Singapore’s Cardinal Goh wishes to retire gracefully

Singapore’s Cardinal William Goh Seng Chye wishes to retire gracefully.

On June 25, he turned 66.

Recently (on July 23), on a social media post, he said that he is looking forward to his retirement in a few years.

According to Catholic Church law, upon reaching 75 years of age, a prelate must submit a resignation letter to the pope.

The following is a reflection from his heart:

I am 66 years old this year, and I work and live among people of my age and those who are older as well. At the same time, I am very much in touch with the younger generation and their aspirations. In the process, I have come to realize that the expectations and lifestyle of the young are quite different from those of the older generation. As an elder, I am always mindful not to impose my views on young people who might not see things the way that I do. I believe that they should be given the leeway to manage the situations and challenges that come their way. No doubt we may have the benefit of experience to back our perspectives and ways of doing things, but circumstances and life have changed. At any rate, we figure things out and learn along the way too. We must have confidence in them and allow them to try, take risks, and make mistakes along the way. That is how they can build their character, too.

As we reach our twilight years, we need to prepare ourselves psychologically to hand over the baton to the next generation. We must be ready to let go of positions, our authority, and our privileges and allow the next generation to step up. Move from a position of authority to that of a servant, a mentor, and an adviser. Step aside and allow them to explore and grow so that they can take ownership of the mission and become key contributors to the community. Do not be a hindrance to the flourishing of our young people. We must be generous in allowing them to rise up and be humble enough to take a back seat.

Offer advice only when asked. Don’t make demands on them. Otherwise, they will love us under obligation, and that becomes a duty. They will be resentful of us, and the relationship will become a burden to them.

Our lives will be more meaningful if we reach out to help, care for, and serve the less fortunate at our own pace and according to our abilities. Of course, it would be good to have some new hobbies and do what we enjoy with our friends. It would be helpful to join church groups or form faith communities so that we can share, pray, and support each other.

Finally, as we age, we should live a quieter and simpler life and avoid the limelight. We should spend more time in contemplation, gratitude, thanksgiving, and prayer as we prepare to meet the Lord. We should ask the Lord for forgiveness for all our failings in life and seek reconciliation and forgiveness with those whom we have hurt. We must gradually divest ourselves of our attachment to this life, money, things, glory, status, and even friends whom we love because parting is a part of life. We cannot bring them with us when we depart from this world. So that when the time comes for us to return to the Lord, we are ready to let go completely because the life ahead of us is even more glorious and complete when we are in God. This is how I would like to live my golden years when I retire from the office.

The cardinal was born on June 25, 1957, and was ordained a priest on May 1, 1985. On December 29, 2012, he was appointed Coadjutor Archbishop of Singapore, and On May 20, 2013, he succeeded as Archbishop of Singapore. He was elevated to Cardinal on August 27, 2022.