SINGAPORE, 12 september 2024 (TATOLI) – Pope Francis celebrated the last Mass of his trip to ASEAN and Oceania at Singapore’s National Stadium, bringing together more than 50,000 of the country’s Catholic faithful.
The Mass was scheduled for 5:15pm but the Catholics began entering the estadium at 12 noon.
The Holy Father told the Catholic faithful that love is a precious gift in the world, which makes everyone happy, and began his homily by reflecting on the words of St. Paul’s “Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.”
He went on to say that the fact that Singapore is a city-state known for its large, vibrant skyscrapers is because those who love it have put their love first into building and developing this nation to make it as beautiful as it is today.
“So, what we see is a sign, and behind each of the works in front of us there are many stories of love to be discovered: of men and women united with one another in a community, of citizens dedicated to their country, of mothers and fathers concerned for their families, of professionals and workers of all kinds sincerely engaged in their various roles and tasks,” said Pope Francis in his homily at the Singapore’s National Stadium, on thursday.
He said: “Sometimes the greatness and grandeur of our projects can make us forget this, and fool us into thinking that we can be the sole authors of our lives, of our wealth, our wellbeing, our happiness. Yet, ultimately, life brings us back to one reality: without love we are nothing.”
Cardinal William Seng Chye Goh, Archbishop of Singapore, thanked Pope Francis for coming to unite the country’s Catholic believers and strengthen the presence of the Catholic Church in the region.
“For us Catholics, the Eucharist in which we have just participated is the highlight of the entire Papal Visit, for it unites us in faith and love around the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ and with Catholics all over the world, under the spiritual leadership of our Holy Father, the Vicar of Christ,” said Cardinal Goh.
He said the eucharistic celebration has deepened the Catholics bonds of unity, “as we endeavour to walk the path of synodality and dialogue and as we remain in communion, carrying out the mission entrusted to us.”
“We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to the Holy Father, Pope Francis, for making this arduous pastoral Visit to your flock in Singapore. Thank you for the love and the pastoral care you have shown toward us,” Cardinal Goh concluded.
Rosie Teo, a Catholic woman who attended the Mass, said she was thrilled when the Catholic Church in Singapore officially announced the Pope’s visit to her country: “The moment when I hear that he is coming, it feels like I want to cry.”
She said that the Holy Father’s presence in his country will make Singapore more peaceful and unite all people of different backgrounds.
Daniel Simwandhi, also present at the Mass, said that the Pope’s visit to Singapore is a blessing for Singaporean Catholics.
On friday morning, Pope Francis will visit a group of elderly and sick people at St. Teresa’s Home and have an interfaith meeting with young people at the Catholic Junior College.
The Holy Father and his delegation will leave Singapore for Rome at 11:50 a.m. local time and arrive in Rome at 6:25 p.m. local time.
Journalist: Filomeno Martins
Editor: Rafael Ximenes de A. Belo
