When I came to you, brothers and sisters, I did not come proclaiming the mystery of God to you in lofty words or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing FEBRUARY 9, 2020 among you except Jesus Christ, and him TERHAD crucified. And I came to you in weakness PP 8460/11/2012(030939) ISSN: 1394-3294 and in fear and in much trembling. Vol. 27 No. 05 THE CATHOLIC WEEKLY 1 Cor. 2:1-3

INSIDE Education in Para Uskup mission schools Malaysia  ‘Unusual kindness’ P14 brings hope to the lancar Caritas breaks down walls and poor and weak Malaysia prejudicese P18-20  Young Adult, get P16 BM8 P5 involved in your parish P21-22 For Religious, God’s love is worth more than any earthly goods ATICAN: When one is to- empty hands,” the things one did not achieve, tally in love with the Lord, the lack of recognition and the struggles one has had. then poverty, chastity and A temptation that every Christian, including V religious, experiences is that of seeing life in a obedience are not sacrifices, but ve- hicles of freedom, Pope Francis told “worldly way” rather than focusing on God’s grace at work. When that happens, the Pope consecrated men and women. said, people go off “in search of something to Celebrating the World Day for Consecrated substitute for it: a bit of fame, a consoling af- Life, Pope Francis urged women and men fection, finally getting to do what I want.” religious to be people of hope, and he asked Focus on God’s enduring love is the only all Catholics to pray for the hundreds of thou- antidote, the Pope said. “If consecrated life sands of women and men who continue to remains steadfast in love for the Lord, it per- consecrate their lives totally to serving God ceives beauty. It sees that poverty is not some and their brothers and sisters. colossal effort but, rather, a higher freedom Led by candle-bearing men and women that God gives to us and others as real wealth. from a variety of religious orders, Pope Fran- It sees that chastity is not austere sterility, but cis processed into a darkened St Peter’s Basil- the way to love without possessing. It sees that ica Feb 1 for a vigil celebration of Candlemas obedience is not a discipline, but is victory — the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord — over our own chaos, in the way of Jesus.” and the Vatican celebration of the World Day Simeon was able to recognise the Messiah for Consecrated Life. Pope Francis uses holy water as he celebrates a Mass marking the World Day for Consecrated Life because he had been looking for him, the Pope And, on the feast day itself, Feb 2, he spoke in St Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican Feb 1, 2020. (CNS photo/Stefano Dal Pozzolo, pool) said. He never lost hope. about how every member of the Church has a the Messiah. for yourselves.” “Looking around, it is easy to lose hope: role to play in sharing the good news of salva- Simeon says that he can die in peace be- “You fell in love with Jesus, you saw eve- things that don’t work, the decline in voca- tion in Christ. cause he had seen “the grace that was worth rything in him and, enraptured by his gaze, tions,” the Pope said, but a life devoid of hope In his homily at the Mass with religious the more than life,” the Pope said. you left the rest behind. Religious life is this is a worldly one, not one focused on Jesus and evening before, Pope Francis focused on the Religious men and women and consecrated vision,” he said. trust in God’s love and fidelity. figures of Simeon and Anna, who were present virgins also “caught sight of the treasure worth A key to perseverance and joy in religious “We become blind if we do not look to the in the Temple when Mary and Joseph brought more than any worldly good,” Pope Francis life is to be always aware of the presence of Lord every day, if we do not adore him,” the the baby Jesus. Simeon and Anna, who dedi- said. “And so, you left behind precious things God’s grace, the Pope told the religious. “The Pope told the religious. “Adore the Lord.” — cated their lives to prayer, recognised Jesus as such as possessions, such as making a family tempter, the devil, focuses on our ‘poverty,’ our By Cindy Wooden, CNS Vatican donates masks to China to combat coronavirus VATICAN CITY: The Vatican has donated Chinese Fr Vincenzo Han Duo, vice rector of 26, Pope Francis expressed condolences to the thousands of protective masks to several Chi- Rome’s Pontifical Urbanian College, said the victims of the virus and his support for efforts to nese provinces affected by the outbreak of the donation was made possible with the help of fight its spread. deadly coronavirus. Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, the papal almoner. “I wish to be close to and pray for the peo- The Vatican press office confirmed a report The masks were paid for by the Vatican and ple who are sick because of the virus that has that appeared in the Chinese newspaper The Chinese Christian communities in Italy, while spread through China,” he said. “May the Lord Global Times, which said that since Jan 27, the airline companies, including China Southern welcome the dead into his peace, comfort Vatican has sent between 600,000 and 700,000 Airlines, provided free shipment, the report said. families and sustain the great commitment by protective masks to China. “I hope the supplies can reach where they are the Chinese community that has already been “The masks are destined for the provinces of needed as soon as possible, so that people who put in place to combat the epidemic.” — By Hubei, Zhejiang and Fujian, It is a joint initiative are suffering the disease can feel the concern Junno Arocho Esteves, CNS of the Office of Papal Charities and the Chinese Catholics celebrate Mass at Hong Kong’s from the Holy See. The whole world is standing  Turn to Pages 3 & 4 for the Pastoral Church in Italy, in collaboration with the Vatican Catholic Cathedral with protective masks together to fight the virus,” said Fr Han. Responses from the various Arch/Dioceses on pharmacy.” Feb 2, 2020. (CNS Photo/Francis Wong) During his Sunday Angelus address on Jan Novel Coronavirus 2019 2 Forum / Reflection HERALD February 9, 2020 Move towards a more progressive taxation system t Francis of Assisi was well known for as the private hospitals and international or his “preferential option for the poor”, Sunday Observer private schools of today. Seight centuries before our time. Today, with lower taxes for the rich and When Francis heard a voice telling him By low wages for the majority, the economy repair to the church as it was “falling into is lethargic. ruins”, he took it literally, thinking that the Anil Netto Wealth is even taken out of the coun- Lord meant him to physically repair ruined try through illicit financial outflows. The [email protected] churches. wealthy are also able to hire tax consult- Now, Francis’ father was one of the ants to avoid taxes using legal means. wealthiest cloth merchants in the region, the most vulnerable in society. ing that period, it is still much higher than They can also squirrel away their wealth and so Francis took some of his cloth and Unfortunately, a recent report by the the effective rate of 36.4 per cent they were – or money launder their ill-gotten gains – sold it to raise money for a church that was UK charity, Oxfam, makes for grim read- paying in 2014 (Jordan Weissmann, 2017, via tax havens, undetected by enforcement in disrepair. The priest rightfully refused to ing: “The world’s 2,153 billionaires have slate.com). agencies. accept the money. more wealth than the 4.6 billion people And there are many more wealthier peo- Instead of paying more taxes, companies By now Francis was dressed in rags, who make up 60 per cent of the planet’s ple today who are paying lower effective prefer “corporate social responsibility” having grown disillusioned with wealth population.” tax rates. schemes while billionaires revel in philan- and the “good life”. When his father found And the inequality is getting worse. Let’s look closer at Malaysia. Forty thropy. The problem with these is that they him, he received a thrashing for bringing This worsening disparity in wealth is years ago, in the Supply Bill 1980, it was often don’t reach as many people as money “shame” to the family, and Francis was also helped by governments under-taxing stated that the new top marginal income tax paid through taxes will (provided corrup- then dragged before the bishop. Before a super wealthy companies and individuals, rate would be 55 per cent for those earn- tion can be reduced). shocked crowd, Francis returned whatever including the billionaires. ing more than M$75,000. Compare that to As Dutch journalist and historian Rutger he had taken from his father including his As a result of insufficient tax income, what we have now. The top marginal tax Bregman said: “Just stop talking about phi- own clothes, and then renounced his fam- many governments don’t have enough rate is just 30 per cent and that too, only for lanthropy and start talking about taxes. … ily inheritance. money to finance essential services such as those earning more than RM2m per year. We can invite Bono once more, but we’ve Like Jesus, Francis simply could not public healthcare and education. On top of that, estate duty used to be 5 got to be talking about taxes. That’s it. bear to see the poor and the sick suffer- Some people argue that if you tax the per cent for those above RM2m and 10 Taxes, taxes, taxes. All the rest is bull**** ing around him. He probably felt that his rich more, especially the billionaires, the per cent on inheritances above RM4m. But in my opinion.” father had more than enough wealth, and economy will suffer. that was abolished in 1991. So we really need to review our taxation selling some of it for a good cause would But that is not quite true. In the 1950s, As in the US in the 1950s, the Malaysian system to reduce disparities and raise tax not hurt. the US thrived even when the top tax rate economy actually boomed in the 1970s revenue. Our universities, public hospitals These days, we don’t have to resort to was 90 per cent for those earning more than despite the heavier taxes on the wealthy. and rural schools need more funds, while such drastic measures for the public good US$200,000. Even if we use the effective Hospitals and schools catered for the ma- the lower-income group and vulnerable – a progressive taxation system will take tax rate (which was 42 per cent) that the jority of the public, at minimal charge, communities could do with more welfare care of the welfare of the least, the lost and top 1 per cent of the population paid dur- even though they were not as sophisticated assistance. Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time: The Wisdom of God want to begin today with some thoughts he reminds the Christians at Corinth, “As a regarding the ancient civilisation of result, your faith rests not on the wisdom of Reflecting on our Sunday Readings Greece. When we think about the an- men, but on the power of God.” I nie, were about one month away from their cient Greeks, certain images come to our Philosophy is good, important and neces- 5th Sunday of Ordinary Time mind. We think about the beautiful tem- sary, but the wisdom of philosophy is in- birth. Life was very pleasant for the twins. Readings: Isaiah 58:7-10; ples. We think about the wonderful and still finitely inferior to the power of God. This There was a constant source of food for meaningful Greek dramas. And, we think is Paul’s message to the new Christians at each of them, even if sometimes it was a lit- 1 Corinthians 2:1-5; about Greek philosophy. Corinth. It is his message to us as we are tle spicier than they wanted. Their home was Gospel: Matthews 5:13-16 The Greeks were very serious about phi- continually tempted to underestimate the warm and comfortable. It seemed to move losophy, far more than we are today, unfor- value of our faith. around a lot, but they were in lovely, velvety nally, she called out, “Mommy, I hope you tunately. When St Paul visited Greece, he Sometimes we come upon our modern in- soft water, so they didn’t mind it. They slept exist because I am afraid and need someone found that many of the Greeks were firmly telligentsia who will lay claim to the term of and played. One of their favourite games to calm my fear.” And the twins were born. entrenched in the camps of several phi- being wise because they have studied Kant, was kickboxing. One day, they got into an After the initial shock of it all, they both losophers. For example, there were those or Kierkegaard, or are well acquainted with argument. Amy said she was sure looking felt the warmth and the love they had felt in who followed Heraclitus and believed that the writings and beliefs of the East, the forward to the day when she could see the their former home. And Annie realised that the world was always in a constant state Buddhists or Hindus, or the Moslems, etc. Mommy face to face. Annie said, “How do Amy was right. There is a Mommy, and the of change. There were those who followed An arrogant intellectual might ask: “You you know there is a Mommy?” Amy said, warmth and love she felt before and feels Parmenides who claimed that the world mean you haven’t read Stephen Hawking’s well of course there is a Mommy, look at now was the very presence of the Mommy. was unchangeable. There were the fol- A Brief History of Time?” The assumption how wonderful our life is. We couldn’t have Paul is telling the people of Corinth and us lowers of Plato who spoke about the inner would be that if we had read and understood this if there was no Mommy.” Annie said, that the reality which we do not see is more recollection we all have of an ideal world. that book we would be a lot wiser. This is “Well, if there is a Mommy: show her to me. powerful, more certain, a deeper truth than The world according to Plato was a com- not true. Having a grasp of all the knowl- If I can’t see the Mommy, I don’t believe the reality that we do see. The wisdom that bination of what our minds could make of edge there is in the world and all the great there is a Mommy.” Amy could not show our minds cannot come to is infinitely supe- it and reality. There were the followers of theories of the greatest of the philosophers Annie the Mommy, but she could feel her rior to the wisdom that is based solely on our Aristotle who said that the world is as it ap- may help develop our intellectual capacity presence and her love. The discussion and intellectual capacity. pears. Reality exists, and we are capable of and give us a clearer understanding of the argument went on for about a month. Amy When sickness, trauma or tragedy hits understanding it. world, but if this were the basis of our wis- used to say to Annie, “You have to believe, us; when our loved ones become ill, injured Paul came to these people without hav- dom, then we would not be wise. Instead, you have to trust. There is more to life than or die; it is Jesus Christ and Christ alone ing any particular knowledge of the major we would be fools. To the Christian, wis- meets the eye.” And Annie would respond, who brings order to the chaos of our lives. Greek philosophers. You can understand dom is not based on any person other than “Stop being so simple, so naive. Use your We are people who have been enlightened why he came to these intelligentsia in fear the person of Jesus Christ. Our wisdom is mind and put your trust only in that which by Christ. Jesus Christ is God’s answer to and trembling. “What line of thinking are not lost in some document past or present, your mind can discover.” Then one day their every question that has ever been or ever you employing?” the Greek citizen would our wisdom is alive, because the Power of world became quite unsettled. The walls can be posed. We are called today to reveal ask Paul. “In what philosophy is your wis- God lives. started squeezing them into a small space. the true wisdom of the Lord to the world. dom based?” To these Paul states in the sec- Our wisdom is based not on theory but Amy cried out, “Mommy I know you are The wisdom not based on great intellects, ond reading for today, “My message and my on faith. out there. I need you now.” Annie just cried but on the power of God. The world needs preaching has none of the persuasive force I want to tell you a little story that illustrates and cried. She was at a total loss trying to this still new wisdom. Enlightened by of ‘wise’ argumentation. Instead it has the this. This is a story about identical twin girls, understand what was happening. Her mind Christ, we are the light of the world. — By convincing power of the Holy Spirit.” Then Amy and Annie. The twins, Amy and An- could not explain it. She was full of fear. Fi- Msgr Joseph A Pellegrino HERALD February 9, 2020 Home / Pastoral 3 Malaysian Bishops’ Diaries Visitation parishioners bid February 2020 farewell to Fr George Harrison ARCHBISHOP JULIAN LEOW SEREMBAN: The Church of the Visita- KUALA LUMPUR ARCHDIOCESE tion bid farewell to their Parish Priest, Fr George Harrison on December 31. He had 11 AOHD Board Meeting served in the parish for the last four and a half years. Fr George has been appointed to serve the Dicastery for Promoting Hu- man Development under the Roman Cu- ria in the Vatican. Assistant Parish Priest, BISHOP BERNARD PAUL Fr Xavier Andrew, was appointed as the MALACCA JOHORE DIOCESE Parish Priest of the Church of the Visita- tion and Friar Kenneth Gopal OCD as As- 11 Mission Pastoral Institute sistant Parish Priest effective January 1. Meeting – MAJODI On New Year’s Eve 2019, Fr George From L to R: Bro Joseph Savage, Friar Kenneth Gopal OCD, Fr George Harrison, Fr presided at the 8.00 pm multi-lingual Xavier Andrew and Fr Christopher Loh. 11 MJ Diocesan Animating Team Mass. The Mass was concelebrated with than (Tamil), John Maynard (English) sent, thanked Fr George for saying yes Meeting – MAJODI Fr Xavier, Friar Fr Kenneth and Fr Chris- and Albert Izuli (KUBM) came forward and accepting the invitation to work in the topher Loh. to say a few words. July, an Orang Asal Vatican and wished him all the very best. 12 South Johor Vicariate Pastoral In his homily, Fr George asked the con- from Kampung Sebir, presented a me- Fr Christopher and Fr Kenneth then Council – Sacred Heart Cathedral, gregation to recall the numerous bless- mento to Fr George. presented gifts to Fr George. In a sym- Johor Bahru ings that they had received from God Fr Kenneth also said a few words on bolic gesture of handing over his duties 15-16 Weekend With Rabboni 1 – throughout the year 2019. The Church, he behalf of the Carmelite community in as Parish Priest, Fr George presented the said was given this day, the Solemnity of Oasis, Kluang Seremban. Key to the Minangkabau style Tabernacle Mary, Mother of God, who gave us Jesus. Fr Xavier described Fr George as some- to Fr Xavier. The key, Fr George said, rep- Fr George said Jesus continues to bless us one who is socially active, physically dy- resents Jesus Christ who is the Centre of as we usher in the New Year. Referring namic, spiritually discerning, pastorally everything. BISHOP SEBASTIAN FRANCIS to the simple shepherds who saw baby giving and charismatic. The Mass was followed by a simple Jesus in the manger on Christmas day, In his speech, Fr George recalled vis- farewell fellowship, which was held in the PENANG DIOCESE Fr George said that our lives too must be iting the chapels in the estates and the Visitation Community Hall. There were simple, always ready to listen, reflect and Chapel of St Augustine in Titi, Jelebu, some performances by groups and indi- 11 Penang Diocesan Finance pray. As the Church also celebrates World celebrating Masses and visiting homes viduals. A song composed by the Orang Committee (PDFC) – Pusat Day of Peace, it is hoped that peace will of parishioners who became very close to Asal entitled Sampai Jumpa Di Lain Hari be in our hearts, in our homes and in the his heart. He remembered vividly the first was sung in honour of Fr George. 16 Mass - Franciscan Sisters of the world. He concluded his homily by urg- home visit he made to a gentleman in Titi. Fr George left for Rome on Janu- Immaculate Conception, Sabah ing all to be a blessing to one another. Fr George asked the congregation to keep ary 4 from Kuala Lumpur International – Penang At the end of the Mass, representatives him in prayer and to give their fullest sup- Airport (KLIA). He was seen off by from the Languages Apostolates namely port to Fr Xavier and Friar Fr Kenneth. a small group of parishioners. — By Ignatius Wong (Mandarin), Eruthayana- Archbishop Julian Leow, who was pre- Paul Peter Fernandez

This column will Peninsular Malaysia Bishops’s Pastoral Coronavirus declared feature the latest global health topics Letter on the Novel Coronavirus which are trending. emergency by WHO GENEVA: The new coronavirus has been de- clared a global emergency by the World Health T Organisation, as the outbreak continues to spread outside China. “The main reason for this declaration is not what is happening in China but what is happen- To Clergy, Religious and Lay Faithful 29th January 2020 ing in other countries,” said WHO chief Tedros R Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Jan 31. PASTORAL RECOMMENDATIONS - NOVEL CORONAVIRUS AND INFLUENZA A The concern is that it could spread to coun- Concerns have been raised about a recent outbreak of Influenza A in Malaysia and the more recent novel coro- tries with weaker health systems. navirus epidemic, which is believed to have originated in Wuhan, China. At least 213 people have died in China, with E In the light of the current crisis, the three arch/bishops of the ecclesiastical province of Peninsular Malaysia, almost 10,000 cases of the virus. Archbishop Julian Leow of Kuala Lumpur, Bishop Sebastian Francis of Penang and Bishop Bernard Paul of The WHO said there had been 98 cases in 18 Melaka-Johor, would like to make the following pastoral recommendations to avoid the spread of infection: other countries, but no deaths. Most international cases are in people who A) Persons displaying flu-like symptoms, e.g. fever, runny nose, sore throat, cough, cold, etc are advised to had been to the Chinese city of Wuhan, where N stay home and avoid public places including churches. For those not able to attend mass for these reasons, they the outbreak began. are encouraged to make an act of spiritual communion (offer a prayer at home accompanied with a desire to However, there have been eight cases of hu- be in union with the Eucharistic Lord). man-to-human infection — in Germany, Japan, B) Prayers should be offered privately and in parishes for all the victims affected by the above epidemic and Vietnam and the United States. D for the medical staff tasked with their care and treatment. The following intention may be included in the Speaking at a news conference in Geneva, Dr General Intercessions, Tedros described the virus as an “unprecedent- “For the victims of the coronavirus, people affected by the quarantine and shutdown of public facilities, the ed outbreak” that has been met with an “unprec- medical staff tasked with the treatment and care of those who have contracted the virus, that God may protect edented response”. I them from further harm and grant those who are sick swift recovery. We pray to the Lord …” He praised the “extraordinary measures” Chi- The local Church will continue to closely monitor the development of the above situation in Malaysia and nese authorities had taken, and said there was will issue further updates and guidelines, if and when it is deemed necessary. no reason to limit trade or travel to China. The arch/bishops would like to call upon all the faithful to remain calm, to trust official announcements, and “Let me be clear, this declaration is not a vote follow the general precautions issued by the Ministry of Health. of no confidence in China,” he said. N But various countries have taken steps to close borders or cancel flights, and companies like Google, Ikea, Starbucks and Tesla have Rt Rev Sebastian Francis D.D Most Rev Julian Leow, D.D Rt Rev Bernard Paul, D.D closed their shops or stopped operations. G Bishop of Penang Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur Bishop of Malacca-Johore Source: BBC 4 Home HERALD February 9, 2020 Pastoral Responses from the Various Arch/Dioceses on Novel Coronavirus 2019 Singapore Archdiocese Keningau Kuching January 24, 2020 Diocese Archdiocese Dear Rev Fathers January 28, 2020 January 28, 2020 Wishing you a Blessed Lunar New Year The Chancellor Office of Keningau Diocese PASTORAL & HEALTH RECOMMENDATIONS IN As a further health precaution against the Wuhan flu virus, here has published a Precautionary measure/ CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK advisory due to the coronavirus epidemic as are some guidelines for immediate action in all parishes: To the Catholic faithful (1) There will be no Holy Water in the fonts at church entrances. follows: (2) At Masses and services, during the “sign of peace”, bow 1. Avoid large and frequent social group On every weekend, our Churches are usually packed with instead of shaking hands. gatherings. worshippers. With the outbreak of novel coronavirus, I exhort (3) Do not leave used tissues in the pews. Please instruct the 2. Avoid sharing a straw-sipping rice wine jar all Catholics to pray earnestly and take necessary precautionary faithful to dispose of these items properly. and using a same spoon. measures to help contain this outbreak. Following my initial 3. Avoid frequenting shopping malls and open guidelines issued on 25th January 2020, please find new The Archbishop, in consultation with his Consultors has decided recommendations appended below: to suspend all Catechism Classes for children until 1st March, markets if there is no urgent need to buy. 2020 in view of the Wuhan Coronavirus as precautionary 4. Temporarily, avoid visits to hospitals unless 1. Persons displaying flu-like symptoms, e.g. fever, runny nose, measures to protect our children. (Published February 1, 2020) you are sick and need treatment or you are sore throat, cough, cold, etc are advised to stay home and avoid visiting a sick family member. Use a mask public places including churches. Such persons are exempted Let us be united in prayer for God’s protection on our people and wherever possible. from Sunday Obligations. also prayers for the medical personnel attending to victims of the 5. Don’t consume raw or half-cooked food, 2. Catholics who are not able to attend Mass for the above reason virus. especially exotic meat such as snake, frog, Thank you and with God’s blessings are encouraged to stay home and read the Sunday Liturgy of the big bat and wild boar. Word, make an act of Spiritual Communion by offering a prayer, Fr Stephen Yim 6. Frequently wash your hands with soap accompanied with the desire to be in union with the Eucharistic Chairman Senate of Priests and don’t touch face, eyes and nose with Lord. unclean hands. 3. Prayers are to be offered privately at home and in all parishes: 7. Always wear a mask whenever possible, be a) Pray for medical professionals — doctors, nurses and health it in the bus, shopping mall, etc. personnel who are providing health care to patients. Miri Diocese 8. Don’t drink unboiled water. b) Pray that world health experts will speedily develop vaccine 9. When sneezing, cover your mouth with a January 28, 2020 and ways to control the outbreak. tissue or handkerchief. c) Pray for the victims, especially those who have died and for Diocese of Miri advisory on preventive measures to be taken 10.During Service and Mass: their grieving family members. at all churches in response to the Wuhan virus outbreak with Temporarily there will be no holy water immediate effect. Bow during the “sign of peace” instead of 4. In solidarity with the Catholic Dioceses in Malaysia, 1. Any person who is unwell or exhibits symptoms of flu is shaking hands. the following intentions are to be included in the General exempted from attending Masses. Don’t throw or leave used tissue paper in the Intercessions: 2. Holy Communion is to be received only on the hand during pew. “For the victims of the coronavirus, people affected by the this period. Prevention is better than cure. Let us be more quarantine and shutdown of public facilities, the medical staff 3. There will be no holy water in the fonts at church entrances. responsible. tasked with the treatment and care of those who have contracted 4. At Masses, during the sign of peace, bow instead of shaking the virus, that God may protect them from further harm and grant Fr Rudolp Joannes hands. those who are sick, swift recovery. We pray to the Lord ...” Chancery office Diosis Keningau Bishop Richard Ng 5. Practical recommendation and precautions in Churches during Masses:  Holy Water will not be used in fonts at church entrances. Kota Kinabalu Archdiocese  At Mass, during sign of peace, bow instead of shake hands.  Use a tissue to cover nose and mouth when coughing and January 29, 2020 sneezing. Advisory on “Corona Virus” Epidemic  Do not leave used tissues on the pews. Dispose of properly. In support of precautionary measures taken by the Ministry of Health of Malaysia regarding the corona virus epidemic,  Practise good hygiene — proper washing of hands with the Archdiocese is supplementing the following with immediate effect: soap.  Do not touch eyes, nose or mouth with hands before washing. 1. There will be no holy water in the fonts at church/chapel entrances for the time being.  Avoid close contact with anyone with cold or flu-like 2. At Masses and services, the “exchange of peace” is done by bowing to each other instead of shaking hands. symptoms. 3. Holy Communion is to be received only on the hand during this period of health concern. While taking the above precautions, I call upon all Catholic 4. Mass celebrants and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are to ensure their hands are thoroughly cleansed. faithful to remain calm, to trust official announcements, be 5. Please cover your mouth with a handkerchief or tissue-paper when coughing or sneezing during Mass or service. responsible and verify news on social media, to cooperate and 6. Used tissue-papers are to be disposed properly in trash bins instead of leaving them in the pews. follow the precautions issued by the Ministry of Health. Let us continue to pray for divine intervention as China and the World Health Organisation (WHO) deal with the corona With prayers and New Year blessings,. virus epidemic. Archbishop Simon Poh Archbishop John Wong Lawyers urge PM to act on conversion of students KOTA KINABALU: Non-Muslim lawyers SMK Lutong in Miri, Sarawak, converted a The cases appear to reinforce fears among feel it is time for the Education Ministry, now 13-year-old student to Islam. parents of the rural Christian communities in that it is under Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir “The Education Ministry acted to end the epi- both Sabah and Sarawak over what might hap- Mohamad, to issue a directive once and for all sode as any attempt to convert any child below pen if they send their children to schools with forbidding the conversion of students to what- 18 years to whatever religion without the par- hostel facilities. Away from home, the parents ever religion in schools. ents’ consent is illegal. need to be reassured that their children are going A Sabahan lawyer who has been engaged to “The girl involved came from a Christian for an education and not a new religion. handle the latest alleged conversion of a Chris- family which had angered the predominantly While it may be natural for teachers, especial- tian student to Islam said she was also contacted Christian community in Sarawak.” ly those who are religious, to share their beliefs by Catholic lawyers in Peninsular Malaysia and A similar controversy arose in SMK Kinarut with their students, the parents viewed this as a Sarawak, who were concerned about the recur- in Sabah when a 16-year-old schoolgirl report- form of indoctrination. rences of such incidents. Lawyer Priscilla Ruth Marcus (left) with the edly was converted to Islam. They said the teachers’ responsibility is to “This is not the first reported case,” said Pris- parents of the boy (not in the picture). The then Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk teach, and in the case of the hostel students, to cilla Ruth Marcus, who has been engaged by school. Jalaluddin Abdul Rahman said their inquiry also care for their well-being as these young stu- the parents of the boy in Kota Marudu in the “My clients’ instruction is to challenge the va- showed the girl was still a Christian and had not dents were away from home. latest incident, to refer the matter to the courts. lidity of the conversion of their son. He is still a converted although she practised the Islamic The children are still considered minors and Parents Vilbon bin Madilan and Wastinah minor,” Priscilla said. ways. the law is very clear that their religion is deter- Mangis have decided to sue the relevant author- “The parents were unaware of the conver- Her father, Jilius Yapoo, correctly insisted that mined by their parents until they turn 18. It is ities over the conversion of their son, the eldest sion. They were shattered when they found out. his daughter remained a Christian and can only also a violation of the Child Protection Act. — in a family of five, by an Ustaz posted to the In the past, two teachers from the peninsula in decide on her own religion after she turns 18. By David Thien, Daily Express HERALD February 9, 2020 Home 5 Education in mission schools brings hope to the poor and weak JOHOR BAHRU: The Mission fore, discriminatory and divisive Therefore, she said, discipline is Authorities are the founders of the practices are avoided. inculcated with appropriate pun- school, as well as the registered “Mutual respect for one anoth- ishment, creating an awareness of owners of the land and buildings. er’s differences and culture is in- right and wrong. Malaysian Canossian Schools culcated,” she said. She stressed that this takes place Coordinator, Sr Mary Tay, said this Sr Tay made it clear that educa- within a context of constant en- in her opening remarks at the half- tion in mission schools brings hope couragement, affirmation and day Seminar on Mission Schools to the poor and weak, adding there love. at the Canossian Oasis in Kluang, is, “Care, concern and compassion On Passion and Perseverance, December 14. for the least, the last and the lost.” Sr Tay emphasised that teachers in Present were 85 members of Therefore, she says, it gives spe- mission schools, led by the head the Board of Governors, Board cial attention and care to those suf- teachers are driven by the spirit of of Managers, principals, religious fering from any aspect of poverty: dedication and sacrifice. and priests. Also present was Bish- financial, moral, cultural, spiritual, She added that teachers must op Bernard Paul. cognitive, physical or emotional. work with full commitment to Speaking on Ethos, Character She clearly emphasised that each guide the boys and girls under their & Traditions of Missions School, student is a unique individual made Members of the Board of Governors, managers, principals, religious and care with charity and patience. priests at the Seminar on Mission Schools. Sr Tay said education is for every- in the image of God and endowed On Human Dignity, she said one irrespective of race, religion or with distinctive character, apti- Sr Tay made it clear that each cipline with love” and the benefit there must be care for the margin- social-economic status. tudes and abilities and is worthy of student should be nurtured and de- of discipline lies in the formation alised students such as feeding the She explained that the composi- love, respect and acceptance. veloped as a whole person – spir- of the heart. poor and home visits. tion of students and teaching-staff She said it is important for us to itually, intellectually, emotionally, Speaking on Discipline with She also called on the Board of reflects the multi-ethnic character study the student’s character and physically and socially, to his or Love, Sr Tay said, “Being proactive Governors/managers to be active of the country. temperament, adding that, “What her fullest potential. is taking preventive measures, treat- in the school, adding that, “there She said the ideal of unity is put is good for one is not necessarily She pointed out that mission ing root causes and not reacting su- must be active participation of into practice among all and, there- good for another.” schools possess a culture of “dis- perficially to problems and issues.” alumni.” Board of Directors is responsible for the proper management of schools JOHOR BAHRU: In his talk on He explained that it must also nard Paul said this is the time for re- Roles and Responsibilities of the strive to preserve the Christian mo- orientating, a time for rebuilding and Mission School, Board of Gover- tifs, icons and nomenclature to retain a time to rediscover what is going on. nors/ Manager, Lee Kok Hwee, said all references to the School’s heritage He said, “By sharing and question- the Mission Authority is the owner of and historical values. ing, we have clarified many things. the school. On the appointment of principals There are many things we know; Lee, who is the vice-chairman and senior assistants, he said, in keep- there are many things that we do not of the Malaysian Christian School ing with the principle of maximum know. Council (MCSC), said the Board of consultation, the Boards shall recom- “Many things are written but not Governors/managers is set up to gov- mend the appointment of person/per- spelt out in detail, so we do not know ern as representatives of the mission sons for such positions to the Mission where we are.” authority. Authority which will then make the The type of education that we had He said, “The school administra- final decision before its submission will no longer suffice in an era char- tion, under the principal/headmis- Malaysian Canossian Schools Coordinator, Sr Mary Tay with Board of to the Minister, adding that, “If the acterised by flux and change. So, the tress, is custodian of ethos and values Governors/Manager, Lee Kok Hwee giving his talk. nominee/nominees list is not deemed way education is imparted in the mil- of the mission authority. He urged the BOG/BOM to work standard of education,” he stressed. suitable, the Mission Authority will lennial age is no longer the transfer “The BOG/BOM is responsible closely with the principal/headmis- He also pointed out that the Board then draw up a new list till it is.” of knowledge among a group of stu- for the proper government/manage- tress on the proper maintenance of can also consider the setting up of a He called on the Boards to bring dents by a teacher. ment of the school,” he said. the school. Trust Fund for caring and providing about continuous progress and de- To those present, he said, “we are On legal title of the land, he said On the role of the Board, he said for the marginalised in the school velopment of the school by working living in a ‘Vuca Word’! What this the ownership and property of the it is responsible for the welfare and population. closely with the Mission Authority, means is that the world is Volatile, school lies solely with the mission general progress of the school in cre- Touching on the Custodian of the PIBGs, the Alumni and the Edu- Uncertain, Complex and Ambigu- authority. ating a conducive learning and work- Character and Ethos, he said we cation Ministry as well as to seek ous.” Not mincing his words, he said the ing environment so as to promote to- need to be the guardian of the school assistance with organisations pertain- He added that for this kind of school and other parties are to respect tal development of pupils in spiritual, for continuity and the preservation of ing to youth, sports, corporations, world, we need a response. The the sanctity of ownership by always intellectual, emotional, social and its tradition such as prayers, teaching Education Foundations, that will type of education we give to people seeking the consent of the mission physical dimensions. of Bible Knowledge, Chapel Ser- help it promote holistic education makes a difference — whether it is authority before any changes are to “It shall strive to support the efforts vices, Christian Fellowship, Girls’ and development of the pupils. education for life or just the tool of a be made. of the teaching staff to improve the Brigade and Boys’ Brigade. In his closing remark, Bishop Ber- system. — By Vincent D’Silva Kristus Aman’s Teddy Bear Project KUALA LUMPUR: Following coloured and mono-coloured, children. At the end of each school an appeal from the Kuala Lumpur some looking more like other ani- year, KRLC holds a combined con- Archdiocese, Kristus Aman Chap- mals than bears. All were happily cert and prize-giving event for all el appealed to its parishioners and received. Over time, the numbers three schools. It was decided that students to donate pre-loved and kept growing such that we soon ran this would be the ideal event for the new teddy bears for distribution to out of space to store them. By No- distribution of the teddy bears, pri- less fortunate children. Teddy bears vember 2019, over 200 teddy bears oritising the younger children first. have a universal appeal and are an were received. On Dec 7, KRLC held their an- enduring symbol of cuddly toys The Kachin Refugee Learning nual year-end event with a food that children cling to for comfort, Centre (KRLC) was selected as sale, concert and prize giving for to help them sleep and whenever the recipient of the teddy bears. the top students from each class. they feel insecure. So, giving up a KRLC has been running two refu- When the event was over and the Some of the catechism students of Kristus Aman. teddy bear, no matter how old and gee schools for over twelve years, children were filing out of the au- as this. After all the younger kids young children through this inno- tattered, is a significant emotional one in Bukit Bintang and the other ditorium, the teachers handed out received their teddy bears, the re- vative project. Though the children parting for many, even for the in Setapak. These schools cater to each of the little kids a teddy maining teddy bears were distrib- have given teddy bears, which may grown-up kids. to children from nursery school bear. There were beaming smiles uted to the others. have had memories for them, the Soon, the teddy bears started to to secondary school level. A third of surprise and glee from each one The catechism students of Kris- teddys now go on to make fresh trickle in … small, big and humon- school was started in Serdang in of them, not suspecting they would tus Aman can be proud of the dif- memories with their new “friends”. gous, skinny and chubby, multi- 2017 for nursery and pre-school receive a charming door gift such ference they have brought to many — By Michael Perreau 6 Home HERALD February 9, 2020 Celebrating Chinese New Year in the church IPOH: Chinese New Year at St Mi- respect — because they were re- “We pray for our deceased an- chael’s Church (SMC) was a lively sponsible for laying the founda- cestors during this time, because event for all. tions for the family. it is important in Chinese culture. The church itself was packed Honouring the ancestors on the The Catholic Church is universal with locals and those from other first day of Chinese New Year is a in nature and so Chinese culture is parishes in Ipoh, as well as people way of fulfilling filial piety. inculturated into the local church. from outstation who had come to It is a tradition of the church to Joss sticks are used in place of celebrate the Lunar New Year in offer special prayers to our depart- burning incense, “ said Fr Liew. their hometown. ed loved ones during Mass. After the rite of commemoration The joyous morning Mass was The rite of commemoration of of ancestors, the people knelt and celebrated by SMC parish priest Fr the ancestors is in accordance with gave thanks to the Trinitarian God, Anthony Liew and concelebrated and not in contradiction to the and bowed towards the altar. with Fr Paul Cheong, OFM, Cap teachings of the Church. They then turned towards their on Jan 25, 2020. Pope Pius XII in 1939 stated that priests, bowing towards them in SMC was bursting with colour, “the liturgical ceremony of bow- thanks for their dedication and with the people dressed in mainly ing in respect to the photographs commitment towards the people. red, and there were red decora- or tablets of our ancestors, is both Then the congregation bowed to- tions, ribbons, lanterns, window reasonable, as well as permissi- wards one another in thanks. decorations, plum blossoms and ble”. Fr Liew then blessed the manda- yellow and red flowers. It was a An elderly couple presents joss sticks to the ancestors after Mass. Hence, in accordance with this, rin oranges before they were dis- congregation of families over sev- on whether we are poor or rich, “The best part of learning to be Christians can honour their ances- tributed to the people. eral generations, who came to give and having wealth is not a guaran- happy with what we have is our tors, as long as they do not have The people received an ang pow thanks to God. tee of happiness. consciousness of God in our lives, the idea of worshipping them as and an oranges from the priests In his homily, Fr Liew said Chi- “Happiness only relies on God. and that is abundance. Let us sur- idols. who stood at the altar. nese New Year is celebrated as a When God is with them, people render all our challenges to God So on the first day of Chinese Outside the church after Mass, time of reunion and thanksgiving. will be comforted and the kingdom today,” he said. New Year, the church can arrange to the familiar rhythmic beating “Even though reunion dinners are of God is with them, so all chal- During the offertory, three gen- a special ceremony to have the rite of drums and the loud clashing of now more costly than ever, eve- lenges can be overcome. erations of a family brought up the of commemoration of ancestors cymbals, the lion Dance began. ryone spends lavishly with the “Reflect on whether we depend gifts, comprising fruit, flowers and after the Mass is over. It is a way of Two “lions,” from the Sam Tet hope of getting lasting happiness on external factors for our happi- bread and wine. inculturating Chinese culture into secondary school, gave a good through the year. ness. If we do, why don’t we rely After Holy Communion, SMC the local church. performance as the Chinese com- “Because of this, reunion din- on God instead?,” he asked. welcomed all newcomers to the As the rite of commemoration munity prepared themselves for a ners have become commercial in He quoted an old Chinese say- parish with a round of applause. started, a passage from the book of series of celebratory events with nature. That shows everyone’s aim ing, which states ‘that knowing Since giving respect to the fam- Sirach was read. their families over the next fifteen is to be happy,” he said. enough brings happiness’. ily’s ancestors is also vital to Chi- The presence of the ancestors days, until Chap Goh Meh. “Now the trade wars between “In fact, it is knowing God that nese New Year, the Rite of Com- was acknowledged with a table set Many parishioners crowded the US and China show the world’s brings happiness. We can create memoration of ancestors began with joss sticks, candles and an an- around the porch area, to see the problem with money. The Beati- an abundance of happiness, where after the final blessing. cestral tablet. two colourful lions dance and “eat tudes speak of blessedness which we are, with what we have (little First an introduction on it was Then three generations of a fam- up” the hanging lettuce leaves and is, in fact, happiness,” he said. though it may be) by bringing our- given, detailing why departed rela- ily presented incense (joss sticks), throw out mandarin oranges to the “Our happiness does not depend selves into alignment with God. tives are remembered with great tea and oranges to the ancestors. crowd. Free meditation sessions available for this year KUALA LUMPUR: Since he start- For year 2020, the sessions avail- per day). experiences. It is a technique to ed teaching the art of disengaging able are: Those interested (with a mini- explore your thoughts and feel- from stress and traumatic experi- (A) Art of De-stressing (Intro- mum of four persons) can contact ings, a technique to explore and to ence through silent meditation ses- ductory Courses) three days via WhatsApp message to 012- experience the intimate connection sions, Fr Charles Chin said several (eight hours per day); 5655893 (Jean) or 012-5102515 (Fr of body, mind and spirit. It is learn- hundreds have benefited from - at (B) Art of De-stressing (Deeper) Chin), so that a date and venue can ing to let go of our bad habit pattern tending the free courses that he fa- three days (10 hours per day); be arranged. or reacting, and learn to cultivate a cilitated. (C) Art of Handling Stress & The sessions are available in new habit pattern of acting, at the Fr Chin who is currently the resi- Anxiety 1 day (eight hours); English, Mandarin and Bahasa right and proper time. This tech- dent priest at the Church of St Mi- (D) Art of Wellness & Health 1 Malaysia and are free of charge. nique is also a rehab programme to chael in Alor Setar, Kedah, said that day (8 hours); and The participants will only need to recharge and to rejuvenate oneself. meditation courses are now availa- (E) Art of De-stressing Through source the venue. This technique is logical, scientific ble throughout the three Arch/Dio- Writing Meditation (Intensive Participants will learn the art of and result oriented. — By Bernard ceses in Peninsular Malaysia. Journal) three days (eight hours letting go of stress and traumatic Anthony Fr Charles Chin z HERALD February 9, 2020 Home 7 Catechetical Sunday 2020 Formations help us know God better IPOH: Formations help us to know children to know God and cling to God better, and develop a relation- him when they need assistance. ship with him through Jesus Christ. “Our children cannot be with us Knowing God helps us do the will forever, they need to go away for of God effectively, and also brings studies, or jobs. So let us do our us into a new dimension of knowing best to make them know God and God and understanding his purpose surrender their difficulties to God. for our lives. Nowadays, there are many cases of St Michael’s Church (SMC) par- children who are not able to cope ish priest, Fr Anthony Liew, said with life, or who feel stressed out this during his homily on Catecheti- when they leave home,” he said. cal Sunday, on Jan 19. Remembrance of God in our lives During two separate Masses, is a stimulus to our faith, and en- some 100 faith formators at SMC Faith formators .. their rite of commissioning. courages our children to trust him in underwent the rite of commission- better ourselves,” he said. Christ with others. to mix and share with each other, in the present and future of their lives, ing. Fr Liew shared his personal tes- “Catechetical Sunday invites us love. This is especially important as he added. They comprised 35 from the Eng- timony of how one formation pro- to share Christ with others, but how our modern-day families are getting After Holy Communion, Fr Liew lish-speaking group and 65 from gramme changed his life – the Dis- do we do this if we ourselves do not smaller in size. invited parishioners to bring along the Chinese-speaking group. They ciple Programme. He did not really know Him? As we need to study to “Many don’t know how to share, their non-Catholic friends for the are currently serving as catechists know Jesus when young, and never progress in education, we also need and that is why we invite non-Cath- Chinese New Year Eve Mass and in Sunday School, Children’s lit- attended formations. He joined the to deepen our faith knowledge to go olics to come for catechism, as there Chinese New Year day Mass, which urgy of the Word, the RCIA (Rite Disciple programme after his uni- further in our faith life. are few schools that teach Cate- would be celebrated in Mandarin of Christian Initiation for Adults) versity, and that decision totally “Through faith formation, we chism. The children are encouraged and English. the Infant Jesus choir administrative changed his life. journey together and get to know to attend at least 80 per cent of class- “By doing so, you will enable team (English) and the 5th Forma- “I got to know Jesus, and build each other and Jesus better. We de- es, and I hope this can also be en- them to learn more about your faith, tion team (Chinese). a personal relationship with Him. light in God as he encourages us in couraged and seen in daily Mass.” the Catholic church and the incul- “The upcoming Discovering That made me come forward to be- the things we have already learned. He said parents play, the most turation of traditions, such as vener- Christ programme from Feb 15 till come a priest,” he said. All of us have been commissioned important role in a child’s life when ation of ancestors during the Mass,” April 4, gives us many insights into “Ask yourself if you feel a stir- by Jesus before his ascension to sharing Christ. “Teachers meet he said. our faith. ring to join a formation programme, Heaven, to share with others, our them once a week, but we are with Fr Liew also announced that “All these formations help us to for it is Christ who calls you,” he gift of baptism. our children most of the time. Your SMC’s priest in residence, Fr Robin truly know God before we can share added. “We are invited to seek Jesus and children are God’s gift and we know Andrews, will be at the Little Sisters God with others. There are a variety of ways God come to him continuously, bringing God our Father who created them, of the Poor in Penang from Jan 30, “It is all right if you can’t make it tries to attract our attention, be- others who do not know him. protects them, and blesses them. for his convalescence. Fr Robin, to all the sessions, but don’t lose out cause there are things he wishes “Formations are important be- “Have we done our part in passing who has been in Fatimah Hospital on this chance. to share with us, such as in forma- cause they give us the foundation on our faith to our children? Saying since more than two months ago for “Before doing anything else, it tions. Through our own baptism, we to know our faith, and Christ, better. grace before meals and coming to breathing difficulties, will return to will be a good thing to know God are called to seek, know and share Catechism classes help our children church regularly for Mass helps our SMC once he is fully recovered. Parents should live as examples to their children KUALA LUMPUR: Seek, Know, along with their parents, pledged Share Christ was the theme for their commitment too. this year’s Catechetical Sunday During the sermon, Parish which was celebrated on January Priest Msgr Leonard Lexson, VG 19, 2020. said, “John the Baptist pointed to Every year, in the Cathedral Jesus and said; look, that is the of St John the Evangelist, Cat- Lamb of God, that takes away the echetical Sunday is the day all sins of the world”, so we are re- catechists, including religious minded to point Jesus to the world education, pre-baptism, Bible and especially to our children. Knowledge, blossom and bud- Msgr Leonard continued by dies and RCIA educators are to be saying that parents should live as Catechists of St John’s Cathedral. commissioned. examples to their children. Par- their children about Jesus, how that their parents are interested in “here I am Lord; I come to do your A total number of 52 catechists ents play a vital role in the life of to spend a few minutes of their their faith that they point of the will.” It is not what I want from pledged their commitment as cat- their child as their first catechist. life with Jesus every day. Parents importance of Jesus in their life. you Lord, but what you want from echists to continue to share the They must not depend on the cat- show importance when children In this way children will not run me. Msgr Leonard ended the ser- word of God to others. They were echists alone. A child’s faith de- come back from school and ask- away from Jesus or their faith. mon by reminding the catechists then commissioned by the parish pends on how parents plant the ing about their homework. But Msgr Leonard mentioned that to continue to be witnesses to the priest. seed from birth. how many parents actually ask we are devotees, we are worship- children of God and continue be- Besides these 52 catechists, a Msgr Leonard said that prayer their children what they learnt or pers, we are believers, but are we ing disciples of Christ for He is total of 200 learners from the cat- is essential in everyone’s life. Par- did in Catechism every Sunday? disciples of Jesus? Connecting to the way, the truth and the life. — echism and 10 RCIA candidates, ents should take the time to teach By this, the children would know the responsorial psalm of the day, By Alysson Ann Lourdes 8 World HERALD February 9, 2020 Pakistan: Girl, 14, set to make legal history ISLAMABAD: A 14-year-old Cath- edly kidnapped by a Muslim man a declaration stating that she was an you to raise your voices in defence olic girl from Pakistan will make Abdul Jabbar last October — told adult. of Huma. Our daughter is just 14 history if — as expected — she Catholic charity Aid to the Church in “Neither I nor her parents had years old. If you had a 14-year-old becomes the first alleged victim of Need that the act has not been used been informed and such procedures daughter who was going through all abduction, forced marriage and con- before because Christians could not could not take place in the absence these things, what would you do? version to give testimony in court. afford legal help. of both parties. So it is clear that the How much would you be suffering? Judges in Sindh province’s High The poverty and lower social sta- police are helping her abductor.” Please think of our child as though Court have instructed police officers tus of the province’s Christian and While Huma’s alleged abductor she were your own daughter. Please investigating Huma Younus’ alleged Hindu communities have led to Abdul Jabbar claimed she was an help us.” abduction that the girl come to the young girls from these groups being adult, Huma’s parents gave evidence In September 2019, Archbishop next hearing on February 3. regularly targeted for abduction and to show that she is a minor — in- Sebastian Shaw of Lahore told ACN This will not only be the first time forced conversion. cluding a baptismal certificate from that girls as young as 14 have been a forced conversion and marriage Ms Yousaf said, “Until now, no St James’ parish, Karachi, giving her abducted. case comes before a High Court in family has ever succeeded in seek- Huma Younus date of birth as May 22, 2005. He said, “Kidnapping is a crime. Pakistan, but also the first time the ing justice, because the Christians man accused of Huma’s abduction. In a statement to ACN, Huma’s It has to be treated as one. This is the 2014 Child Marriage Restraint Act are poor and poorly educated and Ms Yousaf said: “In court, the of- parents called on global media to only way to stop it. The girls are usu- — which bans marriage with minors cannot afford to pay for legal assis- ficer in charge of the investigation, highlight the case. ally 14, 15. The men often already — is applied. tance.” Akhtar Hussain, reported that on Jan They said: “We appeal to the inter- have one wife. They can be 25 or Tabassum Yousaf — the lawyer She alleged that police officers 9 Huma had been brought before the national community and to the ma- older. They can be younger, more representing Huma, who was report- were corrupt and colluded with the court of first instance in order to sign jor international media, we appeal to like 20.” — ICN Pope Francis and Iraqi president discuss Pope Francis securing a future for Christians has co-authored VATICAN: Pope Francis met Sat- Bashar Warda said following an Ira- a book on urday with Iraqi President Barham nian attack on an air base in Erbil Jan. Salih, and discussed the need to se- 8. St John Paul II cure the future of Iraq’s deep-rooted The Holy See said it encouraged VATICAN: Christian population. “the path of dialogue” and solutions Pope Francis The president and the pontiff spoke in favour of the Iraqi people and “with has co-authored privately for about 30 minutes before respect for national sovereignty” in a book of re- Sahil met with Cardinal Secretary of the meetings with Salih. flections on the State, Pietro Parolin and Archbishop Hundreds of thousands of Iraqis be- life of St John Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for gan protesting government corruption Paul II (pic) to Relations with States. and Iranian influence in Oct. 2019 in be published in A Vatican statement Jan 25 said the the largest protests in Iraq since the Italian. talks focused on “the challenges the overthrow of Saddam Hussein. The book, country currently faces and the im- The Vatican meeting occurred one entitled St John portance of promoting stability and day after an estimated 200,000 people Paul the Great, is the product of a the reconstruction process.” protested in Baghdad in a demonstra- series of conversations between “Attention then turned to the im- Pope Francis greets Iraqi President Barham Salih at the Vatican Jan 25, tion against the US military presence 2020. (CNS photo/Vatican Media) (CNS photo/Kevin Lamarque, Reuters) Pope Francis and Fr Luigi Maria portance of preserving the historical in Iraq organised by Shiite groups Epicoco which took place from June presence of Christians in the country, tians in Iraq in his audience with the diminished Catholic population are with ties to Iran. 2019 to January 2020, according to of which they are an integral part, and Pope the day prior. still in the process of rebuilding their Amid the tensions, Cardinal Louis its preface. the significant contribution they bring Christianity has been present in destroyed homes and churches. Raphael I Sako, Chaldean Patriarch The book is expected to be pub- to the reconstruction of the social fab- the Nineveh plains in Iraq – between Recent tensions between the Unit- of Babylon, has called for dialogue. lished sometime ahead of the 100 ric,” the Holy See said. Mosul and Iraqi Kurdistan – since the ed States and Iran have heightened “The international community has year anniversary of the birth of During the talks, the Vatican under- first century. However, since the oust- Iraqi bishops’ fears for Iraq’s fragile a responsibility for what is happen- Karol Wojtyla on May 18. lined the need to guarantee Christians ing of former Iraqi leader Saddam Christian communities. ing in Iraq, Lebanon, Syria and Iran When Wojtyla became Pope John “security and a place in the future of Hussein, Christians have been fleeing “Iraqi Christians need the certainty, now. They should help people to sit Paul II in 1978, a 41-year-old Fr Iraq.” the region. reassurance, hope and the belief that together and to dialogue in a civi- Jorge Mario Bergoglio was serv- US Vice President Mike Pence said Five years after the Islamic State Iraq can be a peaceful country to live lised way and to look for a political ing as the provincial superior of the that Pope Francis also expressed his captured the Christian communities in rather than being victims of end- solution,” said Cardinal Sako. — By Jesuits in Argentina. Pope John Paul great concern for persecuted Chris- of the Nineveh plains, the region’s less collateral damage,” Archbishop Courtney Mares, CNA II appointed Bergoglio to be an aux- iliary bishop in 1992, elevating him Cardinals Re, Sandri elected to top posts in College of Cardinals to become Archbishop of Buenos VATICAN: Pope Francis has ap- conclave to elect a new pope. If the Aires in 1998, and creating him a proved the election of Italian Cardi- pope dies, it is the dean’s task to in- cardinal in 2001. Pope Francis can- nal Giovanni Battista Re as dean of form heads of state and diplomats onised St John Paul II in 2014. the College of Cardinals and of Ar- accredited to the Holy See, and he The book’s co-author, Fr Epicoco, gentine Cardinal Leonardo Sandri as presides over the meetings of the en- 39, has written two dozen books the subdean. tire College of Cardinals in the days on spirituality since his ordination The Vatican announced the elec- preceding a conclave to elect a new in 2005, including John Paul II: tions Jan 25, about a month after pope. Memories of a Holy Pope which he Italian Cardinal Angelo Sodano, As subdean, the 76-year-old Car- wrote with Archbishop Piero Marini 92, stepped down as dean and Pope dinal Sandri, prefect of the Congre- in 2014. Epicoco is a professor of Francis announced he was changing gation for Eastern Churches, would philosophy at the Pontifical Lateran Church law to limit the dean’s service preside over the actual election of a University in Rome and offers nu- to a five-year term, which is renew- new pope in the Sistine Chapel. merous lectures and spiritual retreats able once. The dean is elected from among Italian Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re Argentine Cardinal Leonardo Sandri throughout Italy. Cardinal Re, who will celebrate his the top-ranking cardinals, known as as dean of the College of Cardinals as the subdean. The Pope is known to admire Fr 86th birthday January 30, had been cardinal bishops. Currently they in- Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican sec- chre of Jerusalem, 73, Cardinal Anto- Epicoco’s writing. Before Christ- subdean since June 2017. He was clude: Cardinal Re, Cardinal Sandri, retary of state, 65, Canadian Cardinal nios Naguib, retired patriarch of the mas, Francis gave each member of prefect of the Congregation for Bish- Cardinal Sodano, Nigerian Cardinal Marc Ouellet, prefect of the Congre- Coptic Catholic Church, 84, Cardinal the Roman curia a copy of the Italian ops before his retirement in 2010. Francis Arinze, 87, Italian Cardinal gation for Bishops, 75, Italian Cardi- Bechara Rai, Maronite patriarch, 79, priest’s book, Someone to look up Because he is over the age of 80, Tarcisio Bertone, 85, Portuguese Car- nal Fernando Filoni, grand master of and Cardinal Louis Sako, the Chal- to: A spirituality of witness. — By Cardinal Re is not eligible to enter a dinal Jose Saraiva Martins, 88, Italian the Equestrian Order of Holy Sepul- dean Catholic patriarch, 71. — CNS Courtney Mares, CNA HERALD February 9, 2020 World 9 Doctrine is renewed with roots firmly planted in magisterium VATICAN: Christian doctrine is not going. Instead, people who have a nity has been violated. modified to keep up with passing compassionate heart are touched In his opening remarks, Cardinal times, nor is it rigidly closed in on and engaged, they stop and take Ladaria told the Pope that the con- itself, Pope Francis told members care” of the other, he said. gregation has examined “a project of and advisers of the doctrinal congre- The Pope praised the work done a revision” of St John Paul II’s motu gation. by hospices and asked them to con- proprio, Sacramentorum sanctitatis “It is a dynamic reality that, stay- tinue to be places where profession- tutela, which gave the doctrinal con- ing faithful to its foundation, is re- als practise a “therapy of dignity” gregation responsibility to deal with newed from generation to genera- with commitment, love and respect and judge allegations of the sexual tion and is summed up in one face, for life. abuse of minors by clergy and other one body and one name —the risen He also underlined how important serious crimes in the realm of canon Jesus Christ,” he said. human relationships and interac- law. “Christian doctrine is not a sys- tions are in caring for the terminally The cardinal said they also dis- tem that is rigid and closed in on ill, and how that approach must op- cussed, during the plenary, the work itself, but neither is it an ideology Pope Francis greets Cardinal Luis Ladara, prefect of the Congregation for the erate from a duty “to never abandon carried out by the disciplinary sec- that transforms with the changing Doctrine of the Faith, at the Vatican Jan 30, 2020, during the congregation’s anyone facing an incurable disease.” tion, which handles abuse cases and of seasons,” he said Jan 30, during plenary meeting. (CNS photo/Vatican Media) The Pope also thanked the con- has seen a noticeable increase of an audience with cardinals, bishops, on the care of people experiencing by judging the value or worthiness gregation for its work studying the cases in the past year. priests and laypeople who were tak- the critical stages of a terminal ill- of life according to how useful or ef- revision of norms concerning de- Msgr John Kennedy, head of the ing part in the plenary assembly of ness. ficient that person may be. licta graviora, that is, “more grave section, said Dec 20 that the office the Congregation for the Doctrine of The aim of the document, said The story of the good Samaritan crimes” against Church law, which registered a record 1,000 reported the Faith. Cardinal Luis Ladaria, congrega- teaches that what is needed is con- include the abuse of minors. cases for 2019. The Pope told them that it was tion prefect, is to reiterate “the fun- version to compassion, he said. The congregation’s work, he said, The huge number of cases has thanks to the Risen Christ that the damentals” of Church teaching and “Because many times people who is part of an effort “in the right di- “overwhelmed” the personnel, he Christian faith throws its doors wide offer “precise and concrete pastoral look don’t see. Why? Because they rection” of updating norms so that said. open to every person and his or her guidelines” regarding the care and lack compassion,” he said, noting procedures can be more effective in Telling the Pope about some of needs. assistance of those at a very “deli- how often the Bible repeatedly de- responding to “new situations and the documents the congregation has That is why handing on the faith cate and crucial” stage in life. scribes Jesus’ heart “being moved” issues.” published the past two years, Cardi- “demands taking into account the Pope Francis said their reflections with pity or compassion for those he He encouraged them to continue nal Ladaria also said it had issued a person receiving it,” and that this were essential, particularly at a time encounters. “with firmness” and proceed with “private,” that is, unpublished, clari- person be known and loved, he said. when the modern era “is progres- “Without compassion, people “rigour and transparency” in safe- fication on “some canonical - ques In fact, the congregation was us- sively eroding the understanding of who see do not get involved with guarding the sanctity of the sacra- tions regarding transsexuality.” — ing its plenary to discuss a document what makes human life precious” what they observe, and they keep ments and those whose human dig- By Carol Glatz, CNS In Amazon, without a priest, ‘there is a gap in the family’ SAO PAULO: Catholics who work gion, said to allow married men to This would allow the Church to in the Amazon say members of become priests would not solve all have a permanent presence, he said. small, isolated villages believe the the Catholic Church’s problems, but Fr Sena said the idea was “not Church could be more present in it would help communities that have to allow priests who have gone their lives if it allowed the ordina- the visit of a priest one or two times through the seminary for many tion of married men — a plan being per year. years to get married, but to choose considered on a limited basis for the “It is a community’s right to have leaders, who are pillars of the com- Amazon region. sacred Mass once a week,” said Fr munity, and provide them with The controversial initiative dis- Sena, who does not have a parish of an annual monthly course, letting cussed at the October Synod of his own but helps with sacraments them go back to their communi- Bishops for the Amazon is the re- whenever he is called. ties and provide services that today, sult of concerns about the lack of Archbishop Roque Paloschi of frankly, we are struggling to do.” priests in regions difficult to access Porto Velho said, “What our com- “We already have a structure set — which, in the Amazon, is a good munities ask for today is a more up in many places, with married part of the region. The synod’s final constant presence ... the challenge men who already are seen as local document acknowledged that a lack of building an embodied Church, of Church leaders, so why not allow of priests means Catholics in the proximity rather than a Church of Norberto Cruz da Silva, a leader in the Wapishana indigenous village of them to carry on all the responsi- Amazon have only sporadic access sporadic visits.” Tabalascada in the Brazilian Amazon and the local catechist coordinator, is bilities?” he asked. to the Eucharist, reconciliation and “I believe it is a different way pictured in April 2019. (CNS photo/Paul Jeffrey) Josep Iborra Plans, 59, was a anointing of the sick. for the Church to be present. It is Bishop Edson Taschetto Damian “The priests, with great effort, Claretian missionary for 21 years “There is a colleague of mine who no longer a church far away, but a of Sao Gabriel da Cachoeira heads are able to visit the communities when he asked to leave the priest- serves 52 communities by himself nearby church, embodied,” added the diocese known to be “the most three, four times a year. Catechists hood to get married. around Santarem. This is an almost Archbishop Paloschi. indigenous diocese in Brazil” and are the ones who keep the faith of “For 15 years, I devoted myself impossible mission, but he has been Fr Sena spoke of a priest in Tefe paints a similar picture. He said that the communities alive,” he said. to the people of Rondonia,” he said, doing it for years,” said Fr Edilberto who takes “a seven-day boat trip to the current 19 priests in the diocese “These catechists can be ordained including serving as “the priest for Sena, 77, of Santarem. conduct Mass in the community of are not enough to serve the 23 in- as permanent deacons, and then over 20 river communities along a The priest of 49 years, who is Itamarati. Many of the communities digenous ethnic groups dispersed in communities can choose those who 600-km (372-mile) stretch of the the director of a network of radio in the region are along rivers, and a region that is slightly smaller than are capable of receiving priestly or- Guapore River.” — By Lise Alves, stations throughout the Amazon re- the mode of transportation is a boat.” the state of Arizona. dinations.” CNS French cardinal acquitted by appeal court of failing to report abuse LYON, France: Cardinal Philippe after prosecutors in the case sought appeal after the prosecutor in the their families have in my prayers.” Barbarin has been acquitted by a the Cardinal’s vindication. The case argued there was no proof of Shortly after his conviction last French appeals court of failing to cardinal’s lawyer called the result the cardinal’s legal wrongdoing year, Barbarin met with Pope Fran- report sexual abuse by a diocesan “logical,” saying that Barbarin had and therefore no grounds for con- cis to submit his resignation, but priest. The Archbishop of Lyon been the subject of “calumny” over viction. the Pope refused to accept it while was convicted in March, 2019, of the course of the trial. At the time of his conviction, the his appeal was pending. “of non-denunciation of ill-treat- At the time of his conviction in cardinal said that “after the decision Instead, Barbarin elected to step ment” of a minor and given a six- March last year, five other archdi- of the court, regardless of my per- back from the day-to-day govern- month suspended prison sentence. ocesan officials on trial with- Bar sonal fate, I want to reiterate, first ance of the Archdiocese of Lyon, The decision Jan 30 by the ap- barin were acquitted. Barbarin’s of all, compassion for the victims leaving its management to the Vic- peals court in Lyon was reached acquittal was widely expected on and the whole place that they and ar General. — CNA Cardinal Philippe Barbarin 10 Editorial HERALD February 9, 2020 HERALD For the love of the Word February 9, 2020 Sunday of the Word of God ope Francis has been acclaimed by China to govern the world largely for his moral lead- Pership. Welcoming migrants and refugees, caring for the earth, prioritising the Church? engagement with the poor and listening ommunist China has accelerated its policy of “sinicisa- to victims of abuse have been the hall- Ction” of religions, with the implementation of a new set marks of his pontificate. His institutional of crippling rules which Christian leaders say spell danger for leadership as a reforming pope has also their people, particularly for underground Catholics. met with applause, as he has taken on The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) introduced its Regu- the task of patiently working out knotty lations on Religious Affairs in February 2018 but the revised financial and organisational problems in administrative measures on religions came into force from the Church. Feb 1 across the country, covering all religions. He has been given less credit, however, Among other things, the rules stipulate that each religion for his specifically religious leadership. A will be headed by a state-appointed conference, which will perfect example of this has been the dull function as the supreme decision-making body for the respec- thud with which the announcement of the tive religious group. new “Sunday of the Word of God” (the Pope Francis gives a Bible to a man in a wheelchair at the end of Mass Jan 26, 2020, in St Peter’s Basilica. (CNS photo/Vatican Media) “Does this aim to abolish the traditional Church model Third Sunday in Ordinary Time) landed headed by bishops and replace them with group conferences? when it came out in September. Contrary commitment to the Word in the every- Kemerer was the first bishop of Posa- If there is no Catholic head for a church, is it still a Catholic to the wonderment that greeted so many day life of Catholics in all sorts of ways, das, a remote community first evange- church?” asked Fr Li in Hebei province. of his other plans, his initiative on a reli- from the expansion of the lectionary, to lised by Jesuits in the seventeenth century The Catholic priests and church members had opposed gious topic of relevance to every believer Bible study, to the singing of psalms and (the so-called Reductions of the Guarani these measures but failed to stop them, said Fr Li. got lacklustre treatment. There were du- scriptural songs. Perhaps we feel we’ve in the Jesuit Province of Paraguay were “The CCP’s purpose is obvious. It is to change the Catholic tiful acknowledgements but hardly an already “been there, done that.” made famous to a US audience through Church into a group that belongs to them. These rules will enthusiastic response. Most Catholics I I wonder, however, if another reason the 1986 film The Mission). Priests were push the Church into serious dangers,” he warned. know didn’t even hear about it. might be that we’ve tacitly reduced Fran- so few that Kemerer wrote a guidebook President Xi Jinping, in a significant speech in 2016, said Yet how lovely this day could be: a cis to a political figure whose role is limit- for Celebrations of the Word in the ab- that the sinicisation of religion aims to adapt religions to Chi- shot in the arm for religious devotion, ed to moral and organisational leadership. sence of a priest soon after he arrived in nese society. The CCP must “guide the adaptation of religions spiritual growth and theological literacy, As important as such leadership is, the 1957. Devoto, the bishop of Goya, was to socialist society,” he said. and a dose of fresh energy for ecumen- Pope has a prior claim to an even more also a ground-breaking figure who chose The revised measures, incorporated into six chapters and 41 ism. What Francis proposed is that the important role: to help us grow in our re- to live in poverty, close to his people. A articles, require all religious organisations to “observe the con- Third Sunday of Ordinary Time will be lationship with God. Engagement with major influence in the Third World Priests stitution, laws, regulations, ordinances, and policies, adhere to observed henceforth as a day on which to the scriptures is essential to this project. movement, and an inspirer of liberation the principle of independence and self-government, adhere to renew our love and gratitude for the Word Toward this end, I think that the Sunday theology, his desire to share God’s Word the directives on religions in China, implementing the values of God. It includes a call to “enthrone the of the Word of God is actually more im- was part of a living faith. According to of socialism.” Word” during the liturgy, to give out Bi- portant than it looks. writer Marguerite Feitlowitz, to this day They cover organisation, functions, offices, supervision, bles, and to promote reading and reflec- Catholics who lived through the Vati- peasants keep pictures of him on altars projects and financial administration of religious communities tion on sacred Scripture by people in all can Council II know that an explosion of at home and refuse to believe he’s dead. at national and local levels. walks of life. Such an observance could interest in the scriptures followed it, but “No, he’s a saint,” they say. “Ever since the rules were introduced, the Christian com- enhance the Eucharist and help us to bet- that passion gradually faded. In Latin Now here comes another Argentinian, munity in China has been witnessing relentless persecution. ter realise the hopes of the Second Vatican America, however, Scripture reading be- sure that the Word will help us. Francis’ Churches are being demolished, a ban has been imposed on Council that the Word would stand at the came an integral part of the daily life of proposal is a gesture with roots in Vatican online Bible sales, and several hundreds of Christians arrested heart of prayer, catechesis and preaching, the Basic Ecclesial Communities (BEC) II, popular movements, and the experi- for inciting subversion of state power,” said Fr Li. becoming “the soul of sacred theology” and achieved lasting significance as a lay ence of how the Word can kindle light and Hau Baolu, a parish leader from Shaanxi, a province who (Dei verbum 24). phenomenon. Indeed, it was at the request joy among the poorest of Christ’s poor. has suffered severe repression over the years, said atheists So why such a weak response? Part of two missionary bishops from Argen- He could have produced a teaching state- have now come to manage the Church and wondered how the of the reason is surely that controversy tina, Jorge Kemerer and Alberto Devoto, ment, but instead he decided to inaugurate government could claim prominence over God and the Vati- drives media coverage, and this isn’t con- that the Constitution on the Sacred Lit- a liturgical observance—a wise choice, can in matters of faith and morals. troversial. Popes since Pius XII have been urgy included a warm recommendation perhaps, because even if we missed it this recommending that the lay faithful read of “Bible services” (Sacrosanctum Con- time around, there’s always next year. — China bans Christian funerals the scriptures. Also, Vatican II furthered cilium 35.4). By Rita Ferrone, Commonweal hristian funerals have been banned in some areas of Chi- Cna as the communist government begins to enforce a set of restrictive regulations on religious practices. First ‘Year of the Word’ roadshow In the eastern province of Zhejiang, the government has put in force a set of Regulations on Centralized Funeral Ar- in Westminster Cathedral rangement, which bans priests from attending funeral prayers LONDON: Westminster Cathedral re- success!” outside a religious place. cently celebrated ‘The Year of the Word’ A new piece of artwork, The God Who The government claims the new rules aim to “get rid of by hosting the first leg of the Scripture Speaks, was on display for the duration bad funeral customs and establish a scientific, civilised and Roadshow, a unique event which is trav- of the Scripture Road Show. The Byz- economical way of funerals.” elling to dioceses across England and antine mosaic, specially commissioned The new rules began to take effect recently, although en- Wales throughout 2020. for the Year of the Word, was created by acted on Dec 1, said a Catholic in Wenzhou Diocese in Zhe- For three days, from Thursday Janu- Portsmouth artist Pete Codling. The art- jiang. ary 30 to Saturday February 1, six of the ist was also on hand to speak to visitors “Clerical personnel are not allowed to participate in funer- chapels in Westminster Cathedral were about the artwork during the three-day als” at homes and “no more than ten family members of the transformed into Tents of Meeting, each event. The icon will tour the country as deceased are allowed to read scriptures or sing hymns in a one revealing a different aspect of the part of the Scripture Road Show during low voice,” the rules state. Word of God. The themes included, Ex- 2020. The regulations strictly ban religious activities outside re- ploring the Word, Living the Word, Mary Cardinal Vincent Nichols with artist Peter 2020 is the 10th anniversary of Ver- ligious places. A priest then will not be able to hold funeral and the Word, Receiving the Word, See- Codling and his mosaic. (ICN photo) bum Domini, Pope Benedict XVI’s Ap- prayers outside the church. ing the Word and Sharing the Word. A ber of people who came along to the ostolic Exhortation on ‘The Word of the Source: ucanews.org number of organisations (including Pax Scripture Road Show, and the excite- Lord’. This year also marks 1600 years HERALD — The Catholic Weekly Christi, Walsingham Shrine and ‘Prayer ment that the Tents of Meeting generat- since the death of St Jerome, who fa- Jointly published by the and Life Workshops’) took part in the ed. The visitors, including a good num- mously translated the Bible into Latin. Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur, celebration by leading Lectio Divina and ber of school groups, were especially These dates have inspired the Catholic Diocese of Malacca Johore, activities for children, as well as provid- drawn to the beautiful mosaic, The God Bishops’ Conference of England and Diocese of Penang and Diocese of Keningau ing resources on how the Bible shapes Who Speaks, and listened intently to art- Wales to dedicate 2020 as a year of Editor: Fr Lawrence Andrew, SJ and transforms lives. ist Pete Codling's fascinating explana- focus on the Bible and ‘The God Who HERALD, 5, Jalan Robertson, 50150, KL Adrian Cullen, Evangelisation Coor- tion of his work. During the three days, Speaks’. The Scripture Road Show is Tel: 03-20268290/20268291; dinator at the Diocese of Westminster, there was a real buzz in the Cathedral, one of many celebrations of Scripture Fax: 03-20268293 and one of the organisers of the event, with many positive and pleasing com- taking place throughout the year, includ- Online: www.heraldmalaysia.com. said: ments from those who attended. The ing local events and activities across the E-mail: [email protected] “We were overwhelmed by the num- Scripture Road Show has been a real diocese. — ICN HERALD February 9, 2020 Focus 11 Benedict’s estrangement from Ratzinger A Theological Drift he publication of From the Depths of pletely ignore the council’s documents and Our Hearts, Cardinal Robert Sarah’s theology. The introduction to the volumes Tbook on clerical celibacy “co-au- of his writing on Vatican II published in thored” with Pope Benedict XVI, illustrates 2012, in the series of the complete works of once more the problem with the institution Joseph Ratzinger, confirm the urge to estab- of the emeritus papacy as it’s currently lish some distance from the council. functioning. Much has already been said It must also be stated that there are some about this aspect of the latest controversy, disturbing convergences between Ratz- but less about what Benedict’s contribution inger’s theological agenda on Vatican II to the book signifies in terms of his- con in the last few years and the theological tinued revisionist thinking on Vatican II, and ecclesial agenda of the anti-Francis where he played a significant role as a theo- network. It is hard to overstate the role of logical expert. Italian theologian Andrea Ratzinger’s theology and Benedict’s pontif- Grillo has astutely remarked that “Benedict icate, for example, in the ongoing transition is one of the fathers of Vatican II, but full of the culture of U.S. Catholic hierarchical of remorse.” Indeed, the defence of cleri- and episcopal leadership from a moderate cal celibacy put forth in From the Depths Vatican II conservatism (seeking continuity of Our Hearts is built on a view of Scrip- with the previous tradition) to an extrem- ture, liturgy and the Church that makes no ist anti-Vatican II traditionalism (seeking reference whatsoever to the documents of a rupture with that moment of the tradition Vatican II. that is Vatican II). In 2020, the definition of Of course, it’s hard to know at this point Pope Benedict XVI descends the steps in St Peter’s Basilica after giving a talk at a Mass for the a “Ratzingerian” theology of Vatican II is just how direct a hand the “pope emeritus” Knights of Malta on Feb 10, 2013, two days before he announced his resignation. The retired pope heavily dependent on the particular moment has had in the writing that has appeared un- marks his 92 birthday on April 16. (CNS file photo/Paul Haring) in which this or that theological opinion has der his name in the past year (including his his own pontificate’s relationship with Vati- to some extent, certain practical aspects of been written. A pope’s death usually seals musings on the genesis of the abuse crisis can II can be framed by his December 2005 Benedict’s drift from John Paul II’s teach- and preserves his magisterial teaching in a last April). Nevertheless, it fits within a pat- speech on the “hermeneutics of continuity ing on ecumenism and interreligious dia- way that a pope’s resignation does not. How tern of theological drift dating back much and reform” and his February 2013 address logue (for example, in 2011 Benedict XVI Benedict and his entourage have interpreted farther than Francis’ papacy. Some see to the clergy of Rome in which he confessed went, despite his deep scepticism, to As- and managed the post-resignation period is signs of Ratzinger distancing himself from his disappointments with the council. In be- sisi for the twenty-fifth anniversary of the a perfect illustration of this. Benedict XVI the council as early as August 1965, while tween came one of the most consequential 1986 interreligious meeting for peace). But no longer owns his theological narrative; Vatican II was still underway and the pasto- pronouncements on the doctrinal policy of as emeritus, those institutional constraints it’s now at the service of an agenda that he ral constitution Gaudium et spes was taking Vatican II: the July 2007 motu proprio Sum- no longer apply. The entourage Ratzinger helped create but that increasingly puts him shape. Others date it to the student protest morum Pontificum, which liberalised the has surrounded himself with has embraced at odds with a healthy sense of the Church. movement in Germany in 1968 and 1969, use of the pre-Vatican II rite. Vatican II revisionism, and his statements The truly unfortunate thing about all of when he was teaching at Tübingen before There were also the public pronounce- are amplified in a way that would have been this is that Ratzinger was one of the most moving to the quieter University of Regens- ments that seemed in keeping with his at- impossible without the internet. Now, as important theologians of Vatican II. Short- burg in Bavaria. The German national syn- tempts to reverse the trajectory of Vatican Benedict nears the end of his life, a deep ly after the council concluded, he wrote a od of 1972–1975 seems to have contributed II. These included the Regensburg speech contrast is evident between the messages fundamental commentary on the constitu- to his disillusionment. of September 2006, in which he quoted a on Vatican II he delivers to the Church and tion on Revelation, Dei verbum. From this Then came his twenty-four-year ten- fourteenth-century Byzantine emperor who the world and those of his predecessor. John writing there emerges a dynamic, fecund ure as prefect of the Congregation for the equated Islam with violence, and the rein- Paul II, in a testament published after his view of theological truth. It’s what makes Doctrine of the Faith under John Paul II, statement of four excommunicated Lefeb- death, spoke of the council as a “great pat- his repudiation of Vatican II all the more during which he repeatedly intervened to vrian bishops, one of whom, Richard Wil- rimony to all who are and will be called in troubling. It’s sad to see the bishop of regain control, or even reverse, some of liamson, turned out to have a history of the future to put it into practice.” Benedict Rome estrange himself from his own con- the theological developments afforded by making anti-Semitic statements. The insti- XVI’s last writings either exhibit a negative ciliar legacy. — B y M a s s i m o F a g g i o l i , Vatican II (especially on the liturgy). And tutional constraints of the papacy limited, view of the effects of Vatican II, or com- Commonweal Vatican II inspiration becomes home for ecumenism in Geneva n the hometown of John Calvin, theolo- A two-year course familiarises students Igian, pastor and reformer in Geneva during with the outside world as speakers are drawn the Protestant Reformation, the Ecumenical from different parts of the globe. Theological Workshop makes it possible for Five Catholics, four Protestants and two Catholic, Protestant and Orthodox theologi- Orthodox believers make up the 11-member ans to get new insights to add more audiences theological faculty and the studies are centred of different faiths to their fold. around the Bible, history and ethics. On Mondays, Pastor Blaise Menu and They attend each others’ classes “to answer Catholic laywoman Anne Deshusses-Raemy, the students well,” Deshusses-Raemy ex- co-directors of the ecumenical institute, lunch plained. together in a restaurant in Geneva, the second Every two weeks, they meet to piece to- most populous city in Switzerland. gether the content for the courses. They take stock of life in Geneva. Of its Stefan Contantinescu, a 33-year-old Roma- 500,000 inhabitants, 35 per cent are Catholics, nian Orthodox layman, who has been teach- nine per cent Protestants, five per cent Mus- ing at the institute since three years ago, said lims and 1 percent Jews. the association with the ecumenical organisa- The Christians know that they are the “heirs tion has “enriched” him in more than one way. of a precious ecumenical bond,” said Menu. Pope Francis celebrates Mass at the Palexpo convention centre in Geneva June 21, 2018. (CNS “Since the beginning of the 20th century, Faith and profession photo/Paul Haring) ecumenism has been first and foremost a seri- There are 65 registered students for the aca- No certificate pitals and asylum-seekers’ camps. ous matter here,” explained Menu, also a con- demic year 2019-2021, a third of whom are Dominique Kuner, a 63-year-old Catholic “Most of the committed lay people, noisseur of Geneva’s history. Protestants, two thirds Catholics and one Or- and psychotherapist, underwent a drastic whether Protestants or Catholics, trace their Thanks to the institute, “ecumenism has thodox woman. change while studying here. origin to the institute,” said Pastor Emmanuel caught up with more experts. And, partici- Aged between 20 and 80, their vocation- “For the first two months I came out of Fuchs, president of the Protestant Church of pants are increasing,” Menu said. al association ranges from the prestigious classes crying because I felt my religion was Geneva. CERN, the European organisation for nuclear being deconstructed, until I realised that I had “Of course, the organisation does not dole Vatican II research, to civic departments. to deconstruct before I could rebuild,” she out any certificate. But it’s much more than Taking inspiration from Vatican II, the insti- “The only prerequisite is motivation,” in- recalled. that,” added Menu. “It is the place that, in tute was conceived in 1973 by a handful of sisted Deshusses-Raemy, who also takes part A third of the 3,000 students who have its own way, allows Christians to be ecu- pastors and Jesuits. After a year, they decided in training at the Catholic Church’s ecclesial passed out from the institute since 1973 have menical.” — By Claire Lesegretain, LCI to widen its scope. mission in Geneva. gone on to become chaplains in prisons, hos- (https://international.la-croix.com) 12 Varia HERALD February 9, 2020 On self-hatred and guilt

ecently, on the popular tel- struggles with self-hatred and guilt how we feel about our actions. And dlers, full of food and zest, we shout evision programme Satur- feelings? when we have guilt feelings about and throw some food on the floor Rday Night Live, a comedian Obviously our religious upbring- what we have just done or left un- and are told to stop it, to shut up, that made a rather colourful wisecrack ing does play some role here, but done, those feelings are, no doubt, our natural energies aren’t healthy. in response to an answer that Nancy it’s far too simplistic (and not par- often powerfully influenced by the Then, as a preschooler, we are often Pelosi had given to a journalist who ticularly helpful) to blame all of this, social and moral standards that have further shamed in our enthusiasm. accused her of hating the President. or even most of it, on our religious been put into us as children by our Eventually things move on to the Pelosi had stated that, as a Roman upbringing. Psychologists and an- parents, our teachers, our culture playground, the classroom, and into Catholic, she hates no one – and this thropologists assure us that the is- and our religious upbringing. Our our family circles where our unique- prompted the comedian to make this sue of self-hatred and free-floating religious and moral upbringing does ness and preciousness are not often quip: “As a Catholic, I know there’s guilt is infinitely more complex, es- leave us struggling with some false sufficiently recognized or valued, always one person you hate – your- pecially since we see it playing out guilt. where we’re frequently ignored, put self.” in people of every kind of religious But, that being admitted, there are down, treated unfairly, bullied, made I’m not someone who’s easily background, as well as in people deeper causes as to why we strug- aware of our inferiorities and failures upset by religious jokes. Humour is who have no religious background Fr Ron Rolheiser gle with self-hatred and free-floating and, in ways subtle and not-so-sub- supposed to have an edge and come- at all. Struggles with self-hatred and guilt and why we just never quite tle, told that we’re not good enough. dians play an important archetypal guilt is not a particularly Roman tionship with God. To experience feel good enough. This sets us up for the rejections we role here, that of the “Court Jester” Catholic phenomenon, Protestant this kind of anxiety is precisely to be If we could review our lives in a absorb in adulthood, for the jealous- whose task it is to deflate whatever’s phenomenon, Evangelical phenom- struggling with feelings of self-ha- video, we would see the countless ies we feel when the lives of others pompous. Religion is often fair game. enon, Jewish phenomenon or Mos- tred and guilt; but, at one level, this is times we were, in every kind of way, look so much richer than our own, Indeed, I appreciated the wit in this lem phenomenon; it’s a universal in fact healthy. When we’re anxious- told that we’re not good, not ad- for the unexpressed bitterness we wisecrack. Still, something bothers phenomenon that makes itself felt ly self-assessing, there’s far less dan- equate, not lovable, not valued, not nurse because of our own inadequa- me about this particular wisecrack in almost every sensitive person. ger that we will take others, take the precious. We would see the countless cies, and for the guilt we feel because because it plays into a certain stereo- Moreover that struggle is not always gift of life or the take the goodness of times we were shamed in our enthu- of our own betrayals. type that’s, unfortunately, very com- unhealthy. God for granted. Moral sensitivity is siasm; and this, I submit, more than It isn’t primarily because of our mon today, wherein people from all Any morally sensitive person, a virtue and, like aesthetic sensitivity, any other factor, lies at the root of our religious training that we hate our- kinds of religious backgrounds (this unlike someone who’s morally cal- it keeps you healthily fearful lest in self-hatred, our free-floating feelings selves and are haunted by a lot of is not specific to Roman Catholics) loused, will constantly be self-as- ignorance and insensitivity you paint of guilt, and the bitterness we so fre- free-floating guilt. blame their religious upbringing for sessing, often anxious as to whether a moustache on the Mona Lisa. quently feel towards others. Yes, most of us Catholics do hate the struggles they have with self- she’s being selfish rather than good, Some of this, of course, is un- It starts in the highchair when, as ourselves. Sadly, would it were oth- hatred and guilt feelings. and perennially worrying that some healthy. As Freud taught us, our con- toddlers, in our blind energy, we eat erwise, so too does everyone else. How true is this? Is our religious of her words and actions may have science doesn’t tell us what’s right too enthusiastically and are told not — By Fr Ron Rolheiser, all rights upbringing the root cause of our hurt others and damaged her rela- and what’s wrong, it only tells us to eat like a pig. Likewise, as tod- reserved How family life led this couple back to the Catholic Church GALLUP, N.M.: With their children getting ing. I learned so much,” she said. older, the Aguilars wanted to find a church “[Deacon] would give us the scriptures for home for their family. They visited a few Chris- the next week and he would break that down. tian churches close to home, but nothing felt So it was really neat to hear it there, and then on right. They were surprised, the couple said, to Sunday we’d go and hear it again.” find that the Catholic Church — the Church of She said her decision to reenter the Church their youth — was the place where they realised was verified during the first RCIA class. On the they were at home. first day, she said, the deacon answered most of Michelle and Andres Aguilar decided to the questions she was struggling with, namely reenter the Catholic Church in 2019, finishing the Sacrament of Penance and prayers to the Michelle’s confirmation process and validating saints. their marriage in the Church. “I struggled with those growing up. I didn’t The couple now attends St Mary’s Catholic understand why we were doing that. [During] Church in Bloomfield, New Mexico, which is my first RCIA class, [Deacon Pat] answered pastored by Fr. Josh Mayer. Michelle, 38, owns both of those without me even asking the ques- the oilfield company Ernie’s Pilot Service, and tion. That was what he talked about. And I was Andres, 33, works as a parole officer. like, okay, this is where I'm supposed to be,” Michelle was confirmed by Bishop James The Aguilar family. (CNA photo) she said. Wall of Gallup last Easter. She said that the few months after their daughter Cheyann was So we started talking and we decided to join Both of them described how faith has in- Easter Mass, where her two children also re- born — both of whom were baptised in the them.” spired meaningful interactions with their chil- ceived their first communion, was one of the Catholic Church. Andres said the Benavidezs were a big moti- dren, especially for their son who is 15 years most beautiful experiences of her life. The Aguilars said the family was a major vator for his rejoining the Church too. He said old. Michelle said, through the use of the Cat- “Last April, we all made our sacraments to- reason for their desire to return to the faith, but Adam is a powerful example of a good Catholic echism, she has been able to engage the chil- gether. I tell everybody that aside from my mar- they had tried several other denominations be- father. He said the family possessed a peace and dren in learning, such as looking up answers to riage and my kids’ births, that was the best day fore finding themselves in the Catholic Church. joy he wanted for his own family. moral questions. of my life. I felt so much joy and it was at the “We wanted to get back into church,” she “They have this tradition where they, after “It’s been really helpful in those aspects like Easter vigil. We [got] home [at] like one in the said. “So we kind of tried different religions. mass, all eat breakfast, and I just saw happiness discipline,” she said. [My son] had messed up morning and I could not sleep. I was just so ex- We tried Baptist, we tried Pentecostal, we tried in them,” he said “It just made me want that for and he felt really bad and I could tell it was cited from it,” she said. a nondenominational [church]. We just nev- my family as well. He owns that peace, like you weighing heavy on him. … [so] he went to con- Michelle and Andres were both baptised and er really liked any of them. It didn’t feel like can't bring that man down. I think his faith has a fession.” raised in the Church. Michelle attended Mass church.” lot to do with it, and being a part of the church I “We went together and I could just tell when and catechism with her aunt, but she fell away “Other denominations, it is beautiful there, think really helps him be who he is as a person.” he got out, he felt a relief and I got to explain during her teenage years once her aunt became but they don’t have structure, and I need that. I He said, while he still disagrees with some of to him that you can mess up but you need to too busy to take her to Mass. Andres said that need structure and tradition. … It is so beautiful the things the priest said at the funeral, he has ask for forgiveness and then try your best not to he began distancing himself from the Church to see even the older ladies in Mass and it just come to better understand the need to forgive make the same mistakes.” when he was in his 20s, after a priest gave a reminds me of family,” she further added. and forget. Andres said the faith has given him more disappointing homily with a judgmental and Not having found anything that fit, the family “This priest is a human and he sins just as patience. He also said that faith has improved unkind attitude at his cousin’s funeral. took a break from their search. Meanwhile, Au- much as I do. He made a mistake. That’s the communication with Augustine and given him “The priest at the time made a comment dur- gustine started attending Mass with Michelle’s beauty of the Church and reconciliation is that a better perspective on what it means to be a ing her funeral. It just kind of shut me out,” he father, who would often have Augustine stay you can ask for forgiveness and start fresh.” parent. said. “She was murdered … the comment he over at his house on Saturday night before Michelle emphasised the important role of “Sometimes I can [be] pretty hot-headed and made was, had she not been living the lifestyle Mass. She said, seeing that, she wanted to start the RCIA classes. She said the group watched I can be a little strict with the kids, but at the [she] was living, she wouldn’t have died. It attending Mass again as a family. videos from the Augustine Institute and ana- same time I'm learning that being a parent is was like I saw him almost condemn her in the “I kind of wanted to start going as a family lysed scripture prior to the Sunday Mass. She important in God’s eyes,” he said. Church.” and I spoke to my husband about it and then expressed a love for the group, especially Dea- “I feel like it’s my job now to make sure that “I didn’t want to be a part of some group that we decided that we would go,” she said. “We con Pat Valdez, who heads the parish’s RCIA my kids have that happiness and the peace that would condemn people,” he further added. started a friendship with a family here [Adam class. they can find with the Lord and through the The couple was civilly married in 2008, three and Desiraye Benavidez]. They’re really de- “I miss them since I’ve made my confirma- Church. I feel like I shouldn’t deprive them of years after their son Augustine was born and a vout and we liked how they put [the faith] first. tion. I really miss them because it was so fulfill- that anymore.” — By Perry West, CNA HERALD February 9, 2020 BEC 13 Encounter is the key step in the journey of dialogue

MANILA: Cardinal Luis Antonio admitting our prejudice and even needs of the others,” Tagle said. Gokim Tagle, archbishop of Ma- the injustice that we have commit- A neighbour, he explained, both nila and new prefect of the Con- ted.” invites and gives compassion. gregation for the Evangelisation “Let us be converted to the “We don’t only ask who is my of Peoples, gave his synthesis of truth. From humility and repent- neighbour, we also ask can I be a the 7th Philippine Conference on ance, hopefully, I will be open to neighbour to others.” the New Evangelisation (PCNE- the others who are God’s creatures Cardinal Tagle launched the first 7). too,” he added. conference in October 2013 in re- The key step in the journey of According to the new prefect of sponse to the call for a new evan- dialogue is a “personal encounter” Propaganda Fide, following the gelisation. with others, he said, in particular path of dialogue also means “to be The Catholic Bishops’ Confer- with those who are considered a neighbour”, getting away from ence of the Philippines (CBCP) “unique”, real people, “not just fears, pride and self-righteousness, organised this year’s edition, caricatures or a concept”. which prevent us from seeing the PCNE-7, as part of the Year of Ec- The conference was held Janu- Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle at the 7th Philippine Conference on the New uniqueness of our neighbours. umenism, Interreligious Dialogue ary 28-29 at the Smart-Araneta Evangelisation in Manila. Someone in need is a neighbour, and Indigenous Peoples planned Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City, Cardinal Tagle’s address ended as Manila’s archbishop, the prel- “and that means every person,” for 2021, when the Church will centred on theme At Sino Ang Ak- two days of meetings and testimo- ate told participants that by meet- said the cardinal. “Everyone has celebrate 500 years of Christianity ing Kapwa, And who is my neigh- nials. ing one’s neighbours “we hopeful- needs but everyone also has a gift. in the Philippines. — AsiaNews/ bour? (Luke 10:29). In one of his last official actions ly will learn the path of humility, Your gift is the response to the Agencies New sacrament formation Court awards almost RM1.7mil in damages to Myanmar refugee in negligence suit programme released in PUTRAJAYA: The Court of Ap- Gunn could represent Siang Len event at the hospital, Siang Len peal here has awarded a Myanmar and was properly authorised to act suffered severe and irreversible refugee almost RM1.7mil in dam- as his litigation representative. brain damage and was given a mas- American Sign Language ages in a medical negligence law- Siang Len, 30, through his liti- sive overdose of a powerful anaes- PHILADELPHIA: A new sacra- suit. gation representative Dr Gunn, thetic drug, ketamine, five times ment formation programme for the On Tuesday, Jan 28, a three- had filed the suit in 2016 against the intended dose. deaf and hard of hearing is offering member bench comprising Justices HUKM, Dr Aminuddin Abdul Siang Len is currently in a mini- adult catechetical information in Kamardin Hashim, Kamaludin Md Rashid and Dr Nazhatul Muna Ah- mally conscious state and is de- American Sign Language. Said and Nor Bee Ariffin allowed mad Nasaruddin. pendent on others for all activities Designed by Ascension Press, Henry Siang Len’s appeal on the According to the facts of the of daily living. Hands of Grace: The Catholic quantum of damages, raising it to case, Siang Len was to join his Following his discharge from Sacraments in American Sign Lan- RM1,685,594 from RM734,000 wife to resettle in the United States, hospital in 2011, he had been left guage became available Jan 6. It awarded by the High Court previ- but on Dec 24, 2010, the night be- under the care of Peter Favre Refu- was developed by Fr Sean Loomis, ously. fore he was to fly to the US, he was gee Convalescence Home 1 (Perch the chaplain for the Deaf Apostolate Meanwhile, Justice Kamardin assaulted by a group of people. 1), a nursing home for refugees. for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. also dismissed the appeal by the As a result of the assault, he suf- Siang Len was represented by a Creators of the new project hope respondent, Hospital Universiti fered injuries in his mouth and also team of lawyers led by P. S. Ranjan the materials, designed specifi- Sign language. (CNA photo/Andrey_ Kebangsaan Malaysia (HUKM) a fracture of his mandible and had while counsel N. Sharmini repre- cally for the deaf community, can Popov via Shutterstock) and two doctors against the High sought treatment at HUKM. sented the respondents. fill in gaps left by other catecheti- to the Word of God as well as the Court’s ruling that Dr Caroline Following a serious disastrous Source: Bernama cal programmes and address some writings of the Church fathers... of the unique challenges faced by So that they see what the Catholic the hearing impaired, who may Church believes is not something Velangkanni invigorates diocesan priests’ struggle with participating in Mass, we fabricated somewhere along the Confession, and the Catholic com- way, but has been the same belief enthusiasm for service munity. from the very beginning age of the MUMBAI: More than 700 priests titude of Clericalism and Joyful is “A huge challenge among the Church all the way until now,” he from 91 of 132 India’s Latin rite the priest who puts his trust in the deaf is that they are very uncat- said. dioceses spent four days at the Lord.” echised, and while that is certainly “The second video for every sac- Marian pilgrimage centre of Vel- The CDPI is the association that the case with the vast majority of rament ... is about the theology of angkanniin Tamil Nadu to redis- takes care of guiding the Commis- Catholics, that catechesis is impov- it,” he said. “It’s the catechesis be- cover their enthusiasm to serve the sion for vocations, seminarians, erished in a significant way” for hind it. It’s what’s really going on in Church and society. clergy and religious of the Confer- those who are deaf, said Loomis. the divine plan when this sacrament The second congress of the ence of Catholic Bishops of India “Most deaf people at this point is received. So it’s sort of the dog- Conference of Diocesan Priests of (Latin rite). Launched in 2001, the aren’t even interested. They already matic approach.” India (CDPI) addressed the theme CDPI obtained official recogni- feel turned off,” he said. “So like “The third one is about living the The joy of the priesthood. tion in 2008. In 2014 it approved 1 per cent of deaf people even go grace. So now that you are a bap- During the January 28-31 con- its internal statute. to church because they feel like the tised individual, for example, what gress the priests found joy in cel- Among the objectives of the church of any denomination really does that mean about your life? I ebrating Christ, in building the eight beatitudes of the priests, as organisation: to strengthen rela- has nothing to offer them.” want them to practise the mental ex- kingdom of God and being mes- already outlined by Pope Francis. tionships by building unity among The new project offers three-part ercise of taking theory and abstract sengers of joy, the organisers said. “Joyful is the priest who has priests; deepen the fraternity be- videos on each sacrament. Each theology and applying it concretely They said the Basilica of Our Personal authentic solid relations tween bishops and priests; contin- segment is about 6-10 minutes to their very individual and specific Lady of Good Health in Velang- with Jesus; Joyful is the priest ue formation in accordance with long, and together they discuss the life,” he added. kanni was chosen to reinvigorate who has the smell of the sheep; pastoral spirituality and the signs presence of the sacrament in scrip- The programme also includes the pastoral enthusiasm of the Joyful is the priest who is simple of the times; expand the pastoral ture and tradition, the theology of a workbook, which offers quotes men of the Church and to revive in lifestyle; Joyful is the priest bond between priests beyond the the sacrament, and the sacrament’s from saints and the catechism, priestly unity. who reaches out to the peripher- borders of their respective dio- personal significance. as well as works of art. Loomis Cardinal Oswald Gracias (pic), ies; Joyful is the priest who has a ceses; create a network of mutual “The first video … [introduces] stressed the value of artwork as a archbishop of Mumbai and presi- heart of Mercy; Joyful is the priest support in the realisation of the them to the scriptural defence of visual stimulus for deaf Catholics dent of the Catholic Bishops’ Con- who is nourished by and nourishes kingdom of God at the local level where Christ established the sac- to pray and learn about Church his- ference of India who celebrated others with the Word of God; Joy- and in the universal Church. — By raments so that they get exposed tory. — CNA the opening Mass, recalled the ful is the priest who shuns the at- Nirmala Carvalho, AsiaNews 14 Inter faith & Cultural Dialogue HERALD February 9, 2020

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity ‘Unusual kindness’ breaks down walls and prejudices KUALA LUMPUR: The Ecumenical Wor- lic Church, Archbishop Julian Leow, Fr Greg- ship for the Week of Christian Unity Prayer ory Chan, Fr Christopher Soosaipillai, several Hospitality, central practice of Christian life was held at the St Paul Anglican Church, religious and parishioners were in attendance. Archbishop Julian Leow shared the day’s reflec- desperately wants us to understand that everyone Thursday, Jan 23. Host Rev Joshua Ong, in his welcome tion emphasising how many migrants in today’s is made in God’s divine image. The way we treat This international Christian ecumenical speech, reminded everyone present that they world suffer a similar fate at sea as the 276 pas- immigrants and refugees is the way we treat Jesus observance, organised by the World Council were there to pray for unity among Christians sengers with St Paul, who were at the mercy of himself. There may be political, economic, and of Churches, is held annually between Jan 18 and reconciliation in the world. He said, “Di- the elements of nature, and how they probably felt personal reasons for an unwillingness to love im- and Jan 25 in the Northern Hemisphere. These vision among Christians has existed for many hopeless. migrants, but according to Jesus, there are no spir- dates were proposed over 112 years ago to centuries. This causes great pain and is con- “On the land, different kinds of storms also rage. itual ones.” include the Feast of St Peter’s Chair and the trary to God’s will. Together with Christians Since there are things all around us that could be ‘Strangers’, ‘sojourners’ and ‘foreigners’ in our Feast of the Conversion of St Paul, to add a all over the world, we offer prayers as we seek feared, kindness and hospitality are much-needed midst today include the displaced persons (those symbolic significance. to overcome separations.” fruits of Christian witness today. The contempo- who have been forced to leave their homes (com- This year’s theme, They Showed Us Unu- St Paul’s choir melodiously sung the Invo- rary Christians of Malta, in choosing this theme, munity) due to violent conflict, war, or a natural sual Kindness (cf. Acts 28:2) was prepared cation of the Holy Spirit before theCouncil of remind us it was through unusual kindness that a disaster), refugees (people who have been forced by the Christian churches in Malta and Gozo Churches Malaysia general secretary, Rev Dr divided people were drawn closer together, and the to leave their nation due to violent conflict or war), (Christians Together in Malta). The history of Hermen Shastri led the Prayers for Pardon and Gospel was furthered,” he said. migrants (those who have chosen to leave their Christianity in this small nation dates back to Reconciliation, followed by the Presbyterian Hospitality was considered a central practice of home country, mainly to escape poverty), asylum the times of the apostles. It is believed that St Church in Malaysia general secretary, Elder the Christian life and a much-needed virtue in the seekers (individuals who ask to live in another Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles, reached the Mok Cheh Liang, reciting the day’s readings search for Christian unity, as it calls for a greater country to escape severe religious or political per- shores of Malta in AD60. This narrative is de- from Acts chapter 27:18 to 28:10. generosity to those in need. “It’s no surprise, given secution or another violation of their human rights scribed in the first two chapters of the Acts of The Psalms were sung by Church of the that Christians themselves were outsiders in the and stateless persons (those who are not a citizen the Apostles, thus the chosen text for Chris- Assumption parish priest Fr Chan, accompa- Roman Empire that deemed Christianity danger- under the laws of any country), he explained. tians in Malta who celebrate the Feast of the nied by seminarian Bro Fabian Anand on the ous, at worst, and misguided, at best. As part of an “Christianity is not merely spirituality, but a faith Shipwreck of St Paul on Feb 10, in thanksgiv- guitar. illegal and widely-considered subversive sub-cul- rooted in events in human history: the redemption ing for the arrival of the faith on these islands The Myanmar Refugee Choir mesmerised ture, Christians practised hospitality to the stranger. of humanity and the whole of creation. The unity and this year’s Week of Prayer. the congregation with their soulful rendition “Further, as Christianity spread across the multi- for which we pray therefore serves to make Christ At a two-hour gathering a day before the of Non Nobis Domine, Hallelujah chorus, and cultural Roman Empire, it took root in diverse cul- known in the world. As we approach one another eve of the Lunar New Year, heads and repre- Amen from Handel’s Messiah before Christ tural and ethnic contexts, creating a multi-cultural seeking unity, we recognise that we sometimes sentatives of various Christian denominations Methodist Church Pastor Rev Tan Chew Mae religion. Christians must learn to deal with ‘the carry baggage from history, tradition and cultural made up almost 200 faithful. From the Catho- shared the Gospel of Mark (chapter 16:14-20). other’ across lines of language, culture and ethnic- expectation which can weigh us down and threaten ity,” he said. to overwhelm us. There is the danger that, in the Archbishop Leow said the basic themes of the face of that experience, we might lose sight of the gospel: love, joy, peace, kindness, forgiveness, hope which first called us and so give up reaching and hope should not be questioned. “For people for the light which Christ offers us.” claiming the faith of Christ, showing love and Archbishop Leow said, when unusual kindness compassion to immigrants, no matter their status, is shown, it breaks down walls and prejudices. “It is a requirement of following Jesus — there is no allows us to listen and befriend the other. This ges- alternative.” ture restores and strengthens relationships and will ““When a stranger sojourns with you in your result in us expressing unusual kindness in return.” land, you shall not do him wrong. You shall treat The congregation prayed and petitioned for the stranger who sojourns with you as the native Reconciliation, Enlightenment, Hope, Trust, among you, and you shall love him as yourself, Strength, Hospitality, Conversion and Generosity for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am before a closing blessing by Archbishop Leow, Christian Church leaders praying during the Ecumenical Worship for the Week of Christian the Lord your God.’ (Lev 19:33-34). These are the followed by a light supper and fellowship. — By Unity Prayer on January 23, 2020. strong words of a God who loves everyone and Gwen Manickam Recognise one another as assets, not threats JOHOR BAHRU: “We have come together to- day as a Church, not based on race or language but on faith,” said Fr Edward Rayappan, Head of the Diocesan Ministry of Ecumenical and In- terreligious Affairs on January 19. “We must see and recognise one another as assets and not as threats,” he said, during the week of Prayer for Christian Unity service at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, with the theme They Showed Us Unusual Kindness (cf. Acts 28:2). The main aim, he said, was to welcome peo- ple from other denominations to a meeting place Pastor, priests and representatives from the Christian Churches participate in the Christian Unity Week service, January 19, 2020. to pray for Church unity, for peace in the country will never change as what is written is written,” He made it clear that we must outdo each the world. and the world, and for blessings on one another. he said, adding that it can be interpreted in dif- other in charity and not in jealousy. “Our baptism becomes redundant if we fail to Fr Eddie mentioned that the aim for the day ferent ways. He also said we need to recognise and accept carry out our mission as Jesus did by building was achieved as there was a visible sign of unity “If we are sad, we read the Word of God to the gifts and talents each one of us has so as to the kingdom of God,” he said. among the Christian churches. find comfort. If we are happy, we read the Word work together in synergy in building the king- He said whatever we have heard from the “We hope to further work together on com- of God to find joy,” he said. dom of God. gospel of the day, let us put it together for the mon issues and encourage many more to join He also went on to say that if we are angry, He reminded those present that religion is not kingdom of God, adding that “together we us in this mission to be united as one people of the same word that we read can become hard meant to be taught but to be caught. achieve.” God,” he said. to accept. “Let the people see our way of life and come “By this, let the people know and be surprised Present for the event were Pastor Andrew Speaking in context with the gospel reading to know the unity we have as Christians,” he by the way we show our unusual kindness and Goh from the Lutheran Church, Rev Edward of the day, he said we come to hear how Jesus stressed. may they proclaim ‘they showed us unusual John, Archdeacon from the Anglican Church rebuked and reprimanded his disciples and fol- Touching on the gospel of the day, he said Je- kindness’ which is the theme of today’s Ecu- and Rev Benammie John from the Anglican lowers for their lack of faith and belief in him. sus is inviting all of us, as his disciples, to go out menical Prayer Service.” Church of Pasir Gudang and representatives Today, the priest said, we are also reminded and baptise the world. He concluded the service by thanking all the from the Christian Churches. that Jesus is truly Our Lord and Saviour who is Expounding further, he said the purpose of participating churches, the congregations and He explained that the Epistles or the Letters of the only Way, Truth and Life. our baptism is two-fold. Firstly, when we are their pastors for making this eventful and bless- St Paul talk about the reality of God’s action in “Each one of us is unique as no two people baptised we are elevated as sons and daughters ed evening. our everyday life. are the same. In order for us to build up the of God. The event ended with a group photo after He said, “When we read the Word of God, we kingdom of God, we must recognise and honour Secondly, he said, we are called for disciple- which everyone was invited for a simple fellow- must find out our disposition. The Word of God each other as unique,” he explained. ship to go forth and proclaim the good news to ship dinner. — By Vincent D’Silva HERALD February 9, 2020 Children 15 LittleLittle CCatholicsatholics’ CCornerorner

You are the light of the world; Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven (Mat 14-16)

Let's Colour

Dear children,

word Search Jesus says we are the salt of the earth. Have you ever tasted food that wasn‘t salty enough? It can taste pretty bland. But do you notice when food has the right amount of salt? Usually, we don’t think about it. It’s sort of hiding in the food and making it taste good. Jesus wants us to be like the “salt” in the world, with the goodness and truth that He gives us. Jesus also says that we are the light of the world. Can you imagine a com- pletely dark world; no sun or light or anything? It would be pretty scary. You'd never know what was happening or where you were going. That's what the world can be like for people who don't have the light of God's truth. It's our job to bring the truth to the world so that everyone can see that God loves them. We have to bring God’s light every- where we go. But we must be gentle with people who can’t grasp the truth. Otherwise, it would be like shining a torch into someone’s eyes and he/she may feel blinded. We need to start like little candles, lighting the way so that people can follow us towards God.

Aunty Eliz HERALD YYOOUTHUTH February 9, 2020 YOUNG ADULTS Get involved in your parish or many young Young Adults: adults, parishes are an enigma. 1. Pray regularly with your parish. Go to F Mass every week and participate in the They experience celebration of the Eucharist. Join in op- them as young chil- portunities for Eucharistic Adoration and dren, and some receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation may have been in- regularly. volved in their cat- 2. Find your niche. Most parishes offer echism class. Then a variety of ministries, committees and they went off to col- councils that do good work in the com- lege. Half of those munity and for the parish. There is almost always some ministry that will truly speak involved teenagers to your heart and fit with the type of per- stayed engaged in son God has made you to be. their faith, while 3. Volunteer your expertise. Sometimes, others simply “took the work you do outside the church is (HERALD file photo/PDCSD) a break” from par- needed within the church. Volunteer ish life all together to lead a project repairing something, Now, for those who don’t fall in the young adult category, and came to believe planting, weeding a flower bed or may- but want to see more young adults active in the parish: that the Church had be even teaching as a catechist or coach- 1. Make them feel welcome. Take the time to no- 4. Provide opportunities for connection. Young ing the youth sports teams. very little to say tice the single young adult when he or she walks adults may not see each other at Mass. After all, there in on Sunday morning, and notice them again are three or four Masses each weekend, and there are that was relevant 4. Make friends. Many young adults feel alone until they look around at Mass when they sit in your pew. At the end of Mass, hundreds of other people around. There isn’t a desig- or realistic in their include them the in conversation, the invitation nated “Young Adult”section in our parishes, so think and find people in the pews like them. daily lives. to the coffee morning or Sunday brunch. Initially, creatively about events directly focused at getting Stick around for the coffee morning they will probably find it a bit awkward and will young adults connected with one another, and plan Throughout that process, after Mass, say hello and invite them to likely decline the invitation for breakfast, but they those events with at least one young adult! these young men and wom- your place for brunch, or just start with will feel welcomed and noticed. That’s good! 5. Be open to new ministries. Not everything within en were rarely asked to take exchanging phone numbers. And if that 2. Invite young adults to have a voice in parish the parish has to be put on by the parish. The goal part in parish life. In fact, doesn’t work, then sit closer to them at ministries. Do you see the great gifts young adults of every parish community should be to encourage if you were to ask a young next week’s Mass and catch them before can offer to the parish? Take the time to personal- every person to be a missionary disciple. We are fed adult, “What is a parish?” they fly out the door. ly invite the young married couple to join in wit- by the Eucharist for the purpose of being sent out. They would probably strug- 5. If it isn’t happening, make it happen. nessing to those couples who are newly engaged. Encourage that, especially in our young adults! Al- gle to answer. Churches do not need to encompass all Invite the single young woman to share her in- low them to run ministries that come from the Young adults are seeking that is going on in the life of the parish. sights on the parish council. Help those who will unique vocation each of them has been given, and more, and they deserve a one day be the “elders” of the Church to have a cooperate to make the ministry grow into a real If you don’t see something you would community that is seeking hand in guiding her into that future. movement led by the Holy Spirit. love to see happen, start doing it! Start them. So, for those young a small group at your home, begin a 3. Trust the Holy Spirit. Pray to the Holy Spirit Young adults are a great gift to our Church. While adult seekers, we offer these zumba session with fellow young adults that He will enkindle in these young men and they may be struggling to understand their path in five ways to get involved in women a zealous response to the great plan He this world, our cooperation with them and our will- at a local park, develop a running club your parish, coupled with has for your parish and for the Catholic Church. ingness to be attentive to them and the movement or begin doing regular ministry for the five ways parishes can in- Don’t doubt the desires of our young adults to of the Holy Spirit within their hearts will only help homebound at your parish. Start doing volve young adults. help the Catholic Church to be the kingdom of our Church to do the work of Jesus Christ across the it, and invite others to join you. God on Earth. world. — By Wayne Topp, Catholic Telegraph HERALD February 9, 2020 Youth 17 KAYA 28begins! KOTA PADAWAN: Kuching iar, KAYA… is a youthful and Archdiocesan Youth Apostolate holistic FAITH FORMATION (KAYA), in its 28th season in for young people organised 2020, is back. And it began in by the Kuching Archdiocesan a simple but meaningful way… Youth Commission – that the with the celebration of the Mass youth may experience Christ, by Fr Felix Au, the advisor of get to know Him (not just things the Kuching Archdiocesan about Him) more deeply, love Youth Commission, and with Fr Him more devoutly and serve Leonard Yap, Fr Pratap Baskey, him more diligently. This leads Fr Robert Jissem, Fr John Direk the young to know and appre- and Fr Ramon Borja concel- ciate themselves better and be ebrating. moved to live a life of service to For those who are not famil- others especially in the Church.

Participants all fired up and ready for KAYA 28. (photo/KAYC) For this year’s KAYA, we have Jesus! Kudos to our Kuching young people, their families 130 young people who gener- youth! and dear ones, surely our lo- ously said ‘yes’ to this challeng- Join me in supporting them cal Church as well… and why ing but hopefully life-changing with our prayers, our praises not… for you too as you show experience. Twenty of them and our presents. We appre- your support. serve as facilitators. They are all ciate any gift you would offer After all, isn’t that what KAYA so admirable! They are housed this cause. Food, drinks, cash, is? Richness… in God’s bounti- in St Lukas Centre from Jan 13 goods. Your generosity would ful grace! to Feb 17. Five full weeks, and be so appreciated. KAYA has begun. Never let it six for the volunteer facilitators. May KAYA be a truly enrich- end without you getting enriched Sharing session. (photo/KAYC) Wow! Big deal, right? All for ing experience for all these by it. — By Fr Ramon Borja Welcoming the Sabah Youth Day cross KOTA KINABALU: The St Si- the Word of God during the ongo- the youth, for the youth”. mon Catholic Church community ing Sabah Youth Day events. Organised by the three dioceses welcomed the 5th Sabah Youth Fr Lee welcomed the Sabah of Sabah, the event is held once Day Cross and Marian Icon on Youth Day Cross and youths from in every four years with previ- January 12. Penampang and Inanam. ous hosts comprising Keningau The cross was brought to the Fr Lee also said he was im- (2004), Ranau (2008), Tambunan Likas parish by 91 delegates, led pressed with the Inobong youths’ (2012) and Tawau (2016). by its Youth Coordinator Jonathan solemn procession as they entered The main event this year will be J, from Holy Trinity’s Inobong the parish compound to hand over held in Limbahau, Papar on July parish. the SYD cross. He added that be- 25-31. They were joined by ten other sides behaving well, they were also The theme was inspired by the delegates from St Catherine’s way ahead of the 7.30am schedule. World Youth Day 2019 which co- Inanam parish. On hand to wel- After Mass, the parish-level incided with the goals of the XV come the visitors were parish event continued with fellowship at Ordinary General Assembly of the Parish youth leader Denis Tsen receiving the SYD cross from Inobong Youth Ministry head Denis Tsen, the parish hall comprising praise Synod of Bishops on youth, faith youths during the handing over ceremony. Parish Pastoral Council Chairper- and worship, testimonies and per- and vocational discernment, held son Anne Wong, other leaders as formances by the Holy Trinity in 2018. well as parish rector, Fr Cosmas Inobong youths, St Simon Sunday The aim of the 5th SYD is also Lee. School Children and the Likas to help the Catholic youths in Sa- During the Sunday morning ser- youth. bah to emulate Mother Mary in vice, Fr Lee said the parish was At the end of the programme, being faithful to their call and to “very privileged” to welcome the Fr Cosmas thanked everyone who stand firm as witnesses of Christ in cross during the Mass of the Bap- supported and attended the event. this generation. tism of the Lord, which was also The SYD Cross and icon will be The Sabah Youth Cross accom- the last day of Christmas. kept in the parish for a week be- panied by the Marian icon had “If there were no crib, there fore being passed on to St Cath- been moving from parish to parish would have been no cross, no erine’s Inanam parish next week. around Sabah on a weekly basis. Word of God and no Mother Mary. Meanwhile, since its inception As the future pillar of the “Jesus was born for us… to die in 2004, Sabah Youth Day (SYD) Church, may our young people be for us. The first one to receive the was created with the purpose of faithful in serving God in their en- Word was Mother Mary,” he said, gathering Catholic youths around deavour to build a better world. — adding that in answer to the an- Sabah with the concept of “from By Tracy Lim Parish youths performing during the event at the hall on Jan 12 gel’s greeting, Mother Mary sim- ply replied: “I am the servant of the Lord; let it be done to me ac- cording to your word.” Mary’s answer, found in Luke 1:38, is also the theme of this year’s Sabah Youth Day. “Without faith, the cross is mean- ingless. By accepting the cross in our daily life, it becomes the cen- tre of our faith, hope and strength, that leads us closer to God,” he said, adding that he hoped young people would be enlightened by Youths from St Simon Likas and St Catherine’s Inanam parish. HERALD February 9, 2020 23 For more enquiries, please contact: Email: [email protected] m e m o r i a m Tel: 03-2026 8290 / 03-2026 8291

4 t h Ye a r A n n i v e r s a r y 4 0 t h D a y M e m o r i a l 6 t h A n n i v e r s a r y In Ever Loving Memory of In Loving Memory of In Loving Memory of Benjamin Joseph Vergis Hazel Renee “Surely goodness & kindness will follow me all the days of Amlor Mary Savari Muthu my life and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever” Wife of the Late Maria Joseph (Ex-KTM CI and MRT Singapore) From the Lord: 04-05-1935 To the Lord: 01-01-2020 For if we have been united with Him in a death Born: To G o d : like His, we will certainly be united with Him 4-10-1976 8-02-2016 in a resurrection like His. – Romans 6:5 The 40th day memorial Mass will be celebrated 16.04.1958 – 14.02.2014 on Saturday, 8th February 2020 at 6.00pm at the We knew little that morning that God was going to call your name. Church of St Louis, Taiping and thereafter In life we loved you dearly, in death we do the same. Deeply missed and fondly remembered by: Prayer and dinner at 7.45pm at our residence It broke our hearts to lose you, you did not go alone Father: Vergis, Mother: Theresa, Wife: Dilashini, No. 84 Jalan Muzzafar Shah For part of us went with you, the day God called you home. 34000 Taiping, Perak. You left us peaceful memories, your love is still our guide Daughter: Natasha, Sister, Brothers-in-law, And though we cannot see you, you are always at our side. Sisters-in-law, Nieces, Deeply missed and forever cherished by Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same relatives and friends. Children and In-laws, Grandchildren, Great-grandchild, Sisters, But as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again. “Love You Benny” Nephews, Nieces, Relatives and Friends. Deeply missed and forever loved. In Loving Memory of THIRD ANNIVERSARY Honour your Father and Mother (Ex. 20:12; Deut. 5:16) 7th Anniversary 4th Anniversary Joseph Nathan Our Beloved Parents 26th February 1931 -11th February 2017 7th Anniversary 38th Anniversary In loving memory of our beloved Dad and Grand-Dad Christmas will never be the same again, Birthdays and Fathers Day will never be the same, Your singing, your drumming of the tabla, playing of your favourite songs We miss you dearly Dad. In the Lord’s House you find love and peace For that we are joyous for you have returned Home to the Lord. Just a Memory Away Claudia Theophilus Alfred Theophilus JR I’m no longer by your side, But there’s no need to weep; Departed: Departed: I’ve left sweet recollections, I’m hoping you would keep. Eternal joy and memories, Stay in our hearts forever, 2nd February 2013 9th January 2016 Strengthening our special bond that parting cannot sever. B. A Elizabeth M. C. Paul “Your life was a blessing, Now it’s time to journey on, So let your faith be strong, Departed: Departed: Your memory a treasure, For I am in a better place…I’m home where I belong. And if times of loneliness bring sorrow and dismay, 17-02-2013 23-05-1982 You are loved beyond words, Don’t despair, for I am there…Just a Memory Away Always cherished by your And missed beyond measure.” Rita S. Bee sons, daughters, daughters-in-law, sons-in-law, Forever in our hearts and thoughts; Remembered by Fatima, Patrick, Philips, Peter, Lawrence, Ann, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cherished and missed by loved ones. and all the grand children, great grand children, relatives and friends. relatives and friends.

9 t h A n n i v e r s a r y 15th Anniversary 31st Day Memorial Service In Loving Memory of For God has In Loving Memory of

destined us not for Husband: Arulanantham Joseph (Deceased) wrath but for Son: Anthony Ravindra (Deceased) obtaining salvation For God Daughter: Shanthini Martha through our Lord so loved the world, that he gave Jesus Christ, who Son: Joseph Ganandra (019-2656350) his only Son, died for us, Deeply missed and forever loved by that whoever believes family and loved ones. so that whether we in Him should not are awake or asleep perish but have A requiem mass will be held on we may live with him. eternal life. 9th February 2020 (Sunday) at 10:15 a.m at the W. Roy Augustine Church of Our Lady of Lourdes Klang, Selangor. Therefore encourage John 3:16 one another and Called to the Lord: Thereafter you and your family are invited for build up each other, Deeply missed and 11-02-2005 prayer and lunch at 12:30 p.m at as indeed you fondly remembered by: “May his soul rest N o : 1 J a l a n S e m b i l a n g S a t u o f f in peace. Amen.” Jalan Teluk Pulai, 41100 Klang, Selangor. are doing. Steve Jeremiah Father: S. Pakiesamy Pakiesamy Mother: Janet Maria Always cherished, Please treat this as our loved and remembered by MARY SAVARIA - 1 Thess. 5:9-11 Born: Sister: Sandra Jaqueline personal invitation from the family. 1 8 t h J a n u a r y 1 9 8 4 Brother: Mr & Mrs son, daughter-in-law, FERNANDO We wish to express our deepest appreciation daughters, sons-in-law, Sean Jamie & Family. and heartfelt thanks to all for your support Departed: grandchildren and 27/08/1933 – 12/01/2020 4th February 2011 all loved ones. during our recent bereavement. Casket Paradise & Funeral Care Sdn. Bhd.(311899-W)

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Download the Click To Pray updates now. THE CATHOLIC WEEKLY February 9, 2020 Structure of catechesis needs to change Focus on evangelisation and not sacramentalisation SINGAPORE: There is a need for change at is the work of the whole community, not just the way our local Church gives religious in- catechists. Parents and even schools have a struction to young people. part to play.” The Church’s current focus is for our young Young people today are very smart, they people to receive the Sacraments such as Holy have many questions and need to talk about Communion and Confirmation. However, this them in order to understand what they are approach assumes that their faith would grow searching for in life, he said. as they age. But, is this the case? Fr Terence Kesavan, Catechetical Director “The same applies for the RCIA catechu- of the Office for Catechesis (OFC), said cat- mens in their journey,” said Archbishop Wil- echesis “cannot just be head knowledge but liam Goh. In his address to about 250 cat- more towards making disciples” and the most echists, youth and RCIA coordinators at the important people for this are catechists them- Launch of the Catechetical Year, His Grace selves. outlined the issues and challenges facing cat- “Catechists are first called to be discipled, echesis in the Church. then be a disciple to others,” he said. “One big frustration in the Church is that Archbishop William Goh speaking during the Launch of the Catechetical Year. (Catholic News He said to be a disciple, catechists must our catechists have not made our young people Singapore/VITA Images) be part of a community, evangelising, have truly fervent Catholics. Our youth are being yearn for a fruitful and insightful homily. treats for young people and for catechists to a strong prayer life and know Scripture. “We sacramentalised, not evangelised, and we think “If you don’t cooperate with God and get to re-think their curriculum to focus on how their need to have these in our lives before teaching because of this, we have done our part,” said know Him, nothing is going to change when teens can first be evangelised. others to do the same.” Archbishop Goh during the January 4 event at you receive the Sacraments. When you try and Another suggestion was to make the cat- Fr Terence emphasised that catechesis the Catholic Archdiocesan Education Centre. form people who don’t know God, it’s going to echism classroom environment a more com- should be for everyone and not just young peo- But, it is not possible to form people who are be a challenge,” he said. munity-centred one. ple and that parents should set the example for not interested in God because they haven’t en- Christianity is all about relationship, about “A community is where there is love, shar- their children in this area. countered Him. Why teenagers are always so belonging. “Unless you have a relationship ing and fellowship ... peers are often the best “When your children see you praying, go- bored during catechism is not because the ses- with Him, there can be no catechesis ... there witnesses of Christ because through their ac- ing for Bible courses and growing in your faith sions are not planned well. It’s simply because will just be head knowledge.” tions, their friends will be inspired to want to ... they take the example and will not see their they are not interested, he said. This can be seen clearly by the paucity of know God more.” faith as a chore,” he said. To illustrate, he drew parallels between this young people who return to serve in their par- Archbishop Goh added that classes should He urged all Catholics to pray for “a Church and parishioners who attend Mass every week- ishes after Confirmation or the number of cat- be held in smaller groups of 15 to make it eas- that is growing in its catechesis, a Church end. Those who are forced to go would want echumens who serve in the ministries. ier to build community and promote sharing, where the people are growing in their faith and a short homily and for Mass to end quickly. Although there are no quick-fix solutions, where doctrines can then be introduced. knowledge.” — By Jared Ng, Catholic News Those who have truly encountered God would Archbishop Goh suggested having more re- He also reminded everyone that “catechesis Singapore Church must recognise the gifts of older Catholics Kidnapped Nigerian VATICAN: Old age “is not a disease, it’s a ing the time when productivity and strength the present and tomorrow of the Church,” he privilege,” and Catholic dioceses and parishes decline, the 83-year-old Pope said, for others said. “Yes, they are also the future of a Church, seminarian killed miss a huge and growing resource if they ig- it is a time when they are still physically fit and which, together with young people, prophesies nore their senior members, Pope Francis said. mentally sharp but have much more freedom and dreams. That is why it is so important that SOKOTO, Nigeria: One “We must change our pastoral routines to than they had when they were working and the old and the young talk to each other. It is so of four Nigerian semi- respond to the presence of so many older peo- raising a family. important.” narians kidnapped last ple in our families and communities,” the Pope In both situations, he said, the Church must “In the Bible, longevity is a blessing,” the month has been killed, told Catholic seniors and pastoral workers be there to offer a helping hand if needed, ben- Pope noted. It is a time to face one’s fragility reportedly by his abduc- from around the world. efit from the gifts of the elderly and work to and to recognise how reciprocal love and care tors. The three seminar- Pope Francis addressed the group Jan 31 near counter social attitudes that see the old as use- within a family really are. ians kidnapped along with the end of a three-day conference on the pasto- less burdens on a community. “Giving long life, God the father gives time him were released in the ral care of the elderly sponsored by the Vatican When speaking with and about older Catho- to deepen one's awareness of him and to deepen weeks following their kidnapping. Dicastery for Laity, the Family and Life. lics, the Church cannot act as if their lives only intimacy with him, to draw closer to his heart “With a very heavy heart, I wish to inform The Catholic Church at every level, he said, had a past, “a musty archive,” he said. “No. and abandon oneself to him,” the Pope said. “It you that our dear son, Michael was murdered must respond to the longer life expectancies The Lord also can and wants to write new is a time to prepare to consign our spirit into his by the bandits on a date we cannot confirm. He and changing demographics evident around pages with them, pages of holiness, service and hands, definitively, with the trust of children. and the wife of a doctor were arbitrarily sepa- the world. prayer.” But it also is a time of renewed fruitfulness.” rated from the group and killed. The Rector While some people see retirement as mark- “Today I want to tell you that the elderly are — By Cindy Wooden, CNS identified the corpse this afternoon,” Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of Sokoto, Nigeria, said in a statement released Feb 1. Admiration as Pope extends Indian cardinal’s term Michael Nnadi (pic) was 18 years old. NEW DELHI, India: “It is a laudable decision. The Christian “for the service of the Church in Bombay, in Information about the woman killed with Pope Francis has extend- community stands to benefit immensely,” said India and in the universal Church.” Nnadi is not yet available. ed the tenure of Cardinal Father Babu Joseph, former spokesman of the Father Joseph said Cardinal Gracias has Nnadi himself was taken by gunmen from Oswald Gracias (pic) as Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India. been leading the Church in India at a crucial Good Shepherd Seminary in Kaduna, around the archbishop of Bom- Cardinal Gracias turned 75, the canonical time “when Christians in the country are in- 10:30 pm on Jan 8. bay after he crossed his age of retirement from the office of the arch- creasingly facing a hostile atmosphere amid With him were Pius Kanwai, 19; Peter canonical retirement age, bishop, on Dec 24. He had submitted his resig- growing demand to make India a Hindu-only Umenukor, 23; and Stephen Amos, 23. The which leaders say will nation to Pope Francis on Nov 30. nation.” four seminarians were at the beginning of their benefit the Church in- In The cardinal is a member of the team of car- The cardinal heads the national bishops’ philosophy studies. dia. dinals whom Pope Francis handpicked to help conference, and his “international stature and The gunmen, disguised in military camou- A letter from the Vatican’s Congregation for him in renewing the Vatican Curia. leadership qualities will certainly benefit the flage, broke through the fence surrounding the the Evangelisation of Peoples said Pope Fran- The Vatican congregation’s Dec 6 letter, Catholic Church in India immensely,” said Fr seminarians’ living quarters and began shooting cis had asked Cardinal Gracias to remain “until which has become public recently, expressed Joseph, a Divine Word priest based in Indore sporadically. They stole laptops and phones be- other provisions are made.” “gratitude” to the cardinal for what he is doing city in central India. — ucanews.org fore kidnapping the four young men. — CNA