NOVEMBER 01, 2015, Vol 65, No 22

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SUNDAY NOVEMBER 1, 2015

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Evangelisation won’t happen without prayer: archbishop

VOL 65

NO. 22

INSIDE HOME Catholic High marks 80 years Archbishop, PM Lee stress importance of values Page 2

ASIA Religion in China State imposing more controls? Page 6

MC nuns to close adoption centres in India Move comes in wake of govt guidelines Page 7 Archbishop William Goh speaking during the Mass to close the Year of Mary, Star of the New Evangelisation. Other Mass celebrants included (from left) Fr Timothy Yeo, apostolic nuncio Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, Msgr Ambrose Vaz and Fr Ignatius Yeo.

By Jared Ng Catholics cannot proclaim Christ to the world unless they themselves are converted to the Lord, said Archbishop William Goh. “We must begin with inner conversion,” said the archbishop to about 600 people gathered at the Church of Our Lady Queen of Peace on Oct 7. Archbishop Goh, apostolic nuncio Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, and about 20 priests were celebrating a Mass to close the Year of Mary, Star of the New Evangelisation. In his homily, Archbishop Goh said the heart of the New Evangelisation “is dependent on whether our Catholics are renewed in the faith”. “Good plans alone cannot bring about a conversion of hearts,” he said. “If we want to

change the diocese, change our people, the heart of change must be prayer.” He acknowledged that the temptation to believe that programmes and hard work would bring about faith renewal among people was a real one. But “that is not true,” he said. “It is the work of grace.” “When I speak of the primacy of grace, it is principally really interceding and praying,” he said. “A person that does not pray... you are simply telling me that you don’t believe in the primacy of grace. Without prayers, without the sacraments, let us not

talk about evangelisation.” Archbishop Goh noted that Mary and the apostles went to the upper room after Jesus’ ascension. “They did nothing else except to pray, to intercede,” he said. “And Jesus told them not to go out until they received the Holy 6SLULW 7KH\ SUD\HG ¿UVW EHIRUH they started work.” He said that as an archbishop and priest, the most important time of the day for him is prayer time. “Without prayer, I will not be able to focus myself,” he said. Archbishop Goh launched the special Marian year on Oct

‘If we want to change the diocese, change our people, the heart of change must be prayer.’ – Archbishop William Goh

7, 2014, to consecrate the work of the New Evangelisation in the archdiocese to Our Lady. Over the past year, the special Marian icon has been brought to 27 parishes and one Catholic school as a visible reminder of the call to the New Evangelisation. 7KH 2I¿FH IRU WKH 1HZ (YDQgelisation told CatholicNews that it prepared various materials to help parishes celebrate the presence of the icon. These are SUD\HUV DQG UHÀHFWLRQV EHIRUH WKH icon, prayer cards, a write-up on the meaning of the icon, and liturgies for receiving and sending off the icon. Parishes also came up with their own ways of honouring Mary during the hosting of the icon, such as holding rosary sessions and prayer walks. jared.ng@catholic.org.sg

WORLD Priest escapes from Islamic State Calls it a ‘miracle’ Page 8

POPE FRANCIS St Therese’s parents canonised Pope urges families to HQWUXVW GLI¿FXOWLHV WR WKHP Page 9

FOCUS &RQÁLFW UHVROXWLRQ in the archdiocese $UFKELVKRS¶V 2I¿FH releases instructions Page 13

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Sunday November 1, 2015 „ CatholicNews

Archbishop, PM note importance of values at Catholic High celebrations By Jared Ng Archbishop William Goh and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong both stressed the importance of values in the formation of students during events to mark Catholic High School’s 80th anniversary. The school is what it is today because of “strong moral and spiritual formation�, said Archbishop Goh during an Oct 13 thanksgiving Mass held on the school premises in Bishan. If students “don’t have moral and spiritual formation, they can be very successful in their life, they can be brilliant in studies, they can be people who can do great things, but it is all for themselves�, he said. “It is not for the good of society, or for the good of humanity.� Speaking to secondary school students and teachers and referring to the SG50 celebrations, Archbishop Goh asked, “When you celebrate SG100, what kind of Singapore will it be...what kind of values will you invite?�

He noted that the values being promoted in the world today are “secularism, relativism, materialism, and individualismâ€?. However, “Singapore is what it is today because there were good people, intelligent people who were ZLOOLQJ WR VDFULÂżFH WKHLU RZQ FRQvenience and luxury, for the sake of the greater good of societyâ€?. Archbishop Goh together with Fr Henry Siew and Opus Dei Fr Joe Lopez celebrated the Mass in the secondary school hall, while Fr Peter Koh, Paris Foreign Missions priest Fr Paul Ngo and Redemptorist Fr Simon Tan celebrated another Mass held concurrently for the primary school. After Mass, principal Magdalen Soh invited the archbishop to the primary school hall to meet the students, and brought him on a tour of the school chapel and gallery which features the school’s history. The celebration also included the creation of a wall mural, and students have been asked to paint

Archbishop Goh painting a portion of the Catholic High School crest for a wall mural during the school’s 80th anniversary celebration on Oct 13. Beside him is school principal Magdalen Soh.

their aspirations for themselves, their school and Singapore. During the event, Archbishop Goh painted a portion of the school crest which would form part of the mural. Secondary school students and teachers also gathered in the school plaza and formed the letters and numerals “CH80� to commemorate the anniversary. Sharing their feelings about the celebration with CatholicNews, Sec 4 student Anthony Cheang said he felt the anniversary was “a very big and important milestone... It hasn’t been an easy task, we really have to thank all those before us such as our seniors and all the alumni for their continuous support�. Another Sec 4 student Matthew Tan said he felt the school has “really come a long way, it has been a good journey�. At a dinner celebration that evening, PM Lee, a former student of the school, shared: “I am proud to say I am from Catholic High. I would like to thank all our teachers for not just teaching us, but moulding us and setting us examples, and making us into the people we are.� He also said he was glad that the school’s emphasis on values and character development has continued. “That is something timeless and essential, and in fact, something which we want all Singapore schools to do more of, because our students should not just

Archbishop Goh speaking to students during the thanksgiving Mass.

When you ‘ celebrate SG100,

am proud to say I am ‘Ifrom Catholic High.

what kind of Singapore will it be...what kind of values will you invite?

I would like to thank all our teachers for ... moulding us and setting us examples ...

’

– Archbishop William Goh

be book-smart, but should grow up to be citizens of good character, who will contribute to society and serve fellow Singaporeans,� he said. “It is because Catholic High School has upheld these values,

’

– Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong

that over the last 80 years it has produced many leaders in differHQW ¿HOGV RI VRFLHW\ QRW MXVW LQ politics, but in business, in education, in culture,� he said. „ jared.ng@catholic.org.sg

SCHOOL MILESTONES 1935: Catholic High School (CHS) was founded by Fr Edward Becheras, a French missionary. He envisaged the school to be a bilingual institution. 1937: CHS moved into its new school building on Queen Street, beside the Church

of Sts Peter and Paul. 1951: Under the Marist Brothers, CHS’ primary school section was opened 1992: CHS’ primary and secondary sections of the school moved to their current, permanent campus at Bishan Street 22. This

was to cope with the increased enrolment. 2000: On Sept 1, the Ministry of Education announced that CHS would become an Integrated Programme school in 2013. 2013: CHS became an Integrated Programme School.

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Grateful to God for completion of prayer book An actress portraying St Teresa of Avila.

Concert dedicated to St Teresa of Avila

Verbum Dei Sr Sandra Seow seen here holding the latest copy of Prayer for Living.

Encouraged by the many letters, emails and sharings by people, Verbum Dei Sr Sandra Seow comSOHWHG WKH WKLUG DQG ÂżQDO ERRN RI 3UD\HU IRU /LYLQJ 7KH :RUG RI *RG IRU 'DLO\ 3UD\HU VHULHV Âł, DP JUDWHIXO WR *RG IRU FDOOLQJ PH WR EH DW WKH VHUYLFH RI +LV :RUG 7KURXJK ZULWLQJ WKH UHĂ€HFWLRQ ERRN IRU WKHVH WKUHH OLWXUJLFDO \HDUV , KDYH VHHQ WKH WUDQVIRUPLQJ SRZHU RI +LV :RUG LQ WKH OLYHV RI VR PDQ\ SHRSOH ´ VDLG 6U 6DQGUD 7KH <HDU & ERRN FRPHV DIWHU

WKRVH ZULWWHQ IRU <HDU $ DQG <HDU % -XVW OLNH WKH HDUOLHU ERRNV WKH current one contains daily Gospel UHDGLQJV DQG UHÀHFWLRQV DV ZHOO DV TXHVWLRQV WR KHOS SHRSOH UHÀHFW DQG DSSO\ WKH *RVSHO WR WKHLU GDLO\ OLYHV Many commented that the reÀHFWLRQV KHOSHG WKHP WR HQFRXQWHU -HVXV LQ +LV :RUG DV ZHOO DV DSSO\ LW LQ WKHLU OLYHV ³7KH SRZHU RI WKH /LYLQJ :RUG RI *RG QHYHU IDLOV WR DPD]H PH HDFK time people commented on how WKH UHÀHFWLRQ ERRN KDV VRPHKRZ

FKDQJHG WKHLU OLYHV ´ VDLG 6U 6DQGUD Âł, KRSH WKDW WKLV ÂżQDO ERRN WR the trilogy can continue to bring SHRSOH WR IDOO LQ ORYH ZLWK -HVXV WKH /LYLQJ :RUG LQ WKH VDPH ZD\ , DP ZLWK +LP ´ The Word of God for Daily Prayer for Year C will be on sale in some parishes during weekend Masses in October to early December. Cost: $20 per book. Those who wish to place orders can also email verbumdeispore@yahoo. com.sg or call 6274-0251. „

$ERXW SHRSOH LQFOXGLQJ &DUPHOLWH 6LVWHUV IURP 6LQJDSRUH DQG 0\DQPDU DWWHQGHG D 6W 7HUHVD RI $YLOD 3UD\HU &RQFHUW RQ 2FW DW WKH &DWKROLF -XQLRU &ROOHJH 3HUIRUPLQJ $UWV &HQWUH 7KH FRQFHUW WLWOHG ³, ZDV ERUQ IRU \RX´ ZDV RUJDQLVHG E\ WKH &DUPHOLWH 6LVWHUV RI 6LQJDSRUH DQG FRPPHPRUDWHG WKH ¿IWK FHQWHQDU\ RI WKH ELUWK RI 6W 7HUHVD RI $YLOD )U 7KRPDV /LP &DUPHOLWH 'HOHJDWH 3URYLQFLDO RI 6LQJDSRUH opened the concert with a prayer DQG ZHOFRPH PHVVJDJH 7KH FRQFHUW ZKLFK ZDV SHUIRUPHG LQ &KLQHVH LQFOXGHG VRQJV DFWV DQG SUD\HUV RQ WKH OLIH RI 6W 7HUHVD RI $YLOD &DUPHOLWH )UV $QVHOP 3KDQJ DQG (GZDUG /LP ZHUH DPRQJ WKH VWURQJ FDVW RI SHUIRUPHUV

Fr Anselm Phang performing during the concert.

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Sunday November 1, 2015 „ CatholicNews

OBITUARY

Sr Monica Pau called to the Lord Coming up: conference Sr Monica Pau Sze Hung, of the Franciscan Missionaries of the Divine Mother (FMDM), passed away on Oct 6 after months of illness. She had served in Singapore for 24 years and was 80. Sr Monica was born on Aug 17, 1935 in Hong Kong, the third of seven children in a staunch Catholic family. She was educated in St Teresa’s Convent School at Kampong Bahru, Singapore. In 1960, Sr Monica entered the FMDM congregation. She received her religious formation under the FMDM motherhouse in

Sr Monica Pau, FMDM, passed away on Oct 6.

the United Kingdom and also proIHVVHG KHU ÂżQDO YRZV WKHUH LQ Sr Monica received her pro-

fessional training in Ireland and the UK, including Nursing Training, Religious Studies and Clinical Pastoral Care. In the UK, she served as a staff nurse in Mount Alvernia Hospital, Guildford, from 1989 to 1991. When she returned to Singapore in 1991, Sr Monica became the Matron of Villa Francis at Mandai for two years. She also served as a nursing sister at Mount Alvernia Hospital, Singapore, where the FMDM sisters are based. There, she worked in the operating theatre, recovery room and the Central Surgical Supply Department (CSSD). From 2001 to 2013, Sr Monica ¿UVW VHUYHG DV D SDUW WLPH VWDII LQ the recovery room at Mount Alvernia Hospital and later assisted around the hospital, visiting the sick where she was needed. Sr Monica will also be remembered for her dedication in visiting Little India with church groups, to bring food and minister to the migrant workers there, on top of her other work at the hospital. In the last two years, however, Sr Monica’s failing health and advanced age reduced her activities and other involvements. Her body was cremated on Oct 8. We invite you to continue to pray for her in your Masses and prayers. „ SUBMITTED BY CHANCERY OFFICE

on work and happiness Do you sometimes feel as if you have lost the passion and joy for ZRUN" +RZ GR \RX ¿QG \RXU true vocation in life? These are some of the questions that an upcoming conference hopes to address. The Christ@Work 2015 Conference, organised by the Catholic Business Network (CBN), will be held at the Catholic Junior College Performing Arts Centre on Nov 28. This event, the fifth such conference organised since 2005, will have the theme, Your Pursuit of Happiness at Work. According to the organisers, the event seeks to equip working adults with the skills and inspiration to help them answer Christ’s call at the workplace, and to find true happiness. The keynote speaker is Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers, an evangelist from the US whose areas of expertise include workplace ministry and family life. Mr Philip Ng, CEO of Far East Organisation, together with Mr Willie Cheng, who sits on several Catholic

Church boards, will discuss the businessman’s journey and attitude towards wealth, Christian ethics and personal happiness. Ms Lydia Lim, associate opinion editor of The Straits Times, will speak on the issue of personal vocation in the workplace. Verbum Dei Sr Monika will give a guided reflection titled Beatitudes In The Workplace. Other speakers include Mr Kevin Ho, chief commercial officer of the Swiss-based Ball Watch Company; Ms Natasha Kwan, managing director of T-Systems South Asia; Mr Bernard Lim, a TV and radio personality; and Pastor Barney Lau of Covenant Evangelical Free Church. A panel discussion titled It All Begins With Me will look at challenges posed when trying to achieve a balance between one’s passions and one’s relationship with God. For more information and to register, visit www.christatworkconference.com, email admin@cbn.sg or call 9228-4463. „

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Sunday November 1, 2015 „ CatholicNews

St Stephen Church reaches out to underprivileged A total of 457 people, ranging from the elderly to families, attended a celebration organised by the Society of St Vincent de Paul (SSVP) Conference of the Church of St Stephen (CSS), in collaboration with the various ministries of the parish. The celebration, held on Oct 17, was titled Let’s Get to Know our Neighbour. The idea, initiated by SSVP in collaboration with CSS, was also part of the SG50 initiative and aimed to reach out to the underprivileged in the vicinity of the church. The event was divided into two sessions to cater to the large number of guests. 7KH ¿UVW VHVVLRQ KHOG IURP DP WR DP VDZ EHQH¿FLDUies from the Care Community Services Society visit the church. In the second session held from 11.30am to 2.15pm, 225 EHQH¿FLDULHV IURP WKH 7K\H +XD Kwan Moral Society Family Service Centre and the Seniors Activity Centre visited the church. 7KH UHPDLQLQJ EHQH¿FLDUies from CSS SSVP, were divided between the two sessions. The guests were transported to the church by chartered buses from

Canossian Sr Doreen assisting guests with lunch at the Church of Stephen on Oct 17.

designated pick up points by representatives from CSS SSVP and the parish’s youth ministry. They were sent back to the drop off points after the celebration ended. About 148 volunteers from CSS SSVP, Caritas Young Adults, the different ministries in the parish, parishioners and RCIA participants as well as their friends and relatives, were involved in serving the guests.

In addition to enjoying the games, the lucky draw, and live performances by the music ministry of the parish, the guests were also invited for a tour of the church, conducted by the parish’s catechists. The tour covered the main icons such as the statue of St Stephen, the stained glass in the church featuring the stations of the cross, as well as the grotto of Our Lady. „

Above and left: Volunteers from the Church of Stephen (in blue shirts) take time to serve others on Oct 17.

6 ASIA

Sunday November 1, 2015 „ CatholicNews

Pakistani Christians demand withdrawal of anti-minorities bill LAHORE, PAKISTAN – Church more selection. This is neither a leaders in Pakistan mobilised political nor a religious issue but more than 1,000 Christians in a question of our identity as Pakifront of the Punjab assembly to stani citizens.â€? demand the withdrawal of what Bishop Samuel Azariah, modthey said is an anti-minorities bill erator of the Church of Pakistan, that denies voting rights to wom- urged the government not to stop en, religious minorities and work- religious minorities from using ers in local elections. their right to vote. “As long as During the Oct 7 protest in the minorities continue to suffer, Lahore, the protesters shouted there will be no progress or peace “shame, shame,â€? and “minori- in the country. How can you run a ties’ murderersâ€? as country if you can’t Catholic and Protprotect the weaker estant bishops on This is neither minorities,â€? he said. a mounted truck The protest fola political nor a lowed called on the gova press conernment to withference held two religious issue draw an amendment days earlier, where but a question to the Punjab local Archbishop Shaw government bill. of our identity and Presbyterian, Church leaders Salvation Army and as Pakistani have for months Church of Pakistan citizens. been protesting the RIÂżFLDOV MRLQWO\ FULWruling party’s proicised the bill. – Archbishop Sebastian posed amendment Mr Amarnath Shaw of Lahore to the electoral Randhawa, presisystem that allows dent of the Hindu union council members to select Sudhar Sabha (Hindu welfare sotwo female members, a worker, ciety) said that “a political leader a youth and a non-Muslim mem- KDV QR LQĂ€XHQFH ZLWKRXW VWUHHW ber without allowing people from SRZHU´ DQG WKDW D VHOHFWHG RIÂżFLDO these categories to elect their “cannot do anythingâ€? except to own representatives. Elections “become a puppet in the hand of for local bodies are scheduled for their party.â€? Oct 30. Church leaders on Oct 7 met “Do not take us hostage,â€? said with Mr Mohammed Iqbal, PunArchbishop Sebastian Shaw of jab legislative assembly speaker, Lahore in his address from atop and with Mr Rana Sanaullah, the the truck. law minister, to present their res“I address all assembly mem- ervations soon after the protest. „ bers: change your tactics. No UCANEWS.COM

‘

’

In China, new signs of increased state control over religion HONG KONG – The Chinese Com-

munist Party is sending signals that it will intensify control over the Catholic Church and other religions during its upcoming summit RQ UHOLJLRQ WKH ÂżUVW VXFK PHHWLQJ during the three-year leadership of President Xi Jinping. Details of the meeting have not been released to the public. Zhongguo Mingzu Bao, the RIÂżFLDO QHZVSDSHU RQ UHOLJLRXV LVsues, noted in an Oct 8 commentary that President Xi is “seriousâ€? about religion. Though the article did not specify individual religions, it alluded to Church, clergy and dioceses, an apparent reference to the Catholic Church and other Christian Churches. The article implied that President Xi is seeking to minimise IRUHLJQ LQĂ€XHQFH RQ &KLQHVH LQstitutions, saying that all religions should be managed by religious organisations from within China. “There is no need for certain groups and individuals outside China to worry about this,â€? it said. “It’s obvious that control on

Conference on being witnesses for God By Justina Pakiam KUALA LUMPUR – More than 125 participants from 10 different parishes attended a Bible Conference with the theme “You shall be My Witnesses� on Oct 3. It was organised by the Kuala Lumpur

An article from the RIÂżFLDO QHZVSDSHU RQ religious issues implied that President Xi (left) is seeking to minimise IRUHLJQ LQĂ€XHQFH RQ Chinese institutions, saying that all religions should be managed by religious organisations IURP ZLWKLQ &KLQD religions is to be tightened,â€? a SULHVW ZKR LGHQWLÂżHG KLPVHOI DV Fr Peter, told ucanews.com. “It was theory and slogans in the past. Now it becomes a real game to play.â€? Citing President Xi’s speech at the central United Front Work Department meeting in May, the article said the president has stated very clearly that all religions must adapt to socialist policy. It is “a common principle for all religions to comply withâ€? since Communist

China was founded in 1949, it said. The Vatican has objected to China’s control over Church operations, in particular the appointment of bishops and administrative boundaries of dioceses. In September, the United Front Work Department, which oversees religion, announced new regulations that prevent foreign involvement in China’s religious institutions and banned party members from following a faith. „ UCANEWS.COM

Participants of the Bible conference learned that witnessing starts with a personal encounter with Christ.

Archdiocesan Bible Apostolate (KLABA) and held at Assumption Family House in Petaling Jaya. Sr Sandra Seow and Sr Leticia Lopez from the Verbum Dei Missionaries in Singapore were the main speakers. Sr Sandra said that witnessing starts with a personal encounter. Referring to William Holman Hunt’s painting, “The Light of the World�, which illustrates Revelation 3:20, Sr Sandra said that

like the door upon which Jesus is knocking and which has no handle on the outside, participants are free to keep the door shut or allow Jesus to enter into their lives. Sr Leticia, during her session, referred to the 12 apostles who were appointed “to be with Him and to be sent forth..� (Mark 3:14). Similarly, Catholics are called to be evangelised and to evangelise. Growing personally and as a community, they will become communities of worship, proclamation and service who will reach out to the poor and needy. After a small group discussion and lunch, Msgr James Gnanapiragasam, the outgoing chairperson of KLABA, briefed participants on the various Bible courses conducted in the diocese through the years. He also asked participants to consider how they could bring the Word of God to their parishes. The conference ended with a panel discussion, where the speakers answered various questions brought up by the attendees. „

ASIA 7

Sunday November 1, 2015 CatholicNews

India’s Missionaries of Charity to close adoption centres KOLKATA, INDIA – The Missionaries of Charity will close their adoption centres in India, citing new regulations that would allow non-traditional families to adopt children, reported ucanews.com. Founded by Blessed Teresa of Kolkata, the congregation runs orphanages across India, with 18 of them government-recognised centres that offer children for adoption. But the nuns do not want to run adoption centres in India now, said Sr Mary Prema, the congregation’s current superior general. “The decision of seeking the government’s de-recognition status for adoption centres applies only to India,” Sr Mary Prema told ucanews.com on Oct 11. The nuns decided on this voluntarily after the Missionaries of Charity headquarters in Kolkata was informed about complying with the new Guidelines Governing Adoption of Children by the federal Ministry of Women and Child Development, said an Oct 10 statement issued by Ms Sunita Kumar, spokeswoman for the congregation. “If we were to continue the work set up by Mother Teresa, complying [with] all the proviVLRQV ZRXOG KDYH EHHQ GLI¿FXOW for us,” the statement said. The guidelines, issued in July, aim to regulate adoptions nationwide. They require all applications and processing to be done online and based on the seniority of applicants at the time of application. They say a single woman is eligible to adopt a child of any gender but that a single man is not eligible to adopt a girl child. They also say parents shall be given an opportunity to view the photographs, child study and medical

examination reports of up to six children. Fr Joseph Chinnayan, deputy secretary-general of the national bishops’ conference in India, said there are basic issues with these clauses. 7KH ¿UVW FODXVH ZRXOG PHDQ that unmarried adults in samesex relationships, couples living together, and those divorced or separated could adopt children, contrary to the Church’s thinking about family and parenting, he said. The guideline also says that those wishing to adopt have an option to choose from up to six children, which “offends the dignity of children,” Fr Chinnayan said. “The bishops endorse the decision of the Missionaries of Charity,” he said, adding that Church RI¿FLDOV ZLOO GLVFXVV WKH LVVXH ZLWK ODZ\HUV WR ¿QG RXW PRUH DERXW WKH consequences of the guidelines and ways to mitigate them. According to the government’s Central Adoption Resource Authority, India had almost 4,000 incountry adoptions between April 2014 and March 2015. Sr Prema could not say the number of children the nuns give up for adoption every year, but said about one-third of the congregation’s adoptions are in India. The Missionaries of Charity statement said the nuns “will continue to serve wholeheartedly and free of charge unwed mothers, children with malnutrition and differently abled children” in all their institutions “irrespective of caste, creed and religion.” Sr Prema told ucanews.com that her nuns have not decided on the future of all children under their care but they will “look after for life” the differently abled children. CNS

[congregation’s] ‘The decision of seeking

the government’s de-recognition status for adoption centres applies only to India.

’

– Sr Mary Prema (above), superior general of the Missionaries of Charity

A Missionary of Charity holds orphan children at a centre in India. Citing new regulations, the congregation said it will close its adoption centres in India. CNS photo

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WORLD

Sunday November 1, 2015 „ CatholicNews

Syrian priest escapes from Islamic State, calls it a ‘miracle’ HOMS, SYRIA – A Syrian priest who was captured by Islamic State militants in May thought he would die for his faith. Now, he credits the Virgin Mary and the help of a Muslim friend for his escape. “This is the miracle the Good Lord gave me: while I was a prisoner I was waiting for the day I would die, but with a great inner peace. I had no problem dying for the name of Our Lord; I wouldn’t EH WKH ÂżUVW RU WKH ODVW MXVW RQH RI the thousands of the martyrs for Christ,â€? the Syriac Catholic priest, Fr Jacques Mourad, told Italian TV 2000. “I want to thank all those who prayed for my liberation. It’s truly a miracle that a priest has been freed from the hands of the Islamic State. A miracle that the Virgin Mary worked for me.â€? Fr Mourad was prior of the Monastery of Mar Elian in the Syrian town of Al Qaryatayn, southeast of Homs. He said he was captured with another young man on May 21 after the militants arrived at the monastery. Âł7KH ÂżUVW IRXU GD\V ZH ZHUH in the mountains, locked up in the monastery’s car we were captured

Almost every day “there was someone who came to my prison and asked me, ‘What are you?’ I would answer: ‘I’m a Nazarene, in other words, a Christian.’

’’

– Fr Jacques Mourad

in,â€? he said. “On Aug 11 we were taken to near Palmyra, where there are 250 other Christian prisoners from the city of Al Qaryatayn.â€? The Islamic State had captured Al Quaryatayn on Aug 6. Only about 30 Christians were able to escape the town for Homs after it was captured. Fr Mourad that his captors regularly asked him to declare his faith. “Almost every day there was someone who came to my prison and asked me, ‘What are you?’ I would answer: ‘I’m a Nazarene, in other words, a Christian.’ ³¾6R \RXÂśUH DQ LQÂżGHO Âś WKH\ shouted. ‘Since you’re a Christian, if you don’t convert we’ll slit your throat with a knife.’â€?

Despite the threats, he refused to renounce Christ. Fr Mourad said he wore a disguise to escape. “I escaped on a motorbike with the help of a Muslim friend. But now I’m working with an Orthodox priest and other Bedouin friends and a Muslim friend to free the 200 other Christians who are still imprisoned,â€? he said. He added that 40 other Christians were able to escape the same day as his interview with Italian television. On Oct 10, Fr Mourad celebratHG KLV ÂżUVW 0DVV VLQFH KLV UHOHDVH Agence France Presse reported. The priest was also pastor of a parish in Al Qaryatayn, where he served as an active mediator between the Syrian army and rebel forces in their years-long civil war, Fides news agency said. The Monastery of Mar Elian dates back 1,600 years and was WKH VXEMHFW RI UHVWRUDWLRQ ZRUN LQ recent decades. It provided refuge to hundreds of Syrians displaced from Al Qaryatayn, partnering with Muslim donors to provide for their needs. However, Islamic State militants destroyed the monastery in August. „ CNA/EWTN NEWS

Archbishop urges stronger gun control CHICAGO – A US archbishop has called for stricter gun control laws in Illinois state, saying it is time to “take meaningful and swift action to address violence in our societyâ€?. “Recently, the city of Chicago adopted a tough ordinance to tightly regulate gun stores here,â€? Archbishop Blased J Cupich of Chicago said in a commentary published in the Chicago Tribune on Oct 9 issue. “I applaud Chicago’s leadership for taking this important step to protect our children and families.â€? He added that “for this measure to truly be effective, however, the General Assembly must pass a similar law, especially considering how many guns are sold in gun shops located outside of Chicagoâ€?. “Let’s be honest,â€? he added. “The Second Amendment was passed in an era when organised police forces were few and citizen militias were useful in maintaining the peace. Its original authors could not have anticipated a time when the weapons we have a right to bear now include military-grade assault weapons that have turned RXU VWUHHWV LQWR EDWWOHÂżHOGV ´ He called the combination of

Guns for sale are displayed in a gun shop in Roseburg, Oregon, USA. Archbishop Cupich of Chicago said the nation’s Second Amendment was passed in a different era under different circumstances. CNS photo

D UHDG\ VXSSO\ RI ÂżUHDUPV WKH glamorization of crime, “a society where life is cheapâ€? and untreated mental illness “a recipe for tragedyâ€?. He cited the Oct 1 massacre at Umpqua Community College in Oregon, where nine people were murdered and another nine wounded because the victims had “the misfortune of simply being at schoolâ€?, as well as “nearly a doz-

enâ€? who had died from gun violence in Chicago archdiocese in a recent two-week stretch, as well DV ÂłWKRVH LQMXUHG PDLPHG DQG traumatized... simply too many to countâ€?. The US Conference of Catholic Bishops has called for “reasonable regulation and controls for guns, especially handgunsâ€? as well as a ban on assault weapons. „ CNS

POPE FRANCIS 9

Sunday November 1, 2015 „ CatholicNews

Pope Francis canonises St Therese’s parents On World Mission Sunday on called on people to replace their Oct 18 in St Peter’s Square, durthirst for power with the joy of ing the Synod of Bishops on the quiet and humble service, as he family, the pope created the folproclaimed four new saints, in- lowing new saints: „ Louis Martin (1823-1894) cluding the parents of St Therese and Marie Zelie Guerin Martin of Lisieux. All of Christ’s disciples, espe- (1831-1877), the French parents of St Therese of Licially their pastors, sieux. They had nine are called to model The pope asked children; four died themselves after JeLQ LQIDQF\ DQG ÂżYH sus and “suppress families to entered Religious our instinctive desire entrust their life. During their 19to exercise power year marriage, the over others, and injoys, dreams was known stead exercise the DQG GLIÂżFXOWLHV couple to attend Mass daily, virtue of humilityâ€?, pray and fast, rethe pope said. to Sts Louis spect the Sabbath, He noted that and Marie visit the elderly and the new saints – a Guerin Martin. the sick, and welSpanish Religious come the poor into woman; an Italian their home. priest; and St Ther„ Italian Fr Vincenzo Grossi HVHÂśV SDUHQWV WKH ÂżUVW PDUULHG couple with children to be can- (1845-1917), founder of the Instionised together – “unfailingly tute of the Daughters of the Oraserved their brothers and sisters tory. „ Spanish Sr Maria of the with outstanding humility and charity in imitation of the divine Immaculate Conception (19261998), a member of the Congregamasterâ€?.

VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis

A portrait of Sts Louis and Zelie Martin, parents of St Therese of Lisieux, hangs behind these Swiss Guards as Pope Francis leads the Oct 18 canonisation Mass in St Peter’s Square. CNS photo

tion of the Sisters of the Company of the Cross. About 65,000 people attended the Mass, including the more than 300 cardinals, bishops and others taking part in the

Oct 4-25 synod on the family. The pope asked families to enWUXVW WKHLU MR\V GUHDPV DQG GLIÂżFXOties to Sts Louis and Marie Guerin Martin; he asked that the example of St Grossi be an inspiration for

people dedicated to offering young people a Christian education; and he prayed that St Maria of the Immaculate Conception “help us live in solidarity and in closeness with those most in need�. „ CNS

Obedience is response to God’s Why love for wealth creates family division love, not a condition for it: pope VATICAN CITY – The attach- heritance dispute between two from arms trafficking and those VATICAN CITY – Obedience to

God’s commandments must be the response to His limitless love, but it is not a condition for His love and for the salvation He offers through Jesus, Pope Francis said. Celebrating the feast of St Teresa of Avila on Oct 15, Pope Francis said that when Jesus was alive, when the early Christian community was growing, and today as well, there are “doctors of the law� who think they can know who is and is not saved by the apparent way people obey certain commandments. “It would do us good today to ask ourselves: Do I believe the Lord has saved me freely?� the pope said. “Do I believe that I do not deserve my salvation and that if I merit anything it is through Jesus Christ and what He has done for me?� “Let’s ask these questions today; only that way will we be faithful to that great merciful love, the love of a father and mother, because even God says that He is like a mother to us,� the pope said at the Mass in the chapel of his residence. One must obey the commandments and do what Jesus said to do, Pope Francis insisted, but this is “my response� to God’s offer of

salvation, not a condition for it. Looking at the day’s Gospel reading, Luke 11:47-52, Pope Francis said Jesus used strong and “very harsh� language when speaking of the “doctors of the law�. Jesus tells them, “‘You have taken away the key of knowledge. You yourselves did not enter and you stopped those trying to enter,’ meaning the key of the gratuitousness of salvation.� The doctors of the law “thought the only way one could save oneself was by obeying all the commandments and that whoever could not do that was condemned�. the pope said. Their teaching “limited the horizons of God and made God’s love small, small�. The commandments must be observed, the pope said, but it is important to remember that they are summarised as “love God and love your neighbour�. Jesus Himself taught that all the commandments are found within the commandment of love because “the source is love, the horizon is love�, the pope said. “If you have closed the door and thrown away the key of love, you will never live up to the gratuitousness of the salvation you have received.� „ CNS

ment to money leads to broken families and causes wars, Pope Francis said at his early morning Mass. The pope said that although Jesus is not against wealth in itself, He does warn of the idolatry that is created when one becomes attached to riches, thus leading to division. In his homily at Mass on Oct 19 in the chapel of his residence, the pope reflected on the day’s Gospel reading (Lk 12:13-21), which recounted Jesus’ answer regarding an in-

brothers. “Let us think of how many families we know who fight, who do not greet each other, who hate each other because of an inheritance,� the pope said. “And this is one of those cases. The love of a family, the love of children, of brothers and sisters, of parents is not the most important; no, it is money. And this destroys.� Pope Francis also noted that this attachment to wealth is behind the conflicts afflicting the world today, particularly

who profit from war. Greed, he said, gives a false sense of security that “always ends badly�. Recalling Jesus’ parable of the rich man who decides to use his wealth to become richer, the pope explained that “the thirst of the attachment to riches� is never ending. “The sign that we are not in this sin of idolatry is to give alms to those who are in need,� the pope said. “That means that the love of God is greater than the attachment to riches.� „ CNS

Pontiff apologises for ‘scandals’ in Church VATICAN CITY – With 30,000 peo-

ple gathered in St Peter’s Square, Pope Francis asked forgiveness for scandals that have occurred within the Church recently. “Before beginning my catechesis, I would like – in the name of the Church – to ask your forgiveness for the scandals which have occurred recently both in Rome and at the Vatican,� the pope said. “I ask your forgiveness.� The pope’s off-the-cuff re-

marks on Oct 14 followed a reading from St Matthew’s Gospel in which Jesus warns of scandalising the “little ones�. “Jesus’ words are strong, aren’t they?� the pope said. “‘Woe to the world for scandals.’ Jesus is a realist. He says it’s inevitable that there will be scandals, but ‘woe to the one who causes the scandal,’� the pope told people attending his weekly general audience. He did not explain what scan-

dal or scandals he was referring to, but his comments came during a week that saw the leak of a private letter sent to him by several cardinals expressing concern with aspects of the Synod of Bishops on the family. Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, Vatican spokesman, told reporters later, “if the pope uses a broad and general formula, that is what he intended� and it is not up to the spokesman to offer specifics. „ CNS

10 SYNOD ON THE FAMILY

Sunday November 1, 2015 „ CatholicNews

A look at some of the issues raised at the Synod of B

Pope calls for a listening and learning Church VATICAN CITY – Marking the 50th anniversary of the Synod of Bishops, Pope Francis outlined his vision for a Church that is “synodalâ€? at every level, with everyone listening to and learning from one another, and taking responsibility for proclaiming the Gospel. “The journey of synodality is the journey that God wants from His Church in the third millennium,â€? the pope said on Oct 17. “A synodal Church is a listening Church, aware that listening is more than hearing. It is a reciprocal listening in which each one has something to learn.â€? Pope Francis, members of the Synod of Bishops on the family, theologians and other guests dedicated a morning to marking the anniversary of Blessed Paul VI’s institution in 1965 of the synod as a forum for sharing the faith and concerns of the world’s Catholics, UHĂ€HFWLQJ WRJHWKHU DQG RIIHULQJ counsel to the pope. Referring to the Greek roots of the word “synodâ€?, Pope Francis said, “walking together – laity, pastors, the bishop of Rome – is an easy concept to express in words, but is not so easy to put into practice.â€? He said it would have been impossible for the 270 bishops and priests who are voting members of the assembly to speak to real needs

and concerns without listening to and trying to learn from Catholic families. “It was that conviction that led me when I asked that the people of God be consultedâ€? before the synod, the pope said. “How would it have been possible to speak of the family without calling upon families, listening to their joys and their hopes, their pains and their suffering?â€? The need for everyone in the Church – from the pope down – to listen and to learn from others is based on the conviction, clearly explained by the Second Vatican Council, that through baptism and FRQÂżUPDWLRQ DOO &KXUFK PHPEHUV have been anointed by the Holy Spirit and that the entire Christian community is infallible when its members discern together and speak with one voice on matters of faith and morals, the pope said. Âł7KH ÂľVHQVXV ÂżGHLÂś >VHQVH RI faith] makes it impossible to rigidly separate the ‘ecclesia docens’ >WHDFKLQJ &KXUFK@ DQG WKH ÂľHFFOHVLD GLVFHQVÂś >OHDUQLQJ &KXUFK@ EHFDXVH HYHQ WKH Ă€RFN KDV D ÂľQRVHÂś IRU GLVcerning the new paths that the Lord is opening up to the Church,â€? the pope said. But ensuring the synodality of the whole Church will be impossible, he said, if people misunder-

A synodal Church ‘ is a listening Church, aware that listening is more than hearing. It is a reciprocal listening in which each one has something to learn.

’

Pope Francis speaks at an event marking the 50th anniversary of the Synod of Bishops in Paul VI hall at the Vatican on Oct 17. CNS photos

stand the Church’s hierarchy and see it as a structure in which some people are placed above others. The Church’s structure “is like an upside down pyramid� with the top on the bottom, which is why the ordained are called “ministers� – they serve the others, he said.

Priests’ councils, pastoral councils and other consultative bodies in a diocese must “remain connected to the baseâ€?, to the grassroots, if they are to help a bishop respond to the real needs and concerns of Catholics. /RRNLQJ VSHFLÂżFDOO\ DW WKH

Synod of Bishops, the pope said the process for each synod must begin with listening to the faithful. The second stage is to have the pastors listen to one other. The role of bishops at a synod is to “act as authentic custodians, interpreters and witnesses of the faith of the whole Church, attentively distinguishing LW IURP WKH RIWHQ FKDQJLQJ Ă€X[HV RI public opinion.â€? The third stage is to listen to the pope, called to make pronouncements “not based on his personal convictions, but as the supreme witness of the faith of the entire Church,â€? he said. The fact that the synod is not a decision-making body and acts only “with and underâ€? the pope, he said, “is not a limitation on its freedom, but a guarantee of unity.â€? „ CNS

Speakers urge focus on women, single mums End ‘exclusionary language’ VATICAN CITY – Synod observers

urged priests not to tell women to return to abusive husbands and to reach out to single mothers who feel alienated from the Church. On Oct 16, Sr Maureen Kelleher, a US member of the Sacred Heart of Mary Sisters, said many people she works with are victims of domestic violence. She called on the Church to prepare priests in their formation “so they might accompany these families and not tell the woman to go back homeâ€?. Sr Kelleher, a lawyer, helps migrant farmworkers in South Florida. She asked the synod to “recognise how many women who feel called to be in the service of WKH NLQJGRP RI *RG FDQQRW ÂżQG D place in our Churchâ€? gifted though some may be. She noted there continued to be very few Religious women appointed to the synod, saying that at the 1974 Synod of Bishops on evangelisation there were two women from the International Union of Superiors General, and “today, 40 years later, we are three.â€? 0V /XFHWWD 6FDUDIÂżD D SURIHVsor of contemporary history and coordinator of the Vatican newspa-

per’s monthly insert titled Women, Church, World, said the Church will ÂżQG WKH ULJKW ZD\ WR UHVSRQG WR WRday’s needs if it listens more to women’s changing roles and expectations. However, the synod’s texts and contributions “say very littleâ€? about women. “It’s as if the mothers,

Priests should not tell women to return to situations of domestic violence, said a nun.

daughters, grandmothers, wives, that is, the heart of families, were not a part of the Church, of that Church that understands the world, that thinks, that decides. As if one could keep pretending – even when talking about the family – that women do not exist� and forgetting the “revolution-

aryâ€? approach to women Jesus had. The number of single women heading a household is growing, she said, as it is the women who “always remain by their children, even if sick, disabled, the fruit of violence. These women, these mothers, have nearly never taken a course in theology, often they are not even married, but they give an admirable example of Christian conductâ€? by caring for new life, she said. She told synod participants that unless they turned their pastoral attention and listened to these single mothers, “You risk making them feel even more disgraced because their family is so different from what you are talking aboutâ€?, a concept of a family that seems too perfect and abstract and not like the ones Jesus met with and spoke about. 0V $JQHV 2IÂżRQJ (URJXQD\H national president of Catholic Women Organisation of Nigeria, highlighted the irreplaceable role of mothers that must be supported. Âł:H PDNH VDFULÂżFHV EH\RQG comparison in the care of our children and families,â€? she said, and most women are taking care of families “with or without the contributions of their spouses.â€? „ CNS

VATICAN CITY – “There must be an

end to exclusionary language and a strong emphasis on embracing reality as it is. We should not be afraid of new and complex situations.â€? These were words of Basilian Fr Thomas Rosica, the Vatican’s English language spokesperson, on Oct 6, giving a summary of synod GLVFXVVLRQV DW D SUHVV EULHÂżQJ Regarding the idea of divorced remarried Catholics being able to receive communion, he noted how some participants asserted that it ZRXOG EH GLIÂżFXOW WR FRPH XS ZLWK a universal response. He said it may make sense to examine and perhaps treat the situation on a more local, regional, even continental level. Certain other issues, he shared, may also make sense to consider locally, such as polygamous marriages in some societies. The importance of language XVHG WR DGGUHVV FHUWDLQ GLIÂżFXOW situations, Fr Rosica said, was highlighted. “The language must be renewed,â€? he said, noting how this is especially appropriate and linked to the Year of Mercy which Pope Francis has declared to run from Dec 8.

“The Jubilee of Mercy requires a language of mercy,â€? he stated. Fr Rosica underscored how language ought to always be inclusive, rather than exclusive, particularly for homosexual people. “In particular, when speaking about homosexuals or gay persons,â€? he said, “we recognise them for who they are: They are our sons, our daughters, and brothers, sisters, neighbours and colleagues.â€? He said many participants expressed how a pastoral approach is needed for couples living together, to welcome and help them move IRUZDUG WRZDUG D IXOÂżOOLQJ PDUULHG life, one which says: “Look, God loves you as and where you are, but God doesn’t want you to stay there. He wants you to go further.â€? A common suggestion of the delegates, he noted, was not only for greater preparation before entering into marriage, but that this continues into the marriage’s early stages to help couples adapt to their lives as spouses. Moreover, the participants spoke about the role and treatment of the elderly, especially for their importance in transmitting the faith and values within families. „ CNS

SYNOD ON THE FAMILY 11

Sunday November 1, 2015 „ CatholicNews

f Bishops on the family held at the Vatican (Oct 4-25) Controversy over leaked ‘letter’ to pope

Participants in prayer at the start of a session of the Synod of Bishops on the family.

Church’s method of teaching needs improving: participants VATICAN CITY – Just like a fam-

ily, the Catholic Church should challenge members to grow and behave better, but also like a family, it should not exclude those who still have some growing to GR VDLG %LVKRS *HRUJH 9 0XUU\ of Youngstown, Ohio, USA. %LVKRS 0XUU\ DQG RWKHU PHPbers of the Synod of Bishops on the family spoke on Oct 10 about ÂżQGLQJ D ZD\ WR DIÂżUP *RVSHO principles and Church teaching while accompanying all Catholics on the path to perfection and holiness. Irish Archbishop Diarmuid 0DUWLQ RI 'XEOLQ VSRNH ODWHU about the Irish referendum in favour of same-sex marriage, about faith and about finding language to share Church teaching with a new generation of Catholics. %LVKRS 0XUU\ WROG WKH DVsembly that while there are many “effective, traditional familiesâ€? among Catholics in the US, there are also single-parent families, divorced couples, blended families, families separated by migration and many others. Âł0DQ\ RI WKHVH DGXOWV DQG FKLOdren feel left out of pastoral care,â€? he said. “One universal and distinguishing feature of all families is that family members, regardless of how errant they become, are not rejected from the family,â€? the bishop said. “For them, the light is always on; the door is always open. Good families use ‘tough love’ among themselves to challenge each other to grow, but they never exclude.â€?

The Catholic Church, he said, must continue to advocate for traditional families and explain the Scriptures that present them as God’s plan for human beings. At the same time, Bishop 0XUU\ VDLG ³ZH DOVR LQWHQWLRQDOO\ should reach out to those famiOLHV WKDW GR QRW ¿W LQWR WUDGLWLRQDO categories. We must help them to VHH WKH EHQH¿WV RI IROORZLQJ -Hsus Christ. That requires that we welcome them, be open to listen

‘

When the demanding teaching of Jesus is presented in a way which appears to lack mercy, then we open the doors to a false language of cheap mercy.

’

– Irish Archbishop Diarmuid Martin

to their needs, walk with them and be courageous in inviting them into the fullness of the truth of the Gospel.� 0DQ\ RI WKHP KH VDLG ZLOO disagree with the Church’s teaching on morality, but Catholics cannot be faithful to the Gospel while allowing “these new families to continue to be alienated from the Church�. $UFKELVKRS 0DUWLQ WROG WKH synod, “What the Irish referendum showed was a breakdown between

two languages,â€? the traditional language of the Church and the language of an “antagonistic social cultureâ€?. At the same time, he said, the referendum showed “that when the demanding teaching of Jesus is presented in a way which appears to lack mercy, then we open the doors to a false language of cheap mercy.â€? Ireland still has a high number of Christian marriages and a low divorce rate compared to the rest of Europe, he said. “Families are strong and generous. That has not changed substantially.â€? The Irish referendum, he said, demonstrated how “people struggle to understand abstract moral principlesâ€? like those often presented by the Church. “What they do understand is the predicament of individuals whom they wish to see happy and included. It is a very individualistic culture, but not necessarily an uncaring one. Indeed, those in favour of same-sex marriage based their campaign on what was traditionally our language: equality, compassion, respect and tolerance.â€? The challenge of the synod, $UFKELVKRS 0DUWLQ VDLG LV WR KHOS WKH &KXUFK ÂżQG ODQJXDJH WKDW SUHsents the fullness of its teaching about marriage and family life in a way that touches the reality of people’s experience. For example, he said, few couples would speak of the “indissolubilityâ€? of their bond, but “they OLYH ÂżGHOLW\ DQG FORVHQHVV DQG FDUH in ways we underestimateâ€?. „ CNS

VATICAN CITY – From newspaper headlines and social media comments on Oct 12 it seemed there was a family feud going on inside the Synod of Bishops on the family. Some cardinals – apparently 13 of the 74 cardinals participating in the synod – wrote Pope Francis a private letter expressing concern about a part or parts of the synod procedure, especially the appointment of a 10-member committee to GUDIW WKH ÂżQDO GRFXPHQW WKH V\QRG will vote on and give to the pope. The names of the cardinals signing the letter changed over the course of the day, with four declaring they did not sign any letter and two others saying the leaked letter published by Italian blogger SanGUR 0DJLVWHU LV QRW WKH OHWWHU WKH\ signed. Jesuit Fr Federico Lombardi, Vatican spokesman, said concern expressed in a private letter – not 0DJLVWHUÂśV OHDNHG DQG SXEOLVKHG “letterâ€? – that Australian Cardinal George Pell and South Africa Wilfrid F Napier said they sent the pope were addressed by Pope Francis and by Cardinal Lorenzo Baldisseri, the synod general secUHWDU\ ÂżUVW WKLQJ LQ WKH PRUQLQJ RQ Oct 6. In his comments that morning, the pope insisted that Catholic doctrine on marriage would not be touched or put to question, Fr Lombardi told reporters at the time. The pope also asked the synod “not to give into a ‘hermeneutic of conspiracy’ which is sociologically weak and spiritually unhelpful.â€? Cardinal Pell told the news site Vatican Insider on Oct 13 that he ZDV ÂłIXQGDPHQWDOO\ VDWLVÂżHG´ ZLWK the pope’s response.

Fr Lombardi told reporters that publishing the letter, or some form of it, a week after the pope responded to the cardinals’ concerns was an “act of disturbance not intended by the signatories – or at least of the most authoritative among them.� “It is not surprising� that questions were raised about the new synod method, which gives more time to small group work and having them amend the working document rather than write a list of

Fr Federico spokesman.

Lombardi,

Vatican

propositions for the pope, Fr Lombardi said. But once the pope decided how he wanted things done, it was time for synod members to get to work, “which is what is happening.� Pope Francis, a Jesuit, has made changes in the synod process to expand the time for dialogue and to create the time and space needed for discernment in the style of St Ignatius of Loyola, the Jesuit founder. „ CNS

Archbishop says no to communion for remarried VATICAN CITY – Allowing civ-

illy remarried divorcees to receive Communion would not only open the door to the sacrament for all who live in mortal sin, but also would cause great damage to the Church’s doctrine on sanctifying grace, said Archbishop Stanislaw Gadecki of Poznan, Poland. The Church must help divorced and remarried couples “with special charity� and “in a spirit of mercy� but cannot allow them to receive communion, Archbishop Gadecki, president of the Polish bishops’ conference, told the Synod of Bishops on the family. He addressed the synod on Oct 10, saying he was speaking on behalf of the entire Polish bishops’ conference. As baptised people, divorced and remarried Catholics should be encouraged to continue participat-

ing in the life of the Church, the archbishop said. “Let us, therefore, encourage them to listen to the word of God, to attend the VDFULÂżFH RI WKH 0DVV WR SHUVHvere in prayer, to contribute to works of charity and to community efforts in favour of justice, to bring up their children in the Christian faith, to cultivate the spirit and practice of penance and thus implore, day by day, God’s grace.â€? However, the archbishop stressed that the Church’s doctrine must not “be led by feelings of false compassion for people or by modes of thought that – despite their worldwide popularity – are mistakenâ€?. Without an annulment or a promise to abstain from sexual relations, such couples are living in a state of mortal sin according to Church teaching, he said. „ CNS

12 OPINION

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FEATURE

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One of the most damaging forms of exclusion has ‘been the exclusion of women and girls in the area of education ... in a world where knowledge is the NH\ WR HFRQRPLF VXFFHVV DQG WR D GLJQL¿HG OLIH

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– Archbishop Bernardito Auza, Vatican permanent observer to UN

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FOCUS 13

Sunday November 1, 2015 „ CatholicNews

FROM THE ARCHBISHOP’S OFFICE

&RQĂ LFW UHVROXWLRQ LQ 6¡SRUH DUFKGLRFHVH PREMISE From time to time, complaints against priests or laity arrive at the Archbishop’s desk. Most complainants expect the Bishop to intervene directly and personally to effect justice. This is neither SRVVLEOH QRU WKH PRVW HIÂżFLHQW RU MXGLFLRXV ZD\ WR UHVROYH FRQĂ€LFWV The Archbishop is the ShepKHUG RI WKH Ă€RFN WKDW KDV EHHQ entrusted to him. As the head of the local Church, the Bishop has many responsibilities. He is to lead and govern them as their priest, prophet and king. He also has to pray for them, nourish them with the Word of God and respond to their different needs and demands. He therefore has to work in unison with the Holy Mother Church to ensure that the QHHGV RI WKH Ă€RFN DUH PHW The Bible teaches that in the family, the father has the responsibility of preserving the unity, integrity and wellbeing of his family. The mother supports and shares in her husband’s responsibilities. Together they provide for the various needs of the family. In the same vein, the Church is called to model after the family. Addressing these complaints fall under the Judicial and ExecuWLYH RIÂżFH RI WKH $UFKELVKRS 7R ensure that there is timely intervention, transparency, objectivity and impartiality in ministering justice and that the values of unity, reconciliation and mutual understanding and forgiveness are assured, a process has thus been put in place involving the entire Church hierarchy.

PRINCIPLES OF THE PROCESS 1. The basic principle of WKH &RQĂ€LFW 5HVROXWLRQ 3URFHVV takes a leaf from Scripture. Mt 18:15-17 directs the way we should go if there are differences, misunderstandings and wrong doings in our community: we are invited to bring the matter directly to the person concerned, and if this does not yield an amicable outcome, then we are to bring one or two others to assist in solving the impasse. When this fails, we are to then bring it up to the community, i.e, this process of escalating the appeal to the next higher level of authority until the Archbishop, who is the highest level of arbitration, should be the way. 2. The Archbishop exercises his executive authority through the delegation of the investigation. This ensures that justice is tempered with charity

and that it is not only carried out but also seen to be carried out. Throughout the process he maintains oversight of the complaints. 3. As shepherd to all, he is ERWK D IDWKHU WR WKH 3HRSOH RI *RG and a brother to his fellow priests. Just like in any family, when the siblings have disagreements, parents should not take sides or show favouritism. So too, the Archbishop must remain neutral in every situation. His duty is to foster unity and reconciliation through mutual understanding. 4. For this reason, competent persons are appointed to deal with the cases or complaints. This is to ensure objectivity and transparency. They will have to investigate, clarify and then mediate. 5. This process is established so that complaints are attended to in a timely manner. 6. When mediation fails, the Archbishop steps in as a last UHFRXUVH IRU WKH FRQĂ€LFWLQJ SDUties. This provides for everyone a last court of appeal. 7. In exceptional cases, because of the severity of the issue, he may intervene directly EXW QHYHU ZLWKRXW KDYLQJ ÂżUVW consulted relevant advisors.

CAVEAT 1. Except for exceptional FDVHV 3RLQW RI 3ULQFLSOHV those wishing the Archbishop to deal with their grievances must ÂżUVW KDYH attempted mediation at the lower levels. 2. They must also give him written permission to share the contents of the particular complaint with the accused and those whom he appoints to mediate so that transparency and objectivity is ensured. Without this permission, he will not be able to render justice, because justice must be rendered to both parties. There should be an opportunity for clariÂżFDWLRQ DQG GHIHQFH VR WKDW DQ amicable solution can be found. 3. The Archbishop does not entertain anonymous letters of complaint. Likewise, complainants who do not respect the principle of transparency by allowing the archbishop to show evidence of the complaint to those accused, will also not be attended to. 4. The process does not apply to complaints of a criminal nature, or of matters which come XQGHU WKH SXUYLHZ RI WKH 3URIHVVLRQDO 6WDQGDUGV 2IÂżFH 362 7KH 362 GHDOV ZLWK DOO VH[XDO abuse cases. Such complaints will follow the set processes of the 362

THE PROCESS 1. The manner in which a complaint is managed takes into account the situational context and QDWXUH RI VHYHULW\ 5HJDUGOHVV WKH ¿UVW DWWHPSW DW UHVROYLQJ D FRQÀLFW must begin with the complainant approaching the person at the cenWUH RI WKH FRQÀLFW 2QO\ ZKHQ WKDW fails, does the process escalate up. Complaints may be grouped into the following 3 categories, according to levels of severity: (a) Level 1: Parochial and Organisation Local Issues These concern people, policies and day-to-day management issues that are not systemic, i.e they are parish or organisation-based practices which are not common to the archdiocese. Resolution of such comSODLQWV VKRXOG ¿UVW EH DWWHPSWHG DW individual level with the persons concerned. If this fails, then an attempt should be made at the parish/organisation level by bringing them to the attention of the Spiritual Director/head of minisWU\ RU RUJDQLVDWLRQ RU WR WKH 33& 3DULVK 3DVWRUDO &RXQFLO 3DULVK 3ULHVW 2QO\ ZKHQ WKHVH HIIRUWV fail, do they get escalated to the 9*V 9LFDUV *HQHUDO DQG DERYH (b) Level 2: Clergy/Religious and Archdiocesan Systemic Issues These concern people, policies and management issues that are systemic and affect the wellbeing of the entire archdiocese, such as matters relating to the conduct of priests and religious, ¿QDQFLDO DQG +5 SUDFWLFHV RI WKH archdiocese, etc. Such complaints should be brought to the attention of the respective VGs who will escalate it to the Archbishop if the matter cannot be resolved at this level. (c) Level 3: Curia and Crises Issues Complaints against the VGs, Episcopal Vicar, Judicial Vicar and Chancellor in regard to their GLVFKDUJH RI WKHLU UHVSHFWLYH RI¿Fes may be addressed to the Archbishop, if they fail to be resolved directly with them. Similarly, matters that are judged to have serious legal, political and reputational implications for the Church or clergy, such as human rights abuses, physLFDO VH[XDO DEXVHV DQG ¿QDQFLDO LUregularities at parish/organisation or diocesan level, may be brought to the Archbishop’s attention. 2. In all cases brought to the attention of the Archbishop for mediation through the hier-

archy (i.e. having failed to be reVROYHG DW WKH ORZHU OHYHOV the Archbishop reserves the right to elect a forum to handle the complaint. The Archbishop further reserves the right to forward the letters of complaint to the determined forum. All cases involving physical/sexual abuses will be diUHFWHG WR WKH 362 WR EH GHDOW ZLWK according to their internal systems and processes. 3. The competent forum takes over the inquiry with the necessary facts, documentation, etc. and conducts interviews with all relevant parties to the complaint as necessary. 4. Having weighed all the evidence of the complaint, the Chair of the competent forum makes a written report to the Archbishop.

5. When the Archbishop approves of the report, he directs it to be released to all interested parties to the complaint. 5HFRQFLOLDWLRQ IRUJLYHness and mutual understanding is the desired result of such a process. 7. If there is an appeal, the Archbishop takes it upon himself and other advisors to review the process to ensure that justice and fairness have been served. 8. The Archbishop reserves the right to call the whole process to a close with a decision which would be binding on all parties. 9. All who make allegations that prove to be false or malicious must make the necessary restitution and restore the JRRG QDPH RI WKH SHUVRQ V ZKR have been accused. „

14 FAITH ALIVE!

Sunday November 1, 2015 „ CatholicNews

Take a stand, stop accepting bad behaviour By Liz Quirin When my children and I rode in the car together, they chose the radio station. I had no preferences, and I wanted to hear what they thought was “good music.â€? Sometimes on those rides, they would hear particular lyrics and hit a button to change the station. “You don’t want to listen to that,â€? they would say. When I asked why not, they looked at each other and exchanged a nod. The lyrics were in some way “unÂżW´ IRU D PRWKHUÂśV HDUV These days, we are living in a society where being rude is almost applauded. “Calling outâ€? people for one reason or another is just the way things go these days. That rude behaviour has translated into violence in some circumstances. Ugly exchanges can escalate into physical responses, depending on the circumstances. Having covered many events as a reporter, I sometimes crossed paths with television media from large and small markets, especially if it was an event with a national audience. Sometimes I found the media people pushy, elbowing their way into what they considered a better position. I was offended, especially if I had arrived early to put

myself into what I considered a “good spot.â€? Running over me was not difÂżFXOW 0\ VLQJOH OHQV FDPHUD ZDV no match for their tripods and large television cameras, and their elbows always seemed bigger than mine. Over time, I learned to

People arguing over a queue line. Taking a stand against bad behaviour is important in society. &16 ÂżOH SKRWR

adapt, but it was usually a bit tense. It seemed that the more “entitled� they felt, the more rude they were. Now, here we are in 2015, and being rude isn’t really news anymore, although some would disagree. It is past time when we should take a stand and stop accepting bad behaviour as just part of daily life.

In our schools, our places of work and our interactions with people on every level, we have to raise or change our standards. And honestly, this could hold an element of danger. Anytime we challenge the status quo by speaking out, some people won’t like it. When my sister, with her children in tow, challenged a man for cursing in public, saying, “Sir, your language is abominable,â€? he began pointing his cursing at her. While it didn’t turn out too well that time, it didn’t deter her from taking a stand in the future. That was a long time ago, and these days angry or emotionally distraught people may take more than a dim view of being challenged. Some have been known to pull out guns. And that’s the problem: We don’t want to accept the status quo, but we don’t want to jeopardise our safety. What are we supposed to do? First, don’t give up; and secRQG ÂżQG ZD\V WR PDNH WKRVH FKDOlenges that won’t risk your safety. Going against the status quo to be Christian in a world that devalues Christian beliefs and behaviours is natural to us. We just have to remember our Way, our Truth and our Life. „ CNS /L] 4XLULQ LV WKH HGLWRU RI 7KH 0HVVHQJHU QHZVSDSHU RI WKH 'LRFHVH RI %HOOHYLOOH ,OOLQRLV 86$

Sunday November 1, 2015 „ CatholicNews

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Sunday November 1, 2015 „ CatholicNews

By Jennifer Ficcaglia One day, Jesus was teaching in the synagogue. It was the Sabbath, the day that the Jewish people kept as a day of rest and a day to worship God. There was a woman in the temple that day who was doing a strange thing. She was bent over as if she were about WR SLFN VRPHWKLQJ XS RII RI WKH Ă€RRU and she walked around the temple in this position. It became clear to anyone watching her that she was not doing this on purpose. The woman had been crippled by an evil spirit, and for the past 18 years she had not been able to stand up straight. As Jesus was teaching, He looked up and noticed the woman. “Woman,â€? Jesus called out to KHU Âł\RX DUH VHW IUHH RI \RXU LQÂżUmity.â€?

Jesus walked over to her and laid His hands on her. She immediately stood up straight and began to glorify God. Just then, the leader of the synagogue came over to Jesus. He was not happy about what Jesus had done. He thought it was a terrible thing for Jesus to heal the crippled woman, because, after all, it was the Sabbath. No work was to be done that day, not even by a person’s animals. The leader of the synagogue looked at the crowd. “There are six days when work should be done. Come on those days to be cured, not on the Sabbath day,� he announced. Some people in the crowd agreed. Jesus looked at the people who were angry at what He had done. “Hypocrites!� Jesus said to them. “Does not each one of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or his ass from the manger and lead it out for

SPOTLIGHT ON SAINTS:

St Illtud St Illtud lived in the sixth century and is revered by the people of Wales. He entered military service, but it is said that he turned to the monastic life after he saw his friends killed in a hunting accident. He later became a monk and was eventually ordained a priest by St Germanus. He lived by himself until people began to follow him, and then he built a monastery and a school. When a sea wall collapsed and was about to ruin the monastery’s land, the saint ¿[HG WKH ZDOO E\ SHUIRUPLQJ D PLUDFOH :H KRQRXU KLP RQ Nov 6. „

watering? This daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has bound for 18 years now, ought she not to have been set free on the Sabbath day from this bondage?� The angry people hung their heads and were embarrassed by their actions. The rest of the people who witnessed the miracle Jesus performed rejoiced in what the Lord had done. Jesus then went back to teaching them about the kingdom of

heaven, comparing it to a mustard seed that grew into a large bush with plenty of branches in which the birds FRXOG ¿QG VKHOWHU „ Read more about it: Luke 13

Q&A 1. Why was the woman crippled? 2. Why was the synagogue leader angry with Jesus?

Wordsearch: „ TEMPLE „ CROWD „ HEAD „ SEED

„ EVIL „ GOD „ SPIRIT „ LAID

„ SABBATH „ CURED „ HEAL „ FREE

BIBLE TRIVIA: Name a time when Jesus became angry at the temple. (Hint: John 2:13-16)

Bible Accent: Answer to puzzle: <RX DUH VHW IUHH RI \RXU LQÂżUPLW\ Answer to Bible Trivia: When he chased out the moneychangers.

PUZZLE: Unscramble the letters in each word to reveal a sentence from the Bible story in Luke 13:12.: R\X UDH WHV HIUH IR RU\X \WLLQP¿U ––––––

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Answer to Wordsearch

One of God’s commandments to the Israelites was to “remember the Sabbath day – keep it holyâ€? (Ex 20:8). God had made the world in six days, and on the seventh He rested. He wanted His people to do the same thing and also to worship Him on this day. So the Jewish people did so on Saturday, the seventh day of the week. If God wanted His people to rest and worship Him on Saturday, why do Christians do so on Sunday? 7KH ÂżUVW &KULVWLDQV ZHUH -HZV ZKR NHSW WKH 6DEEDWK RQ Saturday, but they worshipped on Sunday, too, on the Lord’s day – the day Jesus rose from the dead. As they evangelised the gentiles – or non-Jews – they discussed whether these new Christians should be made to follow Jewish laws. With the help of the Holy Spirit, the apostles decided “not to place on you any burden beyond these necessities, namely, to abVWDLQ IURP PHDW VDFULÂżFHG WR LGROV IURP EORRG IURP PHDWV RI strangled animals, and from unlawful marriageâ€? (Acts 15:29). As Christianity moved further away from its Jewish roots, Sunday eventually became the day on which Christians rested and worshipped God. „

WHAT’S ON

Sunday November 1, 2015 „ CatholicNews

EVENT SUBMISSIONS

We welcome information of events happening in our local Church. Please send your submission at least one month before the event. Online submissions can be made at www.catholicnews.sg/whatson OCT 14 TO JAN 27 2016 CATHOLIC’S DIVORCE SURVIVAL GUIDE A 12-part DVD-based programme that ministers to the emotional and spiritual needs of the separated and divorced. This programme is not a substitute for necessary professional, legal, or therapeutic needs, but offers the truth about love, marriage, divorce, and recovery from a faithfully Catholic perspective. Organised by the Archdiocesan Commission for the Family. Venue: 2 Highland Road, LG-01, CAEC. T: 6488 0278 (Theresa Bung); E: theresabung@familylife.sg OCT 21 TO DEC 30 ART THERAPY OPEN STUDIO @ AGAPE VILLAGE Feeling down, lost and confused? Let your creative energy guide you to tap into your wisdom and expand insights to your life. Come join us and let the healing qualities of art awaken you. No art experience is required - just an open mind, open heart and creative spirit! Wednesdays from 9.30am-12pm. Organised by Clarity Singapore, Agape Village 7A Lor 8 Toa Payoh, #02-08. Fee: $10 per session. Pre registration required. Register. T:68017467; E: registration@clarity-singapore.org OCT 30 SAME-SEX MARRIAGE & MARRIAGE What is the Catholic teaching on this and why is it a disorder? What causes SSA and what can one do about this orientation? Time: 7.30pm-9.30pm. Venue: The conference room, St Joseph’s Church, Victoria Street. Speaker: Andrew Kong, (Licentiate in Canon Law). FOC. Register. W: http://tinyurl.com/ACT-Talk-Signup OCT 31 CTIS FUNDRAISING CARNIVAL Bring your family to enjoy food, fun and games, including bouncy castles, zorb ball and paddling pool. Coupons in aid of the Catholic Theological Institute of Singapore at $10 per set are available at CANA, St Anne’s Church and selected parishes in the East/Serangoon districts. Venue: St Anne’s Church. Time: 9am-3pm. OCT 31 TO NOV 1 INTERCESSION RETREAT “I urge that prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men ‌ â€? (1 Tim 2:1). Come and increase your understanding of intercession. Learn how to be an effective intercessor. Retreat director: Fr Erbin Fernandez. Venue: Catholic Spirituality Centre. Register. W: www.csctr.net; T: 62887901; T: 68582716 NOV 2 THERE IS A SEASON FOR EVERYTHING A time for mourning. 9.30am12pm. This session is for those experiencing the loss of someone or something in their lives. Facilitated by Fr Leslie Raj, SJ. At Kingsmead Centre, 8 Victoria Park Road, S266492. Love offerings welcomed. Register. T: 64676072; E: cisc2664@gmail.com. NOV 6 TO NOV 8 MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEKEND Spice up your communication with your spouse and rediscover intimacy in your marriage. Register. T: 96705390; E: MEwkend@gmail. com; W: wwmesg.org NOV 6 TO NOV 8 LIVING UNTIL WE DIE This weekend retreat will focus on WKH LQYLWDWLRQV IRU WKH ÂżQDO VWDJH RI life, and will attempt to respond to questions such as: What is retirement for? How can I grow old well? What fears am I facing as I ponder the end of life? How do I open myself to the joy of this last stage of life? What provisions do I need for the journey? Recommended to those who are 60 years old and above. Fri 8pm - Sun 1pm at Montfort Centre, Upper Bukit Timah. Organiser: Cenacle Sisters. T: 65652895; E: cenaclesing@gmail.com

NOV 7 FREE LEGAL CLINIC 9.30am-1pm. Catholic Lawyers Guild Free Legal Clinic registration session. To register, please visit our registration session at Agape Village at 7A Lorong 8 Toa Payoh, S319264. If you are unable to attend, please call our hotline at 68017484. The hotline will only be answered during the same time as our registration session. NOV 7 TO NOV 21 COMMON SENSE PARENTING WORKSHOP A 12-hour evidence-based programme developed by Boystown USA. A programme that shows positive results for both parents and caregivers. Parenting skills suitable for children aged 5 to 16 on how to: give reasons so children buy in to what he or she should do. Give logical consequences so your FKLOGUHQ ZLOO ÂżQG WKHP PHDQLQJIXO Register. W: http://www. morningstar.org.sg/events_CSP.html NOV 7 THE GRASS IS GREENER.. WHERE? A day of recollection for young adults based on the Word of God. Come and join us for prayer, fellowship and fun. 9am-5pm. Organised by Verbum Dei Community. At FMM retreat house, 49D Holland Road. Register. T: 62740251 (Verbum Dei Missionaries)/ T: 97205922 (Jocelyn) E: vdeisgevents@gmail.com; W: http://www.verbumdeisingapore. org/ Cost: $50 NOV 13, (8PM, CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL SUCCOUR) NOV 14, (8PM, CHURCH OF THE RISEN CHRIST) HEAVENLY VOICES CONCERT Join the Daughters of St Paul from around the world as they celebrate their centennial with two nights of inspiring concerts. They are joined by special guests, Fr Edward, OCD; Fr KK, CICM; Fr Valerian and Fr Terence, CSsR. Tickets at $25 available at DSP bookshop, Church of the Risen Christ; CANA. E: paulinesg100years@gmail.com T: 63565958; T: 65608003. W: www.paulines.org.sg NOV 14 MEDITATIVE PRAYER WITH THE SONGS OF TAIZE Come and pray with fellow Christians and all who want to create greater trust and openness through prayer. All are welcome. 8pm-9.30pm. Organised by the S’pore Taize core group at the Armenian Church of St Gregory the Illuminator, 60 Hill Street. Register. E: bennycah@gmail.com; W: www.taize.fr/en NOV 14 LIVING WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER (ASD) SYMPOSIUM 2015 Journeying together with a child ZLWK $6' FDQ EH GLIÂżFXOW DQG confusing. It often seems as if there is a maze of challenges at every stage in life. Join us as our expert speakers discuss how to navigate services, interventions and care for children with ASD. Time: 8.30am1pm. Free admission. Registration required. Organised by Holy Spirit Church. At Agape Village, 7A Toa Payoh Lorong 8. W: http://www. bit.ly/livingwithautism2015; T: 93200640 (Teresa); E: autism. symposium.2015@gmail.com NOV 20 (10AM) TO NOVEMBER 22 (5PM) WOMEN ON A JOURNEY ...RETREAT FOR WOMEN A stay-in retreat for women. A time and space for women to rest, pray and reconnect with God in their life. There will be time for inputs, SHUVRQDO UHĂ€HFWLRQ DQG SUD\HU There will also be an opportunity for individual spiritual direction. By Kingsmead Centre spiritual directors. At Kingsmead Centre, 8 Victoria Park Road, S266492. Contribution: $270 (non-aircon); $330 (aircon). Register. T: 64676072; E: cisc2664@gmail.com NOV 21 (8.45AM) TO NOV 22 (4.30PM) WHOSE AM I? A WEEKEND RETREAT FOR WORKING ADULTS With the theme ‘Whose Am I?’, WKH UHWUHDW UHĂ€HFWV RQ WKLV TXHVWLRQ

IN MEMORIAM 17

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

OBITUARY

NOV 1 TO DEC 25 2016 CALLING YOUTHS TO JOIN OUR CATHOLIC FAMILY! The RCIY team is welcoming nonCatholics, aged between 14 and 24 years old, to join us on a journey to know about the Catholic faith from November 1. Venue: Church of Christ the King. Sessions will take place on Sundays at 3pm. Register. T: 96718555 (Randy), T: 81880239 (Bernadette) to examine this longing in us and how it affects our lives. Individual spiritual direction (one-to-one) will be available during the retreat to explore where God is in our lives and how He may be speaking to us. Venue: FMM House of Prayer and Formation at Holland Road. Organiser: Praise@Work. Cost: $70. Register. W: praiseatwork. wordpress.com; T: 90187914; E: praiseatworksg@yahoo.com NOV 28 ST PATRICK’S SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE St Patrick’s Open House for primary six students and parents. Time: 9am-1pm. E: stpatricksch@ moe.edu.sg; T : 63440929; Address: 490 East Coast Road, S429058 NOV 28 CHRIST@WORK 2015 CONFERENCE – PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS AT WORK This special edition marks the 10th anniversary of Christ@Work, and seeks to equip you with the skills and inspiration to help you answer Christ’s calling at the workplace to ¿QG WUXH KDSSLQHVV 7KH FRQIHUHQFH features world-class speakers and corporate leaders, and ends with Mass, celebrated by Archbishop William Goh. 8.30am-6pm. Venue: Catholic Junior College Performing Arts Centre. Cost: $60 Register. T: 92284463 (Raymond); E:admin@cbn.sg; W: http://www. christatworkconference.com NOV 29 TO DEC 5 CHARIS HAIYAN HOUSEBUILDING TRIP On Nov 8 2013, Typhoon Haiyan claimed the lives of more than 6,000 people in the Philippines. Last June, after initial relief efforts, CHARIS helped fund the Archdiocese of Cebu in various house-building projects. A CHARIS mission team will be deployed to help with the building of houses. Join us as we work hand-in-hand with our brothers and sisters in need to help rebuild their homes and their lives. Come experience faith in action and the joy of mission work with team members and the locals. Register. T: 63374119; E: lilynne@charis-singapore.org NOV 29 CELEBRATING INNER FREEDOM- REDUCING HUMAN TOLL IN RELATIONSHIPS 90% of our unhappiness is related to human relationships. This oneday programme helps us to explore our inner landscape through looking at needs and behaviour and understand why we behave the ZD\ ZH GR $ VSHFL¿F VNLOO ZLOO EH shared to help us explore our goals and decisions in life, and learn to use communicative language to improve every relationship in our life. 10am-4pm. Venue: Lifesprings Spirituality Centre. Cost $90. Register. T: 64662178; E: lifesprings@ singnet.com.sg DEC 5 BABY JESUS, CHRISTMAS AND ME An Advent day of recollection for children. An invitation for children (aged 5-10 years old) to spend a PRUQLQJ WR UHÀHFW RQ KRZ WKH\ FDQ prepare to welcome Baby Jesus into their lives. There will be time for songs, creative expression, and learning how to share their hearts with Jesus. Time: 10am-12.30pm. At Kingsmead Centre, 8 Victoria Park Road, S266492. Contribution: $10. Register. T: 64676072; E: cisc2664@gmail.com

CLASS THANKSGIVING

we need your help. I am very grateful for your intercession and all the graces shown to my family and me. Please continue to bless and guide us. Thank you. Jeanette

Most Holy St Jude, thank you for the help you had given my children. It is indeed a great comfort that you are always here when

Please turn to pages 18 and 19 for more in memoriam advertisements.

Solution to Crossword Puzzle No. 1146 W O R D

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Crossword Puzzle 1147 has been held over

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Sunday November 1, 2015 CatholicNews

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

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