Feast of St. Barnabas

During this Pauline Year, apart from having the opportunity of deepening my knowledge of St. Paul and understanding of his life and writings, I found myself unconsciously "fell in love" also with the person of Barnabas.

Barnabas seemed to me a humble, simple person. A convert himself, he gave up everything he own to follow Jesus, immersing himself fully at the service of the gospel. His companionship and friendship is what attracted me most. Initiating Paul to the Christian communities, seek him out at Tarsus to join him in the mission and then supporting him through his ministry, allowing Paul to "shine" before him. I believe Barnabas was able to encourage Paul and at the same time challenged him when needed. No doubt Paul and Barnabas went separate ways later, which seemed to mark the broken relationship. Yet, the movie Paul of Tarsus showed that in the end, they reconciled before Paul left for Rome. A strong bond of friendship.

This is perhaps the essence and great example in our missionary work and also in our friendship--to be there for the other, encouraging each other and at the same time, be able to speak the truth, even though at times it costs a lot.

Se Non Ami

Easter Poem

Like to share these poems written by Elizabeth Teo: 

Up Close and Personal

On 10 January, 3 young women gathered at our convent to spend an afternoon desiring to know more about our congregation. From the experience and feedback of the first Up Close and Personal, this time we plan to give more time for presentation, sharing plus activities and interaction, somehow it still didn't work out quite as what we wanted. With all the waiting, we began after 3 pm instead of 2 pm as planned (though we actually took this into consideration in our planning) and like before we were trying to finish by 5 pm as 2 of the participants need to go for Mass. So, I was trying to rush through everything, which doesn't seem to be helpful. Anyway, we are all glad to be able to share with them our spirituality, mission, our founders, community life and so forth. No matter what, I feel that the Holy Spirit is the one working through the whole session, and whatever it turn out, I believe God has a reason for it.

We are not giving up. Next Up Close and Personal Session will be sometime in June, so those who missed it for the past 2 time, do take not and hope to see you..... Till the next Up Close and Personal.....

New Year

2009 began with a Thanksgiving Celebration with the Canossian sisters here in Singapore where 4 of their sisters renewed their 25th and 50th anniversary of religious profession on 1 Jan. It is always touching to witness religious celebrating their jubilees. Very inspiring, encouraging.... Sometimes I do wonder will I ever get to that stage... 25 years..... 50 years.... Really, it is the faithfulness of God that sustain us. Thanks to the sisters, choosing this day to celebrate their 25 and 50 years of God's Faithful love, a great way to begin a new year not just for them, but for me.... Gratefulness and blessings.

In the evening, we had another celebration... one of our junior professed sisters celebrated her birthday. Wow! New Year Baby! Another thanksgiving for the gift of life and also Pauline vocation.

The day end with a car ride to downtown Orchard to enjoy the lightings. Talking about economic crisis, people comparing that this year's decoration was not that great, but personally I enjoyed and like it. Not matter how, I am proud that Singaporeans still continue to express their creativities. Bravo! (Would like to show pictures, but I was the driver, can't risk the lives of my sisters to capture those beauties, right?)

Vulnerable, Like a Bird

Life is precious. Not because it is unchangeable, like a diamond, but because it is vulnerable, like a little bird. To love life means to love its vulnerability, asking for care, attention, guidance, and support. Life and death are connected by vulnerability. The newborn child and the dying elder both remind us of the preciousness of our lives. Let's not forget the preciousness and vulnerability of life during the times we are powerful, successful, and popular.
(Henri Nouwen)

Congo Emergency