JUNE 19, 2011, vol 61, no 12

www.catholicnews.sg SUNDAY JUNE 19, 2011

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Pope stresses family values in Croatia trip

VOL 61

NO. 12

INSIDE HOME Serving leprosyhome residents Parish and music centre play host „ Page 7

ZAGREB – Pope Benedict XVI

used his recent trip to the Croatian capital to encourage nations to build their societies on Christian values and to support the traditional family and the sanctity of life.

If religion, ethics and a moral conscience are banished from the public realm, “then the crisis of the West has no remedy and Europe is destined to collapse in on itself�, he said in an audience with Croatia’s political, religious, cultural, business and academic representatives.

Free and just democracies thrive when citizens’ consciences have been formed by love and the good of the whole human family is sought after, not narrow self-interests, the pope said on June 4 in Zagreb’s ornate Croatian National Theatre.

The 84-year-old pope visited Croatia from June 4-5 in an effort to encourage this predominantly Catholic country to resist secular temptations and hold strong to its Christian identity as it prepares for full integration into the European Union. It was Pope Benedict’s 19th trip outside Italy and 13th to a European nation.

Even though nearly 90 percent of the country’s population declare themselves Catholic, the bishops say the country is experiencing ¿HUFH SUHVVXUH WR DOORZ DGRSWLRQV by same-sex couples, ease restricWLRQV RQ DUWL¿FLDO UHSURGXFWLRQ DQG legalise euthanasia.

Divorce and abortion are legal and same-sex civil partnerships are recognised in Croatia.

The pope received a jubilant welcome as he arrived at Zagrab’s grassy hippodrome on June 5 to celebrate Mass. Crowds squelched WKURXJK WKH PXGG\ ¿HOGV WR FKDVH after the popemobile as it slowly

HOME St Joseph Church renovations Church to be more handicap-friendly „ Page 8

ASIA Rock concert in China church Youths aim to evangelise „ Page 9

Pope Benedict XVI walks near young people in traditional clothing during a prayer vigil with some 50,000 people in Ban Josip Jelacic Square in Zagreb. CNS photo

circled the giant horse track.

Speaking to hundreds of thousands of people, the pope called on the government to support families. He also urged young men and women to be courageous and fend off trends that advocate “living together as a preparation, or even a substitute for marriage�. “Do not be afraid to make a

commitment to another person,� he said as he encouraged married couples to be open to life since the “respect for natural moral law frees people�, rather than demeans them.

Bishop Valter Zupan of Krk, Croatia, president of the Croatian bishops’ commission for the family, also urged the government to

Although 90 percent of the population declare themselves Catholic, bishops say the country faces pressure to allow adoptions by VDPH VH[ FRXSOHV HDVH UHVWULFWLRQV RQ DUWLÂżFLDO reproduction and legalise euthanasia.

WORLD US Anglican community to become Catholic Members studied catechism in recent months

defend life by reconsidering its abortion laws and to stop calling something “that leads to death, progress�.

The emphasis on the family FDPH DV SDUW RI WKH FRXQWU\ÂśV ÂżUVW national gathering of Croatian families. Some 400,000 people attended, including families, bishops, priests and religious from nearby nations including Slovenia, Serbia, Albania and Macedonia.

In an evening vespers service in the neo-Gothic Zagreb Cathedral on June 5, the pope urged bishops to guide the faithful to ensure the Church’s moral teaching was correctly understood in light of the Gospel.

„ Page 13

„ Continued on page 15

„ Page 19

WORLD Archbishop Fulton Sheen’s sainthood cause Papers submitted to pope „ Page 14

FOCUS The Vatican and Religious orders 1HZ 9DWLFDQ RIÂżFLDO ZDQWV to improve relations

2 HOME

Sunday June 19, 2011 „ CatholicNews

Media workers urged to be ‘beacons’ of Christ’s teaching

By Darren Boon The Singapore archdiocese plans to set up an award to recognise media professionals whose work celebrates the human spirit and universally-recognised human values.

Archdiocesan Director of Communications Joan O’Reilly Fix announced this at a Mass to mark World Communications Day, held at the Church of Divine Mercy on June 5.

Further details of the award would be announced at a later date.

Ms O’Reilly Fix said the archdiocese is also exploring a video concept for Archbishop Nicholas Chia’s future messages. In production is a video for World Youth Day 2011 which will highlight Catholic youth group activities in Singapore. It is expected to

be uploaded online.

At the same time, the archdiocese hopes to do a lot more with social media, said Ms O’Reilly Fix. She encouraged professionDOV LQ WKLV ¿HOG WR FRPH IRUZDUG WR share their expertise.

In his homily, Archbishop Chia reminded media professionals of their “special gift from God� and how they “have a particular responsibility to become beacons of Christ’s teaching�. “You have the power to ensure the dignity of the human person... through the messages that you convey and the style of your communication,� Archbishop Chia said.

He noted the challenges media professionals face such as pressure to compromise their Christian values when working on asVLJQPHQWV WKH LQĂ€XHQFH RI VHFXODU ways of thinking, and maintaining

ARCHBISHOP’S DIARY Jun 12 11.00am Church of the Holy Spirit : Mass – Feastday 4.00pm St Francis Xavier Major Seminary: Mass – Archdiocesan Catechist Coordinators’ Course Jun 13 8.00pm Church of St Anthony: Mass – Feastday Jun 17 9.30am NUS: Mass – NUS Catholic Students’ Society Jun 18 6.00pm Church of Our Lady Queen of Peace: 0DVV ¹ &RQ¿UPDWLRQ Jun 19 6.00pm Church of the Holy Trinity: Mass – Feastday Jun 27 7.30pm Church of the Holy Spirit : Mass – Opus Dei (Founder’s Day)

Archbishop Nicholas Chia speaking to media professionals and other lay Catholics during a special Mass to mark World Communications Day.

perspective while faced with all the information available.

The archbishop prayed that God will help those in the media industry focus their “efforts honestly and professionally in spreading the truth of God’s word�.

He also reminded the congregation that they can communicate Christian virtues through their interaction in both the virtual and human worlds, and to always think twice before sending off an electronic message.

He reiterated the need for face-to-face communication despite the importance of virtual communication.

Several media professionals said they found the celebration useful. “I’m very interested to see what the diocese hopes to do to engage the wider Catholic community and maybe even society at large ‌ with the social media tools ‌ and how we [as media professionals] can help,â€? said Leonard Lai,

30, a magazine writer.

Jeffrey Yong, 38, a producer with Disney Channel, said he is eager to work with other media professionals “as a team to spread the Word of God�.

He added that he hopes to use

his talents and experience to contribute to the Church, such as conducting workshops for children and teenagers interested in makLQJ VKRUW ¿OPV „ darrenboon@catholic.org.sg

‘

I’m very interested to see what the diocese hopes to do to engage the wider Catholic community.

Ms Joan O’Reilly Fix, Director of Communications, said the archdiocese hopes to do a lot more with social media.

’

— Leonard Lai, a magazine writer.

Reaching out to Chinese migrant workers

By Darren Boon A forum will be held at the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary on July 3 for people interested in reaching out to Chinese migrants.

The event will be conducted in English and Mandarin at the “Green House�, the building next to the main church, from 2-4pm.

Topics include the objectives of this outreach, the challenges of interacting with migrant workers, and understanding their living and working environments. The forum aims to help people understand Chinese migrants better as well as how to communicate more

effectively with them. “This forum provides the opportunity for Catholics to learn what ‌ they can do to extend hospitality, and to share the Gospel of Christ with them,â€? said parish priest Fr Henry Siew, who will speak at the event.

Mr John Lim, who does outreach work to Chinese migrants at the church, will also share his experience.

The forum is a response to Catholics who have indicated their interest in reaching out to Chinese migrants following the May 24 Mass at the Church of Sts Peter and Paul. The Mass was held to pray for the Church in China.

According to Mr Lim, there is also a need for members of the English-speaking community to help. They can conduct English lessons, prepare food for the migrants and serve in other ways, he said.

Volunteers can also serve at a parish closest to them, Mr Lim said, adding that such migrant outreach work would be a longterm effort.

The forum is organised by the evangelisation team from the Commission for Apostolate of Mandarin-speaking in Singapore (CAMS). „ darrenboon@catholic.org.sg

Sunday June 19, 2011 CatholicNews

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Sunday June 19, 2011 CatholicNews

Eucharistic Congress for young people in July The Serra Club of Singapore, which aims to promote priestly vocations, will hold a Eucharistic gathering for young people in July.

The Serra Eucharistic Congress 2011 for Youth will be held at Church of the Holy Cross auditorium from July 1 (Friday evening) to July 3 (Sunday). It is organised in conjunction with the club’s ¿IWK DQQLYHUVDU\ FHOHEUDWLRQ According to the organisers, the event is to foster a deeper love and appreciation of the Eucharist among Catholic youths. The congress will focus on purity and SHUVRQDO VDQFWL¿FDWLRQ WKURXJK the Eucharist, frequent Confession, adoration and praying of the rosary.

A special exhibition, titled Vatican International Exhibition of the Eucharistic Miracles of the World, will also be held.

Two priests will be speaking at the congress.

One of them is Fr Antoine

Thomas, who has conducted many youth retreats in the US, and who founded the worldwide Children’s Eucharistic Adoration movement.

The other is Fr Clement Machado, an exorcist-priest based in Rome. He has an international evangelisation ministry and has hosted a series of programmes on Vatican Radio and the US-based EWTN Global Catholic Network.

“We strongly believe this congress will bring tremendous EHQH¿WV WR RXU \RXWK DQG \RXQJ adults,” says Serra Club president Sean Yeo. “Through this congress, we pray that our youth will become important and effective VSKHUHV RI LQÀXHQFH LQ VRFLHW\ DQG the world through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.”

The congress is open to youths aged 15 and above. Registration fee: $30 per person. More information and the registration form can be found at http://www.serrasingapore.org/SEC2011.html

Apostolic nuncio visits parishes in Singapore

By Darren Boon The Apostolic Nuncio to Singapore has been visiting parishes in the country.

Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli has so far met with parishioners from the Church of Sts Peter and Paul, Church of St Mary of the Angels and Church of St Vincent de Paul. He has also met with Catholics at St Joseph’s Church (Victoria St) and Cathedral of the Good Shepherd.

On May 29, he visited the Church of the Risen Christ and celebrated the 11.30am Mass. He later had lunch with some 40 people including the priests of the parish and members of the parish pastoral council.

Parish priest Fr John Sim said the nuncio had an “informal and casual chat” over the number of parishioners, church groups and the pastoral needs of the congregation.

Members of the parish pastoral council said Archbishop Girelli showed concern over the pastoral needs of the faithful.

When Mr Michael Koh told him he is a catechist, Archbishop Girelli enquired if the catechists had undergone training.

Executive committee chairperson Emily Lee said the nuncio took a genuine interest in the parish’s pastoral programmes and was jotting down notes even as he spoke with Fr Sim. The nuncio also spoke with other parishioners and took photos with them.

According to a statement by the Apostolic Nunciature, “His Excellency Archbishop Girelli has, from the start of his appointment as Apostolic Nuncio

Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli blessing children at the Church of the Risen Christ on May 29.

of Singapore, expressed a desire to know the faithful of this Archdiocese. With the knowledge of His Grace, the Archbishop of Singapore, the Nuncio will visit

the various Churches and their respective parishioners as and when his schedule allows.” darrenboon@catholic.org.sg

New preschool religious education programme

By Don Gurugay A common religious education programme will be introduced to most Catholic preschools this July.

The trial programme is to help the schools forge a stronger Catholic identity as well as provide a foundation for children’s faith formation, says the Archdiocesan Commission for Catholic Schools (ACCS).

A standardised curriculum would also enable principals and religious education (RE) teachers from the preschools to come together for training and workshops. This would allow for sharing of resources, says ACCS. The religious education cum civics and moral education programme will be held for 30 to 45 minutes once a week and has an emphasis on activities such as skits and music.

The programme also includes

A training session for the kindergarten religious education programme, held in April.

some activities that parents can do with their children at home.

Training for the programme started in early April this year and involved both teachers and principals who were taught how to incorporate music as well as art and craft into the programme.

The trial programme will be PRGL¿HG DIWHU IHHGEDFN DQG LQcorporated into all Catholic preschool timetables for 2012.

Presently, there are a total of 17 Catholic kindergartens and three childcare centres in the archdiocese.

Sunday June 19, 2011 CatholicNews

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Sunday June 19, 2011 CatholicNews

Primary Six student Weers Natasha Audrey introducing the Heritage Gallery to IJ Sr Julia Ong.

CHIJ Katong sets up Heritage Gallery

By Sheila Anne Rabot CHIJ (Katong) Primary launched its Heritage Gallery recently to help pupils, parents and visitors understand the school’s beginnings and how it has evolved over the years.

Some of the 12 information panels explain how the school was established 81 years ago through the hard work of the Infant Jesus (IJ) nuns, who worked tirelessly to continue their founder Blessed Nicolas Barre’s mission of love.

Other panels highlight the development of the school over the decades.

The gallery was launched on May 27 during the school’s Founder’s Day celebration, which began with a Mass celebrated by Msgr Eugene Vaz, Fr Christopher Lee and Fr Ignatius Yeo. During the launching ceremony, IJ Provincial Sr Maria Lau said

The gallery, set up in the school’s garden area.

it was important to pass on the legacy of the IJ Sisters as well as the school’s traditions and values.

The celebration also saw three Primary Six pupils, Jacqueline Kwa, Chloe Choo and Natasha Sophia Sturgess sharing their UHÀHFWLRQV RQ ZKDW WKH VFKRRO means to them.

Mrs Pauline Tan, a member of the staff, also shared her thoughts on how a convent education has greatly shaped her life and values.

Principal Geraldine See, in her speech, said that as Fr Barre’s virtues continue to be cherished in the school, it is hoped that all students would be proud to say, “I am an IJ girl!”

She also thanked the school for raising $22,600 for the building of IJ Village of Hope, a project of the IJ Homes and Children’s Centres, which will serve the less fortunate in society.

HOME 7

Sunday June 19, 2011 CatholicNews

Serving leprosy-home residents

By Darren Boon Blessed Sacrament Church hosted 24 residents from the Singapore Leprosy Relief Association (SILRA) Home on May 28.

The residents, comprising both Catholics and non-Catholics, participated in a special Mass during which parish priest Fr Anthony Hutjes prayed over them. They were later treated to lunch and entertainment by Faith Music Centre and parishioners.

Father Damien Society, the parish’s social outreach arm, together with the music centre, a Catholic-run school which teaches Christian music, organised the activities. They have been doing outreach to the home since 2009.

Mr Alvin Yeo, deputy chief H[HFXWLYH RI¿FHU RI WKH PXVLF centre, who is overseeing the outreach to SILRA Home said although the Catholic residents have Holy Communion brought to them regularly, some of them have not attended Mass in a church for a few years.

Mr Yeo, who is also a committee member of the Father Damien Society, said the organisers want to help these Catholic residents

Blessed Sacrament Church parish priest Fr Anthony Hutjes praying over a resident of the Singapore Leprosy Relief Association Home during Mass.

Uncle Lim, a resident of the home, performing on the harmonica. He is accompanied by Cactus Rose, a Faith Music Centre band.

“share in the joy of attending a Mass” just like any other practising Catholic.

The society also hopes to help the residents attend Mass in church more regularly.

Residents said they are grateful and moved by the volunteers’ efforts.

Speaking to CatholicNews

Centre, who performed for the residents, said the celebration was an inspiring one for them as well. One of the groups, Black Fire, comprising teenagers around 16 years old, said they found it meaningful “to bring entertainment to others”.

Also performing that afternoon was one of the home’s residents, known as Uncle Lim, who

Blessed Sacrament Church’s Father Damien Society and Faith Music Centre have been doing outreach to SILRA Home since 2009.

in Mandarin, Mr Tan Ah Yong, 63, a Catholic, said, “I’m happy.

There’s food and drink … this is enough [for me].”

Another resident, Mr Lim Ah Lee, 76, said it has been “quite some time” since he has been to a church. He added that he was happy with the special Mass and that it lifted his spirits.

Students from Faith Music

played the harmonica, accompanied by one of Faith Music Centre’s bands, Cactus Rose.

Meanwhile, the centre is planning performances for SILRA Home’s residents throughout the year and invites those interested to contact the school (enquiries@ faithmusic.com.sg). darrenboon@catholic.org.sg

8 HOME

Sunday June 19, 2011 CatholicNews

Calling playwrights, directors, actors for upcoming arts festival

By Darren Boon A Church-based theatre group is holding a festival this September to help Catholics express their faith stories through the performing and visual arts.

The Walk on Water Arts Festival will feature 20 10-minute drama performances as well as dance and art workshops for children, teenagers and adults conducted by professionals in the industry.

Walk on Water Productions is calling for individuals and groups to be part of the inaugural festival as writers, directors and actors, DV ZHOO DV ¿OP PDNHUV DQG SKRtographers. Writers are invited to submit a 10-minute drama script based on 1 Corinthians 13.

The festival builds on the 10:10 Short Play Festival organised by the theatre group in 2010.

The upcoming festival aims to give Catholics in Singapore a chance to share their faith stories through the performing arts as well as produce performances that are uniquely theirs. Both participants

and audiences would be enriched from this spiritual experience, said Ms Geraldine Wee, artistic director of Walk on Water Productions.

“We are sharing the experience of God with the audience so that they would be touched by His hand,” added Ms Wee. An education seminar to explore the use of art in catechesis with youth and children will be conducted by Fr Terence Pereira and Mr Alan Johnson, winner of the Inspiring Teacher of English Award in 2009.

Ms Wee said, “Art is an expression of life’s discovery and beauty.

We acknowledge God, the creator of all things seen and unseen. That’s why a Catholic arts festival.”

The festival will be held from Sep 2-10 at the SJI Performing Arts Centre.

For more information and to register your participation, go to www.walkonwater.com.sg, email admin@walkonwater.com.sg or call Jillian at 9474 3964.

St Joseph Church undergoes major renovations Photo: FR JOACHIM CHANG

Renovation works at St Joseph Church (Bukit Timah) include making it more handicapfriendly and expanding its columbarium.

The facade is expected to be preserved.

darrenboon@catholic.org.sg

By Darren Boon

Actors rehearsing a play for the 2010 Walk on Water Short Play Festival.

Walk on Water Productions will hold an arts festival in September.

Parishioners of St Joseph Church (Bukit Timah) can look forward to better sound quality as well as new air-conditioning and overhead projection systems when renovations are completed in December.

The present church building, constructed in the 1960s, has not had major renovation or refurbishment works since.

Renovation work is being carULHG RXW LQ WKUHH SKDVHV 7KH ¿UVW phase started in mid-May and will see repairs and repainting work done to the main church’s interior and facade.

The tabernacle will move to the centre and will be designed in Roman style. The sanctuary will also be extended and the altar brought forward to allow parishioners seated on the two wings to have a

clearer view of Mass proceedings.

The church will adopt a woodEDVHG ¿QLVK WR FRPPHPRUDWH 6W -RVHSK WKH FDUSHQWHU 5RR¿QJ works will also be carried out.

The new church will also be handicap-friendly. Its washroom facilities will allow handicap access.

The second and third renovation phases will involve the expansion of The Chapel of the Resurrection columbarium to allow space for more niches.

There are also plans for more classrooms and a general purpose hall for religious education, which would come with a rooftop Rosary Garden for meditation.

Presently, weekday Masses are held in a special room on the church premises while weekend Masses are held in the parish community hall.

Mass timings remain unchanged.

However, catechism classes ZLWK WKH H[FHSWLRQ RI WKH &RQ¿Umation class and Primary levels have moved to Assumption English School.

Parish priest Fr Edmund Chong told CatholicNews that plans for the renovations were already being discussed before he took over as parish priest in 2007.

A survey was later conducted to gauge parishioners’ sentiments, which showed that many wanted the church facade to be preserved as well as for the church and canteen to be air-conditioned.

Fr Chong said the renovations would better serve the growing number of faithful in the parish.

The parish is also planning to strengthen its Neighbourhood Christian Communities (NCCs) and introduce the CaFE programme, which aims to re-evangelise Catholics.

The renovation cost is estimated at $7 million. darrenboon@catholic.org.sg

ASIA 9

Sunday June 19, 2011 CatholicNews

Senator challenges anti-abortion bills MANILA – $ 3KLOLSSLQH OHJLVODWRU

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Chinese youths hold rock concerts to evangelise NANNING, CHINA – 2QH &KLQHVH

URFN EDQG GRHV PRUH WKDQ MXVW SOD\ PXVLF WR HQWHUWDLQ 0HPEHUV use their talents to bring Catholics closer to God and tell others about their faith.

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10 ASIA

Sunday June 19, 2011 CatholicNews

Crowds visit shrine to mark prayer day for China Church

The procession at the Sheshan Marian Shrine near Shanghai on May 24. UCANEWS.COM photo

SHANGHAI, CHINA – There was a greater atmosphere of festivity at the Sheshan Marian shrine near Shanghai this year as crowds thronged the pilgrimage site to celebrate its feast day.

Though May 24 was a weekday, more than 10,000 people gathered at Our Lady, Help of Christians Church in Seshan to observe the annual Day of Prayer for the Catholic Church in China, established by the pope in 2007.

In the early morning, the square outside the church, set on a hillside, was packed by pilgrims who knelt to pray in front of the statues of the Blessed Mother, St Joseph and Jesus.

At 8.45 am, they followed the statue of Our Lady of Sheshan in a procession up the hill to the Minor Basilica of St Mary, reciting the rosary as they walked.

Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Xing Wenzhi of Shanghai and 37 priests celebrated a Mass at the basilica.

Hundreds of people could not get in because it was too crowded.

It was probably the largest number of pilgrims seen since the local government tightened security around the hill in 2008 when WKH ¿UVW VXFK FHOHEUDWLRQ ZDV KHOG Bishop Xing reminded local Catholics to thank the universal Church, as “friends from around the world are praying for our China Church on the same day”.

The 48-year-old prelate also encouraged them to learn from the Blessed Mother, have faith in Christ and hope for unity and communion in the Church. At the end of the Mass, he led the congregation to recite aloud Pope Benedict XVI’s Prayer to Our Lady of Sheshan in front of the Marian statue.

The diocese’s “underground” Church community had been ZDUQHG E\ JRYHUQPHQW RI¿FLDOV

not to go to Sheshan in May. A local source said the priests celebrated Masses at Catholics’ homes on May 24 and the number of attendees was double that of other weekday Masses.

“We recited the pope’s prayer and other prayers to Our Lady, Help of Christians,” the source continued. He said the prayers of Catholics around the world “enaEOHG XV WR FHOHEUDWH WKLV VLJQL¿cant feast peacefully”.

The number of pilgrims was probably the largest since the local government tightened security DW WKH ¿UVW VXFK celebration in 2008.

There were rumours that Sheshan would be under tight police security after the pope referred to Sheshan in a May 18 message, asking for prayers for China. However, most pilgrims said they did not feel any tension at the site.

A priest, who led nearly 100 Catholics to Sheshan, said there were more devotees than in previous years and they were not subject to security checks.

Meanwhile, some young Shanghai Catholics launched a 24-hour prayer session from 6 pm on May 23. They took turns to recite the rosary and Prayer to Our Lady of Sheshan every 20 minutes. Priests and nuns also joined in after they heard of the youths’ initiative. UCANEWS.COM

ASIA 11

Sunday June 19, 2011 CatholicNews

Vietnamese priests urge Catholics to preserve environment A Redemptorist priest, together with lay Catholics, sing and pray during the Save Mother Earth forum.

HO CHI MINH CITY – Redemptor-

World Environment Day, June 5.

Fr Thanh said the destruction of forests, dust and water from factories, industrial waste and mineral exploitation cause damage to the environment and badly affect people’s lives. The country’s 600 hydroelectric plants damage the ecology, he said.

The priest also urged local Catholics to raise awareness of environmental protection among people by giving up smoking, refusing to burn fake paper money at funerals, to use plastic bags, collect and classify garbage into categories and save power and water.

They should plant trees, grow

Archbishop defends divorce ban

Korean Christians demand toxic chemical probe

ists in Vietnam have asked local Catholics not to cut down trees, use plastic bags and to save energy in a bid to protect the environment.

“Environment pollution is causing a growing sense of alarm.

We should do something useful to save Mother Earth,” Redemptorist Fr Vincent Pham Trung Thanh, the provincial superior, told 50 people who attended a discussion on May 28.

The discussion, with the theme Save Mother Earth, was held by the Committee for the Family of Ho Chi Minh City archdiocese at the Pastoral Centre ahead of

MANILA – It is OK for the Philip-

pines to have no law allowing divorce, a retired archbishop says.

Archbishop Oscar Cruz, head of the Philippine bishops’ conference’s national apellate marriage tribunal, said it wouldn’t worry him if the country was the only one in the world to ban divorce.

He was speaking on May 30 after Malta voted in favour of allowing divorce in a non-binding referendum.

The 306,000 mainly Catholic voters were asked whether the Maltese government should introduce divorce to couples who have been separated for four years.

“The anti-divorce stance in WKH 3KLOLSSLQHV RQO\ FRQ¿UPV WKDW Filipinos know what’s right and wrong,” Archbishop Cruz said.

He downplayed the result in Malta, saying “the numbers do not necessarily denote what is right”.

“Not all that the majority says is right,” he added.

If the Maltese parliament approves a divorce law, the Philippines will become the only country, aside from the Vatican, where marriage dissolution is illegal. UCANEWS.COM

SEOUL – Christian environmen-

YHJHWDEOHV DQG ÀRZHUV RQ WKHLU roof terrace and store up rain water for their daily use, said.

Fr Thanh also said local parishes should build toilets in the compound of churches for Massgoers, as many of them urinate on trees or walls.

Ms Maria Le Ngoc Nga, a participant, said she supports Fr Thanh’s solutions. “We will store away rainwater for our use,” she said.

At the end of the discussion, two Redemptorists and participants with candles in hand prayed for environmental problems in the country. UCANEWS.COM

Orange could cause long-term entalists are urging a thorough in- vironmental damage. vestigation following a US TV Fr Stephen Yang Ki-suk, secreport which alleged American retary of the Korean Bishops’ forces dumped Vietnam-war era Committee for Environment, said Agent Orange on Korean territory. the dumping of the toxic chemiIn a May 13 report, KPHO, a cal, if true, is “a great wrong”. television station based in PhoeA thorough investigation into nix, Arizona, said US forces in the claim is essential, he said, urgKorea buried ing the US govaround 250 ernment to take A thorough drums each action to prevent containing a recurrence investigation about 208 litres of the incident of the defoliant and a cleaning into the alleged at Camp Carup of the site if dumping of Agent roll army base the investigain 1978. unearths the Orange necessary, tion The report chemical. cited three US South Korea says a priest. veterans who and the US govclaimed they ernments have buried the toxic chemical at the agreed to launch a joint investigacamp, some 225 kilometres south- tion, amid increasing public anger. east of Seoul.

Rev Yang Jae-sung, secretary One of the veterans, Mr Steve general of the Korea Christian House, 54, claimed precautions Environmental Movement Solito protect the environment were darity, however, said a joint probe never taken. should include non-governmental The revelation has raised con- experts to ensure transparency. cerns about potential environmenHe called on the US governtal damage in the area and possi- PHQW WR PDNH DQ RI¿FLDO DSRORJ\ ble health risks to the public. if the probe proves the dumping Experts say the buried Agent did take place. UCANEWS.COM

12 ASIA

Sunday June 19, 2011 „ CatholicNews

Vietnam Catholics pray for maritime peace with China HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM – Thousands of Catholics from

Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City gathered at Redemptorist-run churches on June 5 to pray for the country to avoid sea disputes with neighbouring China.

Some 10 days ago, a Chinese patrol boat allegedly destroyed the cable on a state-owned PetroVietnam ship conducting seismic research off Vietnam’s central coast, according to state-run media.

State-run media said the incident was an attack against Vietnam’s sovereignty, accusing China of increasing regional tensions.

In spite of heavy rain, thousands of local Catholics attended a special Mass concelebrated by four Redemptorists at the Redemptorist-run Thai Ha church in Ha Noi. “We should express our strong patriotism by praying for our country to avoid the threat of Chinese invasion� in the East Sea, parish priest Fr Matthew Vu Khoi Phung said in his homily. The South China Sea is called “East Sea� in Vietnam.

At the end of the Mass, people holding candles gathered in front

of the Marian statue in the church compound. They prayed for peace in the country and for government leaders to serve people well.

Some said the ceremony was an opportunity to show their love for their country.

Earlier that day, hundreds staged a rare protest in front of the Chinese Embassy, many carrying banners protesting alleged Chinese maritime ambitions and wearing T-shirts displaying the 9LHWQDPHVH ÀDJ 7KH\ DOVR VKRXWed anti-Chinese messages.

Another 2,000 demonstrators gathered in front of the Chinese Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City, demanding compensation from China for damage done to the Vietnamese ship.

Security forces erected iron bars on streets leading to the consulate and tried to prevent demonstrators from approaching the building.

On June 4, thousands of Catholics also attended a special Mass concelebrated by Fr Vincent Pham Trung Thanh, Redemptorist Superior and other Redemptorists at Our Lady of Perpetual Help church in the city. They prayed for peace in the country. „ UCANEWS.COM

Chinese authorities postpone illicit bishop ordination UCANEWS.COM photo

HONG KONG – An illicit ordina-

tion of a bishop in China has been postponed apparently.

The ordination for the bishop in Wuhan (Hankou) diocese, which does not have papal approval, was originally scheduled for June 9.

Fr Joseph Shen Guo’an, the episcopal candidate, said on June 7 that he “was informed� about the postponement but did not know the reason for it.

He said he did not know when it would be rescheduled either.

The news of the postponement started spreading on June 3. Bishops in the neighbouring provinces FRQÂżUPHG WKDW JRYHUQPHQW RIÂżcials informed them that afternoon but did not specify the reason.

Despite the postponement, a China Church observer pointed out that this does not imply that “self-ordination� practice of the government-sanctioned Church community has come to an end.

Another observer, however, sees the postponement as a positive sign for both China and the Vatican.

is a good thing ‘toIthandle this case in a prudent manner to avoid violating Church rules.

’

Fr Joseph Shen Guo’an of Wuhan was originally scheduled to be ordained a bishop on June 9.

“It is a good thing to handle this case in a prudent manner to avoid violating Church rules,� said Mr Anthony Lam Sui-ki, senior researcher at Hong Kong diocese’s Holy Spirit Study Centre.

The China Church should wait FRQVXOW WKH +RO\ 6HH WR ÂżQG D VXLWable candidate, he said.

Commenting on the talk that some mainland priests are eager

– Mr Anthony Lam Sui-ki, senior researcher at Hong Kong diocese’s Holy Spirit Study Centre

to become bishops, Mr Lam said, “We will trust the conventional wisdom of the Church that these priests are unsuitable to become bishops. “The Holy See will choose priests who are humble and tolerant because these virtues mean they are willing to be committed to the Church, not to their personal interests,� he said. „ UCANEWS.COM

Philippine bishops weigh in on smoking ban MANILA – Two bishops have given

Demonstrators marching to the Chinese Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City on June 5.

Priest cooks super dumpling to attract Catholics to church TAIPEI – A Vietnamese priest

serving in eastern Taiwan has produced a 700 kg super dumpling ahead of the Dragon Boat festival, naming it “Joseph’s Dumpling�.

Fr Pierre-Marie Minh Son Pham, 46, shared the U-shaped rice dumpling that is more than 9 m long with indigenous Atayal Catholics, hoping it would attract them back to St Joseph’s Church in Nan’ao, Ilan County.

The parish priest arrived in Nan’ao three years ago, when there were few Catholics attending church services.

He decided to make the dumpling, Vietnamese style, and share it at a prayer gathering two days before the June 6 Chinese festival.

The prayer gathering on Sat-

urday began with an hour-long procession of more than 100 laypeople led by Fr Paulus Sun, vicar general of Taipei archdiocese.

Later, Fr Pham and two dozen volunteers took the dumpling to the parish activity centre.

After Auxiliary Bishop John Baptist Tseng King-zi of Hualien blessed the dumpling, he told the congregation that Fr Pham is trying to turn the parish into a pilgrimage centre and link it with the Wu Fung Chi Marian shrine as well as other pilgrimage sites in Hualien County.

Fr Pham also revealed that local authorities had agreed to let the archdiocese build a Marian statue outside a well known shrine. „ UCANEWS.COM

their support to the anti-tobacco campaign in the Philippine capital.

In separate interviews on Church-run Radio Veritas, Bishop Jose Oliveros of Malolos, chairman RI WKH 3KLOLSSLQH ELVKRSVÂś 2IÂżFH RQ Bio-Ethics, and Bishop Honesto Ongtioco of Cubao said smoking is harmful to smokers and nonsmokers alike, reported the Asian Church news service UCA News.

The Metro Manila Development Authority started a drive on May 30 to enforce a smoking ban in public places. People caught smoking in public areas initially were only given warnings. “This is just the information campaign period. Next month, we will start imposing penalties,� said Mr Francis Tolentino, development authority chairman.

The ban, however, can be enforced only in areas where local councils have ordinances that penalise smoking in public places.

Sixteen of the 17 local councils in metropolitan Manila have such ordinances.

Public places where smoking is banned include government buildings, churches, schools, hospitals, public utility vehicles, terminals, bars and restaurants.

A poster prohibiting smoking is displayed near Manila’s city hall. CNS photo

“I am in favour of the smoking ban because we have to protect the health of the public,� said Bishop Oliveros in his interview.

In a separate interview, Bishop Ongtioco said he was concerned about secondhand smoke and its effect on children. “It is not healthy,� he said. “People get cancer even if they are not smokers because they get it from the environment.�

The two bishops also suggested additional taxes on “sin products� such as cigarettes and alcoholic beverages as a way to

discourage consumption. “That way, the government will also earn more revenues. We help the individual, and the govHUQPHQW DOVR EHQHÂżWV ´ %LVKRS Oliveros said. “I see the wisdom in prohibiting smoking in public places, which we should have done before. Labels such as ‘Smoking is dangerous to your health’ help. In Malaysia, the warning label on the cigarette packet is very graphic and scary. This is required by the law of Malaysia. If Malaysia can do that, why can’t we do that here?â€? he asked. „ CNS

WORLD 13

Sunday June 19, 2011 „ CatholicNews

Episcopal community in United States to join Catholic Church CNS photo

BLADENSBURG, MARYLAND, USA – An Anglican community in

the US has announced that it would seek entry into the Catholic Church.

The St Luke Episcopal Parish in Bladensburg, Maryland, made the announcement on June 6. “I’m thrilled and tremendously humbled to take this journey with my people at St Luke, and humbled that I could become a priest of the Roman Catholic Church,� said the rector, Rev Mark Lewis, in an interview with the Catholic Standard, newspaper of the Washington archdiocese.

He was ordained an Episcopal priest in 2001 and has been rector of St Luke since 2006. The community will begin formal preparation to be received into the Catholic Church, likely later this year.

Prayer and study, not any controversies, led the congregation towards unity with the Catholic Church, Rev Lewis said, when asked whether Episcopal doctrine on the priesthood or sexual issues had precipitated the move.

Over the past several years, the Episcopal Church, the US member of the Anglican Communion, has approved ordaining women priests and bishops, ordaining homosexual people and blessing same-sex unions.

Rev Mark Lewis stands outside St Luke Church. His community is preparing to enter the Catholic Church.

“Those issues on the priesthood and sexuality have been around.

The real issue that drove us was our study of the Catholic faith,� he said. “The more we looked at it and compared it to Anglicanism, we were drawn to the Church of Rome. It was a natural progression,� said Rev Lewis, who is married. He and his wife, Vickey, have two grown children.

In recent months, members of the congregation have been us-

ing the Catechism of the Catholic Church in their Bible study, and their upcoming formation also will draw upon the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults.

During the discernment process, the community received support from both Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl of Washington and Episcopal Bishop John Bryson Chane of Washington.

Rev Lewis said that when they approached Bishop Chane about their desire for unity with the Catholic Church, “he was fully supportive, he believed it was a continuation of our journey, a fulÂżOPHQW RI RXU IDLWK´ In the June 6 statement, Cardinal Wuerl said, “We welcome the St Luke community warmly into our family of faith.â€?

In May, following months of discernment at St Luke, the vestry there took a formal vote to enter the Catholic Church, and at the two services he celebrated on June 5, Rev Lewis announced that the parish is formally requesting to join the Catholic Church.

Two members of the vestry who were lifelong Anglicans also spoke in favour of the move, offering “powerful witness, not just to Christ, but to unity in the Catholic Church�, said Rev Lewis. „ CNS

Bishop asks parishes for help after tornado devastation SPRINGFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS, USA – A US bishop has

asked for humanitarian aid in the wake of a powerful tornado that ripped through cities and towns in western Massachusetts.

Church agency Catholic Charities is in “immediate and ongoing need of household items, toiletries, clothing, baby needs, and non-perishable food supplies for the torQDGRÂśV YLFWLPV´ VDLG 6SULQJÂżHOG Bishop Timothy A. McDonnell in a letter to all in the diocese.

He asked parishes to publicise the needs and to accept monetary donations to help alleviate the effects of the tornadoes. He said the funds collected would be used to meet the needs of the 19 communities in the diocese who were hit by the June 1 tornado.

The bishop said the devastation to the diocesan buildings was “especially heartbreaking to the diocese�.

Diocesan ministries were especially hard-hit in one section of 6SULQJ¿HOG &DWKHGUDO +LJK 6FKRRO St Michael’s Academy pre-school and middle school campuses and

A homeowner is comforted by a neighbour after the tornado destroyed his house in Massachusetts, USA. CNS photo

St Michael’s Residence for retired SULHVWV VXIIHUHG VLJQL¿FDQW GDPDJH The tornado ripped apart homes, businesses, wooded areas and many lives. The chapel at St Michael’s Residence is now a pile of rubble. Windows were blown out of the residence and Cathedral High School’s science wing. A large portion of the back wall of Cathedral’s gymnasium collapsed and a portion of the roof of the school was torn off. A wall also was blown away at the rear of the pre-school.

Diocesan spokesperson Mark Dupont said, “These facilities

were hit very hard, nonetheless we are grateful that the injuries were minimal.�

On the day of the violent storm, some students and personnel of Catholic schools were still in the buildings as the twister touched down, but none were hurt.

One priest from St Michael’s Residence suffered a dislocated shoulder and broken leg and had surgery. He will be spending time in a rehabilitation facility.

The other seven retired diocesan priests at the residence have been moved to other locations. „ CNS

Couples for Christ growing fast in Nepal KATHMANDU, NEPAL – Enthusiasm among members of Couples for Christ (CFC), whose aim is to strengthen Christian values and family life, is helping the lay movement grow in Nepal.

Over a dozen people, all parishioners of Assumption Church in Kathmandu, gave talks and led prayer and discussion sessions to complete Nepal’s ninth Christian Life Programme – a requirement for membership of the group. The HYHQW ZDV KHOG GXULQJ WKH ¿UVW June weekend at the church hall.

One young couple, Ashish and Anuradha Pradhan, took on the role as leaders of the three-day programme. “We thought it was important to say ‘yes’ and we managed to lead it with the help of others

for all three days,� said Anuradha Pradhan, a school teacher.

CFC began in Manila in 1981 and was introduced to Nepal in 2003 by visiting lay Indian and Filipino migrant workers in Bahrain.

7KH ÂżUVW IHZ &KULVWLDQ /LIH Programme were organised under the leadership of visiting CFC members, but now local parishioners are doing it themselves and have seen membership spread to four parishes.

Fr Jomon James, the new priest at St Ignatius Church in Kathmandu’s Baniyatar parish, said: “I am eagerly waiting for CFC to come here as we need to strengthen faith formation among a growing number of Tamang tribal couples and families.� „ UCANEWS.COM

Diocese to end state-funded adoption when new law begins ROCKFORD, ILLINOIS, USA – The US Diocese of Rockford has announced that its Catholic ChariWLHV RI¿FHV ZLOO QR ORQJHU RIIHU state-funded adoptions and fostercare services when the new Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Unions Act takes effect on June 1.

Because the law did not include an exemption allowing religious organisations to refer adoptions or foster-care arrangements involving same-sex or unmarried cohabitating couples to other agencies, “the Diocese of Rockford is forced to permanently discontinue all state-funded adoption and foster-care operations as of June 1�, said Ms Penny Wiegert, diocesan director of communications, at a May 26 news conference.

In Rockford, the shutdown will involve job loss for 58 Catholic Charities workers. Catholic Charities in Rockford diocese had been handling approximately 350 foster family and adoption cases in northern Illinois with a state budget of US$7.5 million.

Catholic Charities activities

not funded by the state – including private adoptions, school counselling, private family and marriage counseling, outreach and emergency services, immigration and refugee services and crisis pregnancy counseling – will not be affected. “Our caseworkers do this work not just because it’s their job but because it is their calling,� said Frank Vonch, director of Catholic Charities administration in the diocese, at the news conference. “The families they serve are just an extension of their commitment to serve humanity, so it is a very grave loss for them as well as for everyone involved with charities.�

Wiegert noted that the Catholic Church “does not condone same-sex unions or unmarried cohabitation between individuals of the opposite sex�.

Meanwhile, the state’s six Catholic dioceses were working together to create a joint response to the law, said Mr Bob Gilligan, executive director of the Catholic Conference of Illinois. „ CNS

14 WORLD

Sunday June 19, 2011 „ CatholicNews

Sudanese Catholic, Anglican leaders urge end to violence JUBA,

SOUTHERN

SUDAN

–

Catholic and Anglican Church leaders in Sudan have urged the government to end the deadlock over the disputed area around Abyei and allow resettlement for the tens of thousands displaced by recent violence. “We demand that our governments make an immediate concertHG HIIRUW WR DJUHH XSRQ D FHDVH ÂżUH and withdrawal of northern troops from Abyei to allow deployment of a neutral security force, safe passage and speedy resettlement for all the displaced and to work toward a genuine and lasting peace agreement,â€? said the statement sent to Catholic News Service on June 1.

It was signed by Archbishop Paulino Lukudu Loro of Juba and Episcopal Archbishop Daniel Deng Bul, primate of the Episcopal Church in Sudan.

Sudan seized Abyei on May 21 after accusing troops from the South of attacking one of its conYR\V 81 RIÂżFLDOV VDLG DW OHDVW 60,000 people have been displaced by the ensuing violence, in which northern troops burned houses and attacked civilians.

7KH ÂżJKWLQJ FDPH MXVW ZHHNV EHIRUH 6RXWKHUQ 6XGDQÂśV RIÂżFLDO independence date of July 9, after

residents voted in January to secede from Sudan.

Abyei is near what would be the border of the two countries.

A referendum on Abyei’s political future also was scheduled for January but never took place because of disagreements over who was eligible to vote.

The Sudanese government insisted that the nomadic Misseriya, a northern-aligned tribe that takes its cattle to Abyei during the dry season, be allowed to participate, but that was rejected by the permanent residents of Abyei, mostly members of the Dinka Ngok tribe who support the Southern Sudan government. “It is well known that there KDYH EHHQ GLIÂżFXOWLHV UHVROYLQJ the status of Abyei politically, but there is no excuse whatsoever for war to break out at the centre of a civil population, no excuse for endangering the lives of innocent people, no excuse for mindless destruction of homes and livelihoods,â€? the Church leaders said in their statement.

7KH\ VDLG WKH ¿JKWLQJ LQGLFDWed that the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement that ended decades of civil war in Sudan was not being taken seriously. „ CNS

A soldier from Zambia, serving with the international peacekeeping operation, patrols Abyei, central Sudan.

CNS PHOTO/ STUART PRICE, UN VIA REUTERS

Pope receives papers for Archbishop Fulton Sheen’s sainthood cause VATICAN CITY – When US Bishop Daniel R. Jenky presented Pope Benedict XVI with two thick volumes about the life of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, the pope surprised him by saying he had worked with the late archbishop.

Pope Benedict “told me something I hadn’t known: he worked on the commission for mission at the Second Vatican Council with Fulton Sheen�, Bishop Jenky of Peoria, Illinois, told Catholic News Service. The pope served as a theological expert at the council in the 1960s.

At the end of the pope’s weekly general audience May 25, Bishop Jenky presented the pope with two leather-bound volumes – the RI¿FLDO SRVLWLRQ SDSHU RXWOLQLQJ why the Church should recognise Archbishop Sheen as a saint.

Archbishop Sheen, who was born in Illinois in 1895 and died in New York in 1979, was an Emmy-winning televangelist. His programme, Life is Worth Living, aired in the US from 1951 to 1957.

The late archbishop was also national director of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith in 1950-66 and attended every session of Vatican II. For Bishop Jenky, the most impressive thing about Archbishop Sheen was his untiring evangelising effort, which was addressed not just to radio or television audiences, but to taxi drivers and anyone else he happened to meet. “I don’t know how many people he brought to the faith; it must be thousands and thousands,� the bishop said. “He never passed by an opportunity to bring someone to the faith. He was a hands-on evangeliser.�

Msgr Stanley Deptula, executive director of the Peoria-based

Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen is seen preaching in this undated photo. The late US Church leader evangelised through the media. &16 ÂżOH SKRWR

Archbishop Fulton Sheen Foundation, joined Bishop Jenky for the trip to the Vatican.

They also gave the pope an album with more than 100 letters from cardinals and bishops in North America, Australia and Africa supporting Archbishop Sheen’s cause.

Msgr Deptula told CNS that Archbishop Sheen should be beDWL¿HG DQG FDQRQLVHG EHFDXVH ³KH was a dynamic missionary, he used all the modern means available to spread the Gospel throughout the world�.

In fact, the archbishop was host of The Catholic Hour radio programme for 22 years before beginning his TV career.

He wrote several popular books and travelled the world speaking and preaching once his TV programme went off the air.

The diocesan phase of the

sainthood cause concluded in 2008 and the postulator, or promoter, of the cause took the eight boxes of eyewitness testimony and “every book Sheen ever wrote� and summarised the material, the monsignor said.

The Congregation for Saints’ Causes will study this and if congregation members agree, they will recommend that the pope ofÂżFLDOO\ GHFODUH WKDW WKH DUFKELVKRS lived the Christian virtues in a heroic way. “We actually have two fullydocumented alleged miracles of cures that seem to have been effected by God through the intercession of Archbishop Sheen,â€?

Msgr Deptula said. “Actually, we also have a couple more that have FRPH LQWR RXU RIÂżFH 5HDOO\ HYHU\ day I hear stories about little miracles, ways that Fulton Sheen continues to change lives today.â€?„ CNS

6LQFH $5&,& ,, ÂżQLVKHG LWV work in 2005, the Anglican Communion has been experiencing strong internal tensions over the ordination of women as priests and bishops, the blessing of gay unions and the ordination of openly gay clergy.

Differing positions on those issues also has created a sense that Anglicans and Roman Catholics are growing further apart, rather than approaching unity.

A statement issued at the end of the meeting said the commission hopes to use the “receptive ecumenism� approach in its discussions, an approach “which seeks to make ecumenical progress by learning from our partner, rather than simply asking our

partner to learn from us. Receptive ecumenism is more about self-examination and inner conversion that convincing the other�, the statement said.

The commission is expected to work for several years before issuing a document on the themes.

The commission, the statement said, “will analyse particular [ethical] questions to elucidate how our two communions approach moral decision making, and how areas of tension for Anglicans and Roman Catholics might be resolved by learning from the other�.

The statement did not say whether commission members had LGHQWL¿HG WKH VSHFL¿F HWKLFDO TXHVtions they would explore. „ CNS

Registration opens for 2012 Eucharistic Congress New phase in Anglican-Catholic dialogue DUBLIN – 5HJLVWUDWLRQ KDV RI¿cially opened for the 50th International Eucharistic Congress in Dublin, Ireland, in 2012.

Delegates from some 70 countries met from June 1-3 to hear plans for the events that Dublin Archbishop Diarmuid Martin also described as a “vital element in the reform agenda of the Irish Church�.

Participants at the upcoming congress, to be held from June 10 QH[W \HDU ZLOO KHDU UHĂ€HFWLRQV and take part in catechesis and workshops from leading Church leaders and theologians.

A day devoted to ecumenism will be led by Anglican Archbishop Michael Jackson of Dublin.

Cardinal Peter Turkson, presiGHQW RI WKH 3RQWLÂżFDO &RXQFLO IRU

Justice and Peace, will preside at a day dedicated to reconciliation.

That session will also be addressed

by Mr Richard Moore, who was blinded by a British army rubber bullet in Northern Ireland in 1972.

He subsequently tracked down the VROGLHU ZKR ÂżUHG WKH URXQG DQG established a friendship with him.

Fr Kevin Doran, secretarygeneral of the 2012 congress, said he expects around 25,000 people to participate in the catechesis and workshops and 80,000 to participate in the concluding Mass.

The theme for the congress is: The Eucharist: Communion With Christ and With One Another.

More information is available on the congress website (www. iec2012.ie). „ CNS

VATICAN CITY – After a six-year KLDWXV WKH RI¿FLDO $QJOLFDQ Roman Catholic dialogue began a new phase in May, looking at Christian unity and the way Christian communities deal with moral questions.

The Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission (ARCIC III) met from May 1727 at an ecumenical monastery in northern Italy for its third phase.

Pope Benedict XVI and Anglican Archbishop Rowan Williams authorised the new phase of the dialogue, which focused on “the Church as communion, local and universal, and how in communion the local and universal Church come to discern right ethical teaching�.

WORLD 15

Sunday June 19, 2011 „ CatholicNews

People cheer as the pope arrives in his popemobile at Ban Jelacic square in Zagreb on June 4. Images of Mary and the Christ Child are seen in the crowd attending an outdoor Mass on June 5.

Pope ‘impressed’ with intensity of prayer „ From page 1

Pope Benedict also urged Church leaders “to strive for reconciliation among separated Christians and between Christians and Muslims� in reference to lingering religious and ethnic tensions between Croats, Serbian Orthodox and Muslims that once plagued the Balkan region.

After vespers, the pope prayed at the tomb of Blessed Cardinal Alojzije Stepinac. Pope Benedict praised the martyr for withstanding the suffering and torment brought about by his opposition to Nazi, then communist, oppression. Blessed Stepinac defended Jews, Orthodox and gypsies who were targeted by the murderous World War II-era Ustase regime, the pope said.

The day before, a torrential downpour and lightning storm lifted right before the pope was due to lead some 50,000 young people in a prayer vigil in the city’s Ban Josip Jelacic Square.

Spirits were not dampened, however, as the crowds sang and chanted the pope’s name.

The pope told them to resist today’s materialism and superÂżFLDOLW\ DQG OHW -HVXV EHFRPH their “friend and companion

along life’s journey�.

Becoming rooted in Christ ZLOO WDNH VDFULÂżFH DQG FRPPLWment, especially in the face of so many temptations, but it is worth the effort, he said, “you will fully become the person you are meant to beâ€?.

The festivities and Liturgy of the Word were followed by a long period of silent adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

Croatian President Ivo Josipovic told the pope in his welcome address that even though he is agnostic, he builds his policies on the Christian values of justice, forgiveness and reconciliation.

Jesuit Fr Federico Lombardi, Vatican spokesman, told journalists the next day that the pope was “very impressed� with the intensity of prayer and veneration at the end of the event.

The priest said that when the

pope drove past the crowds, “he looked in admiration� at all the people still kneeling on the ground and concentrated in prayer.

The pope’s trip also coincided with Croatia’s 20th anniversary of its independence from Yugoslavia and the eve of its full accession into the European Union.

Croatia’s political and social evolution can be seen in the capital’s architecture as modern steel and glass high-rises have sprung up among rundown concrete communist-era apartment blocks; both are juxtaposed against the city centre’s Austro-Hungarian VW\OHV UHÀHFWLQJ WKH LQÀXHQFH WKDW empire had over Croatia for centuries.

Pope Benedict has long supported Croatia’s entry into the economic and political bloc of 27 member states.

In response to questions from journalists aboard the papal plane, he said Croatian cardinals and bishops have always told him that they feel Croatia is not a Balkan nation, but a part of “middle Europe�, he said. Therefore, “it’s logical, right and necessary that it enters into the union�.

Croatian President Ivo Josipovic told the pope in his welcome address that even though he is agnostic, he believes in and builds his policies on the Christian values of justice, forgiveness and reconciliation.

The president said that no matWHU ZKDW RQHÂśV UHOLJLRXV DIÂżOLDWLRQ it is love and reason together that create an ethical and healthy family life, community and nation.

From love and reason spring forgiveness and healing, which “are the groundwork of modern Europe� and an antidote to the narrow-mindedness that fuelled so many wars in Europe, he said.

A torrential downpour and thunderstorm led organisers to cancel the formal farewell ceremony at the airport. Instead the pope, local bishops and governPHQW GLJQLWDULHV PHW EULHÀ\ LQ D large hangar to shake hands and share parting words. „ CNS

Young man shares conversion experience

A priest hearing confession before the pope celebrated an outdoor Mass on June 5.

ZAGREB – Among the young

people attending a prayer vigil with Pope Benedict XVI was a young man whose life experience resembled St Augustine’s.

Daniel, a 25-year-old Croatian, took to the stage and told the pope and some 50,000 people gathered in a post-thunderstorm, puddle-strewn Ban Josip Jelacic Square about his life of rebellion and debauchery.

Daniel, the oldest of four children, was raised in a deeply Catholic home. He was an altar boy and his parents taught him to pray every day, he said. But by the time he reached middle school, he said going to church and sitting through the homilies became intolerably boring.

His parents made him go to Mass, he said, and he wondered “what kind of God is this that I am being forced to love, who I had to love out of obligation� and who forbade him from doing lots of things.

Daniel said he was hungry for love and began to drink, smoke and live it up with his friends. “My spiritual life went down

the tubes,� he said.

After years of this spiritual “wandering�, one day he found himself in a chapel where the Blessed Sacrament was exposed on the altar. He prayed silently and immediately felt the weight of all the sins he had been accumulating for so long. “I cried out: ‘Jesus, you’ve been calling me my whole life and I’ve never answered, yet here I am, I have come.’� All of a sudden he was overcome by a feeling of love and felt as if his soul had been cleansed.

All this time, he said, he thought Jesus was only there to destroy his life. Instead, he said, it was only after he found Christ that “I received love, joy, peace, meaning in life, friends and countless experiences�.

He then shared that after IRXU \HDUV RI UHÀHFWLRQ DQG GLVcernment, he was now on his way to becoming a priest. He went from feeling unworthy and afraid to feeling joy and excitement over his new vocation, he said. „ CNS

16 WORLD

Sunday June 19, 2011 CatholicNews

A family eating a meatless meal during Lent. Bishops of England and Wales have asked Catholics to abstain from meat on Fridays. &16 ¿OH SKRWR

UK bishops call for meatless Fridays LEEDS, UK – The bishops of Eng-

land and Wales are re-establishing the tradition of abstaining from meat on Fridays as “an important act of witness” in the public arena.

Following their recent plenary meeting, the bishops issued a statement in which they expressed their “wish to re-establish the practice of Friday Penance in the lives of the faithful as a clear and distinctive mark of their own Catholic identity”.

“Respectful of this,” the statement continues, “and in accordance with the mind of the whole Church, the bishops’ conference wishes to remind all Catholics in England and Wales of the obligation of Friday Penance.

“The bishops have decided to re-establish the practice that this VKRXOG EH IXO¿OOHG E\ DEVWDLQLQJ from meat. Those who cannot or choose not to eat meat as part of their normal diet should abstain from some other food of which they regularly partake.

“This is to come into effect from Friday, September 16, 2011, when we will mark the anniversary of the visit of Pope Benedict XVI to the United Kingdom.”

Explaining the move, Archbishop of Westminster Vincent Nichols, president of the bishops’ conference, said the bishops had reached the decision having “noted that there was a greater en-

thusiasm among many Catholics to observe the penance of Lent”.

He explained that the aim was to “establish as common ground a shared act by which all Catholics will strengthen each other. Our starting point is that we will refrain from eating meat on a Friday.

“It is there in the universal expectation of the Church. It has never gone but in 1984 we offered a range of alternatives as well.

“Now what we want to do is say ‘those habits that are carried out together are best formed and best learned in that way’.

Asked how he thought Catholics would react to the move, the archbishop said: “I think Catholics will welcome this. It will help within a family to give a single thing that they observe together, or within a school a sense of identity.

“I think it will encourage people to know that this is an expectation right across the Catholic community and it’s good to be part of it.”

He went on to say that many will no doubt wish to do more, whether it be going to Mass on a Friday or giving money to a chosen charity, “but what we’re looking for is that common sense of purpose, a shared effort to support each other in a simple practice which is an act of self-denial and reminds us of our unity with Christ in His death on the cross for our salvation”. THE UNIVERSE

WORLD 17

Sunday June 19, 2011 „ CatholicNews

Pope stresses Vatican’s role in guiding Caritas CNS photo

VATICAN CITY – Because it acts in

the name of the Catholic Church in promoting development and helping the needy, Caritas Internationalis must be guided by bishRSV DQG WKH RIÂżFLDO WHDFKLQJ RI WKH Church, Pope Benedict XVI said.

The Vatican is responsible for following the activities of Caritas and “exercising oversight to ensure that its humanitarian and charitable activity, and the content of its documents, are completely in accord with the Apostolic See and the Church’s magisterium� ,the pope said on May 27 during a meeting with delegates to the Caritas general assembly.

Representatives of the 165 national Catholic charities that make up the Caritas Internationalis confederation met in Rome from May 22-27. The general assembly’s agenda included work on new statutes that would strengthen Vatican oversight of the organisaWLRQœV RSHUDWLRQV UHÀHFWLQJ 3RSH Benedict’s teaching on Christian charity and that in 2004, Caritas Internationalis was given a special juridical status by the Vatican.

Pope Benedict said that with the new juridical status, Caritas “took on a particular role in the heart of the ecclesial community and was called to share, in collaboration with the ecclesiastical hierarchy, in the Church’s mission of making manifest, through practical charity, that love which is God himself�.

Caritas, he said, is called to bring the Church’s message to international political and social discussions. “No one can claim to speak ÂľRIÂżFLDOO\Âś LQ WKH QDPH RI WKH HQtire lay faithful, or of all Catholics, in matters freely open to discussion,â€? Pope Benedict said. “On the other hand, all Catholics, and indeed all men and women, DUH FDOOHG WR DFW ZLWK SXULÂżHG FRQ-

Pope Benedict XVI waves at the end of a meeting with participants of the 19th General Assembly of Caritas Internationalis at the Vatican on May 27.

sciences and generous hearts in resolutely promoting those values which I have often referred to as ‘non-negotiable’,� he said.

The pope has used the term in reference to the obligation to protect human life and to support the traditional family based on marriage between a man and a woman.

Pope Benedict told members that because their confederation is able “in a certain way to speak and act� in the Church’s name, Caritas has “particular responsibilities in terms of the Christian life, both personal and in commu-

Caritas has ‘particular responsibilities in terms of the Christian life, both personal and in community’. – Pope Benedict XVI

nity. Only on the basis of a daily commitment to accept and to live fully the love of God can one promote the dignity of each and every human being�.

Controversy had erupted before this meeting when Vatican RIÂżFLDOV LQ -DQXDU\ GLVDSSURYHG of Ms Lesley-Anne Knight, a British citizen born in Zimbabwe, seeking a second four-year term as Caritas secretary-general.

The Tablet, a Catholic magazine based in London, reported on )HE WKDW DQ XQLGHQWLÂżHG RIÂżFLDO with a Caritas member agency suggested Ms Knight may have been rejected because she had made comments that were “critical of the Vatican machine, has made no secret of it and has failed to be discreetâ€?.

The magazine quoted a secRQG XQLGHQWL¿HG &DULWDV VRXUFH DV VD\LQJ WKDW 9DWLFDQ RI¿FLDOV ZHUH concerned that Ms Knight had not done enough to instil a Catholic identity or to develop a sense of evangelisation within Caritas programmes. „ CNS

18 LETTERS/OPINION

Sunday June 19, 2011 „ CatholicNews

About God and violence

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: johfern@catholic.org.sg

IN MEMORIAM: Susan Lim: memoriam@catholic.org.sg

ASSISTANT EDITOR: Christopher Khoo: chriskhoo@catholic.org.sg

SUBSCRIPTIONS: Richard Paul: subscriptions@catholic.org.sg

STAFF CORRESPONDENT: Darren Boon: darrenboon@catholic.org.sg

ADVERTISEMENTS: Elaine Ong: advertisements@catholic.org.sg WEBMASTER: Medona Walter: medona@catholic.org.sg

EDITORIAL MATTERS: cnedit@catholic.org.sg

Please include your full name, address and phone no. for all articles and letters. Published submissions will be edited.

DESIGN / LAYOUT: Christopher Wong: design@catholic.org.sg Elaine Ong: elong@catholic.org.sg

On prenatal Down Syndrome screening I refer to Dr Colin Ong’s article, Prenatal Testing and What It &RXOG 0HDQ IRU &DWKROLFV &1 0D\ , WKDQN KLP IRU WKH HUXdite and timely discussion on a topic which many married couples face today.

Down Syndrome is one of the commonest chromosomal disorders in newborn babies, affecting 1:800 live births.

Locally, prenatal screening for Down Syndrome is almost universal and designed primarily to reduce the live-birth rate for Down Syndrome through abortion.

The most common screening tests include ultrasound for fetal neck skin thickness (Nuchal Translucency or NT scan) separately or in combination with a blood test for maternal biochemical markers (the OSCAR test). These are done at 11-14 weeks of gestation.

A woman whose test result shows a > 1:250 chance of Downs will be told that she is screen positive (higher risk of Down Syndrome). She is then offered a conÂżUPDWRU\ WHVW GRQH DV HDUO\ DV weeks gestation. Such early diagnosis facilitates earlier abortion.

As Dr Ong rightfully points out, the intention and practice of such screening is morally unacceptable.

For Catholics, the keyword seems to be “intention�. If Catholic parents undergo testing with the intention of seeking abortion should the baby be found to have Down Syndrome, they do so for morally illicit reasons.

Nonetheless we should not throw the baby out with the bathwater. The vast majority of women who undergo testing will screen negative for Down Syndrome.

To these mothers, the assurance of normality is an overwhelming relief. For parents, this is a desired outcome and a very human need.

In such cases and where they had entered into testing for morally licit reasons, prenatal testing certainly has legitimate uses.

0DQ\ SDUHQWV DOVR VFUHHQ EHcause of the reasonable argument that they wish to have adequate time to prepare for the arrival of a child with special needs. Instead

CN, May 22

RI ÂżUH ÂżJKWLQJ RQ WKH GD\ RI GHlivery, parents can prepare themselves emotionally and spiritually.

It would be prudent to have researched their child’s condition, enlisted help from the Down Syndrome Association and built up support from in-laws and friends prior to delivery.

If for whatever grounds, a mother has undergone testing and screened positive, what is her next option? She may certainly opt not to SURFHHG ZLWK WKH FRQÂżUPDWLRQ WHVW Very often the screen positive result will be couched in a ratio which can appear very alarming, eg. 1:20. However, rephrasing this result in a different manner means that she has a 5 percent chance of the baby being Downs.

Conversely, there is a 95 percent chance that her child is NOT Downs. She could simply wait for the birth of the baby knowing with 95 percent certainty that her baby is normal.

Catholic couples should question the need for prenatal Down Syndrome screening based on their unique circumstances. Remember: Â&#x2021; 6FUHHQLQJ VKRXOG EH SHUformed with honest intentions. Â&#x2021; 6FUHHQLQJ LV QRW FRPSXOVRU\ â&#x20AC;&#x201C; it is a personal choice and declining the test will not offend your obstetrician. You can exercise your right of self determination. Â&#x2021; <RX VKRXOG VHHN FRPSUHhensive pre-test counselling prior to embarking on the test. This is a duty of care that your doctor should provide. Understand why

you are opting for the test. Do not test simply because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fashionable or because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s available. Â&#x2021; 'R QRW EH D SDVVLYH SDUHQW All test results have implications and are done with the intention that the results should be acted upon. Be prepared for adverse results and have a plan of action based on â&#x20AC;&#x153;what ifâ&#x20AC;? scenarios. &RQÂżUPDWLRQ WHVWV DUH LQYDVLYH and carry a small but real risk of miscarriage. You could lose your baby (Downs or NOT Downs) as a result of the test. If you have no intention of undergoing an invasive procedure, perhaps you may not even want to screen as you ZLOO QRW EH DEOH WR FRQÂżUP WKH GLagnosis antenatally Â&#x2021; (YHQ D ÂłQRUPDO´ FKLOG DW birth does not secure continued health or normality. There are no guarantees in life.

(YHU\ SDUHQW ZDQWV D SHUIHFW child. But in our quest for zero defect tolerance we should remember that â&#x20AC;&#x153;children are not objects to which one has a right ... or be considered an object of ownership â&#x20AC;&#x201C; rather, a child is a GIFTâ&#x20AC;? (Donum Vitae; II, B8).

Our parental responsibility is to accept these gifts however they may come. Our calling is to love and nurture them to the best of our ability. In the unconditional giving that only parents can know can we truly share and understand the unconditional nature of Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s love for us. Â&#x201E; Dr Douglas Ong Singapore 228510

God is non-violent. God does not prescribe violence. Violence should never be rationalised in Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name. That is clear in Christian revelation.

But that immediately poses the question: What about the violence in Scripture that is attributed to God or to Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s direct orders?

Doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t God, in anger, wipe out the entire human race, save for Noah and his family? Doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t God ask Abraham to kill Isaac on an altar of sacULÂżFH" 'RHVQÂśW 0RVHV KDYH WR WDON *RG RXW RI GHstroying Israel because God is angry?

Didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t God give an order to Israel to kill everybody and everything (men, women, children, and even the animals) as she entered the PromLVHG /DQG" 'LGQÂśW WKH 0RVDLF /DZ DWWULEXWHG WR *RG SUHVFULEH VWRQing women to death for adultery? Didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Jesus kick over the tables of the money-changers in anger? And what about all the wars and capital punishment that have been done in Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name through the centuries?

What about extremist Islam today, killing thousands of people in Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name?

God, it seems, has prescribed and sanctioned a lot of violence and killing from ancient times right down until today. How do we explain all the violence attributed to God? Two things need to be kept in mind: First: Whenever Scripture speaks about God as being offended, as getting angry, as wanting to wreak vengeance on His enemies, or as demanding that we kill somebody in His name, it is speaking anthropomorphically, that is, it is taking our own thoughts, feelings, and reactions and projecting them into God. We get angry, God doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t. Our hearts crave vengeance, Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s heart doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t. We demand that murderers be executed, God doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t.

Scripture contains a lot of anthropomorphisms that make for a bad and a dangerous theology if read and understood literally. To read parts of Scripture literally is to turn God into a tribal God in competition with other gods.

When scripture says that we experience Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wrath when we sin, it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want us to believe that God actually gets angry and punishes us. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no need. The punishment is innate, inherent in the sin itself.

When we sin it is our own actions that punish us (the way excessive use of alcohol dehydrates the brain and the dehydration causes a headache).

We may feel that the punishment as coming from God, from Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s anger, from Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wrath, but it is natureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wrath and our own that we are feeling. God has no need to extrinsically punish sin because sin already punishes itself. Nature is so constructed. There is a law of karma. Sin is its own punishment.

But at the level of feeling, this is felt as if God is punishing us. However, as Jesus shows in forgiving His own killers and forgiving everyone who betrayed Him, God forgives sin.

God has no need for vengeance or for a justice that extracts a pound RI Ă&#x20AC;HVK IRU D SRXQG RI VLQ 1DWXUH DOUHDG\ GRHV WKDW ,QGHHG JLYHQ D proper understanding of Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nature and transcendence, it is presumptuous on our part to even believe that we can â&#x20AC;&#x153;offendâ&#x20AC;? God. 0RUH LPSRUWDQW VWLOO WKH ELEOLFDO WH[WV WKDW DWWULEXWH YLROHQFH WR *RG are also archetypal, namely, they are texts that teach us things about the deep rhythms of the human heart but are not meant to be taken literally.

Taken literally, they are often the very antithesis of the revelation of God. But still what do we do with the biblical texts that prescribe violence to God? For instance, how can we interpret Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ordering Israel to kill all the Canaanites as she entered the Promised Land?

In archetypal stories, killing is metaphorical not literal. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about a death inside the heart. Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s command to kill all the inhabitants of Canaan is simply a hard metaphor for what Jesus refers to when He says that you have to put new wine into new wineskins so that the new wine will not burst the old skins.

Anyone who has gone through a 12-step addiction programme knows what it means to have to kill all the Canaanites.

To move into the promised land of sobriety and remain there, something hard and cruel needs to happen that canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t happen through halfmeasures: To move into the promised land of sobriety, you have to clean out (â&#x20AC;&#x153;killâ&#x20AC;?) your entire liquor cabinet, all the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Canaanitesâ&#x20AC;?: All the beer, scotch, bourbon, rum, vodka, wine, cognac, and brandy, every ounce of alcohol has to go.

If you allow yourself even one drink you will eventually lose your sobriety.

Virtually every text in the Bible which ascribes violence to God or puts into His mouth a command to do violence needs to be read in that same way. The violence and killing are metaphorical, even as the text is asking the heart to do something which cannot be a half-measure.

Dr Walter Brueggemann, an American Protestant Old Testament scholar and theologian, once commented that â&#x20AC;&#x153;God is in recovery from all the violence that has been attributed to Him and done in His nameâ&#x20AC;?.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time that the Churches entered the same recovery process. Â&#x201E;

FOCUS 19

Sunday June 19, 2011 Â&#x201E; CatholicNews

Lady Gagaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s latest album â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;offensive to Christianityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Recently, our main stream media reviewed Lady Gagaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s latest music album.

As two very concerned Catholic parents, we take offence to the promotion of her album and the many songs in it.

Lyrics of songs like Bloody Mary, Judas and Black Jesus Amen Fashion are insulting and disrespectful to the Christian faith, and we hope to raise awareness of what her music seems to promote, that is disrespect and outrageous offensive lyrics.

We as parents already have a mammoth task in teaching our children to discern what they read, listen and watch from the various sources of media in this age and it does not help our efIRUWV ZKHQ 060 JORULÂżHV a controversial singer like Lady Gaga and promotes her album.

It was a surprise to us that presently, all music CDs sold in Singapore are selfregulated. Her album carries no parental advisory or warning.

We would also like to call on MDA (Media Development Authority) to review and ban her album for sale here in Singapore.

In fact, Lebanon, where the majority of its people are Muslims, has already banned her album, which was deemed to be offensive to Christianity.

Leonard Freeman

Singapore 510203 John D Jegathesan Singapore 520866

Rebuilding trust between Vatican and Religious orders 1HZ 9DWLFDQ RIĂ&#x20AC;FLDO VD\V LPSRUWDQW WR ÂśNQRZ KRZ WR OLVWHQ¡ VATICAN CITY â&#x20AC;&#x201C; He has only been

at the Vatican for four months, but Brazilian Archbishop Joao Braz de Aviz is already getting good reviews. $V KHDG RI WKH 9DWLFDQ RIÂżFH that oversees the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Religious orders, the 64-year-old archbishop inherited an assignment that in some ways resembles a battleground.

In addition to wrapping up a contentious apostolic visitation of womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Religious orders in the US, he faces the challenge of rebuilding trust with the heads of Religious orders worldwide.

Archbishop Aviz replaced Slovenian Cardinal Franc Rode, who believed that modern Religious orders were in a crisis caused in part by the adoption of a secularist mentality and the abandonment of traditional practices. Cardinal Rode said many Religious had misunderstood the Second Vatican Council, and he faulted womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s orders for adopting a â&#x20AC;&#x153;feministâ&#x20AC;? spirit.

When Pope Benedict XVI named Archbishop Aviz as the new prefect of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, the choice surprised many Religious superiors. Surprise has now turned to optimism about the future. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The windows have been opened to fresh approaches. I GHÂżQLWHO\ IHHO WKHUHÂśV D QHZ KRSH for building deeper and better relationships between [the Vatican congregation] and men and women Religious,â&#x20AC;? said US Sister Mary Lou Wirtz, president of the International Union of Superiors General.

Sr Wirtz, superior general of the Daughters of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, said Archbishop Aviz and Archbishop Joseph W Tobin, secretary of the Vatican congregation, met recently with leading superiors of Religious orders in Rome to talk about problems and prospects for the future. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was a very open and good sharing. We really felt their eagerness to build bridges,â&#x20AC;? Sr Wirtz said in a June 2 interview.

Rarely does a newly appointed 9DWLFDQ RIÂżFLDO DQQRXQFH SXEOLFO\

Archbishop Joao Braz de Aviz, head of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life.

that heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going to do things differently. Yet thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the way most people read the interview Archbishop Aviz gave to the Vatican newspaper on June 1.

He began by expressing appreciation for the tremendous contribution made by the approximately 2,000 Religious orders around the world. He added that â&#x20AC;&#x153;we bishops and superiors of the Church need to have a more positive idea of religiousâ&#x20AC;?.

He said rebuilding mutual trust between the Vatican and Religious orders was a task that needed to be â&#x20AC;&#x153;rediscoveredâ&#x20AC;? by his congregation. The Vatican congregation, he said, has been too distant from Religious, and heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s making it a priority to approach Religious superiors on a simple and personal level. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Only after weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve established a dialogue do we discuss issues and try to clear things up if thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a problem. This seems much more fruitful than simply going in with a prejudiced attitude,â&#x20AC;? he said.

Women Religious at prayer. Religious superiors say they feel there is now new hope for building better relations between the Vatican and Religious.

Archbishop Aviz said he also wanted to help improve relations between bishops and Religious orders. Often this is not a matter of resolving doctrinal or disciplinary problems, but of speaking calmly with each other and â&#x20AC;&#x153;knowing how to listenâ&#x20AC;?, he said.

All this is music to the ears of Religious superiors. â&#x20AC;&#x153;From our point of view, this is a different approach. The congregation seems to understand that its role is one of collaboration, and not so much of confrontation,â&#x20AC;? said Fr Pascual Chavez Villanueva, the Salesian rector major and president of the Union of Superiors General.

He said he appreciates the fact that the Vatican congregation has to deal with issues involving Religious orders. But under the new leadership, he said, it is taking a wider view and engaging Religious superiors on the questions of mission and new forms of co-

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;

Only after weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve established a dialogue do we discuss issues and try to clear things up ... This seems much more fruitful than simply going in with a prejudiced attitude.

â&#x20AC;&#x2122;

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Archbishop Aviz

operation in evangelisation. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We feel this is a turning point in our relationship with the congregation, and we also think it may be an important element in our future relations with other Vatican congregations â&#x20AC;&#x201C; those dealing with clergy, bishops and doctrine of the faith,â&#x20AC;? Fr Chavez said.

Religious superiors carefully read one section of Archbishop Avizâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newspaper interview, in which he spoke of the need to balance a Religious orderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s original charism with the contemporary reality. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We need to have the courage, on the one hand, to look to the IRXQGHUV DV PRGHOV RI ÂżGHOLW\ WR the rule, and on the other hand to pay attention to todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s culture,â&#x20AC;? the archbishop said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always something inside Religious orders that needs adaptation to the present moment.â&#x20AC;?

Father Chavez said Religious superiors were â&#x20AC;&#x153;on the same wavelengthâ&#x20AC;?. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We always speak of a creative ÂżGHOLW\ RU G\QDPLF ÂżGHOLW\ WR WKH charism of an order, which takes into account the times in which we live. This ensures that the charism does not become a museum piece, anchored to the past, but remains valid today. Otherwise it wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be able to attract vocations among young people,â&#x20AC;? the Salesian said. Â&#x201E; CNS

20 FAITH ALIVE!

Sunday June 19, 2011 Â&#x201E; CatholicNews

What happened at the YHU\ Ă&#x20AC;UVW 3HQWHFRVW Fr Dale Launderville recounts the dramatic birth of the Church some 2,000 years ago

O

1 7+( ÂżUVW &KULVWLDQ Pentecost, the coming of the Holy Spirit in the year RI -HVXVÂś FUXFLÂż[LRQ WUDQVIRUPHG WKLV WUDGLWLRQDO -HZLVK IHDVW RI WKH wheat harvest for people gathered LQ -HUXVDOHP IURP WKH YDULRXV parts of the known world.

These peoples were both awed and confused when they heard the Twelve Apostles proclaiming the Gospel as if they were simultaneously speaking in multiple languages (Acts 2:1-13).

This miraculous occurrence caught the attention even of the scoffers; however, they claimed that the apostles were drunk.

At this point, Peter stood up WR GHOLYHU WKH ÂżUVW VHUPRQ RI WKH newly born Church (Acts 2:1436). Peter began his defence of the ecstatic behaviour of the apostles E\ FODLPLQJ LW DV WKH IXOÂżOPHQW RI -RHOÂśV SURSKHF\ WKDW VRQV DQG daughters and male and female servants would prophesy by the SRZHU RI WKH 6SLULW -O

When the storm wind shook the house of the apostles and took WKH IRUP RI WRQJXHV RI ÂżUH DERYH WKHP *RG ZDV IXOÂżOOLQJ WKH ZRUGV VSRNHQ E\ -RHO WKDW WKHUH would be signs in the heavens and on the earth announcing the coming of the Lord.

Thus Peter appealed to this SURSKHW IURP WKH ÂżIWK FHQWXU\ %& WR EXLOG EULGJHV WR WKH -HZish community of which he was a part. He explained how the Lord is intervening â&#x20AC;&#x153;in the last daysâ&#x20AC;? to save His people (Acts 2:17).

Peter stated the core message of the early apostolic preaching: -HVXV RI 1D]DUHWK NQRZQ IRU His mighty deeds and miraculous works, was handed over ac-

&16 ÂżOH SKRWR

cording to Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s saving plan to EH FUXFLÂżHG DQG WKHQ UDLVHG IURP WKH GHDG -HVXV XQGHUZHQW WKLV experience of total self-surrender to death so as to be raised and exalted to Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s right hand.

Peter grounded his claim that -HVXV KDV EHHQ UDLVHG LQ WKH ZRUGV of Psalms 16:8-11; 132:11; and 7KH -HZLVK FRPPXQLW\ regarded these psalms as composed by David. The quotations from these psalms emphasise Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s promise to be with Davidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s descendants and not to allow the power of death to bring his dynastic line to an end.

When Jesus was exalted to Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s right hand, He poured out His Spirit on the apostles, which empowered them to manifest the presence of the resurrected Christ.

Peter argued that the enduring promise extended to David is not IXOÂżOOHG E\ *RGÂśV UDLVLQJ 'DYLG himself from the dead, for those assembled know that Davidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s WRPE ZDV VWLOO LQWDFW LQ -HUXVDOHP Rather, Peter proclaimed that the Davidic descendant who is freed from Hades and raised to Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ULJKW KDQG LV -HVXV With this grounding in the prophetic tradition, Peter then drove

home his main point concerning the alleged drunkenness of the DSRVWOHV 7KH\ DUH ÂżOOHG ZLWK WKH Spirit that God had promised to -HVXV :KHQ -HVXV LV H[DOWHG WR Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s right hand, he pours out this Spirit on the apostles, which empowers the apostles to manifest WKH SUHVHQFH RI WKH UHVXUUHFWHG -Hsus (Acts 2:33).

Peter concluded his speech by SURFODLPLQJ WKDW *RG PDGH -HVXV both Lord and Messiah (Acts 2:36).

-HVXVÂś VRYHUHLJQW\ LV QRW PHUHO\ that of a Davidic monarch but much more so that of God himself.

7KLV LGHQWLÂżFDWLRQ RI WKH UHVurrected Christ as Lord (â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kyriosâ&#x20AC;?) is the core of the apostolic proclamation, which distinguishes the IROORZHUV RI -HVXV IURP WKH UHVW RI WKH -HZLVK FRPPXQLW\ When this core message that -HVXV LV /RUG DQG 0HVVLDK LV SURclaimed, it has a profound impact on those who hear it. Peter exhorted those who have been touched by this message to â&#x20AC;&#x153;repentâ&#x20AC;?, to FHQWUH WKHLU OLYHV RQ -HVXV &KULVW And upon making this decision, they are to be baptised in the QDPH RI -HVXV ÂłSOXQJHG´ LQWR WKH reality of the resurrected Christ.

Through this ritual action, they receive the forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit.

In other words, the presence of the resurrected Christ that the -HZLVK DXGLHQFH SHUFHLYHG LQ the apostles is a reality in which the newly baptised are invited to VKDUH 2Q WKDW ÂżUVW 3HQWHFRVW DOmost 3,000 people were baptised (Acts 2:41). Â&#x201E; CNS Benedictine Fr Launderville is a Scripture scholar at St Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s University, Collegeville, Minnesota, USA.

Pentecost is referred to as the birthday of the Church because, from that point on, the apostles carried forth the message of Christ to the world.

+RZ WKH +RO\ 6SLULW PLQLVWHUV WR SHRSOH

By Fr John Catoir How can you recognise the Holy Spirit acting in your life? Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s amazingly simple to discern His mysterious presence.

Consider the times when you went against your own personal preferences and did something GLIÂżFXOW LQ RUGHU WR KHOS RWKHUV You probably do that many times a day.

St. Paul said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bear one anothHUÂśV EXUGHQV DQG VR \RX ZLOO IXOÂżO the law of Christâ&#x20AC;? (Gal 6:2).

The inner promptings of conscience are very often the voice of the Holy Spirit within you.

The Holy Spirit is always there helping you to go beyond

\RXUVHOI LQ RUGHU WR IXOÂżO WKH ODZ of love. You probably can remember many times when the Spirit emboldened you to act out of faith rather than self-interest, times when you went against your natural inclinations in order to accomplish some greater good.

Visiting the sick for instance, or feeding the hungry, which includes putting food on the table for your children when you have a splitting headache, listening to the endless complaints of someone you feel sorry for, getting up in the middle of the night to check on a sick family member: These are all little acts of holiness involving the love of the Holy Spirit acting within you.

The Holy Spirit is the force behind all the love and joy in the world!

Great events recorded in the Bible give us an insight into the fact that God works in mysterious ways. For example, when AbraKDP ZDV WROG WR VDFULÂżFH KLV VRQ Isaac to God, the act was totally against his will, incomprehensible. The Holy Spirit nevertheless prompted him to trust the Lord no matter what!

When Abraham was about to obey, God released him from that abhorrent duty, and Isaac was saved.

Abraham had been tested and found worthy.

We speak of this event as pre-

ÂżJXULQJ -HVXV ZKR KDG WKH VDPH natural abhorrence at the thought RI +LV RZQ FUXFLÂż[LRQ 7KH 6SLULW empowered Him to say, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Not my will but yours be doneâ&#x20AC;? (Lk

-HVXV VXUUHQGHUHG LQ WUXVW to the Father. We are told it was in reparation for the sin of pride found in Satan who said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I will not serve.â&#x20AC;? $IWHU -HVXV ZDV FUXFLÂżHG WKH apostles feared for their lives and gathered like frightened children in that upper room. They wanted to run. But the Holy Spirit came upon them and emboldened them to go forth and preach the Gospel RI -HVXV &KULVW 7KH &KXUFK ZDV born.

I remember feeling drawn to

the priesthood but at the same time bristling at the very thought of it.

I wanted a normal life, marriage and children. I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to be a priest because I was afraid of the demands it would make. But the power of the Holy Spirit lifted me above my fears. I submitted. That was half a century ago, and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m still doing my best to answer that call.

Looking back, I see more clearly the many times in my life when I was led by the Holy Spirit.

How about you?

When was the last time you made a decision grand or small WKDW LQYROYHG WKH LQĂ&#x20AC;XHQFH RI WKH Holy Spirit?

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll bet it was not long ago. Â&#x201E; CNS

FAITH ALIVE! 21

Sunday June 19, 2011 Â&#x201E; CatholicNews

The Church: an institution and the body of Christ

By Sr Joan L. Roccasalvo, CSJ In the third chapter of the Acts of the Apostles, St Peter encounters a crippled man begging for alms near the temple.

Peter has no funds to give him but heals the man in the name of Jesus. Peter is the rock appointed

by Jesus as leader of the Twelve to serve and to build up the church as a communio a community of faith and love.

Peter presides in love; he witnesses to that love. Here is the nascent Church at work.

In the Gospel of John, using the image of the vine and the branches, Jesus speaks of the Church in terms of fruitfulness: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am the vine; you are the branches.

Whoever remains in me bears fruit in plenty; for cut off from me, you can do nothingâ&#x20AC;? (Jn 15:5).

The Church resembles a symphony orchestra, though this analogy is limited and incomplete. An orchestra consists of an instrumental ensemble with its hierarchical sections: the strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion. In heading the orchestra, the conductor serves it.

The orchestra is a musical unity, a musical communio. It offers beauty to the audience who will enjoy it with delight and satisfaction.

Who is the Church? She is an institution and the body of Christ, a sacrament, herald and servant (see Models of the Church by Jesuit theologian Cardinal Avery Dulles).

These paradigms capture the mystery of the Church, though not fully.

The Church is â&#x20AC;&#x153;the light to all nationsâ&#x20AC;? (Dogmatic Constitution on the Church). She is a living, human yet divine organism, in-

St Peterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Basilica in Rome.

The Church proclaims Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s love in Christ as beauty, truth and goodness to the whole world.

CNS photo

stitutionally structured, of which Christ is its head, and the Spirit its soul and giver of gifts.

7KH SRSH LQ WKH RIÂżFH RI 3HWHU is the visible head of the body; he leads, guides, governs and serves.

The Church proclaims Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s love in Christ as beauty, truth and goodness to the whole world, who will contemplate it with delight and satisfaction. The parish church represents the universal Church in miniature. Each member of this body is endowed with a ministerial gift to build up the Church.

The Church is a living, human yet divine organism, institutionally structured, of which Christ is its head, and the Spirit its soul and giver of gifts.

St John of the Cross beautifully expresses this idea of the body of Christ as he writes about the Son speaking to His Father: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I will go and tell the world, / spreading the word / of your beauty and sweetness / and of your sovereignty. / I will go and seek my bride / and take upon myself / her weariness and labours / in which she suffers so; / and that she may have life, / I will die for her, / and lifting her out of that deep, / I will restore her to you.â&#x20AC;? (The Collected Works of St. John of the Cross, 1991, p 731.) Â&#x201E; CNS American Sr Roccasalvo writes on liturgy, beauty and the arts, and on Ignatian spirituality.

22

Sunday June 19, 2011 Â&#x201E; CatholicNews

Sunday June 19, 2011 Â&#x201E; CatholicNews

23

24

Sunday June 19, 2011 CatholicNews

CHILDREN’S STORY:

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2. What did Thomas say he had to do in order to believe?

WORDSEARCH z EVENING z APOSTLES z CRUCIFIED z JESUS z ROOM z PEACE z ALIVE z NAIL z THOMAS z APPEARED

z BREATHED

KIDS’ CLUB Share your thoughts on this week’s Bible story with family and friends by writing an essay in response to this question: Why do you think Jesus needed a small band of men to be his apostles?

PUZZLE By replacing only one letter at a time, can you change the name of Saul into the word “roar” and the word “host” into the word “male”?

Every change must result in a real word: 1. Saul 2. Host

Answer to Wordsearch:

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z MARK

Answer to Puzzle: 1. Saul (soul, sour, soar, roar) 2. Host (most, mast, malt, male)

Bible Accent:

WHATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ON 25

Sunday June 19, 2011 Â&#x201E; CatholicNews

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

Please send your submission at least one month before the event.

Online submissions can be made at www.catholic.sg/webevent_form.php EVERY FRIDAY 7.30-8.30pm: Do you want to fall in love with God, Mary and the Catholic Church?

Sessions with Victor and Vivienne.

Church of the Holy Spirit (Room 03-02) EVERY FRIDAY FISHERS OF MEN NOVENA MINISTRY 7-9.45pm: Divine Mercy prayer followed by activities. At Novena Church (Peter Donders Room). T: 9185 9675 (Johnny); E: ndavidik@hotmail.com; : KWWS ÂżVKHUVRPHQ GRQXPFULVWL FRP LUNCH TIME MASS 12.15pm: The Catholic Prayer Society brings the celebration of the Eucharist to you in the midst of your busy week on Wednesdays and Days of Obligation at SGH Campus, Medical Alumni Association, Level 1 MARRIAGE PREPARATION COURSE 2011 July 10 and Oct 9. Couples getting married should attend the course at least 6 months before the wedding. Allocation of SODFHV RQ D ÂżUVW FRPH ÂżUVW VHUYHG EDVLV T: 9114 2862; E: mpcsingapore@gmail. com; W: www.catholic.org.sg/mpc June 14 to 17 NUS CATHOLIC STUDENTS SOCIETY FRESHMEN ORIENTATION CAMP 11am (Tue) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 6pm (Fri): An orientation camp specially catered to Catholic freshmen entering NUS this year. Enjoy great fun and fellowship with our vibrant youth community on campus. By NUS Catholic Students Society. At Eusoff Hall. T: 9823 7571 (Sean), 9187 3154 (Charmaine); W: http://www.nuscss.org June 15 to 17 HOLY TRINITY CHURCH TRIDUUM 8-10pm: 3-day triduum talks by Fr Bernard Teo CSsR, based on the parish feast day theme of We Are One. All are welcome.

June 17 WITH GRATEFUL HEARTS â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 3 YEARS OF YOUNG ADULTSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; EUCHARISTIC ADORATION 8-10pm: Generation CHRIST! a Young Adults Eucharistic Adoration Ministry, turns 3 this month. With grateful hearts, the community is celebrating the occasion with a Thanksgiving Mass IROORZHG E\ UHĂ&#x20AC;HFWLRQ $GRUDWLRQ DQG Benediction. At Church of St Ignatius (St Francis Xavier, Kingsmead Hall).

E: gen.christ.ministry@gmail.com June 18 CATHOLIC SINGLES MEET UP AT HANS 6-9pm: Inviting singles for fellowship and friendship over dinner. Faith based interactive games after dinner. At Hans Cafe @ Pickering St. E: CatholicSingle@gmail.com Saturdays, June 19 to July 23 LIFE IN THE SPIRIT SEMINAR 2011 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; LET THERE BE LIGHT Calling all those 17 to 35 years for 6 Saturday sessions inclusive of a weekend stay-in retreat from July 1 to 3. At CANA (55 Waterloo St). By Living Stones Campus Outreach. W: www.livingstones-online.org

RCIY/RCIA A journey in faith for those seeking to know more about the Catholic faith.

Baptised Catholics are also invited to journey as sponsors.

Tuesdays from June 14 RCIA@CHURCH OF ST IGNATIUS 8-10pm: Every Tuesday evening. All sessions conducted by Fr Philip Heng, SJ. T: 9630 8346 (Terese) Wednesdays from June 22 RCIA@CHURCH OF THE HOLY FAMILY 7.30-9.30pm: Gatherings to be held on Wednesdays. Additional Sunday meetings (11am-12.30pm) from September. T: 9666 6542 Mondays from June 27 RCIA@ST JOSEPH CHURCH BUKIT TIMAH 8-10pm: At 620 Upper Bt Timah Rd. T: 8183 0437, 6766 0891; E: dangunners61@yahoo.com.sg, sjcpastoral@gmail.com

Sundays, June 19 to July 17 SE7EN 2- 4.30pm: Discover the role you are meant to play in Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plan for you. Includes a stay-in weekend retreat from June 24-26.

Those aged 21-35 years welcomed.

Cost: $80. At Church of St Francis Xavier.

E: se7en.eleven@hotmail.sg; T: 9794 9859 (Joshua); FB: se7eneleven.

PLVVLRQ RXWUHDFK GLIÂżFXOWLHV HQFRXQWHUHG while interacting with the migrant workers as well understanding their work and living environment. By Commission for Apostolate of Mandarin-speaking in Singaporeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Evangelisation Team. At Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Green Building, next to main church). T: 8118 1537 (John); E: john3744@msn.com

June 24 to 26 THE BREAD OF LIFE: A DIRECTED RETREAT 8pm (Fri) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 6pm (Sun): A residential VLOHQW UHWUHDW WR UHĂ&#x20AC;HFW RQ WKH VLJQLÂżFDQFH of Holy Communion and Christian commitment. One-to-one spiritual direction offered. Contribution: $70 (nonaircon); $120 (aircon) Kingsmead Hall, 8 Victoria Park Road. T. 64676072; F: 64687584; E:cisc2664@gmail.com

Fridays, July 8 to July 29 FOURS FRIDAYS ONE LIVING FAITH 7.30-10pm: Join Fr David Garcia and the Lay Dominicans for four sessions on the VSLULWXDOLW\ RI WKH ODLW\ WR ÂżQG RXW KRZ Jesus Christ, through His Church, invites us to a faith that helps our life in all dimensions, and equips us with the graces and gifts we need to do all things well.

Register T: 9363 4668 (Anna); E: LayDominicans@gmail.com

June 24 to 26 MARRIAGE RETORNO 8.30pm (Fri) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 5pm (Sun): A couple spirituality weekend. Spend a weekend away from the daily hustle and bustle. Cost: $250 (per couple inclusive of lodging and all meals). At ME House (201B Punggol 17th Avenue). T: 9655 3708 (Susie), 9011 2795 (Esme). Register by June 20.

July 8 to 10 TASTE AND SEE: A RESIDENTIAL SILENT RETREAT FOR FIRSTTIMERS 8pm (Fri)-6pm (Sun): An introduction to silent retreats in the Ignatian tradition for those who want to experience God through meditation on the Word of God. Come and explore what awareness, meditation, and quiet can offer. One-to-one spiritual direction available. Contribution: $70 (non-aircon); $120 (aircon). At Kingsmead Hall (8 Victoria Park Rd). T. 64676072; F: 64687584; E: cisc2664@gmail.com

June 24 CHILDRENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S EUCHARISTIC ADORATION 7.45-9pm. A time of prayer for children before the Blessed Sacrament in the main Church. A wonderful opportunity to introduce children to Jesus truly present in the Blessed Sacrament. Inviting parents, catechists, friends interested to initiate Children Eucharistic Adoration in the parish and at home. At Church of the Holy Spirit.

E: childreneucharisticadora@gmail.com June 25 UNDERSTANDING LOSSES 9.30am-12.30pm: For persons who seek to understand and better cope with losses in life. By Geraldine Szeto, Senior Counsellor of Clarity Singapore. Cost: $3 (with tea). By Clarity. At Solomon Hall (55 Waterloo Street, Catholic Welfare Centre, #09-03). T: 9710 3733 (Janice); E: janice.lee@clarity-singapore.org; W: http://www.clarity-singapore.org July 1-2 DE LA SALLE SCHOOLâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NOAH THE MUSICAL De La Salle Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 8th musical production, Noah the Musical, in aid of school building fund. Tickets at $20 and $35. July 1 (6.30pm), July 2 (7.30pm).

At Anglo Chinese Junior College Theatre.

Tickets T: 6766 7675.

July 1 to July 3 MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER 8.30pm (Fri) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 6pm (Sun): An enrichment programme for all married couples. It has been said that the greatest gift you can give your children is to love their mother/ father. At ME House (201B Punggol 17th Avenue). T: 9670 5390 (Vincent/Julyn); W: http://www.MEsingapore.com July 2 LABYRINTH RETREAT 2.30-630pm: By Edwina Yeow. At Lifesprings Canossian Spirituality Centre (100 Jalan Merbok). T: 6466 2179 (Brenda); E: lifsprng@singnet.com.sg.

July 3 VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT AND BILINGUAL DISCUSSION FORUM ON CHINESE MIGRANTS OUTREACH 2-4pm: Inviting those interested in outreach to Chinese migrant workers for a bilingual discussion forum. Topics covered include the objectives of the

Thursdays from July 7 RCIA@CHURCH OF NATIVITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 7.30-9.30pm: At 1259 Upper Serangoon Rd. T: 9745 1498 (Grace) Fridays from July 8 RCIA@CHURCH OF CHRIST THE KING 8-10pm: At 2221 Ang Mo Kio Ave 8.

T: 9671 4907 (Paul); E: query.rcia@gmail.com Fridays from July 15 RCIY@CHURCH OF THE RISEN CHRIST 8pm: For those between 15 and 25 years old. At 91 Toa Payoh Central (St Matthew Room). T: 9489 8086 (Jeremy)

engaging journey of love that focuses on current issues faced by couples.

You will be taught the latest life skills to build a more emotionally intelligent marriage. Ideal for young married couples and helpful for all couples open to re-discovering one another. At Church of St Anthony (Auditorium). T: 9674 4711 (Jason/Andrea), 9670 7327 (Philip/ Sharon); E: goto_cep@hotmail.com; W: http://catholic-cep.webs.com/

Wednesdays, July 13 to September 7 JEFF CAVINâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S A QUICK JOURNEY THROUGH THE BIBLE 7.30-9.30pm: 8 sessions of studying Jeff Cavinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s A Quick Journey Through the Bible.

Easy to follow. All are welcome. Cost: $20.

At Church of Sts Peter and Paul (Level 3 Chapel). E: henrywu@lucas.com.sg July 16 SJI OPEN HOUSE 9am-1pm: School tour starts from foyer.

Last tour at 12.40pm. Introductory talks on SJI at 10am, 11am, 12pm. Special programmes trial classes at 9.30am and 11.30am. Talent student presentations at 9.30am and 11.30am. At St Josephâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Institution (38 Malcolm Rd). Register: T: 6250 0022; E: contact@sji.edu.sg

July 29-31 RETROUVAILLE WEEKEND If you are serious about making your marriage work, this programme could be worthwhile for you. Register T: 6749 8861; W: http://helpourmarriage.sg August 5 to 7 DISCERNMENT RETREAT FOR SINGLE MALES 6pm (Fri) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 6pm (Sun): Develop a discerning heart. Come and learn from Our Lord how to listen deep into the desires that animate your heart and the inspirations that motivate your world.

See what no eye has seen, hear what no ear can hear and glimpse what no heart is capable of imagining. Retreat Director: Fr Ravi Michael Louis, SJ. At Kingsmead Hall (8 Victoria Park Rd). T. 64676072; F: 64687584; E:cisc2664@gmail.com

July 16 UNDERSTANDING OUR THOUGHTS AND EMOTIONS 2-5pm: Where do our thoughts and emotions come from and how do they LQĂ&#x20AC;XHQFH RQH DQRWKHU" &RVW ZLWK tea). At Lifesprings Canossian Spirituality Centre (100 Jalan Merbok). T: 6466 2179 (Brenda); E: lifsprng@singnet.com.sg.

Mondays, July 18 to September 19 WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE? 7.30-9.30pm: 8 session course by Deacon Sherman Kuek, SFO, on understanding the differences in practices and beliefs of the Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant Christians. By Singapore Pastoral Institute. At CWS Auditorium (55 Waterloo St 8th Floor). T: 6858 3011; E: admin@catholicspi.org

July 9 TOWARDS INNER FREEDOM WITH CHOICE THEORY 2-5pm: By Sr Louisa Lim, fdcc. Cost: $20. At Lifesprings Canossian Spirituality Centre (100 Jalan Merbok).T: 6466 2179 (Brenda); E: lifsprng@singnet.com.sg.

Saturdays August 6 to 27 BASIC CATECHIST COURSE LITURGY MODULE 1 9.30am-12.30pm: Part of the Level 1 FHUWLÂżFDWLRQ SURJUDPPH IRU FDWHFKLVWV $ 4-week course for all catechists and those involved in faith formation. This course lays a basic foundation for understanding the Churchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s liturgy, including a look at the New Roman Missal. Conducted by Fr Ignatius Yeo, Liturgical Commission, and Fr Erbin Fernandez, catechetical director.

At Catholic Archdiocesan Education Centre (2 Highland Rd). T: 6858 3011; E: admin@catholicspi.org

July 24 COUPLE EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMME 1.30-5pm: Join the Couple Empowerment 3URJUDP &(3 IRU D IXOÂżOOLQJ DQG

July 10 PRISONS WEEK 11.30am: Mass celebrated by Archbishop Nicholas Chia at Church of Divine Mercy.

Crossword Puzzle 1035 1

2

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13

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17

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6

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8

26

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32

53

54

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58 Wednesdays from June 29 RCIA@CHURCH OF THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY 7.45pm: At Hall A/B, 24 Highland Rd. T: 9627 3835 (Nancy); E: rcia@ihm.sg; W: http://www.ihm.sg/rcia

Also, a time of prayer for the prisoners, ex-prisoners and their families.

59

60

62

63 www.wordgamesforcatholics.com

ACROSS 1 Ventilates 5 Biblical measure 10 Seed vessel 13 â&#x20AC;&#x153;___ something I said?â&#x20AC;?

14 Fort in the 18A diocese 15 Monkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cowl 17 South African activist, Stephen ___ 18 See 14A 20 Breaking the seventh Commandment 22 Make a contribution 23 Malt beverage 24 Free from doubt 25 Sudden in action 29 Wording 33 There are black ones

34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 44 45 46 47 50

Mother of Isaac Neitherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s partner Miss Kett â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;Śof my ____ and Ă&#x20AC;HVK RI P\ Ă&#x20AC;HVK´ (Gn 2:23) Lake or pond Period of history Spiritual program Vessel Private Lost feathers Teen and new follower â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;Śand ___ our salvation, He came down from heaven.â&#x20AC;? ___ in the blood of the Lamb Having dark hair

55 57 58 59 60 61 62 63

Mary, at Guadalupe Ostrichlike bird Liturgical ____ Monkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s song Capricorn RR stop Trials What we have

DOWN 1 Lies 2 â&#x20AC;&#x153;____ was in the beginning, is nowâ&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;?

3 Greek goddess of victory 4 Portico 5 With facility 6 Flat surface 7 Suspend

8 Doctorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; org.

9 Republic in Central America 10 Calls 11 Lady Chaplin 12 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Just ____â&#x20AC;?

16 Female deer 19 The Law 21 Drinks (as a cat) 24 Kate was one 25 The Lost ___ 26 First word in the Lordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Prayer, in Paris 27 The table 28 Shooter insert 29 Section of a wall 30 Not active 31 Native name of Scandinavia 32 One of the 7 deadly sins 34 Echolocation 37 Saint who wrote a rule 38 OT book 40 First Catholic Supreme Court Chief Justice Taney 41 â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;Śin the city of David a savior has been ____â&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;? (Lk 2:7) 43 Desert in Africa 44 Carmel and Hebron 46 Foremost part 47 ____ of the Cross 48 Mimics 49 Petty quarrel 50 Prejudice 51 Tantum ____ 52 Commandment pronoun 53 Rip 54 Sign outside a greasy spoon 'HÂżQLWH DUWLFOH

Solution to Crossword Puzzle No. 1034 B O I L S

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www.wordgamesforcatholics.com

26 IN MEMORIAM BOOK REVIEW

Writer deals with issue that all face

By Nancy L. Roberts In our death-defying culture, the subject of death and dying may not immediately beckon. But the book, Is God Still at the Bedside? is hard to put down. Its tapestry of engaging personal stories, interviews, research and analysis easily propels the reader through several hundred pages.

Abigail Rian Evans, a retired seminary professor and scholar-in-residence at Georgetown University Medical Center, USA, has written a comprehensive and engaging study. ,W UHĂ&#x20AC;HFWV WKH ZLVGRP VKH KDV JDUQHUHG LQ \HDUV of teaching courses about death and dying, and covers such topics as contemporary attitudes toward death, OHJDO TXHVWLRQV L H GHÂżQLWLRQV RI GHDWK RUJDQ GRQDtion, suicide and physician-assisted suicide, hospice, the role of clergy in ministering to the dying and their families, Christian funerals, and grief and bereavement.

Throughout, the authorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s thoughtful Christian perspective informs the narrative. For instance, in a section dealing with the experience of dying, she poses the important question: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Is suffering sent, permitted or used by God?â&#x20AC;?

She then explores how various theologians and bioethicists have tried to answer it.

Evans discovered that â&#x20AC;&#x153;what the dying consider to be of great importance is giving them space to share their stories and experiences, an opportunity to ask questions, and even to confess and ask forgiveness of estranged family members â&#x20AC;&#x201C; which can give them a sense of peaceâ&#x20AC;?.

Perhaps surprisingly, she found that the dying donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t spend much time pondering when they will actually expire. Still, it can be extremely helpful for caretakers to draw out dying patientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; fears, anxieties and ZLVKHV DERXW WKHLU ÂżQDO GD\V (YDQV RIIHUV SUDFWLFDO suggestions about how to approach and how to listen.

Is God Still at the Bedside? is a compassionate, wise and practical guide that will help families, nurses, doctors and pastors. Â&#x201E; CNS The book is available at www.amazon.com.

Sunday June 19, 2011 Â&#x201E; CatholicNews

In memoriam rates Minimum $65 for an insertion not exceedingan eight-centimetre column (with or without a photograph).

Additional space: $6.50 per one-centimetre column.

In loving memory of Son Twelfth Anniversary

Father Second Anniversary

Ninth Anniversary

Fifth Anniversary

In loving memory of

&ODVVLÂżHG DGYHUWLVHPHQW UDWHV 0LQLPXP 6 IRU WKH ÂżUVW ZRUGV Additional words: $1.00 a word.

JOHN TAN JOHN BAPTIST TECK LIANG TAN TOON SENG Departed July 29, 1999 June 10, 2009.

Sadly missed and remembered by family and loved ones.

In loving memory of our dearest Mum & Dad 56th Anniversary

22st Anniversary

DIONYSIO DE SILVA

NELLIA DE SILVA

ANDREW LOO CATHERINA CHIN BAH CHIT QUEE LEN (NINA) Departed: June 13, 2002 August 6, 2006

Dearest parents, You are in Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kingdom The glory of His universe Eternally the peace and joy Flow like a watering-can.

Dearly missed by your children and all loved ones.

Departed Dec 10, 1955 Jun 19, 1989

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord and let perpetual light shine on them.

May they rest in peace.

Always remembered by their sons, Denis, Joseph (deceased), Charles, George and their families.

Second Anniversary In loving memory of In loving memory of

ELIZABETH POON GUAK NGOH Loving Mother, Mama and Lau Ma Called home to our Lord: June 25, 2009 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Even when we close our eyes Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an image of your face And once again we come to realise Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a loss we canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t replace.

Dearly missed and fondly remembered by loved ones.

CLASSIFIED THANKSGIVING O Holy St Jude, apostle and martyr, great in virtue and rich in miracles, near kinsman of Jesus Christ, faithful intercessor of all who invoke your special patronage in times of need. To you I have recourse from the depth of my heart and humbly beg you, to whom God has given such great power, to come to my assistance.

Help me in my present urgent petition. In return I promise to make your name known and cause you to be invoked. St Jude pray for me and all who invoke your aid. Humbly in need of your intercession.

Amen. Thank you for answering my prayers.

Dear St Jude, Jesus and Our Lady, we thank you for hearing and answering our prayers.

Please continue to intercede for us. Tang Family

Grateful thanks to God our Father, beloved Jesus Christ, Mother Mary and St Michael for answering our prayers. Please continue to bless and guide us. John and Rosalind Wong O Holy St Jude, apostle and martyr, great in virtue and rich in miracles, near kinsman of Jesus Christ, faithful intercessor of all who invoke your special patronage in times of need. To you I have recourse from the depth of my heart and humbly beg you, to whom God has given such great power, to come to my assistance.

Help me in my present urgent petition. In return I promise to make your name known and cause you to be invoked. St Jude pray for me and all who invoke your aid. Humbly in need of your intercession.

Amen. Thank you for answering my prayers. John and Rosalind Wong

AUGUSTINE NG ANNE TAN HONG KHIM GUEK NGO Called to their reward on: June 22, 1977 July 27, 1990

Their smiling ways and pleasant faces Are pleasures to recall; They had a kind word for each And died beloved by all.

Some day we hope to meet them.

Some day, we know not when, To clasp their hands in the better land, Never to part again.

Fondly remembered by loved ones and friends.

In ever loving memory

AUGUSTINE ANTHONY Born: October 23, 1953 Departed: June 22, 2009 Time may heal the broken heart, Time may make the wound less sore, But time can never stop the longing For the loved one gone before.

Always in our hearts, Your beloved family Wife: Jenova Silva Children: Jefferson & Jonathan Anthony Augustine

IN MEMORIAM 27

Sunday June 19, 2011 CatholicNews

In loving memory of

Sixth Anniversary In loving memory of

MARGARET TAN GUEK NEO Departed: Jun 20, 2004 JOHN PUNNOOSE Departed: Jun 16, 2005 Happy are those He longed who die in the Lord. to be with Him Now they can rest Now God has him forever after their work, in His keeping since their good deeds We have him go with them.” in our hearts Apoc. 14:13 We will always cherish you with love.

Twelfth Dearly missed by Anniversary mum Elsie and In loving memory of all loved ones.

Tenth Anniversary In loving memory of

PAUL CHOO Departed: June 12, 1999 You’re not forgotten father dear, Nor ever shall you be.

As long as life and memory last, We shall remember thee.

Ah Kheng and family Twelfth Anniversary In loving memory of

ANTHONY ALCANTRA Departed:Jun 14, 2001 Rest in peace, dear loving father, Ten long years have passed away; You’re gone, but are still living In the hearts of those who stay.

Dearly missed by your loving wife, children and grandchildren.

IN LOVING MEMORY

PETER CHIA MARIA PANG LIANG GIN KIM NEO Departed: Jun 19, 1976 Departed: Aug 24, 1975

Time changes many things but not the memory this day brings.

We speak your name with love and pride.

We thank you for the years we shared, the love you gave and the way you cared.

Fondly remembered by children/ spouses: Mary, Dolores, Francis & Anne, 12 grandchildren & their spouses and 14 great-grandchildren.

In loving memory of AROKIASAMY ANTHONY Departed: Jun 14, 1999 Months have grown day by day, It’s now eleven years since you went away, Loving memories we will never forget, Sadly missed along life’s way, With silent thought and deep regret, We think of you every day, No longer in our life to share, But in our hearts you’ll always remain.

A loving husband... a loving father... a loving grandfather.

Deeply missed by loving wife, daughters, sons-in-law and grandchildren.

Please turn to page 26 for more in memoriam DQG FODVVL¿HG advertisements.

CHIA KIM YAN RAYMOND Departed: June 11, 2004

CHOK MAY LIN ROSALIND Departed: Jun 19, 2000

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” (Psalm 23:6) Dearly missed by family and loved ones.

28

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Sunday June 19, 2011 CatholicNews

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