Preface I have many fun and joyous memories of my primary school years in CHIJ Bukit Timah. Yet one memory that stands out vividly, is of me terrified and shivering uncontrollably when I was tasked to present something in front of my schoolmates. I do not even recall what I was to present then. All I remember is that my legs shook like jelly and I just could not find my voice. What struck me most about that memory, is that there was absolutely no judgment and no jeering from my schoolmates who clearly witnessed my embarrassing and uncomfortable moment. I also recall the soft reassuring voice from my teacher telling me that it is okay and nudging me to carry on. And carry on I did. I somehow found my voice after that day. And I never stopped. I joined debates and oratorical competitions in secondary school, went on to Law School, and today have my career using my voice to advocate and speak up (in Court and out) for those who might be voiceless or otherwise unable to speak for themselves. I remember asking my mother why she, a non-Catholic back then, sent me to CHIJ. Her response was very simply, “I believed the nuns will teach you to speak well, and to live well.” I am eternally grateful for the many opportunities to encounter God and to be touched by His call whilst I was in CHIJ. That was when I knew that this is the God I want to follow for the rest of my life. I am blessed to be able to give back and serve on the CHIJ Board of Management. Who would have thought that the stuttering shivering girl would one day return to speak often at CHIJ school events and play a part in fostering an IJ community that continues the legacy of our founding father and pioneering IJ Sisters. Whenever we have brainstorming sessions on characteristics of an IJ girl, invariably someone will say - her voice. I am pretty sure they do not mean just the loud, often ear-splitting voices of IJ girls, especially when a group of excited IJ girls (no matter how old they are) get together, but also her ability to articulate and communicate, not just for herself but oftentimes for others, and for causes. It is therefore very apt that the compilation for the 400th anniversary of the birth of Blessed Nicholas Barré, the founder of the CHIJ schools, is titled “Touched by His Call: IJ Voices”. These 400 reflections from the IJ community share so much that is IJ. It is made possible because one man responded to God’s call to serve. Blessed Nicolas Barré has shown us what it means to live life in complete abandonment to God’s will, and to make Christ known and loved, through his courage and compassion in helping the disadvantaged in society. May the beautifully compiled articles, comprising the voices of our IJ family, serve to inspire you to be the voice for others. Ms Vivienne Lim Chairperson, CHIJ Board of Management
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