by Jeremy Lim

In the small city-state, the Church celebrated the end of the Year for Priests with Mass, Adoration and prayers for vocations. But many questions remain about the real meaning of the Year for the Priests for laity and about how the call to Christ may be an occasion of conversion for all.

Singapore (AsiaNews) - In Singapore the Year for Priests, proclaimed by Benedict XVI in 2009 and ending June 19 last, was celebrated with masses, adoration and prayers for vocations. Still, not everyone is aware of the great impact this event has had on their spiritual life. AsiaNews asked religious and laity of the small city-state, home to about 170 thousand Catholics, to recount their experiences as Christians in this year.

"The Year for Priests - said Msgr. Nicholas Chia, Archbishop of Singapore - is a reminder for all priests to serve others in imitation of Christ who came to serve and not be served”. The prelate said that the Pope's message is addressed to all Christians not only to the priests. "All the faithful - he says – are to help and also make efforts to promote priestly vocations, to enrich the priesthood with their love, respect, support and collaboration in building the Kingdom of God." According to Mgr. Chia the prayers of the laity are vital to give support to priests and encourage young men to give their lives to God

Most of the interviewees, confirmthe words of the archbishop. But some have not fully grasped the importance of this event and reveal many questions and doubts.

40 year old Catholic Karen Singarayar says "I prayed for vocations, this year, but despite this commitment, I am not very familiar with the religious men of my parish."

Immanuel Lin, a young 26 year old, instead attended the prayer vigil for priests in the Catholic Spirituality Centre. "It was very meaningful - he says - but more attention needs to be paid to what the year has meant for the laity." "We - he adds - can pray for priests, but do we really need to do it for a whole year? Most Christians are mostly lay people. "

For Angela Lee, a woman of 60, the year made it seem vocation is only for priests and religious. "It is just as important - she said – to recognize that every Catholic has a vocation. We all have a duty to find our vocation. "

Another topic is the fall in vocations which for years struck the Church in Singapore.

Fr. Colin Tan, head of novitiate in the Jesuit order, says: "The Year of the priest also serves to remind parents that the call to the priesthood comes from Christ - fathers and mothers should not impede this path." For the priest as the Church promotes vocations, we must have confidence that the recipient will answer the call. “Christ himself will make this call. "

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