Holy Father Pope Francis in Singapore. 2024

It was divine. It was when the confirmation of our Holy Father Pope Francis’ visit to our little island came earlier this year.

On 12th September 2024, Pope Francis presided over the papal mass at the National Stadium for all the faithful.

There were indeed, lots of preparations, connections and support needed to make it all happen.

My eldest son, Francis, had the honour to welcome and greet the Pope on the day of his arrival, 11th Sep, at the VIP Complex of Changi Airport. Francis represented the Chinese whereas his three schoolmates who were also present, greeted him in their mother tongues - Malay, English, and Tamil. Before that, they did a little dance to the song “Singapore Town”.

On a fine day about a month before Pope’s arrival, I received a call from Francis’ primary school and was asked to attend a close-door meeting. That meeting, was when I knew Francis and the other 3 schoolmates were selected to first greet Pope on 11th Sep. For security and safety measures, the news had to be kept secret till much nearer to the date of Pope’s visit.

Anthony was also blessed to be selected to attend the papal mass with his schoolmates.

Many of us were touched, tearing up, praying and thanking God for such a divine experience. It was, certainly, divine.

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Papal Mass, Singapore National Stadium ~ September 2024

Beautiful illustration of our Lord Jesus washing His disciple’s feet
(John 13:1-5) on the big screen during the Chaplet of Divine Mercy

11th September ~ Moments of anticipation at the airport’s VIP Complex, where the children representing the four races of Singapore prepared and waited for Pontiff’s arrival.

Photo I: (from left) Mr Alex Yam (Francis’ daddy, who was also part of the receiving party), Mstr Oliver Clark Chue, Mstr Francis Alexander Yam, Ms Adona Guadalin Muthuraj, Ms Nur Adriana bte Razali

Photo II: (adults, from left) Msgr. Marinko Antolovic, Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Marek Zalewski, Mr Alex Yam

Photo III: Mr Edwin Tong, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, speaking with the children

Photos credits: Mrs Tan (Principal of CCPS), Ms Joslyn (Teacher of CCPS), Mrs Ethel Koh (Teacher of CCPS), Mr Alex Yam

Extracted clip from live stream by VATICAN NEWS
the children danced to the song “Singapore Town” to welcome Pope Francis & greeted in their mother-tongues
~ 11 September 2024

Video credit: VATICAN NEWS

The children received blessings from the Holy Father after their welcome dance and greetings. Photo taken live at VIP complex, Changi Airport.

*Photo credit: Mrs Tan (Principal) / Ms Joslyn (Teacher), CCPS*

Moments before mass and during the recessional. As it is for all masses, our hearts & souls are fully present for our Lord in the celebration of the Eucharist, as such I didn’t capture moments in between.