Catholic News issue 2, 2018

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SUNDAY JANUARY 21, 2018

MCI (P) 010/08/2017

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VOL 68

NO. 02

INSIDE HOME

Holy Innocents’ 125th anniversary celebrations Heritage gallery, time capsule featured n Page 2

ASIA

Black Nazarene procession in Manila A r c h b i s h op W i l l i am G oh an d r e p r e s e n t at i ve s of of the Transfiguration. P hotos: V I TA I mages

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It was an evening of fellowship and unity as close to 80 representatives of various faiths gathered for the annual archdiocesan interreligious Christmas celebration. eld for the first time at the new Church of the Transfiguration on ec 29, the participants included representatives from the Muslim, Hindu, Jain, Buddhist, Taoist, Baha’i, and Christian (Catholic, Protestant and Orthodox) communities.

They were joined by Archbishop William Goh; Mr J. Y. Pillay, chairman of the Council of Presidential Advisers; Mr Alex Yam, MP for Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC; and Ms Sylvia Lim, MP for Aljunied GRC, for an evening of fellowship, fun and food.

In his opening address, parish priest Fr oachim Chang briefly explained the features of the new church including what the stained glass in the main church depicting Jesus, Moses and Elijah, meant.

Archbishop Goh, in his address,

shared what Christmas means to Catholics and why it is a celebration of Jesus’ life giving love.

“The birth of Christ is an invitation to love. Jesus lived His life for others and that is how we should live as well,” he said.

Addressing the participants from the various religious communities, Archbishop Goh said, “Together we need to build a greater harmony among ourselves. Together we need to show authentic, sincere love for each other, to encourage each other, and together, we can build a humanity that is rooted in the love of God.” A choir from the parish then sang carols such as O Come, All Ye Faithful and Silent Night.

The evening ended with a buffet dinner during which the various religious representatives enjoyed fellowship as they chatted among themselves.

Some of them shared their thoughts on the celebration with Catholic News. nC on

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Devotees urged to remember crisis in Marawi n Page 9

WORLD

To be declared martyrs: Religious killed in Algeria n Page 10

Freezing weather in US Church organisations offer shelter, food n Page 11

POPE FRANCIS Epiphany celebration at Vatican R e p r e s e n t at i ve s f r om t h e H ar m on y C e n t r e , I s l am i c R e l i gi ou s C o u n c i l of Singapore Muis , take a wefie with Archbishop illiam oh.

I hope all Singaporeans, regardless ‘ of race and religion can... step out of their

comfort zone to find out more about their friends and neighbours of different faiths.

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– Master Chung Kwang Tong, secretary general of the Taoist Federation Youth Group

Pope urges faithful to long for God like Magi n Page 12

OPINION

A need to support the elderly sick One reader shares his thoughts n Page 14

2 HOME

Sunday January 21, 2018 n CatholicNews

‘Our unity and diversity’ nF r om

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Ustaz Mohamed Ali Atan, head of the Harmony Centre, Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis), said the gathering of religious representatives provides an opportunity to “appreciate each other’s festivities” and “it also shows our unity and diversity.”

He added, “For me every year, I will never miss this [celebration].”

Master Chung Kwang Tong, secretary general of the Taoist Federation Youth Group, highlighted the importance of religious unity in Singapore.

“This is something precious to us and I think something that

we should hold very dearly. I hope all Singaporeans, regardless of race and religion can ... step out of their comfort one to find out more about their friends and neighbours of different faiths.”

The Archdiocesan Catholic Council for Interreligious Dialogue (ACCIRD) organised the interfaith Christmas celebration, the fifth time it has held such a celebration. Previous venues were the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd and Churches of St Teresa and St Ignatius.

A v ideo of the ev ent is ac c essble at http s: / / m.youtube.c om/ watc h? feature= youtu.be& v = mfonE J P F wE n jared.ng@catholic.org.sg

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Heritage gallery, time capsule part of school’s anniversary celebrations A Mass, the opening of a heritage gallery, and a special dinner marked the closing celebrations of Holy Innocents’ High School (HIHS) 125th anniversary.

Teachers from both Holy Innocents’ primary and secondary schools, students and guests attended the Mass held at the HIHS hall on Dec 28 to pray for the school for the upcoming year.

During the Mass, which commemorated the school’s feast day, the Feast of the Holy Innocents, school chaplain Fr Frederick Quek shared that every child is specially loved by God; everyone is unique and we complement one another.

After the Mass, teachers and guests witnessed the opening of the Heritage Gallery which houses various artefacts and a photo collage depicting the school’s history.

A highlight of the ceremony was Fr Frederick and principal Yap Wai Meng unveiling a replica of the scooter used by Fr Anthony Shih, the school’s first principal.

It was his signature mode of transport which enabled him to visit students and their families to get to know them better.

Fr Fredrick and Mr Yap also closed a time capsule box containing items such as the school’s 125th anniversary T-shirt and a fluffy white teddy bear named “Innocent” which represented the school.

The time capsule is to be opened in 25 years’ time.

Later that evening, past and present principals and teachers, alumni and grassroots leaders gathered for a special anniversary dinner in the school hall, organised by the Holy Innocents’ Old Students’ Association (HIOSA).

The occasion saw alumni reconnecting with friends, reminiscing the past and feeling a sense of nostalgia as they walked through their alma mater. Some had even flown back from Sabah, Australia

r redrick uek tries a replica of the scooter used by the school s first p r i n c i p al ,F r A n t h on Sy h i h at, t h e s c h ol ’ s n e w l yop e n e d H e r i t age G al l e r y .

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and other countries for the occasion.

One former student, Mr Chin Ching, remarked that among his best memories were the times he spent with fellow student council members participating in camps and other activities.

Mrs Maria Goh, a teacher, shared with the guests the times when HIHS endured hardship, and how the principals believed in their mission and overcame obstacles for the school to be what it is today.

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A commemorative magazine was given to guests containing 12 reflections from people such as the school’s former and present leaders, staff and multiple generations of students.

The dinner also saw guests taking part in a quiz show hosted by alumni. All the questions asked were related to the school’s history. n Artic le by: students TE O Z O E ( 3 P eac e) and SH E R I L Y NN TAN ( 3 Courage) ; teac hers L I ANG M E I Y I , CH R I STI NA CH E W and TAN CH O O N H E O K ; and K E L L Y TAN ( H I O SA pr esident) .

BUILDING THE CHURCH OF TOMORROW 3

Sunday January 21, 2018 n CatholicNews

26 Nov 2016 - 31 Dec 2017

Giving in Faith & Thankfulness gift campaign report The GIFT (Giving in Faith & Thankfulness) campaign is a rallying call to all Catholics in Singapore to support the vision of the archdiocese to be a more vibrant, missionary and evangelistic Church. Every individual is challenged to pledge a monthly monetary contribution for the archdiocese’s operational and building needs.

breakdown of contributions

one year on The understanding, generosity and prayers of Catholics across Singapore has propelled the GIFT campaign to a good start since it was first launched in Advent 2016.

To date, $18.5 million has been raised for the operational and building needs of the archdiocese.

This has only been possible because Catholics in Singapore have responded to the call to build a more vibrant, missionary and evangelistic Church.

The positive response has enabled the

$18.5 million

archdiocese to begin funding capital projects, and allowed for the continued funding of archdiocesan organisations working hard to bring Christ to others.

This means the archdiocese will be more equipped with better structures, programmes and facilities, to help more encounter Christ.

The response of every Catholic makes a concrete, lasting impact on the Church in Singapore. The following are some examples of how this $18.5 million will benefit the Church in the year ahead.

the year ahead

office for young people

st francis xavier seminary

In 2018, the Office for Young People (OYP) will run retreats, events, and a whole host of other programmes at least once per month for young people between 16 and 35 years old. On top of that, OYP will also continue its pastoral work with the many young adult communities under its charge, as well as Catholic student groups in tertiary educational institutions around the country.

The St Francis Xavier (SFX) Seminary building project was kick started early with the support of Catholics through the GIFT campaign, and is expected to complete by the latter half of 2018.

Built on freehold land within the compound of St Joseph Church (Bukit Timah), the new building will have upgraded facilities for the formation of future shepherds for the archdiocese.

office for catechesis

bethany east

The Office for Catechesis (OFC) will continue providing the Basic Catechist Certification Courses for those involved in the catechetical ministry across the archdiocese. These, together with numerous other workshops, retreats and programmes, will better equip and inspire Catholics who help others get to know Christ.

A new home for retired priests, Bethany East, has already begun renovations and is expected to complete in 2018. This 7,000 sq ft, two-storey detached house is designed to be elderlyfriendly and will be able to accommodate eight priests once completed.

CITY DISTRICT Cathedral of the Good Shepherd Church of Our Lady of Lourdes Church of St Alphonsus (Novena Church) Church of St Bernadette Church of St Michael Church of Sts Peter & Paul Church of St Teresa Church of the Sacred Heart St Joseph’s Church (Victoria Street)

Nov’16 - Dec’17 $2,428,921 $53,177 $84,202 $354,534 $180,944 $88,597 $199,142 $187,764 $80,722

EAST DISTRICT Church of Divine Mercy Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Church of Our Lady Queen of Peace Church of St Stephen Church of the Holy Family Church of the Holy Trinity

$259,088 $709,244 $340,472 $103,188 $592,767 $351,444

NORTH DISTRICT Church of Christ the King Church of Our Lady Star of the Sea Church of St Anthony Church of the Holy Spirit Church of the Risen Christ St Joseph’s Church (Bukit Timah)

$427,197 $130,567 $164,932 $736,131 $346,188 $296,736

SERANGOON DISTRICT Church of St Francis Xavier Church of St Vincent de Paul Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church of the Transfiguration St Anne’s Church

$440,499 $399,290 $551,816 $419,664 $34,603 $284,552

WEST DISTRICT Blessed Sacrament Church Church of St Francis of Assisi Church of St Ignatius Church of St Mary of the Angels Church of the Holy Cross

$214,336 $143,531 $765,985 $396,625 $585,113

OTHERS Contributions by mail not identifiable to a parish CF fundraising receptions and other contributions TOTAL

$1,098,437 $5,079,478 $18,529,886

your involvement matters catholic theological institute of singapore

archdiocesan hub

The Catholic Theological Institute of Singapore (CTIS) offers formal theological formation to lay Catholics. On January 15, CTIS will begin a new semester for two programmes, the Certificate in Theology, and the Diploma in Theology. In 2018, CTIS will also move to the new seminary and formation building, together with the St Francis Xavier Major Seminary.

Plans have begun for the design of the Archdiocesan Hub, which will be a cornerstone of the archdiocese’s pastoral vision. The Archdiocesan Hub will house a number of Catholic organisations, including OYP, CSC and ONE, together under one roof with improved and shared facilities, enabling the Church to make its numerous programmes more effective and accessible to more people.

and many more...

Though the GIFT campaign is off to a good start in its first year, much more prayers, time and resources are still urgently needed for the vision of the archdiocese. The response of every Catholic in Singapore is crucial in building up the Church for generations to come.

Visit gift.catholicfoundation.sg or pick up a GIFT envelope today to play your part in the mission of our Church. All contributions, big and small, will make a difference.

pray

act

give

4 OUR SCHOOLS

Sunday January 21, 2018 n CatholicNews

First time leading a Catholic school

Shaping young lives

Mrs Chin Lai Yoke says she is excited and grateful for the opportunity to head St Anthony’s Canossian Primary. A fresh face to the Catholic fraternity of schools, the parishioner of the Church of the Holy Family comes with 29 years of experience as an educator.

Mrs Chin, who has previously headed a government secondary school as well as a government primary school, shared: “It is my first in leading a Catholic school and I hope to be able to lead the school well with God’s grace. I would like to continue to focus on achieving the school mission of empowering Canossians to be persons of integrity, committed to serving God and others.

“The Canossian attributes of

With the retirement of veteran principal Madam Catherine Woon of CHIJ Our Lady of Good Counsel (OLGC), the Infant Jesus (IJ) community welcomes Ms Grace Tan to lead the school.

“Being a former IJ student makes this opportunity to serve as principal of CHIJ OLGC really special as I am able to give back to the IJ community,” says Ms Tan, an educator with 23 years of service.

“It is an honour and a privilege to be able to shape many young lives; it is even more so in a Catholic school as there is a greater sense of stewardship of the flock in the spiritual dimension.” aving served her first stint as principal in Canossa Convent Primary School, Ms Tan says she is grateful for another tour of duty in another Catholic mission school.

She recognises that CHIJ OLGC has for the past 50 years contributed to the growth and development of young ladies who are, in many ways, successful in their own right.

Commitment, Compassion and Cheerfulness resonate very well with me.”

The mother of three grown-up

children, two of whom were Josephians, previously had a short leadership stint in a Catholic school. As part of the Education Ministry’s Leaders in Education Programme to prepare for school leadership more than 10 years ago, she spent 10 weeks attached to a Catholic school.

Mrs Chin says she firmly believes that God has His reasons for leading her to St Anthony’s Canossian Primary at this point in her career. With His blessings and guidance, she will do her best to lead the school well.

She adds that she strongly believes that all children can learn and grow up well with proper care and guidance from their parents, teachers and the community. n

Back serving in Lasallian institution Mr Eric Lee, who has been appointed to head St Patrick’s School, says he is proud to be back to serve in a Lasallian institution after being schooled in such institutions for 10 years.

Prior to this leadership posting, Mr Lee, 41, was vice-principal of Catholic Junior College (2012-2016) and vice-principal of Bedok Green Secondary (2017).

A parishioner of the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, he says he feels humbled and honoured to be appointed to head St Patrick’s which he views as a school with a rich culture, heritage and strong support from the community.

He adds that he looks forward to utilising the gifts he has been blessed with to grow together with the school.

He sees this leadership journey as a faith development opportunity and looks forward to drawing strength and wisdom from the Lord as he remains dutiful in his stewardship of the school.

When asked about his vision for St Patrick’s, Mr Lee said, “The vision of St Patrick’s School is to nurture Patricians to be worthy of God and man. The vision resonates with me because I believe the gift of education is a journey to be empowered to lead and serve.

“Indeed, I look forward to working with the staff and students [both past and present] to continue the good work of my predecessors in nurturing Patricians.”

He added, “Today, we have many Patricians who are exemplary in their service to the community, and it is important for Patricians staff and students to be reflective and responsible persons who serve the community by making good use of the gifts and graces that God has blessed them with.” n

Forming the hearts of students Mrs Eugenie Tan, from the Church of the Holy Family, is the new principal for Canossa Convent Primary.

No stranger to the Catholic schools fraternity, she has just completed her first appointment as principal in St Anthony’s Canossian Primary.

Prior to this, she served as vice-principal of CHIJ Primary School (Toa Payoh).

“Since Pri 1 through to college and as an educator, I have only been in Catholic mission schools! ” she says.

Mrs Tan has 25 years of experience as an educator in Catholic mission schools and says she

firmly believes in the words of St Magdalene of Canossa, founder of the Canossian schools: “The benefit of education is in the formation of the heart.”

Mrs Tan says she hopes to “continue building on the good work put in place by my predecessor, Grace Tan, in the formation of the heart of the girls”.

She adds that she finds oy in her work as a Canossian educator and her involvement as part of the Canossian community overseeing an “eduplex” comprising three mainstream schools, a special education school and a children’s home. n

As she looks towards the journey ahead with CHIJ OLGC, she says she plans to build on the good work of her predecessors to lead the school through its next lap. The completion of upgrading works under MOE’s PERI (Primary Education Review and Implementation) also looks set to help the school develop its girls to be ladies of grace and character, and leaders of the future. n

‘An even higher calling’ Mr Benjamin Kwok returns to serve in the Catholic educational fraternity after 17 years. On completion of his teacher training, the former student of Catholic High School returned to his alma mater as teacher and head of department for 11 years.

The next decade saw him appointed as head of department and then as vice-principal at Bendemeer Secondary School and Guangyang Secondary School.

He became principal of Guangyang Secondary in 2013.

Mr Kwok, a parishioner of the Church of Christ the King, says he considers his appointment as principal of Assumption English School (AES) a privilege and an honour.

“I’m also grateful that my calling as an educator can now be closely intertwined with God’s work. It’s

an even higher calling,” he added.

Mr Kwok says he hopes to continue the good work done by his predecessors and to deepen the Monfortian education ideals and beliefs in preparing AES students for the future. n

COMMENCEMENT OF SCHOOL YEAR MASS: T h e A r c h d i oc e s e C om m i s s i on of C at h ol i c S c h ol s ( A C C S ) i n c ol l ba or at i on w i t h t h e C ou n c i l of C at h ol i c S c h ol s ’ P r i n c i p a l s ( C C S P ) w i l l h ol d t h e an n u al C om m e n c e m e n t of S c h ol Y e ar M as s at t h e C at h e d r al of t h e G od S h e p h e r d on Jan 20 at 2 pm. Archbishop illiam oh will commission the five newly appointed school principals as well as newly appointed princip al s of C at h ol i c p r e s c h ol s . n

HOME 5

Sunday January 21, 2018 n CatholicNews

Canossian alumni mourn SJI schools score loss of former president well for IB diploma B y V e r o n ic a T a n The Canossian Alumni Association (CAA) recently mourned the loss of their former president Dr Sylvia Goh, who passed away on Dec 26, 2017, at the age of 91.

Canossian Sr Janet Wang said she remembers Dr Goh for her “unstinting loyalty, serenity, humility and simplicity in everything she did”.

The Canossian nun also recalled that Dr Goh, in gratitude for the opportunity she had to complete her education at St Anthony’s Convent in 1947, donated to the setting up of the Black Box experimental theatre at St Anthony’s Canossian Secondary School in Bedok. She also generously contributed to the funds for poor children.

According to the CAA, Dr Goh’s support for it had been unwavering, and even in her frail health, had always been engaged with the alumni up till its last annual general meeting in September 2017.

“Once a Canossian, always a Canossian” she would often declare of herself; and she has always encouraged younger Canossians to step up to serve and pay it forward, the CAA said in a press release.

Dr Goh left a legacy in many Catholic communities in Singapore during her lifetime. Highly regarded for her contribution as an

D r S yl vi a G ho , f or m e r C na so s i an A l u m n i A s s oc i at i on p r e s i d e n t , p as s e d aw ayon D e c 6,2017.

active champion for the Canossian cause, including Canossa Mission Singapore and Myanmar, and in particular the CAA, she was also an active supporter of the Catholic Foundation, Novena Church and Church of the Holy Spirit.

As a 19-year-old, determined to complete her education after

the war, she went on foot knocking on the door of every school she could think of but was rejected due to her age. Many principals told her to get a ob and find a husband. However, St Anthony’s Convent accepted her, and she completed her schooling there.

Years later, she graduated from the University of Singapore’s Medical Faculty as one of the pioneering batches of Asian women doctors in Singapore. She had a long and distinguished career at St Andrew’s Mission Hospital where she specialised in treating poor children.

She was then already married to the late Goh Sin Tub, a multiple award winner for his local literary works, and they had three sons.

After her retirement, she continued to play a pivotal role in developing Singapore’s fostering scheme under the then Ministry of Community Development Youth and Sports (MCYS). Her work over 40 years there earned her the MCYS Outstanding Lifetime Volunteer Award in 2012. n

St Joseph’s Institution (SJI) and St Joseph’s Institution International (SJI International) performed well in the 2017 International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma exams.

All 138 students from SJI’s fourth IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) cohort passed and achieved an average score of 41 out of 45 points.

Five students achieved 45 points and 17 students attained 44 points. Fifty percent of the cohort scored 42 points or more, and 79 percent attained at least 40 points.

Six students were also awarded the prestigious Bilingual Diploma.

SJI’s class of 2017 IBDP students includes the pioneer batch of 55 boys who switched from the school’s O-Level Programme to the Integrated Programme at Sec 3 i n 2014 to do the IBDP. The 187 students from SJI International achieved an average of 3 7.7 points, a new high for the school.

The school also set another record as 40.6 percent of these students scored 40 points or more.

One student attained 45 points, five scored points, while 12 students scored 43 points.

Jesuit Fr (Dr) Adrian Danker, SJI principal, said he was proud of his school students’ achievement, attained “by having a healthy and happy balance between studies and play, between learning deeply and serving the community generously”.

Mr Bradley Roberts, principal of SJI International, said, it is important to see his school’s results in the right context. “SJI International is not an academic ‘ hothouse’ that focuses only on academic results as the main aim of our education. Rather, we strive to develop people of integrity and people for others,” he said.

IB diploma students take six subjects and Theory of Knowledge, a course built around analysing knowledge claims by formulating and exploring knowledge questions. They are also required to write a 4,000-word essay on a selfinitiated research area that is supervised by a teacher and complete a community service project. n

6 HOME

Sunday January 21, 2018 n CatholicNews

Living the faith, encountering Christ important for catechists Archbishop Goh, Fr Erbin Fernandez offer food for thought at the launch of catechetical year Catechumens should be able to see Christ in their catechists, and quality should take precedence over quantity in catechesis.

This was a message shared with more than 300 catechists who gathered to welcome the new catechetical year on Jan 6.

The annual event was organised by the ffice For Catechesis FC and held at the Catholic Archdiocesan Education Centre.

Catechetical director Fr rbin Fernande kicked off the event with a time of praise and worship and a reflection on the feast of the Epiphany.

Speaking to catechists from RCIA, Children’s and Youth catechesis, Special Needs catechesis and Liturgy of the Word with Children, he pointed out that the 2018 catechetical theme is “Living as Missionary Disciples”, not teaching about it.

He noted that while many catechists worry about the catechetical syllabus, he said that actually, the catechists themselves are the syllabus.

If catechumens see Christ in their catechists and the faith is presented in a way that makes it more attractive than what the world offers, then those who are catechised will want to share the faith with their friends and families who do not come to Church.

For this to happen, Fr rbin stressed, catechists must first live what they preach and encounter Christ for themselves through prayer, the sacraments and ongoing formation.

Chief catechist of the archdiocese, Archbishop William Goh, in his address, reminded catechists that their goal is not to give catechumens a certificate for complet-

Arc hbishop G oh reminded c atec hists that their goal is not to giv e c atec humens e t fi te o c ompl eting their c atec hetic al syllabus, but to make them Sp t fille o ple o e

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ing their catechetical syllabus, but to make them Spirit-filled missionary disciples of Jesus.

He said that even if catechumens scored an “A” in their knowledge of Catholicism but did not have a deep relationship with Jesus, it meant that the catechesis had failed.

Archbishop Goh emphasised that it is fundamental when recruiting catechists to recruit those who have had a real encounter with the Lord because without a deep encounter, catechists will not be able to proclaim the saving love of Christ to others.

It is also essential, he noted, that catechists deepen that encounter with ongoing formation so that they grow in maturity as evangelisers and catechists.

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P hoto: V I TA I mages

cruiting volunteers, Archbishop Goh questioned whether quality should be sacrificed for uantity.

He cautioned against the current practice of recruiting newly baptised Catholics or newly confirmed teens into ministries without proper training.

Archbishop Goh outlined the process of forming catechumens into missionary disciples: First, help the person to encounter Jesus. This requires an entire eco-system involving the family and parish community to make the person into a believer not just intellectually but also in how they he or she lives out their faith.

Next, help the person to discover who she/ he is in Christ.

And help the person to reach out to others in turn.

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ciples, he noted, requires a more individual approach.

Archbishop Goh expressed his hope for smaller groups in catechesis (for example, one catechist to five catechumens so that catechists can get to know their catechumens personally and accompany them on their faith journey, mentoring them not just in their knowledge of the faith but also in their human, pastoral and spiritual formation.

During the event, catechetical formator Gabriel Patrick from the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary shared his parish’s experience of catechesis using FC resources as well as their efforts in facing their catechetical challenges.

The event ended with Archbishop oh presenting certificates to those who had completed various training modules as well as tokens of appreciation to volunteers and FC collaborators.

In addition, those who had served as catechists for 10 years and more were recognised for their commitment to catechesis.

The longest-serving catechist recognised was a children’s catechist from Nativity Church who has served for 45 years and is still catechising.

When asked why she chose to be a catechist, she said, “I have received many blessings from God and I want to share it with the children. It is a rewarding work though it can be challenging. With God’s grace I can do His will.” o oe o t o o eo te h t t te he o o e le te he o n

Sunday January 21, 2018 n CatholicNews

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Sunday January 21, 2018 n CatholicNews

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Help people see God’s mercy, Caritas members urged at Mass The ultimate goal of Christian social service is to give people Christ, said Archbishop William Goh at the Caritas Singapore annual Mass held on Jan 6.

Speaking to 200 people from the Caritas family gathered at Agape Village in Toa Payoh, he told them that they must be convinced that Jesus is the greatest gift of God, only then can they give Jesus to others.

He urged those involved in social mission work to reach out to others by getting involved with the lives of the people they serve, just as Jesus wanted to identify with the people He met and healed.

Every year, Caritas Singapore starts the year with an annual Mass to give thanks for the year gone by and to pray for a good year ahead impacting the lives of people in the community.

In his homily this year, Archbishop Goh urged Caritas leaders, member organisations, staff and volunteers, to renew their spirit every time they felt tired, helpless and concerned about dealing with difficult people.

To be effective in social mis-

sion work, he reminded them to pray and work, so that the people they serve will see the face of God’s mercy.

He also cautioned them against being condescending towards those they care for during the Mass, which began with a procession of representatives from

Arc hbishop G oh urged those in soc ial mission work to get inv olv ed with the liv es of the pe opl e they serv e, j ust as J esus wanted to identify with the pe opl e H e met and healed.

Caritas and its 25 member organisations.

This year, the Mass also included a Commissioning Rite for participants to renew their commitment to social mission.

In her address, Caritas chairman Janet Ang said that spiritual direction and discernment must

be a part of the modus operandi of the boards, committees and staff of the Caritas family.

“2017 has been another blessed year with encounters of faith, hope and love,” she said. “Even as we do what we need to do, we need to become more contemplative and dependent on Jesus for strength and direction.”

She also called for support, participation and prayers for the numerous events and programmes planned for 2018. These include the biennial Social Mission Conference to be held on July 21 at Catholic Junior College, themed Whole of Me, All of Us, One in Christ.

Caritas Singapore also plans to leverage on the strength of all its member organisations and engage more actively the Catholic community in the parishes “to increase the awareness of the needs of our society and every Catholic’s mission to live out the Catholic social teaching of the Church”, she said.

After Mass, 24 volunteers who have served the Caritas Singapore family for five or 10 years in 201 received the National Council

M ra r i e d c ou p l e A l an L i m an d H an n ah L e e , se e n h e r e w ith t h e ir t w ob oys , h ave b ot h s e r ve d as vol u n t e e r s i n C ar i t as f or five years.

T h e yw e r e am on gt h os e w h or e c e i ve d l on gs e r vi c e aw ar d s .

of Social Service Long Service Awards.

Ms Jennifer Lim, founding executive director of Caritas Singapore and a volunteer for the last 10 years, told Catholic News, “From the co-volunteers in our committee to the people we serve;

they are the ones who really show us the light, and are the ones who make the volunteering experience more meaningful.”

Ms Jeanette Tan, who has been serving with the Caritas Communications Committee for the last five years, shared that she developed a keen appreciation for the dignity of the human person as well as the dignity of work after learning a few principles of Catholic social teaching.

Married couple Alan Lim and annah ee have served for five years in different capacities. Ms Lee serves with Caritas’ Young Adults, while Mr Lim volunteers as a Caritas board member as well as chairman of its Communications Committee.

Ms Lee shared that she brings along her two young boys when she does her volunteer work.

To sign up as a v olunteer with Caritas, v isit http : / / www.c aritassingap ore.org/ v olunteer- sign- up n

ASIA 9

Sunday January 21, 2018 n CatholicNews

Black Nazarene devotees told not to forget those affected by war, disasters A woman takes a picture of a ski jumping figure for the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics during a publicity event. CNS file photo

Religious leaders call for peaceful Olympics

Pilgrims climb to touch the Black Nazarene during a Jan 9 procession in Manila. The wooden statue, carved in Mexico and brought to the Philippine capital in the early 17th century, is cherished by Catholics, who believe that touching it can lead to a miracle. CNS photo MANILA – Do not forget those who suffer from war and disasters.

This was Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle’s message to a sea of Black Nazarene devotees during a pre-dawn Mass in Manila on Jan 9.

The Archbishop of Manila told Catholics to remember those displaced by war in the southern Philippine city of Marawi and who suffered devastation from typhoons in the Mindanao and Visayas regions.

“Let us be one with them. Let us carry them and bring them along in Jesus’ journey with us as He carries our crosses,” the prelate told the sea of devotees clad in yellow and maroon shirts. Let us not lose heart because someone is journeying with us, Jesus who is with us in the t l o [journeys] of our lives.”

The Manila prelate made the call ahead of the annual re-enactment of the t l o , literally movement or passage in Spanish, of the image of the Black Nazarene from a park in Manila to a church in the city’s Quiapo district.

Cloaked in a maroon robe, crowned with thorns and bearing a cross, the Nazarene statue was brought to Manila by Augustinian friars in 1607, decades after the start of Spanish colonial rule.

Millions of barefoot devotees joined the annual religious procession through the streets of the Philippine capital.

They muscled their way through a frenzied crowd to get near the image of the charred Jesus figure.

The annual procession, which covers a 7-km route, usually lasts up to 20 hours.

It commemorates the “solemn transfer” in 1787 of the Nazarene image from the San Nicolas de Tolentino chapel in the old city of Manila to Quiapo Church.

The image was supposedly carved by an anonymous Mexican sculptor and brought to Manila via a ship from Acapulco, Mexico.

Traditional accounts attribute the colour to votive candles burning before the image, although the most widespread belief is that a fire on the ship charred it.

‘ letet

ot o et ot ep te o el e o o othe ho e e the t o to o othe ho e the o o e

’

– Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle

In his homily hours ahead of the start of the procession, Cardinal Tagle referred to the victims of Marawi’s five-month conflict that displaced about 400,000 people and typhoons that battered the southern and central parts of the country in recent months, killing hundreds.

“Let us not forget and let us not separate ourselves from our brothers who are suffering, the victims of storms, and our brothers in Marawi who are carrying their own crosses,” said the prelate.

In May last year, Islamic Stateinspired gunmen attacked the city of Marawi, burned buildings, and abducted up to 200 people, including a priest. The ensuing firefight killed more than 1,000 and levelled the city.

As the year 2017 came to a close, a series of strong typhoons devastated several provinces in the southern and central parts of the country, leaving thousands of people homeless, and farms destroyed.

Cardinal Tagle reminded devotees, estimated at close to 20 million this year, to look at Jesus who cares for the hungry, the thirsty, and the homeless, “to know how it is to be a real human.”

For those facing difficulties in their lives, he told them to hold on to their faith in Christ.

In his homily during the Mass that was attended by top government and police officials, Cardinal Tagle took the opportunity to remind those present not to depend on power.

“We were born without power.

And in time of death, we will not have power. Let us live without greed for power and you will be a true human being,” he said.

Among those who attended the Mass before the procession was Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, papal nuncio to the Philippines.

Fr Reginald Malicdem, rector of Manila’s Metropolitan Cathedral, said it was the first time that a Vatican representative had attended the celebration.

“It’s a great honour for all us devotees that the representative of the pope is present on this special occasion,” he said. n U CANE W S.CO M

Religious and political leaders in South Korea have appealed to the North and the US to stop using military threats and engage in dialogue to ease tensions and also ensure the upcoming Pyeongchang Winter Olympics pass off peacefully.

The appeal came at a recent meeting of the East Asia Peace Forum in Seoul.

The forum, which consists of religious, political and social leaders called on the two nations to engage in unconditional dialogue.

It also urged North Korea to participate in the Olympic Games saying that it would be “a first step in making the event a peaceful world festival.”

“The threat of nuclear war in Northeast Asia is a grave problem that the whole human race should solve together. With several Olympic Games being held in the region, let’s make them a momentum for peace in Northeast Asia,” the forum said in a statement.

The Pyeongchang Winter Olympic Games in South Korea will run from Feb 9-25.

Also present at the forum was Archbishop Hyginus Kim Heejoong of Kwangju, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Korea.

“We cannot keep the peace by threatening war but we can through open dialogue and negotiation,” he told the gathering. n U CANE W S.CO M

Seoul archdiocese joins capital’s solar city project Seoul archdiocese is trying to create a more eco-friendly Church community by encouraging parishes and churchgoers to use more solar energy.

Cardinal Andrew Yeom Soojung of Seoul signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Seoul mayor Park Won-soon on Dec 27, 2017, to work together to expand solar generation.

According to the MoU, Seoul archdiocese will increase generating solar power via the roofs of its parishes and on Church-owned land including parking lots.

In addition, it will encourage parishioners to install solar generators in their homes.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government will offer subsidies for the equipment and support the archdiocese with technology and in administrative matters.

As a first step, Seoul archdiocese will install a solar power generator at Eungam-dong Church early this year and later do the same in other parishes.

It will also install a solar-power mobile phone charger at Myeongdong Cathedral.

“Our Church has long been interested in this kind of eco-friendly energy,” Cardinal Yeom said.

Solar panels on a house. Seoul archdiocese is working with the city government to use solar energy in parishes and Church-owned land. CNS file photo

The city government in November last year launched its “Solar City Seoul” project, which aims to produce 1 gigawatt of solar energy – equivalent to the capacity of one nuclear reactor – during the next five years through 2022.

The MoU with the Church is the first public-private partnership related to the project.

Mayor Park Won-soon said, “Expansion of solar generation facility is related to the survival of humans as it counters climate change ... I’m happy with Seoul archdiocese’s support for the project.” n U CANE W S.CO M

10 WORLD

Religious killed in Algeria to be declared martyrs They were among those who died in 10-year-long armed conflict between government forces and extremist Islamic rebel groups

Sunday January 21, 2018 n CatholicNews

T r pa p i s t F r C h r i s t i an d e C h e r ge , on e of s e ve n m on k s k ille d b y I s l am i c t e r r or i s t s i n A l ge r i a i n 196.

of Tibhirine and beheaded by a V AT IC AN C IT Y – A bishop, seven Trappist monks and 11 other Re- group of slamic terrorists trained ligious men and women killed by by the Al-Qaeda network.

The monks’ story was portrayed extremists in Algeria in the 1990s will soon be recognised as martyrs, in the film f ods and Men, which the postulator for their causes said. won the grand prize at its premiere The decree for their beatifica- at the Cannes Film Festival in 2010.

The monks of Tibhirine knew tion should be published sometime in January, Trappist Fr Thomas they were in danger and would Georgeon said on Jan 1 in an in- likely be killed if they remained terview with Mondo e Missione in Algeria. French Fr Christian de (World and Mission), a publication Cherge, the slain prior of the monrun by the ontifical nstitute for astery, had written in a letter nearly three years before his Foreign Missions.

The monks of death that he and the A 10-year-long armed conflict between Tibhirine knew other monks would willingly offer themgovernment forces and they were in selves as a sacrifice for extremist slamic rethe people of Algeria. bel groups left tens danger and “When the time of thousands of peowould likely comes, would like ple dead, making the to be able to have that deaths of the 19 Relibe killed if stroke of lucidity which gious “a martyrdom in would permit me to ask the midst of a sea of vi- they remained forgiveness of God and olence that devastated in Algeria. of my brothers in huAlgeria”, he said.

The conflict began in 1 2 manity, forgiving wholeheartedly, when the army cancelled the gen- at the same time, whoever my killer eral election that fundamentalist might be,’’ he wrote. “May we meet politicians looked ready to win and each other again, happy thieves, in cracked down on the slamic Salva- paradise, should it please God.’’ hile different extremist stion Front political movement.

The 19 Catholic clergy and lamic revolutionaries were held Religious proposed for sainthood responsible for the deaths of many of the Religious, Catholic misdied between 1993 a nd 1996.

They include Bishop Pierre sionaries were largely respected Lucien Claverie of Oran, Algeria, by their Muslim neighbours.

Bishop Claverie was praised who was killed with his driver by a remote-controlled bomb left for his personal courage and longat the bishop’s residence, and standing efforts to promote dialogue seven Trappist monks, who were between Muslims and Christians in kidnapped from the monastery the North African country. n CNS

WORLD 11

Sunday January 21, 2018 n CatholicNews

Arctic plunge challenges Church agencies to keep people warm W AS H ING T O N – The brutally cold

weather covering the eastern twothirds of the US at the start of 2018 kept Catholic agencies scurrying to find ways to make sure no one was left without warm shelter and hot meals.

From Montana to Florida and Texas to Maine, homeless shelters opened additional hours and home checks were commonplace as gusty winds carried teeth-chattering Arctic air southward. “ t literally cuts through you, Mr Michael Acaldo, executive director of the Council of the Society of St Vincent de Paul in Baton ouge, ouisiana, told Catholic ews Service C S on an .

Temperatures plunged in southeastern ouisiana, forcing do ens more people to show up at the three emergency shelters the council operates, Mr Acaldo said. own the road in ew rleans, the city’s free e plan allows shelters to expand capacity for several nights until the cold weather subsides.

One of those shelters is the anam nn, a partner of Catholic Charities of ew rleans. Mr Clarence Adams, executive director, said the shelter has welcomed 0 extra people nightly since the New Year in addition to the on a typical night.

Farther north in the Diocese of ittle ock, Arkansas, staff members at ericho ay, a homeless

M r M i k e B e r n a u e r ( r i gh t ) of S t Joan s an d w i c h t amo na i n d ow n t ow n M

o f A r c C h u r c h i n M i n n e ap i n n e ap lo i s ,U S A on, Jan .4

day resource centre, have seen an increase in clients at their doors. irector Mandy avis said doors have opened earlier and stayed open later to give people a place to stay out of the cold. n the iocese of oliet, llinois, the shelters have been filled for much of ecember as cold weather settled in early, said Ms am Terrell, division director of community services for the diocese’s Catholic Charities programme.

She told CNS the agency has established cold shelter nights, allowing more than the usual 0 people to seek warmth during any given evening.

ol i s , of f e r s a CNS phot o

As some of the coldest temperatures in the country have descended on Minnesota, Mr Tim Marx, president and CEO of Catholic Charities of St aul and Minneapolis, said his agency and others in the Twin Cities have been well prepared for whatever the cold throws their way. “ n Minnesota, think we are more accustomed to dealing with cold weather in our emergency services system. ur emergency services system is pretty robust and it’s done in public-private partnership with everybody playing different roles to ensure that as few people as possible are not sheltered, he told C S. n CNS

Christians, Muslims attend Christmas Eve Mass together IR AQ – Cries of joy and seasonal hymns once again filled St aul Cathedral in Mosul as Christmas ve Mass was celebrated there for the first time in three-and-a-half years, following the northern Iraqi city’s liberation from slamic State militants.

The ra i national anthem opened the Mass as women wailed with emotion. Armoured police outside protected the worshippers. ed by Chaldean atriarch ouis Sako of aghdad, Christians and Muslims attended the Christmas ve Mass in a display of unity.

Patriarch Sako urged the faithful to pray for “peace and stability to reign in Mosul, ra and the world. nderscoring Christ’s message of love and peace, he urged displaced Christians to return home and participate in its reconstruction. “ e are hopeful that many, many Christians will be back, he said. slamic State militants sei ed and terrorised Mosul and the surrounding areas in 201 , sending most of its Christian population of 200,000 into flight. The militants threatened the Christians, telling

them to convert to slam, pay protection tax, die or flee. ast uly, ra i rime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced the expulsion of slamic State from Mosul after a fierce, nine-month military campaign. hen slamic State militants invaded Mosul, they prohibited public Christian worship services and began systematically destroying churches. St aul Cathedral reportedly was used as a prison by the militants, the damaged interior walls

, at t e n d C h r i s t m as

E ve

M as s at

S t P au

LU S AK A, Z AMB IA – As a cholera

epidemic threatens the lives of more than 1 million ambians, the country has banned church services and other gatherings in the capital usaka’s high-density residential areas.

The ambian bishops’ conference also has implemented measures, such as eliminating the handshake of peace in areas where Masses are still allowed. ambian government ministers said on Jan 7 that all gatherings of every nature, including church services, were banned in areas most affected by the epidemic. The ministers said the ban is aimed at curbing the spread of the disease and making current treatment measures more effective.

The ministers also announced restrictions on the movement of people in the cholera epicentres from pm- am and limited the opening of bars and other business outlets to between 11 am and pm. They closed markets and food outlets in most of the cities where the cholera bacteria was detected.

The Archdiocese of usaka has cancelled all Church-sponsored programmes until further notice.

In a pastoral letter read in all Catholic Churches in usaka on an , Fr Thomas anda, usaka archdiocesan pastoral coordinator, said church meetings should be held only if necessary. e also announced an indefinite ban on handshakes during the meetings and on gatherings after funeral services.

l

reflecting some of the destruction. “ ith this celebration, we tell them that residents of Mosul are all brothers, whatever their religion or ethnicity, and despite all the damage and suffering, Christian worshipper Far ad Malko said.

Meanwhile, in the inevah lain town of Telaskov, Christians celebrated Christmas by gathering for Mass at the newly renovated Church of St eorge. n church, children sang Jingle Bells in Aramaic, the language of esus. n CNS

C h i l d r e n r oam Z am b i a.

C h b e e n b an n e d c ou n t r y t o p r c h ol e r ae p i d e

a s t r e e t i n L u s ak ,a u r c h s e r vi c e s h ave i n c e r t ai n ar e as of t h e e ve n t t h e s p r e ad of t h e m i c . CNS file photo

Meanwhile, the state ordered the defence forces onto the streets to help control the epidemic. They began a cleanup of the streets of usaka and other ma or ambian cities, demolishing illegal market structures and unblocking drains.

The state has also announced plans to begin vaccination against cholera, with 2 million doses of the vaccine donated by the UN Children’s Fund. n an , the health ministry confirmed deaths and more than 2, 00 cases of hospitalisation from suspected cholera in usaka, where ational eroes Stadium has been temporarily made the main treatment centre. More than 2,000 people have died from cholera in ambia over the past 10 years. n CNS

The Mass gives strength to live with courage: pope – Just like a plant needs sun and nourishment to survive, every Christian needs the light of Sunday and the sustenance of the Eucharist to truly live, ope Francis said.

“How can we carry out the Gospel without drawing the energy needed to do it, one Sunday after another, from the limitless source of the ucharist, he said on Dec 13 during his weekly general audience.

“We don’t go to Mass to give something to od, but to receive from im that which we truly need, the pope said. Sunday Mass is the time and place Christians receive the grace and strength to remain faithful to is word, follow is commandment to love others and be credible witnesses in the world.

The pope continued his series of audience talks on the Mass in the atican’s aul hall, which was decorated with a large Christmas tree and a life-si e ativity scene. n his catechesis, the pope re-

V AT IC AN C IT Y

MO S U L,

C h la d e an C h r i s t i an s i n M os u l , I r aq C at h e d r al . CNS phot o

Zambia bans church services as epidemic hits

sponded to the question of why it is so important to go to Mass on Sundays and why it is not enough just to live a moral life, loving others.

Sunday Mass is not simply an obligation, he said. “ e Christians need to take part in Sunday Mass because only with the grace of esus, with His presence alive in us and among us, can we put into practice is commandment and, in this way, be His credible witnesses.

“Just like a plant needs the sun and nourishment to live, every Christian needs the Sunday Eucharist to truly live, he said in summarised remarks to Arabic speakers. “ ithout Christ, we are condemned to be dominated by the fatigue of daily life with all its worries and the fear of tomorrow.

The Sunday encounter with the ord gives us the strength to live today with confidence and courage and to move forward with hope, he said. n CNS

12 POPE FRANCIS

Sunday January 21, 2018 n CatholicNews

Follow Jesus like the Magi, pope urges on Epiphany

T h e p po e b ap t i s e s na i n f an t on anJ 7 i n t h e V at i c na ’ s S i s t i n e C h pa e l . H e b ap t i s e d 34 c h i l d r e n d u r i n g t h e c e l e b r at i on no t h e f e sa t fo t h e B ap t i s m of t h e L ro d .

P o p e F r a n c is c e le b r a te s M a s s m a r k in g th e fe a s t o f th e E p ip h a n y in S t P e te r ’s B a s ilic a a t th e V a tic a n o n J a n 6 .

V AT IC AN C IT Y – To follow Jesus, one must set out like the Magi, leaving comfort behind, following the light and offering the Lord gifts without expecting anything in return, Pope Francis said on Jan 6 during Mass on the feast of the Epiphany.

In his homily, the pope asked people to think about the Gospel story of the Three Kings and why no one else seemed to see and follow the star to Bethlehem.

Perhaps, he said, it was because “few people raised their eyes to heaven.” Today, too, people think it is enough “to have our health, a little money and a bit of entertainment. I wonder if we still know how to look up at the sky. Do we know how to dream, to long for God, to expect the newness He brings, or do we let ourselves be swept along by life, like dry branches in the wind? ”

At the Mass in St Peter’s Basilica, Pope Francis asked people to think about what star they choose to follow in their lives.

“Some stars may be bright, but they do not point the way. So it is with success, money, career, honours and pleasures when these become our life,” he said. They are like meteors, blazing for a time, but burning out.

“The Lord’s star, however, may not always overwhelm by its brightness, but it is always there: it takes you by the hand in life and accompanies you,” he said. “It does not promise material reward, but ensures peace and grants, as it did to the Magi, ‘ exceedingly great joy.’”

Following the star, he said, requires freeing oneself “from useless burdens and unnecessary extras that only prove a hindrance, and accept unforeseen obstacles

CNS p hotos

along the map of life.” “ f we want to find esus, we have to overcome our fear of taking risks, our self-satisfaction and our indolent refusal to ask anything more of life,” the pope said.

In the Gospel story, he said, it is clear that Herod fears losing his

about the faith they know so well, but will not take a personal risk for the Lord,” he said. “They talk, but do not pray; they complain, but do no good. The Magi, on the other hand, talk little and journey much.”

Like the Magi, Pope Francis said, Christians are called to imitate the Lord in offering gifts without expecting anything in return.

God, who became “small for our sake, asks us to offer something for the least of His brothers and sisters,” the needy, the hungry, the

Some stars may be bright, but they ‘ do not poi nt the way. So it is with suc c ess, money, c areer, hono urs and pl easures.’

–P

power, many of the townspeople fear what is new and the priests and scribes, who know the prophecy about the Messiah’s birth, are content just to talk about it.

“Theirs can be the temptation of those who are used to being believers: They can talk at length

op

e F r an

c is

stranger and the prisoner, he said.

“We give a gift pleasing to Jesus when we care for a sick person, spend time with a difficult person, help someone for the sake of helping, or forgive someone who has hurt us,” the pope said.

The next day, celebrating the

feast of the Baptism of the Lord and baptising 3 4 infants in the Sistine Chapel, Pope Francis urged parents to speak the language of love and transmit the faith to their children with the “dialect” of the family.

“Catechists will come later to develop this first transmission of faith with ideas and explanations,” the pope told the parents of the 16 boys and 18 girls, including two sets of twin girls. But if the children have not first received an education in faith at home, “if at home parents don’t speak the language of love,” the transmission of faith is very difficult.

Children, too, have a “dialect,” the pope said. Although none of the babies was crying at that point, Pope Francis asked the adults to allow their prayers to be as simple as the cries of the little ones.

And, as he has done each time he baptised babies, Pope Francis assured the mothers that even in the Sistine Chapel, if their babies are hungry they should not be afraid to breastfeed them, “because this, too, is the language of love.” n CNS

Pontiff: World peace depends on right to life V AT IC AN C IT Y – Because everyone has a right to life, liberty and personal security, nations must find nonviolent solutions to conflict and difficulties, ope Francis said.

A culture of peace “calls for unremitting efforts in favour of disarmament and the reduction of recourse to the use of armed force in the handling of international affairs,” he said on Jan 8 in his annual address to diplomats accredited to the Vatican.

In his nearly 50-minute speech to the diplomats, the pope cautioned that there has been a movement to create “new rights” that often not only conflict with each other, but can be at odds with the

traditional values and cultures of many countries, while neglecting the real needs they have to face.

Seven decades after the creation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Pope Francis said, “it is painful to see how many fundamental rights continue to be violated today. First among all of these is the right of every human person to life, liberty and personal security.”

War, violence and abortion all infringe on these rights, he said.

“The stockpiles of armaments which have been built up in various countries must be reduced” and “nuclear weapons must be banned,” particularly given the risk that a nu-

P po e F r na c i s da d r e s s e s d i p l om n u al m e e t i n atg t h e V at i c an no Jan

at s ac c r e d i t e d t o t h e H ol y S e e d u r i n g an 8. CNS phot o

clear conflagration could be started by accident, Pope Francis said, quoting St John X X III’s encyclical on peace, Pacem in Terris.

“In this regard, it is of paramount importance to support

an

-

every effort at dialogue on the orean peninsula, in order to find new ways of overcoming the current disputes, increasing mutual trust and ensuring a peaceful future for the Korean people and the

entire world,” Pope Francis said.

Fostering dialogue is also of primary importance for Israelis and Palestinians “in the wake of the tensions of recent weeks,” he said, apparently referring to demonstrations that took place after US President Donald Trump announced he was recognising Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Pope Francis had said such a move would further destabilise the Middle East.

The pope also repeated the Vatican’s long-standing position that any policy change in the Holy Land must “be carefully weighed so as to avoid exacerbating hostilities” and should respect “the status quo of Jerusalem.” n CNS

POPE FRANCIS 13

Sunday January 21, 2018 n CatholicNews

Pope prints photo illustrating the horror of war T h i s 1945p t ak e n af at om i c b om N a gas ak i , Jap r e l e as e d on b yP op e F I t s h ow c ar r yi n gh b r ot h e r on h as h e w b r ot h e r ’ s t u c r e m at e d

h ot o te r t h e b i n gi n an , w as D e c 30 r an c i s . s ab oy is d e a d i s b ac k ai t s h i s r n t ob e . CNS ph oto

V AT IC AN C IT Y – As 2017 was drawing to a close, the horrors of war and people’s yearnings for peace were on Pope Francis’ mind and in his prayers.

In an unusual move on late Dec 30, the pope had the Vatican press office and atican media distribute a copy of a famous photograph from the aftermath of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki.

The photo shows a young boy, about 10 years old, carrying his dead little brother on his back. The boy is taking his brother to be cremated.

On the back of the printed photo, Pope Francis wrote, “The fruit of war” and signed his name.

Below his signature, the pope explained that the photo was taken by US Marine Corps photog-

sadness of the ‘c The hild is ex pr essed only by his lips , bi tten and ooz ing blood.

–P

op

’

e F r an

c is

rapher Joseph Roger O’Donnell.

After the bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, O’Donnell was assigned to document the scenes.

“The sadness of the child is expressed only by his lips, bitten and oozing blood,” the pope wrote.

The Vatican newspaper, L’Osservatore Romano, printed a copy of the photograph and pope’s explanation on the back page of its edition for Jan 1, the Catholic Church’s World Peace Day. n CNS

For New Year, pope urges govts, schools, churches to aid migrants – Pope Francis began the New Year praying the world would demonstrate a marked increase in solidarity and welcome for migrants and refugees.

“Let’s not extinguish the hope in their hearts; let’s not suffocate their hopes for peace,” the pope said on Jan 1 before reciting the Angelus with a crowd gathered in St Peter’s Square.

For the New Year’s celebration of World Peace Day and the feast of Mary, Mother of God, Pope Francis chose to focus on migrants and refugees and their yearning for peace.

“For this peace, which is the right of all, many of them are willing to risk their lives in a journey that, in most cases, is long and dangerous and to face trials and suffering,” the pope told an estimated 40,000 people gathered in the square around the Christmas tree and Nativity scene.

Pope Francis said it is important that everyone, including individuals, governments, schools, churches and church agencies, make a commitment to “ensuring refugees, migrants – everyone – a future of peace”.

Entrusting the needs of migrants and refugees to the maternal concern of Mary, the pope led the crowd in reciting a traditional Marian prayer: “Under thy protection we seek refuge, holy Mother of God; despise not our petitions in our needs, but from all dangers deliver us always, Virgin, Glorious and Blessed.”

Pope Francis began the day celebrating Mass in St Peter’s Basilica for the Marian feast, which he said was a celebration of “a magnificent truth about od and about ourselves: From the moment that our Lord became incarnate in Mary, and for all time, He took on our humanity.”

“To call Mary the mother of God reminds us,” he said, that “God is close to humanity, even as

V AT IC AN C IT Y

I t is impor tant that ev eryone, i nc luding indiv iduals, gov ernments, s c hools and c hurc hes c ommit to ‘ ensuring refugees, migrants ... a future of pe ac e’ , s aid the pope .

Pope rancis kisses a figurine of the baby Jesus as he celebrates Mass marking the feast of Mary, Mother of i n S t P e t e r ’ s B sa i l i c aon Jan 1. CNS phot o

a child is close to the mother who bears him in her womb.”

God becoming human in the baby Jesus, the pope said, is an affirmation that human life “is precious and sacred to the Lord”, so “to serve human life is to serve God”.

“All life, from life in the mother’s womb to that of the elderly, the suffering and the sick, and to that of the troublesome and even repellent, is to be welcomed, loved and helped,” he said.

Pope Francis also drew people’s attention to the fact that in the Gospel stories of Jesus’ birth, Mary is silent. And the newborn Jesus, obviously, cannot speak.

“We need to remain silent as we gaze upon the crib,” he said.

“Pondering the crib, we discover anew that we are loved; we savour the real meaning of life. As we look on in silence, we let Jesus speak to our heart.

“May His lowliness lay low our pride; His poverty challenge our pomp; His tender love touch our hardened hearts,” the pope prayed.

od,

Celebrating evening prayer on Dec 31 and offering thanks to God for the year that was ending, Pope Francis gave a special acknowl-

edgement to people – especially parents and teachers – who are “artisans of the common good”, working to help their families, neighbours and communities each day without fanfare.

But, he said, people also must acknowledge that God gave humanity the year 2017 “whole and sound”, yet “we human beings have in many ways wasted and wounded it with works of death, with lies and in ustices. ars are the flagrant sign of this backsliding and absurd pride. But so are all the small and great offences against life, truth and solidarity, which cause multiple forms of human, social and environmental degradation.” n CNS

14 OPINION

Sunday January 21, 2018 n CatholicNews

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Telep hone: 6 8 5 8 3 0 5 5 . F ax : 6 8 5 8 2 0 5 5 .

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A S S IS T A N T E D IT O R : C h r i s t op h e r K h o: christopher.khoo catholic.org.sg

S U B S C R I P T I O N S : R i c h ar d P au

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lease include your full name, address and phone no. for all letters to the editor. All decisions on submissions rest with the Catholic ews. ublished submissions will be edited.

D E S IG N / L A Y O U T : C h r i s t op h e r W on g: design@ catholic.org.sg E l ai n e O n :g elaine.ong@ catholic.org.sg

T hev iew sor pos itionspr esentedi nar ticlesi nC atholicN ew sdon otn ecessarily r epr esentt hev iew sof t heC hu rch.

A dv ertisem entst hatappe ari nC atholicN ew sar en otn ecessarily e ndorsedby t heC hu rch.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Reaching out to the elderly sick There have been several reports of seniors dying all alone – both here in Singapore and in apan in The Straits Times (ST).

That was followed by discussions, both in media reports as well as in ST’s Forum page as to whether assisted suicide or euthanasia should be an option given to caregivers to end the suffering of their loved ones going through enormous pain from life-threatening illness. ne ST commentary A ood ife To the nd, or a uick eath, ec 1 , 201 mentioned that the Australian state of Victoria recently legalised assisted suicide that permitted a patient with a terminal illness with life expectancy of less than six months to obtain a lethal drug to commit suicide.

The commentary also cited several other countries like elgium, the etherlands, Canada, Columbia, uxembourg and American states such as California, Washington, Vermont and regon that have passed laws allowing assisted suicides.

As a born Catholic, do not support assisted suicide or euthanasia, but am a firm believer in palliative care and the power of

P hoto: P I X AB AY .CO M

H ow muc h suppor t and adv anc e pl anning do we put in to help t he elderly sic k lead more meaningful liv es? prayer which has been known to create miracles. od gave us life, and only od can take life away from us. t is not for man to play od.

Although death is a sub ect which many feel uncomfortable to talk about ust like mental illness death is very much a part of living. e all have to accept that.

As Christians, we all understand that life here on earth is only temporary, for the really good life is in heaven and that is why we must follow closely the teachings of esus Christ and show kindness and compassion to one another irrespective of our status in society. hen children are born, parents make so much preparation for them that includes oyful celebrations, setting aside money for their education and even opening up bank accounts for them.

Yet when it comes to the elderly sick, many of whom live all alone, how much support and advance planning do we put in to help them lead more meaningful lives So, let’s not avoid discussing end-of-life issues, but be open to talking about dying, and how as Christian brothers and sisters, we can rally around one another to provide that ray of light amidst uncertainties that can come our way.

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THE real tragedy of sin is that often the one who is sinned against eventually becomes a sinner, inflicting on others what was first inflected upon him or her.

We see this, in an elementary form, in the effects that certain sadistic ragging rituals have on those who undergo them. From high school football teams to college sororities to certain schools of military training, we see these used as forms of initiation. The interesting thing is that those who undergo them generally can’t wait for their turn to inflict them upon someone else. aving undergone some sadism something sadistic arises within them.

There’s an axiom within certain schools of psychology which submits that every abuser was first abused. Mostly that’s true. The bully was himself first bullied, the sadist was himself first victimised, and the bitter alienated outsider (whom in arrogance we label “a loser”) was himself first unfairly excluded. hat produces an outsider hat produces a sadistic person ndeed, what produces a mass killer hat must have happened to the heart of a man for him to put on military fatigues, take up an assault rifle, and begin to shoot helpless school children Mental illness, no doubt, is often the factor, but there are other factors too, most of which we don’t have the courage to honestly face. ur spontaneous udgment on the perpetrator of a mass shooting or terrorist bombing most naturally expresses itself this way “ hope he fries in hell! ” What’s wrong with that reaction is its failure to understand that this person was already frying in some private hell and this terrible acting-out is an attempt to get out of hell or at least to take as many people as he can to hell with him. hat perpetrators of violence mostly want to do is to ruin heaven for others since they themselves feel unfairly deprived of it. This isn’t everywhere true of course since mental illness and the mystery of human freedom also play in, but it’s true enough to challenge us towards a better understanding of why some people have bitter, sadistic hearts while others have gracious, loving ones. hat shapes a heart hat makes someone bitter or gracious Sin and blessing shape a heart, the former deforming it and the latter healing it. Sin, our own not less than anyone else’s, wounds others and shields us from having to own what’s sick inside us because we have now inflicted our sickness onto someone else where it works at making that person ill. lessing does opposite. t relieves others of the sickness that was unfairly inflicted on them, helps turn their bitterness into graciousness, and soothes the very root of their wounds.

And so we need to stop classifying people as “winners and “losers , as if they alone were responsible for their success or failure.

They aren’t. ot many Mother Teresas, suspect, were traumatically abused as children. Not many St Francises suffered debilitating ridicule as young children, were bullied on Facebook, or shamed for their appearance. Cruelty and grace, as Canadian poet eonard Cohen submits, both come upon us undeserved. And then they imprint themselves into our psyches and even our bodies. ow we carry ourselves, our bodily posture, how we radiate spiritually, our self-confidence, our shame, our big-heartedness, our pettiness, our ability to express love, our resistance of love, how much we bless and how much we curse, is very much contingent on how much we ourselves have been undeservedly blessed or cursed, that is, the various undeserved graces and cruelties we have undergone.

Admittedly, this is still coloured by the mystery of human freedom. Some Mother Teresas do come from abusive backgrounds and some St Francises did suffer cruelty and bullying as a child and yet became one-in-million wounded healers, turning the very sin against them into a powerful healing grace. nfortunately, they’re the exception, not the rule, and their greatness, more than anything else, lies in that exact achievement.

There are many challenges for us in this First, we must not let our emotions sway us into making the kind of udgements where we would like to see someone “fry in hell . Second, we should be much less smug and arrogant about those whom we label as “losers”. Next, we need to learn that perhaps the ultimate human and spiritual challenge is to not let what we suffer from the sins and failings of others turn us bitter so that we in turn begin to inflict that same sin onto others. Finally, and not least, understanding more deeply what’s undeserved in our lives should lead us to a deeper gratitude towards od and towards all who have so, undeservedly, loved and gifted us. n

FAITH ALIVE! 15

Sunday January 21, 2018 n CatholicNews

Loving our children well eflecting on arents By ichard oer inger On the last day of 2017, the feast of the Holy Family, the Mass readings and a fine homily by a priest in my parish) got me thinking about parents, children and bioethics.

The readings recount od’s re uest that Abraham sacrifice his son saac and they uote an inspiring yet disturbing prophecy greeting the infant esus when his parents present him at the Temple in erusalem.

Mary and Joseph are “amazed” at this prophecy. The holy man Simeon confirms that esus will be “a light for revelation to the entiles and glory for your people srael . ut he also tells Mary that her child will be “a sign that will be contradicted and you yourself a sword will pierce .

Mary carries on in humble faith, reflecting on these things as she and oseph raise esus as well as they can.

Abraham also receives distressing news. aving miraculously received a son in his old age, by whom od says his descendants will number as the stars in the sky, Abraham is told to offer up that son as a sacrifice. is hopes for the future seemingly destroyed, he still trusts, thinking that “ od was able to raise even from the dead . And od rewards his faith aving surrendered saac as the guarantee of his personal legacy, he receives him back as a gift.

These parents could have seen their child as a personal possession, an extension of their own plans for their people. Abraham, perhaps, had to be shocked out of that thinking. nstead, they “let go and let od , raising and edu-

ids

ioethics

cating their child but trusting od for the final outcome.

Today, our competitive society encourages a different view. e may see our sons and daughters as opportunities to extend our own legacy, even to fulfil aspirations we could not live up to. Severe disappointment sets in when, as they grow, children fall short of our expectations or simply develop their own ideas on how to live.

This self-serving love does not treat our children as uni ue persons developing their own free will. t does not recognise the gift. ow technology is enabling us to put such distorted ideas of par-

O ur faith c alls us to ac c ept our c hildren with unc onditional lov e and raise them to seek their own G od- giv en destiny. enthood into practice in new ways. n vitro fertilisation treats nascent offspring as ob ects in the laboratory, sub ect to “ uality control . Some parents hope to replicate themselves or other admired persons through human cloning. n “surrogate motherhood contracts, couples hire a woman to bear and then surrender a child for them, often claiming the right to order an abortion if she bears more children than expected or a problem is found during pregnancy. n a recent case in Texas, SA, after the mother refused to abort a child with a prenatal heart defect, the contracting couple initially said they would refuse sur-

gery after birth and let the child die. e know what Solomon the ise would say ive that child to the mother who would let him have his own chance at life. ow “gene editing may soon allow parents to tailor the genetic makeup of their offspring, producing the “perfect child whatever that means when we adults have imperfect ideas about children .

Technology can be used for good or ill. To know how it applies to our children, we must understand what loving them means. ur faith calls us not to control them as our instruments, but to accept them with unconditional love and raise them to seek their own od-given destiny. n CNS

PREPARING FOR POPE’S VISIT: A m a n d i s p l a y s v e s t m e n t s to b e w o r n b y P o p e F r a n c is w h e n h e c e le b r a te s M a s s e s in S a n tia g o , C h ile . O n J a n 1 5 , P o p e F r a n c i s w i l l b e g i n a s e v e n -d a y v i s i t t o C h i l e a n d P e r u . CNS p hoto

16

Sunday January 21, 2018 n CatholicNews

One day, the Israelites came to the prophet Samuel and asked for a king to rule over them.

Samuel prayed to God, and God appointed a man named Saul to be king.

Unfortunately, as the years went on, Saul listened to God less and less.

God was very unhappy with Saul’s leadership.

God let Samuel know that He had rejected Saul as king and wanted the prophet to appoint a new leader for the people.

“Fill your horn with oil, and be on your way,” God told Samuel. “I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem, for I have chosen my king from among his sons.”

“How can I go? ” Samuel asked.

“Saul will hear of it and kill me.”

God gave Samuel some instructions to keep him safe.

“Take a heifer along and say, ‘ I have come to sacrifice to the ord.’ nvite esse to the sacrifice, and myself will tell you what to do; you are to anoint for me the one I point out to you,” God said.

Samuel did what God had commanded and travelled to Bethlehem.

The elders of the city, knowing that Samuel was a prophet, nervously greeted him and wanted to know if he was coming in peace. “ es have come to sacrifice to the ord, Samuel assured the elders.

“So cleanse yourselves and join me today for the banquet.”

Samuel also invited Jesse and his sons to the banquet.

When Jesse arrived, he presented each of his sons to Samuel.

But God rejected all of them.

“Not as man sees does God see, because he sees the appearance but the ord looks into the

SPOTLIGHT ON SAINTS:

St Marianne Cope

St Marianne Cope (183 8-1918) was born in what is now Germany. When she was two years old, her family moved to the US and settled in central New York state.

She entered the Sisters of St Francis in Syracuse, New York, and worked for 20 years as a hospital administrator and teacher.

In 1883 , she and six Sisters moved to Hawaii to minister to people with Hansen’s disease, which at that time was called leprosy. In 1888, the Sisters founded a home on the island of Molokai for women and children with the disease.

St Marianne was canonised in 2012, and we remember her on Jan 23. n

“There – anoint him, for this is he! ” God said.

Samuel took his horn of oil and anointed David as the new king of Israel.

From that day on, the Spirit of the ord came upon avid. n

heart,” God told Samuel.

The prophet turned to Jesse.

“The ord has not chosen any one of these,” Samuel said. “Are these all the sons you have? ” Jesse said that his youngest son, avid, was out in the fields tending the sheep.

“Send for him,” Samuel replied, “we will not begin the sacrificial banquet until he arrives here.”

When David arrived, God spoke to Samuel.

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After David was anointed as king of Israel, he entered Saul’s service as a harpist and armor-bearer.

During this time, Israel was at war with the Philistines. The two armies were gathering for battle when a Philistine champion named Goliath issued a challenge.

Goliath – who was almost 3- m-tall – wanted one of srael’s men to fight him to the death.

“I defy the ranks of Israel today,” he said. “Give me a man and let us fight together.

David was visiting the Israelites’ camp and heard of Goliath’s challenge. He was upset that Goliath had insulted the armies of the living God. Although he was not a warrior and was armed only with a slingshot, David talked to Saul and offered to kill Goliath.

Since God was with David, Saul agreed.

David then went to meet Goliath. When Goliath saw how small and young David was, he made fun of the boy.

Then the fight began.

David pulled out his slingshot, put a stone in it and aimed at Goliath. The stone hit Goliath in the forehead, killing him.

After this feat, Saul put David in charge of his soldiers, and David’s missions were always successful. n

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WHAT’S ON 17

Sunday January 21, 2018 n CatholicNews

E V E N T S U B M IS S IO N S WH t

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N 16,230; F E B 13,20 B A S IC C A T E C H IS T C O U R S E L E V E L 1–S C R IP T U R E Every Tuesday from 7: 3 0pm-10pm. In this basic course, catechists will discover the fundamental principles that undergird and animate the great themes of Sacred Scripture.

The objective of this specially designed Scripture course for catechists is that they understand how to craft catechetical sessions that truly become encounters with the Living Word. Speaker: Fr Erbin Fernandez, catechetical director. For more information, E: formation@ catechesis.org.sg.

A T ’ S O N s u b m i s s i o n s n ow r e q u i r e h e c om p l e t i on of af or m f r om t h e r c h d i oc e s e b e f or e t h e e ve n t c an b e u b l i c i s e d .F or e ve n t s w i t h f or e i gn p e ak e r s ,p l e as e s u b m i t t h e n e c e s s ar y oc u m e n t at i on f or ap p r oval t ot h e h an c e r y .F or m or e i n f or m at i on an d od ow n l oad t h e f or m ,v i s i t h t t p : / / w w .c at h ol i c .s g/ e ve n t s / an n ou n c e m e n t ve r t i s e m e n t -r e q u e s t / .

O n c e f or m s h ave b e e n s u b m i t t e d l i n e ,k i n d l ys e n d u s d e t ai l s of r e ve n t f or p u b l i c at i on at w w w . at h ol i c n e w s .s g/ w h at s o n / at l e as t on e on t h ah e ad of t h e p u b l i c at i on d at e .

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N 81 C R A F T O F C A T E C H E S IS WO R K S H O P :M A N A G IN G C H IL D R E N I N T H E P R A Y E R S P A C E Time: 7: 30 pm-10pm. Venue: CAEC 2 Highland Rd S549102. At the end of the workshop, catechists will have a better understanding of how to work effectively with children in catechesis. Parishes will be equipped with strategies to effectively create and maintain an appropriate environment for the prayer space. Register via the link before Jan 17: https: / / tinyurl. com/ ycbmlvqc. For more information, W: www.catechesis.org.sg.

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N 16 A N D 23 IN T R O D U C T IO N T O T H E B IB L E Time: 9.3 0am-11.3 0am. Conducted by Msgr Ambrose Vaz. Venue: CAEC, 2 Highland Road. Cost: $20. To register: E: aba_ secretariat@ catholic.org.sg; T: 62800356.

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N 81 T O JA N 25 E K O F P R A Y E R F O R C H R I S T I A N U N I T Y 2018 Bring along Christian friends for prayer, songs and fellowship. All services begin WE

N 1,208 T O JA N 27,018 WE E K O F G U ID E D P R A Y E R A T S T A N T H O N Y ’S C H U R C H The Sojourners’ Companions invites you to learn how to pray with Scripture and develop a closer relationship with the Lord.

Jan 21 (taster) 2pm-5pm; Jan 22-26: Daily 30 m ins at home and 30 m ins with personal prayer guide at a convenient time between 9am and 10pm; Jan 27 (2pm–5pm) closure.

Venue: Church of St Anthony. Cost: $30.

To register: W: www.sojourners.sg; wogp so ourners.sg parish office church foyer after Masses on Jan 13 and 14.

N 19 Q U E E N O F P E A C E C H U R C H H O U R O F D IS C E R N M E N T Come and join the Hour of Discernment in our parish for laity and priests. An effort to align with Archbishop William Goh’s vision for all parishes to become a missionary, vibrant and evangelical Church. Time: 8pm. Venue: House of David, Room 4.1. Conducted by Fr Aloysius Ong. Fellowship thereafter in canteen. Potluck food is welcomed.

For more infornation, T: 96661030 (Evangeline Kwok).

JA

JA

JA S E P T 27,01 T O M A Y 1,209 S H A R E T H E JO U R N E Y : A G L O B A L C A M P A IG N B Y C A R IT A S IN T E R N A T IO N A L IS Organised by Caritas Internationalis, the campaign aims to increase spaces and opportunities with Caritas organisations and parishes to enable local communities and migrants to have more positive encounters.

Do join in the campaign activities organised

by Caritas Singapore and CHARIS. Follow CaritasSingapore and CHARISSingapore on Facebook for more updates.

group at the Armenian Church of St Gregory the Illuminator, 60 Hill Street.

For more information, E: bennycah@ gmail.com; W: www.taize.fr/ en.

at 8pm. Jan 18: Covenant Community Methodist Church (11 Blackmore Drive, S599986); Jan 19: Mar Thoma Syrian Church (29 Jalan Keli S577933) ; Jan 23: St Andrew’s Cathedral (Nave) (11 St Andrew’s Rd S178959); Jan 24: The Salvation Army Balestier Corps (126 Balestier Rd S329681) ; an 2 Church of the Transfiguration (51 Punggol Central S828725).

Organised by ACCED/ host churches.

JA

N 26 M E M O R IA L M A S S F O R F R P A U L T A Y Mass will be held in Latin.

Celebrant: Fr Augustine Tay. Time: 8pm.

Venue: Church of the Holy Trinity.

N 27 A N D F E B 3 B A S IC C A T E C H E S IS C O U R S E L E V E L 2–L E A R N IN G T O L IS T E N A N D F A C IL IT A T E Jan 27: 9: 30a m-6pm, Feb 3: 1pm6pm. Venue: CAEC 2 Highland Rd, S549102. Participants will learn the key to facilitating small faith-sharing groups – which is how to listen authentically and the practical skills needed to help individuals and the community grow in faith. Register via the link before Jan 24: https: / / tinyurl.com/ yc3k4z om. For more information, W: www.catechesis.org.sg; E: formation@ catechesis.org.

N 20 M E D I T A T I V E P R A Y E R WI T H T H E S O N G S O F T A IZ E Time: 8pm. Come join us to pray for Christian unity with fellow Christians and all who want to create greater trust and openness through meditative prayer.

No registration needed. All are welcome.

Organised by the Singapore Taize core

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N 30 T O M A Y 2 2 C O U R S E O N P R O P H E T JE R E M I A H Every Tuesday except Mar 13 a nd May 1.

Time: 9.30a m-11.30a m. Fifteen sessions conducted by Msgr Ambrose Vaz. Venue: CAEC 2 Highland Rd. Cost: $120.

To register: E: aba_s ecretariat@ catholic. org.sg; T: 62800356.

F E B 3 M A S S F O L L O WE D B Y P R A Y E R S F O R H E A L IN G All are welcome and no registration is needed. Time: 2pm-4pm. You are invited to join us for praise and worship, and Mass followed by prayers for healing. After Mass, prayer teams will be available to pray with you for healing. Please spread the word to your family and friends. Celebrant: Fr Tom Curran. Organised by SACCRE-

EPIPHANY PARADE IN ST PETER’S SQUARE: P e o p le d r e s s e d in c o s tu m e s ta k e p a r t in a p a r a d e m a r k in g th e fe a s t o f th e E p i p h an yat t h e V a t i c an on anJ .6

Praise@ Work. Venue: Church of Sts Peter and Paul. For more information, E: praiseatworksg@ yahoo.com; T: 97472467.

F E B 5 T O A P R IL 9 A T H O M E R E T R E A T Every Monday. A 10-week programme based on the Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius of Loyola to know Jesus more intimately in the midst of life’s daily routine.

Includes weekly meeting of faith sharing, daily prayer with Scripture and spiritual direction by Cenacle Sisters and team.

Two time slots available: 9.30a m-11.30a m at LaSalle Centre, 490 East Coast Road; or 7.3 0pm-9.3 0pm at CANA Catholic Centre, 55 Waterloo Street. For more information, T: 65652895; E: cenaclesing@ gmail.com.

F E B 10 IN T R O D U C T IO N T O A U T H E N T IC C O N V E R S A T IO N S Time: 9.30a m-5.30pm . This retreat day explores the art of listening, which is at the heart of an authentic conversation.

Are we aware of what we really listen to?

Facilitator: Mr Lance Ng. Organised by Kingsmead Centre, 8 Victoria Park Rd. Cost: $60. To register: http: / / tinyurl.com/ itac2018; T: 64676072.

F E B 21 T O M A Y 30 B IB L E S T U D Y , A C T S O F T H E A P O S T L E S Conducted by Msgr Ambrose Vaz. Venue: Church of St Francis X avier. Every Wednesday night from 8pm-10pm (14 lectures). FOC. To register: E: maisielee21@ gmail.com; nsron2003@ yahoo.com.

F E B 2 T O M A Y 31 G U ID E D B IB L E T O U R : T H E A C T S O F A P O S T L E S Every Thursday from 8pm-10pm at the Church of St Ignatius, annexe hall (level 2).

No pre-registration. FOC. All are welcome.

Come enjoy the living Word of God. For more information, E: henrythwu@ gmail.com.

M A R C H 2 T O M A R C H 4 H O M E C O M IN G – A L E N T E N S O JO U R N March 2 (7.30pm )-March 4 (4pm). This Lent, Jesus wants to invite you on a journey home to God’s love. In the words of Pope Francis, “ ent is a beneficial time to rediscover one’s Christian identity, which is love that serves, not selfishness that uses.

Facilitators: Fr Greg Tan and Mr Lance Ng. Organised by Kingsmead Centre, 8 Victoria Park Rd. Cost: $260 ( non-AC), $300 ( AC). To register: http: / / tinyurl.com/ hals2018; T: 64676072.

18 IN MEMORIAM

Sunday January 21, 2018 n CatholicNews

MAY THEY REST IN PEACE

F i r s t A n n i ve r s ar y In loving memory of

E i gh t e e n t h A n n i ve r s ar y In loving memory of our dearest Aunt

In loving memory of

T w e n t y- s e c on d A n n i ve r s ar y In loving memory of

M R F R A N C IS S E P H P E T E R

B A B Y T E R E S A P E T E R

Born: Nov 27, 1899 Departed: Jan 20, 1965

Born: Jan 31, 1935 Departed: Mar 15, 1935

JO

B E N E D IC T H E N R Y N A T H A N (D IC K Y ) Departed: Jan 22, 2017 Your life was a blessing Your memory a treasure You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure Sadly missed by your loved ones.

Mass will be celebrated at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes on January 22 at 6.30pm

M A Y M A M IR A N D A Departed: Jan 23 , 1996 We think of you R E G IN A M A R Y in silence Departed: Jan 21, 2000 No eyes can see You left a us weep beautiful memory But still within our And a sorrow aching hearts too great to be told Your memory we keep.

To those who loved Sadly missed by your and lost you. loving children, inFondly remembered laws, grandchildren and by loving children, great-grandchildren. grandchildren, in-laws Mass will be offered and loved ones. at Church of the Mass will be offered Immaculate Heart of at Church of the Mary on Tuesday Jan Immaculate Heart of 23, 2018 a t 6.15pm.

Mary on Tuesday Jan 23 , 2018 at 6.15pm. S e ve n t h A n n i ve r s ar y In loving memory of

M D M

A N T O N IA P E T E R

Born: Jul 18, 1910 Departed: Feb 26, 1988

M R OJ E A L O Y S IU S P E T E R

Born: Sep 21, 1930 Departed: Feb 1, 1972

Death leaves heartache, no one can heal Memories are treasures, no one can steal.

Some may forget you, now that you are gone.

But we will remember you, no matter how long.

Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen Fondly remembeled by Martin (Sydney), Charles (Singapore) and Raymond (Melbourne) their families and loved ones.

E i gh t e e n t h A n n i ve r s ar y In loving memory of

Thirty-first A n n i ve r s ar y In loving memory of

Crossword Puzzle 1201 1

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T h i r d A n n i v e r s ar y In everloving memory of

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www.wordgamesforcatholics.com A C 1 5 10 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 25 28 29 30 3 36 83 93 40

R O S S An Evangelist Hi-tech tag game Hit series about the Korean War Hershisher of the diamond Kukla’s pal Malarial fever Standard Holds back “Too funny” on the Internet Hawaiian acacia Retained Easter _ Direction from Jerusalem to Nazareth Something to cop Padre _ “Animal House” house 250, to Caesar Georgetown team The masses Spoken Parlor game “Salvation comes from our God… and from the _” (Rev 7: 10)

41 Harass 43 Name on a check 44 Turf aster flower 46 Ark passenger isfigure 48 _Rheims Bible 50 _ i nfallibility 53 Score 54 Samuel anointed Saul with this 57 Having wings 58 “The bombs bursting _…”

60 Killer dog of movies 61 Hayes of “The Mod Squad” 62 Judas’ blood money bought it (Mt 27: 6–8) 63 Fixing grub for GI’s 64 Will Hunting’s forte 65 Remains 66 Rubberneck D O NW 1 He lives in a monastery 2 The ole switch__

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Showed over 4 Airline 5 Our Lady, for the Air Force 6 First letter of the Hebrew alphabet 7 Split 8 One, in Berlin 9 Matter of law 10 “Ave _” 11 Enthralled 12 Member of mystical Muslim sect 13 Paradise Lost?

21 _ K ringle 22 The power to reject 24 Gemstones 25 Leonine sin?

26 Slosh 27 Cuts up 29 Number of days Jesus spent in the desert 30 Feet in the image beheld by Nebuchadnezzar 31 “__ H oly Ghost, Creator blest…”

32 Defamation 34 Treat that can be divided

T h ir te e n th A n n i ve r s ar y In loving memory of

W isdom 3: 2- 3

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A R O K IA S A M Y G N A N A R O K IA M Departed: Jan 24, 1987 Your presence is ever near us Your love remains with us yet You were the kind father Your loved ones will never forget.

Deeply missed and fondly remembered by children and loved ones.

...t heirpas singaw ay w ast hou ght an affliction and their going forth from us, utter destruction.

But they are in peace.

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V IN C E N T C H E N G T S U P IN Departed: Jan 21, 2000 Vincent, its been 18 years since you quietly left us.

Love doesn’t need daily conversations.

Doesn’t always need to be together.

As long as true love lives in your heart, The one you love will never part.

Loving God, please grant Vincent eternal rest and happiness.

Mother Mary, please intercede for Vincent.

Dearly missed and always remembered by family and loved ones.

P A U L L E E B O O N H U A T Departed: Jan 13 , 2011 Time has passed us by swiftly Still the memory of you lingers But a certainty of your happiness Fills us with hope and comfort That you now enjoy in heaven God’s eternal glory and Holy presence.

Deeply missed and cherished by wife, children and relatives.

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35 Certain sale 63 Single stem 73 South American ruminant 39 202, in ancient Rome 42 Israel’s airline 43 Epistle writer 46 Amasses 47 Possible Easter month 48 Lace mat

49 Jeremiah’s description of himself 50 Lenten foliage 51 Inter _ 52 Gasp for air 53 Greek goddess of the earth 55 Alphabet string 56 Easy stride 58 Suppositions 59 Kind of picking 60 Dove sound

Solution to Crossword Puzzle No. 1200 L A T I N E D U C E O M N I P O H O M E T E O B E L O W A D V I S E J A E L C C U A L S R E M A P P A R E H E A V E N E R L E I A D E N S D U D S M

M A T U R E A R A L M A O

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

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www.wordgamesforcatholics.com

V IN O D H A Y A T H A N Born : 3 D ecember 1961 Called Home: January 17, 2015 W e h op e d an d c om T h e gr c e r t ai n t yt h i m i n t ot an d Y ou t h e on e

t ho ave p an yf e at c on h at Y h e b os w illu w h om

e n j oye d m u c h l s o l at i on i ou h ave r om of Y ou n i t e u s t oh m ys ou l l or

h i s l ove on ge r . st h e e c e i ve d r m e r c y im – ove s .

Forever loved and dearly missed by wife Jackie, children Liam and Tara, loved ones and friends.

Mass will be celebrated at the Church of St Teresa on Wednesday January 17, at 6.00pm.

M R S A D E L IN E C H R IS S IE P E R E IR A Departed: Jan 23 , 2005 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.

Dearly missed by family and friends.

S e v e n te e n th A n n iv e r s a r y In loving memory of

I nm em oriam r ates M inimum $80 f or an insertion not ex c eeding an eight- c entimetre c olumn.

Additional spac e: $8 pe r one- c entimetre c olumn.

S A N D A N A R A J Departed: Jan 15, 2001 We think of you in silence No eyes can see us weep But still within our aching hearts Your memory we keep.

Classified advertisement rates: S o the fi t o to l o o

Mass will be offered at 6.30pm at the Church of Our Lady Star of the Sea on Monday, Jan 15, 2018.

MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE

P le a s e tu r n to p a g e 1 9 fo r m o r e in m e m o r ia m a d v e r tis e m e n ts .

Always remembered by loved ones.

F i r s t A n n i ve r s ar y In loving memory of

A N N A Y E O K IM N E O Departed: Jan 23 , 2017 Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us everyday.

Unseen, unheard, but always near.

Still loved, still missed and very dear.

Always remembered and cherished by children, children-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and loved ones.

Memorial Mass at Church of the Holy Family on Jan 23, 2018 a t 6.15pm.

IN MEMORIAM 19

Sunday January 21, 2018 n CatholicNews

N i n t h A n n i ve r s ar y In loving memory of

F o u r te e n th A n n iv e r s a r y In loving memory of

T h ir te e n th A n n i ve r s ar y In loving memory of

T w e n t y- t h i r d A n n i ve r s ar y In loving memory of

N IC H O L A S C H O O N G Departed: Jan 15, 2009 Gone from our lives one so dear But in our hearts forever near.

Sadly missed and fondly remembered by wife, Nancy and all loved ones.

M . L . D O R A IR A J Departed: Jan 26, 2004 Dear Dad, The love and guidance you showed will be cherished in our hearts every moment till the end of time.

Dearly missed by children, grandchildren, great grandson and loved ones.

E L IZ A B E T H L IM N IK Departed: Jan 24, 2005 Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon her.

May she rest in peace.

Amen.

From your loved ones.

P H IL IP T E O C H E N G L IM ( WI L L I A M ) Departed: Jan 23 ,1995 Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord, And let thy perpetual light shine upon him, May his soul rest in peace. Amen.

Dearly missed by family and loved ones.

T w e n t y- s e c on d A n n i ve r s ar y In loving memory of

But family would never be complete without you.

So 22 years on and your name has never left our lips in prayer, you still fill up the spaces in our hearts and minds with memories and old photos scattered around the house.

Time has tried its best to make us forget you, but with a love as strong as this, you will never L E O N A R D be forgotten.

Y E O A IK L E O N G Loving you always, Departed: Jan 16, 1996 Frances As time goes by, the kids; Ashton, we have learnt to grow Ashley, Alexandria, as a family and as Andrew, Avery individuals without your Mum and Dad presence and guidance.

God-brother.

N in e te e n th A n n i ve r s ar y In loving memory of

N O E L S IM O N Z U Z A R T E Departed: Jan 18, 1999 Take him in your arms, dear Lord, And ever let him be A messenger of love Between our hearts and thee.

Mass will be offered at the Church of the Holy Trinity at 6.3 0am on Jan 18, 2018.

Always loved and missed by your sister Z elie, nieces and nephews.

Thirty-first A n n i ve r s ar y In loving memory of

T w e l f t h A n n i ve r s ar y In loving memory of our beloved father

J U D E C H U A T A N G H O C K Called to be with the Lord: Jan 19, 2006 Always remembered by loved ones.

We miss you in so many ways.

P le a s e tu r n to p a g e 1 8 fo r m o r e in m e m o r ia m a d v e r tis e m e n ts .

C E C IL Y P E R E IR A Departed: Jan 23, 1987 Time changes many things but not the memory this day brings Till now you are still in our minds and hearts.

Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, January 23, 2 018 at 6.15pm at the Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

Deeply missed by loving children and loved ones.

20 POPE FRANCIS

Sunday January 21, 2018 n CatholicNews

Pope: parents, teachers must work together to help kids V AT IC AN C IT Y – Pope Francis en-

couraged teachers and schools to rebuild a new alliance with families that mutually supports and strengthens each other.

The educational alliance or “pact that once existed among the state, schools and parents unfortunately “is broken and must be repaired, he said in a speech on Jan 5 to the Italian Association of Catholic Teachers, which held its national congress in ome in early January.

Since constructive collaboration no longer comes “naturally, plan and design a way for it to happen, even with the help of experts in education, said the pope, who used to teach at a esuit high school in Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina.

“But even before that, foster a new ‘ conspiracy’ – and I am fully aware of this wording between teachers and parents, becoming jointly responsible accomplices to promote the well-being of children, he said.

Teachers and parents cannot see each other as opposing forces

or point fingers at each other, he said, but rather, they must put themselves “in the other’s shoes, understanding the real difficulties both sides face today in education, and thus creating greater solidarity, a supportive collusion. ope Francis also urged the Catholic teachers to continue to be inspired by their Christian values, whether they teach in public or private Catholic schools, and to encourage their students to be open to others in a “culture of encounter.

The challenge is to work together to teach kids to be open to and interested in what is around them, he said.

They need to be “capable of caring and tenderness am thinking of bullying here free from widespread fallacies that claim the only way to be worth anything is “to be competitive, ag-

P po e F r an c i s u r ge d C ta h lo i c t e ac h e r s t o c no t i n u e t o b e i n s p i r e d b y t h e i r C h r i s t i an s t u d e n t s t ob e op e n t ot h e r s i n a‘ c u l t u r e fo e n c ou n t e r .’ CNS file photo

gressive and tough toward others, especially toward those who are different, foreign or seen as being an obstacle in some way to one’s personal success, he said.

“Unfortunately, this is the ‘ air’ our children often breathe, he said. The remedy is to give them a “change of air that is healthier and more humane, he said, which is why it is important that teachers build a new alliance with parents.

H elp kids see others as brothers and sisters to be respe c ted and as worthwhile in getting to know ‘ with their pas t, t heir v irtues and defec ts, assets and limits,’ said P ope F ranc is.

P po e F r an c i s t al k s w i t h a you i n F i u m i c i n ,Io t al y . CNS phot o

Help kids see others as brothers and sisters to be respected and as worthwhile in getting to know “with their past, their virtues and defects, assets and limits, he said.

The pope also said that a lifestyle that is environmentally ethical cannot be “schi ophrenic for example, by showing more care for animals and forests, than for the plight of people.

A green lifestyle must be consistent and complete, driven by a love for God the creator and all of His creation, he said.

Elementary school teachers must help children from a young age understand and practise an environmentally ethical lifestyle that

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must not be a kind of disconnected concern, for example, “taking care of animals facing extinction, but ignoring problems facing the elderly. o. r defending the Ama on rainforest, but neglecting the rights of workers to have a fair wage, he said.

This approach demands teaching the importance of personal responsibility, not bombarding the children with slogans or catchy commands that someone else will have to carry out, he said. Teach children to have an enthusiastic appetite for “experiencing an environmental ethics that stem from the choices and behaviours in daily life, he said. n CNS

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Sick kids get special visitor – On the eve of Epiphany, when most Italian children wake up to find gifts and candy, Pope Francis visited a pediatric hospital outside Rome.

The pope arrived at the Palidoro Bambino Gesu Hospital

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on Jan 5 and visited the various wards where about 120 children are receiving treatment, according to the atican press office.

The pope greeted the children and “exchanged some words of comfort with the parents who are caring for their children in their

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tiring and painful trials, the statement said. isiting the hospital, ope Francis was “continuing the experience of the Mercy Fridays, visits he made to hospitals, orphanages and other care facilities during the 2015-16 Year of Mercy. n CNS 5 , S ING AP O R E

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