Singapore’s first local archbishop dies at 86

Singapore archbishop Emeritus Nicholas Chia died at the age of 86 on December 17.

Incumbent Archbishop William Goh publicly announced his death in a Facebook post, stating that he “passed away peacefully.”

According to the website of the Archdiocese of Singapore, his Requiem Mass is scheduled on December 21 at 2:00 in the afternoon.

The cremation of his remains will follow shortly after at Mandai Crematorium Hall 1.

Archbishop Emeritus Chia was the first Singapore-born clergy to be appointed as Archbishop of Singapore, a position he held from October 7, 2001, until his retirement on May 18, 2013.

In February 2014, he suffered head injuries and a blood clot after a fall at Punggol Park.

After months in the hospital, he was transferred to St Theresa’s Home where he resided until his death.

Archbishop Emeritus Chia was born on April 8, 1938, and ordained a priest in January 1964.

He was known as the “people’s priest” for his emphasis on being a leader “who knows the way, shows the way, and goes the way.”

“He acknowledged the heavy responsibilities and enormity of the challenge ahead, and signaled his intention to seek the help of many collaborators – both priests and laity with their varied talents – who would help him develop a strategy to improve the Church and keep up with the times,” the Archdiocese of Singapore described him in their website.

Archbishop Emeritus Chia led the opening of the Catholic Spirituality Centre in his hometown Hougang in 2004 to support the spiritual needs of the laity.

He also set up the Professional Standards Office (PSO) in 2011 to “guide the professionalism of clergy and Church workers, including volunteers, especially those dealing with children.”

Furthermore, his tenure as archbishop saw the establishment of Caritas Singapore in 2006 and Caritas Humanitarian Aid & Relief Initiatives - Singapore (CHARIS) in 2010.