tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30663312024-03-13T19:07:33.337+08:00Life's CrossesAfter all is said and done, this is the life I have and this is the life which I will journey on - no more, no less. Drop in and perhaps there may some things of common we both take to...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06802637147209284332noreply@blogger.comBlogger946125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3066331.post-51101759219421580922014-01-19T11:02:00.000+08:002014-01-19T11:04:57.600+08:00Some Aspects...<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://info.sadlier.com/Portals/95641/images/Saint-Benedict-Evangelization-Hospitality.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://info.sadlier.com/Portals/95641/images/Saint-Benedict-Evangelization-Hospitality.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a>I just finished the last presentation for the seminarians of our extended recollection this weekend. The theme for the recollection was on aspects of the New Evangelization. This was a follow through from our community's bonding exercise last weekend to start off the year's academic and formation activities.</div>
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<a name='more'></a><span style="text-align: justify;">It is always a relief to have ended such recollections because of the expectations and the taking to by the audience, in this case our seminarians, wondering if the presentation was meaningful for them. I know that the time spent is generally not wasted. However, there is always this niggling thought as to whether I have done enough for them.</span><br />
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<br /></div>
Anyway, these were the 3 presentations:<br />
<br />
a. <span style="color: purple; font-family: inherit;">What are the areas
necessary for each of us as Catholics to engage in on a constant, unending
basis for the new evangelization to work?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">b.<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span><span style="color: purple; font-family: inherit;">What do you think is/are
the “new” in the New Evangelization?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">c. </span><span style="color: purple; font-family: inherit;">If you had thirty seconds
to share the Gospel with an unbeliever, what would you say?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Much of what we can gather in a more formal sense in dealing with the question of the New Evangelization can already be gotten from the Pope's latest exhortation document of Evangelii Gaudium. However, much of putting that into concrete practice for daily engagement as disciples of Christ in the world today remains to be seen.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">So, if you are to address those questions above, how would you answer them?... </span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06802637147209284332noreply@blogger.com1Ponggol Seventeenth Avenue, Singapore1.4151608 103.90492040000004-48.9083882 21.287732900000037 51.7387098 -173.47789209999996tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3066331.post-85302595975727903132014-01-08T12:27:00.002+08:002014-01-08T12:27:27.641+08:00Ahead...<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container zemanta-img" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Magi_%281%29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: clear:left;"><img alt="Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo in Ravenna, ..." border="0" class="zemanta-img-inserted" height="269" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/55/Magi_%281%29.jpg/350px-Magi_%281%29.jpg" style="border: none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="350" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption zemanta-img-attribution" style="text-align: center; width: 350px;">Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo in Ravenna, Italy: The Three Wise Men" (named Balthasar, Melchior, and Gaspar). Detail from: "Mary and Child, surrounded by angels", mosaic of a Ravennate italian-byzantine workshop, completed within 526 AD by the so-called "Master of Sant'Apollinare". (Photo credit: <a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Magi_%281%29.jpg" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a>)</td></tr>
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We are in the New Year and I am facing a new academic year ahead.</div>
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The Feasy of the Epiphany revealed the infant child Jesus to the world represented by the Magi who offered the gifts of gold, frankincense and myrhh.</div>
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Revelation, newness and an anticipation of what the year ahead can offer.</div>
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What is your outlook for the year 2014 ahead?</div>
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That was the question that came to my mind as I prepare for the series of activities that come along with life in the seminary. There are two new seminarians whom I will journey with and it will be interesting as to how they will slowly fit into our community of 11 seminarians and 4 formators. The community also includes the 2 returning seminarians who were on regency last year. They will come back into a community which was different from when they left.</div>
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Then we have to settle in and journey with the new rector in Msgr Ambrose Vaz, as well as welcoming Fr John Bosco into the fold. Our new team of formators have already met up and prepared ourselves for what is to come for the Seminary in our engagement with the seminarians. Much of what we may be seeing in 2014 for the community here will depend on what transpires in our coming Community Bonding sessions over this weekend beginning Friday morning and ending on Sunday afternoon.</div>
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The theme of Evangelization is looked at and the principal speaker is Fr Kenson Koh. Hopefully the sessions will allow us to get a proper footing to how we, as the Seminary community, are to align ourselves better in being effective evangelizers and bringers of Good News.</div>
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So, much adjustments for every one.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06802637147209284332noreply@blogger.com1199 Ponggol 17th Ave, Singapore 8296451.415164 103.90493500000002-76.55221 -61.329439999999977 79.382538000000011 -90.860689999999977tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3066331.post-29838554009114635102013-12-31T13:18:00.000+08:002013-12-31T13:24:58.194+08:00Cusp of the New Year<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container zemanta-img" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42483119@N00/11460798586" imageanchor="1" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: clear:left;"><img alt="Descending..." border="0" class="zemanta-img-inserted" height="240" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3825/11460798586_d157b0f15d_m.jpg" style="border: none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="180" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption zemanta-img-attribution" style="text-align: center; width: 180px;">Descending... (Photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42483119@N00/11460798586" target="_blank">Annoysius</a>)</td></tr>
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She walked out by the Seminary's porch area, awaiting the transport which will take her to work. With a smile on her face, she said, "<i>It is the eve. We are at the cusp of the New Year!</i>"</div>
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Indeed we were.</div>
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We just finished about of spiritual direction (SD) and there were several matters we discussed which we set in place for her to get into the New Year on a better footing. Instead of just allowing the year 2014 to enter with a whimper, it would be better to make attempts to renew her position to greet it with a better perspective of life she would like to have as a person and a Christian that can make a difference in a world of today.</div>
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Later I shall be celebrating a mass for the <a href="http://www.serrasingapore.org/" target="_blank">Serra Club (Singapore)</a> members at their newly acquired office cum retreat house just down the road from the Seminary. In this time of day between the start of 2014 and the end of 2013, there is a kind of odd feeling of the in-between. I wonder what the new year is going to bring and as I bid 2013 <i>adieu</i>, I know that there is much more I need to do and grow as a priest in my ministry.</div>
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For now, I am just thankful to have been able to serve 10 years as being a priest till now. God only knows how I will be a priest for him into next year and ahead. Till then, I'll just carry on the best I can and not be a hindrance to His will.</div>
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<a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/?px" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_g.png?x-id=be565edc-b700-4565-9e55-3484bfc88e9a" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06802637147209284332noreply@blogger.com0199 Punggol Seventeenth Ave, Singapore 8296451.4146893039390522 103.905386924743651.4107208039390522 103.90034442474365 1.4186578039390523 103.91042942474365tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3066331.post-47459596346604819402013-12-25T00:30:00.000+08:002013-12-25T00:30:00.894+08:00Merry Christmas!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container zemanta-img" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Giorgione_014_crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: clear:left;"><img alt="Crop of original painting "Anbetung der H..." border="0" class="zemanta-img-inserted" height="224" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/16/Giorgione_014_crop.jpg/300px-Giorgione_014_crop.jpg" style="border: none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption zemanta-img-attribution" style="text-align: center; width: 300px;">Crop of original painting "Anbetung der Hirten" (Photo credit: <a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Giorgione_014_crop.jpg" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a>)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">On this special day, I wish all readers and people of good will a blessed and holy Christmas and may God's blessings of peace and joy be unto you all!</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06802637147209284332noreply@blogger.com1Taman Kajang Sentral, 43000 Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia2.9539381 101.79796131.9391440999999998 100.5070678 3.9687320999999995 103.0888548tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3066331.post-8893378911442942442013-12-20T10:31:00.001+08:002013-12-20T10:37:13.167+08:00Bless Me Father<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container zemanta-img" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/35409814@N00/3861959810" imageanchor="1" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: clear:left;"><img alt="Confession" border="0" class="zemanta-img-inserted" height="162" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3474/3861959810_6c24391cf6_m.jpg" style="border: none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="240" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption zemanta-img-attribution" style="text-align: center; width: 240px;">Confession (Photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/35409814@N00/3861959810" target="_blank">Lawrence OP</a>)</td></tr>
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When I sit by the confessional booth, awaiting the next penitent. As with each waiting, I wonder if the penitents know the following: <span style="color: purple;"><i>there is no such thing as a “bad” confession as long as you’ve come to the Sacrament with a contrite heart</i></span>.</div>
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<br />
<a name='more'></a>Around these weeks, there will be a series of penitential services in the Catholic churches and there will be queues of penitents waiting their turn to get the healing mercy and deliverance from God through his appointed priests that stand before Him, the people and the community.</div>
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Thus it won't hurt to know how to make a good confession, whether for this Advent period or during any other time. <a href="http://www.ucatholic.com/blog/how-to-make-an-awesome-confession/" target="_blank">Fr Josh Miller offers some tips and they are good ones</a>.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06802637147209284332noreply@blogger.com0Taman Kajang Sentral, 43000 Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia2.9539381 101.79796131.9391440999999998 100.5070678 3.9687320999999995 103.0888548tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3066331.post-40927441929144490062013-12-20T09:29:00.002+08:002013-12-20T09:33:10.447+08:00Happy Commenting!<div class="zemanta-img" style="text-align: left;">
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/35438812@N00/4191979465" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Comments" border="0" class="zemanta-img-inserted" height="320" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2644/4191979465_8bf39cbcb4_m.jpg" style="border: medium none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="320" /></a></div>
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I must be getting really old. Anyway, I am actually one year shy off half a century. So, I am halfway there!</div>
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<br /></div>
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Why this observation or this thought out loud? For a good while, since using this customized template, I was trying to figure out how to enable my comments to be used by anyone, who do not need to be a Google+ member.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I didn't realise that I just had to untick my Google+ comment setting. *shake head*</div>
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<br /></div>
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So, go ahead. Make my day and comment away (<i>but be civil</i>)!</div>
<br />
(<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>by the way, no harm being a Google+ member...</i></span></span>)<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06802637147209284332noreply@blogger.com2Taman Kajang Sentral, 43000 Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia2.9539381 101.79796131.9391440999999998 100.5070678 3.9687320999999995 103.0888548tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3066331.post-15353192707518801912013-12-18T10:29:00.001+08:002013-12-18T10:35:08.140+08:00O dear...<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container zemanta-img" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Jesus-Christ-from-Hagia-Sophia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: clear:left;"><img alt="English: Jesus Christ - detail from Deesis mos..." border="0" class="zemanta-img-inserted" height="344" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/52/Jesus-Christ-from-Hagia-Sophia.jpg/300px-Jesus-Christ-from-Hagia-Sophia.jpg" style="border: none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="300" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption zemanta-img-attribution" style="text-align: center; width: 300px;">English: Jesus Christ - detail from Deesis mosaic, Hagia Sophia, Istanbul (Photo credit: <a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Jesus-Christ-from-Hagia-Sophia.jpg" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a>)</td></tr>
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I looked at the calendar today and noted that it is the coundown towards Christmas and the appearance of the <i><a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/O_antiphon" rel="wikipedia" target="_blank" title="O antiphon">O Antiphons</a></i>.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Today's being <i>O Lord</i> or <i>O <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Names_of_God_in_Judaism" rel="wikipedia" target="_blank" title="Names of God in Judaism">Adonai</a></i>. In our Church's liturgical prayer of the <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liturgy_of_the_Hours" rel="wikipedia" target="_blank" title="Liturgy of the Hours">Divine Office</a>, the antiphons show themselves prior to and after the recitation of the Magnificat during the Evening Prayer (Vespers). But I wonder if the celebration of Christmas all this while really celebrates the Lordship of Christ as it really should....</div>
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<br /></div>
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I think the latest Apostolic Exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium, can offer us a direction in this.</div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a>George Wiegel, a leading American Catholic intellectual as well as a political and social activist, commented that the Pope's Exhortation sought to "... <i>highlight the importance of evangelization, the challenges that impede
its progress, the early Church’s tradition of hands-on service to the
poor, the hunger for good homilies and the need for courageous believers
prepared to share the Word in slum neighborhoods and corporate
boardrooms</i>."<br />
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Fr Robert Barron, rector of <a class="zem_slink" href="http://www.usml.edu/" rel="homepage" target="_blank" title="University of Saint Mary of the Lake">St. Mary of the Lake Seminary</a> in Mundelein, Illinois, and the founder of Word on Fire Catholic Ministries, says that, "<i>Pope Francis invites all Christians everywhere to a renewed personal
encounter with Jesus Christ and identifies evangelization as the center
of the Church’s concern... In order to fulfill our mission to introduce the world to Christ, we
must first know him ourselves, and one of the foremost characteristics
of someone who knows Christ is joy... Pope Francis is clear: The one thing that positions everything that the
Church seeks to accomplish, from worship to catechesis to efforts to
serve the needs of the poor, is the central and urgent task of
evangelization</i>."</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Our Holy Father himself offers this sad observation in his document, "<i>How can it be that it is not a news item when an elderly homeless person
dies of exposure, but it is news when the stock market loses two
points?</i>"</div>
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</div>
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<br /></div>
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So, when we speak of <i>O Adonai</i>, I wonder whether we ourselves know who our Lord really is and what he actually is asking of us to put into action in our lives in order to continue the mission that he started more than 2000 years ago... </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06802637147209284332noreply@blogger.com0Taman Kajang Sentral, 43000 Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia2.9539381 101.79796131.9391440999999998 100.5070678 3.9687320999999995 103.0888548tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3066331.post-62080457158247848212013-12-12T10:07:00.000+08:002013-12-12T10:11:08.834+08:00Time: Man of the Year 2013<div class="zemanta-img" style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27340278@N03/8562382106" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pope Francis met with media" border="0" class="zemanta-img-inserted" height="226" src="http://farm9.static.flickr.com/8108/8562382106_7ffd3d71b6_m.jpg" style="border: medium none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="240" /></a></div>
Yes, still in Kajang.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I fired up the iPad and headed straight for the Zite app, a news reader. A few flipped pages and my eyes came across a pleasantly surprising news spread: <a href="http://poy.time.com/2013/12/11/pope-francis-the-choice/" target="_blank">Pope Francis is Time's Man of the Year</a>.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"<i>It's about time!</i> (no pun intended)", I exclaimed under my breath. Some may not be agreeable with this but I believe this is one way for the Catholic Church to engage the world without at the same time compromising her stand. Perhaps it is the way, for now, to be in the world yet not of the world which our Holy Father, Pope Francis, can afford. Our Holy Father certainly did not ask for this honour but that it was given nonetheless by one of the world's leading international magazine is a feat worth paying attention since his papacy began. He follows in the footsteps of blessed Pope John Paul II who won Time's Man of the Year in 1994.</div>
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</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
His recent Apostolic Exhortation, <a href="http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/francesco/apost_exhortations/documents/papa-francesco_esortazione-ap_20131124_evangelii-gaudium_en.html" target="_blank">Evangelii Gaudium</a>, can be seen as his clarion call for change in how our Church needs to show the true face and representation of God in the world where chaos, rivalry, hatred and all its ilk have taken their toll on human lives.<br />
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There is still much work to be done by our Pope before he can call it a day, with many more challenges ahead. For now, it is comforting to see that he carries with him the spark needed to transform and make a difference in the world. It is a spark that he invites us all the People of God to continue to fan into a huge bonfire. Dare we?...</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06802637147209284332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3066331.post-21287660093150818702013-12-10T11:17:00.001+08:002013-12-10T12:04:56.662+08:00Christmas Break...<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container zemanta-img" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Christmas_decorations_%281%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: clear:left;"><img alt="Christmas decorations" border="0" class="zemanta-img-inserted" height="320" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/41/Christmas_decorations_%281%29.JPG/300px-Christmas_decorations_%281%29.JPG" style="border: medium none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="240" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption zemanta-img-attribution" style="text-align: center; width: 300px;">Christmas decorations (Photo credit: <a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Christmas_decorations_%281%29.JPG" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a>)</td></tr>
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If you have been wondering what has gone on with this blog, it juts went into a rather long extended hiatus due to many distractions and other work related activities which took my main attention.</div>
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Among the many distractions were the renovation at my current that took away, for a while, all forms of communicating on the Net, i.e. phone lines and the Internet connections. We are currently displaced from our usual abode of Block A to Blocks B and C. I am now currently residing temporarily in Block C and after a few weeks of shifting, packing and unpacking.</div>
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<a name='more'></a>It is a temporary measure while our main block is being renovated, which include plumbing and rewiring. The Seminary hasn't had any major maintenance or upkeep for the last 28+ years since it was built. Thus, it isn't any surprise that we have reached this stage where such major works are in progress.<br />
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On another note, I am writing this from Kajang as I am now on my Christmas break. It is a short respite from the goings on and ecclesiastical duties in Singapore while I encounter Christmas in a slightly different manner in Malaysia. It's also reacquanting. once again, with my nephews and nieces which gets taller every passing Christmas. While they are still within the heights of my knees and hips for now, it won't be long before they will tower over their parents and myself!</div>
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Meantime, till the next one, stay well there and God be with you this Advent!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06802637147209284332noreply@blogger.com0Taman Kajang Sentral, 43000 Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia2.9539381 101.79796131.9391440999999998 100.5070678 3.9687320999999995 103.0888548tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3066331.post-15563732950505374462013-10-14T15:03:00.000+08:002013-10-14T15:41:00.329+08:00Our Lady<div style="text-align: justify;">
I seemed to have overstretched my blogging hiatus a little, seeing it was a little under a month since my last entry....</div>
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Anyway, for all of us Catholics in Singapore, as well as other Catholics in the world, the special celebration of the consecration of the world to our Blessed Mother Mary was the profoundest moment for the Church as an act of solidarity with the Holy Father in Rome where he did the same celebration.</div>
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Back in May 1917, then Pope Benedict XV in the trying times of WW I made a direct plea to our Lady for peace in the world. A little under a 100 years later, now Pope Francis called upon the Church to remember the message of Fatima. Pope Francis made a direct appeal to Mary for the Church and the world. The Church has divine and apostolic foundations. However, that didn't stopped her from being afflicted with some spiritual 'leprosy'.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" height="278" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/76798625" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="400"></iframe><br />
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There have been bad news and scandal that have rocked the Church and we have also been bewildered and disappointed with the clergy as well as with the people serving in Church ministry. Hence, this event yesterday was an important and needed consecration for healing, repentance and to be in line with the ongoing call of the New Evangelization. Notice how Pope Francis in the video here, spontaneously bolted down to receive the original statue of Our Lady of Fatima, refusing to take up his designated place until she had reached hers.</div>
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Back with Pope XV and Fatima, it was the three poor shepherd children who carried the weight of the Lady's message and led to the miracle of the '<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miracle_of_the_Sun">dancing sun</a>'.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">
In the present time, on 7th September, about a month back, and which was the eve of our Lady’s birthday, Pope Francis called on the Church to offer a day of prayer and fasting for the volatile situation in the Middle East, and particularly for Syria. About 100,000 people gathered in St. Peter’s Square (and many more others around the world) joined the Pope in prayer and fasting.</div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">There was no apparition, no dancing or spinning sun. But a quiet miracle did happen. Soon after the worldwide vigil of prayer and fasting for peace in Syria, more opportunities for nonviolent solutions were considered and taken up. Threats of intervention of war were put aside.</span><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="text-align: justify;">For those who grasp this, no words or explanation are necessary, for those who can't, nothing will ever suffice.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06802637147209284332noreply@blogger.com0Ponggol Seventeenth Avenue, Singapore1.4151608 103.90492040000004-29.4807622 62.596326400000038 32.3110838 145.21351440000004tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3066331.post-14765241197602418532013-09-18T15:21:00.003+08:002013-09-18T15:25:55.864+08:00A Choice Made<a href="http://stlouisreview.com/sites/default/files/image-galleries/2010%20Priesthood%20Ordination%2074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://stlouisreview.com/sites/default/files/image-galleries/2010%20Priesthood%20Ordination%2074.jpg" width="320" /></a>With two more months left, things are moving fast as the final year seminarians prepare themselves for their graduation and eventual insertion into the priestly ministry. They have their final Baccalaureate (Theology) exams to undergo and following that, the essential preparations for their diaconate and the priesthood.<br />
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I had a chance to speak to the final years as part of my quarterly 'chit-chat' session with them. What I could gather from them was their cautious enthusiasm and positive expectations for what the ministry ahead can be for them. This is a good indication that they men are clear in what their call is holding for them and we can hope that they will certainly be beacons of the life and love of God into the world.</div>
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Over <a href="http://www.crisismagazine.com/2013/the-priesthood-and-the-choice" target="_blank">here</a> is an article which I couldn't say it better myself (with some slight adaptions to our local context in mind, though) concerning the realities of the priesthood ministry which I, myself, have undergone the past 10 years.</div>
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Some prominent pointers:</div>
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<b><i>It is a cross to carry</i></b></div>
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Many candidates coming into the Seminary would inevitably have some expectations that this vocation is one that can be managed and somewhat easily accepted and taken up without too much of a major problem, in spite of all the negativity that can surround it. Sometimes a rather sweet and romanticised picture can be painted on this vocation that it doesn't bear any semblance to the crosses that are there.</div>
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Scripture tells us that any one who professes to work for God must prepare for trials and to undergo the furnace of humiliation (Sirach 2: 1, 5). That's the reality of it all.</div>
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<b><i>Radical call to be counter-cultural</i></b></div>
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This is a total turning away from all the worldly elements of wealth, power, status, etc. and a following of the values of the Kingdom that is already enshrined in the Beatitudes (Matthew 5: 3 - 10). It is the moving into and the embracing of the realm of detachment.</div>
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In a place like Singapore where 'abundance' is everywhere, detaching oneself for the sake of the Kingdom can be quite an uphill battle. But, pushing ahead one must, if only to honestly and convincingly taking up and following after the heart of Christ.</div>
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<i><b>Speaking the 'unspeakable'</b></i></div>
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The priest is to be a man of God. Construe in any way you wish, but one cannot escape that the priest, in his capacity of a relationship with God, would be dealing with matters that are out of this world and matters that, at the same time, are dealing with the realities of human living at their deeepest and profoundest.</div>
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As Matthew puts it, "Seek first the kingdom of God and everrything else will be given unto you..." We all can undersatnd the everything but it is the seeking first that we find difficulty in dealing with. The priest will always be challenged in this as he invites and share with people to come into this life because these are hard teachings. Nonetheless, he must continue to challenge the people to go beyond their myopic vision and get a glimpse of heaven where the everything is seen and felt for its truest sense.</div>
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Time will tell how our final year seminarians will weather throughtheir eventual priestly life. For now, we can only pray that they continue to be attentive to God's direction in theor lives and to stay close to his heart.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06802637147209284332noreply@blogger.com0199 Ponggol Seventeenth Avenue, Singapore 8296451.4151608 103.904920400000041.4151608 103.90492040000004 1.4151608 103.90492040000004tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3066331.post-36341078997195423982013-09-02T21:15:00.001+08:002013-09-02T21:15:17.625+08:00Leisure<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qB4gRb6RGOY/UiSM2q3CZzI/AAAAAAAABdQ/8fv_43rLr9Y/s1600/IMG_0219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qB4gRb6RGOY/UiSM2q3CZzI/AAAAAAAABdQ/8fv_43rLr9Y/s320/IMG_0219.JPG" width="320" /></a>It was a little cloudy as I set out on my bike towards Yishun along the new Seletar Link from Punggol. I wanted to get to check out the route for my next bicycling outing since I have already exhausted all other known routes along all the park connectors of Punggol, Sengkang, Buangkok and even right up to the Pasir Ris park, through Lorong Halus.</div>
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Hence the bike journey towards the Yishun tidal gates.<br />
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Halfway there, it began to drizzle a little and I was wondering whether I should stop and turn back. I then remembered that I had my raincoat with me - all nicely folded up into a small pack and snuggled behind in my jersey pocket. So, onwards I went. Along the way, I had to gingerly and slowly pass through, without disturbing or run through, a sidewalk shrine which had some food offering. I glance by quickly down at the shrine and saw that most of the food consisted of packet snacks of Japanese salted rice cakes.</div>
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It was still some way to go before I reached the intersection where turning right led me to the tidal gates and my destination. The drizzle had abated by then and my fears of the rain or downpour faded. There was no need to use my raincoat. The place overlooked also into the reservoir to the far right of the picture (not seen). </div>
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Stopped by the tidal gates a bit to catch my breath. The ride there was quite smooth, if not for the lorries, trucks, large vehicles that ply the route. On my way back, I had to also maneuver carefully through the sideawalks which formed the main route back to Punggol. It was a long continuous sidewalk which took me off the main roads which were full of lorries and cement trucks that somehow didn't know they had a speed limit to follow.</div>
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Overall, a good afternoon leisurely ride, getting rid of some of the cobwebs in my mind.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06802637147209284332noreply@blogger.com0199 Ponggol Seventeenth Avenue, Singapore 8296451.4151608 103.90492040000004-29.4807622 62.596326400000038 32.3110838 145.21351440000004tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3066331.post-59209406460695227232013-08-09T18:36:00.001+08:002013-08-09T18:36:30.499+08:00Singapore is 48!<a href="http://static1.singapore-promotions.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/NDP-2013-Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="http://static1.singapore-promotions.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/NDP-2013-Logo.jpg" width="320" /></a><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Happy 48th Birthday, Singapore!</span></b><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06802637147209284332noreply@blogger.com0199 Ponggol Seventeenth Avenue, Singapore 8296451.4152148 103.90562539999996-29.4807082 62.597031399999963 32.3111378 145.21421939999996tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3066331.post-8891701934906131582013-08-07T22:18:00.001+08:002013-08-07T22:28:42.174+08:00NS and Seminary<div style="text-align: justify;">
I just came from finishing a movie with the rest of the Seminary community. We saw it during our dinner as it was the eve of <a href="http://www.yoursingapore.com/content/traveller/en/browse/whats-on/festivals-and-events/hari-raya-aidilfitri.html" target="_blank">Hari Raya</a> holiday. This is our usual movie night during such occasions. The movie? <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ah_Boys_to_Men" target="_blank">Ah Boys To Men</a> (pt 1).<br />
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<a href="http://www.straitstimes.com/sites/straitstimes.com/files/nswomen1105e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="http://www.straitstimes.com/sites/straitstimes.com/files/nswomen1105e.jpg" width="320" /></a>One of the aspirants who attended our last weekend's vocation retreat had commented that life in the seminary to him is somewhat more difficult than life in the army today! If he had come in and join us in the seminary during my time as a seminarian his comments may not have been too far off the mark. However, today, much have changed and the environment has improved tremendously.</div>
<a name='more'></a><span style="text-align: justify;">The main difference between the Army and the Seminary can't be any further from each other. One deals with the interests of the country and national defence, while the other deals with the interests of the heart and the soul. Strangely, both point to '</span><i style="text-align: justify;">serving a higher purpose</i><span style="text-align: justify;">'.</span><br />
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No, I am not promoting nor being dismissive with the nation's National Service. This has always been part of the country's psyche and its value and implication cannot be easily discounted or analysed like some other topic of interest or water-cooler talk.</div>
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It the element of transformation that intrigues me.</div>
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It is the literal manner in which the person, the young naive man, over a period of time becomes a mature, confident and grown up man ready to face the challenges that will be thrown at him in real life. Only in a seminary, the formation is towards a life where, yes, challenges abounds, but is one that follows the higher purpose where God's presence and plan take special and unique placing.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jCtbCw5H-rk/SDzDdmmrbWI/AAAAAAAACns/Dbeiz6au15U/s400/priestly-ordination_2008_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jCtbCw5H-rk/SDzDdmmrbWI/AAAAAAAACns/Dbeiz6au15U/s320/priestly-ordination_2008_01.jpg" width="320" /></a>Tomorrow, we will have two deacons (Edward Seah and Benedict Chng) who will be ordained to the priesthood at the Church of the Holy Family. They came in around 8 years ago wondering whether they will ever make it to become a priest, went through their lives as seminarians engaging in all the necessary formation to prepare towards the ministerial priesthood, and now about to start their next phase of life a Man of God, a priest after the heart of Jesus Christ. I wonder what they are thinking now? It will be another arrival of the milestone of their life and a new chapter unfolds before them.</div>
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They have come very far since they first set foot in the Seminary to turn back now. There is only the new journey ahead. We pray for them that they become the pastors and mediators which God has always envisioned them to be!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06802637147209284332noreply@blogger.com0199 Ponggol Seventeenth Avenue, Singapore 8296451.4152148 103.90562539999996-29.4807082 62.597031399999963 32.3111378 145.21421939999996tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3066331.post-62744440224055289062013-07-27T12:21:00.000+08:002013-07-27T12:21:05.138+08:00Because I Am Human...<i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">... because I am human, I am weak,</span></b></i><br />
<i><b><span style="color: #741b47;">because I am weak, therefore I pray.</span></b></i><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1NkRwX2t9Oo/UfNHNR0IozI/AAAAAAAABac/amEzO-kwsAc/s1600/DSC_0031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1NkRwX2t9Oo/UfNHNR0IozI/AAAAAAAABac/amEzO-kwsAc/s320/DSC_0031.JPG" width="320" /></a>The above verses came from our retreat master, <i><b>Fr Michael Casey</b></i>, OCSO, a Trappist monk from Tarrawara Abbey, Melbourne (Australia). At my last entry, I mentioned we were on our Clergy Annual Retreat from 15 - 19 July. The theme was on prayer that had various aspects of 'faces' to discern and reflect.</div>
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Overall, the retreat was a fruitful one because it helped me regained my composure on my own prayer life and the various possibilities of growth and deepening of my relationship with God. </div>
<a name='more'></a>This brings to mind the verses from <i>Sirach 2: 1ff</i> where the reality of working for God is spelt out, and <i>Micah 6: 8</i> with regards the real 'LAW' that is asked of us, as believers, to follow. It is only in prayer and with the reality of the faith before us (which we also carry), that will show us, like a mirror, just how much we are in line with the life of the Spirit or not.<br />
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I take this with me now as I conduct this weekend's Extended Recollection for the seminarians, inviting them to take this opportune moment to examine, once again, with even greater honesty and maturity how their calling to the priesthood is taking place today and if there are any necessary amendments to be made.</div>
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It is wet outside now as the weather has been rather rainy, with light drizzle as well. But the day, thus far, has been imbued with the sense of serenity and quietness which pervaded the Seminary bringing about a light hearted joyousness in my spirits. My thoughts and prayers also go to Fr Luke Fong as he begins his slow recovery from his bone marrow transplant operation.</div>
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Meantime, it is good, if you haven't already done so, to get into the practice of doing up a consistent prayer life so that you can realign to the truth of who we really are and what must we do bring about true freedom and healing from all the ailments that dissipate our fire for God.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06802637147209284332noreply@blogger.com0199 Ponggol Seventeenth Avenue, Singapore 8296451.4152148 103.90562539999996-29.4807082 62.597031399999963 32.3111378 145.21421939999996tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3066331.post-59784917309926775192013-07-15T21:17:00.000+08:002013-07-15T21:18:37.999+08:00Clergy Retreat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E7x7fTlLYKk/UeP0xoDUWhI/AAAAAAAABaM/_ovdF4ZB8tw/s1600/DSC_0081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E7x7fTlLYKk/UeP0xoDUWhI/AAAAAAAABaM/_ovdF4ZB8tw/s320/DSC_0081.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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We are having our Clergy Annual Retreat this week at the SFX Major Seminary. It will be from the 15 July till 19 July.</div>
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The retreat master is Fr Michael Casey, OCSO, Trappist monk from the Tarrawara Abbey, Melbourne, Australia. The theme he his presenting is on Prayer, through some of the sub-topics of simplicity, faith, revelation, spiritual warfare, forgiveness, petition, dedication and Christ the Priest, just to name a few.</div>
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Do pray for all of us priests and clergy that we would have a fruitful and spirit-filled week and that we may come out this refreshed and renewed in our ministry.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06802637147209284332noreply@blogger.com0199 Ponggol Seventeenth Avenue, Singapore 8296451.4152148 103.905625399999961.4072778 103.89554039999996 1.4231518 103.91571039999997tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3066331.post-12269648329811019112013-06-29T12:57:00.000+08:002013-06-29T12:59:38.154+08:00It's 10 Now!<div style="text-align: justify;">
It was 10 years ago when I said yes to my life as a priest after the heart of Christ.</div>
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<a href="http://imgc.allpostersimages.com/images/P-473-488-90/40/4008/EYZWF00Z/posters/godong-priest-s-stole-notre-dame-de-la-gorge-haute-savoie-france-europe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://imgc.allpostersimages.com/images/P-473-488-90/40/4008/EYZWF00Z/posters/godong-priest-s-stole-notre-dame-de-la-gorge-haute-savoie-france-europe.jpg" width="320" /></a>Looking back at all that have transpired so far and the journey that led me to where I am now, I can only remain utterly grateful for this vocation that continues to allow me to unfold my potential as God's instrument to give his presence in the world today.</div>
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Certainly, there have been many hits and misses and I continue to learn from my mistakes and mishaps, where I continue onwards to carry out my mission as a minister of God, especially as <a href="http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2013/04/21/pope:_be_merciful_pastors,_not_functionaries/en1-685097" target="_blank">pastor and mediator</a>. Life as priest in the present times has been very challenging and theer will be no end to what I can already feel, which many times can be between a rock and a hard place. It can always come down to a situation that one can just give up and walk away from it all.</div>
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But the current Pope has been very enlightening as well as encouraging to all the priests, who listen to him, in helping us to refocus on what the real priorities are and why we matter in the Church and in world today, despite the difficulties we face. <a href="http://youtu.be/Tia6hWuVabc" target="_blank">This also is the main call that is for all Christians</a>.</div>
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That my ordination falls on the feast of the two great apostles, Peter and Paul, is no coincidence and at the same time a great challenge for me to carry all the time. I know I can never match up to these two great pillars of the Church and yet, the invitation from Christ still offers the power to, at least, help in engaging in their fervour and life where the Good News continues to be given into the world.</div>
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Would I reach another 10 years down the road? I would be happy just to see the next year!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06802637147209284332noreply@blogger.com0199 Ponggol Seventeenth Avenue, Singapore 8296451.4152148 103.90562539999996-29.4807082 62.597031399999963 32.3111378 145.21421939999996tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3066331.post-67275615135743638622013-06-24T19:50:00.001+08:002013-06-24T19:50:32.885+08:00Being Healthy...<div style="text-align: justify;">
I was away for the weekend, out of Singapore. It was a short respite from the haze and a chance to enjoy a slightly new setting. It was nothing that great really, but to be out from the familiar and doing something a little different was a small welcome.</div>
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<a href="http://www.channelnewsasia.com/image/715334/1371616547000/large16x9/768/432/singapore-haze.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://www.channelnewsasia.com/image/715334/1371616547000/large16x9/768/432/singapore-haze.jpg" width="320" /></a>Now that I am back, I see that the haze has cleared somewhat and certainly a far cry from the worst we had last week going into Saturday. That certainly is a blessing! The change in wind direction and some rains over at some hotspots in Sumatra have helped greatly. However, it is duly noted that this clear condition may not last and teh haze can still return. The situation in Muar, Johor is the worst yet that can occur at a PSI of 700+. That would be the worst case scenarion which can hit this city state.</div>
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While away, I was getting smses, the same one from several friends, about how the particulates from the haze can cause cancer or some form of respiratory illness over the long term, if we inhale them form the haze, while not taking precautions by wearing a mask (surgical or the N95 type).</div>
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We are always on the alert on how to look after our health well and to be well and fit. That is a good start to ensuring that our bodies are healthy and can look towards a well and long lived number of years.</div>
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I just wish we would do with equal urgency concerning the well-being of our souls.</div>
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That usually would be far from our minds and may not even register much of a blip on our radar of life, so much so, it is considered an item we can easily dispensed with. For some, if we are at Mass, we attend just so we can follow others to receive the Communion and we leave the church with no iota of a change to our lives that seem shackled to all the worries of this world.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--hsVdfV4AvQ/TgQw-y35DTI/AAAAAAAAK5I/dNSh-aDBxBc/s1600/6_24_John_The_Baptist+adult.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--hsVdfV4AvQ/TgQw-y35DTI/AAAAAAAAK5I/dNSh-aDBxBc/s320/6_24_John_The_Baptist+adult.jpg" width="267" /></a>Pope Francis in his addressed to the participants of the pastoral convention in the Vatican early this month, mentioned that ".<a href="http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-francis-opens-rome-diocese-annual-convention" target="_blank">.. there are people who live without hope and who are immersed in deep sadness that they rry to get out of, believing to have found happiness in alcohol, in drugs, in gambling, in the power of money, in sex without rules</a>."Many of us, perhaps at one time of our lives, or even now, can identify with this. Instead of nurturing our lives with the breath of the Holy Spirit, we allow the Adversary to keep us separated from God, instilling disappointments in our hearts, till they become cold and hardened - wallowing in pessimism and bitterness.</div>
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The Nativity of St John the Baptist today is a powerful reminder that as Christians, people of God, we owe it to ourselves to capture the wind of the Spirit in the sails of our lives and be carried along, in conviction and urgency, towards a real and meaningful life that exudes the glory of God - not just health and wellness. This is not about a long term planning. This is for eternity.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06802637147209284332noreply@blogger.com0199 Ponggol Seventeenth Avenue, Singapore 8296451.4151945 103.90572309999993-29.4807285 62.597129099999933 32.3111175 145.21431709999993tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3066331.post-2204317095146801162013-06-13T15:48:00.000+08:002013-06-24T13:21:44.128+08:00Enhancing Lives<div class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://cdn.macrumors.com/article-new/2013/06/ios7-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://cdn.macrumors.com/article-new/2013/06/ios7-1.jpg" width="200" /></a>The semester break have started two weeks back and right off the bat, I was busily maneuvering through several Masses, EE meetings, some Spiritual Direction sessions, that I couldn't find the time to sit down to pen any thoughts - till now.</div>
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Even so, there are som any things going on and round my mind that it is rather difficult to focus on a particular topic to write on. What seem to be mostly on the top of my mind, however, is strangely nothing spiritual, but have a lot of implications for our faith lives nonetheless.</div>
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This came surprisingly from a very secular quarter and one that has inserted itself into the lives of all persons, whether subtly or major way, that in the now is seen as something of the norm and perhaps for many, which cannot be done without.</div>
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Apple opened its WWDC conference in Moscone Center, California, Monday this week. In their keynote presentation, it began with an opening statement of the following:</div>
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<i>If everyone is busy making everything, how can anyone perfect anything?<br />We start to confuse convenience with joy. Abundance with choice.<br /> Designing requires focus.<br /> The first thing we ask is<br /> what do we want people to feel?<br /> Delight. Love. Surprise. Connection.<br /> Then we begin to craft around our intention. It takes time.<br /> There are a thousand no's for every yes.<br /> We simplify. We perfect. We start over until everything we touch enhances each life it touches.<br /> Only then do we sign our work.<br /> Designed by Apple, California.</i></blockquote>
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This is, of course, Apple's famous jab at Samsung which has been getting the spotlight lately with their numerous smartphone products (Galaxy S4, the latest) in order to capture the mass market, while Apple was concentrating more towards the quality of the product that woudl want to change or enhances people's life.<br />
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Whichever preference you may have, either for Samsung (or for the Android OS) or for Apple and her iOS, one can't deny the pointed references towards the manner which emphasises empathy, feelings, emotions and the capturing of people's hearts (and not just their purse strings).<br />
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It is on this note (<i>pardon the pun</i>), I see those statements by Apple, having that almost parallel sense which touches upon the spiritual context of our faith. Let me explain.<br />
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We go all over the place, doing all kinds of things, where at the end of it all, they turned out to be trivial and do not serve the real purpose of our existence and the mission that is called of us (ref. Mt 28: 9 - 10). We want to be like this person of celebrity, have so much of tons of money, be able to live it up and do whatever we like, etc. All our energies are expanded to cater to all sorts of whims and fancies, bringing us to the hinterlands of shadows, where nothing sticks or seems real, or fulfilled.</div>
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We don't give a thought as to the very essence of our being and calling as children of God (ref. Jn 1: 12) where as we are, the glory of God shines in us, making us alive, where we do not need any other reason or meaning for our desires. It is said that in Christ there is always a Yes, and daily we are being crafted by our heavenly Father to become a better person in Christ.</div>
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That's how He signs off His work: <i><span style="color: #741b47;">Design by God, Heaven</span></i>. Surely, this is the greatest life enhancer?...</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06802637147209284332noreply@blogger.com0199 Ponggol Seventeenth Avenue, Singapore 8296451.4151945 103.90572309999993-24.106840000000002 62.597129099999933 26.937229 145.21431709999993tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3066331.post-90306285492709149812013-06-03T21:20:00.000+08:002013-06-03T21:20:07.314+08:00Life - Death<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JRpndleysZs/UaySm5XkqfI/AAAAAAAABRE/tMNDqI-vo_Y/s1600/Texas-US-2009-The-Devils-Sinkhole-with-people-gathered-to-view-bats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JRpndleysZs/UaySm5XkqfI/AAAAAAAABRE/tMNDqI-vo_Y/s320/Texas-US-2009-The-Devils-Sinkhole-with-people-gathered-to-view-bats.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Devil's Sinkhole, Texas</td></tr>
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I just read the latest post of my confrere <a href="http://frlukefong.blogspot.sg/2013/06/the-challenge-to-be-truly-grateful-for.html" target="_blank">Fr Luke</a> on his response to the bone marrow transplant via stem cells which almost happened. It certainly was a blow that the donor Canada pulled out at the last minute from donating her cells. Life can be frustrating indeed. He was that close to getting the needed treatment to curing his leukemia.</div>
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Life is precious and we have people who are doing all they can to remain alive, to get that second chance of living, to seek a new lease of life. On the other extreme spectrum, we have persons who are contemplating suicide or who would actually think about ending one's life - with many and varied reasons, which only they would understand. The differences between these two situations are stark and mind-boggling and certainly cannot find any middle ground.</div>
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I struggle with these issues because I, myself, have dealt face-to-face, with persons who doesn't know how to handle the vicissitudes of life and would prefer to 'end it all'. There seems to be a great gulf which exists where reasoning and normal communication doesn't get through to them but falls into that black crevasse of emptiness. I have come to accept that there is only so much of help and assistance that can be done. The rest is up to that person.</div>
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<a href="http://www.catholic.org.sg/cn/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2007/04/101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="http://www.catholic.org.sg/cn/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2007/04/101.jpg" width="320" /></a>On another note, the archdiocese has lost a priest who has returned to the Lord on 1 June, last weekend. The last Fr Alfred Chan died pecefully at the St Theresa's Nursing home at the age of 72. He served his priesthood admirably and he was instrumental in my formation in the seminary when he took me in my first year as a new semianrian, when he was the Initiation Year Director then. I have much to thank him for and for those many others whom he had taken under his wing during his stint in the Seminary, they have become priests who are themselves serving in the archdiocese and doing him proud. The funeral will be at his previous parish where he had served for almost 19 years, Church of the Holy Family. It will be on Wednesday morning, 10.30 a.m., presided by His Grace Archbishop William Goh.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06802637147209284332noreply@blogger.com0199 Ponggol Seventeenth Avenue, Singapore 8296451.4151945 103.90572309999993-29.4807285 62.597129099999933 32.3111175 145.21431709999993tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3066331.post-9886328753691162682013-05-29T00:30:00.000+08:002013-05-29T09:01:23.982+08:00Doulos<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container zemanta-img" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Brooklyn_Museum_-_Jesus_Discourses_with_His_Disciples_%28J%C3%A9sus_s%27entretient_avec_ses_disciples%29_-_James_Tissot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: clear:left;"><img alt="Jesus Discourses with His Disciples" border="0" class="zemanta-img-inserted" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/82/Brooklyn_Museum_-_Jesus_Discourses_with_His_Disciples_%28J%C3%A9sus_s%27entretient_avec_ses_disciples%29_-_James_Tissot.jpg/300px-Brooklyn_Museum_-_Jesus_Discourses_with_His_Disciples_%28J%C3%A9sus_s%27entretient_avec_ses_disciples%29_-_James_Tissot.jpg" height="174" style="border: none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="300" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption zemanta-img-attribution" style="text-align: center; width: 300px;">Jesus Discourses with His Disciples (Photo credit: <a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Brooklyn_Museum_-_Jesus_Discourses_with_His_Disciples_%28J%C3%A9sus_s%27entretient_avec_ses_disciples%29_-_James_Tissot.jpg" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a>)</td></tr>
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The gospel passage for today's Mass reading is so stark about how we humans are so attuned to seeking, and predictable even, positions of power when given the chance. The apostles James and John are perfect examples of this type of attitude.</div>
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Assuming that they follow Jesus in that manner, they deserve special positions of honor and prestige. We too have many opportunities and occasions that can get us seeking positions of honor and prestige just because we '<i>work for God</i>'.</div>
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Jesus had to teach the brothers and the rest of his disciples that to follow him is to be a servant (<i>doulos</i>, Greek), and obviously, servants don't go looking for rewards or recognition. Service, if it is to be true, is selfless. It is concerned with others' needs, not our own.</div>
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<a name='more'></a><span style="text-align: justify;">For most of us, in a materialistic society in Singapore, where being No. 1 and using indicators like wealth and status to measure the worth of a person, this service that Jesus taught his disciples can seemed rather irrelevant, outmoded and to be consign to an age that no longer exists. It is never going to be easy for us in the faith to go against the tide just like that. But that would be the first most important step to take when we are looking at the 10-year plan of the archdiocese and to bring that into fruition.</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06802637147209284332noreply@blogger.com0199 Ponggol Seventeenth Avenue, Singapore 8296451.4151945 103.90572309999993-29.4807285 62.597129099999933 32.3111175 145.21431709999993tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3066331.post-84055825060672400132013-05-28T11:28:00.000+08:002013-05-28T11:32:12.828+08:0010 Year Plan<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container zemanta-img" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Cathedral_of_the_Good_Shepherd_14%2C_Jan_06.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: clear:left;"><img alt="The Cathedral of the Good Shepherd is the cath..." border="0" class="zemanta-img-inserted" height="225" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2d/Cathedral_of_the_Good_Shepherd_14%2C_Jan_06.JPG/300px-Cathedral_of_the_Good_Shepherd_14%2C_Jan_06.JPG" style="border: none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="300" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption zemanta-img-attribution" style="text-align: center; width: 300px;">The Cathedral of the Good Shepherd is the cathedral church of the Archdiocese of Singapore. (Photo credit: <a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Cathedral_of_the_Good_Shepherd_14%2C_Jan_06.JPG" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a>)</td></tr>
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The Archdiocese has lots of work cut of for it. Well, at least for the next 10 years.</div>
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That was the revealed plan from the new Archbishop <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Goh" rel="wikipedia" target="_blank" title="William Goh">William Goh</a> as he presented his vision of "<b>Building a Vibrant, Missionary and Evangelical Church</b>" as the pastoral plan he hopes to accomplish within the next 10 years.</div>
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The first on the list of his priorities to move this vison and plan off the ground is the renewal and healing of the Presbyterium that wants to foster unity between priests and religious, engaging them through inclusivity, empowerment, passion and compassion.</div>
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For too long, this has been a very difficult matter to handle by any one person, even an archbishop. There are many areas which need urgent care and sensitivities in dealing with the welfare and life of the clergy, whether materially or spiritually. Therefore to see that this is going to be done in a more systematic, serious and caring manner would be a great boon to the clergy living too long under the cloud of suspicion and distrust.</div>
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For a church to be vibrant, missionary and evangelical, it has to have those similar qualities found in the life of the clergy as well. This can better translate to the parishes with the communities and groups or organizations there, through their respective roles and responsibilities, towards the greater plan of God for society and the world. That is to say, all of us have to be on the same page.<br />
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There will be a lot of adjustments and changes which ask for careful discernment and planning, and not without prayer, from all the People of God.</div>
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We have ten years to pull this through. Given that this about twice the number of years that any normal business plan would be conducted, it is not at all impossible to make this happen.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06802637147209284332noreply@blogger.com0199 Ponggol Seventeenth Avenue, Singapore 8296451.4151945 103.90572309999993-49.608002500000005 21.288535599999932 52.4383915 -173.47708940000007tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3066331.post-34253830084680604612013-05-26T14:58:00.001+08:002013-05-26T14:58:35.562+08:00Memento MoriSomething for us to reflect upon this Sunday afternoon...<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="300" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/65019294?title=0&portrait=0&badge=0&color=ffffff" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="400"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06802637147209284332noreply@blogger.com0199 Ponggol Seventeenth Avenue, Singapore 8296451.4151945 103.90572309999993-29.4807285 62.597129099999933 32.3111175 145.21431709999993tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3066331.post-82782035872061626972013-05-22T18:29:00.000+08:002013-05-22T18:34:17.267+08:00Furnace of Humiliation<div style="text-align: justify;">
As I am approaching the 10th year of my sacerdotal anniversary (29 June), I was '<i>nicely</i>' reminded of the implication of my priesthood, as in, what had transpired thus far and what to look out for ahead. That was by way of the 1st reading of Tuesday of 7th Week in Ordinary times (yesterday).</div>
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By all accounts, the reading was engaging enough and can be a reminder to all the faithful believers on the proper understanding of what working for or serving the Lord is about.</div>
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"<i>... if you aspire to serve the Lord, prepare yourself for an ordeal...</i>" (Eccle 2: 1)</div>
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That should put anyone to think twice about such work or service as being 'easy' or 'fun'. In fact this is really a slap on the head to wake us up from our naive or self-serving perception of doing something for God that can take the form of the various ministries in the parish.</div>
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But with direct regards my own priestly ministry, it was the verse somewhere in the middle which states about testing: "<i>Whatever happens to you, accept it... in the uncertainties of your humble state, be patient, since gold is tested in the fire, and chosen men in the furnace of humiliation</i>".</div>
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I certainly can attest to that since much of my own experiences as a priest thus far have been put through that <i>furnace of humiliation</i>. Those experiences came in all shapes and sizes but all show up the weak and limited domain of a person I am, even as I go about being the unworthy instrument of God's grace. That He continues to allow me this privilege to carry on His work despite my failings and limitations, is a real wonder beyond my understanding. Ever since I began my ministry, every day was a humbling affair for me, in realising this great love of God which was able to rise above all my nonsense and kept me on my path - a path which I strained against from time to time.<br />
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Pope Francis, on the 50th World Day of Prayer for Vocations, ordained 10 mento the priesthood for the diocese of Rome. He asked them in his homily to "<i><b>always be merciful pastors</b></i>" to their people and not just 'functionaries', to be "<i><b>mediators</b></i>" and not 'intermediaries'. This is, of course in line with the call of the priest "<i>to build the house of God, which is the Church, in word and example</i>".<br />
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That is the principle which I had been journeying on all along. I know I have still much to learn and many more 'humiliations' to encounter. But, as the Preacher had said, "<i>Trust him and he will uphold you... For the Lord is compassionate and merciful, he forgives sins, and saves in days of distress</i>."</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06802637147209284332noreply@blogger.com0199 Ponggol Seventeenth Avenue, Singapore 8296451.4151945 103.90572309999993-29.4807285 62.597129099999933 32.3111175 145.21431709999993tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3066331.post-21537041993149899032013-05-20T17:29:00.003+08:002013-05-28T22:10:53.329+08:00Handing Over<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.straitstimes.com/sites/straitstimes.com/files/WilliamGoh1805e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="http://www.straitstimes.com/sites/straitstimes.com/files/WilliamGoh1805e.jpg" width="320" /></a>Well, the announcement finally came about. This was what all in the archdiocese was waiting to hear.</div>
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As of 6 pm, Singapore time, on 18th May 2013, we have a new archbishop taking office in the person of His Grace Archbishop <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Goh" target="_blank">William Goh</a>. It was almost 3 months ago that we witnessed his ordination and installation to the episcopate at the <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singapore_Expo" rel="wikipedia" target="_blank" title="Singapore Expo">Singapore Expo</a>.</div>
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With this taking over from Archbishop Emeritus Nicholas Chia, we move onto a new era of an episcopate that is to see renewal in all areas of evangelization and pastoral activities that will want to strengthen and empower the ministry of all priests and the faith life of the Catholic laity. In the light of the celebration of Pentecost last weekend and the Year of Faith, it seems the Spirit has spoken and made its mark on this little island that is the Red Dot...</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06802637147209284332noreply@blogger.com0199 Ponggol Seventeenth Avenue, Singapore 8296451.4151945 103.905723099999931.4072574999999998 103.89563809999993 1.4231315 103.91580809999994