Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Melbourne
It has been about a week since I returned from Melbourne. So it is also high time that I posted some pictures. I will not go into details about the 'retreat'. I will leave captions under the photos as well as a list of the places I visited at the end of this post.
St. Francis Church is the oldest Catholic church in Melbourne. It offers 9-11 Masses a day every week. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament is held in-between Masses. Rite 1 of the Sacrament of Penance is also offered throughout the day. These are based on the constitutions of St. Peter Julian Eymard, the apostle of the Eucharist.
A view of the Sanctuary from the south wing. Take note of the Ambo. It was designed also as a throne; signifying the importance of Sacred Scripture. Just a thought: The monstrance ought to be enthroned as well; in fact it used to be enthroned in royalty in St. Francis Church until the changes of the Second Vatican Council. Catholic tradition and teaching have always held that first place should go to the Eucharistic Lord because even though Jesus can be present in other ways (scriptures, congregation, celebrant, etc...), he is transubstantially present- body, blood, soul and divinity- in the Eucharistic species.
Another view of the church from the south wing.
The Ladye Chapel, situated in St. Francis, is a beautiful space for prayer and reflection. I cannot describe how inspiring it was to be in the Chapel; I was lost for words when I entered this magnificent space. I do not think that any other Church in Melbourne could compare to the Ladye Chapel.
The ceiling lists all the attributes of Our Lady while the stain glass depicts the key moments of her life.
The first class relic of St. Peter Julian Eymard in the sacristy.
The Monastery where I put up during my stay.
The refectory. Anti-Clockwise: Deacon John, Br. Gerard, Br. Eymard.
The contemporary chapel situated in the Monastery's Chapter Room.
Community Fellowship every Monday after Vespers and before dinner. From Left to Right: Br. Stephen, Fr. Jack, Fr. Joe.
Community Fellowship every Monday after Vespers and before dinner. From Left to Right: Fr. Joachim, Br. Alphonsus, Fr. Alf, Br. Vincent.
Community Fellowship every Monday after Vespers and before dinner. From Left to Right: Fr. Tom (Superior), Fr. Laurie.
Community Fellowship every Monday after Vespers and before dinner. From Left to Right: Br. Joseph, Br. Eymard, Br. Damien, Br. Gerard.These are just but some of the photos that I took. Here are some of the places I visited:
- St. Patrick's Cathedral (Roman Catholic)
- St. Peter's Church (Anglo-Catholic)
- St. Paul's Cathedral (Roman Catholic)
- All Saint's Church (Roman Catholic)
- Blessed Mary McKillop Museum- had a private tour!
- St. Mary's House of Welcome- a soup kitchen for the poor.
- Hawthrorn Shopping Belt- Where I visited Southern Cross Church Supplies and Pauline Media Centre.
- St. Kilda's Beach- a very 'diverse' area.
- Yarra Theological College- Where Blessed Sacrament and Passionist Seminarians study.
- RMIT University- Chaplains brunch
- Catholic Archdiocesan Center and College- Where the Diocesan Seminarians study.
Labels: Personal, Photos, Travels
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Taking Flight!
I will be flying off later this day. Please offer a prayer for me. I have decided not reveal where I'm heading to *yet*. Here's a picture to get those brain juices flowing. It's your guess! (Hint: The river runs through the city)
Will be back in approx. 8-16 days time. Expect some great shots!
God bless.
Labels: Announcements, Personal
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Lenten Resolutions
In the spirit of the upcoming Lenten season, I've decided to practice these five acts of penance/sacrifice:-
- Go bald; more about this in due time.
- Recite the chaplet of Divine Mercy and the Stations of the Cross every Friday.
- Visit St. Joseph's (BT) Mount Calvarly at least once for the candle light procession; more about this in due time too.
- Refrain from driving on Mondays to Wednesdays.
- Observe fast for the entire duration of Lent.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Another Year...
This day, the 26th of January '08, marks the day the good Lord graciously allowed me to enter this universe in order to be with Him in the next.
I thank the Lord for another year of LIFE. Even though sometimes, life is bleak and there seems no hope of moving on. I also thank Him for the blessing of encountering so many wonderful- and instrumental- people who have in one way or another helped me in my Christian journey.
In the course of my growth in maturity of faith, mind and body, I find myself more open to the promptings of the Spirit as I continue to discern His materplan for my life.
I enjoy the fact that my birthday is a day after the Feast of the Conversation of St. Paul, my patron saint. It reminds me of the need to be converted before being able to receive the new life that God has in plan for me and to accept all the challenges- come what may- in order to feel the exhilaration of victory and direct it Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam.
My birthday wish/prayer is for all YOUR wishes/prayers to come true. Please continue to keep this aspirant in your prayers.
I also want to take this opportunity to thank all those who have wished me a very happy birthday via text message and e-mail.
Special thanks goes to Darren, Melvin, Philip, Graeme, and Ajay who made this day a memorable one (and that does not include singing "Happy Birthday to Father Paul at Hagen Daz" hahaha...). Special thanks also go out to Angela whose constant prayers for me before the Blessed Sacrament every Saturday enables me to continue to do His holy will.
Heartfelt appreciations to Fr. Andrian Wee who offered the Holy Sacrifice specially for me, to Revd. Frs. Edmund Chong, Augustine Tay, Michael Teo who have helped me in both my vocation discernment and my personal walk with the Lord, to my parents who taught me the values and principles of life, to my grandmother for the generous gift of her Honda Accord, and to the Holy Spirit whose loving presence is like a spring in the desert.
God grant me the serenity to accept
the things I cannot change,
courage to change the things I can,
and wisdom to know the difference. Amen.
Labels: Birthday, Personal, Prayer, Testimonials, Thanksgiving
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Prayers Needed
I've been down with tonsilitis, cough, and a terrible cold for the past 6 days. I ask of your prayers for my recovery. God bless.
Labels: Personal, prayer Request
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Still Alive!
I'm finally back after a long absence from blogsphere with my last entry dating 25th of October '07. Since than, so many things have taken place that I don't know where to begin. To simplify things, here's a rough list of events that have poped up since my last entry; for those who care to know ;)
In no particular order:
Personal
- Ordered a new surplice
- Bought a new rope cicnture
- Got a Honda Accord car from my grandmother
- Got a platinium supplementary credit card from my mum
- Found a new student; am giving English classes to PSLE students
In & Around Church
- Attend Mass at the Seminary; patronal Feast Day and dinner with the Bishop
- Visited Fr. David Thexthera at Mt. Alvernia hospital; major stroke
- Served a Latin Mass with Gregorian Chant- according to the 2002 Roman Missal
- Returned to the Holy Family Friday Bible Sharing/Discussion Group
- Attended a Tridentine Mass on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception
Social
- Will be seeing 3 friends leave for the Army during the course of the next few weeks
- Met Karyn, a catechumen from Holy Spirit Church, who is deeply in love with our holy faith
Vocation
- Planing to meet Msgr. Schimitz from the Institute of Christ the King when he transits in Singapore before heading to Sydney
- Have been corresponding with an S.S.S. priest regarding Eucharistic Spirituality and was invited to visit them in Melbourne
Labels: Miscellaneous, News, Personal, Vocation
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Code of Canon Law s.1725
Salus animarum suprema est lex. The salvation of souls is the highest law.
One way this law can be expressed and visibly practised is through the Sacrament of Confession. As Catholics we all know that power that has been given to every Catholic priest through the minsitry of the Church is able to completly remit all our sins and ensures the salvation of our souls.
I'm sure you heard others talk about how some dying patients are so blessed to be able to receive their last absolution. Well... I'm sure none of us want to wait till that time before reconciling with God and to God. Sometimes death calls us at the most unexpected time; we could be driving on the road, we could be on the plane, we could be asleep in our beds (remember the recent news of the 21 year old undergrad?). We must always be in a state of grace so that at anytime the Lord calls, we are ready to meet Him.
I'm writing all this because two parishes I visited refused me this Sacrament. At the first parish, the secretariat insisted that confession could not be heard on any other day except Sunday at the stipulated times and denied me entry to the office. At the second, a priest- clad in business attire and aviator shades- said confession could wait as he went for his afternoon tea with a female parishioner. "Too bad, wrong time..." were his last words as he entered the car.
I mean, what is so difficult to hear a confession? It not require more than 3 minutes to hear a confession anyway. Such attitudes are not healthy especially to Catholics who are not firmly grounded in the faith or spiritual life. They could view it as something unimportant and cease to recommend themselves to it or exclude it to an mere annual practice.
Anyone with any views?
Labels: Confession, Personal, Rants/Musings/Thoughts
Thursday, August 23, 2007
EXAMS!!
I humbly request you, my readers, to offer a prayer for me during the my upcoming Semestral Examinations. I will be taking three papers over the course of the next week- commencing this Friday.
The three papers that I'll be taking are:
- Business Accounting I (Friday 24/8)
- Criminal Procedure (Monday 27/8)
- Law of Contract (Thursday 30/8)
Please remember to keep me in your prayers. Blogging will resume after next week.
Ss. Thomas More, Joseph of Cupertino,
and all my patronal saints, pray for me!
Labels: Miscellaneous, Personal, prayer Request
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Deo gratias et Mariae
Earlier this afternoon I did a presentation on the history and style of Iconography and its relation to us today. I focused on the Byzantine tradition. The Byzantine form is know to be more proper/authentic. I present pieces by Elias Nicholas Katsaros. Elias was trained by George Patriachia and Reverend Father John Spilio; both teachers were direct student of the great Byzantine Iconographer Fotis Kontoglou (1895-1965).
Now here's the good news: I was awarded 90 marks! Deo gratias et Mariae.
Ps. Edward, your explaination in Constatine's Art History Class video (Jul '06) was very useful.
Labels: Icons, Personal, Thanksgiving
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Penang Trip
My trip to Pulau Pinang (Penang Island), West Malaysia, has been confirmed. I was at the coach agency in Golden Mile Complex this evening to book the seats. I plan to visit some of the historical churches there. The Church of The Assumption, dates back to 1786!
Andrew of Unam Sanctam was telling me that the Church of St. Francis Xavier (1957) is closest to where I'll be putting up.
It's still some time away, will keep one and all updated.
Labels: Churches, Penang, Personal, Travels
Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist
I was approached by an aging priest this evening after Holy Mass to be an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist. He said that he gets awfully tired/drained after distributing Holy Communion to the congregation; and even the ciborium was too heavy.
Well... I suppose that I could offer some assistance.
I think that it would be easier for priests to distribute Holy Communion with the faithful kneeling along the rails (regradless of communion on hand or tongue). That way he does not need to re-adjust his back and arm to meet the different heights of communicants. It wouldn't be mundane as well because the priest gets to stretch and walk when he reaches the end of the rail to return to the start.
Labels: Communicants, Communion, Eucharist, Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist, Personal, Thoughts
Sunday, July 15, 2007
This Week In Photos
Have been moving quite a bit lately as a relative from Australia is back on vacation. Here are some of the numerous snapshots I took over the week using my Sony Erricson Cybershot 3.2MP camera phone.
Visited the newly revamped Changi Village
A view of the sunset from the new boardwalk; the hilly terrain ahead is Ubin Island.
Took a glass calbe car from Harbourfront in Vivo City to the peak of Mount Faber.
Here's a view of Telok Blangah and the city from Mount Faber.
Whilst visitng my mom,I realised a new addition to the Altar; a statue of Santo Ninio de Cebu.
(Finally) organized my study.
Purchased a book on the Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta
Couldn't resist buying a keg of Heineken (at SGD49) from Cold Storage Supermarket...
It's supposed to last a month in the refrigerator.
It's supposed to last a month in the refrigerator.
Labels: Personal, Photos, Rants/Musings/Thoughts
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Singapore Pastoral Institute: Diploma in Sacred Scripture
Yesterday, I commenced my first lesson at the Singapore Pastoral Institute (SPI). The course I applied for is the third and last module of the Diploma course SPI offered some three years back. Lasting 12 sessions- 2 hours each-, this last module covers the Letter to the Hebrews as well as the Book of Revelation.
The course is conducted by local scripture scholar, Rev. Fr. Ambrose Vaz. It is no coincidence that Fr. Vaz,- brother of Msgr. Eugene Vaz- is the one of the Formators at St. Francis Xavier's Major Semionary.
Having missed part I and II, I'll not be receiving any certification for this course.
Below are some notes on the History/Background of the the Letter to the Hebrews and explaination of the Chapters 1 to 4. Enjoy!
Labels: Courses, Hebrews, Personal, Sacred Scripture, Singapore Pastoral Institute
Sunday, July 1, 2007
Confession: St. Mary of the Angels
This morning, I took 2 of my female cousins- 11 and 13 respectively- to the Franciscan Church of St. Mary of the Angels, Bukit Batok. Both of them had not been attending Sunday Mass regularly because of their parents lack of enthusiasm for Church and peer pressure to attend Protestant services at the Church of Singapore, Bukit Timah. Recently, they have been asking me to take them to Mass.
On the way to the parish, I explained to them to importance of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, the importance of participating in Sunday Mass, and the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.
Their confessor was Assistant Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Joseph Nasanathan. Both came out of the confessional with tears welling from their eyes (Fr. had packets of tissues in hand!). Fr. Joseph, spent approximately 10-15 minutes with each of them. Overall, I felt that their first confession was indeed a grace filled one; with clear and decisive rejection of the sins committed, out of their love for God.
As I reflect on the homily by Fr. Jivan Daniel (more of a Gospel reflection; Fr. Daniel wasn't feeling too well), the selection of hymns, and the scripture passages, I can clearly see the gracious hand of God in this matter. Praise Him!
Now on another matter, as I was waiting for my cousins in the Parish Office, Parish Priest Fr. John-Paul Tan approached me and struck up a conservation. We chatted as if we'd known one another rather well; he thought that I was his parishioner. Being a Canon Lawyer, he was excited to know that I was taking legal studies myself. He wanted me to form a group of Catholic Students in my diploma course for application to the Catholic Lawyers Guild!
One thing I found great about St. Mary's was that their priests do not 'run away' after Mass but stay behind and mingle with the faithful. I think our parishes need to have more of such interection to make Catholics feel more welcomed and at home and give them a sense of belonging.
LiturgyPlus!: Fr. Daniel incenses the gifts in the old cross-circular fashion.
Labels: Canon Law, Confession, Liturgy, Personal, Rants/Musings/Thoughts, Testimonials, Thanksgiving
Monday, June 25, 2007
Meeting: Spiritual Director
Made a 1.5 hour bus ride from the East to one of the North District Parishes to meet with my Spiritual Director. Since it had been some time since our last meeting, we spent the entire time discussing a wide range of issues. He placed much emphasis on the essentiality of holiness/purity in the life of an aspirant and maintained the importance of entering Seminary early should the Lord not call me to further my studies (ie. College, etc...).
Fr. ended our conversation with a quote from Bl. Mother Theresa, "we are called to be faithful, not successful."
Labels: Personal, Priesthood, Rants/Musings/Thoughts, Vocation, Vocations
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Road Trip
Will be heading up north on Friday (22/07) and will be back on Saturday (23/07). Will be spending the night in Senai, Johor, in West Malaysia. Please pray for a safe trip.
St. Christopher, ora pro nobis.
Labels: Miscellaneous, News, Personal, Travels
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Morning Mass
I've been awake since 0430hr this wet Wednesday Morning. My lack of shut eye was due firstly to the loud firing of rain drops against the old zinc roof, and secondly, the medicine I've been taking tends to cap my total sleeping hours at 5 hours.
Though it was raining, I decided to attend the 0615hr Mass at the Parish of the Holy Family. So with my Missal in one hand and my bright neon brolly in the other, I left for Church at 0600hr after saying the Morning Office or Lauds.
The Mass was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Ignatius Yeo, brother of Rev. Fr. Adrian Yeo of the Parish of the Risen Christ, Toa Payoh. This is the first time I assisted at a Mass celebrated by Fr. Ignatius Yeo.
Now, here's why I'm writing this post in the first place... Fr. Ignatius's celebrated the Mass so reverently and devoutly, that during the Final Doxology, ("through Him...... all glory and honour are yours......") I felt a Divine declaration, "Indeed this Mass has given Me ALL the glory and ALL the honour." Wow! I tried to keep my eyes transfixed on the Altar of Sacrifice as my hair stood and mind just began to pick up the essence of the message.
Perhaps it was of my own subconscious making but one thing is for sure, that Fr. Ignatius's celebrated the Mass with the highest reverence. The way he lifted his eyes to heaven, the way he changed his tone of voice according to the different parts of the Eucharistic Prayer, the way he bowed toward the host during the consecration, the manner in which he elevated the host and the chalice, et cetera...
Today, I can truly and proudly say that I've attended an authentic Novus Ordo Mass.
Let us pray that all priests will (re-)discover the sublime beauty of the Sacred Liturgy and make supreme effort to let glory's light radiate in the hearts of the faithful by celebrating Mass with reverence and in accordance with the guidelines stated in the Roman Missal.
Labels: Authentic Liturgical Renewal 2007, Liturgy, Novus Ordo, Personal, Thoughts
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Prayer Request
Please whisper a prayer to our Lord for me. He know's what is in my heart and mind.
Thank you and God bless.
Monday, June 4, 2007
May in Photos
All photos were taken with my Sony Erricson K800i Cybershot 3.2 mega pixels camera phone.
Went to the Singapore Tyler Print Institute to check out the island's first solo Picasso exhibition. Features some of the great artist's early works.
Would have loved to share more, but these are the only decent pictures I captured in May.
Visited the Sr. Teresa Lee at the FMM Convent to make a decent white cassock.
Visited the FMM Convent Chapel; the German Community have their Sunday Mass here.
Went to the Singapore Tyler Print Institute to check out the island's first solo Picasso exhibition. Features some of the great artist's early works.Would have loved to share more, but these are the only decent pictures I captured in May.
Labels: Churches, Convent, Miscellaneous, Nuns, Personal, Photos
Monday, May 7, 2007
Annual Diocesan Vocation Retreat
Dear readers,
I'll be heading for the annual Diocesan vocation retreat this weekend after being invited by a Seminarian friend. It will be held at Saint Francis Xavier Major Seminary in Ponggol.
The retreat commences on Friday (11th May '07) at 1930hr and ends on Sunday (13th May '07) at approx. 1700hr with the celebration of the Sunday Eucharist and High Tea.
Do keep me in your prayers as I continue to discern the Lord's call.
A prayer for the retreatants:
Almighty God, Loving Father & Creator of all.
Your Son, Jesus, sufferred & died on the cross that we might live.
Help us use this Precious Gift of Life in ways
that would bring much honour & glory to you.
Give us the strength & the courage to rid
ourselves of all fears that we may may respond toYour CALL,
to love & serve Your people.
Bless & protect our Holy Father, our priests,
deacons, religious and lay ministers.
Bless us too & help us make the right choices in life,
and through the powerful intercession of
Our Blessed Mother & the Holy Spirit,
we may continue to participate in Your plan of Salvation.
We pray in the name of Jesus, Your Son. Amen!
St. John Vianney, St. Alphonsus, St. Ignatius, St. Francis of Assisi, St. John of the Cross, pray for us.
Note: Blogging resusmes after May 13.
Labels: News, Personal, Prayer, Priesthood, Retreat, Seminary, Vocation
Subscribe to Posts [Atom]
