Transforming lives and deepening the faith through retreats

The Cenacle Sisters share about their ministry, mission in Singapore over the past 20 years


The Cenacle Sisters are celebrating the 20th anniversary of their mission in Singapore in July this year. From left: Srs Mel Benedictos, Francisca Tan, Linda Lizada and Christine Lam.

TO work for the transformation of lives through an awakening and deepening of the faith, that is really what the Cenacle mission is about, says Cenacle Sr Francisca Tan.

“What we hope to achieve is to really help people grow in their relationship with God,” she said.

Sr Francisca, together with fellow Cenacle Srs Linda Lizada, Mel Benedictos and Christine Lam spoke to CatholicNews about the work of the Cenacle ministry in Singapore as they look forward to their 20th anniversary in July.

I think I am being called to the priesthood. What should I do?

Archdiocesan vocation director Fr Valerian Cheong answers questions
about discernment, seminary requirements and other matters.


Seminarians enjoying community games in the compound of the Church of St Teresa where they are currently housed.

Q: How do I discern if I am being called to be a priest?

A: Usually it comes from an inner stirring, a little voice within an aspirant [a person hoping to join the seminary] that tells him maybe this is it. And this is where the seminary helps by asking, “Is this your imagination? Your ideal? Or something that you are serious about.” It really is a discerning process where we try to help the person hear what he thinks God is calling him to do.

Q: What’s the difference between an aspirant, candidate and seminarian?

A: Aspirants are still in the process of discerning whether they want to enter the seminary. Candidates are those waiting to enter the seminary during the annual January intake every year. Seminarians have already joined and started their priestly studies.

Easter event boosts knowledge of Catholicism

Fr Luke Fong speaking at the Easter for Everyone event.

A special event to help people learn more about the Catholic faith was organised recently by the Office for the New Evangelisation.

Almost 100 people comprising Catholics and their non-Catholic family members and friends, attended the Easter for Everyone event held at the Church of Sts Peter and Paul on April 29.

Fr Luke Fong gave a talk titled “Celebrating A New Life of Hope in the Midst of Uncertainties”.