NOVEMBER 30, 2014, Vol 64, No 24

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 30, 2014

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VOL 64

NO. 24

INSIDE HOME Archbishop’s Advent message Hope for world on brink of despair

BERLIN – Pope Francis and the

head of the German bishops have highlighted the role played by St John Paul II in the fall of the Berlin Wall.

Speaking on the 25th anniversary of the incident, Pope Francis said St John Paul II had “a role as protagonist” in the historic event.

“The fall was sudden, but it was made possible by the long and hard commitment of many people who struggled, prayed and suffered for it, some even sacri¿cing their lives,” he said.

The pope made these comments after reciting the Angelus prayer with visitors in St Peter’s Square on Nov 9.

He asked Catholics to pray that “with the help of the Lord and the collaboration of all people of good will, there will spread even more a culture of encounter capable of bringing down all the walls still dividing the world”.

The pope also prayed for an end to “innocent persons being persecuted and even killed because of their creed or religion”.

“Where there is a wall,” he said, “there is a closed heart. We need bridges, not walls!”

The president of the German bishops’ conference made similar comments to mark the historic event.

“Without the prophetic power of St John Paul II and many dissidents, the miracle of European uni¿cation wouldn’t have happened,” said Cardinal Reinhard Marx of Munich-Freising during a symposium sponsored by the bishops’ conference on Nov 8.

The next day, in his address at a prayer service at Berlin’s St Hedwig Cathedral, Cardinal Marx said St John Paul hastened the wall’s collapse by backing the freedom struggle in his native Poland.

During his lifetime, the Polish-born pope refused to claim

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Verbum Dei to run Biblical apostolate Programmes lined up for coming year Page 6

ASIA Botched sterilisations in India Church slams ‘pathetic state’ of healthcare Page 14 Young Germans sit on the East Side Gallery, a section of the Berlin Wall, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the wall’s dismantling on Nov 9. CNS photos

Without the prophetic power of ‘ St John Paul II and many dissidents, the miracle of European unification wouldn’t have happened.

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– Cardinal Reinhard Marx of Munich-Freising

St John Paul II had refused to claim personal credit for the collapse of communism in Eastern Europe.

personal credit for the collapse of communism in Eastern Europe, but he knew his preaching and his support for human dignity and freedom energised the forces for change, particularly in his homeland.

In a 1993 interview, Pope John

Paul said, “I think the crucial role was played by Christianity itself: its content, its religious and moral message, its intrinsic defence of the human person. All I did was recall this, repeat it and insist on it.”

Cardinal Marx added that the Catholic Church had allowed its premises to be used by opposition groups and helped ensure peaceful resistance to communism.

“But the Church now needs to build a culture of memory oriented to the future and work out how to conduct its mission in a free, pluralist society,” he said.

Parallel church commemorations took place in other eastern German cities, including Magdeburg, where Bishop Gerhard Feige called on Catholics to continue speaking out “when life and dignity are violated or at stake”.

The Berlin Wall, separating the Federal Republic of Germany from the communist-ruled German Democratic Republic, was completed on Aug 13, 1961, and breached on Nov 9, 1989, during revolutionary change in Eastern Europe that led to Germany’s formal reuni¿cation 11 months later.

CNS

WORLD Pope on abortion, euthanasia, IVF ‘They’re sins against God the creator’ Page 15

FOREIGN COMMUNITIES A look at the Sri Lankan community Using technology to spread Good News Page 21

FAMILY Living the marriage vows Two couples share their experiences Page 28

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Sunday November 30, 2014 „ CatholicNews

Cathedral redevelopment to What has been happening at the cathedral since renovation works began?

Aerial view of the redevelopment work taking place at the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd.

The major redevelopment of the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd is at its midway stage. The 167-yearold building has been undergoing renovation and reconstruction works since last November and is expected to be completed by January 2016.

The $40 million project covers three buildings: preservation of the cathedral, conservation of the rectory and reconstruction of a new annex block.

There is a Âżne line between preservation and conservation, but the authority’s guidelines are quite clear. “Generally, the difference between the two is that very little modiÂżcation is allowed in a preservation project while internal modiÂżcation can be done in conservation work as long as it maintains the overall character of the building architecture,â€? explains Mr Leong Tatt Man, the architect and project manager for the cathedral’s redevelopment. Mr Leong works with 82 sub-contractors and suppliers.

The works being carried out on the cathedral building include structural restoration, like underpinning of walls and strengthening of the roof structure; air-conditioning; and the construction of a functional basement hall. The biggest challenge was to establish the correct construction method for underpinning works because of the inconsistent condition of some parts of the walls.

At the adjacent rectory (rector’s residence), underpinning work and recon¿guration of of¿ce and residential rooms are being carried out.

Much of the work involves the re- place as the Mother Church of the Everything else about the caCatholic community here in every thedral will be vintage and authenpair of cracks.

The third structure – the Annex way,� said the retired banker. tic, including the 102-year-old pipe Another cathedral regular, Mr organ, purchased from Bevington Block – will be completely new, with the demolition of the origi- Kenneth Ho, added, “I would like & Son, London, at the cost of 550 nal building and construction of a the restored cathedral to be a hub sterling pounds in 1912. contemporary three-storey block. for the practice of our Catholic The antiquated organ, which To build, engineers had to establish faith, an oasis in our thriving city broke down for a period in the a suitable substructure system due where locals and visitors alike 1970s, was delicately restored in to the soft ground condition and its may feel the presence of God, be 1983 by local pipe organ builder touched by His grace and love, and Robert Navaratnam. proximity to a reserved MRT line.

The three Àoors offer a gross awed by His majesty and glory.�

Said the cathedral organist who Majestic and glorious would also has served under three rectors: “Over Ă€oor area of 1,042.36 sq m and will house a Catholic Heritage Centre, describe the renovated building. But the years, windchests and pipes were a large prayer added to bring hall and sevout more voleral smaller $V WKH VKHSKHUG RI WKH Ă€RFN LW LV P\ ZLVK WKDW WKH ume and tonal prayer rooms. variations.â€?

FDWKHGUDO WKH VHDW RI WKH ELVKRSœV SDVWRUDO DXWKRULW\ When the caWhat’s new thedral reoZLOO EH D EHDFRQ RI OLJKW DQG KRSH IRU DOO SHRSOHV pens, the pipe XQLWLQJ WKH IDLWKIXO XQGHU RQH YLVLRQ DQG RQH PLVVLRQ organ will reBut the centrepiece will still sume its pride $V D WUXH PRWKHU FKXUFK VKH ZLOO EH be the venerof place and D VDIH KDUERXU ZKHUH KHU FKLOGUHQ ZLOO ¿QG able cathedral, accompany the the icon of the choir and conIRUJLYHQHVV DQG KHDOLQJ IRFXV DQG GLUHFWLRQ LQ OLIH diocese and gregation in – Archbishop William Goh the Archbishtheir favourite op’s church. hymns.

When completed, the interior will it will not be bigger. Due to preserhave a new Ă€ooring, audio visual vation policies, the seating capacity Heritage centre system, colour scheme and lighting. could not be increased and is capped Worshippers can also look forward at 784, one less than the old capacity. If this is music to the ears of roThe only extension is the creation mantics, the realists will be equally to sitting on brand new pews and praying in air-conditioned comfort. of a multipurpose hall in the cathe- delighted to know that a Catholic One worshipper who is look- dral’s basement, which will be used Heritage Centre will be housed at ing forward to it is 67-year-old for smaller Masses. The Ă€oor area the new Annex Block, complete Don Kingsley, whose family has is about a quarter of the cathedral’s. with facts and artefacts of the early This basement – not located di- Catholic Church in Singapore. been attending Masses at the cathedral for more than 30 years. “My rectly beneath the cathedral building “The purpose of the heritage wish is that once the old dame gets but beside it – will be the only mod- centre is to bridge the past, present her much deserved, much needed ish chamber amidst the matriarchal and future, so that current and fugrand makeover, it will cement her ambience of the Mother Church. ture generations of Catholics can

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appreciate how the local Church began,� said Fr Adrian Anthony, who is tasked with overseeing the entire redevelopment project. “We must remember how hard the early missionary Fathers and Religious Brothers and Sisters worked to lay the foundation of what we have around us today. It didn’t just happened overnight, you know?� enthused the 71-year-old priest who has personally experienced the humble beginnings of the early Church in the 1940s. “If we don’t know our past, then we might not have a future,� he cautioned.

Interestingly, history was prematurely brought to the fore last year when groundbreaking and digging at the cathedral site uncovered old rosaries and religious artefacts that were buried over the years.

While they tell little tales of past conventions, it was the architectural feature of the time that stood out. Preliminary archeology reports based on stylistic typology of the bricks suggest that they may date back to the 1825-1875 era, and may be the remains from a former convict prison.

Experiences Indeed, Singapore’s oldest Catholic church is a treasure trove of stories, made all the more enchanting when they are related by devoted servants who have walked its aisles and served faithfully under its imposing roof and steeple over the years. „ Continued on Page 3

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Sunday November 30, 2014 CatholicNews

o be completed by Jan 2016 M Chua gives an update.

From Page 2

Recalled Fr Robert Balhetchet, one of the longest serving modernday rectors of the cathedral: “In every big city, the cathedral is always a focal point of sorts, especially for travellers who would normally not know of any other local church. Mention the cathedral and the taxi driver would know how to take you there.”

In his 30-year association with the cathedral – 22 as rector – he has assisted many tourists and migrants in their motley array of needs, from lost passports to seeking employment opportunities.

The experience resonates with Fr Anthony, who served as its rector until last year, and similarly, for Fr Eugene Vaz before him. “Ulti-

mately, the cathedral must exist for the poor, the lost and the broken... from anywhere,” said Fr Anthony passionately.

Indeed, besides its stature as the prime church of a city, cathedrals around the world have a non-parochial, all-embracing cosmopolitan composition that welcomes people from any land.

Which is why it is uncannily signi¿cant that when it is completed, about 100 workers from various countries in the region would have spent 50,000 man-days in all-weather conditions helping to build Singapore’s Catholic Mother Church.

Some day, their brothers and sisters will pass this way and stop by the cathedral, feel a tingling, familiar bond... and know quietly that they belong.

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$10 m still needed for S’pore’s Mother Church The cost of redeveloping the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd amounts to $40 million. While donations have been forthcoming, $10 million are still needed.

Said Fr Adrian Anthony, the priest in charge of the overall project: “The generosity of the people has really touched me deeply. But it is still very challenging because we are not a parish church and, hence, there is no base to depend on. Most who come are transient worshippers and, understandably, don’t have the same kind of af¿nity like you would in a parish.”

Former government minister, Mr Lim Boon Heng, who was invited by Fr Anthony to head the cathedral’s rebuilding steering committee, disclosed two fundraising projects in the pipeline: publishing a magazine that will be sold at parishes next March/April and a coffee table book seven months later.

Both will be about the history of the cathedral.

The book, which is already being written by a team led by Mr Cheong Yip Seng, the former

editor-in-chief of SPH’s English and Malay newspapers, will be launched at a fundraising dinner next November.

More details will be released in due course. “We hope to raise $1 million each through these two projects,” said Mr Lim.

Donations, stories and mementos For donations to the restoration fund, please make your cheque payable to “Cathedral of the Good Shepherd”, with “Restoration Fund” written on the reverse side, and mail it to Cathedral of the Good Shepherd, ‘A’ Queen Street, Singapore 188533.

If you have anything interesting about the cathedral to share, kindly e-mail the team at good. shepherd.archives@gmail.com with your scanned/digitallyphotographed mementos and stories/memories. For mementos you do not wish to send by mail, please contact Anne Kingsley-Lee at 9002-4234 or Jevon Liew at 9637-0051.

Artist’s impression of the restored cathedral (left), rectory building (right foreground), and Annex Block (further right, in white).

Cathedral milestones 1847: Construction of Cathedral of the Good Shepherd completed 1973: Declared a national monument 1997: Partial renovation of cathedral 2003: Renovation and upgrad-

ing of Archbishop’s House and Resident’s Quarters 2011: Proposed redevelopment of cathedral, rectory and new Annex Block 2014: Redevelopment work commences

2015 March: Estimated date of completion of Phase 1 (rectory and Annex Block) 2016 January: Estimated date of completion of Phase 2 (cathedral and Annex Block basement)

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Sunday November 30, 2014 CatholicNews

CHANCERY NOTICE

6 November 2014

APPOINTMENTS 1. Fr Alphonsus Dominic has been appointed chaplain to Holy Innocents’ Primary School for a term of two [2] years with effect from 17th October 2014.

2. Fr Edward Seah has been appointed Assistant Director of the Archdiocesan Catechetical Of¿ce for a term of two [2] years from 23 October 2014.

3. The following parish priests have been appointed as a group stably established by the council of priests at the proposal of Archbishop William Goh DD in accordance with can. 1742 §1 with effect from 23 October 2014; a. Fr Adrian Yeo b. Fr Andrew Wong c. Fr Anthony Hutjes, SS.CC d. Fr Francis Lee e. Fr John Sim f. Fr Michael Arro g. Fr Patrick Goh h. Fr Richards Ambrose 4. The following have been appointed to the Commission for the Study of the Permanent Diaconate; a. Fr Ignatius Yeo – Chair b. Deacon Clement Chen c. Fr Adrian Yeo d. Fr Clifford Augustine, OFM e. Fr John Bosco f. Fr Kenson Koh g. Fr Stanley Pang 5. Dr Koh Thiam Seng has been appointed by the Board of St Joseph’s Institution as CEO of SJI International from 1st January 2015. He will continue to serve concurrently as principal of SJI until December 2015.

6. Fr Adrian Danker, SJ, current Deputy Principal of SJI

will take over as Principal of SJI from Dr Koh Thiam Seng after December 2015.

7. Sr Sandra Seow, MVD, has been appointed as Director of the of¿ce of the Archdiocesan Biblical Apostolate with effect from 1st November 2014 for a term of two [2] years.

OTHER MATTERS Archdiocesan Policies 1. By the 31st of March 2015, all parishes are to publish their ¿nancial statements for the previous year (2014) and the budget for the following year (2015). This yearly requirement will also need to have the statements posted on their notice boards for one month.

Archdiocesan Biblical Apostolate The Verbum Dei Missionary Fraternity (FMVD) has been entrusted through a contract with the Archdiocese of Singapore to assume responsibility for the management and running of the Archdiocesan Biblical Apostolate. With the particular charism of this Religious congregation, the Archdiocese aims to further develop and grow this important apostolate of promoting the Word of God. Sr Sandra Seow, FMVD, will assume the role of Director of this of¿ce.

Serra Club of Singapore The Serra Club of Singapore (and its af¿liates) has been of¿cially dissolved and has ceased to function in the Archdiocese.

Imprimatur The Redemptorists have received an “imprimatur” from Archbishop William Goh DD for the publication of a book “Make Her Known – The Novena Story; 80 years of Love”.

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

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, “Adventus” is the Latin translation of the Greek Word “Parousia” – The Lord is coming.

The First Coming of Christ has historically passed and Advent prepares us for the Second Coming of Christ. However, we must ¿rst receive Christ in His First Coming at Christmas, if we are to be ready for His Second Coming.

Advent is thus a special time for us to pray and contemplate with Mary, as we prepare for Jesus to be born into our hearts. Appropriately, the theme for this Advent is “Bearers of the Good News”.

This theme reinforces the VLJQL¿FDQFH RI FRQVHFUDWLQJ WKH work for the New Evangelisation, to Our Lady, Star of the New Evangelisation, who leads us to Christ, the Light of the World. For Mary was the ¿rst to bring Jesus, the Good News, to the world.

After pondering what the Angel Gabriel had told her, she hurried to Elizabeth to proclaim the Good News of the coming of the Messiah.

We, too, are to follow Mary’s example and hurry to those in society today who need the Good News – those who are losing hope, feeling unloved or experiencing low self-esteem. For when love is no longer experienced to be sincere, true or everlasting, many turn to material things, gambling, substance abuse and other forms of addiction to ¿ll the void.

The world today has indeed lost its bearing without God and truth and is in dire need of the Good News.

Hence as chosen disciples of Christ, we are called today to give hope to a world that is on the edge of despair. The Good News that we want to proclaim is that God loves us in His Son, Jesus Christ, and has forgiven all our sins. He is the Way, the Truth and the Life and is the answer to all the riddles and sufferings in this life.

As Christians baptised into the Body of Christ, we are entrusted with continuing the mission of Christ, in seeking and caring for the wounded. Like Mary, we need to hurry to them, to encounter and love them and hence to be the Good News to them.

However, though the Church is an evangeliser, she begins by being evangelised herself. The work for the New Evangelisation thus requires us to ¿rst encounter Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour, before we can be “Bearers of the Good News”.

Like Mary who pondered the

‘Mary, Star of Evangelisation’ Icon courtesy of Br Claude Lane, OSB, Mount Angel Abbey, Saint Benedict, OR, USA.

We, too, are to follow Mary’s example and hurry to those in society today who need the Good News. will of God, we too are invited to contemplate on the Word of God and pray for wisdom and guidance to continue the mission of Jesus.

Unless we conceive Jesus in our minds and hearts, we cannot give birth to Him in our lives, nor can we bring Him to the world.

Like Mary, we need to make time for quiet prayer and meditation, in preparation to receive the Lord well. The discipline of prayer is important, for without prayer, we cannot grow in holiness.

Like a muscle which grows stronger with exercise to support our every move and action, so, too, prayer builds strong spiritual muscles that help us in the work of evangelisation. Prayer, to be ef¿cacious, must be strengthened by

works of charity, penance, fasting and morti¿cation.

We therefore look to Mary, who was ¿rst to receive Jesus both in her heart and in her womb, to teach us how to prepare for a rebirth of Christ in our lives. This applies especially to those who have lost their faith or have become complacent in their Christian life.

Finally, let this Advent season be a gestation period for the Good News to take shape in our lives, so that at Christmas, we can be like Mary and give birth to the “Good News”, in going forth and proclaiming with joy and love, that God is truly in our midst.

This is the hope which we must bring to the world. May this Advent be a fruitful time for you to grow in faith and love, in order to be Bearers of the Good News.

Yours devotedly in Christ,

Archbishop William Goh

Sunday November 30, 2014 CatholicNews

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Verbum Dei to run Bible apostolate The Verbum Dei Missionary Fraternity has been tasked with running the Archdiocesan Biblical Apostolate – a responsibility the community says has been received with both joy and fear.

“Joy because of this opportunity to share our Verbum Dei spirituality and charism to a bigger audience,” Sr Sandra Seow told CatholicNews, and “fear too” because it is “a big task for our small community”.

“Yet, we said ‘yes’ to it, because our ‘yes’ comes with a lot of trust that God will help us,” she said.

The apostolate will operate from an of¿ce in the Catholic Archdiocesan Education Centre (CAEC).

According to Sr Sandra, who is apostolate director, Vicar General (Pastoral) Msgr Ambrose Vaz contacted the Verbum Dei Missionaries in September and proposed that they take over

the running of the apostolate.

After several meetings, the community accepted the proposal.

“We always work in community, and so the rest of our Verbum Dei Sisters will also be involved in planning and giving retreats,” said Sr Sandra.

The other nuns are Sr Leticia Candelario Lopez, the apostolate’s associate director; and Srs Maria Jose M Egido, Cecilia Teo and Devy Pranadjaja.

The community’s core lay people, called the Verbum Dei Disciples, will also help in the retreats and programmes, said Sr Sandra.

“We see that there is a great hunger in the people for learning how to pray the Word of God and live it out in their lives,” Sr Sandra noted. In order to meet this need, the Verbum Dei Missionaries have rolled out a one-year programme.

CN for missionaries Would you like to help our overseas missionaries receive free copies of CatholicNews?

A list of more than 40 Religious priests and nuns serving overseas was published in CN’s Mission Sunday feature a few issues ago. These missionaries serve in Myanmar, Philippines, Tanzania, Australia, USA and many other countries.

A yearly subscription for a

missionary in most parts of Asia costs S$84. For those working in Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Europe and the Americas, the cost is S$121.

If you would like to help these missionaries receive free copies of CN, please send a cheque payable to “The Catholic News” and mail it to 2 Highland Road, #01-03, Singapore 549102.

This will kick-start with a oneday Advent retreat for the archdiocese to be held at the FMM retreat house on Holland Road.

The theme of the Dec 13 retreat is Open Your Heart to Christ.

There will also be a series of retreats in called “Logos the Encounter” based on the Word of God. “Logos” means “Word” in Greek.

These one-day retreats, to enFrom left: Verbum Dei Srs Leticia Candelario Lopez, Cecilia Teo, Maria Jose M Egido, Devy Pranadjaja and Sandra Seow.

courage people to pray with the Scriptures and apply the Living Word to their lives, will be conducted on district level.

There will be weekly followup programmes and the apostolate also hopes to form small communities in parishes based on inputs and reÀections from the Scriptures.

The apostolate will also hold a Bible Conference on July 11 next

year to mark World Bible Sunday.

Amidst the new programme, Msgr Vaz and his brother Fr Eugene Vaz will still continue their Scripture classes at the CAEC, said Sr Sandra.

The Archdiocesan Biblical Apostolate is at 2 Highland Road, #03-17, CAEC, Singapore 549102. Email: bibleapostolate@ catholic.org.sg, Tel: 6280-0354.

We see that there is a great hunger in the ‘people for learning how to pray the Word of God and live it out in their lives. ’

– Sr Sandra Seow

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Sunday November 30, 2014 CatholicNews

Thanksgiving Mass for Blessed Alvaro de Portillo

The thanksgiving Mass at the Church of the Holy Cross on Nov 5.

By Chan Yeow

Fr Paul Goh presents sand from Singapore to Sr Benedykta Mazur.

S’pore sand has special place in St John Paul II’s hometown

By Rachel Tee Sand from Singapore’s National Stadium now has a special place in a museum built in honour of St John Paul II in Wadowice, Poland.

The idea to Ày the sand from Singapore came about when tour guide, Mr Ivan Lui from Faith Tours, during one of his previous trips, found out that the museum had started a collection of sand and soil from places where the late pope visited. The museum asked Mr Lui to collect the sand.

Arrangements were made and Archbishop William Goh of¿cially acknowledged its origin.

“His Grace was most gracious and offered every assistance to have the honour of having Singapore remembered in this special museum,” Mr Lui said.

It was also decided that the

The sand from Singapore’s National Stadium will be on display in a museum built in honour of the late pontiff. sand should be taken from the National Stadium as St John Paul II celebrated Mass there on a rainy Nov 20, 1986.

Mr Lui, along with spiritual director, Fr Paul Goh and 34 people from parishes in Singapore, Malaysia and Australia, went on pilgrimage to the late pope’s hometown in Poland, Hungary and Czech Republic.

When they arrived at the museum in Widowice on Oct 20, Mr

Lui brought the sand with him, together with the letter from the archbishop.

The pilgrims were also treated to an array of memorabilia on display – photographs of the pope donated by people from all over the world, his bedroom and personal belongings as well as the gun used by his would-be assassin.

Sr Benedykta Mazur was their guide for the tour of the museum.

The presentation was done in the room which showcased St John Paul II’s journey and visits to many countries all over the world. Fr Paul Goh, on behalf of Archbishop William Goh, did the honour of presenting the sand to Sr Benedykta, who accepted it on behalf of the museum.

As pontiff, St John Paul II visited nearly 130 countries.

and Dominic Cooray More than 400 people attended an evening thanksgiving Mass on Nov 5 to celebrate the beati¿cation of Bishop Alvaro del Portillo. Blessed Alvaro, the ¿rst successor of the founder of Opus Dei, was beati¿ed in Madrid, Spain, on Sept 27.

About 200 who were present at the Mass, held at Church of the Holy Cross, had travelled from Singapore to Madrid to witness the beati¿cation ceremony.

During the Nov 5 Mass, Fr Avelino Marin, Regional Vicar of Opus Dei in Southeast Asia, recalled that he was ordained by Blessed Alvaro, who had once visited Singapore.

Fr Marin explained that each be-

ati¿cation or canonisation is a celebration of the victory of God and of the Church in the life of a person.

He also shared three lessons drawn from the life of Blessed Alvaro: persevere in being a faithful friend to Jesus; holiness is not something strange, but is attainable by “normal, ordinary people”; and that by living in the grace of God, it is possible for people to be sowers of peace and joy.

Ms Jean Lim, from Blessed Sacrament Church, shared that being at the beati¿cation and the Mass, were proud and happy moments for her.

Commenting on the beati¿cation ceremony, Mr Eric Valles, an educator, said that he was impressed how some people with their children, walked for almost an hour to attend the event.

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Sunday November 30, 2014 CatholicNews

CHIJ sets S’pore record with human chain

By Clara Lai

Forming the IJ Link at CHIJMES with IJ Provincial, Sr Agnes Lee (fourth from left).

showcase at the CHIJMES hall.

Some alumni singers, the More than 400 Convent of the CHIJ saxophone ensemble, CHIJ Holy Infant Jesus (CHIJ) students, Primary (Kellock) and friends of staff, alumni and the Infant Jesus IJ performed onstage for guests (IJ) Sisters, joined forces on Nov during the brunch.

9 to set a new Singapore record The afternoon concert featured for the longest human chain. mainly girls from the secondary It was part of CHIJ’s 160th an- schools’ performing arts groups, niversary celebrations which was primary school dancers, CHIJ organised by the CHIJ Alumni Alumni performers and a special Association. by-invitation dance performance During the event called IJ from CHIJ Katong (Primary).

Buzz-aar, participants were Dr Ang said that the aim of grouped according to their height the event was “multi-fold; combefore taking a walk around CHI- memorating our 160th anniverJMES where the ¿rst sary, meeting up CHIJ was set up. with our friends and The event According to Dr making new ones, Claire Ang, president [and] passing on the was held to of the CHIJ Alumni IJ spirit”.

Association, a total The IJ Spirit Fund commemorate of 402 people gathwas also launched CHIJ’s 160th “where proceeds will ered to create a record for forming a towards the chilanniversary. go human chain. dren on ¿nancial aid ASingapore in CHIJ Secondary Book of Records of¿cial later pre- and CHIJ Primary [Toa Payoh]”. sented certi¿cates to CHIJ repreAccording to Dr Ang, the main sentatives. fundraiser will be during the IJ Dr Ang also said that the previ- gala dinner which is to be held at ous Guinness World Record stood the CHIJMES hall on Nov 28. This at 311, but “we need con¿rmation dinner will also be the culmination from Guinness, [which] will take of the 160th year celebrations. some time”.

For more information on the During the day’s event, there gala dinner, visit www.chijalumni. was a bazaar where food, CHIJ org or email contact@chijalumni. memorabilia, books and other org items were sold. There was also a brunch and arts performance clara.lai@catholic.org.sg Photo: P B ONG Photo: P B ONG

A guitar ensemble from CHIJ Secondary (Toa Payoh) performing during the afternoon concert.

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Sunday November 30, 2014 „ CatholicNews

Tributes to Br Kevin Byrne memory – sharing ‘Fondest a round of golf with him when on holidays in Ireland – he was so relaxed and at ease, it was infectious.

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– Br Felix Donohue, who grew up with Br Kevin. They both were in the same novitiate in Ireland.

From left: Old SJI boys, teachers and De La Salle Brothers honouring the late Br Kevin Byrne on Nov 15. Inset: Br Kevin was SJI’s longest running principal from 1979 to 1991.

Friends, ex-students pay tribute to late SJI principal at Mass

By Lorna O’Hara Two hundred voices from St Joseph’s Institution (SJI) old boys, teachers and De La Salle Brothers, echoed in the Singapore Art Museum, as they gathered for a memorial Mass on Nov 15 in honour of their beloved principal.

Irishman Br Kevin Byrne who was SJI’s principal from 1979 to 1991, battled Alzheimer’s disease in his later years and had a bad fall this year. Months later at 83, he passed away in his hometown in Castletown, Ireland on Sept 26.

Cherished by many, he was known for his calm demeanour and foresight as without him, SJI would not have gotten its independent status in 1986.

An ex-student of Br Kevin and

current SJI chaplain, Fr Michael D’Cruz, recalled during his homily that Br Kevin “was a gentleman�.

Throughout his homily, he shared excerpts from “The Pearl�

by John Steinbeck, a Literature text that Br Kevin taught him when he was 15.

He said that Br Kevin invested his time in ensuring that his students saw beyond material possessions. “Br Kevin was never satisÂżed that we lived in a superÂżcial way,â€? he said.

Five men then took to the podium to pay their tributes to the late Brother.

They included a close friend of Br Kevin and representative of the De La Salle Brothers, Br Fe-

lix Donohue; former SJI principal Benjamin Lui; and three ex-SJI students, Dr Michael Chai who became a teacher at his alma mater, Mr Colin Chetty and Mr Victor Lye. “It was his warmth and his charm that made him so popular among us,� said Mr Chetty.

At the end of the Mass, the glass hall was Âżlled with laughter when Fr Michael shared that Br Kevin had a pocket watch on his desk and “always ended his lessons on timeâ€?. „ lorna.ohara@catholic.org.sg

Br Kevin was blessed ‘with blessed manners.

I never saw him angry.’

– Br Collin Wee who lived with and knew Br Kevin for 15 years.

The gentlest soul I have ‘ever known, so gentle that that energy affected even noisy students who calmed down in his presence.

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– Mrs Maureen Pestana, senior subject teacher for Art in SJI who worked with Br Kevin for about 12 years.

from Br Kevin that, ‘asI learnt teachers, we did not have to nag or yell at our students; just the correct tone was necessary to command their attention and respect.

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Âą 0UV 9LPDOD $OH[DQGHU ZKR ÂżUVW PHW Br Kevin in 1988 when she went for an interview to teach in SJI.

10 HOME

Sunday November 30, 2014 CatholicNews

Forum helps parents in raising their primary school children Event gives tips on addressing the needs and challenges young children face

By Lorna O’Hara About 100 parents attended a forum which aimed to help them support their primary-school children.

According to Family Life Society (FLS) executive director Paul Long, the Nov 15 event was a “progression” from a forum the society held last year for parents with children younger than seven.

The recent forum, titled Effective Parenting in the Primary Years, was held at the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore auditorium.

Participants listened to sharings by John and Joann Ooi, a married couple with six children; Mr Adrian Lim, a counselling psychologist, and Ms Genevieve Chye, principal of Montfort Junior School.

Mr Ooi, who is FLS chairman, shared that parents often see their tasks “in a certain way without being conscious of it”.

Parenting, he noted, could be done according to two paradigms – bringing up children who excel academically, or bringing up children with character.

The latter, Mr Ooi said, is favourable but challenging as “the environment in Singapore pushes parents in one direction” – that of achieving academic excellence.

To build a child’s character, Mr Ooi encouraged parents to

Speaking about the primary school curriculum, she encouraged parents to work around their schedules and set aside family time.

She also said that parents should “attend your child’s school activities” and stressed that in a meritocratic society, parents should “never reward achievement”.

“Reward effort,” she said.

After the presentations, there was a question-and-answer session.

One woman asked how she could motivate her daughter to achieve her academic potential.

“Target setting is useful,” said Mrs Ooi. Mr Lim added, “Let the child experience the joy of hard work.”

Another participant asked for advice on dealing with her son’s apparent addiction to video gaming.

Speakers From left: Ms Genevieve Chye, principal of Montfort Junior School; married couple Joann and John Ooi, As parents, Mr Lim said and psychologist Adrian Lim. that as all games are addictive, “You need to do your research.

Never reward [Self esteem] Stability of the family You must understand the whole nature of ‘cyberwarfare’,” he profoundly affects affects a boy’s attitude, said. achievement.

CatholicNews asked some the way one makes behaviour and coping.

Reward effort. parents for their comments on the – Mr Adrian Lim, decisions.

– Ms Genevieve Chye, principal forum. counselling psychologist of Montfort Junior School – Mr John Ooi, FLS chairman Mr Vinoth Pieris, 35, an engineer with two daughters aged three and six, said Mr Lim’s sharAccording to Mr Lim, the ¿rst ing struck a chord. nurture their child’s self mastery child’s ability to control his or “What he said coincides with and self esteem. her actions, can only come when critical bonding stage of a boy’s Self mastery, which is the “we show our kids how it’s done life is between 18 months and ¿ve my way of thinking. I agree that and how they should follow”, said years old, where the role of the it’s important that we as parents give our children good support mother is vital.

Mrs Ooi. during differThe second One way to build this is by setent stages of ting up a “duty roster for house- is between 11 their lives,” he and 14 years hold chores”, she said. said.

Setting a few rules is also use- when “a boy Mr Koh ful, said Mr Ooi, but added that needs to ... deYong Thye, 42 for this to work, the rules must be tach from the and his wife, mother”. The “agreed upon by both parents”.

Irene, 41, said Mr Ooi also stressed the im- father should they found the portance of nurturing a child’s self then take over forum enlightand help shape worth. ening. gender It is vital for parents to have his Mr Koh he one-on-one time with each child, identity, said he “now “doing something that the child said. knows more Mr Lim likes”, said Mrs Ooi. “This would about how agreed help [parents] ¿nd out what the also different boys with the previchild is passionate about.” and girls are”.

Above all, parents should also ous speakers He added stressed remember that it is the “love be- and that he liked tween father and mother [that] is the importance A participant asking a question. how Mr Tan the foundation of the family”, said of the parent“went into dechild relationMr Ooi. Counselling psychologist ship in a boy’s primary school tail about the importance of fathers.”

Adrian Lim then shared about the years.

Mr Kent Olson, 44, an Ameri“Stability of family affects a importance of the father’s role.

He said that fathers should boy’s attitude, behaviour and cop- can who has lived in Singapore for be present for their daughters ing” with challenges and failure, six years, said he liked all three presentations “as each speakwhen they are between nine and Mr Lim said.

20 years old. “If the father is Ms Genevieve Chye, principal er gave different approaches”. absent, the girl will look for an- of Montfort Junior School, shared other man” as a father ¿gure, he some of her experiences in an alllorna.ohara@catholic.org.sg said. boys primary school.

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HOME 11

Sunday November 30, 2014 „ CatholicNews

Clockwise from above: Screengrabs of the top three winning entries of the SHAREfest video competition – ‘Overwhelmed’ by Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, runner up ‘My Father’s House, My Home’ by Church of Our St Stephen, and coming in third was ‘PRAY before you act’ by Church of the Holy Trinity.

Using social media as a tool to evangelise To encourage Catholics to take up the call to evangelise on social media, 10 video entries were submitted for a video competition called SHAREfest, Stirring Hearts: A Real Encounter Festival. Each video was no more than Âżve minutes.

The competition, organised by the East District Youth Committee, was held at the Verbist Hall in the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour.

A workshop was held in July to equip participants with videotaking skills and ideas on how they could go about shooting their videos.

A total of 92 people, comprising mainly youths from East district parishes, turned up on the competition day on Nov 15.

The judges for the event were Fr Terence Kesavan, youth chaplain of the East District parishes; Mr Gabriel Patrick, youth coordinator of the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Mr Keith Neubronner, youth coordinator of the Church of St Ignatius; and creative director for a boutique creative digital production company, Mr Linus Koh. Kiss 92 FM deejay John

Klass, who was the emcee, announced the Âżve winning video entries. They were: Winner: “Overwhelmedâ€? by Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour.

Runner-up: “My Father’s House, My Home� by Church of St Stephen.

Second runner-up: “PRAY before you act� by Church of Divine Mercy.

Most “liked-on-facebookâ€? video: “The One and Only ConÂżr-

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mation Retreat� by Church of the Holy Trinity.

Archbishop William Goh’s choice: “Evangelical Love� by Church of Our Lady Queen of Peace.

The awards were presented to the winners by Fr Terence, who also read out a special mes-

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10 videos were submitted for a Catholic video contest.

sage from Archbishop Goh on his choice, noting evangelical love as the focus which the whole Church has to move towards.

His Grace also appreciated the many good intentions and effort put into all of the videos submitted as well as highlighted this initiative as a good one for other districts to follow.

Prior to the video screening and the award presentation, there was fellowship and bonding time over light refreshments. Follow-

ing that was a praise and worship session.

As the event drew to a close, Fr Terence invited all participants to reÀect if the competition should be held again next year or even annually.

He encouraged participants to reach out to more people as they encounter the Gospel through social media.

To watch all the video entries, visit https://www.facebook.com/ edSHAREfest „

6FUHHQJUDEV RI WKH PRVW OLNHG RQ )DFHERRN YLGHR Âľ7KH 2QH DQG 2QO\ &RQÂżUPDWLRQ 5HWUHDWÂś OHIW E\ +RO\ 7ULQLW\ &KXUFK DQG $UFKELVKRS :LOOLDP *RKÂśV choice, ‘Evangelical Love’ by Queen of Peace Church.

Get-together for foreign spouses

By Don Gurugay

Foreign spouses and their children having fun at MacRitchie Reservoir.

Blessed with Âżne weather at MacRitchie Reservoir on Nov 12, more than 40 foreign spouses, some with children in tow, got together and had a chance to get away from their daily routines.

The women who are spouses of Singaporeans, come from Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam.

During the outing, they took

part in games, won prizes, had lunch together and mingled.

The event was part of the foreign spouse programme, which aims to foster bonding among participants and help build mutual support.

The support group is an initiative of the Archdiocesan Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People (ACMI). Formed in June last year, the group is steadily growing.

ACMI will be holding the gathering every year for them to meet and develop their network of friends in Singapore.

Coming from abroad, the foreign spouses usually have a need to improve their language skills particularly in English and Mandarin.

ACMI conducts classes for them.

For more information on ACMI and the work it does, visit their website at www.acmi.org.sg „

12 FEATURE

Sunday November 30, 2014 „ CatholicNews

Looking at womanhood through God’s eyes

By Mel Diamse-Lee Busyness pulls women away from God. Juggling multiple roles, such as, being co-provider of the family, wife, mother, daughter caring for elderly parents, sister, grandmother and friend can make one feel harried, fatigued and drained of energy. Faced with this daily, the tendency is to limit or deny the need to spend time with the Lord.

But God’s gentle whisper can still rise above the noise and din of daily activities. And for the 15 women who heard the invitation to Come Be-Loved Daughters of God retreat, and responded with openness from Nov 14-16, the rewards were empowering and liberating.

Unique gifts The hushed surroundings of Kingsmead Centre, well-tended gardens dotted with shady, quiet corners, provided the restful backdrop to coax the women to ponder their unique gifts and identity as God’s

daughters.

Ms Candice Chong, 33, described how she came to appreciate her special sensitivity or woman’s intuition as a gift from God. “I have come to realise how I could use this gift to resolve situations and sense God’s presence.�

CT, a single woman in her late 40s, who wished to give only her initials, found that she had many reasons to celebrate about her ministry and her life, including her approaching menopause.

True vs false self In order to please parents, spouses or even work colleagues, there are women who live according to others’ expectations or their own perceptions of what they should be.

Martha, from the Gospel according to St Luke, was cited as an example of a woman who acted out of her cultural expectations, being busy and wanting to be hospitable. What Jesus wanted was for her to sit at His feet.

A retreat for women by women spiritual directors. Participants of the Come Be-loved Daughters of God retreat, held on Nov 14-16, with some of the spiritual directors at Kingsmead Centre.

In a similar vein, some of the retreatants recognised that they were living out of their “false� selves.

Revealed CT, who supports women as part of her many roles in her own Christian church. “I lived my life through people’s expectations, how effective I was and how much work I could do.� At night when she reviewed her day before the Lord, she found herself being selfcritical of the things she did wrongly or failed to do. At the retreat, she learnt how to look back at the day with appreciation and gratitude.

Ms Genette Koh, 33, a part-

time teacher who lost her mother when she was 19, was forced to be strong in order to care for her three younger siblings. She discovered her gentler side at the retreat. She found that she could strongly identify with the Virgin Mary’s femininity. “Mary’s strength was not in what she did but in her gentleness,� she mused.

life is a journey and the destination is not as important as savouring her experiences and living fully.

This retreat for women by women spiritual directors (SDs) was ¿rst organised in 2009. It was meant to meet the needs of women in different stages of life, to give them an opportunity to get away from their busyness, learn from their own experiences, and realGod of silence ise the importance of women in God’s kingdom, said Ms Roselie The enforced silence took some Chia, one of the SDs. of the women by Initially, parsurprise when the 2XU UROHV DV ticipants were retirretreat began. At the but as the years ZRPHQ DW ZRUN ees end of it, many found passed, more youngZLIH PRWKHU it helped them hear er women joined God’s voice clearly KRZ WR EH FORVH WR in. Of the 15 who and allowed them to joined the weekend *RG WR UHPDLQ retreat for instance, slow down and go about their day mindVLQJOH RU WKLQN the majority were in fully. The silence 20s and 30s.

DERXW PDUULDJH theirFor “becomes bountiful, Ms Jessica Âą ZRPHQ P\ DJH Tan, 25, the retreat there was a rhythm to the day without a lot of freeZRQGHU DERXW “gave the use of an alarm domâ€? to allow God WKHVH WKLQJV clock,â€? was how one to speak to her in described her experi– Ms Jessica Tan the silence. She felt ence of silence. that youth her age A simple activity of picking could beneÂżt from a women’s an item or two from a range of only retreat such as this. “I don’t objects including photographs, a think feminine spirituality is often pair of sunglasses, a pin, a note- spoken about. Our roles as women book, a necklace and a tree branch, at work, wife, mother, how to be and reĂ€ecting on God’s message close to God‌ to remain single or through the item, proved to be a think about marriage – women my powerful exercise. One retreatant age wonder about these things.â€? who picked up the notebook felt 7R ÂżQG RXW PRUH DERXW .LQJthe invitation to start writing anew VPHDG &HQWUH IRU ,JQDWLDQ 6SLUand trust God’s plan for her. An- LWXDOLW\ &RXQVHOOLQJ FKHFN RXW other who picked up a photograph ZZZ NLQJVPHDGFHQWUH VJ „ of a train track amidst a towering mountain range, was reminded that mel.lee@catholic.org.sg

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ASIA 13

Sunday November 30, 2014 CatholicNews

0\ UHÁHFWLRQV RQ WKH IDPLO\ V\QRG Ideas were ‘frankly expressed’, says Archbishop John Ha of Kuching

T

he journeying together (which the word “Synod” means) of the Bishops as shepherds of their respective Catholic communities with Pope Francis was for me a profound experience of the universal Church as a pilgrim people. The Bishops were from all over the world. While some knew one another, a lot were meeting for the ¿rst time – new faces but not strangers. There was warmth because there was a deep sense of brotherhood that came from the Bishops’ common calling in baptism and ordination (priestly as well as episcopal).

What had we Bishops come to journey together for? To share our pastoral experiences and search together for a relevant and effective way of pasturing our respective Àocks in today’s world.

In the Third Extraordinary Synod, our attention was focused on the family. For today’s family faces serious challenges. We were well aware that we would not be making decisions on this very important area of our pastoral ministry. We were in that part of the journey together which would take the Church to the next stations – namely, further consultation at the level of the particular churches and the Ordinary Synod which would take place from 4 to 25 October 2015.

Heeding the Holy Father’s call to be frank, honest and humble, we trustingly shared with one another our experiences and views, leaving practically no stone unturned. What motivated us to do this was our love for the Church, in particular our people in our respective local churches.

We wanted to be able to minister to them as pastors after the heart of Christ who went in search of the lost sheep. If strong views were

That sense of unity and journeying together with the Pope overwhelmed me throughout the Synod. is: “The Vocation and Mission of the Family in the Church and in the World Today”.

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Archbishop John Ha of Kuching, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei, seen here with Pope Francis during the October Extraordinary Synod.

expressed in the Synod, it was because we earnestly wanted to reach out to all, especially those who were facing challenges beyond their ability to handle and those who might have given up hope because their marriages and families were on the verge of breaking up or had already broken up.

'HWDLOV RI 6\QRG Quite expectedly then, in the ¿rst week – which was dedicated to sharing of experiences and views by the Synodal Fathers as well as by married couples invited to the Synod – a whole lot of ideas were frankly expressed. These ranged from very traditional to very shocking views and from very comforting to very uncomfortable ones.

I felt I was in a “jungle of ideas” without any clear direction of where we were going. When the ¿rst “re-

latio” – a report which captured all sharings and views – was presented, there emerged a little clearer direction; but there were still what many felt were very controversial issues.

The report was taken up in toto for group discussions – ten groups in all.

These ten groups presented their reactions and responses to this report. A second “relatio” which took these reactions and responses into account was drafted, presented and voted on, paragraph by paragraph.

Except for three paragraphs that failed to obtain a two-third majority, the “relatio” was accepted. The mind of the Synodal Fathers became much clearer at this stage. This “relatio”, it must be pointed out, was to serve as a document – called “Lineamenta” – for further study by all Bishops with their faithful before being taken up by the next Synod, the XIV Ordinary Synod.

The theme for the next Synod

The Holy Father was present in all plenary sessions, patiently and attentively listening to everyone who spoke. His presence was inspiring and reassuring, though he did not make any intervention. It was only at the end that he gave his closing address.

That address of his won him a standing ovation as he described how he felt when the Synodal Fathers honestly shared their struggle in tending their sheep, in which they faced temptations of opposite extremes (rigidly holding on to canon law or readily letting go of it), all with the good intention of good pasturing.

His address was very comforting and reassuring. He af¿rmed that his presence as the successor of Peter was a guarantee of the unity of the Church. He asserted: “I can happily say that – with a spirit of collegiality and of synodality – we have truly lived the experience of ‘Synod’, a path of solidarity, a “journey together”.

That sense of unity and journeying together with the Pope overwhelmed me throughout the Synod.

The steady journey out of the “jungle of ideas” towards the fundamental truths of marriage and the family revealed in the Scriptures,

taught by the Church and faithfully lived out by countless couples, as well as the Bishops’ commitment to go out and reach out to the lost and wounded with love and care could only be the work of the Holy Spirit. His presence was felt.

The Holy Spirit will surely continue to be present in the Church as the Bishops take home the Synodal report to discuss and reÀect on with their faithful and when the next Synod is convened from 4 to 25 October 2015 to consider and discern the results of all these reÀections.

It is important for the faithful of every diocese – laity, Religious and priests – to give their input on this report so that the next Synod will have a rich and sound document to work on.

6\QRG LV ZRUN RI &KXUFK Indeed, the whole Synod is the work of the entire Church, although it is Bishops representing Bishops’ Conferences who will attend it. The experiences, aspirations and views of the faithful will be discerned and presented to the Synod by these delegates.

The Synod is indeed the whole people of God journeying together to proclaim to the world God’s word on marriage and the family. At the same time, they also proclaim God’s mercy to those who have strayed from His word and will as well as go out to bring them home to God. It is important to pray for the XIV Ordinary Synod and the runup to it. May the Holy Spirit’s presence be felt and His guidance heeded to, so that the Church will truly be the mother who inspires and nurtures good marriages and families as designed by God and nurses and heals wounded couples and families and brings them to God.

14 ASIA

Sunday November 30, 2014 CatholicNews

Indian Church shocked over sterilisation-related deaths THRISSUR, INDIA – The Church

in India has expressed shock over the deaths of more than a dozen young mothers in governmentrun sterilisation camps in central Chhattisgarh state.

“This is terrible,” Archbishop Prakash Mallavarapu, chairman of the health care commission of the Catholic Bishops Conference of India, told Catholic News Service on Nov 12 from his Visakhapatnam Archdiocese.

“It is not enough to punish the guilty responsible for this shocking tragedy. The systemic faults behind this tragedy must be exposed and corrected,” said Archbishop Mallavarapu.

While 12 of the 83 poor village women who underwent free government sterilisations at a private hospital in Bilaspur on Nov 8 died of subsequent medical complications after being sent home, local government of¿cials said at least 20 more women were critical and were being treated in different hospitals.

Meanwhile, another young mother who attended a similar sterilisation camp also died on Nov 12, raising the death toll to 13.

Following the national furore over the rising deaths from the botched surgery, police have registered criminal charges against half a dozen health of¿cials, in-

Women who had sterilisation operations lie on hospital beds in Bilaspur, India, on Nov 12. CNS photo

cluding senior Dr R K Gupta, who performed more than 80 sterilisation surgeries, more than double the limit for one day.

Reuters, the British news agency, quoted a senior local government of¿cial Siddharth Komal Singh, as saying, “Preliminary reports show that the medicines administered were spurious and also the equipment used was rusted.”

Archbishop Mallavarapu said poor people’s lives “should not be treated so cheaply”.

“What is the motive behind such sterilisation camps? Is it for

the need of the people or to meet the sterilisation targets of the government?” he asked.

“This tragedy brings to light the pathetic state of health care in rural areas,” added Archbishop Mallavarapu.

Sterilisation has been a population control method in India for decades, with the government setting targets for each area and providing incentives to those who undergo the surgery, health workers who bring “volunteers” to such camps and health workers who conduct the surgery. CNS

World’s largest Bible factory publishes ‘125 millionth copy’ in China BEIJING, CHINA – The world’s

largest Bible factory in Nanjing, operated by the Amity Foundation, has just published its 125 millionth copy amid a surge in demand in China over the past decade, according to the foundation.

Just two years after recording its 100 millionth Bible, Amity said that it has now sold 65.7 million copies in Chinese languages and exported 59.3 million to 70 countries.

“This year we will see even more Bibles printed compared to the past year,” Amity’s general manager Liu Lei said on Nov 7.

Amity’s factory, a joint venture with United Bible Societies, is the only state-sanctioned Bible publisher for China’s domestic market although small underground printers do exist along with a handful of export-only factories.

A Bible printed by the Amity Foundation.

Amity began exporting Bibles in 2003, accelerating production after 2008 when it moved into a

new factory in Nanjing, the world’s largest Bible production facility.

The exact number of Bibles Amity publishes remains undisclosed and contradictory, however.

Although Liu said there had been double-digit growth in Bible sales in China in recent years, a graph published by Amity last month showed that domestic volumes fell in 2012 and 2013.

Christianity is the fastest-growing religion in China with up to 100 million followers including 12 million to 21 million Catholics. CNS

WORLD 15

Sunday November 30, 2014 „ CatholicNews

Pope: abortion, euthanasia, IVF sins ‘against God the creator’ VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis

denounced a “false compassion� that would justify abortion, euthanasia, artificial reproduction technologies and medical research violating human dignity. And he urged medical doctors to “go against the current� and assert “conscientious objection� to such practices, which he called sins “against God the creator�.

The pope made his remarks on Nov 15 in a meeting with members of the Association of Italian Catholic Medical Doctors. “The dominant thinking sometimes suggests a false compassion, that which believes it is helpful to women to promote abortion; an act of dignity to provide euthanasia; a scientiÂżc breakthrough to produce a child

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We are living in a time of experimentation with life.

But a bad experiment.

Making children rather than accepting them as a gift, as I said.

Playing with life. $Q HPEU\RORJLVW UHPRYHV IUR]HQ embryos from a storage tank at WKH 6PRWULFK ,9) &OLQLF LQ /D -ROOD &DOLIRUQLD 86$ &16 ÂżOH SKRWR

and consider it to be a right, rather than a gift to welcome;

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or to use human lives as guinea pigs, presumably to save others,� Pope Francis said. “We are living in a time of

experimentation with life. But a bad experiment. Making children rather than accepting them as a gift, as I said. Playing with life. Be careful, because this is a sin against the Creator: against God the creator, who created things this way,� the pope said.

Catholic moral teaching forbids abortion, euthanasia, the use artiÂżcial reproduction technologies such as in-vitro fertilisation and research that involves the destruction of human embryos. “Fidelity to the Gospel of life and respect for life as a gift from God sometimes require choices that are courageous and go against the current, which in particular circumstances, may become points of conscientious objection,â€? Pope Francis said.

The pope said the Church

opposes abortion and euthanasia not only as a matter of faith or philosophical principle but as a question of science. “It is a scientiÂżc problem, because there is a human life there, and it is not lawful to do away with a human life to solve a problem,â€? he said. “In ancient and modern thought, the word ‘kill’ means the same thing.â€?

The pope urged doctors to practise true compassion as “good Samaritans, caring in a special way for the elderly, the inÂżrm and the disabledâ€?. “There is no human life that is more sacred than another,â€? he said, “just as there is no human life qualitatively more signiÂżcant than another just by virtue of having greater resources, rights and economic and social opportunitiesâ€?. „ CNS

Japan, Korea bishops Vatican public restrooms to include transcend troubled history showers for the homeless to declare brotherhood The archbishop VATICAN CITY –

TOKYO – The bishops of Korea

Japan seeks to own up to its hisand Japan rceently convened a tory and teach it to future generathree-day cultural exchange con- tions. ference in Seoul aimed at addressThe bishops also paid a visit ing political tensions in East Asia to a memorial for An Jung-geun, and ongoing efforts to bring their a Korean nationalist who assastwo nations closer together in sinated Hirobumi Ito, a former the wake of a much-troubled prime minister of Japan, in China history. in 1909.

The meeting, which has be“It is said that Korea and Jacome an annual tradition for pan are near each other but very Church leaders from both coun- far apart; but we, the bishops of tries, adopted our two nations, the theme “An are brothers and As people evangelical life always have been that transcends so,â€? said Archwho must bear nationalismâ€? bishop Kim on responsibility and was headed the Âżnal day of by Archbishop the meeting in for our nation’s Kim Hee-geun Seoul. history, for of Gwanju and “Through Archbishop these exchange what Japan has Takeo Okada of meetings, we done to you, Tokyo, presidents will strive to beof their respective come bridges I offer our most bishops’ conferfor the peace of heartfelt apology. ences. northeast Asia – Auxiliary Bishop Prior to the and for the peace Goro Matsuura of the start of the conof the world.â€?

Archdiocese of Osaka ference, 10 Archbishop bishops from Okada noted that each nation vis“these meetings ited a group home for “comfort ... were brought into being to help womenâ€? who had been used by overcome the sad history of our the Japanese military as sex two countries and Âżll in the gap slaves. of historical consciousness that “As people who must bear separates usâ€?. responsibility for our nation’s He added, “Our two nahistory, for what Japan has done tions still face shared chalto you, I offer our most heartfelt lengesâ€? such as income inequalapology,â€? said Auxiliary Bishop ity, discrimination, and suicide, Goro Matsuura of the Archdio- “and against such a backdrop cese of Osaka during the meeting we will work together to bring at the group home. about the Kingdom of Godâ€?. „ He added that the Church in UCANEWS.COM

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who distributes charity on behalf of Pope Francis has announced that the public restrooms in St Peter’s Square will include showers where the homeless can wash.

The service will require volunteers and donations of soap, towels and clean underwear, Archbishop Konrad Krajewski, the papal almoner, told Catholic News Service on Nov 13. “We have to be evangelical, but intelligent, too.�

Several people living on the streets of Rome or in tents say it is not difÂżcult to Âżnd a parish or charity that will give them something to eat, but Âżnding a place to wash is much more difÂżcult.

Barbara, a Polish woman who lives in a tent with her teenage son and a companion, said showers in the Vatican’s public restrooms “would be good. We’d thank them if it works.�

Her companion, who calls himself Stefano, said: “I’m a mason without work. I’ll help them build it. No problem.�

The news site Vatican Insider Âżrst reported the news that Archbishop Krajewski had asked the of-

$ KRPHOHVV SHUVRQ VOHHSV RXWVLGH WKH 9DWLFDQ SUHVV RIÂżFH QHDU 6W 3HWHUÂśV 6TXDUH RQ 1RY CNS photo

¿ce governing Vatican City State to include showers in an already-approved project to remodel the public restrooms in St Peter’s Square.

The remodelling work and installation of the showers was scheduled to begin on Nov 17.

The archbishop said the three shower stalls would be located in the public restrooms a few steps north of Bernini’s Colonnade, just behind the Vatican post of¿ce.

The archbishop told Vatican

Insider that in early October he invited a homeless man to a restaurant for dinner, but the man declined, saying a restaurant would not let him in because of his odour.

Archbishop Krajewski told Vatican Insider that he is visiting parishes in areas where homeless people gather and is encouraging them to install public showers if they have not already. His of¿ce will help fund the building, he said. „ CNS

Lifted: ban on married Eastern priests in diaspora VATICAN CITY – The Vatican has lifted its ban on the ordination of married men to the priesthood in Eastern Catholic churches outside their traditional territories, including in the United States, Canada and Australia.

Pope Francis approved lifting the ban, also doing away with the provision that, in exceptional cases, Eastern Catholic bishops in the diaspora could receive Vatican ap-

proval to ordain married men. In recent years, however, some Eastern Catholic bishops went ahead with such ordinations discreetly without Vatican approval.

Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, prefect of the Congregation for the Eastern Churches, signed the decree on June 14. It was published later online in the “Acta Apostolicae Sedisâ€?, the ofÂżcial periodical through which Vatican

laws and decisions are published.

The new law says the pope concedes to Eastern Catholic bishops outside their traditional territory the faculties to “allow pastoral service of Eastern married clergy� and “to ordain Eastern married candidates� in their eparchies or dioceses, although they must inform the local Latin-rite bishop in writing “in order to have his opinion and any relevant information�. „ CNS

16 WORLD

Sunday November 30, 2014 CatholicNews

Puppets help Syrian refugee kids overcome trauma BEIRUT – Syrian children who have seen their houses bombed and family members killed are using string, glue, socks, beads and other odds and ends to help put their lives back together.

Counsellors, teachers and volunteers are being trained to help the children process their trauma through the use of puppets.

In some instances, children who had not spoken in months would speak to the puppets, said Mr Davide Bernocchi, country representative to Lebanon and Jordan for Catholic Relief Services (CRS).

Staff members of the US bishops’ international relief and development agency CRS have worked with No Strings International to create ¿lms using puppets. They trained adults how to use puppets to talk to the children about what they saw. The children then make their own puppets.

The puppets are “like a friend for them”, said Ms Charbel Zgheib, project coordinator for Adyan, one of CRS’s partner agencies in Lebanon. They become “real friends with a real name”.

She said that in working with hundreds of children, the trained adults, or animators, have found that especially the 11 and 12-year-

old girls felt like they had to become adults and take care of their siblings. The puppets allowed them “to play ... to sing and to dance”.

Ms Lana Snobar, counselling coordinator for Caritas in Jordan, said the Syrian refugee children are “used to bombs” and to “seeing blood on the street”. Often the children – who sleep with their entire families in small, partitioned areas of church basements and schools – suffer from bedwetting.

Ms Robin Contino, CRS technical adviser for psycho-social support, is a licensed clinical social worker who spent 15 years overseas, mostly in Asia.

“We know that kids process trauma not through talk, but through play,” she said. Many children who have experienced trauma have post-traumatic stress disorder, she added, explaining that they might ¿nd it hard to sleep, or jump when they hear noises.

“It’s the norm, but it never gets normal,” she said.

In Beirut, Ms Zgheib said refugee children use the puppets to talk about sexual abuse or what they saw in Syria. “It was very important for them to express [themselves] through the puppets,” said Ms Zgheib. CNS

Counsellors, teachers and volunteers with Catholic Relief Service help Syrian refugee children process their trauma through the use of such puppets.

confession is maintained so seriously and completely by the Catholic Church that a priest would be excommunicated for revealing the contents of a confession when ordered to testify by a court or even after the penitent dies, Vatican of¿cials said.

“No confessor can be dispensed from it, even if he would want to reveal the contents of a confession in order to prevent a serious and imminent evil,” said Msgr Krzysztof Nykiel, regent of the Apostolic Penitentiary, a Vatican court dealing with matters of conscience.

The penitentiary sponsored a conference at the Vatican from Nov 12-13 on “the confessional seal and pastoral privacy”.

According to the Vatican newspaper, L’Osservatore Romano, conference participants heard that since the Fourth Lateran Council in 1215 spelled out the penalties in Church law for violating the secret of the confessional, “the discipline of the Church in this matter has remained substantially the same” with the exception of additional protections.

One of those additions, the newspaper said, was a 1988 Church law explicitly stating that using an “electronic apparatus” to record, broadcast or otherwise share the contents of a confession also is an excommunicable offence.

Cardinal Mauro Piacenza, head of the Apostolic Penitentia-

VATICAN CITY – Gathering at “a

Burkina Faso Church: clergy can’t head transitional council lic Church in Burkina Faso has welcomed an agreement on restoring civilian rule after a late-October military takeover, but rejected suggestions the handover of power could be supervised by a Catholic bishop.

Msgr Joseph Kinda, spokesman for the bishops’ conference in the West African nation, said all religious communities were represented at the talks that reached the agreement on transition to civilian rule on Nov 13. The talks in Burkina Faso’s capital, Ouagadougou, agreed on a constitutional charter leading to elections in November 2015.

“While we’re ready to propose a quali¿ed lay Catholic”, leading the transition “isn’t a task for

&16 ¿OH SKRWR

VATICAN CITY – The secrecy of a

confessor ‘Nocan be dispensed from it, even if he would want to ... prevent a serious and imminent evil.

’

– Msgr Krzysztof Nykiel, regent of the Apostolic Penitentiary A priest hearing confession in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

ry, told conference participants it is important “to remove any suspicion” that the Church’s commitment to the confessional seal “is designed to cover intrigues, plots or mysteries as people sometimes naively believe or, more easily, are led to believe”.

The seal, he said, is intended to protect the most intimate part of the human person, “that is, to safeguard the presence of God within each man”. The effect of the secret, he said, is that it also protects a person’s reputation and right to privacy.

The confessional seal, Msgr

Nykiel said, “is binding not only on the confessor, but also on the interpreter, if present, and anyone who in any way, even casually, comes to know of the sins confessed”.

The Church, he said, takes the seal so seriously that it forbids, on the pain of excommunication, a priest from testifying in court about what he heard in the confessional, “even if the penitent requests” that he testify.

Not even the death of the penitent can absolve the confessor from the obligation to maintain the secret, Msgr Nykiel said. CNS

Catholic, Muslim leaders slam persecution

CNS photo

OXFORD, ENGLAND – The Catho-

Seal of confession is absolute, even after penitent dies

clergy”, Msgr Kinda told Catholic News Service on Nov 14. “Canon Law rules out the exercise of temporal power, and it’s never right for a priest or bishop to hold it.”

He said Church leaders had backed the charter and would also urge the inclusion of supporters of the ousted 27-year president, Mr Blaise Compaore, in a new 90-member legislative National Transitional Council.

In an interview with Radio France International, Cardinal Philippe Ouedraogo of Ouagadougou welcomed the readiness of Burkina Faso’s new military rulers to restore “normal constitutional life” but also rejected media claims that he could head the Transitional Council. CNS

time of severe tension and conÀict”, particularly in the Middle East, 24 Catholic and Muslim leaders and scholars urged dialogue to promote greater respect and understanding and condemned all acts of violence committed in the name of religion.

The Catholic-Muslim Forum met at the Vatican from Nov 1113 while newspapers continued to be ¿lled with stories of Islamic State violence, and just days after violence erupted around the Jerusalem holy site known as Haram al-Sharif by Muslims and as Temple Mount by Jews.

The 12 Catholic and 12 Muslim forum participants “unanimously condemned acts of terrorism, oppression, violence against innocent persons, persecution, desecration of sacred places, and the destruction of cultural heritage”, said a statement released at the end of the meeting.

“It is never acceptable to use religion to justify such acts or to conÀate such acts with religion,”

At a forum at the Vatican, they commited to dialogue to overcome prejudice and distortions. said the delegates, who were led

by Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, president of the Ponti¿cal Council for Interreligious Dialogue, and Seyyed Hossein Nasr, a professor of Islamic studies at George Washington University in Washington, DC, USA. The Catholic-Muslim Forum was established in 2008 after more than 100 Muslim scholars launched the “Common Word” initiative, asking then-Pope Benedict XVI and other Christian leaders to support interreligious dialogue projects focused on highlighting the values Christians and Muslims share.

Pope Francis met participants brieÀy on Nov 12 before his general audience. A Vatican statement said the pope encouraged them “to

persevere on the path of ChristianMuslim dialogue, and was pleased to note their shared commitment to the selÀess and disinterested service of society”.

At the meeting, participants discussed ways to work together to serve young people, ways to enhance Catholic-Muslim dialogue and ways to collaborate more in serving society.

In their ¿nal statement they said the education of young people in the family, at school and at church or in a mosque “is of the utmost importance for the promotion of a well-rounded identity which builds respect for others. To this end, school curricula and textbooks should portray an objective and respectful image of the other.”

They also reaf¿rmed their commitment to dialogue for deepening mutual understanding.

“This is required to overcome prejudice, distortions, suspicions and inappropriate generalisations, all of which damage the peaceful relationships we all seek,” they said. CNS

POPE FRANCIS 17

Sunday November 30, 2014 CatholicNews

Details of upcoming papal visits released MANILA – Pope Francis will be

visiting Turkey this year and Sri Lanka, Philippines and Philadelphia, USA, next year.

Manila Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle announced details of the pope’s Jan 15-19 itinerary in the Philippines. He is to spend just over two days in Sri Lanka prior to this. The itinerary was released simultaneously at the Vatican.

Pope Francis leaves Rome on Jan 12 to Ày to Sri Lanka, which is still trying to promote reconciliation and peaceful coexistence after a bloody conÀict from 1983 to 2009 claimed thousands of lives.

While the majority of Sri Lanka’s 20 million inhabitants belong to the Sinhalese ethnic group, rebels from the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Elam fought for autonomy for the Tamil majority in the country’s north and east.

During his stay in Sri Lanka, the pope will celebrate a Mass on Jan 14 for the canonisation of Blessed Joseph Vaz, an Indian missionary credited with reviving almost single-handedly the Catholic Church in Sri Lanka during severe persecution by Dutch colonial authorities in the 17th cen-

Pope Francis will be in Philadelphia, USA next September to attend the World Meeting of Families.

A Filipino typhoon victim sends a letter to Pope Francis on Nov 3 in a rally seeking the help of the pontiff against the demolition of their bunkhouses two months before his visit to Leyte, Philippines. CNS photo

tury. The missionary was beati¿ed in Colombo by Pope John Paul II in January 1995.

In the country where Buddhists make up almost 70 percent of the population and Christians only about 6 percent, Pope Francis also will meet with leaders of various faith groups before leav-

Pope: bishops, priests must be willing to learn from others VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis

rything, who thinks he always has condemned the “absurd violence” the right answer to every question being used against Christians in and thinks he does not need anyseveral countries and called on one,” the pope said. people of good will everywhere While bishops and priests to take up the cause of religious are called to “courageously safefreedom. guard” and share the teachings of At the end of his general audi- the Church, they also must recogence on Nov 12, in his main audi- nise that they “always have someence talk, Pope Francis continued thing to learn, even from those his series on the Church and its who may still be far from the faith structure, focusing on the qualities and from the Church”. necessary in its ministers.

Working together, support“One does not become a bish- ing one another and examining op, priest or deacon because he is questions together, he said, the more intelligent Church’s minisor better than will demonBishops and priests ters others,” the pope strate “a new attisaid, “but only must recognise that tude, one marked because of a gift: by sharing, cothey ‘always God’s gift of love responsibility and poured out by the communion”. have something power of the Holy Pope Franto learn, even Spirit for the good cis said St Paul’s of his people”.

New Testament from those who The Church’s letters to Timomay still be far ministers, he said, thy and to Titus must be aware emphasise how from the faith and of how merciful the Church’s minfrom the Church’. isters must have and compassionate God has been faith and a robust with them, because such honesty spiritual life – “which cannot be makes them “humble and under- ignored because they are life itstanding of others”. self”. But the letters also outline Recognising that his call human qualities a minister must “Àows only from God’s mercy have: “acceptance, moderation, and God’s heart” ensures that a patience, meekness, trustworthiminister “will never assume an ness and goodness of heart”. authoritarian attitude, as if everyThose human qualities, he one were placed at his feet and as said, help the Church’s ministers if the community were his prop- go out to meet others with the aterty or personal kingdom”, Pope titude of respect necessary for Francis said. offering “a service and a witness “Woe to a bishop, priest or that is truly joyful and credible”. deacon who thinks he knows eve- CNS

ing Sri Lanka on Jan 15.

On Jan 16, during his ¿rst full day in the Philippines, Pope Francis will spend time with families from the country’s 86 dioceses. In the morning, he will take care of state visit obligations with a courtesy call to President Benigno Aquino and meetings with the diplomatic

corps. He also will celebrate Mass for the priests and women and men religious at the Manila cathedral.

The following day on Jan 17, the pope will visit Tacloban and Palo, two central Philippine cities battered in November 2013 by Typhoon Haiyan, or Yolanda as it was known locally.

Archbishop John Du of Palo said in a statement read by a Church of¿cial, “The decision of Pope Francis to come to the Philippines and especially to visit the Archdiocese of Palo, to show solidarity with the victims of the Yolanda catastrophe, was very unexpected but is also very much welcome.”

Most of the 7,300 dead or missing from the typhoon came from Tacloban and surrounding towns, including Palo.

The pope will celebrate Mass

on the Tacloban Airport grounds, then travel just south to Palo, where he will have lunch at the archbishop’s house with survivors of the typhoon and bless the Pope Francis Center for the Poor.

He will celebrate Mass for priests, women and men Religious as well as seminarians at Palo’s Cathedral of the Trans¿guration of Our Lord, whose roof was reduced to a mangled mess of metal during the storm.

Pope Francis is scheduled on Nov 28-30, to visit Turkey, where Catholics are a tiny minority. (See graphic below).

Next September, the pope said that he would attend the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia, making it the ¿rst con¿rmed stop on what is expected to be a more extensive papal visit to North America.

He made the announcement on Nov 17 in a speech opening an interreligious conference on traditional marriage.

“I would like to con¿rm that, God willing, in September 2015 I will go to Philadelphia for the eighth World Meeting of Families,” the pope said. CNS

POPE FRANCIS' VISIT TO TURKEY, NOV. 28-30 76.1 million total population 120,000 Christians, including 53,000 Catholics 75.9 million Muslims 6 Bishops (as of Oct. 29, 2014) 58 Priests 7 Male Religious 54 Women Religious 2 Permanent deacons 2 Lay members of secular institutes 7 Lay missionaries 68 Catechists

Education 23 Schools 6 Centers of special education Social/charitable centers owned or run by priests or religious 3 Hospitals 2 Clinics 5 Residences for the elderly/disabled

Black Sea

Istanbul Bursa

17 Church jurisdictions 54 Parishes 13 Other pastoral centers

Ankara

Adana

Mediterranean Sea Source: Vatican Information Service, Vatican Press Office

© 2014 CNS Graphics

Priests, Christians shouldn’t be afraid to ‘get hands dirty’ VATICAN CITY – God isn’t afraid of getting His hands dirty, being inconvenienced or even scorned because he will do whatever it takes to save everyone from sin, Pope Francis said in a morning homily.

“A true priest, a true Christian, have this zeal inside that no one should be lost. And for this reason they aren’t afraid of getting their hands dirty. They’re not afraid,” he said on Nov 6 during his morning Mass in the Domus Sanctae Marthae where he lives.

“They go where they must, they risk their life, risk their reputation, risk losing their comforts, their social status, even losing their ecclesiastical career, too. But they are a good pastor, and Christians must be this way, too,” he said, according to Vatican Radio.

The pope’s homily focused on the day’s Gospel reading from St Luke (15:1-10), in which Jesus explains to the scandalised Pharisees and scribes why he welcomes and eats with sinners.

“It was a real scandal back then” for anyone to

associate with such sinners, the pope said. “Imagine if there had been newspapers back then!” he said, implying there would have been many shocking headlines.

But with his parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin, Jesus explains why he came: “To go and search for those who were distanced from the Lord,” Pope Francis said.

The pope said, “It’s sad” when priests and Christians today only go “halfway” in sharing God’s love and salvation.

“It’s sad, the priest who opens the door of the Church and stays put, waiting. It’s sad, the Christian who doesn’t feel deep down, in his heart, the need, the necessity to go and tell others the Lord is good,” the pope said.

“A priest must have God’s heart and go all the way” because he wants no one to be lost, the pope said. Lay Christians must do the same. CNS

18 POPE FRANCIS

Sunday November 30, 2014 „ CatholicNews

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VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis

called for preserving the family as an institution based on marriage between a man and a woman, which he said is not a political cause but a matter of “human ecology�. “The complementarity of man and woman ... is at the root of marriage and the family,� he said on Nov 17, opening a three-day interreligious conference on traditional marriage. “Children have the right to grow up in a family with a father and mother capable of creating a suitable environment for the child’s development and emotional maturity.�

The pope said that “marriage and the family are in crisis. We now live in a culture of the temporary, in which more and more people are simply giving up on marriage as a public commitment. The revolution in mores and morals has often Ă€own the Ă€ag of freedom, but in fact it has brought spiritual and material devastation to countless human beings, especially the poorest and most vulnerable.â€?

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“crisis in the family has produced an ecological crisis, for social environments, like natural environments, need protection. And although the human race has come to understand the need to address conditions that menace our natural environments, we have been slower – we have been slower in our culture, and also in our Catholic

culture – to recognise that our fragile social environments are also at risk. It is therefore essential that we foster a new human ecology.�

Pope Francis voiced hope that young people would be “revolutionaries with the courage to seek true and lasting love, going against the current�. But he also warned against falling into the “trap of being

swayed by ideological concepts�. “We cannot speak today of the conservative family or the progressive family,� he said. “The family is the family.�

The pope also stressed that the complementarity between male and female does not necessarily entail stereotypical gender roles. “Let us not confuse [complementarity] with the simplistic idea that all the roles and relations of the two sexes are Âżxed in a single, static pattern,â€? he said. “Complementarity will take many forms as each man and woman brings his or her distinctive contributions to

their marriage and to the education of their children.�

Pope Francis said Christians Âżnd the meaning of complementarity in St Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians, “where the apostle tells us that the Spirit has endowed each of us with different gifts so that – just as the human body’s members work together for the good of the whole – everyone’s gifts can work together for the beneÂżt of eachâ€?. “To reĂ€ect upon complementarity is nothing less than to ponder the dynamic harmonies at the heart of all creation,â€? the pope said. „ CNS

POPE FRANCIS 19

Sunday November 30, 2014 CatholicNews

Pope says annulment process should be cheaper DQG PRUH HIÀFLHQW VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis said

the Church’s marriage annulment process should be more ef¿cient and perhaps even free of charge, and he decried any attempts to exploit it for pro¿t.

“Some procedures are so long and so burdensome, they don’t favour [justice], and people give up,” the pope said. “Mother Church should do justice and say: ‘Yes, it’s true, your marriage is null. No, your marriage is valid.’

But justice means saying so. That way, they can move on without this doubt, this darkness in their soul.”

The pope made his remarks on Nov 5, in a meeting with diocesan of¿cials and canon lawyers enrolled in a course offered by the Roman Rota, the Vatican tribunal primarily responsible for hearing requests for marriage annulments.

Pope Francis said participants at the Oct 5-19 Synod of Bishops on the family had expressed a desire to “streamline the process” of judging requests for annulments, and he noted that he had recently

procedures ‘areSome so long and so burdensome, they don’t favour [justice].

’

– Pope Francis

established a special commission to do so.

As an example of the burdens faced by those seeking annulments, the pope recalled that a tribunal he oversaw when he was Archbishop of Buenos Aires, exercised jurisdiction over dioceses as far as 240 km away.

“It is impossible to imagine that simple, common people should go to the tribunal. They have to take a trip, they have to miss days of work, also the cost, so many things,” the pope said. “They say, ‘God will understand, I’ll move on this way, with this burden on my soul.’”

Pope Francis warned that annulment cases must not fall within the “framework of business”,

which he described as an all-toofrequent occurrence.

Noting that some participants at the synod had called for making the annulment process free of charge, Pope Francis said “we will have to see”, but added that, “when the spiritual is attached to an economic interest, this is not from God”.

Pope Francis has related dif¿culties with the annulment process to the situation of divorced and civilly remarried Catholics whose predicament he has said exempli¿es a general need for mercy in the Church today.

According to Church law, such Catholics may not receive Communion unless they obtain an annulment of their ¿rst, sacramental marriage or abstain from sexual relations, living with their new partners as “brother and sister”.

A proposal by German Cardinal Walter Kasper to allow some divorced and civilly remarried Catholics to receive Communion without meeting either of those conditions was one of the most controversial topics at October’s synod. CNS

New body to quicken abuse appeals VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis has established a special body within the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith to speed up the process of hearing and ruling on appeals ¿led by priests laicised or otherwise disciplined in sexual abuse or other serious cases.

Jesuit Fr Federico Lombardi, Vatican spokesman, told reporters on Nov 11 that the members of the doctrinal congregation had been examining an average of four or ¿ve appeals, mostly in sex abuse cases, at each of their monthly meetings.

“Because of the number of appeals and the need to guarantee a

more rapid examination of them”, Pope Francis has instituted a “college” within the congregation to judge cases involving priests, said a note from Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, presenting the text of the papal order.

A case involving a bishop accused of abuse or other serious crimes would continue to be examined and judged by the entire membership of the doctrinal congregation during one of its regular monthly meetings, says the order, of¿cially known as a “rescript”.

Already in May, the Vatican had indicated Pope Francis was estab-

lishing the college. In a brief note on May 19, the Vatican press of¿ce announced the pope had nominated Argentine Archbishop Jose Luis Mollaghan of Rosario to be a member of the doctrinal congregation “in the commission being established to examine the appeals of clergy for delicta graviora”, the Vatican term for sexual abuse of minors and serious sins against the sacraments.

Pope Francis’ order establishing the college said it would be made up of “seven cardinals or bishops”, who may or may not be members of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. CNS

20 OPINION

Sunday November 30, 2014 CatholicNews

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LETTER

That SMS or call can wait till after Mass I would like to thank the CatholicNews editorial team for running the article, R U Texting in Church, Put the Phone Down! (CN, Nov 16).

I am in total agreement with the article, and I believe that publishing this article will give many people food for thought. While this article was written in the US, I think this is a concern that is also present in Singapore.

There are a lot of points that resonated with me, mainly, the conundrum of whether or not we should address parishioners who use their mobile devices during Mass.

I’m 28 years old and even I (not just my parents) have noticed this growing concern as people’s attachment to their mobile devices grew over the years.

When my family and I attend Mass at our parish, we make it a point to devote this full hour to pure worship. Although we follow this personal rule, other parishioners who use their mobile devices (or sometimes even have personal

CN, Nov 16

conversations among themselves) do pose a distraction to us and others in the congregation.

I couldn’t agree more with Fr Thomas Holmes’ quote: “People should have a little more sense when it comes to their cell phones. They forget why they’re [at church]. It’s only an hour of their life.”

But here comes the dilemma – how do we remain gracious about it?

It saddens me how this is a grim reÀection of today’s society and of the future generation. Are we tolerating and raising a generation who do not understand or is unsure of how to prioritise the importance of respect and worship? Not only does it reÀect a lack of respect of and understanding of the Mass and the Catholic faith, it is also offensive.

This behaviour is present in

other social settings as well – in meetings, seminars, movies, at mealtimes, the list goes on.

But I believe that there is hope.

It is just a matter of ¿nding a good balance and knowing how to act and react appropriately.

It also makes me wonder if I act appropriately when I give disapproving looks to anyone using their mobile devices during Mass.

I think they just need reminders that they are in a place of worship, and everyone should be more proactive when reaching out to people who, perhaps, may not even be aware that they are causing a distraction. If it isn’t an emergency, that text message or phone call CAN wait until after Mass.

April Zara Chua Singapore 530435

What does accepting the cross mean?

AMONG Jesus’ many teachings we ¿nd this rather harsh-sounding invitation: Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me. Whoever ¿nds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will ¿nd it.

I suspect that each of us has a gut sense of what this means and what it will cost us; but, I suspect too that many of us misunderstand what Jesus is asking here and struggle unhealthily with this invitation.

What, concretely, does Jesus mean by this?

To answer that, I would like to lean on some insights offered by Jesuit Fr James Martin in his book, Jesus: A Pilgrimage. He suggests that taking up our cross daily and giving up life in order to ¿nd deeper life means six interpenetrating things: First, it means accepting that suffering is a part of our lives. Accepting our cross and giving up our lives means that, at some point, we have to make peace with the unalterable fact that frustration, disappointment, pain, misfortune, illness, unfairness, sadness and death are a part of our lives and they must ultimately be accepted without bitterness. As long as we nurse the notion that pain in our lives is something we need not accept, we will habitually ¿nd ourselves bitter – bitter for not having accepted the cross.

Second, taking up our cross and giving up our lives means that we may not, in our suffering, pass on any bitterness to those around us. We have a strong inclination, almost as part of our natural instincts, to make others suffer when we are suffering: If I’m unhappy, I will make sure that others around me are unhappy too!

This does not mean, as Fr Martin points out, that we cannot share our pain with others. But there’s a healthy way of doing this, where our sharing leaves others free, as opposed to an unhealthy kind of sharing which subtly tries to make others unhappy because we are unhappy. There’s a difference between healthily groaning under the weight of our pain and unhealthily whining in self-pity and bitterness under that weight.

The cross gives us permission to do the former, but not the latter.

Jesus groaned under the weight of His cross, but no self-pity, whining, or bitterness issued forth from His lips or His beaten body.

Third, walking in the footsteps of Jesus as He carries His cross means that we must accept some other deaths before our physical death, that we are invited to let some parts of ourselves die. When Jesus invites us to die in order to ¿nd life, He is not, ¿rst of all, talking about physical death. If we live in adulthood, there are a myriad of other deaths that we must undergo before we die physically. Maturity and Christian discipleship are about perennially naming our deaths, claiming our births, mourning our losses, letting go of what’s died, and receiving new spirit for the new life that we are now living.

These are the stages of the paschal mystery, and the stages of growing up. There are daily deaths.

Fourth, it means that we must wait for the resurrection, that here in this life all symphonies must remain un¿nished. The book of Proverbs tells us that sometimes in the midst of pain, the best we can do is put our mouths to the dust and wait. Any real understanding of the cross agrees.

So much of life and discipleship is about waiting, waiting in frustration, inside injustice, inside pain, in longing, battling bitterness, as we wait for something or someone to come and change our situation. We spend about 98 percent of our lives waiting for ful¿lment in small and big ways. Jesus’ invitation to us to follow Him implies waiting, accepting to live inside an un¿nished symphony.

Fifth, carrying our cross daily means accepting that God’s gift to us is often not what we expect. God always answers our prayers but, oftentimes, by giving us what we really need rather than what we think we need. The Resurrection, says Fr Martin, does not come when we expect it and rarely ¿ts our notion of how a resurrection should happen. To carry your cross is to be open to surprise.

Finally, taking up your cross and being willing to give up your life means living in a faith that believes that nothing is impossible for God. As Fr Martin puts it, this means accepting that God is greater than the human imagination. Indeed, whenever we succumb to the notion that God cannot offer us a way out of our pain into some kind of newness, it’s precisely because we have reduced God down to the size of our own limited imagination.

It’s only possible to accept our cross, to live in trust, and to not grow bitter inside pain if we believe in possibilities beyond what we can imagine, namely, if we believe in the Resurrection. We can take up our cross when we begin to believe in the Resurrection.

21

Sunday November 30, 2014 CatholicNews

Sri Lankan community uses social media, technology to spread the Good News Photo: WELROY SAMUEL

By Lorna O’Hara The Sri Lankan Catholic community started from humble beginnings.

It was set up by Sr Mary Susila Thomas in 1995 together with Ms Clara Perera, 66, who has been living in Singapore for 24 years. They went to Tekka market in search of fellow Sri Lankan Catholics.

Their efforts have reaped rewards as now, the Sri Lankan community is a close-knit group comprising about 150 members.

CatholicNews spoke to the community after Mass in Sinhala at the Greccio Friary in CHIJ Queen of Peace (CHIJ QOP) on Nov 9. What was apparent was how the community harnesses the power of social media and technology to spread the Good News.

It has created a mobile application “Supuwatha” or Good News, which gives daily Mass readings in text, audio and video – in Sinhala and Tamil.

The community also has a website of its own and a strong presence on social media.

The man behind all this is the community’s chaplain, Franciscan Friar Julian Nerius Roy Mariaratnam, who came to Singapore in 2008.

Apart from this, the community is also working together to “put together a three-volume Sunday Missal in Sinhala”, Fr Julian told CatholicNews.

“With some help from other Sri Lankans living in Sri Lanka”, the Year A and C books were published by the community and used every week during Mass. The Year B book is currently a work in progress and Fr Julian hopes to release it “by the end of the year, in time for the beginning of the liturgical year”.

least 250 Sri Lankans attend their Christmas Mass every year.

Other activities include outings, picnics and prayer services.

Whenever a Sri Lankan priest visits, the community seizes the opportunity to get as much spiritual input as they can.

For the ¿rst time this year, the community will spread Christmas cheer by visiting the homes of some of its community members.

They will sing carols and hold a short prayer service, said Fr Julian.

In need of a home

Clockwise from top: The Sri Lankan community posing for a photo during this year’s Migrant Sunday celebration.

With their chaplain, Friar Julian Nerius Roy Mariaratnam, (in brown habit). A screenshot of the community’s website.

Fr Julian delivering his homily to the 50 Sri Lankans present at a Sinhala Sunday Mass.

Activities There is always something the community can look forward to with their line-up of activities every year.

It holds an annual sports day,

held around the date of the Sinhalese and Tamil New Year. Last year, the community grouped themselves into different coloured teams, and took part in a game of tug-of-war as well as

other traditional Sinhalese games.

Celebrations are also held by the community during Easter and Christmas, as well as during the Sinhalese and Tamil New Year in April. Fr Julian shared that at

Presently, Fr Julian shared that the community needs to ¿nd a “solution” for their “homelessness”.

“We used to have [Sinhala] Masses at Our Lady of Lourdes Church. But when they needed to do renovations, there was a lack of space”, so the community had to move to CHIJ QOP at 4A Chestnut Drive, he said.

“It’s hard for some Sri Lankans to come all the way here for Mass”, shared Mr Suresh Ranaweera, 38, who is part of the 15-member choir.

Mr Jayanath Perera, 54, who has been living in Singapore for 18 years said that, “as most Sri Lankans go to Little India, it would be really good if we could have a venue to celebrate Mass within the vicinity.”

Ms Kamani Pattiyage, 37, who has been living in Singapore for 14 years, said that Sunday “is the day that we can get together and be happy”.

To get in touch with the community, call Fr Julian at 9686-3625, visit the Sri Lankan Catholics Facebook page or their website at www.srilankancatholics.org lorna.ohara@catholic.org.sg

22 FAITH ALIVE!

Sunday November 30, 2014 CatholicNews

5HÁHFWLQJ GXULQJ $GYHQW on life’s big surprises

By David Gibson Common wisdom holds that it always is in our best interests to be watchful, to remain on alert when going about daily life. Otherwise we might be ambushed by unforeseen developments, surprises that disrupt our best laid plans or shake our hopes.

Naturally, there are lots of surprises that everyone welcomes, the kind that renew hope and make us want to cheer. The more the better!

The problem is that most of us experience many unpleasant surprises, the kinds that send us searching for consolation.

Then we wonder what is being asked of us and what steps to take next. Our roles, somewhat clear to us yesterday, are not as clear today.

No wonder people become not only watchful, but wary, particularly after one of life’s big surprises results in suffering for them.

But watchfulness, it turns out, is a particular virtue of the Advent season. “Watching is the virtue, the attitude of pilgrims,” Pope Francis remarked at the end of Advent last year. This is a time to “open our souls in watchfulness”.

Wary watchfulness did not seem to be what he had in mind,

Watchfulness is a particular virtue of the season

A sculpture of an expectant Mary with Joseph en route to Bethlehem is seen in a church during the season of Advent. CNS photo

however. He hoped Christians in Advent would watch “like Mary”, who was anticipating Jesus’ birth. During Advent, he said, “the Holy Spirit moves in the heart of each one of us, forming this prayer within us: ‘Come, come!’”

In Advent, Christians wait expectantly for the coming of God into the world as we know it.

Might the real surprise of Christmas disrupt life for us or prompt a shift in our best laid plans? Yes, but presumably not a change for the worse.

Think of St Joseph. He is a key biblical model for Advent, someone hugely surprised in a manner that must at ¿rst have felt sad and unpleasant.

St Joseph “was following a good plan for his life, but God was reserving another plan for

Preparing not for Christmas, but for eternity

By Daniel S Mulhall Advent comes from the Latin word adventus, which means arrival. But at Christmas, we celebrate what has already occurred: Jesus’ birth and our salvation.

A closer look at advent reveals greater anticipation. The Latin word adventus, is a translation of the Greek word parousia, sometimes used to refer to the second coming of Christ – the event that is eagerly awaited

by Christians.

The Scripture readings for the last three Sundays of this liturgical year will focus on the end of time and Christ’s return.

The Gospel for the ¿rst Sunday of Advent this year will remind us of when Jesus tells His disciples to be watchful because they do not know when the master will return.

So, over the four weeks of Advent, we will gradually move into the familiar readings that call us to prepare for the Lord’s birth.

The Advent wreath, with a lit candle marking each week of the season, is a traditional symbol of the period. CNS photo

But we would be well-ad- at the beginning of a new calenvised to keep those “end of the dar year. world” readings Why not use clearly in mind as Set faith goals the ¿rst few weeks we make the tranof Advent to rewhich are sition. Jesus will Àect on what has come again and reasonable and happened in your we don’t know faith life during the manageable. when. past year? Are you Perhaps we should approach praying more or less than you’d the Advent season as we would like? How frequently have you

celebrated the Sacraments of Eucharist and Reconciliation?

Have you attended any presentations or read any materials designed to encourage growth in faith?

Examine this during the ¿rst two weeks of Advent. Then, you can put the last two weeks to pro¿table use by setting faith goals that you will attempt to accomplish over the coming year.

A simple suggestion is to set reasonable, manageable, and measurable goals that you can begin to implement with small steps.

You can set out to spend one hour in prayer a day during the coming year. With practice and perseverance, you can gradually increase your time until you’ve reached your hour goal.

By using Advent productively, you will be preparing yourself for Jesus’ arrival, whenever that may be. CNS Mulhall is a catechist and writer.

He lives in Laurel, Maryland, USA.

St Joseph who is the husband of Mary, is a key biblical model for Advent, someone hugely surprised in a manner that must DW ¿UVW KDYH IHOW VDG and unpleasant. him”, Pope Francis commented last year during Advent. However, St Joseph “always listened to the voice of God”.

No doubt, it can be tough to meet the standard set by St Joseph, particularly when we fear that a surprising development may spell suffering for us or others.

But Advent challenges us to be on the lookout for God’s presence and God’s questions for us when life’s welcome and not-sowelcome surprises occur.

Pope Francis said once that “we seek God here, and He waits for us there”.

So be watchful in Advent. Try to see how God is mysteriously at work in life’s big surprises. CNS Gibson served on Catholic News Service’s editorial staff for 37 years.

)RRG IRU 7KRXJKW We closely link Advent to Christmas, to presents, to shopping and the material things where we think we’ll ¿nd happiness. We anticipate – and sometimes dread – the upcoming activities of the season, signalling the year’s end.

During Advent in 2013, Pope Francis reminded us that Advent signals not just the symbolic or physical birth of Christ, but also the anticipation of His second coming. Our Church, he said, “lives this spiritually”.

Advent is the time to ask questions of how we wait for Christ’s birth and for His second coming.

Are we like Mary, and do we virtuously keep watch? Or, “are we closed? Are we vigilant or are we safe and secure in an inn, no longer wanting to continue on? Are we pilgrims or are we wandering?”

During Advent, the pope said, the Church asks us to “open our souls in watchfulness”. We can use Advent as a time to ask “if the Lord comes or does not come; if there is room for the Lord, or if there is room for celebration, for shopping, for making noise?”

We should ask: “Are our souls open?” Or do we have a note on the door that says: “Please do not disturb?” CNS

Sunday November 30, 2014 „ CatholicNews

23

24

Sunday November 30, 2014 CatholicNews

St Chromatius

St Chromatius was raised in Aquileia, Italy, by his widowed mother. He became a priest and was very well-liked. St Jerome had good things to say about him.

He fought against people who believed that Jesus was only a man and not God. He became bishop of Aquileia in 388 and became very well-known.

He encouraged many religious works to be translated so people could read them, and he helped raise money so St Jerome could translate the Bible.

As a theologian and scholar, he wrote a lot about the Gospel of Matthew. St Chromatius died in 407, and we honour him on Dec 2.

Bible Accent: When God told Ezekiel that he would judge the people of Israel, he referred to the people as sheep and goats.

Sheep and goats have very different personalities. Sheep are easy to herd and they are very gentle. Goats are more aggressive and stubborn, and they like to do their own thing.

In biblical times, people would sacri¿ce both sheep and goats to God. During a ceremony of atonement, Moses’ brother, Aaron, would sacri¿ce one goat as a puri¿cation offering for the people of Israel. Then he would take a second goat and confess over it all of the Israelites’ sins, and that goat was led off into the wilderness to carry off those sins. This is where the term “scapegoat” – which means “one that bears the blame for others” – comes from.

In the New Testament, Jesus said that when He judges the nations, those who are sheep will be on his right and those who are goats will be on his left. This means that the sheep will have eternal life, while the goats will have eternal punishment.

PUZZLE: Which animals mentioned in the Children’s Story above are featured in the following passages: Genesis 27:9; Leviticus 16:5; Luke 15:29

with them, and that they are my people, the house of Israel.”

Read more about it: Ezekiel 34

Q&A 1. Why was God upset with the leaders of Israel?

2. Who did God say would become the shepherd of Israel?

Wordsearch: HOUSE PEACE GOATS WILD

PEOPLE DWELL BEASTS PRINCE

PASTURE FLOCK MESSAGE

BIBLE TRIVIA: Who else in the Bible talks about separating the sheep from the goats?

Answer to Wordsearch

SPOTLIGHT ON SAINTS:

them, my servant David; he shall pasture them and be their shepherd.

I, the Lord, will be their God, and my servant David will be prince in their midst ... I will make a covenant of peace with them ... they shall no longer be plundered by the nations nor will wild beasts devour them, but they shall dwell securely, with no one to frighten them ... thus they shall know that I, the Lord, their God, am

Answer to Bible Trivia: Jesus

God told his prophet, Ezekiel, to bring a message to the leaders of Israel. God was not happy with the leaders. They were very good at taking care of themselves, but they did not do a good job of being the shepherds of God’s Àock, the people of Israel.

“You did not strengthen the weak nor heal the sick nor bind up the injured,” God told Ezekiel to say to the leaders of Israel. “You did not bring back the stray or seek the lost but ruled them harshly and brutally.

So they were scattered for lack of a shepherd, and became food for all the wild beasts. They were scattered and wandered over all the mountains and high hills ... no one looked after them or searched for them.”

God wanted Ezekiel to tell the leaders that God Himself would shepherd Israel instead so He could make sure they were well-taken care of.

God also had a message for the people of Israel. He told them that He would judge them.

“As for you, my Àock, thus says the Lord God: I will judge between one sheep and another, between rams and goats. Was it not enough for you to graze on the best pasture, that you had to trample the rest of your pastures with your hooves? Or to drink the clearest water, that you had to pollute the rest with your hooves?

Thus my Àock had to graze on what your hooves had trampled and drink what your hooves had polluted.”

Then God said, “I will appoint one shepherd over them to pasture

Answer to puzzle: rams and goats

By Jennifer Ficcaglia

EVENT SUBMISSIONS We welcome information of events happening in our local Church.

Please send your submission at least one month before the event. Online submissions can be made at www.catholic.org.sg/ webevent_form.php CATECHISM FOR THE ELDERLY Catechism classes for the elderly are held in English and other dialects on Thursdays from 1pm2.45pm at Holy Family Church and on Saturdays at St Joseph’s Church (Victoria Street, parish hall) from 9.30am-11.30am.

Register T: 9115 5673 (Andrew).

NOVEMBER 25 TO DECEMBER 23 SPREADING CHRIST’S LOVE AND MESSAGE IN THE MARKETPLACE 11am-9pm daily (except Mondays): The Daughters of Saint Paul, through their mission of spiritual books and media materials, are once again conducting their annual Christmas out-reach in Jurong Point. Their presence in the mall, with a pushcart containing inspiring gift items to help one grow in faith, is a reminder to all that Christ is the reason for the season of Christmas.

Organised by Daughters of St Paul. At Jurong Point Shopping Mall, 1 Jurong West Central 2, Level 1 (opposite Bata).

NOVEMBER 28 TO NOVEMBER 30 NOVEMBER CHOICE WEEKEND 6pm: Come for a weekend that will inspire you for the rest of your life. Come away for a Choice weekend – it is by the choices we make that we de¿ne what our life is all about. Organised by Choice Singapore. At 47 Jurong West Street 42. Register T: 9790 0537 (Hillary) / 9424 2606 (Jacqueline); E: registration@choice.org.sg.

NOVEMBER 29 ART JAMMING – ACCOMPANIED BY LIVE MUSIC 2-5pm: To begin this Advent season, we invite you to come with your family and friends to express your personal reÀection and rediscover the therapeutic joy of art. No artistic experience necessary. All art materials and refreshments will be provided.

Participants get to enjoy Christmas carols and a neck and shoulder massage. Fee: $40 (payment at the door). Organised by Clarity Singapore. At The Catholic Centre, 55 Waterloo Street, Mary & Magdalene Hall, Level 3. Register T: 6757 7990; E: registration@ clarity-singapore.org.

NOVEMBER 29 TO NOVEMBER 30 ADVENT VIGIL RETREAT IN TAMIL 10pm-6am: The Commission for the Apostolate of Tamil Speaking (CATS) and St Joseph Tamil Prayer Group cordially invites all to participate in an Advent vigil retreat in Tamil. There will be Mass after the retreat. Retreat Master: Fr Julian, OFM. At Blessed Sacrament Church, 1 Commonwealth Drive, Damien Hall. Register T: 9670 5734 (Mr Wilfred); E: joackinwilfred@yahoo.com.

NOVEMBER 29 INAUGURATION OF RESTORED STAINED GLASS AND CHORAL PERFORMANCE 3pm: Come to St Joseph’s Church (Victoria Street) to mark the inauguration of our beautifully restored stained glass. Organised

by St Joseph’s Church (Victoria Street). All are welcome. At 143 Victoria Street.

NOVEMBER 30 WORLD AIDS DAY MASS 7.15pm-8.15pm: There will be a World AIDS Day Mass held at Church of the St Mary of the Angels. Fr Clifford Augustine will be the main celebrant. Organised

by Catholic AIDS Response Effort.

At 5 Bukit Batok East Avenue 2.

IN MEMORIAM 25

WHAT’S ON

Sunday November 30, 2014 CatholicNews

MONDAYS FROM DECEMBER 1 TO JANUARY 12, 2015 READING WITH THE PILGRIM: CONCEIVING JOY 8pm-10pm: Join us for a series of seven Monday evening gatherings for reading, praying, and sharing questions and insights on Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation, The Joy of the Gospel. Facilitated

by Fr Christopher Soh, SJ. Fee: $70. Organised by Kingsmead Centre. At 8 Victoria Park Road.

Register T: 6467 6072; E: cisc2664@gmail.com.

DECEMBER 6 BECOMING A PARENT SOON – THE JOYS AND CHALLENGES 2-6pm: Learn from our experts about the stages of labour and giving birth. Find out what happens in the days following the birth of your bundle of joy.

Organised by Family Life Society.

Health Promotion Board, Lecture Hall 1, 3 Second Hospital Avenue.

Enquiries T: 6488 0286.

DECEMBER 6 TO DECEMBER 13 ACTS MISSION 2014 TO BATTAMBANG, CAMBODIA ACTS will be going on a oneweek medical and mission trip to Arrupe, Chomnaom, Chreb Viel, Nikhum, Tahen, Tapung and Don Bosco Mother Mazzarello House in Battambang, Cambodia. This outreach will bring 130 volunteers to participate in educational activities, restoration and repair work, catechesis, music and dance ministry and of course medical care to the different villages.

Spiritual Director: Fr Jovita Ho. Mission Leader: Dr Damian Png. Organised by ACTS. Enquiries: cambbb@acts-singapore.com DECEMBER 7 MASS FOR INTERGENERATIONAL HEALING 8pm-10pm: Fr Thomas Curran will be celebrating a Mass for intergenerational healing.

There will be a time of prayer and healing after Mass. All are welcome. Register T: 9459 2450; E: marilyn8sep@yahoo.com.

DECEMBER 7 FMDM DAY OF PRAYER FOR ADVENT 9.45am-3.30pm: For single women aged 19 and 35, join us for our FMDM day of prayer in preparation for Advent. Organised

by Franciscan Missionaries of the Divine Motherhood. At St Francis Convent, 810 Thomson Road.

Register E: fmdmvocation4u@ gmail.com / angelin2010@ hotmail.co.uk.

DECEMBER 8 FEAST OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION 11.30am: Join us to celebrate the feast of the Immaculate Conception.

There will be prayers, rosary and confession. Mass at 1pm. Please bring along your 2013 prayer book and hymn sheet. A large tentage will be set up at the open carpark so parking lots would not be available. Organised by Church of Sts Peter and Paul. At 225A Queen Street.

DECEMBER 8 TO DECEMBER 14 CHARIS MISSION TRIP TO DENIYAYA, SRI LANKA The challenges to provide accessible drinking water and the severe lack of sanitation for Deniyaya villagers have been mounting. In Oct 2014, CHARIS funded the building of 50 latrines to help with this dire sanitation situation. A mission team will be deployed to help with the building of these toilets. Bio-sand water ¿ltration training will also be conducted there. Come experience faith in action and the joy of mission work. Organised by CHARIS. Register T: 6337 4119; E: lilynne@charis-singapore.org.

DECEMBER 13 ADVENT RETREAT: OPEN YOUR HEART TO CHRIST 9am-6pm: Join us for an Advent retreat to prepare for the coming

of Christ. Mass included.

Organised by Archdiocesan Biblical Apostolate. At FMM Retreat House, 49D, Holland Road. Fee: $50 adults; $30 for students. Register T: 8657 5177 (Verbum Dei Missionaries); E: bibleapostolate@catholic.org.sg.

DECEMBER 13 TO DECEMBER 20 ACTS MISSION 2014 TO PHNOM PENH ACTS will be heading to Phnom Penh for a week-long medical and education mission trip Don Bosco schools in Teuk Thla, Tuol, Kork and Phum Chreh in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The 230 volunteers will participate in educational activities (enrichment and vocational), catechesis, music and dance ministry and especially medical care to the locals. Spiritual Director: Fr David Garcia. Organised by ACTS. Enquiries E: cambpp@ acts-singapore.com.

DECEMBER 14 DIY COUNSELLING WORKSHOP 2-5pm: Learn a simple yet effective skill and process to help you manage life issues or confusions.

Organised by Lifesprings Canossian Spirituality Centre.

At 100 Jln Merbok. Fee: $60.

Register T: 6466 2178 (Brenda); E: lifesprings@singnet.com.sg.

DECEMBER 21 CHRISTMAS RECOLLECTION 9.30am-5pm: An invitation to spend a day of prayer to prepare for the feast of the Nativity of the Lord. At Choice Retreat House, 47 Jurong West St 42. Organised

by Cenacle Sisters. Register T: 6565 2895 / 9722 3148; E: cenaclesing@gmail.com.

DECEMBER 29 CATHOLIC BUSINESS NETWORK CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION 7pm-10pm: The Catholic Business Network (CBN) would like to invite you to an exciting evening of food, fun and entertainment by celebrating Christmas with other CBN members and for non-members to network with new acquaintances. There will be cocktail, a buffet dinner and entertainment from the Sts Peter & Paul Church band – Chronicles 169. Fee: $120 (CBN members); $150 (non-members). Organised

by CBN. At 9 Bras Basah Road, Level 2. Register T: 9228 4463 (Raymond); E: raymond@cbn.sg.

JANUARY 4 TO NOVEMBER 8, 2015 MARRIAGE PREPARATION COURSE Calling all couples who are intending to get married! Join us for a marriage preparation course.

Sessions would take place next year from Jan 4-Feb 8; April 26-May 31; July 19-August 30 and Oct 4-Nov 8. Forms are downloadable at www.catholic.org. sg/MPC. Allocation of spaces is on a ¿rst-come-¿rst-serve basis so hurry! Organised by MPC (af¿liate of ACF). At CJC Auditorium, 129 Whitley Road. For enquiries, T: 9367 3411 (Peter and Rita); E: MPCSingapore@gmail.com.

JANUARY 10, 2015 MEDITATIVE PRAYER USING THE SONGS OF TAIZE 8pm: Join us for the meditative songs of Taize. All are welcome.

Organised by Taizé community.

At The Armenian Church of St Gregory the Illuminator, 60 Hill Street. Enquiries T: 9837 7256; E: bennycah@gmail.com.

JANUARY 15 TO APRIL 23, 2015 BIBLE GENESIS – GENESIS LECTURES BY MSGR AMBROSE VAZ 8pm-10pm: Every Thursday from January 15, join us for Bible study lectures on the Book of Genesis

by Msgr Ambrose Vaz. Organised by the Church of St Ignatius Bible Apostolate. At 120 King’s Road, Level 2 Annexe Hall. No preregistration required. Enquiries contact: henrywu@lucas.com.sg.

The Crossword Puzzle is held over to the next issue.

CLASSIFIED THANKSGIVING Once again thank you apostle St Jude Thaddeus for prayers answered. Also special thanks and gratitude to Our Father, Jesus Christ, Holy Spirit, Sacred Heart of Jesus, Divine Mercy, Mother Mary, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Our Lady of Lourdes, Sts Joseph, Anthony and all the Holy Angels and Saints for the many intercessions, miracles, protection and prayers answered during the most difficult times.

Deeply appreciate all the guidance, love and blessings on me and loved ones. Please continue to watch, guide and intercede for me and my family especially my husband and daughter.

Holy Spirit you who make me see everything and show me the way to reach my ideal. You who give me the divine gift to forgive and forget the wrong that is done to me and who are in all instances of my life with me. I, in this short

dialogue, want to thank you for everything and confirm once more that I never want to be separated from you no matter how great the material desires may be. I want to be with you and my loved ones in your perpetual glory.

Amen. Please continue to watch over my husband and me. Most gratefully Christabell O Holy St Jude, apostle and martyr, great in virtue and rich in miracles, near kinsman of Jesus Christ, faithful intercessor of all who invoke your special patronage in times of need. To you I have recourse from the depth of my heart and humbly beg you to whom God has given such great power, to come to my assistance. Help me in my present urgent petition. In return, I promise to make your name known and cause you to be invoked. St Jude pray for me and all who invoke your aid. Humbly in need of your intercession.

Amen. Thank you for answering my prayers.

Please turn to pages 26 and 27 for more in memoriam advertisements.

28 FAMILY

Sunday November 30, 2014 „ CatholicNews

7KH PDUULDJH YRZV Couples who marry in the Catholic Church exchange vows on their wedding day. Two couples who have remained true in good and EDG WLPHV LQ KHDOWK DQG VLFNQHVV IRU D WRWDO RI RYHU \HDUV ORRN EDFN DQG UHĂ HFW RQ WKH PHDQLQJ RI WKHLU YRZV , WDNH \RX WR EH P\ ZLIH KXVEDQG Ignatius: The Ă€ipside of “takeâ€? is “rejectâ€?, which hurts each of us and our relationship. So this “takeâ€? is unconditional. I accepted Florence as is, with what she has and brings to the marriage. Through our marriage this is a constant reminder that I shouldn’t think of changing her but change myself to accept her “faultsâ€? and what she loves, such as her family. These days, I’ve learnt to enjoy travelling with her family as this gives us more reason to be together.

Florence: Taking and accepting each other is ongoing. For instance, I was converted after we married in church. I realised our marriage won’t be complete if I didn’t share his faith and want that for the children too. I used to wonder why the vows emphasised “taking� and not “giving� until I appreciated that God is there. He did the giving at the marriage. We are God’s gifts to one another, proven many times in our life.

, SURPLVH WR EH WUXH WR \RX LQ JRRG WLPHV DQG LQ EDG Ignatius: We have been blessed

with more good times than bad.

Perhaps we didn’t see so many things being bad, as there is usually a silver lining in every cloud.

We face setbacks and disappoint-

We face setbacks and disappointments as challenges to mend and to be better. – Ignatius and Florence Soh (left) 35 years married

ments as challenges to mend and to be better. Like when Florence lost her job for a while, it was a break to be together and to love the resilient side of her. We trust that as a team, we can contend with adverse situations and differences and cushion the pain and distress.

Florence: I believe the good times are to ¿reproof our marriage against the bad times. I’m happy we learnt not to be complacent but to keep our relationship strong, especially in ¿lling up our emotional or love bank. I was worried

when Ignatius was retrenched, but we prevailed through it together by accepting that as a new way of life for us, especially through prayer.

,Q VLFNQHVV DQG LQ KHDOWK Ignatius: Going through treatment for my throat cancer was a most intimate experience of drawing strength from each other’s presence and prayers. Her staunch support and devotion and our faith in God made all the difference and

I never gave up hope. Seeing that Florence personally cared and suffered along with me was harder to bear than the pain and discomfort of therapy. That spurred me to behave and give my best to recuperate. How much more grateful I feel today towards her and to God as well as our Marriage Encounter community.

Florence: I learnt not to take each other’s health for granted, especially when there was an immediate recurrence of the cancer.

Sickness is frightening but when it happened to Ignatius, I was amazed at the strength we drew from one another and our will to survive it together. I was thankful too that we had a strong community of friends to support us.

, ZLOO ORYH \RX DQG KRQRXU \RX Ignatius: Communication is our lifeblood. We keep that Àowing through our written dialogues and shared activities like dating, walking and involvement in Marriage Encounter. Learning to love each

other’s things and people breeds respect.

Florence: It means putting myself in his shoes, something I realise was helpful during his experience with cancer. Also mean what we say and say what we really mean. Try to make each day more exciting and interesting, like laugh at his jokes, care for this looks, going to market together and push our frontiers of opportunities, especially those that open up with my impending retirement from work, like making better use of senior concessions for movies and gallivanting around town, serving together in church and attending programmes, travelling with different people, and having fun with grand nephews.

$OO WKH GD\V RI P\ OLIH Ignatius: Try to love each other a bit more each day. And if any day is dreadful, there’s always the next day to make up for it. There’s no retirement in marriage until God calls for it. Till then, each day is a wedding day in a sense, and we are called to be a sacrament.

Florence: At our age, every day is a blessing and never dreadful.

I’m thankful we are in good health and relationship to enjoy the days ahead. And I’ve Ignatius to share each day as the children are grown.

It helps to have events on your calendar to look forward to. „

:H DUH RQH à HVK DQG RQH ERG\ , WDNH \RX WR EH P\ ZLIH KXVEDQG John: When I got married I didn’t think about the meaning of this. I was focused on the excitement of entering into a relationship with my wife. On reÀection, after 18 years, I got a glimpse of how God loves me despite my weaknesses.

Joyce: Although we are both Catholic we appear to have more differences than commonalities. I made a vow to take my husband in spite of his unusual and annoying ways.

I accept that he does not like to socialise and can spend hours reading and learning new stuff. I accept that he is perennially late and sometimes sleeps without brushing his teeth. I accept that, although he knows I like Korean dramas, he will not watch them with me. I accept that he can have a huge anger while driving.

, SURPLVH WR EH WUXH WR \RX LQ JRRG WLPHV DQG LQ EDG John: I was at Âżrst hesitant to share my emotions and feelings.

&16 ÂżOH SKRWR

To think that some problems are mine and some problems are my wife’s is an illusion – John (not his real name)

Later I came to realise the relief whenever I shared about my work.

This reÀects the reality that my spouse is really no different from me – we share one Àesh and one body. And when my wife is in the wrong or commits an error, I have learnt how to correct her without leading to an argument or quarrel.

Joyce: There were times in the past when I nearly called it quits and my vows were the least of my concerns. When I was seven months pregnant with our Âżrstborn, money was tight because we overspent on our wedding, our home, and our car. Since I had a threatened miscarriage during the Âżrst trimester, I relied on my husband to drive me to work. One early morning he came home drunk.

Unfortunately, I did not have enough money for a taxi ride. I hurled hurtful words at him and

knew he wanted to hit me. We had a heated argument and I demanded to split up .

I found solace in the rosary and was relieved when he asked for forgiveness. This meant that he loved me. That comforted me to stay married.

,Q VLFNQHVV DQG LQ KHDOWK John: In 2008 I was hospitalised for an undetermined viral infection. I was constantly in a foul mood due to the medication. My wife took my unpleasantness with patience, conÂżdence and assurance that everything will turn out Âżne.

Recalling this, I realised how blessed I am to be in a relationship with my wife and the reality that we are really one Àesh. To think

that some problems are mine and some problems are my wife’s is an illusion.

Joyce: In 2010 I had a caesarean operation. My recovery was slow and difÂżcult and my husband painstakingly cared for me. The vow to stay together means that in pain or comfort we remain faithful.

, ZLOO ORYH \RX DQG KRQRXU \RX John: Initially it appeared to be a promise that I was making to love and to be with someone for the rest of my life. After 18 years, in hindsight, this is not really a promise but a lived reality when I entered into this three-way covenant between me, my wife and God. It feels like a prison experience at times and there is no way out. But the day-today joys, frustrations and pleasant surprises tend to balance things out and remind me how blessed I am to have been gifted by God with a loving wife and two children.

Joyce: We have gone through a lot and have evolved as a couple.

Now I understand why we had to go through dif¿culties – it is so we would grow in love. The wisdom I

have gained through our tumultuous relationship was the privilege to love my husband unconditionally.

As I learned in Marriage Encounter, the decision to love is a choice.

There will continue to be challenges but I know that God will give me the grace to forgive my husband endless times and to stay married.

$OO WKH GD\V RI P\ OLIH John: We are on a journey. We have uncertainties, doubts, bright expectations. One thing is for sure, Someone is in full control and marriage is a platform that He gave my wife and I in order to experience and share the magnanimity of this thing called “love.�

Joyce: I am grateful to my parents and in-laws for having the grace to stay married for 50 years.

I believe that their choice to remain in marriage has spiritually nurtured my own marriage. I tell my children that one of our greatest legacy is our selÀessness, forgiveness, unconditional love and desire to stay married for the rest of our lives.

The names of the couple have been changed.„

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