Holy Father’s visit to Singapore was God’s presence, says Cardinal William Goh

“His presence on our island reminds us of God’s presence in our midst,” said Goh in a social media post on September 18. 

“The papal visit has concluded, and we are now back to our daily routine.  We take a moment to thank His Holiness, Pope Francis, for visiting us in Singapore and reigniting our faith despite our small population of just over 395,000 Catholics,” the cardinal said.

Pope Francis was in Singapore from 11 to 13 September, after visiting Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and East Timor. 

“I have witnessed the mercy, compassion, and goodness of Christ the Good Shepherd, through the Holy Father’s interactions with the faithful,” the cardinal said.

“His humility, gentleness, and care were most moving. So many of you were drawn to him and desired a blessing by the Vicar of Christ. This moved my heart so greatly, to see your desire for God, expressed through a desire for an encounter with the Holy Father.”

The Pope's visit to Singapore has unified not just the local Church, but all of humanity, noted the archbishop. 

The apostolic visit “has inspired us to persevere in championing for the weak, marginalised, poor, and voiceless, and reminds us to be inclusive in our relationships with others, making the Church a place where everyone is welcomed, especially sinners who fail to live up to the Gospel life.”

Through the pontiff’s compassion and understanding, he has inspired Catholics as a Church to show God’s mercy and love to others.  “We are reminded that we are called to be a Church of the poor, for the poor,” the cardinal said. 

Organizing for the pope’s visit “would not have been possible without the many lay volunteers and staff who dedicated their time and energy to this event. Some of them did not even have the opportunity to be present at the events themselves, because they were busy serving,” said Goh, adding, “Without their contributions and sacrifice, the event would not have been possible, much less one that was organized so seamlessly.

“We pray that the momentous occasion of Pope Francis’ coming and celebration of the Holy Eucharist with us will not simply be a sentimental experience but deepen our bonds of unity as we heed his call to walk the path of synodality and dialogue and be one in communion in mission,” he added.

“Only then can the Church bring hope to humanity and be Christ’s beacon of love and mercy, compassion and justice, and inclusivity,” the cardinal noted.