MAY 15, 2016, vol 66, no 10

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SUNDAY MAY 15, 2016

SINGAPORE $0.70 CENTS / WEST MALAYSIA RM$2.10

MCI (P) 009/08/2015

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Internet can build a world ‘healthy and open to sharing’ Pope’s message for World Communications Day, May 8 &16 ÂżOH SKRWR

VATICAN CITY – Use the power of

communication to build bridges and heal wounds, not generate hatred or misunderstanding, Pope Francis said. The Catholic Church, too, must proclaim the truth and denounce injustice without alienating everyone in need of God’s help, he said in his message for World Communications Day. “We can and we must judge situations of sin – such as violence, corruption and exploitation – but we may not judge individuals, since only God can see into the depths of their hearts,� he said To coincide with the Year of Mercy, Pope Francis dedicated this year’s message to the theme, Communication and Mercy: A Fruitful Encounter. Most dioceses mark World Communications Day on May 8, the Sunday before Pentecost. In his message, the pope said that what people say, how they say it and what actions they take must all “express God’s compassion, tenderness and forgiveness for all.� Only by giving witness to and preaching with Jesus’ warmth and mercy can the words of faith come alive to touch people’s hearts and sustain them on the journey toward fullness of life, he said. The Church and her ministers need to communicate in a way that never implies “a prideful and triumphant superiority over an enemy, or demean those whom the world considers lost and easily discarded.� “May our way of communicating help to overcome the mindset that neatly separates sinners from the righteous,� he said, since mercy is what helps alleviate “life’s troubles and offer warmth to those who have known only the coldness of judgment.� “How beautiful it is when people select their words and ac-

VOL 66

NO. 10

INSIDE HOME Coming up: &$1$ ÀOP IHVW Includes special segment for youth „ 3DJH

ASIA ,QGLDQ &DWKROLFV ZRUNLQJ WR VDYH HQYLURQPHQW Inspired by pope’s encyclical „ 3DJH

WORLD 3ORW WR DWWDFN 9DWLFDQ 6 suspects arrested „ 3DJH

Pope Francis says that digital platforms and social networks ought to be a place of positive encouragement.

tions with care, in the effort to expressions of hatred. The words avoid misunderstandings, to heal of Christians ought to be a conwounded memories and to build stant encouragement to communpeace and harmony,â€? he said. ion and, even in those cases where Pope Francis said merciful WKH\ PXVW ÂżUPO\ FRQGHPQ HYLO communication applies also to they should never try to rupture reall digital platforms lationships and comand social networks, he said. How beautiful munication,â€? which are pubThe pope made it is when lic meeting places special mention of “where we can eipeople engaged in people select ther encourage or politics and those their words demean one another, who help form pubengage in a meanlic opinion, saying and actions ingful discussion or they must be espewith care. unfair attacks.â€? cially careful about “The Internet can “the way they speak – Pope Francis help us to be better of those who think citizensâ€? and can build a world that or act differently or those who is “healthy and open to sharing.â€? may have made mistakes.â€? Words and actions should “help “It is easy to yield to the us all escape the vicious circles temptation to exploit such situof condemnation and vengeance DWLRQV WR VWRNH WKH Ă€DPHV RI which continue to ensnare indi- mistrust, fear and hatred,â€? he said. viduals and nations, encouraging Msgr Dario Vigano, prefect of

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the Secretariat for Communications, said that the pope’s message again underlines the importance of the Church living Gospel truths in words and deeds as a key part of the way it communicates. “The Church we are called to be can only live according to Jesus’ words, which proclaim a mercy that surpasses every law, and can only mirror Jesus’ approach by taking on His feelings, attitude and conduct� so that the Church can reveal “the merciful face of God in Christ,� he said in a written address on the pope’s message. „ CNS The text of the pope’s World Communications Day message in English is available online at: http://w2.vatican. va/content/francesco/en/messages/ communications/documents/papafrancesco_20160124_messaggio-comunicazioni-sociali.html

POPE FRANCIS 3RSH PHHWV &KLQD SULHVWV LQ 9DWLFDQ Says he would like to visit China „ 3DJH

+DSSLQHVV LVQ¡W DQ DSS Pope tells teens at Year of Mercy event „ 3DJH

FOCUS 0RWKHU¡V 'D\ VKDULQJ Don’t give up family for work „ 3DJH

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Sunday May 15, 2016 CatholicNews

Priests get appreciation postcards By Jared Ng Dear Fr Brian, you are a very funny guy, at the same time you are kind. I like you the most because once you caught me doing funny dance moves and laughed along with me. You are like our Captain in The Avengers. Thank you for being our Cap. When I grow up, I want to be like you. Funny and kind, and always in the newspapers. This was a note of appreciation penned by nine-year-old Shane Jeremiah Wong to Fr Brian D’Souza, parish priest of the Church of St Francis Xavier. It was the result of a project, conceived by the Church of St Francis Xavier strategic team, to express appreciation to priests in the archdiocese on Good Shepherd Sunday. The team approached the media ministry of the parish to come up with four different postcard designs to be sent to priests. These

were made available to catechismclass kids and other parishioners. About 400 kids spent some time during their catechism class on Good Shepherd Sunday, April 17, to write their notes of appreciation. The cards were then collected and mailed to priests. Ethan Hernandez, 14, in his postcard to a priest, wrote: “Thank you for making me aware of the Holy Spirit working inside me. I’m thus able to evangelise to others about God.” He added, “I have recently started a prayer community in school and the numbers are increasing steadily.” In his message to Fr Richards Ambrose, Zach wrote: “Thank you for being our priests and preaching and encouraging us during homilys and blessings.” When asked how she felt about such an initiative, Solana Maria Mendoza, 13, said “I feel that we should pray for our priests

An initiative by the Church of St Francis Xavier saw catechism class kids and other parishioners write notes of appreciation to priests in the archdiocese.

in our church as they have done a lot for us. “They are very dedicated and I am inspired because of their tremendous effort. They are role models for us as they represent Jesus Christ, our saviour.” Upon receiving his postcards,

Fr Paul Ngo from the Church of Christ the King said he was “very happy and touched knowing that somebody is praying for me”. Fr Stephen Yim from the Church of the Sacred Heart shared: “I feel very thankful and it

certainly makes me feel the work I do in my ministries is worth it.” Each priest in the archdiocese would have received at least one to two cards, according to the organisers. jared.ng@catholic.org.sg

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&RPLQJ XS ÀOP IHVWLYDO RQ &DWKROLF VRFLDO WHDFKLQJV LQ 6HSWHPEHU )LOP SUHPLHUH ZRUNVKRS RQ ÀOP KLVWRU\ WR EH IHDWXUHG DPRQJ RWKHUV CANA The Catholic Centre will hold the second edition of its CANA Film Festival (CFF) from Sept 7-13. The biennial event ¿UVW WRRN SODFH LQ -XQH DQG is focused on the universality of Catholic social teachings. According to CANA, stories about good versus evil, friendship, hopes and disappointments, life, love and loss will be brought to life in a myriad of independHQW ¿OPV VXFK DV GRFXPHQWDULHV docudramas and shorts, gleaned from many different parts of the world. The event will have at least KRXUV RI ¿OP VFUHHQLQJV RYHU

22 April 2016

one week. This will also include a youth segment which will screen ÂżOPV VSHFLDOO\ WDUJHWHG DW \RXWKV and young adults.

CFF will also feature CinePlay Lab – an interactive workshop that introduces the basics of ¿OP KLVWRU\ ODQJXDJH FLQHPD-

CHANCERY NOTICE

APPOINTMENTS 1. Mgr Francis Lau has been appointed as an Advocate to the Archdiocesan Ecclesiastical Tribunal for a term of two [2] years renewable with effect from 2 February 2016. 2. Fr James Yeo has been appointed Spiritual Director to the Apostolate for Catholic Truth (ACT) for a term of two [2] years with effect from 18 February 2016. 3. Deacon Cornelius Ching following his ordination to the diaconate on 19 February 2016 has been posted to the Church of the Holy Spirit for his diaconal ministry. 4. Fr Daniel Lim OCD has been appointed Spiritual Director for the Legion of Mary Singapore Senatus for a term of two [2] years with effect from 17 March 2016. 5. Fr Jovita Ho has been appointed as Spiritual Director for ACTS for a term of two [2] years with effect from 17 March 2016. 6. Fr Ignatius Yeo has been reappointed as the Liturgical Master of Ceremonies for the Archdiocese of Singapore for a term of two [2] years with effect from 22 April 2016. 7. Mgr Philip Heng SJ is appointed Rector of the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd with immediate effect and the appointment is till April 2019 as per the contract between the Archdiocese and the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) for the engagement of a religious for ministry. He succeeds and assumes the responsibility of the ongoing renovations of the Cathedral from the pre-

vious Rector, Fr Adrian Anthony. 8. Fr Adrian Anthony is currently on medical leave and is recuperating at home. 9. Fr Augustine Tay has been reappointed as the Spiritual Director for the Latin Mass Community for a term of two [2] years with effect from 21 April 2016. 10. Fr John Joseph Fenelon has been appointed as a member of the Archdiocesan Catholic Council for Ecumenical Dialogue (ACCED) for a term of two [2] years with effect from 21 April 2016. 11. Sr Marianna D’Costa FMDM has been appointed as a member of the Archdiocesan Catholic Council for Ecumenical Dialogue (ACCED) for a term of two [2] years with effect from 21 April 2016. 12. The following have been appointed to the Archdiocesan Media Advisory Council for a term of two [2] years with effect from 21 April 2016: a. Mr Andre Ahchak Director, Archdiocesan Communications (Chair) b. Fr John-Paul Tan OFM Chancellor c. Fr Richards Ambrose Editor, Catholic News d. Ms Agnes Toh - Editor, Hai Sing Bao

CHN/CN/2016/006

e. Mr Benedict Cheong CEO, Temasek Foundation f. Mr Sunny Wee - Media Strategist g. Mr Nicholas Lim - Head, Digital Media Archdiocesan Communications h. Ms Magdalene Lee - Communications Secretary to Archbishop OTHER MATTERS Parish Boundaries At the senate meeting of 29 March 2016 the Parish Boundaries Exercise conducted by WKH &KDQFHU\ DQG UDWLÂżHG E\ the parishes were approved by Archbishop and the Senate and will be published in the Archdiocesan Website for public reference. Franciscan Missionaries of the Divine Motherhood (FMDM) Following the restructuring of the administrative structure of the FMDM Region of Singapore/ Malaysia, the role of Regional for both countries will now be replaced by two Coordinators, each for Singapore and Malaysia respectively. Coordinator for Singapore: Sr Anne Goh, email: bkjgoh@yahoo.com, mobile No. +65 92283524 Coordinator for Malaysia: Sr Isabel Loong, email: lsobelykloong@gmail.com, mobile: + 60165141869

Fr John-Paul Tan, OFM, JCL, Chancellor Chancery of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore #07-01 Catholic Centre, 55 Waterloo Street, Singapore 187954 Email: chancery@catholic.org.sg

tography and sound with a pause and play segment. Other segments that took place in 2014 such as panel discussions with priests, Religious, ÂżOPPDNHUV DQG VRFLDO FKDQJH agents will continue. CANA will also be hosting a IXQGUDLVLQJ ÂżOP SUHPLHUH DW D VHOHFWHG FLQHPD DV WKH RSHQLQJ ÂżOP on Sept 7. Proceeds from ticket sales for WKH ÂżOP SUHPLHUH ZLOO JR WR WKUHH EHQHÂżFLDULHV $JDSH 9LOODJH WKH Cenacle Sisters and the Daughters of St Paul. $JDSH 9LOODJH LV D RQH VWRS hub which helps people in need

to connect to the 23 charities and services coordinated by Caritas Singapore, the local social arm of the Catholic Church. Many of the services offered E\ $JDSH 9LOODJH DLP DW VHOI empowerment. Services available include job-related assistance, legal services and medical aid. The Cenacle Sisters and Daughters of St Paul are in need of a new centre from which to continue their mission work. For more information and updates, visit https://www.facebook. com/CANA.SINGAPORE/ from May 8 onwards. „

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Sunday May 15, 2016 „ CatholicNews

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The Society of St Vincent de Paul (SSVP) held its annual Mass for their Friends-in-Need (FINs) at the Church of St Ignatius on April 23. The Mass drew the biggest ever turnout of 860 attendees, 500 of whom were made up of the society’s adopted FINs, many of them non-Catholics. Archbishop William Goh celebrated the Mass. In his homily, he spoke about humanity’s unending quest for joy and meaning in life and how XOWLPDWHO\ LW LV -HVXV ZKR VDWLV¿HV and is the greatest gift that one can

offer in the mission of the Church. Archbishop Goh went on to say that Vincentians are also called to this mission, by revealing the face of God to their FINs and by seeing Jesus in the faces of those they serve. But he warned about the inherHQW GLIÂżFXOWLHV IDFLQJ WKRVH ZKR seek to build God’s kingdom. “Service should bring great joy, but it is not always so. Sometimes our service is not welcomed. Often we are misunderstood. There are GLVDJUHHPHQWV DQG FRQĂ€LFWV ´ In order not to be discouraged by such responses, it is important

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for Vincentians to have a deep and intimate relationship with God, said Archbishop Goh. “Don’t think you can save the world unless Jesus works in and WKURXJK XV ´ KH DGGHG $OUHDG\ LQWR LWV ÂżIWK \HDU WKH annual Mass is the only event that

The annual Mass brings together the entire Vincentian community and their FINs from all over Singapore.

brings together the entire Vincentian community and their FINs from all over Singapore. At the reception after Mass, CatholicNews asked a few FINs what the special Mass meant to them. Some said they felt very peaceful to be among a praying community. Others said they were very attracted by the beautiful prayers and ceremony. A family of six from the SSVP at the Church of Sts Peter & Paul was so touched by the Mass from the previous year that they asked to

become Catholics, attended RCIA and were baptised this Easter. Santhya, an 18-year-old from the SSVP group at the Church of Christ the King added that she loved being among Vincentians as she found them welcoming and very nice. Nonnie, from the SSVP group at the Church of St Stephen, said she ZDV ÂłYHU\ KDSS\´ WR EH VHUYHG E\ WKH 9LQFHQWLDQV ÂłIRU PDQ\ \HDUV´ For more information about SSVP and how to volunteer, visit www.ssvpsingapore.org or their Facebook page. „

Sunday May 15, 2016 CatholicNews

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CHARIS response to quakes in Ecuador, Japan Caritas Humanitarian Aid & Relief Initiatives, Singapore (CHARIS), the overseas humanitarian arm of the Church in Singapore, has pledged an initial $30,000 in grant aid to Caritas Ecuador and $20,000 to Caritas Japan. The funds will be used for quake relief efforts – for food, shelter and other necessary support for those affected by the disasters. CHARIS says it will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates on the response from its Caritas counterparts. Ecuador was left in a state of emergency after a 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck on the evening of April 16. Buildings were razed to the ground and towns were devastated. Aftershocks followed and

continued to hamper relief efforts. There have been at least 655 deaths, 48 people missing and over 2,000 homes and buildings damaged. On April 14 and 16, two earthquakes ripped through Kumamoto, Japan, leaving 30 people dead, more than 1,500 injured and damaging many homes and buildings. Caritas Japan is working with the Diocese of Fukuoka to offer support for the victims of the earthquake. For a more detailed report on the disasters, visit www.charissingapore.org If you wish to donate towards these relief efforts and other humanitarian situations, call 6337 4119 or email info@charis-singapore.org „ 6HH UHODWHG VWRU\ RQ 3DJH

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Sunday May 15, 2016 CatholicNews

,QGLDQ &DWKROLFV UHVSRQG WR SDSDO PDQGDWH RQ HQYLURQPHQW NEW DELHI – Nearly a year after Pope Francis released his encyclical on the environment, dioceses and Church agencies across India have launched several projects implementing the spirit of the papal document. Awareness campaigns and drives for tree plantation drives, organic farming, solar panels for green energy and eco-friendly methods in day-to-day life are some of the ways Church people are doing their bit to save the environment. “When the pope says something, people see it as a mandate and want to implement it in letter and spirit,” said Fr Frederick D’Souza, executive director of Caritas India,

the Church’s social service arm. Pope Francis’s encyclical Laudato Si’, released last year, expressed concern over human habits leading to a fast degradation of the environment. Fr D’Souza said awareness drives in dioceses and parishes about saving the environment have increased after the encyclical came out. Almost every diocesan social service wing has some projects that aim to protect the environment, with many being awareness programmes for organic farming methods. ³(YHQ ZH >&DULWDV RI¿FH@ KDYH reduced the use of paper in our meetings and encourage more and

A woman walking along droughtstricken land in India. Since the release of Pope Francis’s encyclical Laudato Si’, the Church in India has started awareness campaigns and drives in its bid to save the environment. CNS photo

more screen presentations. Also the use of plastic bottles has been reduced,” he said. Fr Savari Raj, director of Chetnalaya, told ucanews.com that they are encouraging people to use less water, use more public transportation, plant trees, use solar energy and compost waste. Delhi archdiocese is also dedicating 0.8 ha of land in the northern Indian state of Haryana to make an energy environment park

for children, where they can come and learn about nature and ways to save it. Several Religious congregations are installing solar panels in their institutions to makes them less dependent on conventional electricity and generate green and sustainable energy. For example, Jesuits in Kolkata installed solar power panels at St Xavier’s College last December. Jesuit Fr Robert Athickal, an

environmentalist and founder of the nationwide Tarumitra (Friends of Trees) said his students are “keeping up the momentum” to protect the environment. The students are talking of organic farming as a way of treating the Earth with reverence, he said. “Due to the efforts of Tarumitra students, organic cultivation has caught up in states of Meghalaya, Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala,” he said. UCANEWS.COM

Religious leaders vow WR ÀJKW H[WUHPLVP ZLWK KDUPRQ\ those gathered on April 28. DHAKA – Leaders of four major Holy Cross Archbishop Patreligions have vowed to unite and promote religious harmony as part rick D’Rozario of Dhaka said of efforts to combat a sharp rise in interfaith dialogue and efforts to religious extremism and militancy strengthen harmony are vital in battling religious extremism. in Bangladesh. “We are passing through chalThe pledge came at an interfaith conference organised by Bangla- lenging times and we would like to overcome these challenges sucdesh police in Dhaka on April 28. The gathering brought together cessfully,” he said. “We have inherited a thouabout 1,500 people, mostly leaders from Muslim, Hindu, Chris- sand-year-old tradition of tolerance and harmony, so we should tian and Buddhist communities. The show of unity comes in not let some unexpected incidents the wake of a series of brutal at- happen and destroy it,” Archbishtacks on liberal and progressive op D’Rozario said. Prominent Islamic cleric Maolaactivists including secular blogna Fariduddin gers, publishers, Masoud said Iseducators, and We have inherited lam doesn’t enreligious leaders allegedly by Isa thousand-year-old dorse violence and that Banglamic militants. tradition of tolerance ladesh’s Islamic International terror groups and harmony, so we leaders denounce violence in the such as the soshould not let some name of religion. called Islamic “The courts State and al-Qaeunexpected incidents are entrusted to da have claimed judge people if responsibility happen and destroy it. – Holy Cross Archbishop they commit any for the attacks, Patrick D’Rozario of Dhaka offence, but some but the governmisguided peoment insists the attacks were the work of home- ple are using violence in the name grown militants allegedly linked of Islam. This is un-Islamic,” said the cleric, who is head of Jamiatul to opposition and Islamist parties. Home Minister Asaduzzaman Ulama, a liberal Islamic group. His group is carrying out a sigKhan said there was a “conspiracy to destroy religious harmony” in nature campaign to collect signatures from 100,000 Islamic clerics Bangladesh. “There are some homegrown to declare an anti-militancy fatwa militant groups who are trying to (religious edict). “So far we have collected create anarchy. This is part of a conspiracy to destroy a long tradi- 76,000 signatures from clerics and tion of peace and religious harmo- the rest would be collected soon,” ny in Bangladesh,” Mr Khan told he said. UCANEWS.COM

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WORLD 9

Sunday May 15, 2016 „ CatholicNews

Archdiocese urges Mexico to resolve case of students missing since 2014 MEXICO CITY – An Archdiocese of Mexico City editorial called on WKH 0H[LFDQ JRYHUQPHQW WR ÂżQDOO\ GHWHUPLQH WKH IDWHV RI PLVVing students and said the oftenTXHVWLRQHG RIÂżFLDO LQYHVWLJDWLRQ was unconvincing, demonstrated the worst shortcomings of the country’s judicial institutions and deepened social discontent in the country. “The Ayotzinapa caseâ€? – named after the students’ school in Guerrero state – “has entered a new phase. It would suit the [president’s] administration to take a dramatic turn, offer irrefutable truths and not act on an inertia driven by fatigue or an urge to disparage,â€? said the editorial published on May 1 in the archdiocesan publication Desde la Fe. Âł$V WLPH SDVVHV WKH >PLVVing students’ case] is a source of unrest that must be cleared up completely for the good of everyone.â€? The editorial followed the April 30 departure from Mexico of experts from the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, ZKR GHVFULEHG WKH RIÂżFLDO LQYHVtigation as sloppy, incomplete and dependent on testimony obtained through torture. The students were attacked

As time passes, ‘the 43 [missing VWXGHQWVÂś FDVH@ LV D source of unrest that PXVW EH FOHDUHG XS completely for the JRRG RI HYHU\RQH

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3DUHQWV RI WKH PLVVLQJ 0H[LFDQ VWXGHQWV SDUWLFLSDWH LQ D SURWHVW LQ 0H[LFR &LW\ $Q HGLWRULDO IURP WKH $UFKGLRFHVH RI 0H[LFR &LW\ KDV FDOOHG IRU WKH 0H[LFDQ JRYHUQPHQW WR GHWHUPLQH WKH IDWHV RI WKH PLVVLQJ VWXGHQWV CNS photo

RQ 6HSW E\ SROLFH ZKR allegedly acted in cahoots with criminals, as the students commandeered buses in the city of Iguala to travel to protests in MexLFR &LW\ 7KH RIÂżFLDO LQYHVWLJDWLRQ – called “The Historic Truth,â€? by

a former attorney general – insists the students’ bodies were burned in an all-night inferno in a garbage dump. Outside experts, who were invited in to clear up the case, found QR HYLGHQFH RI D ERQ¿UH ZKLOH

none of the remains discovered in the dump matched the missing students. The experts also said the federal government impeded their investigation by failing to fully cooperate, refusing access to people with potential infor-

mation – such as soldiers, who were aware of the attacks on the students, but did not intervene – and not condemning a campaign of harassment in the pro-government press. “The group has suffered a campaign trying to discredit people as a way to question their ZRUN ´ WKH H[SHUWVÂś ÂżQDO UHSRUW read. “Certain sectors are not interested in the truth.â€? The Mexican government stands by its original investigation and says it provided everything the experts needed and wanted and worked closely with them. 6WLOO QR IHGHUDO RIÂżFLDOV DWWHQGHG WKH SXEOLF SUHVHQWDWLRQ RI WKH ÂżQDO report. „ CNS

Suspects arrested in alleged Vatican plot Austrian bishop says ‘no’ to Italian authorities arrested six suspects who allegedly received orders from the Islamic State terrorist group to attack the Vatican and the Israeli embassy in Rome. The arrests made in Lombardy and Piedmont on April 28 were the result of a joint operation coordinated by the district attorney of Milan and the Italian anti-terrorism agency.

VATICAN CITY –

Authorities monitored a series of conversations between the suspects via WhatsApp. Milan prosecutor Maurizio Romanelli told reporters that the messages, intercepted in February and March, mentioned a strike against the Israeli embassy as well as against Christian pilgrims in Rome for the Jubilee Year of Mercy. Jesuit Fr Federico Lombardi,

Vatican spokesman, expressed his FRQÂżGHQFH LQ WKH FXUUHQW VHFXULW\ measures in place for the Holy Year. “The preventative security measures in place to protect pilgrims during the jubilee year are serious and functioning properly, as everyone can see and have witnessed. Therefore, there appears to be no need to modify them,â€? he told Catholic News Service on April 29. „ CNS

Trevi Fountain lit in remembrance of Christian martyrs ROME – The Trevi Fountain,

a Rome landmark, was lit up in red on April 29 in a graphic commemoration of the thousands of modern Christians martyred for their faith. The event was sponsored by the Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need, which wanted to “draw attention to the dramatic issue of anti-Christian persecution.� Throughout the night, images of Christians persecuted for their faith were projected onto the fountain. The photos included the four Missionaries of Charity murdered in Aden, Yemen, in early March. „ CNS

border fence on church ground

VIENNA – An Austrian bishop

HYHU\ ÂżEUH RI P\ ERG\ WR HQWHU said the government may not use the 21st century agreeing to build church property to build a border IHQFHV ´ VDLG %LVKRS =VÂżNRYLFV fence to keep out refugees. who coordinates refugee as“A border fence contradicts sistance for the Brussels-based both the Gospel and the clear ap- Commission of the Bishops’ Conpeal of Pope Francis to Europe,â€? ferences of the European CommuVDLG %LVKRS $JLGLXV =VÂżNRYLFV RI nity, or COMECE. Eisenstadt. The Austrian Catholic news “This is especially true in our agency Kathpress said on April diocese, which functioned in the WKDW %LVKRS =VÂżNRYLFVÂś UHshadow of the Iron Curtain. In re- fusal to allow controls on church cent months, we’ve land would leave a done everything to in the fence at It’s impossible gap open our doors to Moschendorf, on the for me, in every border with Hungary. people needing help, giving them not only ÂżEUH RI P\ ERG\ The Eisenstadt a roof over their diocesan spokesheads, but also guar- to enter the 21st man, Mr Dominik anteeing them dignity century agreeing Orieschnig, conwith an open heart,â€? ÂżUPHG RQ $SULO WR EXLOG IHQFHV the diocese had rethe bishop said. – Bishop Agidius ceived “angry feedIn an April 23 =VÂżNRYLFV RI (LVHQVWDGW back from so-called interview with Austria’s Kurier daily, Catholicsâ€? after the bishop said he had no objec- %LVKRS =VÂżNRYLFVÂś GHFLVLRQ EXW tion to police and frontier-guard said the move would contradict supply vehicles parking on Catho- the pope’s “clear and preciseâ€? aplic parish territory. peal against borders during his reHowever, he added that local cent visit to Lesbos, Greece. churches had sheltered many of “This decision doesn’t mean the 200,000 refugees who crossed our diocese has no understanding the border at Nickelsdorf, Austria, of the people’s fears and concerns. in 2015, and could not agree to the %XW LW ZRXOGQÂśW IXOÂżO WKH &KULVWLDQ new controls, especially during ethos to respond with fences and the current Year of Mercy. walls. There must be other Chris“It’s impossible for me, in tian answers.â€? „ CNS

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10 WORLD

Sunday May 15, 2016 CatholicNews

Russia’s Catholic, Orthodox to rebuild church buildings in Syria 3URMHFW ELOOHG DV ÀUVW FRQFUHWH RXWFRPH RI SRSH·V PHHWLQJ ZLWK 5XVVLDQ 2UWKRGR[ OHDGHU WARSAW, POLAND – Russia’s Catholic Church has launched a joint project with Russian Orthodox leaders to rebuild churches and monasteries destroyed during the war in Syria. Msgr Igor Kovalevsky, secretary-general of the Russian bishops’ conference, said the project VKRXOG EH YLHZHG DV WKH ³¿UVW FRQcrete outcome” of Pope Francis’ February meeting in Cuba with Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill. 7KH RI¿FLDO DOVR VDLG WKH PRYH did not indicate support for the regime of Syrian President Bashar Assad. “While we’ve been in contact with the Assad government, this isn’t a political matter,” he told Catholic News Service on April 27. Less than a week earlier, the Catholic Church and the Russian Orthodox Moscow Patriarchate representatives announced the

project. Msgr Kovalevsky said the announcement did not include details of money raised or the programme’s likely starting date. “We hope all Russia’s denominations will actively help this work and all Christians participate in raising necessary funds,” Msgr Kovalevsky said. “It’s very important the pope’s talks with the patriarch were observed by the whole world, thus focusing attention on the plight of Syria’s Christian communities. But we must occupy ourselves, as religious confessions, in settling this catastrophe with humanitarian aid and avoid

Damage to St Sarkis church in Homs, Syria, in 2013. Russia’s Catholic Church has launched a joint project with Russian Orthodox leaders to rebuild churches and monasteries destroyed during the war in Syria. CNS photo

being drawn into the politics.” In early April, a Russian ecumenical delegation visited Lebanon and Syria. Mr Peter Humeniuk, Russian director of Aid to the Church in Need, an interna-

We hope all Russia’s denominations ‘ will actively help this work and all Christians participate in raising necessary funds.’

– Msgr Igor Kovalevsky, secretary-general of the Russian bishops’ conference

tional Church organisation, said the group had met local Christian leaders and visited a refugee camp in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley before travelling on to Damascus. He added that the project would include rebuilding destroyed parish houses, as well as helping children in the embattled city of Homs. Pope Francis met Patriarch Kirill at the Havana airport on Feb 12 and urged an end to the persecution of Middle East Christians in a 30-point joint declaration.

More than one-quarter of a million Syrians have been killed and nearly half the population forced from their homes since war erupted in March 2011. At least 5 million Syrians now live outside the country, according to UN data. Pope Francis led prayers on April 24 for Catholic and Orthodox clergy kidnapped in the country, where Christians have been targeted for acts of violence by terrorist organisations such as the Islamic State and the Nusra Front. CNS

WORLD 11

Sunday May 15, 2016 „ CatholicNews

Residents receive food from volunteers on April 23 at the Reales Tamarindos airport in Portoviejo, Ecuador. CNS photos

Catholic agencies begin rebuilding after Ecuador earthquake QUITO, ECUADOR – Catholic

agencies are beginning to build temporary shelters for thousands of families in Ecuador made homeless by the South American country’s worst natural disaster in nearly seven decades. As the death toll continues to climb following a 7.8-magnitude earthquake, which struck near the WRZQ RI 0XLVQH RQ WKH 3DFLÂżF &RDVW RQ $SULO RIÂżFLDOV DUH DVVHVVLQJ the scope of the damage and working to provide humanitarian aid to the estimated 350,000 people who were affected, including 26,000 who were left without homes. Church organisations have been distributing food, drinking water and mattresses, while trying to establish contact with small communities that were cut off when roads and telephone lines were destroyed. “We’re now up to 696 deaths and you can tell the psychosocial impact is serious,’’ said Mr Thomas Hollywood, director of Catho-

lic Relief Services (CRS) in South America. Mr Hollywood said CRS is working in nine communities to distribute 10,000 tarpaulins that will be used with local materials to construct temporary shelters. It is also providing psychosocial services and handing out hygiene kits to communities that have lost access to potable water, raising concerns about the spread of diseases like cholera. “They’re going to the river for drinking water,’’ he said. “We’re concerned about the spread of vectors, so we’re trying to get ahead of it.’’ CRS’ initial response to the disaster comes as the Catholic Church and Ecuadorean govern-

A man works on the roof as he rebuilds his house in Pedernales, Ecuador.

A worker removes debris from a collapsed hotel. Catholic agencies are building temporary shelters for thousands of families displaced by the April 16 7.8-magnitude earthquake.

ment continue to try to reach small, rural communities where infrastructure was destroyed. Ecuadorean President Rafael Correa estimated last week that the disaster caused at least US$3 billion (S$4.3 billion) in damage. UN representatives and foreign ambassadors, including US Ambassador to Ecuador Todd Chapman, were scheduled to visit affected areas on April 26. The UN has asked donors to pledge

Church organisations have been distributing food, drinking water and mattresses, while trying to establish contact with small communities that were cut off when roads were destroyed.

nearly US$73 million for disaster relief in the next three months. The destruction is spread across a large swathe that includes some of the poorest provinces in Ecuador, a country of 16.4 million where 22.5 percent of the population is impoverished, according to the World Bank. Complicating matters, the El Nino weather pattern is bringing more rainfall than normal, according to the Guayaquil, Ecuador-based International Research Center on El Nino Phenomenon. That has left hillsides vulnerable to mudslides, putting at risk the precarious housing in which some Ecuadoreans live. “It’s really three issues we’re trying to address: Extreme pover-

ty, the earthquake and the effects of El Nino,’’ Mr Hollywood said. Mr Alfredo de la Fuente, who represents Caritas in Portoviejo, a city of 250,000 that Mr Correa visited after the quake, said rural areas are in need of more assistance. Meanwhile, thousands of families continue to sleep outside, away from any structures, as aftershocks kept residents on edge, said Fr Walter Coronel, a priest in the Archdiocese of Portoviejo. Âł3HRSOH DUH WHUULÂżHG DQG ZH cannot provide all the assistance that they need,â€? Fr Coronel said. “There are some rural communities that we have no way to access, so we have no idea what is going on there.â€? „ CNS

12 POPE FRANCIS

Sunday May 15, 2016 „ CatholicNews

3RSH %LGHQ FULWLFLVH SURÀW mentality in medical research Pontiff and US vice president speak at conference on adult stem cell research VATICAN CITY – 0RUDO DQG HWKL-

FDO FRQFHUQV PXVW JXLGH PHGLFDO research so it will always be at WKH VHUYLFH RI SURWHFWLQJ KXPDQ life and dignity, Pope Francis said. In that way, education and research can strive “to serve higher values, such as solidarLW\ JHQHURVLW\ PDJQDQLPLW\ sharing of knowledge, respect IRU KXPDQ OLIH DQG IUDWHUQDO and selfless love,â€? he said on April 29, during an audience with people taking part in a FRQIHUHQFH RQ DGXOW VWHP FHOO research. “Research, whether in acaGHPLD RU LQGXVWU\ ´ KH VDLG ÂłUHquires unwavering attention to PRUDO LVVXHV LI LW LV WR EH DQ LQVWUXPHQW ZKLFK VDIHJXDUGV KXPDQ OLIH DQG WKH GLJQLW\ RI WKH person.â€? 86 9LFH 3UHVLGHQW -RH %LGHQ was in attendance and had addressed the conference with a PLQXWH VSHHFK RQ WKH QHHG WR invest in prevention, access and DIIRUGDELOLW\ LQ WKH ÂżJKW DJDLQVW cancer. The conference looked at FXUUHQW DQG H[SHULPHQWDO WHFKQLTXHV LQ XVLQJ DGXOW VWHP cells to fight disease, specifically rare illnesses afflicting children. The April 28-30 conference was sponsored by the Pontifical Council for Culture; its foundation, STOQ, which is an acURQ\P IRU 6FLHQFH 7KHRORJ\ and the Ontological Quest; and WKH 6WHP IRU /LIH )RXQGDWLRQ

best medicine ‘The and treatment can’t belong only to the privileged and the powerful. It has to belong to everyone.

’

– US Vice President Joe Biden

Pope Francis greets US Vice President Joe Biden after both spoke at a conference on adult stem cell research at the Vatican. CNS photo

a nonprofit offshoot of the forprofit Caladrius cell-therapy FRPSDQ\ Speaking to participants JDWKHUHG LQ WKH 9DWLFDQÂśV 3DXO 9, KDOO WKH SRSH KLJKOLJKWHG WKH FRQIHUHQFHÂśV HPSKDVLV RQ WRS QRWFK PHGLFDO NQRZ KRZ ZLWKout overlooking the “ethical, anthropological, social and cultural TXHVWLRQV DV ZHOO DV WKH FRPSOH[ SUREOHP RI DFFHVV WR FDUH IRU WKRVH DIĂ€LFWHG E\ UDUH conditionsâ€?. People struck by rare diseases

ÂłDUH RIWHQ QRW JLYHQ VXIÂżFLHQW DWWHQWLRQ EHFDXVH LQYHVWLQJ LQ WKHP is not expected to produce subVWDQWLDO HFRQRPLF UHWXUQV´ WKH pope said. He repeated his call against ÂłDQ HFRQRP\ RI H[FOXVLRQ DQG LQHTXDOLW\ WKDW YLFWLPLVHV SHRSOH ZKHQ WKH PHFKDQLVP RI SURÂżW SUHYDLOV RYHU WKH YDOXH RI KXPDQ lifeâ€?. In his speech, delivered beIRUH WKH SRSH DUULYHG 0U %LGHQ spoke about the attention and FRPIRUW KH IHOW ZKHQ WKH SRSH

PHW KLP DQG KLV IDPLO\ SULvately during the papal visit to WKH 8QLWHG 6WDWHV ODVW 6HSWHPber. 0U %LGHQ ORVW KLV \HDU ROG VRQ %HDX WR EUDLQ FDQFHU LQ 0D\ last year. 0U %LGHQ D &DWKROLF VDLG KLV IDPLO\ OLNH PDQ\ RWKHUV DURXQG the world, have seen “how faith can turn loss into hope, and hope into actionâ€?. +H VSRNH DERXW WKH 86 DGPLQLVWUDWLRQÂśV Âł0RRQVKRW´ DQ LQLWLDWLYH KH OHDGV DQG ZKLFK DLPV DW HOLPLQDWLQJ FDQFHU WKURXJK SUHYHQWLRQ Âą LQFOXGLQJ IURP HQYLURQPHQWDO FDXVHV Âą DQG JUHDWHU access to healthcare and affordDEOH WUHDWPHQW Âł7KH EHVW PHGLFLQH DQG WUHDWPHQW FDQÂśW EHORQJ RQO\ WR WKH privileged and the powerful. It has to belong to everyone,â€? he said. He urged researchers and scientists to share and publish data DQG GLVFRYHULHV ÂłLPPHGLDWHO\´ and not hide it for years behind “paywallsâ€?. „ CNS

Pope ‘would like to come’ to China ROME – A group of parish priests IURP &KLQD PHW ZLWK 3RSH )UDQFLV LQ 6W 3HWHUÂśV 6TXDUH DW WKH 9DWLFDQ on April 27. )U -HURRP +H\QGULFN[ D 6Lnologist, introduced the 23 priests to Pope Francis who was glad to OHDUQ WKH\ KDG MXVW FRPSOHWHG DQ exchange course on pastoral isVXHV DW WKH )HUGLQDQG 9HUELHVW Foundation, an institute which is SDUW RI WKH &DWKROLF 8QLYHUVLW\ RI /HXYHQ LQ %HOJLXP 7KH SULHVWV Âą PRVW RI ZKRP DUH IURP &KLQDÂśV QRUWK Âą YLVLWHG 5RPH DV SDUW RI WKH +RO\ <HDU SLOJULPage that is currently underway. Speaking in Spanish, the priests asked the pope to “please FRPH WR YLVLW &KLQD´ The pope answered, “Yes, yes, , ZRXOG OLNH WR FRPH ´ 7KH SULHVWV WKHQ PHW &DUGLQDO Fernando Filoni, prefect of the &RQJUHJDWLRQ IRU WKH (YDQJHOLVDtion of Peoples and his secretary, Archbishop Savio Hon Tai-Fai, ZKR VSRNH WR WKHP RI HYDQJHOLVDtion work in China. Cardinal Filoni spent 10 years VHUYLQJ WKH &KXUFK LQ &KLQD IURP Hong Kong. 7KH &KLQHVH SULHVWVÂś SLOJULPage began two days earlier when WKH\ ZDONHG DORQJ WKH 9LD GHOOD &RQFLOLD]LRQH LQ 5RPH VLQJLQJ K\PQV DQG SUD\LQJ WKH URVDU\ All were aware that 40 years DJR VXFK D SLOJULPDJH ZDV IRUbidden and unthinkable for Chinese Catholics. They also entered through the Holy Door at St PeWHUÂśV %DVLOLFD DQG SUD\HG DW WKH WRPE RI WKH VDLQW 7KH QH[W PRUQLQJ WKH\ FHOHEUDWHG 0DVV LQ WKH EDVLOLFDÂśV FU\SW They visited Assisi on April 28 and FHOHEUDWHG 0DVV DW WKH FDWDFRPEV the following day. „ UCANEWS.COM

Prayers for kidnapped Christians VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis led

Christians in praying for Catholic and Orthodox clergy and Religious kidnapped in Syria and around the world. He expressed his continuing concern for the abducted “brother bishops, priests and Religious, [both] Catholic and Orthodoxâ€? at WKH HQG RI WKH ÂżQDO 0DVV RI WKH <HDU RI 0HUF\ÂśV MXELOHH IRU WHHQagers on April 24. Âł0D\ WKH PHUFLIXO *RG WRXFK the hearts of the kidnappers and grant that our brothers and sisters will be freed as soon as possible and allowed to return to their FRPPXQLWLHV ´ KH VDLG “For this reason, I invite you all to pray, without forgetting other people abducted in the world,â€? he said. +LV UHPDUNV FDPH VKRUWO\ DIter the third anniversary of the abductions of Syriac Orthodox 0HWURSROLWDQ *UHJRULRV <RKDQQD DQG *UHHN 2UWKRGR[ 0HWURSROLtan Paul, both of Aleppo, who

were kidnapped on April 22, 2013, in northern Syria. 7KH\ ZHUH RQ D KXPDQLWDULDQ PLVVLRQ WR VHFXUH WKH UHOHDVH RI WZR SULHVWV ¹ DQ $UPHQLDQ &DWKROLF DQG D *UHHN 2UWKRGR[ ¹ NLGnapped earlier that year. Christians in Syria and warWRUQ DUHDV RI WKH 0LGGOH (DVW DQG Africa are frequently targeted for kidnappings and acts of violence by terrorist organisations, such as WKH ,VODPLF 6WDWH DQG WKH 1XVUD Front. ,QGLDQ -HVXLW )U $OH[LV 3UHP .XPDU GLUHFWRU RI -HVXLW 5HIXgee Service in Afghanistan, was kidnapped in June 2014. He was later released by the Taliban. However, the fate of others, like Italian Jesuit Fr Paolo 'DOOœ2JOLR NLGQDSSHG LQ 6\ULD LQ UHPDLQ XQNQRZQ 0RUH UHFHQWO\ 6DOHVLDQ )U 7RP 8]KXQQDOLO ZDV NLGQDSSHG LQ HDUO\ 0DUFK IURP WKH 0LVVLRQDULHV RI &KDULW\ KRPH LQ $GHQ „ CNS

POPE FRANCIS 13

Sunday May 15, 2016 „ CatholicNews

Pope: stop violence in Syria, punish child abusers worldwide VATICAN CITY – Intensify dialogue, not violence, in order to push for peace in Syria, Pope Francis said. “I urge all parties involved in the conĂ€LFW WR UHVSHFW WKH FHDVHÂżUH DQG VWUHQJWKHQ talks underway – the only path that leads to peace,â€? he said after reciting the Regina Coeli prayer with pilgrims gathered in St Peter’s Square on May 1. The pope’s appeal came in the wake of a surge in violence in Syria. Government-led air raids reportedly bombed hospitals and other medical centres, killing patients and medical personnel. “The violence is soaring back to the levels we saw prior to the cessation of hostilities. There are deeply disturbing reports of military buildups indicating preparations for a lethal escalation,â€? UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mr Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, said in a statement on April 29. 7KH 81 RIÂżFH KDV EHHQ GRFXPHQWLQJ numerous attacks against medical facilities and marketplaces during busy shopping times, he said. Such acts, which might qualify as war crimes, “indicate a serious, alarming disregard for one of the cornerstones of international humanitarian law: the duty to protect civiliansâ€?, he said. Pope Francis said he was saddened by the news of the escalating violence “that continues to aggravate the already desperate humanitarian situation in the country, particularly in the city of Aleppoâ€?. He noted how the violence was striking “innocent victims, even chilGUHQ WKH LOO DQG WKRVH ZKR ZLWK JUHDW VDFULÂżFH

Rescuers and residents gather at the site of a bombing in the rebel-held town of Aleppo, Syria, on April 28. CNS photo

are committed to offering help to others.â€? In his midday talk, the pope also appealed for an end to child abuse, saying, “It is a tragedy. We must not tolerate abuse against minors.â€? “We must defend minors and we must severely punish the abusers,â€? he said. The pope thanked the Italian associaWLRQ 0HWHU IRU ZRUNLQJ WR ÂżJKW ÂłHYHU\ IRUP

I urge all parties involved in the ‘FRQĂ€LFW WR UHVSHFW WKH FHDVHÂżUH and strengthen talks underway. ’

– Pope Francis

of abuse against minors�. The group came to St. Peter’s Square as part of a campaign to demand justice for all children who are abandoned or violated. Fr Fortunato Di Noto, who founded the group 25 years ago, said supporters in the square would be wearing yellow to be a “visible sign� of their opposition to silence and indifference and “our rebellion against evil�. The nationwide organisation staffs a telephone hotline for reporting child sex abuse and child pornography and operates several centres where concerned parents and victims of abuse can receive counselling and assistance. „ CNS

Christians persecuted by gossip, martyrdom VATICAN CITY – Being Christian often brings about persecution – anything from attacks against one’s reputation to martyrdom, Pope Francis said. Jesus invites His disciples not to be scandalised that giving witness often leads to persecution, he said on May 2 during the Mass in the chapel of the Domus Sanctae Marthae. Such persecution ranges “from the little persecution of gossip� and criticism to the more serious kind that leads to imprisonment or even death, he said according to Vatican Radio. Persecution “is the price of Christian testimony�, the pope said. Filled with the Holy Spirit, a Christian gives witness to “the living Lord, the risen Lord, the Lord among us,� especially “each time we come to the altar�, he said. Christians also give witness to God’s presence “in their daily lives in the way they act�. “But many times this testimony provokes attacks, provokes persecution,� he said. The pope asked that people pray for the Holy Spirit’s help in not straying from Jesus and in remembering what Jesus said and did so they live out those teachings in their everyday lives. The pope said to pray that sin, “worldliness, easy things, things that come straight from the father of lies� that is, the devil, do not turn people away “from giving witness�. „ CNS

14 POPE FRANCIS

Sunday May 15, 2016 „ CatholicNews

Laypeople may know better than priests how to work for justice: pope 0LJUDQWV ÀHHLQJ FULVLV VLWXDWLRQV LQ WKHLU KRPH FRXQWULHV ZDGH DFURVV D river near the Greece-Macedonia border. Pope Francis said that Catholics cannot remain mere spectators in the face of suffering. &16 ¿OH SKRWR

Knowing Bible, liturgy doesn’t automatically make one ‘loving’ VATICAN CITY – To ignore the sufforget: in the face of the suffering fering of another person is to ig- of so many people worn out by nore God, Pope Francis said. hunger, violence and injustice, we And going to Church does not cannot remain spectators. automatically make someone love “To ignore human suffering his neighbour, the pope said on – what does that mean? It means $SULO DV KH UHĂ€HFWHG RQ WKH *RV- ignoring God,â€? he told an estipel parable of the good Samaritan mated 25,000 people in St Peter’s during his weekly general audience. Square. “If I do not draw near to Christians are called to imitate the man or woman or child or oldthe good Samaritan, stopping to er person who is suffering, I canhelp the injured, because the good not draw near to God.â€? Samaritan is a symbol of Jesus, who While the priest and the Levite bent down to help and – the two orthodox reNo such to heal all humanity, OLJLRXV ÂżJXUHV LQ WKH the pope said. thing as ‘true story – have “closed, By describing the coldâ€? hearts, the pope worship if priest and the Levite said, the Samaritan, who passed by withwho was considered it does not out offering help, an impure pagan, had translate into a heart that was “synPope Francis said, the parable makes it service to one’s chronised with the clear that “it is not heart of Godâ€?. neighbour’, automatic that one The sign that one who frequents the said the pope. is close to God, the house of God and has pope said, is showknown His mercy knows how to ing compassion to others like God love His neighbourâ€?. shows compassion to us. “What “You can know the whole Bi- does that mean? He suffers with ble, you can know all the liturgical us. He feels our suffering.â€? rubrics, you can know all theolPope Francis asked those at the ogy, but that knowledge does not audience to consider whether they make loving automatic,â€? he said. believe that God has compassion “Love has another path.â€? for them, with their sins and their Pope Francis insisted there is wounds, and that He “draws near to no such thing as “true worship if us, heals us, caresses us. And if we it does not translate into service refuse Him, He waits. He is patient to one’s neighbour. Let us never and always alongside of us.â€? „ CNS

VATICAN CITY – Clericalism is a danger to the Catholic Church not only because on a practical level it undermines the role of the laity in society, but because theologically it “tends to diminish and undervalue the baptismal graceâ€? of all believers, whether they are laypeople or clergy, Pope Francis said. “No one is baptised a priest or bishop,â€? the pope said in a letter to Cardinal Marc Ouellet, prefect of the Congregation for Bishops DQG SUHVLGHQW RI WKH 3RQWLÂżFDO Commission for Latin America. The fundamental consecration of all Christians occurs at baptism, he said. In the letter, released on April 26, Pope Francis said he wanted to ensure that a discussion begun ZLWK PHPEHUV RI WKH 3RQWLÂżFDO Commission for Latin America March 4 “does not fall into a voidâ€?. The topic of the March discussion, he said, was on the public role of the laity in the life of the people of Latin America. In the letter, Pope Francis said that in lay Catholics’ work for the good of society and for justice, “it is not the pastor who must tell the layperson what to do and say, he already knows this and better than we doâ€?. “It is illogical and even impossible to think that we, as pastors, should have a monopoly on the solutions for the multiple challenges that contemporary life presents,â€? he said. “On the contrary, we must stand alongside our people, accompany them in their search and stimulate their imagination in responding to current problems.â€? Pastors are not conceding anything to the laity by recognising their role and potential in bringing the Gospel to the world; the laity are just as much members of

Priests participating in Mass. The pope says priests must stand alongside their people, accompany them in their search and stimulate their imagination in responding to current problems. &16 ÂżOH SKRWR

“holy, faithful people of God� as the clergy, said the pope. Pope Francis insisted that the discussion on the role of the laity must not fall into the trap of thinking “the committed layperson is one who works for the Church or is involved in matters of the parish or diocese� – creating a “lay elite� – but must recognise that most Catholic laypeople live their Christian commitment in their homes, neighbourhoods, cities and countries. “The faith we have received is a gift that came to us, in many cases, from our mothers and grandmothers. They were the living memory of Jesus Christ within our homes. It was in the silence of family life that most of us learned to pray, to love and to live the faith,� the pope wrote.

In societies where “the disposable culture is established, leaving little space for hope,â€? the pope wrote, committed Catholic laity and their families “seek not only to survive, but among the contradictions and injustices, they seek the Lord and desire to give witness to Him.â€? “What does it mean for us pastors that the laity are working in public life?â€? the pope asked. “It means we must try to encourage, accompany and stimulate all the attempts and efforts that they already are making to keep alive hope and faith.â€? Pastors must be close to their people, he said, “opening doors, working with them, dreaming ZLWK WKHP UHĂ€HFWLQJ DQG HVSHcially, praying with them.â€? „ CNS

and even impossible to think that ‘It iswe,illogical as pastors, should have a monopoly on the solutions for the multiple challenges that contemporary life presents.

’

– Pope Francis

POPE FRANCIS 15

Sunday May 15, 2016 „ CatholicNews

CNS photos

A large crowd gathers as Pope Francis celebrates Mass for the Youth Jubilee on April 24 in St Peter’s Square.

Pope Francis welcomes a young pilgrim before hearing confessions.

When it comes to happiness, there’s no app for that, pope tells teens VATICAN CITY – Happiness “is not

an ‘app’ that you can download on your phones nor will the latest update help you become free and great in loving,â€? Pope Francis told thousands of teenagers. Youth from around the world Ă€RFNHG WR 5RPH IRU D VSHFLDO <HDU of Mercy event for teens aged 13-16. The celebrations began on April 23 with confessions in St Peter’s Square. The pope caught many off guard as he made an unannounced visit to the square. After greeting several people, he placed a purple stole over his shoulders and sat down, joining

more than 150 priests offering the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Jesuit Fr Federico Lombardi, Vatican spokesman, said the pope “listened to the confessions of 16 boys and girls,� spending more than an hour in the square. Celebrating Mass with the young people on April 24, the pope told them true freedom is priceless and comes from making the courageous decision to do good and not from the mediocre belief that happiness can be easily obtained through worldly possessions and fashion. A person’s happiness “has no price and cannot be bought,� the

Teens say faith strengthened at youth celebration VATICAN CITY – Sharing and celebrating the joy of faith with thousands of Catholic teenagers from around the globe was a rare moment that not many people are able to experience, a US teen said. “It was a different atmosphere than what I’m used to, but it’s good because it shows that the beauty of the Catholic Church is there,â€? Emily Sullivan told Catholic News Service on April 25. Emily, her brother Ryan and parents Matt and Susan, came from North Carolina to participate in the Year of Mercy celebration for young teens from April 23-24 in Rome. Both siblings, who are preparing to receive the Sacrament RI &RQÂżUPDWLRQ VDLG WKDW GHVSLWH the language barrier, they were able to join in singing and praying during the April 23 youth rally at Rome’s Olympic Stadium. “It was awesome; the energy was insane,â€? Emily said. “The people knew all the lyrics and they

were jamming out. So we came up with a couple of words that we could sing along. It was really cool to be in that atmosphere.â€? For Ryan, attending the April 24 Mass in St Peter’s Square was the highlight of his pilgrimage. “It was great seeing the pope,â€? and “meeting other people and seeing the cityâ€? was “all good,â€? he told CNS. Âł:H ZLOO PDNH RXU FRQÂżUmation in two weeks so it was GHÂżQLWHO\ JUHDW WR VHH WKH KLVWRU\ of the Church and [meet] other people who are Catholic because where we live, there’s not as big of a following,â€? Emily said. The pope’s message, Emily said, encouraged people “to go back to the Church at the end of the day, not your phone.â€? Their mother Susan told CNS she hopes that attending the jubilee event will give her children a “fuller and richer experienceâ€? as they prepare to reFHLYH FRQÂżUPDWLRQ „ CNS

pope told them during the Mass in St Peter’s Square. Gray clouds looming over St Peter’s Square did little to deter an estimated 100,000 young teens and pilgrims from attending the ÂżQDO 0DVV RI WKH VSHFLDO MXELOHH celebration. In his homily, the pope encouraged the youths to carry out the “enormous responsibilityâ€? entrusted to the disciples by Jesus in the Sunday Gospel reading: “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.â€? Love, he said, is the “only valid ‘document’ identifying us as Christiansâ€? and the only path to happiness. True love is free “without being possessiveâ€? of people or worldly things, he said. “There is always a temptation to let our affections be

tainted by an instinctive desire to WDNH WR KDYH ZKDW ZH ÂżQG SOHDVing; our consumerist culture reinforces this tendency. Yet when we hold on too tightly to something, it fades, it dies and then we feel confused, empty inside,â€? he said. “Be sceptical about people

happiness ‘Your has no price;

’

it cannot be bought.

– Pope Francis

who want to make you believe that you are only important if you act WRXJK OLNH WKH KHURHV LQ ¿OPV RU LI you wear the latest fashions. Your happiness has no price; it cannot be bought,� the pope stressed. 7KH ¿UVW GD\ RI WKH FHOHEUDWLRQ ended late on April 23 with music and testimonies at Rome’s Olympic

Stadium for an estimated 70,000 youth. In a video message played at the rally, Pope Francis compared the absence of Jesus in one’s life to being somewhere without a cellphone signal so it is impossible to connect with each other. “Just remember that if Jesus is not in your life, it is as though there was no signal,â€? he said. “Let’s always place ourselves where we have the signal: the family, the parish, the school, because in this world we will always have something to say that is good and true.â€? Reminding them of the importance of simple gestures in carrying out works of mercy, the pope said that to be merciful with othHUV RQH PXVW ÂżUVW EH DEOH WR IRUgive. Resentments or the desire for revenge are like a worm that “eats away at the soul and does not allow us to be happy,â€? he said. „ CNS

16 OPINION

Sunday May 15, 2016 „ CatholicNews

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COMMENTARY

The ‘Joy of Love’ is an DIĂ€UPDWLRQ ZRUWK WKH UHDG By Mike Nelson It probably shouldn’t be necessary to have pastoral letters or papal encyclicals or apostolic exhortaWLRQV RU DQ\ RWKHU RIÂżFLDO &KXUFK document) to tell us what we should already know: that marriage and the family life it creates are holy and sacred. And yet, as someone celebrating 40 years of marriage and 36 years of parenthood this year, I readily admit that there are times when the sacredness of marriage and family life gets lost amid the day-to-day challenges and struggles of surviving in the world. Sometimes these challenges and struggles lead me to act or react in a less-than-loving or Christian fashion. That’s why it’s as good a reason as any to welcome Amoris Laetitia, or The Joy of Love, Pope Francis’ recent apostolic exhortation on marriage and the family. The document is the result of synods called by the pope in each of the past two years to address this most integral component of Christ-centred living. $V D KXVEDQG DQG IDWKHU , ÂżQG it illuminating that this document sprang from the synod process, D SURFHVV WKDW E\ GHÂżQLWLRQ LQGLcates not simply an opportunity but a need for dialogue, for listenLQJ UHĂ€HFWLQJ DQG VKDULQJ So, too, in a marriage and in a family, there is the need to listen, UHĂ€HFW DQG VKDUH WR FRPPXQLFDWH and to pray with love and respect. Amoris Laetitia, in the words of Pope Francis, invites Christian families “to persevere in a love strengthened by the virtues of generosity, FRPPLWPHQW ÂżGHOLW\ DQG SDWLHQFH´ I also appreciate Amoris Laetitia and its humble, non-lecturing tone, quite in keeping with this Year of Mercy and with the tone RI WKLV SRQWLÂżFDWH WKDW LV QRW DIUDLG to take the Church, the papacy included, to task. Pope Francis says what many of us in marriage have often felt: that the Church has a hard time

A family prays together before a meal. In a humble and non-lecturing tone, Pope Francis’ apostolic exhortation, Amoris Laetitia, offers families the opportunity to grow together spiritually. CNS photo

presenting marriage “more as a dynamic path to personal develRSPHQW DQG IXOÂżOPHQW WKDQ DV D lifelong burden.â€? Âł:H DOVR ÂżQG LW KDUG ´ KH FRQtinues, “to make room for the consciences of the faithful, who very often respond as best they can to the Gospel amid their limitations, and are capable of carrying out their own discernment in complex situations.â€? In other words, there is room

In a marriage and family, there is the need WR OLVWHQ UHÀHFW DQG share, to communicate and to pray with love and respect. for growth – spiritually and in other ways – as we journey in faith. Marriage and family life offer a unique and beautiful opportunity to experience that growth. I know for certain that my faith journey would have barely progressed, if not stalled completely, had I not met and married the woman I’ve shared my life with these past four decades. Through her and the son we brought into this world I am more aware of

and pray more closely to Christ. 2U DV 3RSH )UDQFLV ZULWHV Âł,W is a profound spiritual experience to contemplate our loved ones with the eyes of God and to see Christ in them. This demands a freedom and openness that enable us to appreciate their dignity. We can be fully present to others only by giving fully of ourselves and forgetting all else.â€? Bottom line: When we set DVLGH VHOÂżVK QHHGV WKH GLIÂżFXOWLHV of marriage and family life become far less daunting. “If a family is centred on Christ,â€? the pope says, “He will unify and illumine its entire life. Moments of pain DQG GLIÂżFXOW\ ZLOO EH H[SHULHQFHG in union with the Lord’s cross, and His closeness will make it possible to surmount them.â€? $PRULV /DHWLWLD LV DQ DIÂżUPDtion of who we are as members of God’s family and as members of the Church that is the bride of Christ. It’s well worth the read. „ CNS The apostolic exhortation is available at https://w2.vatican.va/content/ francesco/en/apost_exhortations/documents/papa-francesco_esortazioneap_20160319_amoris-laetitia.html Nelson is former editor of The Tidings, newspaper of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.

Loyalty and patriotism revisited IN A recent article in America magazine, Grant Kaplan, commenting on the challenge of the resurrection, makes this comment: “Unlike previous communities in which the bond among members forges itself through those it excludes and scapegoats, the gratuity of the resurrection allows for a community shaped by forgiven-forgivers.â€? What he is saying, among other things, is that mostly we form community through demonising and exclusion, that is, we bond with each other more on the basis of what we are against and what we hate than on the basis of what we are for and hold precious. The cross and the resurrection, and the message of Jesus in general, invite us to a deeper maturity within which we are invited to form community with each other on the basis of love and inclusion rather than upon hatred and demonisation. How do we scapegoat, demonise, and exclude so as to form community with each other? A number of anthropologists, particularly Rene Girard and Gil Bailie, have given us some good insights on how scapegoating and demonisation worked in ancient times and how they work today. In brief, here’s how they work: Until we can bring ourselves to a certain level of maturity, both personal and collective, we will always form community by scapegoating. Imagine this scenario: A group of us (family or colleagues) are going to dinner. Almost always there will some divisive tensions among us – personality clashes, jealousies, wounds from the past, and religious, ideological and political differences. But these can remain under the surface and we can enjoy a nice dinner together. How? By talking about other people whom we PXWXDOO\ GLVOLNH GHVSLVH IHDU RU ÂżQG ZHLUG RU SDUWLFXODUO\ HFFHQWULF As we “demoniseâ€? them by emphasising how awful, bad, weird, or eccentric they are, our own differences slide wonderfully under the surface and we form bonds of empathy and mutuality with each other. By GHPRQLVLQJ RWKHUV ZH ÂżQG FRPPRQDOLW\ DPRQJ RXUVHOYHV 2I FRXUVH you’re reluctant to excuse yourself and go to the bathroom, for fear that, in your absence; you might well be the next item on the menu. Moreover, we do that too in our individual lives to maintain balance. If we’re honest, we probably all have to admit the tendency within us to steady ourselves by blaming our anxieties and bad feelings on someone else. For example: We go out some morning and for various reasons feel out of sorts, agitated and angry in some inchoate way. More often than not, it won’t take us long to pin that uneasiness on someone else by, consciously or unconsciously, blaming them for RXU EDG IHHOLQJ 2XU VHQVH LV WKDW H[FHSW IRU WKDW SHUVRQ ZH ZRXOGQÂśW be feeling these things! Someone else is to blame for our agitation! 2QFH ZH KDYH GRQH WKLV ZH EHJLQ WR IHHO EHWWHU EHFDXVH ZH KDYH MXVW made someone else responsible for our pain. As a colourful commenWDU\ RQ WKLV , OLNH WR TXRWH D IULHQG ZKR VXEPLWV WKLV D[LRP ,I WKH ÂżUVW two people you meet in the morning are irritating and hard to get along with, there’s a very good chance that you’re the one who’s irritating and hard to get along with. 6DGO\ ZH VHH WKLV SOD\HG RXW LQ WKH ZRUOG DV D ZKROH 2XU FKXUFKHV and our politics thrive on this. Both in our churches and in our civic communities, we tend to form community with our own kind by dePRQLVLQJ RWKHUV 2XU GLIIHUHQFHV GR QRW KDYH WR EH GHDOW ZLWK QRU do we have to deal with the things within ourselves that help cause those differences, because we can blame someone else for our problems. Not infrequently church groups bond together by doing this, SROLWLFLDQV DUH HOHFWHG E\ GRLQJ WKLV DQG ZDUV DUH MXVWLÂżHG DQG ZDJHG on this basis – and the rich, healthy concepts of loyalty, patriotism, DQG UHOLJLRXV DIÂżOLDWLRQ WKHQ EHFRPH XQKHDOWK\ EHFDXVH WKH\ QRZ URRW themselves in seeing differences primarily as a threat rather than seeing them as bringing a fuller revelation of God into our lives. Granted, sometimes what’s different does pose a real threat, and that threat has to be met. But, even then, we must continue to look inside of ourselves and examine what in us might be complicit in causing that division, hatred or jealousy, which is now being projected on us. Positive threat must be met, but it is best met the way Jesus met threats, namely, with love, empathy, and forgiveness. Demonising others to create community among ourselves is neither the way of Jesus nor the way of human maturity. Loyalty to one’s own, loyalty to one’s religion, loyalty to one’s country, and loyalty to one’s moral values must be based upon what is good and precious within one’s family, community, religion, country, and moral principles, and not on fear and negative feelings towards others. The lesson in Jesus, especially in His death and resurrection, is that genuine religion, genuine maturity, genuine loyalty, and genuine patriotism lie in letting ourselves be stretched by what does not emanate from our own kind. „

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Sunday May 15, 2016 „ CatholicNews

MOTHER’S DAY FEATURE

5HĂ HFWLRQV DQG UHDOLVDWLRQV RI D PXP By Carolyn Woo

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When students and professionals, men or women, have sought my advice on careers, one key point I mention is to not give up family for work. As Mother’s Day arrives, let me share my experience. Our sons are now grown. Ryan is a young clinical professor of medicine specialising in geriatrics, and Justin seeks his way to make God real and lives holy in a secular culture through the path of graduate theological studies. These choices emanate from a strong faith, the desire to touch, heal and minister, and discipline that hones natural gifts into skills. I pray daily for their holiness and health. I know this sounds lofty and unreal, but these have guided my petitions since 1996. That was when, facing different career options, I enrolled in a three-week executive programme – ostensibly to develop leadership skills, but primarily for time away to deliberate. Still undecided at the end of the programme, I was close to panic. But a question, completely unrelated to the task at hand, lodged itself in my head. The question: What would I want for our two boys? The answer: That they know their gifts as blessings from God, work hard to cultivate these gifts and never use their gifts to put people down but to lift people up. I felt great peace even though I did not get a direction arrow for the fork on that career path. These three points guided many choices. As one example, we did not want the most exclusive high schools for our sons as much as a strong faith culture, respect for authority, exposure to people from different eco-

nomic strata and ability to celebrate others. A proportionate sense of achievement and humility were just as important as solid academics. When they showed no interest in gifted programmes at prestigious universities and instead proposed unstructured time to play sports and read, we listened. I abandoned my busy grid of daily academic and sports programmes

I recognise that my sons ... are God’s special gifts to me and His manifestations of love, FRPSDVVLRQ DQG ÂżGHOLW\ that made the summers “productiveâ€? and the sons “competitive.â€? For a Chinese mother, to pass XS RQ ÂłJLIWHG´ DIÂżOLDWLRQV DQG RSportunities required a re-programming that opened up appreciation for alien concepts such as relaxation, downtime and vacations. I worked a lot of hours and have no regrets. I draw tremendous energy from the aesthetics

and ethics of doing a good job and KDYH Ă€RXULVKHG LQ WKH RSSRUWXQLties offered to me. What I have learned is that I could have managed my stress better, set boundaries and switched off work issues when I was with the family, given warning when I was preoccupied and about to blow, and apologised when I took it out on them. People often focus on managing time, but we should pivot our attention more towards managing stress. Today, we so enjoy our time together with the “boysâ€? and the range of conversation over books, politics, religion, faith, society, comics, sports etc. I recognise that my sons and husband are God’s special gifts to me and His manifestations of ORYH FRPSDVVLRQ DQG ÂżGHOLW\ Whenever I am formally introduced at conferences and speeches, I am proudest of that last line: “mother of Ryan and Justinâ€?. It is by this that I measure everything else. „ CNS

’

Woo is president and CEO of Catholic Relief Services based in Baltimore, Maryland, USA.

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Sunday May 15, 2016 „ CatholicNews

ARCHBISHOP’S PASTORAL MESSA

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ODAY, the Church rejoices as we reach the climax of the Easter Season by celebrating the Feast of Pentecost. The cry of Pentecost is to renew the face of the earth. Having been given New Life in Christ, it is time now for the Church to share the Good News of Jesus the Risen Lord and the New Life that He is offering to all of humanity. Indeed, the Holy Spirit given at Pentecost is for the sake of the mission, to go out to the whole world and proclaim the Good News. (cf Mk 16:15) What the world needs most is unity in the face of division and fundamentalism. With the current climate of moral relativism, individualism and materialism, it is more DQG PRUH GLIÂżFXOW WR ÂżQG XQLW\ DPRQJ DOO peoples, especially when we are living in a world of globalisation and mass communication. What is a blessing is also a potential GLYLGH EHFDXVH RI WKH VSHHG DQG WKH Ă€RRG RI information, so much so that no one knows what is right or wrong anymore. We are paralysed by so many different views that we end up in relativism and confusion as to what is truth and love. The reality is that there can be no unity unless there is love. But there can be no love unless it is founded in truth. So where is the truth to be found? Precisely, the Christian answer to true unity is the Holy Spirit who leads us to Jesus who is the fullness of truth. Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life (cf Jn 14:6). The Holy Spirit is the love of the Father and the Son. He is also the source of unity among all SHRSOHV 7KDW LV ZK\ WKH ÂżUVW JLIW RI WKH 5LVHQ Lord is peace and forgiveness. And the gift of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost is unity among all peoples of different tongues. All gifts come from the one and same Holy Spirit (cf 1 Cor 12:4). So as Christians, we are called to build communion among all peoples because the Church is a Sacrament of Communion. Accordingly, the mission of the Church is communion. We are called to play an active role in fostering unity in the world but not MXVW DQ\ VXSHUÂżFLDO XQLW\ ZKLFK WKH ZRUOG LV currently built on. Such unity is fragile and changing. Lasting unity and peace must be based on truth and authentic love. How can we do this effectively in building unity and fostering peace in the world today? &DWKROLFV ÂżUVW DQG IRUHPRVW PXVW UHclaim their identity as Catholics and disciples of our Risen Lord. At Easter, we already renewed our baptismal promises to accept Christ and reject Satan and all the temptations of the world. At Pentecost, we are once again renewed in the Holy Spirit and now sent out to the world to proclaim the Good News of God’s love and to reconcile all peoples with each other by reconciling them to God. This is what we meant when during the SG50, we initiated our Catholics to join in the “Proud to be Catholicâ€? movement in union with the rest of the Universal Church. But what are we proud of? Some have misunderstood this term “proudâ€? as the call to be superior to others, to disdain and

despise those who are not Catholic or to be arrogant and haughty. This is far from what is intended. To be proud is to be grateful for our faith and our values and all that we stand for and live for.

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O AS Catholics, what should we be proud of? We are proud of our Lord Jesus Christ who is Saviour and our Good Shepherd. He has given up His life for us and showed us the way to peace and fullness of life in total self-giving in humility in service and forgiveness of our enemies. Most of all, we are grateful to Jesus who died and rose for us so that we know for certain that He is our Lord and saviour. And because He has won victory over sin and death, we too live with a certain hope of our future, which is to share Christ’s glory and the resurrected life. We are grateful for the Catholic Church that was established by the Lord, guaranteeing the Church to be free from doctrinal errors in matters of faith and morals. This is because He is with us until the end of time (Mt 28:20). He is also with St Peter and His successors ensuring that the gates of the underworld will not overcome it (cf Mt 16:18).

The corollary of being ‘Proud to be Catholic’ is to ‘Stand up for Jesus’. If the call to be proud to be Singaporean means to stand up for Singapore, so too, is the call to stand up for Jesus if we are proud to be Catholic. We are grateful for the Church as our teacher in truth and love. We thank the Lord for handing over His authority to our Holy Father and the bishops as authoritative teachers for the “church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truthâ€? (cf 1 Tim 3:15). Because of this gift of the Petrine ministry, the Church is united always with the Holy Father and the bishops. The foundation of unity in the Church rests on our unity with the Holy Spirit who guides and speaks through the Holy Father in the universal Church and the bishop in the local Church. Only in this way can we be a sacrament of communion for others. We are grateful to the Church for the sacraments which prolong the presence of Jesus in our lives. He continues to journey with us in our pilgrimage of life from birth till death, whether in joy or sorrow, sickness or health through the sacraments of baptism, (XFKDULVW FRQÂżUPDWLRQ DQG DQRLQWLQJ RI WKH sick. To help us to live out our vocations, the Church provides us the sacraments of

matrimony and Holy Orders. Through these sacraments, we continue to be nurtured and empowered according to the different states of life we are in and our particular needs. We are grateful for the rich spiritual tradition, whether ascetical, contemplative, mystical or charismatic elements in the Church. Most of all, we are grateful for the gift of the Eucharist, the summit of Catholic worship. Indeed, no Catholic is deprived of growth in spiritual life according to his temperament and inclination to the voice of God. We are also grateful that the Church is a sacrament of charity in service to all of humanity, without discrimination of peoples, whether race, religion, culture or nationality. The Church serves all men and women simply because they too are children of God in our eyes. The Church has a special preferential option for the poor, especially those considered useless and a burden to society. She cares especially for the disabled, mentally challenged, the orphans, the elderly, the poor, the sick, the oppressed and the marginalised. We are grateful to the Church for exercising a prophetic role in moral life, especially in the promotion of the culture of life and love. The Church remains staunchly opposed to all forms of killing, whether abortion, euthanasia, destruction of human embryos or death penalty. The Church mainWDLQV KHU SRVLWLRQ RQ WKH WUDGLWLRQDO GHÂżQLWLRQ of marriage as between a man and a woman. The Church is protective of marriages and WKH IDPLO\ 6KH VWULYHV WR IHQG RII LQÂżGHOLW\ in marriages because of a promiscuous lifestyle. But she too is compassionate to those

who have failed marriages and continues to support them in their loneliness and pain. The Church too is a champion of dialogue, especially interreligious dialogue and ecumenism. She promotes mutual respect, tolerance, understanding and cooperation with those of other faiths, especially in the areas of charity and shared values. When possible, the Church engages in doctrinal dialogues as well so as to increase understanding and appreciation of other faiths. For all these and more, we are proud of the Catholic Church established and preserved by our Lord Jesus Christ. We are grateful to God for all that we are and all that we are doing. But it is not enough simply to be grateful! What is the use of just being proud! What is the use of having thunder and lightning without rain? If we are proud of our faith, then we must stand up for Jesus.

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HE corollary of being “Proud to be Catholic� is to “Stand up for Jesus�. If the call to be proud to be Singaporean means to stand up for Singapore, so too, is the call to stand up for Jesus if we are proud to be Catholic. We must make Jesus known and loved. The Good News, if it were truly good, cannot be kept under a blanket but must be seen by all and give light to others (cf Mt 5:15). So we must be ready to witness for Jesus. St Peter says, “In your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.� (1 Pt 3:15) This entails that as Catholics we must

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Sunday May 15, 2016 „ CatholicNews

ESSAGE FOR PENTECOST (MAY 15)

and the nation, must offer their life for public service, be it in the civil service, in NGOs RU DV YROXQWHHUV $V &DWKROLFV ZH KDYH D social responsibility to our fellow Singaporeans. We must not shirk our responsibility in nation building.

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be ready to individually speak up and stand up for our faith and Catholic values. Today, many channels are possible; through the internet, Facebook, blogs, Twitter, mass media and forums. We cannot afford to remain as spectators on the sidelines when our faith is challenged, denigrated and ridiculed. When it is misinterpreted and misrepresented, this is even more insidious, for a half truth is more dangerous than a lie. Remaining silent is also counter witnessing. That was what all the apostles did when Jesus was arrested. They all deserted Him DQG ÀHG OLNH VRPH RI RXU &DWKROLFV LQ WKH face of opposition! (cf Mt 26:56b). Others looked from afar when Jesus was hanging RQ WKH FURVV OLNH &DWKROLFV ZKR DUH REVHUYers when their faith is under seige (cf Mt 6R WR EH SURXG WR EH &DWKROLF PHDQV standing up for what we believe, as individXDOV DQG DV &KXUFK The Church speaks on behalf of all Catholics. She is always engaged in conversation, consultation and respectful dialogue ZLWK RI¿FLDOV IURP JRYHUQPHQW VWDWXWRU\ and other religious bodies. She recognises that this is a secular society and she has no right to impose her views on others. Nevertheless, she has not just a right but a duty to speak the truth and to articulate her concerns for society and her faithful. She does this through the preferred vehicle of dialogue rather than public statements, unless it is necessary to clarify confusion among the &DWKROLF IDLWKIXO DQG DOZD\V LQ WKH LQWHUHVWV of unity and for their good. She chooses dialogue behind closed doors, rather than play to the gallery as she

believes in rendering respect for civil and political authority as the Lord asks of us (cf Mk 12:17; 1 Pt 2:17; Rom 13:1). We also do not want to give opportunists the occasion to hijack our representations for WKHLU RZQ KLGGHQ DJHQGD +HQFH WKH &KXUFK has always spoken independently of other RUJDQLVDWLRQV $QG LQGHHG WKH &KXUFK LV DOways in dialogue with those concerned with respect to moral and social issues, whether it

As Catholics we must be ready to individually speak up and stand up for our faith and Catholic values. Today, many channels are possible; through the internet, Facebook, blogs, twitter, mass media and forums. is about the death penalty, legalising of abortion, euthanasia, marriage, family, same-sex union, protection of the environment etc. Consequently, being proud to be Catholic means that we should be even more patriotic as citizens. We must contribute PRUH VHOĂ€HVVO\ DQG JHQHURXVO\ LQ EXLOGLQJ up the country, economically, structurally DQG VSLULWXDOO\ $V LQGLYLGXDO &DWKROLFV ZH must be involved in our national conversaWLRQ &DWKROLFV IRU WKH ORYH RI WKH FRXQWU\

UT before we can do all these, we need to be formed in our faith. 7KLV HQWDLOV ÂżUVW DQG IRUHPRVW strengthening our spiritual and doctrinal faith. 0DQ\ RI XV DUH QRPLQDO &DWKROLFV :H have very little knowledge of our faith, both with respect to prayer life and spiritual life. Our knowledge of the faith and the teachLQJV RI WKH &KXUFK DUH ZHDN DQG VXSHUÂżFLDO Less than 10 percent of our congregation are actively involved in the service of the &KXUFK (YHQ WKHQ PDQ\ DUH WRR ZRUN oriented. They are more concerned with the “doingâ€?, but hardly do they set aside time for spiritual, scriptural and doctrinal formation. They are too functional and not evangelical in outlook. Their last faith formation ZDV ZKHQ WKH\ FRPSOHWHG 5&,$ RU ZKHQ WKH\ ZHUH FRQÂżUPHG DV \RXWKV Without ongoing formation in the faith, WKH\ ZLOO EH ZHDN VROGLHUV LQ WKH EDWWOHÂżHOG As Jesus said, when the storm blows and because their faith is not founded on Jesus and the Word of God, their house will be destroyed. (cf Mt 7:25) Furthermore, many do not have a sense of building community, genuine fraternal love and support among themselves. Many PHPEHUV DQG &KXUFK RUJDQLVDWLRQV ZRUN LQ silo and not in alignment with the other organisations. They do not see themselves as RQH &KXUFK ZRUNLQJ IRU WKH JORU\ RI *RG and sharing a common vision. Our ordinary &DWKROLFV KDYH OLWWOH VHQVH RI FRPPXQLW\ 7KH\ FRPH WR &KXUFK HYHU\ 6XQGD\ DV LQGLviduals without any real interaction with the rest of the community. Such faith in times of trials will not last because there is no fraternal support in their times of bereavement, VLFNQHVV DQG GLIÂżFXOWLHV FI +HE

Without an ongoing formation in faith and strengthening the community bond, we will lose our faith eventually. This explains why many of our Catholics are also counter-witnesses. We are indeed very VDGGHQHG ZKHQ VXSSRVHG &DWKROLFV VSHDN against their own faith and the teachings of WKH *RVSHO ,W GRHV QRW PHDQ ZH FDQQRW GLVsent in conscience, but it is certainly not proper to do it publicly, and certainly not with arrogance and pride! Jesus is clear that there is no neutrality in faith; either you are for Him RU DJDLQVW +LP 0W 6XFK &DWKROLFV GR D JUHDW GLVVHUYLFH WR WKH &KXUFK EHFDXVH WKH\ are traitors who betray, deny and crucify our Lord again and again. We betray Him not just by our words but by our actions as well, by supporting those values that are contrary to WKH &KXUFKÂśV DQG JRVSHOÂśV YDOXHV $V WKH OHWWHU of St John says, they will destroy themselves and they are not one of us. (cf 1 Jn 2:19) Of course, such nominal Catholics are not the only counter witnesses. It includes Church leaders, clerical, Religious and

lay who cause scandals now and then due WR KXPDQ SULGH VHOÂżVKQHVV DQG VLQ 0DQ\ KDYH ORVW IDLWK LQ WKH &KXUFK ZLWKLQ DQG without because of sex scandals. But beyond VXFK VFDQGDOV ZH KDYH RWKHUV OLNH ÂżQDQFLDO scandals and abuse of authority and power. Hence, we need to be exemplary in our conduct before we can speak with a strong prophetic voice. We have no authority to speak and teach the truth when we are doing the same things others are doing (cf Rom 2:1). 7KDW LV ZK\ ZH PXVW ÂżUVW DQG IRUHPRVW SXW our house in order. We must be united in truth and love and in service.

Before we are too harsh with those who failed in Christian witnessing, let us be careful not to be too judgmental. In this jubilee year of mercy, we are reminded of the gospel of compassion and forgiveness.

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INALLY, before we are too harsh with those who failed in Christian witnessing, let us be careful not to be too judgmental. ,Q WKLV MXELOHH \HDU RI mercy, we are reminded of the gospel of compassion and forgiveness. We are weak OLNH WKH DSRVWOHV ZKR ÀHG DQG WKHQ FDPH back. There was no condemnation but forgiveness in Jesus (cf Lk 15). To the adulterRXV ZRPDQ +H VDLG ³1HLWKHU GR , FRQGHPQ you. Go away, and from this moment sin no more� (cf Jn 8:11). So we stand up for Jesus not to condemn others but to stand up for fullness of life and truth and for love. ,Q WKH ¿QDO DQDO\VLV ZKDW LV QHHGHG LV as Pope Francis asked of us, conversion of heart, from the Church’s hierarchy to each and every one of the faithful. Without conversion of heart, there cannot be integrity of faith and life. This conversion is not merely spiritual but also pastoral and misVLRQDU\ FRQYHUVLRQ FI (YDQJHOLL *DXGLXP No. 25-33). But no conversion of heart and mind, and of structures, can take place without prayer. Hence, today, let us follow the HDUO\ &KULVWLDQV WRJHWKHU ZLWK 0DU\ DW WKH Upper Room to constantly pray for the release of the Holy Spirit to renew the lives of our bishops, priests, religious and laity so that they can be released for service and mission to renew the face of the earth by beLQJ SURXG WR EH &DWKROLF DQG VWDQGLQJ XS IRU Jesus and the Gospel!

Archbishop William Goh

20

Sunday May 15, 2016 CatholicNews

As the number of new Christians grew, the apostles needed help so they could spend more time praying and sharing the word. 6HYHQ JRRG PHQ ZKR ZHUH ¿OOHG with the Holy Spirit became the apostles’ assistants. One was a man named Stephen. Stephen worked many wonders and signs among the people. Some of them would try to debate with Stephen, but he was so wise that he always won the arguments. Some of these people didn’t like Stephen and wanted to do him harm. So they started to spread lies about him. “We have heard him speaking blasphemous words against Moses and God,” they told everyone. These lies made the people, elders and scribes so mad that Stephen

was seized and brought before the Sanhedrin, which was the ruling body of Israel. False witnesses lied to the Sanhedrin about Stephen. “This man never stops saying things against [this] holy place and the law,” the false witnesses said. “For we have heard him claim that this Jesus the Nazorean will destroy this place and change the customs that Moses handed down to us.” “Is this so?” the high priest asked Stephen. Stephen answered by giving a talk about God and all that the Lord had done for the people of Israel. He talked about Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph and Moses. He talked about the captivity in Egypt. And he reminded all who heard that the Israelites were known for disobeying God and his laws. “You stiff-necked people, uncir-

SPOTLIGHT ON SAINTS:

cumcised in heart and ears, you always oppose the Holy Spirit; you are just like your ancestors. ... They put to death those who foretold the coming of the righteous one, whose betrayers and murderers you have now become. You received the law as transmitted by angels, but you did not observe it.” The people became so angry at Stephen that they dragged him out of the city to stone him to death. As he was being killed, Stephen cried out,

“Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Just moments before he died, he fell to his knees and asked God to forgive the people for their sin. Read more about it: Acts 6 and 7

Q&A 1. Why did the apostles need help? 2. Whom did Stephen appear in front of?

Wordsearch:

St Isidore the farmer

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St Isidore (d. 1130) was born in Madrid. His family was poor, and when he was old enough, he became a farmworker for a wealthy resident of Madrid. The saint would get up early to go to church and then do his work. He talked to God all day long while he ploughed WKH ¿HOGV +H JDYH JHQHURXVO\ WR WKH poor, even though he was poor himself. It is said that one winter, on his way to get a bag of corn ground, he fed half of the kernels to some hungry birds. By the time he reached his destination, his sack was still full of corn. And when it was ground, the corn made GRXEOH WKH DPRXQW RI ÀRXU WKDQ XVXDO :H KRQRXU KLP 0D\

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KIDS’ CLUB: Essay: Why is it important to tell others about God and Jesus, even when it is hard or dangerous to do so?

Bible Accent:

Answers to puzzle: 1. T; 2. F; 3. F; 4. F

Before Jesus returned to His father in heaven, He appeared to His apostles one last time. It was then that Jesus shared some special news. In Luke 24:44-49, Jesus explained to His friends the meaning of the words He had spoken to them before He died and was resurrected. He told them that everything written in 6FULSWXUH DERXW WKH 0HVVLDK KDG WR EH IXO¿OOHG ± KRZ +H would suffer and die and rise again three days later, and how “repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached in His name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem.” Jesus said that the apostles would be His witnesses. And He promised to send an advocate to help them in their PLQLVWU\ 7KDW DGYRFDWH ± RU VXSSRUWHU ± ZDV WKH +RO\ 6SLULW He also told His friends to stay in Jerusalem until He had sent the Holy Spirit upon them. The Lord then led His friends as far as Bethany. He raised His hands and blessed them. As He blessed them, He was taken up into heaven. 7KH DSRVWOHV ZHUH ¿OOHG ZLWK MR\ :KHQ WKH\ UHWXUQHG to Jerusalem, they could always be found in the temple praising God.

PUZZLE: Put a “T” next to the statements that are true and an “F” next to the ones that are false. Hints have been provided.

2. 3. 4. 1.

After Stephen’s death, Saul began persecuting Christians (Acts 8:1-3)

Jesus was taken up into heaven by the Holy Spirit. (Acts 1:9) Stephen congratulated the people for following God’s law. (Acts 7:53) Jesus told the apostles not to preach in Jerusalem. (Luke 24:46-47)

Answer to Wordsearch

By Jennifer Ficcaglia

WHAT’S ON 21

Sunday May 15, 2016 „ CatholicNews

EVENT SUBMISSIONS WHAT’S ON submissions now require the completion of a form from the Archdiocese before the event can be publicised. For events with foreign speakers, please submit the necessary documentation for approval to the Chancery. For more information and to download the form, visit http://www.catholic.org.sg/chancery/ announcement-advertisement-request/. Once forms have been submitted online, kindly send us details of your event for publication at www. catholicnews.sg/whatson/ at least one month ahead of the publication date. MAY 15 CELEBRATE PENTECOST@ CROSSINGS CAFE Have lunch or dinner at the Crossings Cafe with the Cenacle Sisters! All proceeds will be donated to the congregation to help them expand their mission and raise funds for a new convent. Venue: 55 Waterloo Street, #0101, S187954. For bookings; T: 63382669. MAY 18 SEVEN DEADLY SINS, SEVEN LIVELY VIRTUES Time: 9.30am-11.30am. This engaging presentation talks about the seven deadly sins and how the seven lively virtues offer antidotes to each sin and help us on the right path to healing. Venue: Church of WKH +RO\ 6SLULW DW WKH $WWLF WK ÀRRU E: Teresa at hsbibleapostolate@gmail.com.

MAY 21 LOVE MATTERS Time: noon-3.45pm. An event to celebrate marriage, the priesthood and the milestone anniversaries of these vocations. For those interested in joining the event, or are celebrating a milestone wedding anniversary this year, please register by May 7 at catholicfamily.org.sg/lovematters. Venue: Church of the Blessed Sacrament

JUNE 14 A TALK ON IGNATIAN SPIRITUALITY AS A WAY OF LIVING FOR ALL In this evening talk, Fr Cecil invites us to discover certain elements of Ignatian spirituality that are vital and essential for any person who would like to work towards fullness of life. Time: 8pm-10pm. Contribution: $30. T: 64676072; E: cisc2664@gmail.com

MAY 28 TO MAY 29 CORPUS CHRISTI MASS AND VIGIL @ CSC Mass and healing service: May 28. Time: 5:30pm-9:30pm. Followed by 24-hour prayer vigil from 10pm to May 29, 10pm. Come and pray for Pope Francis, Archbishop William Goh, priests and Religious, vocations, families and critical issues facing the world. Venue: Catholic Spirituality Centre, 1261 Upper Serangoon Rd S(534796). T: 62887901; W: http://www.csctr.net

JUNE 17 (7.30PM) TO JUNE 19 (5PM) WITH JESUS UNTO LIFE: A WEEKEND RETREAT FOR ALL This retreat will help participants through input sessions, prayer and spiritual guidance. Contribution: $270 (non aircon); $330 (aircon), inclusive of stipend. T: 64676072; E: cisc2664@ gmail.com

JUNE 2 TO JUNE 5 PRAYER EXPERIENCE RETREAT @ CSC A stay-in retreat to help individuals build up their prayer life and deepen their prayer experience. The retreat aims to provide a God encounter in prayer and teach some methods of prayer. Venue: Catholic Spirituality Centre, 1261 Upper Serangoon Rd. For more information, T: 62887901; W: http://www.csctr.net

MAY 20 NOX GAUDII (NIGHT OF JOY) An event open to all young people in Singapore. OYP seeks to stir faith among young people as they come together to worship God, receive teaching, and experience the fellowship of the local Church community. 9HQXH 2IÂżFH IRU <RXQJ 3HRSOH 2 Lorong Low Koon, S536449.

JUNE 3 (10AM) TO JUNE 5 (5PM) AUTHENTIC CONVERSATIONS 11: DISCERNING MOMENTS For those who have attended part one. This retreat will help participants uncover and experience discerning moments when conversing at the level of the interior self. Organised by Kingsmead Centre. Contribution: $230 (non-aircon); $270 (aircon) (includes stipend). T: 64676072; E: cisc2664@gmail.com

MAY 20 WORKSHOP FOR MENTAL WELLNESS Clarity Singapore is running a short Mandarin workshop that uses different activities and light-hearted sharing to help participants understand the importance of identifying their values and aligning their behaviours with their values to create better relationships. Time: 10am-11.30am. Venue: Blk 839, Yishun Street 81, #01290 at Wellness Centre @ Nee Soon South. FOC. To register; T: 67577990

JUNE 10 (7.30PM) TO JUNE 12 (5PM) AN UNDERSTANDING OF THE UNDERLYING UNFOLDING PROCESS OF THE SPIRITUAL EXERCISES This retreat is for trained spiritual directors and those who have done or are undergoing the spiritual exercises, and those familiar with the dynamics of the spiritual exercises of St Ignatius of Loyola. Contribution: $200 (non aircon); $250 (aircon), including stipend. T: 64676072; E: cisc2664@gmail.com

MAY 20 TO MAY 21 THE GRADUATING UNIVERSITY STUDENTS’ RECOLLECTION May 20, 7pm to May 21, 10pm. Open to all students graduating from university this year. This recollection hopes to encourage you to constantly keep your eyes on Jesus. Venue: OYP, 2 Lorong Low Koon, S536449. Fee: $30. Visit our Facebook page for more details.

JUNE 12 TO JUNE 18 CHARIS MISSION TRIP: SRI LANKA Join us in building toilets and water ¿OWUDWLRQ V\VWHPV IRU YLOODJHUV LQ 6UL /DQND SHU SD[ LQFOXVLYH RI ÀLJKWV accommodation and food. Terms and conditions apply. Limited spaces on a ¿UVW FRPH ¿UVW VHUYH EDVLV )RU PRUH information contact Victoria at 63374119; E: victoria@charis-singapore.org.

RCIA/RCIY A journey for those seeking to know more about the Catholic faith. Baptised Catholics are also invited to journey as sponsors. FEB 17, 2016 TO JAN 18, 2017 RCIA @ CHURCH OF CHRIST THE KING Time: 8pm-10pm. Venue: Church of Christ the King 2221 Ang Mo Kio Ave 8, RCIA Room 105. Register; T: 81884242 (Gwen Lim) E: query.rcia@gmail.com APRIL 3, 2016 TO JUNE 4, 2017 RCIA @ OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL SUCCOUR Every Sunday at the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, Verbist hall (level 4). Time: 4pm-5.45pm. Registration forms are available at the secretariat or RCIA ministry. W: www.olps.sg; T: 96718216 (Christina) APRIL 6, 2016 TO JUNE 4, 2017 RCIA @ CHURCH OF THE HOLY FAMILY Every Wednesday evening from 7.30pm-9.30pm. From June, every Sunday from 9am-10.30am. Venue: Church of the Holy Family. Register: E: rciaholyfam@gmail.com; 7 SDULVK RIÂżFH 7 APRIL 29, 2016 TO APRIL 10, 2017 RCIA @ CHURCH OF ST TERESA Every Friday evening from 7.45pm9.45pm at the auditorium, (level 3) of the parish house. Address: 510 Kampong Bahru Rd, S099446. Register: W: www.stteresa.org.sg/rcia/ T: 62711184; E: stteresa@singnet.com.sg

MAY 5, 2016 TO JUNE 4, 2017 RCIA @ BLESSED SACRAMENT CHURCH Time:7.30pm to 9pm. Venue: St James Room (Level 3). Register; E: rcia@bsc.org.sg; T: 64740582 MAY 8, 2016 TO MAY 2017 RCIY @ ST FRANCIS XAVIER FOR BAPTISM IN 2017 Youths between the ages of 13 to 23 who have not received the Sacrament RI &RQÂżUPDWLRQ DUH LQYLWHG WR MRLQ XV Register: http://tinyurl.com/sfxrciy. Enquiries: Mark at tctay60@gmail.com or Angela at angela.soh137@gmail.com. MAY 11, 2016 TO APRIL 15, 2017 RCIA @ CHURCH OF THE RISEN CHRIST Every Wednesday from 7.30pm-9.45pm. Registration forms are available at the Church secretariat. Venue: 91 Toa Payoh Central, S310175. W: www.risenchrist.org.sg MAY 27, 2016 TO APRIL 15, 2017 RCIA @ CHURCH OF OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE A new journey begins on May 27 at the Church of Our Lady Queen of Peace, St Carlo room. Time: 7.45pm-10pm. We invite those who wish to know about the Catholic faith to contact T: 67442879 SDULVK RIÂżFH ( PDUWLQGV #JPDLO FRP JUNE 7, 2016 TO MAY 30, 2017 RCIA @ CHURCH OF ST FRANCIS XAVIER Inviting all 24 years & above who are interested to learn more about the Catholic faith & baptised adults who have yet to

JUNE 24 TO JUNE 26 JUNE CHOICE WEEKEND June 24 (7pm) to June 26 (6pm). Come away for a Choice Weekend – the choices ZH PDNH GHÂżQH RXU OLIH 5HJLVWHU W: www.choice.org.sg/registration.htm; T: Hillary 97900537 (Hilary); 97109680 (Francesa) E: registration@choice.org.sg JUNE 26 TO JUNE 29 DEDICATION OF THE CHURCH OF SAINTS PETER & PAUL-TRIDUUM MASS June 26: “Rock of Faithâ€? 4.30pm Mass celebrated by Fr John-Paul Tan, OFM. June 27: “Keys of Hopeâ€? 7pm Mass celebrated by Fr Edward Lim, OCD. June 28: “Sword of Loveâ€? 7pm Mass celebrated by Msgr Philip Heng, SJ. June 29: 7pm dedication Mass celebrated by Archbishop William Goh. All are welcome! Visit http://sppchurch.org.sg/upcoming-events for more information. JULY 9 CLARITY’S TALK ON “TAKE CONTROL AND SURVIVE ANXIETY!â€? Find out the impact and the various avenues available to get help and learn the different types of anxiety disorders and treatments. Time: 10am-noon. Fee: $10 per person. At Agape Village level 1. 7A Lor 8 Toa Payoh S319264. Register: T: 68017467; E: registration@clarity-singapore.org JULY 10 TO OCT 21 A DVD STUDY OF CATECHISM OF CATHOLIC CHURCH - PILLAR 2 SACRAMENTS (12 WEEKS) Sunday July 10: 9.45am-10.45am at St John’s Room at CAEC. Tuesday July 12: 8pm-9.30pm / Friday July 15: 9.30am-11am at St Philip Room in IHM Parish Centre (Level 2). 24 Highland Rd S(549115). In the 2nd part of the 4-part pillar programme. Dr Sean Innerst continues to open up the treasures of CCC. FOC. Organised by BAT@IHM. T: 97303358 (Christina) / 90999493 (Laura) E: BAT@ihm.sg

UHFHLYH WKH 6DFUDPHQW RI &RQÂżUPDWLRQ Sessions will be conducted every Tuesday from 8pm-10pm. Registration forms are DYDLODEOH DW WKH SDULVK RIÂżFH )RU PRUH details, E: rcia@sfxchurch.sg. JUNE 14, 2016 TO MAY 9, 2017 RCIA @ HOLY TRINITY Who is Jesus? Want to know more? Time: 7.45pm to 9.45pm. Please register ZLWK WKH SDULVK RIÂżFH RI +RO\ 7ULQLW\ E: rciaht@gmail.com; T: 97378194 (Emily Tan). JUNE 16, 2016 TO JUNE 17, 2017 NEW RCIA JOURNEY @ CHURCH OF THE HOLY SPIRIT Every Thursday from 8pm-10pm. Register; W: https://goo.gl/Mvm9EX; E: holyspiritrcia.coordinator@gmail.com. JUNE 30, 2016 TO APRIL 15, 2017 RCIA @ CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY Come and experience the amazing grace of God. All enquiries are welcomed. Every Thursday from 7.30pm-10pm. Every Sunday from 10.30am-12.30pm. E: nativitysg@yahoo.com.sg; T: 62800980 JULY 29, 2016 TO APRIL 16, 2017 RCIA @ CHURCH OF ST IGNATIUS Every Tuesday evening 8pm-10pm at St Ignatius hall. Sponsors & facilitators start on June 14, 2016. Please register before joining. Registration forms are available at: http://www.stignatius.org.sg/Ministr ies/Faith-Formation/RCIA- Ministry/ For registration enquiries; T: 64660625 3DULVK RIÂżFH 6DQGUD

Crossword Puzzle 1159 1

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ACROSS 1 Paul surprised a soldier when he spoke this (Acts 21:37) 6 Strikebreaker 10 Sibilate 14 Flat shelf 15 Traveled 16 “___ something I said?â€? 17 “This is the way we may know that we are in ___ with himâ€? (1 Jn 2:5) 18 Gemstone 19 Infatuated 20 Measuring 22 Arrival of the Magi 24 Vaccines 26 Pekoe 27 Long-leafed lettuce 28 The ___ garment of Christ 32 Title of address for a friar or monk 34 Catholic ending 35 Flower-part 37 Princes of India 41 Son of Eve 43 Desert region in Israel 45 Samoan capital 46 Acclaim &RQWLQXDOO\ ÂżQG fault with 50 “Last King of Scotlandâ€? subject 51 Catholic newsman Russert

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24 POPE FRANCIS

Sunday May 15, 2016 „ CatholicNews

Do ‘not be afraid RI OLIH FRQĂ LFW¡ pontiff says at Earth Day event VATICAN CITY – Dive into the

world’s problems with courage and help people turn their lives of desolation into abundance and hope, Pope Francis said. “You must take life as it comes. It’s like being the goalie in soccer – grab the ball wherever they kick it,â€? he told people gathered in a Rome park for an Earth Day event. “We must not be afraid of life, DIUDLG RI FRQĂ€LFW ´ KH VDLG RQ $SULO 24, because it is only by confronting challenges head-on and together that they can be solved. Making a surprise late afternoon visit to Rome’s Villa Borghese park, the pope spoke to more than 3,000 people attending a four-day event sponsored by the Focolare Movement and Earth Day Italy. In conjunction with the celHEUDWLRQ RI (DUWK 'D\ RQ $SULO 22, the Focolare Movement tried to create a “villageâ€? in the park in the centre of Rome to promote ways for people to live together in

friendship and solidarity and with respect for the environment. $IWHU OLVWHQLQJ WR VRPH RI WKH speakers talk about their experiences helping others, Pope Francis said their work was a “miracle� in which they helped transform “deserts into forests.� The arid, lifeless world of the desert can be found “in all of our hearts,� in cities, on the margins of society and even in exclusive, gated communities – “it’s terrible, the desert is there, too,� he said. “But we must not be afraid to go into the desert in order to transform it into a forest,� bringing about abundant life, even if it is a bit “messy.� “But that’s the way life is,� he said.

Pope Francis smiles as he attends an Earth Day celebration on April 24 in Rome. CNS photo

Helping others must be “free� without expecting anything in return, he said. The Christian sense of “gratuity� is not to be forgotten “in this world where it seems if you don’t pay, you can’t live.� Instead of people being the focus of the economy and the world,

You must take life as it comes. ‘ It’s like being the goalie in soccer – grab the ball wherever they kick it.’

– Pope Francis

“they have been driven out and we have a beautiful god, the god of money at the centre� of it all, he said. Pope Francis praised the Focolare Movement’s work in Italy to help people who are addicted to gaming machines. “In Buenos $LUHV , VDZ HOGHUO\ ZRPHQ ZKR would go to the bank to cash their pension check and then immediately go to the casino,� he recalled. He asked that everyone complete “an assignment� as they return home: to notice people’s fac-

es as they walk down the street. Some people will look withdrawn or worried, he said. They are missing “a smile, tenderness� because they lack friendship or fellowship among people in the community. Creating a remedy for the lack of fellowship requires the generosity, respect and courage to come together, to work out problems and to forgive, he said, no matter what people’s background or religion is. “We all have something in common; we are all human,� he said. „ CNS

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