My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if APRIL 18, 2021 anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is TERHAD the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours PP 8460/11/2012(030939) ISSN: 1394-3294 only but also for the sins of the whole world. Vol. 28 No. 14 And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. FOR INTERNAL CIRCULATION ONLY THE CATHOLIC WEEKLY 1 John 2:1-3 Meeting Christ in the poor renews our missionary vigour OME: Pope Francis said that the poverty and exclusion Rfrom the job market caused by the coronavirus pandemic has made the work of Catholic groups that assist poor communities even more urgent. “Going out to meet the wounded and risen Christ in the poorest communities allows us to regain our missionary vigour, because that is how the Church was born, on the periphery of the Cross,” Pope Francis said in a video mes- sage released on April 15. “If the Church ignores the poor it ceases to be the Church of Jesus and revives old tempta- tions to become an intellectual or moral elite, a new form of Pelagianism, or like the life of the Essenes.” The Pope sent the video message to partici- pants in the international conference, A Politics Rooted in the People, organised by the London- based Centre for Theology and Community. A file photo of Pope Francis blesses a homeless man at a Night and Day Care Centre for homeless people near St Peter’s Square. (Vatican Media) The event is part of the celebrations mark- of their history, of their destiny, of expressing exploiting them for the purpose of power,” he work and testimony much more urgent and ing the 50th anniversary of the Catholic Cam- themselves with their values and culture, of said. “Contempt for popular culture is the be- necessary,” Pope Francis said. paign for Human Development (CCHD), the their creativity, of their fertility,” the Pope said. ginning of the abuse of power.” “Many of you gathered here have been anti-poverty programme of the US Bishops’ “For this reason, it is impossible for the The Pope also greeted the other conference working for years doing this in the peripher- Conference. Church to separate the promotion of social jus- partners, which include the Caritas Social Ac- ies, and accompanying popular movements. In his message, Pope Francis recognised the tice from the recognition of the values and cul- tion Network, Boston College Law School, Sometimes it can be uncomfortable. Some ac- work of the US bishops’ anti-poverty initia- ture of the people, including the spiritual values the Centre for Catholic Social Thought and cuse you of being too political, others of want- tive in “helping the poorest communities in the that are the source of their sense of dignity.” Practice, the Loyola University’s Institute of ing to impose religion. But you perceive that United States to live with more dignity, pro- The Pope said that politics is regenerated Pastoral Studies, the Katholische Hochschule respecting the people is respecting their institu- moting their participation in the decisions that when the importance of spirituality in people’s für Sozialwesen in Berlin and the Anglo-Irish tions, including religious ones; and that the role affect them.” lives is recognised. province of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate. of these institutions is not to impose anything, “When the people are discarded, they are de- “One way to ignore the poor is to despise “The poverty and exclusion from the job but to walk with the people, reminding them of prived not only of material well-being but also their culture, their spiritual values, their reli- market which resulted from this pandemic the face of God that always comes before us,” of the dignity of acting, of being the protagonist gious values, either by discarding them or by which we are experiencing have made your he said. — CNA Filipino child admonishes Duterte for foul language MANILA: A nine-year-old boy has admon- Davao, where he served as mayor before be- People should respect and must be polite watched the president giving speeches on tel- ished Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte coming president, to carry out his orders. with one another, he said. evision on occasions. for swearing while making speeches. (Photo: “It’s not even a crime,” he told foreign digni- “At home, we are told to respect one another. Many Catholics praised the child’s letter. Presidential Communications Office) taries during an Asia Pacific Regional Confer- There are words that we are not allowed to say. “Awareness of what is wrong and correct at Catholics in the Philip- ence in Pasay City in 2019 in which he also Sometimes I hear you [Duterte] on television. this early age … indicates what kind of values pines have praised a nine- said he was “not schooled in statesmanship.” I am shocked at how you curse and badmouth he will have in his future. The next generation year-old boy for writing He has even used profanities when attacking others,” he added. of Filipinos can surely by hopeful because of to Philippine President Catholic Church leaders. His mother explained her son wrote the letter someone like him. I wish there were more Rodrigo Duterte (pic) ad- But a young boy was not convinced that a as part of a school assignment and that she was Skyes in our country to call out erring leaders,” monishing him for cursing president should be cursing and bad-mouthing very surprised when she read it. said Jab Cordero, a Manila parishioner. and swearing in televised people in order to be respected. “He was asked to write a letter to our dear Another doubted whether Duterte would speeches. I hope that you will change your attitude president … Our children are also aware of ever change his ways. Duterte is known for his use of profanities “As president, don’t you think you should be how a good leader should lead a country. God “He will not change. As the saying goes, you even in the presence of foreign dignitaries at a role model for good manners and right con- bless the Philippines,” Skye’s mother told the cannot teach an old dog new tricks. An old dog international conferences. duct? I hope that you will change your attitude. Baguio Chronicle. like him? Next to impossible,” said Geraldine He once said such language was necessary Then maybe I will respect you more,” wrote She also said her son was undergoing home De Leon, a parish worker in Quezon City. — when telling people in the southern city of Skye, a nine-year-old boy from Baguio City. schooling because of the pandemic, so had By Joseph Peter Calleja, ucanews.com 2 Forum / Reflection HERALD April 18, 2021 Suffering in the face of persecution

he situation in Myanmar is wor- that they could not continue with the old rying with more than 700 dead as Sunday Observer ways of oppression, divide and rule, and Tmany ordinary people bravely re- marginalisation of so many groups. sist the illegal military coup in Myanmar By He condemned the love of money over despite massacres. the love of God and spoke out against These people, many of them youth, Anil Netto religious hypocrisy and those using re- are living for an ideal. They want to live [email protected] ligion for personal power and wealth. their lives to the full, free of oppressive His message resonated with his time and control. earned the ire of those who felt its sting Many of them — and their families viewed with suspicion, as misfits, social martyred. (siapa makan cili, dia rasa pedas or “if and friends — are paying a heavy price radicals and counter-culturals and were The early Christians, even if they did the shoe fits, wear it). as soldiers with heavy weapons open fire sometimes harshly persecuted. not want martyrdom, knew they sub- He spoke of a kingdom that would on them, mowing down scores with each They refused to conform to Roman scribed to a higher ideal, a different spread like a mustard seed, growing fast passing day. imperial theology, which honoured its standard to worldly values. Many of them and wild, and of a God who loved even The followers of Jesus too faced per- deified emperors and sacrificed to a pan- may have been near the bottom of the so- the poor, the oppressed and those suffer- secution after the Resurrection, first in theon of gods of the empire. Because the cial ladder, but they knew that in God’s ing persecution for the cause of justice. Jerusalem and later elsewhere and then Christians’ worship rituals were often eyes they were special, and that He was Jesus’ message was rejected by those in Rome. held in private and involved terms such deeply concerned about the oppressed. in power, and he was executed on the In the first few centuries in Rome, as “body and blood” and agape (sacrifi- Before Jesus, the prophets had spoken cross. His suffering united him with all Christianity was seen as an alien super- cial love), they were often suspected of out strongly throughout the Old Testa- those around the world who suffer un- stition that had not received proper au- secret immoral worship or even cannibal- ment. The Hebrew word for prophet is justly while others lord it over them or thorisation. Although the Empire and its ism. navi, which means “speaking for some- earn fabulous profits from the misery of imperial theology absorbed or co-opted Many Christians had to suffer for re- one else” (ie for God). The prophets were the ordinary people. other religions of the territories into its fusing to sacrifice to the Roman gods. In instruments of God’s power, justice, mer- But the Resurrection vindicated Jesus’ fold, Christianity was viewed differently. Roman eyes, they were seen as breaking cy and compassion, conveying his mes- prophetic words and breathed the Spirit It was seen as branching off Judaism the pact between these gods and society, sage in the first person (“I, the Lord, your across a fallen world. and was viewed as a cult which encour- especially during periods when the em- God, say this…). And so the generals in Myanmar, per- aged the abandonment of the Roman im- pire was under pressure or attack from The prophet’s message was one of giv- secuting the ordinary people and presid- perial religion. outside. ing a community a choice or ultimatum: ing over their massacres, are on borrowed The Roman persecution started in 64 These Christians, when they refused there was no middle ground. The proph- time. The people are suffering, and they AD and continued, with periods of spo- to conform, paid with their own lives, et’s message was either obeyed or it was speak with a prophetic voice when they radic intensity, sometimes localised, un- especially in the third century and early rejected. In the latter case, the prophet call for freedom in their land and justice til 313 AD. fourth century AD. would be resisted, persecuted or even for their fallen ones. It was a tough time for Christians in The point is, after the euphoria of the killed. Just as the Roman emperors are now those early centuries. Many of them were Resurrection had subsided, it was not Jesus was the incarnation of this Wis- a footnote in history, one day the brutal from the urban poor (though there were hunky-dory being a Christian. People dom and continued in the prophetic tra- generals of Myanmar will be consigned middle-class Christians too). They were suffered persecution, and many were dition with his message to the world – to ignominy. Third Sunday of Easter: Witnesses

oday’s Gospel reading is an Easter this was Jesus. Their hearts were on fire. Taccount from the Gospel of Luke. It They ran to Jerusalem to tell Peter and the begins with the events that took place on Apostles that they had seen the Lord. Reflecting on our Sunday Readings the evening of Easter Sunday, after Jesus Today’s Gospel begins right after this, The world needs to hear that there is so 3rd Sunday of Easter had appeared to the two disciples on the with the two disciples gathered together much more around us than the everyday Readings: Acts of the Apostles 3:13-15, 17-19; road to Emmaus. You remember the dis- with the Twelve and telling them their ex- concerns of our lives. The 24/7 news re- ciples were walking and talking when a perience. Jesus again appears. This time ports from the left and from the right pro- 1 John 2:1-5a; stranger caught up to them and joined their everyone recognised Him, but thought vide us with incessant whining regarding Gospel: Luke 24:35-48 conversation. He asked them, “What are He was a ghost. So Jesus showed them the statements and actions of those with you discussing as you walk along?” One His hands and feet and told them to touch opposite views. It makes it seem as though nesses to His Truth. It is our obligation to of them said in reply, “Are you the only Him. He even ate a piece of fish to prove the world will stop if the views opposite apply the Christian litmus test to the events visitor to Jerusalem who does not know that He was not a ghost. He explained the their position are allowed to take hold of of the world. of the things that have taken place there in scriptures leading to this moment and said, the country and the world. Because there Let nothing disturb you, these last days?...The things that happened “Thus it is written that the Messiah would are few people of faith on either side in the Let nothing frighten you, to Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet suffer and rise from the dead on the third media, they miss the fact that all their re- All things are passing away: mighty in deed and word before God and day and that repentance, for the forgiveness ports pale in comparison to the only news God never changes. all the people; how our chief priests and of sins, would be preached in His name to that matters, the Good News, the Gospel. Patience obtains all things rulers both handed him over to a sentence all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. Jesus Christ has saved the world. He has Whoever has God lacks nothing; of death and crucified him. But we were You are witnesses of these things.” given us eternal life. We have to treasure God alone suffices. hoping that he would be the one to re- “You are witnesses of these things.” He this life, and lead others to His life. We — St Teresa of Avila deem Israel; and besides all this, it is now called His disciples to be witnesses. He have to take a stand for all that is right and If only people realised that there was so the third day since this took place. Some calls us to be His witnesses. moral, whether it comes from the liberals much more to life than meets the eye, if women from our group, however, have In a court of law, when someone is or the conservatives, and we have to fight only people realised that the spiritual is astounded us: they were at the tomb early called to be a witness, that person has to against all that which is wrong and im- real, if only people realised that the eternal in the morning and did not find his body; swear that he or she will tell the truth, the moral whether it exists among the liberals life of the Lord is available for them, that they came back and reported that they whole truth and nothing but the truth. We, or the conservatives. The bottom line of the Lord is reaching out to them, then they had indeed seen a vision of angels who the witnesses of Jesus Christ, are called to our concern is not either of the party’s po- would realise that much of their upset in announced that he was alive. Then some give testimony that Jesus Christ has risen sitions. The bottom line for us is the Truth politics, as well as in their daily lives is in- of us went to the tomb and found things from the dead. We are called to testify that of Jesus Christ. Every position in politics, significant next to the overwhelming truth just as the women had described, but Him there is more to life than the physical, there every law in the land, must be seen from of Jesus Christ. we did not see.” Then, you remember, the is the spiritual. We are called to proclaim the perspective of the Truth of Jesus Christ. Someone must be found to let the world stranger explained scripture to them. He that Jesus Christ came, suffered, died and Who is there in this country who is going know about the only reality that matters. then ate with them and broke the bread and rose from the dead so that we could have a to stand up for what is right and true, just This is what we have been called to do. wine as He did at the Last Supper. After share in His eternal life. and moral? Who? We, that’s who. We We are His witnesses. — By Msgr Joseph this He disappeared, and they realised that The world needs to hear our testimony. are witnesses to Jesus Christ. We are wit- A Pellegrino HERALD April 18, 2021 Home / Pastoral 3 Pan-Malaysian Alpha in the Catholic Context t’s a long walk, we'll get there I heologian By ciliation and to be connected physi- Proclamation of the Kerygma know, It’s a long walk, I hope my cally with the Catholic community Alpha is essentially the proclamation ‘I Speaks Fr Dr John feet can make it, It’s a long walk, we T Gnanapiragasam of faith when the situation permits. of the Kerygma, the life and ministry, are all going home.’ This is a new column for our local Alpha in the This event is offered therefore as the death and resurrection of Jesus, as Those are the words of a refrain theologians to share their thoughts. Catholic Context an Easter Pentecost experience for distinct from catechesis, the unfolding from a song by composers Bobby Spiritual Adviser baptized Christians. Moreover, this of Christian doctrine. Alpha does not Fisher and Ed Gutfreund. They re- defined parochial boundaries. Prior event is being offered as a pre-course deal with doctrine as such. The Easter mind us of the Great Commission, to our organising this Pan Malay- any number of registrations right for unbaptised RCIA seekers. Hence event is the heart of the Good News where Jesus calls on his followers to sian Alpha online, our team assisted up till the last day, without refusing the timing of this course. In this con- with a two-fold message. The Good make disciples of and baptise all na- certain parishes to organise Alpha anyone. In this way, our registrations text, Jerome Lau, who is a facilita- News is first of all a promise and an as- tions in the name of the Father, the online successfully. This serves as reached an amazing number of about tor has this to say. ‘I was baptised surance of eternal life, a never-ending Son, and the Holy Spirit. (Matthew an impetus and an inspiration to cast 680 participants, reaching all the as an adult convert after I attended life in intimacy with God after death. 28:16-20) the net wider and deeper. We are dioceses of East and West Malaysia, the RCIA course. I then attended the Secondly, the Good News is a convic- Pope Paul VI in his encyclical, reminded and challenged by Jesus’ including about a hundred churches Alpha course, during which I learnt tion and experience of a new life of Evangelii Nundiandi (14) has reiter- invitation to Simon Peter to ‘put out and covering practically all the states so much of the Christian faith in a light and love beginning here and now. ated that evangelisation is the very into the deep’ for a catch duc in altum of the country with a few excep- very simple and interesting way. In It is a call to commit ourselves to the identity of the Church, which exists (Luke 5) is phrase often repeated by tions. The Mandarin group topped my opinion, the Alpha course should long walk of faith each day. It is also to evangelise. Therefore it is not just St John Paul II. Like Peter and his the list with close to 480, about 50 of precede the RCIA course offered in a reminder that we do not walk alone the mission of the priests, religious, companions, we put our trust in the whom were unbaptised seekers. The parishes.’ on that journey, and it is a call to listen bishops or popes. It is the mission Lord and cast the nets. remaining 200 are for the English, carefully and attentively anew to God’s of the entire Church. This is what Bahasa Malaysia and Tamil groups. Random Testimonies word alive and active in the church and Pope Francis means when he coined Catering to the Four Language We are also seeing a sprinkling of After just one session, we have been the world. This is the only way to obvi- the phrase ‘missionary disciples’, Groups guests for this Alpha run coming in affirmed by testimonies. A Christian ate the recurring constant temptation of qualifying disciples as missionaries. Alpha has been translated into more from India, New Zealand, Australia, who is non-churchgoing in Group 5 being and becoming a ‘self-referential All are called in this Great Commis- than 100 languages. So from the Hong Kong and the US. gave this sharing. ‘The video gives Church.’ sion of Jesus. Therefore it is apt what onset, we want to have Alpha on- a very down-to-earth presentation has been said, ‘The Church does not line concurrently in the four main PAMACCOL Launch of the real world from the street in- Looking Ahead have a mission, but the mission has a languages used in Malaysia: Eng- We have since launched Alpha on- terviews. I can resonate and identify The Apostles and disciples were em- church.’ And we are all called to mis- lish, Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin line in the Catholic Context. The myself with many of the respond- powered by the Holy Spirit to boldly sion alongside the Lord. and Tamil. Soon after the National launch took place on Sunday April ents, who replied in a nonchalant proclaim the Good News. Some of us PMS director, Fr Victor Louis, com- 11, Divine Mercy Sunday. Arch- manner in regards to faith beliefs. may doubt if we too are empowered Inspiration and Preparation municated with His Grace, Arch- bishop Simon Poh, the Archbishop Then in the small group sharing, the in the same way. Some of us may be This is the inspiration that sus- bishop Simon Poh, the Archbishop of Kuching welcomed and addressed facilitator engages with everyone in tempted to think that only certain tains, guides, and directs the Alpha- of Kuching, as well as the Episcopal everyone in all four language groups a non-threatening manner and allows qualified people are entrusted with Formed New Evangelisation Team Chair of the PMS, our team got in gathered on the different platforms. everyone to freely share his or her this task. Alpha debunks some of these in the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur, touch with the Alpha leaders in the He even learned some Tamil words, thoughts. I observed and listened and kinds of myths and has succeeded in (Alpha-Formed Net, KL). It is this East Malaysian dioceses. We also in order to communicate with the Ta- was spontaneously led to share after creating missionary disciples from inspiration that motivated AFNET to got the blessing of Bishop Richard mil group. I realised I was in a safe and friendly very ordinary and simple people. It is collaborate with the Pontifical Mis- Ng to promote to the laity in the Dio- environment.’ a testimony that God can work in a sion Societies (PMS) to organise the cese of Miri. Fr David Ho, the parish Timely Innovation Another person recently baptised new way and bring new life where we Alpha in the Catholic Context online. priest of St Herbert Song, is a strong I firmly believe that this is the God- in the Catholic Church shared: ‘I felt thought it was not possible. This is the We termed this online pilot course advocate of Alpha. His parish youths given time and way to evangelise comfortable in my group. I found hope of this massive pilot event, that Pan-Malaysian Alpha in the Catho- formed the largest single group to the unbaptised from anywhere and people serious about their own lives being evangelised anew they will be- lic Context Online, necessitated by sign up. Many lay leaders stepped up to re-evangelise the baptised in our and yet very concerned and friendly come evangelisers in turn, as they are the restrictions of the COVID-19 from many parishes in both East and churches through Alpha. As our towards me, a stranger to the group. challenged to replicate Alpha wherever pandemic. We are unable to conduct West Malaysia. They are now serv- church doors slowly open again, For the first time, I was able to share they are. As the song goes. “It is a long Alpha in parishes, as we have been ing as facilitators and helpers on the we need to revive, recharge and re- stories about my life that I have nev- walk but we are going to take it. It is a doing for the past 18 years. This has course. vitalise the faith to get our people to er shared before with a group. I felt long walk and we are all going home” turned out to be a blessing in dis- Four technical teams have been be reconnected with God through a so happy after the first night. I am – not only Christians, but the whole guise as an online course permits us mobilised to host four different personal encounter with the sacra- looking forward to following the en- world, and indeed the whole of crea- to go beyond traditional borders and Zoom platforms to accommodate ments of the Eucharist and Recon- tire course.’ tion.

Diocese of Malacca Johore MJD News Update #35 Greetings and the Peace of the Lord Jesus fear? How much of your life is stolen away hor Bahru is preparing two candidates for rather than discernment of the situation Christ be with you, dear People of God. by fear? baptism and seven others for their first Holy b. when we live for too long on past glo- A blessed Easter season to you, all friends Ralph Waldo Emerson said: Do that Communion. ries or live in futuristic fantasies of Jesus. The peace of the Risen Lord be which you fear to do, and the fear will die. 4. The Mission Pastoral Institute or MPI is c. when we are fixated on enemies, per- with you. An Anonymous writer said: Fear enlarges preparing a diocesan level prayer experi- secutions and exaggerated feeling of The holiest time for the Muslims, the as you move away from it, but shrinks as you ence for Pentecost 2021. Let this be a time victimhood month of Ramadan, is here. People are move towards it. of preparation and renewal for all of us, pre- crossing state borders with police permits. The Psalmist quotes: Even though I walk pare our hearts for MJD50, set for the year d. when we live in a state of permanent Schools have reopened. Parliamentarians through the valley of the shadow of death, I 2023. What is the Holy Spirit saying to the anxiety and suspicion and have been vaccinated, yet the Dewan Rakyat will fear no evil, for you are with me; your Church? The Malacca Johore Diocese’s e. when we see everything through a opt not to convene. rod and your staff, they comfort me. (Ps Mission is to be a 4-E diocese, which is to distorted lens Many Malaysians, foreign residents, for- 23:4) promote Encounter, Enlightenment, Em- This means closing ourselves off from eign workers and refugees are still waiting to powerment and Evangelisation. Christ and the grace of conversion He offers be vaccinated. 2.0 Announcements for this Week: 5. The CMCO for Johore and RMCO for us; and to stare fearfully at the waves and ig- 1. On April 13, 2021, Bro William Pillai Malacca has been extended from the April nore Christ calling us from outside the boat. 1.0 A Thought for the Week: was ordained as Transitional Deacon at 15 to April 28, 2021. Thank you for reading. Let us continue to A traveller was wandering in the desert when the Church of St Henry, Batu Pahat. He will 3.0 This Week’s Questions & Queries? build God’s Kingdom together. God bless he met Fear and Plague. They said they were continue to serve at the same parish, with, Fr you. Take care. Be safe. Keep safe. on their way to a large city where they were Louis Chin, the parish priest. Pray for him The Q asks: What is happening to our going to kill 10,000 people. The traveller and for more vocations. Church institutions and apostolic bodies? asked Plague if he was going to do all the 2. Pauline Yeo, from St Peter’s, Melaka has Pope Francis commented that they are fac- work. Plague smiled and said, “I’ll only take joined the Carmelite Order at Seremban, ing temptations, stress and desolation in their tribulation. God appears to be absent. But Bishop Bernard Paul care of a few hundred. I’ll let my friend Fear after many years of working in Singapore. April 16, 2021 do the rest.” Thank you for saying YES to the Lord. God seems to be absent: Something to consider? What is it that you 3. The Korean Catholic Community in Jo- a. when there is more debate on ideas Click here to watch the video 4 Home HERALD April 18, 2021 Let’s come together as one nation

My dear friends in Christ, triumph or do a victory dance because the use and every one of you who have been with me The Christian of the word ‘Allah’ by non-Muslims still re- each step of the way. Together we have ‘fought This past one year can be described as unprec- Federation mains a contentious issue in our country. We battles’, some in which we celebrated victories edented, challenging, unnerving, filled with of Malaysia must endeavour to find a common ground of and others where we comforted each other anxiety and uncertainty. All of us experienced (CFM) had its mutual respect and understanding with our when in defeat. disruption in one way or another, something biennial General Muslim brethren. We need to give them an as- I want to recognise what I know everyone that we never thought would happen. Conference surance that there is no malicious intent on our understands – that the CFM EXCO that I was COVID-19 is a crisis that has enabled us to on April 12, part in the usage of the word Allah amongst fortunate to work with is one of the best – a display who we really are as Christians. Serv- 2020. Below is our Bahasa-speaking and native Christians. diversified group with different talents and ca- ing and loving others as Christ Himself has Archbishop Julian Interestingly, I came across an opinion piece pabilities. I may be the person whose signature served us through His death and resurrection Leow’s speech written by our very own Eugene Yapp (former appeared first on every statement and press is central to our faith — even when it involves as outgoing secretary general of NECF) which appeared release, but this has always been a joint effort personal risk and cost. Chairman. The Church is called to sacrificially care for in ‘Christianity Today’. In an article entitled and I will always be grateful to this dedicated the vulnerable because, as Scripture reminds to the burial, countless numbers with no one Christians Need Win-Wins with Muslim Soci- team. us, Christ first loved us and died for us that to care for them. Others gathered together ety More Than Wins in Court, Eugene speaks I would also like to acknowledge the hard we might be forgiven and reconciled to God. from all parts of the city a multitude of those of a missional response as we seek for ways to work and dedication put in by the outgoing We love others because we understand just withered from famine and distributed bread engage in peaceful dialogue with our Muslim principal secretary for the Catholic Church, Fr how much God has done for us and how He to them all.” As a result, Eusebius concludes, friends. Allow me to read some extracts from Clarence Devadass, who has been a familiar then calls us to live in light of that love. That is “[the Christians’] deeds were on everyone’s this article: face with CFM since 2010. what Christians were known for centuries ago lips, and they glorified the god of the Chris- While acknowledging that there are legiti- My dear friends, if we only look at the pre- mate fears and concerns between Christians — caring for others. tians.” sent and the immediate future, we may feel and Muslims in this longstanding Allah debate, helpless and perhaps even hopeless but to see This message of caring for others is laced Faced with what was likely a far more se- it is imperative for the Church in Malaysia to throughout Scripture and is central to the very vere pandemic than our own, 4th century the past, the present and the future through the move beyond fears to find avenues for the con- eyes of faith can make us hopeful once again. fabric of our Christian faith. In the Bible, we Christians modelled a faith that is truly com- crete expression of the Christian redemptive find commandments like “bearing one- an pelling. So, we ask ourselves today, who are story. To this end, Scripture reminds us that we Our hope is based neither on false pretences or other’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2). For us as we as followers of Jesus? Are we driven by a are to love our neighbours in affirmation and on deceptive charades. It is a real hope that is Christians, how well we endure in sacrificially desire for self-gain or are we able to show and understanding, not simply tolerating them. anchored in Jesus Christ which calls us to see serving the vulnerable is one of the greatest share the love of Jesus in the midst of this on- Mutual understanding requires adjustments things supernaturally through the eyes of faith. indicators of how deeply we have understood going pandemic? and therefore, moderation, in the interests of We are all familiar with the Book of Job, and what Christ has done for us. Social distancing is necessary but relational social harmony. as much as it is an extreme example of trials It is in this sort of dialogue that embraces The Bible’s teachings don’t let us choose distancing is not. Let’s seize this opportunity that Job endured, it is also an extreme example the ethos of diversity and differences as the of deeply rooted faith. Job had no idea what who to serve. In one of His most famous para- to bind together as one nation to fight this norm that an acceptable outcome and solution bles, Jesus uses a Samaritan to show how we pandemic. Despite our political or religious was going on in Heaven. He did not know may be found. This form of dialogue and en- that he was a ‘wager’ between God and Satan. are to love even those whom we might other- differences, let us reach out in solidarity to all gagement also seeks to enhance relationships wise see as our cultural enemies. In essence, Malaysians and stay united in the fight against and build trust with those whom we often say And yet he gave God the benefit of the doubt. how well we are able to love others is a direct COVID-19. Let’s build a relational bridge cannot and will not agree with us. The building He knew who was the potter and who was the indication of how well we know Christ and where the virus wants to create a social moat. of trust and relationship should not be for util- clay, and as the clay he didn’t say to the potter, what He has done for us ─ at its most basic My dear friends, some people have re- ity but because God commands all believers to “Do you know what you’re doing?” Rather, level, it means caring for others in their times marked that 2020 was a wasted year because love our neighbours. As we genuinely love and he was able to be cracked and battered about of need. The gospel gives us only one condi- they were unable to do anything productive. respect our neighbours, suspicion and caution because he trusted that he was still in God’s will be minimized and openness created. This tion: serve the hurting. While CFM’s calendar was full for 2019, we hands. He trusted in the purposeful providence presents the Christian and Muslim with the op- of God. Stepping back for a moment, it is worth had to scale down our activities and events portunity to search for acceptable solutions. asking why the Church has and is, now again, and conduct a majority of our meetings online We will continue our struggle for justice and Admittedly, this is a formidable task for both peace in our land, for mutual harmony and called to live in such a sacrificial way. The an- from March 2020 onwards. Nevertheless, it sides. Yet it is one in which Christians in Ma- swer in part is the description of Christians as was a rather fulfilling year for us, as elaborated laysia must necessarily take the lead. up-building of the aspirations for our nation. “citizens of heaven” (Phil. 3:20). That is, our in the Honorary Secretary’s Report which will This is one baton which I am admittedly Thank you to all and we will continue to serve hope is not in this life but in the one to come. be presented shortly. passing on to the new Chairman and EXCO together in various capacities. In one famous example, the church histo- One of the events that recently thrust the lo- with a heavy heart, but with great hope and rian Eusebius describes a fourth century epi- cal Christian community into the spotlight is confidence that we will be able to make posi- demic that swept through the Roman Empire. the Jill Ireland case in which the High Court tive inroads towards acceptance, mutual un- Most Rev Julian Leow Beng Kim Far from fleeing the cities or shutting off their ruled that the use of the word ‘Allah’ by non- derstanding and the freedom to worship in our CFM chairman (2019-2021) homes from others, Eusebius records that “all Muslims all over Malaysia is allowed. Though way. day long [Christians] tended to the dying and the ruling is in our favour, we cannot gloat in I would like to acknowledge and thank each April 12, 2021 Pope calls all Catholics to be missionaries of God’s mercy ROME: Like the disciples, who experienced with disabilities, priests serving as “mission- failings, he said, lifting them up and filling “the fact that God has loved us to the end. He Jesus’ divine mercy after the resurrection, all aries of mercy,” inmates from several correc- them with the courage they need to be his has made our wounds his own and borne our Christians are called to become missionaries, tional institutes and representatives of Italy’s witnesses. weaknesses in his own body.” sharing the Gospel of God’s love and mercy civil protection service. The Pope told them “The disciples were guilty; they had run The day’s first reading, from the Acts of the with others, Pope Francis said. they represent “realities where mercy be- away, they had abandoned the master,” the Apostles, recounted how the early Christian “Today Jesus tells us, too, ‘Peace be with comes concrete, draws close and serves those Pope said. “Sin brings torment; evil has its community shared everything they had in you! You are precious in my eyes. Peace be in difficulty.” price. Our sin, as the psalmist says, is always common. “This is not communism, but pure with you! You are important for me. Peace After reciting the Regina Coeli prayer with before us.” Christianity,” the Pope said. be with you! You have a mission. No one can those present, the Pope greeted each individ- “Like those disciples, we need to let our- The disciples “discovered that they shared take your place. You are irreplaceable. And I ual personally, shaking hands, blessing them selves be forgiven,” the Pope said. “Let us ask the mission, the forgiveness and the body of believe in you,'” the Pope said April 11. and even posing for a few selfies. for the grace to accept that gift, to embrace Jesus, and so it seemed natural to share their Pope Francis celebrated the Mass for Di- In his homily at the Mass, Pope Francis the sacrament of forgiveness. And to under- earthly possessions,” he said. “Their fears vine Mercy Sunday at the Rome Church of focused on how, prior to the resurrection, the stand that confession is not about ourselves had been dispelled by touching the Lord’s the Holy Spirit, just a block away from St Pe- disciples misunderstood so much of what Je- and our sins, but about God and his mercy.” wounds, and now they are unafraid to heal ter’s Square. The church is the Rome Shrine sus said and how they abandoned or even de- “We do not confess to abase ourselves, but the wounds of those in need, because there of Divine Mercy, a devotion begun by St nied him at the hour of his passion and death. to be raised up,” he said, and “we — all of us they see Jesus. Because Jesus is there in the Faustina Kowalska and promoted by St John But when the disciples are hovering in fear — need this badly.” wounds of the needy.” Paul II. in the closed room, he noted, the Risen Lord Speaking to priests, Pope Francis said that Catholics today, he said, need to ask them- Because of COVID-19 restrictions, fewer appears to them and “raises them up with his anytime they hear someone’s confession, selves if they show others the mercy they than 100 people were present for the Mass, mercy.” they “ought to convey the sweetness of mercy have been shown by God and if they feed the wearing masks and seated only two people “Having received that mercy, they become … the sweetness of Jesus, who forgives eve- hungry like Jesus feeds them in the Eucharist. to a pew, except if they were members of the merciful in turn,” the Pope said. “It’s very rything. God forgives everything.” “Let us not remain indifferent,” Pope Fran- same family. difficult to be merciful if you have not been When Jesus showed the disciples the cis said. “Let us not live a one-way faith, a At the end of the Mass, Pope Francis shown mercy.” wounds of his crucifixion, the Pope said, he faith that receives but does not give, a faith thanked those invited: nurses and doctors Saying, “Peace be with you,” Jesus sets was not simply proving he had risen, but also that accepts the gift but does not give it in re- from the hospital next door, refugees, people their troubled hearts at ease and forgives their making it possible for them to see and touch turn.” — By Cindy Wooden, CNS HERALD April 18, 2021 Home 5 Catholics@Home celebrates first anniversary KUALA LUMPUR: A year ago this month, the Director of the Catholic Research Centre, Fr Dr Clarence Devadass and his team - Kevin Francis aka Kacang Kevin and Mark Darren Lee - started a podcast dubbed Catholics@Home (CAH). A first of its kind in Malaysia, the show, hosted by Kevin and Mark, aimed at helping the laity under- stand, prepare and tackle being an online Catholic amidst the first wave of the COVID-19 global pan- On the other hand, Mark, the (Mary Anne Gomes) said she was demic and the government imposed Fr Clarence Devadass with his team, Mark Darren and Kevin Francis. main technical guy on the podcast, happy to have this avenue to share Movement Control Order (MCO). Last Saturday (Apr 10), the pod- Fr Andy Lee, All Access with Fran- was happy to work with Fr Clarence her talents and give back. The podcast kicked off on April cast aired its 54th segment, also cissca Peter and Saints “R” Us by once again and to give back through Christopher “Ah Chai” Teoh, 1, 2020, just two weeks after the known as the First Anniversary Fr Michael Chua’, to name a few. his God-given talents in the field of CAH music coordinator and his MCO began on March 18. Initially, Special. Fr Clarence, Mark, and From the podcast sprouted a communications. He said his most team of seven members are re- the show did not even have a name Kevin reminisced on how far the weekly youth prayer and music challenging segment was arrang- sponsible for lining up musicians to – the trio played around with titles show, which initially was meant session called Jamming for Jesus, ing their first virtual choir to sing come on board for the Jamming for like Two guys and a Priest, Quar- to run for a few weeks, had come. followed by a Facebook market- Betapa Hati Ku which comprised Jesus segment and fine-tuning the antine Catholics, and eventually The show grew by engaging guest place dubbed Willing Hearts aimed devotees from around the country videos before they hit the airwaves. settled on Catholics@ Home. speakers such as Archbishops, at helping people, especially small and the deaf community. Teoh said the multi-talented team Fr Clarence explained, “We start- priests, Church leaders, politicians, businesses, get back on their feet. Hot on the heels of that show, is thrilled with this opportunity to ed with not knowing what direction sports personalities, and people on During the anniversary show, Fr which earned over 11,000 views, help people praise and worship the to take but we knew we had to do the street. Clarence said that in addition to be- CAH organised a Christmas special Lord, especially when they couldn’t something. The analogy that comes Some of the popular topics were ing exposed to so many different dubbed Malaysia’s Largest Ever physically go to church. to mind is that we jumped into the I’ll be home for Holy Week featur- topics and learning new stuff, it also Catholic Virtual Choir. Featuring Fr Clarence thanked the team for deep end of the pool and then we ing Fr Patrick Massang and Fr Clar- inspired him to start an audio pod- 500 Malaysians who submitted au- keeping the show afloat through all learned how to swim. ence, Catholic Moral Teaching and cast and write more articles during dio auditions in several languages, its challenges, and together with the “As we look back, we can only COVID-19 Vaccines featuring Fr the MCO. the choir sang festive tunes includ- team, thanked viewers for their con- say that all glory and praise belong Clarence Devadass and Fr James Kevin’s standout segment was ing a medley of carols like Angels tinued support. to God. Without Him, we would McTavish, Managing a pandemic Forever in Our Hearts: A LIVE We Have Heard on High, Hark The Before rounding up the special, not have come this far or be where by Archbishop Julian Leow, All Tribute to His Eminence Anthony Herald Angels Sing and O Come Mag asked Fr Clarence what, if he we are today. We hope to keep this Access with Datin Paduka Sr Enda Soter Cardinal Fernandez last Oc- All Ye Faithful in six different lan- could rename the show now? going for as long as possible with Ryan, Developing a Closer Re- tober. He said it was fulfilling and guages, including the Malaysian He quipped he would call it: many more interesting and inspiring lationship with Sacred Scripture it gave him a sense of purpose as to sign language. Catholics Still at Home. — By conversations.” featuring Bishop Richard Ng and why they were doing the show. The show’s guest co-host Mag Gwen Manickam Malacca Johore Diocese has a new deacon — William Pillai BATU PAHAT, JOHOR: The Dio- of him as an ordained clergyman. town was flooded on April 5 – right cese of Malacca Johore celebrated a With the theme Come and have after Easter Sunday and approxi- happy occasion with the Diaconate Breakfast and the Gospel pas- mately a week before the event. ordination of Bro William Pillai sage on John 21:1-14 related to Thankfully the organ, which had on Tuesday, April 13. The Eucha- this theme, Bishop Bernard urged been affected by the flood and was ristic celebration, which was live the Deacon-to-be to be a “fisher producing unwanted sounds dur- streamed, was held at the Church of men” – to become a discerning ing the rehearsal the night before, of St Henry to which the Deacon- man of God as discernment begins worked perfectly on that day. to-be William had been attached for in God, where the man is sent by When asked how he felt on the his pastoral work since July 2020. God and gathers and builds with day of his ordination, Deacon Wil- Bishop Bernard Paul was the God. liam shared that he had mixed feel- main celebrant with Bishop Emeri- Initially, the ordination was ings as the process of preparing tus Paul Tan, Vicar Generals Msgrs scheduled to be held on January for the ordination was arduous and Peter Ng and Michael Mannay- 25, but due to the second MCO exhausting. He did not get much agam, and Fr Louis Chin, parish the event was postponed to April. sleep in the past two days before priest of St Henry’s con-celebrating Valerie Koh, the parish secretary, the ceremony and so prayed that and Deacon Leslie Petrus assisting. who was involved in the planning God would grant him joy. And it Fr Adrian Francis Matthews was Deacon William Pillai with Bishop Bernard Paul of the event shared their difficulties was a joyous day indeed. Now, the MC. Apart from the family and the ceremony since interstate travel con-to-be William Pillai made his especially in ensuring adherence to Deacon William looks forward to friends of Bro William, only priests restrictions are still in place. vows, Bishop Bernard reminded the SOP. Preparations were made actively bringing Christ to society. from Johor were present to witness At the brief homily before Dea- Bro William of what is expected even more challenging when the — By Angila Yong ofs Caritas Malaysia organises writing workshops KOTA KINABALU: Caritas Ma- The virtual writing workshop laysia organised a writing work- presented the basic questions for shop in two sessions, March 15 journalists to use: the 5Ws and 1H and 29 from 8.00pm to 10.00pm. - What, Who, When, Where, Why This writing training was one of and How? the listed areas of formation when The speaker was Karen Arukes- they participated in the national amy, a professional journalist who Caritas assembly last year. currently works in Digi Telecom- The purpose was to provide munications’s Corporate Commu- training to the laity, volunteers and nications division. She is also the Participants from all the diocese participate in this session. Caritas staff so that more people President of Signis Malaysia. can learn how to share the good Karen discussed the basic ques- er news material to be published, content of the writing and how Likewise, this was indeed an op- news through writing, photogra- tions commonly used by journal- and also when presenting it. to evaluate the content based on portunity to learn from the shar- phy or videography, with everyone ists namely 5W and 1H. According Apart from that, she has also those basic questions. ings given by the participants who especially those who are involved to her, these questions are impor- discussed the form of writing from All the reading materials pro- came from various backgrounds. in the Church’s social mission tant for journalists in order to gath- various angles, constructing the vided are very useful for reference. — Catholic Sabah 6 Home/Asia HERALD April 18, 2021 We need the light of God’s mercy in Myanmar ROME: Cardinal Charles Maung ‘Do Not be Afraid; I am with you on April 9. Cardinal Bo pointed in par- Bo has urged Catholics in Burma always,’” he said. Hundreds of civilians, includ- ticular to St Faustina Kowalska’s to share God’s mercy amid the Bo, the archbishop of Yangon ing 44 children, have been killed witness to God’s Divine Mercy. suffering caused by the military and president of the Burmese bish- in the violence in Burma since He invited Catholics to pray the coup in their country by visiting ops’ conference, made a pastoral February, according to the United Divine Mercy Chaplet and to re- the mourning, sharing food with visit on Divine Mercy Sunday to Nations. call the good news of the Lord’s the starving and praying unceas- Myitkyina in the northern region The UN World Food Programme resurrection. ingly for peace. of Kachin, which has experienced has warned that rising food prices “We have seen so many “Today, more than ever, our some of the worst violence as se- pose a significant threat to the poor wounds, so much blood, so much community stands in need of curity forces crack down on pro- and the vulnerable in the country, atrocity against innocent people: mercy. Millions are starving. Be- testers of the Feb 1 military coup. including the thousands of people We find it difficult to believe that fore they could come out of that “Myitkyina has been in the who have been displaced by the God is present amid this dark- disaster, the coup came. Most of news for sad reasons and reasons violence. ness. Yes. Amid all this darkness, our people are starving. We need of faith and sacrifice. Sad because Churches and Buddhist temples my brothers and sisters, it is im- to share our resources. However of the great tragedy of killing the in the Kachin region have also portant to believe that God will poor we are, we could share some- innocents in the streets, especially been subjected to military raids ultimately triumph over evil,” Bo thing. That is the sign of Divine in front of the church. The Church Cardinal Charles Maung Bo and searches. said. Mercy,” Cardinal Bo said in his was drawn into the struggle of our “We need the light of God’s “Jesus is the wounded healer. homily on April 11. people, called to accompany our Mother Mary, with the sight of mercy in Myanmar,” Cardinal Bo His wounds wash away our pain “Hunger is not the only problem people in their blood and tears,” their sons and daughters tortured said, urging Catholics to practice today,” he said. “We pray to Je- our people face: they are afraid, the Cardinal said. and killed,” he said. “To all those works of mercy with good deeds sus: Help us Lord, when our land they are traumatised, their spirit “For many of you, the thirteenth mothers and to all of you direct- and continued prayers for peace. is wounded and bleeding with ha- is broken by street violence. They station of the Cross, of Our Moth- ly involved, we pray with grace “Let us not repay inhumanity tred, let us become the wounded need words. Words of comfort. We er crying over the dead body of flowing from the heart of Jesus.” with inhumanity. Let us not repay healer. Let us have the grace and need to visit people who have lost her Son, became real. We live in a His visit came days after media brutality with brutality. Civil war courage to forgive and reconcile their dear ones to the hatred … country where hundreds of moth- reports that more than 80 people would wound everyone and take with our worst enemies and give They all need the soothing words, ers live with inconsolable tears were killed by heavy artillery fire decades to heal. Let us not take that them the benefit of Love.” — By like Jesus soothed his disciples: and their hearts wounded, like our on protesters in the town of Bago path of self-destruction,” he said. Courtney Mares, CNA Christians decry Myanmar BECs collaborate for online Passion Play military’s search of churches KUALA LUMPUR: The Passion the Stations, many aspects of the MYANMAR: Myanmar’s military play is a dramatic presentation de- challenges that people faced during has conducted a search of Catholic picting the Passion of Jesus Christ: this pandemic were shown - un- and other Christian churches in the his trial, suffering and death. It is an employment, loss of jobs, sudden Buddhist-majority country. integral part of Lent in Catholic tra- deaths, loss of connection to family At least four Catholic churches dition. As a yearly church event, the and loved ones, financial burdens in villages in Pathein Diocese in Ir- Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and emotional exhaustion. At the end rawaddy division were searched by organised a contemporary Way of of each scenario, there were reflec- police and soldiers looking for al- The Cross to commemorate the Pas- tions given to meditate upon further. leged illegal activities or anti-coup sion of Christ during this pandemic The take away message from this activists on April 8 evening. time. play is that Jesus taught us through Security personnel holding The parish’s various BEC families his Passion that love moves and gov- guns searched inside one Catho- collaborated to put up an online play erns all things. We know through the lic church and checked around depicting each station of the cross details of His sufferings the excess the cemetery, according to church based on real time situations that of His love. We hope that through sources. many have come across during this this sharing of our everyday lives we Security personnel also searched pandemic. Produced by BECCOT, have made our own passions during the Catholic church in Mandalay, the Passion play was directed by this pandemic well lived. After all we Myanmar’s second-largest city, on Margaret Perry and team while the have been brought out of the dark- April 3. A protester holds a sign relating to the civil disobedience movement while dedicated Media Ministry did the re- ness to walk into the light. The latest targeting of Catholic taking part in a demonstration against the military coup in Dawei’s Launglone township on April 11, 2021. (UCA News Photo/Dawei Watch) quired compilation and editing. Ga- This play premiered on the par- churches follows military raids briel Puvan, the Pastoral Year semi- ish’s official YouTube channel @ on other churches in Kachin state, Christians have conducted while not religious in nature, have narian, gave the reflections, while the sacredheartkl on Friday, April 2, a Christian stronghold, over the prayers, held fasts for a peaceful deeply impacted Christian commu- choir of the Chapel of Our Lady of 2021 @ 2PM. The Passion Play and Easter weekend. solution and played a significant nities, with the military reportedly Good Health provided the music and Pandemic – Untold Stories of Our The soldiers conducted searches role in nationwide anti-coup pro- damaging or destroying over 300 singing. Golgotha can be watched at https:// of Catholic, Kachin Baptist and tests, as well as supplying food and churches, according to a US Com- Through this session of the Untold youtu.be/ydiumQrM_SM — B y Anglican churches in Mohnyin non-food items to people most im- mission on International Religious Stories of our Golgotha, in each of Cecilia Grace Robert township, Kachin state, on April 3. pacted by the military coup on Feb Freedom report in 2020. On March 1, security forces also 1. The military’s bloody crack- broke the gate of a Kachin Baptist Christians are a minority in the down on pro-democracy protesters church in Lashio in Shan state and predominantly Buddhist country, shows no signs of abating as the detained more than 10 religious accounting for 6.2 per cent of the death toll has risen to more than leaders and staff for some time, ac- 54 million population. 700, including at least 82 people cording to media reports. Areas occupied by the Kachin, killed in Bago town on April 9. The reports said the security Chin, Karen and Kayah — who Cardinal Charles Bo of Yangon forces fired shots inside the church have been facing oppression and has called for forgiveness and rec- compound while looking for anti- persecution at the hands of the onciliation in a wounded nation coup protesters who had reportedly military for decades — are largely which has been bedeviled with run into the compound. Christian. civil wars for more than 70 years. Some Catholics spoke out on More than 100,000 people, many “Let us not repay inhuman- social media and condemned their Christians, remain in camps for ity with inhumanity, brutality with actions as unacceptable as they en- displaced persons in Kachin and brutality. Civil war would wound tered a sacred place with guns. Shan states, while another 100,000, every one and would take decades Catholic and Protestant leaders mostly Karen Christians, are in to heal. Let us not take that path of have yet to speak out publicly about camps across the Thai border. self-destruction,” the prelate said the military raids on churches. The long-standing conflicts, on Twitter. — ucanews.com HERALD April 18, 2021 Asia 7 Korean Catholics respond to Pope’s appeal for vaccine sharing SEOUL: Catholics in South Korea poration will run a telephone fund- In the thick of the pandemic, with purely economic criteria but on the are responding to the call of Pope raising event for the vaccine-sharing Italy under lockdown, the Pope in needs of all, especially of peoples Francis to share COVID-19 vac- campaign. They have also planned his Urbi et Orbi Easter message on most in need”. cines with poor countries that are a theme song and a music video to April 4, 2020, said, may “the most Earlier this month, the Pope vis- unable to afford it. Cardinal An- inform and inspire people across the vulnerable of our brothers and sis- ited a group of homeless people drew Yeom Soo-jung of Seoul has nation. ters living in the cities and periph- and those needing special help who urged the faithful to participate in Earlier in January, CBCK Arch- eries of every part of the world,” were given the vaccine in the Vati- a fund that will be sent to the Vati- bishop Mathias Lee Yong-hoon of “not be abandoned” or “lack basic can. Some 800 of the approximate- can to help people in lower-income Suwon said the world needs to re- necessities such as medicine and es- ly 1,200 persons in need received countries have access to the life-sav- spond to the pandemic with the “vir- pecially the possibility of adequate their first dose. ing doses, the archdiocese said in a tue of hope”. Noting that the pan- health care”. Again, on Easter Sunday, the press release. demic has caused the loss of many Again, in his Urbi et Orbi Christ- Holy Father urged “the entire in- The initiative launched by Car- lives and livelihoods, he said all are mas message, in view of a possible ternational community, in a spirit dinal Yeom on Easter Sunday, will Cardinal Andrew Yeom Soo-jung called “to support and encourage vaccine, he appealed against “letting of global responsibility, to commit run until Nov 27, the last day of the “We are living through difficult each other”. Other Korean bishops the law of the marketplace and pat- to overcoming delays in the distri- Jubilee of the 200th anniversary of times caused by the COVID-19 have also encouraged donations ents take precedence over the law of bution of vaccines and to facilitate the birth of St Andrew Kim Taegon, pandemic” the Archbishop of Seoul from their faithful. love and the health of humanity”. their distribution, especially in the the first native Catholic priest and noted, adding, “the social and eco- Pope Francis and the Holy See He called on government leaders, poorest countries.” The Holy See’s patron saint of Korea. In his East- nomic crisis remains severe, espe- have been making appeals to the businesses, and international or- envoys in international fora have er homily, the 77 year old cardinal cially for those who live in poverty.” world’s rich nations to make COV- ganisations to “foster cooperation reiterated the Pope’s call for equal recalled that Pope Francis has sev- “Because it is the weak and the poor ID-19 vaccines also available for and not competition, and to seek a distribution of the vaccine. eral times called for universal ac- who suffer the most when a cri- people in poor countries. When solution for everyone”. “Vaccines A major international initiative cess to vaccines. In solidarity with sis hits,” he said he would “like to Europe was in the throes of the for all, especially for the most vul- in this regard has been COVAX. the Pope’s exhortation, he said, the turn this crisis into an opportunity” first wave of coronavirus outside nerable and needy of all regions of Established by the United Nations Catholic Bishops’ Conference of for Koreans to show their solidar- of China last year, the Holy Father the planet,” he insisted. World Health Organization (WHO) Korea (CBCK), in its spring gen- ity with parishes, organisations and in March established the Vatican Once more, in his annual speech and its international partners, the eral assembly in March, decided to congregations around the world and COVID-19 Commission at the Vati- to the diplomatic corps, he encour- COVAX (COVID-19 Vaccines launch a ‘Vaccine-Sharing Cam- lend a helping hand to those in need. can Dicastery for Promoting Inte- aged “all states to contribute active- Global Access) programme buys paign’ to support the distribution of Meanwhile, the Catholic Lay gral Human Development. Its pur- ly to the international efforts being and delivers the coronavirus vac- COVID-19 vaccines, particularly to Apostolate Council of Seoul and the pose is to seek a rapid response to made to ensure an equitable distri- cines for the world’s poorest peo- the world’s poor countries. Catholic Peace Broadcasting Cor- the pandemic and its repercussions. bution of the vaccines, based not on ple. — By Robin Gomes, Vatican Sheshan’s shrine is closed but its amusement park is open, like other tourist spots SHANGHAI: The Catholic diocese According to the diocesan an- Throughout China, places of of the feet; the Via Crucis; bap- of Shanghai has announced that pil- nouncement, “as the pandemic at worship have been gradually reo- tisms of catechumens at Easter; the grimages to the shrine of Our Lady home and abroad is still not under pened in many provinces since distribution of Easter eggs. of Sheshan will be cancelled in May control, and measures for the pre- March and community religious The announcement of the clo- due to the Covid-19 pandemic. On vention of the pandemic are still in practice has resumed. Despite sure of the Sheshan national shrine the other hand, the amusement park place in the nation, to comply with strict health measures, many Cath- does not appeal to many Catholics. on Sheshan Hill has been open for the demands and regulations of the olic churches have also reopened In May, especially on the occasion some time, as have many mass tour- [Shanghai] municipal government and Masses are again being cele- of the feast of Mary, Help of Chris- ist spots in the country. … The annual May pilgrimage to brated with the live participation of tians (May 24), the sacred place at- The shrine of Sheshan is a national Sheshan has been cancelled”. the faithful. In Beijing, Shanghai tracts tens of thousands of faithful Marian shrine and in the month of The announcement explains that and other provinces, the reopening and tourists. May, there is a tradition among the the Sheshan basilica, the intermedi- was enthusiastically announced, In 2008, Pope Benedict XVI various Chinese dioceses to go on ate chapels and other areas are closed although the closure continues in composed a special prayer to Our pilgrimage walking up the hill on and there will be no pilgrimages and some parts of the country. Lady of Sheshan to ask for protec- which the basilica stands, stopping in religious activities. The presence of In many dioceses - for exam- tion for the Church in China. At the the intermediate chapels and mark- groups of pilgrims and individuals is ple in Zhejiang, Jiangxi and Inner behest of the Pope himself, from ing the stations of the Cross, up to not allowed. Catholics are advised to Mongolia - the reopening coin- May 24, 2008 onwards, the World the summit where the church stands, stay home and pray for an end to the cided with the celebrations of Holy Day of Prayer for the Church crowned by the statue of Mary pre- pandemic, so that they can return to Week: the Mass in Coena Domini in China is celebrated. — By senting her Son to the world. normal life. Shrine of Our Lady of Sheshan. with the ceremony of the washing Lu Haitao, AsiaNews China’s central bank warns the country will lose its demographic edge over the US because of birth controls BEIJING: The People’s Bank of over the past 40 years has been The Central Bank’s numbers are China (PBOC), China’s Central built on cheap labour, and a share of in line with the government’s. On 26 Bank, has released a report in which working-age population, aged be- February, Deputy Minister for Hu- it urges the government to scrap tween 15 and 64, that is larger than man Resources and Social Security, birth controls to avoid losing its eco- that of non-working people. You Jun, acknowledged that within nomic edge over the United States. However, the PBOC deems the five years the country will lose 35 According to UN forecasts, one-child policy introduced more million adults of working age. China’s population will shrink by than 40 years ago a failure. Easing Overall economic, environmen- 32 million between 2019 and 2050 it in 2016 to allow two children per tal and demographic vulnerabili- whilst the US should add 50 million couple has not changed the situa- ties threaten to complicate China’s to its own population. tion. ability to manage the transition to If present trends continue, China According to the bank’s study, the dominant role it aspires in the can expect to have proportionately loosening births must happen now decades ahead, according to Avril fewer people of working age and when many couples still want more Haines, current director of National more seniors than the US in the next children; otherwise, socio-econom- Intelligence, speaking to the Senate 30 years. ic trends could change in the future, Select Committee on Intelligence. A woman and child walk past the People’s Bank of China building in The country’s economic boom like in many developed countries. — AsiaNews Beijing. (Asianews) 8 World HERALD April 18, 2021 Pope Francis to Brazil’s bishops: The Risen Christ is ‘our strength, our unity’ VATICAN: Pope Francis on Thurs- lo, Brazil’s wealthiest and most was separated regains unity ... In day encouraged Brazil’s bishops populous state, has warned that a Aparecida, from the beginning, to be united with each other and collapse of the healthcare system God gives us a message of recom- to their faith in the Risen Christ, “is imminent,” as cases surge in posing what is separated, of reu- who will help them get through the country, and the supply of in- niting what is divided. The walls, the COVID-19 situation in their tubation drugs to sedate patients is ravines and distances, which also country. expected to run out. exist today, are destined to disap- “Our faith in the Risen Christ Brazil has recorded almost pear. The Church cannot neglect shows us that we can get through 362,000 deaths due to the virus. this lesson: the Church must be an this tragic period. Our hope gives In his video message to Brazil’s instrument of reconciliation.” us courage to get up. Charity urges bishops, Pope Francis expressed The mission of the Church in us to cry with those who cry and his closeness to those mourning Brazil is to be an instrument of rec- to give a hand, especially to those the loss of a loved one. onciliation and unity, Francis stat- most in need, so that they smile “Young and old, fathers and ed, urging the bishops to put aside again,” Pope Francis said in an mothers, doctors and volunteers, their divisions and disagreements. April 15 video message to the holy ministers, rich and poor: the “It is necessary to find our- general assembly of the Brazilian pandemic has excluded no one in Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Unsplash/Raphael Nogueira) selves in the essential. With Christ, Bishops’ Conference. its wake of suffering,” he said. and sin still resonates within us. death! Let us renew the hope that through Christ and in Christ, in or- “It is possible to overcome the He noted that some bishops in The Easter announcement is an an- life will triumph!” der to be able to re-discover ‘the pandemic, it is possible to over- Brazil have died from COVID-19. nouncement that renews hope in The Pope recalled something he unity of the Spirit with the bond of come its consequences. But we “I ask God to grant the deceased our hearts: we cannot give up!” said during his visit to Brazil in peace (Eph 4,3),’” he said. will only succeed if we are unit- eternal rest and to give comfort to “As we sing in the Easter Sun- 2013, when he referred to the story He said only by uniting them- ed,” he added. the afflicted hearts of the relatives, day Sequence: ‘Life and death of Our Lady of Aparecida. selves with Christ will pastors be Brazil has had over 13.6 mil- who often have not even been fought in a singular battle / and “I commented that this image able to inspire the Catholic faith- lion total coronavirus cases, and is able to say goodbye to their loved when life is dead, He rises trium- that was found broken could serve ful, other Christians, and all men ranked third in the world for num- ones,” the Pope said. phant,’” he said. “Yes, dear broth- as a symbol of the Brazilian real- and women of goodwill. ber of cases, after the United States Pope Francis also emphasised ers and sisters, the one who has ity,” he said. “Always Jesus! There is our and India. that the “proclamation of the vic- succeeded is by our side! Christ Quoting his 2013 speech to base, our strength, our unity.” — The health secretary of Sao Pau- tory of the Lord Jesus over death has conquered! He has conquered Brazil’s bishops, he said, “What By Hannah Brockhaus, CNA Pope’s condolences for death of Pope approves early Prince Philip ordination for seminarian VATICAN: “Saddened to learn of with leukemia the death of your husband Prince VATICAN: A young Nigerian reli- Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, His Ho- gious, Livinius Esomchi Nnamani, liness Pope Francis offers heartfelt who has leukaemia, has been or- condolences to Your Majesty and the dained to the Catholic priesthood members of the royal family,” Vatican early with the approval of Pope Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Pa- Francis. rolin wrote in a telegram addressed to Fr Livinius, who is now 31, wrote Queen Elizabeth. to the Holy Father asking whether “Recalling Prince Philip’s devotion his ordination could be moved for- to his marriage and family, his distin- ward. His wish was granted on April guished record of public service and 1, when Bishop Daniele Libanori, an his commitment to the education and Auxiliary bishop of Rome, ordained advancement of future generations, Livinius at the Presidio Sanitario Fr. Livinius Nnamani during his His Holiness commends him to the Medica Group Casilino Hospital in ordination in Rome on April 1, merciful love of Christ our redeemer,” Rome. 2021. (Vatican Media) the Cardinal wrote. “Upon you and Fr Livinius began his vocation decision to write to Pope Francis, upon all who grieve his loss in the sure journey in Owerri, Imo state, in asking him to bring forward his or- hope of the Resurrection, the Holy Southeastern Nigeria, when he en- dination. The reply came quickly Father invokes the Lord’s blessings of tered the Order of the Mother of on March 31: Pope Francis gave his consolation and peace,” he concluded. God, at the age of 20. permission. The following day, Li- Prince Philip died on Friday, April Pope Francis receiving Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip in the Vatican Shortly after his first vows, he was vinius was ordained a priest. in April 2014. (Vatican Media) 9, at the age of 99. He spent a month diagnosed with leukaemia and went Bishop Libanori said during his in hospital earlier this year before be- The popes and the queen Great Britain. The two met again through several years of therapies homily, “With this gift, God the Fa- ing released on March 16 to return to The 94-year-old queen has had on May 28, 1982 at Buckingham and treatments. Two years ago, he ther wants to sustain you so that you the royal residence of Windsor Cas- warm relations with the popes for Palace in England. The visit was was sent to Italy in search of better can fully live the trial to which he tle, where he passed away. Born into some 60 years. She first visited the first by a pope on English soil. healthcare and to continue his stud- called you.” the Greek and Danish royal families, the Vatican as princess during the Queen Elizabeth met the pope for ies. “As a priest, you will be joined Prince Philip married Princess Eliza- pontificate of Pope Pius XII, a year the third time in the Vatican on Oc- In spite of having to have gruel- with Jesus to make your body an beth in 1947. She was crowned the before her accession to the throne. tober 17, 2000. ling transfusions and targeted treat- offering pleasing to God. Our priest- British Queen in 1953. Prince Philip Her first visit as queen to the Vati- Pope Benedict XVI visited Great ments, Livinius continued his studies hood, indeed, reaches its peak when was the longest-serving consort in can was on May 5, 1961, when she Britain in September 16, 2010, at the Pontifical University of Saint together with the bread and wine, we British history. He retired from public and Prince Philip were received during which he met the queen in Thomas Aquinas, better known as know how to offer all of ourselves, engagements in 2017 after carrying privately by Pope John XXIII. Edinburgh, Scotland. Queen Eliza- the Angelicum, and made his final the things the Lord has given us, and out more than 20,000 of them. Queen Elizabeth made history beth and Prince Philip met Pope vows last September. our very lives.” Philip was born on the Greek is- on October 17, 1980, when she Francis in the Vatican on April 3, As his condition continued to de- Fr Livinius has begun his priestly land of Corfu in 1921. He was an became the first British monarch 2014, during a state visit to Italy. teriorate he started to spend longer ministry at the Casilino hospital, avid sportsman who loved country to make a state visit to the Vatican. In addition, other members of periods in hospital, and his hopes for where he gives his blessing to the pursuits. He had four children, eight During her meeting with Pope the British royal family have vis- completing his studies for the priest- doctors and nurses who care for him grandchildren and nine great-grand- John Paul II, now a saint, she wel- ited the Vatican on various occa- hood began to look more uncertain. and other patients on a daily basis. — children. comed the Pope’s plans to visit sions. — Vatican News Consequently, Livinius made the ICN HERALD April 18, 2021 World 9 When the ‘Evil One’ wants to fight the Church, he stops Her praying VATICAN: The life of faith and change this, we have to make this matic question that always makes even the Church cannot last with- harsh decision’. Only with discus- us reflect: “When the Son of out prayer, it cannot progress if it sions. Man comes, will He find faith on does not pray because “everything “Prayer is what inspires chang- earth?” (Lk 18,8) “Will He only is born in prayer, and everything es in the Church. Without prayer find entrepreneurs of the faith, all grows, thanks to prayer”. there are no changes in the well organised, and who do chari- Moreover, “when the Enemy, Church, just changes of groups. ties, many things, or will He find the Evil One, wants to fight the “If prayer ceases, for a while it faith?”. “This question is at the Church, he does so first of all by seems everything continues as al- end of a parable that shows the trying to drain her sources, pre- ways, by inertia, but after a short need to pray with perseverance, venting her from praying. For ex- time, the Church realises that it without getting tired. Therefore, ample, we see it in certain groups has become an empty envelope, we can conclude that the lamp of that agree to bring about changes that it has lost its supporting axis, faith will always be lit on earth as in the life of the Church, all the that it no longer possesses the long as there is the oil of prayer. media that inform ... But prayer is Prayer is what inspires changes in the Church. Without prayer there are no source of warmth and love.” This is what the Church grows on, not seen.” changes in the Church. The saints show it. “Holy wom- our poor life”. This was the warning launched even through moments of cri- convents, hermitages, where peo- en and men do not have an easier “This is an essential task of today by Pope Francis in an off- sis and resurrections. Indeed, we ple consecrated to God live and life than others. On the contrary, the Church: to pray and edu- the-cuff reflection in the speech cannot grow without moments of which often become centres of they too have their problems to cate to pray. Transmit to keep for the general audience, dedi- crisis”. spiritual radiation. They are small face and, moreover, they are often the lamp of faith from genera- cated to The Church, teacher of “After certain passages in life, oases where intense prayer is the object of opposition. But their tion to generation with the oil of prayer. we realise that, without faith, shared and fraternal communion strength is prayer, which they al- prayer. Without the light of this “The life of a parish and of eve- we would not have been able to is built day by day. They are vi- ways draw from the inexhaustible lamp, we could not see the way to ry Christian community - he said do it and that prayer has been tal cells, not only for the ecclesial ‘well’ of Mother Church. With evangelise; we could not see the - is marked by the calendar of the our strength. Not only personal fabric but for society itself. Let us prayer they feed the flame of their faces of the brothers to approach liturgy and community prayer,” prayer, but also that of the broth- think of the role that monasticism faith, as was done with the oil of and to serve; we could not light which makes “that gift we re- ers and sisters, and of the com- played in the birth and growth of lamps. And so they go on walking up the room where we can meet ceived in childhood” from parents munity that accompanied and European civilisation, and also in in faith and hope. The saints, who in community… Without faith, or grandparents grow. supported us. For this reason, too, other cultures”. often count for little in the eyes of everything collapses; and with- “We realise that it is a great and communities and groups dedicat- “For example we see the Ene- the world, are actually those who out prayer, faith is extinguished. very rich heritage, and that the ed to prayer flourish continuously my, the Evil One in certain groups support it, not with the weapons of There is no other way. For this experience of prayer deserves to in the Church. Some Christians that agree to bring about changes money and power, of the media, reason, the Church, which is a be deepened more and more (cf. even feel the call to make prayer in the life of the Church, all the but with the weapons of prayer”. home and school of communion, ibid., 2688). The habit of faith is the main action of their days. In media that inform ... But prayer is Francis then recalled that in the is a home and school of prayer”. not starched, it develops with us, the Church there are monasteries, not seen. Don’t pray. ‘We have to Gospel of Luke, Jesus poses a dra- — AsiaNews Anthony Fauci, Chelsea Clinton to speak at Vatican health conference VATICAN: Anthony Fauci, Chel- icymakers, physicians and religious Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi, sea Clinton and Deepak Chopra leaders. president of the Pontifical Council are among the featured speakers at The Vatican conference’s website for Culture, will co-host the summit a Vatican conference being held in lists more than 100 speakers includ- with Monsignor Tomasz Trafny and May on the interplay of mind, body ing Kerry Kennedy, Cindy Craw- Robin Smith, president of the Cura and soul in healthcare. ford, John Sculley, Brandon Mar- Foundation and author of Cells are The Vatican announced the con- shall, Joe Perry of Aerosmith and the New Cure. ference organised by the Pontifical Msgr Dario Edoardo Viganò, prefect A statement sent out by the Holy Council for Culture and the Cura emeritus of the Secretariat for Com- See Press Office said that the confer- Dr Anthony Fauci Chelsea Clinton Foundation, April 15. munications. ence organizers will also promote This is the fifth international and focused on advances in adult Exploring the Mind, Body & Soul: “Together, they will focus on ad- a roundtable on “Bridging Science health conference co-organised by stem cell research. How Innovation and Novel Delivery vances in medical innovation and and Faith” that will explore the “re- the Pontifical Council for Culture This year will be the first time that Systems Improve Human Health seek to catalyse the creation of new, lationship of religion and spirituality and the CURA Foundation. The it is taking place completely online. will take place virtually May 6-8. interdisciplinary approaches and to health and wellbeing.” fourth conference, “United to Cure,” The Vatican announcement said that It will feature the CEOs of large partnerships for curing disease and “The discussion will deal with the hosted at the Vatican in 2018, had priests, pastoral healthcare work- pharmaceutical companies, includ- improving health and well-being, deeper meaning of human existence Katy Perry, Deepak Chopra and Pe- ers and students from pontifical and ing Moderna and Pfizer, along with as well as understanding human and seek areas of convergence be- ter Gabriel as speakers. Catholic universities worldwide are celebrities active in medical philan- uniqueness,” the conference website tween the humanities and the natural The first conference in this series invited to participate in the confer- thropy, global health advocates, pol- states. sciences,” it said. took place in Vatican City in 2011 ence. — CNA Major Vatican conference on priesthood planned for 2022 VATICAN: Increasing vocations and chief organiser of the sympo- will be open to other theologians among people with different voca- Rome, said a deeper reflection on to the priesthood, improving the sium planned for Feb 17-19, 2022. and people interested in the topic. tions in the Church, the cardinal priesthood — both the priesthood way laypeople and priests work The symposium, Towards a Fun- The relationship between bap- said. of all the baptised and ministerial together and ensuring that service, damental Theology of the Priest- tism and ordained ministry needs Michelina Tenace, a professor of priesthood — is essential for those not power, motivates the request hood, seeks to encourage an under- greater emphasis today, Cardinal theology at Rome’s Pontifical Gre- engaged in training men for the for ordination are all possible out- standing of ministerial priesthood Ouellet said, but reviewing the gorian University, is helping organ- priesthood. comes of a major symposium be- that is rooted in the priesthood of foundations of a theology of priest- ise the symposium and told report- “The baptismal life is the fun- ing planned by the Vatican in Feb- all believers conferred at baptism, hood also “involves ecumenical ers that going back to baptism and damental human vocation, and all ruary 2022. getting away from the idea of or- questions not to be ignored, as an emphasis on the priesthood of must exercise the priesthood re- “A theological symposium does dained ministry as belonging to well as the cultural movements that all believers “isn’t just a fashion, ceived at baptism. Ministry is at the not claim to offer practical solu- “ecclesiastical power,” the cardinal question the place of women in the it’s the basis for all Christian life.” service of this,” he said. “Reflect- tions to all the pastoral and mis- said at a news conference April 12. Church.” The clerical abuse scandal, she ing on the fundamental theology sionary problems of the Church, The three-day gathering, the car- The recent synods of bishops on said, makes the questions of priest- of the priesthood will also make but it can help us deepen the foun- dinal said, is aimed specifically at the family, on young people and on ly identity, vocational discernment it possible to return to the justifi- dation of the Church’s mission,” bishops and delegations of theo- the Church in the Amazon all show and formation more urgent. cations for priestly celibacy and said Cardinal Marc Ouellet, prefect logians and vocations personnel the urgency of questions surround- Fr Vincent Siret, rector of the the way it is lived.” — By Cindy of the Congregation for Bishops from every country, although it ing priesthood and relationships Pontifical French Seminary in Wooden, CNS 10 Editorial HERALD April 18, 2021 HERALD The dangerous online April 18, 2021 Pope calls for a politics life of Catholics hree top Church leaders in Rome ion with the saints. our communal life online impacts the ec- ‘not only for people, recently pointed out the perilous “Prayers — those that are good — are clesial community and its unity. situation of polarisation among ‘expansive’, they propagate themselves The Catholic Church has always been but with people’ TCatholics at this time. continuously, with or without being post- quick to use modern means of communi- n a video message to an international conference entitled A The first was Cardinal Raniero- Can ed on social media: from hospital wards, cation, but slow and cautious in assessing IPolitics Rooted in the People, Pope Francis urges partici- talamessa. The Capuchin friar, who is the from moments of festive gatherings, from them. pants, like a good shepherds, to put the most vulnerable first. official Preacher of the Papal Household, moments in which we suffer silently,” he Starting his message to the conference, which was entitled: noted in his Good Friday homily that said. The Vatican in the years since John A Politics Rooted in the People, Pope Francis greets the or- fraternity and unity among Catholics is “The suffering of each is the suffering Paul II ganisations present. deeply wounded. of all, and one’s happiness is transmitted Only some local churches have made an The Pope notes that all the other organisations present, from He said it was up to the Church’s pas- to someone else’s soul,” the Pope added. effort, especially as regards the impact of various parts of the world, “also work in this dimension.” He tors “to be the first to make a serious ex- digital culture on catechesis and the for- explains that their mission is to “accompany the people in amination of conscience” and “ask them- Institutional Church is remarkably mation of ministers and priests. their struggle for la tierra, el techo y el trabajo, the famous selves where it is that they are leading their silent But there is not much else on the three ‘T’s’, (loosely translated as work, wages and housing) flocks – totheir position or to Jesus’”. It is very interesting to follow the foot- Church and the Internet, especially com- and to stand by them when they encounter attitudes of opposi- Three days later, it was the turn of Car- prints of what Francis says on the Internet ing from the Vatican, in terms of intellec- tion and contempt.” Their work and witness since the start of dinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary and online social media. Veteran Italian tual reflection. the pandemic has become “that much more urgent and neces- of State. journalist Guido Mocellin has been track- For example, Pope Francis created a sary,” he adds. In an interview aired April 5 on COPE, ing the Pope’s online presence for quite new Dicastery for Communication in The Pope then goes on to describe one of the goals of the a Church-owned radio network in Spain, some time for L’Avvenire. 2015, which he charged with reforming meeting as unveiling that the true response to the rise of pop- he said the divisions are real and they are This broadsheet, which is owned by the and consolidating the Vatican’s diversified ulism is precisely not more individualism but quite the op- harmful. Italian Bishops’ Conference, has become media operations. posite: a politics of fraternity, rooted in the life of the people. “Anyone who sees the situation of the one of Italy’s most courageous newspa- Whatever one thinks of that reform, the The conference is based on the themes discussed in the Church today has to worry about these pers because of the attention it gives to new dicastery is the executive arm and not Holy Father’s recently published book, written in collabora- things because they are there,” Parolin social and international issues. – or at least not yet – a place where the tion with British journalist Austen Ivereigh, Let us Dream. In said. Francis’ impact on social media is inter- Vatican does its thinking about the media. this book, the Pope says: “I call this ‘politics with a capital P’, Then just two days after that, Pope esting because the institutional Church is For example, the dicastery’s webpage politics as service, which opens new pathways for the people Francis spoke up at his Wednesday gen- remarkably silent on what our life online has a section that offers Church magiste- to organise and express itself.” eral audience, making what seemed to means for our sense of communion. rial documents on the media. The most This type of politics, he continues, is “not just for the peo- be a gentle dig at the importance some There has been no significant attempt recent is an instruction that John Paul II ple, but with the people, rooted in their communities and in Catholics give to social media while he by the teaching authority of the Church up issued in January 2005. That’s more than their values.” was speaking about praying in commun- till now to make theological sense of how 15 years ago! The Pope goes on to note that “when people are cast aside, they are denied not just the material wellbeing but the dignity of acting, of being protagonists of their own destiny and his- The “liturgical and quasi-religious” tory, of expressing themselves with their values and culture, their creativity and fruitfulness.” features of online Catholicism He explains that it is for this reason that it is “impossible” any Catholics now seem to spend jargon, and then in doctrine, and then in lives even more towards virtual spaces. for the Church to separate the promotion of social justice from Mmore time online than they do at- dogma,” she notes. And so, it’s high time for a theological the recognition of the culture and values of the people, which tending to most other activities, including It reminds me of some of the diktats reflection on social media. include the spiritual values that are the source of their sense prayer. of self-appointed, 21st-century Catholic This is necessary, not just because of of dignity. But, in fact, our online life has liturgical grand inquisitors who have vast follow- the number of Catholics who spend a The Pope then says that many of those gathered have spent and quasi-religious features: solemnities ing on Twitter. significant part of their lives there, but be- many years “walking with the people’s movements”, a task on the calendar, its saints and martyrs, a Lockwood clearly knows a thing or cause social media has already changed which he described as often being “uncomfortable” because hierarchy between the celebrants-leaders two about the dangerous mixture of the the communication footprints of Church of the numerous accusations of “being too political” or “trying and the assembly, forms of sanctions and Internet and religious zealotry. leaders – in some cases disastrously, in to impose religion”. excommunication, etc. She became famous in 2017 for her most cases unconsciously. “But you understand that respect for the people means re- These absorbing features of online life memoir Priestdaddy, in which she anato- For some seminarians and young spect also for their institutions, including their religious ones; play an important role in the radicalisa- mised the experience of being brought clergy, the Internet even seems to have and that the role of those institutions is not to impose anything tion of religious identities, included the up as the daughter of a right-wing priest. replaced institutional sources of learning but to walk with the people, reminding them of the face of Catholic one, and they are a factor in the Her father was a former Lutheran pas- and training. God who always goes before us,” he adds. rise of polarization and division in the tor who converted to Catholicism and Katherine Schmidt has argued else- “The true shepherd”, continues the Pope, “is one who seeks Church. was allowed to keep his wife and family where that digital literacy should be re- to walk in front, among and behind the people: in front, to American novelist and essayist Patricia through special Vatican dispensation. quired for all ministers and leaders in the point out to them something of the way ahead; among them, Lockwood, follows an unnamed protago- But this online life of Catholics is not Church, lay and clerical alike, but espe- to feel with the people and not to go wrong; and behind, to nist’s interactions with a virtual platform all bad news. cially in seminary coursework. assist the stragglers and to allow the people, with its own nose called “the portal” in her debut novel, No The new form of virtual communion Some seminaries and bishops’ confer- for these things, to also find for itself the right paths.” One Is Talking About This. made possible by the Internet can be- ences have issues guidelines and policies, The Pope notes that it is precisely for that reason that in Let She describes how life online affects come a sharing of virtues. but one wonders whether, or how, they Us Dream, “I speak of a desire: that every diocese in the world our lives in a way that could teach a lot to are working. have an ongoing collaboration with the people’s movements.” Church leaders. It’s high time for a theological And it would be interesting to look into Just as “going out to meet the risen, wounded Christ in our For instance, she says our communal reflection on social media the guidelines and policies for seminar- poorest communities allows us to recover our missionary vig- life online is lived like a school of fish A very interesting book published in ians and clergy in those dioceses whose our”, a politics that turns its back on the poor “will never be that intuitively changes direction togeth- 2020 by an emerging American Catholic bishops engage regularly in embarrassing able to promote the common good,” says the Pope. er, leaving anyone who does not follow theologian, Katherine Schmidt, points behaviour on social media. Concluding his video message, the Pope notes that “now, along isolated and exposed to predators. out the theological consequences and op- The fact that Pope Francis has one of more than ever, we must build a future from below, from a Her use of the stream of consciousness portunities of the Internet for the Church. the most followed accounts on Twitter politics with the people, rooted in the people.” is appropriate for a lived community in “In the absence of a twentieth-century says nothing about the Church’s con- “May your conference help to light the way.” which often “we live a mind not entirely versions of liminal spaces whereby mem- sciousness and awareness of the deep ef- — Vatican News our own, in which we are acted upon as bers of the Body of Christ engage in sym- fects of social media on the life of Catho- HERALD — The Catholic Weekly much as acting”. bolic exchange, the Internet has become a lics and on ecclesial communion. Jointly published by the potential site for communion,” she says. The Barque of Peter is supposed to be Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur, When religious zealotry discovered “While not ignoring the overwhelm- and behave differently from a school of Diocese of Malacca Johore, Diocese of the Internet ingly vitriolic, divisive, and even violent fish. Penang and Diocese of Keningau The language dynamics that Lockwood nature of some online social communica- And yet, the perception on the outside Editor: Fr Lawrence Andrew, SJ describes apply to the language of reli- tion, it is possible to see moments of sym- and the self-perception of the Church are HERALD, 5, Jalan Robertson, 50150, KL gious zealots on social media, including bolic exchange that reflect the gratuitous more and more shaped by the divisions in Tel: 03-20268290/20268291; those who identify as Catholics. love of God we learn in the Eucharist,” full display in the online life of its mem- Online: www.heraldmalaysia.com. “What began as the most elastic and Schmidt writes. bers. — By Massimo Faggioli, LCI E-mail: [email protected] snappable verbal play soon emerged in The COVID pandemic has shifted our (https:// international.la-croix.com/ HERALD April 18, 2021 Focus 11 Pope Francis: ‘The Church is a great school of prayer’ VATICAN: Pope Francis said that through it and that prayer has of prayer.” an essential task of the Church been our strength. Not only our The Pope explained that the today is to teach people how to personal prayer, but also that of strength found in prayer together pray. our brothers and sisters and of the is why “communities and groups “The Church is a great school community that accompanied and dedicated to prayer flourish con- of prayer,” Pope Francis said in supported us, of the people who tinuously in the Church.” his general audience livestream know us, of the people we ask to “In the Church there are mon- on April 14. pray for us,” he said. asteries, convents, hermitages, “And this is an essential task of The Pope encouraged people where people consecrated to God the Church: to pray and to teach to find strength by drawing from live, and these often become cen- how to pray, to transmit from the “inexhaustible well of Mother tres of spiritual light,” he said. generation to generation the lamp Church,” as each of the saints has “They are communities of prayer of faith with the oil of prayer,” done throughout history. that radiate spirituality.” the Pope said. “Holy women and men do not The Pope said that these “small At his Wednesday audience, have an easier life than others, on oases where intense prayer is Pope Francis encouraged Chris- the contrary, they too have their shared” are vital cells not only of tians to examine their lives to problems to face and, moreover, the Church, but for society itself. ensure that personal prayer is a they are often the object of oppo- “Let us think, for example, of priority. He warned that one of sition. But their strength is prayer, the role that monasticism played the devil’s tactics to attack the through which they always draw in the birth and growth of Euro- Church is to prevent people from Pope Francis speaks from the Apostolic Palace during his live-streamed from the inexhaustible well of pean civilization, and also in oth- praying. general audience, April 14, 2021. (Vatican Media/CNA) Mother Church,” he said. er cultures. Praying and working “Everything in the Church the Pope posed a question to eve- pagan, not Christian prayer,” he “With prayer, they feed the in community keeps the world originates in prayer, and every- ryone watching his weekly broad- said. flame of their faith, as was done going. It is an engine,” Pope thing grows thanks to prayer,” cast: “Do you pray?” he asked. Pope Francis pointed out that with oil from lamps. And so, they Francis said. the Pope said. “When the Enemy, “How do you pray? Like a par- the life of every Catholic parish go on walking in faith and hope. Pope Francis stressed that with- the Evil One, wants to fight the rot? Or do I pray with my heart? is “marked by times of liturgy The saints, who often count for out prayer, the Church becomes Church, he does so first of all by How do I pray? Do I pray as part and community prayer,” which little in the eyes of the world, are “like an empty shell” in which no trying to drain its sources by pre- of the Church and pray with the he called “a great patrimony.” actually those who support it, not effective changes take place and venting it from praying.” Church? Or do I pray a little ac- “After certain passages in life, with the weapons of money and which loses its direction to evan- Speaking into the camera from cording to my ideas and make we realise that without faith, we power, media communications, gelise. — By Courtney Mares, the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace, my ideas become prayer? This is would not have been able to get and so on, but with the weapons CNA Pope Francis hails St Teresa of Ávila as exemplar of courage and spiritual motherhood ROME: Pope Francis has hailed the importance of a saint’s writ- This revolution in her spiritual St Teresa of Ávila as an exemplar ings and teachings for Catholic life enabled Teresa to play a sig- of courage and spiritual moth- theology. nificant role in the renewal of the erhood in a letter marking fifty Since St Teresa, three other fe- Church that followed the Council years since the 16th century Span- male saints have been declared of Trent. She proposed a return ish mystic was declared the first Doctors of the Church. St Cathe- of the Carmelites to their original female Doctor of the Church. rine of Siena was recognised with rule of life, a simple and austere “Despite the five centuries that the title one week after St Teresa. form of monasticism – founded separate us from her earthly ex- And Sts Therese of Lisieux and on silence and solitude – that had istence, the flame that Jesus lit Hildegard of Bingen were de- received papal approval in the within Teresa continues to shine clared Church doctors by Popes 12th century and was believed to in this world that is always in need John Paul II and Benedict XVI date back to the Old Testament of brave witnesses, capable of respectively. prophet Elijah. breaking any barrier, be it physi- In his letter, Pope Francis said Together with her close col- cal, existential or cultural,” Pope St Teresa of Ávila “continues laborator, the priest and writer Francis wrote in the letter. to speak to us today through her later canonised as Saint John of The Pope’s letter to Bishop José writings and her message is open the Cross, she founded what is María Gil Tamayo of Ávila was to all.” known today as the Order of Dis- read aloud at the inaugural Mass “Having her as a friend, com- calced Carmelites – “discalced,” for an international congress on panion and guide in our earthly meaning barefoot, symbolising St Teresa that is taking place in pilgrimage confers security and the simplicity to which they chose Ávila, Spain and virtually via peace to the soul,” he added. to return the order after a period livestream April 12-15. St Teresa was a Spanish Car- of corruption. The reform met St Teresa of Ávila was “‘an ex- melite reformer and mystic. She with fierce opposition but resulted ceptional woman,’ as Saint Paul was born in the Castilian city of in the founding of 30 monasteries VI defined her,” Pope Francis Ávila during the year 1515, the before her death in 1582. said. third child in a family descended St Teresa of Ávila was canon- “Her courage, her intelligence, from Jewish merchants who had ised on March 22, 1622, along and her tenacit, to which she converted to Christianity during with St Ignatius Loyola, St Fran- united a sensitivity for the beau- the reign of King Ferdinand and cis Xavier and St Philip Neri. tiful and a spiritual motherhood Queen Isabella. In his letter, Pope Francis en- toward all those who approached When she was nearly 40, Teresa couraged the priests, religious and her work, are an exemplary exam- experienced profound changes laity involved in the international ple of the extraordinary role that within her own soul in contem- congress on St Teresa to continue women have played throughout plative prayer, and remarkable spreading her teaching. history in the Church and soci- visions that seemed to come from The international congress is ety.” God. Under the direction of her the joint effort of the Catholic Pope Paul VI declared St Teresa confessors, Teresa wrote about University of St Teresa of Ávila, St Teresa of Avila. (photo/Wikimedia Commons) of Jesus a Doctor of the Church on some of these experiences in an the Discalced Carmelites, the lo- in Germany. Speakers at the nal Ricardo Blázquez Perez, the Sept. 27, 1970. The title Doctor of autobiography that she completed cal diocese, and the “Katholische conference include Cardinal Aq- archbishop of Valladolid. — By the Church denotes recognition of in 1565. Universität Eichstätt-Ingolstadt” uilino Bocos Merino and Cardi- Courtney Mares, CNA 12 Varia HERALD April 18, 2021 Taking tension out of the community

hatever energy we don’t plain by rational thought, but there’s death. Looking at the love that Jesus community (our sins), held them transform, we will transmit. no magic here. The deep truths that showed in his suffering and death, within and gave back only peace. WThat’s a phrase I first heard lie somewhat beyond our rational the first generation of Christians Thus, he took away our sins, not from Richard Rohr and it names capacities do not negate our ration- made this identification. Jesus is our through divine magic, but by ab- a central challenge for all mature ality; they only supersede it, analo- scapegoat, our lamb. We laid our sorbing them, by eating them, by be- adults. Here’s its Christian expres- gous to the way that Einstein’s the- pain and sin on him and drove him ing our scapegoat. sion. ory of relativity dwarfs grade school out of our community to die. Our sin Moreover, what Jesus did, as Ki- Central to our understanding mathematics. left with him. erkegaard so wonderfully says, is of how we are saved by Jesus is a Thus, allowing for some mys- They did not understand this as not something we should admire; truth expressed by the phrase: Je- tery, what can we tease out of the some magical act where God forgave it’s something we need to imitate. sus is the Lamb of God who takes metaphor that presents Christ as the us because Jesus died. No. Their sins N.T. Wright, in his recent book away the sins of the world. How are Lamb of God who takes away the were not taken away because Jesus Broken Signposts, sums up the chal- we saved through Jesus’ suffering? sins of the world? Moreover, what’s somehow appeased his Father. They lenge this way: “Whether we under- Obviously, that’s a metaphor. Jesus the challenge for us? were taken away because Jesus ab- stand it or not – whether we like it is not a sheep, so we need to tease Here’s the historical background Fr Ron Rolheiser sorbed and transformed them, akin or not, which most of us don’t and out the reality beneath the metaphor. to this image. At the time of Jesus, to the way a water purifier takes the won’t – what love has to do is not What prompted the first generation within Judaism, there were a num- a crown of thorns pushed into the dirt, toxins and poisons out of the only to face misunderstanding, hos- of Christians to use the image of a ber of atonement (reconciliation) lamb’s head (making it feel their water by absorbing them. tility, suspicion, plotting and, finally, suffering sheep to explain what Je- ritual practices around lambs. Some pain) and a purple drape over the A water purifier works this way. violence and murder, but somehow, sus did for us, and how does Jesus’ lambs were slaughtered in the tem- lamb’s back (symbolizing its cor- It takes in water contaminated with through that whole horrid business, suffering take away our sins? Was ple as offering to God for our sins, porate responsibility to carry this for dirt, impurities and poisons, but it to draw the fire of ultimate evil there a debt for sin which only God’s and some others were employed as them all). They would then chase holds those toxins inside itself and onto itself and to exhaust its power. own suffering could cancel? Was the “scapegoat” lambs. The scapegoat the lamb out of the temple and out of gives out only the purified water. … Because it is love that takes the forgiveness of our sins some kind of lamb ritual worked this way. A com- town, banishing it to die in the wil- So too with Jesus. He took in ha- worst that evil can do and, absorbing private, divine transaction between munity would gather with the inten- derness. The idea was that by invest- tred, held it inside, transformed it, it, defeats it.” God and Jesus? tion of participating in a ritual to ing the lamb with their pain and sin and gave back only love. He took in Whatever we don’t transform, we These questions have no easy an- ease the tensions that existed among and banishing it forever from their bitterness and gave back gracious- will transmit. There’s a profound swer, but this much must be said: them because of their weaknesses community, their pain and sin were ness; curses and gave back blessing; truth here regarding how we need to while some of this is mystery, none and sin. They would symbolically also taken away, banished to die jealousy and gave back affirmation; help take tension out of our families, of it is magic. Admittedly, there’s invest their tensions, their sins, on with this lamb. murder and gave back forgiveness. communities, churches and socie- mystery here, something that lies to the lamb (which was to become It is easy to see how they could Indeed, he took in all the things that ties. — By Fr Ron Rolheiser, all beyond what we can adequately ex- their scapegoat) with two symbols: transfer this image to Jesus after his are the source of tension within a rights reserved Pope Francis on the risen Jesus’ message of mercy he risen Jesus appeared to the that keep the heart imprisoned. The Tdisciples on several occasions. disciples realised that they had been He patiently soothed their troubled shown mercy: they realised that God hearts. Risen himself, he now brings did not condemn or demean them about “the resurrection of the disci- but, instead, believed in them. God, ples.” He raises their spirits and their in fact, believes in us even more than lives are changed. Earlier, the Lord’s we believe in ourselves. “He loves us words and his example had failed to better than we love ourselves (cf. St change them. Now, at Easter, some- John Henry Newman, Meditations thing new happens, and it happens in and Devotions, III, 12, 2). As far as the light of mercy. Jesus raises them God is concerned, no one is useless, up with mercy. Having received that discredited or a castaway. Today Je- mercy, they become merciful in turn. sus also tells us, “Peace be with you! It is hard to be merciful without the You are precious in my eyes. Peace experience of having first received be with you! You are important for mercy. me. Peace be with you! You have a First, they receive mercy through mission. No one can take your place. three gifts. Jesus offers them peace, You are irreplaceable. And I believe Pope Francis celebrates Mass for Divine Mercy Sunday in the Church of Santo Spirito in Sassia, April 11, 2021. (Vatican News) then the Spirit and, finally, his in you.” need this. We too fall frequently. And our misery. His wounds are the path- reading. The Acts of the Apostles wounds. The disciples were upset. Second, Jesus showed mercy to the hand of our Father is ready to set ways that God has opened up for us relate that “no one claimed private They were locked away for fear, his disciples by granting them the us on our feet again and to make us to enter into his tender love and actu- ownership of any possessions, but fear of being arrested and ending up Holy Spirit. He bestowed the Spirit keep walking. That sure and trust- ally “touch” who he is. Let us never everything they owned was held in like the Master. But they were not for the forgiveness of sins (cf. vv. 22- worthy hand is Confession. Confes- again doubt his mercy. common” (4:32). This is not com- only huddled together in a room; 23). The disciples were guilty; they sion is the sacrament that lifts us up; In adoring and kissing his wounds, munism, but pure Christianity. It they were also trapped in their own had run away, they had abandoned it does not leave us on the ground, we come to realise that in his tender is all the more surprising when we remorse. They had abandoned and the Master. Sin brings torment; evil weeping on the hard stones where we love all our weaknesses are accepted. think that those were the same dis- denied Jesus. They felt helpless, dis- has its price. Our sin, as the Psalmist have fallen. Confession is the Sacra- This happens at every Mass, where ciples who had earlier argued about credited, good for nothing. Jesus ar- says (cf. 51:5), is always before us. ment of resurrection, pure mercy. All Jesus offers us his wounded and risen prizes and rewards, and about who rives and says to them twice, “Peace Of ourselves, we cannot remove it. those who hear confessions ought to Body. We touch him and he touches was the greatest among them (cf. Mt be with you!” He does not bring a Only God takes it away, only He by convey the sweetness of mercy. This our lives. He makes heaven come 10:37; Lk 22:24). Now they share peace that removes the problems His mercy can make us emerge from is what confessors are meant to do: to down to us. His radiant wounds everything; they are “of one heart without, but one that infuses trust the depths of our misery. Like those convey the sweetness of the mercy of dispel the darkness we carry within. and soul”” (Acts 4:32). How did within. disciples, we need to let ourselves be Jesus who forgives everything. God Like Thomas, we discover God; we they change like that? They now saw It is no outward peace, but peace forgiven, to ask heartfelt pardon of forgives everything. realise how close he is to us and we in others the same mercy that had of heart. He tells them “Peace be the Lord. We need to open our hearts Together with the peace that reha- are moved to exclaim, “My Lord and changed their own lives. They dis- with you! As the Father has sent to being forgiven. Forgiveness in the bilitates us and the forgiveness that my God!” (Jn 20:28). Everything covered that they shared the mission, me, even so I send you” (Jn 20:21). Holy Spirit is the Easter gift that ena- lifts us up, Jesus gave his disciples a comes from this, from the grace of the forgiveness and the Body of Je- It is as if to say, “I am sending you bles our interior resurrection. Let us third gift of mercy: he showed them receiving mercy. This is the starting- sus, and so it seemed natural to share because I believe in you.” Those ask for the grace to accept that gift, his wounds. By those wounds we point of our Christian journey. But if their earthly possessions. The text disheartened disciples were put at to embrace the Sacrament of forgive- were healed (cf. 1 Pet 2:24; Is 53:5). we trust in our own abilities, in the continues: “There was not a needy peace with themselves. The peace ness. And to understand that Confes- But how can wounds heal us? By efficiency of our structures and pro- person among them” (v. 34). Their of Jesus made them pass from re- sion is not about ourselves and our mercy. In those wounds, like Thom- jects, we will not go far. Only if we fears had been dispelled by touching morse to mission. The peace of Jesus sins, but about God and His mercy. as, we can literally touch the fact that accept the love of God, will we be the Lord’s wounds, and now they are awakens mission. It entails not ease Let us not confess to abase our- God has loved us to the end. He has able to offer something new to the unafraid to heal the wounds of those and comfort, but the challenge to selves, but to be raised up. We, all of made our wounds his own and borne world. in need. Because there they see Jesus. break out of ourselves. The peace of us, need this badly. Like little chil- our weaknesses in his own body. His And that is what the disciples did: Because Jesus is there, in the wounds Jesus frees from the self-absorption dren who, whenever they fall, need wounds are open channels between receiving mercy, they in turn became of those in need. — America (https:// that paralyses; it shatters the bonds to be picked up by their fathers, we him and us, shedding mercy upon merciful. We see this in the first www.americamagazine.org/) HERALD April 18, 2021 13 A charming dissident: Hans Küng and China ans Küng, the great contemporary Academy of Social theologian and intellectual who died Sciences and of the Hon April 6, paid significant attention to Centre for Christian China and Chinese religions. Studies at the Peo- The thoughts of the Swiss theologian had ple’s University of a clear progression, from the particular to the China. He was the universal. Starting from the theme of justifica- star of the event, a tion, which gained for him the esteem of Karl self-assured man full Barth, the giant of 20th-century Protestant the- of charm and much ology, Küng became interested in the themes admired. I talked to Hans Küng of the Church, particularly papal infallibility, him for a few minutes. I told him that I had certainly a significant problem in ecumenical read and reviewed a book on Benedict XVI, dialogue. which described the very strong relationship Küng then addressed the central themes of that, in the 1960s in Tübingen, existed between A Chinese boy walks through the aisle during a Mass at a Catholic church in a village near Beijing Christianity: the mystery of Jesus, the ques- the young professors Joseph Ratzinger and on Holy Saturday, April 3, 2021. (UCA News Photo/Jade Gao) tions of God and of eternal life. The Vatican Küng. For years, every Thursday night, they power in the religious world, in a 2019 article almost spasmodically, worked for reconciling censorship that since 1979 prevented him from had dined together. for L’Osservatore Romano and UCA News. her many souls. She seemed to be leaning to- teaching Catholic theology had, perhaps, the Then something divided them: the 1968 Born in Shanghai, Ching grew up in Hong ward Buddhism and reluctantly spoke of God. effect of broadening his horizons. Küng landed movement. The shy Ratzinger could not bear Kong, where she studied at Canossians and Sometimes she was afraid she no longer be- on the themes of interreligious dialogue and the rebelliousness of the students. The bold received baptism at the age of 16. Her brother lieved in God. Küng was critical of Buddhism invented Global Ethics. It was in this context Küng, on the other hand, did not feel bad in Frank, a well-known Hong Kong journalist for focusing on suffering and on the negative that Küng approached China and its religions. the climate of protest. I told Küng that I was and writer, followed her example and was later things in life. In a remarkable meeting in 2005, Küng talked impressed with the story of their strong friend- introduced to the Catholic faith. He told her of the fundamental trust of Chris- about his Global Ethics project with his friend ship and subsequent distance. Very politely, In her impressive autobiography, The But- tians in Jesus. “I prefer Christianity, a religion and rival, Pope Benedict XVI. and with a bit of irony, he said to me: “But terfly Healing (1998), Ching writes with great of revelation. We [Christians] try now to reduce It was in Beijing (in 2009, I believe) that I met now you should read my book as well.” The consideration of Hans Küng: “With his flaming suffering in the world. We believe in Christ as Küng. We were both involved in the academic subtext was clear: there is also my version of red hair, rugged looks and fighting spirit, Hans the victor over death and destruction.” movement of “cultural Christians,” which, for what happened between Ratzinger and me. I was full of life and energy.” Küng deserves These exchanges might surprise those who a couple of decades caused impressive growth confess that I have not yet kept my promise to credit for having recognised, with brilliant in- remember Hans Küng, who never left the in Christian studies in Chinese universities. read his autobiography (My Struggle for Free- tuition, the intellectual qualities of Ching (she priesthood, only for his dissidence. Julia and Küng was also a member of the scientific com- dom, 2004). was certainly not as famous as he was) and for Hans became good friends, and both died in mittee of the Institute for Sino-Christian Stud- choosing her as a collaborator for the ambitious the Catholic faith. — By Fr Gianni Criveller, ies in Hong Kong, an ecumenical organisation Julia Ching, a great Sinologist project (I think it is the only case of a book co- PIME, ucanews.com that for many years organised my seminars in In 1988, Hans Küng co-published Christian- signed by Küng). Chinese universities. Those were years full of ity and Chinese religions. I did read this book, Ching said Küng was the first theologian l Fr Gianni Criveller of the Pontifical Insti- openings, of possibilities and of encounters — and with great profit. The book introduced me who took her seriously. They had in common, tute for Foreign Missions is dean of studies things now denied by the nationalist involution to the co-author, Julia Ching, unjustly omitted among other things, bitterness about the injus- and a teacher at PIME Inter-national Mis- preferred by President Xi Jinping. With his in the obituaries I read that mention the book. tice and dullness they suffered from the institu- sionary School of Theology in Milan, Italy. Sinicization programme, Xi is imposing Con- Ching (1934-2001) was a great Sinologist who tional Church. He taught in Greater China for 27 years and fucianism (in its worst ideological version) as died of a recurrent tumour not treated promptly Ching described their frequent and exact- is a lecturer in mission theology and the his- the only form of thought allowed in China. when she was a young Ursuline nun in Tai- ing exchanges. The two intellectuals did not tory of Christianity in China at the Holy Spirit Küng and I attended the same conference, wan. I narrated the heartbreaking human and always agree. Julia, having abandoned the Seminary College of Philosophy and Theol- guests of the Department of Religions of the spiritual story of Julia Ching, a case of abuse of religious life, was a wounded woman who, ogy in Hong Kong. Are German Catholics pushing for divisive reformation? hile the Vatican is trying to circum- lion Catholics in the country. emergence of secular ideologies, challenging due to COVID-19 restrictions. However, on- Wscribe open dissent, the wealthy German On March 15, the Vatican’s Congregation for the Church’s apostolic tradition as a predomi- line assemblies are held like the one held in the Church is not conceding an inch to Rome. the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF) issued a respon- nantly oppressive system which allots undue first week of February. The collision course has gained traction in sum which categorically stated the Church’s privileges to an all-male hierarchy, are pushing The influential lay Central Committee of Germany following the country’s bishops’ de- views on same-sex unions and banned priests to reform the German Church, but it may put German Catholics, which has aired its views on cision to move forward with the Synodal Path from bestowing blessing on those partnerships. an end to many Catholic traditions. a range of Church teachings including women’s in 2019, a fallout from allegations of rampant The ruling, approved for publication by Pope Besides, Germans, who are leaving the ordination and sexual morality, is taking part in clerical abuse and episcopal cover-ups in the Francis and signed by CDF prefect Cardinal Church in large numbers, have shown a shift in the assembly only on condition that it makes country of 45.75 million Christians. Luis Ladaria, was seen as an attempt to check their conceptualisation of the reality of sin “at binding policies for the German Church. At the end of their general assembly in 2019, Germany’s reform programme. the personal level.” Cardinal Reinhard Marx, archbishop of the German Bishops’ Conference called for the A slew of outspoken Church leaders across More than 200,000 left the German Church Munich and former president of the German Synodal Path to address a 2018 report, which Germany and Europe came out in the open between 2018 and 2019 and a recent survey Bishops’ Conference and a close ally of Pope shed light on sexual abuse and counted 3,677 challenging the CDF directive. They included showed that almost 30 per cent of Catholics Francis, has categorically stated that decisions minors as victims between 1946 and 2014 in Cardinal Christoph Schonborn of Vienna, a are now mulling over deserting the Church. of the Synodal Path are binding. 27 dioceses. member of Pope Francis’ council of cardinals The synod is, in fact, aimed at filling the empty After the conclusion, the path will submit its The proposals of the two-year Synodal Path, and the CDF. pews. decision to the Pope, requesting changes to the if implemented, could contradict Church teach- “The unity of the Church is at stake,” Fr With its national Kirchensteuer, the church Catechism. ings on homosexuality, ecumenism and wom- Goran Jovicic, a Hungarian-Croatian theolo- tax system that funds local dioceses, the Church The Vatican has already pressed its high- en’s ordination and would lead to a schism with gian, told an influential Catholic publication on in Germany is the richest in the world. In 2017, ranking officials to tame the troublesome Ger- Rome, according to theologians. April 5. it secured €6 billion (US$7.2 billion) through man Church. Since the fate of most of these burning issues As more adherents are added to the folder of this system. The funds are used for supporting During an interview with Spain’s Church- has been sealed by the Vatican, any new deci- the “schismatic movement” in Germany, the Catholic charities in the developing world. owned COPE radio network on April 5, Car- sions by the German bishops will prove con- theologians have traced fast transmission of What should cause alarm to the Vatican and dinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of frontational with the Holy See. Martin Luther’s 95 Theses. the universal Church is that “Synod” and “Syn- State, stressed the importance of unity and de- Time and again, the Vatican, including Pope In the current case, social media has taken odal Path” are not the same, as stated by the cried divisions within the Church between the Francis in June 2019, warned the German up the role of the printing press to facilitate the preparatory document by Germany’s Church conservative and progressive wings. Church against its synodal approach, which rapid spread of the theological dissent. leaders. Three days earlier, Cardinal Raniero Can- would result in “multiplying and nurturing the In fact, Pope Francis himself brought this The Synodal Path is not a canonical format talamessa, preacher of the papal household, evils it wanted to overcome.” crisis in Germany to the centre stage with his but sui generis. So the topics discussed are urged Catholics to desist from ways that are However, warnings by the Vatican have fall- efforts to promote synodality, with increased regulated and do not require the nod from the dividing the Church. en on the deaf ears of German bishops and the autonomy for national bishops’ conferences. Holy See. It can come out with its own version The possibility of a German mutiny — five powerful Catholic lay organisations. The German prelates have used it as a cover of Catholic teachings and can chalk up its own centuries after the Reformation — cannot be The Vatican has shown that it would not to go public and push for further reforms, how- course of action. fully ruled out against Pope Francis’ “church of make things easy for the German bishops to ever dissenting they may be. The path is moving at a snail’s pace and the poor” by a wealthy German Church. — By achieve what they want among the 22.6 mil- The Vatican leeway to the synodality and some of the vital issues have been put on hold Ben Joseph, ucanews.com 14 HERALD April 18, 2021 Singapore-born nun left everything for the Lord r Valerie Tseng died on April 12 at the age of 96. S The Church in Malaysia, led by Archbishop Julian Leow of Kuala Lumpur joined her family members including her brother, Jesuit priest Fr Gerald Tseng, rela- tives, friends and the Infant Jesus community to mourn her demise. A funeral service following COVID-19 protocols was held for the nun at IJ Community chapel in Cheras near Kuala Lumpur on April 13. Sr Tseng, a former superior of the Infant Jesus Sisters in Malay- sia, had a long, illustrious religious life celebrated by many including those she had touched through her Tributes have been Sister Valerie Tseng with students in Malaysia. (UCA News photo/Viala Tropica) services and fellow confreres. her that religious life is not for To her beloved nephews and pouring in for Sister everyone. In fact, the priest was nieces, Sr Tseng was known as Valerie Tseng Yeok Ying, testing Mary to see if her calling Aunty Mary, referring to her origi- a Singapore-born nun was real and would persist as en- nal name after birth. from the Infant Jesus tering religious life would mean a Mary was born on Dec 16, 1924, lifetime of sacrifice. in Singapore, the third of eight Sisters who spent most Back home, Mary became rest- children of Anglican parents. She of her life in community less as the inner calling became was the only daughter in the fam- animation, education, stronger. Her friend Margaret ad- ily. From her early life, Mary was social work and Biblical vised that she must see the priest known as a confident, intelligent again. The priest realised it was and outspoken girl. apostolate in Malaysia. a genuine call and advised her to Despite their parents being respond accordingly. Fr Meison- strict Anglicans, the children ex- Kinabalu (then called Jesselton) in Malaysia. They accompanied niere told her to “become a good pressed a desire to become Catho- religious example to others.” lics thanks to their education and a parish group to promote the Le- gion of Mary in local villages. Once Mary had made up her influence in prominent Catholic- mind to join religious life, she run institutes in Singapore. Mary The trip was challenging as the area had no roads, no running wa- “felt a great peace,” she recalled studied at the Convent of Infant in an interview later. Jesus School and her brothers ter and poor sanitation. They were forced to trek muddy village roads Initially, Mary expressed an were schooled at the renowned St intention to join the Mill House Joseph Institution. through paddy fields to reach out A fully fledged sister of the Congregation of the Holy Infant Jesus. to the villagers. Congregation in Jesselton but was Mary lobbied for herself and her disheartened to learn that the Brit- out their future course and elects nuns over the years. brothers to embrace Catholicism. There she found a group of nuns from Mill House Congregation ish order did not accept local girls. the international leadership team In 1994, Sr Tseng joined the IJ Her parents were upset at the be- She then joined the Sisters of for the congregation. Sr Tseng Community in the Cameron High- ginning but later conceded to the living and serving the local com- munity with all these threadbare the Infant Jesus, a French Catho- was elected as one of five council lands, serving in the kindergarten, request, leading to their conver- lic order founded in 1675, and she members to assist and counsel su- catechetics and formation of the sion shortly afterwards. amenities. The trip was a spiritual awaken- was sent to Penang for religious perior general, Mother Maria Del youth. From 1997 to 2017, she Mary, however, never wanted to formation. Her first assignment Rosario Brandoly. Sr Tseng was also served in the Melaka-Johor become a nun; rather, she wanted ing for Mary and she started think- ing about serving people like the was to teach mathematics to the the first Asian to be elected to the Diocese in Johor, administering to to have an independent life. By senior middle school students in council and she went on to serve migrant workers, at the home for 1950, she completed her educa- nuns. On the other hand, Mary became the Ave Maria Convent in Ipoh. In for two terms, each for six years. the elderly and the formation of tion, joined a school as a teacher the beginning Mary found the task In her 12 years in Rome, Sr Basic Ecclesial Communities. and had a steady boyfriend whom confused as she already had a good career and a good boyfriend difficult as she thought she was Tseng became an integral part of a She also helped her colleagues she planned to marry and settle not qualified to teach the subject, group to develop the new constitu- support the local people, especial- down with. with whom she planned to settle down. “Why me, Lord? I have a but she carried on her assignment tion of the congregation and trav- ly poor and helpless children and God, however, had other plans sincerely. elled around the world with Moth- parents. for her and, so in 1950 the course boyfriend already!” Mary reacted. She returned to Singapore and In 1957, Mary travelled to IJ er Superior to help her run the In one particular case, Sr Tseng of Mary’s life changed forever. headquarters in Paris where she order effectively. As she visited rescued and cared for a little girl That year, Mary’s boyfriend was met with her parish priest, Fr Mei- sonniere, for guidance. pronounced her final vows. Sr various countries, from Japan to who was abandoned by her drug on a long business trip to India and Valerie became her new religious Spain to Bolivia, she also learned addicted parents. Mary joined her friend Margaret The priest sent her back saying “It is not a calling” and warning name. From Paris she moved to other languages including Japa- In 2018, Sr Tseng returned to on a religious excursion to Kota the English port city of Liverpool, nese, Spanish and Italian to better the Archdiocese of Kuala Lum- where she studied advanced math- communicate with the people. Her pur and spent her final years at the ematics for one year before return- travels broadened her mind and IJ Convent in Cheras, mostly in ing to her teaching job in Malay- enriched her experiences as she prayer. sia, which by then was no longer a engaged with different communi- Looking back on her eventful British colony but an independent ties in different places. religious life, Sr Tseng thanked country. Upon her return to Asia from God for leading her in the path of Long permanent residency al- Europe, Sr Tseng was tasked to life all these years. lowed Sr Tseng to obtain a Ma- explain and train the IJ communi- “This was my path. The Lord laysian passport, and she spent ties on the recently amended con- had planned it this way. No mat- the next 13 years teaching at IJ stitution of the order. The new ide- ter how hard you try, if He calls, Convent in Pulau Tikus in Pen- as and vision for the congregation you follow, or you will never tru- ang. As a nun, she demonstrated as well as the strong leadership of ly know peace,” she said. — By leadership skills, and thus she was Sr Tseng didn’t go down well with Rock Ronald Rozario, ucanews. appointed Mother Superior of her all the nuns. Although a bit upset, com order in Malaysia. she didn’t get disheartened. She In 1971, Sr Tseng joined the kept travelling throughout Asia l This article uses materials and General Chapter, a five-yearly and moving from convent to con- photos from Viala Tropica blog Valerie Tseng (centre in flowered dress) with her family. meeting of the IJ order that maps vent to teach and train her fellow site HERALD April 18, 2021 Children 15 LittleLittle CCatholicsatholics’ CCornerorner

Dear children, Emmaus. They talked about Jesus’ among them! He said to them, “Peace people about Jesus’ Crucifixion, His death and all that had happened. As be with you.” Death, and His Resurrection. They Our Gospel reading today tells the they walked, they were joined by a But the disciples didn’t believe that never stopped telling about what had amazing story about a day when man. Jesus had risen so Jesus asked them happened. someone important walked and talked They didn’t realize it at first, but it for something to eat. As He ate some Children, we also are called to tell with some men on the Road to Em- was Jesus! After Jesus revealed him- fish, as they watched. The disciples others about Jesus. maus, but they didn't even recognize self to them, they went straight back realised Jesus had come back to life, Let us tell the world that He is Him. to Jerusalem and told Jesus’ disciples. and they spent time with Him. alive! It begins after two men had trav- As they told the disciples they’d After Jesus ascended to heaven, elled on a long road to a town called seen Jesus, He suddenly appeared they went all over the world, telling Auntie Eliz To show them that Use the words from the list to fill in the blanks. When Jesus rose from Then use the letters in circles to fill in the blanks at the end. He was really alive, the dead, some of Jesus asked for the disciples something to thought He was eat. What did a ghost. they give Him?

Colour the spaces using this code to find out! Colour in the blank JERUSALEM THIRD NAME spaces any colour. WRITTEN NATIONS SINS RISE Jesus wants you to be His Word Search ______to the world! Let's Colour While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” (John 24:36)

RISE FISH FRIGHTENED DEAD ATE JESUS WITNESSES FLESH BONES HANDS PEACE GHOST FEET DOUBTS TOUCH HERALD

Social BEC Communication (1976) (1996)

Dialogue Formation (1976) (1976) INTEGRAL EVANGELISATION Poor Unity (1976) (1976)

Family (1996) Youth (1986) YOUTH YOUTHApril 18, 2021 UPLIFT your faith and financial life UALA LUMPUR: Faith? Financ- es? Is there even a connection? It’s likely that most of us see faith Sessions for Working Adults Kand finances as two mutually exclusive- ar eas, but did you know that 10 per cent of the verses in the Bible relate to money or pos- sessions? During the 2021 Lenten season, the Single Working Adults Group (SWAG) of the Church of Jesus Caritas (JCC) and the Chapel of Kristus Aman (KA) collaborated with Adrian Ho and Peter Law of VitaMutari to organise a series of personal financial management sessions for the youth. More than just your average financial talk, the sessions were also aimed at illustrating how our Christian faith can inform us in our financial decision-making. Over the course of the four sessions (March 6, 13, 20, 27), participants gained a basic understanding of managing their per- sonal finances, such as learning how to fill Participants of the session. up their personal cash flow and net worth The underlying theme throughout the manage our lifestyles prudently instead of Lenten season, when most in the Christian statement and how to assess their personal workshop was that of discerning the will of giving in to our immediate wants and de- community are striving to get material wants financial health. With many working adults God for our lives and this was something that sires? and desires in check through prayer, fast- saddled with debt, Adrian and Peter made participants were encouraged to reflect on. With tax filing season looming around the ing and almsgiving. Regardless of whatever it a point to give practical tips and tricks on For example, how can we plan our finances corner, Adrian and Peter wrapped up the financial strain we are currently facing, we how to tackle it. They also went through the wisely to allow us to achieve God’s plan for workshop by guiding participants on how to can rest assured that with Jesus on board at golden rules that should be followed when us? How can we manage our debt effectively best optimise and maximise their tax reliefs. the helm, we can safely navigate through the borrowing money. instead of being enslaved by it? How can we All in all, it was a timely workshop for the storms of life. — By Sarah Lee What if you’re young and the pandemic has ruined all your plans? he coronavirus pandemic has To begin with, let’s say that “the Ideas for a new perspective Tchanged everyone’s life to a future” is one thing and “the near fu- Don’t let confinement make you think you’ve run greater or lesser extent. Although they ture” is another. From historical data, out of opportunities in life. If the dreams you had aren’t the most gravely affected by the pandemics — since vaccines have can’t be fulfilled (at least for now), make the most of virus, young people have been particu- been known — have a range of around the situation at hand. Here are some ideas to make larly negatively affected when it comes five years from the time they originate your time fruitful: to their hopes and expectations for the and spread until we learn to manage Sign up as a volunteer – Even during the future. them with the applicable vaccine. In pandemic, there are ways to serve others. Giving to It’s harder than ever to get a job; un- our case, science has already provided others is the best way to spend your time and will employment data in practically every vaccines in record time, so now it’s a give you the opportunity to do something for society country confirms that access to the la- matter of ensuring that these means are Give yourself time to “grow inside” – at a time when it’s especially needed. It will help you Our external activities may be reduced but nothing bour market for young people has de- put in place to protect the health of the forget your problems and focus on what’s important. clined alarmingly. population in every area of the planet. can force us to stop inner activity. It’s a good time to A young adult may now think that Despite the pandemic, your future Take the opportunity to study – Beyond enrich yourself with spiritual reading, prayer, and if his or her dreams have collapsed: has not collapsed, it is yet to be written. the studies that you may be doing for the academic possible under current regulations, the sacraments. working to pay for school, studying at year, take a look at online courses on some area of This will give solidity to your roots as a person and university, or going to live in another This need not be lost time specialisation, your hobby or an area of interest that will make you stronger. city in their own country or abroad are In the meantime, this period doesn’t you haven’t explored yet. Don’t lose sight of the last sentence often no longer attainable goals. The have to be lost time for young adults. Learn a language – Even if for the moment you of the Gospel of St Matthew, because world seems frozen. In the history of mankind, many ge- can’t travel or further your studies in another coun- this message of Jesus is valid for every day of our What can you do if you’re a young niuses have turned these situations of try, take the opportunity to learn languages: Span- life: “And I will always be with you until the end adult and seem to have no future pros- external “slowdown” into moments ish, German, Chinese … Why not? It’ll allow you to of the world” (Mt 28:20). Whatever happens, God pects? How can you turn the situation of inner growth that would later bear learn about other cultures and open up possibilities is with us. He will never abandon us. — By Dolors around? fruit. in your own future career. Massot, Aleteia Image Source: Freepik HERALD April 18, 2021 Youth 17 Christ is The hope that Alive Easter brings Penang Diocesan Campus Students’ Day 2021

Youth gather to have a better understanding of Easter. PETALING JAYA: During Palm Sun- sion, the hosts presented a short praise rience the hardships in the lives of others day, the St Ignatius Church (SIC) youth and worship video — of the SIC Youth during such a challenging time. ministry hosted a youth gathering to Ministry singing and performing hymns The session was also inspiring as they discuss Easter and the Hope it brings. in their church. This was a spectacular spoke and pondered on their joys and The discussion was led by Jessamin Ng event as many members were singing sorrows — though most importantly, and Lareina Anne, who took the time to along virtually. what they were going to do about these prepare a slideshow to keep the youth After this short warm up, the main sorrows in the future. enthralled and help them have a better discussion on Hope of Easter began, and The SIC Youth Ministry deserves a understanding of Easter. the slideshow, containing facts on Holy vote of thanks for hosting such an en- The session began with youths in Week, images of Easter, along with some gaging youth gathering on the topic of PENANG: The Penang Diocesan Campus Stu- small groups sharing in the break out topics to discuss, was presented. During Easter. What a way to begin Holy Week! dents’ Day 2021, also known as Christ is Alive rooms. These activities required each this 90-minute period, the group went on — By Samuel Latimer @ CIA 2021, is a three-day virtual event that member to run around their house and and off in breakout rooms in order for will be held for Catholic students studying in do fun actions ranging from finding an each youth member to feel more open If you would like to join future youth colleges and universities located within the object that you think is the oldest in your as they discussed their personal insights gatherings, consider following the SIC Penang Diocese. CIA 2021 is organised by the house to finding the biggest fruit you can and feelings amongst a smaller group of Youth Ministry on their instagram page: Penang Diocesan Youth Network (PDYN) and find. friends. This was especially wonderful sicym will be happening via the Zoom platform. As they reconvened in the main ses- as we could communicate and also expe- The programme will take place from April 30 to May 2, and registration is ongoing at this moment until April 25, 2021. No registration Virtual concert raises RM20,000 for fee will be charged to those who want to par- ticipate. Taking on the theme Christ Is Alive inspired Home of Peace and Migrant Ministry by the Holy Father’s document to the young people, Christus Vivit, young people, especial- KUCHING: Kuching Christmas Con- ly those who are campus students are called cert Choir (KuCCC)’s Angels’ Carols: to be ‘Alive’ in the midst of this newly-tran- A Virtual Christmas Concert garnered sitioned era of technology and virtual reality 25.3k views when it was streamed on due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. In the social media in December. hope of gathering the campus students virtu- The concert raised a total of RM20,000 ally, this event aims to bring about the best from custom-designed gift card sales of unity and friendship even though physical as well as generous donations from the distancing has been imposed all over Malay- public. The amount was channelled to sia since March 2020. This aim is well incor- the Home of Peace and Migrant Minis- porated with the message conveyed in Fra- try of the Catholic Archdiocese of Kuch- telli Tutti, a recent document by Pope Francis, ing. which means we are all brothers and sisters, “I am happy to be part of a very giving irrespective of religion. community. I am glad that an event such Highlights of this event are the performanc- as this opens an opportunity for me to es by students and also the sessions inspired donate to the fundraising,” commented by the documents Christus Vivit and Fratelli a member of the public who purchased Tutti. KuCCC manager, Jeffrey Tang (centre) handing over the proceeds raised from the virtual As the guest speakers come from var- gift cards in support of the event. ied backgrounds, the participants can look The virtual concert also featured in- concert to Fr Galvin Richard Ngumbang (right), Chairperson of the Commission of Mission and Human Development. forward to some exciting and informative ses- teractive quizzes. This activity was a sions. wonderful opportunity for the event or- the various teams and individuals who port of the Archdiocesan Commission For registration and further enquiries, con- ganisers to connect with viewers who committed their time and energy in mak- for Mission and Human Development tact PDYN office at 012-346 4416 via- What were tuning in to the concert from their ing the event a success. Most of all, the of the Kuching Catholic Archdiocese sApp, or give a heads up in Facebook: Penang homes. organisers would like to thank all mem- Pastoral Council in collaboration with Diocesan Youth Network. “Seeing the support of the members bers of the public who supported the EMPOWERED Ministry Kuching. Visit So, what are you waiting for? Join now! Reg- of the public towards this event, we feel fundraising effort. Everyone’s generos- KuCCC’s Facebook page at https://fa- ister at this link: https://docs.google.com/ humbled and happy. Hopefully, this year ity in all forms have made a difference in cebook.com/kuccc2020 and their Insta- forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfZFmChGkWarnuJRVe KuCCC will return for another concert,” the lives of the underprivileged. gram page at @kuccc2020 for the latest Mh45hokISjsCjRcgrnzjmDMg0u3VaiA/view- said one of the KuCCC members. Angels’ Carols: A Virtual Christmas news and updates. — By Natalie Faith, form The organisers would like to thank Concert was organised with the sup- Today’ Catholic 18 HERALD April 18, 2021 For more enquiries, please contact: bituary Email: [email protected] O m e m o r i a m Tel: 03-2026 8290 / 03-2026 8291 Thanksgiving Prayers 16th Anniversary In Loving Memory of Thanksgiving to Tribute to Sr Martina St Jude St. Jude, Apostle and Martyr, great in virtue and rich in miracles. Near kinsman of Jesus Christ, faithful intercessor of all who invoke Frances SSFS Your special patronage in time KUCHING: The Sisters of St Mary Immaculate (Padungan), of need, to you I have recourse Francis of Sarawak (SSFS) St Joseph’s Convent (Serian), From the depth of my heart and announced on April 13, 2021 St Martha’s Convent (Bunan humbly beg to whom God has that Sr Martina Frances was Gega), and St Rita’s Convent Given such great power to Ronald Ravinder called home peacefully by our (Bau). come to my assistance. Help me Kumar In my present urgent petition, heavenly Lord at 7.00pm, after Sr Martina remained at St Returned to the Lord: a long illness. She had been Rita’s for many years after her in return I promise to make your Name known and cause you to 17-04-2005 residing at the Home of Santa retirement, still active in help- be invoked. Clara, located behind Bless- ing in the Church, although to Lovingly remembered St. Jude pray for us and all who and cherished by: ed Sacrament Church, since a lesser extent due to age and invoke your aid. Amen March 2011. failing physical health. Wife - Regina, Say 3 Our Fathers, 3 Hail Son - Reuben Nevin Sr Martina (Catherine Simin She was known for not want- Mary’s and 3 Glory be’s. Kumar and loved ones. ak Francis) was born March ing to miss any chance given — Anthony Marshall 9, 1930 at Kpg Sudoh, Singai, to climb Mt Singai, her birth Bau to Francis Nyiban and Ve- place. She enjoyed visiting ronica Riah. She received her families, gardening and sew- early education at St Michael’s ing, and had the charism to Casket Paradise School, Sudoh before trans- reach out to families and help & Funeral Care Sdn. Bhd.(311899-W) ferring to St Teresa’s School, teaching in primary schools in whatsoever way she could. Kuching. and kindergartens, and even Sr Martina celebrated her PERSONAL ATTENTION AT ALL TIMES Catherine was the first Bid- helping in maternity clinics 60th Anniversary of Profes- ayuh to join SSFS as a postu- and taking care of the little sion on 10 August, 2013 at the * Specialised In Christian Funerals lant on December 22, 1949. On ones in the nursery. Home of Santa Clara. * Exclusive Handmade And Polished Wooden Casket acceptance, she continued her Her interest in pastoral care, Sr Martina’s funeral rites on * Restoration And Cosmetology formation into the Noviciate particularly in caring for or- April 15 were held at the Home * British Trained & Qualified MBIE Embalming Service (Only on December 22, 1950 and was phans and widows, began of Santa Clara, presided over One In Malaysia) given the name Sr Martina. She when she was a young girl. by Kuching Archbishop Simon * Member Of The European Association Of Embalmers took her first vows on January This extended to actively serv- Poh, and attended only by ap- * Private Chapel Of Rest And Coldroom Facilities 5, 1953 and made her First Pro- ing out her pastoral works, ir- pointed persons in adherence * Economical, Budget Planned & 24 hrs Service fession on August 10, 1958. respective of where she was to COVID-19 SOPs. She was Sr Martina was posted to posted to. later laid to rest at the Catholic TEL: 03-2148 5776, 19B, Jalan Lapangan Terbang Lama, numerous outstations where She served in St Teresa’s Cemetery at 7 1/2 Mile, Kota 2148 4855 50460 Kuala Lumpur. she became involved in many Convent (Kuching), St Francis’ Sentosa, Kuching. — By Ivy FAX: 03-2143 1442 H/P: 012-333 4899 / 012-333 4646 / 019-777 5537 apostolates. These included Convent (Sarikei), Convent of Chai, Today’s Catholic HERALD April 18, 2021 Saints of the Week & Short Readings 19 St Anselm Daily Short ndifferent toward religion as a young man, works, which are comparable to those of St Au- Reading Anselm became one of the Church’s great- gustine. His best-known work is the book Cur est theologians and leaders. He received the Deus Homo (Why God Became Man). Sunday, April 18 I (Acts 10:40-43) title “Father of Scholasticism” for his attempt to Against his will, Anselm was appointed arch- analyse and illumine the truths of faith through bishop of Canterbury in 1093, at age 60. His God raised Jesus to life on the third day the aid of reason. appointment was opposed at first by England’s and allowed him to be seen, not by the At 15, Anselm wanted to enter a monastery King William Rufus but later accepted. Rufus whole people but only by certain wit- but was refused acceptance because of his fa- persistently refused to cooperate with efforts to nesses God had chosen beforehand. ther’s opposition. Twelve years later, after care- reform the Church. Now we are those witnesses – we have less disinterest in religion and years of worldly Anselm finally went into voluntary exile un- eaten and drunk with him after his res- living, he finally fulfilled his desire to bea til Rufus died in 1100. He was then recalled to urrection from the dead – and he has ordered us to proclaim this to his people monk. He entered the monastery of Bec in Nor- England by Rufus’ brother and successor, Hen- and to tell them that God has appointed mandy, was elected prior three years later and ry I. Disagreeing fearlessly with Henry over the him to judge everyone, alive or dead. It 15 years later, was unanimously chosen abbot. king’s insistence on investing England’s bish- is to him that all the prophets bear this Considered an original and independent ops, Anselm spent another three years in exile witness: that all who believe in Jesus thinker, Anselm was admired for his patience, in Rome. will have their sins forgiven through his gentleness and teaching skill. Under his lead- His care and concern extended to the very name. ership, the Abbey of Bec became a monastic poorest people. Opposing the slave trade, Monday, April 19 school, influential in philosophical and - theo Anselm obtained from the national council at (Romans 10:8-10) logical studies. Westminster the passage of a resolution prohib- During these years, at the community’s re- iting the sale of human beings. —Franciscan The word is very near to you, it is on your lips and in your heart: the word, that is, quest, Anselm began publishing his theological Media of the faith we proclaim. If your lips con- fess that Jesus is Lord and if you believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, then you will be saved. By St George believing from the heart you are made righteous; by confessing with your lips t George was a soldier of the Roman St George is usually depicted in Chris- you are saved. Sarmy who was tortured and beheaded tian art as a soldier on horseback killing a for his Christian faith in the year 303, in dragon with a lance. This image is a repre- Tuesday, April 20 Lydda (in modern day Palestine). He was sentation of a popular legend of St George (Acts 13:30-33) likely born in Cappadocia, of a Cappado- which first appears in 1265 in a romance ti- God raised Jesus from the dead, and cian father and a Palestinian mother of no- tled The Golden Legend, in which he saved for many days he appeared to those ble rank. At the death of his father (possibly a town terrorised by a dragon with one blow who had accompanied him from Gali- by martyrdom), he moved to Palestine with of his lance. The image, however, is also, lee to Jerusalem: and it is these same his mother where he joined the military and and more significantly, a powerful symbol companions of his who are now his apparently served with some distinction, of the victory of Christian faith over evil witnesses before our people. We have come here to tell you the Good News. meriting several promotions in rank. (sometimes interpreted more contextually It was to our ancestors that God made One account of the martyrdom of St in the early Church as “paganism”), per- the promise but it is to us, their children, George is found in Eusebius´ Ecclesiasti- sonified by the Devil, who is symbolised that he has fulfilled it, by raising Jesus cal History, which relates that when the by the dragon according to the imagery in from the dead. As scripture says in the emperor Diocletian issued an edict “to Revelations. second psalm: You are my son: today I tear down the churches to the foundations St George is invoked as a patron of mili- have become your father. and to destroy the Sacred Scriptures by tary causes not only because he was a sol- Wednesday, April 21 fire…a certain man, of no mean origin, but dier, but also, and primarily, due to his ap- (Romans 6:8-11) highly esteemed for his temporal dignities, pearance to the Christian armies before the stimulated by a divine zeal, and excited battle of Antioch, in which they were vic- We believe that having died with Christ by an ardent faith, took it as it was openly torious, and to King Richard the Lionheart we shall return to life with him: Christ, as we know, having been raised from placed and posted up for public inspection, of England during his crusade against the the dead will never die again. Death has and tore it to shreds as a most profane and Saracens. no power over him any more. When he wicked act.” This act of intransigence and The cult of St George, while universal, died, he died, once for all, to sin, so his holy audacity enraged the emperor who had remains strongest in the Eastern Church life now is life with God; and in that way, the man tortured and killed. This man “of where he is venerated as “The Great Mar- you too must consider yourselves to be Feastday: April 23 no mean origin”, i.e. of nobility, has been tyr.” Accounts of early pilgrims identify the dead to sin but alive for God in Christ Patron Saint of: identified by more than one ancient source, seat of the cult of St George at his burial Jesus.  Boy Scouts  Soldiers including Eusebius, as St. George, though site in Lydda. The cult has been in existence T  England  hursday, April 22 Germany most modern historians of the period state since the 4th century, soon after his death. (Romans 8:10-11)  Portugal that this is unlikely. — CNA If Christ lives in you, then although the body be a dead thing in virtue of our guilt, the spirit is a living thing, by virtue of our justification. And if the Spirit of him who raised up Jesus from the dead St Fidelis of Sigmaringen dwells in you, he who raised up Jesus Christ from the dead will give life to your f a poor man needed some clothing, He was appointed head of a group of perishable bodies too, for the sake of his IFidelis would often give the man the Capuchins sent to preach against the Spirit who dwells in you. clothes right off his back. Complete gen- Calvinists and Zwinglians in Switzer- Friday, April 23 erosity to others characterized this saint’s land. Almost certain violence threatened. (Acts 5: 30-32) life. Those who observed the mission felt The God of our fathers raised Jesus Born in 1577, Mark Rey became a law- that success was more attributable to the form death, after you had killed him by yer who constantly upheld the causes of prayer of Fidelis during the night than to nailing him to a cross. And God raised the poor and oppressed people. Nick- his sermons and instructions. him to his right side as Leader and Sav- named “the poor man’s lawyer,” Rey soon He was accused of opposing the peas- iour, to give to the people of Israel the grew disgusted with the corruption and ants’ national aspirations for independ- opportunity to repent and have their sins injustice he saw among his colleagues. ence from Austria. While he was preach- forgiven. We are witnesses to these He left his law career to become a priest, ing at Seewis, to which he had gone things — we and the Holy Spirit, who is joining his brother George as a member against the advice of his friends, a gun God’s gift to those who obey him. of the Capuchin Order. Fidelis was his was fired at him, but he escaped un- Saturday, April 24 religious name. His wealth was divided harmed. A Protestant offered to shelter (Romans 14: 7-9) between needy seminarians and the poor. Fidelis, but he declined, saying his life None of us lives for himself only. none of As a follower of St Francis of Assisi, was in God’s hands. On the road back, he us dies for himself only; if we live, it is for Fidelis continued his devotion to the was set upon by a group of armed men the Lord that we live, and if we die, it is weak and needy. During a severe epidem- and killed. for the Lord that we die. Whether we live ic in a city where he was guardian of a Fidelis was canonised in 1746. Fifteen or die, then, we belong to the Lord. For friary, Fidelis cared for and cured many years later he was recognised as a martyr. Christ died and rose to life in order to be sick soldiers. —Franciscan Media the Lord of the living and of the dead. Universal: Fundamental Rights We pray for those who risk their lives while fighting for fundamental rights under dictatorships, authoritarian regimes and even in democracies in crisis.

Download the Click To Pray updates now. THE CATHOLIC WEEKLY April 18, 2021 How a Catholic family of 16 lives debt-free WASHINGTON: Five years ago, of the most expensive cities in the a Catholic family of 16 made in- United States, the Fatzingers remain ternational news for sending their debt free. children to college without any debt Financial responsibility is part of – and now the parents are offering being a Christian, Sam told EWTN their financial advice in a book. Pro-Life Weekly in an interview that Sam and Rob Fatzinger, parents aired on April 15. of 14 children who live outside “I think that we forget that it’s our Washington DC in Bowie, Mary- financial responsibility as Christians land, authored the book A Catholic to remember to tithe and to be good Guide to Spending Less and Living stewards of our money,” she said. More: Advice from a debt-free fam- “And we need to remember, ‘Thy Catholic family of 16 are debt free. (CNA photo/Sam and Rob Fatzinger via EWTN Pro-Life Weekly). You can view ily of 16. will be done.’ Whatever the Lord the video here: https://bit.ly/3x3Epf0 In an age of credit card debt and wants you to do, you can do that Fatzingers say that – for young while putting the other into savings. happen, they say, and couples can zero-down purchases, the debt-free when you have financial freedom.” married couples – communication, Once they had children and Sam experience less stress by having an Fatzingers might appear as a cultur- They authored a book to guide paying off debt and saving for emer- stopped working, they were already emergency fund on hand. al phenomenon. They paid off their other young Catholics who might gencies are all critical steps they can familiar with living off of one salary. Ultimately, their plan is built mortgage in fewer than 13 years. be starting their marriages in debt, take to support their marriage. “Also, pay down any debt – non- around trust in God, they say. Their children attend community or who might be trying to pay off “Financial problems are very dif- mortgage debt, especially the high- “I say ‘trust and prepare’. Trust college for two years – “half the their student loan debt to enter reli- ficult for marriages, so I really en- interest debt – pay off the cars, that God has a plan for you and price” of other colleges, Rob said in gious life. courage people to talk, even before motorcycles, toys, get rid of that,” won’t give you more than you can a 2017 interview with EWTN Pro- “I hate when people say to me, their marriage, about their values,” Rob added. “Save for a rainy day. handle. But don’t just sit around and Life Weekly – before transferring ‘Oh we would love to have another Sam said. Because it will happen.” wait you also have to prepare,” Rob to a state school for their bachelor’s kid, but we’re in debt,’” Sam said. Sam and Rob say they began their Unexpected expenses — such as told EWTN Pro-Life Weekly. — degree. Yet while living near one What is the family secret? The marriage by living off of one salary car repairs or hospital bills — will CNA UN warns Myanmar faces Five top-five lists drawn from the Vatican’s Statistical Yearbook VATICAN: The countries in the risdictions were: Brazil with 278; ‘full-blown conflict’ like Syria world with the most baptised Italy with 228; the United States GENEVA: The United Nations Rights Catholics continue to be, in order: with 195; India with 175; and chief has warned that the ongoing re- Brazil, Mexico, the Philippines, the France with 99. pression by Myanmar’s military of United States and Italy. One indication that the order of protesters could be heading into “full- But, according to the Statisti- countries with the most Catholics blown conflict” similar to Syria’s. cal Yearbook of the Church, as of can and will change is the statistics UN High Commissioner for Hu- Dec 31, 2019, the order and even the book provides on the number of man Rights Michelle Bachelet, urged the countries are different when baptisms of children under the age member states to take immediate, de- looking at the number of dioceses of seven (the yearbook provides cisive and impactful measures to push or other Church jurisdictions, the separate statistics for the baptism Myanmar’s military leadership into number of ordinations of diocesan of people over seven). Throughout halting its campaign of repression and priests that year and the number 2019, it said, there were more than slaughter of its people. of children under the age of sev- 1.6 million baptisms of children un- “Statements of condemnation and en baptised over the previous 12 der 7 in the Philippines; more than limited targeted sanctions are clearly months. 1.48 million in Mexico; more than not enough. States with influence The yearbook, which was pub- 1.05 million in Brazil; more than need to urgently apply concerted pres- lished in March, contains more 595,000 in the US; and more than sure on the military in Myanmar to than 500 pages of charts and statis- 442,000 in Colombia. The Pope’s halt the commission of grave human Protesters with Thingyan festival flowers during a demonstration against the tical data on Church life in every re- Argentina came close to making military coup in Yangon’s Hlaing township on April 13, 2021. (UCA News photo) rights violations and possible crimes gion of the world and almost every the top five with 441,572. against humanity,” she said in a state- taking up arms, followed by a down- Bachelet also raised concerns about nation — China being the key ex- As for ordinations to the dioc- ment on April 13. ward and rapidly expanding spiral of clashes between the military and ception. esan priesthood in 2019, two coun- The beleaguered Southeast Asian violence all across the country. armed ethnic groups that have inten- The statistics range from the tries were tied for the top position: country has seen another weekend “I fear the situation in Myanmar sified in several locations in Kachin, number of women religious — the United States and India, each of coordinated bloodshed across the is heading towards a full-blown con- Karen and Shan states, where the mil- 630,099 — to the number of mar- with 415 new priests. Rounding out country, including a massacre of at flict. States must not allow the deadly itary has deployed airstrikes that have riage nullity cases completed using the top five were: Nigeria with 410; least 82 people in Bago, near Yangon, mistakes of the past in Syria and killed and displaced civilians. “the briefer process before the bish- Brazil with 390; and Italy with 317. on April 9. elsewhere to be repeated,” Bachelet The recent airstrikes in Karen state op,” a process instituted by Pope The Statistical Yearbook also Bachelet said the military seemed stressed. left at least 20 dead and more than 40 Francis — 1,854. contains figures for the number of intent on intensifying its pitiless pol- Over 700 people have been killed wounded, according to Free Burma According to the yearbook, Bra- Catholic schools at every level and icy of violence against the people of in the bloody crackdown by security Rangers, a Christian aid group. It said zil had 177 million baptised Catho- other institutions the Church runs to Myanmar by using military-grade and forces since the military overthrew the more than 24,000 civilians have been lics by the end of 2019; Mexico had care for people in need. indiscriminate weaponry. civilian-led government on Feb 1. displaced in Karen state. 115.5 million; the Philippines had The countries with the most She said there are clear echoes of At least 3,080 people are in de- The military has continued its 89 million; the United States had Catholic hospitals, not counting Syria in 2011 when peaceful protests tention and 23 people have been ground offensive in Papun, Nyaungle- almost 74 million; and Italy had dispensaries, are: India with 754; were met with unnecessary and clear- sentenced to death, including four bin and Thaton townships in the east- 57.8 million. the United States with 551; Ger- ly disproportionate force. The state’s protesters and 19 others who were ern state that killed a 60-year-old man But the top five countries in many with 439; Congo with 419; brutal and persistent repression of its accused of political and criminal of- and wounded six others including an terms of the number of dioceses, and Brazil with 278. — By Cindy own people led to some individuals fences, according to OHCHR. 11-year-old girl. — ucanews.com eparchies, prelatures and other ju- Wooden, CNS