Catholic News issue 25, 2016

SUNDAY DECEMBER 11, 2016

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Excitement aplenty as cathedral holds opening Mass Celebration also saw blessing of commemorative stone and laying of new time capsule

VOL 66

NO. 25

INSIDE HOME

Caritas marks milestones Celebrates 10th year and Agape Village’s first n Page 6

Parent-child bonding IJ centres hold family sports day n Page 8

WORLD

Death of Fidel Castro Pope, bishops send condolences n Page 17

POPE FRANCIS

17 new cardinals created Be agents of unity, pope tells them n Page 18 People pack the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd for its opening Mass on Nov 20. The celebration was the first in about three years since the cathedral underwent renovation.

By Jared Ng After three years of renovation and restoration, the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd re-opened its doors for an opening Mass on Nov 20.

Such was the anticipation among the public for the special occasion that the pews in the cathedral were filled up an hour and a half before Mass started.

Many took the opportunity to admire the new architecture and the features of the old building which have been lovingly restored.

About 2,000 people attended the celebration which also marked the Solemnity of Christ the King, the closing of the Jubilee Year of

Mercy and the 30th anniversary of St John Paul II’s visit to Singapore.

Before the start of Mass, Archbishop William Goh blessed the commemorative stone and laid a new time capsule which was placed in the same column where an earlier one was found.

A 173-year-old time capsule was found under one of the cathedral’s columns on Jan 29 this year during its restoration project.

It contained 18th and 19th-century artefacts such as British and French coins, a copy of the Singapore Free Press and the service booklet used during the laying of the cornerstone on June 18, 1843.

Items placed in the new time

capsule included reports fromCatholicNews, The Straits Times and Hai Sing Pao on the cathedral, magazines on the cathedral’s history and restoration works, and current Singapore coins.

A replica of the Pieta – Michaelangelo’s famous sculpture depicting the body of Jesus lying on the lap of Mary after He was taken down from the cross – was also blessed. The new statue is an exact replica of the original found in St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican.

In his homily, Archbishop Goh said: “Now that the cathedral has been restored, the more important work begins.”

“The cathedral is only a building, only a means. What is important really is to build the interior life of the people of God,” he said.

He emphasised the importance of restoring “the people of God, to bring them to a level of faith that is vibrant, evangelistic and missionary.”

He said that “the cathedral, as the Mother Church in Singapore, must provide pastoral leadership to all parishes.”

Elaborating on the theme of leadership, Archbishop Goh shared what it takes to be a good shepherd. n Continued on Page 2

Year of Mercy provisions extended All priests can now give absolution for abortions n Page 20

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Sunday December 11, 2016 n CatholicNews

‘Mother Church must provide pastoral leadership to all parishes’ n From Page 1

“The primary task of a leader, whether in church, at work or in your own family – your role is to foster unity,” he said.

“A leader must be inclusive, a leader must embrace all without exception. When we say that the cathedral is the Mother Church, it means that it embraces all human beings – Catholics, lapsed Catholics and those seeking for God, rich and poor alike,” he said.

“Jesus is the one we should imitate,” he stressed.

The Mass also saw the blessing and commissioning of extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion of the cathedral.

In a short speech at the end of Mass, Archbishop Goh thanked Fr Adrian Anthony, former cathedral rector, for his efforts in starting the restoration project. He also thanked Msgr Philip Heng, current rector, who took over the helm from Fr Anthony and oversaw the completion of the church.

Members of the public were invited to visit the new Heritage Gallery which has artefacts showcasing the history and tradition of the Catholic Church in Singapore.

Artefacts such as the papal items used by St John Paul II when he was in Singapore in 1986, Gothic brass candlesticks and a crucifix donated by the French government in 1897 and the 18th and 19th-century coins found in the old time capsule were on display in the gallery.

Some people shared with CatholicNews their thoughts after the celebration.

Ms Linda Koh, 39, a parishioner at the nearby Church of Sts

Archbishop William Goh incensing a replica of the Pieta, Michaelangelo’s famous sculpture depicting Mary holding the body of Jesus.

Some of items placed in the new time capsule include newspaper reports on the cathedral’s history and commemorative magazines.

The cathedral is ‘only a building, only a means.

What is important really is to build the interior life of the people of God.’ Peter and Paul, shared that she was impressed with the “cathedral’s new look”.

“Although some of the architecture now looks pretty state-ofthe-art, I am also glad they kept the traditional look of the main building which in itself symbolises the cathedral as the Mother Church in Singapore,” she said.

Mr Desmond Tan, 48, who attended the celebration with his

family, shared that they were former cathedral parishioners and that they were “looking forward to exploring the compound to see what has changed.”

The official dedication of the cathedral will be celebrated next year on Feb 14, to coincide with the 120th anniversary of its original dedication. n jared.ng@catholic.org.sg

Children visit the Heritage Gallery that showcases artefacts depicting the history and tradition of the Catholic Church in Singapore.

Features of the cathedral The cathedral’s main church is fully renovated with a new altar, pews, flooring, colourscheme and air-conditioning.

Some of its restored items include the ceiling, statues, stained glass, Way of the Cross paintings, plaques and the 1912 Bevington and Sons organ, Singapore’s oldest working pipe organ.

Located in the cathedral basement are the adoration room, the crypt and the St Laurent Imbert multi-purpose hall, named after the saint which inspired

the name of the cathedral.

A new three-storey annex building houses the Heritage Gallery, two multi-purpose halls and meeting rooms.

The two-storey rectory, also known as the parochial house, was built in 1911. It is the office and residence of the rector and also houses the cathedral administration office.

The Archbishop’s House, built in 1859 as the original parochial house, now functions as the office and residence of Archbishop Goh. n

BUILDING THE CHURCH OF TOMORROW 3

Sunday December 11, 2016  CatholicNews

THE SPIRITUALITY OF GIVING As Christmas and its tradition of gift-giving draws near, Msgr Philip Heng SJ encourages Catholics to reflect on the spirituality that inspires every act of giving.

Our archdiocese envisions a more vibrant, missionary and evangelistic Church. As the fundraising arm of the Archdiocese of Singapore, the Catholic Foundation has launched the Giving in Faith & Thankfulness (GIFT) campaign to urge every Catholic to participate in making the vision of the archdiocese a reality.

It has become a cultural phenomenon of our century that on Christmas each year, people of all races and religions around the world will take part in the practice of sharing gifts.

While it is indeed a beautiful thing that Christmas celebration and joy are shared even amongst non-Christians, secular rhetoric that focuses on the buying and exchange of material goods often also distracts Christians from the deep spirituality that exists behind every act of giving.

As Christians, the act of giving is central in our lives, and is not confined within just this Advent season alone. As we prepare for the coming of our Lord, let us once again reflect on what it truly means to give, and why we are called upon to give.

A deeper generosity At a deeper level, the act of giving can be our expressions of gratitude, generosity and most importantly, our love for God. Have we ever read about, known or lived with people who we consider truly “saintly”? What is it about them that touched our hearts?

If we reflect deeply, we will

realise that they share one common value: a selflessness that is life-giving.

They draw joy in giving, regardless of the sacrifices, pain and trials they encounter. We see this in the love parents shower on their children, for instance, or in the care that friends show toward one another.

What matters most for such selfless persons is their love for others. In bringing up her chil-

filled with gratitude, generosity and God-centeredness, we must have God’s graces to give us the wisdom to love as Jesus has shown us how to love.

Loving as we have been loved This is the spirituality which in fact exists in every act of selfless giving. When we speak of “Christian spirituality”, we are speaking about the way we live our lives and how it is related to

The spirituality of giving can be understood as the expressions of our gratitude to God for all that we have received from Him – Msgr Philip Heng SJ dren, a mother endures much exhaustion, anxieties and fears.

But even in the midst of hardship, a simple smile on her children’s faces is sure to lift her spirits to new heights.

From this simple example we see that “giving” is most meaningful, purposeful and fruitful, when the act is driven by love.

But this is not always easy to do.

To truly give in a way that is

God. As Christians, our lives are inseparable from our relationship with Jesus.

“Christ-like love” is a selfless love that calls us to get in touch with the divine love that is innately present in our hearts.

When we are moved by this innate love, we will realise that what matters most in life is God’s love for us and our need to reciprocate this divine love in

the way we live each day. Why is this so?

The fundamental truth about our lives is that firstly, God has loved us into existence. In other words, it is because God loves us so infinitely that He decided to create and bring us into this world.

Secondly, all that we have received and what we are today comes from God’s abundant blessings—the gift of our life, family and most importantly, the gift of faith that in turn brings us the gift of eternal life and happiness with God. The “spirituality of giving” can be understood as the expressions of our gratitude to God for all that we have received from Him. Because God has created us out of love, deep within each person’s heart lies the desire to love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, and our neighbour as ourselves.

If we are not moved by this truth, then this Advent is the time to remind ourselves again of God’s grace in our lives, and to act in faith and thankfulness that “we should be called children of God; and that is what we are” (1 John 3:1).

VISIT

GIFT.CATHOLIC FOUNDATION.SG TO SUPPORT THE ARCHDIOCESE TODAY

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Sunday December 11, 2016 n CatholicNews

SJI students share experience of outreach project through photos

By Jared Ng St Joseph’s Institution (SJI) launched a photography exhibition that aimed to give viewers a glimpse of the community projects undertaken by their students.

The Global Education Programme Photography Exhibition was held on Nov 19 at the Nassim Gate of Singapore Botanic Gardens.

Students shared with members of the public their inspiration behind some of the photos they took.

The photo exhibits were available for viewing at the three different gates at Botanic Gardens from Nov 19-27.

Each gate had a series of photos with its own theme: Sustainable Development (Tanglin Gate); Relationships (Nassim Gate); Growing up in the community (Bukit Timah Gate).

In May this year, 140 students and staff from SJI’s International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) embarked on a one-week trip to engage with the local communities from five regional countries.

The countries visited were Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Australia. Students

Above: SJI student Joelle Tan (far left) sharing the meaning behind a photo with fellow students and SJI principal Fr Adrian Danker (second from right) at the photography exhibition on Nov 19. Right: A St Joseph’s Institution student is helped by two Cambodian boys in carrying plaster for building a classroom.

from different classes went to different countries.

Some of the things the students did included helping to build classrooms and teach the local children English.

During their stay, students were encouraged to take photos of certain moments which touched or inspired them.

“We hope the experience gave the students an idea of what life is like in these countries,” said Jesuit

Fr Adrian Danker, principal of St Joseph’s Institution.

“The journey was for the students to really embrace the Lasallian ethos of growing up to become people who can make a positive and lasting impact on society,” he said.

For Willy Wai, 17, his visit to Chiang Mai, Thailand, showed him “how fortunate we are in Singapore”.

“When we went to a local village, we saw that the school there

was very remote, very rundown.

The teacher comes from the city once a week to teach the children.

“We taught students English and also played with them. It was very heartwarming ... I was no longer in my comfort zone and, in a way, it exposed me to the realities of life,” he said.

Joelle Tan, 17, who went to Cambodia, said one thing in par-

ticular made her realise just how much she takes things for granted in Singapore.

“Clean water. At the place we were staying, the tap water there was not safe to consume and I had to consciously remind myself [of this] for the first three nights when brushing my teeth.” n jared.ng@catholic.org.sg

CHANCERY NOTICES 25 November 2016

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The Chancery has been informed by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila that the devotional group Banal na Pag-aaral (BNP) Vigil Adorers, which has a chapter in Singapore, cannot be considered a Catholic association in good standing.

The Manila Archdiocese has informed the Chancery that, 1. Based on its investigations, certain worship services of the Banal na Pag-aaral are outside the approved norms of religious services and orthodoxy, for example those in which the BNP’s Chairperson Salve Carreon acts as Jesus Christ; 2. The BNP’s activities, which include the devotion to Our Lady of Fatima, the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and weekend retreats, are used as occasions to teach the doctrine of the Mahal na Inkong. According to this doctrine, Mahal na Inkong is God manifesting and revealing Himself through

the person of Ms. Carreon.

Through the total indwelling of the Mahal na Inkong in Ms. Carreon, Ms. Carreon is said to become God Himself, thus demanding the complete surrender of the BNP followers’ will to the will of Mahal na Ingkong.

This doctrine and the surrender demanded by it have led to family disintegration, financial losses, and fanaticism; and 3. Ms. Carreon has refused to revise BNP’s teachings to conform with Catholic doctrine.

The Chancery has been informed

by Singapore’s BNP chapter that through the association’s international hierarchy, this chapter comes under the leadership of Chairperson Salve Carreon.

In accordance with the above, the Banal na Pag-aaral is henceforth banned from operating in the Archdiocese of Singapore.

The Chancery understands that

well-meaning members of the local chapter, which may include its office holders, have participated in BNP’s activities from a genuine desire to improve their Catholic spiritual life.

They are instructed to dissociate themselves from the organization, the leadership of Salve Carreon, and any related reverencing of her and following of practices uniquely instituted by her and those loyal to her. They are encouraged to reintegrate themselves into mainstream Catholic life in their parishes by participating in legitimate Catholic Associations, devotions and ministries.

Priests are instructed not to allow the BNP to hold activities in parishes or Catholic institutions or groups. Nor may they provide religious services to the BNP or its members under the auspices of the association. They are asked to actively help to reintegrate BNP members back to mainstream Catholic life.

BANNS OF ORDINATION 28 November 2016

The following candidates from the Order of Friars Minor (Franciscans), Rev. Deacon Friar Don Ramerez OFM, Rev. Deacon Friar Esmond Chua OFM, and Rev. Deacon Friar Jason Richard OFM, will be called to the Order

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of the Presbyterate on 12 February 2017 at Church of St Mary of the Angels by His Grace, Archbishop William Goh DD. The publication of these banns fulfil the canonical requirement, can. 1051 2°. Catholics

are obliged to reveal any impediments or circumstances that would prevent any of the candidates from receiving Sacred Orders and should contact Arcbishop William Goh DD with such information as soon as possible.

28 November 2016

APPOINTMENTS 1. Fr Augustine Tay has been appointed Rector of St Joseph’s Church, Victoria Street, in accordance with can. 557 ad nutum episcopi, with effect from 24 November 2016.

2. The following persons have been reappointed to the Board of Caritas Singapore Community Council for a term of two [2] years with effect from 1 January 2017: a. Mr Anthony Soo b. Mr Benedict Choeng c. Mr Jeremy Khoo d. Mr Joachim Toh e. Ms Jane Foo Chee Peng f. Ms Janet Ang g. Ms Sabina Soh h. Ms Teo Jin Lee i. Prof Tan Cheng Han j. Sr Maria Lau 3. The following persons have been appointed to the Board of Caritas Singapore Community Council for a term of two [2] years with effect from 1 January 2017: a. Mr Alan Lim b. Mr Paul Beh 4. The following persons have been appointed as members of the Archdiocesan Commission

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for Catholic Schools (ACCS) for a term of two [2] years with effect from 1 January 2017: a. Dr Koh Thiam Seng b. Mrs Pauline Wong OTHER MATTERS Archdiocesan Bible Apostolate The Verbum Dei Missionary Fraternity (FMVD) and the Archdiocese of Singapore have renewed a contract for them to assume responsibility for the management and running of the Archdiocesan Bible Apostolate for a term of one [1] year with effect from 1 November 2016.

Private Association of the Christ’s Faithful Morning Star Community Services has been given recognition as a “private association” in accordance with can. 299.

Catholic Education Sunday The Senate of Priests has determined that 10 Septetnber 2017 be dedicated for Catholic Education Sunday. The Archdiocesan Commission for Catholic Schools (ACCS) will provide more infonnation on how this day is to be observed in the Archdiocese of Singapore.

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

HOME 5

Sunday December 11, 2016 n CatholicNews

ARCHDIOCESE OF SINGAPORE

CITY

NORTH

CATHEDRAL OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD No Penitential Service

CHURCH OF OUR LADY STAR OF THE SEA Wednesday, December 14 at 8pm

CHURCH OF ST ALPHONSUS (NOVENA CHURCH) Under reconstruction

CHURCH OF THE HOLY SPIRIT Thursday, December 15 at 10.30am & 8pm

ST JOSEPH’S CHURCH No Penitential Service CHURCH OF ST BERNADETTE Monday, December 12 at 8pm CHURCH OF ST MICHAEL Tuesday, December 13 at 8pm CHURCH OF THE SACRED HEART Wednesday, December 14 at 8pm CHURCH OF ST TERESA Thursday, December 15 at 8pm CHURCH OF STS PETER & PAUL Friday, December 16 at 8pm CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF LOURDES Sunday, December 18 at 8.45am & 5.30pm (in Tamil) Monday, December 19 at 8pm

EAST CHURCH OF ST STEPHEN Monday, December 12 at 8pm

CHURCH OF CHRIST THE KING Friday, December 16 at 10.30am & 8pm CHURCH OF THE RISEN CHRIST Monday, December 19 at 10.30am & 8pm ST JOSEPH CHURCH (BT) Tuesday, December 20 at 8pm CHURCH OF ST ANTHONY Wednesday, December 21 at 8pm

SERANGOON CHURCH OF ST VINCENT DE PAUL Monday, December 12 at 8pm ST ANNE’S CHURCH Tuesday, December 13 at 8pm CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY Wednesday, December 14, 8pm CHURCH OF ST FRANCIS XAVIER Thursday, December 15 at 8pm CHURCH OF THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY Monday, December 19 at 8pm

WEST

CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL SUCCOUR Tuesday, December 13 at 10.30am & 8pm

CHURCH OF ST MARY OF THE ANGELS Monday, December 12 at 8pm

CHURCH OF DIVINE MERCY Wednesday, December 14 at 8pm

CHURCH OF ST FRANCIS OF ASSISI Tuesday, December 13 at 8pm

CHURCH OF THE HOLY FAMILY Thursday, December 15 at 10.30am & 8pm

CHURCH OF ST IGNATIUS Wednesday, December 14 at 8pm

CHURCH OF OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE Friday, December 16 at 8pm CHURCH OF THE HOLY TRINITY Monday, December 19 at 10.30am & 8pm

CHURCH OF THE HOLY CROSS Thursday, December 15 at 8pm BLESSED SACRAMENT CHURCH Friday, December 16 at 8pm Note: Please check with parishes for updates.

Simbang Gabi sa Singapore 2016 THEME: THE ANGELIC SALUTATION

Organised by the Filipino Parish Communities in Singapore Programme contact for Simbang Gabi 2016:Tony ODIADA, 91391180 DAILY MASSES TO BE HELD IN THE FOLLOWING PARISHES FROM DEC 15-23 AT 8PM:

CHURCH OF OUR LADY STAR OF THE SEA  Butch SARMIENTO (91349109) BLESSED SACRAMENT CHURCH

 Armand LASPONA (92272160),

Chris PACIA (82648159) CHURCH OF DIVINE MERCY

 Rizaldy SAPIERA (82881025),

Marie SAPIERA (94783985) DEC 15, THURSDAY, 8PM HAIL MARY

CHURCH OF ST MARY OF THE ANGELS  Arman ARDIENTE (97679102), Mark PERICO (96488038) CHURCH OF ST VINCENT DE PAUL

 Third GUTLAY (96340743),

Luz GUTLAY (91376938) DEC 16, FRIDAY, 8PM FULL OF GRACE

CHURCH OF ST STEPHEN  Rey de LUNA (97453947), Manulet BULAONG (91258086) CHURCH OF ST VINCENT DE PAUL

 Third GUTLAY (96340743),

Luz GUTLAY (91376938) DEC 17, SATURDAY, 8PM THE LORD IS WITH THEE

ST ANNE’s CHURCH  Geraldine QUIAMBAO (92359267) CHURCH OF ST FRANCIS OF ASSISI

 Agnes PACULDAR (81235158),

Daisy DUCUSIN (93636408) CHURCH OF ST VINCENT DE PAUL

 Third GUTLAY (96340743),

Luz GUTLAY (91376938) DEC 18, SUNDAY, 8PM BLESSED ART THOU AMONG WOMEN

CHURCH OF THE RISEN CHRIST  Tosing KEW (96246061), Veronica ORESTE (97467143) CHURCH OF ST IGNATIUS  Lanie SAY (91135572), Chona PENAROYO (81369819)

Church choirs’ main aim is to help people pray, says archbishop

CHURCH OF ST BERNADETTE  Edilberto ENDENO (96583526), Dodeth VERGARA (84440213) CHURCH OF THE HOLY CROSS

 Lalang CASTRO (91769340),

Bong NUNGAY (90401529) DEC 19, MONDAY, 8PM BLESSED IS THE FRUIT OF YOUR WOMB, JESUS

CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL SUCCOUR  John AURELLADO (82829013), Jon VITAS (84683560) DEC 20, TUESDAY, 8PM HOLY MARY

CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL SUCCOUR  John AURELLADO (82829013), Jon VITAS (84683560) CATHEDRAL OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD  Jenny ARANCON (93425839) DEC 21, WEDNESDAY, 8PM MOTHER OF GOD

CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL SUCCOUR  John AURELLADO (82829013), Jon VITAS (84683560) CHURCH OF CHRIST THE KING  Betty CERVANTES (96582456), Robert MENDOZA (98932229) DEC 22, TUESDAY, 8PM PRAY FOR US, SINNERS

CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY  Nes SANIO (93669584), Daisy LEONG (90995035) DEC 23, FRIDAY, 8PM NOW AND AT THE HOUR OF OUR DEATH

SAINT JOSEPH’S CHURCH  Jenny ARANCON (93425839) DEC 24, SATURDAY, 6PM MARY, MOST JOYFUL

CHURCH OF SAINTS PETER AND PAUL  Jenny ARANCON (93425839)

Members of church choirs attending the St Cecilia’s Celebration of Catholic Choirs on Nov 19.

Church choirs should not compete with one another to see which choir is the best. Rather they ought to share resources and help every choir in their parish work towards being good choirs.

This was a point Archbishop William Goh made during a Mass celebrated during the St Cecilia’s Celebration of Catholic Choirs on Nov 19.

Choristers should also be mindful of their primary purpose within the liturgy, that is to help lead people to pray, he told participants gathered for the annual event organised by the Liturgical Music Committee (LMC).

Choral leaders should also lead exemplary lives of prayer and contemplation of scripture as these habits help to form the spirituality of the person, he stressed.

More than 100 members of choirs from the various districts of the archdiocese attended the gathering at the Church of the Holy Cross, held to commemorate the feast of St Cecilia, patron saint of church choristers and musicians.

Prior to the Mass, Dr Peter Low, founder-director of the Cathedral Choir of the Risen Christ, shared with the crowd the rigours of leading and developing choirs. He spoke about his experiences as a young choir boy, his years developing his choir and travelling the world, sharing their repertoire and singing to various churches and communities.

He also shared the struggles

Choirs ought to share resources and help every choir in their parish work towards being good choirs, said Archbishop Goh.

he underwent in developing the choir, especially in resolving misunderstandings.

Dr Low, who has served the Church through music for more than 50 years, also highlighted the responsibilities of good choirs and their leaders, and the discipline of serving the Church as a music ministry accompanying the liturgy.

Participants were then treated to music on the church’s Viscount organ by organists from various parishes. The repertoire included selections from Bach, Widor and

Boelleman. The LMC Choir also presented a choral piece by John Stainer.

The half hour recital featured bits of trivia about the church organ so as to allow the audience to appreciate the instrument as well as the historical context of a musical genre that has spanned over 700 years across continental Europe.

The event also saw the attendance of two members of Kuala Lumpur archdiocese who made their way to Singapore specially for the celebration. n

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Sunday December 11, 2016 n CatholicNews

Caritas marks anniversaries, celebrates at Agape Village Caritas Singapore, the social mission arm of the Singapore archdiocese, marked its 10th year with a Mass and open house at Agape Village.

The celebration, held on Nov 19, also marked the first anniversary of Agape Village, a Caritas Singapore initiative located in Toa Payoh, that provides multiple, integrated social services under one roof.

The venue was a hive of activity that day as about 1,500 visitors gathered to enjoy the food, drinks, performances, workshops and talks, and also to visit booths manned by Caritas’ member organisations. These include groups supporting persons with disabilities, children, persons with HIV/ AIDS and foreign workers.

Throughout the day, Caritas’ member organisations which are housed at Agape Village, and other organisations providing services there, such as Mount Alvernia Hospital and Alzheimer’s Disease Association, reached out to visitors to raise awareness of their services.

For Mr Romel Tito and his wife, their favourite event of the day was the Understanding and Managing Stress talk by clinical psychologist Denise Lim, organised by Clarity Singapore, a Caritas member organisation that helps persons with intellectual disabilities and mental challenges.

“We wanted to attend to understand how to handle it,” shared Mr Tito.

In addition to information

Activities to mark Caritas’ 10th anniversary and Agape Village’s first: visitors participating in an activity by Alzheimer’s Disease Association (left) and performance by wheelchair-dance group, OnWheels Dance.

on healthcare, Ms Gail Ng from Caritas also shared on Catholic social teaching. Groups, such as volunteers from the Archdiocesan Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrants & Itinerant People (ACMI), also put on dances.

“The [visitor] turnout is surprisingly good,” commented Mr Michael Binny, a case worker from Catholic Welfare Service.

“When we first came here, nobody knew what we were doing. As we progressed, people have come to know about our services here.”

Ms Teo Jin Lee, chairperson of Agape Village’s management committee, shared: “We hope to be able to bring more people into AV [Agape Village]. More volunteers. That’s why we have this event today. We want people to understand that we are not a

‘

Caritas has this mission of building a civilisation of love.

’

– Friar John-Paul Tan at Caritas’ 10th anniversary Mass

home, [but] an integrated social services centre.”

During the Mass to commemorate Caritas’ 10th anniversary, Franciscan Friar John-Paul Tan

urged the 100 or so participants to bear witness to the crucified Christ.

“In today’s world, there is too much talk of hatred, destruction, fear of the other, of those who are different from us ... Caritas has this mission of building a civilisation of love,” he stressed.

Referring to the closing of the Jubilee Year of Mercy, which took place in Rome the next day, Friar John-Paul urged all Catholics “not to allow the fruits of the Year of

Mercy to regress to a lukewarm existence of indifference”.

In addition to the recent celebrations, Caritas also held its Social Mission Conference, Charities Week annual fundraising exercise, and its Down Memory Lane Fundraising Dinner this year.

According to Caritas, it has five strategic missions that would guide its team in the years after its 10th anniversary. These are: • Knowing Christ and knowing Catholic social teaching • Reflecting Christ with service • Living Christ with the parish • Giving voice to Christ in the poor • Strengthening capabilities For more information on Caritas Singapore, visit www.caritassingapore.org n

CARITAS SINGAPORE MILESTONES Sept 13, 2006: Catholic Social & Community Council Ltd (CSCC), now Caritas Singapore, was incorporated as the social mission arm of the Catholic Church in Singapore.

with the poor: early intervention, a holistic approach, and integrated services for those in poverty having diverse and multiple needs.

2006-2016: In the past 10 years, the annual Charities Week archdiocesan fundraising campaign during Lent has been organised

by Caritas Singapore. The funds raised go towards supporting the work of Caritas Singapore and its member organisations.

Early 2007: Overarching guidelines issued, identifying where and how the Church should respond in meeting the needs of the community, such as the elderly and sick, low-income households and ex-convicts.

August 2007: Catholic social teaching was distilled into 10 essential principles and a series of articles explaining this was published.

June 2008: A study guide on the Basic Principles of Catholic Social Teaching, Salt of the Earth, was launched. A year later, the Mandarin version was launched.

August 2008: Catholic Social & Community Council Ltd changed its name to Caritas Singapore Community Council Ltd, and took over the membership of Caritas Inter-

2008-2016: Caritas’ biennial Social Mission Conference was first introduced in 2008.

Archbishop Goh blessing the cornerstone for Agape Village during its groundbreaking ceremony.

nationalis, the global Caritas organisation, from Catholic Welfare Services.

2008: Caritas Singapore formed a taskforce to develop the archdiocese’s framework for helping the poor. This was followed by a joint Study of the Poor in 2010, commissioned by Catholic Welfare Services, Society of St Vincent de Paul and Caritas Singapore. The Study of the Poor report in 2011 identified three key approaches to working

August 2010: CHARIS, previously known as the Archdiocesan Crisis Coordination Team, was launched as the overseas humanitarian arm of Caritas Singapore.

September 2010: Launch of Labours of the Harvest, a study guide on Catholic social teaching for working Catholics.

October 2010: Caritas Singapore facilitated the start-up of two new charities: Abilities Beyond Limitation & Expectation (ABLE) for the physically challenged and CLARITY for the mentally challenged.

2012: Following the Study of the Poor, Caritas developed a framework for help-

ing the poor, titled “Partnering the Poor”.

February 2012: The Caritas Young Adults Committee was formed to involve young adults between 18 and 35 years old in the social mission of the Church.

May 2012: Agape Village was conceptualised.

2012-2016: Caritas introduced a series of RoundTables, focusing on poverty trends and related key social issues. It is a platform for Caritas Singapore to dialogue with nonprofit organisations, academia and other institutions seeking to make a difference on poverty, regardless of race, religion or other affiliations.

Sept 5, 2013: Groundbreaking and blessing ceremony of Agape Village in Toa Payoh.

October 2013: Launch of Caritas’ antipoverty initiative, “Singaporeans Against Poverty” (SGAP), with a multi-media campaign including cinema, print, radio, mobile and online.

Nov 21, 2015: Official opening and blessing of Agape Village.

Nov 19, 2016: Agape Village’s 1st anniversary open house and Caritas Singapore’s 10th anniversary Mass. n

Sunday December 11, 2016 n CatholicNews

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Sunday December 11, 2016 n CatholicNews

Extend a merciful hand to those living with HIV/AIDS ... Catholics told at World AIDS Day Mass held on Nov 27

By Jared Ng “Catholics have a responsibility to respect and reach out to those living with HIV/AIDS,” said Fr Kenson Koh, spiritual director of Catholic AIDS Response Effort (CARE).

“However, more often than not, we discriminate against them,” he said in his homily during this year’s World AIDS Day Mass.

The event was organised by CARE, a Catholic Charity under Caritas Singapore, which cares for and supports people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs).

CARE runs a shelter home in Singapore for some of these people.

About 1,000 people attended the Mass at the Church of the Holy Family on Nov 27. World AIDS Day is observed annually around the world on Dec 1.

“We have to accept them [PLWHAs] as fellow brothers and sisters and as children of God,” said Fr Kenson.

“Today, if a person cannot keep up with technology they become distant from their peers. They feel excluded and lonely.

“Those feelings of exclusion and loneliness are what our brothers and sisters living with HIV and AIDS feel on a day to day basis,” said Fr Kenson. “It is our duty as

Ms Marian Sim, a parishioner from the Church of Our Lady Star of the Sea, brought her family for the special Mass so they could ‘show support and love for those living with HIV and AIDS’.

Items such as rosaries and candles made by people living with HIV and AIDS were on sale at the Church of of the Holy Family during the World AIDS Day Mass.

practising Catholics to extend a merciful hand to them.”

Although the Jubilee Year of Mercy recently closed on Nov 20, Fr Kenson encouraged Catholics to continue to do works of mercy as a form of outreach to PLWHAs. “Simple gestures like praying for them and giving materially

[monetary donations] can go a long way.”

Prayers for PLWHAs were also offered up during the Mass.

After Mass, there was a sale of items such as rosaries, candles and crucifixes made by the CARE residents.

A large number of people

flocked to the booth and purchased some of these items.

Members and volunteers of CARE were also on hand to share with people the charity’s mission and programmes.

Ms Janelle Soh, a parishioner, said she was initially unaware of the occasion but said that she was

glad to be able to pray for those living with HIV/AIDS. She added that she was planning to buy a large number of items made by CARE residents for her family as well as for Christmas gifts.

Ms Marian Sim, a parishioner from the Church of Our Lady Star of the Sea, brought her family for the special Mass so they could “show support and love for those living with HIV and AIDS”.

Previous World AIDS Day Masses have been held at different parishes to raise awareness of the plight of PLWHAs in the archdiocese.

Some of the past venues include the Churches of St Vincent de Paul, St Mary of the Angels and Holy Spirit. n jared.ng@catholic.org.sg

IJ centres hold sports day for kids and their parents

By Jared Ng The Infant Jesus Homes & Children’s Centres (IJHCC) organised a sports day for children and some of their parents to spend quality time together.

The children were from the two student care centres under IJHCC, IJ Galilee Centre and IJ Village.

The event, held on Nov 25 at CHIJ St Nicholas Girls’ School, saw the kids take part in races and relays.

The parent and child relay was the highlight of the event. The kids and one of their parents had to navigate through a series of obstacles placed in front of them.

Despite the hot weather, shouts of joy could be heard from the kids racing as well as from those in the stands cheering them on.

Mr C. Kunalan, a former national sprinter, and Ms Dipna Lim Prasad, a Singaporean sprinter and hurdler, were the two guestsof-honour at the event.

They were present to encourage the kids through the races as well

A banner of the sports day made by children from IJ Galilee Centre and IJ Village.

as hand out trophies to the winners.

Participants and all those involved in the sports day were invited to IJ Village, located next to CHIJ St Nicholas Girls’ School, for lunch after the event.

“Having a sports day allows the kids to easily express themselves more freely. Having their parents accompany them makes

Children and parents taking part in a relay race on Nov 25 at CHIJ St Nicholas Girls’ School.

it all the more sweeter,” said Mr Francis Yip, chairman of IJHCC. IJHCC serves children and youth of different races and religions. Its annual sports day, held for the past five years, is one of the events that brings together children from both centres.

IJ Galilee Centre and IJ Village house disadvantaged chil-

dren and teenagers during the day when their parents are at work.

The children come to the two centres after school to finish their homework as well take part in activities including arts and craft, pottery and dance.

The two centres currently serve about 100 kids, most of who are primary school children aged 7-12.

Respite care for young girls aged 12-16 for a short term stay of three months is also provided

by IJ Village.

The centre is also home to three elderly ladies who were originally from an orphanage belonging to the IJ Sisters on Victoria Street. n jared.ng@catholic.org.sg

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Sunday December 11, 2016 n CatholicNews

Church members learn how to guard against terrorism

By Jared Ng If you see someone loitering around suspiciously in your church, work or home premises, you should call the police at 999 to report the incident.

In an event of a terrorist attack, you should run, or hide and tell. Run when it is safe to do so, move quickly and quietly and stay out of view of the attackers. Hide if you cannot run. Find cover and stay out of sight. Stay quiet and switch your phone to silent mode.

These were some of the points highlighted during a security training talk held for Church staff and parishioners in Singapore on Nov 24. The talk was held at the Fr JM Beurel Centre (Annex) of the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd.

It was organised by the Archdiocese Emergency Response Operations Team.

In light of the terror attacks around the world and some close to home, the aim of the talk was to alert Church workers and parishioners of the possible threats they face as well as how to guard against them.

Officers from the Singapore Police Force (SPF) and the Centre for Protective Security Studies of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) conducted the training.

Participants were told that if they managed to run to a safe location or found a secure hiding

An officer from the Singapore Police Force speaking to participants during the security training talk on Nov 24. Photo: VITA Images

spot, they should give their location and information about the attackers to the police by messaging 71999 or calling 999.

They were also introduced to the SGSecure mobile app which can broadcast important alerts during major emergencies.

The mobile app can also be used to alert the police of any incidents or to request for help.

Launched on Sept 24, the app is one of the initiatives of the SGSecure national movement aimed at getting people to stay united in the face of terror threats.

Some of its functions include a “Report” tab where users can provide information about suspicious incidents or objects; an “Alerts” tab where updates and news

flashes about emergencies can be received and a “Get Ready” tab which has tips on what to do in the event of an attack.

Participants were briefed on how to look out for suspicious people or activity. These include scrutinising: Person’s appearance:

• People who actively try to con• •

ceal their identity, objects on their body or their purpose of visit.

Anyone loitering around for an extended period of time.

Any bodily cues of anxiety such as profuse sweating.

Belongings: • Any item left unattended in public areas or abandoned in unusual ways.

• Parcels or mails that require an

excessive usage of adhesive tape.

Cars: • Look out for any vehicle being driven around an area repeatedly.

• Any vehicle abandoned abruptly by drivers next to buildings.

• Vehicles which show signs of having been tampered with.

Parishes were also given pointers on what they need to put in place to be prepared for emergencies: For parishes: a detailed evacuation plan in case of a fire eg. exit plans, rally points, Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) notification protocol etc.

• Prepare

• Set •

•

up mass Whatsapp emergency response channels.

Form “Parish Emergency Response” (PER) teams for each Mass. Members can be drawn from the regular Mass ministries such as lectors, altar servers and wardens.

Assign roles for each PER team and individuals. Encourage teamwork and play to the strengths of the ministries. Stock up on useful items such as first aid kits, lighting tools, gloves and firefighting equipment.

Regular training will be conducted for parishes based on the districts they are located in. n jared.ng@catholic.org.sg

Book release marks Montfort schools’ celebrations

Catholic archdiocese app launched

As part of the Montfort schools’ centennial celebrations, a commemorative coffee-table book detailing the Montfortian history was launched.

The book was officially released on Nov 19 at Fairmont Hotel by Mr Lim Boon Heng, ex-Cabinet Minister and current Chairman of Temasek Holdings.

It details the history of the Montfort schools when it first started in 1916 till today. It also contains photo montages with a historical narrative interspersed with amusing anecdotes that captures memories of Montfortians who have passed through the schools’ gates.

Speaking about the book in his speech, Mr Lim, himself a former Montfortian, said, “This coffeetable book is a trip down memory lane ... When we look back, and see where we are now, we realise how far we have come, how much progress we have made.”

The event also saw past and current Montfort students put on various performances including a dance, wushu performance and a magic show.

The archdiocese of Singapore has launched its first official mobile app called CatholicSG. The CatholicSG app was developed as an all-in-one app tool for the New Evangelisation.

It is designed to help Catholics in Singapore retrieve information and content related to the faith in a fast and convenient manner on a mobile device, rather than accessing various websites or other apps.

What users can expect to get out of the app include daily Scripture reflections by Archbishop William Goh, the nearest venue for Mass, and the day’s Mass readings and Divine Office prayers. Content of Catholic videos and photos are also available in the app.

Other features include the latest notices from the archdiocese, news feed from CatholicNews as well as an updated archdiocesan directory.

Besides being functional in providing information, the app also has a remind function that prompts users when and what to pray.

Launching the commemorative coffee-table book on Nov 19. From left: Mr Wilbur Wong (principal of Montfort Junior School), Mr Chua Cher Choon (Montfort Schools SMC Chairman), Mr Lim Boon Heng (Chairman of Temasek Holdings), Mr Tan Lye Huat (Montfort Schools SMC Member) and Mr Mark Minjoot (principal of Montfort Sec School).

The book launch is the last in a series of events held during this milestone year for the Montfort Schools.

Some events held included a thanksgiving Mass celebrated

by Archbishop William Goh, a

former Montfortian, in January; a fund raising dinner on April 9 which was attended by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, and a Founder’s Day Celebration Cum Homecoming Carnival on April 23. n

The CatholicSG app is available on both iOS and Android platforms.

Some users shared their thoughts of the app.

“A great tool at your fingertips to help you live and grow in your faith!” said Mr Fabian Ang from the Church of Divine Mercy.

Mr Jasper Chan from the Church of St Francis of Assisi said, “I really like the scripture reflections because I do not feel as lost when reading the Bible.”

The app is available now on both iOS and Android platforms. n

10 HOME

Sunday December 11, 2016 n CatholicNews

Concert raises funds for hospice A concert in aid of Assisi Hospice which featured vocal talents from has raised more than $19,000 to the CLVC choir. help it meet operational expenses During the concert, Sr Gerwhen its new expanded facilities aldine Ee from the Franciscan open in January.

Missionaries of the Divine MothMusicae Misericordiae Vultus erhood, which runs the hospice, (“music celebrating the face of the shared that the mission of the facilmercy of God”) was organised by ity is to provide palliative care for the Risen Christ Youth Symphony the terminally ill regardless of age, (RCYS) in collaboration with the race, religion or financial situation.

Christus Laudatur Voce Choir RCYS was formed five years (CLVC), from the ago at the Church of Musicae Risen Christ parish. the Risen Christ in Toa The Nov 25 event,

by Dr Leong Misericordiae Payoh held at the Church of under the spiritual diSt Mary of the Angels, Vultus featured rection of Fr John Sim. also saw RCYS conIts main mission is to pieces ductor Dr Aloysius perform quality conacross sacred, certs to raise funds for Leong curating pieces across sacred, classiclassical and worthy causes. The orcal and contemporary chestra has musicians contemporary as young as nine years genres to commemorate the closing of the old, and also includes genres.

Jubilee Year of Mercy. professional musicians The 47 musicians and 39 choir who offer their time and talents to members delighted the audience mentor the younger players. with a repertoire that included AnWhile it is a Catholic orchescient Ritual by Elliot del Borgo, tra, it welcomes musicians regardThe Lord’s Prayer arranged by Al- less of race, language or religion. bert Hay Malotte and a Christmas Previous concerts were held Medley by John Cacavas. in the Church of the Risen Christ.

The concert also saw young However, this year, with the support talents from the orchestra per- of Franciscan Fr Clifford Augusforming violin solos. tine, parish priest of the Church of However, the highlight of the St Mary of the Angels, RCYS deevening was the theme song from cided to hold the concert at this parthe movie Prince of Egypt, When ish to help the audience better expeYou Believe by Stephen Schwartz, rience the Franciscan spirituality. n

The Risen Christ Youth Symphony (left) and Christus Laudatur Voce Choir (CLVC) (below) performing a concert in aid of Assisi Hospice.

Photos: BENEDICT LAU

Sunday December 11, 2016 n CatholicNews

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Participants renewed in their faith after conference

By Michelle Voo

in”? Are we stuck on a “religious treadmill” where we put in a lot “Serve the Lord with all your of effort doing the same old things gifts!” This call to action was the for the Church but end up going theme of the Conference for New nowhere spiritually? Are we “conEvangelisation held at Holy In- ference junkies”, always seeking nocents’ High School on Nov 19 spiritual input but giving nothing and 20. to others in return?

It was organised by the SingaHe observed that Catholics pore Archdiocesan Catholic Char- call themselves God’s chosen ismatic Renewal (SACCRE) and people, yet so often they look and the Office for the New Evangeli- act as if they are God’s “frozen” sation (ONE). people. “We need the Holy Spirit Fr Terence Pereira, Episcopal to defrost!” he exclaimed, to much Vicar for the New Evangelisation, laughter. set the tone for the event when, Over the course of the weekquoting 2 Timothy end, interspersed 2:2 in his keynote with lively praise even if we address, he exhortand worship by the ed the 200 particiSACCRE Youth feel we are not pants: “We must and El-Shaddai eloquent or make it our busimusic ministries, ness to bring a new articulate enough, Fr Ken also led ‘breath’ of God’s into we can still inspire participants love to the Church. times of ministerEven if we feel we others if we speak ing and healing are not eloquent or with the exposifrom our hearts, articulate enough, tion and adoration and not give we can still inspire of the Blessed others if we speak Sacrament. in to our fears. from our hearts, In the Mass – Fr Terence Pereira and not give in to marking the end of our fears.” the Year of Mercy Fr Ken Barker, founder and and the Feast of Christ the King, moderator of Missionaries of God’s concelebrated by SACCRE’s spirLove, a congregation of consecrat- itual director, Carmelite Fr Tom ed men and women in Australia, Curran, Fr Ken reminded particiwas the main conference speaker. pants that Jesus was pinned to the He explained that Catholics crucifix not by the nails but by His need this “breath” of God to con- love for us. Like the good thief, tinually fan into a flame their zeal Catholics must “stand up for Jeto be a missionary Church (2 Tim- sus” by publicly professing their othy 1:6). In a series of talks pep- faith in Him, acknowledging their pered with delightful metaphors sins and asking for forgiveness, so and anecdotes, he both amused that they can share His love and and inspired participants by ask- mercy with others. ing: Do we treat Sunday Mass Mr Clement Prasobhan, 41, as a “spiritual fast-food drive- of the Church of St Anthony, was

Participants taking part in praise and worship during the Conference for New Evangelisation held on Nov 19 and 20.

‘

’

Fr Ken Barker

Fr Terence Pereira

particularly struck by Fr Ken’s analogy of a maintenance-mode Church with a fishermen’s club whose members meet regularly to sit, eat, drink and talk about fish, nets, boats and do anything but actually go fishing.

He said: “Now I will spend more time ‘fishing’ rather than studying about how to fish and talking about fishing theories my whole life.”

Ms Betty Ong, 69, an RCIA candidate at the Church of the Holy Spirit, felt the power of the Holy Spirit during the prayingover session. “As an Anglican, I could relate to our heavenly Father and Jesus. Now I also know who the Holy Spirit is – and

how much God really loves me!”

Sr Marie de Roza, 72, was very happy to have attended the conference. “I am recharged and renewed! I was baptised in the Holy Spirit 40 years ago during a Life In The Spirit Seminar at the Church of the Risen Christ, but after many years overseas as a missionary ... I was becoming tired and spiritually dry. Now I am convicted and on fire to serve in my next assignment as a catechist in Canossa Convent!”

Evangelical Rally One of the events leading up to the two-day conference was the Evangelical Rally on Nov 16.

Titled The King of God is at Hand, it saw 700 people gather at the Church of the Risen Christ on Nov 16 for a time of praise and prayer.

Of that 700, 180 were participants and service members from the Church of St Anthony Life in the Spirit Seminar.

Fr Ken Barker, in his talk, emphasised the love and mercy of God when he elaborated on the title of the event. He said that God in His love has sent His Son, Jesus, and the love of God is available to all no matter how sinful they are. He told of the many people Jesus ministered love to including the adulterous woman. They were set free and were transformed as they experienced the forgiveness and love of God. Fr Ken then led the prayer for the Baptism in the Holy Spirit.

The powerful presence of God could be felt as he prayed in tongues. The outpouring of God’s love was followed by the laying of hands for healing.

Mr Yek Tin Hang attended the rally with his family. Sharing that they were Methodists attending an RCIA programme, Mr Yek said he felt reinvigorated by Fr Ken’s talk, especially his description about Jesus’ forgiveness. He felt as if it was God extending His forgiveness and mercy to him. n Additional reporting: JessicA FrAncisco

Young people learn about community at forum Youth communities must be evangelising and outward focused.

This was one of the points highlighted by Fr Ken Barker during a Youth Forum titled Building Evangelising Youth Communities.

About 70 young people, from various communities such as Jesus Youth Singapore and the Office for Young People (OYP), attended the forum held at the Catholic Archdiocesan Education Centre on Nov 15.

It was organised by the Singapore Archdiocese Catholic Charismatic Renewal (SACCRE) Youth.

On building communities, Fr Ken emphasised several points: • Christian communities must

be Christ-centred. This means that the social aspect of a community comes second.

• Christian communities must proclaim the crucified Christ.

• All communities need the power of the Holy Spirit. Without it, there is no life in the community.

• Youth communities must be brought into the wider community like the parish and in families.

Fr Ken added that he believes in youth-to-youth evangelisation, as the best people to reach out to youths are their own peers.

A question-and-answer segment followed the talk.

One participant asked whether it is good to have gender-based sharing groups.

Fr Ken shared that in his community, there are separate communities for men and women.

Moreover, certain topics like sexuality are best dealt with in such separate groups. However, there are times when mixed group sharings are fruitful.

Another question touched on why young people today have problems committing to Church communities.

Fr Ken told the audience that this problem is felt worldwide due to the current culture that influences people to avoid commitment. This is seen in marriages and vocations to the priesthood and Religious life. n

Fr Ken Barker speaking to young people who attended the Nov 15 youth forum.

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Sunday December 11, 2016 n CatholicNews

Couples and their children at the Couple Empowerment Programme’s 10th anniversary celebration.

A decade empowering marriages Love was in the air as families came together to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Couple Empowerment Programme (CEP) on Nov 27.

Children came decked in animal and angel outfits to participate in a Christmas-themed best dress competition. Adults, dressed in blue and silver, mingled with old friends and took part in a quiz to win some attractive prizes.

The celebration, held at the Agape Village, had the theme, Living the Promise, Experiencing the Joy. It began with a Thanksgiving Mass celebrated by Franciscan Friar John-Paul Tan; CEP’s spiritual director, Dominican Fr David Garcia; and Jesuit Fr Charles Sim. Speaking at the end of Mass, CEP co-founders Bernard and Ying Thio, shared their vision

for CEP in the coming years.

“We seek to nurture formators in marriage and families who will teach by the examples of their own lives,” said Mrs Thio. “Through the CEP, couples are encouraged to ‘walk the talk’ by embracing the teachings of Humanae Vitae and deepening their faith formation in these areas.”

Humanae Vitae is Pope Paul VI’s 1968 encyclical on married love and procreation.

CEP had its genesis in 2003

It’s heart-warming to ‘see so many couples and their families coming together to celebrate the joy and fruit of marital love.

’

– Ms Joann Chia

when Bernard and Ying Thio had a spiritual prompting to reach out to young couples.

Archbishop Nicholas Chia gave his mandate for the homegrown programme whose mission is to build communities of couples in parishes, and three years later, CEP was launched to empower young couples to live their marriage according to Humanae Vitae.

“It’s heart-warming to see so many couples and their families coming together to celebrate the joy and fruit of marital love – with God as the third party in the marriage,” said Ms Joann Chia, a participant. “My husband and I attended and benefitted from CEP, and we’re happy to be here to celebrate with the community.”

The next run of the CEP will be held at the Church of St Ignatius in March 2017. n

14 ASIA MALAYSIAN CARDINAL: New Cardinal Anthony Soter Fernandez of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, attends a reception after a consistory at the Vatican on Nov 19.

The 84-year-old, Malaysia’s first cardinal, was among 17 new cardinals created

by Pope Francis.

CNS photo

n See story on Page 18

Sunday December 11, 2016 n CatholicNews

Controversial law on religion in Vietnam Ho CHi MinH City – The Vietnam

National Assembly has ratified a controversial law on religious activities sparking a strong reaction from religious communities in the communist state.

The Law on Belief and Religion, which was passed by the National Assembly on Nov 18, is the first ever law on religious activities since the country was reunified in 1975.

The law, which will take effect on Jan 1, 2018, regulates le-

gal procedures and conditions more prestige and more influence regarding people’s beliefs. Faith than government officials, he added. groups will be required to register When the National Assembly with authorities and inform them convened its month-long session of their activities with authorities to approve the law on Oct 20, the having the right to approve.

Interfaith Council of Vietnam isThe law allows for detainees sued a statement against it. and prisoners to “use Scriptures “As spiritual leaders strugand show their faith.” Religious gling for religions’ independence organisations may also engage in and the people’s human and civil education, vocational training, health care, charitable works and publishing.

Religious activities banned include those that infringe on national defence, harm social ethics and disunite the nation.

The Vietnamese government currently recognises 39 religious organisations from 13 religions, with 24 million followers.

The reaction from faith figures has not been enthusiastic.

A senior religious researcher in Hanoi, who did not want to Seminarians carry statues of Mary and the Christ be named, said the law Child in Vietnam. As of Jan 1, 2018, faith groups “focuses on state conin Vietnam will be required to register with autrol over religions raththorities and inform them of their activities with er than meeting the reliauthorities having the right to approve. CNS file photo gious needs of people,” adding that religions must be fairly treated like other so- rights, we completely reject the cial and political organisations. draft law that the communist govA Catholic priest in Ho Chi ernment is using the National AsMinh City said, “A specific law sembly to approve and impose,” on religion is not necessary and said 27 council members drawn shows clear discrimination, as if from Christian, Buddhist, Cao Dai religion is an enemy that needs to and Hoa Hao communities. be controlled.”

“Accepting the bill means The Communist Party wants to continuing to support the dictatocontrol religion because they are rial regime,” their statement said. afraid that religious leaders have n UCANEWS.COM

A specific law on religion is not necessary ‘ and shows clear discrimination as if religion is an enemy that needs to be controlled.’

– A Catholic priest in Ho Chi Minh City

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Sunday December 11, 2016 n CatholicNews

Taiwan bishops voice opposition to same-sex marriage bill Taipei – The Catholic bishops’

conference in Taiwan has issued a statement stating the Church’s stance against a bill that would allow same-sex marriage and asked churchgoers on the island to pray and fast for the cause.

“The amendments to the civil law will overturn the traditional monogamous marriage system, resulting in changes in the appellation of parents and grandparents, family ethics, moral values.

Its impact on family morality and social order is huge,” the bishops said.

“The bill has not been thoroughly discussed in society.

There are shortcomings in the amendment procedure while the consequences have not been carefully assessed. Pushing it hastily might lead to more complicated social problems,” they added.

Taiwan has long been on the forefront of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) equality rights in Asia with some 80,000 people attending the gay pride event in October. But not all sections of society are happy.

About 20,000 Christians pro-

tested in front of the legislative Yuan on Nov 17 as the same-sex marriage bill entered its second reading. They were angry that the bill was tabled in the Yuan without forewarning.

They were also irked at President Tsai Ing-wen who reportedly told some lawmakers that “she never heard of any opposition against same-sex marriage from the Church.”

The protesters, organised by “Taiwan Family,” an amalgamation of different pressure groups, demanded 30 public hearings and a referendum.

Lawmakers were forced to suspend the second reading of the bill but they only agreed to two public hearings on Nov 24 and Nov 28 before the Judicial and Legal Committee restarts the procedure, noting that there have been a number of public hearings on the same topic in the past years.

All eight bishops in seven dioceses in Taiwan signed the statement on Nov 22. They declared they have the duty to safeguard morality and uphold Church teachings. n UCANEWS.COM

The bill ‘ has not been thoroughly discussed in society.

’

– Catholic bishops’ conference in Taiwan

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Sunday December 11, 2016 n CatholicNews

British cardinal concerned about hardening of attitudes towards migrants – Cardinal Vincent Nichols of Westminster said some British media were stirring up xenophobic sentiments against migrants and refugees.

The cardinal suggested that some media were guilty of fostering a climate of fear of refugees ahead of the June 23 referendum that resulted in a surprise vote for the United Kingdom to leave the European Union. He told a Nov 18 press conference attitudes towards migrants had since hardened, making it harder for humane solutions to be found to the refugee crisis in the Middle East and the crisis of mass migration from Africa.

Speaking at a London press conference after an annual November meeting of the bishops of England and Wales in Leeds, Cardinal Nichols said: “We were concerned about the levels of intolerance, of attitudes hardening, of attitudes of exclusion.

“It is the fostering of a climate of fear that actually makes finding solutions more difficult,” said Cardinal Nichols, the president of the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales.

“I believe that the constant

LONDON

repetition of the dangers of the risks of refugees and the constant putting into the public sphere of fear actually masks a deeper level of compassion that exists within many people in this country,” he said.

The cardinal said the bishops collectively “expressed our regret of the emergence of harder attitudes towards people who have migrated to be in this country and our regret at the way those views are given such ample expression, particularly in parts of the media.”

Cardinal Nichols added that inevitable economic consequences of Brexit – such as rising inflation, possible restrictions on trade with the European Union and the devaluation of British currency – would be felt “most keenly at the bottom of the economic ladders.”

He said the bishops of England and Wales would seek ways to offer practical help to poor people hit by such changes.

Cardinal Nichols insisted, however, that there had not been a significant number of attacks on European migrants despite the rising mood of xenophobia.

refugees and migrants hold a banner on nov 11 as they walk towards the croatian border in belgrade, Serbia. english cardinal vincent nichols said some british media stirred up xenophobic sentiments against migrants and refugees. CNS photo

Cardinal Vincent Nichols of Westminster said he was ‘concerned about the levels of intolerance, of attitudes hardening, of attitudes of exclusion’ towards migrants.

He said the bishops asked Polish Catholic chaplaincies for feedback after Polish President Andrzej Duda appealed to him following the Aug 27 murder of Arkadiusz Jozwik, 40, who was

beaten to death by a teenage mob in Harlow, England.

Mr Duda urged Cardinal Nichols and Archbishop Justin Welby, leader of the worldwide Anglican Communion, to do whatever they

could at the parish level to prevent such violence against Poles.

The Catholic chaplains reported that there was very little evidence of increased aggression against Polish nationals living in Britain, saying most of them felt “welcome and secure,” Cardinal Nichols said.

“From the chaplains’ point of view, they have a very, very low count of acts of aggression or violence towards the Polish community,” he said.

Earlier in November, the Manchester parish of St Monica in the diocese of Salford became the first Catholic parish in England to help to find a home for a Syrian family in response to the appeal of Pope Francis for churches to welcome refugees. n CNS

Priests reach out to people affected by NZ quake AUCKLAND, New ZeALAND –

The seaside town of Kaikoura on the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island might have had its road and rail links with the outside world cut off after a 7.8 magnitude earthquake, but its Catholic priest found a way to get into town to celebrate Sunday Mass for his people.

Passionist Fr Pat McIndoe of Marlborough planned to “hitch a ride” on a flight into Kaikoura on Nov 18, said parish administrator Ginetta Petersen.

Fr McIndoe, who is based in Blenheim at the top of the South Island, was scheduled to stay in

Kaikoura for 10 days. Ms Petersen said he will assess what sort of help people there most need.

She added that the priest’s hoped-for place on the flight came about as a result of a conversation with a parishioner, a teacher at a Blenheim preschool.

The earthquake, which struck on Nov 14, caused large land slips, which blocked road and rail access to Kaikoura, a popular tourist venue. Power and communications were interrupted. Two fatalities were linked with the earthquake. More than 2,000 aftershocks were reported,

including one of 6.5 magnitude.

Fr John O’Connor, a parish priest in Hurunui district, lives in North Canterbury, close to the epicentre of the earthquake.

He said it “caused huge physical and emotional distress, surfacing again reminders of the trauma of the earlier quakes.”

In 2011, an earthquake in

Christchurch killed 185 people and caused widespread damage.

Fr O’Connor said that, immediately after the initial quake, “Many people along the coastal areas of the parish were evacuated to higher ground. ... Others, particularly in the north of the parish, escaped as their homes fell around them. Some were stranded

Landslides block a road near Kaikoura, new Zealand, on nov 15, a day after a 7.8 magnitude earthquake shook the area. CNS photo

on roads that opened up in front of and behind them.”

Fr O’Connor said a major issue for some parts of his community going forward would be the potential loss of tourist income.

He said weekend Masses would be celebrated in “the communities that are suffering most.”

After the quake, Kaikoura residents, churches and community groups opened their homes, halls and marae (Maori meeting grounds) to those with nowhere to stay.

Catholic agency efforts to assist affected communities have already started elsewhere in New Zealand.

Archbishop Martin Krebs, apostolic nuncio to New Zealand, said he was phoned by Archbishop Paul Gallagher, the Vatican’s secretary for relations with states, on Nov 14. He said Archbishop Gallagher asked for information about the damages caused by the earthquake, in order to convey it to Pope Francis. n CNS

WORLD 17

Sunday December 11, 2016 n CatholicNews

Pope, bishops express condolences over Fidel Castro’s death WASHINGTON – Pope Francis

and the Catholic bishops of Cuba have expressed their condolences over the death of former Cuban President Fidel Castro.

In a telegram in Spanish, Pope Francis extended his condolences to Cuban president Raul Castro, brother of Fidel Castro, on the “sad news” of “the death of your dear brother.” The pope, credited with the rapprochement between the US and Cuba, also expressed condolences to the government and to the Cuban people, and said he was offering prayers.

The Catholic bishops of Cuba, in a Nov 28 statement, said that as bishops “we entrust Dr Fidel Castro to Jesus Christ, the face of the Father’s mercy, Lord of life and history. We also ask the Lord Jesus that nothing disturb the coexistence among us Cubans.”

The late president had ruled Cuba in some form from 1959 – the year he led a revolution that toppled

VATICAN CHRISTMAS TREE: the vatican christmas tree is positioned in St peter’s Square at the vatican on nov 24. the 25-metre-tall tree is from the trentino province in northern Italy. CNS photo

the government of Cuban dictator Fulgencio Batista – till 2006 when he became too sick to govern.

Over the years, he survived attempts to be toppled by others, including the US. He gained fame throughout Latin America, where many saw him as a David-againstGoliath figure each time he denounced the commercial, “imperialist” interests of the US as attempts to rob the region of its riches.

But for others Fidel Castro was a menace and a dictator, particularly those whose properties were seized when his regime nationalised homes and businesses on the island nation without compensation. Over the decades, he was accused of a range of wrongdoings, from unjust imprisonment to executions to religious persecution.

Although president Raul Castro has publicly expressed admiration for Pope Francis, the relationship between the Catholic Church and the Cuban government can be

pope Francis and former cuban president Fidel castro grasp each other’s hands at castro’s residence in Havana on Sept 20, 2015. castro, who seized power in a 1959 revolution and governed cuba until 2006, died on nov 25 at the age of 90. CNS photo

described as a work in progress.

Catholics, like other religious groups in the country, witnessed the seizing of church properties, including schools, churches and other centres used for religious

gatherings, following the 1959 revolution. Some locales were closed; others were put to nonre-

ligious uses. Priests and Religious suspected of being against the revolution were jailed or expelled and practice of the Catholic faith dwindled on the island.

In recent years, however, the government allowed physical reconstruction of church buildings and some properties were returned to the care of the Church.

In 2015, the government granted permission for the construction of a new Catholic church on the island, something it hadn’t allowed in more than five decades.

In 1998, Pope John Paul II paid a visit to the island that many credit with loosening religious limitations in Cuba. Since then, each pope who has visited the island also met with Fidel Castro, even after he ceded power.

Pope Francis visited Cuba last year from Sept 19-22. n CNS

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Sunday December 11, 2016 n CatholicNews

Pope Francis (right) and new cardinals visit Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI at the retired pope’s residence after a consistory at the Vatican on Nov 19. Pope Francis created 17 new cardinals at the consistory. CNS photo

Be agents of unity, says pontiff to new cardinals VATICAN CITY – The Catholic Church’s 17 new cardinals must dedicate their lives to being ministers of forgiveness and reconciliation in a world – and sometimes a Church – often marked by hostility and division, Pope Francis said.

Even Catholics are not immune from “the virus of polarisation and animosity,” the pope told the new cardinals, and “we need to take care lest such attitudes find a place in our hearts.”

Creating 17 new cardinals from 14 nations on Nov 19, the pope said the College of Cardinals – and the Catholic Church itself – must be a sign for the world that differences of nationality, skin colour, language and social class do not make people enemies, but brothers and sisters with different gifts to offer.

Only 16 of the new cardinals were present for the ceremony.

The Vatican said 87-year-old Cardinal Sebastian Koto Khoarai, the retired bishop of Mohale’s Hoek, Lesotho, was created a cardinal although he was unable to travel to Rome.

After reciting the Creed and taking an oath of fidelity to Pope Francis and his successors, each cardinal went up to Pope Francis and knelt before him. The pope gave them each a cardinal’s ring, a three-cornered red hat and a scroll attesting to their appointment as cardinals and containing their “titular Church” in Rome.

The assignment of a Church is a sign they now are members of the clergy of the pope’s diocese.

After the consistory, Pope Francis and the new cardinals hopped in vans for a short ride to

visit retired Pope Benedict XVI in the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery, his residence in the Vatican gardens. The retired pope greeted each cardinal, thanked them for stopping by and assured them, “My prayers will accompany you always.”

Cardinal Mario Zenari, the pope’s ambassador to Syria, spoke on behalf of the new cardinals, promising Pope Francis that they and the entire Church would continue to be envoys of God’s mercy,

The cardinals come from different countries, ‘we think differently and we celebrate our faith in a variety of rites.

None of this makes us enemies; instead, it is one of our greatest riches.’

– Pope Francis

bending down to help those “left half dead on the side of the road, wounded in body and spirit.”

The Gospel reading at the consistory was St Luke’s version of Jesus’ discourse to His disciples: “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”

“They are four things we can easily do for our friends and for those more or less close to us, people we like, people whose tastes and habits are similar to our

own,” Pope Francis said. But Jesus, not mincing His words, calls His followers to more.

“With people we consider our opponents or enemies,” the pope said, “our first instinctive reaction ... is to dismiss, discredit or curse them.”

In God, he said, there are no enemies. There are only brothers and sisters to love.

Pope Francis noted that “we live at a time in which polarisation and exclusion are burgeoning.”

“We see, for example, how quickly those among us with the status of a stranger, an immigrant or a refugee” are seen as threats, he said. They are presumed to be an enemy because they come from a different country, “because of the colour of their skin, their language or their social class. An enemy because they think differently or even have a different faith.”

The “growing animosity between peoples” is found even “among us, within our communities, our priests, our meetings,” the pope said.

“We need to take care lest such attitudes find a place in our hearts, because this would be contrary to the richness and universality of the Church, which is tangibly evident in the College of Cardinals,” he said. The cardinals come from different countries, “we think differently and we celebrate our faith in a variety of rites. None of this makes us enemies; instead, it is one of our greatest riches.”

At the end of the consistory, the College of Cardinals had 228 members, 121 of whom are under the age of 80 and eligible to vote in a conclave to elect a pope. n CNS

POPE FRANCIS 19

Sunday December 11, 2016 n CatholicNews

Proclaim Christ the king of mercy, pope says at end of Holy Year VATICAN CITY – Following Christ the King, whose regal power is love and mercy, means the whole Church and each Christian must “follow His way of tangible love,” Pope Francis said.

Celebrating the feast of Christ the King on Nov 20 and officially closing the extraordinary jubilee celebration of the Year of Mercy, Pope Francis said, “We have received mercy in order to be merciful.”

On a warm, late morning, St Peter’s Square was filled with an estimated 70,000 people for the Mass, which was concelebrated by the new cardinals Pope Francis had created the previous day.

The pope and the new cardinals first went to the atrium of St Peter’s Basilica and gave thanks for “the gifts of grace received” during the Holy Year. Pope Francis then went to the threshold of the Holy Door and pulled each side shut. The door will be sealed until the next Holy Year, which is likely to be 2025.

In his homily, Pope Francis said that even if the Holy Door is closed, “the true door of mercy, which is the heart of Christ, always remains open wide for us.”

The power of Christ the King, he said, “is not power as defined by this world, but the love of God, a love capable of encountering and healing all things.”

Like the “good thief” who turned to Jesus on the cross and was assured a place in heaven, anyone who turns to God with trust can be forgiven, the pope said. “He is ready to completely and forever cancel our sin, because His memory – unlike our own – does not record evil that has been done or keep score of injustices experienced.”

Loving like Christ loves us, he said, means constantly seeking the grace to forgive others, forget the offences committed and be instruments of reconciliation in the world.

Following Christ the King also means accepting “the scandal of His humble love,” which can be difficult because it “unsettles and disturbs us.”

Christ’s love, the love Christians are

Even if the Holy Door is closed, ‘the true door of mercy, which is the heart of Christ, always remains open wide for us.’

– Pope Francis

Pope Francis closes the Holy Door of St Peter’s Basilica to mark the closing of the Jubilee Year of Mercy. The door will be sealed until the next Holy Year, which is likely to be 2025. CNS photo

called to imitate, is concrete and tangible and is not concerned with personal comfort, power and superiority.

Even in evangelisation “the lure of power and success seem an easy, quick way to spread the Gospel,” he said. The Year of

Mercy was a call to “rediscover the youthful, beautiful face of the Church, the face that is radiant when it is welcoming, free, faithful, poor in means but rich in love, on mission.”

Christ the king, “our king, went to the ends of the universe in order to embrace and save every living being,” he said. “He did not condemn us, nor did He conquer us, and He never disregarded our freedom, but He paved the way with a humble love that forgives all things, hopes all things, sustains all things.”

Christ’s followers are called to continue His saving mission, the pope said.

At the end of the Mass, Pope Francis signed his new apostolic letter, Misericordia et Misera (Mercy and Misery), which a papal aide announced was written to affirm that the commitment to sharing the merciful love of God continues because it is “the heart of the Gospel.”

The pope gave the letter to a group of people representing different sectors of the Church: Manila Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, president of Caritas Internationalis; Scottish Archbishop Leo Cushley of St Andrews and Edinburgh, on behalf of diocesan bishops; two priests who were “missionaries of mercy” for the Holy Year; a permanent deacon; two Religious women; an extended family; an engaged couple; two women catechists; a person with disabilities; and a person who is ill. n CNS

20 POPE FRANCIS

Sunday December 11, 2016 n CatholicNews

Pope extends special Year of Mercy provisions Calls for World Day of Poor, and allows all priests to give absolution for abortions VATICAN CITY – Acknowledging and sharing God’s mercy is a permanent part of the Christian life, so initiatives undertaken during the special Year of Mercy must continue, Pope Francis said.

“Mercy cannot become a mere parenthesis in the life of the Church,” he wrote in an apostolic letter, Misericordia et Misera, (Mercy and Misery), which he signed on Nov 20 at the end of the Year of Mercy. n Absolution for abortions: In his letter, Pope Francis said he was formally giving all priests permanent permission to grant absolution to those who confess to having procured an abortion. While many bishops around the world routinely grant that faculty to all their priests, Pope Francis made it universal during the Holy Year.

According to canon law, procuring an abortion brings automatic excommunication to those who know of the penalty, but procure the abortion anyway. Without for-

mal permission, priests had been required to refer the case to their bishops before the excommunication could be lifted and sacramental absolution could be granted to a woman who had an abortion or those directly involved in the procedure. n Valid absolutions: The pope also formally extended the provision he made during the Year of Mercy of recognising as valid the sacramental absolution received by “those faithful who, for various reasons, attend churches officiated by the priests of the Priestly Fraternity of St Pius X,” the traditionalist society founded by the late Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre.

Although the Vatican and the society continue talks aimed at formally restoring the society’s full communion with the Church, Pope Francis said he was extending the pastoral provision “lest anyone ever be deprived of the sacramental sign of reconciliation through the Church’s pardon”.

n 24 Hours for the Lord: Pope Francis also asked dioceses that have not yet done so to consider joining the 24 Hours for the Lord initiative. Near the fourth Sunday of Lent, dioceses choose a church or churches to stay open for 24 hours to offer the sacrament of reconciliation and eucharistic adoration. The pope opens the Rome celebration with a penance service in St Peter’s Basilica. n The socially excluded: After his Year of Mercy celebration on Nov 13 with the homeless and

other people who are “socially excluded”, the pope wrote that he would like a similar celebration to be held annually in every diocese.

“The entire Church might celebrate, on the 33rd Sunday of Ordinary Time, the World Day of the Poor,” he said. The celebration, a week before the feast of Christ the King, would be “the worthiest way to prepare” to acknowledge the kingship of Christ, “who identified with the little ones and the poor and who will judge us on our works of mercy”.

n Bible study: Calling the Bible “the great story of the marvels of God’s mercy,” Pope Francis also asked every Catholic parish in the world to set aside at least one Sunday a year to promote reading, studying and praying with the Scriptures.

Teaching people lectio divina, the prayerful reading of the Bible, especially when focused on texts that speak of God’s mercy and love, will help “give rise to concrete gestures and works of charity”, he wrote. n CNS

POPE FRANCIS 21

Sunday December 11, 2016 n CatholicNews

Upcoming WYD events to focus on Mary VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis has

chosen a focus on Mary for the next World Youth Day celebrations, which will be held in dioceses in 2017 and 2018 and with an international gathering in Panama in 2019.

The pope highlighted the way the Mother of Jesus was always open to the Lord’s will and described her “as a role model to be imitated,” said the Dicastery for Laity, the Family and Life in a press release on Nov 22.

The themes “are intended to give a clear Marian tone to the spiritual journey” of the next three World Youth Days as well as to “give a picture of young people on a journey between the past ... present ... and future ... inspired by the three theological virtues of faith, charity and hope.”

World Youth Day is celebrated annually on a local level, and every two or three years with an international gathering with the pope. At the end of the World Youth Day celebration in July in Krakow, Poland, Pope Francis announced the next international gathering would be held in Panama in 2019.

The annual Rome diocesan celebration with the pope is held on Palm Sunday each year; the

Pope Francis arrives with World Youth Day pilgrims to a July 30 prayer vigil in Krakow, Poland. He has chosen a focus on Mary for the next World Youth Day celebrations. CNS photo

date of the celebration in other dioceses varies.

The themes chosen by the pope, the dicastery said, were: – For 2017: “The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is His name.” (Lk 1:49).

– For 2018: “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God.” (Lk 1:30).

– For 2019: “I am the serv-

ant of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” (Lk 1:38).

This journey the pope is proposing to young people coincides with the reflection the pope “has entrusted to the next Synod of Bishops: Young People, Faith and Vocational Discernment,” the press release said. n CNS

Pope: The fear of the Lord is humility VATICAN CITY – God reveals His things: a tiny stable, a small manmysteries, not to the wise and ger, a child born to a simple mother learned, but to those who are and father – people with “big hearts, childlike, that is, to people who are but childlike in their attitude.” humble and fear the Lord, Pope That attitude helps people unFrancis said in a morning homily. derstand what humility and fear of “Fear of the Lord isn’t fright. the Lord are, he said. This is how No. It is living the command God the faithful live, knowing the Lord gave our father Abraham, ‘Walk is watching over them and giving in my presence and be blameless.’ them the strength to go on in their Humble. This is hudaily lives.

People with mility. The fear of the The pope warned Lord is humility,” the against taking on a ‘big hearts, pope said on Nov 29. “theatrical” humility, During morning but childlike in marked by boasting, Mass in the Domus their attitude” “I am humble, but Sanctae Marthae, proud of it!” where he lives, the will understand True humility, he pope reflected on the said, means walking what humility day’s readings. When simply with the Lord, is, Pope the prophet Isaiah serving others and talks about a small Francis said. never speaking ill of shoot sprouting from them. the stump of Jesse, the pope said, Advent is also a time to reflect he is illustrating God’s way of on the many ways people can enrevealing Himself through small, counter Christ, the pope said in simple things. The Lord will come his homily on Nov 28 – the day not as the leader of a great army to after the beginning of Advent and liberate His people, the pope said, the start of the new liturgical year. but as a tiny bud.

People can encounter the Lord Jesus, too, in the Gospel read- in three ways, he said: being vigiing from St Luke, says God keeps lant in prayer, joyful in praise and things hidden “from the wise and diligent in charity. learned,” but reveals them to “the The important thing is, he childlike.” said, is to never stand still, keep With the start of Advent, the moving toward the Lord “and pope said, people can reflect on there will be a surprise, because how Christ’s birth was about small He is the Lord of surprises.” n CNS

22 OPINION

Sunday December 11, 2016 n CatholicNews

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Danger in being a ‘warrior prophet’ A PROPHET makes a vow of love, not of alienation.

American Jesuit priest and anti-war activist, Fr Daniel Berrigan, wrote those words and they need to be highlighted today when a lot of very sincere, committed, religious people self-define as “cultural warriors”, as prophets at war with secular culture.

This is the stance of many seminarians, clergy, bishops and whole denominations of Christians today.

It is a virtual mantra within in the “Religious Right” and in many Roman Catholic seminaries. In this outlook, secular culture is seen as a negative force that’s threatening our faith, morals, religious liberties and churches. Secular culture is viewed as, for the main part, being anti-Christian, anti-ecclesial and anti-clerical, and its political correctness is seen to protect everyone except Christians.

More worrisome for these cultural warriors, especially those from countries with Judaeo-Christian roots, is what they see as the “slippery slope” wherein they see their culture as sliding ever further away from its roots. In the face of this, they believe, the Churches must be highly vigilant, defensive, and in a warrior stance.

Partly they’re correct. There are voices and movements within secular culture that do threaten some essentials within our faith and moral lives, as is seen in the issue of abortion, and there is the danger of the “slippery slope”. But the real picture is far more nuanced than this defensiveness merits.

Secularity, for all its narcissism, false freedoms and superficiality also carries many key Christian values that challenge to us to live more deeply our own principles. Moreover the issues on which they challenge us are not minor ones. Secular culture, in its best expressions, is a powerful challenge to everyone in the world to be more sensitive and more moral in the face of economic inequality, human rights violations, war, racism, sexism and the ravaging of Mother Nature for short-term gain. The voice of God is also inside secular culture.

Christian prophecy must account for that. Secular culture is not the anti-Christ. It ultimately comes out of Judaeo-Christian roots and has inextricably embedded within its core many central values of JudaeoChristianity. We need then to be careful, as cultural warriors, to not blindly be fighting truth, justice, the poor, equality and the integrity of creation. Too often, in a black-and-white approach, we end up having God fight God. A prophet has to be characterised first of all by love, by empathy for the very persons he or she is challenging. Moreover, as Peruvian philosopher, theologian, and Dominican priest, Fr Gustavo Gutierrez, teaches, our words of challenge must come more out of our gratitude than out of our anger, no matter how justified the anger.

Being angry, being in someone else’s face, shredding those who don’t agree with us with hate-filled rhetoric, and winning bitter arguments, admittedly, might be politically effective sometimes. But all of these are counter-productive long term because they harden hearts rather than soften them. True conversion can never come about by coercion, physical or intellectual. Hearts only change when they are touched by love.

All of us know this from experience. We can only truly accept a strong challenge to clean up something in our lives if we first know that this challenge is coming to us because someone loves us, and loves us enough to care for us in this deep way. This alone can soften our hearts.

Every other kind of challenge only works to harden hearts.

So before we can effectively speak a prophetic challenge to our culture, we must first let the people we are trying to win over know that we love them, and love them enough to care about them in this deep way.

Too often this is not the case. Our culture doesn’t sense or believe that we love it, which, I believe, more than any other factor renders so much of our prophetic challenge useless and even counter-productive today.

Our prophecy must mirror that of Jesus: As He approached the city of Jerusalem shortly before His death, knowing that its inhabitants, in all good conscience, were going to kill Him, he wept over it. But His tears were not for Himself, that He was right and they were wrong and that His death would make that clear. His tears were for them, for the very ones who opposed Him, who would kill Him and then fall flat on their faces. There was no glee that they would fall, only empathy, sadness, love, for them, not for Himself.

Oblate Fr Larry Rosebaugh, one of my Oblate confreres who spent his priesthood fighting for peace and justice and was shot to death in Guatemala, shares in his autobiography how on the night before his first arrest for civil disobedience he spent the entire night in prayer and in the morning as he walked out to do the non-violent act that would lead to his arrest, was told by Fr Daniel Berrigan: “If you can’t do this without getting angry at the people who oppose you, don’t do it! This has to be an act of love.”

Prophecy has to be an act of love; otherwise it’s merely alienation. n

ADVENT FEATURE 23

Sunday December 11, 2016 n CatholicNews

How to craft a Jesse tree with your family

By Kelly Bothum

T

here’s great value in knowing your roots.

And that’s exactly what the Jesse tree offers kids at Advent – the chance to learn about Jesus’ own family history as well as our connection to the familiar stories from the Old Testament.

The Jesse tree is like a family tree of our faith. Its name comes from Isaiah 11:1: “A shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse, and from his roots a bud shall blossom.” Jesse was the father of King David, from whom Jesus’ family descended.

Kids can decorate a Jesse tree with ornaments that tell stories of the people and events leading up to the birth of Jesus. These stories – about Abraham, Noah and the ark, samuel, and John the Baptist, among others – can help kids to see that God has always loved us.

Children can start to see the bigger picture of their faith and Jesus’ own connection to this

kingly lineage going back to the Old Testament.

The Jesse tree is a simple project that’s ideal for the start of Advent. You need a Bible, some paper, coloured pencils or markers, scissors and thread for hanging the finished ornament.

Of course, you also need a tree, but let your imagination guide you. A small artificial tree works, but so does an evergreen branch or two that’s glued or tied to a wooden base. If space is an issue, consider making a paper tree and gluing the ornaments to the paper.

Now, to the ornaments. When it comes to ideas, look to the Bible for inspiration. read favourite Old Testament stories and think of

A family decorates their Christmas tree. By having kids decorate a Jesse tree – a family tree of faith – at home, it offers them a chance to learn about Jesus’ own family history during this season of Advent. CNS file photo

symbols that illustrate those moments. Perhaps the story of Noah gets an ark, while an apple represents Adam and eve. Moses can be symbolised by a burning bush or a baby in a basket. here is where children can be as imaginative as they want.

Use old Christmas cards, pictures from a magazine, have kids make

Kids can decorate a Jesse tree with ornaments that tell stories of the people and events leading up to the birth of Jesus.

These stories can help kids to see that God has always loved them.

up their own symbol. On the back of each ornament, have kids copy a Bible verse or phrase that describes what they’ve drawn.

I confess I don’t spend as much time as I should reading our Bible. But I made sure that wasn’t the case when working on our Jesse trees. Don’t just rely on your memory to share these stories.

Let kids look them up and read them aloud – it’s a great exercise in helping them to become more familiar with the books of the Bible. Answer any questions – after all, the stories can be confusing.

Help kids find parallels in their own lives when reading about Joseph and Mary.

Once kids have finished their

ornaments, attach them to the tree with string. It’s a good idea to make an ornament for each day of Advent. Kids can put one ornament on their tree each day – like an Advent calendar – or fill the whole tree at once.

My kids have kept their Jesse trees in their bedrooms, decorated with their own ornaments. It’s a great way for them to show pride in their handiwork and also express a bit of their faith.

As we prepare for the birth of Jesus, let us take time to remember the history of our faith. If we are all flowers in God’s garden, we can’t forget our roots.

Bothum is a freelance writer and a mother of three. n CNS

Learning to be patient in today’s fast paced world

By Paul Senz

I

T PrOBABLY could go without saying that our culture today is largely one of instant gratification. It seems that with every passing week, there is a new fad or product that promises faster results, shorter waits, or more exciting features for those with short attention spans.

In many ways, patience is no longer considered a virtue – the common perception is that patience should not even be necessary, because we should not have to wait.

In the liturgical life of Catholics, waiting is a foregone conclusion. Advent is a time of waiting and preparation.

Perhaps a more fitting word to describe this season would be “anticipation.”

There is so much that we are eagerly anticipating in the weeks leading up to the celebration of the Nativity of the Lord.

We await the coming of Jesus Christ, emmanuel, God-with-us. We await Christmastime, with its family celebrations, gift-giving and general merrymaking.

And in this anticipation, we are called not simply to wait, but to be patient.

The third sunday of Advent (celebrated in singapore on Dec 11) is com-

monly called “Gaudete sunday.” Gaudete – rejoice! It might seem an odd thing that we are called to rejoice in the midst of the anticipation. We have been waiting so long, and we are not yet at the end. Why rejoice?

We rejoice because the wait is almost at an end. We know that we are near the fulfilment of God’s promise, that he is coming to save his people from their sins. What better reason to rejoice could there be?

The second reading is from the Letter of James, which exhorts us to be patient. “The coming of the Lord is at hand,” James tells us, so we must be patient, we must make preparations.

In this passage, James also calls to mind our forebears. “The prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord” are exemplary models of hardship and patience.

And this could not be truer: If we look back at the stories recounted in the Old and New Testaments, what we hear is one overarching story of God’s providence and steadfastness and countless examples of the need for his people to wait patiently.

We think of Noah and his family on the ark, waiting patiently for the rains to

In a culture that no longer considers patience a virtue, Catholics are called to be patient in this season of Advent for the coming of Christ. CNS file photo

subside. We think of Moses leading the Israelites through the desert for 40 years, waiting to reach the Promised Land.

We think of Jonah in the belly of the whale, waiting for three days. We think of Jesus and his incessant reminders that his time “had not yet come.”

And here, in that great tradition of holy men and women, we wait patiently, for the advent of our King. Gaudete – rejoice! n CNS Senz is a freelance writer living in Oregon with his family.

24

Sunday December 11, 2016 n CatholicNews

As John’s followers walked away, Jesus began talking to the crowd about John.

“What did you go out to the desert to see?” he asked the people. “To see a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written: ‘Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way before you.’ Amen, I say to you, among those born of women there has been

SPOTLIGHT ON SAINTS:

St Dominic of Silos

Bible Accent: In Luke 1:5-25, we read about a priest named Zechariah and his wife, Elizabeth, who were both righteous in God’s eyes. Elizabeth could not have children, and now she and Zechariah were both very old.

One day, Zechariah entered the sanctuary of the Lord to burn incense as the people prayed outside. Suddenly, an angel appeared.

“Your prayer has been heard,” the angel said. “Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall name him John. ... He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God.” Zechariah was afraid and also skeptical. He did not realise he was speaking to an angel.

“How shall I know this?” he asked. “For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.”

The angel explained that he was Gabriel and had been sent by God to tell Zechariah the good news.

“But now you will be speechless and unable to talk until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled at their proper time,” Gabriel said.

The people outside the sanctuary wondered what was taking Zechariah so long. When he came out and could not speak, they knew he’d had a vision from God. And just as Gabriel said, Elizabeth conceived and had a son, who became known as John the Baptist. n

Castile, who sent him to the monastery of St Sebastian in Silos. Dominic became abbot and eventually made the monastery the most famous one in Spain.

Many miracles are attributed to St Dominic. We remember him on Dec 20. n

Read more about it: Matthew 11

Q&A 1. What question did John’s followers ask Jesus?

2. Whom did Jesus say John was?

PUZZLE: Using the hints provided, put a T next to the statements about John the Baptist that are true, and an F next to the ones that are false.

1. n Jesus asked John to baptise Him. (Matthew 3:13) 2. n John died by being beheaded. (Matthew 14:10) 3. n John wore clothes made of goat’s hair. (Matthew 3:4) 4. n John’s mother and Jesus’ mother were related. (Luke 1:36)

Wordsearch: n CAMEL n LAME n BORN n EVIL n REPENT n BLIND

n LEPERS n DESERT n SIGHT

n PREACH n PRISON n PATHS

ESSAY: When have you received surprise news from someone, and how did you react?

Answer to Wordsearch

St Dominic of Silos was born in 11th-century Spain. He became a monk and eventually became prior of his monastery in Navarre, but he was banished after he disagreed with the king.

Dominic was then welcomed by King Ferdinand I of

none greater than John the Baptist. ... And if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah, the one who is to come.” n

4. T

Once there was a man named John the Baptist. He wore clothes made of camel’s hair and lived in the desert of Judea, eating nothing but locusts and wild honey.

People came from all around Judea to hear John preach. Many people who wanted to confess their sins and repent were baptised by John in the Jordan River.

“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” he would shout to the people who came to see him.

Little did the people know that John was the person whom the prophet Isaiah had prophesied about. Isaiah had said that before the Messiah came, another would come before him, “a voice of one crying out in the desert, ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.’”

When John preached to the people, he was not afraid to tell them they were doing wrong and to change their evil ways. He even pointed out King Herod’s sinful ways and told him to repent. The king did not like being told he was doing something wrong, so he had John thrown in prison.

While he was in prison, John heard about the ministry of Jesus. So he sent his followers to find Jesus and ask Him a question.

“Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?” John’s followers asked Jesus.

Jesus looked at the men.

“Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them,” Jesus said. “And blessed is the one who takes no offence at me.”

Answer to puzzle: 1. T; 2. T; 3. F;

By Jennifer Ficcaglia

EVENT SUBMISSIONS

dEC 18 CHUrCH OF THE TrANSFIgUrATION (COTT) MONTHly MASS Time: 3pm. Venue: Holy Innocents’ High School at 1191 Upper Serangoon Road S534786. All Punggol parishioners and Church of the Transfiguration supporters are welcome to celebrate our Monthly Mass with COTT’s parish priest Fr Joachim Chang on the fourth Sunday of Advent! For detailed information: W: www.transfiguration.sg

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.org.sg/chancery/ announcement-advertisement-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.

dEC 21 SHOUld I INTErprET THE BIBlE lITErAlly? prINCIplES OF INTErprETATION Can I read the Bible as how I would the newspaper? Does God speak to me when I pray to Him and then flip to a random passage in the Bible? Join us as we explore what the Church teaches on Biblical interpretation and the spiritual life. Organised by the Catholic Theology Network. Time: 730pm-9pm, St Joseph’s Church, Victoria St, Conference Room (inside canteen). Presenter: Amy Matthews.

To register: E: theology.sg@gmail.com

dEC 8 FEAST OF THE IMMACUlATE CONCEpTION Venue: Church of Sts Peter and Paul, 225A Queen St. Prayers and the rosary will begin at 11.30am. Confessions from noon. Mass will be celebrated at 1pm. For sale during that day: New book of prayers (1) and (2). dEC 9 TO dEC 11 lIVINg UNTIl WE dIE: SpIrITUAl jOUrNEy OF THE lAST ACT OF THE 2Nd HAlF OF lIFE Friday 8pm to Sunday 1pm. A Cenacle programme by Sr Linda Lizada. It will focus on the invitations for life’s final stage and attempts to respond to questions such as: What is retirement for? What is the meaning of my life at this time? How do I open myself to the joy that this stage of life is offering me? Venue: Montfort Centre.

To register: T: 65652895; T: 97223148

jAN 8, 2017 TO MArCH 4, 2017 SCHOOl OF WITNESS 2017 A eight week live-in discipleship school that aims to provide an environment of faith in which you can be encouraged and challenged to go beyond your comfort zones to grow in the awareness of who God is and who you are. Age range: 18-30.

Cost: $600 (covers food, accommodation and all other overheads). To register: W: www.oyp.sg/sow17. Registration closes on Dec 15. For more information: E: juliana.oyp@catholic.org.sg

dEC 12 FEAST OF OUr lAdy OF gUAdAlUpE

Come pray for the protection of unborn babies and their mothers. Venue: Church of St Ignatius.The rosary will be recited at 7.30pm followed by Mass at 8pm. There will also be a special blessing for pregnant mothers and their families. Organised by Pregnancy Crisis Service, a service support of Family Life Society. All are welcome.

For enquiries, T: 64880278. dEC 16 TO dEC 19 COMBINEd UNIVErSITy rETrEAT 2016 Open to all university students, studying locally or overseas. Situated in Adventide, this retreat is designed to give time and space for us to prepare our hearts for Christmas. Closing Mass will be celebrated

by Archbishop William Goh. To register: W: http://oyp.org.sg/cur2016/. Registration fee: $60. Registration closes Dec 2. For more information, please contact Christina at christina.oyp@catholic.org.sg

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MArCH 19, 2017 INTrOdUCTION TO AUTHENTIC CONVErSATIONS Time: 9.30am-5pm. The lack of authentic conversation spaces has reduced many conversations into gossip and slander.

How does one facilitate and nurture safe spaces for authentic conversation that is so critically needed today? Listen to your call through the needs of the many who thirst for real conversation. Fee: $60. Organised by Kingsmead Centre, 8 Victoria Park Rd. To register: W: http:// tinyurl.com/iac2017; T: 64676072

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ACrOSS 1 One of two names in a Catholic book publishing company 5 Word of God 10 Get ready 14 Malarial fever 15 Alaskan native 16 Travel on 17 Ventilates 18 Crest 19 Once more

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20 Persons of refined taste 22 Rules 24 Go back on one’s word 25 Singles 26 Rangers’ org 27 An epistle of Paul 31 Religious offshoots 34 Spoiled children 35 Vane reading 36 Amo, ___, amat

MArCH 5, 2017 TO AprIl 9, 2017 THE FIrST SpIrITUAl ExErCISES rETrEAT Time: 1.30pm-5pm. The retreat is made in daily life over four weeks. These exercises contain first-step exercises for beginners, new visions for searchers and solid food for those desiring more in their interior life. Fee: $170. Organised by Kingsmead Centre, 8 Victoria Park Rd. To register: W: http://tinyurl.com/1stexercises; T: 64676072

FEB 9, 2017 TO MAy 18, 2017 INTrOdUCTION TO BASIC COUNSEllINg Every Thursday from 7.30pm-10pm. A 14-week course providing an introduction to basic counselling skills and personal development. Learn about the counselling process and its benefits, as well as develop an awareness of mental wellbeing. Participants will also get to apply problem-solving strategies and techniques in a safe, supportive environment. Fee: $600. Organised by Kingsmead Centre, 8 Victoria Park Rd. To register: W: http:// tinyurl.com/itcc14; T: 64676072

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FEB 24, 2017 TO FEB 25, 2017 A dAy OF QUIET Time: 9am-5pm. We are opening our doors to individuals desiring some personal space and quiet in their lives. For seasoned retreatants and beginner seekers who would like to experience a day in silent prayer and reflection. Prayer and handicraft resources, labyrinth walk and spiritual direction will be available. Fee: $60 (including lunch, tea). Organised by Kingsmead Centre, 8 Victoria Park Rd. To register: W: http:// tinyurl.com/dayofquiet; T: 64676072

jAN 28, 2017 TO jAN 20, 2017 ANNUAl rETrEAT Organised by the Archdiocesan Commission for Malayalam Apostolate.

An annual retreat for children, teens and the elderly. Venue: Holy Innocents’ High School at 1191 Upper Serangoon Road S534786. For more information, T: 62887761; E: archmalayalamcatholic.org.sg

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Like Esau Diplomacy Actress Thurman Therefore Bundles The whole earth had one before the Tower of Babel 44 He gave Hannah words of comfort 45 Guns the engine 46 Ice cream made

with eggs 50 Food from the curds of milk 53 Forgave 55 Exude slowly 56 Dinah, to Esau 58 ___ presence in the Eucharist 59 Jesus is the ___ of God 60 Property claims 61 Otherwise

MAY THEY REST IN PEACE

FEB 18, 2017 TO FEB 19, 2017 MArITAl FIrST rESpONdErS WOrkSHOp Time: 9am-5pm. A two-day workshop facilitated by Fr (Dr) Charles Sim. It is meant for those constantly approached by close friends and relatives regarding their marital issues. With this training, these “marital first responders” can better provide frontline counselling help or a listening ear. Contribution: $250 (inclusive of lunch and tea). Organised by Kingsmead Centre, 8 Victoria Park Rd. To register: W: http://tinyurl.com/mfr2017; T: 64676072

MArCH 18, 2017 FINdINg gOd IN WrITINg WOrkSHOp Time: 10am-5pm. A full-day workshop designed to help you write your sacred story. Through writing exercises and other activities, explore and express your innermost thoughts and feelings. No prior writing experience required. Fee: $80 (includes lunch and refreshments). Organised by Kingsmead Centre, 8 Victoria Park Rd. To register: W: http://tinyurl.com/writing2017; T: 64676072

Crossword Puzzle 1173 1

IN MEMORIAM 25

WHAT’S ON

Sunday December 11, 2016 n CatholicNews

62 Remain 63 Exclamation of fright 64 “…that I have sinned exceedingly in thought, word and ___.” dOWN 1 Communion host 2 ___ Meal 3 Argument 4 Declines 5 Cylindrical wooden container 6 Netman Nastase 7 Garden spots 8 Pull laboriously 9 Divine time 10 Type of Psalm 11 Sign of papal office 12 The Garden 13 Church seats 21 Expressions of disgust 23 Long fish 25 Chicago airport 27 Catholic horror actor 28 The Mass is both a sacrifice and a ___ 29 How many times each day the

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soldiers of Joshua marched around Jericho (Josh 6:3) “Immediately they abandoned their ___ and followed him.” (Mk 1:18) First King of Israel Madame Bovary Actor James ___ Beats the drum ___ hosts Fitted Colours Ran, as colors This kind of person stirs up strife (Ps 28:25) Exit Administer extreme unction Tantalize Sat at a red light, say Part of pharaoh’s dream Shout in derision Book after Chronicles It’s barely audible Skin eruption Roman crowd?

Solution to Crossword Puzzle No. 1172 V I C E

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R Y E E R L N S C I D O S C H A S K A L A Y O C B E R A R A W A I M E N D E D G E N A T E L O M

R E E S E T A C I T E E O

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

M O N S T R A N C E

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www.wordgamesforcatholics.com

CLASSIFIED THANKSGIVING Thank you St Jude for your intercession! My promise to publicly thank you and make known your name and your very powerful novena. Ever thankful Melissa Holy Spirit, you who make me see everything and show me the way to reach my ideal. You who give me the divine

gift to forgive and forget the wrong that is done to me and who are in all instances of my life with me. I, in this short dialogue, want to thank you for everything and confirm once more that I never want to be separated from you no matter how great the material desires may be. I want to be with you and my loved ones in your perpetual glory.

Amen Anne

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

26 IN MEMORIAM In loving memory Second Anniversary of

ANDREW KOH EVELYN SEOW Departed: December 6, 2014 December 27, 2014

They say only time can heal the pangs of our loss.

Dearly missed and always remembered by family and friends.

Eighteenth Anniversary In Loving Memory of Our Beloved Papa

Sunday December 11, 2016  CatholicNews

Sixteenth Anniversary In loving memory of

Fourth Anniversary In loving memory of

HENRY BARTHOLOMEUSZ Departed: Dec 14, 2000 You were God’s gift to humanity You symbolised decorum and dignity You always cheered the young and respected the old And left behind many cherished memories untold Close to our hearts you shall always remain till the day we meet again.

Dearly missed and lovingly remembered by Margy, Karen, Mark and all loved ones.

MICHAEL PEH TECK FOO Departed: Dec 13, 2012 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.

Dearly missed by wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Ninth Anniversary In loving memory of

FR DAVID THEXEIRA Departed: Dec 13, 2007 God looked around His garden And found an empty place He then looked down upon this Earth And saw your tired face.

He put his arms around you And lifted you to rest God’s garden must be beautiful He always takes the best.

Forever cherished by family and all loved ones.

The Lord is my shepherd, there is nothing I shall want: Psalm 23:1 Eleventh Anniversary In loving memory of

JOSEPH DE COSTA Departed: Dec 7, 1998 Your presence is ever near us Your love remains with us yet You were the kind father Your loved ones will never forget.

Dearly missed Mama, Children, Grandchildren, Great-grandchildren and all loved ones.

Eighteenth Anniversary In loving memory of

Seventh Anniversary In loving memory of

EDMUND YEO SIN CHIANG Who returned to the Lord on Dec 10, 2005

We think of you in silence No eyes can see us weep But still within our aching hearts Your memory we keep Dearly missed and fondly remembered by mum, wife, daughter, son-in-law, grandchildren and loved ones.

Sixth Anniversary In loving memory of

TERESA TAN LIAN NEO Departed: Dec 4, 1998 In our home she is fondly remembered, Sweet memories cling to her name; Those who loved her in life sincerely, Still love her in death just the same.

Loved always: Shirley, Sheilla, Kevin & Grandsons (Ramsey, Elijah & Lucius) and all loved ones.

BENEDICT OEN BOON LIM Departed: Dec 10, 2009

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.

Lovingly remembered by wife Anna, children, and grandchildren.

Mass will be offered and celebrated at Church of OLPS.

Thirty-sixh Anniversary

ANTHONY CHIA LEE TONG Departed: Dec 2, 2010 Time takes away the edge of grief But memory turns back every leaf Gone from our lives one so dear But in our hearts forever near.

Always missed and fondly remembered by all loved ones.

Forty-fifth Anniversary

Eighteenth Anniversary In loving memory of

JOSH GERALD LOPEZ Departed: Dec 19, 1998 In our hearts you will always live Your love, your voice and your smile are forever imprinted in our minds.

Rest in peace, safe in the arms of Jesus.

Forever cherished by love ones.

Fourteenth Anniversary

R. SUSAN SIMPSON K.S. SIMPSON Departed: Dec 15, 2009 Dec 10, 1971

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

Dearly missed and always cherished by children and loved ones.

He will raise you up on eagle’s wings.

Bear you on the breath of dawn, Make you to shine like the sun, and hold you in the palm of his hand.

In loving memory of

Fourth Anniversary In loving memory of

Psalm 34:8

Second Anniversary In loving memory of

LAUZAR MARK CRISINI 7 Sept 1960 to 14 Dec 2014 Words are few, thoughts are deep Memories of you, we will always keep.

Dearly missed and fondly remembered by family members and loved ones.

First Anniversary In loving memory of

In loving memory of Seventh Anniversary

ANTHONY S/O ANANMAL D/O SARIVMUTHU ANTHONY Departed Dec 10, 1961 Feb 19, 1980

‘‘O taste and see that the LORD is good!

Happy is the man who takes refuge in him!”

Please turn to pages 25 and 27 for more in memoriam advertisements.

In loving memory of Fifty-fifth Anniversary

JAMES LIM KENG HOE Departed: Dec 5, 2002 Yet another year has passed by Yes the years slipping by made life seem transient But the emptiness left in our hearts of those bygone days which we had spent together still remains.

Fondly remembered by all loved ones and kin.

PETER LIM KOK CHENG Departed on Dec 10, 2012 In our hearts, you will always live Your love, your voice and your smile Are forever imprinted in our minds.

Angela and daughters, Rachel, Valerie, Magdalene and Grace

Dearest parents, Time changes many things but not the memory this day brings Till now you are still in our minds and hearts.

Deeply missed by sons, daughters, daughters-in-law and family members.

REONOLD JOSEPH D’CRUZ Called home to be with the Lord on Dec 12, 2015 In our hearts, you will always live.

Your love, your voice and your smile Are forever imprinted in our minds.

Deeply missed and lovingly remembered by beloved wife Pricilla, daughter Rachael and all loved ones.

Mass will be celebrated at the Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary on Saturday Dec 17, 2016 at 5.45pm.

IN MEMORIAM 27

Sunday December 11, 2016 n CatholicNews

Third Anniversary In loving memory of

“I have done my best in the race, I have run the distance and I have kept the faith.”

2 Timothy 4:7

FEliCiA GARNEll Departed: Dec 15, 2013 Remembering you is easy We do it every day Missing you is the hardest part As it never goes away To hear your voice. To see your smile.

To sit with you and talk for awhile Would be our greatest wish Today, tomorrow, our whole life through We shall always love and remember you.

Deeply missed by family and loved ones.

Tenth Anniversary

In loving memory of

MiCHAEl OH JiN lEONG 22.03.45 - 11.12.06 Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us everyday... unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed and very dear.

Forever cherished.

Twenty-third Anniversary In loving memory of

PETER GOH BUAN TECK Departed: Dec 7, 1993

Gone from our lives one so dear, But in our hearts forever near.

Fondly remembered by all loved ones.

Thirty-Fifth Anniversary In loving memory of

MARiA THERESA JOHN Mdm Kwok Yew Hoe Born: Sep 28, 1922 Departed: Dec 12, 1981 Dearest Ma, Thoughts of you Brighten our day.

From your children Kerwin, Nancy, Ranny, Morris, Mary and loved ones.

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

Additional words: $1.00 a word.

Please turn to pages 25 and 26 for more in memoriam advertisements.

Twenty-first Anniversary

Thirteenth Anniversary

ANTHONY THiO

HElENA THiO Departed Oct 30, 2003

Dec 3, 1995

JEROME THiO Sept 12, 2016

Dearest Grand Pa and Grand Ma, and Jerome.

With fondest memories, petitions and prayers always from Bernard & Ying, Jonathan & Marie, Justin, Joel, Marie, Michelle and Nathaniel Thio.

JOHN CRUZ CORERA AGE: 85 Called home to be with the Lord on 7 Dec 2000 in Bangalore, India.

Sadly missed by all loved ones.

Wife: Cecilia Corera Son: Daughter-in-law: Mark Corera Angeline Chong Grandson: Granddaughters: Basil Corera Valerie Corera Rachael Corera Brothers, Sisters, Nephews and Nieces, relatives and friends.

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