Franciscan deacon feels call to serve poor, work for justice
Franciscan Friar Aiden Peter at his diaconal ordination Mass. Photo: VITA Images
Bernadette Lee
“You are here not to be served, but to serve.”
This was the message Archbishop William Goh gave to Franciscan Friar Aiden Peter at his diaconal ordination Mass.
The Feb 3 ceremony at the Church of St Mary of the Angels marked the final stage of Deacon Aiden’s preparations for priestly ordination.
Archbishop Goh reminded the friar that as a “minister of the Gospel, he has to show himself “chaste and beyond reproach in his actions” and to bring the message of hope to those who need to hear the voice of God.
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WYD Panama: Inspiring and life-changing
Three pilgrims from Novena Church share their unique experiences
Three pilgrims who recently returned from WYD in Panama shared their experiences. From left: Ms Shalena Louis, Redemptorist Father Francis Vijayan and Ms Sharon Leong.
Jared Ng
Since their return from World Youth Day (WYD) Panama in late January, three pilgrims from the Novena Church contingent are still coming to terms with the surreal and inspiring faith experiences they had.
One of them, Ms Sharon Leong, said she “gained such a wide perspective of the universality of the Church ... seeing pilgrims from all around the world praising God was just inspiring.”
The 36-year-old Youth Minister from the Redemptorist Mission Team shared one particular experience of when she came across the adoration tent among the thousands of other tents occupied by pilgrims.
Inside, “with soft Spanish music playing, people from different countries, in their own languages were having their own moment with Christ. It felt like He was there, preaching to the masses,” she said.
One of them, Ms Sharon Leong, said she “gained such a wide perspective of the universality of the Church ... seeing pilgrims from all around the world praising God was just inspiring.”
The 36-year-old Youth Minister from the Redemptorist Mission Team shared one particular experience of when she came across the adoration tent among the thousands of other tents occupied by pilgrims.
Inside, “with soft Spanish music playing, people from different countries, in their own languages were having their own moment with Christ. It felt like He was there, preaching to the masses,” she said.
Lunar New Year interfaith outreach spreads message of harmony
Participants of various faiths give oranges to people during the World Interfaith Harmony Week event. Photo: MUIS
Michelle Voo
Happy World Interfaith Harmony Week 2019! “One Blood, One Humanity”.
From “wows”, polite “thank yous” and bewilderment to downright suspicion and outright rejection – such was the spectrum of reactions various faith-based groups received on Feb 9 when they offered this greeting of peace (printed on a postcard), an invitation to a blood donation drive at a mosque, and a pair of oranges to members of the public at the Bishan MRT and Junction 8 mall area.
Around 70 members of various faiths took part in this outreach, including seven young people and three adults from the Catholic Church.
His Grace at Lunar New Year open house
VITA Images
Young Legionnaires of Mary were just one of the many church groups, families and individuals who came to pay their respects to His Grace, Archbishop William Goh, on the second day of the Lunar New Year in the grounds of the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd.
Close to 600 faithful came to share in the joy of the festivities.