JANUARY 16 2011 vol 61 no 01

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www.catholicnews.sg SUNDAY JANUARY 16, 2011

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Pope denounces deadly attacks against Christians VATICAN CITY – Pope Benedict XVI has condemned deadly attacks against Christians and voiced strong concerns about anti-Christian discrimination in the Middle East. At a Mass on Jan 1 marking the World Day of Peace and a blessing the next day, the pope highlighted fresh episodes of violence and denounced in particular an attack against Orthodox Christians in Egypt, calling it a “despicable gesture of death�. A bomb that exploded on Jan 1 as parishioners were leaving a church in Alexandria, Egypt, left 25 people dead and dozens more injured. The pope said the attack was part of a “strategy of violence that targets Christians�, and which has negative repercussions on the entire population. He also denounced the recent practice of “planting bombs close to the homes of Christians in Iraq to force them to leave�. At least seven Christian homes in Baghdad were targeted in bombings on Dec 30, leaving at least 13 people wounded. The pope said the latest attacks in Egypt and Iraq “offend God and all humanity�. Addressing pilgrims at his noon blessing on Jan 1, the pope said he planned to invite religious leaders from the world’s major faiths to gather in Assisi, the birthplace of St Francis in Italy, in order to “solemnly renew the commitment by believers of every religion to live their religious faith as a service to the cause of peace�. “Whoever is making his way towards God cannot fail to transmit peace, and whoever builds peace cannot fail to draw nearer to God,� he said. The pope said the gathering, planned for October, is meant to recall “the historic gesture� made by the late Pope John Paul II

VOL 61

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INSIDE HOME New Cor Unum member shares plans Singaporean wants religions to collaborate „ Page 4

ASIA Malaysian leader urged to join interfaith talks Controversy erupts over Christmas Day tea party „ Page 7

ASIA Japan’s Neocatechumenal Way in trouble Bishops want them to stop activities „ Page 8

A Christian man shouts while holding an image of Christ during a Jan 4 protest in Cairo. Protesters battled police as they demanded protection following a New Year’s Day bombing at a Coptic Orthodox church. CNS photo

The latest attacks on a Coptic Orthodox Church in Egypt and in Iraq ‘offend God and all humanity’ – Pope Benedict XVI on Jan 1 ZKHQ KH FRQYRNHG WKH ÂżUVW :RUOG Day of Prayer for Peace in Assisi in 1986. In his homily during the morning Mass in St Peter’s Basilica on Jan 1, the pope spoke about the theme he chose for his message for World Peace Day 2011: Religious Freedom, the Path to Peace. In that message, released in December, he wrote: “At present, Christians are the religious group which suffers most from

persecution on account of its IDLWK ´ FLWLQJ VSHFLÂżFDOO\ WKH Christian communities in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and “especially in the Holy Landâ€?. The fact that Christians must live in fear because of their faith “is unacceptable, since it represents an insult to God and to human dignityâ€?, he wrote in the message. In his Jan 1 homily, he said religious freedom was challenged today by two extremes at work

in the world: secularism that banishes religion to the private sphere and fundamentalism that seeks to forcefully impose religion on everyone. He said religious freedom is the best path for building peace, because wherever religious freedom is guaranteed, human dignity is also respected. Pope Benedict called on political leaders and all people of goodwill to not give up when faced with “the negative force of egoism and violenceâ€? and to not become jaded into thinking that FRQĂ€LFW ZKLFK SXWV OLYHV DQG WKH future at risk, is inevitable. He said “a concrete and constant commitment is needed by heads of nationsâ€?. „ CNS „ Page 10: Reactions

WORLD 3 Anglican bishops join Catholic Church Expected to be ordained priests soon „ Page 10

OPINION Dealing with handphone addiction How parents can help their kids „ Page 12

FEATURE Catechetical Sunday ‘They recognised Him at the breaking of bread’ „ Page 13

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Sunday January 16, 2011 CatholicNews

Church agency targets at-risk youths Special programme helps YouthReach identify those involved in gang-related activities By Darren Boon YouthReach, a Church-run youth service agency, is now working with the police to reach out to young people involved in street gangs. The organisation, a joint outreach project of Catholic Welfare Services and Boys’ Town, started conducting the government-funded Streetwise Programme (SWP) in November. The six-month long programme includes counselling, life skills, career guidance, and recreation and social programmes to help delinquent youths start life afresh. Prior to this, YouthReach was conducting its own Street Outreach programme in Tampines, where the agency is located. It stopped this programme last October after six months. The youth workers realised that “it was not easy to just walk around, sit down and say ‘hi’ to them [the youths]” due to the youths’ mobility,” said YouthReach’s senior social worker Charlene Heng. The youths might not always be at the same location; thus the youth workers may not be able to follow up with the same group of people.

Change of strategy “The change of strategy is to work with the police for the police to straight away refer [the youth] to us,” said Ms Heng. This would better help YouthReach identify youths needing help, she added. However, YouthReach hopes to go one step further by reaching out to the friends of the youths who are not referred. “It becomes more

‘Peer pressure led me to join gang’

Youth workers Charlene Heng and Philip Ong say they have been stared at by hostile-looking youths when they talk to other young people at a hawker centre or coffeeshop.

meaningful,” said Ms Heng. Many of the youths involved in gang-related activities are usually around 13 to 18 years of age, although Ms Heng said that now youths as young as 11 are at risk. One factor is boredom. Youths who loiter around aimlessly could get into trouble, she said. “Once a person gets bored, he will always think of funny things. It’s only a matter of time.” However, reaching out to these people is not easy.

‘Coffeeshop talk’ The workers try to engage in what Ms Heng’s colleague, youth social worker Philip Ong, describes as “coffeeshop talk” – chatting about everything that the youths are interested in, or

sharing the workers’ own life experiences. However, the young people usually do not open up after just one or two drinks and are often suspicious that the workers are obtaining information for the police. Mr Ong added that the youth workers keep an open mind and try not to correct the young people on the spot if they hear of something the youths did wrong. While the workers have not been verbally abused or chased away, Ms Heng said that they have been stared at by hostilelooking youths when they talk to other young people at a hawker centre or coffeeshop. Despite Mr Ong being Catholic and Ms Heng being Protestant, they do not evangelise the youth. However the workers make it known

that their organisation is a joint project of Catholic Welfare Services and Boys’ Town.

Recent violence Commenting on the recent spate of youth violence in Singapore, Ms Heng said that this is “nothing new under the sun”. Public interest in those attacks is probably due to them being carried out at public places where families gather, said Mr Ong. All it takes is a “staring incident” followed by a subsequent quarrel to spark such an attack, he added. YouthReach’s Streetwise Programme is coordinated by the National Youth Council in partnership with the Juvenile Courts, Singapore Police Force, Singapore Prison Service, and the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports. Four other agencies are also running the programme. darrenboon@catholic.org.sg

Peer pressure and a need to belong led Mark (not his real name) to join street gangs and secret societies during his teenage years. He said he got to know about peers joining such gangs when he started playing street soccer with his secondary school friends. Mark, who is now in his late 20s, said joining street gangs was not about protection, but rather of enjoying a sense of security which comes from belonging to a group. While some youths eventually leave these gangs, some will continue to hang out in an area where they will get acquainted with “uncles” who will offer them work and money. That is when their involvement in secret societies begins, said Mark. It was due to friendship, or yi qi in Mandarin, that he and his group of friends started working for secret societies, partly also to earn a living. “You don’t feel comfortable. Every day you have the feeling of not knowing when you’ll be caught. … It’s a nightmare,” he recalled. He said he eventually left the group for the sake of his family. The parting was an amicable one, he said.

ARCHBISHOP’S DIARY Jan 16 6.00pm Church of St Vincent De Paul: Mass – Altar Servers Jan 17 11.00am St Francis Xavier Major Seminary: Mass – Inauguration Jan 22 6.00pm Church of St Teresa: Mass – Commissioning of Principals

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Sunday January 16, 2011 „ CatholicNews

Cathedral structural investigations ongoing

The pillars at the back of the Cathedral supported by beams. Photos: DARREN BOON

Structural investigations on the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd are ongoing and should be completed in a few months’ time, says Fr Adrian Anthony. Only then will cathedral authorities have a better idea of the extent and cost of restoration work, said Fr Anthony, who is the cathedral rector. There are plans for the construction of a multi-storey annex building which will replace the present one-storey building on the cathedral grounds. The QHZ EXLOGLQJ ZLOO KRXVH RI¿FHV meeting rooms. There are also plans for a counselling centre to serve foreigners needing help as well as Singaporeans, said Fr Anthony. He said that so far, several people, on their own initiative, have contributed a total of about $5 million, with one donor giving

What the ceiling of the cathedral’s porch now looks like.

The one-storey building on the cathedral grounds will give way to a multistorey annex building.

as much as $1 million. On Dec 19, the Cathedral Choir of the Risen Christ staged an Advent and Christmas concert

to raise funds for CHARIS (Caritas Humanitarian Aid & Relief Initiatives, Singapore), as well as the cathedral. „

Adjustments to migrants’ programme By Darren Boon Starting this year, the Filipino Ongoing Development Programme (FILODEP) will conduct classes for foreign domestic workers on either the ¿UVW DQG WKLUG 6XQGD\V RU VHFRQG and fourth Sundays of each month. This is to cater to workers who have only two off days a month and so are unable to attend weekly programmes.

Courses for 2011 will commence on the second Sunday of February. The eight-month-long programme offers courses in international cooking, hairstyling, baking and decoration, handicraft, dress-making, facial and body massage, guitar, and English. Programmes are run by the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary (FMM) Sisters and assisted by volunteers. Graduates are enjoying a

better life for themselves and for their families, and some have even started small businesses of their own in their home countries, said FMM Sr Rosalind Chan. The fee is $80 per course. For more information, contact Sr Rosalind at 8182 3591 (mobile) or 6280 0451 (residence from 9am-9pm) or Nora Pamplona at 9055 6987. „ darrenboon@catholic.org.sg

Cracks can be seen inside the building.

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Sunday January 16, 2011 „ CatholicNews

at 3RQWLÀFDO FRXQFLO PHPEHU ZDQWV Sharings Christian religions to join hands for poor Unity Week Mr Michael Thio, recently DSSRLQWHG D PHPEHU RI WKH SRQWL¿FDO FRXQFLO FRRUGLQDWLQJ the Church’s charitable efforts, says he wants to promote joint HIIRUWV DPRQJ GLIIHUHQW IDLWKV DQG within the Catholic Church itself WR VHUYH WKH XQGHUSULYLOHJHG ³, ZDQW WR HQFRXUDJH LQWHUIDLWK FROODERUDWLRQ DQG GLDORJXH WR VHUYH WKH QHHG\ ´ VDLG 0U 7KLR ZKR ZDV DSSRLQWHG D PHPEHU RI WKH 3RQWL¿FDO &RXQFLO &RU 8QXP RQH KHDUW E\ 3RSH %HQHGLFW ;9, RQ 'HF 0U 7KLR ZKR ZDV HOHFWHG 3UHVLGHQW *HQHUDO RI WKH ,QWHUQDWLRQDO &RQIHGHUDWLRQ RI WKH 6RFLHW\ RI 6W 9LQFHQW GH 3DXO ODVW 0D\ VDLG KH DOVR ZDQWV WR SURPRWH JUHDWHU ³FROODERUDWLRQ DPRQJ JOREDO &DWKROLF FKDULWLHV´ WR VHUYH WKH QHHG\ LQ WKH ³WRWDO VHQVH´ RI WKH ZRUG These people are not just the ¿QDQFLDOO\ GHSULYHG KH VWUHVVHG EXW DOVR LQFOXGH DEDQGRQHG DQG GHOLQTXHQW FKLOGUHQ WKH HOGHUO\ WKRVH QHJOHFWHG E\ IDPLO\ PHPEHUV DQG WKRVH ZKR FRPH IURP EURNHQ KRPHV 2Q EHLQJ D PHPEHU RI &RU 8QXP KH VDLG ³, IHHO LW¶V DQ KRQRXU ´ DGGLQJ WKDW KH DFFHSWV it on behalf of the Society of St 9LQFHQW GH 3DXO 6693

By Darren Boon

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Needy students receive bursaries from Carlo society By Darren Boon Recipients of Carlo Catholic Society’s bursaries say the money is a big help in easing their IDPLOLHV¶ ¿QDQFLDO EXUGHQV They were speaking to CatholicNews after a short presentation ceremony at the society’s premises on Queen St RQ 'HF Agabus Tan, in Primary Four, VDLG ³LW LV *RG¶V EOHVVLQJ WKDW KHOSHG PH JHW WKLV EXUVDU\´ ³,¶P YHU\ KDSS\ ´ KH DGGHG He plans to use the money WR EX\ VRPH DVVHVVPHQW DQG UHIHUHQFH ERRNV

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Parish comes up with dress code

Fr Henry Siew, director of Carlo Catholic Society, awarding a bursary on Dec 19.

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)RXU VHFRQGDU\ VFKRRO VWXGHQWV UHFHLYHG EXUVDULHV RI HDFK Bursary applications for 6HFRQGDU\ 2QH VWXGHQWV DUH QRZ RSHQ DQG ZLOO HQG RQ )HE ZKLOH EXUVDU\ DSSOLFDWLRQV IRU VWXGHQWV in polytechnics, junior colleges, FHQWUDOLVHG LQVWLWXWHV DQG WKH ,QVWLWXWH RI 7HFKQLFDO (GXFDWLRQ ZLOO VWDUW RQ 0DUFK DQG HQG RQ $SULO Applicants must be Catholics DQG VWXG\LQJ LQ 6LQJDSRUH For further details, email bursary@carlo.org.sg darrenboon@catholic.org.sg

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Sunday January 16, 2011 „ CatholicNews

Canossian jubilarians Wanted to be a missionary at age of 6

Finding God in the broken and the hurting

By Darren Boon Âł<RX ÂżQG KDSSLQHVV ZKHUH you are ‌ although there were misunderstandings, obstacles, but among these, my joy was in my heart ‌ I can go on,â€? says Canossian Sr Marcellina Fumagalli, who celebrated 60 years of Religious life recently. Although her life has not been ZLWKRXW REVWDFOHV VKH ÂżUPO\ believes that “without some suffering, you cannot achieve anything.â€? Furthermore, “through suffering united withâ€? Christ, one can accomplish much. Sr Marcellina said she had wanted to be a missionary from the age of six. Her mother had told her stories about the saints and the young Marcellina had understood that her calling was to be a missionary. Joining the convent required one to give up one’s worldly possessions and make other VDFULÂżFHV DQG LW ZDV D ELW RI D struggle for her as she came from a close-knit family. However, she left Italy and arrived in Singapore in December 1954. Sr Marcellina said her greatest joy comes from educating the poor. A skilled dressmaker, she was put in charge of the Sewing Centre managed by the Canossian Sisters. There she managed to secure sewing contracts for the girls studying there.

From left: Canossian Srs Marcellina Fumagalli, Rose Low and Jane Chong at their jubilee celebration at the Church of St Stephen on Jan 2. Sr Fumagalli celebrated 60 years as a Religious while the other two nuns celebrated 25 years.

She also worked at the nowclosed Canossian Vocational Centre (CVC) which accepted girls who dropped out of school. There she taught vocational skills and other subjects. Sr Marcellina was concerned about her students’ spirituality as well. Daily morning prayers and weekly spiritual sessions were conducted at the Sewing Centre. Rosary recitation, catechism lessons and retreats were also held for CVC students. Her care for her students extended beyond their graduation and also to their families. Sr Marcellina recalled that in 2010, an ex-pupil approached her for

Catholic instruction for her dying father. The nun later helped arrange for his baptism and he passed away not long after. Now at 80 and with her health not as good as it used to be, Sr Marcellina says she does

whatever she can to serve others. She helps out at the San Zeno thrift shop at the Canossaville Children’s Home at Sallim Road and also animates a group of lay Canossians known as Magdalene’s Apostles. She also helps to organise the cleaning of the Church of St Stephen. Looking back at her Religious OLIH VKH VD\V KHU IXO¿OPHQW comes from prayer and being united with God. It is important for one to remain united in God, otherwise one’s life would be unhappy, concluded Sr Marcellina. „ darrenboon@catholic.org.sg

Believing in the healing power of touch Sr Rose Low believes in the power of touch and its ability to relieve the aches and pains. The silver jubilarian is a practitioner of Etheric Nerve Impulse therapy (ENIT) in which acupressure is applied to the nerves. This supposedly removes blockages and stimulates the body’s bio-electrical system. “My passion is to do therapy,� she said with a laugh, “because it is curative, and because we address the cause, not the symptoms.� She has used the technique on elderly Canossian Sisters. She added that her therapy is not “energy healing� and has existed in Chinese palaces since ancient times. During her three years of contemplative experience with the Canossian nuns in the Philippines, she had a chance to learn the technique from a teacher outside of the Religious community.

However, she stressed that the therapy goes beyond physical touch, but is rather an integrated approach which involves the emotional and spiritual aspects. This involves applying some listening and counselling skills to help the person identify any emotional blockages that may result in the person’s ailment. Before entering Religious life, Sr Rose worked in a bank and was climbing the corporate ladder. The idea of becoming a

Religious had stirred within her but she thought herself unworthy. Furthermore, she “loved life ‌ love beauty ‌ enjoyed my life and was happy where I wasâ€?. Nevertheless, she continued to experience a deep sense of emptiness. After attending a Choice weekend, she realised that she could not escape the Religious call any longer. To further discern her vocation, she lived with the Canossian Sisters for about a year, together with other girls who were similarly discerning their calling. Sr Rose remembers putting on make-up and heading out to work on weekday mornings and participating actively in community life on the weekends. “I thought it was a nice gradual insertion for me because I was very worldly. If you straight away put me into the rhythm of the convent, I would not have succeeded,â€? she said.

She later worked for 16 years in Canossaville Children’s Home where she was a “mother� to many children. One of her joys was to see the children blossoming into “sensible and responsible� adults and starting families. Sr Rose presently heads the Canossian community in Sallim Road, which includes the Canossian “eduplex�. This includes a Canossian primary school, kindergarten and children’s home. “I feel when God gives you a vocation, He also gives you the grace to carry out whatever mandate that is given to you,� she said. “I think I have reached a point where I am quite detached and very happy where I am, whether in the Philippines or Italy. I’ve made good relationships, yet I’m ready to move. Up till today, the Lord has not disappointed me.� „

Recognising God’s presence in every person, even in those who appear most unattractive, is a message that remains in Sr Jane Chong’s heart. The Canossian nun, who was trained in Pre-school and Special Needs Education, recalled that she used to feel uncomfortable LQWHUDFWLQJ ZLWK D ÂżYH \HDU ROG girl whose appearance was rather unpleasant. “Initially, yes, I had this fearâ€? of her, Sr Jane said. However, she felt a prompting which made her overcome her discomfort and reach out to Tina. Sr Jane’s actions eventually led the other teachers and children in the kindergarten to interact more with the girl. “I learnt from this little child ‌ there’s Christ in everyone,â€? she said. After Tina passed away unexpectedly, her mother thanked the kindergarten for the love showered on her child. Sr Jane said the seed of her vocation was fostered by her late grandmother who prayed with the family daily. This helped Jane desire a closer relationship with God. It was after her grandmother’s passing that Jane, at 21, made WKH GLIÂżFXOW GHFLVLRQ WR MRLQ WKH Religious life. In the 1980s, she became interested in natural medicine, EHJLQQLQJ ZLWK UHĂ€H[RORJ\ She said she was fascinated to learn that the human body had the capacity to heal itself, and had witnessed people who had EHQHÂżWHG IURP QDWXUDO WKHUDS\ This prompted her to pursue training in this area. Sr Jane said she is convinced of the body, mind and spirit connection and complements counselling and spiritual direction whenever necessary with natural therapy. She added that it is important to recognise that God is present in suffering. Furthermore, once people recognise and claim their pain, they can achieve a “breakthroughâ€? and “become betterâ€?. „

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Sunday January 16, 2011 „ CatholicNews

IHM priest collapses while jogging Fr William Lim (right), parish priest of the Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, collapsed on Jan 3 morning while jogging at the Serangoon stadium, said assistant priest Fr Stanislaus Pang. Fellow joggers revived the 58-year-old priest and

rushed him to Tan Tock Seng Hospital. Doctors say he needs a triple bypass and are working to stabilise his blood pressure, says Fr Pang. Fr Lim was warded at the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit as of Jan 5. Fr Pang urged prayers for Fr Lim’s recovery. „

Classical singer holds charity Christmas concert

Father Stephen Yim plays the saxophone, accompanied by Jeremy Fernandez on the piano at the Church of Christ the King concert.

His talent for classical singing has led him to perform several recitals and concerts at the Arts House, Esplanade and Young Musician’s Society. But for Christmas last year, musician Daniel Fong, a 22-yearold undergraduate, decided to put his talent to charitable use by organising a Christmas concert at the Church of Christ the King, where he is a parishioner. The hour-long concert, titled An Evening of Carols and Sacred Music, was held on Dec HYHQLQJ DQG ZDV WKH ¿UVW such event for charity held in the church. Besides Fong, another upand-coming classical singer, Lim Yan Ting, 26, a soprano, and pianist Jeremy Fernandez, 25, also performed that night. From familiar carols such as Away In A Manger and Silent Night to lesser known sacred music such as Howard Goldall’s

The Lord Is My Shepherd, the more than 150 parishioners and friends who packed the attic of the church in Ang Mo Kio were left enraptured by the trio. The audience was also treated to a surprise performance by the parish’s assistant priest, Father Stephen Yim, who gave a heartfelt rendition of The First Noel and Jingle Bell Rock towards the end of the concert. More than $2,000 was raised from that one-night-only concert for the parish’s Society of St Vincent De Paul. Said Fong, who is currently one of the two Singaporeans studying at the Royal Academy of Music in London: “This is my ÂżUVW FKDULW\ FRQFHUW , KDYH GRQH a few concerts in the past, most of them showcasing classical works from composers like Schubert or Schumann. I really wanted to use my talent for God this time.â€? „

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Sunday January 16, 2011 „ CatholicNews

Malaysian archbishop urges Korean Christians make plans for unity PM to join interfaith talks KUALA LUMPUR – Archbishop

Murphy Pakiam of Kuala Lumpur has asked Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak to join a dialogue with leaders of an interreligious body comprising all major non-Muslim religions. Addressing a Christmas Day tea party organised by the Christian Federation of Malaysia, Archbishop Pakiam called on Mr Najib to meet regularly with leaders of the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST) to facilitate feedback on interreligious issues. The MCCBCHST has often issued statements and held meetings with government authorities on issues affecting the country’s non-Muslim communities. In a statement on its website, the MCCBCHST recently raised the issue of children of nonMuslims being converted to Islam by their spouses without their knowledge or consent. Five Malaysians, mostly Hindus, “had to battle government servants who act as the Islamic religious authorities in Malaysia and with lawyers from the Attorney General’s Chambers who argue that they must go to the Syariah Court (despite being non-Muslim) in order to exercise their constitutional rights

Archbishop Murphy Pakiam of Kuala Lumpur and Prime Minister Najib Razak at a Christmas Day tea party. Photo: CHRISTIAN FEDERATION OF MALAYSIA

to raise their children in their own religionâ€?, the MCCBCHST said. Controversy also erupted over the tea party. Media reports said a nonMuslim aide to Mr Najib had FDOOHG $UFKELVKRS 3DNLDPÂśV RIÂżFH on Christmas Eve to request that FUXFLÂż[HV EH UHPRYHG DQG WR ensure no Christian prayers are recited and carols be kept secular with no reference to Jesus. 7KH DUFKELVKRSÂśV RIÂżFH GLG not comply with the requests. “This was the arbitrary decision RI RQH DLGH DQG GRHV QRW UHĂ€HFW

the policies of the PMO, and GH¿QLWHO\ QRW WKH SHUVRQDO YLHZV RI the prime minister,� a spokesman IRU WKH 3ULPH 0LQLVWHUœV RI¿FH was quoted as saying. 7KH RI¿FLDO VDLG WKH RI¿FHU had been advised against issuing directives without going through YHWWLQJ E\ VHQLRU RI¿FLDOV Archbishop Pakiam was quoted by theSun paper as saying that media reports suggested the directive was probably issued E\ DQ RYHU]HDORXV RI¿FHU ³/HW us leave it at that,� he said. „ UCANEWS.COM, CATHNEWSASIA

SEOUL – Catholic interreligious dialogue leaders have met with their counterparts from the National Council of Churches (NCCK) in Korea to devise a series of projects designed to promote Christian unity in the coming year. The Committee for Promoting Christian Unity and Interreligious Dialogue of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Korea (CBCK) hosted the Dec 27 meeting with NCCK secretary Kim Youngju, Metropolitan AmbrosiosAristotelis Zographos of the Orthodox Church in Korea and other Christian leaders. Raising the issue of recent UHOLJLRXV FRQÀLFWV &%&. committee chairman Archbishop Hyginus Kim Hee-joong of Kwangju requested participants to come up with concrete plans for building Christian unity. Archbishop Kim also called on local Christians to play a peacemaking and reconciliation role as the two Koreas face the possibility of war. $PRQJ WKH SURMHFWV FRQ¿UPHG by the leaders, theologians from various Christian Churches are

to launch a project to write a common commentary on the Letter to the Ephesians. A seminar titled Human Death – Understanding of Death DQG &KULVWLDQ 5HÀHFWLRQ ZLOO EH held during Christian Unity Week this month. Other events include a soccer tournament for clergy, a joint pilgrimage and a Christmas concert. Meanwhile, a survey by a Protestant group has revealed that 6RXWK .RUHDQV ¿QG &DWKROLFLVP the most credible and trustworthy religion, followed by Buddhism and then Protestantism. The Christian Ethics Movement of Korea (CEMK) jointly conducted the survey with the Global Research Institute in November. The results show 41.4 percent of respondents trusted Catholicism the most, with 33.5 percent for Buddhism and 20 percent for Protestantism. The credibility of Catholicism has increased since 2008 when the survey started, from 35.2 percent to 36.2 percent in 2009. „ UCANEWS.COM

8 ASIA

Sunday January 16, 2011 „ CatholicNews

Kiko Arguello, founder of the Neocatechumenal Way, plays the guitar during a 2006 papal audience. Japanese bishops have complained about the ‘divisive’ behaviour of the group in their country. &16 ÂżOH SKRWRV

Japan’s bishops want Neocatechumenal Way to stop work VATICAN CITY – Citing years of “troubleâ€?, Japan’s Catholic bishops have asked the Neocatechumenal Way to cease activities in the country for the QH[W ÂżYH \HDUV Archbishop Joseph Mitsuaki Takami of Nagasaki told Catholic News Agency on Dec 15 that the bishops’ proposal, made directly to the Way’s founder, Kiko Arguello, has so far not been DFFHSWHG Archbishop Takami was reached by phone at his home in 1DJDVDNL Four other Japanese bishops had taken part in a Dec 13 closed door meeting in Rome with Pope %HQHGLFW ;9, The pope called the meeting WR GLVFXVV WKH ELVKRSVÂś SURSRVDO Archbishop Takami indicated that the pope was not comfortable ZLWK WKH SODQ 1HLWKHU WKH 9DWLFDQ QRU RIÂżFLDOV RI WKH Neocatechumenal Way have made any public comment on the PHHWLQJ RU WKH SURSRVDO The Neocatechumenal Way was founded in Spain in the 1960s and is dedicated to the ongoing religious formation RI DGXOW &DWKROLFV ,W KDV EHHQ operating in Japan for more than \HDUV %XW LQ UHFHQW \HDUV relations between Way leaders and the country’s bishops have KLW URXJK ZDWHUV Archbishop Peter Takeo 2NDGD RI 7RN\R ÂżUVW VSRNH WR WKH SRSH LQ 'HFHPEHU +H described the Way’s presence in Japan’s small Catholic community as “a serious SUREOHP´ The “powerful sect-like activity of Way members is divisive and confrontationalâ€?, and has caused “sharp, painful division and strife within the &KXUFK´ KH VDLG )XUWKHU WDONV between the bishops and the pope led to closing of the Way’s VHPLQDU\ LQ 7DNDPDWVX LQ The seminarians were then

sent to the Way’s Rome seminary, 5HGHPSWRULV 0DWHU In conjunction with the closure, the Vatican also appointed a vicar to cooperate with the bishops in determining the administration of the Way’s FRQWLQXHG SUHVHQFH LQ -DSDQ But Archbishop Takami VDLG WKH SUREOHPV DUH GLIÂżFXOW WR UHVROYH 7KH :D\ KH VDLG “has made a lot of trouble in the Takamatsu diocese in many DUHDV´

Archbishop Joseph Mitsuaki Takami

Their priests’ divided obedience makes for great GLIÂżFXOWLHV KH H[SODLQHG Âł7KH\ say they want to be obedient to the bishop in whose diocese we work, but they don’t do it, not completely, anyway, not VXIÂżFLHQWO\ RU LQ WKH SURSHU ZD\ ´ +H VDLG WKH SURSRVDO WKH bishops had made to Way cofounder, Kiko Arguello, was that The Way would cease operations IRU ÂżYH \HDUV DQG XVH WKDW WLPH ÂłWR UHĂ€HFW RQ WKHLU DFWLYLWLHV LQ -DSDQ´ KH H[SODLQHG Âł$W WKH HQG DIWHU WKH ÂżYH \HDUV ´ VDLG Archbishop Takami, “we will be ready to discuss things with WKHP ´ „ CNA/EWTN NEWS

ASIA 9

Sunday January 16, 2011 „ CatholicNews

China takes issue with Vatican post for HK priest Vatican statement on Church congress VATICAN CITY – Pope Benedict ;9, KDV QDPHG D +RQJ .RQJ theologian as the second highestUDQNLQJ RI¿FLDO RI WKH 9DWLFDQœV evangelisation congregation. 6DOHVLDQ )U 6DYLR +RQ 7DL )DL (right) will serve as secretary of the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples, the Vatican announced on Dec 23. With the appointment, he will become an archbishop.

A Catholic woman prays during Christmas Eve Mass at a church in China. The Chinese government has slammed Vatican comments on the recently held National Congress of Catholic Representatives. CNS photo

HONG KONG – The Chinese

government has called a Vatican statement on China’s policy of religious freedom as “very imprudent and ungroundedâ€?. The Dec 22 statement was %HLMLQJÂśV ÂżUVW RIÂżFLDO UHVSRQVH to a strongly worded Vatican communique that criticised the Chinese government-controlled National Congress of Catholic Representatives early in December, reported Asian Church news agency UCA News. On Dec 17, the Vatican condemned the methods of convoking the assembly, saying LW UHĂ€HFWHG ÂłD UHSUHVVLYH DWWLWXGH with regard to the exercise of religious liberty, which it was hoped had been consigned to the past in present-day Chinaâ€?. Forcing people to attend the congress represented a “grave violationâ€? of people’s human rights, particularly their freedom of conscience and religion, said the Vatican. It stressed that the election of new Church leaders by government-controlled Catholic groups in China and the recent illicit ordination of a Chinese bishop were “unacceptableâ€? and had caused “a grave loss of the trust that is necessary for RYHUFRPLQJ WKH GLIÂżFXOWLHV DQG building a correct relationship with the Church for the sake of the common goodâ€?. &KLQDÂśV RIÂżFLDO ;LQKXD 1HZV Agency quoted a spokesperson of the State Administration for Religious Affairs as saying the Vatican misunderstood the current situation of the Chinese

Church and was trying to use religion to implement its political YDOXHV 7KH RIÂżFLDO VDLG WKH attempt would bring serious harm to the healthy development of the Chinese Church. The unnamed spokesperson stressed that the national congress did not touch on Catholic doctrine, did not violate the fundamentals of Catholic faith and did not need recognition of other countries or foreign organisations. The new heads of the Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association and the Bishops’ Conference of the Catholic Church in China – the two groups responsible for the public life of the Church in China – were elected by overwhelming PDMRULW\ UHĂ€HFWLQJ WKH ZLVKHV and expectations of the congress participants, the spokesperson said. The Vatican voiced particular concern over the election of new presidents of both organisations during the congress. Bishop Joseph Ma Yinglin of Kunming, who was ordained without papal approval in 2006, became president of the bishops’ conference. The new president of the Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association is Bishop Yohan )DQJ ;LQ\DR RI /LQ\L ZKR was ordained in 1997 and is in communion with the pope. The Vatican’s condemnation of them was “contemptâ€? of the democratic wish of numerous Catholics and “extremely rude and disrespectful behaviourâ€?, the government spokesperson said. „ CNS

)U +RQ LV D PHPEHU RI the International Theological &RPPLVVLRQ DQG WKH 3RQWL¿FDO $FDGHP\ RI 7KHRORJ\ +H KDV WDXJKW WKHRORJ\ DW WKH +RQJ Kong seminary and also at a seminaries in China. )U +RQ VDLG KH DQWLFLSDWHV WKDW the Roman Curia may consult him on China Church affairs because of his experience on the mainland. „ CNS, UCAN

10 WORLD

Sunday January 16, 2011 „ CatholicNews

Three Anglican bishops received into Catholic Church in London LONDON – Three former Anglican bishops were received into the Catholic Church just hours after WKH\ RI¿FLDOO\ JDYH XS WKHLU ministries in the Church of England. Bishops Andrew Burnham RI (EEVÀHHW -RKQ %URDGKXUVW of Fulham and Keith Newton of Richborough will be soon ordained as priests for a special Anglican ordinariate that will be set up in England later in January. Their resignations took effect at midnight on Dec 31, and they were received into the Catholic Church the afternoon of Jan 1 during a Mass in London’s Westminster Cathedral. They will be ordained as Catholic deacons at Allen Hall seminary, London, on Jan 13, then as priests at a ceremony in the cathedral on Jan 15. They will be incardinated into the English ordinariate, similar to a military diocese, which is expected to be formed by papal decree the second week of January, when Pope Benedict XVI is also expected to appoint its leader. 7KH RUGLQDULDWH ZLOO EH WKH ¿UVW to be created since the pope issued an apostolic constitution on Nov 4, 2009, to allow group reception of Anglicans into the Catholic Church. The ordinariate permits former Anglicans to retain much

A canon prays in a Westminster Cathedral chapel. Three Anglican bishops were received into the Catholic Church during Mass at this cathedral. &16 ÂżOH SKRWR

of their patrimony and liturgical practices, such as married priests. Also received into the Church at the Jan 1 Mass were Ms Judi Broadhurst, wife of the former bishop of Fulham, and Ms Gill Newton, wife of the former bishop of Richborough. Three former Anglican nuns who had left the Sisters of St. Margaret to join the ordinariate, were also received into the Church, along with a number of former lay Anglicans. The Mass was celebrated by Auxiliary Bishop Alan Hopes of Westminster, the most senior former Anglican priest in the Catholic Church in England and Wales. One witness, Fr Sean Finnegan, a Catholic priest, wrote on his blog later that the former bishops wore suits and ties. After they were received into the faith they were given the Sacrament RI &RQ¿UPDWLRQ DQG ³UHWXUQHG WR their places to gentle applause�. The three former bishops were DPRQJ ¿YH ZKR LQ 1RYHPEHU declared their intention to join the ordinariate. The other two will be ordained Catholic priests by Lent. Discussions to form possible personal ordinariates in the United States, Canada and Australia are also in progress. „ CNS

&KXUFK DWWDFN UHĂ HFWV increasing ‘Islamisation’ in Egypt: Coptic leader VATICAN CITY – A leader of the Coptic Catholic Church in Egypt said a deadly attack against Christian worshippers was an act of political destabilisation and a sign of the increasingly radical “Islamisationâ€? of the country. “The newspapers are SRLQWLQJ WKH ÂżQJHU DW al-Qaeda. But terrorism arises in sectors of the Muslim society where other organisations encourage intolerance. For 40 years in Egypt, there has been a creeping Islamisation that pervades every area of society,â€? said Coptic Auxiliary Bishop Kamal Fahim Awad Hanna of Alexandria. Bishop Hanna told the Vatican newspaper, L’Osservatore Romano, on Jan 3 that the government was making every effort to ensure the safety of worshipers as they prepared for the Coptic celebration of Christmas on Jan 7. All Christian churches have been surrounded by security forces, he said. The reaction among most Egyptian Christians to the Jan 1 attack has been fear and concern, but not the desperation that prompted a few spontaneous public protests, he said. “For the great majority of Copts, even in the face of the horror of this attack ... the reaction was moderate, because the faith emphasises mercy for the victims and forgiveness for those who have erred,â€? the bishop said.

A Coptic Orthodox woman cries during a Jan 3 prayer service for her relatives who were victims of the New Year’s Day bombing in Alexandria, Egypt. &16 SKRWR

Bishop Hanna said the entire Egyptian society was shocked by the attack and concerned that it could endanger the relatively peaceful relations between Christians and Muslims in the country. He pointed hopefully to a UHFHQW SURSRVDO E\ DQ RIÂżFLDO RI the al-Azhar Mosque in Cairo to establish a new interreligious dialogue organisation called the House of the Egyptian Family, which would include seven Christian and seven Muslim representatives.

Coptic Orthodox Bishop Youhannes Zakaria of Luxor, Egypt, said he had received many messages of support from Muslims after the bombing. He also received many visits from Muslims – ordinary LQGLYLGXDOV DQG RIÂżFLDOV including the governor – expressing their sympathy and solidarity. “They [Muslims] don’t accept this violence. They are very upset about this,â€? he told Catholic News Service in a telephone interview. „ CNS

Philippine bishop rejects Aquino’s gambling-sourced fund MANILA – A bishop in the northern Philippine city of Baguio has rejected President Benigno Aquino III’s offer of using gambling money for economic development. “I told President Aquino we oppose casino and all forms of gambling,â€? said Bishop Carlito Cenzon of Baguio in an interview with Church-run Radio Veritas 846. Bishop Cenzon said the president (right) asked him if he was willing to accept money from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp (PAGCOR) for his diocese. “I had to say ‘no’. I said I’m not alone in this; the whole community, the mayor and local JRYHUQPHQW RIÂżFLDOV DUH DJDLQVW gambling,â€? the bishop said.

He said Aquino was really interested in helping draw in investment for the mountain city of Baguio. One of the sources he wanted to tap for funds is PAGCOR, a government-owned and government-controlled corporation created to regulate

gambling and fund the government’s socio-economic projects. “He loves Baguio, I felt it; he really wanted to help. But he ZLOO KDYH WR FRQVXOW ÂżUVW ZLWK RXU mayor and congressman,â€? Bishop Cenzon said. He said the city needs to develop immediately because its population is increasing and landslides have been happening especially during the rainy season. He said it was good the government recognises the role of the Church in community development. The churches in the city are always full of people, he added. “We are always consulted on issues‌ and how the city must be run,â€? he said.„ UCANEWS.COM

WORLD 11

Sunday January 16, 2011 „ CatholicNews

Pope signs measures to guarantee ÀQDQFLDO WUDQVSDUHQF\ VATICAN CITY – Pope Benedict XVI has instituted a new agency WR PRQLWRU DOO 9DWLFDQ ¿QDQFLDO operations and make sure they meet international norms against money-laundering and the ¿QDQFLQJ RI WHUURULVP The pope issued an apostolic letter on Dec 30 that established WKH )LQDQFLDO ,QIRUPDWLRQ Authority as an independent agency to oversee the monetary DQG FRPPHUFLDO DFWLYLWLHV RI all Vatican-related institutions, LQFOXGLQJ WKH 9DWLFDQ EDQN At the same time, the Vatican promulgated a detailed QHZ ODZ WKDW GH¿QHG ¿QDQFLDO crimes and established penalties – including possible jail time ¹ IRU WKHLU YLRODWLRQ 7KH OLVW RI WUDQVJUHVVLRQV LQFOXGHV corruption, market manipulation, IUDXG DQG YLUWXDOO\ DQ\ DFWLYLW\ WKDW IDFLOLWDWHV RU SURYLGHV IXQGLQJ WR DFWV RI WHUURULVP 7KH QHZ ODZ ZKLFK UHÀHFWV WKH latest European Union regulations, WDNHV HIIHFW RQ $SULO The pope’s apostolic letter VDLG WKH 9DWLFDQ IXOO\ VXSSRUWHG the international community’s HIIRUWV WR FRRUGLQDWH D UHVSRQVH WR ¿QDQFLDO FULPHV ZKLFK RIWHQ LQYROYH PRUH WKDQ RQH FRXQWU\ 7KH FUHDWLRQ RI VXFK an oversight agency is unprecedented at the Vatican, where several departments have operated with some degree RI ¿QDQFLDO LQGHSHQGHQFH IRU GHFDGHV RU FHQWXULHV The move came several months

DIWHU ,WDOLDQ WUHDVXU\ SROLFH in a money-laundering probe, seized 23 million euros (S$39 million) that the Vatican bank had deposited in a Rome bank DFFRXQW 7KH 9DWLFDQ FULWLFLVHG WKH FRQ¿VFDWLRQ VD\LQJ WKH GHSRVLW was legitimate and that the Vatican EDQN ZDV FRPPLWWHG WR ³IXOO WUDQVSDUHQF\´ LQ LWV RSHUDWLRQV

The Vatican has been working IRU VRPH WLPH ZLWK ,WDOLDQ DQG international authorities to comply with procedures that HQVXUH IXQGV DUH QRW XVHG IRU WHUURULVP RU PRQH\ ODXQGHULQJ The new documents represent the IUXLW RI WKRVH HIIRUWV In addition, the Vatican announced three new laws aimed DW FXUELQJ WKH FRXQWHUIHLWLQJ RI HXURV DQG FXUUHQF\ IUDXG 7KH )LQDQFLDO ,QIRUPDWLRQ Authority will operate with IXOO DXWRQRP\ DQG PRQLWRU all Vatican agencies that have ¿QDQFLDO GHDOLQJV RU FRPPHUFLDO WUDQVDFWLRQV „ CNS

12 LETTERS/OPINION

Sunday January 16, 2011 CatholicNews

Fortnightly newspaper of the Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore

2 Highland Road, #01-03 Singapore 549102. Telephone: 6858 3055. Fax: 6858 2055. Website: www.catholicnews.sg MANAGING EDITOR: Father Johnson Fernandez: MRKIHUQ#FDWKROLF RUJ VJ ASSISTANT EDITOR: Christopher Khoo: FKULVNKRR#FDWKROLF RUJ VJ STAFF CORRESPONDENT: Darren Boon: GDUUHQERRQ#FDWKROLF RUJ VJ DESIGN / LAYOUT: Christopher Wong: GHVLJQ#FDWKROLF RUJ VJ Elaine Ong: HORQJ#FDWKROLF RUJ VJ

EDITORIAL: FQHGLW#FDWKROLF RUJ VJ 3OHDVH LQFOXGH \RXU IXOO QDPH DGGUHVV DQG WHOHSKRQH QXPEHU IN MEMORIAM: Susan Lim: PHPRULDP#FDWKROLF RUJ VJ SUBSCRIPTIONS: Richard Paul: VXEVFULSWLRQV#FDWKROLF RUJ VJ ADVERTISEMENTS: Elaine Ong: DGYHUWLVHPHQWV#FDWKROLF RUJ VJ WEBMASTER: Medona Walter: PHGRQD#FDWKROLF RUJ VJ

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CATECHETICAL SUNDAY 13

Sunday January 16, 2011 „ CatholicNews

Looking back at 2010 7KH &DWHFKHWLFDO 2IÂżFH NLFNHG off 2010 with the theme, “You have only One Teacherâ€?, a UHPLQGHU WR FDWHFKLVWV WKDW XOWLPDWHO\ LW LV &KULVW ZKR JXLGHV WKH \RXQJ SHUVRQ FDWHFKLVWV DUH VWHZDUGV RI WKH 0\VWHU\ IDFLOLWDWLQJ WKLV HQFRXQWHU Archdiocesan Catechist Coordinators Course

This year’s theme The theme for 2011 is “They Recognised Him at the Breaking of Breadâ€?, which builds on 2010’s theme of Jesus as the Only Teacher by exploring the unique locus in which the Master teaches. We want to DIÂżUP WKDW DOO RI RXU catechetical efforts must lead the faithful “to that full conscious and active participation in liturgical celebrationsâ€? (SC #14). If “the Liturgy is the summit toward which the activity of the Church is directed; (and) at the same time the font from which all her power Ă€RZV´ 6& WKHQ ZH want to insist that all our catechetical efforts draw their inspiration from the rich liturgical and scriptural tradition of our Catholic faith.

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Sunday January 16, 2011 „ CatholicNews

Sunday January 16, 2011 „ CatholicNews

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Sunday January 16, 2011 „ CatholicNews

CHILDREN’S STORY: By Joe Sarnicola

John was called the Baptist because he would baptise people as he travelled and preached. He would call out: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!â€? He dressed very plainly, wearing clothes made out of camel hair secured by a leather belt. Men and women would come to him from all over Judea to be baptised and to ask forgiveness for their sins. -RKQ ZDV IXOÂżOOLQJ D YHU\ old prophecy by being “a voice of one crying out in the desert, ‘Prepare the way of the Lord,

make straight his paths.’â€? When John saw Pharisees and Sadducees coming towards him, he became angry and scolded them: “You brood of YLSHUV :KR ZDUQHG \RX WR Ă€HH IURP WKH FRPLQJ ZUDWK" 3URGXFH good fruit as evidence of your repentance. ... I am baptising you with water, for repentance, but the one who is coming after me is mightier than I. I am not worthy to carry His sandals. He will baptise you with the Holy Spirit DQG ÂżUH ´ When John was baptising, a

SPOTLIGHT ON SAINTS:

St Peter Orseolo Peter Orseolo (928-987) was born into an important Venetian family. By age 20, he had been appointed FRPPDQGHU RI WKH ÀHHW RI VKLSV charged with protecting the waterbased city. Peter became the chief magistrate RI 9HQLFH DQG KH IXO¿OOHG WKLV GXW\ with dignity and earned the respect of the people of the city. Even though Peter was married and had a son, he retreated to a hermitage to live as a monk. He had hidden a desire to lead a religious OLIH IRU PDQ\ \HDUV DQG ¿QDOO\ decided to pursue it. Many miracles were said to have taken place at the site of his tomb. We honour him on Jan 10.

very special man had travelled from Galilee to be baptised by John. It was Jesus. John was surprised to see Him and was reluctant to baptise Him. “I need to be baptised by you,â€? he said to Jesus, “and yet you are coming WR PH"´ Jesus nodded and said, Âł$OORZ LW QRZ IRU WKXV LW LV ÂżWWLQJ IRU XV WR IXOÂżO DOO ULJKWHRXVQHVV ´ So John baptised Jesus in the Jordan River. As soon as Jesus raised His head out of the water, the Spirit of God came down on Him in

the form of a dove. Then a voice declared from heaven, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.� After His baptism, Jesus went into the desert, where He fasted and prayed for 40 days and 40 nights. During that time, He was tempted by the devil. Knowing Jesus was hungry, the devil said, “If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become loaves of bread.� Jesus replied, “It is written: ‘One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that

comes forth from the mouth of God.’� The devil tried to tempt Jesus two more times, and both times Jesus resisted him by quoting from the Scriptures. Then the GHYLO ÀHG DQG DQJHOV FDPH DQG ministered to Jesus. READ MORE ABOUT IT: Matthew 3 and 4 Q&A 1. Why did Jesus go to see John? 2. How did Jesus defeat the devil?

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Although we all love to enjoy the anticipation of Advent and read the Christmas story with all of its excitement, the ministry of Jesus did not truly begin until he was baptised. Jesus set an example for us to follow, and one RI WKH YHU\ ÂżUVW VDFUDPHQWV ZH participate in is baptism. John the Baptist was declared to be the voice that cried out in the wilderness, and his role was to announce that the Messiah had come. He also was chosen by God to be the man who baptised Jesus. After Jesus was baptised, he went into the desert and was tempted by the devil, whom he defeated by quoting the Scriptures. The most important lesson that Jesus taught was to love God and one another.

WHAT’S ON 17

Sunday January 16, 2011 „ CatholicNews

EVENT SUBMISSIONS We welcome information of events happening in our local Church. Due to space constraints, priority will be given to more urgent upcoming events. Online submissions can be made at www.catholic.sg/ webevent_form.php

Wednesdays January 12 to February 23 WOMEN IN THE OLD TESTAMENT BY SR SUSAN THOMAS 9.30-11.30am: 6 sessions to examine the women characters in the Old Testament. By Bible Apostolate Team. At Church of the Holy Spirit Rm A2-01. T: 9815 4098 (Genevieve), 8228 8220 (Clare), 9320 0640 (Teresa); E: HSbibleapostolate@gmail.com January 12 to April 13 ALPHA COURSE AT CHURCH OF ST MARY OF THE ANGELS Sessions are organised on a home-based setting and will be held once a week. T: 8282 9222 (Michael), 9223 9546 (Kathryn) DIWHU RIÂżFH KRXUV H[W 1LFKRODV RIÂżFH KRXUV ( DII#VWPDU\ VJ

Wednesdays January 5 to July 6 CATHOLIC SCRIPTURE STUDY – GOSPEL OF JOHN (DVD BASED) 7.45-9.45pm: 22 sessions with the expert exegesis of Scott Hahn and Mark Shea. Be led through the multi-layered writings of St John and discover its focus on the family, both human and divine. Cost: $30. By Bible Apostolate Team. At Church of the Holy Spirit. T: 9833 4623 (Andrew), 9710 6493 (David); E: maryrrd@singnet.com.sg

Thursdays January 13 to May 5 ACTS OF APOSTLES 8-10pm: Fr Ambrose Vaz lectures on Acts of Apostles. By Biblical Apostolate Team. At Church of St Ignatius, Ignatius Hall E:henrywu@lucas.com.sg

Wednesdays January 5 to March 2 THEOLOGY OF THE BODY FOR YOUNG ADULTS 8-10pm: Given to us by Pope John Paul II, the Theology of the Body renews marriages, awakens vocations, heals deep personal wounds, and sets people free to live the life of greatness to which we are all called. God’s extraordinary plan for all humanity is carefully unfolded by renowned author and speaker Christopher West in his 8-part DVD series. At Church of St Ignatius (AV Room, Sacred Heart Hall, Level 2). Register T: 9106 9125 (Tinu), 9746 7549 (Terence); E: yam.stignatius@gmail.com

January 14 DIVINE MERCY PRAYER AND BIBLICAL/SPIRITUAL MOVIES 7.15-9.45pm: Divine Mercy Devotion prayers followed by biblical/spiritual PRYLH 6W 5LWD 3DUW UHĂ€HFWLRQV E\ )U Paul Pang and fellowship. By Fishers of Men Novena Ministry. At Novena Church (Peter Donders Room, 2nd Floor, bookshop upstairs). T: 9185 9675 (John Paul), 6255 2133 (Novena Church); ( ÂżVKHUVRIPHQ QRYHQD#\DKRR FRP VJ : ZZZ ÂżVKHUVRIPHQ GRQXPFULVWL FRP

January 7 to December 7 CONSECRATION TO GOD THE FATHER OF MANKIND 7.30-8.45am: Join in the monthly devotion prayer to God the Father of all mankind on the 7th of every month to express our heartfelt praise and thanksgiving. By God the Father Prayer Group. At Church of Our Lady Queen of Peace (Rm 3.3 House of David, 3rd Floor). T: 9739 7314 (Angela)

January 15 PLEASURE: A FORBIDDEN FRUIT? 6.30-10pm: Pleasure and Catholicism. Are these opposed to each other? Is it possible to be Catholic and still seek solace in retail therapy? Join in the discussion of this issue with a nun, an apologist and a hapless undergraduate. Cost: $5 (pay at door). By East District Youth Ministries. At Church of Our Lady Queen of Peace. E: pleasure@edyd.org. Register: W: http://www.edyd.org/register.html

Tuesdays January 11 MARY IN THE HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 7.30pm: 7 talks by Fr Tom Curran, OCD, on The Reformation and Mary, the Immaculate Conception, Assumption, Pilgrimages and Shrines, and others. Cost: $50 (whole course), $10 (per talk). At CANA The Catholic Centre. T: 6336 4815/6336 4467; E: cana@catholiccentre.com.sg

January 16 to January 22 WEEK OF GUIDED PRAYER @ NOVENA CHURCH Learn to pray the Scriptures through Ignatian Contemplation or Lectio Divina. Week begins on Sunday afternoon with introduction to the prayer methods and your spiritual companion for the week. Commit 1 hour with God in personal prayer each day, and from Monday to Friday meet with your spiritual companion for at most half an hour in church. With closing session on Saturday afternoon. By Sojourners Companions. At Novena Church. E: sojourners@catholic.org.sg

Tuesdays January 11 to February 22 PERSONAL COMPASS: NAVIGATING ETHICAL AMBIGUITY 7.30-9.30pm: Year-long course in Moral Theology by Fr David Garcia, OP, starting with Module One: Foundations in Moral Theology. Cost: $80 (per module), $400 (six modules). By Wonderfully Made! At Catholic Welfare Services Auditorium Level 8, CWS Building. T: 6858 7012 (Janice); E: janice@catholicspi.org

Mondays January 17 to May 5 ROAD TO EMMAUS 7.45-9.30pm: Bible Sharing programme of the Sunday Mass readings with “live� wrap-up lectures. By Biblical Apostolate Team. At Church of St Ignatius, St Ignatius Hall E:henrywu@lucas.com.sg

Thursday, 20th January 20 MASS FOR VOCATIONS 8pm: My Vocation Story. Celebrant: Fr Paul Ngo, MEP. At Church of the Holy )DPLO\ )XQFWLRQ 5RRP WK ÀRRU YLD OLIW

Thursdays January 20 to March 3 COMMON SENSE PARENTING WORKSHOP DP SP $ VL[ VHVVLRQ FHUWL¿HG workshop developed by Boystown, US, that has helped many parents raise responsible children. Cost: $150 (per parent); $240 (per couple). By Morning Star Community Services (4 Lor Low Koon). T: 6315 8812; E: programs@morningstar.org.sg January 21 UNDERSTANDING AND DEALING WITH SUICIDE 8-10pm: Understand suicide in terms of its biological, psychological, social, and spiritual factors, ways to prevent it and how to help a suicidal person. Those caring for suicidal persons, and those disturbed by VXLFLGDO WKRXJKWV PD\ EHQH¿W 3UHVHQWHU Fr Paul Goh, SJ. Love offering. By Centre for Ignatian Spirituality and Counselling. At Kingsmead Hall (8 Victoria Park Rd). Limited seats. Register by Jan 18. T: 6467 6072; E: cisc2664@gmail.com January 28 EUCHARISTIC ADORATION FOR CHILDREN 7.45-9.30pm: A gathering of children and parents for Eucharistic adoration, led by Fr Erbin Fernandez and two parents. Open to all parents and catechists of the archdiocese. At Church of the Holy Spirit. T: 9362 5408 (Sr Angeline); E: angiefmdm@gmail.com January 28 EUCHARISTIC ADORATION FOR YOUNG ADULTS 8-10pm: Inviting all young adults for a quiet conversation of love with Jesus on )ULGD\ :LWK URVDU\ VFULSWXUDO UHÀHFWLRQ Eucharistic adoration and Benediction. At St Francis Xavier Chapel (Kingsmead Hall, Church of St Ignatius) E: gen.christ.ministry@gmail.com January 28 to 30 CHOICE WEEKEND Inviting young adults 18-40 years old for a Choice Weekend. Learn to deal with our multiple roles and understand better our relationships with family and friends. The weekend includes presentations by singles and married couples. Register T: 9046 2297 (Albert), 9685 9416 (Madelene), 8323 2753 (Lawrence); E: choicewk@singnet.com.sg; W: http://www.choice.org.sg Thursdays February 10 to May 5 LORD TEACH US TO PRAY 7.15-9.30pm: Learn how to pray with Fr Paul Pang, followed by fellowship. By Be-Loved Prayer Ministry. At Novena &KXUFK 3HWHU 'RQGHUV 5RRP QG ÀRRU above bookshop). Registration begins Jan 29 at the door near St Clement. T: 9368 1269 (David); E: belovedministry@live.com.sg

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70 www.wordgamesforcatholics.com

ACROSS 1 Communion wafer 5 Able was I ere I saw ____ 9 Covered with water 14 Jai ____ 15 “At ___ darkness came over the whole land‌â€? (Mk 15:33) 16 Russian country house 17 “______ thanks to the

18 19 20 22 23 24

Lord for he is good‌â€? (Ps 136:1) “Terribleâ€? ruler of Russia Aquatic mammal Means Set up tents Jesus came to _____ us from our sins Father of Abraham

26 28 32 35 37

Dull ____ of the Lost Ark “____ Fatherâ€? Willows Hosea, in the Douay version of the Bible 38 Frozen water vapor 40 One of the “Greatâ€? popes 41 Stare with open mouth 42 St. Rose of ____ 43 Ordained members of the Church 46 Arm of the mil. 47 Supervise 49 Car maker 51 Certain extremities 53 Mathematician, ____ Pascal 57 Nimble 60 Jesus was ____ after the Last Supper Âł:KHQ KH ÂżQGV D BBBB of great price, he goes and sells all he has and buys it.â€? (Mt 13:46) 63 301 to Cato 64 Suspend 65 Analyze a sentence 66 Soft cheese 67 Otherwise 68 Wooded 69 One of seven in Revelation 70 Coloured

36 Wide shoe width DOWN 39 Charger 1 Mother of Ishmael 43 Coin 2 The dove brought this branch back to Noah 44 A certain archangel 3 “He ___ others, but he 45 Connecticut university cannot save himself.â€? 48 Traveled by water (Mk 15:31) 50 Crushed 4 Set in layers 52 ______ Coeur 5 Puzzling situations 54 Vatican City is found 6 “God is ____.â€? (1Jn in this country 4:16) 55 Inward feeling 7 Brag 56 Moved closer 8 Mother of Mary 57 Date (abbr.) 9 Lord (Hebrew) 58 Expensive 10 Guard animal 59 Unusual 2IÂżFLDO UHFRUGV 61 Religious instruction 12 Son of Noah for those wishing to 13 Musical instrument of become Catholic (abbr.) David 63 TV station $LU SUHÂż[

22 Periods of Solution to Crossword history Puzzle No. 1023 25 The Syllabus of A L T A R H E T H A M A S ____ A S H E C A T O H O S E A 27 Having a beak B A I L A N O N A P A R T U N E N D I N G B E R A T E 29 Son of Isaac and T R A M G N U A E S Rebekah A N S D I S E A S E D 30 Agents (abbr.) E A T P E T E R S I E V E 31 Observed D A V E N X L I V A G A R L I L A C O N E D O G I E 32 Capital of B C D L I T A N I E S Norway C A B C A R E O C A 33 Sch. of higher G A R D E N E R L A B E L S learning I L I A C U R I A L E O I E L L E A L I E N E L S E 34 The pope is the L E E R S A N D S D I E U Bishop of ____ www.wordgamesforcatholics.com

20 WORLD

Sunday January 16, 2011 „ CatholicNews

WikiLeaks cables show Vatican as key global player

Pope Benedict XVI delivering his blessing to the city of Rome and to the world on Dec 25. CNS photos

Pope prays for Church in China, Israelis and Palestinians VATICAN CITY – Pope Benedict XVI appealed for peace in global trouble spots and protection of Christian minorities in places like China during Christmas celebrations at the Vatican. “May the birth of the saviour strengthen the spirit of faith, patience and courage of the faithful of the Church in mainland China, that they may not lose heart through the limitations imposed on their freedom of religion and conscience but, persevering LQ ÂżGHOLW\ WR &KULVW DQG +LV &KXUFK PD\ NHHS DOLYH WKH Ă€DPH of hope,â€? the pope said in his Christmas Day blessing to the world. +LV ZRUGV UHĂ€HFWHG increasing Vatican concern over a deterioration of Church-state relations in China, where an illegitimate bishop was recently elected head of the bishops’ conference and where bishops loyal to the pope were forced to participate in a state-backed ÂłRIÂżFLDO´ FRQJUHVV RI &DWKROLF leaders. The pope said he hoped the spirit of Christmas would “grant perseverance to all those Christian communities enduring discrimination and persecution, and inspire political and religious leaders to be committed to full respect for the religious freedom of allâ€?. Standing on the central balcony of St Peter’s Basilica to deliver his blessing urbi et orbi (to the city of Rome and to the world), he prayed for peace in the land of Christ’s birth,

urging Israelis and Palestinians to work for a just and peaceful FRH[LVWHQFH +H H[SUHVVHG WKH hope that Christmas would ease the pain of the Christian communities in Iraq and elsewhere in the Middle East, and inspire world leaders to show them support.

Palestinian security forces outside Bethlehem’s Church of the Nativity. The pope urged Israelis and Palestinians to work toward peace.

+H XUJHG FRQWLQXHG HIIRUWV IRU reconciliation between North and South Korea; peace and political stability in Somalia, Darfur, Ivory Coast and Madagascar; security and respect for human rights in Afghanistan and Pakistan; and dialogue between Nicaragua and

Costa Rica, which are engaged in a simmering border dispute. +H DOVR SUD\HG IRU UHOLHI RI beleaguered populations in Latin $PHULFD LQ +DLWL VWLOO VXIIHULQJ from a devastating earthquake and a recent cholera epidemic, and in Colombia, Venezuela, Guatemala and Costa Rica, where natural disasters have struck. At his Christmas Eve Midnight Mass, the pope said Christ came to bring people joy but also to give them strength to “overcome the tyranny of mightâ€?. “This joy is also a prayer: Lord, make your promise come fully true. Break the rods of the oppressors. Burn the tramping boots. Let the time of the garments rolled in blood come to DQ HQG )XOÂżO WKH SURSKHF\ WKDW ‘of peace there will be no end,’â€? the pope said. On the morning of Christmas (YH D VSLULWXDO UHĂ€HFWLRQ prepared by the pope was featured on British radio. In the brief talk, aired on BBC’s Thought for the Day, the pope recalled his September trip to England and Scotland. “I am glad to have the opportunity to greet you again, and indeed to greet listeners everywhere as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ,â€? he said. “I pray for your families, for your children, for those who are sick, and for those who are going through any form of hardship at this time. I pray especially for the elderly and for those who are approaching the end of their days,â€? he said. „ CNS

VATICAN CITY – If there’s one clear conclusion that can be drawn from the Vatican-related WikiLeaks disclosures, it’s that the United States takes the Vatican and its diplomatic activity very seriously. In memo after memo in recent \HDUV RIÂżFLDOV RI WKH 86 (PEDVV\ WR WKH +RO\ 6HH KDYH UHSRUWHG back to Washington on the impact of papal trips, statements and documents; on the Vatican’s behind-the-scenes efforts to head RII FRQĂ€LFWV RQ &KXUFK VWDWH tensions in Latin America; on the evolution of Catholic teaching on bioethics; and even on the international repercussions of ecumenical affairs. When a Vatican agency organised a conference on JHQHWLFDOO\ PRGLÂżHG IRRGV WKH US embassy paid attention. When the Vatican condemned human WUDIÂżFNLQJ HPEDVV\ RIÂżFLDOV met with Vatican counterparts to broaden areas of cooperation on that issue. And when Pope Benedict XVI said in 2007 that “nothing positive comes from Iraq, torn apart by continual slaughter as WKH FLYLO SRSXODWLRQ Ă€HHV´ WKH embassy quickly objected, telling D KLJK OHYHO 9DWLFDQ RIÂżFLDO WKDW Iraq was experiencing positive developments. To anyone still wondering why so much attention is being paid to the world’s smallest state, a US Embassy cable of 2009 – prepared for President Barack 2EDPD DKHDG RI KLV ÂżUVW PHHWLQJ with the pope – gave the answer: “The Vatican is second only to the United States in the number of countries with which it enjoys diplomatic relations (188 and 177 respectively), and there are Catholic priests, nuns and laypeople in every country on the

SODQHW $V D UHVXOW WKH +RO\ 6HH is interested and well-informed about developments all over the globe,� it said. Since that memo was written, the Vatican has established full diplomatic relations with Russia, bringing the total to 178 countries. The WikiLeaks cables have described Vatican diplomats as generally well-informed and as LQÀXHQWLDO OREE\LVWV EHKLQG WKH scenes.

The cables show the Vatican as open on some issues, such as KXPDQ WUDIÂżFNLQJ EXW FOHDUO\ wary of becoming too closely LGHQWLÂżHG ZLWK WKH SROLFLHV DQG initiatives of the world’s biggest superpower. Occasionally, there are frank assessments of differences, as in a US Embassy memo from July 2001, which forecast continued problems with the Vatican over Israel, the death penalty and Iraq. “The Vatican will continue to oppose US efforts to isolate 6DGGDP +XVVHLQ :H VKRXOG recognize that the Vatican will not support our efforts in Iraq, and investigate ways to limit Vatican interference with our objectives,â€? the cable said tersely. „ CNS

Vatican security chief Domenico Giani (left) walks alongside Pope Benedict XVI’s car. According to a WikiLeaks cable, Mr Giani had been cool to US offers of direct cooperation in dealing with terrorist threats.

PUBLISHED BY ARCHBISHOP NICHOLAS CHIA, 2 HIGHLAND ROAD #01-03, SINGAPORE 549102. PRINTED BY TIMESPRINTERS, 16 TUAS AVE 5, SINGAPORE 639340.

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