Pictures of victims of violence were projected on a screen during the Peace Mass on May 14.
By Benedict Tang
"PEACE is best practised, not spoken," said Franciscan Friar Michael De Cruz, at the Peace Mass held in the Church of St Mary of the Angels. The May 14 event also saw some 350 people, including representatives from the different religious congregations, making the Way of the Cross. Also present were members of the local Indonesian community who formed a choir and sang hymns in Bahasa Indonesia.
The event which focused on the theme Peace In Our World, Times, Hearts And Lives was initiated by Friars John Wong and Joseph Lee. Friar John said the event was organised to pray not only for peace in the world but also in people's hearts "considering the situations around the world, and the current economic downturn with people losing their jobs".
In his homily, Fr Michael told of his experiences celebrating Masses in the Villa Francis Home for the Aged. He said he found the people there possessing inner peace, having complete "trust and dependence on God". He ended by urging the congregation to search for peace in their hearts, and not give up working for peace. "The peace we pray for is not of this world," he added.
Fellowship followed after the Mass, with food prepared by the Indonesian community. Mr Mervyn Low, 24, said he was delighted with the event. "This has proven that many Singaporeans are concerned with the violence we see in this world, and are enthusiastic about praying for it."
The Catholic News (May 30, 1999)