April 2013

Verbum Dei Missionaries Singapore 73 Taman Mas Merah Singapore 128195 Tel: 62740251 Email: verbumdeispore@yahoo.com.sg Website: www.verbumdeisingapore.org

Editor Says
'Miserando atque eligendo' which means 'Lowly and also chosen', is the Papal motto of Pope Francis. The current head of the worldwide Catholic Church embodies , not power and control, but compassion, humility and simplicity. Guided by these virtues in his heart, Pope Francis is winning the world over with his spontaneous embrace of a disabled boy in a crowd, his choice of taking the bus back with the other cardinals instead of the limousine designated for him, his courageous act of washing the feet of prisoners, including two women during Maundy Thursday. The world is sitting up and going 'Wow! Wow! Wow!' People are waiting with abated breath what this Pope would do next . Without a doubt, Pope Francis displays the beauty of humility, not simply through words but through his actions. He walks the walk and talks the talk. 'Miserando atque eligendo' The motto of Pope Francis is a reminder for all Christians that we too are lowly and also chosen to embrace a life of simplicity and humility in order that we may reveal the face of Jesus, the face of humility to the world. The world needs to see, not perfect Christians, but coherent Christians who dare to live the values of the Gospel, like Pope Francis and many others who have chosen to live their faith radically. Be simple! Look at those in need! Let us open our hearts to work for equality and reach out to those marginalised in society! As Christians, it is time to act! We must never be afraid to live simply and to love simply, even in the smallest details of our everyday life. I would like to end with the story of Pope Francis and his encounter with his Swiss guard. No one knows where the source of this story comes from but it is in line with the Pope's love for humility and compassion. 'A few days ago, at dawn, the time the Pope wakes up, he came out to the corridor, and he found in front of his door the sentry, a Swiss Guard standing with his halberd at attention. He asked him: And what are you doing here? Have you been up all night? "Yes," replied the guard with deference and a bit surprised. "On your feet?" "Your Holiness, my duty since I took over from my companion." "And arent you tired?" "Its my duty Your Holiness; I should watch for your safety." Pope Francis looked at him again with kindness, went back to his suite and after a minute he came out carrying a chair: "At least sit down and rest." The guard rolled his eyes and answered: Santo Padre, forgive me, but I cannot! The regulations do not allow that.""The regulations?" "Orders from my captain, Your Holiness." The Pope smiled, "Oh, really? Well, I'm the Pope and I order you to sit down."So, caught between the regulations and the Pope, the Swiss Guard chose the chair. The Pope returned to his apartment. After a couple of minutes, the Pope came back to the Swiss Guard, still obediently seated on the chair, carrying panino con marmellata (Italian bread with jam) which he had prepared. Before the soldier could say anything, the Holy Father, exhibiting his Argentinean smile, told the Swiss Guard, With all the hours spent standing on guard you must be a bit hungry. The Swiss Guard had no time to object because the Pope right away wished him a good bite: "Bon appetit, brother." ' May we too walk the walk and talk the talk!

Introduction of the afternoon activities with youths

Meeting @ HortPark 14th April An afternoon of reflection

Station 1: Thanksgiving- 'What can I thank God for in my life? How can I express my gratitude?'

Station 2: Asking help from Jesus 'What areas in life do I need to improve (relationship, habits, thoughts, etc.) and require help from the Lord?' 2

Station 3: 'What can I do to improve?' Station 4: Building the house of God Decorating and using bricks to build a wall to symbolise building the house of God as a community.

General Superior's Visit to Australia- Asia 11th April to 30th April 2013
Magdalena Gonzalez Santos, our General Superior for the female branch, was in Singapore to get to know the apostolate, missionaries as well as this unique country. It was a fruitful time of dialogue and projection towards the future of Singapore community as well as Australia-Asia.

Meeting the Verbum Dei Family and Friends

In her short stay here, Magdalena had the opportunity to meet up with the University apostolate, some representatives from our disciple groups as well as our Holy Hour friends. The people enjoyed her warm and friendly presence.

Visiting Singapore

Books sale for Project HoPe Fundraising @ Divine Mercy Parish

Some of the volunteers for the book sale on Sunday morning

We had a book sale at the parish of Divine Mercy on 27th and 28th April 2013, as part of our fundraising for Project HoPe. We raised $4765!!! 7

We welcome Monika who will be joining the Formation course with Monika Tjhin Punan. Please pray for them as they start this journey of formation.

Singapore...it is warm! Warm as in hot, humid and (mostly) sunny. But also as in welcoming, friendly and joyful... My first impressions are very positive, including participating on a fundraising book sale taking place on exactly the other side of Singapore in about 15 hours after my arrival. No better way to immerse myself in the Catholic culture and meet lots of nice people, especially the lovely members of the Verbum Dei Family! I feel really blessed to have a chance to spend a formation year in this multicultural, committed and prayerful environment. I sense God really present and working in this Family, and I hope I will be a part of this marvellous work of God in my own little way in the months to come.