A project to reach out to those who have left the Church. The association was founded in 2007 and this year launched a program of monthly meetings. Priest in Singapore, "God, an old father, waiting at the gate for his son to come back ".

Singapore (AsiaNews) - "An old father, waiting at the gate for his son to come back." This is how Fr. Gregoire Van Giang, in his introductory speech, speaks to participants by encouraging them in their journey of rediscovery of the faith they had long abandoned for various reasons. The Singapore priest is part of an outreach organization called "Landings". The focal point of the meetings are the testimonies of people who, thanks to a similar journey have returned to the faith and are now active members of the Church after a period of absence.

"It's really good. I like the fact that they don't push us to come back" Richard Pillai, 52, to the diocesan magazine Catholic News after attending an event held by Landings. About 50 participants attended the Landings-Returned! session held at the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour on Aug 16. "They respect our feelings and we have time to think before making a choice" he adds. 

There are many, and different, stories from those who have lost faith and were able to rediscover it through their encounter with "Landings". Among these, Marcus Wong who shared that it was a painful experience that made him drift away from church - the ending of his eight-year relationship with his girlfriend. "I could not see any light in the darkness," he said. However, since finding out about Landings in 2013, he has come back to church. Now he is a Landings volunteer, helping fellow Catholics who have been away from church return to it.
.Or the story of David Chong, who became a Catholic in 2004, for selfish reasons; in his fleeing from the faith, in difficulties and trials he has found friends and family who encouraged him, so he eventually understood that "God was throwing me an anchor to cling to and to strengthen my faith ...". Or Constance Nonis, who returned to the church after nearly 30 years.

"Landings" was established in 2007 and launched  its outreach program to lapsed Catholics in Singapore in January this year. The last meeting sponsored by the volunteers was held on September 8 last in the parish of Our Lady of the Mutual Succor; the next meeting is scheduled for October 7th at the Church of the Holy Spirit and the Blessed Sacrament. For those who want more information, please send an email to: returning@landings.org.sg .

In Singapore Catholics number more than 200,000, or about 5 per cent of the total population. Buddhism has the largest following with 33 per cent, followed by Christianity with 18 per cent, Islam with 15 per cent, and Taoism and Hinduism with 11 and 5 per cent respectively.  The local church is going through a phase of growth and dynamism illustrated by the opening of a theological seminary, a real "milestone" for the local community.

 

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