NOVEMBER 17, 2013, Vol 63, No 23

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www.catholicnews.sg SUNDAY NOVEMBER 17, 2013

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The young and old celebrate family life VATICAN CITY – A Catholic wed-

ding is not simply a beautiful ceremony; through the Sacrament of marriage a couple receives from God the grace they will need to

Pope Francis said. Addressing an estimated Peter’s Square on Oct 26 for a Year of Faith celebration of fam spouses are not naive; they know But vowing to love one an and sorrow all the days of their ! lives in the hands of God and rely on Him for strength. “They do not run away; they do not hide; they do not shirk the mission of forming a family and " # # $ the pope said. For hours before the pope ! # ers took the stage in St Peter’s % # # of love and family life and the importance of forgiveness. The evening’s formal programme began with a little girl

# the pope a drawing she made of her mother teaching her to cook cutlets. She said it is her favourite food and &' "

$ Federica said her mom also taught her to make the sign of the

" # # counter “in the name of the Fa ( $ Dozens of people – from children to grandparents – were invited to speak to the pope and the # family lives. A couple from Syria talked

Pope Francis greets children during an event in which he addressed about 100,000 people taking part in a Year of Faith celebration of family life in St Peter’s Square. !

" ) # ing refuge in Jordan. Other stories came from residents of Lampedu ' * +

grants who made dangerous sea crossings to get to the island. ' # # Pope Francis said that at the heart of everyone’s vocation is the call to love and be loved. “Life is often wearisome. Work is tiring. Look-

# , # $ said. “But what is most burden ! $ Pope Francis said he knows

## # ers are threatened by war or split "

# young people would like to marry but they don’t see how they can # " “The Lord knows our strug-

gles and the burdens we have in our ! $ &/ ( # $ Through the Sacrament of Mar # ! # 0 &1 ments are not decorations in life; the 3 # a pretty ceremony. Christians celebrate the Sacrament of Marriage " $ Pope Francis urged Catholic couples to go against the cultural # ! # # ) # 3 # 4 # & # $

" walks in the park and visits to the # &/ !

#

#5 # $ # &" # # # $ Pope Francis also told the crowd that three phrases are essential for a peaceful family life: “‘May I?’ to make sure you aren’t being intru ! 71 * 7'* *$ 1 , # cis was back in St Peter’s Square celebrating Mass with the fami + # importance of praying as a family. “We need simplicity to pray as

$ & # 8 Father together around the table is not something extraordinary; it’s # #

! " # # $ 1 #

# # to church together and even the simple task of teaching children #

where the Christian faith is kept alive and passed on. „ CNS „ See related story on Page 15

VOL 63

NO. 23

INSIDE HOME Serving migrant workers for 25 years FILODEP holds special anniversary celebration „ Page 8

ASIA Filipinos sell dolls of new saint Funds used to repair quakedamaged churches „ Page 10

WORLD Roman Curia’s communication problems Previous two popes affected by these: cardinal „ Page 11

Vatican questionnaire on marriage, family life Bishops asked about their response to current situations „ Page 13

POPE FRANCIS Pontiff meets Aung San Suu Kyi Assures her of prayers for Myanmar „ Page 15

OPINION Strengthen marriages, don’t destroy them Reader comments on dating site for cheating spouses „ Page 16

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Sunday November 17, 2013 „ CatholicNews

Registration opens for Catholic theological institute By Darren Boon Registration for the Catholic Theological Institute of Singapore’s 1 # now open. For starters, the CTIS will run 4 ! 1 # < = 8 > <@ 3 <K 1 > K 8 @ 1 # 8

N <Q 1 N 1 # < U 3 courses will be offered in future. > V * rector, said that the courses are “open to all Catholics�. “The archbishop desires that ! !

! ! " 1' $ V 1 # ! X '+ sessions, religious coordinators 3 + Z 1' * ic director said, “It’s hard to predict will be drawn to CTIS courses, but we’re hoping to sustain class sizes

The archbishop ‘desires that all Screengrab of the Catholic Theological Institute of Singapore’s website.

KU U $ ! ! 0 ' ' / " 8! ! 1 # 3 1 # 1 ond Vatican Council. \ #

further their studies in theol # # 1' institutes of higher learning. The # " 1' * #

1 !

K # + #

! opt for a research writing unit worth one credit. V " & " " ! " # # 1 " # $ 3 Z subjects are well-rounded and ! & ! # "

Church�.

who are involved in formation ministries avail themselves of the courses offered by CTIS.

’

– Fr James Yeo, CTIS’ rector

1 " " 1' V 1' ! " ! future, as this would allow those ! # # 1' , 1' dents – those who wish to attend # ,

( ! " 1 #

4

! 1 ! " 4

# ] -

hoping ‘We’re to sustain class sizes of around 35 to 50 people.

’

– Mr Arthur Goh, CTIS’ academic director

#

^ ] ^ Classes will be held at the _ UU _ @ K 3 # + " ` { ( N ! Z 1' " Prospective students can obtain the registration forms from their parishes in November or from CTIS’ website (http://www. ctis.sg). For more information about the courses and the prospectus, please visit the institute’s website. „ darren.boon@catholic.org.sg

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Sunday November 17, 2013 CatholicNews

Legion of Mary needs new ‘zeal for evangelisation’

‘When you

do your Legion work, visiting a home, for instance ... you are supposed to radiate joy and friendship, your work is a means to an end.

Archbishop Goh gives his appraisal of organisation in talk In a frank talk peppered by his trademark sense of humour, Archbishop William Goh gave his assessment of the state of the Legion of Mary in Singapore today, and its role in the new evangelisation. Speaking to some 500 Legionaries at their day of recollection on Oct 5, he highlighted what he felt was an image problem the organisation here was suffering from. “The impression others seem to have of the Legion of Mary,” said the archbishop, “is that of an organisation consisting of mostly old people.” Some have also commented that the organisation is “too devotional, rigid, old fashioned”, he added. However, he dismissed the notion that the Legion is irrelevant to the new evangelisation. “The issue is not with the contents of the [Legion’s] handbook or how the Legion is structured, which, far from being outdated, is really a prototype of what an ideal neighbourhood Christian community ought to be – prayerful, receiving spiritual input from the leaders, accountability and faith sharing,” he said. “What needs to be re-captured, however, is zeal for evangelisation,” he told the crowd gathered at the Church of St Ignatius. Archbishop Goh invited Legionaries to examine their conscience to see if they have been mechanically carrying out what their handbook required, but missing out on the “spirit” of the Legion and the deeper meaning of its structures. “When you do your Legion work, visiting a home, for instance, you are the priest’s representatives. You are supposed to radiate joy and friendship, your work is a means to an end. And the end is personal contact

with another person,” he said. Stressing that such a method is never irrelevant, he said the danger lies in members forgetting the original purpose of such works. “At the heart of Legion work should be the zeal for evangelisation, to make Jesus known and loved,” he said. “I have seen meetings where members report their work in a mechanical fashion: ‘I went to person X’s home. I knocked on the door, the person was not in. I knocked again. I went home,’” Archbishop Goh shared. “Or else I hear of Legion of Mary members doing the parish census, knocking on doors of Catholic families and acting like workers in the census department. “No! When you inquire about Catholic families and realise that they are not going for Mass, you should say, ‘Oh, but it’s good to go for Mass, shall we go next week?’ You are there as concerned Catholics offering friendship.” A lively question and answer session then followed. Legionary Geraldine Tan said she found the recollection “inspiring” and hopes to practise what Archbishop Goh suggested. Mr Anthony Gabriel, president of the Singapore Senatus, the highest decision-making body of the Legion in Singapore, noted that Archbishop Goh “knew the Legion very well”. “Every praesidia [Legion of Mary units] would need to take stock of what they are doing and the Senatus will reinforce what has been said,” he said. The Legion of Mary was founded in 1921 by the Servant of God, Frank Duff, in Dublin Ireland. It seeks to help laypeople live an apostolic life in the spirit of Mary, so that others may come to experience the love of Jesus.

’

– Archbishop William Goh

Archbishop Goh celebrating Mass with Legion of Mary members on Oct 5.

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Sunday November 17, 2013 „ CatholicNews

CHANCERY NOTICE APPOINTMENTS 1. Archbishop William Goh, DD, STL, has been appointed a Committee Member on the National Steering Committee on Racial and Religious Harmony (MCCY). 2. Fr Stephen Yim has been appointed a Committee member on the Working Committee on Racial and Religious Harmony (MCCY). 3. The following persons have been appointed for a twoyear team on the Inter-Religious Organisation Singapore (IRO): a. Sr Maria Lau, IJ b. Sr Theresa Seow, FdCC c. Ms Janet Lim, OFS d. Mr Patrick Prakash 4. Fr Terence Pereira has been appointed Episcopal Vicar for the Malayalam Apostolate and oversees the pastoral care of the Malayalees of the three Rites in Singapore. 5. Fr Charlie Oasan, CICM, has been appointed as Spiritual Director for the Archdiocesan Commission for the pastoral

care of Migrants and Itinerant Persons (ACMI) with effect from 1st October 2013. 6. Br Jude David has been appointed to the Church of the Holy Spirit for his residence following his ordination to the diaconate and subsequent ministry. 7. Br Jude David has been appointed as Assistant Spiritual Director for Catholic Spirituality Centre from 1st October 2013. 8. Following an earlier announcement of Chancery Notice of CN2013/01, Br Jude David will be appointed Assistant Youth Chaplain following his ordination to the diaconate. 9. The following priests have been appointed to the pastoral team of the Church of St Mary of the Angels with effect from 1st January 2014: a. Fr

Clifford Augustine, OFM, as Parish Priest for

a 6-year term. b. Fr John Derrick Yap, OFM, as Assistant for a 3-year term.

c. Fr Joseph Lee, OFM, as Assistant for a 3-year term. d. Fr Justin Lim, OFM, as Assistant for a 3-year term. 10. Prof Tan Cheng Han has been appointed Chairperson to the Archdiocesan Commission for Catholic Schools for a term of two years beginning 24th October 2013.

OTHER MATTERS The Senate of the Archdiocese adopted a diocesan coat of arms on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the Archdiocese. It was inaugurated on 13th October 2013. For further enquiries on the use of the coat of arms of the Archdiocese, permission must be given from the Chancery. The second collections that have traditionally been done for ACMA, the Archdiocesan Commission for Missionary Activity, will continue and be called “Collection for Evangelization and Mission� and will be designated for the activities 8 ‘ ’! gelization.

November 1, 2013

The Canossian Daughters of Charity have established a residence at Blk 92, Bedok North Avenue 4, #05-1481, Singapore 460092 and permission was granted by Archbishop William Goh, DD, STL, to have reserved in their chapel the Blessed Sacrament in accordance with canon. 934 §1 2°.

1 V 8 " 8 V # People (OYP) with competence to oversee the pastoral care and programmes pertaining to young people of the Archdiocese from ages 16-35 yrs.

CHANGE OF NAME The Archdiocesan Catholic Council for Ecumenical Dialogue (archCCED) will now adopt the new acronym as ACCED.

The website of the Archdiocese of Singapore (www.catholic. org.sg) will be the primary and

+ considering the need for timely communication.

The Archdiocesan Catholic Council for Interreligious Dialogue (archCCID) will now adopt the new acronym as ACCIRD.

Other channels that are also em ments are the Catholic News, faxes, emails and correspondences.

OFFICIAL ORGANS OF COMMUNICATION

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

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Sunday November 17, 2013 „ CatholicNews

Helping the poor and the Church after car accident Peter Tay has done interior design for the homes of many celebrities, but now he wants to help the Church. Darren Boon speaks to him as he launched his monograph. feel it is ‘Itime... to give back to God whatever He has given me.’

– Tay on being able to continue interior designing after a car accident in 2006

Well-known local interior designer Peter Tay, who has worked on homes belonging to celebrities such as Zoe Tay, Kym Ng and Zhang Ziyi, as well as boutiques and showrooms, is now looking at contributing to the Church. Tay, 42, launched his limited edition monograph on Oct 24. The monograph is a project catalogue that has over 300 pages showcasing his many works since he started in 2001. The proceeds at the event will be donated to Abilities Beyond Limitations and Expectations (ABLE), a Caritas member that works with the physically challenged. Part of the proceeds from sales of the monograph thereafter will also go to ABLE. In addition, Tay is also heading to Cambodia to assist in a Church building project. Executive director of ABLE Gene Lee told CatholicNews that Tay “met with a serious accident seven years ago and has since fully recovered. That episode in his life brought about realisation that he should do something to alleviate poverty in Singapore and other countries in Southeast Asia.� In 2006, Tay met with a car accident that landed him in a coma. He says he is grateful to God for his life – for being able to survive the accident, come out of the coma, and be able to continue with his passion for interior design. “This is what I feel God has given me and I feel it is time I

need to give back to God whatever He has given me,� he said. Tay told CatholicNews he will be heading to Cambodia in November to meet with Msgr Enrique Figaredo, Apostolic Prefect of Battambang, to offer his assistance with a church building project. He said that he sees the Cambodian job as a “challenge� and a “start�. “Without a start, I can just be talking about it, and never begin,� he said. He added that he will help to his “best knowledge� and waive his fees. A cradle Catholic who was baptised at the Church of the Holy Family, Tay has also been asked to look at the possibility of helping the Church of Sts Peter and Paul’s restoration efforts. Prior to this, he had already contributed to the interior design of the parish’s adoration room in 2006. It was during a Sunday Mass and an announcement was made for volunteers to assist in this. Tay then approached thenparish priest Fr Thomas Lim to volunteer his services. Tay says he attends Mass in either the downtown area or east district. Amidst his busy schedule, he says he needs to prioritise and helping the poor and the Church are among his priorities. If Catholic churches in Singa them in interior design, “I will $ 1 „ darren.boon@catholic.org.sg

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Sunday November 17, 2013 „ CatholicNews

Trusting God to build a network of opportunities By Clara Lai One can do a lot with what God has given to one, “to turn something ordinary to something extraordinary�, Catholic business people learnt at a talk recently. Ms Christine Sim, who works in a human resource consulting of Sts Peter and Paul that it is this belief that motivates her to train " Ms Sim was speaking on Oct 31 at one of a series of talks, called My Journey, organised by the

Catholic Business Network (CBN). These talks feature Catholic business professionals sharing about how their faith has shaped their workplace practices. Ms Sim, director of human resource consulting and executive once given a polytechnic student " # " # ies further. The girl later went on to be even recommended Ms Sim for a "

“We are where we are today because of networks,� said the parishioner of the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who has been in human resource consulting, training and development for the past 20 years. Ms Sim said she started out as an administration staff member but later decided to venture into training and developing workers " This helped to expand her network of contacts and led to her be # " opportunities. Ms Sim, who is in her 50s and a mother of three, said she is “still being headhunted�. During the question-and-answer segment, a member of the audience asked her how she knew when it was time to make a career move. “I trust God,� she said. “He knows where to move me to.� Ms Sim, who has also worked

4 sectors, said she believes God cre-

ing at a Catholic Business Network talk on Oct 31.

ated networks in her life as “stepping stones� to a “greater calling�

Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour parishioner Mr Philip Low, 39, shared that he found the talk “very educational� and “I definitely learnt a lot�. Previous speakers of the My Journey series of talks include Member of Parliament and

Church of St Ignatius parishioner Christopher De Souza, and Ms Janet Ang, IBM Singapore’s managing director. CBN will hold the Christ@Work Conference for working adults at Catholic Junior College on Nov 30. For more information, visit www. christatworkconference.com. „ clara.lai@catholic.org.sg

Sunday November 17, 2013 CatholicNews

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Sunday November 17, 2013 „ CatholicNews

25 years aiding domestic workers The Filipino Ongoing Development Programme marks its silver jubilee

Participants bringing up offertory gifts during the special Mass.

More than 300 female migrant workers of various nationalities celebrated the 25th anniversary of an outreach programme catering specially to them on Nov 3. The FMM House on Holland Road was a hive of activity as Filipinas, Indonesians, Myanmar nationals, Indians, Mexicans and domestic workers from other countries gathered to mark the silver jubilee of FILODEP (Fili-

pino Ongoing Development Programme). FILODEP is a ministry launched in 1988, which caters to female foreign domestic helpers. It conducts eight-monthlong courses in handicraft, hairdressing, baking and other skills. It initially served only Filipinas, but is now open all races, religions and cultures. Franciscan Missionaries of

FILODEP students from various countries.

Mary (FMM) Sr Andrea Casuso, #

) to Singapore for the occasion. The Nov 3 event, which was planned and conducted by the migrant volunteers, included cultural dances, a fashion show, speeches and presentation of mementos to all who were instrumental in sustaining FILODEP over the years. During the celebration, Philippine ambassador Minda

Calaguian-Cruz and FMM Provincial Sr Mary Soh reminded the women that they should save money and return home to reunite with their family. Ms Cruz stressed that there are plenty of opportunities in the Philippines for its overseas workers to venture into various businesses. During the event, participants also attended Mass celebrated by Fr Eugene Vaz.

According to Sr Rosalind Chan, FILODEP director, more than 12,000 women have ben

* training programmes over the past 25 years. Registration for FILODEP’s courses next year will be on Dec 22 and 29 and all Sundays in January. For more information, contact Sr Rosalind at 8182-3591 or email rosalind.fmm@gmail. com. „

Blessing of Choa Chu Kang Catholic Cemetery on All Souls’ Day By Clara Lai Some 60 laypeople and 10 priests took part in a blessing ceremony at the Choa Chu Kang Catholic Cemetery on All Souls’ Day, Nov 2. The event began with a pro-

cession of the priests, who were mostly from the North District, into the cemetery chapel. Fr Christopher Lee from St Joseph Church (Bukit Timah) then led the crowd in a short prayer service. The priests later blessed the

graves with holy water, with each of them visiting different sectors of the cemetery, while the laypeople prayed at the graves of their loved ones, lighting candles and # ) „ clara.lai@catholic.org.sg

Carmelite Friar Kenneth Gopal blessing the graves.

Prayer service at the chapel.

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Sunday November 17, 2013 „ CatholicNews

Lasallian education taught him about service, says president By Clara Lai “It has been many years but I remain grateful till this day to my teachers and the La Salle Brothers who taught us to be the best that we can be, to lead useful lives and to contribute to society.� President Tony Tan made this remark in a speech to about 300 students and educators from various schools at the closing of the second Fullerton-SJI (St Joseph’s Institution) Leadership Lectures at The Fullerton Hotel on Nov 5. Mr Tan, who had his primary and secondary education in St Patrick’s School and his preuniversity education in SJI, said that “in addition to learning life skills and academic knowledge� at these schools, he and fellow students “experienced the meaning of service to the community, the importance of respecting differences of views, and the value of diversity�. He added that “SJI continues to embrace all members of our community regardless of race, language, creed or religion. SJI students are taught to see themselves as part of a larger community, and to serve all segments of our society.� The Fullerton-SJI Leadership Lectures are jointly organised by The Fullerton Hotel Singapore and SJI. This second series saw distinguished Lasallian alumni,

including local food critic K F Seetoh and jazz musician Jeremy Monteiro, sharing their experiences of leadership. Mr Arnold Gay later posed questions from the audience, compiled beforehand to Mr Tan. Mr Gay asked Mr Tan to elaborate on one of the points he had made during his speech, about Singapore needing something

! – that is “social reserves�.

and SJI ‘At...StwePatrick’s experienced the meaning of service to the community, the importance of respecting differences of views.

’

– President Tony Tan

Mr Tan, in his reply, gave the example of the tsunami in Japan during which there was “no looting� and “everyone was looking out for one another�. In his speech, Mr Tan had said & ! tangible and can be tracked to ensure that it grows, social reserves are intangible and we will only know how much we have when we need to draw on it�. In his speech, he had also cited

President Tony Tan and his wife, Mary, pose for a photo with SJI students at the closing of the second Fullerton-SJI Leadership Lectures.

the haze period earlier this year, which saw Singaporeans looking out for one another and teams of volunteers distributing masks to those in need. “While it is the responsibility of the government to operate with dence,� he said, “every Singaporean must be involved in growing

our social reserves.� Another question posed to Mr Tan concerned his Lasallian Lasallian values can “shape a successful generation in Singapore�. “I believe that the values that the La Salle Brothers taught are timeless,� Mr Tan said. He added that “as you grow older, as I am

# # * these [Lasallian] values become more useful�. Other topics discussed during the question-and-answer session included the global economy, innovation, research and development. „ clara.lai@catholic.org.sg

School chaplaincy team members discuss challenges By Stefania Hartley

Mother Bruna

Memorial Mass for Canossian nun Italian Canossian Mother Bruna, who worked in Singapore for 25 years, passed away on Oct 21 in Manila. She was 95. She came to Singapore in 1946 and taught at St Anthony’s Convent Secondary School at Middle Rd. Many remember her fondly as their art teacher, counsellor and friend. She later worked in the Philippines and Indonesia. The late nun is also author of two books. A memorial Mass will be celebrated at St Joseph’s Church, Victoria St on Nov 21 at 1.15 pm. „

“Being� rather than “doing� was widely agreed as the most important part of a School Chaplaincy Team member’s role during a recent recollection. Fourteen such members, comprising three nuns and 11 laypeople, attended a year-end recollection and gathering at St Joseph’s Institution Junior school on Nov 1. The event, organised by the Archdiocesan Commission for Catholic Schools (ACCS) was to allow School Chaplaincy Teams to share their experiences after attending training earlier this year. Many of the participants, from both primary and secondary Catholic schools, had attended either the basic or advanced chaplaincy training programme. During the sharing session, participants shared the challenges # school timetable to hold religious activities for Catholic students. However, participants agreed that a School Chaplaincy Team member’s role, more than that of a religious education teacher or a provider of doctrinal instruc-

Ms Wendy Louis of ACCS introducing Christopher Walker’s ‘Stella Mass’ to School Chaplaincy Team members during a recent recollection.

tion, is to lend a listening ear. The team member has to be an approachable and loving presence that mirrors the love of God for all, participants noted. Fr Edward Seah shared his experience providing pastoral care to students during his years as a De la Salle Brother. He also stressed the role of chaplaincy teams in supporting the religious education coordinator as well as other members of the school. “If your relationship with the

children is positive, they will look for you,� said Fr Seah. During the recollection, participants also had to learn the “Stella Mass� for young people, composed by the renowned Church musician Christopher Walker, who has granted ACCS permission to use it in all Catholic schools here. Participants said they enjoyed the recollection’s supportive atmosphere. “We can’t work alone as chaplains or in any ministry: everyone

has a gift and we pull them together to build the Kingdom,� said Franciscan Missionaries of Mary Sr Nora Gomez, who is part of a three-member chaplaincy team at Hai Sing Catholic School. Chaplaincy teams support leaders of Catholic schools in their ongoing efforts to nurture the Catholic ethos in their institutions. They provide a ministry of presence and accompaniment to the school community, help Catholic students deepen their faith through prayer and formation. „

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Sunday November 17, 2013 „ CatholicNews

New bishop for Miri Young Filipinos sell dolls of saint to rebuild churches VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis on

Bishop-elect Richard Ng

Oct 30 appointed Fr Richard Ng as Bishop of Miri, Sarawak. The bishop-elect was born in Kuching in 1966 and was ordained a priest in 1995. He holds a licentiate in sacred scriptures and has served in a number of roles, including parish vicar of the cathedral of Kuching, lecturer in sacred scriptures in the major seminary of Kuching, and director of the archdi-

ocesan Commission for Social Communications. He is currently rector of the major seminary of Kuching. He succeeds Bishop Anthony Lee Kok Hin, whose resignation upon having reached the age of 75 last year, was accepted by the pope. Miri diocese has 80,000 Catholics, 16 priests and 20 Religious out of a population of 600,000. „ VIS

MANILA – Young Filipino Catho-

lics have started selling limited edition St Pedro Calungsod dolls to help raise funds to renovate dozens of churches damaged by the 7.2-magnitude earthquake in the central province of Bohol. Ms April Frances Ortigas of the Catholic group YouthPinoy # #sod, a native of the earthquake-hit Visayas region, to “help� in the restoration of the churches. Revenues from “Pedrito dolls� of St Calungsod, the popular 17th century Filipino saint canonised a year ago, will be added to donations from the general public and the government to rebuild the churches in Bohol and neighbouring Cebu. Archbishop Jose Palma of Cebu said that the archdiocese will shoulder the bulk of the costs in rehabilitating ruined old churches because “the government only gives minimally�. &1 $ he said. The Heritage Conservation Society has reported 10 churches damaged during the Oct 15 quake with Bohol’s provincal authorities adding to the list a number of other churches which were partially damaged. Among those hit were the 16thcentury Basilica of the Holy Child, the oldest church in the country. The funding drive comes af-

Painting of St Pedro Calungsod

ter the incoming president of the Philippines bishops’ conference, Archbishop Socrates Villegas, urged the Catholic Church to focus on helping the needy rather than spending time and money on rebuilding churches. The earthquake killed 194 people with 12 still missing and more than 650 injured, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. More than 53,000 houses in seven provinces were either totally or partially destroyed by the earthquake. Total damage to buildings and infrastructure has been estimated at more than US$20 million (S$25 million). „ UCANEWS.COM CNS photo

HONOURING OUR LADY IN INDIA: Decorated elephants carry a portrait of Our Lady of Fatima during a procession in Kottekad, Kerala on Oct 20. St Mary’s Assumption Church has incorporated the Hindu tradition of using elephants in its celebrations.

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Sunday November 17, 2013 „ CatholicNews

Cardinal highlights communication woes within Roman Curia

Polish Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz (left), who was personal secretary to Pope John Paul II (middle), said a serious lack of communication in the Roman Curia has led to some mistakes made by the late pope as well as retired Pope Benedict XVI (right). CNS Photos VATICAN CITY – Blessed John

Paul II’s 2004 meeting with and praise of the founder of the Legionaries of Christ – who later was banished to a life of penance because of sexual abuse – was a mistake, said the late pope’s longtime secretary. “The Holy Father should not have received that individual,� said Polish Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz of Krakow, who served as personal secretary to the pope for 39 years. In a new book, “Ho Vissuto con un Santo�, (“I Lived with a Saint�), released in early November, Cardinal Dziwisz said the meeting was just one example of a serious lack of communication in the Roman Curia, which Pope John Paul tried, largely without success, to reform. Although rumours had been circulating for years that the Legionaries’ founder, Fr Marcial Maciel Degollado, had sexually abused seminarians, Cardinal Dziwisz said, “When the Holy

Father met him, he knew nothing, absolutely nothing. For him, he was still the founder of a great Religious order and that’s it. No one had told him anything, not even about the rumours going around.� “Unfortunately,� the cardinal said, “it was the consequence of a still extremely bureaucratic structure� where important information was not always shared. A similar lack of communication, he said, led to retired Pope Benedict XVI lifting the excommunication of traditional-

According to Cardinal Dziwisz, the Roman Curia’s ‘ ...extremely bureaucratic structure’ resulted in important information not being shared, which led to consequences.

ist Bishop Richard Williamson in < Q " # " was a Holocaust denier when “it would have been enough to check the Internet� to discover it. Pope John Paul II tried to reform the Curia, but did not succeed, Cardinal Dziwisz said. “Maybe the Curia wasn’t ready to accept a reform that would return it to an effective function of service to the pope and the bishops, and, therefore, to being an authentic instrument of communion between the Holy See and local churches.� Cardinal Dziwisz, who participated in the conclave that elected Pope Francis in March, said that in their pre-conclave meetings the cardinals discussed the urgent need to reform the Curia. Pope Francis “already has made important decisions and launched a series of initiatives that are sure to bring big changes to the curial structure and to relations between the Roman Curia and the local churches�, he said. „ CNS

Vatican embassy in Syria hit, damaged by mortar strike VATICAN CITY – A mortar round

hit the apostolic nunciature in the Syrian capital, causing limited damage to the building and no casualties because of the early hour of the strike, said the Vatican ambassador to Syria. Archbishop Mario Zenari, the Vatican nuncio, told Vatican Radio on Nov 5 that if the rocket had been launched just a half-hour later, he would have been saying morning prayers on the terrace near where the mortar struck. He said that he was just getting out of bed at 6.35am local time “when I heard a big bang�. &' *

! en near the nunciature,� he said. The single strike on Nov 5 destroyed part of the roof, including the eaves of the building and part of the facade, the archbishop told the Rome-based AsiaNews. “I have to say, unfortunately, that these things happen every day,� he said. A Franciscan monastery in Aleppo was damaged on Nov 2 by mortars and the Christian quarter in Damascus sees

& quency�. The archbishop said there is growing concern among the country’s Christians. In the beginning

)

nority was still “respected�, but lately their situation has become “a bit worrying�. However, all Syrians are worried, not just the Christians, he added. 3 cial visit to Doha, Qatar, Lebanese Cardinal Bechara Rai, Maronite patriarch, has appealed for help in gaining the release of two kidnapped Syrian bishops and three priests. Archbishop Sayah, who was travelling with the cardinal, said š &

their kidnappers are and their whereabouts, and help, in any way possible, to secure their release�. Syriac Orthodox Metropolitan Gregorios Yohanna of Aleppo and Greek Orthodox Metropolitan Paul of Aleppo were kidnapped on April 22 in northern Syria while on a humanitarian mission. Archbishop Sayah told CNS he found it “very strange and utterly unacceptable that no one has been able to locate the bishops and the priests after all this time, knowing that each one of the rebel ably directed by one country or another�. „ CNS A man walks along a battered street in the besieged area of Homs, Syria. The Vatican embassy in Syria was hit by a mortar strike on Nov 5. CNS Photo

European bishops call for Obama asked to step up efforts for Cuba protection of minorities WASHINGTON – Religious leaders

pushed President Barack Obama in an Oct 22 letter to step up efforts at normalising relations between the United States and Cuba. “We believe that an improved, more cooperative relationship between our nation and Cuba would " " facilitate progress toward full political freedom and economic opportunity for the Cuban people,� said the letter, signed by 21 leaders of faith-based organisations, including the Conference of Major Superiors of Men, Franciscan Action Network, Maryknoll Sisters, Pax Christi USA and Catholic social justice lobby Network. The letter urged Obama to

take several actions, including: „ Initiating direct, high-level dialogue with the Cuban government. „ Removing Cuba from the US list of state sponsors of terrorism. „ Lifting all restrictions on “people-to-people� travel between the US and Cuba. Two years ago, Obama loosened restrictions on US citizens travelling to Cuba to participate in educational or cultural exchanges, and for religious purposes, and lifted limits on how often CubanAmericans can visit their families there and on how much money they can send to Cuba. The letter observed that since

the 2011 executive directive eased restrictions on religious travel, “our communities have a great deal of experience travelling ... to Cuba for permitted purposes�. “At both the Church-wide and local levels, our members can ! degree to which such relationshipbuilding serves the common good of both nations and strengthens our common witness for peace, dignity and human rights,� it said. “We have neither experienced nor observed any adverse consequences from this period of expanded relationship, and we strongly urge that the same opportunity be available to all residents of the United States.� „ CNS

VATICAN CITY – Europe’s Catholic bishops and a New York-based interreligious foundation called on the United Nations to adopt a resolution for the protection of religious minorities. “We condemn all acts or threats of violence, destruction, damage or endangerment directed against religious minorities, including the destruction of places of worship and sacred religious texts of any kind,� said a common declaration by the Council of European Bishops’ Conferences and the Appeal of Conscience Foundation. The groups said their declaration, released on Oct 23, was a response to “persistent violence,

persecutions of Christian minorities and other religious groups�. “We call upon all states to prevent acts or threats of violence, and invite relevant intergovernmental and nongovernmental organisations to contribute to those efforts by developing appropriate initiatives to advance mutual respect and recognition of religious minorities,� the declaration said. Hungarian Cardinal Peter Erdo of Esztergom-Budapest, president of the Council of European Bishops’ Conferences, said in a statement that the declaration was necessary because the “number of people who are suffering because of their faith is a scandal in our modern world�. „ CNS

12 WORLD

Sunday November 17, 2013 „ CatholicNews

Vatican unfazed about possible US phone tapping !

VATICAN CITY – The Vatican has

no evidence its calls were monitored by the US National Security Agency (NSA) and, even if they were, “we have no concerns about it�, the Vatican spokesman said. Asked about the possibility that the NSA’s electronic eavesdropping program had monitored Vatican calls, Jesuit Fr Federico Lombardi told reporters on Oct 30: “We have no evidence of this.� The spokesman made his comments after the Italian newsweekly Panorama announced that its issue going on sale on Oct 31 would include a report that phone calls to and from the Vatican were among the 46 million calls in Italy allegedly monitored between Dec 10, 2012, and Jan 8, 2013. The magazine said it was also possible the eavesdropping continued for months and included calls made on the eve of the conclave that elected Pope Francis in March. The NSA said in a statement the eavesdropping claims were false.

Tell Prince George about Jesus, British royals advised Anglican archbishop speaks to Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at their son’s baptism ceremony LONDON – The leader of the

The Vatican has ‘no evidence’ its calls were monitored, says Fr Lombardi.

The agency “does not target the Vatican�, said a statement from the NSA Public Affairs Of 8 K Catholic News Service in Washington. “Assertions that NSA has targeted the Vatican, published in Italy’s Panorama magazine, are not true.� „ CNS

worldwide Anglican Communion told the parents of the future British king to “make sure he knows who Jesus is�. Anglican Archbishop Justin Welby of Canterbury said that unless three-month-old Prince George is united to Christ, he “can do nothing�. His comments came in an address to the child’s parents, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, during the Oct 23 baptism of Prince George, the great-grandson of Queen Elizabeth II and the third in line to the throne. Archbishop Welby, who baptised the child, told Prince William and his wife, Catherine, that they had the “simple task� of teaching their son about Jesus Christ. “Speak of Him, read stories about Him, introduce Him in prayer,� said Archbishop Welby, according to excerpts released by the Church of England to the British media. He said the parents must help Z # & # ) the person God has created and has called him to be�. Archbishop Welby said that by becoming a Christian, Prince George “is to share the life of Christ which is in him, regardless of whom he meets, their faith or nature or " $ He added that the Church “is the only place to go to for the re-

The Duchess of Cambridge, Catherine, walks with her husband Prince William, and Anglican Archbishop Justin Welby after her son’s christening at St James’ Palace in London. !

sources George will need so that he is everything he can be, so that he becomes most fully the person God has created him to be�. “Without me, says Jesus, you can do nothing,� Archbishop Welby said.

The baptism in the royal chapel of St James’s Palace, London, was conducted three months after Prince George was born on July 22 to Prince William, who is second in line to the throne, and the Duchess of Cambridge. „ CNS

WORLD 13

Sunday November 17, 2013 „ CatholicNews

Bishops to assess state of marriage, family life for upcoming meeting CNS photo

VATICAN CITY – Bishops around

the world are being asked to look at the situation of families under their care and at how effective pastoral and educational programmes have been at promoting Church teaching on sexuality, marriage and family life. The preparatory document for the meeting of bishops in October 2014, called the extraordinary Synod of Bishops on the family, has already been sent to bishops. The document ends with 38 questions about how Church teaching is promoted, how well it is accepted and ways in which modern people and societies challenge the Catholic view of marriage and family. Bishops are asked to estimate the percentage of local Catholics living together without being married, the percentage of those divorced and remarried, and the proportion of children and adolescents in their dioceses who are living in families in those situations. Bishops are also asked for their suggestions about the advisability of simplifying Church annulment procedures and for suggestions on how that might be done. The questionnaire surveys the bishops about the legal status of same-sex unions in their local area and Church efforts to defend traditional marriage, but also asks them what kind of “pastoral attention can be given to people who have chosen to live� in same-sex unions and, in places where they can adopt children, what can be done to transmit the faith to them. Several questions focus on Church teaching against the use of / are asked if people understand the teaching and know how to evaluate the morality of different methods of family planning.

A family runs in a relay race in Rome. Bishops around the world are expected to meet in October 2014, to discuss pastoral challenges to the family.

Vatican document asks for information on people in irregular unions and what pastoral care can be given to them. They also are asked if the question comes up in confessions and if they have suggestions for fostering “a more open attitude toward having children�. Archbishop Lorenzo Baldisseri, the synod’s general secretary, has asked bishops to distribute the document and questionnaire, summarise responses and send them to the Vatican by the end of January. The synod on “pastoral challenges to the family in the context of evangelisation� was convoked by Pope Francis for Oct 5-19 and will bring together presidents of bishops’ conferences, the heads of

Eastern Catholic Churches and the ` + gathering, a world Synod of Bishops on the family, will be held in 2015 “to seek working guidelines in the pastoral care of the person and the family�, says the document. The document states that “the teaching of the faith on marriage is to be presented in an articulate and

# reach hearts and transform them in accordance with God’s will�. Church teaching always has been clear that marriage is a lifelong bond between one man and one woman open to having and educating children, it says, and the synod’s goal will be “to communicate this message with greater incisiveness�. At a Nov 5 news conference, & of the magisterium must be the basis of the common reasoning of the synod�. Cardinal Peter Erdo said “it is not a question of public opinion�. „ CNS

Archbishop wants aboriginal justice OTTAWA – A recently retired Ca-

nadian Church leader remains concerned about justice for Canada’s aboriginal peoples. “I don’t think there is any issue facing Canadians more serious than this one,� Archbishop James Weisgerber of Winnipeg, Manitoba, said on Oct 28, the day Pope Francis announced that he had accepted the archbishop’s resignation. “And I don’t think we’re taking it that seriously.� The Canadian government is banking on oil production and building pipelines to transport it across the country and “all of it goes across aboriginal land�, he said. “Nobody’s talking about the need to negotiate on all of this. I’m not sure it’s on the agenda

of ordinary Canadians or on the agenda of the Church.� A recent violent demonstration in New Brunswick over hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, also represents a clash over resources and land, he said. Aboriginal peoples have different understandings of the meaning of aboriginal rights, sovereignty, and title “that lead to very different conclusions�, he added. “I feel the Church has to be involved, and our people need to be sensitised to the parameters of this discussion.� “My concern has got to do with people we have dealt with badly, that we have mistreated, through lots of ignorance and good will, but we have not respected them,� he said. „ CNS

14 POPE FRANCIS

Pope explains his concern for prisoners VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis said

his care, concern and prayers for ) #nition that he is human like they are, and it’s a mystery they fell so far and he did not. “Thinking about this is good for me: When we have the same weakness, why did they fall and I didn’t? This is a mystery that makes me pray and draws me to prisoners,� the pope said on Oct 23 during a brief audience with about 200 Italian prison chaplains. Pope Francis told the chaplains that he still makes Sunday afternoon phone calls to the prison in Buenos Aires that he used to visit and that he continues to correspond with some of the inmates. 3 ! # their sentences that one day is , and “it’s this up and down that’s $

“Please,� he said, tell the Italian prisoners that “I pray for them, that they are in my heart, that I ask the Lord and the Blessed Mother ! cult period in their lives�. The task of a chaplain, he said, is to let them know that “the Lord is inside with them�. “No cell is so isolated that it can keep the Lord out,� the pope said. “He is there. He cries with them, works with them, hopes with them. His paternal and maternal love arrives everywhere.� Pope Francis also said that Catholics need to recognise just how much God shares the situation of detainees: “He, too, is imprisoned today, imprisoned in many injustices because it’s easy to punish the weakest, but the big

$ „ CNS

Pope Francis washes the foot of a prison inmate during the Holy Thursday Mass on March 28. CNS photo

Religious ask for day

VATICAN CITY – After Pope Francis entrusted two Vatican academies to study the problem of # # women Religious asked the pope to raise greater awareness in the Church about the issue by establishing a worldwide day of prayer and fasting. “The pope was very interested in our suggestion and asked us what date we would like the day to be,� Consolata Sr Eugenia Bonetti told Catholic News Service. “We told him Feb 8 – the feast day of St Josephine Bakhita,� a Sudanese slave who found freedom in Italy and became a nun in the late 19th century. She said the idea for a worldwide day of prayer came from “the need to do something that joins us together� to tackle the global problem; some dioceses and parishes are active on the issue while others are unaware or indifferent, she said.

Sr Eugenia, a leader among Religious women in Italy working # # – ticularly women and young girls forced into prostitution – was one of about 80 people attending a working group on Nov 2-3 on # ` She talked to CNS on Nov 3 about her informal meeting with Pope Francis in late September when she and three other Sisters from different Religious congregations were invited to attend the pope’s early morning Mass at his Vatican residence. They had written to the pope thanking him for his work and focus on the marginalised, and alerted the pope about the need for greater involvement by the Church, especially by Religious congregations of men, parish priests and schools in curbing the demand for prostitution by promoting a “culture of respect�. „ CNS

Sunday November 17, 2013 „ CatholicNews

Saints are not superheroes, they just never strayed away from God: pontiff

Pope Francis celebrates Mass at the Verano cemetery in Rome on All Saints’ Day. VATICAN CITY – Saints aren’t superheroes, they are regular people who just never left God’s side after encountering Him and His love, Pope Francis said on the feast of All Saints. “Being a saint is not a privilege of the few, like someone getting a large inheritance. All of us have inherited through baptism the ability to become saints,� he said on Nov 1. Before reciting the Angelus with people gathered in St Peter’s Square, the pope talked about God’s call to holiness. “The saints are friends of God,� he said. But they “are not superheroes, nor were they born perfect. They are like us, each one of us.� What makes them stand out, he said, is once they encountered Jesus, they always followed Him. “The path that leads to holiness has a name and has a face, it’s the face of Jesus Christ; He teaches us to become saints.� Jesus shows the way in the Gospels, especially with the beatitudes, Pope Francis said. Saints were people who followed God “with their whole heart – unconditionally and without hypocrisy; they spent their lives serving others; they put up with suffering and adversity without hatred; they responded to evil with goodness and spread joy and peace�, he said.

The kingdom of heaven is for those who put their trust in and derive their sense of security from God’s love, not material things, he said. The kingdom is for those “who have a simple, humble heart; who don’t assume to be righteous and don’t judge others; who know how to suffer with those who suffer and rejoice with those who rejoice; they aren’t violent, but

‘The saints are friends of God,’ the pope said. But they ‘are not superheroes, nor were they born perfect. They are like us, each one of us.’ are merciful; and they seek to be builders of reconciliation and peace�, the pope said. Saints always tried to reconcile people and help bring peace to the world, the pope said, and that is what makes holiness beautiful; “it’s a beautiful path�. Saints “suffered lots of adversity, but without hating�, he said. “The saints never hated� others because love comes from God

and hatred “comes from the devil, and the saints stayed far away from the devil�. “The saints are men and women who have joy in their hearts and bring it to others. Never hate, serve others – the neediest, pray and be joyful, this is the path of holiness.� The pope said the saints’ message to women and men today is to “trust in the Lord because He never disappoints�. “He’s a good friend who is always at our side,� he said. During his weekly general audience on Oct 30, Pope Francis also talked about the “communion of saints� as the Church prepared to celebrate the Nov 1-2 feasts of All Saints and All Souls. “All the baptised here on earth, the souls in purgatory and the blessed souls in heaven form one big family,� he added in remarks to Polish pilgrims. “This communion between heaven and , prayers of intercession, which are the greatest form of solidarity, and is also the basis of the liturgical celebrations of the feasts of All Saints and All Souls.� Every Christian, the pope said, has an obligation to be a responsible part of the communion of saints, supporting other Christians in their faith. „ CNS

God expects a wholehearted RSVP VATICAN CITY – Being on God’s

“guest list� is not enough for salvation; a person must respond to the offer of faith and actively participate in the life of the Church, Pope Francis said. Being a Christian means accepting God’s invitation to believe in Jesus and to celebrate with the whole Church the joy of being saved, the pope said on Nov 5 during his early morning Mass in the Domus Sanctae Marthae where he lives. The pope’s homily, according

to Vatican Radio, looked both at the parable in the Gospel of St Luke about the man who invited friends to a banquet, but none of them showed up, as well as at the description in the Letter to the Romans about how members of the Church each have different gifts to use for the good of all. “A Christian is one who is invited�, not to visit a shop or “take a walk�, but to join a celebration, the pope said. “The Christian is one who is invited to a party, to joy, the joy of being saved and re-

deemed, the joy of participating in the life of Jesus. “A party is a gathering of people who talk, laugh, celebrate and are happy,� he said. “It’s always a gathering of people. At least among people who are mentally normal, I’ve never seen someone have a party alone – it would be a bit boring.� “The Church isn’t only for good people,� the pope said, because “all of us sinners have been invited� and called to form a community. „ CNS

POPE FRANCIS 15

Sunday November 17, 2013 „ CatholicNews

Pope Francis shakes hands with Myanmar pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi during a meeting at the Vatican on Oct 28. CNS Photo

Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi meets pope VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis met

with Burmese opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi on Oct 28, for what the Vatican called a “rather # $ " two leaders “fundamentally on the same wavelength� regarding nonviolence, democracy and “peaceful coexistence in today’s world�. “The Holy Father told me that emotions such as hatred and fear diminish life and the value of the person,� Ms Suu Kyi told reporters after the 20-minute meeting. She said the pope also told her “we need to value love and understanding to improve the lives of people�. The Vatican spokesman, Jesuit Fr Federico Lombardi, called Ms Suu Kyi “one of the most # + in the area of peace, democracy and peaceful coexistence� and a

“symbol of non-violent commitment to democracy and peace�. A military junta governing Myanmar, formerly Burma, kept Ms Suu Kyi under house arrest for a total of 15 years between 1989 and 2010. An elected parliamentary government took power in 2011, and the following year, Ms Suu Kyi was elected to parliament, where she is now chairwoman of the Committee for the Rule of Law and Tranquility. Fr Lombardi said Pope Francis

Pope Francis assured Ms Suu Kyi of ‘his prayers for Myanmar and for the Catholic community and the Church in her country’, said the Vatican spokesman.

“naturally assured [Ms Suu Kyi] of his prayers for Myanmar and for the Catholic community and the Church in her country, and of his appreciation for the lady’s commitment to development and democracy in her country, assuring her of the collaboration of the Catholic Church in these great causes�. The Vatican does not have diplomatic relations with Myanmar, whose overwhelmingly Buddhist population of 55 million is only 1 percent Catholic. According to the 2013 Annual Report of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom, “sectarian violence and severe abuses of religious freedom and human dignity targeting ethnic minority Christians and Muslims continue to occur with impunity� there. „ CNS

Pontiff: marriage isn’t easy, but it’s beautiful VATICAN CITY – The Catholic Church must help young people understand that marriage isn’t always easy, “but it is so beautiful�, Pope Francis said. “There are problems in marriage: different points of view, jealousies, arguments, but tell young couples to never let the day end without making peace. The Sacrament of matrimony is renewed in this act of peace,� the pope said on Oct 25 during a meeting with members of the

“This path is not easy, but it is so beautiful,� the pope said. “It’s beautiful. Tell them that.� For the Catholic Church, he said, a family isn’t simply a group of individuals, but it is a community where people learn to love one another, share with and make & fend life, especially of those who are more fragile and weak�. The family as a special community must “be recognised as such, especially today when so much emphasis is placed on the safeguarding of individual rights�, he said. “We must defend the rights of this community that is the family.�

The pope touches the head of a child as he addresses pilgrims in St Peter’s Square at the Vatican on Oct 26. He said that caring for young children is ‘a mark of civility’. CNS Photo Defending the family also means defending the basic fact that it is a community founded on the marriage of a man and a woman, he said. “Spousal and familial love clearly reveal that the vocation of

the human person is to love one other person forever and that the life of the couple or the family are stages for growth in goodness, truth and beauty,� he said. As he has done on several occasions, Pope Francis also spoke about the special place in the family reserved for children and for the elderly, family members who are “the most vulnerable and often the most forgotten�. “Any time a child is abandoned or an older person marginalised, it is not only an act of injustice, but marks the failure of that society,� he said. “Taking care of little ones and of the elderly is a mark of civility.� Pope Francis, departing from his prepared text, told members of the council, “When I hear the confession of a young married man or woman, and they refer to their son or daughter, I ask, ‘How many children do you have?’ and they tell me. Maybe they’re expecting another question after that, but I always ask, ‘And tell me, do you play with your children? Do you waste time with your children?’� “The free gift of a parent’s time is so important,� he said. „ CNS

16 OPINION

Sunday November 17, 2013 „ CatholicNews

The single life Fortnightly newspaper of the Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore

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LETTER

Build bridges to grow marriages, not destroy them RECENTLY, Ashley Madison – an online dating portal wanted to set up operations here in Singapore. Ashley Madison’s slogan says that since life is short, it’s perfectly okay to have an affair. This mentality of enjoying oneself while we can will only cause marriages to fail because the promotion of their mission is destructive and – # 4 attitude – I, me and myself. As it is, there has been an increase in the number of divorce cases. So as Catholics who are taught to honour the marriage vows faithfully, we must stand united and reject outright the setting up of such websites. My belief is that if life is short, we must do whatever good we can – today. We must build bridges to grow the family and do everything to enable and ennoble spouses to bring out the best in them. Marriage can be compared to a sensitive plant. It needs to be nurtured and cared for so that it can grow. If the plant is neglected, it will wither and die for want of attention. The same applies to a marriage. Give it the attention and care it needs, and it will grow. As with caring for a loved one suffering from chronic illnesses, practising the 3Ps – Patience, Perseverance and even Prayer – is vital in working towards a strong

A Straits Times article on Oct 26.

partnership. Not always the easiest thing to do, but from my own personal life story, I can attest that if one is able to carry out the 3Ps with

Ashley Madison’s slogan says that since life is short, it’s okay to have an affair. This mentality of enjoying oneself while we can will only cause marriages to fail. sheer determination, the rewards will come – slowly, but surely. As an added measure to promote successful and sustainable

marriages, I call on the Ministry of Social and Family Development and Catholic organisations and churches to invite couples whose marriages have passed the ) # motivational talks and workshops at public forums. Most certainly, if we put our heart and soul into building a solid partnership, we will experience the depths of joy and happiness a # # " # In closing, let us heed the wisdom of psychiatrist and family therapist Frank Pittman who once said: “The secret to having a good marriage is to understand that marriage must be total, it must be permanent and it must be equal.� Raymond Anthony Fernando Singapore 560601

THE universe works in pairs. From the atoms to the human species, generativity is predicated on union with another. Happiness, it would seem, is also predicated on that. So where does that leave singles and celibates? How can they be normal, generative, and happy? For many people living single and celibate, life can seem unfair. Everything, it seems, is set up for couples, while they are single. And that isn’t the only problem. A further problem is that, too often, neither our churches nor our society give singles and celibates the symbolic-tools to understand their state in a life-giving way. Consequently, single persons often feel like they’re looking in at life from the outside, that they’re abnormal, that they’re missing something essential within life. Moreover, unlike married persons and vowed Religious, few single persons feel that they have positively chosen their state of life. They feel it rather as an unfortunate conscription. Few single persons feel easeful and accepting of their lot. Instead they regard it as something temporary, something still to be overcome. Rarely does a single person, especially a younger person, see himself or herself growing old and dying single – and happy. Invariably the feeling is: This has to change. I didn’t choose this! I can’t see myself like this for the rest of my life! There are real dangers in feeling like this. First, there’s the danger of never fully and joyfully picking up one’s life and seeing it as worthwhile, of never positively accepting what one is, of never # ! # + well, there’s the danger of panicking and marrying simply because marriage is seen as a panacea with no real possibility of happiness outside of it. Partially those fears are well-founded. Being single and celibate does bring with it a real loss. Denial is not a friend here. Pious wishing or platonic spiritualities that deny the power of sexuality don’t placate our emotions or erase the fact that God said: It is not good for the man to be alone. The universe works in pairs and to be single is to be different, more different than we dare admit. Anglo-American 1 3 ) # celibate state, once put it this way: “The refusal of woman which is a fault in my chastity. ... And all my compensations are a desperate and useless expedient to cover this irreparable loss which I have not fully accepted. ... I can learn to accept it in the spirit and in love and it will no longer be ‘irreparable’. The cross repairs and transforms it. The tragic chastity which suddenly realises itself to be mere loss, and the fear that death has won - that one is sterile, useless, hateful. I do not say this is my lot, but in my vow I can see this as an ever-present possibility.� Celibacy and the single life bring with them real dangers for immaturity and unhappiness. / ,

# " # ning to live positively beyond those dangers. Sexuality is a dimension of our self-awareness. We awake to consciousness and feel ourselves, at every level, as cut off, sexed, lonely nomads separated and aching for unity. Celibacy is indeed a fault in our humanity. However, to be celibate and single doesn’t necessarily mean that one is asexual or sterile. Today the impression is often given that , , 1 * untrue. Sexuality is the drive in us towards connection, community, family, friendship, affection, love, creativity, delight, and generativity. We are happy and whole when these things are in our lives, not on the basis of whether or not we sleep alone. The single celibate life offers its own opportunities for achieving these. God never closes one door without opening countless others. For instance, when our culture # * ! # too that human sexuality and generativity are more than biological. There are other ways of being healthily sexual, of getting pregnant and impregnating, of being mother or father, of sexual enjoying intimacy. Sexuality, love, generativity, family, enjoyment, and delight have multiple modalities. Early on in my ministry, I once served as a spiritual director to a young man who was discerning between marriage and priesthood. His greatest hesitation in moving towards priesthood was one particular fear: “I’ve always been afraid of being a priest because celibacy will mean dying alone. My father died when I was 15, but he died in my mother’s arms. I’ve always resisted celibacy because I want to die like my father died – in a woman’s arms. But, meditating on Christ’s life one day, it struck me that Jesus died alone, loved, but in nobody’s arms. He was alone, but powerfully linked to everyone in a different way. It struck me that this too could be a good way to die!� ' " " 3 transforms us. „

FOCUS 17

Sunday November 17, 2013 „ CatholicNews

!

Catholicism growing slowly in Mongolia WHEN Bishop Wenceslao Padilla arrived in Mongolia with two other missionary priests in 1992, there were no Catholics in the Central Asian country. Twenty-one years later, there are more than 900 Catholics in Mongolia, 71 Religious priests and nuns from 12 congregations, four Catholic parishes and a 600seat cathedral in the capital, Ulan Bator. In a recent interview while visiting Perth, Australia, Bishop Padilla said he found the progress of the Catholic Church in the former communist nation astounding, but that challenges remained. “When I see the people who have joined the Catholic faith, I am really very happy,� he told The Record, Perth archdiocese’s newspaper. “But there is a pinch of sadness, too, because, of the 900 converted Mongolian brothers and sisters, around 19 or 20 percent are already leaving the Church. The nomadic mentality is still very active in the Mongolian life.� Reversing that trend is a major challenge, he said. Other important issues also require attention. Among them is the government’s recently adjusted quota system for foreign missionaries. Previously, for every 40 foreign missionaries working for the church, 60 locals were required to be employed. But the quota has increased. “Now, for every 25 foreign missionaries, you have to employ 75 Mongolian locals,� he said. Catholicism in Mongolia also remains under constant threat, according to Bishop Padilla. “The government is trying to tell us that we are not to teach re-

ligion in our schools; if we teach religion it should be in the Church premises.� Even so, the missionary team tary school in September 2012 and has 85 children in its kindergarten class and another 60 on a waiting list. To the bishop, that is a hopeful sign. Establishing the faith Establishing Catholicism in Mongolia was the last thing the Philippines-born bishop expected to be doing. After his ordination for the Congregation of the Immaculate ( 3 Q@œ assignment was as a parish priest in Taiwan. + ! regional superior for the order there for another six years. After the collapse of communism in 1989, Mongolia began to establish diplomatic relations with countries worldwide, including Vatican City. That led Blessed John Paul II to ask the congregation to lead the missionary work in Mongolia. Bishop Padilla, then a priest, volunteered. Back then, he and the other two missionary priests had to celebrate Mass in parlours and living rooms in apartments they rented. As the number of Catholics grew, they moved seven times to larger venues. In 2003, the Cathedral of Sts Peter and Paul was dedicated. Mass is also celebrated in four ! in Ulan Bator. The Mongolian capital has undergone a major transformation since the mission began. Today, the city has high-rise buildings and a growing market-based

! in 2008.

Mongolian children play volleyball near a traditional ger.

Philippines-born Bishop Padilla economy, the bishop said. “But we still have people who are very poor,� he added. About 80 percent of Mongo-

lia’s population of 2.8 million practises Buddhism. However Catholicism is apparently making steady progress, and

Bishop Padilla said he feels ful " # pecially in the creation of two centres for orphaned children. „ CNS

18 FAITH ALIVE!

Sunday November 17, 2013 „ CatholicNews

The wrong and right about mass media What does the mass media mean for us as Catholics, and why should we care? By Dan Mulhall The story goes something like this: A politician is being hammered by the local newspaper. When asked if he was concerned by the terrible bashing the paper was handing out, the politician responded, “I don’t care what they say about me as long as they spell my name right.� His reasoning was that people would forget the terrible comments after awhile but would remember his name when it came to the voting booth. When it comes to mass media today, Catholics may feel rather beat up, much like that politician. Over the last decade the Church has seen its reputation tarnished for various reasons, including the fallout from how bishops past and present dealt with priests who sexually abused children. Some also are taking the Church to task for its stand on religious liberty, same-sex marriage and reserving priestly ordination to men. Faithful Catholics have been

heartbroken by the unacceptable behaviour that has taken place and by the blows struck against their beloved Church. Catholics less strong in their faith have simply walked away. Mass media have tremendous range. Media can reach millions of people quickly. Media can be

Media can rally people to support a wonderful cause, or media can cause people to have their livelihoods damaged by untruth. a source for great good, rallying people to support a wonderful cause, or media can cause much harm. Some people can have their lives and livelihoods damaged by untruth and innuendo. But what does this mean for us as Catholics? Should we do

Vatican documents have shown potential for positive media reports. On Dec 22 last year, Pope Benedict XVI pardoned former papal butler Paolo Gabriele, who had leaked sensitive documents from the Holy See. CNS photo

as the politician and say, “Just spell my name right�, hoping that the tempest blows? Vatican documents have cor * tunity and potential for good in the mass media. A lot can be said for photo ops showing Gospel values. Think of the various popes forgiving others with mass media looking

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

How Pope Francis uses the media Never in history has there been so much opportunity to get a message across. And no one knows that better than Pope Francis. As a newly-minted pontiff, he gathered journalists who had covered the conclave and his subsequent rise to the highest rung of the Catholic Church, addressing them as “dear friends�. Since then, he’s used letters to the editor, Twitter, a highly publicised and impromptu press

conference aboard a plane on the way back from World Youth Day in Rio and now the pages of the Jesuit-run America magazine (and other Jesuit publications) to get out a message he wants heard, and that message is the Gospel. With the exception of Christmas and Easter messages, popes mostly have been heard and read by the faithful, their encyclicals parsed by theologians or canon law experts.

But this pope’s facility of language, transparency and knowledge of the reach of mass media has led him to be read by non-Catholics and nonbelievers. Regardless of whether they agree with him, it’s hard to argue that a lot of people, including many news organisations that normally wouldn’t cover the Catholic Church, are paying attention to what he is saying. „ CNS

on (Pope John Paul II meeting with his would-be assassin Mehmet Ali Agca and, more recently, Pope Benedict XVI granting a Christmas pardon to his former butler Paolo Gabriele for stealing and leaking his private documents). “The Church sees these media as ‘gifts of God’,� wrote the Vati Communications in “Communio et Progressio�. As with any tool, what’s important is to know how to use it for good. Reporting about the Church and its activities is a valuable practice. While it does cause embarrassment when stupid mistakes or criminal activities are reported, such reporting plays a role in keeping the administrative aspect of the Church transparent. What can be hoped for in such reporting is that it be done with honesty and integrity. If wrongdoing has occurred, it needs to be reported, but it shouldn’t be used as a means to attack the Church because of its teachings.

Keep in mind that there’s also a lot of reporting telling others about the Church’s good works at the local and international level. It helps to build a list of contacts and relationships with news organisations to let them know about our good deeds. More recently, Pope Francis has engaged the media to get his message out, to welcome back those who have left the faith or those who don’t believe, to engage them in a dialogue that can help us grow closer as brothers and sisters. Suppressing the truth or only letting censored messages out would go against what the Second Vatican Council referred to as “true and complete� information. No doubt, we’re encouraged to be critical thinkers when it comes to consuming and disseminating information. But we should also look to the media for the potential to help us bring the good news throughout the world. „ Mulhall is a catechist and writer who lives and works in Laurel, Maryland.

FEATURE 19

Sunday November 17, 2013 „ CatholicNews

New hypothesis of evolving from one species compatible with faith: experts VATICAN CITY – A group of sci-

entists has proposed that human beings emerged from one single evolving human species rather than branching from a tree of multiple, early ancestral species. The new hypothesis, while ! " with the Catholic Church’s position that humans came from one source, in that they were freely created by God, said two experts in science and faith. & humanity’s origin in one single lineage, just like modern humanity belonging to one species (as is proposed by the recent study), " # of the faith,� said Msgr Fiorenzo Facchini, an expert paleontologist and anthropologist. Legionaries of Christ Fr Rafael Pascual also said the new & in the teaching of the Church: the origins of the human being from one single ‘source’�. A new study published in Science magazine on Oct 18 said there is “direct evidence� that the many physical differences displayed by the fossil remains of early humans do not represent different species, but rather represent simple “morphological variation within and among� early hominids of the same lineage. 1 ! 4 study compared the skull remains – found in Dmanisi, Georgia – of ! ! ! " 1.8 million years ago. 1 ! showed varying features, which, had they been discovered in different locations, would probably have been catalogued as belonging to different species. Like today’s humans, there could have been a range of physical variations that do not indicate a difference of species, supporting experts have said. Msgr Facchini told Catholic News Service by email that the study does call into discussion “the tendency to readily identify a species on the basis of morphological differences�. “Besides (the problem of) the scarcity of remains, identifying species ... in hu-

man fossils is very problematic,� he wrote. # es can emerge over time because of “environmental factors�, like diet or climate, or other factors, the priest told CNS. While he said he could not give an opinion on whether there were many or just one human species in prehistoric times, he said when it comes to one single “human lineage with its roots in an African population, I have no doubt�. Msgr Facchini, and other experts, said the Dmanisi skulls represent the earliest evidence of primitive humans beyond Africa and “the expansion of mankind into Eurasia� and the Caucases, which connected three continents. The Italian monsignor also said he believes the common thread of culture in the human species “is a

A new hypothesis with the Catholic Church’s position that humans came from one source, said two experts in science and faith. factor that goes against� theories of multiple human species. Fr Pascual, director of the Institute of Science and Faith at X * X # + tolorum University, told Vatican Radio that the Church is open to # ) While the Church does not support creationism or intelligent design, which are not considered ,clude the divine “obviously are not compatible with what the faith teaches�, said Fr Pascual. “To maintain that God has a plan and He wanted to create mankind and that God could also have used the process of evolution is not a contradiction,� he said. „ CNS

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Sunday November 17, 2013 „ CatholicNews

SPOTLIGHT ON SAINTS:

St Albert the Great + " Z ] < œ4 <� ^ was born in a castle on the Rhine River. Not very much is known about his childhood or his early schooling, but records show he Order of the Friars Preachers, who were Dominicans. Although his family was not supportive of him being in the order, Albert taught in schools in several European cities. When the Dominicans opened four new schools, Albert was appointed regent of the school in Cologne. One of his students was a young friar named Thomas Aquinas. Albert wrote extensively, and was an expert in physics, geography, astronomy, mineralogy and biology. He adapted the philosophy and teaching methods of Aristotle in a way that was acceptable to Christians. He later became the personal theologian and canonist to Pope Urban IV. _

‘ ! U „

beforehand, for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute. You will even be handed over by parents, brothers, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death.� > " ) ing that, then He continued. “You will be hated by all because of my name, but not a hair on your head will be destroyed. By your perseverance you will

secure your lives.� Jesus motioned for the people to move closer or to lean in

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&_ see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, know that its desolation is at hand.� „ Read more about it: Luke 21

Q&A 1. What did Jesus say about the temple? 2. What did Jesus say about Jerusalem?

Wordsearch: „ STONE

„ RISE

„ PLACE

„ NAME

„ SIGN

„ LEAN

„ FACE

„ THROWN

„ SPOT

„ NATION

KIDS’ CLUB: Share your thoughts on this week’s Bible story with family and friends by writing an essay in response to this question: What does Christ being our king mean to you?

Bible Accent:

2) pope, 4) cardinal

Luke showed himself to be not only a very skilled historian who researched the life of Jesus, but a gifted storyteller as well. He used the information he gathered to craft stories that were interesting, exciting and enlightening. ( ! Z events that led up to the birth of Jesus, then he proceeded into the ministry of Jesus, beginning with the preparation that was made by John the Baptist. Luke placed a special emphasis on the miracles that Jesus performed, and he also showed that Jesus chose people " ( ( "

{ 5 ( ermen and tax collectors. And Luke did not end his account with the death of Jesus but with His ascension into heaven. „

PUZZLE: The following jumbled letters contain the titles of several religious " $ % 1) tsripe

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2) eppo

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3) cadnoe

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4) dalcirna

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Answer to Wordsearch

VISITORS to the temple were commenting on how beautiful it was, how expensive the decorative stones must have been and how colourful were the votive offerings. When Jesus heard these comments, He said to the people, “All that you see here – the days will come when there will not be left a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down.� This frightened them, so they asked, “Teacher, when will this happen? And what sign will there be when all these things are about to happen?� Jesus moved to a spot where everyone that had gathered could see and hear Him. “See that you be not deceived,� He told them, “for many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he,’ and ‘The time has come.’� Then Jesus said very loudly for emphasis, “Do not follow

them! When you hear of wars and

" 5 # " will not immediately be the end.� Jesus walked around to face toward the people who were on one side of Him. “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be powerful earthquakes, famines, and plagues from place to 5 #

# signs will come from the sky.� Then Jesus said more softly, but still loud enough to be heard, “Before all this happens, however, they will seize you and persecute you, they will hand you over to the synagogues and to prisons, and they will have you led before kings and governors because of my name. It will lead to your giving testimony.� Jesus turned to face a different part of the crowd and said, “Remember, you are not to prepare your defence

Answers to Puzzle: 1) priest 3) deacon

By Joe Sarnicola

WHAT’S ON 21

Sunday November 17, 2013 „ CatholicNews

EVENT SUBMISSIONS We welcome information of events happening in our local Church. Please send your submission at least one month before the event. Online submissions can be made at www. catholic.sg/webevent_form.php

RCIA/RCIY A journey for those seeking to know more about the Catholic faith. Baptised Catholics are also invited to journey as sponsors. THURSDAYS DECEMBER 19 RCIA @ CHURCH OF ST MICHAEL 7.45pm: At Church of St Michael (17 St Michael’s Road). Register T: 9090 5308; E: midorimiguel@hotmail.com

WEDNESDAYS NOVEMBER 13 AND 27 CHRISTIAN ECOLOGY – VOICE OF THE EARTH AND CHALLENGES FOR YOUTH 7-8pm: For youths and young adults: Learn how to be more intentional caretakers of God’s creation in this day and age, inspired by the evergreen eco-saint Francis of Assisi. Talks will be conducted by Sr Molly, FMM (D.Min in Creation and Integration). Refreshments will be provided. At Singapore Institute of Management HQ (461 Clementi Rd, Blk B, Rm 2.21). Register T: 9060 1217 (Lilynne); E: simcs.exco@gmail.com

SUNDAYS JANUARY 5, 2014 RCIY @ CHURCH OF THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY 11am-1pm: For youth between the ages of 13 to 24. At Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (24 Highland Rd). Register T: 98751235 (Daniel) / 97108145 (Seishen); E: rciyihm@gmail.com. NOVEMBER 16 ST CECILIA’S FEAST 9am-1pm: Allow Adrian Chong to share his experiences through several interpretations of well-loved hymns in this year’s celebration of St Cecilia’s Feast. At Church of Our Lady Queen of Peace. Register by Nov 10. W: www.lmcsingapore.wordpress.com

WEDNESDAYS NOVEMBER 13 TO DECEMBER 11 THE REASON SERIES: WHAT SCIENCE SAYS ABOUT GOD 8-9.30pm: The Reason Series: What Science Says About God, a production of The Magis Centre for Reason and Faith # # adults, explaining the evidence for God from physics. At Church of St Ignatius (Sacred Heart Hall Canteen). Register T: 97467549 (Terence); E: yam.stignatius@gmail.com; W: http://www.facebook.com/COSI.YAM

MONDAY NOVEMBER 18 TO SUNDAY NOVEMBER 24 HOUSE BUILDING MISSION TRIP TO BANDUNG INDONESIA This house-building project, undertaken in collaboration with Habitat for Humanity, is to help build houses for the poor and disadvantaged families living in impoverished, overcrowded and substandard housing in Bandung, Indonesia. E: info@charis-singapore.org; W: http:// www.charis-singapore.org Register W: http://www.charis-singapore.org/index.php/ register-online-for-mission-trips?view+form

WEDNESDAYS NOVEMBER 13 TO NOVEMBER 27 INFANCY NARRATIVES 8-10pm: Are the stories about Jesus’ birth Gospels of Luke and Matthew a legend or some imaginative reconstruction? Msgr Ambrose Vaz would present this series in preparation for Christmas. At Church of the Holy Spirit (4th Floor Attic). T: 9010 2829 (Kim Ho); E: kim_f_ho@yahoo.com

MONDAYS NOVEMBER 18 AND NOVEMBER 25 TALKS BY MR PHILIP KOK ON “FAITH� 10am-12pm: End the Year of Faith with these two inspiring talks by Mr Philip Kok. At Novena Church, Level 2 Peter Donders room. No pre-registration required. Contribution: $5 for both sessions. E: bible.novena@gmail.com.

NOVEMBER 16 WOW, WOW MARYMOUNT! 9am-3pm: Calling all well-wishers and former pupils. Come with your friends and families and join in for a day of fun and exquisite food. Meet the Sisters, your teachers and friends at our 2013 Marymount Convent School Carnival. T: 63520181 (Sr Delphine)

NOVEMBER 20 RELAXATION EXERCISES IN CHINESE 10-11am: Therapeutic breathing and guided imagery exercises will be taught to release tension, boost energy and mood to help one stay calm and stable in midst of the stresses of life. By Clarity Singapore. At Block 854 #01-3511, Yishun Ring Road. Register: 6757 7990; E: registration@clarity-singapore.org

SATURDAYS NOVEMBER 16 TO DECEMBER 21 UNTOLD BLESSING – THREE PATHS TO HOLINESS 3-5pm: This programme is based on Fr Robert Barron’s module “Untold Blessing – Three Paths to Holiness�. It includes a DVD talk, guided study on bible passages, # ) and fellowships. Bring your bible. Study guide is $17 (optional). At Church of the Nativity of the BVM. T: 93299252 (Siska) or 96345448 (Martinus).

NOVEMBER 20 SERRA BI-MONTHLY HOLY HOUR FOR VOCATIONS 7.30-8.30pm: Join us to pray for our priests and for more priestly vocations. At Church of St Bernadette (Adoration room). Register E: info@serrasingapore.org

Crossword Puzzle 1097 1

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13

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27

29

41 44

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FRIDAY NOVEMBER 22 TO SUNDAY NOVEMBER 24 BEGINNING EXPERIENCE WEEKEND Fri (6pm)-Sun (5pm): Beginning Experience Weekend Programme is run by people who have shared a similar experience of losing a loved one through divorce, separation or death of spouse. Work through one’s grief and put one’s past behind to be healed, ! God and others. Register T: 9661 8089 (Joseph), 9828 5162 (Jean), 9647 9122 (Sue); E: josephchew@ippfa.com NOVEMBER 22 CHILDREN’S EUCHARISTIC ADORATION 7.45-9pm: Last session of the year. Let us come before our Lord Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament in prayer, song and adoration. At Church of the Holy Spirit (main hall). E: children.eucharisticadora@gmail.com NOVEMBER 23 CELEBRATING INNER FREEDOM 9am-4pm: Explore inner landscape, identifying frustrations and goals in life.  ) 1 programme is suitable for anyone who values personal growth and relationships. Cost: $60 with lunch. By LifeSprings Canossian Spirituality Centre (100 Jalan Merbok). Register T: 6466 2178 (Brenda);E: lifesprings@singnet.com.sg NOVEMBER 23 I AM SPECIAL I AM ME 9am-5pm: A day camp where children learn to identify and celebrate their strengths and to combat negative situations and support themselves. Parents will learn how to grow their child’s selfesteem bank and help them overcome challenges. Cost: $100 for 1 child and 1 parent, $50 for additional child and/or parent. At 4 Lorong Low Koon. Register E: programs@morningstar.org.sg MONDAYS NOVEMBER 25 TO DECEMBER 30 WHERE DO YOU COME FROM? 8-10pm: For those desiring a deeper relationship with Jesus and willing to invest time and effort in reading, praying and sharing experiences and insights on Pope Emeritus Benedict’s book, Jesus of Nazareth: The Infancy Narratives. Facilitator: Fr Christopher Soh, SJ. At Kingsmead Centre (8 Victoria Park Rd). Contribution: $60 for 6 sessions. Register by Nov 15. T: 6467 6072; E: cisc2664@gmail.com

something special for yourself. No prior art experience is necessary. By Clarity Singapore. At Block 854 Yishun Ring Road, #01-3511. Cost: $10. T: 97103733 / 67577990 (Rudy); E: registration@clarity-singapore.org

Conception will be celebrated on Dec 9 instead of Dec 8 as the latter is a Sunday. Prayers and rosary at 11.30am with confession available followed by Mass at 1pm. At Church of Sts Peter and Paul.

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 29 TO SUNDAY DECEMBER 1 CHOICE WEEKEND Fri (6pm)-Sun (6pm): Be inspired for the rest of your life by this one weekend. For single young adults 18-35 years old. By Choice Singapore. At 47 Jurong West St 42. Register T: 9880 3093 (Dawn), 9046 2297 (Albert); E: registration@choice. org.sg[ E: josephchew@ippfa.com NOVEMBER 29 TO DECEMBER 1 THE JOURNEY AHEAD: A RETREAT FOR WOMEN Fri (9.30am)-Sun (5pm): As women journey through life, they are often challenged by new priorities, changing values, and renewed goals. This time of transition can be an invitation to enter more deeply into your inner being with inputs, personal prayer and spiritual direction. At Kingsmead CISC (8 Victoria Park Rd). Cost: $210 (non-aircon); $270 (aircon). Register by Nov 19. T: 6467 6072; E: cisc2664@gmail.com. NOVEMBER 30 AND DECEMBER 7 PARENTS AS LEARNING COACHES 9am-1pm: Parents will take home strategies on how to render emotional support, identify child’s strengths and create a conducive home environment for learning. Cost: $30 per pax / $40 per couple. At 4 Lorong Low Koon. Register E: programs@morningstar.org.sg NOVEMBER 30 CHRIST@WORK 2013 CONFERENCE 8am-6.30pm: Targets working adults who are looking to hear from other Catholic business leaders and peers on how to ¥ speaker Hector Molina has appeared in numerous forums around the world. Cost: $70 (Adult), $40 (Student). At Catholic Junior College Performing Arts Centre. Register E: admin@cbn.sg; W: www.christatworkconference.com

NOVEMBER 25 SJI 2014 SECONDARY ONE ADMISSION INFORMATION DAY 1-5pm: For Primary 6 students and their parents who are interested to apply to SJI for 2014 Secondary 1 admission. At 38 Malcolm Rd. E: contact@sji.edu.sg; W: www.sji.edu.sg

DECEMBER 8 CELEBRATING INNER FREEDOM – REDUCING HUMAN TOIL IN RELATIONSHIPS 9am-4pm: 90 percent of our unhappiness is related to human relationships. This workshop/retreat explores inner 4 " !  ) tools, skills and language that enhance relationships and personal effectiveness. Cost: $60 with lunch. By LifeSprings Canossian Spirituality Centre (100 Jalan Merbok). Register T: 6466 2178 (Brenda); E: lifesprings@singnet.com.sg

NOVEMBER 26 RELAX WITH ART FOR ADULTS K4U 0 Â ! # ) Feel relaxed and refreshed from creating

DECEMBER 9 FEAST OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION 11.30am: The Feast of the Immaculate

ACROSS 1 Novena number 5 Encroach 10 Fingers-on-lips sound 13 Prime rating 14 Cop ____ 15 Heating fuel 17 Catholic Association of the Performing ____ (formerly the British Catholic Stage Guild) 18 Person to whom Luke addressed his gospel 20 Important in history 22 Liturgical color 23 â€œâ€Śand ____ our salvation, He came down from heaven.â€? 24 Glace or tasse starter 25 St ____ de Porres 29 Best friend of David 33 Alaskan native 34 Jewish star 35 Three ____ match 36 Remaining 37 Not hollow 38 Cups KQ , 40 Church runway 41 Attack on all sides 42 A lawyer 44 “That is to sayâ€? 45 French wood

46 ____ rosa 47 Sudden convulsions 50 Unkempt 55 Leader of the Maccabees 57 Hip bones 58 Province for the Archdiocese of Edmonton (abbr.) 59 John’s symbol 60 ____ of the Lord 61 Floor covering 62 Tears apart 63 Web-footed aquatic bird DOWN 1 Shem’s father 2 Letters above the cross 3 “Immediately they left their ____ and followed him.� (Mk 1:18) 4 Direction from Bethlehem to the Jordan 5 Type of saint 6 Wealthy biblical land 7 Catholic actor Guinness 8 Business bigwig (abbr.) 9 Occurred 10 Holy ____ 11 Our Lady, ____ of Christians 12 Drag

DECEMBER 13 TO DECEMBER 21 ACTS29 MISSION TRIP 2013 Experience living with the community and join in the works of the acts29 mission group in both social and spiritual work in Manila, Philippines. Registered missioners may join anytime within the dates of the mission. Register E: charmainekxh@gmail.com; W: http://www.acts29mission.com DECEMBER 22 CATHOLIC SINGLES MASS AND POTLUCK 10am-2pm: Join us for a Mass & potluck. Please bring some food to share with others. 2014 events to be discussed after lunch. At Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour. Register E: CatholicSingle@gmail.com (Gerard); W: https://www.facebook.com/ CatholicSinglesSingapore MARRIAGE PREPARATION COURSE Q1 starts 23 Feb - 30 Mar 2014 Q2 starts 27 Apr - 01 Jun 2014 Q3 starts 20 Jul - 24 Aug 2014 Q4 starts 12 Oct - 16 Nov 2014 For couples intending to get married, please register early as the course runs for 6 weeks at one session per week. + 4 4 4 ! " X # 0 # 8 5 W: catholic.org.sg/mpc. T: 93673411 (Peter/Rita); E: mpcsingapore@gmail.com

IN MEMORIAM First Anniversary In loving memory of

Gone from our lives One so dear but in our hearts forever near. Dearly missed by mother-Josephine, Jacinta, Gerard, Raymond, Wilfred BENJAMIN and their families. Mass will be celebrated at Church EDWARD of St Vincent De Paul BENJAMIN on Wednesday Departed: Nov 13, 2012 Nov 13 at 7.00am. Fourteenth Anniversary In loving memory of

In loving memory of

PETER JEREMY HOGAN Departed: Nov 18, 1991 CONNIE MOK There is a place LYE KUM in our hearts which Departed: Nov 28, 1999 is yours alone Thank you for A place in our lives the years we shared No one else 16 Literary monogram 40 Fragrance Thank you for can ever own 19 One of the two 41 Small yeast cake the way you cared We hold back tears natures of Jesus 43 Nihil ___ We loved you then when we speak your 21 “Just for the fun __� 44 Agatha is their and we love you still name Forget you, But the ache in our patron saint 24 Motherless calf we never will. hearts 46 Parboil 25 Paul was Remain the same. shipwrecked here 47 Little, in Lockerbie Always remembered by 26 On one’s toes Anthony, Jenny, Jessie Dearly missed and 48 Lenten foliage and loved ones. remembered 27 Equip anew 49 ____ boy! by loved ones. 28 Exclamation of 50 A sacrament is an Nineteenth contempt outward ____ Eleventh Anniversary Anniversary 29 Merry 51 Brought by a wise In loving memory of In loving memory of man 30 In Mt 12:25, Jesus said this divided 52 Exultation could not stand 53 “If anyone says, 31 Celestial being “I love God,� and hates his brother, 32 Beastly he is a ____� (I Jn 34 Exodus leader 4:20) 37 Ominous 54 Tale 38 13th letter of the 56 Own, in Dundee Hebrew alphabet

Solution to Crossword Puzzle No. 1096 P E W S

A L E C

L I A R

R O A D

E I R E

P L E A

A P P L E

B O L U S

S T U N S

M E R E E M A I E R O N S T A A T S T E

S I N N E R F I L I O Q U E

K N E E L A A R O N U R N

A T E C A N A R S L A D D A M L E V I U B E C T S I S E E G D D R E B R A N E E N B A N E M Y

W O R D S

A B I D E

Y O D E L

S E E R S

O R C A

N O O N

E L L S

S E E K

C O M O

H O O D

E P E E

S S T S

www.wordgamesforcatholics.com

ELIZABETH VICTORIA LAMBERT NAZARETH Departed: Nov 20, 1994 Departed: Nov 22, 2002 Peacefully sleeping, Lord, at your passion resting at last love did conquer fear, Dear Mama Now share that triumph we miss you so much with her soul so dear In silence you suffered, Banish her sorrow, in patience you bore let your light shine Till God called you O grant her pardon, home to suffer no more. Jesus Saviour blest May you rest in peace. And give her spirit light and endless rest. Dearly loved and deeply missed Ever cherished by by all loved ones. loved ones. Please turn to pages 22 and 23 for more in

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Sunday November 17, 2013 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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