Diocesan Celebration for Vocation Sunday 2007

Yesterday i attended the 44th World Day of Prayer for Vocations held at the Church of the Holy Family, Singapore.

'Men of Prayer'
Some of the brothers (Seminarians) already in deep prayer even before the event.


The 'great musicians' of the seminary with the back up singer!!!
Br. Andrew - Organist
Br. Surain - guitarist
Br. Jovita - another loud speaker like me who keep the balance in the chapel when we sing!!!


"Pray to the Lord of the harvest to send send out labourers into His harvest"
Leading in praise and worship with Br. Joseph

With the parish altar servers who are full of life and joy
"keep it up guys, had a great time with you all,
for those La Sallians...keep the flag high man!!" All through our college...


Oh!! Curi-curi makan tak beritahu i ya!!!!
The brothers having tea with Fr. Christopher

This event yesterday brought back at least 3 memories:-

1. My involvement in Vocation Promotions was when I was in my teens. We use to have Prayer Vigils organized in the various districts. Good turn out of youths and some elderly. It has been always great working with some religious brothers and sisters too. Nowadays it is sad to see in some dioceses where even in vocation promotion they are divided. Diocesan promoting and having prayer service for the diocesan only and religious doing the same for their own congregation. We always pray the prayer of Jesus "Father...that they may be one..." (Jn 17:21-22) for Christian Unity, but i seriously feel we must also use this prayer of Jesus and join him in praying for unity in vocations promotions. There are lot of cries for the lack of vocations; disunity in vocation promotions can be one of the reason for it!!. How can we attract people when they see us not in unity especially when we are promoting to serve the ONE Lord. Jesus said at the conclusion of the same text..."that the world may believe that you sent me"; so how can people believe in Jesus and his invitation when they do not see his ministers in unity in vocation promotions. The Lord's servants at the field (both diocesan and religious) should work together and sow the seed of vocation and Let God direct them to his special ministry which he has decided for them. Just imagine the resources and manpower including the ideas that we can benefit through working together. I thank God that at least in my Archdiocese (Kuala Lumpur) we still have the Arcdiocesan Vocation Promotion Team (AVPT) that works in collaboration with the Diocesan and the Religious Orders. We have camps and prayers services organized together and we allow also individual orders to organize their own camps especially for those seriously thinking about the specific order. But when it comes to prayer services such as Vocation Prayer Day, they will organize it together.

I was also active in promoting vocations for the Carmelite Sisters. We were known as 'Young Friends of Carmel'. The group comprises 10 youths. Out of the 10 youths, 1 girl (i heard she is still) considering the Carmelite and 2 who considered the Diocesan (1 of the 2 has joined the Diocesan Seminary and is in the 7th year now....hehehe...its Me. Surprise yeah, that i didn't join the Carmelites as priests even after meeting with a Carmelite Priest a few times. The Priest and the Sisters shared with me about their spirituality but still kept the option open for me to choose. And through discernment in prayer and after meeting with few priest i seriously felt my calling was to be a diocesan priest).

2) Altar Servers!!! Yes, this also brought back some memories. I had a good time with the Altar Servers of the parish over dinner yesterday. Lively servers. I was an altar server for 9 years. Left it to join the various different ministries for experience (e.g. Youth Hospitality Ministers, Lector and Announcer, Choir (I know nuts about music, but loved singing), Parish Vocation Team and Member in the Liturgical Council -this one was like a 'life member'.
I always enjoyed serving and i believe my vocation was nurtured when i was a server too. Being with the servers last night brought to mind all the good times we had which i miss so dearly now (the games, camps, meetings, 'bullying', ang pow for serving the wedding masses, preparing for mass especially the big feasts and of course all the 'makan').

3) The third that brought back memories was leading in praise and worship. After yesterday, i think i need to brush up. The days when i was in the youths, we use to do it often, and i remember leading in worship so confidently and just like 'soaring' in the wings of the spirit of God. I found this feeling lacking yesterday; Why ah? Those days we were so 'on' in praise and worship, now 'kayu' already!! Hey Colin B Raj, i know you are proud of me!!! hehehe.

Day of Prayer for VOCATIONS 2007

Excerpts of the Message of the Holy Father for Vocation Sunday, with the theme The vocation to the service of the Church as communion..

The annual World Day of Prayer for Vocations is an appropriate occasion for highlighting the importance of vocations in the life and mission of the Church, as well as for intensifying our prayer that they may increase in number and quality.

The mission of the church, therefore, is founded on an intimate and faithful communion with God.

The care of vocations, demands a constant 'education' for the listening to the voice of God.

Docile and faithful listening can only take place in a climate of intimate communion with God which is realized principally in prayer.

Vocations to the priesthood and to other ministries and services flourish within the people of God wherever there are those in whom Christ can be seen through his Word, in the sacraments and especially in the Eucharist.

May the Virgin (Mary) who promptly answered the call of the Father...intercede so that the Christian people will not lack servants of divine joy...May she ensure, also in our times, an increase in the number of consecrated persons, who go against the current, living the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity and obedience, and give witness in a prophetic way to Christ and his liberating message of salvation.


Click here for the full text of the message of the Holy Father for the 44th World Day of Prayer for Vocations (2007).

MARY mother of God, the joyful disciple of the Risen Lord.

Sermon I preached this evening at the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, Siglap-Singapore.

Theme: MARY mother of God, the joyful disciple of the Risen Lord.




Christ’s resurrection is the key truth of our Christian faith, and this proclamation of his resurrection was the first ‘good news’, the pattern of the message that was to convert billions and change the world’s history. It’s not only a ‘good news’ but a joyous news that announces that evil has ultimately been overcome by good. Jesus shares his victory with us, for now we too have the power to rise and be glorified forever. Thus Easter becomes a season of joyous thanksgiving. And we see this joy being manifested in the lives of those people Jesus had encountered with during his resurrection. The cries of joy from the disciples “It is the Lord” and “We have seen the Lord” was shared with the rest of the community. Mary too must have had an equally intense experience of the new life of her glorified Son (RVM. 23)

Scripture does not relate any appearance of Jesus to his mother on the day of the resurrection or at any of the post-resurrection events. However, many saints and mystics throughout Church history have assumed that it did in fact happen. In the "Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius", he who is meticulous in supporting his teachings with Scripture, says in the contemplation on the Resurrection of Jesus: “He appeared to the Virgin Mary. Though this is not mentioned explicitly in Scripture, it must be considered as stated when Scripture says that “he appeared to many others.” So, dear friends, knowing the mutual love that flowed from the heart of Jesus and Mary, is there any doubt about such an appearance?

We do not find any mention of Mary in Scripture after the Resurrection until we meet her in the Upper Room, awaiting the coming of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:14). Because of her strong faith, Mary certainly played an important role during this time of waiting for the Holy Spirit at Pentecost with the disciples. Her own faith and trust I am certain is no doubt was a great influence on many others.
As Mary brought comfort, hope and joy to so many after the Resurrection, she was basically fulfilling her role as a disciple. The joy that she shared was a radiance of her witness to the presence and power of the Risen Lord dwelling within her. A Christian disciple is called not to only imitate the Master’s works but also to bring the Master’s joy and hope to everyone especially those who are down, living in fear, discourage and have given up hope. The world is lacking of prophets of the ‘good news’, we don’t hear messages of joy and hope anymore. Everywhere there is news of terror, sadness, fear. Just look at our papers and televisions!! See the faces of the people in the MRT and buses, all seem so worried and tensed.

Mary and the disciples, having experienced a deep love relationship with the Lord, was filled with joy and delight, realizing that the whole human race was redeemed, and that those who believe and followed him would share in the divine life and love of the Lord. We too have the opportunity and are called to become disciples of the Risen Lord who are bearers of the message of Joy of the Resurrection, the same experience of joy that Mary and the disciples experienced when Jesus rose from the dead.
As we prepare ourselves to go out today to be faithful disciples of the Risen Lord, the bearers of joyful news, let us take Mary as our model of discipleship. In her visit to her cousin Elizabeth, she brought a joy that was so great that the child in Elizabeth’s womb leapt for joy. That Joy that Mary brought to her cousin is none other than Jesus.

We too need to bring Jesus to others, so we pray that like Mary, our mission in life is to say yes to the Lord in all the happenings of every day and share the Joy of the Lord to everyone we meet.

insignificant...SIGNIFICANT

Reflection on the Readings of Second Week of Easter: Friday.
(Acts. 5:34-42 / Ps. 26 (27) / John 6:1-15)

The phrase that touches me in today's gospel is "...but what is that between so many?" This phrase is said by Andrew when he brought a boy with 5 barley loaves & 2 fish to Jesus. For Andrew it might seem the loaves & fish is so insignificant. He never thought that Jesus could multiply it as we can see in the conclusion of the story.

As I asked Jesus, why this phrase for me, I begin to understand that he is telling me it is alright to be insignificant in the eyes of others. For God is able to make the insignificant SIGNIFICANT. Everything is possible with God.

I have been so disturbed lately with all the decisions made 'around me'. I feel some of the decisions are unjust, not logical, irrelevant, not properly discern. I feel insignificant especially if the decisions concerning me were not consulted, asked for my opinion or reasons or even prayed about it. (We see the same thing in the 1st reading)

Through this gospel, I feel Jesus is telling me to just put all the trust in him. Just offer myself as the simple barley loaves & 2 fish and He will "take the loaves (me), give thanks (offer to God, the Father), and give them out to all"

Now to be Given to all, i have to be 'broken'. Wow that will be a challenge!! Broken...it will be painful!!! Being insignificant in the eyes of people and being misunderstood is painful...broken. Its suffering!! Now i understand why this phrase from the 1st reading touches me too; "...so they left...glad to have the honour of suffering humiliation for the sake of the NAME."

Now the question for me is; Is the suffering that I am going through, is it for the sake of the NAME (Christ)? Am i willing to be broken and let God TAKE and GIVE me TO OTHERS?

2nd Anniversary of the Pontificate of Pope Benedict XVI

Just attended the Eucharistic Celebration on the occasion of the 2nd Anniversary of the Pontificate of His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI. The Mass was presided by His Grace Archbishop Salvatore Pennacchio (Apostolic Nuncio to Singapore) and Archbishop Nicholas Chia (Archbishop of Singapore) con-celebrating with the Priests of the Archdiocese. In attendance for the Mass and dinner was a Minister from the government to represent Singapore and some Ambassadors representing their country and various local religious leaders. The event was held at the Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Singapore.

Standing near the banner with the Coat of Arms of Pope Benedict XVI.

I have seen the Lord

Reflection on the Readings of Easter Friday.
(Acts. 4:1-12 / Ps. 117 (118) / John 21:1-14)

I received about 35 SMSes wishing me a Happy Easter. In my reply to them, i wrote; The Lord is risen indeed! I have seen Him! Hope you have seen Him too and is with Him right now!!

I received only 2 SMSes from this reply asking me for further clarification on my statement. So i explained; it is very clear to see the risen Lord when our life is changed, anew, ( after our passover from sin to new life). If i have seen changes in my life for the better after all the Lenten observances i made, i am seeing the Risen Christ, and yes, He is with me. Christ is risen from death, I have risen from my sinfulness.

It is a challenge for us to live the Easter Life (Risen Life) now. We tend to go back to our old ways, the way we were living before. In today's gospel, we hear of the disciples going back fishing (their old way) and again they encounter the Risen Lord. Interesting to note, in most of the resurrection encounters with the disciples, Jesus appears to them when they 'go back to normal life' (Mary Magdalene who came to anoint the body, disciples on the way to Emmaus, disciples at closed doors-afraid).
Our God never gives up on us, even after denying him, falling to sin repeatedly and going back to old ways, he still come to us with love. He comes to pick us up again and restore us. He raises us to dignity again. This is what He did to the disciples in the gospel today. And all we have to do is to acknowledge like the disciple Jesus loved; "It is the Lord". Acknowledge that He is your Lord, King and Center of your hearts.

I am sure after receiving the assurance and restoration from Christ, we will never go back to our old ways again. We can see this taking place in the life of Peter who was once a denier and a coward now boldly and zealously proclaiming the resurrection of Jesus as we see in the 1st reading. I am sure we can easily identify ourselves with Peter, and the challenge is; to proclaim Christ.

"...then I am glad to tell you all, and would indeed be glad to tell the whole people that.....(Acts 4) God's love has no end!!!!" (Ps.117).

Paschal Triduum 2007

This year I celebrated the Paschal Triduum at St. Anthony, Woodlands - Singapore. Here are some of the pictures.





























The same crucifix at the sanctuary decorated for the resurrection scene. The wood of the cross is hidden.



HOLY THURSDAY - Passover Meal

Lifting up the shank bone.
(a reminder of the Passover lamb)

Raising up the cup of wine
(reminder of the great gift of freedom)

The crowds enjoying the meal.

MASS OF THE LORD'S SUPPER.

The Presider washes the feet of the 12 men. And as he does it, the Parish Priest announced that there are basins around the pews for the congregation to wash each other's feet. I noticed some families washed each others feet.

The Parish Priest washing the feet of the Elect.

A mother washing her son's feet.

And in turn, the son washes the mothers feet.

GOOD FRIDAY - Passion Play followed by Service

Jesus takes up his cross.
(...and yet ours were the sufferings he bore, ours the sorrows he carried...)

Jesus falls again
(...he was pierced through for our faults, crushed for our sins...)

"Jesus meets his mother".

...See, my servant will prosper, he shall be lifted up,
exalted, rise to great heights...

...Although he was Son, he learnt to obey through suffering;
but having been made perfect,
he became for all who obey him the source of eternal salvation.

"Woman, this is your son." Then to the disciple he said, "This is your mother."

...It is accomplished...

The Pieta
(Jesus is laid in the arms of his mother)

Veneration of the Cross

HOLY SATURDAY MORNING

The Elects attending the last session before the baptism (Prayer service on baptism day).

Sign of peace at the end of the session.

EASTER VIGIL

The Elects were clothed in brown as a sign of old life ( like cocoon) waiting for the new life and being chained as a sign of being in bondage where baptism can set free. These were removed by the priest during baptism. The Elects were dressed like this even on Good Friday. During the service of the light at Easter Vigil they mixed with the crowds and later sat among them for the liturgy of the word. During the litany at the beginning of the liturgy of baptism, the priests took the Easter Candle and walked along the pews; and as he passed the elects, they will follow him behind (symbolic - Jesus gathering his fold / going after the lost sheep; "I have come to give Life"). Once the priest was back at the sanctuary at the end of the litany, the sponsors will bring them to their seats and later to the baptismal font. It was an immersion baptism. After the baptism, the elects who were now called neophyte went to change into their Easter clothings. While waiting for them the community were lead by the priest in praying for them. Went they came back to the sanctuary they were clothed in the white garment by their sponsor. White a symbol of purity, freshness and New Life.

The hoods and the chains at the baptismal font (the priests removes them when the elect are Baptized)

Homily for Easter Sunday.

Homily prepared for my Homiletics class.

Easter Sunday (Mass of the Day)

Acts.10:34,37-43

Ps.117:1-2, 16-17, 22-23 R/v.24

Col.3:1-4

Jn.20:1-9

Theme:- Christ glorification showed that the Father accepted his sacrifice.

Dear friends, happy Easter!!

A few moments ago we were joyfully singing the responsorial psalm “This day was made by the Lord; we rejoice and are glad”. Indeed we are glad, indeed we rejoice because of the empty tomb, because Jesus is risen and death has no power over him. I am sure you are aware of the changes at the altar and the decorations. For examples the beautiful floral decorations, the bright colors, even my vestments are in golden color. All of it brings joyful celebration feelings. Even our songs are full with Alleluias, just more than the usual.

By raising Jesus from death, God obtained for us new life. This new life, a new beginning, is an experience of the bountiful grace of God. It’s an experience of God’s presence. That is why from today we are an alleluia people. We share in Jesus’ resurrection. We share in the resurrected and glorified body of Jesus. It’s a sharing in God’s own life through Jesus. Christ glorification showed that the Father accepted his sacrifice and that we could now be united with God forever.

During the Lenten season, we were encourage by the church to die to ourselves, that is to die to our sinfulness so as to experience this new life which God gives us through the resurrection of Jesus. We were preparing our self through all the Lenten sacrifices we made during the Lenten season so as to renew our baptismal promises which some of us made last night and for some of us we’ll be doing it a little while later. So encouraging seeing some abstaining from meat the whole season, for some were fasting, I even did see some spending more time in adoration with the Eucharist, I know some who stopped cigarettes during the whole period. I am sure many you know your own sacrifices. And I want to assure you dear friends that since God accepted the sacrifice of his son Jesus on the cross, he will sure accept our sacrifices we made during lent. So that is why, as I said earlier, that now we too have a share in Christ glorification, a sharing in the new life through Jesus. Because of the new renewed relationship we have with God and through the good Lenten observances we can now be like the beloved disciple we just heard about at the gospel, who only had to see and then believe. He didn’t need any more sign. And this, I believe is because of the relationship the disciple had with Jesus. That is why he is known as the disciple Jesus loved!.

A glorified life is basically living a life of holiness. St Paul in the second reading today, spells out to us what living a life of holiness is. He says, since we have been brought back to true life with Christ, we must now seek for things that is in heaven. Yes, we have died and now, today, we have been raised to new life and the life we have is hidden with Christ in God, says St. Paul. Now what are this things in heaven that St. Paul speaks about? In the text he says its Christ like things. Seek for things in heaven where Christ is. So such things are like love, peace joy, freedom, patience, kindness and faithfulness. With all these things and experiences of things in heaven, our faith will mature and truly we do not need any more evidence to see and believe the risen Christ and we do not have to linger on the outside of the tomb with doubts and fear. With conviction now, we can be brave witnesses to the resurrection just like Peter in the 1^st reading. We hear of him addressing Cornelius and his household about the resurrection of Jesus. He was not afraid of the authorities and those who did not believe in Jesus, but he was bold in sharing this good news. All this is because of his relationship with Jesus. Peter has experienced the new resurrected life for has he says, that it was only certain witnesses that God had chosen has witness and experience the resurrected Jesus.

Dear friends.

Today we are that chosen witnesses. And we are all called to bear witness to the resurrection of Christ and the way we can do it is to share with everyone the good news of own resurrection. That is, a witnessing to the changes that we experienced in our own lives through the good Lenten observances we had; from dying to new life, from sinfulness to a holy life, from unforgiving to forgiving, from hate to love, from enmity to friendship.

Maybe for some of us we might have failed to keep the Lenten observances or failed to search our hearts to find the stones that block us from the resurrected life, courage, its not too late. Jesus is risen and is with us, we can ask our risen Lord to roll back these stones that block so that we can enter into a life of love, hope, joy and freedom.

We spend a few moments in silence now so as to reflect on this beautiful resurrected life that we share in Christ. We reflect how we can grow further in commitment to God.

Invitation to Renew Baptismal vows using the text from the roman missal.

Introduction to Lauds (Holy Thursday)

Chrism Mass

In a short while, we are going to witness a moving dialogue between Bishop, Priests & the People. The priests promise to do their best to become more & more like Christ & to serve the people of God faithfully in their office as Teachers, Ministers & Leaders. The Bishop will ask the laity to pray for him and all priests.

The Chrism Mass has a beautiful message for all of us; it reminds us of our sharing in the priesthood of Christ by baptism and for the clergy by Holy Orders, and the blessings of the oils of the sick and catechumens and the consecration of the oil of Chrism shows us the loving care and concern of the church in our various lifes situations.

Since its a special day for all priests; we pray that they be faithful in their ministry and be a dedicated servant of God and of the people. We pray for all seminarian too that they may continue to persevere in their journey and become a priest after the heart of Jesus.

A Reflection for Holy Week

Who else would die for you--with THAT much suffering and pain??