May 2023 (Part 2)
AVE MARIA (Part 2 - Apr & May 2023)
(Click here to read Part 1 - Feb/Mar 2023)
This is part 2 of of our May Mini Bulletin as we recall these memorable Outreach events that took place in April & May and give thanks to Mother Mary for for these blessings:
An Unforgettable Easter Experience in Lourdes
The Pastoral Care Ministry from the Outreach Office organised a pilgrimage to France from 14-26 April. Lourdes was the highlight that all pilgrims were looking forward to. Francoise Wong, one of our parishioners, shared her memorable experience:
“A group of 32 pilgrims, including Father Aiden, Sr Margaret and two doctors, embarked on this pilgrimage on 14 April during the Octave of Easter.
The experience in Lourdes reflected this same spirit of New Life. Many were looking forward to making a good reconciliation. I remembered, we were worried that we could not get our reconciliation done after waiting for quite some time. However, after a few anxious moments of uncertainty and prayers, the priest finally decided to forgo his Mass participation to grant us the sacrament of reconciliation we needed. After the confession, we all experienced such great joy of being reborn, just like the resurrection of Christ. On reflection, we strongly believed that God willed us to do a good confession!
Participating in the Stations of the Cross was truly a humbling experience. When our elderly and sick pilgrims expressed their desire to complete the Stations of the Cross, we did not discourage them but with confidence, we all agreed. It was heart-warming to witness how we selflessly came together to push them up the rugged slope in their “Ferraris” (wheelchairs) to help fulfil their wish. I felt that God was testing us on that day in the scorching hot sun on that rugged slope, but we passed the test!
Many pilgrims in the group have health issues. I was deeply moved to witness how God has called each one of us to be part of the group and despite their critical medical conditions, they carried their crosses with great strength and with the loving support of their non-Catholic spouses or care givers who accompanied them on this pilgrimage. For some, they only realised God’s agenda for them later on during the pilgrimage.”
Watch a brief video snippet of the pilgrimage HERE.
Canossa’s Bread Door Project
Canossa Catholic Primary School is celebrating their Foundress’ 250th year since her birth (1774 – 2024) in a year long project.
As part of the Canossian education, the school believes that giving their children the opportunity to serve the poor and needy in different ways is important as "it allows them to understand better how St Magdalene of Canossa lived her life of dedicated service to the poor through education, catechesis and pastoral care of the sick.”
On Sunday 30 April, a small group of teachers and students from the school sold bread, cakes and cookies at the church piazza and all proceeds went to the poor of the parish. At the 9am and 11am Masses, a student shared the significance of the project and Friar Mike rallied the support of the congregation to support this project that not only serves the poor but also instills a heart of generosity in the children. This project raised $8.1K for the St Mary’s poor and needy's outreach effort.
St Mary's would like to say a big Thank You to the generosity our parishioners and the team led by Sr Theresa Seow, who made this project a meaningful one for all to witness.
Sale of bread, cakes and cookies at the piazza
The Canossa team with Sr Theresa & Friar Derrick
An “Overseas” Outing with our FINS
The last time we organised an outing for our SSVP FINS (Friends in Need) was in July 2022 to Bollywood Veggies. This round, the members organised an “overseas” outing to the S.E.A Aquarium at Sentosa in early May to celebrate Easter with our FINS.
One of the participants mentioned that his last memory of Sentosa was the Wax Museum, Fort Siloso and Monorail, and marvelled at how Sentosa has changed so much since then. Going for an outing like this may sound like a luxury to some but it is also part of our Catholic social teaching that we look to the basic and social needs of the poor.
This outing not only allowed our SSVP members to mingle with the FINS, but also provided an opportunity for our younger members to serve. If you would like gift your time to serve the poor, please scan the QR code and the team will reach out to you soon.
