Church

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Tuesday, 26 February 2013 : 2nd Week of Lent (Gospel Reading)

Matthew 23 : 1-12

Then Jesus said to the crowds and to His disciples, “The teachers of the Law and the Pharisees have sat down on the chair of Moses. So you shall do and observe all they say, but do not do as they do, for they do not do what they say. They tie up heavy burdens and load them on the shoulders of the people, but they do not even raise a finger to move them.”

“They do everything in order to be seen by people : they wear very wide bands of the Law around their foreheads, and robes with large tassels. They enjoy the first paces at feasts and reserved seats in the synagogues, and they like being greeted in the marketplace, and being called ‘Master’ by the people.”

“But you, do not let yourselves be called Master, because you have only one Master, and all of you are brothers and sisters. Neither should you call anyone on earth Father, because you have only one Father, He who is in heaven. Nor should you be called Leader, because Christ is the only Leader for you.”

“Let the greatest among you be the servant of all. For whoever makes himself great shall be humbled, and whoever humbles himself shall be made great.”

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Monday, 25 February 2013 : 2nd Week of Lent (Scripture Reflection)

We hear today, the call to do upon others, what we want to be done to ourselves. To show mercy and love to others, if we ourselves want to be shown mercy and to be loved. To care for others if we want to receive such care too, and to forgive others if we are to be forgiven. God wants us to love one another just as He has loved us, and through Christ, His Word, He taught us how to do so.

Many of us prefer to keep to ourselves and delve in our own pride and strength, and we often even bring harm to others either intentionally or unintentionally, in our quest to make ourselves better and better. We think that we ourselves are better and above the others. That we are above reproach, and that is why we like to judge others, comparing between us and them. It is very common that we look highly on ourselves, but this is what caused us to begin to judge and have prejudices against others around us.

But the Lord has brought with Him His commandments of love, which He taught us through Christ, His Son. What is this commandment of love? It is the command for us to love one another just as we love ourselves. We like to love ourselves, and we like to indulge in ourselves, but too often we neglect to see the plight in those around us, just because we are simply too focused on ourselves. There are much suffering in this world, and it is only us who can made a difference.

It is not easy to forgive someone who has done harm to us, and it is not easy to share our love with our enemies and those who hated us. It is definitely not easy to not to be prejudiced and be judgmental on someone, as very often we just jump to conclusions and form rapid judgment based on our flawed insight on others and what they do. It is also difficult for us to give, not only materially, but also in the form of spiritual gift, that is love to others. However, God wants us to begin to do all these, and to abandon our past, sinful ways. For if we do not begin to do all these, even from the smallest of steps, we will forever be mired in the cycle of sin, and therefore, death.

Through the Church, we have learnt the values of forgiveness, mercy, justice, and love. Let us therefore brothers and sisters, learn to do as the Lord has taught us to do. Not to wait for others first to forgive us or show love to us, but be proactive, for our Church is not a passive one, but an active and living one, and through our active actions, we can indeed make plenty of difference in our world today, beginning from those nearest to us, our families, our friends and relatives, and eventually those beyond, and most importantly those who hated us and disliked us.

Let us take the first step in all things, and very importantly, not to expect reciprocal behaviour from the other party. When we do things, do them sincerely, and out of pure love on others, on those who loved us, and on those who hated us. If we expect reciprocality, then we end up doing it out of reward and therefore we are being insincere. Rather, just do what we can, because first we love all our fellow brothers and sisters just as we love the Lord, and because we obey the Lord’s commandments. The things that Jesus mentioned today in the Gospel will come in due time, and will the Father not forgive us if we forgive those who sinned against us? Remember the Lord’s prayer.

For whatever good we do in this world, and when we do it in secret and humility, and when we do it for the greater glory of God, great is our reward in heaven. Do not wait for it, and do not look for it, for it will come only when we do not pause to seek our own glory, but continue in persistence and faith, to do what is good for our brothers and sisters in Christ. May God bless us, our missions, and all those around us, that all of us will be able to love one another in the love that is God, and forgive the faults of one another, that all of us will be found worthy of Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Pope Benedict XVI’s latest and last Motu Proprio : Normas Nonnullas on the Papal Conclave (Updated)

http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/motu_proprio/documents/hf_ben-xvi_motu-proprio_20130222_normas-nonnullas_lt.html

Pope Benedict XVI has published his last Motu Proprio concerning the rules of the Conclave as laid out in the Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis, by Blessed Pope John Paul II, to clarify and modify some portions of the rules to suit the developments in the current time, and to affirm the rules as written in the Universi Dominici Gregis.

 

1. Cardinal-electors that had been given the right to elect the new Pope and had been rightfully granted that right must not be deprived of his right to join the Conclave and elect the new Pope.

 

2. It grants the College of Cardinals more liberty in the date of the commencement of the Conclave, providing all the Cardinals rightfully given the voting rights and intending to attend the Conclave has been gathered in Rome, as opposed to the previous rule of compulsory 15 days between the vacancy of the See of Rome to the beginning of the Conclave. 15 days here should still be observed, but if the College deems it right for the Conclave to begin, they can do so. Thus, the Conclave can begin earlier than 15 March 2013 for this year’s Conclave.

 

3. The whole area of the Vatican City and the areas around the Sistine Chapel will be restricted during the period of the Conclave, to prevent any leakage of secrecy of the Conclave to the outside world. Especially the area from Domus Sancta Marthae where the Cardinals reside during the Conclave and the Sistine Chapel, where they gather and vote. Anyone breaching this rule, will be given latae sententiae (automatic) excommunication, which is more precisely mentioned than the previous rule, which only mentioned severe punishment. Latae sententiae excommunication is specified in the new ruling.

 

4. The oaths prescribed in the Universi Dominici Gregis, to be taken by every Cardinal-electors at the start of the Conclave. In addition, in the new rule, all those involved in the Conclave, also have to take the oath, not just the Cardinal-electors :

Latin : ‘Ego N. N. promitto et iuro me inviolate servaturum esse secretum absolutum cum omnibus quotquot participes non sunt Collegii Cardinalium electorum, hoc quidem in perpetuum, nisi mihi datur expresse peculiaris facultas a novo Pontifice electo eiusve Successoribus, in omnibus quae directe vel indirecte respiciunt suffragia et scrutinia ad novum Pontificem eligendum.

Itemque promitto et iuro me nullo modo in Conclavi usurum esse instrumentis quibuslibet ad vocem transmittendam vel recipiendam aut ad imagines exprimendas quovis modo aptis de iis quae tempore electionis fiunt intra fines Civitatis Vaticanae, atque praecipue de iis quae quolibet modo directe vel indirecte attinent ad negotia coniuncta cum ipsa electione. Declaro me editurum esse ius iurandum utpote qui plane noverim quamlibet eius violationem adducturam esse excommunicationis mihi poenam latae sententiae Sedi Apostolicae reservatae.’

English (rough translation) : ‘I, NN., promise and swear to keep inviolate the absolute secret from all those who are not participants in the (election of the Pope) by the College of Cardinals, even in perpetuity, unless expressly given me special permission from the newly elected Pope and his successors, in all things which are directly or indirectly concern the votes and ballots to the choosing a new Pope.

So again, I promise and I swear I am in no way, whatsoever, to the sound of instruments in the Conclave of sending or receiving, or would make use of to  represent the images in any way suitable at the time of the election are to be done within the confines of Vatican City on those matters which, in any way, and especially on those matters which pertain to the business of directly or indirectly linked to with the election. It is well explained and clear to me, who so obviously should know that any violation of his oath will lead to excommunication to me, under the penalty of latae sententiae excommunication, reserved to the Apostolic See.

 

5. That the new Pope can only be elected with secret ballot or scrutiny. No acclamation, no compromise, and no absolute majority (or more than 50% of votes) in the event of long conclave. This has been earlier abrogated by Pope Benedict XVI who reiterated the absolute requirement of at least two-thirds of all Cardinals’ votes for one to be elected a new Pope.

 

6. If the Conclave failed to reach conclusion after a period of time, a day of prayer and reflection, and contemplation should be included before voting begins again. Then in the next round of voting, only the two names with the highest number of votes in the previous ballot would be included.

 

7. The formula of the question by the Cardinal Dean to the newly elected Pope is affirmed :

 

Latin : Acceptasne electionem de te canonice factam in Summum Pontificem?

English : Do you accept the Canonical election as the Supreme Pontiff?

 

Latin : Accepto

English : I accept

 

Latin : Quo nomine vis vocari?

English : What do you wish to be called?

 

Latin : Vocabor X

English : I wish to be called X.

(X will be the regnal name, for example, Benedict for our Pope Benedict XVI)

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Cardinal Keith O’ Brien of Edinburgh resigned amid controversy, and will not participate in Conclave

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/feb/25/cardinal-obrien-resigns-full-statements

The resignation of Cardinal Keith O’ Brien, now Metropolitan Archbishop Emeritus of St. Andrews and Edinburgh in Scotland, UK, has been accepted by Pope Benedict XVI, and allegations of improper conduct have also arisen against him. As such, he found it wise not to participate in the Conclave, which will happen sometime in March 2013.

Therefore, at this moment, we will have 115 Cardinal-electors barring any other Cardinals who may also skip the Conclave due to poor health such as Cardinal-Patriarch Antonios Naguib of the Coptic Catholics who is reported to be in ill health.

 

With regards to Cardinal O’ Brien, it is easy for many within, and especially from outside the Church of Christ to accuse not only him, but the whole Church itself. Many would be very happy to see the Church destroyed, and therefore, crushing the last bastion of truth and light in our struggle against evil. The world does hate Christ and those who believed in Him. We in the Church, and our leaders are human, and we are all sinners. Indeed, to those who have been given the trust and authority, much responsibility is given too.

Whatever bad things Cardinal O’ Brien had done, much good he had also done as well, in the service of our Lord. We thank him for his long service to God and His Church and pray that he will cooperate in all matters necessary, so that our Church, indeed, will be purged from all evil that has encroached into it in recent years. Indeed, Satan has been so busy working against God and His people that not only that he is not satisfied with just turning the world against us, it also corrupts even those inside, to destroy us.

This is why, the Year of Faith is important, because we must remember first and foremost that no matter what Satan throws at us, our faith must ever be impeccable and strong, and we must always centre ourselves in the love of God, through the Church. So, brothers and sisters in Christ, let us pray that the Lord will send His Holy Spirit to cleanse, not only our Church, but also the whole world, from Satan the deceiver. Pray for our Pope Benedict XVI who will be retiring soon, and for his soon-to-be elected successor. God bless the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church!

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Ut Vivant : Anthem based on the motto of Coadjutor Archbishop William Goh of Singapore

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rFf5k965i0w (Anthem from 10:40 to 13:00)

 

Ut Vivant (That they may live)

 

In love You came that we might live,

Help me lead the flock You give.

With passion, compassion, and love divine

May my sacrifice be joined to Thine

Awake now, lion, stand and roar;

The Pilgrim Church of Singapore;

For as my prayer to You ascends,

Let Your sevenfold Gifts descend;

Your Church’s faith restore, renew.

To spread the Gospel in ways anew.

Restore it! Renew it!

In the way of New Evangelisation,

Lead it!

 

‘Pie pellicane’, ‘Heart on fire’;

May Your Glory I desire;

A shepherd’s heart in me implant,

To teach, to serve, and not to want.

Holy Virgin, Star of the sea

Guide me, Mother, pray for me;

From this Year of Faith for souls to strive

And lead them to Eternal life.

 

‘Ut Vivant’, I answer, ‘Ut Vivant!’

O Lord, that they may live.

 

Text by : Coadjutor Archbishop William Goh of Singapore and Sir Dr. Peter Low

Music by : Sir Dr. Peter Low, Knight Commander of the Papal Order of St. Gregory, Choir Master of the Cathedral Choir of the Risen Christ, of the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd

Arranged by : Alphonsus Chern, Organist of the Cathedral Choir of the Risen Christ

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Changes to the rules for the Papal Inauguration Mass (by Pope Benedict XVI)

http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/1300800.htm

Pope Benedict XVI has authorised a change in the rules for the Papal Inauguration Mass, as part of a larger attempt to ensure that non-liturgical rites and practices are placed outside the Mass. The change is also to reflect the traditional practice of all Cardinals paying homage to the Pope at the Installation ceremony (Papal Inauguration), as the practice was prior to 2005’s Papal Inauguration. Previously in 2005, a modification cause only a few Cardinals and other individuals to give homage to the Pope during the ceremony.

Let us pray for our retiring Pope Benedict XVI, that in his prayerful retirement, he will grant ever greater strength to our Church, and that through his prayers, the works of the Lord will continue to prosper and grow in this world.

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Pope Benedict XVI will always be with us, in prayer : A praying Pope is an even stronger enemy of Satan than before!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3eKOW7GhNAM

Pope Benedict XVI, our Pope, who will retire from his position as our Pope effective this Thursday, 28 February 2013, will not leave us and will not abandon us. Rather, through life dedicated in prayer and good works through writing, our Pope will be a greater leader than he has ever been.

Even though we will no longer see him regularly as we could in the past 8 years, we know that he prays for us, and as our mediator with God. As the praying Pope in his retirement, he will be able to oppose Satan and his forces set to destroy God’s Church, even better. In prayer our Pope will give us strength and courage to rise up and crush Satan’s forces and his diabolical plans for this world.

Let us pray for our beloved Pope, Benedict XVI!

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Cardinal Darmaatmadja of Indonesia will skip the Conclave due to health reasons : Cardinal-electors for the Conclave now stand at 116

http://www.ucanews.com/news/cardinal-unable-to-go-to-conclave/67484

Cardinal Julius Riyadi Darmaatmadja, Metropolitan Archbishop Emeritus of Jakarta, Indonesia, who is now 78, has declined to go and attend the Conclave due to health reasons, particularly badly failing eyesight and other health issues, which he determined would prevent him from effectively participating in the Conclave processes.

We pray for Cardinal Darmaatmadja that God will continue to bless him, and sustain him, even through the health problems that he face at the moment. May God bless and protect him from afflictions, that he will remain in great vigour to continue the mission entrusted to him by God even in retirement.

As originally, barring any death between now and the beginning of the Conclave, there would have been 117 Cardinals, Cardinal Darmaatmadja’s decision reduce the number of the Cardinal-electors at the conclave to 116.

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Available videos on the Episcopal Ordination of Coadjutor Archbishop William Goh of Singapore

The part of the laying on of the hands on the Coadjutor Archbishop by the principal consecrator, Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, and the co-consecrators and the other bishops present. Pouring of the Holy Spirit (passing of the Apostolic authority), and finally the imposition of the bishop’s pontificalia on the Coadjutor Archbishop, and his enthronement at his cathedra with his new coat-of-arms.

Also included is the special anthem composed by the Cathedral Choir master, titled Ut Vivant, in conjunction with the Coadjutor’s motto, Ut vivant (that they may live).

 

The speech made by Coadjutor Archbishop William Goh at the end of the Ordination Mass, thanking all present and all who had a hand in making the event a success, and he laid out the vision he has for the Church in Singapore.

 

(If there is any full video of the event available either on the internet or for purchase, I will update as soon as there is any news available on the matter).

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Reminder : Thanksgiving Mass for the Episcopal Ordination of Coadjutor Archbishop William Goh of Singapore

The Thanksgiving Mass for the Episcopal Ordination of Coadjutor Archbishop William Goh Seng Chye of Singapore.

Time : Sunday, 24 February 2013 at 10 am

Location : Cathedral of the Good Shepherd, ‘A’ Queen Street, City Hall area, Singapore

Do come and show our support to the newly ordained Coadjutor Archbishop William Goh in his thanksgiving Mass at the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd.