The Most Amazing Scene…

The local priest this morning brought the monstrance in the altar to promote the practice of Eucharistic adoration. Many Catholics, including me, are not familiar with its theological meaning. This priest is articulate and explains things in a very simple and straightforward way. But I’m not referring to him when I thought of the title for the blog, although priest that communicates this effective are a rarity,  I meant to share something that almost moved me to tears this morning (Ok, I did teared up a bit).

While explaining the early tradition and the relevance of the Eucharistic adoration in our lives as Catholics, the priest asked for a volunteer to demonstrate in front the proper way of showing respect when you’re in the presence of the Eucharist. The adults were all too shy and embarrassed to actually go up and join the priest in the altar. Grown ups are all too afraid to make mistakes – as if committing one is fatal (well, sometimes they are) – but there are those that are not afraid nor intimidated in committing one. People were hoping for that one brave soul come up to the altar…

The most amazing scene of all followed.

A little girl, wearing the cutest white dress I’ve ever seen. With a face so serene and glowing, stood up without hesitation, and walked straight to the altar! That was so amazing to see – a child, whose probably, what, 4 or 5 years of age, fearless, so confident.

The priest with great relish, exclaimed: “A child shall lead us!…”

There she knelt and bowed her head. The priest, who stood possibly stood four feet taller, followed the little girl.

God just sent everybody a message that very moment.

Reminds me of that story of Christ telling his disciples not to forbid the children that wanted to come to him. Reminding his apostles that, “the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children”.

Yeah.

Now I can understand those words better.

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This picture has nothing to do with my churchly experience this morning. I took this one right after mass. This massive pond is located at the side of the church. I usually walk around here to, you know, relax the mind, and find my zen moments.

It’s rare that I talk about my personal faith here. I don’t want to impose my belief system to other people. I believe that everyone should look for what they want. If it makes you a better human being then stick and grow with it. Or, if you could improve yourself without the need to follow established religion, there’s nothing wrong with that.

Ok, I’ll no longer bore you with these things.

Happy Sunday everyone.

Singapore’s Church of Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

I often wander around the neighborhood to look for anything that would interest me. I’m drawn to places with deep history and culture. And you’ll find many such places dotted throughout this island nation.

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Some of the Catholic old churches stands in the middle of clusters of modern buildings and flats. Like the splendid Gothic church of the Church of Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary I recently visited.

The church bell tower as seen from a distance.

Its story is one of the many great examples of the missionaries sacrifice in Asia. The first church was constructed in 1853 to serve the fishing village of Awkang. Its people are the immigrant Teochew. The church was later replaced by a “brick chapel named St. Mary’s Chapel”. Fr. Jean Casimir Salelles [parish priest 1881-1922] built the present church and named it the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The church continue to offer Catechism classes to those who want to hear the teachings of Catholicism. Interested individuals can complete a form and request a class from Catechist. Unlike in our country where Catholicism is widespread, here it feels like the church is just beginning to take form. Such labor is reminiscent of the original missions in the 18th and 19th century.

Catholicism, although a minority, have several 18th century churches serving a significant number of Catholics, both local and foreign, around the island. These churches are among the most fascinating historical sites in the country.

While I was attending mass I saw countless Singaporeans of different ethnic backgrounds. Mostly Chinese and Indians. I imagine them to be descendants of the original Catholic converts in the islands. Its fascinating how an old religion can be communal, cultural, familial – although not a local, there exist a bond that makes me feel I’m no different from anybody else.

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A beautiful Gothic

Intricately designed post

Tiles similar to ones you see in our old churches.

The lofty interior

A bronze angel stoup

The base of the foundation

Their version of an historical marker

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Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

1259 Upper Serangoon Road

Singapore 534795