HONG KONG (SE): Pope Francis concluded his 12-day Asia-Pacific tour with a visit to Singapore. The highlight of the visit was a Mass attended by more than 50,000 people at the National Stadium on September 12. Cardinals, bishops, and priests from around the world, including Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J., of Hong Kong, Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Ha Chi-shing, and Bishop Stephen Lee Bun-sang of Macau, concelebrated the papal Mass.
The members of the 40-strong Hong Kong delegation who attended the September 11 to 13 papal visit to Singapore were deeply moved by the Mass celebrated at the National Stadium. They were inspired by the powerful display of unity within the universal Catholic Church.
Alice Lee, one of the Hong Kong delegates, expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to attend the papal Mass. She mentioned being particularly moved by Pope Francis’s dedication to travelling long distances to minister to his flock. “This shows his love and care for the Church. He is indeed the successor of Peter,” she said.
Lee also noted that the organisation of the papal visit demonstrated the significance of collaboration and solidarity in a cosmopolitan city such as Singapore with diverse nationalities. This aligns with the central message of the Mass: “In Christ, we are united, and we hold the same hope,” she said.
Josephine Wai, another delegate, expressed her deep emotions after witnessing hundreds of priests in white vestments entering the stadium. The unity of tens of thousands of people from different cities and countries gave her a profound sense of the “one and holy” Church.
She expressed appreciation for the collaborative efforts of volunteers from various nationalities who devoted countless hours to rehearsing for the Mass. She emphasised the unity that was forged as a testament to the shared faith and brotherhood among members of the Christian family. “The coming together of people from different backgrounds in such a harmonious way is a powerful reminder of our common bond as one family in faith,” she remarked.
During Pope Francis’s final blessing, as the sun set, she could sense God’s magnificence and his affection for each person there.
The members of the 40-strong Hong Kong delegation who attended the September 11 to 13 papal visit to Singapore were deeply moved by the Mass celebrated at the National Stadium. They were inspired by the powerful display of unity within the universal Catholic Church
The delegation arrived at the National Stadium at 12:30pm, where they spent two hours waiting outside going through security checks before the Mass.
Colin Choi remembered seeing a long line of people waiting outside the venue when they arrived, with many of them wearing the yellow and white souvenir T-shirts for the papal Mass.
He said that despite the high temperature and their perspiration as they waited, they felt enthusiastic about participating in the Mass with people from around the world.
On September 13, the delegation attended a Mass at the Church of St. Mary of the Angels celebrated by Bishop Ha and Jesuit Father Jerome Leon. They were also welcomed by the parish priest, Franciscan Friar Michael D’Cruz.
When they first arrived in Singapore on September 11, the delegation visited the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd and the Church of Ss. Peter and Paul, where the local communities warmly welcomed them.
