A PAPAL EXPERIENCE OF LOVE, HOPE AND UNITY
A PAPAL EXPERIENCE OF LOVE, HOPE AND UNITY
From Staff and Volunteers
CHARIS and Member Organisations
The visit of Pope Francis to Singapore was more than a historic event — it was a spiritual encounter that stirred hearts, strengthened faith, and united the Church as one Body of Christ. Staff and volunteers from CHARIS and its member organisations shared moments that will remain etched in their hearts for years to come.
A Reminder of Childlike Faith, Pauleen (Staff)
When Pope Francis entered the stadium and made his way around the grounds, something beautiful unfolded. He welcomed little children to come up to him, offering them small gifts and blessings. In that tender gesture, the Gospel came alive: “Let the little children come to me.”
For Pauleen, it was a powerful reminder that the key to God’s Kingdom lies in childlike humility — a heart that trusts, receives, and loves without reservation.
Serving at the Altar: A Special Grace, Steven & Maureen Tan
(Focolare Movement)
For Steven and Maureen, the Papal Mass was a profound privilege. Serving as Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion during the Eucharistic celebration presided over by the Holy Father was, in their words, “a special grace.”
They shared that they could almost feel the Holy Spirit hovering above the stadium as tens of thousands worshipped together in unity. The Church in Singapore truly felt alive — one Body, one Spirit, gathered around Christ.
They were deeply inspired by Pope Francis’ energetic message of Love, Unity, and Hope. Yet what touched them most was his fatherly tenderness — smiling warmly as he embraced babies and blessed little children. In those simple acts, the heart of a shepherd was revealed.
A Humbling Act of Service, Ryan (Staff)
For Ryan, volunteering at the event was a humbling and transformative experience. Amidst the logistical demands and responsibilities, what moved him most was the gratitude expressed by fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.
In that moment, he felt something deeper than appreciation — he felt unity. A shared love. A communion of hearts. It was a reminder that service within the Church is not about recognition, but about love freely given and received.
One Body, One Spirit, Anthony (Volunteer, Canossian Daughters of Charity)
For Anthony, attending the Papal Mass was a first — witnessing in person a Eucharistic celebration presided over by the Vicar of Christ, surrounded by tens of thousands of Singapore Catholics.
He described feeling humbled and in awe, yet deeply proud to belong to the one Body and Spirit of Christ in the one true Catholic and Apostolic Church. The experience strengthened his sense of identity and belonging within the universal Church.
The Papal Visit was not simply about seeing the Holy Father. It was about encountering Christ — in the Eucharist, in one another, and in the unity of the Church gathered in faith.
It was a day of joy.
A day of communion.
A day that reminded us that we are never alone — we are one family, united in Love, called to bring Hope to the world.