Pastoral Letter of Archbishop Nicholas Chia

To all Catholic teenagers in Catholic schools and parishes in Singapore

My dear young people,

Greetings from your archbishop!

I am specially addressing this pastoral letter to you because I wish to challenge you to make a radical choice of faith for Jesus.

From June 7 to 11, the Youth Ministry Office will be organizing a Youth Week in the Archdiocese. The week will culminate with the Eucharistic Congress celebrated at the Indoor Stadium on June 13. I invite you to participate in these events.

The Holy Father Pope John Paul II has referred to young people as a special gift of the Spirit of God to the Church and, indeed, you are.

When I think of you, I am filled with hope because you possess the know-how to offer new ways to carry the message of Christ to the world at the dawn of this new millennium. Yet, to carry His message is very demanding. It requires you to encounter Him, accept His message and also to bear the mark of the Cross.

The World Youth Day theme chosen by the Pope this year is “We wish to see Jesus” (John 12:21). In choosing this theme, the Pope is urging us to have a deeper relationship with Jesus. Allow yourselves to encounter the living Christ for in Him, you will find true freedom. Jesus is the supreme friend and the teacher of true friendship. I urge you, my young people, to come to Him. Fix your eyes on Him and do as He tells you.

Today’s gospel recounts the story of how Jesus appeared to his apostles after he had risen from the dead. Thomas, who was absent during Jesus’ appearance, did not believe the apostles when they told him “We have seen the Lord” (John 20:25). My young people, cast away your doubts and skepticism. Believe in the countless stories of how lives have been touched and changed by the Risen Christ. He can change your lives too. Choose Jesus above all.

I look forward to meeting you at the Eucharistic Congress when together we shall encounter Christ in the Eucharist. My prayer is that in union with Christ in the Eucharist, you will bring Him wherever you go. Share your encounters of Him with your friends and spread His message of Love. The Mass continues in our daily lives.

Your archbishop,
Nicholas Chia †

From the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd
On the Second Sunday of Easter, 18th April 2004