I Forgot Her Birthday Catholic education and the act of remembering 8 September 2024 was a regular Sunday for me. The liturgical calendar screamed “23rd Sunday in ordinary time.” Even the Church was telling me “Chill, it’s just another Sunday of the year”. I guess it was slightly different. The next day was the start of […]

In 2010, I was at the prime of my life. I was in my secondary four year. I had done extremely well in my exams. As a member of the SJI Judo team, I was also physically very fit. The future was supposed to be promising for the young me. However, I did not know […]

“The mission of schools and teachers is to develop an understanding of all that is true, good and beautiful.” Pope Francis (October 2017) Pope Francis views education in three aspects. In his address at a Conference of Catholic educators in 2022, he described education as an act of love which removes people from self- centredness […]

As the Franciscan Missionaries of the Divine Motherhood (FMDM) Sisters are celebrating 75 years of their presence in Singapore this year, we often think of the wonderful work the Sisters have done as doctors, nurses and medical personnel, including the founding of Assisi Hospice. However, as we celebrate Teacher’s Day, we would like to pay […]

“When Pope Francis visits us in Singapore next month, may he find in us true servants, shepherds and stewards with the hearts, minds and hands of Christ, rendering God, our political leaders, and each other our proper dues by using our God-given gifts to build community, practise charity, promote peace, and do good with mutual […]

“The mission of schools and teachers is to develop an understanding of all that is true, good and beautiful.” Pope Francis (October 2017) In writing this article, I have been provided with an opportunity to reflect on my 40 years as both a teacher and Principal in the Catholic system of Education. I have recalled […]

Joseph Calasanz was born in Spain on September 11, 1556, the youngest of eight children. Joseph’s parents were members of the nobility and devout Catholics who ensured that he was well educated and learned his catechism from a young age. When Joseph was about 14 years of age, he was sent to a school run by […]

Cardinal’s homily during the Commencement of School Year Mass struck me when he spoke about leaders teaching with their being. He referenced Moses and how he journeyed, suffered, and tolerated the people of Israel throughout their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. Moses even offered himself to take punishment from God for the wrongful […]

“…listen to his voice! Harden not your hearts” (Psalm 95.8) These words are in fact from the responsorial psalm on 10 September 2023, the day our diocese celebrated Catholic Education Sunday. Whether we are a student or an educator, a parent or a parishioner, they remind us whose voice must ultimately matter to us: the […]