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| We witnessed a wonderful and moving talk given by Father P.S. Amal SJ to a packed 'house' on the 8th of December 2003 held in our Parish.The theme of talk was "Is there HOPE?" for the Sri Lankan Refugees located in the many camps of Tamil Nadu as well as for the internally displaced persons (IDPs)in Sri Lanka itself. The friendly atmosphere together with a expectant audience comprising of our own parishoners as well as our brothers and sisters from other parishes resulted in a positive note for all participants especially the organisers,namely the Jesuit Refugee Services from Singapore and our own Catechumens from RCIA Genesis Ministry. Before the talk by Father Amal,a heart rendering sharing was given by our RCIA Facilitators, David & Jessie Lau who spent a hectic week with the JRS team in Tamil Nadu.It was certainly an eye-opener for both of them as they shared their tears and joys with the audience. A slide presentation on the Sri Lankan Refugee situation followed by an question and answer session concluded the event.Father Amal who is the JRS Director for South Asia is actively involved in refugee work in India,Sri Lanka and Nepal.His inspiring 'Spirit-filled' homilies during the Second Sunday Masses touched many hearts such that our parish community contributed substantial funds for the refugees. A special education fund was sucessfully raised by the organising committee as well.The donations were represented by a poster of St Anthony,comprising of "jig saw" shapes that signified their worthy contributions .The poster was given to JRS ceremonially by our parish priest,Father Terence Pereira who initiated the whole idea in the first place! Our Catechumens co-organised the project as part of the Advent Program for the Parish.A series of activities such as slide presentations before and after Mass,banners together with a well organised Photo cum Awareness Exhibition on the Sri Lankan Refugees' plight,held in the church foyer during Advent Sundays, drew the crowds. We wish to thank the ever faithful JRS team and Father Colin Tan SJ for their kind help in co-organising this parish project.JRS Singapore's mission is to serve the needs of all refugees as well as the poor, unwanted and displaced, but especially those in Asia, and in faithfulness and accordance to the teachings of Jesus Christ.JRS Singapore falls under the umbrella of JRS Asia Pacific which has its base in Bangkok, and the spiritual guidance of the Jesuits in Singapore.JRS Singapore's activities are fully endorsed by the Archbishop of Singapore and is under the ambit of the Singapore Catholic Archdiocese. With the objectives achieved for all, this Advent is definitely special for our parish Community.In the words of Blessed Mother Teresa - "The poor anywhere in the world are Christ who suffers. In them the Son of God lives and dies. Through them, God shows His face" Visit the JRS Web Site Now! And Make a Difference in Your Lives! |   |