Singapore
Papal envoy unveils statue of John Paul II
Sue-Ann Chia
273 words
22 June 2006
Straits Times
English
(c) 2006 Singapore Press Holdings Limited
AS THE choir filled the air with hymns last night, a 3m-high bronze
statue of the late Pope John Paul II was unveiled here by visiting
Cardinal Renato Raffaele Martino.
Cardinal Martino, the Vatican's first ambassador to Singapore from
1982 to 1986, is back as the special envoy of Pope Benedict XVI for
celebrations marking 25 years of diplomatic relations between
Singapore and the Holy See.
Last night's unveiling ceremony at The Cathedral of the Good
Shepherd along Bras Basah Road was followed by a 90-minute
mass.
Almost 900 people attended, including Cabinet ministers Lim Boon
Heng and George Yeo, Singapore's ambassador to the Vatican Walter
Woon, diplomats and other guests.
Cardinal Martino, who arrived on Tuesday, also gave a sermon on the
importance of charity, and conveyed a message from the Pope.
Pope Benedict noted his predecessor visited in 1986 and said it was
'proper and very important' to commemorate 25 years of ties. 'Both
states seem to have been going in a safe and prosperous way to
reach a fruitful future,' he added.
Cardinal Martino told the congregation he was pleased to be back
after many years.
'I have so many beautiful memories with you in this church,' he
said, recalling his time here as ambassador.
Cardinal Martino, who is on a five-day visit, also presented a gift
of a chalice from Pope Benedict to Archbishop Nicholas Chia.
While here, he will meet Government leaders and give a lecture
today on the role of religions in promoting peace and solidarity,
and denouncing terrorism.
