www.catholicnews.sg SUNDAY JANUARY 13, 2013
SINGAPORE 50 CENTS / WEST MALAYSIA RM$1.20
MCI (P) 023/01/2013
PPS 201/04/2013 (022940)
VOL 63
NO. 1
INSIDE HOME Filipino tradition a boon for many Simbang Gabi helps many feel a sense of home
Msgr William Goh, who has been appointed coadjutor archbishop, shares his dreams By Darren Boon “I feel humbled ‌ to assume this after it was announced that Pope Benedict XVI had appointed him Coadjutor Archbishop of Singapore. However, the rector of the St Francis Xavier Major Semi
has considered him “worthy to be an instrument to renew the faith of the people in Singapore, to give life, to give hope to The Vatican made the announcement of Msgr Goh’s appointment on Dec 29. As of press time, no date has yet been set for his episcopal ordination. A coadjutor archbishop assists the archbishop in the administration of the archdiocese, and has the right to succession upon the latter’s retirement, resignation or death. Under Canon Law, diocesan bishops are required to tender their resignation when they reach 75 years of age. Archbishop Nicholas Chia turns 75 in April. Msgr Goh told CatholicNews that as coadjutor archbishop, he would assist Archbishop Chia and “take whatever responsibilities he He also plans to take the time to study the issues involved in the administration of the archdiocese so that he would have concrete plans when he becomes archbishop. He is well aware of the enormous task before him. “I can say there’s a feeling of trepidation of the challenges ahead because I know the Church
This is due to increasing secularisation and relativism of the world, he explained. He shared that he took up the appointment because of “obedi “If God has chosen me, “I believe God knows what is best. He knows my limitations, my inadequacies, my imperfections but God will see me Msgr Goh, 55, said he looks forward to sharing with the faithful the charisms he feels he has been blessed with, such as min-
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God knows my limitations, my inadequacies, my imperfections, but He will see me through.
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– Msgr William Goh
istering, teaching, preaching and organising. He also hopes to be a bishop who is “pastoral minded, to reach Msgr Goh said he plans to
spend the next few months understanding “the sentiments of !
Empowering and renewing the spiritual life of priests is important, and there needs to be greater unity among priests and Religious as they are the leaders of the Church, Msgr Goh pointed out. He also stressed the need to share in the responsibilities of teaching and evangelisation. His major area of concern is the new evangelisation, which is “what I think the Church really „ Continued on Page 8
Photo: CATHOLIC SPIRITUALITY CENTRE/ DOMINIC WONG
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Prayers for US shooting victims IRO holds condolence event „ Page 3
Serving needy in neighbouring countries ACTS visits Myanmar, Cambodia, Philippines „ Page 6
ASIA Chinese govt Standoff between Church, authorities in Hubei „ Page 8
Divorce to be legal in Philippines? Bill on the issue expected on Congress’ agenda „ Page 10
FAITH ALIVE! What the Magi tell us about Jesus „ Page 16