Catholic News issue 20, 2016

SUNDAY OCTOBER 3, 2016

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New Redemptorist hopes to evangelise through media Fr Francis Vijayan, ordained on Sept 8, shares with CatholicNews his journey to the priesthood

By Jared Ng “I learned to love what they are about, their love for preaching and ministering as a community,” said Fr Francis Vijayan when asked why he decided to be a Redemptorist priest.

“The community allows me to better reach out to the peripheries, to bring the Church to people,” the 33-year-old told CatholicNews.

Fr Francis was ordained at the Church of St Teresa on Sept 8.

In his speech at the end of the Mass, he thanked his family for “being so supportive of my vocation to the priesthood”.

“It is with this love [of family] that I will carry in my heart as I begin the lifelong journey of servanthood,” he added.

Fr Francis told CatholicNews in an earlier interview that he had studied media in Temasek Polytechnic and was actively involved in the youth scene in the Church of St Teresa. He served for about nine years there and it was then that he thought of becoming a priest.

After he completed National Service, a friend who was working closely with the Redemptorists roped him in to work as a fulltime youth coordinator with the Redemptorists’ mission team.

During his two-year stint with the team, he travelled to places like East Malaysia and Jakarta for outreach work.

“I learnt a lot from those trips, learning from the Redemptorists who were based in other countries and seeing them serve with so much love,” he said.

Fr Francis shared that he felt more called to joining the Redemptorists as a result.

He entered the seminary in 2009 at the age of 26. “I had a sense of freedom about my choice,” he recalled.

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INSIDE HOME

Teacher receives President’s award Helps students learn beyond books n Page 5

CANA Film Fest Movies highlight Catholic social teaching n Page 10

ASIA

Journeying with gay people Ministry to be set up in Philippine dioceses n Page 11

WORLD

Vatican’s tribute to Star Trek Fr Francis Vijayan seen here having just given communion to his mother, Rosilin Vilasini, at his ordination Mass.

Also in the picture are his father, Anthony Mohan (right), and his sister, Bernadette Vidya.

His parents and siblings were supportive of his decision although his mother would sometimes ask him: “Are you sure about this?”

“She was worried that I did not know what I was getting myself into and would later regret,”

I thought to myself: ‘Who am I that I can represent Christ to listen to these people sharing their lives with me?’”

Through prayer and a strong relationship with God, he realised that “I can’t do it, but God can. He

hope to reach out regionally, ‘I also to the poor and marginalised in our neighbouring countries.’

– Fr Francis Vijayan

said Fr Francis, the youngest of four children.

Feelings of “unworthiness and doubts” were often in his mind of when he was in the seminary.

“When I visited people’s houses to spend time listening to their stories and journeying with them,

will make a way in the situations He puts me in.”

Fr Francis also shared that other Redemptorists such as Fr Gerard Louis, Br Celestine Toh and those whom he met overseas encouraged and reminded him of why he joined in the first place.

During his formative years with the Redemptorists, he also had the opportunity to travel to the Philippines and Sri Lanka for pastoral work where he worked with the prisons ministry and in hospitals.

Fr Francis said that as a priest, he hopes to “spread the love of God through media” and work with the youth at Novena Church when it reopens after renovations are completed.

“I also hope to reach out regionally, to the poor and marginalised in our neighbouring countries, to be a witness of Christ to them,” he said.

His advice to those thinking of joining the priesthood: “If you’re afraid, bring those fears to prayer.

Ask for the courage to say ‘yes’.” n jared.ng@catholic.org.sg

Series portrayed tolerance, cooperation n Page 16

BUILDING THE CHURCH OF TOMORROW

Vision 2023 for the S’pore Church Special feature from Catholic Foundation n Pages 14 - 15

POPE FRANCIS

Don’t ignore migrants’ plight Says pope in Migrant Sunday message n Page 21

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Thanksgiving Mass to honour St Teresa

By Jared Ng The Missionaries of Charity Sisters in Singapore organised a thanksgiving Mass in honour of the canonisation of their foundress, St Teresa of Kolkata.

She was canonised by Pope Francis on Sept 4.

The Mass in Singapore was held at the Church of St Francis of Assisi on Sept 10.

About 800 people including priests, Religious, Missionaries of Charity Sisters and residents of their Gift of Love Home attended it.

St Teresa “served the poorest of the poor not just by providing material food, but more importantly, she served with love and compassion,” said Archbishop William Goh during the Mass.

He highlighted the difference between humanitarian work and Christian charity, “Christian charity springs primarily from the love of God. It comes from a deep experience and encounter of God’s love,” he said.

Archbishop Goh encouraged those present to “serve because we want them [the poor] to encounter the love of God. “Christian charity is to extend the same love and tenderness of God to all.”

He also spoke about St Te-

Archbishop William Goh speaking during his homily at the thanksgiving Mass in honour of St Teresa. He encouraged those present to serve the poor so they too can encounter the love of God.

resa’s strong opposition to abortion.

“St Teresa saw all humans in terms of dignity. Following her example, we are called to love everyone as God loves them,” he said.

“When you save a human person, remember that you are saving a soul,” said Archbishop Goh. Sr Mary Carmel, local superi-

or of the Missionaries of Charity, in her address, thanked those who supported her Religious community and reminded everyone that St Teresa would be there to guide them always.

“Mother once said: ‘If I ever become a saint ... I will be continually absent from heaven to light the light of those in darkness on earth.’ Today I am sure

To be here today to honour her ‘ is the least I can do for what she has done, and continues to do for the world.’

– Ms Sharon Koh

Missionaries of Charity Sisters praying during the Mass held at the Church of St Francis of Assisi.

Mother Teresa is once again absent from heaven and is here to help us make our lives like hers, something beautiful for God.” Several people shared with CatholicNews their thoughts after the Mass.

Mr Liam Ong, 56, who was present at Toa Payoh Stadium in 1987 when St Teresa visited and gave a talk, said, “Her humility and simple but great love for all will always resonate in my heart.

I thank God for this joyous occasion and will continue to pray for her congregation.”

Ms Sharon Koh, 49, who met

St Teresa when she visited St Anne’s Church, said she will always remember her “simplicity and warm nature”.

“To be here today to honour her is the least I can do for what she has done, and continues to do for the world,” she added.

For Missionaries of Charity Sr Mary Faustine, “Today was a gift from God.” After the thanksgiving Mass, laypeople were invited for lunch at the Missionaries of Charity Gift of Love Home opposite the church. n jared.ng@catholic.org.sg

Teaching kids God’s love through drama

By Jared Ng A youth group of the Church of Christ the King organised a Children’s Drama Workshop for kids aged 6-12.

The workshop, run by Theatre of Gifts with the help of fellow youths from the community, aimed to show the kids God’s love for them and subsequently to love themselves and their neighbours.

The halls of the church echoed with laughter and shouts of joy as the 60 kids spent three days from Sept 5-7 learning about God’s love for them through drama activities and games.

The highlight of the workshop was on the evening of Sept 7 when parents came down to watch their children put on skits based on the workshop’s theme: We love because He first loved us.

Some of the items the groups came up with included forgiveness, family bonding and the importance of friendship.

Other highlights of the workshop included children’s adoration, Mass and water games.

A group of kids performing their skit during the Children’s Drama Workshop held from Sept 5-7.

Fr Paul Ngo, spiritual director for the youth in Christ the King Church, also spent time with the kids during the workshop.

William Bernard, 20, president of Theatre of Gifts, said the workshop helped to “form a family of youths through Christ”.

“The kids and their facilita-

tors all came from different backgrounds but it did not stop us from being united in God,” said Bernard.

The workshop first started in 2005 and has been organised annually since 2010. n jared.ng@catholic.org.sg

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Be merciful like Jesus, educators told

By Charles Lim “Teachers are called to believe in the mercy of God for unless we are believers of the mercy and receive it, we cannot give it to others,” said Msgr Ambrose Vaz during the Teachers’ Day Mass.

Catholics educators from across the island gathered at CHIJ St Theresa’s Convent for the annual celebration on Sept 11. The event was organised by the Archdiocesan Commission for Catholic Schools (ACCS).

Together with the main celebrant, Msgr Vaz and concelebrants Frs Adrian Danker and Edward Seah, the Mass was attended by teachers from all walks of life.

The choir was from the music ministry of St Theresa’s Convent and the altar servers were from Catholic High School and St Patrick’s School.

In his homily, Msgr Vaz encouraged teachers to draw from the mercy of God so that they can be merciful teachers like Je-

sus. Recognising the dual role of teachers as figures of authority and care, he encouraged Catholic educators to continue to reflect the loving embrace of God in the classroom.

There was also a special blessing for all teachers present as they stood in prayer with many of their family members in tow.

Ms Jane Choong, a teacher from Tanglin Secondary School who came with her family, found the experience a meaningful one.

“Coming here reminds me why I am teaching. It reinforces my decision to live out my vocation as a Catholic teacher in a government school,” she said.

Several non-educators were present to lend their support and pray for the teachers.

Chris and Cindy Chia, parents of a student in St Theresa’s Convent, saw their presence as affirmation for the good work of teachers. “Nowadays, it is not easy being a teacher as they are

The Teachers’ Day Mass was held at CHIJ St Theresa’s Convent on Sept 11.

often bombarded by calls, e-mails and texts about their students by parents. It has to be a great daily sacrifice.”

Ms Christina Teo, principal of St Anthony’s Primary School said, “It is like a community here,” referring to the familiar faces she sees yearly for at least 13 years.

“It reminds me of my own responsibility as principal to my community in my school.”

Other educators were reflective about their vocation. “I’m reminded that teaching opens the world to the children,” said Mr David Wong, a teacher from Hai Sing Catholic School. n

Msgr Ambrose Vaz encouraged participants of the Mass to continue to reflect the loving embrace of God in the classroom.

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Bishops’ Conference’s Migrant Sunday message

Learning about ethical issues surrounding Zika fears

By Jared Ng

Bishop Bernard Paul

Greetings in the name of Our Lord Jesus Christ!

His Holiness Pope Francis invites us to reflect on the World Day of Migrants and Refugees’s theme “Migrants and Refugees Challenge Us. The Response of the Gospel of Mercy”.

How do we view the foreign workers and refugees amongst us? Just like the Roman Empire, the Malaysian economy is heavily dependent on migrant labour.

According to the Human Resources Minister, Dato Richard Riot, there are around 6.7 million migrant workers in the country inclusive of over 4 million undocumented migrant workers.

Only a few are willing to talk about the good things & the blessings the migrant workers & refugees bring to our lives, to our economy, in the running of businesses.

And their presence are felt in the construction, manufacturing, agriculture, plantations, service industry and households.

Can we be oblivious to them and their contribution? Can we pass each other without a nod nor an acknowledgement? Do we have the courage to admit that

they are our new neighbours? The migrants and refugees are our new friends and new neighbours.

In this very mobile world, our children are migrants in foreign lands. We want them to be included, to be respected and treated well. So let us do likewise.

Can our parishes become centres to integrate all peoples? Can our BECs create awareness of the migrants and refugees and their plight in our neighbourhood?

What parish activities can promote the building of migrant communities? Do we still ask “who is my neighbour”?

May we be moved by the mercy shown us by individuals and people, and above by the Merciful Father in sharing ourselves and our Samaritan response to these new neighbours in our midst.

Together Building His Kingdom, Rt Rev Bishop Bernard Paul, President Episcopal Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerants (EMI) Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei.

A seminar to discuss and clarify the medical and ethical aspects of Zika infection was held on Sept 17.

The event was organised by the Catholic Medical Guild of Singapore.

Fr David Garcia, its spiritual director, and Dr John Hui, chairman of the Archdiocesan Commission for the Family (ACF), were the speakers at the seminar titled “Heart Issues, Hard Decisions: Ethical dilemmas in Zika Virus Infection”.

Such an infection during pregnancy can sometimes cause microcephaly in a small number of unborn children. Microcephaly is a congenital condition where babies are born with a much smaller head size than usual.

Noting this in his talk, Fr Garcia said that certain questions such as “would it be better to relieve the baby of suffering if I knew it would have a physical or mental impairment? Would I be able to care for it?” were valid concerns raised in the minds of couples.

Fr David Garcia said that an alternative to abortion is adoption.

Dr John Hui gave a summary of the symptoms of Zika infection.

For those who do not want to raise such a child, he urged them to consider alternatives to abortion one of which was giving their child for adoption.

A participant then asked him why someone would want a child who is physically or mentally deformed.

“There are couples out there who would give an arm or leg to have a child,” replied Fr David.

He added that he has met many such couples.

Dr Hui, in his talk, gave a

summary of the symptoms of the Zika virus. These include fever, rash, sore eyes and muscle pains.

Zike is transmitted through means such as sexual activity or the Aedes mosquito,” he said.

Although the chances of getting infected during sexual activity are lower when using a condom (which the Church does not approve of), Dr Hui stressed that there are still no guarantees. n jared.ng@catholic.org.sg

Marriage Encounter gathers in Rome A special Mass was held on Sept 10 in Rome as part of a pilgrimage during the Jubilee Year of Mercy for the Worldwide Marriage Encounter (WWME) community.

Singapore couple Lawrence and Celeste Lai, selected to represent Asia, brought up the offertory during the Mass at the main altar of St Peter’s Basilica.

The offertory gift they brought was a self-made poster depicting the wedding costumes of the different races in Singapore. Lawrence and Celeste also wore the traditional costume of the Peranakan Chinese.

As the global leadership couple of WWME, Singaporean couple Shelley and Daniel Ee read the second reading at the Mass attended by more than 4,000 people.

There were representatives from Africa, North America, Europe and Italy who also brought offertory gifts.

Earlier that day, the Ees, together with fellow WWME leadership team member Fr Nathaniel Gomez, met Pope Francis during a papal audience.

Before the meeting, Pope Francis addressed the large gathering of pilgrims gathered at St Peter’s Square.

He thanked WWME participants “for all the good you do to help families! Go forward!”

The Ees together with Fr Nathaniel Gomez presented the Holy Father with a picture book of the WWME communities and its major events worldwide, as well as a report on the worldwide movement.

Above: Singapore couple Lawrence and Celeste Lai holding up the offertory gift during a special Mass at St Peter’s Basilica. The couple were selected to represent Asia at the celebration organised by Worldwide Marriage Encounter (WWME) Italy. Below: The world leaders of WWME meeting Pope Francis on Sept 10. From left: Fr Nathaniel Gomez, and Singaporeans Shelley and Daniel Ee.

Mr Ee said: “The three of us felt immense joy and were humbled to be able to greet the Holy Father on behalf of WWME. We will always remember his warm smile and gentle clasp of hand as

he said thank you and encouraged our movement to carry on serving.”

To learn more about WWME Weekends visit http://wwmesg.org n

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Teacher receives President’s award A Catholic High School teacher was awarded the President’s Award for Teachers (PAT) for her role in inspiring her students and peers.

Ms Michele Tang, was among six recipients to receive the prestigious teaching award conferred

by President Tony Tan at the Istana on Sept 1.

The award honours excellent teachers for their role in moulding the future of Singapore.

The winners were selected by a panel chaired by the head of the Government Parliamentary Committee for Education.

As a lead teacher for Geography, Ms Tang believes her students learn best when they are engaged and when games or technology are involved. According to the school, Ms Tang seeks out such opportunities to help create

the need and want to know more about the world.

Some of her lessons include sessions that help students learn beyond their textbooks.

“Our students today know a lot.

They are also better gamers and much more proficient in technology than I am,” she said. “I see my role as a facilitator that brings all these elements to the table to help them make sense of what they are learning. At the end of it, they need to see the greater purpose of learning what they learn.

“It is not just about the academic results but about being mindful and purposeful with the

Ms Michele Tang (second from left) with Catholic High School principal, Ms Magdalen Soh Lai Leng (far left), a school student and staff members at the Istana on Sept 1. Ms Tang was among six recipients of the President’s Award for Teachers.

knowledge they acquire, to develop empathy and to take action.”

One example of her students taking action is after learning about the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, they decided to put on an exhibition to educate the public about tsunamis and signs of an impending tsunami. They also decided to take it further by raising funds for the tsunami victims.

Besides being a teacher of 16 years, Ms Tang is also a catechist

The award honours excellent teachers for their role in moulding the future of Singapore.

with the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) and a parishioner of the Church of Christ the King.

She also serves as a member of the Parish Engagement Team (PET) under the Archdiocesan Commission for the Family (ACF).

In school, Ms Tang serves as a religious moral education teacher and conducts talks on sexuality and character education for the students. She joined Catholic High School in 2010.

Being a teacher in a Catholic school has helped her faith. “It helps that teaching in a Catholic school begins with God in the morning through prayers,” she

said. This helps us to be still and know that God is there for us to lift up our daily worries, distractions and burdens. I draw strength from the weekly Masses and devotions by the Religious and staff, to the school, which inspire me to choose to live a God-centred life.”

Ms Tang added that teaching in a Catholic community has made a difference with the support of like-minded colleagues who also anchor themselves in Christ.

“We support each other through our prayer and fellowship, both of which are especially precious during the times when the going gets tough.” n

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Building communion, hospitality in parishes Parish leaders learned about these and more at a recent conference

By Christopher Khoo How can parishes build greater communion among their members? This was a major question tackled during the New Wine Conference held at SJI International on Sept 17.

About 400 representatives from parishes across the archdiocese attended the day-long event organised by the Office for the New Evangelisation (ONE).

According to ONE, the event’s aim was to facilitate a culture of communion in the archdiocese by encouraging parish leaders to focus on practices that can build communion in their own parishes.

In his opening remarks, Fr Terence Pereira said that “communion” was one of the four tenets of the New Evangelisation outlined

by ONE, the other three being “word”, “witness” and “worship”.

Fr Terence, Episcopal Vicar for the New Evangelisation, noted that in a ONE conference last year, the archdiocese decided to focus on “communion” first because “we need to be one as Jesus prayed”.

He said that when Catholics invite nonbelievers to church, or want to encourage other Catholics to be more active in church, and these people see that parishioners “are always fighting”, this “negative witnessing” will discourage them.

Fr Terence also stressed the importance of hospitality in building communion. “A Church that has so much hospitality in it will be a welcoming church that will draw people who do not want to leave,” he said.

A skit then followed which showed a parish priest and two parishioners discussing how to celebrate the parish’s feast day, with different people coming up with different ideas.

Commenting on the skit as well as the Gospel story on four friends who brought a paralytic man to Jesus, Fr Terence noted that different people in the parish have different levels of enthusiasm and commitment and sometimes this leads to tension, as dramatized in the skit.

“At best people coexist,” said Fr Terence, adding that “at this level there is no real communion”.

He stressed the importance of communication among different parish groups – not just to talk about work, but to have fellowship with one another. “We need to reach out” in order to build community in the parish, he stressed.

Envy and community Fr Valerian Cheong, in his talk,

Parish representatives praying at the New Wine Conference on Sept 17.

Fr Terence Pereira: ‘We need to be one.’

A skit highlighting the dynamics at a parish meeting.

referred to the Gospel story of the vineyard owner who paid his workers the same amount regardless of the number of hours they worked. Fr Valerian noted that the vineyard owner told those who grumbled at the seemingly unfair treatment, “Why be envious because I am generous?”

Fr Valerian said that such envy also occurs in parishes. “Envy destroys community” and is “the absence of gratitude”, adding that the consequences are backbiting, grumbling and gossiping.

On the other hand, having a sense of gratitude “helps to build the community”, he said.

Two parishioners from the Church of St Anthony then shared their experiences of how hospitality helped to build community in their parish.

Ms Candice Ong, who became a communion minister, a few years ago, shared that one of the ministry’s tasks is to greet people outside church with “peace be with you”.

“There were many times I didn’t get my ‘peace’ back,” said Ms Ong, adding that some people just didn’t respond.

But gradually, she got to know people in the other parish min-

istries and slowly the “peace be with you” response she received sometimes came “with a hug” as well. “I felt very loved by my community,” she said.

Her fellow parishioner, Mr Julian Tan, then shared his experience of starting a neighbourhood group after receiving what he felt was a prompting from the Lord.

Church that has ‘soAmuch hospitality

what we can do,” he said. “Is our hospitality based on things that we do, or does it come from an outpouring of the heart?

Referring to the Gospel story of Mary and Martha, in which Martha was stressed out serving Jesus while Mary sat listening to Him, Fr Cornelius asked, “Who is the more hospitable one?” adding that “we need to look at hospitality with a whole new mindset.”

Breakout groups

in it will be a welcoming church that will draw people who do not want to leave.

’

– Fr Terence Pereira

Mr Tan said he experienced “the love of the community” as the group journeyed with one another. “We were really brothers and sisters… we actually grew as a ‘family’,” he said.

In his talk, Fr Cornelius Ching, stressed the importance of hospitality in building communion.

“Very often, when we talk about hospitality, we talk about

During the conference, participants also broke up into three groups to discuss various issues.

In the first group, “How to engage the Youth and Young Adults”, Fr Terence shared with participants the importance of recognising the gifts that children and youth have and helping them to develop their gifts.

Fr Jude David also shared how it is necessary to reach out to young people where they are, and not wait for them to come to us.

Fr Erbin Fernandez and the Amplify team from the Catholic Spirituality Centre shared how they moved from a service-based ministry to one that experiences

communion through activities.

In the second group, “What Engages People?”, Ms Rofina Tham from ONE noted that vibrant parishes have a high percentage of Catholics who are spiritually committed, participative, and who regard their church as family.

Such engaged Catholics are more likely to serve their church and invite their friends to church.

On the other hand, those who are not engaged may attend church regularly though their connection to the community is more social than emotional. The disengaged, however, may come to church only once or twice a year.

Ms Tham suggested that those who are not engaged are the best potential group to reach out to to help them get more engaged with the parish. For the disengaged, it is important to support them pastorally.

The third group, a workshop on “The power of sharing your faith story”, was led by a team from the Institute for World Evangelisation (ICPE).

The team highlighted that it is the duty of every Christian to evangelise. Participants learnt that many Catholics do not talk about their faith or give explicit witness.

In order to do this, one must have a living and intimate relationship with Jesus, participants learnt.

The conference saw the launch of the Jesus4everyone campaign which aims to help Catholics become aware of the need to evangelise. Participants were also given car decals with the logo and special lanyards which they can give to their friends.

Comments Mr Xavier Woon, from the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, said he feels the Church is finally recognising the situation regarding youth, young adults and parents in the parishes, “and with that recognition they are going to do something about it”.

Ms Vanessa Lim, 25, said the conference taught her “to appreciate and embrace everyone’s differences in our parish, so that we can go beyond just coexistence, and truly become brothers and sisters in Christ”.

“I find that especially useful in the various ministries that I serve in,” said Ms Lim, who is president of the young adults ministry at the Church of the Holy Cross. n Additional reporting: VANESSA LIM and GERARD FRANCISCO

christopher.khoo@catholic.org.sg

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Weeklong film fest highlighted Catholic social teachings

By Amelia Desmond sIngaPORe – A total of 23 films, various panel discussions, workshops and a fringe festival for the whole family. These were just some of the highlights of the second edition of the CANA Film Festival (CFF) held from Sept 7-13.

The biennial festival aimed to bring noteworthy independent films that espouse the universality of Catholic social teachings through depictions of good versus evil, friendship, hope and disappointment, life, love and loss.

Ms Winifred Loh, director of CFF said: “Through films, we aim to reach out to the Catholic community and beyond, and raise awareness about the Catholic Social Teachings (CST) as an integral part of being human.

“When we first started planning ... we knew it was going to be different from the first edition in 2014. Clearly we had the four main F’s – Film, Faith, Fundraising, Fun – in mind as we formed the team.

“Along the journey, three more F’s became important – Fellowship, Fulfilment, and Feed-

back. We have been very blessed to receive the many gifts and talents that many have generously offered that contributed to the success of this festival.”

The festival kicked off with a fundraiser at the premiere screening of Francisco – El Padre Jorge at Golden Village VivoCity.

The premiere was well received, with many viewers overheard saying there wasn’t a dry eye at the end of the show. Some also felt that the CST was beautifully brought out in the movie.

Those who attended expressed their gratitude for having a premiere as such and hoped that this film could reach out to more people and communities within the Catholic Church.

Proceeds from ticket sales for the premiere went to Agape Village and the Cenacle Sisters.

Another film titled Above the Clouds, screened at the Catholic Centre on Waterloo St on Sept 8, dealt with issues relevant in today’s context: poverty, superstition and broken families.

The Korean film, How to steal a dog, was a favourite among the youths, with a turnout of about 110 on Sept 11. Films such as

A panel discussion session during the CANA Film Festival during which participants shared their thoughts on the film, Cart.

Homecoming and short films like Keep Mum, Quinn and Milkshake addressed the theme of family life.

A fringe festival was also held in partnership with Agape Village.

The event, held at Agape Village, had various activities including a social bazaar, an art exhibition, live performances as well as film screenings and workshops.

For more information on the CANA Film Festival, visit www. canafilmfest.com n

Publicity stills from Above the Clouds (above) and How to Steal a Dog.

Bangladesh faces river piracy issue BanglaDesh – A Church official has called on Bangladeshi authorities to rescue fishermen kidnapped by river pirates in the south of the country on Sept 14.

A gang of 10-12 river pirates beat up 20 fishermen, stole their catch and held them for ransom on Dhanshiddhir Char, a small island in Bagerhat district in the Sundarbans Mangrove Forest.

The pirates have demanded a 100,000 taka (S$1,740) ransom for the release of each of the men, reported United News of Bangladesh.

“This is just another awful incident in a series of pirate attacks in the area. The authorities must rescue and protect these ill-fated people at any cost,” said Fr James Mondol, from the Justice and Peace Commission in Khulna diocese.

“River piracy is a serious problem that impacts coastal communities. The pirates often attack and kidnap fishermen and villagers who enter into the forest to fish and collect honey and firewood,” the priest said.

“Over the years, hundreds of people have been abducted by

Dhaka,

Bangladeshi fishermen. A Church official has urged Bangladeshi authorities to rescue fishermen kidnapped by river pirates on Sept 14.

pirates and many remain missing for years,” he said.

During the fishing season, which runs from September to March, pirates demand each fishing trawler pay a “tax” of 20,00025,000 taka to work in the area, according to Fr Mondol.

In coastal Bangladesh, saline water intrusion hinders agriculture and a lack of alternative employment spurs the emergence and flour-

ishing of pirate gangs, according to Mr Tapas Sarker, Disaster Management Officer at Caritas, the Catholic Church’s social service agency.

“People are poor and landless. Like the victims, the robbers also come from poor backgrounds.

While poor fishermen and forest-dependent villagers take risks entering the forest for livelihood, some opt for criminal activities,” Mr Sarker told ucanews.com. n UCANEWS.COM

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Bishop against restoring death penalty MANILA – The head of the Philippine bishops’ conference set “ethical guidelines” against proposals to reinstate the death penalty as the country’s war on drugs continues, with body counts increasing daily.

In a statement released on Sept 14, Archbishop Socrates Villegas of Lingayen-Dagupan, conference president, urged Catholic lawmakers not to support “any attempt to restore the death penalty” and called on Catholic lawyers to “study the issue and to oppose” it by filing legal cases against it.

He also appealed to Catholic judges to “heed the teaching of the Church and to appreciate every possible attenuating or mitigating circumstance” so the death penalty would not be imposed.

Less than a week after Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte

was sworn into office, a staunch political ally and the new speaker of the Philippine House, Mr Pantaleon Alvarez of Davao del Norte, filed a proposal to reinstate the death penalty. It was the first bill filed in the new congressional term.

Mr Duterte ran, and won by a large margin, on a platform of ridding the country of criminals by having them killed and encouraging the public to kill them. He has repeatedly called for the death penalty to be reinstated and, in early September, again urged congress to pass the bill.

In recent months, the Church in the Philippines has held firm in its rejection of the death penalty.

Archbishop Villegas emphasised its stance with the ethical guidelines.

“While it is true ‘retribution’ has been central to many theories of penalty, it is at best a nebu-

Dioceses to start ministry on same-sex attraction MANILA – A ministry on same sex attraction will be set up in every Philippine diocese to help people understand the thinking of the Church about the issue.

“We need to provide [people with same-sex attraction] pastoral accompaniment,” said Bishop Gilbert Garcera of Daet, chairman of the Episcopal Commission on Family and Life.

He said the “main objective” of the ministry is to explain to Catholics the Church’s stand on marriage, the circumstances behind a person having same-sex attraction, and to hear stories from such people whose lives were changed.

Citing Pope Francis apostolic exhortation Amoris Laetitia, Bishop Garcera said people with same-sex attraction deserve “the Church’s help and guidance.”

“We should not condemn them,” said the prelate.

He said it is important for dioceses to have a ministry that will respond to their needs.

Courage Philippines, a Catholic group that provides spiritual support for the gay community, said it would welcome the creation of the ministry.

Mr Edwin Valles, the head of the organisation, said there has been little outreach from the Church in the way of support groups for people with same-sex attraction.

They are “usually left to discover and work their journey on their own,” he said.

He said his group encourages people with same-sex attraction “to be inspired to live like Christ, a chaste life in accordance with the teachings of the Catholic Church.”

“One of our goals is to keep everyone mindful that chaste friendships are not only possible but necessary in a Christian life of a gay or lesbian person,” said Mr Valles.

He said, “It is high time the Philippine Church assisted men and women with same-sex attraction to live in chastity, fellowship, truth and love.” n CNS

one can forfeit ‘No the right to life, because life is at the free disposal of none, not even the state.

’

– Archbishop Socrates Villegas of Lingayen-Dagupan

lous concept that is hardly distinguishable from a stylised and sanitised form of vengeance,” he said.

Citing a passage in the book of Genesis, Archbishop Villegas said, “In every human person is that incomparably precious breath of life from God Himself. ... It is this divine gift of life, sublime and unsurpassable, that

the death penalty takes away.”

The archbishop also pointed out changing views on the death penalty in the last century, with more and more people, including St Pope John Paul II, opposing it and questioning the need for it altogether. He said this was especially true with the evolution of more humane forms of punishment.

“You cannot, without contradiction, insist that the person is secure from cruel punishment,” said Archbishop Villegas, “and at the same time open the possibility of inflicting upon him or her the most cruel punishment possible: the calculated, planned and deliberate deprivation of life.”

Archbishop Villegas called Pope Francis’ declaration in the exhortation Amoris Laetitia that the Church “firmly rejects the death penalty” the “definitive teaching of the Catholic Church for the third millennium.”

“It is time then to rid ourselves of the obsolescent notion that a person who commits a heinous wrong ‘forfeits his right to life,’” the archbishop said. “No one can forfeit the right to life, because life is at the free disposal of none, not even the state.” n CNS

12 ASIA

Sunday October 3, 2016 n CatholicNews

Religions invoke power of Pakistan Muslim prayer to battle intolerance clerics praise

Pope Francis

JakaRTa – The International Cath-

olic Community of Sant’Egidio has appealed to religious groups in Indonesia to rekindle the Spirit of Assisi to work toward the creation of a peaceful society and fight against a growing tide of radicalism.

The Spirit of Assisi is an expression coined by St Pope John Paul II calling for people to pray for peace when he declared the first World Day of Prayer for Peace on Oct 27, 1986.

“Spreading the Spirit of Assisi is important because the spirit overcomes individual and ethnic differences, fundamentalism, and fanaticism,” said Mr Teguh Budiono, coordinator of Sant’ Egidio at an interfaith assembly in Jakarta on Sept 17 to mark the Spirit of Assisi’s 30th anniversary.

Several hundred representatives of Muslim, Confucian, Buddhist, Hindu, Protestant, and Ahmadiyah groups attended the event organised by the Sant’ Egidio group.

During the event, participants were asked to pray for peace in the Middle East, Myanmar, Pakistan, the southern Philippines, Korea, and other countries affected by conflict.

In order to counter the spread of violence and intolerance, there is a need for people from all walks of life, including religious leaders, to interact to build better society, Mr Budiono said.

The Sept 17 gathering came amid growing fears in Indonesia over what many see as a rising tide of intolerance towards minority groups, including the gay community and other religions.

A survey by the Wahid Foundation, an organisation that promotes religious harmony, and the Indonesian Survey Institute, last month revealed that 8.1 percent, or 12

St Pope John Paul II is embraced by Cambodian Buddhist monk Maha Ghosananda during an interreligious encounter in Assisi, Italy, in 1986.

Various religious representatives attended an interfaith gathering in Jakarta to work towards the creation of a peaceful society. CNS file photo

million adult Indonesian Muslims have hard-line beliefs or the inclination to commit extremist acts.

“We need to fortify our unity,” said Mr Alwi Abdurrahman Shihab, a Muslim scholar and champion of Islam and Christian cooperation.

Bishop Antonius Subianto

lahoRe, PakISTan – Islamic scholars and clerics paid tribute to Pope Francis for strengthening ties with the Muslim world and helping Syrian refugees at a UN World Peace Day celebration on Sept 18.

Holding up a magazine carrying the photo of the pope’s recent meeting with the Grand Imam of Sunni al-Azhar University, Mufti Syed Ashiq Hussain addressed a gathering at the Dominican Peace Center in Lahore. The mufti was speaking at the celebration of World Peace Day and Eid al-Adha organised by the United Religious Initiative Pakistan and the Dominican Peace Center. The actual date of the UN special day is Sept 21.

“To educated Muslims, Pope Francis is a prophet of love,” he said. “He has set an example to respect mankind and human dignity, which has become an argument for peace activists, and has shamed hate promoters. His action shows what he carries in his heart,” he said.

“We were touched when he washed and kissed the feet of

Muslim refugees at the Holy Thursday foot-washing ceremony,” the mufti said.

Archbishop Sebastian Shah of Lahore joined the Islamic clerics in releasing balloons and pigeons.

The Sept 18 event also included speeches on the theme of “building blocks of peace,” songs and poetic tributes.

While most of the Muslim clerics appreciated organisers for sharing in the joy of the recently concluded Eid al-Adha, the Muslim Festival of Sacrifice, many also lauded the Church’s efforts to build peace and interfaith harmony.

“The pope is also a role model for us. He initiated the Year of Mercy when the world needed it the most,” said Mr Sohail Ahmad Raza, Director of Interfaith Relations at Minhaj-ul-Quran International.

Muslims around the world widely support Pope Francis for his stance against stringent immigration policies in Europe. The Vatican is presently hosting 19 Syrian refugees including 17 Muslims. n UCANEWS.COM

Bunjamin of Bandung in West Java, the General Secretary of Indonesian Bishops Conference, encouraged all Indonesians to actively promote peace.

“We must not only become peace promoters, but also actors of peace,” he said. n UCANEWS.COM

not only become peace promoters, ‘We mustbut also actors of peace.’

– Bishop Antonius Subianto Bunjamin of Bandung in West Java

New campaign to tackle child marriage Dhaka, BanglaDeSh – Catholic activists have applauded a new campaign by Bangladesh’s government to educate school children about child marriage and gender-based violence.

“Despite remarkable socioeconomic developments in recent times, Bangladesh continues to have a bad name for its high level of child marriage and sexual harassment. It’s a good initiative to interact with schools and community people to show them the way out of these social malpractices,” said Mr Ranjon Francis Rozario, Assistant Executive Director of Caritas, the Catholic Church’s social arm.

The government launched its one-year Red Card Campaign on Sept 7 covering 195 schools in seven selected districts. It aims to raise awareness among 150,000 school students, teachers and parents. The campaign is sponsored by the European Union, Swiss Agency for Development Cooperation and UN agencies.

According to the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF), about 65 percent of girls get married before 18 in Bangladesh – one of the highest rates of child marriage in the world.

As for gender-based violence

The Red Card Campaign aims to raise awareness among school students, teachers and parents by holding workshops to discuss the consequences of cultural misogyny on reproductive, social and mental health. and sexual harassment, Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, a leading women’s rights group, claims that 87 percent of women face such problems.

The Red Card Campaign hopes to change this by holding workshops and meetings in schools to

discuss the consequences of cultural misogyny on reproductive, social and mental health. Schools will also create complaint boxes and prevention committees.

Red cards with slogans against child marriage and sexual harassment will be widely distributed.

They include two hotline numbers for students to call if people try to victimise them.

“I want to see this effort followed up through continuous monitoring,” said Ms Rita Roseline Costa, from the Women’s Desk at the Catholic Bishops Conference of Bangladesh.

“I hope it won’t become a one-off.”

The campaign is part of a series of government initiatives aiming to end child marriage and abuse, said Dr Abul Hossain, a joint secretary at the Women and Children Affairs Ministry.

“In 2015, there was a similar campaign in 130 schools that involved 100,000 students and community people,” he said. n UCANEWS.COM

Pope Francis greets Ahmad el-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Egypt’s al-Azhar mosque and university, on May 23. Muslim clerics praised the efforts of the pope in strengthening ties with the Muslim world. CNS photo

End dispute, Koreas told Seoul – The South Korean Bishops’ Commission for Justice and Peace have written to leaders in North and South Korea to work together to build peace.

“Peace is built through dialogue and patience, not with an escalation of tension and sanctions,” the statement said.

Msgr Lazzaro You Heung-sik appealed to Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea, to “give up the development of atomic weapons.”

The president of the commission added, “The nuclear ambitions of North Korea is contrary to the common effort for peace in Korea.”

“Nuclear weapons only cause disputes, and they bring the great spiritual and physical danger of destruction and death,” he said.

In his address to Seoul, Msgr You warned leaders that “continuing to tighten sanctions against the regime in the North will only increase the tension.

“The real purpose of any sanction should be to open the door to dialogue and negotiation. It is not right that the people, and especially the weakest, are those who suffer sanctions most,” he said.

Msgr You also urged countries surrounding the peninsula to avoid putting any nuclear weapons in any Asian countries.

“We hope for the disarmament of the peninsula, as well as that of the continent. We must foster peace between the two Koreas, so that peace can become the seed for true peace in the world.” n ASIANEWS

WORLD 13

Sunday October 3, 2016 n CatholicNews

Violence now no surprise, says bishop

A volunteer worker embraces refugee children at a makeshift camp in the Greek village of Polykastro.

Catholic Relief Services, the US bishops’ overseas relief and development agency and 30 other nongovernmental organisations have pledged US$1.2 billion (S$1.64 billion) to help address the refugee crisis over a threeyear period.

PHILADELPHIA, USA – A shoot-

CNS photo

$1.6 billion to help world’s refugees WASHInGTOn – Catholic Relief Services (CRS), the US bishops’ overseas relief and development agency, joined 30 other non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in pledging a total of US$1.2 billion (S$1.64 billion) to help address the refugee crisis over a three-year period.

All of the groups made the pledge as members of InterAction, the largest US alliance of international NGOs. The funds will provide urgent medical assistance, food and nutrition, security, shelter, education and other essential services to displaced populations, according to CRS. Each entity will manage its own money but report to InterAction as to how it is used, said Ms Jill Marie.

Eighty-six percent of the world’s refugees are living in developing countries and it is particularly hard for those countries to meet refugees’ needs and provide them an education and a livelihood, according to a senior policy and legislative specialist at CRS. Overall, 65 million people are displaced worldwide, the highest number since World War II, according to the UN High Commissioner of Refugees.

“After World War II, many of the refugees at that time were living in camps for a certain amount of time, then would be resettled or helped to be repatriated” in their home country, Ms Marie told Catholic News Service (CNS).

Today, she said, it is not unusual for refugees to live 20 years in a country that is not their own,

The funds will provide urgent medical assistance, food and nutrition, security, shelter, education and other essential services to displaced populations. she said, citing the 5 million Afghan refugees who have lived in Pakistan for “a very long time,” many for almost their entire lives.

Millions of Afghans have fled their homeland during waves of civil war spanning more than three decades.

Ms Marie made the comments

to CNS on Sept 16 in advance of the special summit that US President Barrack Obama convened on Sept 20 at the UN to address the global refugee crisis.

She also told CNS that in addition to its monetary pledge, CRS hopes the US Congress would “put more pressure on the UN to update its humanitarian architecture,” which currently is more the model addressing what World War II refugees faced than what today’s refugees confront.

“Refugees are no longer in camps but move into cities, with an uncle or a brother,” Ms Marie explained.

Some are “paying rent to put a tent up in somebody’s front yard and paying for their facilities,” she said, which means it is “much harder to get access to these people, harder to find them” to assess their needs and help them.

“That’s where the Catholic Church comes in,” using its networks to find people, Ms Marie said. Coordination and implementation of assistance to refugees is “better left to agencies like CRS,” she added. “We have the agility.

We work with local partners and we can move with them.” n CNS

ing rampage on Sept 16 that left a West Philadelphia resident and the shooter dead, plus two police officers and three civilians wounded, drew a strong response from Archbishop Charles J. Chaput.

“Combine easy access to guns with a culture that breeds resentment, self-focus, personal licence and contempt for human life and the law, and what you get is ... the terrible shootings of innocent people by Nicholas Glenn and others,” Philadelphia’s archbishop said on Sept 19.

The Philadelphia Police Department said Glenn, 25, was armed with a single semi-automatic handgun and several clips of ammunition when he went on a shooting spree as he walked calmly through a West Philadelphia neighbourhood on Sept 16.

Pursued by numerous officers, Glenn retreated to an alley where he exchanged gunfire, wounding University of Pennsylvania security officer Eddie Miller. Glenn was killed in the exchange.

Archbishop Chaput in his statement condemned the ease with which residents can acquire guns, but pointed to deeper issues at work in such incidents of violence.

“Taking away the guns – making them far more difficult to acquire – is the easy part, but it doesn’t begin to address the deeper moral and social dysfunctions of American urban life,” the archbishop said. “Violence begins in the heart before the hand picks up a weapon. Violence is now part of the American way from womb to tomb, and it should surprise no one when it hits home locally.”

“I ask Catholics across the archdiocese to pray in the coming days for the victims of the shootings and their families, and for leaders who can bring genuine peace to our community,” Archbishop Chaput said.

The incident was one chapter of a violent weekend across Philadelphia in which there were 18 shootings, but no additional fatalities, spanning the afternoon of Sept 16 to the evening of Sept 18.

Gun violence has become no surprise to city residents in areas such as West and North Philadelphia.

According to statistics from the Philadelphia Police Department, there were 203 homicides in the city up to Sept 17, up eight percent from that date last year. n CNS

A man walks past a gun store in San Bernardino, California, USA. Archbishop Charles J. Chaput said ‘violence is now part of the American way’ after a spate of shootings took place in Philadelphia. CNS photo

Bishops offer guidelines for when people seek assisted suicide OTTAWA, OnTArIO – The bish-

ops of Alberta and the Northwest Territories have issued pastoral guidelines for clergy dealing with Catholics who are considering euthanasia or assisted suicide, which is now legal in Canada.

The 32-page document, written for priests and parishes, gives guidance on when people in such situations are eligible to receive certain sacraments or a Catholic funeral. It includes references to canon law and pastoral guidance for special circumstances.

The document specifically addresses the Sacraments of Recon-

ciliation and Anointing of the Sick.

“In our day a priest may encounter a penitent who has officially requested physician-assisted suicide or euthanasia,” the document says. “The penitent has not yet been killed, nor has he/she committed suicide, but he or she has initiated the process, which is already a grave matter.”

The document restates the three things that must be present for a mortal sin, but notes that a person might not be aware that euthanasia is a grave sin.

Their freedom may be impaired through “depression, drugs, or

pressure from others,” it says.

“If the penitent, having been made aware of the gravity of the situation, is open to learning the Church’s teaching on this issue, and open to reconsidering the decision, the priest can absolve,” it says. “There is at least the beginning of contrition, a willingness to

The document specifically addresses the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick.

reconsider and thus possibly rectify their situation.”

“If they are not open at least to prayerfully considering the rescinding of their request – now that they know it is a grave sin – they would be choosing to do something gravely wrong, that is to say, deciding to remain in a situation of sin rather than seek to amend their life,” the bishops write. “In this case, the minister would need to delay absolution to a later time when the person may be properly disposed.”

The anointing of the sick usually follows reconciliation or confes-

sion, the bishops write, but it can be given to an unconscious person.

It presumes repentance. Those who refuse to repent, who are not contrite, are not “properly disposed” to receive the sacrament.

“In the case of a person who is contemplating a request for medical assistance in committing suicide or for euthanasia, but has not yet determined to do so, the grace of the sacrament of anointing is not to be denied,” the bishops say.

“This is a precious opportunity in the life of a person to encounter Jesus Christ, who is both teacher and healer.” n CNS

14 BUILDING THE CHURCH OF TOMORROW

Sunday October 3, 2016 n CatholicNews

Sunday October 3, 2016 n CatholicNews

BUILDING THE CHURCH OF TOMORROW 15

16 WORLD

Sunday October 3, 2016 n CatholicNews

CNS photo

A scene from the latest Star Trek movie, Star Trek Beyond. The first episode of the TVseries aired 50 years ago.

VATICAN CITY – Honouring Star Trek’s 50th anniversary, the Vatican newspaper said the overwhelmingly popular series gave the world a model of peace, tolerance and cooperation at a time of global tensions.

The show – whose first episode aired on Sept 8, 1966 – began during the Cold War. But “while builders of nuclear fallout shelters made buckets of money, especially in the United States, Star Trek proposed a true model of cooperation,” the article said.

Captain James Kirk and his faithful crew, it said, journeyed to distant galaxies and discovered new civilizations “in order to

propose peaceful relations [built] on a foundation of equality.”

Also significant and groundbreaking was the makeup of the

Star Trek represents a ‘voyage in search of new ways of understanding one another.

A voyage that is always needed,’ said the Vatican newspaper. crew of the starship Enterprise: an alien, an African-American woman and a Japanese man, it said.

“Today it might seem totally

normal, but it’s important to remember that America at the time had recently emerged from a bloody war fought against Japan, too, and it was marked by deep racial tensions.”

It also struggled with tense “relations with countries beyond the Iron Curtain, far away just like Vulcan,” the extraterrestrial planet and home of Mr Spock, who was of mixed human-Vulcan descent.

The newspaper, L’Osservatore Romano, said the show, which “marked an era”, represents a “totally human star voyage in search of new ways of understanding one another. A voyage that is always needed.” n CNS

WORLD 17

Sunday October 3, 2016 n CatholicNews

Plea: Protect Polish migrants in UK from xenophobic abuse A Polish shop is seen in the Hammersmith section of London.

Polish President Andrzej Duda has asked UK Church leaders for help in protecting Polish migrants from xenophobic incidents. cns photo

MANCHESTER, ENglANd – Pol-

ish President Andrzej Duda has asked Church leaders in England to help to protect Polish migrants from the mounting threat of xenophobic violence and abuse.

He wrote to Catholic and Anglican leaders to say that reports of serious attacks on migrants “have caused deep concerns to the Polish nation in general, and to myself in person.”

Such attacks included the murder of Arkadiusz Jozwik, 40, who was beaten to death by a teenage mob in Harlow, England, on Aug 27, he said.

Mr Duda urged Cardinal Vincent Nichols of Westminster, president of the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, and Archbishop Justin Welby, leader of the

Worldwide Anglican Communion, to do whatever they could at the parish level to prevent such violence against Poles.

In his Sept 5 letters, the president pleaded for a “constructive effort” for local parishes “to alleviate the adverse consequences of intolerance and xenophobia, including what appears to be a clear instance of aversion and animosity toward Poles.”

Since Poland joined the European Union in 2004 some 800,000 Poles have migrated to the UK, making them the largest ethnic minority in the country. After the UK voted to leave the European Union in a June 23 referendum, they became targets of xenophobic violence and abuse.

Archbishop Welby later told

The president pleaded for a ‘constructive effort’ for local parishes ‘to alleviate the adverse consequences of intolerance and xenophobia.

the House of Lords that the upsurge in xenophobia represented an outpouring “of poison and hatred” in a manner he had not seen “in this country for very many years.”

Cardinal Nichols also denounced the violence, saying in a June statement that “this upsurge of racism, of hatred toward others, is something we must not tolerate.” n cns

Papal commission set to educate Church on abuse on abuse by clergy and the imporVATICAN CITY – Members of the pope’s commission for child protec- tance of protecting minors and vultion, including an abuse survivor, nerable adults during the early Sephave been speaking with new bish- tember seminar for bishops newly ops and major Vatican offices as part elected to dioceses in mission lands.

The commission has completed of a mandate to develop and educate a template meant to help all Church the Church about best practices.

Pope Francis also approved the entities – from bishops’ conferences establishment of a day of prayer to Catholic associations – in formufor survivors of abuse, according lating guidelines in preventing and to a press release on Sept 12 from responding appropriately to abuse.

Pope Francis was set to rethe Pontifical Commission for the ceive the template Protection of Minors.

Members of the The commission “shortly,” according to the commission pontifical commishas completed press release. sion have spoken reAt the request of a template cently with officials a clerical abuse surat the Congregation meant to help vivor from Canada, for Institutes of Conall church the commission desecrated Life and Soentities in veloped a proposal cieties of Apostolic for a universal Day Life, as well as at the formulating of Prayer because Pontifical Ecclesiastiguidelines in “prayer is one part of cal Academy, which preventing and the healing process trains priests for serfor survivors and the vice in the Vatican’s responding community of believdiplomatic corps. appropriately ers” and public gathPontifical comto abuse. erings for prayer also mission members, help raise awareness who were in Rome in early September, were also set about the issue, it said.

Pope Francis received the proto address the Congregation for Clergy and to speak at seminars posal and has asked “that national for recently appointed bishops; the bishops’ conferences choose an training seminars are organised by appropriate day on which to pray the Congregation for Bishops and for the survivors and victims of the Congregation for the Evange- sexual abuse as part of a Universal Day of Prayer initiative,” it said. lization of Peoples.

The commission said it has Jesuit Fr Hans Zollner, a psychologist and commission member, resources like prayers for Mass, and Archbishop Charles J. Scicluna liturgical texts and other materials of Malta, a longtime abuse investi- available on request as part of the gator, already delivered their talks Day of Prayer initiative. n cns

18 ASSISI PEACE GATHERING

Sunday October 3, 2016 n CatholicNews

Pope, religious leaders pray for peace, victims of war ASSISI, ItAly – Jesus’ cry of thirst

on the cross is heard today in the cries of innocent victims of war in the world, Pope Francis said.

Christians are called to contemplate Christ in “the voice of the suffering, the hidden cry of the little innocent ones to whom the light of this world is denied,” the pope said on Sept 20 at a prayer service in Assisi with other Christian leaders, including Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople and Anglican Archbishop Justin Welby of Canterbury.

Far too often the victims of war “encounter the deafening silence of indifference, the selfishness of those annoyed at being pestered, the coldness of those who silence their cry for help with the same ease with which television channels are changed,” the pope said in his meditation.

After arriving, the pope raised his arms to embrace Patriarch Bartholomew and, together, the two greeted the other religious leaders present. Archbishop Welby, Syriac Orthodox Patriarch Ignatius Aphrem II of Antioch and

leaders of the Muslim, Jewish, Hindu and Buddhist communities also welcomed the pope to Assisi.

Several refugees were among those who greeted the pope, including a young Yezidi woman from Iraq’s Sinjar district who survived the August 2014 massacre committed by the Islamic State.

After having lunch with a dozen refugees and victims of war, Pope Francis and the Christian leaders went to pray in the lower Basilica of St Francis. Members of other religions went to different locations in Assisi to offer prayers for peace in their own traditions.

During the solemn celebration, prayers were offered for countries where violence and conflicts continue to cause suffering for innocent men, women and children.

The prayer service began with

a Liturgy of the Word, which included a meditation after each reading.

Reflecting on the first reading from the prophet Isaiah, Archbishop Welby said that the world today “struggles to distinguish between what something costs and what it is worth.”

Despite this, God responds

The Lord’s thirst is indeed ‘ quenched by our compassionate love; He is consoled when, in His name, we bend down to another’s suffering.

’

– pope Francis

Failure of ecumenism imprisons mercy ASSISI, ItAly – Churches that are

not reconciled with one another weaken the experience of mercy that unites believers to God and with each other, Anglican Archbishop Justin Welby of Canterbury said.

By not reconciling with one another, “our worship is diminished and our capacity to grow close together with God is reduced,” he said on Sept 20 in Assisi during a discussion on ecumenism.

“The failure of ecumenism imprisons mercy and prevents its liberation and its power with one another,” he said.

Speaking before Pope Francis arrived in Assisi for an interreligious peace meeting, Archbishop Welby joined other Christian leaders exploring how love, charity and mercy help foster peace and unity among Christian denominations.

“Mercy begins with the mercy that each of us experiences in the Sacrament of Reconciliation; the knowledge that we ourselves are accepted,” he said.

Suffering and martyrdom, the archbishop added, also unite Christians and are a visible sign of ecumenism for the world.

“If we do not suffer together,

pope Francis and religious leaders attend an interfaith peace gathering outside the basilica of St Francis in assisi, Italy, on Sept 20. During the celebration, prayers were offered for countries where violence and conflicts continue to cause suffering for the innocent. CNS photo

anglican archbishop Justin Welby of canterbury, england. CNS photo

we do not know the meaning of the ecumenism of mercy,” he said.

“When they kill us, they do not ask if we are Anglican, Presbyterian, Catholic or Orthodox; we are one in Christ for them. So why are we divided when they are not killing us?”

While they may have theological differences, he said, Christians must learn to “disagree well” and “learn to love one another with good disagreement.” n CNS

with “infinite love and mercy” and offers to receive from Him freely because “in God’s economy we are the poorest of the poor; poorer than ever because we think ourselves rich,” he said.

Patriarch Bartholomew commented on the second reading from the book of Revelation in which God calls “all who are thirsty come: all who want it may have the water of life, and have it free.”

Christians from around the world, he said, answered God’s call in Assisi “to invoke the Lord for the greatest of His gifts – peace – from Him, the king of peace.”

In his meditation, Pope Fran-

cis reflected on Jesus’ words on the cross, “I thirst,” which he said was not only a thirst for water but also for love.

He recalled the example of St Teresa of Kolkata, who asked that all Missionaries of Charity houses have Jesus’ words, “I thirst,” inscribed in their chapels next to the crucifix.

“Her response was to quench Jesus’ thirst for love on the cross through service to the poorest of the poor,” Pope Francis said. “The Lord’s thirst is indeed quenched by our compassionate love; He is consoled when, in His name, we bend down to another’s suffering.” n CNS

Pope: No war is holy ASSISI, ItAly – Violence in the name of God does not represent the true nature of religion and must be condemned by all faiths, Pope Francis said.

“We never tire of repeating that the name of God cannot be used to justify violence. Peace alone, and not war, is holy!” the pope said on Sept 20 at the closing ceremony of an interreligious peace gathering in Assisi.

Following a prayer service with Christian leaders, including Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople and Anglican Archbishop Justin Welby of Canterbury, the pope joined religious leaders from around the world to appeal for peace and unity.

The religious leaders also heard the experience of a victim of war from the Syrian city of Aleppo and prayed for those who had died in conflicts around the world.

In his speech, the pope called on believers of every faith “to confront the great sickness of our time: indifference.”

“It is a virus that paralyses, rendering us lethargic and insensitive, a disease that eats away at the very heart of religious fervour, giving rise to a new and deeply sad paganism: the

paganism of indifference,” he said.

Recalling the look on the faces of the refugees he and Patriarch Bartholomew met on the Greek island of Lesbos in April, the pope called on religious believers to not remain indifferent to the suffering of others but instead to be the voice of those unheard.

“I am thinking of the families, whose lives have been shattered; of

True peace is not a result of ‘negotiations, political compromises or economic bargaining, but the result of prayer.’

– pope Francis

the children who have known only violence in their lives; of the elderly, forced to leave their homeland.

All of them have a great thirst for peace,” he said. “We do not want these tragedies to be forgotten.”

True peace, he said, is not a result of “negotiations, political compromises or economic bargaining, but the result of prayer.”

A peace “that is not illusory,” the pope said, must be accom-

plished through concrete actions of assistance to those in need and cannot be achieved with “the ‘virtual’ approach of one who judges everything and everyone using a computer keyboard, without opening his eyes to the needs of his brothers and sisters, and dirtying his hands for those in need.”

In continuing the legacy of the 1986 peace gathering St John Paul II held in Assisi, faith leaders must join together in denouncing the use of religion to justify violence.

“Violence in all its forms does not represent the true nature of religion. It is the antithesis of religion and contributes to its destruction,” the pope said.

Pope Francis called on religious leaders to “free ourselves from the heavy burden of distrust, fundamentalism and hate” and instead be “artisans of peace” through prayer and action.

As religious leaders, he said, “we are duty bound to be strong bridges of dialogue, creative mediators of peace.”

“Let us assume this responsibility, reaffirming today our ‘yes’ to being, together, builders of the peace that God wishes for us and for which humanity thirsts,” the pope said. n CNS

Sunday October 3, 2016 n CatholicNews

POPE FRANCIS 19

Pope highlights sanctity of life VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis

Pope Francis holds a baby during Sept 16 a visit to Rome’s San Giovanni Hospital. The visit was part of a series of Mercy Friday activities he has been doing during the Year of Mercy. CNS photo

covery community for former donned a green hospital gown drug addicts and at a shelter for over his white cassock and en- women rescued from human traftered the neonatal unit of a Rome ficking and prostitution. hospital, peering in the incubaPope Francis stopped by the tors, making the sign of the cross emergency room of San Giovanni and encouraging worried parents.

Hospital before going to the neonaThe trip to the babies’ ward of tal unit, where 12 little patients were Rome’s San Giovanni Hospital and being treated. Five of the newborns, then to a hospice on Sept 16 were including a pair of twins, were in part of a series of Mercy Friday ac- intensive care and were intubated, tivities Pope Francis the Vatican said. The has been doing once pope also went to Pope Francis a month during the the maternity ward ‘wanted to give a and nursery upstairs, Year of Mercy.

By visiting new- strong sign of the greeting new parents borns and the dying and holding their importance of on the same day, the bundles of joy.

Vatican said, Pope At the neonatal life from its first Francis “wanted to unit, the Vatican moment to its give a strong sign of said, the pope was natural end.’ the importance of life “welcomed by the – Vatican statement from its first moment surprised personto its natural end.” nel” and, like eve“Welcoming life and guaran- ryone else, put on a gown and folteeing its dignity at every moment lowed all the hygiene procedures. of its development is a teaching Leaving the hospital, he drove Pope Francis has underlined many across town to the Villa Speranza times,” the statement said. With hospice, which hosts 30 terminally the September visits he wanted to ill patients. The hospice is connectput “a concrete and tangible seal” ed to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. on his teaching that living a life of Pope Francis went into each of mercy means giving special atten- the rooms and greeted each patient, tion to those in the most precari- the Vatican said. “There was great ous situations. surprise on the part of all – patients During the Mercy Friday vis- and relatives – who experienced its, Pope Francis has spent time moments of intense emotion with with migrants, the aged, at a re- tears and smiles of joy.” n CNS

20 POPE FRANCIS

Sunday October 3, 2016 n CatholicNews

Assassinated French priest joins chain of martyrs: pope VATICAN CITY – To kill in the

name of God is satanic, Pope Francis said at a special requiem Mass for a French priest assassinated by youths claiming allegiance to the Islamic State.

“Fr Jacques Hamel had his throat slit on the cross, at the exact moment he was celebrating the sacrifice of Christ’s cross. A good man, meek, brotherly and who always sought to make peace, was murdered as if he were a criminal.

This is the satanic line of persecution,” the pope said on Sept 14 during a morning Mass in the chapel of Domus Sanctae Marthae.

Archbishop Dominique Lebrun of Rouen and Fr Hamel’s sister, Ms Roselyne Hamel, along with 80 pilgrims from the diocese joined Pope Francis for the Mass in memory of Fr Hamel, who was killed on July 26.

Two men stormed a church in Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray near Rouen while Fr Hamel celebrated Mass. After taking several hostages, the attackers slit Fr Hamel’s throat and seriously injured another parishioner. Following a standoff, police killed the attackers, ending the hostage situation.

Celebrating the feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, the pope entered the chapel dressed in a red chasuble, the colour symbolising martyrdom. He reverently bowed before the altar, where a picture of Fr Hamel was placed in front of two lit candles.

Archbishop Lebrun said he had brought the photo and asked Pope Francis to sign it with a note for three Religious women who had been with Fr Hamel at Mass that day. The Sisters care for the sick in Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray and were not able to join the pilgrimage to Rome.

Instead of signing the photo before Mass, the pope “immediately told me to put it on the altar,” the archbishop told reporters later. “At the end of Mass, when he was greeting everyone, he

Pope Francis celebrates a memorial Mass for Fr Jacques Hamel in the chapel of the Domus Sanctae Marthae at the Vatican on Sept 14. Fr Hamel, seen in the photo on the altar, was murdered while celebrating Mass in Rouen, France, on July 26. CNS photo

signed it and said to me, ‘You can put this photo in the church because he is “blessed” now, and if anyone says you aren’t allowed, tell them the pope gave you permission.’”

In his homily, the pope re-

Fr Hamel accepted his martyrdom and in his final moments, “did not lose the lucidity to accuse and clearly say the name of his murderer.

He clearly said, ‘Be gone, Satan.’”

– Pope Francis

flected on the mystery of Christ “who made Himself a martyr for the salvation of men and women.”

“The history of Christian martyrdom,” he said, has continued from the first centuries until today, when “Christians are murdered, tortured, imprisoned and beheaded because they do not deny Jesus Christ.”

“In this history, we arrive to our Fr Jacques. He is a part of this chain of martyrs. The Christians, who suffer today – be it in prison, in death or by torture – for not denying Jesus Christ, show the very

cruelty of this persecution. And this cruelty that asks for apostasy, we can say, is Satanic,” the pope said.

Nonetheless, the pope noted, Fr Hamel accepted his martyrdom and in his final moments, “did not lose the lucidity to accuse and clearly say the name of his murderer. He clearly said, ‘Be gone, Satan.’”

“This example of courage, as well as the martyrdom of his own life when he gave himself to help others, to help create brotherhood, helps us to go forward without fear,” the pope said. n CNS

Pontiff praises bishops’ explanation of Amoris Laetitia VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis

thanked a group of bishops in Argentina for providing their priests with concrete guidelines for implementing the section of his apostolic exhortation on the family about circumstances in which divorced and civilly remarried couples might eventually be allowed to receive Communion.

The Vatican newspaper, L’Osservatore Romano, published an article on Sept 12 confirming Pope Francis wrote to the bishops of the Buenos Aires pastoral region thanking them for their document on criteria for applying what the pope wrote in Chapter VIII of Amoris Laetitia (The Joy of Love).

The chapter, titled “Accompanying, discerning and integrating weakness,” is focused on the pastoral care of couples who are living together without being married or who have divorced and remarried without getting an annulment.

In offering their priests guidance for applying the teaching in the pope’s document to the situation of couples in their care, the

bishops insisted it is not proper to speak of “permission to receive the sacraments” when it is, in fact, an invitation to “a process of discernment accompanied by a priest.”

The process of discernment – of looking at actions and failures that contributed to the breakup of their sacramental marriage, their current family responsibilities and their resolve to live the Christian life more fully – may not necessarily end with the reception of the sacraments, the bishops said.

It may be more appropriate to help them become more involved in parish activities, participate in prayer groups and engage in Christian acts of charity.

“When the couple’s concrete circumstances make it possible, especially when both are Christians with a journey of faith, one can propose a commitment to living in continence,” the bishops said. Abstaining from sexual relations will not be easy, but it would allow the couple to receive Communion, they said.

In other cases, the bishops said, when abstaining from rela-

The pope’s letter to the Argentinean bishops said they accurately explained what Amoris Laetitia taught and captured its full meaning.

Copies of Pope Francis’ apostolic exhortation on the family, Amoris Laetitia (The Joy of Love). The pontiff thanked a group of bishops for accurately explaining what Amoris Laetitia taught. CNS photo

tions could harm the new union and the children who are part of the new family, further discernment is necessary. It could be that there are factors that limit the responsibility or culpability of the divorced spouse, they said, and

in those cases “Amoris Laetitia opens the possibility of access to the sacraments of reconciliation and the Eucharist.”

In those circumstance, the bishops said, priests must take care not to give scandal to their

congregations, something which could be done by ensuring the couple receive in “a reserved way,” somewhat privately, although parish congregations also should be helped to “grow in a spirit of understanding and welcome.”

The pope’s letter to the bishops said they accurately explained what Amoris Laetitia taught and captured its full meaning. “There are no other interpretations,” he said. n CNS

POPE FRANCIS 21

Sunday October 3, 2016 n CatholicNews

Silence and indifference to migrant crisis lead to complicity ... says pope in his World Day for Migrants and Refugees message

Pope Francis meets refugees at the Moria refugee camp in Greece on April 16, 2016. In his message for the 2016 World Day for Migrants and Refugees, he said greater solidarity and cooperation will help prevent people from leaving their homeland. CNS photo VATICAN CITY – Indifference to

the crises and tragedies today’s migrants and refugees are facing lead to complicity when people remain silent or refuse to act, Pope Francis said.

Jesus’ call to welcome the stranger and show mercy is clear, the pope said in his message for the 2016 World Day for Migrants and Refugees. The special day is celebrated on Sept 25 in Singapore.

“Yet there continue to be debates about the conditions and limits to be set for the reception of migrants, not only on the level of national policies, but also in some parish communities, whose traditional tranquillity seems to be threatened,” he said.

Pope Francis chose “Migrants and Refugees Challenge Us. The Response of the Gospel of Mercy” as the theme for this year’s commemoration.

All migrants are “our brothers and sisters in search of a better life, far away from poverty, hunger, exploitation and the unjust distribution of the planet’s resources, which are meant to be equitably shared by all,” the pope said in his message.

They are seeking the same thing everyone seeks, he said, “a better, more decent and prosperous life to share with our loved ones.”

“Unacceptable humanitarian crises” in many parts of the world force greater numbers of people to flee for their lives, he said.

But “indifference and silence lead to complicity whenever we stand by as people are dying of suffocation, starvation, violence and shipwreck.”

“Whether large or small in scale, these are always tragedies, even when a single human life is lost,” the pope said.

“Today, more than in the past, the Gospel of mercy troubles our

All migrants are ‘our brothers and sisters in search of a better life, far away from poverty, hunger, exploitation and the unjust distribution of the planet’s resources, which are meant to be equitably shared by all.’

– Pope Francis

consciences, prevents us from taking the suffering of others for granted, and points out a way of responding” with practical works of spiritual and corporal mercy, the pope said in his message.

Communities who welcome

migrants are seriously challenged by the influx, but with proper motivation, management and regulation, they can find ways to integrate newcomers with their different cultures in ways that are mutually beneficial and prevent racism and discrimination, he said.

While newcomers have a right to preserve their cultural identity, they, too, have responsibilities, he said, as they must respect the “material and spiritual heritage of the host country, obeying its laws and helping with its needs.”

In his message, the pope said people also have a right not to be forced to emigrate and he called for greater efforts in preventing and stopping the causes of mass migrations. Greater solidarity, cooperation and a more equitable distribution of the earth’s resources will help eliminate the kind of imbalances that lead people to abandon their homeland, he said.

The pope’s message can be found online at: http://w2.vatican.va/content/ francesco/en/messages/migration/documents/papa-francesco_20150912_world-migrantsday-2016.html n CNS

22 OPINION

Sunday October 3, 2016 n CatholicNews

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Orphaned world can find a mother in Mary: pope VATICAN CITY – In a world that feels orphaned and abandoned, Christians can find a mother in Mary, who will defend them and is not ashamed of their sins, Pope Francis said.

As she watched her son crucified and in agony, Mary “gave birth to us in that moment with so much pain; it is truly a martyrdom”, the pope said on Sept 15 during a morning Mass in the chapel of the Domus Sanctae Marthae where he lives.

“With her pierced heart, she accepted to give birth to all of us in that moment of pain. And from that moment she became our mother, from that moment she is our mother, the one who takes care of us and is not ashamed of us: She defends us,” he said.

Celebrating the memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows, the pope reflected on the humiliation and suffering Mary bore willingly while she witnessed the death of “her son naked” on the cross.

“Mary had such great suffering, but she did not go; she did not deny her son. He was her flesh,” he said.

The pope recalled his frequent visits to prisoners in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where he often saw a long line of mothers waiting to see their imprisoned children.

Like Mary, these women suffered not only scorn and judgment, they “also suffered the terrible humiliation of body searches that were done to them before entering”.

“Nevertheless, they were

have someone ‘whoWedefends us, who teaches us, who accompanies us.

– pope Francis

’

pope Francis touches the original statue of our lady of Fatima in this file photo.

mothers and they went to find their flesh and blood. Just like Mary, who was there with her son, with that great suffering,” the pope said.

Pope Francis explained that the Russian mystics of the first centuries would often advise followers to “find refuge under the mother of God’s mantle” in times of spiritual turmoil. There, he added, is where all Christians “are safe”.

In his final moments on the cross, Jesus gave Mary as a mother to all men and women “in this world that suffers the crisis of a great ‘orphanhood’”, the pope said.

“We have someone who defends us, who teaches us, who accompanies us, who isn’t ashamed of our sins. She is not ashamed because she is a mother,” he said. n CNS

Danger of replacing God with money VATICAN CITY – The dignity

given by God to men and women easily can be lost if they give themselves over to the idolatry of wealth, Pope Francis said.

Like the people of Israel who built a golden calf in the desert, people can fall prey to the allure of wealth since “all idols have something gold”, the pope said on Sept 15 at an audience with members of the Italian Biblical Association.

“This calls to mind the attractive force of wealth,” he said,

“and the fact that man loses his very dignity when wealth takes the place of God in his heart.”

The members of the biblical association were in Rome for a three-day conference that focused on the relationship between man and woman according to Scripture.

In his address, the pope told the participants it is essential to reflect on how men and women were “created and formed in the image and likeness of the Creator” as well as looking at the

differences between the human person and other creatures.

“This helps us to understand the dignity we all have, men and women; a dignity that has its roots in the same Creator,” he said. “It has always struck me that our dignity is precisely that of being children of God.” However, the pope warned, humankind’s God-given dignity can be “degraded” over time when “we make space in our hearts” for idols. n CNS

From paranoia to metanoia SOMETIMES we’re a mystery to ourselves, or, perhaps more accurately, sometimes we don’t realise how much paranoia we carry within ourselves. A lot of things tend to ruin our day.

I went to a meeting recently and for most of it felt warm and friendly towards my colleagues, and positive about all that was happening. I was in good spirits, generative, and looking for places to be helpful.

Then, shortly before the meeting ended, one of my colleagues made a biting comment which struck me as bitter and unfair. Immediately a series of doors began to close inside me. My warmth and empathy quickly turned into hardness and anger and I struggled not to obsess about the incident.

Moreover the feelings didn’t pass quickly. For several days a coldness and paranoia lingered inside me and I avoided any contact with the man who had made the negative comments while I stewed in my negativity.

Time and prayer eventually did their healing, a healthier perspective returned, and the doors that had slammed shut at that meeting opened again and metanoia replaced my paranoia.

It’s significant that the first word out of Jesus’ mouth in the Synoptic Gospels is the word, metanoia. Jesus begins his ministry with these words: “Repent [metanoia] and believe in the good news” and that, in capsule, is a summary of His entire message. But how does one repent?

Our English translations of the Gospels don’t do justice to what Jesus is saying here. They translate metanoia with the word, repent.

But, for us, the word repent has different connotations from what Jesus intended. In English, repentance implies that we have done something wrong and must regretfully disavow ourselves of that action and begin to live in a new way. The biblical word, metanoia, has much wider connotations.

It comes from two Greek words – meta, meaning above; and nous, meaning mind. Metanoia invites us to move above our normal instincts, into a bigger mind, into a mind which rises above the proclivity for selfinterest and self-protection which so frequently trigger feelings of bitterness, negativity, and lack of empathy inside us. Metanoia invites us to meet all situations, however unfair they may seem, with understanding and an empathic heart. Moreover, metanoia stands in contrast to paranoia. In essence, metanoia is “non-paranoia”, so that Jesus’ opening words in the Synoptic Gospels might be better rendered: Be unparanoid and believe that it is good news. Live in trust!

The late Dutch priest and writer Henri Nouwen, in a small but deeply insightful book entitled, With Open Hands, describes wonderfully the difference between metanoia and paranoia. He suggests that there are two fundamental postures with which we can go through life. We can, he says, go through life in the posture of paranoia. The posture of paranoia is symbolised by a closed fist, by a protective stance, by habitual suspicion and distrust.

Paranoia has us feeling that we forever need to protect ourselves from unfairness, that others will hurt us if we show any vulnerability, and that we need to assert our strength and talents to impress others.

Paranoia quickly turns warmth into cold, understanding into suspicion, and generosity into self-protection.

The posture of metanoia, on the other hand, is seen in Jesus on the cross. There, on the cross, we see Him exposed and vulnerable, His arms spread in a gesture of embrace, and His hands open, with nails through them. That’s the antithesis of paranoia, wherein our inner doors of warmth, empathy and trust spontaneous slam shut whenever we perceive a threat. Metanoia, the meta mind, the bigger heart, never closes those doors.

Some of the early Church Fathers suggested that all of us have two minds and two hearts. For them, each of us has a big mind and a big heart. That’s the saint in us, the image and likeness of God inside us, the warm, generative, and empathic part of us. All of us harbour a true greatness within. But each of us also has within us a petty mind and a petty heart. That’s the narcissistic part of us, the wounded part, the paranoid part that turns self-protective and immediately begins to close the doors of warmth and trust whenever we appear threatened.

Such is our inner complexity. We are both big-hearted and petty, open-minded and bigoted, trusting and suspicious, saint and narcissist, generous and hoarding, warm and cold. Everything depends upon which heart and which mind we are linked to and operating out of at any given moment. One minute we are willing to die for others, a minute later we would see them dead, one minute we want to give ourselves over in love, a minute later we want to use our gifts to show our superiority over others. Metanoia and paranoia vie for our hearts.

Jesus, in His message and His person, invites us to metanoia, to move towards and stay within our big minds and big hearts, so that in the face of a stinging remark, our inner doors of warmth and trust do not close. n

REFLECTION 23

Sunday October 3, 2016 n CatholicNews

What does God want me to do?

By Effie Caldarola Should I or shouldn’t I? What does God want me to do? How many times have you wished you had a direct line to God? Lately, we’ve learned so much about the life of St Teresa of Kolkata. The founder of the Missionaries of Charity was destined to be both a Nobel Peace Prize winner and a canonised saint.

But she didn’t know that when she boarded a train from Kolkata to Darjeeling many years ago. As a Sister of Loreto, she taught in a girls’ school. But on the train, she experienced her famous “call within a call”, an interior vision and movement so profound that it changed her entire life.

She felt Christ asking her to work exclusively with the poorest of the poor. She was sure of that call. The hole world would watch the result.

Now, most of us are not destined to be saints of the calibre of Mother Teresa. But all of us want to do God’s will. We pray for that all the time.

But how often do we feel certainty? So often, I muddle along feeling like a giant question mark.

But sometimes, I think we do experience certainty, without the voices or the visions, of course.

Occasionally, we have a strong interior sense of rightness.

I made a list the other day of things in my life that seemed so absolutely right that I “had” to do

them. It surprised me that I could think of several.

It’s a good exercise and I encourage you to do it. It may surprise you how many times you heard and answered a call. And it’s good to ask yourself: What sense of desire or openness prompted that strong consent?

When I was a young teacher, I sent for a pamphlet called Invest Yourself. This was long before the Internet with its ready access to information. My pamphlet was

promoted by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, founder of the Special Olympics, and in it was listed, in very fine print, just about every volunteer opportunity in the US. Halfway through the book, I arrived at something called the Jesuit Volunteer Corps (JVC). It hit me. Bingo. I felt compelled to apply and really never looked back, even when JVC asked me to go to a remote village in Alaska to teach.

It was a life-changing decision, but one that involved so little “should I or shouldn’t I”.

Much later, I wanted to take

a writing course from a woman who was the first female bureau chief of The Associated Press. I just knew it was for me. But after I applied, word came back – sorry, class is full.

I am not usually a pushy person, but I wrote a letter to the instructor telling her all of the reasons she needed to make an exception and let me into her class.

I got in – to that one and several more.

There were a few other “have to” moments on my list, some personal and some professional, like deciding to pursue a master’s degree in pastoral ministry. What I realise is that these moments in my life drew on an openness, a need for something new and challenging. I was ready and willing to take a risk. I was ready for a call.

When having trouble wondering what God wants next, I’m going to think about my list and ask what qualities or conditions or needs prompted my eagerness.

Then I’ll ask God to help me be open to the next “have to” call.

Surprise me, Lord, with another decision that feels right. n CNS

24

Sunday October 3, 2016 n CatholicNews

Once there was a man named Job. He was very righteous and always followed God’s laws. God loved him very much and gave him wealth and many children.

One day, the angels presented themselves to God. Guess who showed up as well? Satan! Remember, Satan was once an angel until he rebelled against God. Satan told God he had been roaming the earth and patrolling it.

“Have you noticed my servant Job, and that there is no one on earth like him, blameless and upright, fearing God and avoiding evil?” the Lord asked.

Satan sneered. He told God that Job only followed Him because God had been good to Him. “You have blessed the work of his hands, and his livestock are spread over the land,” Satan said. “But now put forth your hand and touch anything that he has, and surely he will

blaspheme you to your face.”

God knew Job was a good and faithful servant. So he decided to allow Satan to test Job. “Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand upon his person,” God said.

Satan rubbed his hands gleefully.

He was excited to think that he could turn Job against God. So Satan set to work. He caused raiders to steal Job’s oxen and donkeys, killing all but one herdsman, who escaped and told Job what had happened.

Just as the herdsman was done speaking, a shepherd ran up to Job. He had survived a lightning strike that killed the rest of the shepherds and all of Job’s sheep.

A third man rushed up to Job. The Chaldeans had carried off Job’s herd of camels and killed the animal tenders. The messenger was the only one to have lived.

Then the final messenger came.

SPOTLIGHT ON SAINTS:

St Osyth St Osyth was raised in a nunnery in seventh-century England. She wanted to be a nun, but her parents said no. Instead, they arranged for her to be married.

When her husband realised that Osyth did not want to be his wife, he allowed her to become a nun. He gave her some land on which to build a monastery.

Unfortunately, the land was located in a dangerous place. One day, pirates tried to carry her off, and when she fought back, she was killed. We honour her on Oct 7. n

Job’s sons and daughters had been eating at their eldest brother’s home. Suddenly, the man said, a powerful wind came across the desert and destroyed the four corners of the house, causing it to collapse.

All of Job’s children were dead.

Upon hearing this, Job tore his clothes in anguish and fell to the ground.

But, instead of cursing God, Job praised Him.

“The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord!” Job said. n Read more about it: Job 1

Q&A 1. Who tested Job? 2. What news made Job fall to the ground?

Wordsearch: n STRIKE n STEAL

n DEAD

n EARTH

n SHEEP

n LAW

n POWER

n SATAN

n DESERT n ANGEL

n CLOTHES n EVIL

BIBLE TRIVIA: Name another person in the Old Testament whom God tested.

Hint: Genesis 22

Bible Accent:

Answer to puzzle: Blessed be the name of the Lord.

Answer to Bible Trivia: Abraham

The Book of Job is not the only place in the Bible where Satan tried to tempt others to sin.

In Genesis 3, the snake – which is identified with the devil – tempted Eve to eat the fruit from a tree in the Garden of Eden that God had said not to eat from. Eve ate the fruit and got Adam to as well. God punished them by banishing them from the garden.

In Acts 5, a Christian named Ananias sold his property so he could give all of the money to the apostles to give to believers in need. Instead, he sinned by keeping part of the money for himself and lying about it.

“Why has Satan filled your heart so that you lied to the Holy Spirit and retained part of the price of the land?” the apostle Peter asked Ananias.

Satan even tried to tempt Jesus. In Luke 4, Jesus was in the desert for 40 days and nights. The devil came and tried to tempt Jesus into showing His power. He even offered to give Jesus power, if only Jesus would worship him.

Jesus resisted the temptation and said, “You shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test.”

God knows the devil will always try to tempt us. That is why, in Matthew 6, Jesus taught us to pray for strength against temptation: “And do not subject us to the final test, but deliver us from the evil one.” n

PUZZLE: Unscramble the letters to form a sentence that can be found in the story about Job. s s e be l d

eb

he t

me na

fo

eh t

d l ro Answer to Wordsearch

By Jennifer Ficcaglia

WHAT’S ON 25

Sunday October 3, 2016 n CatholicNews

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SEpT 7 TO SEpT 28 prAyINg WITH MErCy IN THE NEW TESTAMENT Every Wednesday from 9.30am-11.30am.

Venue: Church of Holy Spirit at the attic (level 4). Presented by Sr Sandra Seow.

This Bible programme aims to cultivate the love of praying with the Scriptures and apply mercy to one own’s life situation. For more information: E: hsbibleapostolate@gmail.com SEpT 8 TO SEpT 29 CATECHIST ElECTIVE COUrSE lITUrgICAl prINCIplES Every Thursday from 7:30pm-10pm.

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Contribution waived for 2016. You are encouraged to register as early as possible.

For more information: T: 68583011 (Sylvia Stewart) W: www.catechesis.org.sg SEpT 9 TO DEC 9 Fr EUgENE VAz: THE gOSpEl OF lUkE A total of 12 sessions on Fridays. Time: 8pm-9:45pm. Venue: Church of the Holy Family. Register: E: hfcbat@yahoo.com SEpT 15 TO NOV 20 CHUrCH OF THE TrANSFIgUrATION (COTT) HOME VISITS IN pUNggOl Every Monday, Thursday and Friday.

COTT’s Home Visit Ministry Team will be reaching out to Catholic homes in the Punggol HDB estate to engage with and register parishioners into the various Church ministries. House blessing and Anointing of the Sick will be carried out where appropriate. Living in a private property? Contact our pastoral coordinator, Raymond, at 63419718 to schedule a visit.

SEpT 15 TO JAN 18, 2017 prAyEr ExpErIENCE rETrEAT 19 A four day/three night stay-in programme, designed to help individuals build up their prayer life and deepen their prayer experience. Cost: $160. Registration forms are available at http://www.csctr.net or at the Catholic Spirituality Centre admin office.

SEpT 16 TO DEC 2 AlpHA@ CHUrCH OF ST BErNADETTE Every Friday from 7.30pm-9.30pm. The Alpha programme comprises of a series of video talks covering topics on Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. All are welcome.

FOC. Venue: Church of St Bernadette, 12 Zion Rd, S247731. For more information: T: 97987788 (Richard); 83225356 (Andy); E: andy_lee_4health@yahoo.com SEpT 26 THE ECUMENICAl CHArISMATIC HEAlINg SErVICE All are invited to join in this healing service with Archbishop William Goh, Bishop Terry Kee (Lutheran), Bishop Dr Wee Boon Hup (Methodist) and Bishop Low Jee King (Anglican). Time: 7.30pm-10.30pm. Venue: St Andrew’s Cathedral (New Sanctuary).

For enquiries, E: saccre.resource.centre@ gmail.com. Organised by SACCRE, Ad Hoc Protestant Team and Alpha Singapore.

SEpT 30 BASkETS OF lOVE THANkSgIVINg FUNDrAISINg DINNEr Magdalene’s Kindergarten is organising a fundraising dinner on Sept 30 at 7pm in support of needy children. The dinner is priced at $200 per person. Those interested in attending the dinner located at ART (Assumption Restaurant of Training), please contact Sr Margaret Goh, 90124778.

SEpT 30 TO OCT 2 SEpT CHOICE WEEkEND Sep 20 6pm- Oct 2 6pm. Come away for a Choice Weekend – it is by the choices we make that define what life is all about.

For more information: T: 97900537 (Hillary); 97109680 (Francesca); E: registration@choice.org.sg; W: www.choice.org.sg/registration.htm OCT 1 TO JUNE 1, 2017 VOlUNTEErS NEEDED FOr NIgHT CArE OF DISADVANTAgED kIDS CareNights @ Morning Star is the first programme in Singapore that provides food and a structured programme at night for disadvantaged and at-risk children aged 6-14, while their parents are studying or working late. We need volunteers willing to put in time, energy and skills toward supporting the children while they are in our centre in Bedok North Ave 4. For for information: T: 62851377 (Jaanani); E: CareNights@morningstar.org.sg OCT 2 TO OCT 8 WEEk OF gUIDED prAyEr Venue: Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Sojourners’ Companions invite you to learn how to pray with Scripture and develop a closer relationship with the Lord. Oct 2: 2pm5pm: Taster; Oct 3-7: Daily 30mins at home and 30mins with personal prayer guide at

convenient time between 9am–10pm; Oct 8: 2–5pm: Closure. Fee: $30. To register: W: www.sojourners.sg/; wogp@sojourners. sg/; visit the foyer of Nativity Church after Mass on weekend of Sept 24 and 25.

OCT 5 TO NOV 2 MEETINg JESUS IN THE gOSpEl OF JOHN Every Wed from 9.30am-11.30am.

Following Christ takes more than simply believing in Him or doing what He asks of us. This DVD-based programme is a guide to a personal encounter with Christ. Cost: $28. Registration on day of first session.

Venue: Church of Holy Spirit at The Attic (4th floor). E: hsbibleapostolate@gmail.com OCT 7 TO OCT 9 THE SpIrITUAlITy OF WOrk: lABOUr, TOIl AND/Or pASSION? Friday, 8pm to Sunday, 1 pm. “Love your work and you will not work a single day in your life.” This weekend of prayer invites you to reflect on work from seeing how God works and labours in all creation, and how we are invited to participate in God’s passion for giving life in this manner. Venue: Choice Retreat House. Organised by the Cenacle Sisters. T: 65652895; 97223148.

E: cenaclemissionsingapore@gmail.com.

OCT 8 AND OCT 15 CATECHIST ElECTIVE COUrSE (CEC) - HISTOry OF THE CATHOlIC CHUrCH IN SINgApOrE (Saturdays) Time: 9:30am-12:30pm.

Venue: CAEC 2 Highland Road, S549102.

Speaker: Fr Rene Nicolas. To register: use the following URL https://cms.catechesis. org.sg/civ icrm/event/info?reset=1&id=58 before Oct 3. Contact: Office For Catechesis (Sylvia Stewart) at 68583011.

W: www.catechesis.org.sg OCT 8 TO OCT 9 A rElIgIOUS-CHArISM rETrEAT Oct 8 (10am) to Oct 9 (3pm). Have you wondered about the many Religious orders for women in Singapore? Come, listen and explore as we hear from each of their call and response to God’s love.Cost: $90 (non-aircon), $110 (aircon). Organised

by Kingsmead Centre, 8 Victoria Park Rd. To register: W: http://tinyurl.com/ kingsmeadregi stration; T: 64676072

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

JUNE 5, 2016 TO JUNE 4, 2017 MANDArIN rCIA @ CHUrCH OF OUr lADy OF pErpETUAl SUCCOUr Every Sunday from 9am-10:30am.

For enquiries: T: 97564783 (Theresa); T: 96612262 (Darryl); T: 97761181 (Peter) JUNE 7, 2016 TO MAy 30, 2017 rCIA @ CHUrCH OF ST FrANCIS xAVIEr Sessions will be conducted every Tuesday from 8pm-10pm. Registration forms are available at the parish office.

For more details, E: rcia@sfxchurch.sg.

JUNE 14, 2016 TO MAy 9, 2017 rCIA @ HOly TrINITy Who is Jesus? Want to know more?

Time: 7.45pm to 9.45pm. Please register with the parish office of Holy Trinity.

E: rciaht@gmail.com; T: 97378194 (Emily Tan).

JUNE 16, 2016 TO JUNE 17, 2017 NEW rCIA JOUrNEy @ CHUrCH OF THE HOly SpIrIT Every Thursday from 8pm-10pm.

Register: W: https://goo.gl/Mvm9EX; E: holyspiritrcia.coordinator@gmail.com.

JUNE 30, 2016 TO AprIl 15, 2017 rCIA @ CHUrCH OF THE NATIVITy

OF THE BlESSED VIrgIN MAry Every Thursday from 7.30pm-10pm.

Every Sunday from 10.30am-12.30pm.

E: nativitysg@yahoo.com.sg; T: 62800980

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OCT 22 TO OCT 23 IgNATIAN SpIrITUAl ExErCISES FrOM THE STANDpOINT OF JApAN Oct 22 (9am)-Oct 23 (5pm). Led by Fr Toshihiro Yanagida. This retreat is oriented to the wholeness of body and mind, as the Japanese strive for. Includes prayer exercises of non-judgmental awareness so as to cultivate inner detachment more effectively. Fee: $260 (non- aircon), $300 (aircon). Organised ny Kingsmead Centre, 8 Victoria Park Rd. To register: W: http://tinyurl.com/ kingsmeadcentre; T: 64676072

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JUly 8, 2016 TO MAy 17, 2017 rCIA @ CHUrCH OF CHrIST THE kINg Every Friday from 8pm-10pm.

Venue: Church of Christ The King, 2221 Ang Mo Kio Ave 8, RCIA room 105.

Register: T: 98217795 (Devin); E: query.rcia@gmail.com

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JUly 26, 2016 TO AprIl 16, 2017 rCIA @ CHUrCH OF ST IgNATIUS Every Tuesday evening 8pm-10pm at St Ignatius hall. Registration forms are available at: http://www.stignatius.org.sg/ Ministries/Faith-Formation/RCIA- Ministry/ For registration enquiries; T: 64660625 (Parish office); 96286472 (Sandra)

OCT 22 ClArITy’S gUIDE TO UNDErSTANDINg ANxIETy WOrkSHOp Overwhelmed by anxiety? Do you suffer from panic attacks? Clarity is introducing a new workshop on a guide to understanding anxiety through a series of interactive activities. Seats are limited.

FOC. Time: 2pm-4pm. Venue: Blk 854 Yishun Ring Road #01-3511 S(760854).

To register: T: 6757 7990; E: registration@clarity-singapore.org

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JUly 5, 2016 TO JUNE 4, 2017 rCIA @ CHUrCH OF STS pETEr AND pAUl Every Tuesday from 7.30pm-9.30pm.

Sessions will be held in the chapel.

Registration forms are available at the parish office. T: 96857290 (Jonathan); E: 2kumleong@gmail.com

JUly 18, 2016 TO MAy 15, 2017 rCIA @ CHUrCH OF THE SACrED HEArT Time: 7.30pm-9.30pm.

Address: 111 Tank Rd, S238069.

E: rcia@churchofthesacredheart.sg; W: http://www.churchofthesacredheart.sg/; T: 67379285

OCT 20 TO OCT 21 AgApE MIND I & II Time: 7.30pm-9.30pm. Talks by Fr Toshihiro Yanagida aim at fostering our ability to love unconditionally, as Jesus taught. Includes prayer exercises of non-judgmental awareness designed to help us accept negative emotions and thoughts. Fee: $50 for one session, or $80 for two sessions. Organised by Kingsmead Centre, 8 Victoria Park Rd. To register: http://tinyurl.com/ kingsmeadcen tre; T: 64676072

OCT 23, NOV 27 AND DEC 18 CHUrCH OF THE TrANSFIgUrATION (COTT) MONTHly MASS Time: 12pm. Venue: Holy Innocents High School at 1191 Upper Serangoon Road S534786. Due to exams, Mass will be held in the school chapel for October’s Mass.

Masses in November and December will be in the school hall. All Punggol parishioners and COTT supporters are welcome to come celebrate Mass as a community!

Come and join our ministries – choir, altar boys, Society of St Vincent DePaul etc – here waiting to engage you. Detailed information at www.transfiguration.sg OCT 23 TO OCT 29 WEEk OF gUIDED prAyEr Venue: Church of St Teresa. The Sojourners’ Companions invite you to learn how to pray with Scripture and develop a closer relationship with the Lord. Oct 23: 2- 5pm: Taster. Oct 24-28: Daily 30mins at home and 30mins with personal prayer guide at convenient time between 9am–10pm; Oct 29: 2–5pm: Closure. Fee: $30. To register: W: www.sojourners.sg/; wogp@sojourners. sg/; visit the foyer of St Teresa’s church after Mass on weekend of Oct 15 and 16.

OCT 23 TO OCT 30 CHArIS MISSION: BIO-SAND WATEr FIlTrATION SySTEM BUIlDINg IN rOMBlON, pHIlIppINES Join us in building bio-sand water filtration systems with the local community in Romblon. Slots for nine participants only. Cost: $670 per pax.

Closing date to register: Sept 28. Terms and conditions apply. T:63374119; E: victoria@charis-singapore.org NOV 18 TO NOV 22 gAzINg BACk ...

IMAgININg FOrWArD Two nights: Nov 18 (7.30pm) to Nov 20 (5pm) or four nights: Nov 18 (7.30pm)Nov 22 (noon). A retreat to mark the end of the liturgical year with restfulness.

Cost: Two nights - $180 (non-aircon), $220 (aircon); Four nights - $360 (non- aircon), $440 (aircon). Organised

by Kingsmead Centre, 8 Victoria Park Rd. To register: W: http://tinyurl.com/ kingsmeadregistration; T: 64676072

Crossword Puzzle 1168

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RCIA/RCIY

OCT 15 MASS FOllOWED By prAyErS FOr HEAlINg All are invited to join us for Mass followed by prayers for healing.

After Mass, prayer teams will be available to pray with you for healing.

Please spread the word to your family and friends. Time: 2.30pm-4.30pm.

Venue: Church of Sts Peter and Paul.

Celebrant: Fr Tom Curran. For enquiries, E: marilyn8sep@yahoo.com.

Organised by SACCRE- Praise@Work

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www.wordgamesforcatholics.com

ACrOSS 1 “___ us a child is born” 5 Land with a cavalry in Ezekiel 10 Noon prayer time 14 Sign on again 15 One-celled protozoa 16 Lectern 17 Waistband 18 Like some bathrooms 19 Daniel was in this animal’s den

20 Hollow, as a threat 21 Go around in circles?

23 Prescriptions, for short 24 Passover meals 26 Payment due letters 28 Paul’s occupation 33 You may be taken this way 37 First United States saint, Frances ___ 38 Catholic dancer and movie star Kelly

39 Legendary ruler of Crete 41 Oaf 42 Some houses 44 Elected 45 Godless 47 Female members of religious orders (abbr.)

48 “But after I am ___ up, I will go before you to Galilee.”

(Mt 26:32) 53 See 44D

56 Potato 58 Biblical instrument 60 Rowing implements 62 “Of ___ Sing” 63 Buck and switch ender 64 Double curve 65 Keep one’s ___ the ground 66 Some annexes 67 Temperate 68 Abbr. for two NT epistles

69 Gomer of Mayberry DOWN 1 “___ et Orbi” 2 Of necessity 3 Silk fabric 4 Chose (with “for”) 5 “___ Dolorosa” 6 Among 7 Castrate 8 Comply 9 Son of Jacob 10 Catholic actor Mineo 11 Islamic chieftain 12 ___ 360 13 Loads 22 It was empty Easter morning 25 Johann ___, 16th century defender of Catholicism 26 LAX postings 27 The Feast of the Annunciation is the 25th of this month 29 Sgt., for one 30 Thousand 31 Son of Seth

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Travel on City in India Kind of sugar Nat’l song Goddess of tillage Liturgy Hairy Addams cousin Patrick’s place With 53A, a Christian symbol Sacred vessels Farewell, from Juan “Feed my ___.”

(Jn 21:17) More than punctual Waggish The Upper ___ Ology that is the study of the lives of the saints Hershisher of the diamond Sovereign Paris pop Sit But, to Ovid Vietnamese holiday

Solution to Crossword Puzzle No. 1167 R O M E

O M E G A

A R R O W

C U B A S E B A G F I N M A N A P I L E N E R G

D I E

L U T S H A K E S I R I T P A A O S H E A O M L Y P A S D T S

A S H E S F A R S I A L E

C E D H E R E R E M T A M A P A R O L I O C E M T A C S A I N F F R E E R K A E E K D D Y

D O M I N I

A B U N D A N S C R E T A N A P H A U C M

L E S T

I D E S

H E H A M D O T H I R D

A L A R

www.wordgamesforcatholics.com

26 IN MEMORIAM

Sunday October 3, 2016 n CatholicNews

Twelfth Anniversary In loving memory of

Eleventh Anniversary In loving memory of

JOHN GIBSON Departed: Oct 3, 2005

VINCENT FOO CHUNG FONG Departed: Oct 8, 2004 Time changes many things but not the Memory this day brings Till now you are still in our minds and hearts.

Nineteenth Quickly and quietly Anniversary Dearly missed came the call, by beloved wife Your sudden departure With fond memories of Margaret, children, shocked us all grandchildren, We who have lost relatives and friends. can tell, the loss of our loved ones Fourth Anniversary with a farewell, but In loving memory of still do we grieve, though days have gone by, that you parted from us without a goodbye.

Sadly missed by your loving wife, children, in-laws and grandchildren.

In loving memory of

Twenty-fifth Anniversary

Twenty-first Anniversary

CECIL GOMEZ Departed: Sep 29, 1997 We miss you in so many ways We miss things you used to say And when old times we do recall It’s then we miss you most of all.

Always cherished by wife, son and all loved ones.

Fifth Anniversary In loving memory of

KOH HOU SEN MARY TAN LIM KEE Departed:Oct 13, 1991 Departed: Nov 14, 1995

Dearest parents, You are in God’s Kingdom The glory of His universe Eternally the peace and joy Flow like a watering-can.

Always remembered by loving children, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law and grandchildren.

OBITUARY In loving memory of

DORIS FERNANDEZ Departed: Aug 25, 2016 Mass will be celebrated at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes on Oct 1, 2016 at 6.00pm.

Dearly missed by loved ones.

Please turn to page 27 for more in memoriam advertisements.

MARIA DASS S/O pONNIAH Born: 10/05/1922 Departed: 06/10/2012 We think of you in silence No eyes can see us weep But still within our aching hearts Your memory we keep.

Deeply mourned by all loved ones.

Seventh Anniversary In loving memory of

MAYAH MERVYN DOUGLAS Departed: Sep 27, 2011 His smiling way and pleasant face Are a pleasure to recall; He had a kind word for each and died beloved by all.

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

Always remembered by wife, daughters, son-in-law and grand-daughters and all loved ones.

GABRIEL DE SILVA Departed: Oct 7, 2009 In the emptiness and silence of our mourning comes the comfort From on high With peace in our hearts and the joy that you are always nearby.

Dearly missed by, Wife: Freda Chua, Daughter: Charmaine and all loved ones.

Eighteenth Anniversary In loving memory of

MANUEL JOSEpH DECRUZ Departed: 12 Oct 1998

Rest in peace, dear loving father, Eighteen long years have passed; You’re gone, but are still living In the hearts of those who stay.

Fondly remembered by your loving children, in-laws, grandchildren and great-granddaughter.

Mass will be celebrated at the Church of St Michael on Wednesday 12 Oct 2016 at 6pm.

IN MEMORIAM 27

Sunday October 3, 2016 n CatholicNews

In loving memory of DAD

MuM

MR A PONNu DORAi

MRS S. R. PONNu DORAi

Went Home: Jan 28, 1975 Feb 21, 1981 SON

First Anniversary In loving memory of

CHNG CHENG YEO MARY Departed: Oct 7, 2015 Gone from our lives One so dear But in our hearts Forever near.

Dearly missed by loved ones.

Fifth Anniversary In loving memory of

FATHER ANTONi PONNuDuRAi, SJ Went Home on Sept 23, 2015

Always our love, role models and guides in our lives We miss you, and treasure the memories Your loved ones.

Seventh Anniversary In loving memory of

MR JEROME RAJu Age : 79 Date departed : Oct 4, 2009 Your presence is ever near us Your love remains with us yet You were the kind father Your loved ones will never forget.

Deeply missed and fondly remembered by family and loved ones.

In memoriam rates: Minimum $80 for an insertion not exceeding an eight-centimetre column.

Additional space: $8 per one-centimetre column.

Classified advertisement rates: Minimum S$40 for the first 25 words.

Additional words: $1.00 a word.

Please turn to page 26 for more in memoriam advertisements.

PAul CHANG TONG HiANG Departed: Oct 3, 2011 Five years has gone by, but there has not been a single moment where you have not been greatly missed.

Five years ago you physically left us, but you have constantly been in our thoughts and prayers, and will forever be in our hearts.

Your presence, your laughter, your incessant support in whatever we choose to do, and your unconditional love are just a few things of the many that are now absent in our lives.

Looking forward to the day when we are all united in heaven.

Until then, may you rest in peace and keep a watchful eye over us from above.

Deeply missed and forever cherished by your loving Wife: Helen, Children: Deana & Steven, Benedict & Magdalene, Grandchildren: Ivan & Justin, Dominic & Emmanuel & Maximus.

28 WORLD

Sunday October 3, 2016 n CatholicNews

Community honours police, firemen in special Mass atlanta, usa – Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory celebrated Atlanta archdiocese’s second annual “Blue Mass” with the special intention of “peace in our communities”.

The Blue Mass, celebrated in the US since 1934, is so called as it is held for police officers and firemen, whose traditional uniform colour is blue.

At the Sept 9 Mass at the Cathedral of Christ the King, worshippers prayed for peace and gave thanks for the sacrifices of first responders.

In his homily, the archbishop called for prayers for both law enforcement personnel, who in some areas of the country have become the targets of shooters, and for communities where questionable use of police force has resulted in the death of people of colour.

The US Conference of Catholic Bishops had designated the day, the feast of St Peter Claver, as a National Day of Prayer for Peace.

Students from Christ the King School joined community members, chiefs and members of the Atlanta Police Department and Atlanta Fire Rescue Department, and other metro area first responders at the Mass. Outside the church, a large American flag billowed, suspended between two firemen’s ladders.

In his homily, Archbishop Gregory said a time of prayer is needed particularly this year when protests have erupted against po-

Archbishop Gregory of Atlanta called for prayers for law enforcement personnel, who in some parts of the US have been shot at, and for communities where questionable use of police force has resulted in the death of people of colour.

Firefighters and police receive cheers, applause and high-fives from students after a special Mass held at the Cathedral of Christ the King in Atlanta, USA. CNS photo

lice in several cities, and they themselves have been the targets of snipers. “These fine men and women need to know of our respect, gratitude and support more today than ever before,” he said.

He added that prayer also is needed because communities have seen men of colour killed when the use of such force by police was questionable.

“We people of colour likewise urgently need today’s prayerful pause as well since we have too frequently endured the awful burden of seeing our young men cut down by aggressive law enforcement actions,” said Archbishop Gregory, who is African-American. He is the chairman of the US bishops’ new task force on race.

“We need to seek systemic so-

lutions rather than simply crafting more facile phrases,” he said. “We need to see one another as fellow human beings with the inherent God-given dignity that belongs to each person.”

The archbishop highlighted St Peter Claver as an example.

The saint laboured for 33 years in Cartagena, Colombia, the slave port of the New World. He went

into the holds of slave ships to care for the sick and dying, taught the faith, and worked to end the slave trade.

Said the archbishop, “All of us, in turn, need to recall that those who serve us in public office are very much like ourselves – ordinary men and women who seek to do nothing more than their best in keeping us safe and secure.”

He added, “Today, we pray for peace throughout this local Atlanta community during the coming year. We pray for a healing of old hurts and slights and suspicions, no matter how painful or ancient.” n CNS

Swiss Guard, Vatican police, firefighters mark Holy Year vatican city – Side by side in their

formal dress uniforms, the commanders of the Swiss Guard and the Vatican police led their men and Vatican firefighters through St Peter’s Square and across the threshold of the Jubilee Year’s Holy Door.

Swiss Guard Colonel Christoph Graf and police chief Domenico Giani took turns carrying the Year of Mercy cross as they approached the basilica on Sept 8, and both spoke briefly during a prayer service attended by almost all of their men.

Obviously, some Swiss Guards, police officers and firefighters remained at their posts, protecting Pope Francis, guarding Vatican entrances and standing ready for any emergency.

“In our daily lives, at home with our families and, especially when on duty,” Police chief Graf told the men, “we have the opportunity to translate mercy into action through love of neighbour and a willingness to help”.

Colonel Giani told them the joint celebration underscored the “strong bonds” between the forc-

es, who have “the task and mission of guaranteeing the protection of the pope as well as security and public order on this little speck of land” known as Vatican City.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, presided over a prayer service for the men in St Peter’s Basilica, a place millions of pilgrims visit each year to pray, a place tourists visit to admire art and architecture, and a place the men usually enter for work.

With “loyalty, dedication, professionalism and a spirit of sacrifice”, the men make it possible for pilgrims to pray in peace and tourists to enjoy the beauty of things created to praise God, he said. The work is not easy, “especially at a time that requires maximum vigilance”.

Making a pilgrimage through the Holy Door together, the cardinal told them, is “a profoundly ecclesial, communal gesture”, not only uniting the men who make up the corps today, but joining them “to all those who throughout the centuries” have sought forgiveness and mercy through the act of pilgrimage. n CNS

Members of the Swiss Guard and the Vatican police walk in procession through St Peter’s Square during a special jubilee celebration for Vatican security personnel. CNS photo

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