Pope's Special Envoy Sends Message to Catholics in Singapore


Defend the right to life, value the dignity and duties of families, and promote peace - that is the call from Pope Benedict XVI to Catholics in Singapore.

That message was read out on Wednesday night by his Special Envoy Cardinal Renato Raffaele Martino, who is in Singapore on an official five-day visit to mark the 25th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Singapore and the Holy See.

Cardinal Renato Raffaele Martino is in Singapore at the invitation of Foreign Minister George Yeo.

Joined by other prominent Catholics, Singapore religious leaders and Archbishops from the region, some 1,000 people gathered to witness the unveiling of the statue of late Pope John Paul II.

The ceremony was followed by a colorful entrance procession into the Good Shepherd Cathedral, led by a 100-member strong choir and other Papal Knights and Dames from various catholic orders.

Then came the message from Pope Benedict XVI delivered by his Special Envoy Martino: "Let us be united, let us be active, dynamic enthusiastic apostles of the charity of Christ and love. We should not keep silence about the 20 years that have passed since Our Venerable Predecessor, Pope John Paul II, visited Singapore and encouraged the country to a human and religious progress. This celebration gives opportunity and possibility not only to recall them, but also to promote a more fervent religious feeling to bring about harmony and peace."

The universal call for love, compassion and peace from the Pope, though meant for the catholic community, will no doubt also resonate with other Singaporeans.

The Singapore government and the Holy See recognize that their 25 years of friendly relations are based on a common interest in promoting solidarity, tolerance, happiness and peace.

Via Yahoo News.
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