Catholic News issue 24, 2017

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 26, 2017

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Transparency in Church organisations stressed Parish priests, accountants, bookkeepers and administrative staff of parishes and archdiocesan organisations recently attended a workshop conducted by the Project Management Office (PMO) and the Archdiocesan Finance Office (AFO).

The training on standard operating procedures was to highlight to participants the enhancements of existing policies and procedures, and the introduction of new processes that concern procurement, tenders and the reporting of breaches and fraud.

In all, two workshops were conducted by the PMO and AFO. The first was on Oct 27 while the second was on Nov 4 for those who were unable to make it for the first round.

Archbishop William Goh was present to welcome and reiterate to all the importance of transparency and governance in all parish and archdiocesan organisations on Oct 27.

“I think it’s very important that for all of us who are here, we have to realise we are stewards of God’s money, of people’s money,” he said. “The money is not for ourselves, it is meant for the common good.”

He emphasised that it was important for attendees to also share with the faithful that the archdiocese has in place stringent processes and accounting systems that can stand up to public scrutiny.

The objective of the training was to assist parishes and organisations that are part of the Titular Roman Catholic Archbishop of Singapore (TRCAS) to prepare for requirements under a statutory audit introduced by the Commissioner of Charities.

TRCAS includes all archdiocesan offices, parishes (including

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INSIDE HOME

CJC students reach out to needy Initiative part of a learning project n Page 2

Round table discussion on mental health Societal stigma, workplace discrimination highlighted n Page 8

Serving people living with HIV/AIDS A volunteer shares his experiences n Page 10

ASIA Representatives of Church organisations at the Oct 27 workshop conducted by the Project Management Office and the Archdiocesan Finance Office. VITA Images

Two workshops were held on the enhancements of existing policies and procedures, and the introduction of new processes concerning procurement, tenders and the reporting of breaches and fraud. two rectories), and archdiocesan commissions and council offices.

In preparation for this external statutory audit, current operating

Archbishop William Goh reiterated the importance of transparency.

policies and procedures within the archdiocese were reviewed and enhanced.

After consultation with the

PMO, which was tasked to prepare the archdiocese for the external audit in 2017, new policies were formulated and introduced to enhance the Church’s internal processes.

The key trainers for the workshops were Mr James Kho from the PMO, a volunteer and experienced finance professional who has held multiple senior management positions in the financial sector; and Ms Sharon Lim, project manager in the PMO and staff member of the AFO. The new and enhanced policies and procedures were explained and discussed at the presentations.

A panel of representatives from the PMO and AFO also addressed questions raised at the workshops. n

Toxic waste sent to Philippines Church leaders ask Trudeau to take it back n Page 13

WORLD

World Youth Day 2019 Young people of other faiths to attend n Page 15

FAITH ALIVE!

Fostering intergenerational dialogue How the young can accompany the elderly n Page 19

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Sunday November 26, 2017  CatholicNews

Reaching out to needy a learning experience for CJC students

By Nur Nadiah Bte Hisham As part of their Local ServiceLearning Project, Catholic Junior College students collaborated with the Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVDP) to reach out to its beneficiaries or Friends-in-need (FINs).

The students from class 1T01 worked closely with the SVDP

coordinators of the Church of Sts Peter and Paul to understand the needs of the FINs and conducted a session to befriend them prior to the project.

On Oct 28, 22 students gathered at Beach Road’s housing estate to carry out the project under the leadership of their home tutors.

In small groups, the students assisted with cleaning the houses of four beneficiaries and engaged the elderly in conversation. Some even assisted in the rearrangement of furniture so as to optimise the use of space.

One student, Nikki Loei, reflected, “I learnt a lot from this experience and was surprised at how willing they were to open up to us.”

Students posing for a photo with Mr Peter Lee after a house-cleaning session.

She noted that the whole purpose of the Local Service-Learning Project (LSLP) was not simply to clean a few houses, but also to serve and interact with others in the community.

She also noted that the elderly

The first-hand account of a survivor of ‘ World War II opened my eyes to the reality of the hardships of the war period.’

– Miriam Saguda, a student

were able to stay positive despite their circumstances and shared that the experience inspired her to be more positive in life.

Students who assisted one beneficiary, Mr Peter Lee, enjoyed listening to him talk about his past and how his life changed drastically after moving from Malaysia to pre-independent Singapore.

One student, Miriam Saguda, commented, “The first-hand account of a survivor of World War

II opened my eyes to the reality of the hardships of the war period. It made the lessons I learnt in History come alive.”

At noon, the students met to conclude their project and share their experiences with one another.

The LSLP is one of Catholic Junior College’s flagship programmes. It aims to help students learn empathy, and the importance of serving others and contributing actively to society. 

BUILDING THE CHURCH OF TOMORROW 3

Sunday November 26, 2017  CatholicNews

ARTISTIC JOURNEY IN THE FAITH

Givers is a series that features how Catholics, in ways big or small, help to build up the Church. ln this issue, writer Richard Toh discovers how an artist found her calling to serve God after participating in the Angelico Art Award 2016.

Darkness to Light came in as one of the finalists for the Angelico Art Award 2016. Photo: Roseline Tan Painting always came naturally to 52-year-old Roseline Tan, who is an architect by training, interior designer by preference, and artist by desire and passion. She loves all things creative and excelled in art at CHIJ St Joseph Convent and Hwa Chong Junior College.

However, she always struggled to find a subject matter she was passionate about to paint.

After going through most of her life without painting, her interest was reignited after doing portraits of her son, Jesse, while staying in Japan when her husband was posted there for work. Upon returning to Singapore, Roseline started painting contemporary portraits of her family members.

“The walls in my house were bare for the longest time before I painted and hung up contemporary art of my family,” she shared.

finding her calling It did not take long for Roseline’s reignited passion for painting to take on a spiritual approach, after she attended the Conversion Experience Retreat (CER) organised by the Catholic Spirituality Centre (CSC). Already active in various ministries in the Church of St Ignatius and with Marriage Encounter, Roseline’s CER experience inspired within her a desire to use this gift to serve God. As Roseline sought her calling, she came to learn about an art competition, the Angelico Art Award.

the first steps The Angelico Art Award encourages artists to explore the integration of faith and art, through paintings. It is a platform that promotes Christian art expressions not

just within the faith community, but beyond it too.

She decided to take part in the competition, and while exploring the theme, “Who do you say I am?”, Roseline realised that she had finally found the subject matter that she had been searching for. She revealed, “It combined art and faith together! Hence, I was able to use my painting as a medium through which I could express God’s glory. I thought it could be my first step towards answering His call.”

Learning that her painting managed to sell at the Angelico Art Exhibition for a handsome sum of $10,000, thanks to a generous buyer, further gave Roseline a sense of value for her art. This was the final piece in her journey to find a purpose for her gift and passion, as it now gave her inspiration to use this talent to raise funds for God’s Church. The knowledge that her artwork was donated to Fr Adrian Danker, and that it would be placed in St Joseph’s

everyone has gifts from our loving god. he puts us all here to be gifts for each other darkness to light Inspiration for her painting, Darkness to Light, came to Roseline when reflecting on the emotional baggage that comes from being hurt by others, or by hurting them. She explained, “I painted it in a linear manner to depict a journey. We would typically start in a state of darkness, one that we can only escape from by encountering Christ and following Him towards His light.”

Roseline’s piece turned out to be a finalist in the competition, but did not win the top prize. “There was a tinge of disappointment at first,” she confessed. “However, I was happy to be able to meet the other participants and see their artwork. More importantly, through participating in this competition and by the grace of God, I finally found a subject matter to paint. Something that touches me deeply and helps me express my own faith journey, all its joys and challenges at the different stages of my life,” she continued.

Institution, the alma mater of her son, Jonah, completed the blessed experience.

answering the call Clear that this was how God wanted her to serve Him, Roseline started looking for opportunities to use her gift to support the Church. She decided to approach the organisers of the Church of St Ignatius’ feast day celebrations, after hearing that they were fundraising for two religious congregations; the Daughters of St Paul, and the Cenacle Sisters.

During the feast day, Roseline set up a booth offering to paint family portraits. In total, she committed to eight paintings, and managed to raise a total of $9,600, which was split evenly between the two religious congregations.

Soon after, in conjunction with the Cana Film Festival, Roseline was invited to take part in an art exhibition where she painted Mother Mary in a painting entitled Heart of the Helper. This was

Angelio Art Award 2018 Submissions open 1 January 2018 to 31 August 2018 Open category: open to artists aged 25 years and above.

Youth category: open to artists aged 13 to 24 years old.

www.angelicoart.com

later donated to the Verbum Dei Missionaries to help with their fundraising efforts. She was most grateful that it finally raised a tidy sum of $13,800 at an auction to contribute towards the funding for their mission house.

She was later approached by the Church of the Transfiguration to paint for their fundraising needs. She painted Dawn of the New Covenant, by far the most daunting undertaking due to its sheer size, measuring 4.5m by 3m. It depicted the scene after the Transfiguration of Jesus and took a total of two months to complete. Together with two paintings done by Fr Joachim Chang, it raised a total of $400,000, which contributed towards the construction of the new parish in Punggol.

using your gifts Being grateful that her journey of self-discovery started in many ways with the Angelico Art Award, Roseline is planning to join again in 2018. She would very much like to encourage more artists to consider taking similar steps towards combining their passion for art with their faith, to glorify God, the source of all their gifts. “Everyone has gifts from our loving God. He puts us all here to be gifts for each other,” she concluded.

Roseline Tan, artist who uses her gift to help fundraise for the Church. Photo: Richard Toh

The Angelico Art Award 2018 invites artists to submit paintings to be considered for the $10,000 (open) and $5,000 (youth) acquisitive awards. The competition invites artists to reflect on the theme, “Prepare the way of the Lord” (Mark 1:3) and to paint their personal vision of the Church of Tomorrow. The Award is organised by Heartspace in support of the Catholic Foundation.

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Marriage and family course launched A new adult formation course titled A Catechesis on Marriage and Family was launched on Nov 4 as a collaboration between the Singapore archdiocese and the Maryvale Institute in the UK. It aims to help students deepen their understanding of Catholic teachings on marriage and family so that students may participate more fruitfully in the Church’s mission of the New Evangelisation.

Fifty-five students signed up for the six-month distance-learning course. It includes a combination of study days, self-study and personal reflections, with added guidance from tutors at the Maryvale Institute. Participants will receive a Maryvale Certificate upon completion of the course.

The first class at CANA – The Catholic Centre, held during the launch, was conducted by Ms Mary Killeen, director of the Marriage and Family Life Programmes at the Maryvale Institute.

Before the class began, a message by Archbishop William Goh was delivered. “I thank God for your generous response as this is a necessary step towards the strengthening of marriages and families as well as marriage and family ministries in the archdiocese,” he said.

The message also described the challenges faced by Singaporean families, where long working hours and frequent travels thwart

Above: The first class in the Catechesis on Marriage and Family was held on Nov 4 at CANA – The Catholic Centre.

Right: Archbishop William Goh is seen here with Maryvale Institute’s director, Fr Edward Clare, and Ms Mary Killeen, director of the institute’s Marriage and Family Life Programmes.

the building of a “communion of persons”. Archbishop Goh added that “more than ever before, a robust formation in the Church’s teaching on marriage and family is needed in order to live out God’s plan of love.”

During the class, Ms Killeen explained how crises experienced in marriages and families today are rooted in the crisis of faith and the loss of God’s plan of love. She invited the students to undertake their studies as a form of retreat;

to enter a deeper experience of God’s love for them and their love for one another.

Like many of the students, Julie and Corey Ang, married 18 years with three kids, signed up as a couple to learn more about the teachings of the Church so as to enhance their ministry in the Couple Empowerment Programme (CEP).

Ms Lilly Phang, a coordinator of Catholic Engaged Encounter, shared that she signed up because the fundamental truths

of the faith resonated with her.

Maryvale’s director, Fr Edward Clare, who was in town for a separate study weekend, also attended the launch of the course.

Bernard and Ying Thio, married for 30 years with six kids, undertook the distance learning course – The Master of Arts in Catholic Pastoral and Educational Studies, (MACPES) Marriage and Family Pathway – at the Maryvale Institute in 2011.

“Our work with young married

couples led us to see first-hand the real threats to marriages in their early phases when couples feel overwhelmed by the demands of work and family commitments relating to one another,” they said.

“We were convinced that there was a need to equip ourselves with sound theological formation in marriage and family, whilst deepening our own faith experience.”

To find out more about the course, visit fb.me/catechesis. mfsg n

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Students make origami hearts for the elderly during their camp on Nov 3.

St Anthony’s Canossian Primary School students dress up as saints to celebrate All Saints’ Day.

CHANCERY NOTICE

7 November 2017

APPOINTMENTS 1. Dr Irena Tay-Kit Phey Ling has been appointed a member of the Board of the Family Life Society for a term of two [2] years with effect from 19 October 2017.

2. Mr Raymundo Yu has been appointed as a member of the Caritas Board of Trustees for a term of two [2]

CHN/CN/2017 /022

years with effect from 15 November 2017.

3. The following have been appointed to the Archdiocesan Audit Committee for a term of two [2] years with effect from 6 November 2017: a. Mr Lim Soo Peng b. Mr Michael Gabriel Sim c. Mr Michael Khoo

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

Students dress up as saints, learn about work of Canossian nuns

By Perpetua Ho Students of St Anthony’s Canossian Primary School dressed up as their favourite saints and learnt more about the work of the Canossian Sisters at two separate events recently.

About 250 parents, students, Canossian Sisters and staff came together to celebrate All Saints’ Day at a Family Mass in the school on Oct 31.

The children and their families were encouraged to come dressed as their favourite saints.

Before Mass, the families also took part in a quiz which encouraged them to learn more

about the lives of the saints.

In his homily, Fr Johnson Fernandez reminded the children that saints were ordinary people who focused on doing good, and thus everybody could become a saint.

Parents shared that the Mass was a meaningful event that allowed them to learn more about the saints in an engaging and enriching way, and that they looked forward to attending more of such events as a Catholic family.

On Nov 3, 47 Pri 5 girls attended a one-night camp organised by the school’s chaplaincy team together with the Canossian Sisters. The camp was held at

LifeSprings Canossian Spirituality Centre at Jalan Merbok.

During the camp, the girls learnt more about how the Canossian Sisters give of their lives in service, as they visited the Canossian Convent at Jalan Merbok and St Joseph’s Home at Jurong West.

Many of the girls were apparently moved by the Sisters’ commitment, compassion and cheerfulness in their daily lives of service to God and others.

Nicole Teo said she felt that the experience allowed her to connect with God while Teresa Sea felt that it was a camp that everybody should experience at least once in a lifetime. n

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Sunday November 26, 2017 n CatholicNews

Discussing discrimination surrounding mental illness About 70 participants gathered at Agape Village on Nov 11 for the Caritas RoundTable V discussion focusing on mental health.

Jointly organised by Caritas and Clarity Singapore, participants discussed issues such as societal stigma and workplace discrimination faced by people recovering from mental health issues (PMHIs).

The theme of the event, Lighting up Lives, drew inspiration from Jesus being the light of the world. The event aimed to bring light to the struggles of PMHIs in a bid to create more supportive environments for them.

Participants heard from various speakers on initiatives and research on mental illnesses and worked together to discuss community solutions that would provide support to PMHIs. “The journey is long, and perseverance is needed,” said Mr Fred Cordeiro, executive director of Clarity Singapore, who highlighted the gap in treatment of mental illnesses among young

Participants heard from various speakers on initiatives and research on mental illnesses and worked together to discuss community solutions that would provide support to people recovering from mental health issues.

Participants sharing during a breakout discussion at the Caritas RoundTable V event.

people during his presentation.

Other ideas shared during the breakout discussions on combating social stigma included encouraging more PMHIs to share their stories and providing a platform

for them to share these stories with the wider public.

Collectively, participants also supported a wiki social collaboration initiative brought up by Dr Justin Lee, research fellow at the

Institute of Policy Studies, during the discussion.

They were invited to contribute to the collection of information on gaps and needs of PMHIs on the online wiki community webpage (http://wiki.socialcollab. sg/index.php/Mental_health).

The voices of those who suffer from mental health illnesses were also heard at the event.

Mr Chia Xun An and Mr Robin Lai shared their personal experiences of battling various mental illnesses.

Mr Chia shared that he chose to become an advocate for mental illness to transform the pain he experienced from his illnesses into a source of strength and hope.

Mr Lai spoke about how he could not find a job because of his mental illness. He asked for the public to help people like him contribute to society.

Participants shared their thoughts about the event.

“I was touched by Robin’s sharing at the round table. I also learnt

that there were many organisations working in this area to help those with mental illnesses,” said Joanne Png, 19, a second-year student at Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP).

Mr Andrew Bryan Kiflie, 27, youth coordinator at the Church of St Anthony, said he “was struck by the availability of resources for supporting those with mental health illnesses.”

He shared that one of his biggest challenges was knowing when to make the judgment call of alerting the parents to a young person’s mental health issues, balancing the person’s trust in him with his or her safety.

Ms See Yen Theng, 44, director of Agency for Integrated Care (AIC), said, “It was a refreshing approach to hear stories of people who suffer from mental illnesses directly.”

Ms See was keen to collaborate with a group of NYP students who were going to put on a drama on mental health issues later this year by helping them to publicise their initiative on AIC’s social media site.

For more information on Caritas Singapore and events at Agape Village, visit www.caritassingapore.org, email info@caritas-singapore.org or call 6338 3448. n

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Sunday November 26, 2017  CatholicNews

GET CONNECTED: 2 LORONG LOW KOON, SINGAPORE 536449 T 6285 2571 | 6286 0341 W www.oyp.org.sg For enquiries, please email: info.oyp@catholic.org.sg

UPCOMING

THANKSGIVING & TESTIMONY

SCHOOL OF WITNESS 2018

OYP TURNS 4!

On 3rd November 2017, we at the Office for Young People celebrated our 4th Anniversary. We want to thank each one of you for your openness to us at OYP but more importantly, for your openness to respond to the call of Jesus in your lives. We have had our ups and downs, but the Lord has been ever faithful. Our prayer is that we continue to persevere to raise up generations for Christ!

That each young person will know their belovedness and chosenness in Him! May the joy of the Lord continue to be our strength!

The OYP School of Witness is an 8-week, live-in discipleship school that aims to provide an environment of faith in which young people can be encouraged and challenged to go beyond their comfort zones to grow in the awareness of who God is and who they are.

The 2018 School of Witness runs from 7th January to 3rd March 2018 and is open to all young people in the Archdiocese between the ages of 18 (as at 31st Dec 2017) to 30 years old. There will be a school break for Chinese New Year from 15th to 19th February 2018. Registration fee is $600 which covers food, accommodation and all other overheads. Sign up at www.oyp.org.sg/sow18 or www.tinyurl.com/sow18 Registration closes on 15th December 2017. Email us at juliana. oyp@catholic.org.sg if you have any queries OYP chaplains Fr. Jude David and Fr. Brian D’Souza (center) with the OYP team

by Mariana Wijayanti My name is Mariana and I work at OYP. I am grateful to have been growing in this office since April 2008 when the Lord called me to commit my life to Him more.

I had my conversion experience through the Life In the Spirit Seminar in my first year of university and after I graduated, I joined a young adults community. I grew a lot in this community and really enjoyed serving alongside my brothers and sisters. I eventually took up a leadership role.

In 2005, a group of missionaries visited my community.

They led worship, preached the Word, and shared their testimonies about being full time missionaries. I don’t remember specific details, but I will always remember how it made me feel to hear them share about their lives.

There was a fire slowly rising up within me. It just kept growing and growing until I couldn’t hold it in anymore. It was like in Jeremiah 20:9, ‘If I say, “I will not mention him, or speak any more in his name, there is in my heart as it were a burning fire shut up in my bones and I am weary with holding it in, and I cannot.’

At that moment, I told God that I desired to live a life of passion, filled with the zeal to tell others about His goodness. But like the parable, the worries of the world grew and slowly doused that fire even while I was active in community. However, God had more for me. He had a plan! In 2007, I was about 3 years into my first job and experienced a restlessness in my heart. I reflected on my life’s purpose and if this job was it. The answer was a resounding no.

However, it never occurred to me that working full-time for the Church was an option until a fellow leader in the Charismatic renewal told me about a vacancy in the then Catholic Youth Office (the old name of OYP). It was truly the Lord who called me here because on my own, I do not think I would be here. Looking back, I realised that it was part of His greater plan for me. And so, in April 2008, I started work here.

Just like any of us, the sum of my life experiences left me wounded. During the first School of Witness (SOW) run by the office in 2009, God once again revealed the wounds, brokenness and pain that I had been carrying within me. It was the first time that I learnt that healing is a continuous journey. He revealed and restored my identity as His beloved. And in the past 9 years, from one SOW to the next, from one retreat to the next, He has reminded me time and again, that I am His beloved. As I continue to grow, I am also discovering more about myself.

The Lord continues to grow my character. My pride, coupled with my problem solving tendencies, often cause me to come across as brash, direct, and insensitive. I tend to forget that behind every task there is a person and my

mouth is sometimes faster than the speed of light. As a result, sometimes people end up getting hurt and I too get hurt unnecessarily from my own expectations of others.

I have come to realise that the Lord put me here at OYP with these Godly people, to teach me to die to myself, curb my ego, to let go, to ask for forgiveness, and to forgive. It is not pleasant, and sometimes I have felt like burying my head in the sand. However I have managed to pull through because of His love, mercy and grace. I am still a work in progress and continue to need saving.

The different programs that I serve in, office meetings (sounds unlikely but true!), the company of my brothers and sisters that I work with, ministering to others and conversations with people who are not afraid to dream dreams for the Lord keep that fire within me burning. My own healing journey reinforces my conviction of who God is in my life. As I serve here in OYP, that conviction continues to heal me more and more. The fire within me continues to be stoked. I thank God for ALL of that and more.

It was one of the best decisions that I have made in my life and I wouldn’t trade it for any other. So if you’ve been feeling that nudge or a restlessness within you, lHim lead you and do not be afraid to give Him your YES!

THANKSGIVING & TESTIMONY

SCHOOL OF WITNESS 2017

by Chloe Woo My name is Chloe. I am 19 years old and I attended the School of Witness (SOW) 2017. I reluctantly signed up for the school at the repeated prompting of a friend. I was apprehensive about entering SOW because I worried that I wasn’t ‘holy’ enough. I was also worried about living and socializing with people I didn’t even know for 8 weeks (I only knew one person). Lastly, I was worried about the outreach we would have to do.

During the school, I remembered journaling on the first night and telling Jesus how inadequate I felt. I wondered what I was doing at SOW and told Him that I needed His help. I really wanted Him to tell me how I could love Him and desire Him more, like everyone else. My cell group leader in the school suggested opening the bible to a random page and letting the Lord speak to us. For me, it was Jeremiah 1 and it said “I appointed you as a prophet”.

When I saw those words I thought, ”Whoa! Wait a minute, slow down! I don’t think I can be your prophet. I’ll just love you!” Little did I know how much the love of Jesus would change my heart.

Gradually, He broke through my fear and doubt and spoke many truths to me. SOW provided the quiet space I needed in order to hear the Lord.

I learned to claim the truth of my identity as a beloved daughter.

I learned about living in a community and growing in my faith through the daily communal prayer, chores and even games. As the days passed, we grew to love and care for each other. I was able to be myself, because I realized that God and my SOW community love me for who I am. I experienced freedom in His great love!

UPCOMING

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION & PRAYER MINISTRY FOR UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Chloe (right) during the final SOW outreach at OYP

We will be hosting a special Eucharistic Adoration & Prayer Ministry session for all university students on 24th November, Friday, 3:00pm to 5:00pm at OYP. OYP will also be open for university students to study for their exams from Monday 20th November onwards, Mondays to Fridays. Let the Lord feed and fill you as you study!

Email us at info.oyp@catholic.org.sg if you have any questions

As I reflected on my journey, I realized how transformative God’s love is. He took away my fears and welcomed me. He gave me a family that loves me just as I am. He gave me the Holy Spirit to rely on and trust in, so I didn’t need to fear going on outreach. I now had the desire to be a prophet for the Lord, to proclaim His love for everyone because a seed of faith had been planted in me and continues to grow everyday.

Now I know I am not in this journey alone, that I have one big family made up of many brothers and sisters who encourage each other on the difficult journey towards Christ. Despite my initial dread, I now don’t regret it at all. SOW was definitely the happiest and most joyful weeks of my life and it is a joy that has lasted and could only have come from the Lord.

As it says in Jeremiah 1, God really has appointed all of us to be His prophets! So, are you ready to trust Him and be His prophet as well?

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Serving people who are living with HIV/AIDS Bernard Sim, a volunteer with the Catholic AIDS Response Effort, shares his experiences One Sunday after attending 11 am Mass, while on the way to lunch, a call came through asking me to transport some heavy items.

I did not want to reject Peter’s request as he has been to me a model of charity. As I was ordering our food, I asked if he could wait. True to his nature he waited.

After picking up the heavy items, we headed for the Catholic AIDS Response Effort (CARE) shelter.

I realised that it is the same group I had previously helped as a driver. Peter explained that the item I ferried was a marquee for Our Lady. It dawned on me that perhaps Our Lady was calling me to volunteer at CARE. But I hesitated for a few weeks.

I have helped in distributing food rations to the needy in Karimun, Indonesia. But helping out at an AIDS shelter was totally different. I had some doubts at first.

the residents a sense of responsibility, purpose and fulfilment.

Through CARE, I also learnt about the Church’s mission of charity – not only by faith but by deeds too in obedience to the Word of God to glorify Him.

No different

Mr Sim doing some nutrition training for CARE residents.

Mr Sim’s hydroponics garden at CARE.

However, after praying over the matter, I finally found the courage to propose starting a

hydroponics garden for CARE. This project could provide fresh vegetables for the residents’ own

consumption. More importantly, it would allow them to do something and feel a sense of purpose and accomplishment.

The staff at CARE were supportive and I embarked on the new project in 2015. Over the years, I have had opportunities to help out in other areas as well.

My experiences

I saw that AIDS patients are no different from me in that they have aspirations and they face challenges and struggles on a daily basis. Like me, they need that little help to stay motivated and continue to live life with purpose.

What CARE does is to be the face of God’s love to them and give them the hope to carry on.

I also learnt to overcome my own fears. I have got rid of any misconception and prejudices that I previously had.

I enjoy volunteering at CARE and hope to do so for a long time more. I will live by this verse of our Lord’s prayer: “Thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven.”

About CARE

CARE was founded in 1992 with the Christian dedication of At first, the residents were re- promoting the dignity of the huserved and a bit shy. Slowly, as man person. At CARE, this has they got to know me been realised mainly better, they began to through the proviopen up about themsion of holistic care I saw that selves. I began to unthe form of spirAIDS patients in derstand their plight itual, psychological, are no and challenges. emotional, financial I realised that, and physical supdifferent from like me, they have asport to people living me. Like me, pirations – they want with HIV/AIDS (PLto be able to support they need that WHAs). themselves, they CARE’s main folittle help to want to have friends. cuses are: n CARE shelter We talked about stay motivated the daily grind of for men where they and continue experience the comlife, their financial difficulties, family to live life with panionship of staff issues etc. I tried my and volunteers who purpose. best to respond with journey with them, encouraging words helping them to and positive actions. overcome their emoGradually, I learnt to listen more tional and social issues. n Non-residential programme and talk less.

I realised that what they for people with AIDS who are sometimes need is just to have living on their own who require someone hear them out. The support. n Advocacy programme to most difficult part is the feeling of not being able to do more for raise awareness of HIV/AIDS them. and promote greater understandIn my conversations with the ing and acceptance. staff, I learnt about their mission CARE will be holding its anand the rationale for the various nual World AIDS Day Mass at the programmes that they have put Church of the Nativity of the Blessin place for the residents. The ed Virgin Mary on Nov 26 at 11 am. cottage industry, which includes All are welcome. CARE’s website is candle and rosary making, gives www.care.org.sg. n

Sunday November 26, 2017 n CatholicNews

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12 ASIA

Sunday November 26, 2017 n CatholicNews

Rohingya crisis poses challenges for host communities: Caritas official COX’S BAZAR, BANGLADESH – Although Bangladesh has wel-

comed a massive influx of Rohingya refugees from neighbouring Myanmar in recent weeks, a Catholic aid official is worried that the welcome may soon be wearing thin.

Mr James Gomes, regional director of Caritas, the Church’s charitable agency, said Bangladesh responded quickly to the surprise arrival of more than 600,000 Rohingya, most of whom fled their homes with nothing but the clothes on their backs.

“As a Bangladeshi, I’m proud of my people and my government.

Even though we’re densely populated, we made the quick decision to open the border and host the Rohingya. People from all over the country came forward in order to stand beside these people who had suffered so much. Without that solidarity, many more people would have died,” he told Catholic News Service.

Yet such hospitality is starting to be tested, Mr Gomes said.

“We are hearing from people in the host communities that the presence of the Rohingya is having a negative impact on their daily lives. Day labourers, for example, are having a difficult time finding work because the newcomers sell their labour for less.

A Bangladeshi worker was getting 600 takas (S$9.60) a day, but

Bangladeshi day labourers are having a difficult time finding work because the newcomers sell their labour for less. Bus fares have also gone up, said a Caritas offiicial.

A Rohingya woman from Myanmar feeds her child in a UN clinic for severely malnourished Rohingya children in the Balukhali Refugee Camp near Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. CNS photo

a Rohingya worker will settle for 300 or 400 takas a day,” he said.

Caritas Bangladesh has hired dozens of local residents to aid with assessment and food distribution. Mr Gomes said half of the temporary hires are refugees and half are from the host community.

The humanitarian crisis has also pushed up the local cost of living.

“Bus fares have gone from 10 to 20 takas, and at times you now have to wait a long time for a bus that has space. Similarly, even inexpensive foods like bananas have doubled in price, and that’s causing problems for local people,” Mr Gomes said.

The refugee influx is also causing an environmental crisis, in

part because the massive numbers of refugees quickly raced ahead of government efforts to channel them into organised settlements.

Archbishop Moses Costa of Chittagong, who spent two days visiting the refugee camps in late October, said he expects Pope Francis’ visit to Bangladesh to bring hope to the Rohingya.

The pope will visit from Nov 30-Dec 2.

“He has already said that the Rohingya are some of the most persecuted people in the world, and that they are our sisters and brothers and we must respond to them,” he said.

He also acknowledged that the papal visit will likely be controversial. Pope Francis will visit Myanmar before Bangladesh.

“The bishops’ conference in Myanmar doesn’t want the pope to even mention the word Rohingya. That in itself is evidence of the difficulties these people face.

But the Holy Father constantly pushes us to attend to the needs of the poorest people, the people at the periphery.

“I don’t know how the pope will say it, but I know that he will not be able to go without saying something. His heart is with these people,” Archbishop Costa said. n CNS

Bishops launch prayer vigil to protest drug-war deaths MANILA – The Philippine bish-

ops’ conference started a prayer vigil to protest thousands of killings in the government drive to eradicate drug abuse and drug dealing.

Archbishop Socrates Villegas of Lingayen-Dagupan, outgoing president of the conference, led the “Lord, Heal Our Land” Mass on Nov 5. He called for repentance and an end to the killings and warned that “the journey of healing for the values of our nation turned upside down will be a long journey still”.

In his message at the Shrine of Mary Queen of Peace on EDSA, the avenue where the 1986 peaceful overthrow of the dictator Ferdinand Marcos took place, Archbishop Villegas said clergy, politicians and security forces needed to repent for complacency, ambition for power and instilling fear rather than respect.

“Peace to you in the armed forces and police,” he said in his homily. “Stop the violence and uphold the law.”

Archbishop Villegas called on the faithful to pray the rosary daily until Dec 8, the feast of the

Archbishop Socrates Villegas celebrates the ‘Lord, Heal Our Land’ Mass. CNS photo

Immaculate Conception. Many churches across the country had been tolling bells nightly to remember those killed.

Mr Duterte’s drug war had strong support, with human rights advocates and the Church as its most vocal critics. But the deaths in August of three Manila-area teen boys sparked public outrage.

Police tallied 3,000-5,000 protesters who marched against all the killings following the archbishop’s Mass. n CNS

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Sunday November 26, 2017 n CatholicNews

Philippine Church leaders urge Trudeau to take back toxic waste MANILA – Catholic Church lead-

ers in the Philippines are calling on Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to take back several shipping containers of toxic waste that arrived in the country from Canada in 2013, reported Asian Church news portal ucanews.com.

The Canadian prime minister was in Manila for the 31st summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), a regional grouping that promotes economic, political and security cooperation. He indicated that the waste was shipped as part of a private business deal, but that Canada might now be able to take it back.

Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo said the ASEAN summit is an opportunity for the Philippine government to ask Mr Trudeau to take the waste back, reported ucanews.com.

“We should insist that they take back the containers of trash,” said the bishop, who is known for his advocacy for the environment.

Fr Edwin Gariguez, executive secretary of the Philippine bishops’ social action agency, said Canada should be made accountable for dumping waste in the country. He said Mr Trudeau needs to take “decisive action” to resolve the issue.

“No community deserves to be a dumping ground for toxic waste,” he said.

On Nov 14, Mr Trudeau delivered an impassioned pitch to ASEAN countries to open the door to Canada joining the East Asia Summit and the region’s defence ministers’ panel. He said Canada was “ready to contribute to ASEAN’s success in an increasingly globalised world.”

Climate justice activists, however, said Mr Trudeau has done “a lot of talk and photo-ops” but has not addressed the containers of toxic waste that Filipinos want returned to Canada.

The shipments, labelled as recyclable plastics, arrived in batches from Canada in July and

Filipinos are seen protesting in front of the Foreign Affairs building in Pasay City, Philippines, about alleged waste material shipments from Canada in 2014.

CNS file photos

community ‘Nodeserves to be a dumping ground for toxic waste.’

– Fr Edwin Gariguez, executive secretary of the Philippine bishops’ social action agency Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau indicated that the waste was shipped as part of a business deal, but that Canada might now be able to take it back.

August of 2013, according to environmental watchdogs. However, in February 2014, after the Philippines’ Bureau of Customs decided to open them due to a foul smell,

Bishop backs halt of overseas permits for Filipino workers MANILA – A Catholic bishop has

supported the decision of the Philippine government to suspend the issuance of overseas employment certificates to Filipino migrant workers which was scheduled to start on Nov 13.

The Labour Department announced that it is suspending the issuance of the certificates, a requirement for leaving the country, due to reports of illegal recruitment and corruption.

The suspension will be in effect for 15 working days from Nov 13-Dec. 1.

Labour secretary Silvestre Bello III said the suspension is due to “persistent reports” of workers becoming victims of illegal recruitment.

“We are taking this important action in view of the persistent reports of illegal recruitment activities including direct hires,” said Mr Bello in a statement.

He said an investigation will also be conducted at the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration where, according to Mr Bello, “there are people there

who are earning as much as a quarter of a million [pesos] for the issuance of [the certificates].”

This sum is about S$6,500.

Bishop Ruperto Santos of Bal-

Migrant workers along Orchard Road. A Catholic bishop has backed the decision to suspend the issuance of overseas employment certificates to Filipino migrant workers.

anga, head of the Episcopal Commission on Migrants and Itinerant People, said the suspension is an opportunity for the government to conduct an “internal cleansing.”

“Irregularities exist within,

so corrupt officials [must] be exposed, prosecuted, and severely punished,” said the prelate.

He urged migrant workers to report to the Labour Department if they become victims of illegal recruitment and “denounce those employees who abused their positions.”

The Federation of Free Workers described the decision as “a good stop-gap measure” even as the labour group warned of the negative impact to aspiring migrant workers.

“We hope the applicants will not lose out in the process if the suspension will result in the lapse of their job placements,” said Mr Julius Cainglet, vice president of the labour organisation.

Based on government estimates, some 75,000 potential migrant workers may be affected by the suspension.

Workers who are being hired by international organisations, members of diplomatic corps and sea-based recruitment agencies, are excluded from the suspension. n UCANEWS.COM

they were discovered to contain hazardous waste materials.

Mr Trudeau was elected prime minister in 2015.

At least 75 large container vans filled to the brim with rotten Canadian trash are still sitting in Manila’s port.

During the 2016 Philippine elections, then-presidential can-

didate Rodrigo Duterte lambasted Canada’s dumping of waste in the country as a “derogation of our national dignity.”

“Why are you making my country your dumping ground?”

Duterte was quoted as saying during the campaign.

In a press briefing on the sidelines of the ASEAN summit on Nov 13, Mr Trudeau said it is possible now for Canada to take back the containers of trash. He said Canada had been hampered by legal regulations that prohibited the country from taking back the garbage from Manila, but “those regulations and those impediments have now been addressed, so it is now theoretically possible to get it back.”

He said Canada and the Philippines need to discuss how to send back the trash, including who should pay for it. n CNS

Caritas India seeking volunteers of other faiths NEW DELHI – Caritas India, the

Catholic Church’s leading charity in the country, is seeking to draw Indians from different religions to help it work for social change.

Some NGOs only offer shortterm support in times of necessity, like natural calamities, in the form of food and relief aid which does not empower people for longterm change, said Fr Frederick D’Souza, executive director of Caritas India.

Fr D’Souza was speaking during the Nov 9-10 national conference on “volunteering for change” that Caritas India organised to stress the importance of volunteering for social change.

Some 300 volunteers from different NGOs attended the programme in New Delhi. Hindu and Muslim leaders were part of the conference.

Charity work may temporarily satisfy the needs of the people but it will end up making them dependent. “What we need is social change and not people’s dependency,” he said.

Caritas India has initiated a

special plan to widen its volunteer base, Mr Amrit Sangma, its public relations officer told ucanews. com.

The agency currently has some 20,000 volunteers helping in the fields of health, education, the environment and fighting human trafficking. In the next five years, Caritas plans to widen this base to one million, Mr Sangma said.

“Service should be based on need and not based on religion,” said Hindu leader Swami Chidananda Saraswati, co-founder at the Global Interfaith WASH Alliance.

Muslim leader Mohammed Salim Engineer, secretary general of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind said Islam stands for peace and exhorts its followers to work for peace. A true Muslim will join hands with others in society to help those in need, he said.

Caritas India chairman Bishop Lumen Monteiro of Agartala said volunteerism exists in all religions. “As a Christian it is also our vocation to give back to society,” he said. n UCANEWS.COM

14 WORLD

Sunday November 26, 2017 n CatholicNews

Catholic-Muslim forum urges protection of religious freedom VATICAN CITY – Christians and

Muslims believe that freedom of conscience and religion are the most important human rights and, “therefore, our collective duty demands that we respect, preserve and promote such rights”, said members of the Catholic-Muslim Forum.

The forum was established in 2008 by the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue and an international group of Muslim scholars. The scholars had signed “A Common Word”, an open letter to then-Pope Benedict XVI and other Christian leaders urging a dialogue based on values the two faiths hold in common.

The fourth meeting of the forum was held from Nov 6-8 in Berkeley, California. The Vatican released the conclusions of the meeting on Nov 10.

Christianity and Islam both teach that “God bestowed on every human being inalienable dignity from which fundamental human rights are derived, as well as the obligation of governments to protect them”, the participants said.

“We assert the equal dignity and value of all persons irrespective of their race, gender, religion or social status,” they said, “and we categorically condemn any attempts to stereotype any people or attribute collective guilt to them for the actions of individuals among them.”

Of those rights, they said, “freedom of conscience and of religion resides at the peak”, and so all believers have an obligation to uphold them. n CNS

Christianity and Islam both teach that ‘God bestowed on every human being inalienable dignity’.

– Catholic-Muslim Forum

Bishop urges US leaders to ‘engage in real debate’ on curbing gun violence WASHINGTON – The United States’ leaders “must engage in a real debate about needed measures to save lives and make our communities safer” said the chairman of the US bishops’ domestic policy committee.

Such debate is essential because “violence in our society will not be solved by a single piece of legislation, and many factors contribute to what we see going on all around us,” said Bishop Frank J. Dewane of Venice, Florida, chairman of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development.

His Nov 7 statement was issued in response to “recent and horrific attacks” in the country, referring to the mass shooting on Nov 5 at the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs, Texas, that left 26 people dead and 20 others wounded, and the Oct 1 the mass shooting in Las Vegas during an outdoor concert that left 58 people dead and hundreds of others injured.

“For many years, the Catholic bishops of the United States have been urging our leaders to explore and adopt reasonable policies to

An employee at a gun shop in Orem, Utah, holds a section of a semiautomatic rifle. A bishop has issued a statement in response to the recent gun attacks in the US. CNS file photo

help curb gun violence,” Bishop Dewane said.

The Las Vegas and Sutherland Springs gun massacres “remind us of how much damage can be caused when weapons – particularly weapons designed to inflict extreme levels of bloodshed – too easily find their way into the hands of those who would wish to use them to harm others,” he said.

Bishop Dewane said the USCCB continues to urge a total ban

on assault weapons, “which we supported when the ban passed in 1994 and when Congress failed to renew it in 2004”.

Other efforts the bishops support include measures that control the sale and use of firearms, such as universal background checks for all gun purchases; limitations on civilian access to high-capacity weapons and ammunition magazines; and a federal law to criminalise gun trafficking. n CNS

For many years, the Catholic bishops of the United ‘States have been urging our leaders to explore and adopt reasonable policies to help curb gun violence, ’

– Bishop Frank J. Dewane

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Sunday November 26, 2017 n CatholicNews

Church has sometimes been part of racism problem: bishop BALTIMORE, USA – Though the Catholic Church has responded to racism for many years, some leaders and Church institutions have at times been part of the problem, said a bishop who is heading a committee against racism.

Bishop George V. Murry, speaking to bishops gathered on Nov 13 for the US Conference of Catholic Bishops fall gathering in Baltimore, said that while racism was not unique to the United States, it “lives in a particular and pernicious way in our country, in large part because of the experience of the historic evil of slavery”.

Bishop Murry, who became the head of the bishops’ Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism earlier this year, said the Church must recognise “and frankly acknowledge” its failings.

The country has tried to address the problem before, he said, and yet, “even with that progress, one does not need to look very far to see that racism still exists and has found a troubling resurgence in modern years”.

Christ calls us to break down the walls created by the evils of racism, he said.

The committee he heads, he said, is working to provide pastoral accompaniment and one way is to listen to the “voices of people suffering because of racism”. n CNS

Americans protesting against racism in August. CNS photo

Youth of other faiths to attend World Youth Day BALTIMORE, USA – The Panamanian archbishop helping to organise World Youth Day said the 2019 celebration in his country will invite youth of other faiths to join in.

Said Archbishop Jose Domingo Ulloa Mendieta of Panama in a Nov 13 interview with Catholic News Service. “We’re working to include youth from other communities of faith to participate.”

Archbishop Ulloa visited Baltimore for the Nov 13-14 gathering of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, where he gave bishops an overview of the preparations for World Youth Day, set for Jan 22-27, 2019.

The international event, started by St John Paul II in 1985, is a religious celebration that takes place about every three years and lasts several days in a chosen country. It is attended by Catholic youth from around the world.

Archbishop Ulloa said Pope Francis told him not to model the event after previous World Youth Day celebrations, but to give the upcoming one a distinct flavour of the realities of Latin America.

The event will touch on themes of immigration, which has affected youth, including some who migrate to escape violence in some parts of Central America, and ecological issues. It will also feature martyrs and saints of Latin America, including Blessed Oscar Romero, as models for the youth, the archbishop said.

“This was a dream,” Archbishop Ulloa told CNS. “And it came about as an opportunity, thinking of the reality of youth in Central America and the Caribbean, who would never have an opportunity to attend [World Youth Day] elsewhere.”

Because Latin America is home to a variety of ethnic cultures, the celebration will be intercultural, said Archbishop Ulloa. It also will look at

Panama World Youth Day logo.

Young people from Panama carry the World Youth Day cross after receiving it from representatives from Poland. The European country hosted the international celebration in 2016. CNS file photo

the “martyrial” aspect of the Church and the suffering of its people.

The archbishop said the pope told him to “do something from your reality”.

“Who was the pope thinking about?” Archbishop Ulloa asked.

“The youth of Central America and their realities as migrants, including some who are driven to

We’re working to include youth from ‘ other communities of faith to participate.’

– Archbishop Jose Domingo Ulloa Mendieta of Panama.

The country is hosting World Youth Day 2019.

delinquency, or are trafficked, of the realities of the marginalisation in which they live.”

The pope also asked that the celebration give a special place to Mary and to women.

“We cannot conceive of a Latin American reality without the presence of Mary,” Archbishop Ulloa said.

An important theme tied to Mary was her ability to say “yes” to God, and it will be emphasised as youth are presented with vocational opportunities, and told how Mary as a youth allowed her life to be guided by what God wanted, putting her trust and fate in God’s hands, the archbishop said.

During a Nov 13 evening reception hosted by Bishop Frank J. Caggiano of Bridgeport, Connecticut, who is the episcopal liaison to World Youth Day, the Panamanian archbishop encouraged youth present to visit his country.

He said that as youth, they shouldn’t be afraid to bring new ideas to the Church, to pose to their elders how to do something different, to shake things up and “breathe something new” into the Church.

He added that the number of participants could be about 300,000.

Lodging for participants will be in local schools, gyms, community and retreat centres, and hotels. n CNS

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Sunday November 26, 2017 n CatholicNews

Pontiff: through example, saints shine God’s light in darkness Pope Francis celebrates Mass on All Saints’ Day in the chapel of his Vatican residence.

Later, he told people gathered in St Peter’s Square that All Saints’ Day is ‘a family feast’ that celebrates the lives of people who deserve recognition for helping to further God’s work.

A damaged building is seen following an earthquake in Sarpol-e Zahab, Iran. The Nov 12 earthquake killed more than 400 people and injured more than 6,000 in Iran and Iraq. CNS photo

Condolences after quake in Iran, Iraq VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis

sent messages of condolence to people in Iran and Iraq after a 7.3 magnitude earthquake killed more than 400 people, mostly in Iran.

The pope “assures all affected by this tragedy of his prayerful solidarity,” said the nearly identical messages, released on Nov 13.

“In expressing his sorrow to all who mourn the loss of their loved ones, he offers his prayers for the deceased and commends them to the mercy of the almighty,” said the telegrams, signed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state.

As he often does in emergencies, Pope Francis also asked for the “blessings of consolation and strength” for first responders and civil authorities.

The US Geological Survey said the Nov 12 quake

was centred 30 km outside Halabja, Iraq. It was felt as far west as the Mediterranean coast.

The hardest-hit area was Iran’s western Kermanshah province, which sits in the Zagros Mountains that divide Iran and Iraq. The Associated Press reported residents in the rural area rely mainly on farming to make a living.

Caritas MONA, the regional branch of the Church’s charitable aid agency in the Middle East and North Africa, sent tweets asking people to join Caritas Iran and Caritas Iraq in prayers for those affected.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with our brothers and sisters in Iraq and Iran following yesterday’s devastating earthquake that hit the border region,” said another tweet on Nov 13. n

CNS photo

VATICAN CITY – Like stained glass

windows, the saints allow the light of God to permeate the darkness of sin in the world, Pope Francis said on the feast of All Saints.

Just as light enters a church through multi-coloured windows, the lives of saints shine forth “according to their own shade,” the pope said on Nov 1.

All the saints “have been transparent, they fought to remove the stains and darkness of sin so that the gentle light of God can pass through,” the pope said. “This is the purpose of life, even for us.”

Before reciting the Angelus prayer with people gathered in St Peter’s Square, the pope said the day was a “feast for us not because we are good but because God’s holiness has touched our lives.”

The day’s Gospel reading from St Matthew, in which Jesus proclaims the Beatitudes, contains the road map for “a blessed and happy life,” which the saints fol-

lowed through in their own lives and deeds, he said.

“Happiness is not in having something or in becoming someone,” the pope said. “No. True happiness is being with the Lord and living for love.”

The Beatitudes, he continued, do not require “extravagant gestures” or superhuman strength, but are for those “who live through the trials and hardships of daily life.”

“That is how the saints are,” Pope Francis said. “Like everyone, they breathe the polluted air of evil that is in the world, yet they

All the saints ‘have been transparent, they fought to remove the stains and darkness of sin so that the gentle light of God can pass through,’ said Pope Francis.

never lose sight of Jesus’ footsteps along the way.”

Departing from his prepared remarks, the pope said the feast of All Saints also is “a family feast” that celebrates the lives of people who deserve recognition for helping further God’s work in the world.

“Today, there are so many,” the pope said. “Thanks to these unknown brothers and sisters who help God bring the world forward, who live among us.”

Recalling the first Beatitude from St Matthew’s Gospel, Pope Francis said Christians should emulate the lives of saints who while “poor in spirit,” believed their true treasure was in God and not “in power or money.”

“At times, we are unhappy because we lack something or we are not recognised as we would like to be,” the pope said. “Let us remember: Our Beatitude does not lie here but in the Lord and in love.” n CNS

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Sunday November 26, 2017 n CatholicNews

Pope puts John Paul I on path to sainthood, declares him ‘venerable’

Pope John Paul I is pictured at the Vatican in 1978. Pope Francis has advanced the sainthood cause of Pope John Paul I with a decree recognising his heroic virtues. CNS photo

Pontiff: stop taking photos during Mass VATICAN CITY – The Mass is not a celebrate [Mass] in the square or in show, but a beautiful, transforma- the basilica and I see so many celltive encounter with the true loving phones in the air. And not just by the presence of Christ, lay faithful, some Pope Francis said. priests and bishops, That is why too,” he said. people need to “Please, Mass focus their hearts is not a show. It is on God, not focus going to encounter their smartphones the Passion, the for pictures during resurrection of the Mass, he said.

Lord,” he said to When the priest applause. celebrating Mass The pope’s resays, “Let us lift up marks were part of our hearts,” he is People take photos on tablets a new series of aunot saying, “lift up and phones of Pope Francis. dience talks on the our cellphones and The pope said it’s ‘an awful Mass. The series, take a picture. No. thing’ for people to take cell- he said, should It’s an awful thing” phone photos at Mass. CNS photo help people unto do, the pope said derstand the true on Nov 8 during his weekly gen- value and significance of the literal audience in St Peter’s Square. urgy as an essential part of grow“It makes me so sad when I ing closer to God. n CNS

Vatican bans cigarettes VATICAN CITY – Concerned by

the damage caused by smoking, Pope Francis has banned the sale of cigarettes in Vatican City State.

Starting in 2018, the Vatican “will cease to sell cigarettes to employees,” Mr Greg Burke, Vatican spokesman, said in a Nov 9 statement.

“The reason is very simple: The Holy See cannot contribute to an activity that clearly damages the health of people,” he said. “According to the World Health Organization, every year smoking is the cause of more than seven million deaths throughout the world.”

The Vatican used to be known as a safe haven for cigarette smok-

ers. That changed dramatically in 2002, when Vatican City prohibited smoking in offices and public places.

However, cigarettes continued to be sold to current and retired personnel at the Vatican.

While cigarette sales “are a source of revenue for the Holy See, no profit can be legitimate if it puts lives at risk,” Mr Burke said.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church says the gift of physical health requires “reasonable care” of the body, and more specifically says: “The virtue of temperance disposes us to avoid every kind of excess: the abuse of food, alcohol, tobacco or medicine.” n CNS

VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis recognised that Pope John Paul I, who served only 33 days as pope, lived the Christian virtues in a heroic way.

The Vatican announced Pope Francis’ decision on Nov 9. It marks the first major step on the path to sainthood for the pope who died in 1978 at the age of 65, shocking the world and a Church that had just mourned the death of Blessed Paul VI. Pope Francis would have to recognise a miracle attributed to the late pope’s intercession in order for him to be beatified, the next step toward sainthood. A second miracle would be needed for canonisation.

Ms Stefania Falasca, vice postulator of Pope John Paul’s sainthood cause, said one “pre-

sumed extraordinary healing” had already been investigated by a diocese and a second possibility is being studied, but the Vatican does not begin its investigations until a sainthood candidate is declared venerable.

Although his was one of the shortest papacies in history, Pope John Paul left a lasting impression on the Church that fondly remembers him as “the smiling pope.”

“He smiled for only 33 days,”

Pope John Paul left a lasting impression on the Church that fondly remembers him as ‘the smiling pope.’

read the front page of the Italian newspaper, Corriere della Sera, while the Catholic Telegraph of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati reported: “Saddened Church seeking another Pope John Paul.”

The surprise of his death after just over a month in office opened a floodgate of rumours and conspiracy theories, running the gamut from murder to culpable neglect. The Vatican doctor insisted then, as the Vatican continues to insist, that Pope John Paul died of a heart attack.

His papal motto was “Humilitas” (Humility) which reflected his down-to-earth personality.

He rejected the use of the traditional papal tiara and preferred to call his first Mass as pope the “inauguration” of his papal ministry rather than a coronation. n CNS

18 OPINION

Sunday November 26, 2017 n CatholicNews

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Poverty requires action, not barriers or walls ... says Pope Francis in his message for the first World Day of the Poor VATICAN CITY – People cannot

sit back and be indifferent or unresponsive to growing poverty in the world as a privileged minority accumulates “ostentatious wealth”, Pope Francis said.

“God created the heavens and the earth for all; yet sadly some have erected barriers, walls and fences, betraying the original gift meant for all humanity, with none excluded,” the pope said in a message for the first World Day of the Poor.

The newly established commemoration is meant to help Christians develop and maintain a more consistent and sincere lifestyle built on sharing, simplicity and the essential truths of the Gospel, the pope said in the message released earlier this year.

The World Day of the Poor – to be marked each year on the 33rd Sunday of Ordinary time – falls on Nov 19 this year and will focus on the Apostle John’s call to love “not with words, but with deeds”.

Too often Christians have taken on “a worldly way of thinking” and forgotten to keep their gaze and goals focused on Christ, who is present in those who are broken and vulnerable, the pope said in his message.

An admonition by St John Chrysostom “remains ever timely,” the pope said, quoting: “If you want to honour the body of Christ, do not scorn it when it is naked; do not honour the eucharistic Christ with silk vestments and then, leaving the Church, neglect the other Christ suffering from cold and nakedness.”

He noted that “poverty has the face of women, men and children exploited by base interests, crushed by the machinations of power and money”.

“What a bitter and endless list we would have to compile were we to add the poverty born of social injustice, moral degeneration, the greed of a chosen few and generalised indifference,” he added.

Homeless Filipinos rest on a street in Manila. The pope has established a new commemoration, the World Day of the Poor. CNS file photo

“Tragically, in our own time, even as ostentatious wealth accumulates in the hands of the privileged few, often in connection with illegal activities and the appalling exploitation of human dignity, there is a scandalous growth of poverty in broad sectors of society throughout our world,” Pope Francis wrote. “Faced with this scenario, we cannot remain passive, much less resigned.”

Christians must reach out to the poor as Christ did and commanded, the pope said. The poor, in fact, “are not a problem, they

want to honour ‘Iftheyoubody of Christ, do not scorn it when it is naked; do not honour the eucharistic Christ with silk vestments and then, leaving the Church, neglect the other Christ suffering from cold and nakedness.

’

– Pope Francis quoting St John Chrysostom

are a resource” rich in dignity and God-given gifts that can help Christians better understand the essential truth of the Gospel.

“Blessed, therefore, are the open hands that embrace the poor and help them: They are hands that bring hope,” he said.

“Blessed are the hands that reach beyond every barrier of culture, religion and nationality and pour the balm of consolation over the wounds of humanity. Blessed are the open hands that ask nothing in exchange, with no ‘ifs’ or ‘buts’ or ‘maybes’: They are hands that call down God’s blessing upon their brothers and sisters.”

Pope Francis said a good role model was his namesake, St Francis of Assisi, who kept his gaze fixed on Christ so as to be “able to see and serve Him in the poor”.

The pope took the name of this saint during the conclave that elected him in 2013 after another cardinal told him, “Don’t forget the poor.” n CNS The pope’s message is at: http:// w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/ messages/poveri/documents/papafrancesco_20170613_messaggio-igiornatamondiale-poveri-2017.html

A prayer for stillness BE STILL and know that I am God. Scripture assures us that if we are still, we will come to know God, but arriving at stillness is easier said than done. As Catholic theologian Blaise Pascal once stated, “All the miseries of the human person come from the fact that no one can sit still for one hour.”

Achieving stillness seems beyond us and this leaves us with a certain dilemma – we need stillness to find God, but we need God’s help to find stillness. With this in mind, I offer a prayer for stillness.

God of stillness and of quiet … n Still the restlessness of my youth: still that hunger that would have me be everywhere, that hunger to be connected to everyone, that wants to see and taste all that is, that robs me of peace on a Friday night. Quiet those grandiose dreams that want me to stand out, to be special. Give me the grace to live more contentedly inside my own skin. n Still the fever I inhale from all the energy that surrounds me, that makes my life feel small. Let me know that my own life is enough, that I need not make an assertion of myself, even as the whole world beckons this of me from a million electronic screens.

Give me the grace to sit at peace inside my own life. n Still my sexuality, order my promiscuous desires, my lusts, my polymorphous aching, my relentless need for more intimacy. Quiet and order my earthy desires without taking them away. Give me the grace to see others without a selfish sexual colour. n Still my anxiety, my heartaches, my worries, and stop me from always being outside the present moment. Let each day’s worries be sufficient unto themselves. Give me the grace to know that you have pronounced my name in love, that my name is written in heaven, that I am free to live without anxiety. n Still my unrelenting need to be busy all the time, to occupy myself, to be always planning for tomorrow, to fill every minute with some activity, to seek distraction rather than quiet. Soothe the unacknowledged anger I feel from not achieving much of what I’ve wanted in life, the failure that I feel in the face of all that I’ve left untried and unfinished. Still in me the bitterness that comes from failure.

Save me from the jealousy that comes unbidden as I begrudgingly accept the limits of my life. Give me the grace to accept what circumstance and failure have dealt me. n Still in me the fear of my own shadow, the fear I feel in the face of the powerful, dark forces that unconsciously threaten me. Give me the courage to face my darkness as well as my luminosity. Give me the grace to not be fearful before my own complexity. n Still in me the congenital fear that I’m unloved, that I’m unlovable, that love has to be earned, that I need to be more worthy. Silence in me the nagging suspicion that I’m forever missing out, that I’m odd, an outsider, that things are unfair, and that I’m not being respected and recognised for who I am. Give me the grace to know that I’m a beloved child of a God whose love need not be earned. n Still in me my false fear of you, my propensity for a misguided piety, my need to treat you like a distant and feared dignitary rather than as a warm friend. Give me the grace to relate to you in a robust way, as a trusted friend with whom I can jest, wrestle and relate to in humour and intimacy. n Still my unforgiving thoughts, the grudges I nurse from my past, from the betrayals I’ve suffered, from the negativity and abuses I’ve been subject to. Quiet in me the guilt I carry from my own betrayals. Still in me all that’s wounded, unresolved, bitter, and unforgiving. Give the quiet that comes from forgiveness. n Still in me my doubts, my anxieties about your existence, about your concern, and about your fidelity. Calm inside me the compulsion to leave a mark, to plant a tree, to have a child, to write a book, to create some form of immortality for myself. Give me the grace to trust, even in darkness and doubt, that you will give me immortality. n Still my heart so that I may know that you are God, that I may know that you create and sustain my every breath, that you breathe the whole universe into existence every second, that everyone, myself no less than everyone else, is your beloved, that you want our lives to flourish, that you desire our happiness, that nothing falls outside your love and care, and that everything and everybody is safe in your gentle, caring hands, in this world and the next. n

FAITH ALIVE! 19

Sunday November 26, 2017 n CatholicNews

A call for solidarity between young, old

By Elise Italiano I can still feel the thick plastic cover over the chequered tablecloths under my fingers, still smell the faint aroma of almond extract mixed with something like mothballs in my nose.

The week leading up to Christmas was the same every year of my childhood. In less than 24 hours, my brother and I made the rounds with my parents to the kitchen tables of every living great-aunt and greatuncle we had in New Jersey, USA, and to the homes of a few other people, who I later learned were not actually of any blood relation to us.

I remember looking forward to the annual tradition. As soon as we stepped into each house, a fresh plate of cookies was placed on the table. I will never forget the anticipation of my mother lifting the standard limit on sweets for a whole day.

Looking back now, I appreciate so much more. It was a dedicated time that my parents set aside for us to learn about our family’s history. It shaped our own sense of identity and what we learned to value as adults.

My relatives would laugh so hard with one another, reminiscing about their own youth. We still tell some of the stories that we heard around those tables, as if we had witnessed the events firsthand.

Looking at the ways in which the Church can hear the voices of young people has been a focus of the Church. However, it’s also important to think about promoting intergenerational solidarity. It’s a challenging message for a culture that idolises youth, and one in which older family members often live independently or in the care of people outside of a family.

One of Pope Francis’ favourite messages to young people has been to remember the elderly, to draw near to them and to learn from them. Earlier this year, Pope Francis pleaded with young people not to keep the elderly “in the closet” and encouraged them to foster intergenerational dialogue and relationships.

It’s for this reason that Pope Francis has very often stressed the importance of grandparents – “Your grandparents have the wisdom, and furthermore, they have the need for you to knock on the door of their hearts to share their wisdom,” he said this in September to the Shalom Catholic Community. He himself keeps a note from his grandmother in his breviary that he uses every day.

Yet the pope has also said that young people should go out of their way to encounter and welcome the elderly who are not their family members. This will require proactive measures on our part, perhaps requiring us to go to the peripheries of our churches

A elderly woman speaks with a young woman. Young people should go out of their way to encounter and welcome the elderly. CNS file photo

and communities to find them.

We should also ask our priests and pastoral staff where we can find them. Too often they go unnoticed but are looking for company and community.

It will certainly require more listening than it does talking. It may involve awkward silences and patience and walking a little bit slower than usual. But isn’t the whole point of accompaniment to share in someone else’s journey, no matter its current direction or pace?

Pope Francis has reminded us

that “the Church regards the elderly with affection, gratitude and high esteem. They are an essential part of the Christian community and of society.”

As the 2018 synod on vocational discernment aims to put the realities of young people front and centre for the Church, we’d also be wise to heed the wisdom of those who have prepared the way ahead of us. n CNS Italiano is executive director at communications for The Catholic University of America.

Being with the elderly will certainly require more listening than it does talking.

It may involve awkward silences and patience and walking a little bit slower than usual.

But isn’t the whole point of accompaniment to share in someone else’s journey, no matter its current direction or pace?

20

Sunday November 26, 2017 n CatholicNews

SPOTLIGHT ON SAINTS:

St Juan Diego St Juan Diego (1474-1548) was an Aztec Indian who lived in Mexico. In 1524, he became Catholic and was baptised.

In 1531, he was walking on Tepayac Hill near Mexico City when Mary appeared to him. Mary told him to ask the local bishop to build a shrine on the hill.

Juan went to the bishop, but the bishop asked him for a sign. On Dec 12, Juan returned to Tepayac Hill.

Mary told him to pick some flowers that were blooming on the hill and carry them in his cloak to give to the bishop.

When he returned to the bishop, Juan opened his cloak.

The flowers fell out, and an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe miraculously appeared on his garment.

The shrine was built in 1533, and Juan lived near it as a hermit for the rest of his days. He was canonised in 2002, and we honour him on Dec 9. n

and you gave me no clothing, ill and in prison, and you did not care for me.”

“Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or ill or in prison, and not minister to your needs?” He said the unrighteous would ask.

Jesus said He would remind them that what they did not do for one of the least ones they did not do for him.

“And these will go off to eternal

punishment, but the righteous to eternal life,” He said. n Read more about it: Matthew 25

Q&A 1. How would Jesus appear when He returned?

2. How would people be separated for judgment?

Wordsearch: n HAPPY n LEADER n AMEN

n KINGDOM n SHRINE n ETERNAL n BISHOP n REMIND n CARE

n GLORIOUS n WELCOME n MINISTER

BIBLE TRIVIA: What name did Jesus call himself in John 10:11?

Bible Accent:

Answer to Bible Trivia: The Good Shepherd.

Jesus oftentimes compared Himself to a shepherd and His people to sheep. In Ezekiel 34, God made a similar comparison.

During this time, the Israelites were in exile in Babylon.

God was not happy with their leaders and told the prophet Ezekiel to prophesy against them.

God gave Ezekiel a parable to share in which God compared Himself to a shepherd and His people to a flock of sheep. God said that the leaders – the shepherds – had taken care of their own needs and not the needs of the people – the flock of sheep.

“I will take my sheep out of their hand and put a stop to their shepherding my flock,” God said through Ezekiel.

God also said that He would judge “between one sheep and another, between rams and goats,” and He would take care of the flock Himself.

“Yes,” God said through Ezekiel. “You are my flock: You people are the flock of my pasture, and I am your God.” n

PUZZLE: Fill in the blanks with the word sheep or goat. Hints have been provided.

1. I am the gate for the _______. (John 10:7) 2. Behold, I am sending you like ______ in the midst of wolves.

(Matthew 10:16)

3. And there will be ample ______’s milk for your food.

(Proverbs 27:27)

4. Also make sheets woven of ______ hair for a tent over the tabernacle. (Exodus 26:7) 5. We had all gone astray like _______. (Isaiah 53:6)

Answer to Wordsearch

Jesus had just told His apostles some parables to remind them to always be prepared for His return at the end of the age.

After He was done, Jesus explained what would happen upon His return.

“When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, He will sit upon His glorious throne, and all the nations will be assembled before Him,” Jesus said.

He explained that He would separate everyone into two groups, much like a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats in his flock.

Jesus said He would place the righteous people – the sheep – on His right.

“Come, you who are blessed by my Father,” Jesus said He would tell the righteous. “Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation

of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.”

Jesus said that the righteous people would wonder when they had seen Jesus in need and had taken care of Him. “Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of the least brothers of mine, you did for me,” Jesus said He would tell the righteous.

Then Jesus said He would turn to the unrighteous people – the goats – whom He had placed on His left.

“Depart from me, you accursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels,” Jesus said He would tell the unrighteous. “For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, a stranger and you gave me no welcome, naked

Answer to puzzle: 1. sheep; 2. sheep; 3. goat; 4. goat; 5. sheep

By Jennifer Ficcaglia

EVENT SUBMISSIONS WHAT’S ON submissions now require the completion of a form from the Archdiocese before the event can be publicised. For events with foreign speakers, please submit the necessary documentation for approval to the Chancery. For more information and to download the form, visit http:// www.catholic.sg/events/announcementadvertisement-request/.

Once forms have been submitted online, kindly send us details of your event for publication at www. catholicnews.sg/whatson/ at least one month ahead of the publication date.

SEPT 27, 2017 TO MAY 1, 2019 SHARE THE JOURNEY: A GLOBAL CAMPAIGN BY CARITAS INTERNATIONALIS Organised by Caritas Internationalis, the campaign aims to increase spaces and opportunities with Caritas organisations and parishes to enable local communities and migrants to have more positive encounters. Do join in the campaign activities organised by Caritas Singapore and CHARIS. Follow CaritasSingapore and CHARISSingapore on Facebook for more updates.

OCT 25 TO DEC 6 BASIC CATECHIST COURSE LEVEL 1 – INTRODUCTION TO CATECHETICAL PEDAGOGY AND CATECHETICAL METHODS Oct 25, Nov 8, 15, 22, 29, Dec 6.

Time: 7:30pm-10pm. Venue: Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary This course will introduce participants to the method of teaching as proposed by the Church. To register: W: http://tinyurl.com/ yc8y5jfj; W: www.catechesis.org.sg; E: formation@catechesis.org.sg; T: 69110400.

OCT 31 TO NOV 28 BASIC CATECHIST COURSE LEVEL 2 – LEARNING TO LISTEN AND FACILITATE Oct 31, Nov 7, 14, 21, 28. Time: 7.30pm-10pm. Venue: 2 Highland Road S549102. One of the fundamental tasks of catechesis is the initiation and education in community life. To register: W: http:// tinyurl.com/y9gjv7aj; W: www.catechesis. org.sg; E: formation@catechesis.org.sg; T: 69110400.

NOV 20 AN IGNATIAN INSPIRED WRITING AND CONVERSATION Time: 7pm-9pm. A conversation with Chris Lowney and his writings inspired

by Ignatian Spirituality. Titles include Heroic Leadership, Heroic Living, and Pope Francis: Why He Leads the Way He Leads. Facilitator: Mr Chris Lowney.

Organised by Kingsmead Centre, 8 Victoria Park Rd. Fee: $30.

To register: http://tinyurl.com/ChrisL17; T: 64676072.

MAY THEY REST IN PEACE

to join us for praise and worship and Mass followed by prayers for healing.

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

Please spread the word to your family and friends. Celebrant: Fr Tom Curran.

Organised by SACCRE – Praise@Work.

Venue: Church of Sts Peter and Paul.

For more information, E: praiseatworksg@yahoo.com; T: 97472467.

Eighth Anniversary In loving memory of

DEC 3 SPES NOVUM: A NEW HOPE Time: 8pm-930pm. Come join us for a night of sacred music and traditional favourites. All proceeds benefit The Catholic Foundation. Venue: Cathedral of the Good Shepherd, A Queen St, S188533. Tickets can be purchased at https://ticketbox.sg/spes- novum. For more information, T: 96428170 (Daphne) / 94514392 (Nicole); E: cornovum8@ gmail.com; Facebook: /cornovum8.

DEC 7 TO DEC 10 CATHOLIC YOUTH RALLY 2017 (For Mandarin-speaking youth) This event is organised by youth leaders from Singapore and Kuala Lumpur archdioceses, and Penang and MelakaJohor dioceses. Venue: St Anne’s Church, Bukit Mertajam, Penang. Calling youth who want to learn more about your faith, to build a deeper relationship with God and to form long-lasting bonds with brothers and sisters from our neighbouring dioceses. T: 91136598; E: nicholas.cheang91@gmail.com.

DEC 8 FEAST OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION Venue: Church of Sts Peter and Paul.

Rosary and confessions at 11.45am.

Mass at 1pm. Please bring the following: 1) Book of Prayers 2) Book for Holy Mass. Organised by the Immaculate Heart of Mary Family Rosary Prayer Group.

NOV 26 TO DEC 2 WEEK OF GUIDED PRAYER (WOGP) AT ST IGNATIUS The Sojourners’ Companions invites you to a WOGP to learn how to pray with Scripture and develop a closer relationship with God. Nov 26: 2pm-5pm: Taster. Nov 27-Dec 1: Daily 30mins @ home + 30mins with personal prayer guide at a convenient time between 9am-10pm. Dec 2: 2–5pm: closure. Fee: $30. To register: W: www.sojourners.sg; wogp@sojourners.sg; parish office at the Church of St Ignatius; church foyer after Mass on Nov 11,12 and Nov 18,19.

Solution to Crossword Puzzle No. 1197

L I M B S

R O L E

R O A M

M E N U

Y V E S

R O M E

K E Y

J E W D I W I S R A H E G N C S P H T U B A B R H O S O T P D

A C H E S P L E B E T H E

M E S O L E A L E S A A L S D V I I R E M A A R E B M Y A C U F A L B U R L O R M R O E A R L

S A V I O

E P O S

T I L L

H A T E

C U R E

A R K S

M E S S Y

A G T O O N N Y

E D E N

N O S Y

T I L E D

In loving memory of Seventh Anniversary

Seventeenth Anniversary In everloving memory of

DEC 15 TO DEC 17 LONGING – AN ADVENT RETREAT Dec 15 (7.30pm)-Dec 17 (5pm). A weekend silent retreat in preparation for Christmas led by Fr Gregory Tan and Keith Neubronner. Come away for a few days to reflect on the longing of the human heart for the presence of God, and God’s response in the person of Christ.

Organised by Kingsmead Centre, 8 Victoria Park Rd. Fee: $260 (non-aircon), $300 (aircon). To register: http://tinyurl. com/laretreat17; T: 64676072.

C O L T S

Ninth Anniversary In loving memory of

First Anniversary

We remember and cherish the happy times together Remembering them today and forever.

Dearly missed by husband and son-in-law.

DEC 14 CRAFT OF RELATIONSHIP: CONNECTING IN LOVE Time: 7.30pm-9.30pm. In this talk, learn about the five love languages (Gary Chapman), the stages of love (Pat Love), and emotional connection/ disconnections (Sue Johnson). Organised by Kingsmead Centre, 8 Victoria Park Rd. Fee: $30.

To register: http://tinyurl.com/craftofre; T: 64676072.

O B I S

Fondly remembered

by Monica, Justin, family members, relatives and friends.

MARY CECILIA ARULANANDAM Departed Nov 19, 2010 Nov 10, 2016

DEC 12 MASS IN HONOUR OF OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE Time: 7pm. Venue: Church of St Bernadette. Celebrated in Spanish (translations of readings, prayers and hymns will be available). Organised by the Mexican community in Singapore.

Celebrated by Fr Joe Lopez, chaplain of the Spanish speaking community.

Mass will be followed by traditional Mexican songs and fellowship.

All are welcome.

R O O M

PATRICIA CHUA KOOI NGOH Departed: Nov 26, 2009 We speak your name with love and pride We smile with tears we cannot hide We thank you for the years we shared The love you gave, the way you cared.

CLARA MICHAEL

NOV 23 TO NOV 25 CHURCH OF CHRIST THE KING TRIDUUM Come join us and experience the awesome power of Christ Our King!

Theme: “All Be One”. Nov 23 and 24: Praise and worship begins at 7.30pm followed by Mass at 8pm. Celebrants: Msgr Ambrose Vaz (Nov 23) and Fr Albert Ng (Nov 24). Nov 25: Rosary starts at 4.40pm followed by Mass at 5.30p. Celebrant: Fr Jerome Leon.

For more information, W: http://www. christtheking.com.sg/.

DEC 2 MASS FOLLOWED BY PRAYERS FOR HEALING All are welcome and no registration is needed. Time: 2pm-4pm. You are invited

IN MEMORIAM 21

WHAT’S ON

Sunday November 26, 2017 n CatholicNews

www.wordgamesforcatholics.com

This issue’s Crossword Puzzle has been held over

MATHEW EMMANUEL S/O A.M. PEREIRA Departed: Nov 25, 2000 In our hearts you will always live Your love, your voice and your smile Are forever imprinted in our minds.

Mass will be celebrated on Saturday Nov 25 2017 at 5.45pm at the Church of Immaculate Heart of Mary.

Fondly remembered by loving brother Joe, Sisters Serin, Dorothy, Gatty, in-laws and loved ones.

NANCY JOAN SALASSA NEE RENJAAN Departed: Nov 27, 2008 Peaceful be your rest, dear mother, It is sweet to breathe your name; As in life we loved you dearly, So in death we do the same.

Deeply missed by family and loved ones.

Twenty-Third Anniversary In loving memory of

ANTHONY YIM CLARA WONG SOON CHONG MUI SIN Departed: Sep 10, 1969 Departed: Nov 23, 2006

Thirtieth Anniversary In loving memory of

MARC DINESH MAHESAN Born: Nov 27, 1980 Departed: Nov 19, 1987 OUR BELOVED EVER IN OUR HEARTS. Lovingly cherished

by Mama, Noel, Belinda, Marcelle, Tyler and all who love you.

ELIZABETH LAMBERT Departed: Nov 20, 1994 Peacefully sleeping, resting at last Dear Mama we miss you so much In silence you suffered, in patience you bore Till God called you home to suffer no more.

May you rest in peace.

Dearly loved and deeply missed by all loved ones.

Thank you for all the fond memories.

We will forever cherish the times we shared together.

Fondly missed and remembered by all your loved ones.

Tenth Anniversary In loving memory of

Eighteenth Anniversary In loving memory of

Second Anniversary In loving memory of

CONNIE MOK LYE KUM Departed: Nov 28, 1999 There’s a sad JULIAN THANKSGIVING but sweet remembrance MONTEIRO There’s a memory 5 Dec 1937 to Holy apostle St Jude, fond and true 28 Nov 2015 near kinsman of And a token of love In the company of Jesus Christ, faithful and affection intercessor of all who angels two years now.

And a heartache But sweet invoke your special still for you memories remain. patronage in time of But a certainty of Not a day goes by need. Come to my your happiness when we don’t think assistance, help me In God’s glory of you. in my present urgent and Holy Presence Still loved, still petition. I promise Fills our hearts to make your name missed, still very dear. with joy and hope known and cause you Dearly missed by And a longing to be invoked. Amen wife Yvonne to meet in Heaven.

Aida and brother Chris.

Always remembered

by Anthony, Jenny, Please turn to pages 21 and 23 for Jessie and loved ones. more in memoriam advertisements.

CLASSIFIED

In loving memory of

CAROLINE LIM GEK CHENG Returned to the Lord on December 1, 2007 Ten years have passed since you left us to join the Lord.

But memories of you remain with us forever.

Always dearly remembered by Husband: William (deceased) Sons: Daughters-in-law: Andrew (deceased) Henry Irene Paul Francis Emmeline Grandsons: Granddaughters: Grandsons-in-law: Jude Michelle Toni James Melissa Rayner Maria Melanie Great-grandchildren: Jamie Josh, Micah & Zach Mass will be celebrated on Sunday Dec 3 at 11.30am.

Venue: Church of Holy Spirit, 248 Upper Thomson Road.

22 IN MEMORIAM Thirty-eighth Anniversary In loving memory of

CECILIA LIM GUEK HIANG Departed: Nov 20, 1979 Always remembered by loved ones at home.

Twentieth Anniversary In loving memory of

Sunday November 26, 2017 n CatholicNews

Thirty-sixth Anniversary In loving memory of

In loving memory of

WINNIFRED HWANG Departed: May 6, 2012

TERESA LOH POH HWA Departed: Nov 8, 1981 Not just today but everyday In silence we remember.

Always remembered

by Dad, Mom, Sisters, brothers and friends.

Dearly missed by Julian, Agnes, Gregory

Twenty-second Anniversary In loving memory of

In loving memory of Seventh Anniversary

JANE D/O SUSENATHEN Departed: Nov 28, 1997 Gone from our lives one so dear.

But in our hearts JONATHAN LOCK forever near.

WAI MUN Time changes Departed: Nov 24, 1995 many things Gone from our lives But not the memory One so dear this day brings.

But in our hearts Always remembered Forever near by dad, mom, brothers, Dearly missed and sister-in-laws, nieces, always remembered by uncles and aunties. family, friends and loved ones.

Please turn to pages 21 and 23 for Mass will be offered on more in memoriam Friday Nov 24, 2017 at Church of St Vincent and classified de Paul at 7.00am. advertisements.

Tenth Anniversary Our Beloved Father and Grandfather

V. FRANKLIN FERNANDEZ He was called home to our Lord on Nov 22, 2007 You had a heart of gold One of the best to behold You were generous, loving and kind These are the memories you left behind Forever cherished by sons, daughters-in-law, grandchildren and loved ones.

CECILIA HWANG Departed: Dec 1, 1995

Sixth Anniversary

MARIA LEE PEGGY TANG SWEE CHING KIN NGUK Departed Nov 22, 2010 Nov 23, 2011

Gone from our lives One so dear But in our hearts Forever near.

In loving memory of

ANTHONY JOACHIM Departed: Nov 27, 2013 Our Lord Jesus knew what was best He took you home for eternal rest We wiped our tears and tried not to be sad And remember the precious times we had.

Always remembered by loved ones.

IN MEMORIAM 23

Sunday November 26, 2017 n CatholicNews

Third Anniversary In loving memory of

Fifteenth Anniversary In loving memory of

KESSLER KESSLER JAMES SHANE KERRY ANN Departed: Dec 1, 2014 Departed: Mar 26, 2002 If only you It was His will could see the tears that she die In the world His will that we you left behind should let her go If only And we must you could heal ever bow to it our hearts But oh dear God Just one more time.

We miss her so.

Deeply missed by Deeply missed by Mum and Dad, mum and dad, Sister Kerry and god-daughter Alisha Daughter Alisha. and friends.

Third Year Anniversary In loving memory of

In loving memory of

WILLIAM TAN JWEE HUAT He was called home to our Lord on November 24, 2014 A special star so very bright It’s time for us to say goodnight

LUCAS THERESA VICTORIA HSU LOH KA LEE HSU SWEE MEEI 9 Oct 1925-30 Jun 2012 4 Apr 1929-28 Nov 2012 12 Oct 1961-3 Dec 1991

So close your eyes and snuggle tight We’re wishing you sweet dreams tonight.

The angels came to take you home And you left us all alone We know you keep watching us from above And we still pray for the one we love.

Dearly missed by family and loved ones.

Dearly missed and forever in our hearts Wife Emilyn, Children Marcus and June Fifth Anniversary In loving memory of

VINCENT RATNASAMY Departed: Nov 24, 2012 Our Lord Jesus knew what was best He took you home for eternal rest We wiped our tears and tried not to be sad And remember the precious times we had.

Deeply missed and always in our hearts Wife Margaret, daughter Jacinta and all loved ones.

Fifth Anniversary In loving memory of

In loving memory of

DAVID ERNEST ZUZARTE Departed: Nov 23, 2012 We miss you in so many ways.

We miss things you used to say.

And when old times we do recall.

It’s then we miss you most of all.

Always loved and cherished by children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

THOMAS TAN HOCK KIM Called Home to be with the Lord on Nov 26, 1982 He longed to be with Him Now God has him in His keeping We have him in our hearts We will always cherish you with love.

Dearly missed by wife and loved ones.

In loving memory of

Twenty-first Anniversary

Eighteenth Anniversary

ANTHONISWAMI NAMBIKAI MARY Departed Nov 19, 1996 Jan 23, 1999

Please turn to pages 21 and 22 for more in memoriam advertisements.

God looked around His garden And found an empty place.

He then looked down upon this Earth And saw your tired faces.

He put his arms around you And lifted you to rest.

God’s garden must be beautiful He always takes the best.

24

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Sunday November 26, 2017 n CatholicNews

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