Dominic: Father, to start off, could you walk us through your journey to the Priesthood. Tell us a little about your Call and how you responded.
Fr. Val: I was working in the hotel industry for about eight-and-a-half years prior to joining the seminary. My last appointment as Senior Sales Manager was with the Westin Hotel in Shanghai from 1995-1996. It was there, in Shanghai, China that I responded to my Call.
What stirred me, I believe, was witnessing the plight of the poor around me. I could say that I did have thoughts about the Priesthood whilst in JC, but I never really considered it seriously. Let’s just say I gave it somewhat of a passing thought. But I had been enquiring and corresponding with a few religious orders.
I got involved with the Church in Shanghai and it was during my times of prayer in China that it dawned on me: I had been running away from the call. In hindsight, I realize that I even left Singapore to get away from it.
Dominic: But God had other plans…Father Val, you just got ordained a few months ago. What is life as a priest like?
Fr. Val: Very hectic! I realize that my time is not my own: it belongs to others. Every day is different and there’s never a dull moment. Although I’m barely three months old as a priest, I’ve already encountered lots of challenges. Let me give you an example: on only my 5 th day as a priest, I celebrated FIVE sacraments during the time span of less than 24 hours! Someone was dying at the hospital and had asked for Baptism, Conformations and the Anointing of the Sick. I returned home and found someone desperately looking for a priest to confess his sins. I then came over to NUS to celebrate Friday Mass and later went to another parish for Evening Mass.
Dominic: What would you say are the greatest joys and the hardest trials of being a priest?
Fr. Val: Joy… Seeing a couple holding hands once more after a counseling session with one of them regarding a strained relationship. It is also satisfying enlightening some of the youth with regards to their faith.
Trials….having to deal with the ‘politics’ in Church – amongst parishioners, groups and sometimes with various priests!
Dominic: I’m sure there are many out there wondering where their lives should be headed. What advice do you have for youth concerning their vocation – be it to the Priesthood, or just discerning what God’s will is in their daily life?
Fr. Val: Find a spiritual director with whom you can speak to and open up your heart to. Share your thoughts with Catholic friends who are close to you and ask them for their opinion about the possibility of seeing you as a priest.
Attend discernment workshops, vocation camps and retreats. Correspond with various religious congregations to find out about their charisms. Seek the Lord’s guidance and ask Him to reveal His will for you in life.
Pray, pray, pray!
Dominic: Remaining on the topic of youth, what are your thoughts on the Catholic Youth – in Singapore, and more specifically in NUS and CSS? How does CSS measure up as a Catholic Youth community? Where should CSS be heading?
Fr. Val : Well, I’ve observed a wide range of youth, from the nonchalant to the very vibrant…There are those who go to Mass because they have to. These are people who don’t really understand or appreciate their faith. There are also those who are very active in their parishes: peer leaders and members of the various church groups. And then there are those in between. So it’s impossible to generalize.
With regards to CSS: it’s a bit too early to comment isn’t it? But I think CSS is a wonderful sign to the larger non-Christian world on campus. We can do more to evangelize, barring, of course, school commitments. I must note however, that I can really sense the spirit of fellowship during the Friday Masses.
Dominic: How do you suggest we set about answering Archbishop Chia’s exhortation to be a light on campus?
Fr. Val: I feel we need to put in a greater effort into evangelization. Besides the Legion of Mary which does contact work, I am not sure if there are any other ministries within CSS that carry out evangelization. It seems rather insular…I know there is the Catholic Awareness Week…but what about making the Faith and CSS’ presence felt throughout the year?
I would encourage you to press ahead with the FCG meetings (though I’ve not been able to attend one myself since meeting timings clash with other parish commitments). Lead by example: having meals together in the canteen (which I know some of you are doing), building communities and bonding together, and of course, always invite and include non-believers.
For those living in halls: use your time there to spread His Love and Word to your hall mates. You never know…friendships fostered now will certainly lead others to Him in Years to come.
For your personal spirituality, try to find some silent time in between classes to reflect and pray. There are many quiet spots available in areas surrounding Kent Ridge. Try to allow the Lord to speak to you in the course of the day. And of course, you are most welcome to Holy Cross Church to pray, spend some time before our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament…and meet me!
Dominic: Dear Father, as we conclude this interview, I’d like to ask you to give us a blessing!
Fr. Val: May the Good Lord Bless and lead you young people to a higher level of faith on campus. May he bring you to a greater awareness of your duty and responsibility to be the salt and light to the other students and staff around you. God Bless!
