by Nur Ashikin Abdul Aziz
SINGAPORE, Sept 12: About 50,000 people gathered at the National Stadium here for the Papal Mass on Thursday, in a remarkable display of faith and unity, in conjunction with Pope Francis’s state visit to the island republic.
Among those in the diverse congregation were 2,600 children from kindergartens to junior college students, 310 migrants, 1,000 elderly parishioners, 250 wheelchair users, and 3,000 Catholics from the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC) countries.
Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong also attended the mass.
Pope Francis, 87, arrived at the stadium at 4.30 pm and toured the vicinity in his Popemobile, greeting the faithful and stopping to bless babies and children along the way.
The head of the Vatican City and the Catholic Church then presided over the holy mass, accompanied by 280 priests and 50 bishops and cardinals who concelebrated the sacred service.
In his homily, the Pope reminded the faithful of the importance of love, solidarity, and generosity.
“If there is anything good that exists and endures in this world, it is only because, in innumerable situations, love has prevailed over hate, solidarity over indifference, and generosity over selfishness,” he said.
The event was also streamed ‘live’ on the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore’s YouTube channel.
The pontiff, who arrived in the republic on Wednesday, is concluding his 12-day Asia Pacific tour that included visits to Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and Timor Leste.
Upon arrival in Singapore, he was accorded a ceremonial welcome at Parliament House.
He also called on Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and met with Prime Minister Wong.
On Friday, he will visit a group of elderly and sick people at Saint Theresa’s Home, followed by interreligious meeting with youths at Catholic Junior College.
— BERNAMA