JUNE 16, 2013, Vol 63, No 12

w w w . c a t h o l i c n e w s . s g

SINGAPORE 50 CENTS / WEST MALAYSIA RM$1.20 MCI (P) 023/01/2013 PPS 201/04/2013 (022940) VOL 63 NO. 12SUNDAY JUNE 16, 2013

HOMEStudents ace global examsSJI International students receive Cambridge Top in the World awards� Page 6

Landings Programme‘Returning’ Catholics share their journey back to Church � 0

Fr Alfred Chan called to the LordAn avid reader and compassionate priest � Page 11

POPE FRANCISEucharist should transform peopleEucharist dispels individualism to live discipleship in community� Page 14

COMMENTARYHigh price for cheap clothesThoughless shopping out of boredom, not out of need � Page 16

FOCUSMeditation community marks 25 yearsWCCM spreads practice of meditation to local parishes and other countries� Page 17

INSIDEPope Francis prays for China’s Catholics

Pontiff and Chinese Catholics mark World Day of Prayer for China Church

‘The grace we ask for today is the grace of

a victory through love, by means of love.’

– Pope Francis

VATICAN CITY – In the face of �� just to get by, but being Christian means patiently enduring trials and overcoming oppression with love, Pope Francis said at a Mass that included special prayers for China.

During the May 24 Mass, he concluded the prayers of the faith-ful with an invocation “for the no-ble Chinese people, that the Lord would bless them and the Blessed Mother keep them”.

The day’s feast of Our Lady, Help of Christians is a feast close to the hearts of millions of Chi-nese Catholics and is the day Pope Benedict XVI designated as a worldwide day of prayer for Catholics in China in 2007.

Joining Pope Francis for the early morning Mass in the chapel of the Domus Sanctae Marthae were Hong Kong-born Archbish-op Savio Hon Tai-Fai, secretary of the Congregation for the Evan-gelisation of Peoples, and several Chinese priests, seminarians and nuns. They sang a Marian hymn in Chinese at the end of the Mass.

In his homily, Pope Francis spoke about the special God-given grace of being able not just to sur-��them and continue one’s journey.

“It is not easy ... endurance is a grace, and we must ask for it in ��

While there may be many ways ��-pression, “the grace we ask for to-day is the grace of a victory through love, by means of love”, he said. “This isn’t easy when we have en-emies outside who make us suffer a lot; it’s not easy to win with love.”

Getting revenge is a natural temptation, he said, but Christians must follow the example of Jesus.

Chinese Catholics carry the statue of Our Lady of Sheshan in procession at the Seshan Marian shrine near Shanghai. UCANEWS.COM photo

The Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Sheshan which is visited by pilgrims during the feast of Mary, Help of Christians. CNS photo

“Our faith is precisely be-lieving in Jesus, who taught us love and teaches us to love eve-ryone,” Pope Francis said. “The proof that we are acting in love is when we pray for our enemies.”

The pope prayed that Our

Lady, Help of Christians would intercede to give all Catholics the grace of endurance and love.

On that morning, about 2,000 Chinese pilgrims gathered at the Sheshan Marian shrine in Shang-hai – the country’s largest Catho-lic shrine – to observe the popular feast of Our Lady of Sheshan and the World Day of Prayer for the Church in China.

Pope Francis two days earlier had encouraged Catholics across the globe to join in the special prayer day.

Chinese Catholics are grow-ing increasingly frustrated at what they say is interference in the Church by the government.

A recent regulation stipulates that bishops up for election must have approval from the govern-ment-sanctioned Bishops’ Confer-ence of the Catholic Church in Chi-na and demonstrate support for the ruling Communist Party of China.

“We feel helpless,” said one elderly Shanghai native. “We can do nothing but pray in silence.”

Church sources said that gov-��Fujian provinces, strongholds of the unregistered Church commu-nity in eastern China, had dissuad-ed Catholics there from travelling to Sheshan for the celebration. ��CNS, UCANEWS.COM

� Page 9: Singapore Catholics reach out to China Church.

2 Sunday June 16, 2013 � CatholicNews22 HOME2

His 21 years working in the semi-nary and his ministry at the Catho-lic Spirituality Centre have helped equip him to serve in his new posi-tion, says Archbishop William Goh.

“What I am today is because the seminarians have formed me, the way I look at life, the way I look at priesthood,” Archbishop Goh told a packed cathedral during the May 24 Mass to mark his succession as head of the Singapore Catholic Church.

“The seminary was important for me to prepare me to learn how to relate to fellow priests and Re-ligious, because they too are hu-man beings,” he said at the start of the Mass. “They need affection, encouragement, understanding and compassion.”

Archbishop shared that he “met many wounded people” as spiritual director of the Catholic Spirituality Centre (CSC) and the experience of ministering to them “prepared me to look after you all, to understand your struggles, to feel your pain and frustration”.

In his homily, Archbishop Goh stressed the importance of prayer in the life of Catholics and unity in the Church.

“There can be no ministry

without prayer,” he said. “Prayer must be the basis of ministry. Our love for Jesus must be the ground for all we do.”

“Whether priest, Religious or lay leader, if you are not a pray-ing person, you should not be in leadership,” he said. “If we have

Archbishop Goh stresses prayer and unity in Church

‘There is a need to promote the spirituality

of communion. This must be an inclusive

Church. Everyone must have a place.’– Archbishop William Goh

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��how can we show the face of Christ to others?”

“I want to be a praying bish-op,” he stressed.

Archbishop Goh also empha-sised the importance of unity in the Church. “In the Church, there is a need to promote the spirituali-ty of communion. This must be an inclusive Church. Everyone must have a place,” he said.

“We must practise compas-sion, not to condemn each other. We have enough of that. We must be encouraging.”

Commenting on people who criticise the hierarchy, he said, “Don’t just keep criticising us. We know we’re not perfect. Be pa-tient with us.”

Archbishop Goh also spoke on love and marriage. “We all need love in life. We are created for re-lationships. What we need most in life is love and unity,” he said, adding that “the highest form of intimacy is marriage”.

He added that marriage “must be open to life. Procreation is an important property of marriage”.

The Mass also saw Archbish-

��!�� "��"��their Rite of Profession of Faith ��#��#��$��

They are Msgr Ambrose Vaz, Vicar General (Pastoral); Msgr Philip Heng, SJ, Vicar General (Administration and Religious), Fr John-Paul Tan, OFM, Chancel-lor; Fr Erbin Fernandez, Episcopal Vicar for New Evangelisation; Fr Ignatius Yeo, Executive Secretary to Archbishop and Deacon Clem-ent Chen, Financial Administrator.

Fr Terence Pereira has also been appointed as Judicial Vicar.

Archbishop Emeritus Nicho-las Chia, at the start of Mass, thanked the Catholic community for being “loyal co-workers” with him “in the vineyard of the Lord”.

“I offer prayerful support to Archbishop William Goh as he begins a new chapter in service to the Church,” he said.

Catholics who attended the celebration said they feel hopeful about the path that Archbishop Goh appears to be charting for the Singapore Church.

“He’s a very good bishop. He supports his own priests,” said Ms Maria Khong, 74, from the Church of the Risen Christ. “I think he will take care of Singapore parishes.”

Mr Gabriel Ho, 25, said he hopes Archbishop Goh can help to “form more youth communities in parishes and give clear direction”.

“Youths can bring fresh ideas to the Church,” said the catechist at the Church of Our Lady Queen of Peace. “Youth have energy, passion and drive to make things happen.”

Ms Josephine Quek, 18, from the Church of the Holy Family, said she found Archbishop Goh’s homily “very inspiring”, especial-ly what he said about marriage. �

3Sunday June 16, 2013 � CatholicNews HOME

DONATIONS RECEIVEDParishes and other donors 2013 S$ 2012 S$Cathedral of the Good Shepherd 4,989 22,297St Joseph’s Church (Victoria Street) 231,580 201,379Church of Sts Peter & Paul 28,835 30,928Church of Our Lady of Lourdes 16,514 21,260Church of the Sacred Heart 18,450 26,594Church of St Teresa 89,566 92,813Church of St Alphonsus (Novena Church) 7,872 28,053Church of St Bernadette 326,457 274,887Church of St Michael 39,966 35,150Church of the Holy Family 521,412 550,252Church of Our Lady Queen of Peace 148,333 150,896Church of St Stephen 11,745 27,730Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour 309,028 303,292Church of the Holy Trinity 143,921 171,690Church of the Divine Mercy 112,851 100,397Church of St Ignatius 537,481 549,041Blessed Sacrament Church 142,133 173,447Church of St Mary of the Angels 190,498 173,365Church of St Francis of Assisi 53,036 41,735Church of the Holy Cross 324,998 389,419Church of St Joseph (Bukit Timah) 68,527 49,630Church of St Anthony 34,671 16,207Church of the Holy Spirit 334,784 323,006Church of the Risen Christ 121,861 142,238Church of Our Lady Star of the Sea 43,537 51,669Church of Christ the King 125,123 165,696Church of the Nativity of the BVM 104,329 75,539Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary 190,010 185,357Church of St Francis Xavier 289,347 226,820St Anne’s Church 128,565 97,330Church of St Vincent De Paul 144,942 160,443Catholic Schools 95,556 98,561Business & Other Donors 374,872 260,599Grand Total 5,315,789 5,217,719

Source: CSCC

Catholics in Singapore donated a total of $5,315,789 to Chari-ties Week 2013, almost $100,000 more than what they gave last year.

Caritas Singapore Community Council (CSCC), which organises the yearly charity drive, said the �� &�� '�� &��"��"�'��&��

All proceeds will enable Cari-tas Singapore and its Catholic so-cial mission groups to continue serving the needy, said CSCC.

According to the organisa-tion, 31 Catholic churches and 35 Catholic schools comprising kin-dergartens, primary and secondary schools as well as Catholic Junior

Charities Week raises $5.3 m

31 churches and 35 Catholic schools

took part in the annual Lenten

fundraising campaign.

College, participated in the arch-diocese’s annual Lenten fundrais-ing campaign.

CSCC also noted that students from the catechism classes at the Church of St Teresa contributed a total of $1,734, while the young people of Blessed Sacrament Church raised $22,582.

Although Charities Week 2013 is over, CSCC says that donations

are always needed to assist more than 50,000 needy people of dif-ferent races and religions.

Donors may send a cheque payable to “Caritas Singa-pore” to 55 Waterloo Street, #09-03 Singapore 187954.

To donate in person, visit Caritas Singapore’s temporary �� #02-18, Cantonment Central Block C, Singapore 089066.

For tax deduction, write �� contact details on the back of the cheque. For more informa-tion, visit www.caritas-singa-pore.org or call 6337 3711. �

4 Sunday June 16, 2013 � CatholicNews HOME

Undergraduates from the National University of Singapore (NUS) &��"��candles and taught catechism to young people in Tagaytay City in the Philippines during their se-mester holidays.

“I enjoyed this mission trip so ��*��+��/6��:��$��“The innocence of the children I encountered and their child-like faith in God taught me a valuable ��times.”

Ms Chen was among the 18 Science and Engineering volun-teers from NUS’ Catholic Stu-dents’ Society (CSS) who spent May 13-20 serving the needy peo-ple of Tagaytay City.

The aim of the trip was to “bring the students out of their comfort zones” and allow them to “help the less fortunate by bring God’s love to them as a CSS com-�� $�� $�� $��&��one of three Verbum Dei Mission-aries who led the group.

She is the spiritual director for Catholics in the Science and En-gineering faculties and the recent ��&��for the group.

<��the group would set off for various activities like working in pineap-

�� "�� -ing lettuces as well as giving daily ��6=:6>��@��

Z��went to houses in the slums to ask for petitions from the families and prayed the rosary with them.

The students also visited an orphanage and a home for adults �� where they distributed rosaries �� "�powder and canned food.

[��

NUS students on Philippines mission

The group performing action songs for orphans.

‘When we asked what they would like us to pray for them, they did not ask to be rich,

but simply good health and strong faith for their family members.’

– Mr Andrew Lim on his experience praying with poor people in Tagaytay City.

�� "��spaghetti for the young people and gave away school supplies as parting gifts. The Filipinos showed their gratitude by giving

them thank-you cards and hugs.The Singapore participants

said the trip taught them the val-ues of simplicity and trust in God.

+��<��&�\�� :��

Science student who prayed the �� &�� ]�� “When we asked what they would ��"��"��health and strong faith for their family members.”

+��<��̂ ��:��_��people taught him the important lesson of trusting in God. “It does ��&�� !�� &��`��

8�'��'�� '�� '��6��)��

At the post-lecture reception, left to right: prefects from SJI, Dr Koh Thiam Seng, Principal of SJI, and Her Ex-cellency Minda Calaguian-Cruz, Philippine Ambassador to Singapore, and Br Armin A. Luistro.

By Darren Boon

A Filipino De La Salle Brother �� Catholic schools can make a dif-ference in society by becoming a leader for change.

{��<��<��\��who is the Secretary of the De-partment of Education in Philip-�� |�&�� &��'Z��"��schools will have to continue to be a voice that will predict what is happening in society.... Catholic ��&��&��&�� &�� Z�think that’s where model schools in terms of where we want soci-�� Catholic schools and institutions.”

]�� }�� can act in areas such as care for the �� &�� well as care for the sick and the poor.

Pope Francis had asked Catho-lics to have a special heart for the poor and Catholic schools should respond to his call and be on the lookout for children and families &�� {�� \��pointed out.

Catholic schools need to ful-�� world and the poor as Christ did during His time.

“If Catholic schools would be relevant today at least from the

point of the view of the present ��&��"��in the lives of the poor. I think that �� Br Luistro said.

^��>6:��:��&��&��-pointed to his current role in 2010 to address the needs of basic edu-cation such as facilities and the number of teachers in the Philip-pines from kindergarten all the &��he does not see his role as a public �� &�� Religious or Catholic ethos.

He is the second De La Salle Religious to be appointed Secretary of the Department of Education.

Br Luistro said he has to be

“careful” to not show partiality or favouritism to Christians and Cath-�� @��access to programmes and activi-ties in the public school system.

<�� ~�� -��&��&��he is protected by the temptation of power and money by his vocation.

`��'Z ��what we need to accomplish. I ��-fore I do not make decisions based ��&��:��I always look at what will be for the common good.”

Educated in the De La Salle ��{��\��

Masters in Religious Education Values and Education as well as Doctor of Educational Manage-�� &��"�� }-tensively in education in the Philip-pines. He had been head of De La Salle Philippines which oversees the order’s various institutions.

He told CatholicNews that Catholic schools welcome chil-�� them to live out their respective �� '�� &�� &�� -main] faithful to our religious �� &�� on our students”. We take care of them “because they are children of God”.

^�� -

ture of a Catholic education in Asia whereby Catholic schools �� '�� earlier years when only Catholics ��

Br Luistro is optimistic that Catholic schools will continue to ��'@�� whereby mutual respect could �� :Catholic schools and society.

Br Luistro was in Singapore to speak at the Fullerton-SJI Lead-ership Lecture on May 31 at the Fullerton Hotel.

He spoke about his work as the Secretary of the Department of _��&��===�schools and up to 21 million stu-dents – his job includes visiting schools in the Philippines.

`��'Z��"��&�&��!��"�that is before me today is one that ��

Br Luistro also spoke about his simple lifestyle and joy of be-ing the “poorest cabinet member”.

He also shared about his vi-sion of education in the Philip-pines and his concerns of the use of technology in education.

The event is part of the second series of the lectures organised by The Fullerton Hotel Singapore and St Joseph’s Institution (SJI). �

[email protected]

�� Catholic schools can lead change in society

Sunday June 16, 2013 � CatholicNews 5ADVERTISEMENT

6 Sunday June 16, 2013 � CatholicNewsHOME

When you love what you do, there is no limit to what you can achieve, says 16-year-old Juan Ru Hoong from St Joseph’s Institution Interna-tional.

The Singaporean student scored top marks in International Mathematics in the November 2012 Cambridge IGCSE exams.

She was one of three students from the school who beat thou-sands of other students around the world in various subjects.

'Z� ��"� �� passion,” said Hoong. “I love what I pursue: academic achievement is only a secondary consequence.”

She added that the school’s ho-listic education offers a conducive environment “for that passion of going beyond; a passion inspired by my teachers and supported by my parents. Without them, none of this would’ve been possible”.

Joshua Fung Sze Kuin, 16, who received top marks for both Addi-tional Mathematics and Co-ordi-nated Sciences, said he received tremendous support “from every-body in the school”, especially his teachers “who were always ready to put in extra time and effort” and

answer his questions.“Without my friends, the whole

process would have been utterly devoid of fun,” said the Malaysian.

He added that he is also grate-ful to his family “whose support and prayers never left my side”.

Vietnamese Pham Minh Tue, who scored top marks in Additional Mathematics, said going beyond the academic exercises at school helped. He practised what he was taught us-ing worksheets from different teach-ers, past papers and other sources.

“From doing those exercises, I realised that sometimes, different approaches have to be applied to different situations and sometimes, non-conventional ways may be ��&��-tain exercises than others,” he said.

Cambridge IGCSE is the world’s ��@��-tion for 14-16-year-olds. It is taken in 144 countries and in more than 2,900 schools around the world.

The Cambridge Top in the World awards that these students received are given to those who have achieved the top one percent score in the world for a single sub-ject in the IGCSE.

The students received their re-sults on May 20. Mr Bradley Rob-erts, principal of SJI International, said the awards recognised the tal-ent, dedication and commitment of both learners and staff.

“SJI International is very proud of these students. There are very few schools in the world whose students are awarded this four times in one examination session,” he said. �

Passion, schoolsupport helped them ace global examsSJI International students receive Cambridge Top in the World awards

Top-scoring students (from left): Pham Minh Tue (Additional Mathematics), Juan Ru Hoong (International Math-ematics) and Joshua Fung Sze Kiun (Additional Mathematics and Co-ordinated Sciences).

‘SJI International is very proud of these students.

There are very few schools whose students are

awarded this four times in one examination session.’– SJI International

principal Bradley Roberts


By Stefania Hartley

Unless we offer the gift of Christ, we have nothing to offer. We must ensure that our Catholic schools are really Catholic.

This was Archbishop William Goh’s message to the Archdiocesan Commission for Catholic Schools �<��$�� with them on May 27.

Archbishop Goh, the commission president, attended ACCS’ second quarterly meeting togeth-er with his executive sec-retary, Fr Ignatius Yeo, and his vicar general for pastoral matters, Msgr Ambrose Vaz.

After visting the ACCS staff in their �� `�� ~�� <��-bishop Goh met the commission members and reiterated the im-portance of Catholic schools for the mission of the Church.

`�� &�� "�� more about the way Catholic schools are run these days. Many issues were discussed relating to

the need to strengthen the schools’ Catholic ethos.

There are 35 Catholic schools in Singapore, including one jun-ior college and one international school, and 19 preschools includ-ing two childcare centres.

Most of the schools are run ��~��&��under the direct sponsorship of

the Archbishop of Sin-gapore – the diocesan Catholic schools. �

ACCS, which sup-ports and works with Catholic schools, will hold a Catholic Edu-cation Conference at Catholic Junior College on Sept 13 and 14.

The conference is for all those involved

in Catholic education, including Catholic teachers currently not teaching in Catholic schools. Par-!�!��"� $!�� %�� &��!��education under the theme, You Are To Be My Witnesses.

For more information on the conference, go to http://bit.ly/cec2013

Archbishop Goh meets schools’ commission

Staff of the Archdiocesan Commission for Catholic Schools with executive director Wendy Louis (second from the left).

Archbishop Goh at the May 27 meeting.

By Darren Boon

Catholics who attended a late night Eucharistic adoration say they are responding to Pope Fran-cis’ invitation to be in solidarity and communion with the univer-sal Church.

Archbishop William Goh pre-sided at the hour long Eucharistic adoration at the Catholic Spirituali-ty Centre on Sunday June 2, the So-lemnity of Corpus Christi at 11 pm. About 800 Catholics were present.

Pope Francis had called for a special Eucharistic adoration �� "�� &��&�� >��~��~��}��-hind Singapore.

Augustine Fernandez who lives in Admiralty said that he at-tended the Eucharistic adoration “to be in union with the pope and the whole [Catholic] world”.

Diocesan seminarian Br Ter-ence Kesavan said that “it’s good to be united with the whole Church”.

Manfred Seet, who lives in Serangoon, told CatholicNews that �� &��&��Eucharistic adoration “meaningful”.

Despite the late hour of the

Local Catholics united with pope in Eucharistic adoration

Eucharistic adoration, Denise Ong from the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary said, “For !��

+��&�� "��Church of St Bernadette and Church of St Teresa also organ-ised an hour of Eucharistic adora-tion in the day. �

[email protected]

Archbishop William Goh blesses the congregation at the end of the Eu-charistic adoration. Photo provided by CSC


By Darren Boon

A visitor to the Church of Sts Pe-ter and Paul on Queen St would notice the paint peeling off the ceiling in patches.

That is just on the surface. The roof of the church, founded in 1870, suffers from extensive ter-mite infestation. The metal truss is rusty, the beam support is lacking, and the roof leaky.

And this is just one of the many problems plaguing the church, which has been gazetted as a national monument.

Carmelite parish priest Fr John Chua told CatholicNews that ma-jor renovation works, expected to last more than a year, are sched-uled to start at the end of October �� relevant authorities.

The church has also suffered a settlement problem which con-tributed to the delay of renovation works for two years, Fr Chua said.

Fortunately, the settlement has ceased, he said. However, if it starts again, the renovation would have to be delayed, he added.

During the renovation, a tent would be set up in the church’s car park for Masses. The area is expected to be able to hold about 400 people seated on plastic chairs. Additional Masses may also be celebrated depending on the crowd situation.

Fr Chua said the decision to restore the church was due to its general state of dilapidation. The refurbishment is also part of res-toration efforts.

The entire roof and ceiling would have to be torn down and rebuilt, he said. As the walls are calcifying and plaster crumbling due to moisture, the walls will have to be hacked, re-plastered,

resurfaced and waterproofed The doors and windows of the

church will also have to be changed or refurbished, he said. The timber doors have sunk and the alumini-um windows have corroded over time. The choir loft will also need to be refurbished and reinforced, and the rose windows and stained glass repaired and restored.

A high altar consisting of �� }� &�� installed as “part of the preserva-tion efforts”, said Fr Chua. The former high altar was probably removed in the 1970s but the new

Major renovations for Sts Peter and Paul ChurchMore than century-old church plagued by termites, crumbling plaster and corrosion

State of dilapidation (clockwise from left): Sinking timber doors, peeling plaster and termite-infested roof, and rose windows that need restoration.

altar would be as close as possible to the old one in design, he said.

Churchgoers can also look forward to better acoustics and air-conditioning in the church, he added.

Fr Chua said that while the church would be restored to as much of its original state “as pos-sible”, the end result should be �� while keeping the worshippers’ comfort in mind.

The church had undergone renovation works in the late 1990s which included reinforcing the bell

tower with iron beams. The wall around and just below the sanc-tuary area was also re-plastered. `�&��&��&��"��done was apparently inadequate.

The estimated cost of the new renovations is $10 million.

“Hopefully this church will turn out to be a centre of attraction not just for Catholics in Singapore

‘Hopefully this church will turn

out to be a centre of attraction not just for Catholics in Singapore but also for tourists

and those who pass by this place.’

– Parish priest Fr John Chua

The Church of Sts Peter and Paul, founded in 1870.

but also for tourists and those who pass by this place,” said Fr Chua, and “especially for those who have been playing around these premises as kids.

“This will be the preservation of the legacy left behind by the early Christian community.” �

[email protected]


By Darren Boon

The parish had no activities or or-ganisations apart from prayers be-fore and after Mass. And although each family had a Bible, they did not read it as they thought only priests and Religious were able to understand it.

This was the situation in a China parish that Theresa, a member of the Church of the Nativity of the Bless-ed Virgin Mary, discovered when she and other parishioners visited the community there in 2010.

Theresa was sharing her expe-riences with some 500 people at-tending a Mass at the Church of Sts Peter and Paul on May 24 to pray for the Catholic Church in China.

The Mass also attracted some Chinese nationals who were not Catholic.

Theresa, a member of Nativ-ity Church’s New Evangelisation Fellowship, said she and other parishioners had responded to an invitation from a China priest to help in his parish in 2010.

After prayer, discernment and with blessings from parish priest Fr Henry Siew, the group travelled to China to understand the situa-tion and needs of the parish there.

^�� $��-pore group organised, called the New Life Programme, apparently helped the Chinese Catholics ex-perience the love and healing of God, said Theresa.

They then wanted to know more about God and build a deep-er relationship with him, she said.

The Singapore missionaries then decided to introduce the Seven Step Bible Sharing Method to encourage the Chinese Catholics to read the Bi-ble. A Bible study group was set up under the guidance of the priest.

However, these sessions had to be halted when the priest visit-ed other parishes in remote areas.

In addition to these efforts, Fr Henry Siew also held a retreat for the Chinese parishioners to deep-en their spiritual life.

This April, the Singapore mis-sionaries organised a programme called Faithful Life Experience. This saw the team sharing their faith stories and their struggles, and how God helped them over-come challenges.

The Singaporeans also empha-sised the need for the faithful to live in harmony and accept one another.

“After all the activities and learning, the parishioners have been awakened,” Theresa said in Mandarin. “They are willing to learn, willing to grow in Christ,

and ready to serve.”The Chinese Catholics have now

started two Bible sharing groups and are preparing for their own Faithful Life Experience programme.

“The seeds that have been sown are sprouting. The next step is for the Catholics there to bring the activities to other parishes and dioceses,” said Theresa.

Meanwhile, another Chinese priest has asked the Singapore group to assist his parish, a re-quest they accepted, she said.

During the Mass, two members of the Jesus Youth movement, one of whom is not a Chinese, shared about their experiences in China.

They work with the Institute for World Evangelisation ICPE Mission, a Catholic mission, to reach out to the Chinese youth, especially Catholics in the tertiary institutes, said one of them.

In his homily, Fr Siew said that the government-approved and the “underground” Church communi-ties in China share the same faith, with 90 percent of the clergy in com-

Reaching out to China’s CatholicsS’poreans introduce Bible sharing, faith programmes to Chinese parish

A section of the 500-strong crowd, which included Singaporeans and Chinese nationals, at the Mass on May 24 to pray for the Church in China.

‘The seeds that have been sown are sprouting. The next

step is for the Catholics there to bring the activities to other

parishes and dioceses.’– Theresa, member

of a mission team to China

munion with the Catholic Church. Catholic visitors thus do not

have to be overly concerned about this situation, he said.

However, Fr Siew stressed that it is necessary to recognise �� and needs, show understanding for the division within it, and pray for the Church there.

“As long as we can show the China Church our concern and �� as understanding the Bible, they would have the ability to take the initiative to carry on,” he said.

The May 24 Mass was or-ganised by the Commission for Apostolate of Mandarin-speaking in Singapore (CAMS) to deepen Singapore Catholics’ awareness of the China Church.

Pope Benedict XVI in 2007 had designated May 24 as a worldwide day of prayer for the Church in China. �

[email protected]


By Darren Boon

Julia Tan had left the Church in 1998 as she was caught up with her career, family, friends “and everything else that the world could offer”, she said.

She only returned to attend Sunday Mass in 2012. Her “heart was bursting with joy” after re-ceiving Holy Communion, she said.

“I was made whole again in this union with Jesus through the Holy Eucharist. Since that day, I have looked forward to Sunday Mass. This is my special time with Jesus,” Ms Tan recounted to an audience of 80 on May 25 at Church of the Holy Spirit.

Ms Tan’s return was made possible through Landings, a pro-gramme which helps Catholics who have left the Church to ex-plore returning to the Church and its Sacraments.

She spoke at Testify, a Land-ings event organised “to create more awareness of the mission in reaching out to Catholics away from Church” through the sharing of faith stories, said Tony See, co-ordinator for Landings Singapore.

Landings has been conducted in the archdiocese since 2007. More than 250 people have under-gone the programme.

Ms Tan was one of three speakers who shared their testi-monies that afternoon.

Ms Tan, a “cradle Catholic”, ��-fully. She joined a youth group af-��&��

friend left, because she felt she could not “quite connect” with the group. She continued to attend Mass until university days when “attending Mass was no longer a priority”.

“I am not sure if I just got lazy, or I just did not want to go to church alone because at that time, most of my friends were non-Christians. Sometimes I even felt that my religion interfered with my life; it was easier to skip Mass than to miss or reschedule my ap-pointments with friends,” Ms Tan shared.

She also stopped partaking in the Sacrament of Reconciliation as “the thought of having to con-

front my sins and actually telling them to a priest proved to be too intimidating”, she added.

Prayers became demands from God and when these were not met, she started to doubt God.

After she got married, she gave birth to a son whom she got baptised but did not think it neces-sary to bring him to church.

While she did consider return-ing to Church many times, she was paralysed by fear, guilt, and ��&�� into the Catholic community.

To me, the obstacles to return to Church were over-whelming,” Ms Tan said.

However, she found warmth

and sincerity in the Landings community through the shar-ing of faith stories which helped her to reconnect with the Church and with Christ. The fellowship, prayer and worship as a com-munity encouraged her spiritual growth.

“I am a member of the body of Christ and I never need to be alone. The friendship and empa-thy that I have experienced within the Landings community helped me to come to terms with my un-worthiness and brokenness,” she said.

She told the crowd that her healing continues “through the sacraments of the Church”.

Another returning Catholic, Pamela Low said she converted to Catholicism when she married her non-practising cradle Catholic husband.

She attended Mass out of pres-sure from the in-laws, but did not feel at home in Church; she was baptised a Catholic to receive the full Sacrament of Marriage.

She said that while she and her husband were often distracteddur-ing Mass. They were focused on building their careers to provide a comfortable life for the family.

They felt empty despite being successful in achieving their life goals which she attributes to emp-tiness in their spiritual lives.

'�� &�� emptiness by at least being physi-cally present at Mass. This was rather naïve of us, as it did noth-��served to prevent our sense of guilt had we not attended Mass at all,” Mrs Low said.

When they relocated to China in a secondary city due to her hus-band’s work, Mrs Low said they found many excuses not to attend Mass – the priest’s homily in Eng-��&��church was too cold in the winter.

After returning to Singapore, they attended Sunday Mass out of obligation. Eventually, they chanced upon Landings but were hesitant about joining for fear of being judged.

The alarm bells sounded for the couple when they realised that their two children’s faith mirrored theirs. In order to guide and im-part to the children a strong faith, they couple “made a decision to tear down the walls of ego that was standing in the way of being closer to God”, she said.

As such they joined Landings as a couple, though she admitted �� &�� -cult for her, and she was guarded in her sharing.

She said it helped that the par-ticipants in Landings were non-judgmental. Through the sharing and mutual trust, the experience made her realise her “spiritual journey will continue to have its ups and downs but God’s love re-mains unwavering”.

Mr See said that the Land-ings team has encountered people who leave the Church for many reasons such as: being distracted by life and career with no need for God; lack of community post-~�Z<� �� being non-Catholic or not prac-tising; divorce issues; married to non-Catholic spouse; angered by clergy or laity; attracted to other denominations; having doctrinal issues and questions about Catho-lic beliefs; being away overseas due to studies.

People return to Church due to “an inner calling” from a life crisis, emptiness in life or want-ing a deeper meaning in life, Mr See said.

It is the Holy Spirit who stirs them, but very “few of them real-ise this” so Landings helps them realise that God is calling them through life events or people around them, Mr See added.

Each Landings journey lasts about 10 weeks and concludes with a weekend retreat with a fo-cus to experience Christ. Partici-pants are grouped with the facili-tators or “welcomers” in groups of eight to 10 people. It is not a “cat-echism” or “a catechism styled class”. Sessions are focused on sharing of faith stories or on a dif-ferent Catholic theme each week, such as the Eucharist. Participants are free to share their views, Mr See said.

Landings is held at Church of the Holy Spirit and Blessed Sacra-ment Church.

A new journey will begin every Monday on June 17 till 25 August at Church of the Holy Spirit. For more details contact Tony see at 9688 0920. �

[email protected]

‘Returning’ Catholics share of their journey back to Church

Fr Andrew Wong, Landings Singapore’s spiritual director (front row, extreme right) lead a prayer session at the start of Testify, where three Catholics includ-ing Mrs Pamela Low (inset) shared about their journey back to the Church.

Heavy morning showers failed to dampen the spirits of enthusiastic participants of Novena Church’s fundraising walk on May 24.

Some 300 people took part in the HeartBeat Walk 2013 at the East Coast Park to raise funds for the church’s redevelopment project.

Although the morning started out refreshingly cool as partici-pants gathered at the park’s Ang-sana Green area, heavy rain fell midway.

However, participants sport-ingly braved the rain and com-pleted the walk without raincoats or umbrellas.

According to the church, some $30,000 was raised during the event, which saw participants covering a route of about 5 km.

They started their walk at Ang-sana Green and passed East Coast Lagoon Food Village, Cable Ski Park and East Coast Seafood Centre before making a U-turn at

Participants of Novena Church’s HeartBeat Walk 2013 at the East Coast Park.

Walk raises $30,000 for Novena’s building fund

Burger King and looping back to the starting point.

In addition to raising funds for the redevelopment project, the Redemptorists also hoped to pro-mote family bonding amidst Sin-

gaporeans’ hectic lives. The amount raised so far is

now $22 million, according to Novena Church. It is still in need of another $23 million for its rede-velopment project. �


Fr Alfred Chan: an avid reader, and a compassionate priest

By Darren Boon

Friends, former parishioners and family members of the late Fr Alfred Chan remember his love for books, nature, food and music.

Above all that, they remem-ber him as a dedicated priest who was compassionate, always open to people and approachable, and someone who’s supportive of la-ity efforts.

Fr Chan passed away on June 1 after a battle with cancer. He was 72.

A convert to Catholicism and a former teacher, Fr Chan was or-dained a priest in January 1972, and served as assistant priest at Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. He was later parish priest of the Church of the Holy Family from 1975 to 1994. He lectured at the St Francis Xavier Major Seminary from 1994 to 2001 until he suf-fered a stroke. He convalesced at the then Little Sisters of the Poor until he was posted as assistant priest to Church of St Bernadette in 2003.

Describing Fr Chan as “friendly, approachable, under-standing and compassionate” who directed the running of the parish in a consultative way, Robert Tock, who was in Holy Family’s parish council for more than 16 years and was its chair-man in the late 1980s, said that Fr Chan started many initiatives in the parish.

One of these initiatives was the annual Lunar New Year Per-anakan Mass in Holy Family. He also began the celebration of the

OBITUARIES

monthly Bahasa Indonesia Mass in the parish, initiated the teach-ing of catechism to seniors, and was instrumental in setting up and promoting Christian medita-tion in Singapore together with Peter Ng.

Rocky Chan, an extended rel-ative, said that Fr Chan was “en-thusiastic” about the Peranakan Mass and only missed celebrat-ing that twice in the 30 years the Masses were held due to his ill health. Incidentally, Fr Chan had wanted to celebrate this year’s Mass but ill health prevented him from doing so.

Mr Chan also told Cathol-icNews that Fr Chan organised prayer groups and celebrated Masses in the Chinatown area �� &��"�� 6��until January this year – he had not missed these Masses except when he was recuperating from his stroke.

“He doesn’t talk much, but when he opens his mouth, it would be words of wisdom,” Mr Chan said.

Fr Chan’s younger brother, David, revealed that while Fr Chan was the breadwinner of the family before he became a priest, he became the “binding force” in the family after his ordination and was the one who led the fam-ily in prayer, music and family activities.

Fr Chan was always Christ-centred and made sure that “Christ is bigger than him”, Mr Chan said.

He recollected Fr Chan’s love and talent for music in playing the violin and guitar and would play music at their family gatherings; his penchant for visiting book-stores in Singapore and overseas. His collection amounted to more than 15,000 books.

Ivy Chan, Fr Chan’s sister, said that Fr Chan had been in initial shock after his stroke in 2001, but “the wonderful thing

about him is he takes everything. He doesn’t complain... he [just accepts]”.

His former parishioners shared their fond memories of him with CatholicNews.

Fr Chan taught the altar serv-ers to be prayerful, shared Mat-thew Koh, a former altar server.

Melvin Tan, 44, who has been in the choir since he was 14, said that Fr Chan liked music. He would teach and guide the choir, expressing how he valued the youth by encouraging the youth choir to use their talents to praise God.

“To many of us who grew up here, we could always turn to him. He knew our parents as well. I think he took the trouble to know who is in the ministry,” Mr Tan said.

He added that Fr Chan had an aviary in the church and that he loves food.

Parishioner Thomas Lee re-members Fr Chan’s homilies would often include food. Mr

Lee added that Fr Chan was jo-vial and approachable and always ready to help. Mr Lee’s wife, Irene, said that he was “a priest close to many people’s hearts” and that Fr Chan could remember the names of their three children whom he had baptised and would ask about them whenever he met the couple.

Peter Ng said that a priest like Fr Chan is cause to thank God and for the Church to celebrate a “dedicated priest … who gave his life and [was] supportive of the laity”.

“And he supports by actually being there with you. We will miss him a lot,” Mr Ng said.

Fr Chan’s funeral Mass was held on June 5. Archbishop Wil-liam Goh, Archbishop Emeritus Nicholas Chia, Apostolic nuncio His Excellency Leopoldo Gire-lli and 90 priests celebrated the Mass which was attended by more than a thousand people. �

[email protected]

��$�!�� '�)��"� ��#�Z��$�!�� )�� 1 ��!�� 3��[��

He has been with us in the Church of Singapore from 1956 to 1968.

Born in France in 1926, he joined the Paris Foreign Mis-sions Society in 1946 and was ordained a Priest in 1952.

After a few months in the Church of The Holy Family, he went to India for one year to learn Tamil and served in the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes and then in Kluang.

Back in Singapore, he was Parish Priest of Our Lady of Lourdes, then Assistant Priest in the Good Shepherd Cathedral and for a time, Chaplain to the University students.

He was very much in-

volved in the Church renewal after Vatican II and week after week, produced the li-turgical translations of the Mass in English, for the vari-ous dioceses of the Region. He served as Chairman of �� ~�� \��Commission for Malaysia – Singapore.

In 1968, he was chosen as Vicar General of the Paris Foreign Missions Society, served in the Paris headquar-ters for twelve years and in 1980 went as a missionary to Madagascar till 2008. Back in France, he died in the MEP nursing home on April 20, 2013.

We keep him in our prayer. �

Fr Michael Ladougne

12 Sunday June 16, 2013 � CatholicNewsASIA

Buddhist monks take in displaced Muslims

Dorita Vargas, a 63-year-old wid-owed farmer from central Negros Occidental province, is yet to set �� :��land given to her by the govern-ment six months ago.

Vargas was one of 56 farmers who went on hunger strike in De-cember to force the government to redistribute land to landless peasants under an ongoing agrar-ian reform programme. When they accepted her request, she says that she was overjoyed.

“Unfortunately, bad luck has haunted us,” she adds.

The widow’s plot remains completely surrounded by land which has not been redistributed. With heavy security imposed by landowners in the area, she and �� -ernment’s land redistribution scheme remain landless.

'��:hectare farm under our name be-

LASHIO, MYANMAR – One Bud-dhist monastery in Lashio has received hundreds of displaced Muslims after rioting broke out on May 28 after a Buddhist wom-��&��a Muslim, forcing many Muslims ��\��

“If we do not provide assis-tance to people who are in the most desperate conditions, then our lives will be meaningless,” says Ashin Pinya, the abbot of Thiri Mangala monastery. “This is all about love and compas-sion.”

Domestic and international �� -trywide battle between majority Buddhists and Muslims. Bud-dhist monks have been widely blamed for instigating the spread

of sectarian violence targeting Muslims in Myanmar over the past year. The Rakhine state or Meikhtila, in the centre of the country, has seen the worst of the sectarian violence over the past year.

“If the violence stems from a real clash between Buddhist and Islamic communities, then how on earth can we get food and shelter in a Buddhist mon-astery?” said Myint Maung, a Muslim man in this city in the Shan state who joined the exodus with his and wife and three chil-dren to the monastery on May 29. “I don’t know why the vio-lence keeps happening across the country. But I think this is being created by a group of individu-als.”

Like most people, he was un-able to say who exactly those people might be. One of the most notorious monks spreading hate-��:Z��&��unfounded accusations through social media and DVDs has been the self-styled “Buddhist Bin Laden,” Wirathu,

The abbot of Thiri Mangala says that those who have carried out violence targeting Muslims in Myanmar since deadly vio-lence broke out in western Rakh-ine state in June last year remain in the minority.

“Some Buddhist monks, in the name of Buddha’s teachings, are exhorting hate speeches to create animosity towards Mus-lims,” he says. “They are just an ignorant minority of people. We

will not waiver in our efforts to help people in trouble.”

Some analysts have com-mented that hard line elements in the military are responsible for fueling the violence though this analysis remains unfounded.

Police in Lashio have issued warnings that action will be taken against anyone found with a weapon. Thirty-eight arrests have been made.

The violence led to the de-struction of a mosque, an Islamic school and dozens of homes and businesses. One Muslim man died.

Since May 30, no new vio-lence has taken place in Lashio as army and police have con-trolled what has been a city un-der curfew. Many police and

soldiers have been deployed in Muslim neighbourhoods which have remained mostly deserted.

Many shops reopened the next day, except those run by Muslims.

Lashio is diverse and in-cludes Buddhist and Muslim ethnic Myanmar along with other groups including Shan and Shan-Chinese. All have lived to-gether peacefully for years, until now.

Kyaw Kyaw, a 60-year-old retired school teacher who lives opposite the burned mosque de-stroyed last week, says he would welcome the Muslims back wholeheartedly. “They are my friends. We are sorry about the situation.” � UCANEWS.COM

Filipinos given land but can’t set foot on itcause we cannot access it,” she said.

On May 22, she sent a let-ter to Presdent Benigno Aquino thanking him for making good on his promise to award her a land �&�� &��last year’s hunger strike.

Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo, chairman of the National Secretariat for So-cial Action, said that the current government had only distributed about 251,000 hectares by the end of last year out of a total 1.21 million hectares.

That leaves some 957,360 hectares to be distributed before funding for the programme ex-pires on June 14 next year, mean-ing the government would have to speed up the process by about 10 times to meet its target.

Antonio Flores, secretary general of the Peasant Movement of the Philippines, said the pro-test will show that after 25 years,

the programme has been a “total failure.”

The government’s Compre-hensive Agrarian Reform Pro-gram was signed into law on June 10, 1988 by the mother of Aquino, the late president Cora-zon Aquino, two years after de-mocracy was restored to the Phil-ippines.

Flores said that since its intro-duction, the government’s claim of distributing 4.4 million hec-tares of land has been a farce.

“Almost two million hectares of public land was sold by the government to poor farmers in-stead of distributing the lands for free,” he said.

The widow Vargas, mean-while, said her only wish is for �� -ise, “so that I can pass on to my children and grandchildren the land that we fought for and won.”. � UCANEWS.COM

13Sunday June 16, 2013 � CatholicNews WORLD

OXFORD – The Belgian Catho-lic bishops’ conference has wel-comed judicial condemnation of a 2010 police raid on the cathe-dral and residence of Cardinal Godfried Danneels of Mechelen-Brussels.

On May 28, Belgium’s Court of Cassation condemned the June 24, 2010, raid, during which documents were seized and the tombs of two cardinals were pried open. The raid occurred during a bishops’ plenary meet-ing, and the bishops were held all �� phones, documents and comput-ers.

Z�� &�� under Belgian law, the court said �� '�� been ordered by a judge on the basis of a single witness’ testi-mony. The court ordered the re-turn of all seized material to the Church.

'��&��-�� ]��Tommy Scholtes, spokesman for the Brussels-based bishops’ con-ference. “But the raid’s illegality was only one aspect of the many problems we still face, and the ��&��-��

^�� &��decide on further steps in con-�� &�� '�� but warned the court judgment

was unlikely to affect public attitudes toward the Church, he said.

A lawyer representing the �� ]�� '�� those concerned to an equitable ��

“As we argued from the be-��-��&��}�� May 29 statement.

“By arbitrarily seizing such an improbable number of docu-

ments, he deliberately attempted to gather proof about supposed of-fences without the slightest indi-cation they had taken place. This &��"��&��

Belgium’s Catholic Church has been dogged by allegations of abuse since early 2010, along-side parallel claims against the Church in the Netherlands and Germany.

�� would continue “to cooperate with correctly conducted judici-��}�� CNS

Belgian bishops welcome court condemnation of 2010 cathedral raid

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MAUMEE, OHIO – Ordination '��]��$��~�Carroll.

“His dream was to be ordained ��^�� &��:��:��&��]�� $�� parish of St. Joseph.

]�� &��cancer May 10, just two days af-ter Toledo Bishop Leonard P Blair ordained him a priest at the family home in Maumee.

“He had been totally prepared and called to be a priest, and I saw ��{��{��'Z ��should be numbered among the ��^��

]��-dained with his four classmates ��^��~��illness led to an earlier ordination, said Msgr Charles Singler, dioc-��

^��&��and treated for melanoma in the summer of 2011, according to his brother Tim. Last December, he learned the cancer had recurred and spread.

]��&��teacher before joining the semi-nary. He had four master’s de-grees, including one in education-al administration.

^�� &�� '��

�� ^�� -roll. “It was always something ��&��"��

Z�� -�� &�� :seminarian wrote: “I consider the �� the most demanding and reward-��!��Z��if this is what is meant for me, to represent Jesus by teaching, learning and just being there for ��

Z�� ]�� ordination, Bishop Blair said he related the priest’s suffering to that of Christ. The bishop felt he was “in the presence of Christ �� &��the priest’s suffering during his ordination. � CNS

Being priest was ‘everything’ to man ordained before he died

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6��%��Z� ��/�� 5 ^�� 4��/��4��CNS Photos

VATICAN CITY – The German businessman appointed as the Vatican Bank’s president thought his task would be “cleaning out and dealing with improper de-�� {�� _�� ]��president of the Institute for the ��"��~��-tle of the bank, said that it turns out “our biggest issue is our repu-��

'�� ̀ ��]��&�� &�� ]��-�� ~�� -��&��+��6��'+��is that our reputation is such that people don’t think of us any more when they think about the Vati-can, but that they listen to what the pope says.

“When I came here I thought I would need to focus on what is normally described as cleaning out and dealing with improper de-��'^��&��Z��

“We are a well-managed, clean �� 'Z��Catholic Church around the world to be well informed about this in-��

Thus, the Vatican bank has de-cided to publish an annual report beginning Oct 1.

While the institute accepts the ��~�-ligious orders and institutions, in-��bonds, pays them interest and will transfer their funds to projects around the world, it does not lend money and so is not technically a bank, he said.

The bank has 19,000 custom-�� &�� -��&��"��>=��=��_��$�� $�66�� said. The institute’s annual operat-��/>��_��$��6��

Its equity is “roughly 800 mil-�� _�� $�6��/� �� _��$��/>� �� _�� '[�� &��&��|��-ment had to bail us out. We are ��

The 9/11 terrorist attacks and �� crisis has led international bank-ing standards becoming more �� -�� }��6>��the institute’s policy on secrecy �� &��'��]��

~�� &�� -��"��&��the “tiniest bank in the tiniest �� '�� &�� adapting to this new world; now we are running to catch up and to �� &�� &�� &�� 6>� ��

�� ]�� ]��Group, “probably the world-leading anti-money laundering ��&��-gle one of our accounts and to re-��&��&�� help the Vatican understand and ��&��-ulations.

<�� ]��&�� }�� ~�� meetings one or two days a week with the Vatican bank’s director and staff, as well as for occasional meetings with its commission of �� `��Vatican three days a week and �� [�� $��Marthae, the Vatican guesthouse &��]��`�� '�� -casionally attend Mass with the pope, he said. � CNS

Vatican bank head says reputation needs more work

14 Sunday June 16, 2013 � CatholicNewsPOPE FRANCIS

VATICAN CITY – All Catholics must ask themselves what they personally have done lately to build up the holiness of the Church and ensure people feel welcomed and loved in it, Pope Francis said.

“Some people today say, ‘Christ, yes; the Church, no’, like they say, ‘I believe in God, but not in priests’,” the pope said. Such a position does not make sense because “it is the Church that brings us Christ and brings us to God. The Church is the great family of God’s children”.

During his weekly general audience on May 29, the pope announced he would begin a se-ries of audience talks about the Church.

“The Church is the great fam-ily of children of God,” he said. “Certainly it has human aspects from the members who comprise it, pastors and faithful. They have defects, imperfections, sins. Even the pope has them – and he has many – but what is beautiful is that when we become aware that &�� &�� -cy of God. God always forgives. Don’t forget this. God always for-gives.

“Sin is an offence against God, but it’s also an opportunity. Hu-miliation can lead one to see there

ROME – In the Eucharist, Jesus makes Himself the food that nour-ishes and sustains Catholics, even when the road gets rough, Pope Francis said before leading a Cor-pus Christi procession through the streets of Rome.

Mass and participation in Cor-pus Christi processions are times �� &�they follow Jesus and, particu-larly, what the Eucharist means to them, the pope said at Mass on May 30 to celebrate the feast of the Body and Blood of Christ.

The pope encouraged Catho-lics to ask themselves: Is the Eucharist a “moment of true com-munion with the Lord, but also with my many brothers and sisters who share at this same altar?” and “Adoring Christ truly present in the Eucharist, do I allow myself to be transformed by him?”

The pope celebrated the Mass outside the Basilica of St John Lateran, then – on foot – joined a candlelight Corpus Christi pro-cession from there to the Basilica of St Mary Major, just over a mile away.

“Jesus speaks in the silence of the mystery of the Eucharist and

reminds us each time that fol-lowing Him means going out of ourselves and making our lives not something we ‘possess’, but a gift to Him and to others,” Pope Francis said in his homily which focused on the Gospel of Luke’s account of the multiplication of ��

When Catholics gather at Mass to listen to the Gospel and be nourished by the body and blood of Jesus, they should trans-form into a community of faith where people share who they are and what they have, he said.

“The Eucharist is the sacra-ment of the communion that takes us out of our individualism so that together we live our discipleship, our faith in Him,” Pope Francis said.

Many times, the pope said, Christians have the same tempta-tion of the disciples who asked Jesus to send the crowd away when “we don’t take on the needs of others, but dismiss them with a compassionate ‘May God help you’ or a not-so-compassionate ‘Good luck’.”

However, Jesus asked God’s blessing on the little food avail-

able and have it shared amongst the crowd, he said.

“It is a moment of profound communion: the crowd quenched by the word of the Lord is now nourished by His bread of life, ��

What Jesus encouraged the disciples to do was an act of “sol-idarity”, he said, which is noth-ing other than “placing at God’s disposal what little we have, our humble abilities, because only in sharing and in giving will our lives be fruitful”.

In the Eucharist, the pope said, Catholics experience the “solidar-ity of God”, a solidarity that can never be exhausted and should never stop causing awe.

Jesus, in giving Himself in the Eucharist, shares our journey, and makes Himself the food to sustain our lives through obstacles and ��<��receiving the Eucharist faithfully “the Lord leads us to follow His path” to serve, share and give the little that we have and what we are,“if shared, becomes a treasure because the power of God, who is love, descends to our poverty and transforms it”. � CNS

Pope Francis greets a baby as he arrives to lead his general audience in St Pe-ter’s Square at the Vatican May 29.

Pope: What have you done to make the Church holy, welcoming?

Pope Francis holds a monstrance during the observance of the feast of Cor-pus Christi at the Basilica of St Mary Major in Rome May 30. CNS Photos

Pope: Eucharist nourishes, sustains and should transform people

is something beautiful awaiting you: the mercy of God. Think about this.”

God plans to unite all human-ity into one family where eve-ryone recognises the birthright as a child of God and loved by Him: “The Church is born from God’s desire to call all peo-ple into communion with Him” and “to participate in His divine life”.

During the Year of Faith, he said, Catholics should pray that their parishes and the entire Church would increasingly be a family that lives and shares God’s love and mercy.

Noting the many people’s complaints about the Church, Pope Francis urged Catholics to ask themselves several ques-tions: “How much do I love the Church? Do I pray for it? Do I feel part of the Church fam-ily? What do I do to make the Church a community where eve-ryone feels welcomed and under-stood, everyone feels the mercy and love of God who renews life?”

In his morning Mass homi-lies in the days leading up to the audience, the pope had been speaking about the Church’s identity and the attitudes that Catholics should have toward those who come to their parish-

es and toward the world.On May 25, the pope spoke

about the importance of priests, parish workers and parishion-ers being open and welcoming to those who come to the par-ish asking for something. He used several examples, includ-ing that of a couple who goes to a parish to arrange their wedding, but before being congratulated, are told how much it will cost and asked for their baptismal ��

Too many times, the pope said, “we are faith-checkers in-stead of facilitators of the people’s faith”.

An unmarried mother goes to a parish asking that her baby be baptised only to hear, “No, you aren’t married.”

The woman had the courage to carry her baby to term and not ��a close door. “And this happens to a lot of people. This is not good pastoral zeal. This pushes people away from the Lord,” the pope said.

“Jesus instituted seven sac-raments and we, with this kind of attitude, institute an eight: the sacrament of pastoral con-trol,” he said, using the term in Italian for the customs con-trol at an international airport. � CNS

15Sunday June 16, 2013 � CatholicNews POPE FRANCIS

VATICAN CITY – Christians are called to welcome and cooperate with the good accomplished by members of other religions or no religion at all, promoting a culture of dialogue and peace, Pope Fran-cis said.

“We are all children of God – all of us. And God loves us – all of us,” the pope said in his hom-ily during an early morning Mass in the chapel of the Domus Sanc-tae Marthae on May 22. Leba-nese Cardinal Bechara Rai, the Maronite patriarch, concelebrated the Mass, which was attended by Vatican employees.

Pope Francis’ homily focused on the day’s Gospel story from Mark 9:38-40, which recounts the disciples complaining to Je-sus about outsiders casting out demons in Jesus’ name and Jesus telling the disciples, “Whoever is not against us is for us.”

The pope said that by saying, “If he’s not one of us, he cannot do good; if he’s not in our party, he can’t do good,” the disciples were “a bit intolerant, closed in the idea of possessing the truth, in the con-viction that ‘all those who do not

have the truth cannot do good’”.However, the pope said, “the

possibility of doing good is some-thing we all have” as individuals created in the image and likeness of God.

All people are called to do good and not evil, the pope said. Some would object, “‘But, Father, he isn’t Catholic so he can’t do

“The Lord has redeemed us all with the blood of Christ, all of us, not just Catholics. Everyone,” he stressed. Some may ask, “‘Father, even the atheists?’ Them, too. Everyone.”

The commandment to do good and avoid evil is something that binds all human beings, he said, and it is “a beautiful path to peace”.

Noticing the good others do, ��&��"��&��them promotes an encounter that is good for individuals and soci-eties, he said. “Little by little we build that culture of encounter that we need so much.”

Someone can object, “‘But I don’t believe, Father, I’m an athe-ist.’ But do good and we’ll meet there,” he said.

Noting that May 22 was the feast of St Rita of Cascia, some-times called the saint of impossible causes, the pope asked the small congregation to pray for “this grace that everyone, all persons would do good and that we would encounter each other in this work”.

“May St Rita grant us this grace, which seems impossible,” he said. � CNS

VATICAN CITY – Careerism and a drive to seek power in the Church are sins as old as the Church itself, Pope Francis told a group of em-ployees from Vatican Radio and �� -grims and tourists.

Commenting on the day’s Gospel passage – Mark 9:30-37 – the pope said that while Jesus was talking about His upcoming pas-sion and death, the disciples were arguing over who was the greatest among them.

“The struggle for power in the Church isn’t something recent,” Pope Francis said in his hom-

ily during the May 21 Mass in the chapel of the Domus Sanctae Marthae.

Such struggles “should not exist” because Jesus’ whole life and death teach His followers that greatness is measured by humility and service.

“He lowered himself to the point of death, death on a cross, for us, to serve us, to save us,” the pope said. “In the Church, there is no other path for moving forward.”

However, he said, Christians live in the world and easily pick up the world’s way of thinking and speaking.

“When someone is given a task that in the eyes of the world is a superior task, one says, ‘Oh, this woman was promoted to president of that association and this man was promoted to that.’”

The pope said a promotion isn’t a bad thing, but in the Church it should mean something differ-ent from what it does in the world of business.

“The path of the Lord is His service,” Pope Francis said. Christ’s disciples are called to fol-low Him by following His exam-ple of service. “That is real power in the Church,” he said. � CNS

Pontiff warns against power struggle in Church

Pope Francis

greets the crowd as

he arrives to lead his

general audience in

St Peter’s Square on

May 22. CNS photo

Pope: Recognise the good non-Christians do and work with them

‘The Lord has redeemed us all with the blood of Christ, all of us,

not just Catholics ... even the atheists.’

good.’ Yes, he can. He must.”The idea that others cannot re-

ally be good and do good in the world creates “a wall that leads to war and to something that histori-cally some people have thought: that we can kill in the name of God. And that, simply, is blas-phemy. To say that one can kill in God’s name is blasphemy”.

16 Sunday June 16, 2013 � CatholicNews

Fortnightly newspaper of the Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore

2 Highland Road, #01-03 Singapore 549102.Telephone: 6858 3055. Fax: 6858 2055. Website: www.catholicnews.sg Facebook: www.facebook.com/catholicnews

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In a marvellous little book entitled, The Music of Silence, David Steindl-Rast highlights how each hour of the day has its own special light and its own particular mood and how we are more attentive to the present moment when we recognise and hon-uor these “special angels” lurking inside each hour. He’s right. Every hour of the day and every season of the year have something special to give us, but often times we cannot make ourselves present to

meet that gift.We grasp this more easily for special seasons of the year. Even

though we are sometimes unable to be very attentive to a season like Christmas or Easter because of various pressures and distractions, we know that these seasons are special and that there are “angels” inside them that are asking to be met. We know what it means when someone says: “This year I was just too tired and pressured to get into the Christmas spirit. I just missed Christmas this year!”

And this isn’t just true for special seasons like Christmas and Easter. It’s true too, perhaps especially true, for the season we call Ordinary Time. Each year the Church calendar sets aside more than thirty weeks for what it calls “Ordinary Time”, a season within which we are supposed to meet the angels of routine, regularity, domesticity, predictability, and ordinariness. Like seasons of high feast, this season too is meant to bring a special richness into our lives.

But it’s easy to miss both that season and its intent. The term “Ordinary Time” sounds bland to us, even as we unconsciously long for precisely what it is meant to bring. We have precious little “or-dinary time” in our lives. As our lives grow more pressured, more tired, and more restless, perhaps more than anything else we long for “ordinary time”, quiet, routine, solitude, and space away from the hectic pace of life. For many of us the very expression, “ordinary time”, draws forth a sigh along with the question: “What’s that? When did I last have ‘ordinary time’ in my life?” For many of us “ordinary time” means mostly hurry and pressure, “the rat race”, “the treadmill”.

Many things in our lives conspire against “ordinary time”; not just the busyness that robs us of leisure, but also the heartaches, the obsessions, the loss of health, or the other interruptions to the ordi-nary that make a mockery of normal routine and rhythm and rob us of even the sense of “ordinary time”. That’s the bane of adulthood.

Many of us, I suspect, remember the opposite as being true for us when we were children. I remember as a child often being bored. I longed almost always for a distraction, for someone to visit our home, for special seasons to celebrate (birthdays, Christmas, New Year’s, Easter), for most anything to shake up the normal routine of “ordinary time”. But that’s because time moves so slowly for a child. When you’re seven years old, one year constitutes one-sev-enth of your life. That’s a long time. In mid-life and beyond, one year is a tiny fraction of your life and so time speeds up – so much so in fact that, at a point, you also sometimes begin to long for special occasions to be over with, for visitors to go home, and for distrac-tions to disappear so that you can return to a more ordinary rhythm in your life. Routine might be boring, but we sleep a lot better when our lives are being visited by the angels of routine and the ordinary.

Today there’s a rich literature in both secular and religious cir-��"��moment, of meeting, as Richard Rohr puts it, “the naked now”, or what David Steindl-Rast calls, “the angels of the hour”. The litera-ture varies greatly in content and intent, but it agrees on one point: Z ��}��truly inside the present. It’s not easy to live inside “ordinary time”.

There’s a Chinese expression that functions both as a blessing and a curse. You make this wish for someone: May you live in inter-esting times! As children, had someone wished that on us it would have meant a blessing; our lives then were replete with routine and the ordinary. For a child time moves slowly. Most children have enough of ordinary time.

However, as adults, for most of us, that wish is probably more curse than blessing: The pressures, heartaches, illnesses, losses, demands, and seemly perpetual interruptions that beset our lives, though perhaps not normally recognised as “interesting times”, are indeed the antithesis of routine, regularity, domesticity, predictabil-ity, and ordinariness. And they deprive us of “ordinary time”.

The Church challenges us to be attentive to the various seasons of the year: Advent, Lent, Christmas, Easter, Ascension, and Pen-tecost. Today, I submit, it needs to challenge us particularly to be attentive to “ordinary time”. Our failure to be attentive here is per-haps our greatest liturgical shortcoming. �

Ordinary Time COMMENTARY

*��+��)� '��

What a spring it has been for news. With everything from a ter-

rorist attack in Boston to a new pope in Rome (along with an old pope in Rome), it has been news overload.

The day they locked down Boston and searched for the sec-ond bomber, I was riveted to the news channels. But soon, it’s off to the next breaking news.

I’d like to make a pitch for one news event that should remain in our consciousness but is quickly receding even as I write this – April’s horrifying building col-lapse in Bangladesh.

More than 1,000 people were killed, many of them trapped amid rubble screaming for help, and some even hacked away their own limbs in an effort to free ��<�� and owners had been warned that the building was unsafe. Most of those people – many women – were garment workers, and some of us may now be wearing clothes sewn by them.

Immediately, there were out-cries against the big-name compa-nies whose clothes are produced in Bangladesh.

The garment industry, accord-ing to a BBC story, accounts for al-most 80 per cent of Bangladesh’s exports and provides employment for four million people. This was �� "�� the garment industry there, and ��collapse someone suggests things will change.

For those of us who want to be responsible consumers, part of the problem lies in the issue’s com-plexity. Some blame the govern-ment, which could enforce better building and safety codes. Many blame the clothing companies who allegedly do not demand decent conditions and pay for their work-ers-. The companies, in turn, pass the blame on to subcontractors.

Finally, many blame you and me – the Western consumer who wants bargain-price clothes.

What can we do? First of all, let’s remember our sisters and brothers who were forced to work in a crumbling building despite its imminent demise. Our initial response might be, “I’ll never buy anything with a Bangladeshi label again”, but that isn’t fair to the people who depend on that in-dustry for their livelihood – and if {��just move the problem to another developing country.

The issue will be solved when

we demand clothing manufactur-ers unify in their determination to promote better working condi-tions in all factories, despite the tiny cost increase that may mean to us.

People shop thoughtlessly, out of boredom, wanting to score a �� Z ��bad for us, and bad for the planet.

Remember when your grand-mother bought a winter coat to last for years? Remember when a classic black dress lasted over the decades? Who shops like that now? And who demands that kind of quality and is willing to pay for it?

Let’s examine our wardrobes. Expunge what we don’t need, &�� &�� &�� -diculously trendy and now looks merely ridiculous. Let’s regret that impulse buy that fell apart after a wash or two. Let’s research web-sites that address the Bangladeshi disaster and promote “green” clothes. Let’s be more conscious consumers.

Let’s shop smarter and use less. � THE UNIVERSE

Too high a price for cheap clothes

Rescue workers pull a woman from the rubble of the collapsed Rana Plaza building in Savar, Bangladesh, May 10, after spending 17 days trapped un-der the rubble of a Bangladesh factory building that collapsed on April 24, �� ]/\\\�� /� ��'�� '��CNS photos

People shop thoughtlessly, out of boredom, wanting

��"��'��(��necessarily a need. �("��"�� bad for the planet.

17Sunday June 16, 2013 � CatholicNews FOCUS

Archbishop Emeritus Nicholas Chia has commended the Singa-pore chapter of the World Com-munity for Christian Meditation (WCCM) for its work in helping people develop a balance between work and prayer, action and con-templation.

During the organisation’s 25th anniversary Mass, held at the Church of Our Lady Queen of Peace on May 24, Archbishop Chia noted that the pressures of modern living has resulted in enormous stress and more and more people are searching for peace and harmony.

Speaking to some 300 leaders of meditation groups, he said that some Christians in Singapore have turned to other religions for meditation, not knowing that Christians have their own tradi-tion.

“You have a very important role to play,” he said, in helping more Catholics become “aware of your community’s teaching on Christian meditation”.

“Meditation as prayer helps us to develop an intimacy with Christ,” Archbishop Chia added, so that actions can grow from the presence of God within us.

During the celebration, WCCM Singapore director Peter Ng recalled how he and his late &�� meditation group at the Church �� `�� ]�� belief that meditation could trans-form lives. “Who could have im-agined that we could have grown so much since then?” he said.

WCCM Singapore has now expanded to 31 weekly meditation groups in 22 parishes, introduced meditation to children, and helped start groups in other countries.

Beginnings

WCCM began in Singapore in 1988 when Mr Ng’s wife, Patricia, discovered a book on meditation, Light Within, at Katong Catholic Book Centre.

It was written by Benedic-tine monk Fr Laurence Free-man, who is now director of the World Community for Christian +��&�� London.

Patricia felt this book gave her the answer she had been seeking in her spiritual quest to draw clos-er to God. She began to meditate on her own and encouraged Peter to meditate with her.

She corresponded with Fr Laurence who arrived in Singa-pore and gave an introductory talk at Church of the Holy Family with the blessings of then parish priest Fr Alfred Chan.

A meditation group was later formed in the parish, followed by groups in other East District parishes. In 2001, the Singa-pore Meditation Centre opened at Emmaus House, Holy Family Church. It remains the centre for WCCM Singapore.

Outreach to other countries

WCCM Singapore has also helped set up meditation groups in other countries over the years.

Ties between Singapore and Malaysia have been close for almost two decades, with Ma-laysians coming to attend con-ventions, retreats and teaching courses in Singapore. The nation-al coordinator of WCCM in Ma-laysia works closely with the Sin-��both communities.

In 1997, Cardinal Jean Margeot of Mauritius invited Mr Ng to con-duct a weekend workshop in his country. Several meditation groups were later formed. Cardinal Marge-ot visited WCCM Singapore sev-eral times before his death in 2009.

In 2004, Fr Laurence, together with Patricia and Peter Ng, con-ducted an introductory workshop on meditation in Jakarta, attended by 25 people. A weekly group was formed meeting weekly in the Santa Ursula Senior High School.

The Singapore community continued to visit the Indonesian community and there are now about 80 groups in the country.

Meanwhile, Archbishop Charles Bo of Yangon has invited the Singapore community to in-

troduce meditation to his clergy, Religious and lay leaders.

The team is scheduled to visit Myanmar from Aug 6-18, and will conduct workshops in Yangon, Taunggyi and Mandalay archdio-ceses.

Other groups

In 2011, several catechists asked for Christian meditation to be introduced to children. WCCM Singapore then presented an introductory session to catechists.

By the end of 2011, children’s meditation began in catechism classes at the Church of the Risen Christ and Church of St Berna-dette. Meditation was also intro-duced in the Canossian schools.

In 2012, WCCM Singapore organised a forum titled The Gift of Peace – Sharing Christian Meditation with Children. It was attended by teachers, parents and catechists. More interest followed with requests for help in starting children’s meditation in other par-ishes and in the Philippines.

An outreach to Mandarin-speaking Catholics began in 2011 �� +��:��"��group was formed at the Church of St Bernadette. There are now six such groups.

That year, the Catholic AIDS Response Effort asked for help in forming a meditation group among the residents of its shelter. This group continues to progress.

World outreach

Currently, WCCM Singapore

runs the worldwide commu-nity’s publishing company, Me-dio Media, providing books and publications on Christian Medi-tation.

Four times a year, WCCM Singapore produces a CD of lec-tures or talks. These are distrib-

uted to over 2,000 meditation groups worldwide.

In 2012, WCCM Singapore, and the Archdiocesan Council For Inter-Religious and Ecumenical Dialogue (IRED) organised the Common Ground seminar. Sever-al hundred people came together to share the contemplative prac-tice in the various religions.

For more information on WCCM Singapore, visit www.wc-cmsingapore.org �

S’pore meditation community marks 25th anniversary

WCCM Singapore has spread the practice of meditation to local parishes and to other countries

The crowd at the May 24 Mass held at the Church of Our Lady Queen of Peace.

Mr Peter Ng, WCCM Singapore director.

‘Meditation as prayer helps us to develop an intimacy with Christ.’

– Archbishop Emeritus Nicholas Chia at WCCM Singapore’s 25th anniversary Mass

18 Sunday June 16, 2013 � CatholicNewsFAITH ALIVE!

JUST as the horrifying sto-ry of the clothing workers killed in the Bangladesh factory collapse was emerg-

ing, I heard an insightful radio in-terview on consumerism.

Elizabeth L Cline, author of Overdressed: The Shockingly High Cost of Cheap Fashion, ad-mitted buying clothes and shoes that seemed too cheap to pass up.

She later admitted that most of her purchases went out of fash-ion before she could wear them.

Cline wondered why she and others have become “fast-fash-ion junkies” whose consumer behaviour can damage the envi-ronment, the economy and even their souls.

Can Americans no longer distinguish between impulsive desires and needs? Is greed and a race to consume even more “stuff” consuming us?

Her book shows how some-thing as apparently harmless as

buying a shirt can develop into an excess leading to unintended consequences.

I couldn’t help but wonder about the connections between cheap clothing in US stores and the exploitation of workers who make them.

Greed is the excessive desire to acquire power, possessions, prestige etc. The Catechism of the Catholic Church calls it a capital sin.

What can we learn about greed from meditating on God’s word in sacred Scripture? Old Testament prophets frequently condemn greed as a symptom of Israel’s unfaithfulness to God’s covenant.

In the New Testament, Jesus teaches about the relationship of one’s possessions to salvation in the kingdom of God.

The prophet Amos takes aim at the powerful in Israel who, motivated by greed, “trample

upon the needy and destroy the poor of the land” when they sell even what is left over from the wheat harvest rather than letting it be collected by the poor (Amos 8:4-14).

The prophet Hosea is par-ticularly severe on priests who ��&��thrive on idolatrous practices (Hosea 4:4-5:7).

In the Old Testament, greed is often seen as a form of idola-�� Z� �� for worship of the true God. Fur-thermore, avaricious behaviour is despised because it oppresses the poor with whom Yahweh strong-��

Jesus does not condemn pos-sessions or shun wealthy people, but warns, as we see in Luke 12:15, to “take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions”.

In parables and other teach-ings, Jesus illustrates the fate of those whose wealth blinds them

to the poor at their doorstep, such as in Luke 16:19-31. In Mark 10:17-31, He challenges a rich young man not to let him-self be prevented by worldly possessions from following the Lord.

When He confronts peo-ple who want to cling to power, possessions or prestige and who strive to acquire even more no matter what the cost, Jesus chal-lenges them to think about what

kind of treasure would ultimately satisfy them.

The only lasting treasure is our willingness to depend on God who knows what we truly need (including clothing) and who will grant it if our hands and hearts are open to receive and share, not to grasp and hold. � CNS

McCord is the former executive direc-tor of the US Bishops’ Secretariat of Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth.

Can desire to acquire hurt others?��

‘I couldn’t help but wonder about the connections between cheap

clothing in US stores and

the exploitation of workers

who make them.’

Shoppers with their purchases at a shopping mall in the US. ��)��&��

19Sunday June 16, 2013 � CatholicNews YEAR OF FAITH

By Archbishop Robert Carlson

The qualities of today’s priest stood out in Presbyterorum Ordinis, the Decree on the Ministry and Life of Priests, promulgated Dec 7, 1965 by the Second Vatican Council.

The decree highlighted the call to preach the Gospel to all people ��'��"��

The council refocused the Church on the centrality of the Word of God and raised the Lit-urgy of the Word to greater promi-nence within the Mass.

Since then, priests have &��"��@��preaching to move the hearts of both priest and faithful to conver-��to Jesus Christ.

The Decree on the Ministry and \��"��the “indispensable helpers and ad-�� -istry of teaching, sanctifying and shepherding the People of God.

Since this decree, the Church has developed the Presbyteral Council, a group of priests chosen by the bishop to advise him in di-ocesan matters.

The most important develop-ment occurred with Pope John Paul II’s Apostolic Exhortation, I Will Give You Shepherds. The pope wrote that within the Church, the ��'��

This phrase captures the heart of priesthood: a man in communion with God who is called to become a mediator of this relationship, bringing God to people and peo-ple to God. This happens in many ways, and especially at Mass.

As a man of communion the priest also is called to become “a �� Priesthood is never simply about the priest. It is about mission – car-rying the message of Jesus Christ into a world hungry for meaning and purpose. It is about dialogue – bringing people within the Church and outside of it into community.

The priest is to be a man of witness and a man of peace.

The decree called for the Church to engage in the “progres-�� $��then, a great deal of vision and ef-fort has gone into the formation of priests after their ordination.

{�� "��&��eloquence on this need for the on-going formation of priests quot-ing St Paul in his Second Letter to

�̂��'Z��"��!��&��

^�� '��"�� -pen in several areas. The priest is called to grow in human forma-tion, the decree said, “to develop and sharpen his human sensitiv-�� unvoiced questions of his people.

He needs spiritual formation, to deepen his relationship to the Father through the Son and in the Holy Spirit. He needs intellectual formation to be an ongoing stu-dent of Scripture, theology, and the culture in which he lives.

And he needs ongoing pasto-

ral formation to help him grow in his pastoral charity, exercising a shepherd’s care for his people. In other words, he is to grow in the virtue of love.

Each priest is called to engage in this formation as a young, mid-dle-aged, or older priest.

Finally, The Decree on the Ministry and Life of Priests calls priests once again to imitate Jesus the Master: They are to serve and not be served. They are called to improve their ability to listen be-��"��

This humility is central to the spirituality of the priesthood and is an ever-present challenge to any attitudes of superiority or pride. Clericalism has no place in ��"��to bring Christ and His love to the world. � USCCB Archbishop Carlson of St Louis chairs the US bishops’ Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations.

The priest: aman of mission and dialogueA look at the Second Vatican Council document, Decree on the Ministry and Life of Priests, in this Year of Faith

The decree calls on priests to imitate

Jesus the Master – they are to serve and

not be served.

A priest distributes Communion during Mass in a makeshift chapel in a vil-lage outside Tianjin, China. ��)��&��

20 Sunday June 16, 2013 � CatholicNews

21Sunday June 16, 2013 � CatholicNews

EVENT SUBMISSIONSWe welcome information of events

happening in our local Church. Please send your submission at least one month before the event. Online submissions can be made at www.

catholic.sg/webevent_form.php

WHAT’S ON

LIFE IN THE SPIRIT SEMINARA transforming and empowering experience in the Holy Spirit.

MONDAYS JUNE 8 TO JUNE 9 LISS@ CHURCH OF ST IGNATIUS8.30am: A non-stay in weekend. Key speakers include Frs Philip Heng, Christopher Soh and Tom Curran. Register T: 9636 0586 (Jan), 9664 5788 (Aloysius). E: [email protected]

MONDAYS JULY 1 TO AUGUST 12 LISS@ CHURCH OF ST VINCENT DE PAUL7.30-10pm: At 301 Yio Chu Kang Rd. T: 9102 6636 (Catherine), 9735 2536 (Angela); E: [email protected]

MONDAYS JULY 1 TO AUGUST 26LISS@CHURCH OF ST FRANCIS XAVIER7.45-10pm: At 63A Chartwell Drive. Register T: 94878087/81110023 (Francis/Clare)’ E: [email protected]

MONDAYS JULY 1 TO SEPTEMBER 2LISS@CHURCH OF THE RISEN CHRIST7.30pm: At 91 Toa Payoh Central. T: 9795 6383 (Helena), 9005 4511 (Marie); E: [email protected], [email protected]; Register W: www.risenchristcpg.org

WEDNESDAY JUNE 12 OR TUESDAY JUNE 18PILGRIMAGE IN MY BACKYARD CENTRAL10am (both days): Meet at Cathedral of the Good Shepherd. Register T: 63364 815/ 6336 4467; E: [email protected]

WEDNESDAYS JUNE 12 TO AUGUST 23INTO THE HEART8-10pm:This 16-Part DVD-based series by Christopher West on Blessed John Paul II’s Theology of the Body will move you deeper into its profound message of the enabling you to integrate it fully into every aspect of your life. Register T: 9746-7549 (Terence), 9856-9919 (Tom/Karan); E: [email protected]; FB: www.facebook.com/COSI.YAM

JUNE 15A TRAVELLING LIGHT SERIES: I CALL YOU FRIEND1-6pm: Calling young adults 20-40 years ��discovery at Sentosa. By Verdum Dei Missionaries. Register T: 6274 0251; E: [email protected]

MONDAYS JUNE 17 TO AUGUST 25LANDINGS 7.45pm: Inviting Catholics “away” from Church or in the process of returning and those interested in this ministry to participate. Register T: 9688 0920 (Tony). E: [email protected]

JUNE 19RELAXATION EXERCISE IN CHINESE10-11am: Therapeutic breathing and guided imagery exercises. By Clarity Singapore.

At Block 854 #01-3511, Yishun Ring Road. Register: 67577 990, 9710 3733; E: [email protected]

THURSDAY JUNE 20 TO SATURDAY JUNE 22ANNUAL MANDARIN SPEAKING CAMP FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDRENThu (8.30am)-Sat (10pm): Annual camp for Mandarin-speaking children from Kindergarten 1 to Primary 6 children. Overnighting compulsory. Welcome every child who is interested even if they do not attend Mandarin Masses or are non-Catholic. K1 to P1 programme ends at 8pm Saturday, the rest at 10pm. By CAMS. At Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary T: 9622 6231 (Benjamin); FB: http://www.facebook.com/CAMSyouthcomm; Register W: www.cams.org.sg (Benjamin)

FRIDAY JUNE 21 AND SATURDAY JUNE 22DANCING RICE – A HUMANITARIAN CONCERTFri (8pm), Sat (6pm): A humanitarian concert exploring the hopes, aspirations and challenges of landmine-risk young people through a collaboration of talents from Singapore and Cambodia presented by CHARIS Singapore. Created and Produced by 13:35 Productions. Tickets available at CANA The Catholic Centre. T: 6336 4815/ 6336 4467; E:[email protected]; FB: www.facebook.com/DancingRiceConcert

FRIDAY JUNE 21 TO SUNDAY JUNE 23WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCEFri (8pm)-Sun (12pm): A course to deepen and strengthen one’s understanding of the Catholic faith through looking at the different practices of Catholics, Orthodox and Protestants. Conducted by Deacon Sherman Kuek, SFO. Organised by SPI. At CAEC (2 Highland Rd). Register T: 6858 3011; E: [email protected]

WEDNESDAY JUNE 26 TO SUNDAY JUNE 30CHURCH OF OLPS FEAST DAY TRIDUM MASSES AND CELEBRATIONS (Wed-Fri) 7.15pm: Rosary followed by Mass at 8pm. Weekend Mass timings as usual with preaching by Fr Lionel Thomas. Feast Day Mass and procession at 6pm on June 30 with celebrated by Archbishop William Goh. W: www.olps.sg

JUNE 26HEALING SERVICE: RECEIVING THE GIFTS OF OUR HERITAGE8-10pm: Session will focus on naming the gifts of our maternal and paternal ancestry (or whoever else has loved us) and receiving their blessing to live life more fully. Receiving their love also heals the grief that arises from missing their presence. Conducted by Fr Matthew Linn, SJ. Cost: $20. By Kingsmead CISC. At Church of St Ignatius St Ignatius Hall (8 Victoria Park Rd). Register by June 19. T: 6467 6072; E: [email protected]

JUNE 27PILGRIMAGE IN MY BACKYARD AUKANG10am (both days): Meet at the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Register T: 63364 815/6336 4467; E: [email protected]

RCIA/RCIY/RCICA journey for those seeking to know more about the Catholic faith. Baptised Catholics are also invited to journey as sponsors.

FRIDAYS JUNE 7RCIA MANDARIN@CHURCH OF STS PETER AND PAUL7.30pm: At 225A Queen St. T: 9177 5689 (Corina); Register T: 6337 2585 (parish secretary)

SATURDAYS JUNE 8RCIY@CHURCH OF THE HOLY SPIRIT3pm: At 248 Upper Thomson Rd. For 13-20 years old. T: 8499 9420 (Elizabeth); E: [email protected]

SUNDAYS JUNE 9RCIC@CHURCH OF THE HOLY SPIRIT9.45am: At 248 Upper Thomson Rd. For 7-12 years old. T: 9740 3993 (Jamie); E: [email protected]

SUNDAYS JUNE 9RCIY@CHURCH OF ST VINCENT DE PAUL9am: At 301 Yio Chu Kang Rd. Register T: 9191 7527 (Julia); E: [email protected]

TUESDAYS JUNE 11RCIA@CHURCH OF THE HOLY TRINITY7.45pm: At 20 Tampines St 11. Register T: 8444 5505 (Gregory); _��¡��

TUESDAYS JUNE 11RCIA@ST ANNE’S CHURCH7.45-10pm: At 66 Sengkang East Way. Register T: 6386 5072 (Rosemary); E: [email protected]

TUESDAYS JUNE 11RCIA MANDARIN@CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY8-10pm: At 1259 Upper Serangoon Rd. Register T: 9696 9374 (Augustine), 6289 8435 (Yongmei), 6280 0980 (Parish ��_��¡��

THURSDAYS JUNE 13RCIA/RCIY@CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY8-10pm: At 1259 Upper Serangoon Rd. Register T: 97451498 (Grace), 96856673 (Genevieve); E: [email protected]

TUESDAYS JUNE 18RCIA@CHURCH OF STS PETER AND PAUL7.30-9.30pm: At 225A Queen St. With

Info Night on June 18. Register at parish �� ̂��/>�>��>��6863 (Joanna); E: [email protected]

WEDNESDAYS JUNE 19RCIA@CHURCH OF THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY7.45-9.45pm: At 24 Highland Rd. Register T: 9627 3835 (Nancy), 9616 2001 (Agnes); E: [email protected]; W: http://ihm.sg/rcia

FRIDAYS JUNE 28RCIY@CHURCH OF THE RISEN CHRIST8pm: At 91 Toa Payoh Central (St Matthew Room). For those aged 15-25. Register T: 9489 8086 (Jeremy); E: [email protected]

MONDAYS JULY 1/TUESDAYS JULY 2RCIA@CHURCH OF ST ALPHONSUS (NOVENA CHURCH)7.30-9.45pm: At 300 Thomson Rd. Register T: 6255 2133; E: [email protected]; or at church reception

FRIDAYS JULY 5RCIA@ CHURCH OF CHRIST THE KING8-10pm: At 2221 Ang Mo Kio Ave 8. T: ��>��>��==/��E: [email protected] (Lawrence)

46 Sound of bacon frying

50 Number of sacraments, in Mainz

52 Intertwine55 US government

obligation57 The Archdiocese

of Niamey is found in this African country

58 Gennesaret, for one (Lk 5:1)

59 Wife of Tobit (Tb 2:11)

60 Road to the Colosseum

62 Concern63 North Sea feeder�� $��

miracle65 Rentals (abbr.)66 _____-majesté

Solution to Crossword Puzzle No. 1085C A L F R E A C T A B A SA B O U E A M O N S A L EI N T R G R I S T S L O EN E T W I N D B I T E S

R O M A N S F L E S HO C A R A D I A L

S I G N O L I A R S Z E ET O O K P A D U A C A V AA N D D O S E D S C R I P

S P I R E S D E IA L A M O T A X I N G

S U R L Y L U N T A R KA P E S A L I B I C I I IG O N E H O R A E H A L TA N T E A T A L L I D L E

Crossword Puzzle 1086

the cross12 “…is now, and

_____ shall be…”13 Small child21 _____ Coeur25 Idiot26 Pooch from Wales27 Something special28 Embarrass30 Monk’s room31 De Valera of

Ireland33 Repasts34 Regular course35 Edges ahead37 Brings an

accusation against39 Members of this

tribe of Israel carried the Ark (Deut 10:8)

43 Article of clothing or bone of a saint

ACROSS1 A dove brought

this branch back to Noah

6 Sashes10 Worms meeting

that denounced Luther

14 Back streets15 Relocate16 One of the seven

deadly sins17 Sailors’ call18 Communion

banister19 Migrate20 Imagined22 Island converted

in the 5th century23 ____ loss for words24 Jubilee entry26 Windy city

transport initials29 “_____ homo”32 You cannot

serve God and this Mt 6:24

36 “Urbi et _____”38 _____ presence

in the Eucharist40 Sporty 80’s Pontiac41 500 sheets42 Mr Fudd44 Captures45 Breathes

convulsively47 “…the greatest of

these is _____” (I Cor 13:13)

48 Writer Wiesel49 Most likely, Paul’s

��

51 River Moses turned to blood

53 Holy ones (abbr.)54 “______ was in

the beginning, is now…”

56 There was no room here

58 Pertaining to the non-ordained members of the Church

61 Teaching letter from the pope

67 Nat’l song68 Snakes69 _____ Meal�=� !��71 Raison d’_____72 Currency units73 Big rabbit features74 ____-do-well75 Take off the board

DOWN1 Nordic Saint2 Vesuvius output3 “_____ ideal

world…”4 Roman goddess

of the hearth5 Plantation6 Commander of

the army who was made king over Israel (1 Kings 16:16)

7 Husband of Ruth8 Like some halls9 Rarely10 Resolve11 Letters above

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 01 11 21 31

41 51 61

71 81 91

0 12 2 22

32 42 52

62 72 82 92 03 13 23 33 43 53

63 73 83 93 04

14 24 34 44

54 64 74 84

9 04 5 15 25 35

45 55 65 75

85 95 06 16 26 36 46 56 66

76 86 96

07 17 27

37 47 57

moc.scilohtacrofsemagdrow.www

JUNE 27ART THERAPY OPEN STUDIO FOR ADULTS3-5pm: A conducive and creative space for you to be in touch with your inner being and to express yourself through art. No prior art experience necessary. Conduct by art therapist Alvin George Khoo. Cost: $10. By Clarity Singapore. At Block 854 #01-3511, Yishun Ring Road. Register: 67577 990, 9710 3733; E: [email protected]

JUNE 27CATHOLIC BUSINESS NETWORK SOCIAL NIGHT6.30-9.30pm: An enjoyable night of net-working with food and soft drinks provided. Limited to 50 seats only. Cost: $35 (members), $45 (non members).At Charlie’s Tapas Bar n Grill (32 Boat Quay). T: M: 9228 4463 (Raymond); E: [email protected]

THURSDAYS JUNE 27 TO AUGUST 1CAFE MODULE: YEAR OF FAITH 8-9.30pm: Six engaging talks will Help ��!��<��]��show us how St Catherine of Siena lived her faith andiIn practical ways, empower us to evangelise. At Church of Our Lady Star of the Sea (10 Yishun St 22. Register SMS: 8467 6161, 8467 6363; E: [email protected]

FRIDAY JUNE 28 TO SATURDAY JUNE 29BIBLE MIRROR METHOD – GOSPEL SHARING WORKSHOPFri (7.30pm)-Sat (3pm): Another Gospel-sharing method that helps communities identify daily situations and problems��{�$�Z��At CAEC (2 Highland Rd). Register: T: 6858 3011; E: [email protected]

MONDAYS JULY 1 TO SEPTEMBER 2LIFE IN THE SPIRIT SEMINAR AT CHURCH OF THE RISEN CHRIST7.30pm: Comprising talks, sacraments, sharing, prayer, scriptures and ministering to deepen personal relationship with Christ. {�<��~��Prayer Community. T: 9795 6383 (Helena), 9005 4511 (Marie); E: [email protected], E: [email protected]; Register W: www.risenchristcpg.org

JULY 2BECOMING A GIFTED PERSON8-10pm: This talk by Fr Matthew Linn, $��&��where they may have found only hurt or sinful compulsions. Cost: $20. By Kingsmead CISC. At 8 Victoria Park Rd. Register by June 22. T: 6467 6072; E: [email protected]

WEDNESDAYS JULY 3 TO SEPTEMBER 4THE EARLY CHURCH9.30-11.30am: A DVD-based programme by Steve Weidenkopf. The study ��>==��history – courageous saints, philosophers and theologians, ruthless emperors and heroic martyrs to grow closer to Christ through a deeper understanding of His Church. By Church of the Holy Spirit Bible Apostolate. At 248 Upper Thomson Rd. Register: Clare:82288220 (Clare), E: [email protected]

THURSDAYS JULY 4 TO NOVEMBER 21GOD’S COVENANTAL LOVE FOR

US THROUGH THE AGES7.45-9.45pm: 18 sessions of looking at the mystery of salvation. By SPI. At CAEC (2 Highland Rd). Register T: 6858 3011; E: [email protected]

FRIDAY JULY 5 TO SUNDAY JULY 7MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEKEND Fri (8pm)-Sun (6pm): A live-in marriage enrichment programme for married couples. Equip yourselves on this journey of love. By ME Singapore. At 201-B Punggol 17th Avenue. Register: T: 9670 5390; E: [email protected]

FRIDAY JULY 5 TO SUNDAY JULY 7FMDM DISCERNMENT VOCATION WEEKENDFri (6.30pm)-Sun (4pm): Weekend for single woman 19-38 years old. By FMDM Vocation Team. At St Franci Convent (810 Thomson Rd). E: [email protected], [email protected] (Sr Angelin)

FRIDAY JULY 5 TO SUNDAY JULY 7BECOMING FREE TO CHOOSEFri (7pm)-Sun (5pm): A semi-directed retreat with Fr Matthew Linn, SJ, to help us explore the steps for discerning God’s will and invitations. By Kingsmead CISC. Cost: $270 (non air-con room)/$320 (air-con room). At 8 Victoria Park Rd. Register by June 22: T: 6467 6072; E: [email protected]

JULY 6MARYMOUNT CONVENT CLASS OF 1988 – 25TH YEAR REUNION DINNER6.30-10.30pm: At Singapore Flyer. T: 9843 8648; E: [email protected]

JULY 9JS BACH: MASS IN B MINOR7.30-9.30pm: Bach’s monumental B-Minor Mass is also one of the most spiritually uplifting works ever. Written originally for the consecration of a church in Dresden, the work is performed today in both churches and concert halls. The concert is performed by Yale University Choir and Julliard School Orchestra. At Esplanade Concert Hall. T: 6348 5555; E: [email protected]; W: www.sistic.com.sg

JULY 20PARADOX OF CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP9am-5.30pm: A workshop for Church leaders, priests and Religious facilitated by Christina Kheng, a lay consultant for Church groups. Find out how to be effective in Christ’s mission ��interests. Cost: $100 (discount offered if register through parishes). By Kingsmead CISC. At 8 Victoria Park Rd. Register by July 6. T: 6467 6072; E: [email protected]

24 Sunday June 16, 2013 � CatholicNewsADVERTISEMENT

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

JUNE 16, 2013, Vol 63, No 12

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