after a catechesis on the maternal nature of the Church. “The Church guides us and accompanies us with the power of the Gospel and the support of the sacraments [which give] us the ability to defend ourselves from evil.” “The Church has the courage of a mother who knows she must protect her children from the dangers that come from Satan’s presence in the world, in order to lead them to an encounter with Jesus,” he said. The pope said that people

Pope Francis’ cassock is blown upward by the wind as he addresses the general audience in St Peter’s Square at the Vatican on Sept 3. CNS photo

shouldn’t be naive about evil and temptation, but should “resist with the advice of their mother, resist with the help of the mother Church because a good mother always is by the side of her children during hard times”. “How often we are wimps!” he said, when Christians avoid the duty to share the Gospel and “this maternal courage of the

Church” with others and help generate a new life in Christ for them. “The Church isn’t just priests and us bishops. No, it’s all of us” and everyone is called to have the same maternal spirit “with the sincere capacity to welcome, forgive, give strength and instill trust and hope. This is what a mother does.” CNS

Church suffers with you and is proud of ‘Theyou, proud to have children like you.’

– Pope Francis

POPE FRANCIS 15

Sunday September 21, 2014 „ CatholicNews

Pope to Gaza Catholics: Be strong, have courage

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It’s up to you to give ‘witness to Jesus Christ there, in the land that saw him suffer, that saw him die.

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Pope to preside over joint nuptial Mass VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis

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16 OPINION

Sunday September 21, 2014 „ CatholicNews

Ten secrets to happiness

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COMMENTARY

A lesson from the dimming of a bright star Known to many as a funny man, Robin Williams struggled with depression %\ .DUHQ 2VERUQH 2QFH GXULQJ D WULS WR 1HZ <RUN &LW\ VRPH IULHQGV DQG , VWRSSHG LQWR D UHVWDXUDQW RQ 6HYHQWK $YHQXH IRU GLQQHU , ZDV KDSSLO\ VOXUSLQJ GRZQ P\ SKR D 9LHWQDPHVH QRRGOH GLVK ZKHQ , KHDUG D IDPLOLDU YRLFH 7KH FRPHGLDQ 5RELQ :LOOLDPV ± 0UV 'RXEW¿UH KLPVHOI ± ZDV VLWWLQJ OHVV WKDQ IHHW DZD\ WHOOLQJ KLODULRXV VWRULHV WR IULHQGV JDWKHUHG DURXQG KLV GLQQHU WDEOH ,W ZDV UHDOO\ QHDW WR VHH WKDW :LOOLDPV ZDV DV IXQQ\ LQ UHDO OLIH DV KH DSSHDUHG WR EH RQ WKH VWDJH DQG VFUHHQ :KDW , GLGQ¶W NQRZ WKDW QLJKW ZDV WKDW :LOOLDPV VWUXJJOHG ZLWK GHSUHVVLRQ :KHQ RXU VRFLHW\ FKDUDFWHULVHV SHRSOH ZLWK FOLQLFDO GHSUHVVLRQ LW SDLQWV SLFWXUHV RI PRRG\ WHHQV ZHDULQJ EODFN %XW FOLQLFDO GHSUHVVLRQ KDV D ORW WR GR ZLWK WKH ZD\ FKHPLFDOV IXQFWLRQ LQ \RXU EUDLQ 6FLHQWLVWV KDYH IRXQG WKDW FKHPLFDOV WKDW KHOS UHJXODWH \RXU PRRG DUH VHYHUHO\ ORZ LQ SHRSOH ZKR KDYH GHSUHVVLYH HSLVRGHV %XW VRFLHW\ VWLJPDWLVHV GHSUHVVLRQ DV MXVW D FDVH RI ³EHLQJ VDG´ DQG WHOOV WKH GHSUHVVHG WR ³MXVW JHW RYHU LW´ 7KDW OHDGV WKH FOLQLFDOO\ GHSUHVVHG WR KLGH WKHLU LOOQHVV XQWLO LW LV WRR ODWH LQVWHDG RI UHDFKLQJ RXW IRU WUHDWPHQW %XW MXVW DV LI \RX ZHUH WR JHW WKH ÀX LI \RX IHHO GHSUHVVHG \RX VKRXOG JR WR WKH GRFWRU DQG JHW PHGLFLQH DQG DGYLFH IRU IHHOLQJ EHWWHU 'RFWRUV KDYH HIIHFWLYH PHGLFLQH DQG PHWKRGV WR EDWWOH FOLQLFDO GHSUHVVLRQ $QG \HW LW LV D FRQGLWLRQ WKDW PDNHV SHRSOH IHHO DV WKH\ FDQQRW UHDFK IRU KHOS 7KHUH LV KHOS RXW WKHUH ± IURP IULHQGV SV\FKRORJLVWV GRFWRUV DQG KHOS OLQHV ,I \RX DUH H[SHULHQFLQJ PD-

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Don’t think of depression as something shameful.

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FOCUS 17

Sunday September 21, 2014 „ CatholicNews

Corrinne May on Catholic values, family, entertainment industry The Singaporean singer-songwriter, who will perform at the Archdiocesan Catholic Family Dialogue, shares her views with M Chua

I

T COULD have been a case of Sister Corrinne Foo May Ying, the singing nun. That it did not materialise does not make her curUHQW YRFDWLRQ OHVV IXOÂżOOLQJ DV Âł*RG knows betterâ€?, says Corrinne May, now the singing wife and mother. And judging from her resolute views about marriage and parenthood, she leaves no doubt where her calling is. The singer-songwriter, who has been living and working in Los Angeles for the past 15 years, is back in Singapore for a short stay to catch up with family and friends – DQG WR NHHS D GDWH ZLWK WKH ÂżUVW HYHU Archdiocesan Catholic Family Dialogue next month (see boxed story). But Singapore has never been GLVWDQW IRU WKLV *KLP 0RK JLUO ZKR also grew up in Toa Payoh. She keeps in close touch with home and returns at least once a year, if not to recharge relationships, at least to indulge in chicken rice, said the self-confessed foodie. If she is very Singaporean at heart, she is even more Catholic LQ WKH VRXO Âł,I , ZDVQÂśW D VLQJHU \HV ,ÂśG SUREDEO\ EH D QXQ ´ VKH said quite seriously. And why not, since many of her songs are enlivened by Christian lyrics borne IURP KRXUV RI VSLULWXDO UHĂ€HFWLRQ and personal experiences. 'HĂ€QLQJ SHULRG Despite not being schooled in a convent, the lure of a Religious vocation did cross her mind in her undergraduate years at the National University of Singapore. It was D SHULRG WKDW KHOSHG WR GHÂżQH KHU spirituality as she made sense of her faith and early Catholic upbringing. However, Religious life was but one of few career paths the academically gifted young Corrinne had in front of her. With a double degree (including honours in Literature) and a couple of singing awards in tow, she followed her heart to BosWRQÂśV %HUNOHH &ROOHJH RI 0XVLF where she met her would-be husband, Kavin Hoo, in late 1996. +HU OLIHÂśV YRFDWLRQ ZDV VHDOHG when they got married in 2003. And she continues to validate this ÂłPRVW EHDXWLIXO YRFDWLRQ´ DFURVV two continents and two divergent paradigms: Catholic family woman from the east making a living in the entertainment industry in the west. No tension Âł,ÂśYH QHYHU KDG DQ\ LVVXH RI SHHU pressure with drugs or alcohol or the like, because most of my friends already know that when it comes to these, I am happy to be considered the prude,â€? she said unapologetiFDOO\ Âł, FKRRVH WR VSHQG WLPH ZLWK

musicians who are focused on their music and not the distractions.� As for work-life balance, she VDLG ³,W KHOSV WKDW .DYLQ LV DOVR a musician and we can always speak the language of music with each other. He understands what ,œP WU\LQJ WR FRQYH\ ZLWK P\ PXVLF %HVLGHV LWœV D EOHVVLQJ WKDW ZH both get to work from our home studio. So our daughter Claire has either of us to look after her.�

Photo: KELVIN KOH @ LIGHTEDPIXELS PHOTOGRAPHY

Singing, sharing at AFCD Corrinne May will perform and share her views on family life, and being a wife and mother in today’s world.

Parenting

EVENT: Archdiocesan Catholic Family Dialogue

+HU GHGLFDWLRQ WRZDUGV ¿YH \HDU old Claire involves what she calls, ³VRZLQJ OLWWOH VHHGV´ D KROLVWLF \HW LQIRUPDO HGXFDWLRQ RI *RVSHO values found in everyday living. Said the 41-year-old mother: ³7KH PRVW LPSRUWDQW MRE , KDYH DV &ODLUHœV PRWKHU LV WR JXLGH KHU VWHSV KRPH WR *RG DW WKH HQG RI WKLV OLIH ´ That would include a weekly two-hour drive to the next county just so Claire could attend the &DWHFKLVP RI WKH *RRG 6KHSKHUG &*6 FODVVHV

DATE: Oct 22 (public holiday) TIME: 8.30am-4 pm WHAT: A discussion on the challenges facing the Catholic family today. The event will also feature Archbishop William Goh, a panel discussion and breakout group discussion. COST: $15 (inclusive of lunch)

I’ve never had any ‘issue of peer pressure with drugs or alcohol or the like ... I choose to spend time with musicians who are focused on their music and not the distractions.

’

– Corrinne May

³:H DOVR KDYH QLJKWO\ EHGWLPH prayer before Claire sleeps and we say grace before meals. Just little things to build up her faith. I also take her for Eucharistic adoration and for the lunchtime Mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels LQ /$ ZKHQHYHU , FDQ ³ VKH DGGHG Challenges :K\ WKH QHHG IRU DOO WKLV" ³,W KDV WR do with the challenges faced by parHQWV WRGD\ OLNH WKH VHFXODU VRFLHW\œV push to normalise or glamorise cerWDLQ ZD\V RI OLIH WKDW DUH LQ FRQÀLFW with what the Church teaches, the DOOXUH RI WKH ZRUOGœV YDOXHV WKURXJK the more intrusive nature of the media, and of peer pressure,� she said. ³%\ OD\LQJ D VROLG IRXQGDWLRQ of virtues and values, we help them to navigate through all this ZRUOGO\ QRLVH DQG WR KHDU *RGœV voice and to have the wisdom to discern how they should act and behave,� explained the nearly-nun. So... Corrinne May wears an apron and makes it a habit. „

SIGN UP AT: catholicfamily. sg/dialogue „ Corrinne May seen here with her husband Kavin Hoo and daughter Claire.

18 ASIAN YOUTH DAY

Sunday September 21, 2014 „ CatholicNews

Photos: LEONARD KOH and LEE CHANG HUN

Some Singapore pilgrims pose for a photo during the Days in the Diocese segment in Gwangju. Also in the photo are Fr Pius Kim from Gwangju diocese (far left), Fr Jovita Ho (third from left) and Fr Jude David (second from right).

By Yvonne Chen AT THE 6th Asian Youth Day (AYD), 48 pilgrims from Singapore learnt about the stories of the Korean martyrs, trod the path of persecution, met with Pope Francis, and shared in the joyful celebration of Catholics gathering from many nations to worship as one universal Church. The Singapore delegation was in Korea from Aug 10-18 for the celebration, which had the theme, Wake Up! The Glory of the Martyrs Shines on You! The story of how the Korean Catholic Church was founded is unique indeed. In the early 17th century, Christian literature made its way from China to Korea. Christian teachings and ideals were debated over and studied by mostly educated laity. It was however perceived to be subversive to the government of

the Joseon Dynasty, undermining strongly-held Confucian practices. 'HVSLWH WKH GLIÂżFXOW\ RI VPXJJOLQJ in priests and missionaries, and the lack of sacraments and pastoral care, the Catholic community grew rapidly even in the face of persecution. More than 10,000 Catholics were martyred over a century. We, as participants, were privileged WR PDNH D ÂżYH NP SLOJULPDJH RQ the path that some of the martyrs walked after being arrested, from their homes to Haemi Fortress, where they were imprisoned, tortured and executed. “As we entered a stretch of pavement lined with hand-drawn illustrations of the 124 Korean PDUW\UV Ă€XWWHULQJ LQ WKH ZLQG LW EHcame a poignant moment for many of us,â€? recalled Fr Jovita Ho, who was with the Singapore contingent. “We walked in silenceâ€? as the group remembered “these men, women, children and infants at the

The carrying of the cross at the closing Mass.

AYD participants visit the martyrs’ shrine in Masan diocese.

A bonding experience for young Catholics of different nationalities.

breast, who gave up their lives for Christ and walked as witnesses of the faith�, he noted. Another participant, Joyce Tan, commented, “I wondered if the martyrs had envisioned a celebration attended by not only the Koreans, but people from all over Asia.� In our interaction with Asians from other countries, we realised that even in modern times, many are not allowed to worship as they desire in their own country. “One girl from China (age 20) shared with me that her mother had encouraged her, ‘Go, as the Lord has called you and He who is faithful will always watch over you,’� recalled Melissa Gomes, another participant. Although the Singapore contingent was comparatively smaller than those from other countries, we saw that we too had a part to play in the larger Church. Most of us took on the role of translators in our sharing

ASIAN YOUTH DAY 19

Sunday September 21, 2014 „ CatholicNews

Pope Francis at the closing Mass. CNS photo

groups of mixed nationalities. “It was an experience of encountering the Church present in the diverse conditions of Asia,â€? commented Fr Jude David. As citizens of one of the smallest countries, being acknowledged by Pope Francis was perhaps the most exciting moment of the whole AYD. A group of us had been allocated side seats at the closing Mass, far away from the main altar, but near to the road where the pope would drive past. We had prepared posters that read “Singapore loves Papaâ€? and one of us had prayed really hard that the pope would face our direction when he drove past. True enough, our dearest Papa turned just as he passed us, saw our posters, and with his eyes lighted up, exclaimed, “Singapore!â€? (3:363:40 in Closing Mass of 6th Asian Youth Day on Vatican Youtube). He also blessed our bunch of crosses on the drive out. Participant Joanna Chua commented that the pope’s “awareness and understanding of the different countries allows him to give them the message they need to hearâ€?. At the homily of the closing Mass at Haemi Fortress, Pope Francis drew on the theme and encouraged all young people to “wake up! No one who sleeps can sing, dance or rejoice. I don’t like to see young people who are sleeping. No! Wake up! Go! Go forward!â€? He further exhorted, “Let Christ turn your natural optimism into Christian hope, your energy into moral virtue, your good will LQWR JHQXLQH VHOI VDFULÂżFLQJ ORYH This is the path you are called to take. This is the path to overcoming all that threatens hope, virtue

Singapore pilgrims’ posters for the pope.

and love in your lives and in your culture. In this way your youth will be a gift to Jesus and to the world.� His message reminds us that the youths are not just the future of the Church, we are also the present! He gives us hope that keeping close to God will bring much joy and meaning in the decisions that we make. As Singaporeans who have been privileged to receive pastoral care and opportunities for prayer, we were initially disillusioned with the excessive use of lights and sounds during AYD. I was critical of the organisers and thought that the resources had

The pope’s message reminds us that the youths are not just the future of the Church, we are also the present! better use elsewhere. Only at the )LQDO )HVWLYDO ZKHQ WKH ¿UHZRUNV burst above my head did I realise that God’s love is worth this extravagant expression of gratitude. ,Q WKH HQG P\ H\HV ZHUH ¿QDOO\ opened to see that because we have been blessed so abundantly, our human generosity is nothing compared to God’s. The generosity of the Koreans was warmly felt especially during the Days in the Diocese when the Singaporeans were split up to go to the dioceses of Masan and Gwangju. Although we had different experiences – one in the homes of parishioners and another in an

education centre in mountainous regions – the hospitality shown to us touched us very much. Despite not speaking much English, our hosts always made sure we had enough food and that we were comfortable. One of our group leaders even bought us ice cream to battle the summer heat during an outing even though we were used to hotter and more humid conditions. Through the struggle to communicate, we recognised the desire to know one another and to share our lives. In our differences, our prayers together and especially the Mass united us in the faith. There was one Mass where the celebrant invited all of us Asians to pray the Our Father in our own languages. To have experienced this single prayer, spoken in many different languages and all at the same time to our One God the Father, was indeed moving for me. As Jeff Loh, a Singapore participant, pointed out, “Despite the language barriers and various differences, we are one big Catholic family.â€? The Asian Youth Day may be over, and we have all settled back in our own countries and homes. But the friendship and faith we share will remain with us. And our experiences will continue to challenge us every day, demanding that we follow in the martyrs’ footsteps to die to ourselves, yet awaken as Christ resurrected to live out our Catholic faith in the spirit of joy and hope. As one participant, Andrew Lin SXW LW Âł'HÂżQLWHO\ P\ SHUVSHFWLYH has changed to a more Christ-centred one.â€? „

We had prepared posters that read ‘Singapore loves Papa’ and one of us had prayed really hard that the pope would face our direction when he drove past. True enough, our dearest Papa turned just as he passed us, saw our posters, and with his eyes lighted up, exclaimed, ‘Singapore!’ see a very fearless, courageous and ‘Icompassionate leader in the pope. I feel very proud to be in the Catholic Church DQG , DP ÂżOOHG ZLWK KRSH DERXW WKH IXWXUH

’

– Cassilda Lim

I learnt to see Jesus in the constant ‘ dancing here in Korea and in the hospitality of the Koreans who went out of their way to make us feel at home and comfortable. -HVXV ZDV GHÂżQLWHO\ SUHVHQW DW $<' ZLWK XV

’

– Gracemary Yap

was one Mass where the celebrant ‘Thereinvited all of us Asians to pray the Our Father in our own languages. To have experienced this single prayer, spoken in many different languages and all at the same time to our One God the Father, was indeed moving for me.

’

– Yvonne Chen

20

Sunday September 21, 2014 „ CatholicNews

By Jennifer Ficcaglia

were tired and upset and cranky. They started to complain. And they started to After God freed the Israelites from say bad things about God and Moses. “Why have you brought us from being slaves in Egypt, the people wandered in the desert for 40 years. Egypt to die in this desert, where there During those years, God gave the Is- is no food and water?â€? they comraelites many directions and laws by plained to Moses. “We are disgusted with this wretched food!â€? speaking to their leader, Moses. God heard what the people were The Book of Numbers talks about some of those directions and saying. He was not pleased with their laws. For example, God explained to complaining, because he saw it as a Moses how to arrange the tribes of Is- sin against him. Because the people rael and told him who among the Is- were being sinful, God decided that raelites would be responsible for cer- he needed to punish them for their bad tain jobs. God even gave the people a behaviour. As a punishment, God sent poisign for when to make or move their camp by placing over the tabernacle a sonous snakes, called saraph serpents, FORXG WKDW ORRNHG OLNH LW ZDV RQ ÂżUH DW among the people. These snakes bit night. The people followed the cloud many people, and many of the Israelto where God wanted them to go next. ites died. This punishment made the IsraelAfter moving around for so many years without a home to call their own – ites realise that they had been sinning something that God had promised them against God. They were very sorry for – the people lost their patience. They what they had done and begged Mo-

SPOTLIGHT ON SAINTS:

The Korean Martyrs

ses to help them. “We have sinned in complaining against the Lord and you,� they told Moses. “Pray to the Lord to take the serpents from us.� Moses listened to the people and prayed for them. God then instructed Moses to make a saraph serpent out of bronze and to mount it on a pole. If any who have been bitten look at it, they will live, God said to Moses. Moses did what he was told, and the people who had been bitten

by the saraph serpents and looked at the bronze saraph serpent on the pole were healed and lived. After the people were healed, their journey continued. „ Read more about it: Numbers 21

Q&A 1. Why were the Israelites so cranky? 2. How did God punish the Israelites for sinning against him?

Wordsearch: „ SERPENT

„ JOURNEY

„ TRIBES

„ POLE

„ PATIENCE „ COMPLAIN „ SLAVES „ CLOUD „ LEADER

„ HEALED

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In the late 1700s, laypeople who had converted to Christianity while visiting other countries brought their new faith back home to Korea. During the late 18th century and well into the 19th century, thousands of Korean Christians, as well as Christian missionaries from other countries, were killed for spreading and practicing the faith. The largest persecution ended in 1866, and Christianity grew in Korea after that. In 1984, Pope John Paul II canonised 103 of the Korean martyrs, who were chosen by name to represent all those who were martyred. We honour all of Korea’s Christian martyrs on Sept 20. „

KIDS’ CLUB: Share your thoughts on this week’s Bible story with family and friends by writing an essay in response to this question: Why is it so important to listen to God and do what he asks of us?

Bible Accent: Answer to puzzle: 1. Moses; 2. Eden; 4. Joshua; 5. Adam;

3. Pharaoh; 6. Moab

PUZZLE: Unscramble the letters in the words below to discover the names of people and places in the Pentateuch. 1. smose

___________

4. uhjsao

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2. dene

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5. mada

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3. prhahoa

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6. boam

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Answer to Wordsearch

In addition to the Book of Numbers, there are three other Old Testament books that talk about the Israelites’ 40-year journey in the desert. In the Book of Exodus, we learn about the Israelites’ freedom from slavery in Egypt and how God gave Moses the Ten Commandments. The Book of Leviticus outlines all sorts of laws that God made for the Israelites, from KRZ WKH SHRSOH VKRXOG PDNH VDFUL¿FHV DQG RIIHULQJV WR the types of actions that are pure and holy or impure and unholy in God’s eyes. In the Book of Deuteronomy, there is a review of all the rules God had given the people. This book ends with Moses’ death and the people getting ready to enter the Promised Land. The books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and DeuWHURQRP\ DORQJ ZLWK WKH %RRN RI *HQHVLV DUH WKH ¿UVW ¿YH books of the Bible. They have a special name as a group: the Pentateuch. „

WHAT’S ON 21

Sunday September 21, 2014 „ 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.org.sg/webevent_form.php

Friars and Society of the Infant Jesus (Singapore). At Church of Sts Peter & 3DXO $ 4XHHQ 6WUHHW UG ÀRRU FKDSHO W: www.InfantJesusSG.org. SEPTEMBER 20 PARENTS JUST DON’T GET IT 9am-1pm: Come for a 4-hour workshop ZKLFK ZRXOG KHOS SDUHQWV ¿QG EHWWHU ways to connect with their teens who ORQJ IRU DFFHSWDQFH DSSURYDO DI¿UPDWLRQ and love. Organised by Morning Star Community Services. At Morning Star (Sengkang Centre), Block 261B Sengkang East Way, #01-400. Register T: 6285 1377 (Gabriela Hung) / F: 6285 2702; E: programs@morningstar.org.sg; W: www.morningstar.org.sg/events_ ParentingSkillsWithTeens.html.

SEPTEMBER 18 TO DECEMBER 31 CATECHISM FOR THE ELDERLY Catechism classes for the elderly are held in English, Mandarin, Peranakan, Hokkien, Teochew and Cantonese on Thursdays from 1pm-2.45pm at Holy Family Church and on Saturdays till end of September from 9.30am-11.30am at Novena Church (Gerard Majella Room behind bookshop). From Oct 4, catechism classes for the elderly will commence at St Joseph’s Church (Victoria Street, parish hall) from 9.30am-11.30am. Register T: 9115 5673 (Andrew).

SEPTEMBER 26 CHILDREN’S EUCHARISTIC ADORATION 7.45pm-9pm: Come and bring the little children to Jesus, truly present in the Most Blessed Sacrament. Let us spend time with Jesus in thanksgiving and adoration. A blessing time for all! Organised by Children Eucharistic Adoration. At the Church of the Holy Spirit, main hall, 248 Upper Thomson Road.

SEPTEMBER 19 NOX GAUDII, NIGHTS OF JOY SP SP &RPH MRLQ XV IRU VSLULW ÂżOOHG night with Fr Jovita preaching, a time of worship and quality time with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and fellowship after. %ULQJ D IULHQG DORQJ 2UJDQLVHG E\ 2IÂżFH for Young People. At 2 Lorong Low Koon, OYP main hall. Enquiry T: 6285 2571 (Mon-Fri, 9am-6pm); W: www.oyp.com.sg.

SEPTEMBER 26 TO SEPTEMBER 28 RACHEL’S VINEYARD RETREAT 3pm (Fri)-2pm (Sun): If you are experiencing post abortion trauma, we have a retreat that will provide a safe and comforting environment to help you. Begin your healing process with Rachel’s Vineyard. Register / Enquiry T: 9818 5102 (Rose); E: info@rachelsvineyard.sg.

SEPTEMBER 20 TO SEPTEMBER 27 COMMON SENSE PARENTING WORKSHOP 9am-1pm: Come for an evidence-based programme which provides proactive and win-win skills for parents and caregivers. Participants would also learn to communicate effectively with their children and teenagers about their behaviours. Organised by Morning Star Community Services. At 4 Lorong Low Koon. Register T: 6285 1377; F: 6285 2702; E: programs@morningstar.org.sg.

SEPTEMBER 27 PARENTING SKILLS THAT WORK WITH TEENS 9am-1pm: Join us for a workshop which seeks to solve common issues of understanding and communication between parent and teen, and how to meet their emotional needs. Organised by Morning Star Community Services. At Block 261B Sengkang East Way, #01-400. Register T: 6285 1377 (Gabriela Hung) / F: 6285 2702; E: programs@morningstar. org.sg; W: www.morningstar.org.sg/ events_ParentingSkillsWithTeens.html.

SEPTEMBER 20 MOVIE ON THE LIFE AND SPIRITUALITY OF ST TERESA 2.30-4.45pm: Join us for a movie on the life and spirituality of St Teresa and a debrief with Fr Edward Lim, OCD. All are welcome. Organised by Carmelite

Crossword Puzzle 1119 1

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14

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20 23

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www.wordgamesforcatholics.com

ACROSS 1 â€œâ€Śfor whatever a man ___, that he will also reap.â€? (Gal 6:7) 5 African country 9 Go away 14 Colours 15 Mythical giant 16 A queen from this country came to hear Solomon speak 17 Soissons seasons 18 Incline 19 Got one’s feet wet 20 Airport letters

21 He blamed the Christians for burning Rome 22 Not bright 23 Beginning to exist 25 â€œâ€Śthy will be ___‌â€? 28 Israel ending 29 Absorbent 33 Religious offshoots 36 Actor Welles 37 Irish bishop-saint whose feast day is February 6 38 David played one 39 Catholic horror actor

40 Perry’s creator 41 Altar in the sky 42 Catholic French painter, Edgar ___ 43 Wept 44 Portuguese navigator 46 â€œâ€Śbut do not notice the ___ that is in your own eye?â€? (Mt 7:3) 47 Tres ___ 48 The ___ of Faith 52 Land in which Ruth was born 55 “In the sweat of your ___ you shall

56 57 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66

eat bread� (Gen 3:19) Collection of miscellaneous data The feast of St. Catherine of Siena is in this month Departed Egg cell Fishing net City in central Texas Patrick’s place Jagged parts Road to the Colosseum Busy bee

SEPTEMBER 28 MIGRANT SUNDAY 11am: Join us for a Mass celebrated by His Grace Archbishop William Goh followed by fellowship. Organised by ACMI. At St Joseph Church, 620 Upper Bukit Timah Road. Enquiries T: 6280 5424; E: general@acmi.org.sg. OCTOBER 7 LANDINGS PROGRAMME 8pm-10pm: A new 10 weeks Landings programme for those who wish to return to the faith. Organised by Blessed Sacrament Church. At Blessed Sacrament Church, 1 Commonwealth Drive. OCTOBER 11 TO OCTOBER 12 RETREAT (WORKSHOP) ON INNER HEALING 2pm-9pm (Sat) - 9.30am-6pm (Sun inclusive of Mass): Come join us for a retreat on inner healing. Topics include: spiritual warfare, discernment of spirits and blessings and curses. Registration is open to all parish ministries members who are interested to learn on inner healing. Limited to 130 seats only. Fee inclusive of tea, lunch and dinner: $25. Organised by Singapore Archdiocese Catholic Charismatic Renewal. At CAEC, St Paul Room, 2 Highland Road. Register E: josephtoh46@gmail.com (Joseph Toh). OCTOBER 12 WHY AM I SO LIKE THAT? 2-5pm: Come join us for a self-discovery workshop based on the Choice Theory. Find out why you feel, think and behave he way you do and steps to take to hit your target. Fee: $35. Organised by Lifesprings Canossian Spirituality Centre. At 100 Jalan Merbok. Register T: 6466 2178 (Brenda); E: lifesprings@singnet.com.sg. OCTOBER 16 TO OCTOBER 19 PRAYER EXPERIENCE RETREAT This stay-in retreat would help individuals build up their prayer life and to deepen their prayer experience. Learn about the importance and power of prayer and the word and methods of prayer. Facilitated by Fr Andrew Wong and Fr Jacob Ong. Organised by Catholic Spirituality Centre. At 1261 Upper Serangoon Road. Register T: 6288 7901/ 6858 2716; send a completed and signed form with cheque payment to CSC.

DOWN 1 Catholic actor who played Peter Maurin in “Entertaining Angelsâ€? 2 “I’m ___ hereâ€? 3 Bed problems 4 Sound of bacon frying 5 Hometown of Simon 6 The Sacred ___ of Jesus 7 Start of a sphere? 8 Immerse 9 Vane reasing 10 Oratory 11 Stigma borne by Hester Prynne 12 Son of Eve 13 â€œâ€Śbegotten not ___‌â€? 21 James was mending these when Jesus called him (Mk 1:19) 24 Refer to a biblical passage 25 Flat circular plates 26 Wind in a pit 27 She takes vows 29 Catholic Canadian Prime Minister Mulroney 30 Commander of the army who was

made king over Israel (1 Kings 16:16) 31 River in Africa 32 Musher’s carrier 33 Shut with force 34 Jaguarundi 35 Steep, rugged rock 36 Church instrument, sometimes 39 Brazil declared him a national treasure 40 “Tantum ___â€? 42 CCL + CCCI 43 Long cloak-like vestment 5HĂ€XHQW 46 Reader at Mass 48 Move rhythmically 49 Dominic who is patron saint of choirboys 50 Accustom 51 More docile 52 Liturgy 53 “___ wide the doors to Christâ€? 54 Opera highlight 55 Noteworthy achievement 58 French “theseâ€? 59 The war to end all wars (abbr.) 60 Multi-volume reference bk.

Solution to Crossword Puzzle No. 1118 D E U S

I N D I A

N O D E S

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S L A T

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T R O T

A B A O G E R P O L O E G A N A P R I L

L E A V E

M A T E D

A R O T S

www.wordgamesforcatholics.com

OCTOBER 17 TO OCTOBER 18 DAN SCHUTTE IN CONCERT – A TIME WILL COME FOR SINGING 8pm-10pm: Join us for an evening of songs of hope, songs of joy, songs of promises by Dan Schutte. Fee: $25. Tickets are available at CANA from Monday to Saturday from 10.30am6.30pm. Organised by CANA. At Church of the Divine Mercy, 19 Pasir Ris Street 72 (Oct 17) and Church of St Mary of the Angels, 5 Bukit Batok East Avenue 2 (Oct 18). Register T: 6338 4080; E: atimewillcomeforsinging@gmail.com. OCTOBER 17 TO OCTOBER 19 UNDERSTANDING YOUR DREAMS 7pm (Fri) - 12pm (Sun): Come join us for a stay-in workshop, where Cenacle Sr Linda Lizada will help us work with RXU VLJQL¿FDQW GUHDPV WR XQGHUVWDQG the symbolic language of dreams

communicated by God through Scriptures, to listen to them, and experience them as a way in which the Divine speaks to us. Fee: $200 (non-air-con), $240 (air-con). Organised by Kingsmead Centre. Register T: 6467 6072; E: cisc2664@gmail.com. NOVEMBER 1 TO NOVEMBER 2 INTERCESSION RETREAT 9am-6.30pm: Join us for a 2 day, nonstay in retreat where you can increase your understanding of intercession. Learn hot to be an effective intercessor. There will be Masses, praise and worship, talks and testimonies, practical sessions on intercessory prayer leading and empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Registration opens on Sept 26. Organised by Catholic Spirituality Centre. At 1261 Upper Serangoon Road. Register T: 6288 7901/6858 2716; E: cscretreats@gmail.com.

Agape Village donation draw Caritas Singapore, the social mission arm of the Catholic Church in Singapore, has launched a donation draw to raise funds for the construction and equipping cost of Agape Village, which will be located at Lorong 8 Toa Payoh. Agape Village will bring together the services of Caritas Singapore’s 23 Catholic social misVLRQ DIÂżOLDWHV DQG FKDULWLHV XQGHU one roof. When completed in May 2015, it will be a one-stop social service hub, providing integrated case management, counselling, legal aid, care-giver support, skills training and job matching for workers and for the poor and marginalised. Archbishop William Goh has appealed to the Catholic community, to support the social mission of the Church in reaching out to those in need. “Agape Village is a

call to action, but more than that, it is a call to live our faith in action and walk the path of service with works of mercy and justice. Our aim is to partner the poor and provide them with long-term sustainability that will accord them respectability and human dignity.� The draw itself will be held on Dec 15, 2014. Each donation draw ticket will cost $2 and are in booklets of 10 tickets each, amounting to a total of $20 per booklet. “This donation draw will be an opportunity for Catholics to join us in our ongoing endeavours to partner the poor�, said Mr Gordon Pinto, general manager of Agape Village. If you wish to purchase the tickets or help in selling the tickets, contact Stacie Tan of Caritas Singapore at stacie@caritas-singapore.org or 6338-3925. „

24 FAITH ALIVE!

Sunday September 21, 2014 „ CatholicNews

What does it mean to trust in God? know your name trust in you. You QHYHU IRUVDNH WKRVH ZKR VHHN \RX /RUG ´ 3VDOP RIIHUV XV DVVXUance: “For God will hide me in his shelter in time of trouble, he will FRQFHDO PH LQ WKH FRYHU RI KLV WHQW and set me high upon a rock.â€? ,Q WKH 1HZ 7HVWDPHQW -HVXV teaches what it means to trust in *RG FRPSOHWHO\ DQG JLYHV ZLWQHVV to that trust throughout his life. 7KH &DWHFKLVP RI WKH &DWKROLF &KXUFK DOVR DGYLVHV XV WR SXW RXU WUXVW LQ *RG 7KH FDWHFKLVP LQ No 154 points out that “trusting in

By Daniel S Mulhall 75867 is a simple word. While a basic concept, trust is a necessary component of all human interacWLRQ %\ GH¿QLWLRQ WUXVW LV WKH ¿UP belief in the integrity, ability or character of a person or thing. When we say that we trust someone, we mean that we feel comfortable in that person’s company, that we feel safe and secure, able to let our guard down. We know that we can count on the person to treat us kindly and to do what is promised. :LWKRXW WUXVW ZH ZRXOG OLYH in a world of fear, always being ZDU\ QHYHU EHLQJ DEOH WR UHO\ RQ anyone or anything. 7UXVW LV DQ HVVHQWLDO HOHPHQW for life. %XW ZKDW H[DFWO\ GRHV LW PHDQ to place one’s trust in God? $V &DWKROLF &KULVWLDQV WKH %LEOH LV WKH ¿UVW SODFH ZH WXUQ WR WU\ and answer that question. In many ZD\V WKH %LEOH LV RQH FRQWLQXous story of how God has called humanity to a relationship of toWDO WUXVW DQG KRZ SHRSOH KDYH UHsponded to that call. (YHU\ VWRU\ LQ WKH 2OG 7HVWDment, starting with Adam and (YH WKHQ RQ WKURXJK 1RDK 0RVHV DQG 0LULDP 'DYLG DQG 6RORmon, up to the Maccabees shows that peace and happiness come from putting one’s trust in God, while war and disaster come from putting our trust in anyone or anyWKLQJ EXW *RG 7KLV LV DOVR WKH message found in the writings of all the prophets.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT It’s no small task to trust someone we can’t see or hear Âą DW OHDVW QRW ZLWK RXU ÂżYH senses. And yet, since the beginning of Christianity, trust in God has been central WR XV DV D ERG\ RI EHOLHYHUV DQG DV LQGLYLGXDOV 7UXVW LV the basis for peace, both in RXU SHUVRQDO OLYHV DQG RQ WKH ZRUOG VWDJH 7UXVW LV HVSHcially important when we’re faced with a world, a home RU DQ\ RWKHU VSDFH ÂżOOHG ZLWK YLROHQFH DQG VWULIH Without trust, or trust in the wrong person or things, said Pope Francis, there is no internal or external peace. Âł7KH RQH ZKR WUXVWV LQ KLPself, in his own richness or ideologies, is destined for unhappiness,â€? he said. We need to ask ourVHOYHV VDLG WKH SRSH “Where do I place my trust? +DYH , SODFHG LW LQ WKH /RUG or am I a pagan who trusts LQ WKLQJV LQ LGROV WKDW , KDYH IDVKLRQHG" 'R , VWLOO KDYH D QDPH RU KDYH , EHJXQ WR lose my name and to identify myself only as ‘I’ with DOO LWV YDULDWLRQV"´ „ CNS

While some people practice a radical Christianity and depend totally on God for all that they have, most Christians show trust in God by simply living.

Charlton Heston portrays Moses in Cecil B DeMille’s 1956 epic The Ten Commandments. CNS photo

Many of the psalms express this trust in God. Psalm 5:12 says, Âł7KHQ DOO ZKR WUXVW LQ \RX ZLOO EH JODG DQG IRUHYHU VKRXW IRU MR\ <RX will protect them and those will re-

MRLFH LQ \RX ZKR ORYH \RXU QDPH ´ 3VDOP PDNHV DQ HYHQ VWURQJHU FDVH ³7KH /RUG LV D VWURQJhold for the oppressed, a strongKROG LQ WLPHV RI WURXEOH 7KRVH ZKR

*RG DQG FOHDYLQJ WR WKH WUXWKV +H KDV UHYHDOHG LV FRQWUDU\ QHLWKHU to human freedom nor to human UHDVRQ (YHQ LQ KXPDQ UHODWLRQV it is not contrary to our dignity to EHOLHYH ZKDW RWKHU SHUVRQV WHOO XV DERXW WKHPVHOYHV DQG WKHLU LQWHQtions, or to trust their promises.� So, what does it mean for a person of faith to trust God? While some people practise a radical Christianity and depend toWDOO\ RQ *RG IRU DOO WKDW WKH\ KDYH most Christians show trust in God E\ VLPSO\ OLYLQJ

7KH\ FRXQW RQ *RG WR ORRN after them and to take good care of them, to protect them and those WKH\ ORYH IURP KDUP DQG WR SUHSDUH D SODFH IRU WKHP LQ KHDYHQ IROORZLQJ GHDWK 7KH\ ZRUN HDUQ PRQH\ SODQW JDUGHQV DQG Âż[ WKH car – all of those ordinary aspects RI OLYLQJ 7KH\ GRQÂśW H[SHFW *RG WR GR it for them. Rather, they see themVHOYHV DV FR FUHDWRUV ZLWK *RG 7KH\ GR WKH EHVW ZRUN WKH\ FDQ and trust that God will do amazing things with their work. 7KHLU WUXVW LQ *RG JLYHV PHDQLQJ DQG SXUSRVH WR WKHLU OLYHV ,Q KLV H[KRUWDWLRQ 7KH -R\ RI the Gospel, Pope Francis assured XV WKDW HYHQ ZKHQ ZH IDFH WRXJK moments, the continuous trust ZHÂśYH EXLOW RYHU WLPH ZLOO FDUU\ XV through. +H ZURWH Âł%HFDXVH ZH GR QRW always see these seeds growing, we need an interior certainty, a FRQYLFWLRQ WKDW *RG LV DEOH WR DFW LQ HYHU\ VLWXDWLRQ HYHQ DPLG DSSDUHQW VHWEDFNV 7KLV FHUWDLQW\ is often called ‘a sense of mystery.’â€? +H FRQWLQXHG Âł,W LQYROYHV knowing with certitude that all WKRVH ZKR HQWUXVW WKHPVHOYHV WR *RG LQ ORYH ZLOO EHDU JRRG IUXLW 7KLV IUXLWIXOQHVV LV RIWHQ LQYLVLEOH HOXVLYH DQG XQTXDQWLÂżDEOH :H FDQ NQRZ TXLWH ZHOO WKDW RXU OLYHV will be fruitful, without claiming to know how, or where, or when.â€? „ CNS Mulhall is a catechist of adults. He lives in Laurel, Maryland.

On the other side of trust &16 ÂżOH SKRWR

By Janelle Alberts WHEN Moses’ mom laid her baby boy in a papyrus basket and settled that basket down into the 1LOH 5LYHU UHHGV VKH PXVW KDYH had one thing in mind. I would like to know what that was. 7KH NLQJ KDG RUGHUHG DOO +Hbrew baby boys killed, so she hid her son as long as she could, then VKH EURXJKW KLP WR WKH ULYHU :KDW went through her mind? What did she think God would do? Many read the story as an act of unprecedented trust in God – trust that was rewarded with Moses’ miraculous return to his mother’s DUPV 7KH %LEOH LV SDFNHG ZLWK people exercising what looks like superhuman trust in God. In fact, the entire cast of characters can be broken into two groups: those who trusted and those who did not. Sounds simple, but this is not a book of trite storylines. Consider what happened to Jairus. He was an important Jewish leader and a man who trusted God. When his daughter became ill with the threat of dying, Jairus went to look for Jesus to ask for

If we are bold, if we give God a chance to show Himself in our circumstances, will He?

KHOS EXW FRXOGQÂśW ÂżQG +LP ,W WRRN a while to locate Him and by then Jairus’ daughter had turned from bad to worse, and some said she ZDV GHDG %XW -DLUXV VWXFN ZLWK LW He trusted and Jesus healed her. Jairus was “astoundedâ€? (Mk 5:42). Jairus wasn’t really sure what would happen. He seemed to know that God was his best shot. 7UXVW LVQÂśW VHHLQJ WKH IXWXUH ,W LV seeing the present and deciding to

GR ZKDW ZH FDQ DQG WR EHOLHYH WKDW *RG ZLOO KHOS WRR HYHQ ZKHQ LW looks as if all hope is lost. Also in Daniel 3:15, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were thrown into a wicked hot furnace by a king who wanted them to deQRXQFH *RG VLQFH KH ZDV REYLRXVO\ QRW VDYLQJ WKHP ,Q UHSO\ WKH\ told the king that their God could VDYH WKHP DQG HYHQ LI KH GLG QRW they were still sticking with him

and would not denounce him. 7KH\ WUXVWHG *RG EXW WKH\ could not, with certainty, say what God would do. 7KHLU FLUFXPVWDQFH EHJV WKH question: If we are bold, if we JLYH *RG D FKDQFH WR VKRZ KLPself in our circumstances, will He? And what exactly will He do? (YHQ WKHVH FKDUDFWHUV %LEOH HOLWHV WKDW WKH\ ZHUH UHFHLYHG OLWtle more than: “You’re about to ÂżQG RXW ´ ,Q WKH HQG WKH WKUHH PHQ FDPH RXW RI WKH ÂżUH XQVFDWKHG 7KH FRPPRQ GHQRPLQDWRU LQ these biblical stories shows us that trust, if nothing else, is what our ancestors greatly placed in God’s hands. „ CNS Alberts, who lives in Chagrin, Ohio, USA, is a freelance writer and media relations specialist.

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

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