In one word, how are you feeling about the papal visit?
Pearl: EXCITED! I am feeling very excited to welcome the Holy Father to Singapore and to be part of the team that will be assisting with the pre-Mass segments. (Pearl)
Valerie: I am very excited and hopeful for the Papal visit. The prospect of such a large assembly of the faithful is not just exciting on a personal level, but it also highlights the strength and unity of the Catholic community in Singapore. It's a chance for us to collectively reaffirm our faith and feel connected to the global Catholic Church in a tangible way. It makes me feel grateful also because we went to Vatican for Holy week during UNIV and got a chance to see him, and now His Holiness is coming to Singapore. What a privilege it is for us. I'm also looking forward to the spiritual uplift this visit will bring, as well as the potential for it to foster greater understanding and dialogue within our multi-religious society like Singapore. The Pope's messages of peace, compassion, and unity are relevant to all, regardless of faith, and I hope his visit will have a positive impact on our entire nation.
Keith: I'm feeling excited! Excited to see the Holy Father, excited to see the Church in Singapore come alive to welcome him, and excited to witness the faith of our people and our growth in love for Christ and his Church!
What inspired you to serve?
Annabelle: It’s not every day that the Vicar of Christ visits your shores and the Church parishes can unite in celebration. I decided to serve as a means of both celebration and worship. It is a blessing to bring the Body of Christ to my fellow brothers and sisters beyond my own parish in Singapore.
Pearl: I attended the World Youth Day in Lisbon last year in 2023, but did not get the chance to see Papa face to face because of the big crowds. I really wanted to serve at this Papal Mass for this once in a lifetime opportunity to see Papa in my homeland, here in Singapore.
John Seow: We are all called to love and support our spiritual father on earth in love for our Lord Jesus Christ as Roman Catholics; we do this mostly spiritually through prayer and mortification. So to be offered this opportunity to do so in person is nothing but a great honour and privilege to fulfil my filial duty as a son of Mother Church, one that I cannot refuse.
Nicolette: I desire to meaningfully participate and contribute to Papal Visit. What excites me is the solidarity of fellow Catholics and also non-Catholics coming together to prepare for the visit.
What is one prayer intention you are bringing to the papal Mass?
Annabelle: For the unification of the global Church. I have many friends who have strayed from the Catholic faith in various ways, my hope is that we can honour one of Christ’s last wishes for His Church that we may be as one.
Pearl: My prayer intention for this papal Mass is to be able to find better integration in my work life and spiritual life as a new working adult.
Keith: For a deeper love for Christ and his Church!
What would you tell the Pope, if you had a chance to meet him?
Annabelle: I think I’d be loss for words and may only wish to hold his hand.
John: Papa I love you and I want to thank you for your love! The times are not easy to navigate, and how great a war the devil is waging against you our shepherd! But I pray that you may always be comforted, enlightened and strengthened to fulfil God's will and be our light of unity! Know that your children are praying with you and we love you!
Interviews with in-person and virtual attendees.
What is your one takeaway from the papal visit?
Matthew: I think the Mass was very inspirational because a lot of people waited for a long time, taking time from their day to go see the Pope. They were all there with the goal of deepening their faith and to love better. All the various organisations and communities also took a lot of their time and effort to come up with creative ways to welcome him to our country and to make sure everything went smoothly.
Agatha: Joy! even amid trials and tribulations.
Ashford: My one takeaway from the papal Mass is the love that the Holy Father has for his flock. Although he is already 87 years old, he still chose to fly all the way to Singapore to shepherd his flock and bless us. It was truly inspiring to be in the presence of a man who has given his entire life in service of others and with so much joy and love.
Is there any particular word, phrase, or experience that inspired you during the visit?
Joanne: One phrase that inspired me deeply during the papal visit was said during Pope Francis’s homily. He said, “Nothing lasting is born or grows without love.” This quote was particularly striking to me, as it reminded me deeply about the eternal covenant Christ established with us when He gave the utmost sacrifice on the cross.
Charmaine: The word would have to be “love.” It came from the homily: “Without love, we are nothing.” In this I continue to ponder on the great mystery of Christ's love for us, from leaving behind his Church for us, giving up his Body and Blood at every Mass, and even in calling all of us to be present yesterday.
Teresita: It was touching to see so many people enjoying and celebrating the Mass together. It was my first time seeing so many people like that. Words cannot describe how happy I was to be able to be part of this celebration, especially to see the Pope after 60 years of my life. it was only a dream of mine and I never knew I would actually see him in my lifetime, and to celebrate Mass with so many people!
Ashford: The word that inspired me was revival. To see so many people brave the long queues and heat to catch a glimpse of our Holy Father was a testament that God is doing a new thing in his Church!