MARCH 27, 2011, vol 61, no 06

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www.catholicnews.sg SUNDAY MARCH 27, 2011

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Prayers, aid pour in for tsunami victims

NO. 6

INSIDE HOME Church's role in public sphere A priest gives his views „ Page 4

HOME Mass times now on iPhone

VATICAN CITY – Pope Benedict

XVI has expressed deep shock at seeing the extent of destruction caused by the recent natural disasters in Japan, and asked people to join him in praying for victims. “The images of the tragic earthquake and the consequent tsunami in Japan have left us deeply KRUULÂżHG ´ KH VDLG RQ 0DUFK after reciting the Angelus prayer with visitors in St Peter’s Square. “I want to renew my spiritual closeness to that country’s dear people, who with dignity and courage are dealing with the consequences of the calamity. I pray for the victims and their families and for all who are suffering because of these terrible HYHQWV ´ KH VDLG “I encourage all those who, with laudable speed, are working to bring help. Let us remain XQLWHG LQ SUD\HU ´ 7KH 3RQWLÂżFDO &RXQFLO &RU Unum, the Vatican’s charity promotion and coordinating RIÂżFH DQQRXQFHG RQ 0DUFK that the pope donated US$100,000 (S$127,600) to the relief efforts of the Japanese bishops’ conference. Âł7KH ELVKRSV DUH WKH ÂżUVW responsible for charity in the diocese and they know the needs RI WKH SHRSOH ´ 0VJU $QWKRQ\ )LJXHLUHGR D &RU 8QXP RIÂżFLDO told Vatican Radio. “The Church wants to be there not only in the short term but especially in the long term [after] many of the secular agencies have gone and there’s QR RQH WR KHOS ´ KH VDLG %LVKRS 0DUWLQ 7HWVXR Hiraga of Sendai, the diocese most affected by the quake and tsunami, said many area residents, cut off without electricity and with some phone service just restored, were unaware of

VOL 61

New app developed for Catholics „ Page 5

HOME Catholic team in interfaith soccer tournament They emerge 1st runner-up „ Page 6

ASIA Asian Churches mark Lent A look at various practices in the region „ Page 7 $ -DSDQHVH FLYLO GHIHQFH RI¿FHU KROGV D IRXU PRQWK ROG EDE\ JLUO ZKR ZDV UHVFXHG DORQJ ZLWK KHU IDPLO\ IURP WKHLU KRPH LQ ,VKLPDNL QRUWKHUQ -DSDQ RQ 0DUFK CNS photo

the worsening situation at the Fukushima nuclear power plant. “You living in other countries have a much better idea of the WUDJHG\ ´ WKH ELVKRS WROG 9DWLFDQ 5DGLR RQ 0DUFK Âł:H DUH WHUULÂżHG ´ WKH ELVKRS said. “We only have the government announcements, we have no other

source of information. We don’t even know what has happened to our parishes in the towns and villages along the coast. We have no way of contacting them. “I can only hope that the people of my diocese can stand together and be strong enough to RYHUFRPH WKLV GLVDVWHU ´ Fr Peter Shiro Komatsu,

‘The images of the tragic earthquake and the consequent tsunami in Japan have left us deepl\ horriÂżed Âś – Pope Benedict XVI

diocesan chancellor, told UCA 1HZV RQ 0DUFK WKDW RQH church in Fukushima was totally damaged and eight churches in Sendai were either unaffected or only slightly damaged. The diocese said Fr Andre Lachapelle of the Quebec Foreign 0LVVLRQ 6RFLHW\ KDG GLHG HQ URXWH from Sendai to his church several kilometres away. There were FRQÀLFWLQJ UHSRUWV RI ZKHWKHU KH suffered a heart attack or was lost in the tsunami. Fides, news agency of the Vatican’s Congregation for the „ &RQWLQXHG RQ SDJH

ASIA Outrage over killing of Pakistan minister Bishops propose identifying him as a martyr „ Pages 8-9

LETTER Who says youths are self-centred lot? A reader writes „ Page 14

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Sunday March 27, 2011 „ CatholicNews

Sexuality education discussed Parents, educators, Religious take part in forum on how to handle the issue more effectively By Benedict Tang Sexual promiscuity in teenagers is often a cry for the love they cannot get at home. “It may also be a coping mechanism for a teenager beset by a sense of failure.� Mr John Ooi, who has written a book on sexuality for teenagers, made these remarks at a sexuality education forum organised by the Catholic Medical Guild (CMG) on March 5. Teens need proper guidance in the important area of sexuality, he said, even if they seem to be doing well in other areas of their lives such as in their studies. Mr Ooi was one of several panellists at the It’s All About Love! forum held at the Catholic Archdiocesan Education Centre. Some 150 people including parents, educators, catechists, priests and Religious involved in youth formation attended the event, held in the wake of controversy surrounding sexuality education in schools. The event aimed to help parents and formators exercise their roles as educators more effectively, and to “build bridges of understanding within families, parishes and places of learning� on the issue of sexuality education. The secular value of treating one’s body as separate from one’s soul makes people dysfunctional, Dominican Fr David Garcia told the crowd. Our bodies are closely

connected with our intimate self, and sometimes Hollywood movies even realise this, said the lecturer in Moral Theology at St Francis Xavier Major Seminary. He quoted Julie Gianni (played by Cameron Diaz) in WKH ÂżOP 9DQLOOD 6N\ LQ ZKLFK she said, “When you sleep with someone, your body makes a promise, whether you do or not.â€? Dr Colin Ong, CMG deputy master, said it is important to be frank and accurate when educating children about anatomy, sexuality and sexual health. On discussing such issues with children below the age of 12, he said adults need to take into account the child’s psychosexual and psycho-social growth. Dr John Hui, Immediate Past Master of CMG, stressed that it is most important for parents to take the lead as role models in their children’s live as values are best caught, in addition to being taught. Counselling psychologist Adrian Lim stressed the importance of relationships, whether it be with oneself, with parents or with God. These relationships form the basis for shaping one’s beliefs, values and behaviour, he said. Participants later broke up into discussion groups. One teenager said she felt that the good marital relationship her parents enjoy help her to understand how spouses should treat one other. She felt that many of her peers talk about sex casually,

Some 150 people turned up at the It’s All About Love! forum organised by the Catholic Medical Guild.

and it is good that her parents are able to approach the topic in a sensitive and candid manner. It is not always necessary to sit down for a few hours to discuss the issue, but both parent and child can “steal time� for this, such as when driving to and from school, she suggested. Some catechists said that sexual formation needed to take

place on a wider scale in the parish so that catechists are not the only people sharing the message. Educators felt that it was a challenge to discuss the issue with students of different faiths but clearly the way to do it is not to “ram it down their throats�. Participants generally found the forum useful. Ms Linda Heng, a catechist at the Church of

the Holy Family, said she found it EHQHÂżFLDO WR KHDU IURP VSHDNHUV RI different backgrounds. Ms Samantha Charles, 21, an educator with the Redemptorist Mission Team, noted that “youths are battling a lot of things, and they need direction as much as they don’t want itâ€?. She said she felt the forum speakers could have gone deeper into the topics. „

Newly arrived nuncio given welcome By Vincent D’Silva Church leaders from around the region welcomed Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli with a reception on March 15. Archbishop Nicholas Chia, Bishop Paul Tan of Melaka-Johor and Bishop Cornelius Sim of Brunei were among those present at the event held at the Apostolic Nunciature at Waterloo Street. Archbishop Chia introduced WKH 9DWLFDQ DPEDVVDGRU WR WKRVH present and said he was happy to have the nuncio stationed in Singapore. Archbishop Girelli is expected to present his credentials to President S R Nathan at the end of March. He is apostolic nuncio to

Singapore and Timor Leste, apostolic delegate to Malaysia and Brunei, and non-resident SRQWL¿FDO UHSUHVHQWDWLYH IRU 9LHWQDP „

ARCHBISHOP’S DIARY Mar 20 2.00pm Church of St Bernadette: Mass – Rite of Election (Mandarin)

Above from left: Archbishop Nicholas Chia, Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli and Bishop Paul Tan of Melaka-Johor at the March 15 reception.

Correction In the article, The Meaning and Practice of Penance (CN, March 13), the paragraph beneath the section How To Do Penance should read as follows: In order to express penance in a common way by all members of the Church community, the Church asks Catholics from the age of 14 onwards to abstain from meat on Fridays. In this common practice, we can support one another to live a life of penance.

Sunday March 27, 2011 CatholicNews

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Sunday March 27, 2011 „ CatholicNews

&KXUFK DV ÂśYRLFH RI FRQVFLHQFH¡ By Darren Boon Catholics should dialogue and work with others in the public sphere, especially on issues concerning human dignity and the common good. However, they must not force their principles on others, said a priest. Fr Adrian Yeo, who has a licentiate in Canon Law was speaking to Catholic lawyers at the Church of the Risen Christ on the topic, Church & State: Role of Religion in Public Square. The March 4 event was organised by the Catholic Lawyers Guild. Fr Adrian explained that the Church’s duty to defend the dignity of the person has a biblical basis – all people are “created in the image and likeness of Godâ€?.

The Church is thus against euthanasia, the death penalty, human cloning and abortion. “Because of you being Catholic, you must stand for life,â€? Fr Adrian stressed. One cannot make a distinction between one’s faith and life, such as attending Mass to worship God and then not living one’s faith in the public arena. However, Fr Adrian cautioned that the Church “cannot and must not take upon herself the political battles to bring about the most just society possible. She cannot and must not replace the state, yet at the same time she cannot and must not remain in the sidelines in the ÂżJKW IRU MXVWLFH´ The Church does not call Catholics to be politicians, but

‘If we are to vote, we vote ... according to our faith and our informed conscience.’ – Fr Adrian Yeo to Catholic lawyers

to be “active politicallyâ€?, such as educating people and forming conscience, he said. “The Church in the marketplace must be the voice of conscience to tell the world where it has gone wrong. That means the Church needs to live out its prophetic mission ‌ to be a prophet in the world,â€? he said.

Catholics need to know their own faith principles well before they try to form others, he added. What Catholics should do, Fr Adrian suggested, is to “sit down DQG UHĂ€HFW´ RQ WKH FLUFXPVWDQFHV surrounding a given situation. When a country proposes a bill or law, Catholics should UHĂ€HFW RQ DQG XQGHUVWDQG ZKDW

the law is saying and where society is heading towards. Catholics can then highlight the Church’s social teachings, its stance and what the Church has to say about the situation, Fr Adrian said. Catholics can voice their opinions and dialogue with people, he said. They have to respect freedom of speech and cannot force their principles on others or force others to follow them, Fr Adrian said. However, he acknowledged WKH GLI¿FXOW\ RI PDNLQJ WKH Catholic voice heard in a secular VRFLHW\ DQG QRWHG WKDW D ¿QH line exists between politics and religion. On voting politicians into RI¿FH )U $GULDQ VDLG ³,Q general, if we are to vote, we vote looking at our moral principles, according to our faith and our informed conscience.� „ darrenboon@catholic.org.sg

9DWLFDQ FRQJUHJDWLRQ RIĂ€FLDO PHHWV ZLWK ORFDO &DWKROLFV By Darren Boon It is important to show hospitality to migrants and help them feel that the Church is a welcoming community, said Archbishop Savio Hon Taifai, the new secretary of the Vatican’s Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples. “If we can ... acquaint ourselves with the migrants and assist them in whatever we can, this will create goodwill with them,â€? said the Hong Kong-born archbishop. Archbishop Hon was speaking with CatholicNews on the sidelines of a meeting with local priests, seminarians, Religious and laypeople at the St Francis Xavier Major Seminary on March 3. “I’m not saying that we must evangelise the migrants immediately, but to welcome and be hospitable to them,â€? he added. The archbishop also highlighted some of the needs of migrants such as dealing with government agencies and enrolling their children in local

Archbishop Savio Hon Tai-fai, secretary of the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples.

schools. Some feel lonely as they face cultural and language problems in a new environment, he noted. The Church leader, who was on a “friendly visit� to Singapore

“to understand, experience and VKDUH´ HDUOLHU ÂżHOGHG TXHVWLRQV from the audience of some 50 people during a question-andanswer session. In response to a question on the Church in China, he elaborated on how Sino-Vatican ties have had their “ups and downsâ€? after the nation’s fall to communism in 1949. The appointment of bishops by Chinese authorities remains one of the hurdles to good relations, he said. Commenting on the Church in Singapore, Archbishop Hon said that like Hong Kong, the Church here is “young, vibrantâ€? and has a strong lay movement. The Singapore Church here is “full of the Asian spirit – joyful ‌ smilingâ€?, and has its “own characteristics that can contribute to the universal Churchâ€?, he said. He also assured the audience of the “love and concernâ€? the pope has for the Church in Asia. On the roles of priests and laity, Archbishop Hon said there needs to be empowerment of laypeople and a greater awareness of their role. This would allow priests more time to exercise their pastoral duties such as providing spiritual formation to lay people to help them live their faith more effectively. Archbishop Hon was appointed to his position in the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples on Dec 23 and ordained to the episcopate on Feb 5. „ darrenboon@catholic.org.sg

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Sunday March 27, 2011 CatholicNews

Info on church locations and services now available on the go, thanks to free app

Mass times now on iPhone By Darren Boon It was out of thanksgiving and wanting to contribute something useful to the Church that a team of developers designed an iPhone app providing information on local Mass times and nearby churches. SGCatholics is the product of vizTree, a company which specialises in developing applications for the Android and iPhone. Its partners, Mr Jeremiah Ng and Mr Yang Xiong Chen, both 27, said they saw a need for a “simple and useful app for Catholics living or visiting Singapore”. Mr Ng, a Catholic, said that when he had wanted to check the nearest church location and Mass times while on the go, the only way to do so was to visit the archdiocese’s website using a laptop or a handphone, and accessing each individual parish’s website. With SGCatholics, users would be able to see the churches nearest to them. They can then select the churches to view the Mass times.

7KHVH ZRXOG UHÀHFW WKH ODWHVW information on the archdiocese’s website. The app also provides directions to the selected church through the use of Google Maps, which comes installed on the iPhone. Mr Ng says that SGCatholics is a way to thank God for the knowledge He had bestowed on the vizTree team as well as for the projects the company has received. And as a service to the community, the developers are keeping SGCatholics, now available on iTunes, free.

Mr Jeremiah Ng of vizTree said that when he had wanted to obtain church information on the go, the only way was to check each parish’s website.

Mr Ng says that the company, formed last December, saw this project as a “practice app”. They spent about one month developing it. Mr Ng worked on the graphic design and assisted Mr Yang who did much of the coding work. 6RPH RI WKH GLI¿FXOWLHV the developers faced were collating the latest Mass times and manually obtaining the GPS coordinates of the various churches. Meanwhile the developers are looking at adding more IHDWXUHV WKDW ZRXOG EH EHQH¿FLDO to the Catholic community such as daily Scripture readings and UHÀHFWLRQV EDVHG RQ WKH PLVVDO A discussion section in which Catholics can interact with one another is also in the works, says Mr Ng. The developers say they welcome feedback on how to improve the app’s features and functions. vizTree (www.viztree.com) is currently developing a similar app for the Android. darrenboon@catholic.org.sg

Mr Jeremiah Ng (left) and Mr Yang Xiong Chen of vizTree showing the SGCatholics app on the iPhone and iPad.

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Sunday March 27, 2011 „ CatholicNews

Catholic team emerges 1st runner-up By Darren Boon A Catholic football team, Spiritus 8QLWHG HPHUJHG ÂżUVW UXQQHU XS DW the inaugural Religious Harmony Cup. A total of 32 teams, representing a religious organisation each, competed in the game held on March 12 at SAFRA Tampines. Spiritus United emerged YLFWRULRXV LQ WKH URXQG URELQ group stage and came out tops of their group to proceed to the NQRFN RXW URXQGV The team eventually made it WR WKH ÂżQDOV ZKHUH WKH\ HPHUJHG UXQQHU XS ZLWK D VFRUH RI conceding a goal to Braca Vita Lotus Feet, a Hindu team. 7KH VHYHQ D VLGH WRXUQDPHQW ZLWK D SOD\ WLPH RI PLQXWHV ZDV RUJDQLVHG E\ WKH )DQGL Ahmad Academy “to promote UHOLJLRXV KDUPRQ\ EHWZHHQ different religious groups in 6LQJDSRUH WKURXJK WKH ZRUOGÂśV universal language – footballâ€?, DFFRUGLQJ WKH HYHQWÂśV )DFHERRN page. 6SLULWXV 8QLWHG ZDV IRUPHG LQ ZLWK WKH EOHVVLQJV RI WKH then Church of the Holy Spirit parish priest Fr Joseph Tan, and comprises both Catholics and

Spiritus United took part in the Religious Harmony Cup, organised by the Fandi Ahmad Academy ‘to promote harmony between different religious groups’.

Soccer legend Fandi Ahmad (extreme left) poses with the Spiritus United team after the football tournament on March 12.

QRQ &DWKROLF SOD\HUV DJHG WR 27 years old. 7KH WHDPÂśV PDQDJHU DQG coach, Mr Jack Ho, told &DWKROLF1HZV WKDW KH ZDV SURXG RI KLV WHDPÂśV DFKLHYHPHQWV DQG WKDW LW ZDV RXW RI ORYH IRU the sport that Spiritus United

participated in the competition. 7KH\ ZHUH FRQVFLRXV WKDW they represented the Catholic &KXUFK KH VDLG (YHQ ZKHQ they lost, they thanked their opponents for a great time. We have to carry RXUVHOYHV ZHOO DV &DWKROLFV

Mr Ho stressed. In fact, all teams displayed sportsmanship at the tournament; WKHUH ZDV QR SXVKLQJ VKRYLQJ RU ÂżJKWLQJ KH DGGHG 6SLULWXV 8QLWHG DOZD\V VWDUWV RII HDFK WRXUQDPHQW ZLWK D prayer, offering the game up to

God and praying for everyone in the game, said Mr Ho. 9LFH FDSWDLQ %UDQGRQ 3DNLDP WROG &DWKROLF1HZV WKDW KH ZDV VDWLVÂżHG FRPLQJ LQ VHFRQG SODFH DQG WKDW LW ZDV PRUH LPSRUWDQW to play together and have fun as a team. 7KH WRXUQDPHQW ZDV WLULQJ DQG FKDOOHQJLQJ DV KH ZDV XVHG WR SOD\LQJ D VLGH UDWKHU WKDQ VHYHQ D VLGH KH VDLG 1HYHUWKHOHVV WKH OHIW PLG ÂżHOGHU VDLG KH IHHOV ÂłKRQRXUHG´ to represent the Church and is grateful to God for the opportunity. „ darrenboon@catholic.org.sg

ASIA 7

Sunday March 27, 2011 „ CatholicNews

How some Asian Churches are celebrating Lent Students line up to receive ashes at a school in greater Manila on Ash Wednesday. Many Churches in Asia are observing Lent by giving aid to the poor and marginalised. CNS photo

The Philippines In Asia’s predominantly Catholic country, Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales of Manila is urging Catholics to remember malnourished children and to give whatever they save from fasting to the Church’s feeding programme launched on Ash Wednesday in dioceses throughout the country. Hong Kong Love. Give them Hope is the theme of this year’s Lenten campaign in Hong Kong. The Catholic Church is hoping to inculcate a sense RI VHUYLFH DQG VDFULÂżFH DPRQJ the young this Lent. Most of the diocese’s Lenten activities are geared towards students. These include encouraging children to save their pocket money. Students of Church-run schools are also encouraged to participate in theme-day activities such as having vegetarian lunches, DQG VDFULÂżFLQJ VRIW GULQNV 79 viewing and the use of plastic bags. Indonesia Jakarta archdiocese has taken the lead in organising a fundraising campaign with the theme, Let Us Work Together in Fighting against Poverty. “Actually, the theme was from last year’s Lent. However, Catholics wanted to keep it because they thought it is still relevant,â€? said Jesuit Fr Yusuf Edi Mulyono, chairman of the archdiocese’s Commission for Socio-Economic Development. The main purpose of the Lenten activity is not just to collect money from Catholics but

also to encourage them to work to help the poor, he said. Myanmar The Church in Myanmar has Integral Human Development in Charity and Truth as its main Lenten message. Social workers from Karuna, as the local Caritas organisation is called, have trained catechists, priests and nuns to help in diocesan projects that foster “human developmentâ€? during Lent. Korea For Catholics who make up about 10 percent of Korea’s population, Let’s Share What We Have has been the recurring Lenten theme put forward by the local Caritas RIÂżFH VLQFH The Catholic social service agency has distributed posters and the pope’s Lenten message to all dioceses, asking them to prepare activities to help Catholics understand the meaning of this season. It distributed a “piggy bankâ€? to all Catholic families on Ash Wednesday, urging them to save PRQH\ IRU WKH SRRU E\ VDFULÂżFLQJ coffee, alcohol or cigarettes. Pakistan The Catholic Church, through diocesan units of Caritas Pakistan, has distributed Lenten envelopes to parishes to collect money for charitable works. Caritas in Karachi has urged a donation of at least one rupee (about S$0.01) for each Catholic. Support the Needy is the national theme for this year’s Lenten campaign.

“Through a minimum contribution, we are aiming for maximum participation. Engaging each individual will help in stimulating compassion,â€? said Riaz Nawab, a Caritas Pakistan coordinator for the campaign. The money will go towards helping orphans, widows and the poor. Nepal In Nepal, Lenten offerings for the poor are also being organised. Special day-long parish Eucharistic adoration, retreats and outdoor Way of the Cross devotions on Fridays are being organised. Some parishes like southern Kathmandu’s Ishalaya Church hold weekly Lenten talks and daily confessions. The pope’s Lenten message is also being circulated throughout parishes. Bangladesh Peace Begins in the Family is the theme of the Bangladesh Church’s 2011 Lenten campaign. The activity, organised by Caritas, involves the collection of a day’s salary from each of its employees as well as from Catholics across the country. The money will be given to the poor. The campaign aims to promote a “culture of givingâ€?. Sri Lanka The Catholic bishops’ conference has chosen Christ is our Hope as the Lenten theme. Outreach during this period includes assisting displaced people, the homeless, widows and orphans. A ERRNOHW RI /HQWHQ UHĂ€HFWLRQV KDV also been published. „ UCANEWS.COM

8 ASIA

Sunday March 27, 2011 „ CatholicNews

People gather around the casket of slain Catholic minister for minorities Shahbaz Bhatti after a memorial Mass at Our Lady of Fatima Church in Islamabad. CNS photos

Shock, outrage minister’s death BANGALORE, INDIA – More than 20,000 Christians from DOO RYHU 3DNLVWDQ Ă€RFNHG WR the remote village of Kushpur LQ )DLVDODEDG GLRFHVH IRU WKH funeral of Shahbaz Bhatti, 3DNLVWDQÂśV DVVDVVLQDWHG PLQLVWHU for minorities. “It was a very emotional funeral with the people wailing DQG ZHHSLQJ DOO WKURXJK ´ 0U 3HWHU -DFRE H[HFXWLYH VHFUHWDU\ RI WKH 3DNLVWDQL ELVKRSVÂś MXVWLFH DQG SHDFH FRPPLVVLRQ WROG &DWKROLF 1HZV 6HUYLFH LQ D WHOHSKRQH LQWHUYLHZ RQ 0DUFK %KDWWL D &DWKROLF ZDV DVVDVVLQDWHG E\ XQLGHQWLÂżHG JXQPHQ ZKR SXPSHG EXOOHWV LQWR KLV FDU IURP DXWRPDWLF ZHDSRQV DV KH ZDV EHLQJ GULYHQ WR KLV RIÂżFH LQ ,VODPDEDG RQ 0DUFK 7KH ÂżQDO OHJ RI WKH IXQHUDO ZDV OHG E\ %LVKRS -RVHSK &RXWWV RI )DLVDODEDG MRLQHG E\ WZR 3URWHVWDQW ELVKRSV DQG GR]HQV RI &DWKROLF SULHVWV %KDWWLÂśV ERG\ ZDV Ă€RZQ WR Kushpur in the afternoon from ,VODPDEDG DIWHU D PHPRULDO 0DVV DW 2XU /DG\ RI )DWLPD &KXUFK LQ ,VODPDEDG %LVKRS 5XÂżQ $QWKRQ\ RI ,VODPDEDG 5DZDOSLQGL ZDV SULQFLSDO FHOHEUDQW 7KRXVDQGV RI &KULVWLDQV UHOLJLRXV OHDGHUV IRUHLJQ GLSORPDWV DQG JRYHUQPHQW RIÂżFLDOV OHG E\ 3ULPH 0LQLVWHU <RXVDI 5D]D *LODQL DWWHQGHG WKH ,VODPDEDG VHUYLFH ZKLFK LQFOXGHG D VWDWH VDOXWH

³7RGD\ LV D YHU\ VDG GD\ ´ VDLG 0U *LODQL GHVFULELQJ %KDWWL DV D ³YHU\ UDUH OHDGHU´ ³$OO WKH PLQRULWLHV >LQ Pakistan] have lost a great OHDGHU ´ KH VDLG %KDWWL WKH ¿UVW &DWKROLF WR serve as minister for minorities, UHFHLYHG VHYHUDO WKUHDWV DJDLQVW KLV OLIH DIWHU FULWLFLVLQJ WKH FRXQWU\œV DQWL EODVSKHP\ ODZV ZKLFK KDYH EHHQ XVHG WR SHUVHFXWH &KULVWLDQV DQG RWKHU religious minorities. +H EHFDPH D WDUJHW RI ,VODPLF H[WUHPLVWV LQ 1RYHPEHU DIWHU KH LQLWLDWHG D FOHPHQF\ SHWLWLRQ IRU 0V $VLD %LEL D &KULVWLDQ PRWKHU RI ¿YH VHQWHQFHG WR GHDWK IRU blasphemy. 6LQFH WKH -DQ DVVDVVLQDWLRQ of the governor of Punjab, 6DOPDQ 7DVHHU ZKR DOVR XUJHG the repeal of the blasphemy laws, %KDWWL KDG EHHQ D SXEOLF ¿JXUH speaking out against the laws. $ QRWH IRXQG DW WKH FULPH VFHQH OHG DXWKRULWLHV WR EHOLHYH 7HKULN H 7DOLEDQ 3DNLVWDQ D UDGLFDO 0XVOLP JURXS ZDV UHVSRQVLEOH IRU WKH PXUGHU WKH &DWKROLF DJHQF\ $VLD1HZV UHSRUWHG $IWHU DQ HPHUJHQF\ PHHWLQJ OHG E\ /DKRUH $UFKELVKRS /DZUHQFH 6DOGDQKD SUHVLGHQW RI WKH 3DNLVWDQL &DWKROLF ELVKRSVœ FRQIHUHQFH WKH FRXQWU\œV &KULVWLDQ OHDGHUV XUJHG WKH JRYHUQPHQW WR ³JR EH\RQG WKH UKHWRULF RI ¾PLQRULWLHV HQMR\LQJ DOO WKH ULJKWV LQ WKH FRXQWU\œ DQG WDNH SUDFWLFDO VWHSV WR FXUE

H[WUHPLVP LQ 3DNLVWDQ´ Âł,I WKH FRXQWU\ EHFRPHV D NLOOLQJ ÂżHOG RI WKH GHPRFUDW DQG OLEHUDO LQGLYLGXDOV ZKR H[HUFLVH WKHLU IUHHGRP RI FRQVFLHQFH DQG H[SUHVVLRQ LW ZRXOG HPEROGHQ WKH FULPLQDOV WU\LQJ WR WDNH FKDUJH RI WKH FRXQWU\ ´ WKH &KXUFK OHDGHUV ZDUQHG 0HDQZKLOH DQ RIÂżFLDO RI WKH 3DNLVWDQ ELVKRSVÂś VDLG WKH ERG\ ZRXOG PHHW LQ ODWH 0DUFK to review a proposal to ask the 9DWLFDQ WR IRUPDOO\ LGHQWLI\ Bhatti as a martyr. %LVKRS $QGUHZ )UDQFLV RI 0XOWDQ SUHVLGHQW RI WKH ELVKRSVÂś Commission for Interreligious 'LDORJXH GUDIWHG WKH SURSRVDO +H WROG WKH 9DWLFDQÂśV PLVVLRQDU\ QHZV DJHQF\ )LGHV “Bhatti is a man who gave his life IRU KLV FU\VWDOOLQH IDLWK LQ -HVXV

‘I ask the Lord Jesus that the moving sacriÂżce of Shahbaz Bhatti will awaken in people’s consciences courage and a commitment to safeguarding religious freedom.’ – Pope Benedict XVI

ASIA 9

Sunday March 27, 2011 „ CatholicNews

Shahbaz Bhatti was an outspoken critic of Pakistan’s anti-blasphemy laws.

erupt over in Pakistan Christ. It is up to us, the bishops, to tell his story and experience to the Church in Rome, to call IRU RIÂżFLDO UHFRJQLWLRQ RI KLV martyrdom.â€? Bishop Anthony of Islamabad-Rawalpindi told AsiaNews that Bhatti was “a FRXUDJHRXV IHDUOHVV PDQ ZKR KDG WDNHQ D YHU\ VWURQJ SRVLWLRQ in support of minoritiesâ€?. The bishop believed that because Bhatti was so outspoken about PLQRULW\ ULJKWV ÂłWKH PLQLVWHU paid the price with his bloodâ€?. Bhatti had said at an event in Ottawa, Canada, on Feb 7 that “I follow the principles of my conscience, and I am ready to GLH DQG VDFULÂżFH P\ OLIH IRU WKH principles I believeâ€?. Pope Benedict XVI and Vatican spokesman Fr Federico

/RPEDUGL KDYH DOVR ZHLJKHG LQ RQ WKH WUDJHG\ The pope prayed on March 6 WKDW WKH NLOOLQJ ZRXOG DZDNHQ people to the need to protect the IUHHGRP RI UHOLJLRXV PLQRULWLHV “I ask the Lord Jesus that the PRYLQJ VDFULÂżFH RI WKH OLIH RI the Pakistani minister, Shahbaz Bhatti, will awaken in people’s FRQVFLHQFHV FRXUDJH DQG D FRPPLWPHQW WR VDIHJXDUGLQJ WKH UHOLJLRXV IUHHGRP RI DOO PHQ DQG women and, in that way, promote WKHLU HTXDO GLJQLW\ ´ WKH SRSH VDLG GXULQJ KLV PLGGD\ $QJHOXV address. The pontiff had received the late minister last September GXULQJ ZKLFK KH VSRNH DERXW KLV FRPPLWPHQW WR SURPRWLQJ peaceful coexistence between WKH UHOLJLRXV FRPPXQLWLHV RI KLV country. Jesuit Fr Federico Lombardi, in a commentary for Vatican television, said Bhatti will be remembered as “a valiant witness of faith and justiceâ€?. Bhatti founded the Christian Liberation Front in his student days and launched the All Pakistan Minority Alliance in 2001. He joined the Pakistan Peoples Party in 2002. When the party, under President Asif Ali Zardari, assumed power in early 2008, Bhatti was named to the National Assembly under the quota reserved for Christians and was soon the federal minister for minority affairs. „

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Sunday March 27, 2011 CatholicNews

Champion of Small Christian Communities called to the Lord By Wendy Louis Bishop Emeritus Oswald Hirmer, who has trained many Asian Church facilitators in the building of Small Christian Communities (SCCs), died on March 5 just after midnight. He was 81. The late bishop of Mthatha diocese in South Africa, who was suffering from various medical conditions, is well known for helping Asian bishops formulate their vision of the “Communion of Communities”. This vision aimed to build up the Church through SCCs using a participatory and Christ-centred approach. Bishop Hirmer was born on Feb 24, 1930 and ordained LQ +H VSHQW WKH ¿UVW WZR years of his priesthood serving in a parish in the Bavarian forest in his home country Germany. He heard the call of the pope to give himself totally to Africa and arrived in South Africa in 1957. In 1972, Fr Hirmer was sent to work in South Africa’s Lumko Missiological Institute, a place to train new missionaries in the African languages and cultures. He was also appointed to the Biblical Apostolate in 1977 which sharpened his focus on the Word of God. In 1988, he published his book for Catechumenate communities called Our Journey Together. Later that year, he travelled to East Malaysia to run a workshop on how to use the book. He visited Archbishop Gregory Yong of Singapore who later asked the FDWHFKHWLFDO RI¿FH WR DGDSW WKH book locally. Fr Hirmer was later invited to Singapore to give a workshop on the use of the book. He is especially known for his presence at the FABC Plenary Assembly in Bandung 1990 where he worked with Asian bishops to formulate their vision of the

Bishop Emeritus Oswald Hirmer gave many workshops in Asia.

“Communion of Communities”. The bishops then asked the Lumko Institute to run programmes to train Asian facilitators. This brought him to the continent so often that he was invited to use the Archbishop’s House in Singapore as his base. He continued his workshops in Asia until his appointment to Mthatha diocese in South Africa as bishop in 1997. The FABC’s Asian Integral Pastoral Approach (AsIPA) materials, used in the building of SCCs, were initially developed by Bishop Hirmer together with the AsIPA Resource Team. Bishop Hirmer died while still working on a sign-language version of his latest book, Our Joy in Being Catholic, which is making an impact in many countries. Archbishop Nicholas Chia, in his condolence message, said: “We are all saddened to hear that Bishop Emeritus Oswald Hirmer has passed away. He has contributed much to the Church through the Lumko Institute DQG $V,3$ KDV EHQH¿WWHG PXFK from him. We pray that he has gone to his reward and that his contributions will continue to bring fruits to the Church.”

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Sunday March 27, 2011 „ CatholicNews

Pope presents Jesus as reconciler, not revolutionary in book VATICAN CITY – In his new volume on Jesus of Nazareth, Pope Benedict XVI presents the passion and resurrection of Christ as history-changing events that answer humanity’s unceasing need to be reconciled with God. Jesus of Nazareth: Holy Week – From the Entrance Into Jerusalem to the Resurrection was released March 10. It is the second in his series exploring the main events of Jesus’ public ministry. In a foreword, the pope said he did not set out to write another chronological Life of Jesus, but instead to present “the real Jesusâ€? – not as a political revolutionary or mere moralist – but the son of God who inaugurated a new path of salvation based on love. The book analyses the key HYHQWV RI -HVXVÂś ÂżQDO GD\V LQFOXGLQJ the cleansing of the temple, the Last Supper, His betrayal, His interrogations before the Sanhedrin DQG 3RQWLXV 3LODWH +LV FUXFLÂż[LRQ and His appearances to the disciples after His resurrection. The pope said it was important to understand that the events recounted in the Scriptures

actually occurred and are not simply stories or ideas. For example, he said, if Jesus did not actually give His disciples bread and wine as His body and blood at the Last Supper, then “the Church’s eucharistic celebration LV HPSW\ Âą D SLRXV ÂżFWLRQ´ Likewise, he said, Christ’s actual resurrection from the dead is foundational for the Church. Without it, he said, “Christian faith itself would be deadâ€?. The pope took aim at scholars who have interpreted Christ’s passion in political terms and sought to portray him as a “political agitatorâ€?. On the contrary, the pope wrote, Jesus inaugurated a “nonpolitical Messianic kingdomâ€?. The book generally steered clear of commentary on contemporary issues, but on the issue of non-violence, the pope added that “the cruel consequences of religiously motivated violence are only too evident to us allâ€?. The pope says the condemnation of Christ had complex political and religious causes and cannot be blamed on the Jewish people as a whole.

He said it was a mistake to interpret the words reported in the Gospel, “His blood be on us and on our children� as a blood curse against the Jews. Those words, spoken by the mob that demanded Jesus’ death, need to be read in the light of faith, the pope wrote. They do not cry out for vengeance, but for reconciliation, he said. “It means that we all stand in need of the purifying power of love which is His blood. These words are not a curse, but rather redemption, salvation,� he said. „ CNS The book will be available in mid-April at $16 at the Catholic News Book & Media centre.

Cover of Pope Benedict XVI’s latest volume of Jesus of Nazareth. CNS photo

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Sunday March 27, 2011 „ CatholicNews

Lenten programme invites non-practising Catholics back to church METUCHEN, NEW JERSEY – This Lent, as people drive through the Diocese of Metuchen in the US, it is likely they will see a billboard with this invitation, Lent: A Good Time to Come Home. Through a pilot programme LQ ÂżYH SDULVKHV WKH GLRFHVH LV inviting non-practising Catholics back to the Church and back to a relationship with God by posting billboards and handing out invitations door to door. Titled Inviting All Catholics Home, Ms Jodie D’Angiolillo, GLUHFWRU RI WKH GLRFHVDQ 2IÂżFH of Evangelisation, said Lent “was chosen for the programme because it is traditionally a time of returning and conversion; it is also an ideal time in terms of the liturgical cycleâ€?. The diocese’s development of the programme was inspired by www.catholicscomehome.org, D QRQ SURÂżW RUJDQLVDWLRQ WKDW airs TV commercials in different dioceses around the country either during Advent or Lent, Ms D’Angiolillo said. The programme’s focus is a weekly parish mission scheduled to begin on the week of March 14. To ensure its success, Ms

D’Angiolillo said members of all ÂżYH SDULVKHV ZHUH PDNLQJ HYHU\ effort to invite people to attend, with volunteers distributing invitations in their respective communities. “If you ask the average Catholic if they know someone who is not practising their faith, invariably the answer is ‘yes.’ So we know that with this programme, outreach is very important,â€? she told The Catholic Spirit, Metuchen’s diocesan newspaper. Parishioners receive invitation cards to pass on to “family members, co-workers, neighbours, as well as othersâ€?, Ms D’Angiolillo said. She noted that the mission event “is not threateningâ€? and would not require people “to have to sit down in small groups and share their personal insights. The mission consists of a presentation followed by question-andanswers with some fellowshipâ€?. Parishes also were using car magnets, lawn signs and door hangers as other types of invitations. The programme has a website (www.invitingallcatholicshome. com) that explains the outreach. „ CNS

Pontiff to answer TV viewers’ questions VATICAN CITY – Pope Benedict XVI will answer people’s questions about Jesus Christ in an unusual Good Friday broadcast on the Italian state television network. A Sua Immagine (In his Image), a Catholic perspectives show that normally airs on Sundays on RaiUno, will present an 80-minute programme on April 22 featuring a pre-recorded interview with the pope. The Vatican Television &HQWUH ZLOO ¿OP WKH SRSH IURP

the Apostolic Palace a few days before Good Friday as he answers three questions presented to him beforehand. The questions will be based on what people send by e-mail to the RAI television show’s website. The show’s host, Rosario Carello, told Vatican Radio that they will read every e-mail sent in and then make a selection of the most common inquiries, as well as the most interesting questions, including ones that could “open a stronger debate�. „ CNS

)RUHLJQ HYDFXHHV ZDON LQ D VDQGVWRUP DW WKH /LE\DQ DQG 7XQLVLDQ ERUGHU FURVVLQJ RI 5DV -GLU DIWHU ÀHHLQJ XQUHVW in Libya. CNS photos

Pope calls for aid to civilians in Libya, agencies step in VATICAN CITY – $V ¿JKWLQJ

between rebels and government IRUFHV LQ /LE\D LQWHQVLÂżHG 3RSH Benedict XVI called for aid and assistance to civilians caught in WKH FRQĂ€LFW “Recent clashes have caused many deaths and an increasing humanitarian crisisâ€? in Libya, the pope said after praying the Angelus with pilgrims gathered in St Peter’s Square on March 6. He expressed his concern over the growing crisis and said his prayers were with all victims DQG ÂłWKRVH ZKR ÂżQG WKHPVHOYHV in distressâ€?. “I appeal for assistance and aid for the people who are hitâ€? by the crisis, he said. More than 1,000 are believed to have died after pro-democracy protests began in mid-February. A violent crackdown on the popular movement also triggered a large exodus of people, including migrants. Many people were said WR KDYH Ă€HG WR (J\SW DQG 7XQLVLD Rebels opposed to the 42year rule of Colonel Muammar *DGGDÂż KDYH WULHG WR WDNH FRQWURO of cities in the country’s western and eastern regions, and forces loyal to the Libyan dictator launched aerial bombing raids in a counteroffensive. Bishop Giovanni Martinelli of Tripoli, Libya, said there were clashes “in the mosque after prayers in central Tripoliâ€? on March 4, but that most of the capital is currently “wellguardedâ€? by government forces. However, “the situation is very uncertain and for the moment anything is possibleâ€?,

Bishop Martinelli told Fides, the news agency of the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples. “In my view, the international embargo and threats are unlikely to convince the Libyan authorities to surrender,â€? he said. “I still believe in the SRVVLELOLW\ RI GLDORJXH WR ÂżQG D way out,â€? he added. Meanwhile, Catholic aid agencies mobilised to provide assistance to some of the tens of thousands of foreign and migrant ZRUNHUV Ă€HHLQJ WKH YLROHQFH who gathered along the LibyanTunisian border. A spokesman for Jesuit Refugee Service, which runs a major operation in Malta for refugees from North Africa, said the agency was assessing how best to respond to the crisis at the border. Caritas Internationalis and Catholic Relief Services (CRS) planned to start distributing 2,000

meals and 3,000 bottles of water at the eastern border on March 7. The effort was expected to reach 5,000 people stranded at the crossing into Salloum, Egypt. The agencies planned to have their own distribution network established by March 10, said a CRS spokeswoman. The effort is being coordinated by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees and the International Organisation for Migration. 0DQ\ RI WKRVH ÀHHLQJ IURP Libya into Tunisia at Ras Ajdir reported being intimidated and having their mobile phones and FDPHUDV FRQ¿VFDWHG In all, more than 213,000 IRUHLJQ ZRUNHUV KDYH ÀHG /LE\D since mid-February when the uprising began. The Associated Press reported on March 7 that about 110,000 SHRSOH KDG ÀHG WR 7XQLVLD to Egypt and 3,000 to Niger. „ CNS

$ UHEHO ¿JKWHU KROGV D .LQJGRP RI /LE\D ÀDJ GXULQJ EDWWOH ZLWK VROGLHUV OR\DO WR &RORQHO 0XDPPDU *DGGD¿

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Sunday March 27, 2011 CatholicNews

8. FRXUW GLVTXDOLÀHV foster-care couple over Christian beliefs LONDON – $ %ULWLVK FRXUW KDV

HIIHFWLYHO\ GLVTXDOL¿HG D FRXSOH from becoming foster parents because of their Christian views on premarital and homosexual sex. Owen and Eunice Johns of Derby, England, were told by London High Court judges that gay equality laws must “take precedence” over the rights of Christians to act in line with their faith. The couple, who have fostered 15 children, had sought a judicial review of a 2009 decision by the Derby City Council to defer their application to be approved as short-term, respite, foster caregivers because of their views on sexual morality. The judges were asked to consider the abstract question of whether public authorities should consider applicants’ views on sexual ethics when deciding to approve them as foster parents. The judges stated that Christian beliefs on sexual ethics may be “inimical” to children and implicitly upheld a submission by the publicly funded Equality and Human Rights Commission that children risked being “infected” by Christian moral beliefs. If children are placed with parents who have traditional Christian views, “there may ZHOO EH D FRQÀLFW ZLWK WKH ORFDO authority’s duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of lookedafter children”, the judges said. They added that “the equality provisions concerning sexual orientation should take precedence” over Christian

beliefs. The hearing took place in November, but the judgement was passed down on Feb 28. After the ruling was issued, the Johnses said in a statement: “We have been excluded because we have moral opinions based on RXU IDLWK %HLQJ D &KULVWLDQ LV not a crime and should not stop us from raising children. Today, it looks as though a child has missed out on a home.”

London High Court judges say Christian beliefs on sexual ethics may be ‘inimical’ to children. The couple were supported in their action by the Christian Legal Centre, an organisation founded to defend the rights of Christians from discrimination and harassment. In a Feb 28 statement, lawyer Andrea Minichiello Williams, who heads the centre, said: “If Christian morals are harmful to children and unacceptable to the state, then how many years do we have before natural children start being taken away from Christians?” Since 2007, almost all of the 13 Catholic adoption agencies LQ %ULWDLQ KDYH EHHQ IRUFHG to either sever ties with their dioceses or close down because of gay equality laws compelling them to assess same-sex couples as potential adopters and foster caregivers. CNS

Vatican Museums’ hands-on approach for blind, deaf VATICAN CITY – The Vatican Museums have launched special tours for the deaf and blind. These two-hour tours are free and seek to offer a multi-sensory experience of some of the museums’ most famous works. The tour for the deaf includes stops in the Raphael Rooms, the Sistine Chapel, and visits to the classical statues collection. The itinerary for the visuallyimpaired includes a blend of sensory experiences. For example, to examine Michelangelo Merisi Caravaggio’s Deposition From the Cross, visitors ¿UVW OLVWHQ WR D %LEOH SDVVDJH explaining the scene in which Christ is taken down from the cross. Each visitor’s hands are then placed on a resin bas relief of the scene in the painting of Nicodemus and John laying Christ on a stone while Mary and other women look on. Visitors then feel real items depicted in the painting such as the

Caravaggio’s Deposition From the Cross is now made accessible to the blind in a new tour.

thick velvety leaves of a common mullein herbal plant and a linen shroud that smells of myrrh and aloe, the same herbs used in burial cloths at the time. CNS

14 LETTERS/OPINION

ROLHEISER

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 ASSISTANT EDITOR: Christopher Khoo: FKULVNKRR#FDWKROLF RUJ VJ STAFF CORRESPONDENT: Darren Boon: GDUUHQERRQ#FDWKROLF RUJ VJ EDITORIAL MATTERS: cnedit@catholic.org.sg

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IN MEMORIAM: Susan Lim: memoriam@catholic.org.sg SUBSCRIPTIONS: Richard Paul: VXEVFULSWLRQV#FDWKROLF RUJ VJ ADVERTISEMENTS: Elaine Ong: advertisements@catholic.org.sg WEBMASTER: Medona Walter: medona@catholic.org.sg DESIGN / LAYOUT: Christopher Wong: design@catholic.org.sg Elaine Ong: elong@catholic.org.sg

Who says youths are self-centred lot? For every Mass, the choir plays an important role in livening up WKH FHOHEUDWLRQ DQG DGGLQJ YDOXH to the Mass. When nice and meaningful VRQJV DUH VXQJ LW¶V LQHYLWDEOH that one feels truly touched. The congregation is then also more OLNHO\ WR SDUWLFLSDWH From my decades of experience attending Masses in many different parishes, the choir singing for the early morning 6XQGD\ 0DVVHV HJ WKH DP RQH as well as the last Mass for the

ZHHNHQG XVXDOO\ FRQVLVWV RI D handful of mainly elderly people, sometimes even just one elderly person singing solo. Hence I was truly surprised ZKHQ , VWDUWHG DWWHQGLQJ WKH DP Mass at the Church of the Holy 6SLULW I was surprised to see not only VR PDQ\ SHRSOH LQ WKH FKRLU EXW WKDW WKH\ ZHUH <281* SHRSOH And not only that, there were also so many young people playing a variety of musical instruments ± WKH JXLWDU YLROLQ ÀXWH DQG saxophone! $PD]LQJ IRU D DP 0DVV choir. This choir is a team truly worth commending. Young people today have

EHHQ FULWLFLVHG IRU EHLQJ D VHO¿VK generation; heavily preoccupied ZLWK WKHLU FRPSXWHUV )DFHERRN <RX7XEH VXU¿QJ JDPLQJ PRELOH SKRQH JDGJHWV ;ER[ Wii etc, and for dressing inappropriately for Mass. <HW WKLV EXQFK RI \RXQJ people who show up promptly HYHU\ 6XQGD\ WR VLQJ DQG SOD\ their musical instruments so EHDXWLIXOO\ DW WKH DP 0DVV GHI\ the current stereotype and are true gems in today’s day and age. 7KDQN \RX DP FKRLU DQG NHHS WKH SDVVLRQ VSLULW ]HVW DQG commitment going! Cynthia Chew 6LQJDSRUH

When I started attending the 7 am Mass at Holy Spirit Church, I was surprised to see not only so many people in the choir but that they were YOUNG people.

Sunday March 27, 2011 „ CatholicNews

Anger, bitterness in church circles , :25. DQG PRYH ZLWKLQ FKXUFK FLUFOHV DQG ¿QG that most of the people I meet there are honest, committed, and for the most part radiate their faith positively. Most church-goers aren’t hypocrites. :KDW , GR ¿QG GLVWXUELQJ ZLWKLQ FKXUFK FLUFOHV WKRXJK LV WKDW WRR PDQ\ RI XV FDQ EH ELWWHU DQJU\ mean-spirited, and judgemental, especially in terms of the very values that we hold most dear. ,W ZDV +HQUL 1RXZHQ ZKR ¿UVW KLJKOLJKWHG this, commenting with sadness that many of the UHDOO\ DQJU\ ELWWHU DQG LGHRORJLFDOO\ GULYHQ SHRSOH KH NQHZ KH KDG met inside of church circles and places of ministry. Within church FLUFOHV LW VRPHWLPHV VHHPV HYHU\RQH LV DQJU\ DERXW VRPHWKLQJ Moreover, within church circles, it is all too easy to rationalise our anger in the name of prophecy, as a healthy passion for truth and morals. 7KH ORJLF ZRUNV WKLV ZD\ %HFDXVH , DP VLQFHUHO\ FRQFHUQHG DERXW an important moral, ecclesial, or justice issue, I can excuse a certain DPRXQW RI QHXURVLV DQJHU HOLWLVP DQG QHJDWLYH MXGJHPHQW EHFDXVH , can rationalise that my cause, dogmatic or moral, is so important that it MXVWL¿HV P\ PHDQ VSLULW , QHHG WR EH WKLV DQJU\ DQG KDUVK EHFDXVH WKLV is such an important truth! $QG VR ZH MXVWLI\ RXU DQJHU E\ JLYLQJ LW D SURSKHWLF FORDN EHOLHYLQJ WKDW ZH DUH ZDUULRUV IRU *RG WUXWK DQG PRUDOV ZKHQ LQ IDFW we are mostly just struggling with our own wounds, insecurities, and fears. +HQFH ZH RIWHQ ORRN DW RWKHUV HYHQ ZKROH FKXUFKHV PDGH XS RI VLQFHUH SHUVRQV WU\LQJ WR OLYH WKH *RVSHO DQG LQVWHDG RI VHHLQJ EURWKHUV DQG VLVWHUV VWUXJJOLQJ OLNH XV WR IROORZ -HVXV ZH VHH ³SHRSOH LQ HUURU´ ³GDQJHURXV UHODWLYLVWV´ ³QHZ DJH SDJDQV´ ³UHOLJLRXV ÀDNHV´ DQG LQ RXU PRUH JHQHURXV PRPHQWV ³SRRU PLVJXLGHG VRXOV´ %XW QHYHU GR ZH ORRN DW ZKDW WKLV NLQG RI MXGJHPHQW LV VD\LQJ DERXW XV DERXW RXU RZQ KHDOWK RI VRXO DQG RXU RZQ IROORZLQJ RI -HVXV 'RQ¶W JHW PH ZURQJ 7UXWK LV QRW UHODWLYH PRUDO LVVXHV DUH LPSRUWDQW DQG ULJKW WUXWK DQG SURSHU PRUDOV OLNH NLQJGRPV XQGHU SHUSHWXDO VLHJH QHHG WR EH GHIHQGHG 1RW DOO PRUDO MXGJHPHQWV DUH created equal, neither are all churches. %XW WKH WUXWK RI WKDW GRHVQ¶W WUXPS HYHU\WKLQJ HOVH RU JLYH XV DQ excuse to rationalise our anger. We must defend truth, defend those ZKR FDQQRW GHIHQG WKHPVHOYHV DQG EH VROLG LQ WKH WUDGLWLRQV RI RXU RZQ FKXUFKHV %XW ULJKW WUXWK DQG ULJKW PRUDOV GRQ¶W QHFHVVDULO\ PDNH XV GLVFLSOHV RI -HVXV :KDW GRHV" :KDW PDNHV XV JHQXLQH GLVFLSOHV RI -HVXV LV OLYLQJ LQVLGH +LV 6SLULW WKH +RO\ 6SLULW DQG WKLV LV QRW VRPHWKLQJ DEVWUDFW DQG YDJXH ,I RQH were searching for a single formula to determine who is Christian and ZKR LVQ¶W RQH PLJKW ORRN DW WKH (SLVWOH WR WKH *DODWLDQV &KDSWHU ,Q LW 6W 3DXO WHOOV XV WKDW ZH FDQ OLYH DFFRUGLQJ WR HLWKHU WKH VSLULW RI WKH ÀHVK RU WKH +RO\ 6SLULW :H OLYH DFFRUGLQJ WR WKH VSLULW RI WKH ÀHVK ZKHQ ZH OLYH LQ DQJHU ELWWHUQHVV MXGJHPHQW RI RXU QHLJKERXU IDFWLRQDOLVP DQG QRQ forgiveness. When these things characterise our lives, we shouldn’t GHOXGH RXUVHOYHV DQG WKLQN WKDW ZH DUH OLYLQJ LQVLGH RI WKH +RO\ 6SLULW &RQYHUVHO\ ZH OLYH LQVLGH RI WKH +RO\ 6SLULW ZKHQ RXU OLYHV DUH FKDUDFWHULVHG E\ FKDULW\ MR\ SHDFH SDWLHQFH JRRGQHVV ORQJVXIIHULQJ constancy, faith, gentleness and chastity. If these do not characterise RXU OLYHV ZH VKRXOG QRW QXUVH WKH LOOXVLRQ WKDW ZH DUH LQVLGH RI *RG¶V 6SLULW LUUHVSHFWLYH RI RXU SDVVLRQ IRU WUXWK GRJPD RU MXVWLFH 7KLV PD\ EH D FUXHO WKLQJ WR VD\ DQG SHUKDSV PRUH FUXHO QRW WR VD\ EXW , VRPHWLPHV VHH PRUH FKDULW\ MR\ SHDFH SDWLHQFH JRRGQHVV DQG JHQWOHQHVV DPRQJ SHUVRQV ZKR DUH 8QLWDULDQ 1HZ $JH RU %DKD¶L than I see among those of us who do stand up so strongly for certain HFFOHVLDO DQG PRUDO LVVXHV EXW DUH RIWHQ PHDQ VSLULWHG DQG ELWWHU LQVLGH of our convictions. *LYHQ WKH FKRLFH RI ZKRP ,¶G OLNH DV D QHLJKERXU RU PRUH GHHSO\ the choice of whom I want to spend eternity with, I am sometimes SUHWW\ FRQÀLFWHG DERXW WKH FKRLFH :KR LV P\ UHDO IDLWK FRPSDQLRQ" 7KH DQJU\ ]HDORW DW ZDU IRU -HVXV RU IRU D FDXVH" 2U WKH PRUH JHQWOH VRXO ZKR LV EUDQGHG ZLVK\ ZDVK\ RU ³QHZ DJH´" $W WKH HQG RI WKH GD\ ZKR LV WKH UHDO &KULVWLDQ" :H QHHG , EHOLHYH WR EH PRUH VHOI FULWLFDO ZLWK UHJDUG WR RXU DQJHU harsh judgements, mean spirit, exclusiveness, and disdain for other ecclesial and moral paths. $V 7 6 (OLRW RQFH VDLG 7KH ODVW WHPSWDWLRQ WKDW¶V WKH JUHDWHVW treason is to do the right thing for the wrong reason. We may have WUXWK DQG ULJKW PRUDOV RQ RXU VLGH %XW RXU DQJHU DQG KDUVK MXGJHPHQWV towards those who don’t share our truth and morals may well have XV VWDQGLQJ RXWVLGH WKH )DWKHU¶V KRXVH OLNH WKH ROGHU EURWKHU RI WKH SURGLJDO VRQ ELWWHU ERWK DW *RG¶V PHUF\ DQG DW WKRVH ZKR DUH UHFHLYLQJ that mercy. „

LETTERS/OPINION 15

Sunday March 27, 2011 „ CatholicNews

Japan’s monster tsunami a ‘wake-up call’ to people Could massive destruction of the Earth and seabed be the cause of quakes and tsunamis? I refer to the several reports in the media on the monster tsunami that hit Japan on Friday, March 11. I am deeply saddened by the loss of lives, property and infrastructure. My heart goes out to the Japanese people, and I hope that many lives can be saved through rescue efforts. Undoubtedly, it is going to take years before the Japanese economy can recover. The tsunami disaster that hit Asia in 2004 saw 230,000 people, including women and children, killed, and the livelihoods of millions destroyed in over 10 countries. They have all perished in a most cruel way. Despite God giving us such a beautiful world, man continues to pollute the environment. When God gave us this Earth, He created man in his own image and to be the custodian of all living things. Despite this God-given role, almost every day the newspapers are full of reports of wars, terrorists’ bombings, power struggles, corruption and greed either directly affecting or insidiously taking control of our lives. While there are wealthy countries in the world, there are still many countries in abject poverty that have increasing numbers of children that are homeless, hungry and who have no education. It is apparent that man has not been taking his responsibility seriously enough to ensure peace on Earth. I am no engineer, but my gut feeling tells me that the massive pounding and hammering of bombs GXULQJ UDJLQJ ZDUV DQG FRQĂ€LFWV nuclear testing and terrorists’ bombings in many parts of the world, could cause much stress to the seabed, making it unstable. It is similar to volcanoes that erupt – too much stress and it will snap.

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By Anne Lim

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6XFK GLVDVWHUV DOVR WDNH WKHLU toll on the mind. According to experts, by the year 2020, depression is going to become the second highest disability worldwide. This prediction is worrying. However, we have also seen that out of such human tragedies, it is the milk of human kindness that has united people together, against the odds. It is encouraging to read reports that 45 countries have stepped forward to help Japan in search and rescue missions. Now, if only countries worldwide can adopt this positive attitude of supporting one another, ZH ZLOO GHÂżQLWHO\ VHH D PXFK

more peaceful and happy world. World leaders and politicians must not just tackle climate change, but must also go out RI WKHLU ZD\ WR ¿QG SHDFHIXO VROXWLRQV WR FRQÀLFWV WKDW PD\ arise from time to time in many parts of the world. Church leaders worldwide could also play a part in LQÀXHQFLQJ SROLWLFLDQV WR EH PRUH tolerant in adopting peaceful UHVROXWLRQV WR FRQÀLFWV If this second tsunami is not a wake-up call, then I just don’t know what is. 5D\PRQG $QWKRQ\ )HUQDQGR

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Save our Earth on Palm Sunday Every year, we celebrate Palm 6XQGD\ ZLWK SDOPV Âą VRIW SDOPV and hard palms. Churches give out palms, and they ensure that there would be enough for all parishioners. 6R SHU KRXVHKROG FKDQFHV are that there will be more than two palms, some more, depending on the number of people in the family. It is about time we think about saving our Earth. It is impossible to tell everyone to take only one palm

Renewing efforts this Lent to offset carbon footprints

per family. Cutting a palm branch into half does not solve this problem. Perhaps we should be

thinking about plastic palms? -RKQ :HH 6LQJDSRUH

WHY is environmental sustainability so important? It is important because we have been given the imperative to embrace our common humanity, and because we are called to be gentle, and to build God’s kingdom on earth. Environmental sustainability is “development that meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needsâ€?, says the World Commission on Environment and Development (1987). Authentic development, in light of climate change, must QRZ LQFOXGH D ÂżUP FRPPLWPHQW to restoring the integrity of our natural environment. Today, environmental sustainability is undoubtedly the way to respond to God’s command to take care of creation. The old belief that the Earth’s resources are unlimited is now a shattered myth. We are now aware that our natural resources – forests, ODQG ZDWHU DQG ÂżVKHULHV Âą DUH being exploited by a powerful few. And, as Christians, we can no longer turn a blind eye to the fact that it is the poor farmers, WKH ÂżVKHUPHQ Âą WKRVH ZKR depend on natural resources for their livelihoods – who are the most vulnerable (www. endpoverty2015.org). $V DIĂ€XHQW 6LQJDSRUHDQV ZH are among the 20 percent of the world’s population who enjoy 80 percent of the planet’s resources. When we show our determination to protect the environment, we are playing our part to make our society more sustainable. The penitential season of Lent is a good time to take some “green actionâ€?. Pope John Paul II has said that “a true concept of development

cannot ignore the use of the things of nature, the renewability of resources and the consequences of haphazard industrialisationâ€?. These considerations “alert our consciences to the moral dimension of developmentâ€?. Especially for Lent, let us make renewed efforts to offset our FDUERQ IRRWSULQWV 6ZLWFK RII OLJKWV when you leave the room, set the aircon to 25 degrees, print less, buy local, eat less meat, discard less, walk more, and share more. And, if \RX DUH D IUHTXHQW Ă€\HU \RX FRXOG sponsor the planting of trees.

As afÀuent Singaporeans, we are among the 20 per cent of the world’s population who enjoy 80 per cent of the planet’s resources. In church, consider replacing ÀRUDO DUUDQJHPHQWV ZLWK ODUJH pots of green plants, which with care, do not need to be replaced so often. Flowers can be used for special occasions such as weddings and Easter. Family and friends may also wish to take part in Global Earth Hour 2011. On March 26, at 8.30 pm, switch off lights (no TV, no PC) for an hour (or more). Enjoy dinner by candle light. It is also a good time to pray, meditate or have some quiet time. Imagine the whole world conserving energy together, and the night sky brilliant with dancing stars. And God smiling at all creation. „ The Archdiocese of Washington has come up with a green calendar for Lent. Check it out at http: catholicclimatecovenant.org wp-content uploads 2011 02 Lenten-CreationStewardship-Calendar-2011.pdf The writer is a parishioner of the Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary with a special interest in spiritual ecology

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944 to join local Some of those preparing to become Catholics share their faith stories with Darren Boon

Soon-to-be Catholics urged By Darren Boon

Going through RCIA as a married couple Preparing for the Sacraments of Initiation together as a couple has been an immense blessing, said Paris and Gwen Wong. As a couple undergoing the same RCIA journey, they were more able to discuss with one another what they had learnt, and encourage and remind each other to pray, for example to abstain on Ash Wednesday, said Mr Wong. “It brings us even more closer to each other spiritually and mentally,� he added. Mrs Wong added: “I think with company, you can do better.� Although Mr Wong had attended a Christian church in his childhood years, he was not baptised. Later on, he left the church as he felt that he “was not with the right church�. He said he had been searching for the “real Church� since then. One day, Mrs Wong’s aunt, who was one of the sponsors of the Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary RCIA programme,

then invited them to the Alpha course and that was how Mr Wong rediscovered his Christian faith. “All I’m looking for is love, calm and peace in the Church where I feel a sense of belonging. :KHQ , ZDV ÂżUVW KHUH IRU WKH Alpha course, I really sensed that I belonged here,â€? Mr Wong said. Attending the RCIA as a couple also helped to bring them closer. Mr Wong said: “We used to quarrel very often, but I think it’s through the teachings that we realised that anger doesn’t solve a problem. And we would kind of cool down in one corner, recollect what we had done wrong, and make peace again.â€? The times that they stayed angry at each other have also grown shorter, agreed Mrs Wong. Mr Wong, who described himself as a temperamental person, said that since embracing Catholicism, he is now better able to control his temper. „

‘Fullness of the faith’ As a Protestant, Mr Darrell Leong read up on Church history and he came to realise that the Catholic Church had been in existence even before the Protestant ones. As he delved deeper, he discovered the “vastness and fullness of the Christian faith� in the Catholic Church with its seven sacraments. “I just realised that this is where I belong,� he said on his decision to embrace the Catholic faith. He added that he looks forward to receiving the Eucharist this Easter. „

More than 900 people are set to join the local Church at Easter. They have prepared themselves to receive the Sacraments of Initiation for a year or more after joining the various parishes’ RCIA or RCIY (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults/Youths) programmes. The names of 868 catechumens (non-Christians seeking baptism) and 76 candidates (baptised Christians seeking full communion with the Church) have been enrolled in the Book of Elect and will be presented to Archbishop Nicholas Chia at the Rite of Election over WZR ZHHNHQGV 7KHVH ÂżJXUHV are the latest at press time and include those from the Mandarinspeaking community. One Rite of Election was held on March 12 at the Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary for the City, Serangoon and West Districts, and another on March 13 at the Church of Our Lady Star of the Sea for the East and North Districts. The Mandarin Rite of Election is scheduled for March 20 at the Church of St Bernadette. Addressing those preparing to enter the Church, Archbishop Chia said Lent “calls us to a springtime within ourselves ‌ another chance to get it right, another chance to grow, another chance to remember what we are aboutâ€?. He urged them to “run on

steadily in the raceâ€? and commit themselves to “this period of SXULÂżFDWLRQ VR WKDW \RX PD\ HQWHU *RGÂśV KRXVHKROG RI IDLWK ÂżOOHG ZLWK MR\ DQG FRQÂżGHQFH´ The archbishop reminded the catechumens to be familiar with the Word of God, to “wage your own battle against the evil tendencies in your heartâ€? and

Lent ‘calls us to a springtime within ourselves ‌ another chance to get it right, another chance to grow, another chance to remember what we are about’. – Archbishop Nicholas Chia to the Elect

not to let the evil one succeed in planting doubts about God’s love for them. Archbishop Chia also encouraged the catechumens to focus on prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Just as doors have been opened to you, open the door to others as God will call others through you, Archbishop Chia exhorted the catechumens. He also assured them of the

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Catholic community’s prayers for them. To the baptised community, Archbishop Chia said, “May you continue to inspire them [the Elect] to works of charity and justice. May you open your homes to them and form

Searching for meaning to life Mr Steven Lau, who had attended other Christian churches in the past, said he had been searching for the meaning of life. He recalled that when he was attending Mass with his wife, a Catholic, he felt “this particular pull� that prompted him to explore the Catholic faith. With more Mass participation and through the RCIA, Mr Lau said that he “realised that this is the place� where he belongs. Previously, his life was a “mere existence, living from moment to moment, time to time, and sometimes you don’t really understand the whole objective behind it�, he said.

Through Church teachings and scripture, Mr Lau said he discovered the meaning of his existence. Mr Lau said that there are many distractions for those attending the RCIA such as work and the pleasures of life. But he said: “We have to understand that God chooses us and that we have to be very disciplined to be open to that choice. “The objective is not just about me coming to RCIA, but actually opening ourselves to God. By understanding that G\QDPLF DOO WKH FKDOOHQJHV Âż]]OH out.â€? „

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Sunday March 27, 2011 „ CatholicNews

Church at Easter to press on in faith journey

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Christian communities in your neighbourhoods�. He urged these communities to be like leaven that “generates communion with persons from all walks of life�. The Rite of Election refers to an understanding that God continues to choose people

through the covenant of baptism, just as He established a covenant with Israel. The rite provides an opportunity for these names to be formally enrolled among God’s chosen people. The Elect will also undergo a set of rites, called Scrutinies,

during the Lenten season to help them examine their lives while the community will pray that the Elect be freed from temptations and be protected as they continue their journey towards baptism. „ darrenboon@catholic.org.sg

A faith journey that began in Paris Ms Eunice Lim had been living and working in Paris for 15 years when she decided to return to Singapore. While she said that she was not facing any major problems then, there was still a fear of what her life would be like after coming home. One of her friends, Monica, a Catholic, was instrumental in helping Ms Lim gain greater peace of mind. Before visiting Paris, Monica had told Ms Lim about the Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. Ms Lim then visited the church and prayed there several times before Monica’s visit.

Monica also discussed the topic of spiritual growth with Ms Lim, and when the latter returned to Singapore, accompanied her to church and retreats at the Catholic Spirituality Centre. Ms Lim said she feels a sense of serenity in church and feels more at peace with herself. She later decided to become a Catholic. “Mother Mary helped her to become Catholic,� said Monica. According to Ms Lim, spirituality is an ongoing journey. She added that she is learning to become more patient, to surrender herself to God and to listen to Him. „

Persevering despite pain and suffering The RCIA journey had been fraught with challenges for Madam Regina Ong. 7KH ÂżUVW PRQWK LQWR WKH MRXUQH\ the single mum of two teenage boys was retrenched. And before class each week, Madam Ong suffered from such bad gastritis WKDW VKH IRXQG LW GLIÂżFXOW WR ZDON Even on the morning of the Rite of Election on March 13, one of her children woke up with a swollen eye and she had to accompany him to the clinic where there were about 50 people waiting to see the doctor. Inspite of all these challenges, there was “a pulling force that brought me back to the Church so that I continued ‌. With all these challenges, it makes me want to know Christ more and to be in this Catholic family,â€? she said. Nevertheless, there were times when she had thought of giving up the RCIA journey when faced with suffering. “Why is this happening to me?â€? and “Why do I have to go through all these trials?â€? she recalled asking herself. She said it was the prayers and support of her friends and those in her RCIA group that helped her to pull through. Her initial encounter with the Catholic Church was when she was asked to take some old clothes to the Church of St Francis of Assisi for a group going on a

mission trip. It was then that she DWWHQGHG 0DVV IRU WKH ÂżUVW WLPH “So I said, ‘I’m here why not I go in.’ ... I just walked in. It really made me feel at peace. That’s when I started to attend Mass,â€? she said. A few Catholic friends also brought her to a Healing Mass where she said she was healed of the hurt resulting from separation from her ex-husband. “I used to be bad tempered and got angry easily ... But today, whenever I am angry I am sort of able to calm myself down.â€? God has shown a lot of mercy towards her, she said. “Every time, I have any problem, I pray to our Lord.â€? „

Receving Holy Communion as a family When Madam Lily Tan gave birth to her son 14 years ago, she was told that her son’s life was in danger and that the next three days were critical to his survival. “Being a desperate mother�, Madam Tan knelt down and prayed. That night, as she laid on the bed, she said she felt as if she was “in a white peaceful place, and I saw a lady ... all white, going round my bed�. When she awoke, she received news that her son was well. Although her husband and son are Catholic, she did not initially think of embracing the faith as she did not feel called to it. She said she tried attending the RCIA and failed a few times as she was busy with work. In fact, she nearly wanted to give up but the RCIA facilitators encouraged and reassured her that she would make it. She also had friends who took notes and passed them to her when she was not able

to attend class, and would guide her along the way when she had queries. Madam Tan says she now looks forward to receiving Holy Communion as a family. She added that with prayer, she is now better able to control her temper and with the demands of her work LQ WKH ORJLVWLFV ¿HOG „

18 FOCUS

Sunday March 27, 2011 „ CatholicNews

Sunday March 27, 2011 „ CatholicNews

19

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Sunday March 27, 2011 „ CatholicNews

CHILDREN’S STORY:

By Joe Sarnicola

Lazarus was very sick. His sisters Mary and Martha sent a message to Jesus, hoping he would be able to help: “Master, the one you love is ill.â€? After hearing the message, Jesus gave a reply: “This illness is not to end in death, but is for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be JORULÂżHG WKURXJK LW ´ As much as Jesus loved His friends, he remained where He was for two more days. Then He said to his disciples, “Let us go back to Judea.â€? This decision worried the disciples. “Rabbi,â€? they said, “the Jews were just trying to stone you, and you want to go back there?â€? Jesus was not worried about the possible danger. “Our friend Lazarus is asleep, but I am going to awaken him.â€? One of the disciples said, “Master, if he is asleep, he will be saved.â€?

Jesus had to be more direct with His friends. “Lazarus has died. And I am glad for you that I was not there, that you may believe. Let us go to him.� When Jesus and His disciples were a short distance from Bethany, the home of Lazarus, Martha came out to meet him. “Lord,� she said, “if You had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You.� Jesus looked at Martha and said, “Your brother will rise.� Martha nodded and said, “I know he will rise, in the resurrection on the last day.� “I am the resurrection and the life,� Jesus told her. “Whoever believes in Me, even if he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?� “Yes, Lord,� Martha answered,

SPOTLIGHT ON SAINTS:

St Abraham Kidunaia Abraham Kidunaia was born in Mesopotamia sometime in the sixth century. His parents were very prominent and wealthy. Following a custom of the time, Abraham’s parents selected a young woman to be his bride. Abraham did not want to offend his parents, but he had planned to lead a life as a single man. On the day before his wedding, Abraham ran away and hid in the GHVHUW :KHQ KH ZDV ¿QDOO\ IRXQG KH ZDV NQHHOLQJ LQ SUD\HU +LV SDUHQWV did not force him to marry, but Abraham lived for many years in a very small cell as a hermit. When his parents died, he gave their fortune away to people in need. He eventually became a priest. With his persistence and faith, he was able to convert an entire colony of people who had worshipped idols. We honour him on March 16. „

“I have come to believe that You are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who is coming into the world.� Then Martha returned home to tell Mary that Jesus was coming. When Mary saw Jesus, she started crying and said, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.� “Where have you laid him?� Jesus was brought to the site of the tomb where Lazarus had been buried for almost four days. “Take away the stone,� Jesus

commanded. After the stone door was removed, Jesus prayed and called out, “Lazarus, come out!� Lazarus came out alive, still wrapped in his burial garments. “Untie him and let him go,� Jesus said. „ Read more about it: John 11 Q&A 1. What message did Jesus receive? 2. What did Jesus do before he called out to Lazarus?

PUZZLE Unscramble the names of the people who were part of the story of the Passion of Christ: 1. eptial __________ 5. arabbbsa __________ 2. jsaud __________ 6. residols __________ 3. shapaaic __________ 7. noims __________ 4. reept __________

WORDSEARCH LAZARUS z SICK z MARY z MATHA z JUDEA z TOMB z STONE z MESSIAH z RESURRECTION z ASLEEP z UNTIE z FRIEND

BIBLE ACCENT: The story of the life of Jesus from His entry into Jerusalem to the Last Supper to His death and resurrection are called the Passion, based on the Latin word for suffering. All four Gospels contain an account of the Passion. The period leading up to Easter, beginning on Ash Wednesday, is called Lent, a time of prayer and fasting and remembering that Jesus died for our sins. We celebrate His entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday and His resurrection on Easter, the most important holy day of the Church year. Over the centuries many artists have drawn, painted or sculpted some of the key events of the Passion. Most churches have at least some artistic representation of the Passion in the form of what we now call the Stations of the Cross. „

Answer to Wordsearch:

KIDS’ CLUB: Answer to Puzzle: 1. Pilate, 2. Judas, 3. Caiaphas, 4. Peter, 5. Barabbas, 6. soldiers, 7. Simon

Share your thoughts on this week’s Bible story with family and friends by writing an essay in response to this question: Why do we fast during Lent?

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 MARRIAGE PREPARATION COURSE 2011 Session for May 1 now open for registration. Other dates in the year: July 10 and Oct 9. It is recommended that couples intending to get married attend MPC sessions at least 6 months prior to their weddings. Allocation of places on D ÂżUVW FRPH ÂżUVW VHUYHG EDVLV 7 2862; E: mpcsingapore@gmail.com; W: www.catholic.org.sg/mpc Every Friday LUNCH TIME MASS@JURONG EAST SP &DWKROLF 3UD\HU 6RFLHW\ LQYLWHV \RX WR WKH FHOHEUDWLRQ RI WKH (XFKDULVW LQ the midst of your work week in the Jurong (DVW YLFLQLW\ 9HQXH GHWDLOV 7 Every Friday MY FAITH SP 'R \RX ZDQW WR IDOO LQ ORYH ZLWK *RG 0DU\ DQG WKH &DWKROLF &KXUFK" 6HVVLRQV ZLWK 9LFWRU DQG 9LYLHQQH :HH &KXUFK RI WKH +RO\ 6SLULW 5RRP March 25 FISHERS OF MEN NOVENA MINISTRY SP 'LYLQH 0HUF\ GHYRWLRQ IROORZHG E\ WKH VWRU\ RI 6W 0D[LPLODQ $W 1RYHQD &KXUFK 3HWHU 'RQGHUV 5RRP XSVWDLUV RI ERRNVKRS 7 -RKQ 3DXO

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Sunday March 27, 2011 CatholicNews CNS photos

An injured man searches for food in the Otsuchi area of Iwate prefecture as people struggle for supplies and aid.

Relatives reunite at a shelter in Rikuzentakata, Iwate prefecture, on March 15. Shelters in the town were packed.

A woman weeps while sitting amid destruction in Natori, Japan.

S’pore’s CHARIS working with Caritas Japan From Page 1 Evangelisation of Peoples, reported March 15 that the Japanese bishops would discuss how to help the victims. The report quoted Fr Daisuke Narui, director of Caritas Japan, as saying he was encouraged by the enthusiasm of young people offering to help the displaced. “Young people are continually coming to Caritas from all the dioceses to offer their availability as volunteers to bring aid to the areas most affected by the disaster,” the priest told Fides. “This is an important sign that gives us hope for the future.” “Today the dominant feeling is fear,” Fr Narui said. “The biggest concern is that of the nuclear power plant in Fukushima. It is a ghost from Japanese history coming back to haunt us. But it must be said that the people are not indulging in

panic; instead, they are reacting with poise and dignity.” He said although many people had been evacuated and others were being asked to stay in their homes, “in the worst-affected areas the main problem is the lack of food and fuel. As there is no fuel, people cannot move. And they are left feeling powerless in the face of this tragedy”. Niigata Bishop Isao Kikuchi, president of Caritas Japan, said, “We have received so many e-mails from all continents, ¿OOHG ZLWK ZRUGV RI FRPSDVVLRQ and prayer. We are very grateful for this solidarity. We believe

that aid activity is needed, but prayer is also important in such a situation.” In a statement, Caritas Japan said it would concentrate its efforts on meeting the needs of people with no access to public services and on the rehabilitation phase of recovery. Meanwhile, prayers and aid are being organised by Church organisations around the world. The US bishops’ Catholic Relief Services (CRS) says it is working with Caritas Japan. UCA News reported that Catholics in mainland China were among Asian Catholics

‘The biggest concern is that of the nuclear power plant in Fukushima. It is a ghost from Japanese history coming back to haunt us.’ – Father Daisuke Narui, director of Caritas Japan

who expressed solidarity with the Japanese earthquake victims and added prayers to their Masses on March 13. Jinde Charities in northern China’s Hebei province also offered an initial US$10,000 to support Caritas Japan’s relief efforts. In Seoul, South Korea, Cardinal Nicholas Cheong Jinsuk offered prayers and an initial US$50,000. Korean Protestants and Buddhists also offered prayers. In Singapore, CHARIS (Caritas Humanitarian Aid & Relief Initiatives, Singapore), the local Church’s umbrella body for overseas humanitarian aid, said it is in contact with Caritas Japan and is closely monitoring the developments. It has pledged an initial grant of US$100,000 to support relief efforts. In a statement, the organisation says it is asking for prayers for victims of Japan’s earthquake, tsunami and nuclear crises, and

for those affected by disasters in Yunnan, China; New Zealand, Australia and the political unrest in the Middle East and North Africa. A message from Archbishop Nicholas Chia on these crises is expected to be read out at weekend Masses. CNS, UCANEWS.COM Those interested to help these humanitarian causes may contact CHARIS at 6338-0182 or email info@charis-singapore.org. Donations can be made by a crossed cheque payable to “Humanitarian Aid Fund”, optionally indicating any speci¿c humanitarian situation on the back and sent to Mr Stephen Phoon, Executive Director, CHARIS, 55 Waterloo Street, #09-03A, Singapore 187954. CHARIS asks that donors provide a return address for CHARIS to send them receipts. Donations for overseas purposes are not tax-deductible.

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

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