OCTOBER 05, 2014, Vol 64, No 20

Page 1

SUNDAY OCTOBER 5, 2014

SINGAPORE 50 CENTS / WEST MALAYSIA RM$1.20

MCI (P) 005/08/2014

PPS 201/04/2013 (022940)

VOL 64

NO. 20

INSIDE HOME Assisting Typhoon Haiyan victims CHARIS, CFC rebuild homes „ Page 4

WORLD Sri Lanka prepares for pope’s visit Launches special website My dear brothers and sisters The thrust of the Universal Church in this century is that of the New Evangelisation. This is critical if the Church is to arrest the disturbing trends in the world caused by secularisation and relativism. These have resulted not only in the loss of the Sacred and amorality but consumerism and materialism as well. Even our Faithful are not spared. Hence, the New Evangelisation is needed to counter these challenges. This consists of a two-pronged approach, which is essentially a renewal of the Church from within and a more evangelistic and missionary outreach to the world, using all available resources. Instrumentum Laboris from the Synod of Bishops delineates, “The Christian faith is not simply teachings, wise sayings, and a code of morality or a tradition. The Christian faith is a true encounter and relationship with Jesus Christ. Transmitting the faith means to create in every place and time, the conditions which lead to this encounter between the person and Jesus Christ. “The goal of all evangelisation is to create the possibility for this encounter, which is, at one and the same time, intimate, personal, public and communal. Evangelising is in fact the grace and vocation proper to the Church, her deepest identity. Jesus himself, WKH *RRG 1HZV RI *RG ZDV WKH YHU\ ÂżUVW DQG the greatest evangeliser. “For Jesus, the purpose of evangelisation is drawing people into his intimate relationship with the Father and the Spirit. The Church exists in the world to continue Jesus’ evangelising mission, knowing well that in doing so she continues to share in divine life. The Church is an evangeliser, but she begins by being evangelised herself.â€?

Hence, I have since my inauguration as the Archbishop of Singapore, shared with priests, Religious and lay leaders, my ten-year plan

Where can we ÂżQG LQVSLUDWLRQ to undertake the work of spiritual renewal if not in Mary, Mother of the Church?

Pope Francis touches the statue of Our Lady of Fatima at a special celebration last year. The Singapore archdiocese will be consecrated to Mary, Star of the New Evangelisation, for a full year, beginning on Oct 7. &16 ÂżOH SKRWR

for the renewal of the Archdiocese through the building of a vibrant, evangelistic and missionary Church. This calls for the establishment of QHZ RI¿FHV OLNH WKH 2I¿FH IRU WKH 1HZ Evangelisation, Catholic Theological ,QVWLWXWH 2I¿FH IRU <RXQJ 3HRSOH )DPLO\ Life Commission, a restructured Archdiocesan Commission for Migrants and Itinerants, and Archdiocesan Commission for Catholic Schools. +RZHYHU RI¿FHV ZLWKRXW DQRLQWHG DQG IDLWK ¿OOHG OHDGHUV DQG JRRG VWDII FDQQRW EULQJ the Church forward; nor can the building of big and beautiful churches. We need, more than anything else, a spiritual renewal within the Church, amongst priests, Religious and laity. The urgency is not to be taken lightly. If we are not pre-emptive, the speed of globalisation and the effects of secularisation will erode the faith, including the religious and cultural values of our people. We need to strengthen the spiritual, doctrinal and pastoral formation of leaders; priests, Religious and laity alike. All of us need conversion of life and a deepening of our faith. :KHUH FDQ ZH ¿QG LQVSLUDWLRQ WR undertake the work of spiritual renewal if not in Mary, Mother of the Church? Indeed, the work of the New Evangelisation cannot be conceived without turning to Mary, the Star of the New Evangelisation, for inspiration and prayer because it is through Mary that God rebuilt the House of David. This explains why I included Mary as the Star of the New Evangelisation, symbolised by the star on the sail, on my Archbishop’s Crest. „ Continued on Page 29

„ Page 14

Walking for religious unity US event helps people learn about other faiths „ Page 15

Finding life elsewhere in the universe Vatican astronomer gives his views „ Page 16

Violence in Ukraine Bishops ask govts to stop bloodshed „ Page 22

FOREIGN COMMUNITIES A look at the Myanmar Catholic community ‘Needing a more permanent place’ „ Page 31

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Sunday October 5, 2014 „ CatholicNews

St Joseph’s Home moves to Mandai Residents will stay at holding site for two years until new home is ready

Staff from St Joseph’s Home and the Handicaps Welfare Association pushing a resident up an ambulance ramp.

By Lorna O’Hara One hundred and thirty-nine residents moved out from St Joseph’s Home in Jurong and were taken in ambulances to their temporary home at 9 Mandai Estate on Sept 13.

According to Canossian Sr Geraldine Tan, the St Joseph’s Home’s administrator, the residents will be staying at St Joseph’s Home in Mandai for two years until the new completed end-2016. During the move, staff and volunteers in lime-green shirts

The St Joseph’s Home at Mandai Estate will be the current holding site for residents for two years.

helped residents onto ambulances. They were assisted by the Handicaps Welfare Association, Comfort Ambulance & Services and Citizens Ambulance & Services. Residents wore different coloured shirts according to the Ă€RRUV WKDW WKH\ ZRXOG EH OLYLQJ RQ at the holding home. Shalom Movers also helped to move the beds and furniture to Mandai. According to Sr Geraldine, the QHZ KRPH ZRXOG KDYH D Ă€RRU VSHcially for residents with moderate to severe dementia. She said that once the new home is ready, residents would be grouped into “familiesâ€? and would be able to share common facilities such as the living and dining space. The dining space would come complete with a pantry. Sr Geraldine told Catholic-

1HZV WKDW RQ HDFK ÀRRU WKHUH would be pockets of green and spaces for therapeutic purposes. But some parts of the old home in Jurong will remain. According to Mr James Chew, executive director of Catholic Welfare Services, these include the chapel and the four-storey building for training and physiotheraphy. To accomodate more residents, Mr Chew added that there would be 400 beds in the new home, up from the present 139. He also said that there will be 160 staff. Currently, 80 staff tend to the needs of residents. Sr Geraldine also hopes that the Dusk to Dawn service, which provides overnight care for residents who have sundowning syndrome, will continue in the new home. The service currently provides respite

The new home which is expected to be completed end-2016 would have 400 beds and 160 staff, said executive director of Catholic Welfare Services James Chew.

care and support for caregivers. Sundowning syndrome which is associated with dementia and Alzheimer’s can cause restlessness and confusion among patients during the night. Sr Geraldine also said that she and her team are exploring small spaces where community programmes or social enterprise efforts can be brought in to engage and serve the residents. Examples she gave include a cafÊ, mobile shopping carts, a mini-salon and a library run by residents and volunteers. She is also looking into facilities that support the training and development of medical and nursing students, to help grow the community of carers for the elderly. The whole building project costs $70 million, said Mr Chew. Apart from funding from the Ministry of Health, Mr Chew said that approximately $13.2 million still need to be raised. To make a donation, call 63377954 or visit www.catholicwelfare.org.sg/donations/fnd.html „ lorna.ohara@catholic.org.sg

An artist’s impression of the new St Joseph’s Home which is expected to be completed in end-2016.

Sunday October 5, 2014 CatholicNews

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Sunday October 5, 2014 „ CatholicNews

CHARIS, CFC rebuild homes for Haiyan victims

Volunteers from the two Catholic organisations pose for a photo with residents at the building site.

Forming a human chain to move hollow bricks.

By Anne Tay )RU ¿YH GD\V YROXQWHHUV IURP &DULWDV +XPDQLWDULDQ $LG 5HOLHI ,QLWLDWLYHV 6LQJDSRUH &+$5,6 DQG &RXSOHV IRU &KULVW &)& 6LQJDSRUH MRLQHG KDQGV WR KHOS UHEXLOG WKH KRPHV RI 7\SKRRQ +DL\DQ VXUYLYRUV LQ %RJR &LW\ LQ 1RUWKHUQ &HEX 3KLOLSSLQHV )URP $XJ WR 6HSW WKH YROXQWHHUV FRPSULVLQJ PDQ\ ¿UVW WLPHUV WRRN SDUW LQ KRXVH EXLOGLQJ DQG VSHQW WLPH HQJDJLQJ DQG IRUJLQJ IULHQGVKLSV ZLWK WKH ORFDOV PDQ\ RI ZKRP KDG UHFHLYHG ¿QDQFLDO DVVLVWDQFH IURP &+$5,6 WR UHEXLOG WKHLU OLYHV 7KH PLVVLRQDULHV DOVR DWWHQGHG D ZHOFRPH OXQFK ZLWK 0D\RU -XQLH 0DUWLQH] DQG WKH ORFDOV 'XULQJ WKH WULS WKH JURXS SURYLGHG SRVW WUDXPD DUW WKHUDS\

VHVVLRQV IRU WKH DIIHFWHG IDPLOLHV 7ZR YROXQWHHUV DQG DUW WKHUDSLVWV IURP 7KH 5HG 3HQFLO ,QWHUQDWLRQDO /WG D QRQ SUR¿W RUJDQLVDWLRQ EDVHG LQ 6LQJDSRUH ZKLFK IRFXVHV RQ DUW WKHUDS\ KHOSHG FKLOGUHQ IURP GLVSODFHG IDPLOLHV HQJDJH LQ D KHDOLQJ SURFHVV RI FUHDWLYH H[SUHVVLRQ ³1R SKRWRV RU ZRUGV FDQ GHVFULEH WKH EHDXW\ RI WKH H[SHULHQFHV RQ WKLV WULS (YHU\ OLWWOH WKLQJ DQG HYHU\ SHUVRQ PDGH WKLV MRXUQH\ WUXO\ PHPRUDEOH ´ VDLG YROXQWHHU *DEULHO /HH ³, KRSH WKDW HYHU\RQH LQ DQ\ FDSDFLW\ FDQ FRPH IRUZDUG WR H[SHULHQFH WKH ORYH DQG ZRUN RI *RG LQ WKLV PDQQHU VRPH GD\ ´ 0U /HH DGGHG For more information on CHARIS, visit www.charis-singapore.org „

Volunteers chatting with a resident who runs a small provisional shop.

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Sunday October 5, 2014 „ CatholicNews

Asian Marriage Encounter teams share challenges, joys, directions By Patrick and Rachel Tee Worldwide Marriage Encounter (WWME) teams from around Asia discussed the direction their movement would take and shared their joys and challenges at a conference in Singapore recently. Thirty-nine members of National Ecclesial Teams (NET), each of which comprise a coordinating couple and priest, met from Sept 6-12 at the Marriage Encounter House in Punggol for the 39th WWME Asian conference. The pro-marriage movement is present in 12 Asian countries and territories – Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan and United Arab Emirates (Dubai). During the meeting, which had the theme Called to Shepherd, participants discussed ways to bring the WWME to countries and places that do not conduct

the movement’s weekend programme. For example, Malaysia’s WWME is working with its counterpart in Indonesia on how to bring the programme to East Malaysia. Country teams were also encouraged to support each other by sending couple presenters to places where there is a shortage of such presenters, such as Singapore assisting WWME China and India assisting the Tamil-speaking in Malaysia. Participants noted that China’s WWME movement has been able to progress well due to help given by other Asian countries, especially Singapore. ,Q WKH ¿UVW 0( ZHHNend in China kicked off in Shanghai with help from WMME Korea and WMME Singapore. In 2005, ME weekends were held in Ningbo and Liaoning with help from WWME Singapore. There are many prefectures in China waiting ME Weekends, participants learnt. WWME Chi-

Marriage Encounter Asian delegates pose for a photo outside ME House in Punggol, the venue of their recent Asian conference.

na is presently facing challenges in training couple presenters to reach out to these prefectures. During the conference, the China team requested assistance from countries with Mandarin-

The China team requested assistance from countries with Mandarin-speaking people to help them train couple presenters.

speaking people, such as Malaysia and Singapore, to help them train couple presenters. Participants also discussed challenges faced by some countries, such as Bangladesh and Japan, in having stay-in ME weekends due to costs and couples’ attendance. There is also a shortage of ME priest presenters in most of the Asian countries, except for Korea, participants learnt. WWME Korea shared their joy over Pope Francis’ visit to their country in August. In 2013,

WWME Korea conducted 132 ME weekends for 2,298 couples. Their target this year is to have 140 weekends for 2,500 couples. Korea also has 515 presenting team couples and 238 priests who are available to present the weekends. The countries with WWME in Asia take turns to host the annual Asian conference. The last time Singapore played host was in 2004. For more information on WWME, visit wwmesg.org „

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Sunday October 5, 2014 „ CatholicNews

When life comes to an end More than 100 people attended a talk on the topic of death and dying By Lorna O’Hara When it comes to speaking to terminally ill people, do not tell them “I understand� as the only person who truly understands is God himself. This was one piece of advice that Carmelite Fr Edward Lim gave to some 140 people who attended his talk on dying and how one can prepare for it. The Sept 18 event, held at CANA The Catholic Centre at Waterloo St, was organised in the light of recent crises such as the violence in the Middle East and the disappearance and downing of Malaysia Airlines planes. Fr Edward, a trained medical doctor who has ministered to the dying, shared that of the various patients he has encountered, Christians appear to be the “most afraid� of death as many do not really know who God is. “What is our faith? Where is our faith?� he asked the audience. He gave the example of a 40-year-old woman who suffered from lung cancer. Despite her husband selling his business to pay for his wife’s treatment, she did not get better.

Fr Edward recalled the husband asking him, “What type of a God is this?â€? The Carmelite priest explained that “the cross is not optionalâ€? for Christians. +ROGLQJ XS D FUXFLÂż[ KH VDLG that those who suffer are walking in the footsteps of Jesus. Fr Edward then gave some tips on how to prepare for death. These include: „ Showing concern for others „ Asking oneself, “What really counts for me today?â€? „ Forgiving others „ Making a will when one is still young He also advised those assisting the dying to respect the wishes of the person if he or she decides to refuse treatment. “Do not force,â€? he said. During the question-and-answer segment, one participant asked if a Christian funeral is allowed for those who commit suicide. Fr Edward replied that “we

Carmelite Fr Edward Lim, a doctor by profession, gave advice on how to prepare for death.

aren’t to judge� as it is a matter “between the soul and God�. Fr Edward and the crowd then

The talk allows us to envision ‘ what we are to do with our lives.’

– Mr Anthony Wong

read Psalm 23 aloud together. Participants told CatholicNews they learnt much from the talk. “It was comforting for people ... who are still having some fears about death,� said Ms Doris Woon, 79. Fr Lim taught us to draw on our faith “to understand

what is pain and suffering because death is tied up with our faith and with God�, she said. Mr Anthony Wong, 63, commented, “The talk allows us to envision what we are to do with our lives.� „ lorna.ohara@catholic.org.sg

Sunday October 5, 2014 CatholicNews

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Sunday October 5, 2014 „ CatholicNews

Saints are our ‘spiritual pacers’ By Lorna O’Hara Young Catholics from across Singapore got together to worship and enjoy fellowship with one another at a special event organised E\ WKH 2IÂżFH IRU 3HRSOH 2<3 7KH IRXUWK 1R[ *DXGLL 1LJKW RI -R\ ZKLFK KDG WKH WKHPH :DONLQJ ZLWK WKH 6DLQWV DWWUDFWHG about 400 youths to the Catholic Archdiocesan Youth Centre at /RURQJ /RZ .RRQ RQ 6HSW Nox Gaudii aims to stir faith in young people through comPXQDO ZRUVKLS SUHDFKLQJ DQG SUD\HU PLQLVWU\ DQG LV XVXDOO\ KHOG PRQWKO\ 'XULQJ WKH UHFHQW FHOHEUDWLRQ participants listened to two young people sharing their pilgrimage H[SHULHQFHV 0V *UDFHPDU\ <DS VKDUHG that her trip to South Korea for the Asian Youth Day in August helped her to realise that “we are called to recognise the goodness RI *RG LQ RXU OLYHV´ 0U 6KDXQ /LX ZKR PDGH D GD\ SLOJULPDJH DORQJ WKH &DPLQR GH 6DQWLDJR RU WKH :D\ RI 6W -DPHV LQ QRUWKZHVWHUQ 6SDLQ VDLG WKH MRXUQH\ RSHQHG D “windowâ€? for him “to encounter *RG´ National University of SingaSRUH FKDSODLQ )U -RYLWD +R GUHZ laughter from the crowd as he

shared anecdotes from his childhood and army days to explain how saints are “called to be our VSLULWXDO SDFHUV´ :KLOH LQ WKH DUP\ KH PDQDJHG WR FORFN D WLPH RI PLQXWHV IRU KLV NP UXQ WKDQNV to the encouragement of his platoon commander and the cheering VXSSRUW RI KLV VHFWLRQ PDWHV -XVW OLNH FKHHUOHDGHUV ÂłVDLQWV DUH JLYHQ WR XV DV FRPSDQLRQV´ KH WROG WKH FURZG DGGLQJ WKDW “there are no losers in a race toZDUGV KHDYHQ WKHUH DUH RQO\ UXQQHUV UXQQLQJ DW GLIIHUHQW VSHHGV´ 2IWHQ SHRSOH IDLO WR UHPHPEHU WKDW VDLQWV MXVW OLNH HYHU\RQH HOVH H[SHULHQFH ÂłKXPDQ GUDPDV OLNH KDSSLQHVV DQG VDGQHVV´ KH VDLG 8VLQJ DQRWKHU DQDORJ\ WKLV time the game of police-and-thief KH SOD\HG DV D FKLOG )U -RYLWD said jokingly that as far as God is FRQFHUQHG Âł\RX FDQ UXQ EXW \RX FDQQRW KLGH´ DV +H ZLOO ÂłWRXFK and transform you until you run KHDYHQZDUG´ 7KH ÂłFKLHI WDJJHU´ LV -HVXV VDLG )U -RYLWD DGGLQJ WKDW KH QRZ invited the youths “to tag each RWKHU´ VSLULWXDOO\ $IWHU WKH WDON WKH \RXQJ SDUticipants took part in Eucharistic adoration and went for confesVLRQ CatholicNews spoke to a few

are no losers ‘There in a race towards heaven, there are only runners running at different speeds.

’

– Fr Jovita Ho

\RXWKV DIWHU WKH HYHQW 6WXGHQW 7DOLD 6KHOOH\ said she found it “refreshing and EXUGHQ OLIWLQJ ,W ZDV QLFH WKDW WKHUH ZDV FRQIHVVLRQ ´ Âł,WÂśV D JRRG FKDQFH WR UHQHZ my faith and to get closer to FKXUFK ´ VDLG 0V $JDWKD /RZ „ lorna.ohara@catholic.org.sg

Young people joining in during praise and worship during the Nox Gaudii event held at the Catholic Archdiocesan Youth Centre. Photos: LEONARD KOH

Sunday October 5, 2014 CatholicNews

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Sunday October 5, 2014 „ CatholicNews

Catholic educators celebrate Teachers’ Day Mass

Msgr Philip Heng incensing the Marian statue during the Church of Our Lady Star of the Sea feast day.

Our Lady Star of the Sea church turns 65 The Church of Our Lady Star of the Sea (OLSS) celebrated its 65th anniversary by holding Novena Masses based on the theme of the family in the Kingdom of God from Sept 10-18. The Masses were celebrated by priests from other churches alongside the parish’s three priests – parish priest Fr J J Fenelon, Fr Stanislaus Pang and Fr Paul Yeo. Each night saw a different priest delivering a homily on topics ranging from the family in God’s plan, the Holy Family as a model, faith formation in the family, being single, the dignity of the human person, family discipleship, challenges to the family, family life and Neighbourhood

Christian Communities (NCC). On the parish’s feast day Mass on Sept 20, Msgr Philip Heng spoke about the family being missionary disciples in the modern world during his homily. The congregation also heard how families had to place Christ at the centre as each and every one of us belonged to a family, if not in blood relations then as members of a community in the NCCs. At present, OLSS serves Catholics living and working in the Sembawang-Nee Soon district. It caters to a parish population of 6,000 which is set to grow to 7,000 once several housing developments are ready. „

Educators and parents attended the special Mass for teachers on Sept 13. Photo: HILARY ISAAC HOE

By Damien Teo More than 200 educators and parents attended a Teachers’ Day Mass organised by the Archdiocesan Commission for Catholic Schools (ACCS). Msgr Ambrose Vaz and Fr Edward Seah celebrated the Mass held on Sept 13 at St Joseph’s Institution Junior. A true educator is someone who not only imparts knowledge, but also “the reason, purpose, and goal in using that knowledgeâ€?, said Msgr Vaz. “All knowledge comes from God, and all knowledge is used to appreciate and serve God,â€? he added. +H DIÂżUPHG WKDW ÂłWKLV LV ZKDW education today is all aboutâ€?. Students are able to learn science and other subjects, but do they also

recognise God as the source of this knowledge, “and to use it to serve Him?� Msgr Vaz asked. Concluding his homily, Msgr Vaz highlighted the Mass’ theme, “Christ, Our Claim to Proclaim�. Through His great act of love and humility, Christ becomes “our reason and essence to be able to teach and communicate knowledge to others. Because essentially, true knowledge, true wisdom, truth itself, is Jesus Christ,� he said. Mr Edwin Lim, 38, who is a teacher at De La Salle School said, “The message today really resonates with me because it isn’t easy to be a teacher, especially when trying to instil values in my students. I don’t see this job as simply teaching or imparting knowledge.�

Mr Timothy Goh, 42, principal of St Joseph’s Institution Junior, associated the patience and love required of teachers to the ORYH H[HPSOLÂżHG E\ -HVXV “Teachers are often prepared WR PDNH VDFULÂżFHV IRU VWXGHQWV ´ he said. “We hope that through events such as this, teachers may get the chance to share with each other and journey together in their calling as a Catholic educator,â€? said Ms Wendy Louis, executive director of ACCS. Other ACCS-organised events in the near future include a yearend gathering for school chaplaincy teams on Oct 10, a gathering of Catholic school leaders and educators on Nov 7, and a Catholic Education Conference on March 16 next year. „

ASIA 11

Sunday October 5, 2014 „ CatholicNews

Pope advances Church radio station produces sainthood cause of ÂśDSRVWOH RI 6UL /DQND¡ FXWRXWV IRU SDSDO ÂśVHOĂ€H¡ MANILA – Ahead of Pope FranVATICAN CITY – Pope Francis

has advanced the sainthood process of Blessed Joseph Vaz, an ,QGLDQ PLVVLRQDU\ FUHGLWHG ZLWK reviving almost single-handedly the Catholic Church in Sri Lanka in the 17th century. During a meeting on Sept 17 ZLWK &DUGLQDO $QJHOR $PDWR prefect of the Congregation for Saints’ Causes, the pope moved WKH VDLQWKRRG SURFHVV IRUZDUG ZLWKRXW IRUPDOO\ UHFRJQLVLQJ D miracle needed for the canonisation of the 17th-century Oratorian missionary from Goa, InGLD NQRZQ DV WKH ÂłDSRVWOH RI 6UL /DQND´ The date for the canonisation is yet to be announced. 6W -RKQ 3DXO ,, EHDWLÂżHG %OHVVHG 9D] GXULQJ KLV ÂżUVW WULS to Sri Lanka in January 1995. 3RSH )UDQFLV ZDV VFKHGXOHG WR YLVLW 6UL /DQND WRJHWKHU ZLWK India, 20 years later, next January. Blessed Vaz, born in India in 1651, entered Sri Lanka in 1687 disguised as a poor labourer in order to minister to the underground Church. At the time, the Dutch had taken control of Sri Lanka’s coastal areas from the Portuguese. Fearing the island’s Catholics might remain loyal to the Portuguese, the Dutch made Catholicism illegal, banished Catholic priests and FRQÂżVFDWHG &DWKROLF FKXUFKHV and schools. Aided by lay leaders, Blessed

Portrait of Blessed Joseph Vaz. He ministered to the Church in Sri Lanka in the 17th century.

9D] RIWHQ ZHQW EDUHIRRW ZLWK D rosary round his neck, ministering to and organising Catholics WKURXJKRXW WKH LVODQG ZKHUH WKH Church had had no priests for over three decades. +H ZDV WKH ORQH &DWKROLF pastor of Sri Lanka until other priests joined him in 1697 at his request. 6XUYLYLQJ WZR \HDUV LQ SULVRQ for being a suspected Portuguese VS\ %OHVVHG 9D] ZDV WKHQ JLYHQ SHUPLVVLRQ WR ZRUN DV D PLVVLRQary in the Sinhalese kingdom of Kandy until his death in 1711. „ UCANEWS.COM

cis’ visit to the Philippines in January, a Church-run radio station is making it easier for )LOLSLQRV WR WDNH D VHOÂżH ZLWK WKH SRSH DW OHDVW ZLWK D OLIH size papal cutout. Fr Anton Pascual, president of Radio Veritas, told reporters on Sept 9 that the project DLPV WR FUHDWH PRUH DZDUHness of the pontiff’s upcoming visit. Âł7KLV LV MXVW WKH ÂżUVW VWDJH RI WKH DZDUHQHVV >FDPSDLJQ@ :H ZLOO FRQGXFW RWKHU DFWLYLWLHV LQ WKH QH[W IHZ PRQWKV ´ Fr Pascual said, adding that the radio station is planning to produce more cutouts to distribute in churches and schools.

Fr Pascual said the 100 cutouts distributed are attracting PDQ\ SHRSOH ZKR ZDQW WR WDNH D VHOÂżH ZLWK WKH SRSH The priest said that the staWLRQ DOVR ZDQWV WR SURPRWH Pope Francis’ advocacies “and PDNH SHRSOH JHW WR NQRZ KLP more through his biography, TXRWHV DQG SLFWXUHV´ Retired Archbishop Oscar Cruz of Lingayen-Dagupan noted the fondness of Filipinos for taking pictures. Âł:KR GRHV QRW ZDQW KLV SLFWXUH WDNHQ ZLWK WKH SRSH DOWKRXJK LWÂśV RQO\ FDUGERDUG ´ he told reporters, adding that the current pontiff is “quite amiable, likeable and a famous SHUVRQDOLW\´

“I think it’s good. People ZLOO EHFRPH PRUH DZDUH WKDW WKH SRSH LV FRPLQJ ´ WKH DUFKbishop said. Early this year, Time maga]LQH FLWHG WZR DGMRLQLQJ 3KLOLSpine cities as being the “selfLH´ FDSLWDO RI WKH ZRUOG ZLWK DW OHDVW VHOÂżH WDNHUV SHU 100,000 people. According to the magazine, the cities of Makati and Pasig in Metro Manila produce “more selfies per capita than any other city in the ZRUOG ´ The city of Cebu in the central Philippines also landed QLQWK RQ WKH OLVW ZLWK VHOÂżH takers per 100,000. „ UCANEWS. COM

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Sunday October 5, 2014 „ CatholicNews

Catholic groups send aid to people affected by tropical storm MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Catholic aid agencies were involved in efforts to help people who were ÀRRGHG RXW RI WKHLU KRPHV E\ D WURSLFDO VWRUP LQ WKH QRUWKHUQ Philippines. $ GRZQSRXU ÀRRGHG 0DQLOD DQG VXUURXQGLQJ FRPPXQLWLHV IRU KRXUV VWDUWLQJ WKH HYHQLQJ RI Sept 18. Forecasters expected that WKH KHDY\ UDLQ ZRXOG FRQWLQXH WKURXJK 6HSW (PHUJHQF\ UHVSRQVH RI¿FLDOV

said 25 percent of the capital region ZDV XQGHU ZDWHU DQG QHDUO\ SHRSOH ZHUH DIIHFWHG E\ WKH WZLQ LPSDFW RI 7URSLFDO 6WRUP )XQJ :RQJ DQG ODWH VXPPHU PRQVRRQV )U $QWRQ 3DFXDO H[HFXWLYH GLUHFWRU RI &DULWDV 0DQLOD VDLG WKH DJHQF\ ZDV IRFXVHG RQ GLVWULEXWLQJ UHOLHI JRRGV LQ ORZ O\LQJ FRPPXQLWLHV ³7KHUH DUH VWLOO DUHDV WKDW DUH ÀRRGHG ´ KH WROG &DWKROLF 1HZV 6HUYLFH RQ 6HSW ³2QO\ WKH WUXFNV FDQ SDVV LQ WKHVH DUHDV 7KH VL[ ZKHHOHUV FDQ KDQGOH LW ´ ,Q VRPH SDUWV RI WKH UHJLRQ FDUV ZHUH VXEPHUJHG DQG SHRSOH ZDGHG WKURXJK FKHVW GHHS ZDWHUV ZKLOH RWKHUV FODPEHUHG RQWR URRIWRSV 5RDGV WXUQHG LQWR ULYHUV with stranded pedestrians waiting on the sidelines. ,Q RQH PXQLFLSDOLW\ JRYHUQPHQW UHVFXH ZRUNHUV IRXJKW UXVKLQJ VLOW ¿OOHG FXUUHQWV WR JHW SHRSOH WR HYDFXDWLRQ FHQWHUV )U 3DFXDO VDLG WKH DJHQF\ RUGHUHG FKXUFKHV LQ WKH 0DQLOD Archdiocese to open their doors to HYDFXHHV

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Fr Anton Pacual, executive director of Caritas Manila, said the agency was focused on distributing relief goods in low-lying communities.

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ASIA 13

Sunday October 5, 2014 CatholicNews

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1st Chinese church dedicated to John Paul II TAIWAN – 7KH ¿UVW FKXUFK GHGL-

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14 WORLD

Sri Lankan bishops launch papal visit website

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Sunday October 5, 2014 CatholicNews

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FAQs on extraordinary synod of bishops Q. When and where is it?

Q. What is its purpose?

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What controversial issues will be discussed?

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Sunday October 5, 2014 „ CatholicNews

Event pushes for religious unity WASHINGTON – 9LROHQFH DJDLQVW

religious groups seems to be at an all-time high around the world, but an annual event in Washington brings people from all faiths together for a day of learning about one another, sharing their beliefs and culture, and working side by side on service projects. It’s called Unity Walk, which has taken place since 2005. This year’s event brought together 1,200 people on Sept 21 for a day that began with a Muslim call to prayer in the city’s largest synagogue, Washington Hebrew Congregation, and was followed by a walk down Embassy Row, where every house of worship opened its doors to visitors. 7KH 9DWLFDQ (PEDVV\ RU DSostolic nunciature, was among the 11 sites that welcomed walkers. Service projects included packaging potatoes and meals for people suffering from hunger and putting together bags of trail mix for the homeless. An information table was set up displaying banners for various faiths, and cultural events at the different stops included various forms of music and ethnic dancing. “When you think of people around the world and the religious hatred and ignorance and

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– Mr Kyle Poole, an organiser

Women of different faiths get information about other religions during the annual Unity Walk in Washington on Sept 21. CNS photo

violence [that takes place] often in the name of religion, this is nice here in Washington to experience 1,000 people of all different faiths who care about each and want to learn about each other,� said Mr

Kyle Poole, a main organiser of Unity Walk. Mr Poole remarked that the election of Pope Francis also has given a bounce to participation in the last couple of years.

The concept for the Unity Walk came out of his involvement with a Habitat for Humanity project that invited faith leaders to build a house together, with many of them doing the construction

work wearing their traditional garb, he said. “In 2005 there was a call for different service projects� for religious groups and out of that came the idea for the walk, Mr Poole told Catholic News Service in a telephone interview on Sept 22. “All put aside their differences to learn about the other and care about the other,� he said. Msgr John Maksymowicz, secretary at the apostolic nunciature, told The Washington Post that Pope Francis has been an inspiration for those participating in Unity Walk, with his talk about helping the poor and his support of interfaith relations. The pope says “we have to walk together. We have to also be true to what we believe,� said the priest, adding that the Washington gathering may not be a major happening but he told the Post that “if you plant seeds� of brotherhood and sisterhood, “there has to be fruit down the road�. „ CNS

Advisers’ 1st draft towards Boys Town founder on route to sainthood major reform of Vatican Three years of God�. Since then documents BOYS TOWN, NEB –

7KH ÂżUVW WRSLF LQFOXGHG WKH ODternational Council of Cardinals ity, the family, “the role of women KDV EHJXQ FUHDWLQJ WKH ÂżUVW GUDIW in society and the Church, youth, of a new apostolic constitution childhood, or matters related to that would implement a major re- lay associations and movements IRUP RI WKH 9DWLFDQ EXUHDXFUDF\ and so onâ€?, he wrote. The papally appointed group The second topic combined of nine cardinal members, held the issues of “justice and peace, its sixth meeting Sept 15-17 with charity, migrants and refugees, 3RSH )UDQFLV DW WKH 9DWLFDQ WR KHOS health, and the protection of life advise him on the reand ecology, espe&16 ÂżOH SKRWR IRUP RI WKH 9DWLFDQÂśV cially human ecoloorganisation and gyâ€?, the written stateChurch governance. ment said. Jesuit Fr Federico The way the dif/RPEDUGL 9DWLFDQ ferent issues were dispokesman, told revided into two major porters on Sept 17 areas seemed to lend that the series of discredence to some cussions have now news reports predictbegun a more “conLQJ WKH 3RQWLÂżFDO creteâ€? phase with Council for the La“putting ink on paLW\ DQG WKH 3RQWLÂżFDO perâ€? in the form of a Vatican spokesperson, Council for the Famdraft for the introduc- Fr Federico Lombardi. ily would be merged tion to a new constiinto one new contution. JUHJDWLRQ DQG WKDW WKH SRQWLÂżFDO “It may be assumed that, with councils for Justice and Peace, the next two meetings of the Cor Unum and Migrants and Travcouncil – Dec 9-11, 2014, and Feb ellers could be combined, since 9-11, 2015 – the draft constitution their areas of focus are closely rewill reach an advanced stage of lated and often overlap. preparation, making it possible for 7KH 9DWLFDQ VSRNHVPDQ VDLG the pope to proceed with further the pope’s Commission for the consultations,â€? the priest said. Protection of Minors will meet on In their three days of talks and Oct 4-5, and any announcements study, the nine cardinals “focused RU FODULÂżFDWLRQV FRQFHUQLQJ QHZ on two principle hotspotsâ€?, the members and the group’s statutes Fr Lombardi, said in his written would be made around that time. „ CNS statement. VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis’ in-

to the day that the Archdiocese RI 2PDKD RIÂżFLDOO\ RSHQHG WKH sainthood cause for Fr Edward )ODQDJDQ ORFDO RIÂżFLDOV SODQ WR VXEPLW LWV ÂżQGLQJV WR WKH 9DWLcan. The announced date of March 17, 2015, will cap what started as a grassroots effort among alumni more than a decade ago for sainthood for the Omaha priest and founder of Boys Town. During a Sept 15 presentation at the Great Hall on the Boys Town campus, Mr Steve Wolf, president of the Fr Flanagan League Society of Devotion, said the process was moving at “lightning speedâ€?. “Their dedication and focus is moving this cause forward at a speed that is almost unheard of,â€? Mr Wolf said.

Fr Edward Flanagan, founder of Boys Town. CNS photo

When the Irish-born priest’s FDXVH ZDV RIÂżFLDOO\ RSHQHG KH was given the title of “servant

have been collected on his life and ministry and testimony gathered from dozens of witnesses who knew of his ministry. That material will be submitted to the 9DWLFDQ The effort has been buoyed by two unrelated, alleged miracles reported April 9, bringing to 16 the number of alleged miracles attributed to Fr Flanagan’s intercession that have been reported to the league over the past 10 years, Mr Wolf said. Having multiple alleged miracles associated at this stage with any cause for sainthood is unusual, Mr Wolf said. But Fr Flanagan’s cause could take years, even after it is submitWHG WR 5RPH RI¿FLDOV ZRUNLQJ RQ the case have said. „ CNS

Brazil’s bishops host national presidential debate SAO PAULO – Brazil’s bishops hosted a debate with eight presidential candidates because, as Cardinal Raymundo Damasceno Assis of Aparecida said, the “Church cannot ignore politics�. During the Sept 16 debate at Aparecida national shrine, bishops and Catholic media representatives asked the candidates questions about major issues for the Brazilian people. Auxiliary Bishop Leonardo

Ulrich Steiner of Brasilia, secretary-general of the bishops’ conference, asked Jose Maria Eymael of the Social Christian Democratic Party about human rights. “What is your programme for those who live on the streets of our cities?� asked Bishop Steiner. Mr Eymael, who has less than 1 percent of the vote in preelection polls, responded that his biggest commitment is with the family and the protection of family values.

Bishop Guilherme Werlang of Ipameri, asked President Dilma Rousseff what she would do to UHGXFH VLJQLÂżFDQWO\ WKH LPPHQVH social inequality that still exists in Brazil. Ms Rousseff said among her top commitments were social inclusion and the reduction of inequality. Cardinal Assis later said the “questions asked were not only of great importance to the Church but to the nationâ€?. „ CNS

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Sunday October 5, 2014 „ CatholicNews

‘A matter of time before life found elsewhere in universe’ ... says the president of the Vatican Observatory Foundation The book addresses questions Consolmagno, the new president about the Big Bang theory on the of the Vatican Observatory Foun- origins of the universe and the credation, has no doubt that life exists ation story in the Book of Genesis, elsewhere in the universe and that the circumstances surrounding the when humanity discovers it, the star of Bethlehem, the end of the news will come as no big surprise. world, and the Church’s inquisiHe suggested that the likely tion of Galileo Galilei as he wrote discovery – whether next month or about a sun-centred solar system. “They’re profound questions a millennium from now – will be received much the way that news and they’re real questions, but the of planets orbiting far off stars has questions aren’t always what you think the words are saying,â€? Br ConÂżOWHUHG LQ VLQFH WKH V “The general public is going to solmagno said. “You have to dig be, ‘Oh, I knew that. I knew it was underneath and say, ‘When people going to be there,’â€? Br Consol- are worried about what was the star magno told Catholic News Service of Bethlehem, they really want to prior to a presentation at a NASA/ know how much does God act in the Library of Congress symposium universe? Did God make that star? on preparing for the discovery of Does God arrange things? Does God use divine coincidences?’â€? OLIH LQ WKH XQLYHUVH RQ 6HSW Br Consolmagno, who had an A planetary scientist who has studied meteorites and asteroids DVWHURLG QDPHG DIWHU KLP LQ Âą as an astronomer with the Vatican &RQVROPDJQR Âą KDV ORQJ EHHQ 2EVHUYDWRU\ VLQFH %U &RQVRO- a promoter of better understanding magno said he hopes the questions across what is often portrayed as about life on other planets will focus the science-religion divide. He said WKHUH LV QR FRQĂ€LFW EHWZHHQ KLV more on how humanity sees itself. faith life and his “When we say human, human While the discovery of VFLHQWLÂżF OLIH “I don’t think as compared to life elsewhere will not people understand what?â€? he asked. prove nor disprove nearly well enough While the discovery of life the existence of God, about being a scientist and about elsewhere will Br Consolmagno being a religious not prove nor disprove the exist- expects it will open the person, a memence of God, he door to ponder what ber of a Religious expects that it will form salvation history order or just a devout Catholic,â€? he open the door to may take in other said. “It’s fun. It’s ponder what form intelligent societies. supposed to be salvation history fun. If it’s not fun, may take in other you’re doing it wrong. God makes intelligent societies. The longtime Vatican astrono- himself known through joy.â€? In his presentation on Sept mer addresses the same question and a series of others that cross the ZKLFK KDG WKH VDPH WLWOH DV threshold between science and re- his new book, Br Consolmagno ligion in a new book, “Would You suggested the idea of discovering Baptize an Extraterrestrial? ... and extraterrestrial life may be so apOther Strange Questions From the pealing to humanity, with all its Inbox at the Vatican Observatoryâ€? pain, injustice and disease, that there is hope that “any race adset to be published in October. Co-written by Jesuit Fr Paul vanced enough to cross the stars Mueller, another Vatican Obser- to visit us must also be advanced vatory astronomer, the book uses enough to show us how to overa series of easy-to-read conversa- come all those human illsâ€?. He also is planning the Vatican tions between the two in an effort to explain how the Church sup- 2EVHUYDWRU\ )RXQGDWLRQÂśV ÂżUVW ports science and provide insight Faith and Astronomy Workshop for clergy, Religious and laypeointo how religion works. Not all is as black and white ple working in parish education. 6HW IRU -DQ LQ 7XFVRQ as people imagine, and there’s no FRQĂ€LFW EHWZHHQ VFLHQFH DQG UHOL- Arizona, in the US, the workshop will give 25 participants the gion, Br Consolmagno said. “Eventually you learn that the chance to participate in hand-on kinds of questions you ask as a astronomical projects, join lectures scientist and the kinds of answers and view deep sky objects at night. The application deadline is you get as a scientist are only the kinds of questions that lead to Sept 30. Apply at www.vofoundamore questions,â€? he explained. tion.org. „ CNS

WASHINGTON – Jesuit Br Guy

Jesuit Br Guy Consolmagno, president of the Vatican Observatory Foundation, is seen with the observatory’s meteorite collection. He is publishing a book titled ‘Would You Baptize an Extraterrestrial? ... and Other Strange Questions From the Inbox at the Vatican Observatory’. &16 ÂżOH SKRWR

Gemma Galgani – Gem of Christ

Augustine of Hippo Introduction to the conversion story of one of the Church’s greatest saints. St Augustine was a bishop, a father of the Church and a Doctor of the Church, but above all is a man with an extraordinary story to tell. The famous Confessions of St Augustine to recount the wonderful journey from a life of sin and error to a life lived for Christ and his fellow Christians. Augustine’s spiritual insights are as fresh and valuable today as when they were written 1600 years ago. 2014-9012

As war raged in 1940s Europe, Gemma Galgani, a young and beautiful Italian girl, was made a saint. Her life of goodness and suffering, together with her writings of the love of God, have left a role model of Christian living for many young people living in this secular age. She carried the five wounds of Christ and is considered by many a visionary and mystic. 2014-9008

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S$6.00 Francis de Sales George Images of Saint George on horseback slaying the dragon are well known. What of his life, his story, his context, his links to England, his place in the liturgy? St George appears in verse, art and drama. There are well known devotions associated with him. All this and more is explored and explained in this highly informative booklet. 2014-9025

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Despite poor health, his fine mind, legal training and powerful pen, coupled with his great faith and zeal, made him a persuasive and effective debater against the Calvinism of his time. Francis (15671622) became Bishop of Geneva, where he died, exhausted, at only 55. This booklet introduces the reader to his writings. 2014-9004

S$6.00 Ignatius of Loyola

John Bosco Life and spiritual and educational legacy of the Founder of the Salesians. The inspiring account of a poor boy from Piedmont who discovered his vocation to look after the street urchins of nineteenth-century Turin, going on to found one of the Church’s most famous Religious Orders for the care of youngsters. Defamed, deemed ‘mad’, and shot at, Fr Bosco’s complete faith in the Holy Spirit guided him through the greatest obstacles, while nurturing in him his abiding love and respect for children and the poor. 2014-9005

This is the story of the striking journey Ignatius made in exchanging the pursuit of worldly pleasure and power for spiritual combat, thus becoming one of the most intriguing and true contemplatives in action. 2014-9018

S$6.00 Benedict – Patron of Europe

In renouncing the world of her time and embracing poverty, Clare risked everything to be a disciple of Christ. 2014-9022

This booklet tells the story of St Benedict’s life, his novel monasteries and his many famous followers down the centuries. Most of all, the untold influence of his celebrated ‘Rule’ on sixth century - and twenty-first century - European life and culture is explored, particularly in the light of current concerns over a pervading de-Christianisation of Europe, its institutions, and its soul. 2014-9026

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S$7.00 Clare of Assisi

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Sunday October 5, 2014 CatholicNews

Dominic Dominic Guzman and his ‘Order of Preachers’ criss-crossed the inhospitable paths of Europe to preach the Gospel and to combat the half-truths of their day. 2014-9010

S$6.00 Anthony of Padua Anthony of Padua has become one of the most popular saints, well known for the many favours granted through his intercession. His short life as one of the first Franciscans saw him go from his home in Portugal to Italy where his preaching and miracles gained many souls for Christ. The booklet also contains devotions and prayers. 2014-9017

S$6.00 Catherine of Siena St Catherine of Siena, mystic, doctor of the Church, patron of Italy and of Europe has always been considered one of the great women of the Church. 2014-9013

S$6.00 John of the Cross Familiar with tragedy from an early age, John of the Cross became a towering spiritual figure in his own time, only to be despised and rejected by many. 2014-9009

G.K. Chesterton Chesterton was a convert to Catholicism and a prolific novelist, critic, biographer, journalist. Above all, he was a defender of the faith and common sense which he saw in everything natural and good. But what transpires from the flamboyance and humour of his poetry and prose is a man in love with life and with God. 2014-9023

S$6.00 Father Damien Aged 33, Fr Damien de Veuster left his mission parish to work among the lepers of Hawaii. Like Christ himself, he became rejected for the rejected, a leper for the lepers: something rare in a world that wants to eliminate suffering. 2014-9020

Margaret of Castello Margaret’s story shows how God has a purpose for even the most unfortunate and disadvantaged; that His gifts may shine strongly in any of us, whatever our situation in this life. 2014-9003

S$6.00 Margaret Sinclair Sr Mary Francis, a Poor Clare nun. Her short life invites us to consider Christ afresh, full of love and tenderness, always fighting for our happiness. 2014-9021

S$6.00 Cardinal Manning & the Birth of Catholic Social Teaching

S$7.00 Louis and Zélie Martin – Parents of Thérèse of Lisieux Louis and Zélie, the parents of Thérèse of Lisieux were business people, experienced joys and tragedies, including the loss of children, of a wife to cancer and the suffering of mental illness. They made mistakes but lived a life deeply grounded in prayer, faith and a great love for the Church. Fr Redmond uses letters and many biographical details to describe the soil in which the ‘Little Flower’ grew. 2014-9007

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Cardinal Nguyen Van Thuan

In this new biography, Cardinal Manning is revealed as one of the greatest men of his age, an inspirational figurehead who inspired massive depth of affection. 2014-9015

S$7.00 John Henry Newman As a pastor, priest and friend he offered lasting counsel to many people and truly lived out the demands of the gospel. 2014-9024

S$7.00 Dorothy Day

Archbishop Sheen continues to inspire people as they realise that he provided answers for the same problems that we face today. His reputation for holiness is why the cause for his canonisation began in 2002 and continues to progress. 2014-9011

Courageous life story of the Vietnamese Cardinal imprisoned for 13 years by the communists. Highly intelligent, able and gifted, and above all a man of deep faith, Thuan’s spiritual journey - along with his life before and after - is chronicled here. A testimony to Christian love, fortitude and forgiveness, where the light of hope never dims. 2014-9006

The life, times and thought of a modern-day saint An American journalist and political activist who converted to Catholicism following a profound existential crisis in her late twenties, Day founded the Catholic Worker Movement and Newspaper, and dedicated her life to the cause of peace, opposition to nuclear weapons and service of the poor. In 2000, Rome recognised the cause for her beatification. 2014-9016

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Fulton Sheen – Evangelist of the Modern Age

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Jerzy Popieluszko In life and death this young and unassuming priest, courageous beyond his means whose mutilated body was dumped in the Wisla River, lived in his flesh Christ’s call to love the enemy, This chilling reminder of modern-day totalitarian brutality is surpassed only by the overwhelming hope that the victory of the Truth, Christ Crucified, brings to today’s world. He was beatified in 2010. 2014-9001

was written for Christian gentiles of some social standing. Luke’s gospel is remarkable for its attention to the birth and early life of Jesus and contains important events such as the Annunciation and great liturgical prayers. 2014-9028

for several decades was considered one of the great literary figures of the age. He was President of the Oxford Union as a student and later on a Member of Parliament. It was Belloc’s vigorous desire to defend Christendom against the attacks of socialism, capitalism and secularism that inspired much of his writing. 2014-9002

is completely different. John the evangelist is traditionally identified with the Apostle John mentioned throughout the text as the disciple that Jesus loved. John’s gospel is remarkable for its prologue on the word becoming flesh and Jesus’ great priestly prayer at the last Supper. 2014-9033

S$6.00 Advent & Christmas – Catholic Customs & Traditions

The Acts of the Apostles

This handy booklet sets out the rich heritage of customs long practised by Catholics during the seasons of Advent and Christmas. 2014-9030

Matthew’s gospel was written for the early Judaeo-Christian community. It contains some of the most important passages for Christianity including the Sermon on the Mount, the Lord’s Prayer and the great commission to go out and evangelise all nations. 2014-9019

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A short history of the many roles the papacy has played in the spiritual and temporal history of the world. 2014-9049

S$6.00 Forty Martyrs of England & Wales The lives of the forty English martyrs who, to the last, joyfully died for their faith canonised in 1970 by Paul VI. Their immortal stories among this group of courageous people whose lives were inextricably caught up in the religious persecution in England and Wales during the 1500s and 1600s. This enlarged edition of an ever popular booklet will continue to amaze and inspire generations to come. 2014-9043

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S$6.00 Lent & Easter – Catholic Customs & Traditions

S$7.00 The Gospel According to Matthew

A History of the Papacy

Discover the rich Catholic cultural heritage. Spanning the seasons of Lent, Easter and to Pentecost, practiced by Catholics down the ages, up to today. Shrovetide, ashes, mardi gras, fasting, almsgiving, pilgrimage, special saints days, simnel cake, palms, Easter eggs, Easter bunnies, Holy week, hot cross buns, processions - these are just some of the many fascinating traditional practices associated with the religious festivals. 2014-9035

S$7.00 Edmund Campion

S$7.00 Heresy through the Ages

The Gospel According to Mark

This fully updated biography tells of the life, ministry, imprisonment and death of ‘Westminster’s Parish Priest’. 2014-9038

S$6.00 The Letters of Paul The letters of St Paul and the others which have been traditionally ascribed to him, have been uniquely influential on Christian belief and understanding. The letters, written sometimes from prison to real Church communities of the 1st century AD confront most of the Spiritual, theological and practical problems that have faced Christians through the ages, and maintain their vivacity, beauty and practicality to this day. 2014-9047

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Mark’s gospel was written for gentile Christians, and is widely considered to be the most ancient of the four gospels. It is not known exactly who Mark was but his gospel has been linked with the teaching of the Apostle Peter. Mark’s is the shortest and easiest to read of the gospels but often the most pithy and vibrant introduction to the good news. 2014-9027

The Church has had to combat a number of recurring beliefs and ideas which misunderstood and distorted the Faith passed down from the Apostles. Fr Bertram runs through the five main heresies and their various manifestations from Arianism to Modernism, and explains how they were and are being resisted and overcome. 2014-9045

Life of the brilliant scholar and heroic martyr, accomplished writer, and deacon of the Protestant Church, Campion became disenchanted with the ‘new religion’, and was ordained as a Catholic Priest in 1578. He was one of the first Jesuits sent on the English mission, but was captured within a year. Condemned by a rigged jury on the false charge of plotting against Queen Elizabeth, he was executed at London’s Tyburn. 2014-9048

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Unique, meditative visitor’s guide to the principal places of Thérèse’s life. Takes you to the principal places of Thérèse, provides you with a coherent commentary, and suggests some appropriate prayers and meditations at each place. For anyone who ‘bumps into Thérèse’ during their life - it will lead them to Lisieux to learn more about her life and times. 2014-9055

S$6.00 Companion to the Book of Revelation The last book of the Bible can also be the most intimidating and the hardest to understand. Its wide use of obscure symbols, strange numbers and bizarre imagery can leave readers perplexed and bemused. 2014-9034

S$6.00 John the Baptist A casual yet informative method to learn about John the Baptist. The aim of this book is to develop a unified portrait of this complex figure. 2014-9036

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Margaret Clitherow – One of the forty Martyrs A butcher’s wife from York, Margaret was brought up in the new protestant religion, but was reconciled to the Catholic Church in 1574. She suffered brutal execution following years of apostolic activity, including harbouring Catholic priests. She had refused to plead at her trial in order to spare her children and servants from testifying against her. 2014-9044

Lisieux – Pilgrim’s Companion

John Southworth

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The Gospel According to John

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is a gripping story which follows the adventures of Paul and the other Apostles taking the gospel to the ends of the earth. It contains the famous Pentecost narrative and the vital role of the Holy Spirit in the newly formed Church. 2014-9014

Is the Church against Science and Reason? The Galileo controversy has become a paragon of faith’s supposed hostility towards science. 2014-9054

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S$6.00 Hilaire Belloc

Galileo – Science & Faith

The Gospel According to Luke

Sunday October 5, 2014 CatholicNews

Companion to the Order of Mass The new English language translation of the Missal uncovers many links between Scripture and the Liturgy that have hitherto been obscured. 2014-9039

S$7.00 Devotion to St Jude – Patron of Hopeless Cases

One of the twelve apostles, St Jude is possibly the least well known, though famous for his power of intercession on behalf of those in difficult circumstances. 2014-9041

Companion to Praying with the Bible For many the Bible remains a closed book, inaccessible, difficult to understand or study. In this Companion, Fr Mattam opens up a whole range of possibilities. 2014-9029

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S$6.00 St Francis Xavier Here is the remarkable story of the life of St Francis Xavier who pioneered the missionary. This book will certainly be a source of inspiration for Priests, Religious, Missionaries and lay people. 2014-9050

Companion to the Feasts of Mary This handy Companion is designed to accompany the reader through the various feasts of the Virgin Mary as they occur during the year. 2014-9053

S$6.00 Church Fathers – From Clement of Rome to Augustine

S$3.00 St Alphonsa A Woman of the Beatitudes – Here is a beautiful book that allows us a glimpse into the spirituality of St Alphonsa. 2014-9031

This book is a wonderful way to get to know the Church Fathers and the tremendous spiritually rich patrimony they have bequeathed to us. 2014-9042

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Fr Willie Doyle & World War I – A Chaplain’s Story A brave and popular Catholic chaplain, Willie lived a life of great courage, adventure and personal holiness. He offers great hope to displaced generations of today. 2014-9040

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Lumen Fidei – The Light of Faith Lumen Fidei, the first Encyclical Letter of Pope Francis comes at the end of the Year of Faith which has been a great moment of reflection for all Catholics on what it is that we believe. 2014-9032

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S$7.00 Peace of Soul Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen brilliantly examines the vast differences between the benefits of psychotherapy and true confession that leads to conversion. While one may help the patient gain some peace of mind, the Christian gains something far greater through the grace of Confession: peace of soul. 2014-9052

S$7.00 John Paul II – The Road to Sainthood In May 2011 Pope John Paul II was beatified, only six years after his death. The long life of John Paul has been an extraordinary journey from his humble origins in Southern Poland to the See of Peter. 2014-9037

S$8.00 Fighting Corruption & Sin Pope Francis ministered in a country that suffered greatly from the effects of corruption in public and private life. 2014-9056

Jesus before Christianity Nolan’s portrait of Jesus introduces readers to Jesus as He was before He became enshrined in doctrine, dogma, and ritual, a man deeply involved with the real problems of His time, which are the real problems of our time as well. 2014-9081

S$8.00 Christian Fasting – Disciplining the Body Awakening the Spirit

Lumen Gentium – On the Church Vatican Council II

Benedict XV & World War I – Courageous Prophet of Peace This booklet examines how he (Benedict XV) and so many others worked courageously to stop the carnage against all the odds. 2014-9046

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Sunday October 5, 2014 CatholicNews

The Second Vatican Council (Vatican II) was one of the most significant events in the life of the modern Church. Between October 1962 and December 1965 the largest ever gathering of Catholic bishops answered the call of Pope John XXIII to let some fresh air into the Church. 2014-9057

S$15.50 A Guide to Morning and Evening Prayer This Guide is intended for anyone who wants to learn how to pray ‘The Prayer of the Church’, also known as the ‘Divine Office’, ‘Liturgy of Hours’ or ‘Breviary’. 2014-9076

S$6.00 Devotions to Our Lady of Perpetual Succour From the cross, Christ gave his mother to be mother of all Christians and of the whole Church. Her tender care and intercession in turn have long been sought by means of this devotion, and captured in the image of the celebrated icon dating from the fourteenth century. The devotion’s history is here explained and accompanied by a rich collection of appropriate prayers, litanies and novenas, for private and communal use. 2014-9058

This new booklet explores the Catholic understanding of fasting using Scripture and the teachings of Christ and his Church to a rediscovering of our Catholic identity. The meaning and value of fasting aligned with almsgiving and prayer is beautifully explained - and complemented by quotations and a question-and-answer section. The Friday Penance is also discussed. 2014-9068

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Pope Benedict lucidly and beautifully explains the many profound lessons Lourdes has to teach the people of today: principal among them that Love is the true cure for all illnesses, sorrows, sufferings and despair. 2014-9069

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S$6.00 A Catholic Prayer Book

Contains a wide variety of prayers to accompany us through the day, with well known Catholic devotions, suited to both private and shared settings. 2014-9063

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A highly readable and accessible text.

Doctors of the Church – The 33 Great Catholic Teachers The Doctors of the Church were saints who were devoted to the Word of God, eager to listen to the Holy Spirit, and to pass on to others what they had learned. 2014-9077

A Simple S$7.00 Glossary of Catholic Terms – Revised and Expanded This glossary, now considerably expanded and revised, is intended to explain some of the curious words and usages found in Catholic terminology. It is an ideal guide for all Catholics, and very suitable for giving to those entering communion with us. 2014-9082

This book examines the joys and pleasures of the Christian life through the Song of Songs and the Psalms. 2014-9074

Is Jesus really present in the Eucharist

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Desire & Delight – Intimacy with God through the Scriptures

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2014-9083

This handy booklet provides the perfect companion for pilgrims and seekers whether heading for Glastonbury, or just curious about his intriguing place. 2014-9067

Lourdes – Love is the True Cure

This booklet offers brief biographies of the saints of the English calendar as well as suggestions of places to visit in connection with each saint and quotations from the saint’s own writings. 2014-9073

Glastonbury – A Pilgrim’s Companion

Lent with the Saints

Living the Mass This text helps us to recall the wonderful opportunity at every Mass to meet God in word and sacrament. 2014-9065

S$6.00 Into Your Hands, Father – Abandoning Ourselves to the God Who Loves Us In this simple but profound book, the acclaimed spiritual writer Carmelite Father Wilfrid Stinissen surrenders to God and distinguishes three degrees or stages in abandonment. 2014-9089

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This little companion to private reflection will offer ready sustenance to those setting out on the joyful road to Easter. 2014-9066

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Seek First the Kingdom – Challenging the Culture by Living Our Faith

A Newman Prayer Book

S$6.00 Seeking Jesus in the Old Testament

A Year with the English Saints

Helping Kids in Crisis – Recognize, Respond, Refer Each chapter provides illustrative cases, lists signs and symptoms, and suggests when and from whom to seek additional professional help. The chapters deal with such issues as addictions, behavioral and mental illnesses, bereavement, suicide, divorce, and violence. 2014-9094

As Bishop, Pope Francis’ formation was marked especially by his work with the priests and parishes of the slums of Buenos Aires. 2014-9051

Join Dr. Silvano in contemplating the beauty of Scripture, inspired by the Holy Spirit and made real by our Savior. As you come to know the Old Testament, you will come face-to-face with Jesus. Discover the Old Testament fully revealed and embrace God’s plan! 2014-9096

This selection of brief extracts from Cardinal Newman’s Meditations and Devotions will introduce people to the mind and spirit of Newman, and enable many to prepare and participate in the Church’s joy. The selection of extracts has been arranged so that there is a prayer for each day of the month. Two morning and evening prayers, taken from his unpublished writings, are also included. 2014-9060

In this insightful and highly relevant book, Cardinal Donald Wuerl makes the case that Catholics do not have the option of absenting themselves from the world, taking refuge in a completely private spirituality. As citizens of two worlds, it is precisely within the context of our faith that we can play a decisive role while furthering the goals of the kingdom of God. 2014-9084

CTS’s classic compilation of Catholic prayers, including the Order of Mass in its new English translation. 2014-9078

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S$6.00 Interviews with a Future Pope

S$45.00 A Simple Prayer Book

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The popular bestseller Where is that in the Bible? showed the Scriptural basis for often-questioned Catholic doctrines. Now the same author tackles the other half of the divine revelation. When someone accuses the Catholic Church of adding man-made doctrinal aberrations that go against Scripture, this is the book to reach for. 2014-9061

Despite the frequency in which we attend Mass or the fervor in which we participate, how deeply do we truly understand this Eucharistic celebration? 2014-9062

S$15.00 The Creed in Scripture (Lectio Divina Bible Studies)

S$19.50 Where is that in the Bible? When non-Catholics start quoting Bible verses to “prove” that Catholic teachings aren’t biblical, reach for this powerful Bible-based explanation and defense of the Catholic Faith! 2014-9070

S$19.50 Families and Faith – A Vision and Practice for Leaders When the church of the home and the church of the parish work together, then lasting faith formation occurs for all ages. In Families and Faith: A Vision and Practice for Parish Leaders, eight authors – all of whom are experienced in family and parish ministry – show how the family’s ability to be a centre of religious activity can be rekindled. 2014-9104

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S$21.50 Apologia – Catholic Answer to today’s Questions

This book will help parents to live and pass on the Catholic Faith within their families in a lively and practical way, and give them the confidence to answer the numerous and often challenging faith-related questions that children ask. 2014-9103

S$16.00 Open the Door – A Journey to the True Self

The Creed, proclaimed in Christian initiation and Eucharistic liturgy, professes the faith of the ancient church. Discover how and why we proclaim belief in God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and in the church as one, holy, catholic, and apostolic. Explore how the Scriptures formed the Creed and how the Creed continues to guide our interpretation of Scripture. 2014-9071

Structured as a daily prayer guide for everyday use over six weeks, each day offers a thematic reflection, a guided meditation, an original prayer, a thoughtful question, and a related scripture quote. A built-in guide for small groups makes this the perfect resource for groups of all kinds as well as individuals. 2014-9087

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S$14.00 The Sacraments in Scripture (Lectio Divina Bible Studies)

The Bible testifies to the crucial role that the Sacraments play in God’s relationship with humankind. Yet sometimes we take them for granted and miss the true power and significance each Sacrament represents. 2014-9075

Doers of the Word – Putting Your Faith into Practice Doers of the Word to share a unique combination of simplicity, practicality, and guidance to give our faith a daily dose of meaning and application. 2014-9092

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S$15.00 Learning to Pray in the Scripture (Lectio Divina Bible Studies)

Advent and Christmas with Fulton J. Sheen Those looking to grow in their prayer life and become more attuned to the joy of Advent and Christmas will find a wonderful guide in this spiritual companion. 2014-9098

Faith in the Family – A Handbook for Parents

The Mass in Scripture (Lectio Divina Bible Studies)

Why is that in Tradition?

Sunday October 5, 2014 CatholicNews

From the Angel’s Blackboard

In Lectio Divina Bible Study: Learning to Pray in Scripture, Binz shows us how various characters in the Bible prayed and what they can teach us about prayer. 2014-9079

Divided into three categories (Mind, Heart, Spirit), these pieces cut deeply and honestly to the heart of the reader. These powerful selections should be savored not only by those who remember enjoying Sheen but also by all. 2014-9059

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S$10.00 Good News about Sex & Marriage

Live Advent at Home – Daily Prayers and Activities for Families This day-byday booklet for families is a perfect companion for the season of Advent. Each week begins with a reflection on the Sunday Gospel for parents and children to read together, followed by t %BJMZ 3FøFDUJPOT t "DUJWJUJFT BOE t 4JNQMF 1SBZFST for a meaningful and fruitful Advent. 2014-9097

The Gift of Simplicity – Heart, Mind, Body, Soul The Gift of Simplicity helps move our minds beyond the realm of human thought and human reasoning; it is then when wisdom instigates in us a new way of thinking. The more seriously we approach the theme of Gospel simplicity, the more convinced we become of its intrinsic value as a vital antidote to some of our contemporary ills. 2014-9106

S$26.00 Saints of Asia – 1500 to the Present

S$11.00 Joyful Meditations for Every Day of Advent – Years A, B, and C Christian joy is the constant awareness of the loving presence of Jesus, the Son of God, in our hearts. Advent is a time when we open our minds and hearts to search for the light of love, compassion, and peace in the Word of God. 2014-9088

Millions of Catholics populate the Philippines and India, while Asian and Pacific Island Catholics in the U.S.A. represent ever-increasing proportions, and the worldwide Church is reaping the benefits. 3FMBUJWF UP UIF SBUIFS SFDFOU introduction of Catholicism, Asia has a high number of saints, most of them martyrs. 2014-9102

S$22.00 Handbook of Novenas to the Saints – Short Prayer for Needs and Graces

S$11.50 Patron Saints – Saints for Every Member of Your Family, Every Profession, Every Ailment, Every Emergency, and Even Every Amusement When you need a little extra help in your corner, who are you going to call? Who would have guessed that there is a patron saint for astronauts, or zookeepers, or bloggers? You know to pray to St Blaise to protect you from a sore throat, but which saint will protect you against snake bite, or being struck by lightning? 2014-9105

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This booklet contains newly composed novena prayers asking for the intercession of various saints. 2014-9099

S$7.00 Advent Reflections – Come Lord Jesus! Using contemporary stories connected to the lives of Mary, Joseph, Jesus, and John the Baptist, Archbishop Dolan leads you through refreshing and insightful meditations to make the most of this Advent season. 2014-9091

S$11.00 Don’t be afraid to be Saints

A Year With the Church Fathers

CREDO – The Catholic Faith Explained

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WORLD

Sunday October 5, 2014 CatholicNews

Scottish bishops urge Catholics to join debate after independence vote MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – The Catholic bishops of

Scotland said they accept the results of referendum in which Scot voters rejected independence. In a Sept 19 statement, the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland also commended “all those who participated in what was a passionate and sometimes partisan debate”. “The vast majority of Scots engaged with the referendum and it is our hope that we can all now cooperate for WKH EHQH¿W RI RXU QDWLRQ LQ the future,” it said. The Sept 18 vote on whether Scotland should leave the United Kingdom was rejected by a 55 percent to 45 percent margin. The issue of independence had generated intense feelings among advocates on both sides, and the days leading to the vote were marred by reports of violence,

A voter leaves a polling station in Portree, Scotland, on Sept 18. CNS photo

vandalism and intimidation, mostly, though not exclusively, by those campaigning in favour of an end to the 300-year union. The bishops also urged the Catholic community to “continue to engage in public debate and decision-making and, in doing so,

to uphold the meaning and importance of the Christian message”. “May God bless Scotland,” the statement concluded. Cardinal Vincent Nichols of Westminster, president of the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, endorsed the Scottish bishops’ statement. A spokesman for the cardinal said on Sept 19 that “All Catholics are encouraged to continue to engage in public debate and GHFLVLRQ PDNLQJ DV FRQ¿dently we seek to make the face of Christ known and together work for the common good.” Queen Elizabeth II, faced with the possible breakup of her kingdom, entered the debate to urge the Scottish electorate to think very carefully about what the consequences of their vote might be. CNS

21

22 WORLD

Sunday October 5, 2014 „ CatholicNews

Feast days of John Paul II, John XXIII in Church’s calendar

Ukraine’s bishops urge govts to ‘stop bloodshed’ in their country LVIV, UKRAINE – Ukraine’s Cath-

The feast day of St John XXIII (left) is Oct 11 while that for St John Paul II is Oct 22. &16 ÂżOH SKRWR VATICAN CITY – In light of “count-

less requests from every part of the world�, Pope Francis has approved putting Sts John Paul II and John XXIII on the Church’s universal calendar of feast days. Called the General Roman Calendar, it is the universal schedule of holy days and feast days for the Latin rite of the Catholic Church. The two saints’ feast days, both of which have the ranking of an optional memorial, are Oct 11 for St John XXIII, the anniversary

of the day in 1962 that he opened the Second Vatican Council, and Oct 22 for St John Paul II, the anniversary of the inauguration of KLV SRQWL¿FDWH LQ The Vatican newspaper, L’Osservatore Romano, published the decree from the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments on Sept 11. The pope determines the feast days in the Universal Church’s calendar based on recommendations from the congregation for worship. „ CNS

olic bishops have warned their FRXQWU\ LV QRZ ³ÀRZLQJ LQ EORRG´ and urged Western governments not to become “accomplices in the sin of murderâ€? by failing to support the European nation. “This peaceful sovereign nation has been subjected to a direct military intervention by a northern neighbour – hundreds of units of heavy weaponry and technology, thousands of armed mercenaries and soldiers of Russia’s standing army are crossing the borders of Ukraine, sowing death and destruction, in disreJDUG IRU WKH WHUPV RI WKH FHDVHÂżUH and recent diplomatic efforts,â€? the bishops said. “If these crimes are not stopped immediately, with the onset of the winter cold the death toll will increase tenfold. Those who kill people in Ukraine today will not hesitate tomorrow to turn their weaponry against anyone in their own country and beyond its borders, or to attack any other nation in the world.â€? The statement was published on Sept 10 during a weeklong meeting of the Ukrainian Catholic Church’s governing synod. It said the “real state of affairsâ€? in Ukraine was being distorted by propaganda, which had

Pro-Russian separatists stand guard at a checkpoint near Donetsk, Ukraine, on Sept 4. Ukraine’s bishops have released a statement on the situation in their country. &16 SKRWR

reached an “unprecedented level of hatred� and proved “no less damaging than weapons of mass destruction�. “In the face of such grave crimes, we call out to the consciences of believers of all religions and faiths, and we appeal to all people of good will, to heads of state and members of the international community: Stop the bloodshed in Ukraine,� the bishops said. “Silence or inaction and reluctance to recognise the gravity of the situation in our country can

turn everyone not only into a mute or indifferent witness, but also into an accomplice to the sin of murder, which cries to heaven for justice.â€? The bishops said many people had been kidnapped, tortured and publicly humiliated, while hundreds of thousands of refugees ZHUH EHLQJ ÂłIRUFHG WR Ă€HH WKHLU homes due to threats against their livesâ€?. The bishops called for “urgent prayers for the end of aggression and the restoration of a lasting and comprehensive peaceâ€?. „ CNS

5HOXFWDQFH WR UHFRJQLVH WKH JUDYLW\ ‘ RI WKH VLWXDWLRQ FDQ WXUQ HYHU\RQH LQWR DQ DFFRPSOLFH WR WKH VLQ RI PXUGHU ’

– Ukraine’s Catholic bishops

POPE FRANCIS 23

Sunday October 5, 2014 „ CatholicNews

World undergoing ‘World War III in bits and pieces’ 3HWHU¶V 6TXDUH RQ 6HSW D GD\ XS LQ DUPV WRGD\ ZLWK D NLQG RI DIWHU D YLVLW WR ,WDO\¶V ODUJHVW PH³:RUOG :DU ,,, >ZDJHG> µLQ ELWV PRULDO IRU :RUOG :DU , VROGLHUV DQG SLHFHV¶ ZLWK FULPLQDO DFWV ± 5HGLSXJOLD D WRZQ LQ QRUWKHDVW ,WDO\ QHDU WKH ERUGHU PDVVDFUHV DQG GHCNS photo ZLWK 6ORYHQLD VWUXFWLRQ ´ VDLG 7KH SRSH VDLG 3RSH )UDQFLV LW LV EHOLHYHG WKDW ³7R EH KRQHVW PRUH WKDQ PLOWKH QHZVSDSHU IURQW OLRQ VROGLHUV DQG SDJH VKRXOG KDYH PLOOLRQ FLYLOLDQV WKH KHDGOLQH µ:KDW GLHG GXULQJ WKH GR , FDUH"¶´ IRXU \HDU ORQJ FRQ³7KRVH ZKR SORW ÀLFW WKDW EHJDQ WHUURU RUJDQLVDWLRQV \HDUV DJR IXHOOLQJ FRQÀLFW DV 7KH QXPEHU RI ZHOO DV DUPV PDQXVR PDQ\ ORVW OLYHV IDFWXUHUV DOO KDYH ³OHWV XV VHH KRZ µ:KDW GR , FDUH¶ PXFK ZDU LV LQVDQHQJUDYHG LQ WKHLU LW\´ VDLG WKH SRSH KHDUWV ´ KH VDLG ³:KHQ ZLOO ZH $QG OLNH &DLQ OHDUQ WKLV OHVVRQ"´ WKHLU KHDUWV KDYH EHFRPH VR FRU- Pope Francis walks through KH DVNHG WHOOLQJ UXSW ³WKH\¶YH ORVW the Austro-Hungarian cem- SHRSOH WR ORRN DW WKH WKH DELOLW\ WR FU\´ etery for soldiers of World FUXFL¿HG &KULVW ³WR XQGHUVWDQG WKDW KDPXFK OHVV GR ZKDW War I in Redipuglia, Italy. WUHG DQG HYLO DUH GH-HVXV DVNV ± WR KHOS WKH VLFN WKH ZRXQGHG DQG WKH IHDWHG ZLWK IRUJLYHQHVV DQG JRRG DQG WR XQGHUVWDQG WKDW UHVSRQGLQJ KXQJU\ WKH SRSH VDLG 7KH SRSH¶V UHPDUNV FDPH DI- ZLWK ZDU RQO\ DXJPHQWV HYLO DQG WHU KH SUD\HG WKH $QJHOXV DW 6W GHDWK´ „ CNS

VATICAN CITY – 7KH ZRUOG LV VWLOO

Couples kneel as Pope Francis celebrates the marriage rite for them during a Mass in St Peter’s Basilica on Sept 14. CNS photo

Couples with kids or living together get married at papal Mass VATICAN CITY – 3UHVLGLQJ RYHU

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Our wanting to get married in the Church stems from no longer wanting to live in a union and with feelings that are deprived of some of the sacraments.

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– Gabriella, speaking of her UHODWLRQVKLS ZLWK KHU ¿DQFH now her huband

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Body to streamline annulment process VATICAN CITY – 7ZR ZHHNV EHIRUH WKH VWDUW RI DQ H[-

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QDOV DUH QRW VXI¿FLHQW IRU WKLV ´ WKH SRSH WROG UHSRUWHUV LQ -XO\ +H UHODWHG WKH SUREOHP RI DQQXOPHQWV WR WKH VLWXDWLRQ RI GLYRUFHG DQG FLYLOO\ UHPDUULHG &DWKROLFV ZKRVH SUHGLFDPHQW KH VDLG H[HPSOL¿HV D JHQHUDO QHHG IRU PHUF\ LQ WKH &KXUFK WRGD\ $FFRUGLQJ WR &KXUFK WHDFKLQJ VXFK &DWKROLFV PD\ QRW UHFHLYH &RPPXQLRQ XQOHVV WKH\ REWDLQ DQ DQQXOPHQW RI WKHLU ¿UVW VDFUDPHQWDO PDUULDJH RU DEVWDLQ IURP VH[XDO UHODWLRQV OLYLQJ ZLWK WKHLU QHZ SDUWQHUV DV ³EURWKHU DQG VLVWHU´ $ SURSRVDO WR DOORZ VRPH GLYRUFHG DQG FLYLOO\ UHPDUULHG &DWKROLFV WR UHFHLYH &RPPXQLRQ ZLWKRXW PHHWLQJ HLWKHU RI WKRVH FRQGLWLRQV ZDV LQWURGXFHG E\ *HUPDQ &DUGLQDO :DOWHU .DVSHU DW D PHHWLQJ RI WKH ZRUOG¶V FDUGLQDOV LQ )HEUXDU\ „ CNS

Five women named to theological commission VATICAN CITY – 3RSH )UDQFLV ZKR KDV VDLG WKH &DWKROLF &KXUFK KDV ³QRW \HW FRPH XS ZLWK D SURIRXQG WKHRORJ\ RI ZRPDQKRRG´ QDPHG ¿YH ZRPHQ D UHFRUG QXPEHU WR WKH ,QWHUQDWLRQDO 7KHRORJLFDO &RPPLVVLRQ 2Q 6HSW WKH 9DWLFDQ UHOHDVHG WKH QDPHV RI WKHRORJLDQV ZKR ZLOO VHUYH D ¿YH \HDU WHUP RQ WKH FRPPLVVLRQ :RPHQ KDYH VHUYHG RQ WKH SDQHO VLQFH EXW XQWLO QRZ WKHUH KDYH QHYHU EHHQ PRUH WKDQ WZR 7KH ¿YH ZRPHQ DSSRLQWHHV LQFOXGH 86 0HUF\ 6LVWHU 3UXGHQFH $OOHQ IRUPHU FKDLUSHUVRQ RI WKH

Pope to visit Turkey VATICAN CITY – The Vatican has FRQ¿UPHG WKDW 3RSH )UDQFLV LV SODQQLQJ WR YLVLW 7XUNH\ ³LQ WKH ODVW GD\V RI 1RYHPEHU´ EXW VDLG WKH OHQJWK RI KLV WULS DQG KLV DJHQGD LQ WKH FRXQWU\ KDYH \HW WR EH GHWHUPLQHG -HVXLW )U )HGHULFR /RPEDUGL WKH 9DWLFDQ VSRNHVPDQ PDGH WKH DQQRXQFHPHQW WR UHSRUWHUV RQ 6HSW QRWLQJ WKDW D IRUPDO LQYLWDWLRQ IURP 7XUNLVK 3UHVLGHQW 5HFHS 7D\\LS (UGRJDQ KDG DUULYHG DW WKH 9DWLFDQ HDUOLHU WKH VDPH GD\ (FXPHQLFDO 3DWULDUFK %DUWKRORPHZ RI &RQVWDQWLQRSOH FRQVLGHUHG ¿UVW DPRQJ HTXDOV DPRQJ 2UWKRGR[ ELVKRSV KDG DOUHDG\ LQYLWHG 3RSH )UDQFLV WR YLVLW ,VWDQEXO RQ 1RY IHDVW RI 6W $QGUHZ SDWURQ VDLQW RI &RQVWDQWLQRSOH $V WKLQJV QRZ VWDQG WKH WULS ZLOO EH 3RSH )UDQFLV¶ VL[WK RXWVLGH RI ,WDO\ VLQFH KLV HOHFWLRQ LQ 0DUFK +H LV DOVR H[SHFWHG WR DGGUHVV WKH (XURSHDQ 3DUOLDPHQW LQ 6WUDVERXUJ )UDQFH RQ 1RY „ CNS

SKLORVRSK\ GHSDUWPHQW DW 6W -RKQ 9LDQQH\ 7KHRORJLFDO 6HPLQDU\ LQ 'HQYHU DQG QRZ D PHPEHU RI WKH FKDSODLQF\ WHDP DW /DQFDVWHU 8QLYHUVLW\ (QJODQG 2WKHUV LQFOXGH $XVWUDOLDQ 7UDFH\ 5RZODQG GHDQ RI WKH -RKQ 3DXO ,, ,QVWLWXWH IRU 0DUULDJH DQG )DPLO\ LQ 0HOERXUQH ZKR LV D SURPLQHQW DXWKRULW\ RQ WKH WKHRORJ\ RI 3RSH %HQHGLFW ;9, DQG 0V 0RLUD 0DU\ 0F4XHHQ D &DQDGLDQ %ULWLVK FLWL]HQ ZKR VHUYHV DV GLUHFWRU RI WKH &DQDGLDQ &DWKROLF %LRHWKLFV ,QVWLWXWH DW WKH 8QLYHUVLW\ RI 6W 0LFKDHO¶V &ROOHJH LQ WKH 8QLYHUVLW\ RI 7RURQWR „ CNS

24 POPE IN ALBANIA

Sunday October 5, 2014 „ CatholicNews

Pope, in Albania, says killing in God’s name is sacrilege CNS photos

Crowds watch as Pope Francis celebrates Mass in Mother Teresa Square in Tirana, Albania, on Sept 21.

Pope Francis passes an image of Mother Teresa as he arrives to celebrate Mass in Mother Teresa Square. TIRANA, ALBANIA – Killing in the name of

God is sacrilege, and religious leaders must denounce the use of faith to justify violence and oppression, Pope Francis said during a one-day visit to Albania. In a world “where an authentic religious spirit is being perverted and where religious differences are being distorted and exploitedâ€?, Albania is an “aspiring exampleâ€? to everyone that peaceful coexistence is possible, Pope Francis told Albania President Bujar Nishani and other dignitaries upon his arrival in the country on Sept 21. No one should “consider themselves to be the ‘armour’ of God while planning and carrying out acts of violence and oppressionâ€?, the pope said. The pope told reporters on the papal plane he chose to visit the Balkan nation because the peaceful collaboration between its Muslim-majority population and minority Catholic and Orthodox communities “is a beautiful sign for the worldâ€?. “It’s a signal I want to send,â€? he said, that religion, far from causing division, is the very foundation of freedom and brotherhood. In a meeting with Muslim, Christian and Catholic leaders and representatives, Pope Francis said “authentic religion is a source of peace, not violenceâ€? and any “distorted use RI UHOLJLRQ PXVW EH ÂżUPO\ UHIXWHG DV IDOVH´ “To kill in the name of God is sacrilege.

To discriminate in the name of God is inhuman,â€? he said. The pope encouraged Albania’s religious communities to continue working toward the common good. The pope said Albania was a “land of heroesâ€? and a “land of martyrsâ€?, whose SHRSOH VWRRG ÂżUP LQ WKH IDFH RI RSSUHVVLRQ and persecution. The totalitarian regime founded by Enver Hoxha claimed to liberate the people from the constraints of all religions, turning the country into the only atheist nation in the world. “It promised a paradise without God, but it left instead a hell with no consolation,â€? Archbishop Rrok Mirdita of Tirana told the pope during a morning Mass in Mother Teresa Square. Despite the risks of torture, imprisonment and execution, people held onto their faith, praying and passing on their traditions underground. Hearing of such atrocities brought the pope to tears in one of the most moving moments of the one-day trip. Tirana’s cathedral was otherwise silent

To kill in the name of God is ‘sacrilege. To discriminate in the name of God is inhuman. ’

– Pope Francis

Pope Francis speaks during a meeting with leaders of other religions at the Catholic University of Our Lady of Good Counsel in Tirana. Seated next to the pope are Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state (left), and Archbishop Angelo Massafra of Shkoder-Pult, Albania.

as 84-year-old Fr Ernest Simoni recounted his story during a vespers service. (See story on Page 25) The pope later put aside his prepared text, saying the intense courage and humility shown by the priest and other victims of the dictatorship showed that the only way WR ÂżQG WKH VWUHQJWK WR VXUYLYH VXFK EUXWDOLW\ was in God. During a meeting with volunteers and children at the Bethany Centre, a residence for disabled and poor children, the pope said faith through charity “dislodges the mountains of indifference, of disbelief, of apathyâ€?. “The secret to a good life is found in loving and giving oneself for love’s sake,â€? KH VDLG Âł*RRGQHVV RIIHUV LQÂżQLWHO\ PRUH than money, which only disappoints, because we have been created to receive the love of God and to offer it, not measuring everything in terms of money or power.â€? Before praying the Angelus in Mother Teresa Square, the pope told young people to build their future on Christ, saying “‘No’ to the idolatry of money, ‘No’ to the false freedom of individualism, ‘No’ to addiction and to violence.â€? He urged them instead to say, “‘Yes’ to a culture of encounter and of solidarity, ‘Yes’ to beauty,â€? the good and the true, and to a life lived with enthusiasm and “faithful in little thingsâ€?.

Young people made up a large part of the jubilant crowds of some 300,000 who turned out to welcome the pope. Many Muslims, who make up more than half the country’s population, were in attendance as well as Catholics, who make up about 15 percent of all inhabitants. Streets and rooftops dotted with police and the roads lined with metal barricades partitioning out the popemobile route. All cellular service, however, was jammed by authorities for several hours as an extra precaution. The Vatican repeated earlier asVXUDQFHV WKDW WKHUH ZHUH QR ÂłVSHFLÂżF WKUHDWV´ against the pope, who rode around the main square twice before Mass in the same openair jeep he uses at general audiences in Rome. Before the start of the morning Mass, a large, powered paraglider circled and swooped over the main square, the fabric decorated with the national symbol of a black eagle. The pope used the symbol in his homily, saying God raises his people “up on eagle’s wingsâ€?. Âł*R XS KLJK Ă€\ LQ WKH DLU ´ ZKLOH UHmembering the “great courage and constancyâ€? of the Church’s martyrs – bishops, priests, Religious and laity who “paid for WKHLU ÂżGHOLW\ ZLWK WKHLU OLYHV´ KH VDLG “Don’t forget the nest, your history, the wounds, but do not seek revenge,â€? he said. “Go forward in hope.â€? „ CNS

POPE IN ALBANIA 25

Sunday October 5, 2014 „ CatholicNews

Survivors of Albania’s dictatorship give witness, move pope to tears TIRANA, ALBANIA – Two survivors

of Albania’s communist crackdown against the Church brought Pope Francis to tears with their stories during a vespers service in Tirana’s cathedral on Sept 21. “To hear a martyr talk about his own martyrdom is intense,â€? the pope told journalists on the papal plane back to Rome the same evening. “I think all of us there were moved, all of us.â€? Franciscan Fr Ernest Simoni, 84, talked about his life as a priest under a militant atheist regime that targeted people of every faith – Christian and Muslim – between 1944 and 1991. Despite the risks of torture, imprisonment and execution, people held onto their beliefs as best they could, praying and passing on their traditions underground. Fr Simoni said his Religious superiors were shot dead and the military drafted him in an effort to “make me disappear. I spent two years there, years that were worse than any prison.â€? He managed to be ordained a priest in 1956. But worse was yet to come when the regime, which ZDV VHW WR EHFRPH WKH ÂżUVW DWKHLVW QDWLRQ LQ WKH ZRUOG LQWHQVLÂżHG LWV war against religion in the 1960s. On Christmas Eve 1963, the

priest was arrested while celebrating Mass and was sentenced to GHDWK E\ ÂżULQJ VTXDG +H ZDV EHDWen, placed for three months in soliWDU\ FRQÂżQHPHQW XQGHU ÂłLQKXPDQH´ conditions, then tortured because he refused to denounce the Church. He was eventually freed, but later arrested again and sent to a prison camp, where he was forced to work in a mine for 18 years and then 10 more years in sewage canals. All the time he was imprisoned, he said, he celebrated Mass from memory in Latin, heard confessions and distributed Communion to other prisoners – all clandestinely. When the regime collapsed in 1991, he returned to ministry by serving isolated mountain villages, urging Christians caught up in a cycle of revenge to let go of their hatred and embrace God’s love. :KHQ WKH SULHVW ÂżQLVKHG KLV testimony, he approached the pope, who extended his arms to embrace him. But the priest dropped to his knees to kiss the pope’s ring. Standing together, the two men embraced warmly. Moved to tears, the pope removed his glasses DQG WKH PHQ EULHĂ€\ UHVWHG WKHLU foreheads against each other. Stigmatine Sr Marije Kaleta, 85, spoke next about being a nov-

Pope Francis embraces Fr Ernest Simon who suffered under the former atheist regime. CNS photo

ice during the regime and secretly baptising “everyone who came to my door�, but only after making sure they weren’t spies who wanted to turn her in to authorities. One day, while walking along a road, a mother carrying her child ran up to her, asking her to baptise the infant. Sr Kaleta was hesitant because the woman’s husband was a communist and she worried it might be a trap. So she

Fr Ernest Simoni was beaten, placed for three months in solitary FRQÂżQHPHQW under ‘inhumane’ conditions, then tortured because he refused to denounce the Church.

told the mother it wasn’t possible because she didn’t have the things necessary for baptism. The mother appeared desperate, and even though they were in the middle of a road, she pointed to a nearby ditch saying that’s where they could get the water. Still unsure, the Sister said she had nothing with which to pour the water over the child’s head. “But she insisted that I baptise her child. So, seeing her faith,

I took off my shoe, since it was made of plastic, and I took the water from the canal with that and baptised the child,� she said. Thanks to a number of priests who also worked clandestinely, “I had the good fortune of having the Blessed Sacrament,� which she kept hidden in bed sheets to secretly administer to people who were ill or dying. The pope said he had had no idea how much the people of Albania had suffered for their faith, until two months earlier when he started preparing for his trip. He said he was moved to see Tirana’s main boulevard lined with banners bearing black-and-white photographs of dozens of Catholics killed by the regime. Their cause for canonisation as martyrs of the faith is being considered. Pope Francis called Albania a land of heroes and martyrs and said that, by embracing the priest and sister, he had “touched two of them�. The pope said Fr Simoni and Sr Kaleta “performed a service for us: consoling us� by showing that God always provides the strength and hope to confront and overcome the tiniest inconveniences and the worst atrocities. „ CNS

26 POPE FRANCIS

Pope Francis waves at a general audience in Rome. CNS photo

Sunday October 5, 2014 CatholicNews

Pope to bishops: guard the faith, love sinners as they are ‘Love the people that God has given you, even when they will have committed great sins.’

– Pope Francis in a message to new bishops

VATICAN CITY – Today’s bishops

must be as vigilant and courageous as sentinels keeping watch over the faith, and as forgiving and patient as Moses, leading a sinning people across harsh deserts to God, Pope Francis said. Their vocation is to be “custodians of evangelii gaudium (the joy of the Gospel); therefore, you cannot be without the only treasure we really have to give, and that the world cannot give itself: the joy of God’s love”, he told new bishops. The pope made his comments on Sept 18 in a written address to 138 recently appointed bishops from around the world. In a lengthy address, Pope Francis outlined a series of do’s and don’ts. Bishops must strike a balance between being audacious sentinels, ready 24/7 to wake up a slumbering world, and gentle, forgiving fathers who unconditionally love the sinning people “God has given you”. But they do have to be like sentinels, he said, “capable of waking up your churches, getting up before dawn or in the middle of the night to bolster the faith, hope and charity, without letting yourselves be lulled to sleep or conforming to the nostalgic complaint of a golden past that’s already gone”.

Like Moses, bishops need to be with their people no matter what, he said. “I also beg you to not let yourselves be deceived by the temptation to change the people. Love the people that God has given you, even when they will have committed great sins.” Like Moses, the bishop must “come up to the Lord” and advocate on his people’s behalf, praying for forgiveness and a fresh start, he said. Nothing is more important than bringing people to God, he said. The pope also urged the bishops to truly be present and available for their priests. A bishop who is “reachable” isn’t the one who has endless means of communication at his disposal. He’s the one who always has room in his heart to really welcome and listen to all of his priests and their “concrete needs, giving them the entirety and breadth of Church teaching and not a list of complaints”. “And, please, do not fall into WKH WHPSWDWLRQ RI VDFUL¿FLQJ \RXU freedom by surrounding yourself with courtiers, climbers and yesmen, since the Church and the world have the right to always ¿QG RQ WKH OLSV RI WKH ELVKRS WKH Gospel, which makes them free.” CNS

POPE FRANCIS 27

Sunday October 5, 2014 „ CatholicNews

Pope urges global effort, compassion as migration soars

Pope Francis speaking to African immigrants at the port in Lampedusa, Italy, last year. Singapore archdiocese celebrates Migrant Sunday on Sept 28. &16 ¿OH SKRWR VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis

called for greater international cooperation to improve conditions for the world’s rising numbers of migrants and called on the media to combat prejudices that make immigrants unwelcome in their new countries. The pope’s words came in his annual message for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, which will be celebrated on Sept 28 in Singapore archdiocese. “Contemporary movements of migration represent the largest movement of individuals, if not of peoples, in history,â€? the pope wrote. According to United Nations statistics last year, 232 million people, representing 3.2 percent of the world’s population, are currently international migrants, up from 175 million in 2000 and 154 million in 1990. A 2012 study by the Pew Research Centre, based in the US, listed Mexico as the world’s largest source of emigrants, and the US as the most popular immigration destination. Noting that many migrants experience “rejection, discriminaWLRQ WUDIÂżFNLQJ DQG H[SORLWDWLRQ suffering and deathâ€?, Pope Francis wrote that migration “needs to

be approached and managed in a new, equitable and effective manner� marked by “international cooperation and a spirit of profound solidarity and compassion�. Bilateral relations between countries of origin and destination, as well as international norms on the rights of migrants and host countries, can help national governments “confront so-

0DQ\ FLWL]HQV RI KRVW FRXQWULHV WUHDW LPPLJUDWLRQV ZLWK ÂľVXVSLFLRQ DQG KRVWLOLW\Âś WKH SRSH ZURWH LQ KLV PHVVDJH IRU :RUOG 'D\ RI 0LJUDQWV DQG 5HIXJHHV cio-economic imbalances and an unregulated globalisation, which are among some of the causes of migration movements in which individuals are more victims than protagonistsâ€?, he wrote. Pope Francis also encouraged countries to “create better economic and social conditions at home, so that emigration will not be the only option left for those who seek peace, justice, security and full re-

spect of their human dignityâ€?. Many citizens of host countries treat immigrations with “suspicion and hostilityâ€?, the pope wrote. “There is a fear that society will become less secure, that identity and culture will be lost, that competition for jobs will become stiffer and even that criminal activity will increase.â€? In response, the pope wrote, the communications media have a special responsibility to “break down stereotypes and to offer correct information in reporting the errors of a few as well as the honesty, rectitude and goodness of the majorityâ€?. The pope invoked the Holy Family’s experience of migration during LWV Ă€LJKW LQWR (J\SW DV D VRXUFH RI encouragement to migrants. 7KRXJK IRUFHG WR Ă€HH WR SURtect the infant Jesus from death at the hands of King Herod, Mary and Joseph “never doubted that God would always be with themâ€?, Pope Francis wrote. “Through their intercession, may that same ÂżUP FHUWDLQW\ GZHOO LQ WKH KHDUW RI every migrant and refugee.â€? „ CNS 7KH IXOO PHVVDJH LV DW KWWS Z YDWLFDQ YD FRQWHQW IUDQFHVFR HQ PHVVDJHV PLJUDWLRQ GRFXPHQWV SDSD IUDQFHVFRB BZRUOG PLJUDQWV GD\ KWPO

28 OPINION

Sunday October 5, 2014 „ CatholicNews

Timidity in face of God’s abundance

Fortnightly newspaper of the Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore

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Divorce, remarriage and mercy An upcoming bishops’ meeting will discuss the issue of Catholics who have divorced and remarried without an annulment CNS photo

By Dennis Sadowski WASHINGTON – Divorce is never

easy. From the realisation that love has failed to feelings of shame, divorce poses a challenge for families even when a couple settles on an amicable legal separation. In the eyes of the Church, a divorced couple remains married until a decree of nullity is issued, if a couple chooses to go that route. There is even more of a challenge for faithful divorced Catholics, who often misunderstand Church teaching on marriage. Divorced people may separate themselves from the Church, believing they have been automatically excommunicated or banned from church activities even though they have not remarried. People who are civilly divorced and do not marry someone else are not prohibited from receiving Communion under canon law. However, Church practice prohibits people in irregular marriages – those civilly remarried without receiving an annulment – from receiving Communion. Cardinal Walter Kasper, former SUHVLGHQW RI WKH 3RQWLÂżFDO &RXQcil for Promoting Christian Unity, addressed several concerns surrounding divorced and remarried Catholics in the Sept 15 issue of the Jesuit-run America magazine. Acknowledging that the indissolXELOLW\ RI PDUULDJH LV VSHFLÂżHG LQ FDQon law, Cardinal Kasper cited Pope Francis’ repeated calls for a more merciful Church in making a carefully constructed argument that mercy must be at the heart of the Church’s outreach efforts, including those to divorced and remarried Catholics. He ZURWH WKDW WKH *RVSHO ÂłLV DJDLQVW D OHJDOLVWLF XQGHUVWDQGLQJ RI FDQRQ ODZ´ He posed the question: If a Catholic who is divorced and civilly UHPDUULHG ZLWKRXW WKH ÂżUVW PDUULDJH EHLQJ DQQXOOHG ÂłEXW WKHQ UHSHQWV RI KLV IDLOXUH WR IXOÂżO ZKDW KH SURPised before God, his partner and the &KXUFK LQ WKH ÂżUVW PDUULDJH DQG carries out as well as possible his

During a time of divorce, couples are dealing with the realisation that love has failed and mercy, understanding and acceptance is vital, says a marriage and family specialist in Cleveland diocese. new duties and does what he can for the Christian education of his children and has a serious desire for the sacraments, which he needs IRU VWUHQJWK LQ KLV GLI¿FXOW VLWXDWLRQ can we after a time of new orientation and stabilisation deny absoluWLRQ DQG IRUJLYHQHVV"´ Such questions are being considered by Church leaders ahead of the upcoming extraordinary Synod of Bishops on the family to be held in Rome from Oct 5-19. Mr Gregory Mills, executive director of Catholic Divorce Ministry, the Ministry of the North American Conference of Separated and Divorced Catholics, believes that there is no better place to heal from the trauma of divorce than in the Church. ³3HRSOH KDYH ZDONHG EDFN LQWR the Church, willing to admit they made a grievous mistake and want

to get right with themselves, their ORFDO FRPPXQLW\ DQG ZLWK *RG ´ KH WROG &DWKROLF 1HZV 6HUYLFH Âł7KH ultimate salve for the wound is God DQG +LV KHDOLQJ PHUF\ ´ During a time of divorce, couples are dealing with the realisation that love has failed and mercy, understanding and acceptance is vital, said Ms Carol Petro, marriage and family specialist in Cleveland diocese. Âł7KLV LV ZKHUH PHUF\ FRPHV LQ ... but also the virtue of hope because [couples] come with despair, they come with shame, they come with blame, they come with hearts that have been broken and disconnected from the Church and there DUH D ORW RI P\WKV WKDW DUH RXW WKHUH ´ said Ms Petro, who remarried after KHU ÂżUVW PDUULDJH ZDV DQQXOOHG Ms Lynette Tait, a Cleveland diocesan tribunal judge, admitted the annulment process is not easy but that it is also not meant to be LQWLPLGDWLQJ Âł7KH KDUGHVW WKLQJ LQ GRLQJ WKLV LV WKDW ÂżUVW VWHS LV JHWWLQJ LW VWDUWHG ´ VKH VDLG Âł:HÂśUH ORRNLQJ WR UHDFK RXW WR people, make them aware that the &KXUFK LV FRQFHUQHG IRU WKHP ´ VKH stressed. „ CNS More information on the Church’s teaching on divorce is at www.foryourmarriage.org/catholic-marriage/ church-teachings/divorce Sadowski writes for the Catholic News Service based in Washington, USA.

MY YOUTH had both its strengths and its weaknesses. I grew up on a farm in heart of the Canadian prairies, a second-generation immigrant. Our family was a large one and the small farm we lived on gave us enough to live on, though just enough. There were never any extras. We were never hungry or genuinely poor, but we lived in a conscriptive frugality. You were given what you needed, but rarely anything extra. You got just one portion of the main course at a meal and one dessert because these had to be measured out in a way that left enough for everyone. And I lived happily inside that, taking for granted that this was the way life was meant to be, assuming that all resources are limited and you shouldn’t ever be asking for or taking more than what’s necessary. And such a background has its strengths: You grow into adulthood with the sense that there’s no free lunch, you need to earn what you eat. You know too that you shouldn’t be taking more than your share because the goods of this world are limited and meant to be shared with everyone. If you take more than your share, than there won’t be enough for everyone. Resources are limited, so if anyone gets too much, someone gets too little. But such an upbringing also has its downside: When everything has to be measured-out to ensure that there’s enough for everyone and you live with the underlying fear that there might not be enough, you can easily end up with a sense of scarcity rather than of abundance and an inclination towards stinginess rather than generosity. A mindset of scarcity rather than of abundance debilitates us in several ways: First, it tends to leave us standing before life’s abundance too timid to celebrate life with any exuberance. Life is too equated with frugality and you are forever haunted by guilt in the face of life’s goodness and especially before any experience of luxury, not unlike the discomfort felt by Jesus’ disciples when they are face to face with a prodigal woman lavishly anointing Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume. Inside a mindset of scarcity there’s the perennial temptation to falsely idealise suffering and poverty and have them replace grace and abundance as God’s real gift to us. More crippling still is the fact that a sense of scarcity too often gives us a concept of a God who is limited and who is frugal rather than prodigal. But that isn’t the God of Jesus. Allow me just one, rather pointed, illustration: A seminary professor whom I know shares this story. He’s been teaching seminarians for many years and in recent years, when teaching about the sacrament of penance, is frequently asked this question, often DV WKH ÂżUVW TXHVWLRQ LQ WKH FODVV Âł:KHQ FDQ , UHIXVH DEVROXWLRQ" :KHQ GR , QRW JUDQW IRUJLYHQHVV"´ The anxiety expressed here is not, I believe, triggered by a need for power but by a very sincere fear that we have to be rather scrupulous in handing out God’s mercy, that we shouldn’t be handing out cheap grace. And, undergirding that fear, I believe, is the unconscious notion that God too works out of a sense of scarcity rather than of abundance, and that God’s mercies, like our own resources, are limited and need to be measured out very sparingly. But that’s not the God whom Jesus incarnated and revealed. The Gospels rather reveal a God who is prodigal beyond all our standards and beyond our imagination. The God of the Gospels is the Sower who, because he has unlimited seeds, scatters those seeds everywhere without discrimination: on the road, in the ditches, in the thorn bushes, in bad soil, and in good soil. Moreover that prodigal Sower is also the God of creation, that is, the God who has created and continues to create hundreds of billions of galaxies and billions and billions of human beings. And this prodigal God gives us this perennial invitation: Come to the waters, come without money, come without merit because God’s gift is as plentiful, available, and as free as the air we breathe. The Gospel of Luke recounts an incident where Peter, just after KH KDG VSHQW DQ HQWLUH QLJKW ÂżVKLQJ DQG KDG FDXJKW QRWKLQJ LV WROG to cast out his net one more time and, this time, Peter’s net catches VR PDQ\ ÂżVK WKDW WKH ZHLJKW RI WKH FDWFK WKUHDWHQV WR VLQN WZR boats. Peter reacts by falling on his knees and confessing his sinfulness. But, as the text makes clear, that’s not the proper reaction in the face of over-abundance. Peter is wrongly fearful, in effect, wanting that over-abundance to go away; when what Jesus wants from him in the face of that over-abundance is to go out to the world and share with others that unimaginable grace. What God’s over-abundance is meant to teach us is that, in the face of limitless grace, we may never refuse anyone absolution. „

FOCUS 29

Sunday October 5, 2014 „ CatholicNews

„ From Page 1

However, calling Mary the Star of the New Evangelisation cannot be mere lip service. We must, as Church, turn intentionally to her for direction. We are called to make a place for Mary in our home, communities and churches. We cannot speak of the New Evangelisation without at the same time cultivating a Marian Spirituality. We need to re-ignite our love for our Blessed Mother and ensure that she has a place in our spiritual life. A Catholic spirituality that is ZLWKRXW D 0DULDQ Ă€DYRXU ZRXOG EH D GHÂżFLHQW VSLULWXDOLW\ EHFDXVH we would have deprived ourselves of the possibility of deepening our love and knowledge of the Lord through Mary; including her powerful intercession. From her, we also learn the meaning of son-ship and discipleship. Being the true daughter of God, the daughter of Zion, she is truly our mother in faith and love. Indeed, she conceived Jesus in her heart before she conceived Him in her womb. We, too, must imbibe her virtues of faith, hope, charity, poverty and obedience. From Mary, we also learn that the New Evangelisation is urgent. Upon receiving the call to be the Mother of the Saviour, she immediately brought our Lord to Elizabeth and John the Baptist. We see the sense of urgency in the way she undertook this mission of proclaiming the Good News. She did not keep the Good News for herself but gave away what she received. As the Good News is free, it must be freely given, since it is freely received. We also learn from Mary that New Evangelisation is principally a witness of love. This was evident when she risked travelling over the hills to visit her cousin in need despite being pregnant. She showed sensitivity to the desperate wedding couple who ran short of wine. She also forgave the enemies of her son at the foot of the cross and stayed with the disciples after the death of Jesus. We, too, must imitate her missionary spirit of charity and mercy. As St Francis of Assisi said, “Preach the Gospel and if necessary, use words.â€? No amount of words

can replace works of mercy. However, we must avoid superÂżFLDO DFWLYLW\ XQOHVV LW FRPHV IURP a deep contemplative prayer life, motivated by the Spirit of God’s ORYH IRU ÂłGRLQJ´ PXVW Ă€RZ IURP

I would like to ‘ encourage parishes, organisations, movements and individuals to consecrate the local Church and all activities to Our Lady.

’

– Archbishop William Goh

“beingâ€?. As Pope St John Paul II says, “Our witness, however, would be hopelessly inadequate if we ourVHOYHV KDG QRW ÂżUVW contemplated his faceâ€?. From Mary we learn that the New Evangelisation must begin from a contemplation of the Word of God. Mary is always presented throughout the Gospel as a contemplative person who always pondered quietly over the Word of God. This was evident at the birth of Jesus, at the Temple when she presented Jesus and when she found Jesus who was lost for three days. Her obedience to the Word of God moved our Lord to praise her as a woman who hears the Word of God and keeps it. Finally, from her, we learn the spirit of poverty and the primacy of grace. She teaches us to be truly receptive of the grace of God by cooperating totally with His will; for it is the Lord who builds His House. As the angel said to her, “Do not fear, Mary, you have found favour with God.â€? Let us therefore learn from her humility, in relying not on our own strength but on God’s. As Pope St John Paul II exhorted, “There is a temptation which perennially besets every spiritual journey and pastoral work: that of thinking that the results depend on

Mass to launch special year A special Mass to consecrate the Singapore archdiocese to Mary, Star of the New Evangelisation, will take place on Oct 7, the Feast of the Holy Rosary. The celebration will be held at the Church of Christ the King at 8 pm. The event is open to priests and Religious, and invited representatives from parishes, archdiocesan organisations and communities In conjunction with this

our ability to act and to plan. God of course asks us really to cooperate with his grace, and therefore invites us to invest all our resources of intelligence and energy in serving the cause of the Kingdom.

HYHQW WKH 2I¿FH IRU WKH 1HZ Evangelisation (ONE) is printing prayer cards with the prayer of consecration to be distributed to all parishes $ UHÀHFWLRQ ERRNOHW RQ Pope Francis’ apostolic exhortation Evangelii Gaudium (Joy of the Gospel) has also been written by ONE to help ministries, communities, families and individuals reÀHFW RQ KRZ WKH\ FDQ VKDUH the Good News with others. „

“But it is fatal to forget that ‘without Christ we can do nothing’ (Jn 15:5). It is prayer which roots us in this truth. It constantly reminds us of the primacy of Christ and, in union with him, the primacy of the interior life and of holiness. When

this principle is not respected, is it any wonder that pastoral plans come to nothing and leave us with a disheartening sense of frustration? We then share the experience of the disciples in the Gospel story of the PLUDFXORXV FDWFK RI ¿VK ¾:H KDYH toiled all night and caught nothing’’’ (NMI 38) Let us thus begin this work for the New Evangelisation by consecrating the whole Archdiocese of Singapore to Mary, Star of the New Evangelisation; beginning on the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary this year, on 7th October 2014 and ending next year on 7th October 2015. I would like to encourage parishes, organisations, movements and individuals to consecrate the local Church and all activities (especially the work of the New Evangelisation, for the renewal of the Church) to Our Lady. I KDYH DVNHG WKH 2I¿FH IRU WKH 1HZ Evangelisation to recommend some proposals to consecrate our parishes, groups and individuals to Mary. These may include Marian devotions, rosary sessions or votive Masses (in honour of Our Lady on Saturdays). I have also composed a prayer

of consecration to Our Lady, which I commend to you, to be prayed daily. Pray especially for our priests, Religious and lay leaders, that we may have the humility, courage and a deep love for the Church to XQGHUJR FRQYHUVLRQ VDFUL¿FH DQG change, for the glory of God and the greater good of the Church. Thank you, my dear People of God, for your prayers and support. We are living in challenging times and we are all co-responsible for the renewal of the Church and society. With hope, let us turn to Mary, Our Blessed Mother, to guide us in the work of the New Evangelisation. Let her teach us the spiritual meaning of virginity, ZKLFK LV WRWDO GHYRWLRQ DQG ¿GHOLW\ to the Word of God. We also trust in her intercession, as she is full of grace. With her at our side, our own personal conversion and that of the Church and the World will be realised. May the Lord bless you abundantly and may Our Lady lead you to Him, more and more each day. „

Archbishop William Goh

Prayer of consecration to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Star of the New Evangelisation Most Holy Virgin Mary, Mother of Christ. We praise and thank God for His mighty works in you. O Blessed Mother, Star of the New Evangelisation; we consecrate the New Evangelisation for Singapore to your Most Immaculate Heart and implore your intercession for a mighty

renewal of the Catholic Church in Singapore. We entrust to you all priests, Religious and laity. Guide our leaders to imitate your humility and obedience to God and to be docile to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. May all hearts be converted and re-ignited with love for Christ and inflamed with evangelical zeal, so as to

bear witness to God’s loving salvation. Mary, Mother of the Church, unite us with the Sacred Heart of Jesus, to be a people of communion in mission. May your constant love and guidance be the light of refuge that leads us to your son, Jesus. Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. AMEN. „

30 FAITH ALIVE!

Sunday October 5, 2014 CatholicNews

What makes families happy? &16 ¿OH SKRWR

By David Gibson Do you know any families who do not hope for happiness? I don’t. “Living together is an art,” Pope Francis told engaged couples on Valentine’s Day in 2014. He suggested that for couples and families, living together entails “a patient, beautiful, fascinating journey”. The journey “does not end once you have won each other’s love. Rather, it is precisely there where it begins!” It might be that Pope Francis had the art of family living in mind when he convoked a special assembly of the world Synod of Bishops to take place from Oct 5-19. Underlying the synod’s stated topic – “The Pastoral Challenges of the Family in the Context of Evangelisation” – is a question asking how the Church can help couples, parents and children meet the unique demands of living together in these times. The synod’s working document indicated that a number of special concerns related to contemporary family life would be on the assembly’s agenda – such as the situation of divorced Catholics who remarry ZLWKRXW DQ DQQXOPHQW RI WKHLU ¿UVW union, cohabitation and legalised same-sex marriage. But the working document also indicated that the assembly would pay close attention to ways the Church can serve all families and help them succeed in their basic vocation, which is to love. “The primary task of the Church is to proclaim the beauty of the vocation to love,” the working document declared. Again and again it asked how the Church might offer “pastoral care” to families today and learn to look “at the family itself as a resource to renew the

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

A Filipino family poses for a photo outside their home in Tacloban, Philippines.

parish and the Church”. Archbishop Diarmuid Martin of Dublin had pastoral care for families in mind when he spoke in June 2014 to a conference on “Marriage and Family at the Heart of the Parish.” The archbishop said, “We need to focus on how we build strong families. We need to focus on the fact that we have great families and that families bring joy and happiness to their members.” It is one thing to invite families to replace the obstacles to their happiness with love. But Pope Francis goes beyond that. He encourages everyone to act XSRQ ORYH LQ VSHFL¿F ZD\V It is essential to grasp two “characteristics of love” in particular, he suggested in a June 2014 homily. First, he said, love is ex-

We need to focus on the ‘fact that we have great

families and that families bring joy and happiness to their members.

’

– Archbishop Diarmuid Martin of Dublin

pressed more in “giving than in receiving”. Second, love is witnessed more in actions than in words. And by now Pope Francis is famous for the three little words he considers essential for love to grow in a family: “please”, “thank you” and “sorry”. Please: “Courtesy kindles love,” he said; it manifests “respect and care” for another person. Thus, courtesy is invaluable to practic-

ing the art of living together, Pope Francis suggested in his conversation with engaged couples. Sorry: He exhorted the couples, moreover, never to “let the sun go down without making peace” in a marriage and a family. “Don’t let a day end without asking forgiveness,” he said. Thank you: Finally, gratitude. Spouses and family members should look upon each other as gifts from God, “and for the gifts of God we say thank you”, Pope Francis explained He recommended developing an “interior attitude” that prompts one person to thank the other “for everything”. Gibson served on Catholic News Service’s editorial staff for 37 years.

The Holy Family is a tough act to follow when we live in a world of extremes. There is either too much work, too much “racing”, as Pope Francis said, or no work at all and no means to provide for the well-being of others. Both of those circumstances, plus secularism, wars and famine, also affect the well-being of the “gift” that is the family, as Pope Francis puts it. He recognises that these challenges threaten the institution’s happiness and success. But families can build toward happiness with prayer, by keeping the faith and experiencing joy, he said in an October 2013 homily. He said, “Family is the salt of the earth and the light of the world, it is the leaven of society.” It is only in the family ZKHUH ZH FDQ ¿QG ³WUXH joy”, he said. This joy is not rooted in the material world. It comes from the “profound harmony between persons, something which we all feel in our hearts and which makes us experience the beauty of togetherness, of mutual support along life’s journey”.

31

Sunday October 5, 2014 „ CatholicNews

Myanmar Catholic community hopes IRU Ă€[HG YHQXH By Clara Lai The Myanmar Catholic community here was formed in January 1998, but the group has never had a permanent location. One of the founders, Dr Edwin Thet Naing, 50, said that they decided to “form a Catholic group so that we can worship together in Burmeseâ€?. They started small, with “less than 10 peopleâ€?, according to coordinator Natale Plureh, 42, but the community has grown to about 500 people. In an interview with Dr Edwin and Mr Plureh, together with their Mynmar-born chaplain Fr Peter Paul, 50, and youth coordinator Christine Nilar, 31, they gave CatholicNews a deeper insight into this community. )U 3HWHU 3DXO LV WKH RIÂżFLDO chaplain for the community. Dr Edwin said that “very few [Burmese] have family here, as they are migrants working here with their families in Burmaâ€?. There are only about “10 to 15 families in the communityâ€?, Mr Plureh added. Currently, Burmese Mass is held at the Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM) every second and fourth Sunday of the month, at 3pm. Mr Plureh said that there is Bible study, rosary and confession before Mass but there is “no regular teaching class for catechismâ€? QRU D ³¿[HG GDWH IRU EDSWLVPV´ For sacraments, they “just refer [the person] to Fr Peter Paulâ€?, he said. Rosary sessions are also held at members’ homes and Burmese nuns based in Singapore join the group for Bible study and rosary at the Good Shepherd Convent in Toa Payoh. Mr Plureh said that the community has an annual gathering in May or June, which is “open to everyone and led by the youthâ€?. Dr Edwin added that, “We cel-

ebrate Parents’ Day every year on the fourth Sunday of July, with a big concert put on by the youth.â€? There are “about 100 youths and young adultsâ€?, Mr Plureh said. He added that occasionally, they rent venues at Nativity Church for Easter Mass and the Catholic Archdiocesan Youth Centre for Christmas Mass (CAYC). Since 2004, the community has celebrated midnight Christmas Mass and then stayed overnight at CAYC. There would also be a concert. The community however, faces some challenges. “We always have a problem of ÂżQGLQJ D SODFH GXULQJ WKH ELJ RFcasions. I think we need a proper, VSHFLÂżF SODFH ´ VDLG 0U 3OXUHK Fr Peter Paul added that they QHHG D SURSHU RIÂżFH DQG WKDW

We always have a ‘SUREOHP RI ÂżQGLQJ D SODFH GXULQJ WKH ELJ RFFDVLRQV

’

– Mr Plureh

“Sometimes we have to move to St Joseph’s [Bukit Timah], Hougang [Nativity Church], and here [IHM].� Mr Plureh said that some Burmese maids in the community have to return to their employees’ homes after Mass and “cannot stay for fellowship�. The community collaborates with the local archdiocese through the Archdiocese Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People, Mr Plureh said. “We want to engage with the local Church,� he said. “If there are any big activities in the Catholic Church in Singapore, we want to help in any way we can,� he said. „ For more information on the Myanmar Catholic community, please contact Mr Plureh at 9644-6424.

clara.lai@catholic.org.sg

From left to right: The community’s chaplain Fr Peter Paul, youth coordinator Christine Nilar, and main coordinators Dr Edwin Thet Naing and Mr Natale Plureh.

Some of the Myanmar participants at their Parents’ Day celebration this year. The community holds this celebration every fourth Sunday of July.

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Sunday October 5, 2014 „ CatholicNews

A large crowd gathered around Jesus as He rode into the city of Jerusalem on the backs of a donkey and a colt. The people cut tree branches and placed them on the road along with their cloaks for Jesus to ride over. They were very excited and kept shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David; blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord; hosanna in the highest.� Afterward, Jesus went to the temple area. He was very unhappy with what He saw. There were people selling doves and changing money instead of worshipping and praying. Jesus was so upset that He overturned the businesspeople’s tables and chairs and drove them from the temple. Then blind and hurt people came to Him for healing, and He cured them. All of these things caught the attention of the chief priests and the elders of the people. They did not like the people crying out to Jesus, or that Jesus

was performing miracles of healing. The next time they saw Jesus in the temple, He was teaching the people gathered around Him. This was too much for the chief priests and elders, so they rushed up to Jesus to question Him. “By what authority are you doing these things? And who gave you this authority?� they demanded to know. Jesus looked at them. He made them a deal: He would tell them by whose authority He was teaching and healing if the chief priests and elders could tell Him where John the Baptist’s baptism was from, God or man. The chief priests and the elders grew nervous. If they said it was from man, the people would be upset because they saw John as a prophet. If they said it was from God, the people would be upset because the chief priests and elders did not believe this when John was alive. So they played it safe: “We do not know,� they answered. So Jesus refused to tell them what they wanted

SPOTLIGHT ON SAINTS:

St Keyne St Keyne (sixth century) was one of 24 children of the king of Wales. She grew into a beautiful woman, but she decided she would not marry and would devote her life to God. She travelled to the banks of a river in England to live by herself. During her time in England, she travelled around the area and founded many churches. During her travels, she met her nephew, St Cadoc, who, with the help of an angel, talked her into returning to Wales. A healing well sprung up at the place in Wales where she lived. Before she died, she told her nephew that “in this place the name of the Lord shall be blessed forever�. We honour her on Oct 8. „

to know. Instead, He told them the parable of the two sons. $ PDQ DVNHG WKH ÂżUVW VRQ WR ZRUN in the vineyard. The son refused, but he eventually changed his mind and did what his father asked. The man then asked his second son to work in the vineyard. The second son said he would but did not go. Which son, Jesus wanted to know, had done his father’s will? The chief priests and elders thought IRU D PRPHQW Âł7KH ÂżUVW ´ WKH\ UHSOLHG Jesus said to them, “Amen, I say to you, tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you. When John came to you in the way of righteousness, you did not

believe him, but tax collectors and prostitutes did. Yet even when you saw that, you did not later change your minds and believe him.� Jesus told the chief priests and elders a total of three parables that day, and all three showed them that their unbelief was a bad thing. „ Read more about it: Matthew 21

Q&A 1. Why did the chief priests and elders question Jesus’ authority? 2. Why would tax collectors and prosWLWXWHV HQWHU KHDYHQ ¿UVW"

Wordsearch: „ UPSET „ LORD

„ PARABLE „ ELDERS „ MIRACLE „ CITY

„ TEMPLE „ DONKEY

„ SONS

„ CLOAKS

„ PRIESTS

„ DOVES

BIBLE TRIVIA: What is the name of the day when we celebrate Jesus riding into Jerusalem on the backs of a donkey?

Bible Accent:

Answer to puzzle: 1. False; 2. False; 3. True; 4. False; 5. False. Answer to Bible Trivia: Palm Sunday

The chief priests and elders were not the only ones who questioned Jesus. The people who were called Pharisees and the Sadducees – the members of the religious parties of Jesus’ time – did as well. They were always trying to trick and test Jesus, hoping that Jesus would say something wrong and then they could tell the people not to follow Jesus. For example, the Pharisees and Sadducees wanted to test Jesus by demanding a sign from heaven. They asked Jesus tricky questions about paying taxes to the emperor, the resurrection and about the greatest commandment. Jesus was much smarter than the Pharisees and Sadducees, so He never fell for their tricks. In Matthew 23, Jesus warned His apostles and the crowds of people who came to hear Him speak not to be like the Pharisees or the scribes, because they taught about Moses’ law, but they did not follow it. In other words, they did not “practise what they preached�. Jesus saw they were poor examples of how to live and did not want His followers to fall into evil ways. „

PUZZLE: True or False. Using Matthew 21 as a guide, decide whether the following sentences are true or false. Some hints have been provided. 1. Jesus made an apple tree wither. (Matthew 21:19) 2. Jesus sent three apostles to get the donkey and colt. (Matthew 21:2) 3. Jesus drove the moneychangers from the temple. (Matthew 21:12) 4. Jesus told the chief priests and elders who had given him authority. (Matthew 21:27)

7KH ÂżUVW VRQ GLG QRW ZRUN LQ WKH YLQH\DUG (Matthew 21:29)

Answer to Wordsearch

By Jennifer Ficcaglia

WHAT’S ON

Sunday October 5, 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

index.php/register-online-for-missiontrips?view=form. OCTOBER 6 ONE FAMILY ONE CHURCH 9.30am-5.30pm: A retreat in Tamil, Led By Most Rev Sebastianappan Singaroyan (Bishop Of Salem, Tamilnadu, India). Come and experience the power of Holy Spirit, journey to walk hand in hand with your family and seek God’s love. Lunch will be provided. Fee: $5. Organised by Church of St Francis of Assisi. At Church of St Francis of Assisi, 200 Boon Lay Avenue. Register T: 9798 0473 (Lily Paul) / 9386 2965 (Pabitha Vijayanand) / 9060 4193 (Bensi Mathais).

SEPTEMBER 28 TO OCTOBER 26 AGAPE VILLAGE FUNDRAISING To raise funds for Agape Village, Caritas Singapore will be holding a Donation Draw in various churches in Singapore. They would at Church of the Holy Spirit on Sept 27-28, St Joseph’s Church (Victoria) on Oct 4-5, and Church of Our Lady Queen of Peace on Oct 25-26. To be a volunteer, register at T: 6338 3448; E: agapevillage@caritas-singapore.org; W: http://caritas-singapore.org/ volunteerdraw/#.VBfmJfmSyAU.

OCTOBER 8 HEALING MASS 8pm: If you want to pray for healing, come for a healing Mass organised by Praise @ Work. Fr Tom Curran will be celebrating Mass followed by praying over for healing. At Church of Sts Peter and Paul, 225A Queen Street, chapel, Level 3. Register T: 9459 2450 (Marilyn); E: marilyn8sep@ yahoo.com.

SEPTEMBER 29 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. 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).

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 the way you do and steps to take to achieve your goal. Fee: $35. Organised by Lifesprings Canossian Spirituality Centre. At 100 Jalan Merbok. Register T: 6466 2178 (Brenda); E: lifesprings@singnet.com.sg.

OCTOBER 3 TO OCTOBER 4 ALL NIGHT VIGIL WITH MARY MOTHER OF GOD 8pm (Fri)-5.30am (Sat): Join us for an allnight vigil adoration and contemplative prayers. There would also be Mass at 5am. By Church of St Ignatius. At Church of St Ignatius, 120 King’s Rd, main hall. Dinner and breakfast after Mass will be provided. Register W: https://www.eventbrite.sg/e/ mary-mother-of-god-the-perfect-discipleall-night-vigil-tickets-12904187773; Enquiries T: 6466 0625.

OCTOBER 16 FOSTERING SERVICES 4-5pm: Join us for a talk on fostering presented by the Ministry of Social and Family Development. Learn how fostering can be a meaningful way that families can help vulnerable children. Organised by Canossaville Children’s Home. At 1 Sallim Road, Gate 3. Register T: 6748 5777; E: edcch@cch.org.sg.

OCTOBER 5 TO OCTOBER 11 CHARIS MISSION FRIENDSHIP – MINXIAN, CHINA In July 2013, a series of earthquakes in north-western China killed at least 94 people and damaged tens of thousands of homes in an impoverished mountainous region. Caritas Humanitarian Aid & Relief Initiatives, Singapore (CHARIS) helped fund a house-building project and will deploy a mission team to help Minxian residents in their house-building. Join us as we help rebuild their homes and their lives. Register T: 6337 4119 (Lilynne); E: lilynne@charis-singapore.org; W: http://www.charis-singapore.org/

OCTOBER 25 CHIJ SECONDARY OPEN HOUSE 8.30am–2pm: Calling all Primary 6 girls and parents: Come and experience the warmth and vibrancy of school life at CHIJ Secondary! Organised by CHIJ Secondary. At CHIJ Secondary, 626 Lorong 1 Toa Payoh. Enquiries T: 6353 4972, E: chijtpss@ moe.edu.sg; W: www.chijsec.edu.sg. OCTOBER 25 FINDING GOD IN MOVIES 2-5pm: Stories in movies allow for UHÀHFWLRQ PRPHQWV 7KH\ FRXOG PDNH XV

IN MEMORIAM 33

question something about ourselves, our faith, or in a greater sense, humanity. Join us to watch a movie ‘The Devil wears Pradaâ€? and engage in conversation afterwards. Facilitated by Diana Tan and Diana Koh. Fee: $10. Organised by Kingsmead Centre. At 8 Victoria Park Road. Register T: 6467 6072; E: cisc2664@gmail.com. OCTOBER 25 WORKSHOPS ON SEXUALITY AND RELATIONSHIPS FOR ADULTS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES 2.30-4.30pm: Learn how to prevent yourself from sexual abuse during a series of six 1, 1/2 hour workshops. The workshops are for adults with intellectual disabilities. Organised by Faith & Light. At CANA, 55 Waterloo Street, St Flora Room. Register T: 9621 5183 (Magdelene) / 9747 9833 (Diana); E: mag842@hotmail.com. NOVEMBER 7 TO NOVEMBER 9 SPIRITUALITY FOR THE SECOND HALF OF LIFE – PART 2: LIFE AFTER MIDLIFE 8 pm (Fri)-1pm (Sun): For those aged 50 and above, this retreat will primarily focus on living out the fruits of the midlife WUDQVLWLRQ 3DUWLFLSDQWV ZLOO EHQHÂżW PRUH from the weekend if he/she has participated in any midlife programme. Fee for twin sharing room: $200. Organised by Religious of the Cenacle. At Choice Retreat House, 47 Jurong West Street 42. Register T: 97223148 / 65652895; E: cenaclesing@gmail.com. NOVEMBER 14 TO NOVEMBER 16 COME BE LOVED DAUGHTERS OF GOD 9am-5pm: Join us for an annual stay-in retreat for women, focusing on women’s identity in God’s Kingdom. Look at a woman’s role in day-to-day activities and explore the call of discipleship and companionship. Fee: $270 (non-aircon); $330 (aircon). Organised by Kingsmead Centre’s women spiritual directors. At 8 Victoria Park Road. Register T: 6467 6072; E: cisc2664@gmail.com. NOVEMBER 15 DOWN MEMORY LANE 7pm-11pm: Join us for a gathering of old friends and teachers for a nostalgic evening to KHOS UDLVH IXQGV IRU VFKRRO XSJUDGLQJ 5DIĂ€H Draw: Attractive prizes to be won. Fee: $100. Make cheque to Marymount Convent School (Mark “Down Memory Laneâ€? on reverse side. Mail to school). Organised by Marymount Convent School Alumnae. At Marymount Convent School, 20 Marymount Road. Enquiry T: 6352 0181 (Sr Delphine Kang); E: mdelkang@gmail.com.

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Crossword Puzzle 1120 1

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they were this 2 Express a belief 3 Musical groups 4 Johann ___, 16th century defender of Catholicism 5 Wounds 6 French-Canadian Catholic singing phenomenon 7 Permanent state of life characterized by the profession of the evangelical counsels 8 Windy city transport initials 9 Fire 10 Meetings of bishops 11 Pillow stainer 12 Nod, vis-Ă -vis Eden 13 Say the rosary 22 Melvin of baseball 23 “___ my sheepâ€? (Jn 21:17) 25 Church seats 27 One of the 10 plagues 28 Ran, as colors (DVWHU Ă€RZHU 32 Patron saint of Canada

33 Damage by regular use 34 Former Russian ruler 35 Tarsus, to Paul 36 Hie’s partner 37 “___ be with youâ€? 40 It becomes the Blood of Christ 41 Peter Fonda “goldenâ€? role 43 Animal pelts 44 Tennis great Roger 46 Eight days of a holy season 47 Evil deed 50 Zechariah was the ÂżUVW SHUVRQ LQ WKH New Testament to see this (Lk 1:11) 51 Depart 52 Graf rival 53 Breathe convulsively 54 Shipwreck site 55 Decree 57 Frozen treats 60 Mischievous person 6FKRR Ă€\ IRU RQH 63 A Old Testament high priest

Solution to Crossword Puzzle No. 1119 www.wordgamesforcatholics.com

ACROSS 1 Prize won by Mother Teresa 6 CC less than M 10 Pace 14 With speed 15 Scintilla 16 Liturgical ___ 17 Problems 18 Second son of Judah 19 Launch grp. 20 â€œâ€Śworld without ___. Amenâ€? 21 Charged particles

23 Number of days Jesus spent in the desert 24 Autocrat 26 Grew less 29 Talking Tolkien tree 30 Cabbage salad 34 Melts 37 Examined furtively 38 Serpent’s tail? 39 Joseph and Benjamin, to Jacob 40 Uncultivated country

41 Bone of the forearm 42 ___, amas, amat 43 Decrees 44 Pilot 45 Repudiate 47 Jurisdiction of a bishop 48 Apostles’ or Nicene 49 Standards of perfection 53 What the Magi brought 56 Queue 58 Born

59 The Archdioceses of Tokyo and Mandalay are here 60 Heroic 62 Royal 64 Pole or Croat 65 Eternal ___ 66 Ecole attendee 67 Sneaky fellow 68 Charges 69 Angers DOWN 1 Adam and Eve were afraid because

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M A D E S L E D T A M E R

www.wordgamesforcatholics.com

CLASSIFIED THANKSGIVING

Deepest thanks to St Jude for your Thank you St Jude for intercession to God in listening to my prayers answering my prayers and helping me in my again. Love, Rosalind hour of need. Am Please turn to always grateful that I pages 34 and 35 for more in memoriam can pray to you. LHS advertisements.

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Sunday October 5, 2014 CatholicNews

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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