CJC unites in hope for the Interreligious Youth with Pope Francis

Catholic Junior College is privileged to be the host venue for the Interreligious Youth with Pope Francis organised by the Ministry of Community, Culture and Youth and the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore, to be attended by youths from various institutions and of different faiths, on 13 September.

In the preparation for this encounter, students from Catholic Junior College (CJC) were encouraged to reflect on their roles as champions of interreligious harmony, building unity and hope in solidarity with others outside their own religion. Students and staff held discussions to share their views, folded doves and wrote their pledge of commitment to interreligious harmony as part of an art installation.

Teachers facilitating a discussion on interreligious issues amongst CJCians

Commenting on the discussions, Noor Aaliyah Ford, a Muslim student, said that it was a platform for her to delve deeper into her faith and challenge herself to find out why she believes in her faith so much. She added that in a multi-religious and multi-cultural society like Singapore’s, it is important to have a sense of respect when interacting with each other.

Student emcees introducing the communal batik art piece to the college. From left to right: Noor Aaliyah Ford, Sophie O’Hara, Hayley Adelyna Binte Haslizal

Kavenesh Manivannan, a Hindu student, shared that “it is a great opportunity to learn from various viewpoints and connect with people from different faiths. Events like these can help build understanding and respect, which are crucial for promoting harmony.” He added that the communal batik piece and the art installation ‘Wings of Unity and Hope’ created by CJCians will show the Pope our commitment towards unity and “it is an important part that the Singaporean youth will play in building a future that is grounded in peace and mutual respect.”

Students pinning the folded doves and putting up the art installation

The final art installation with an exhibition on the major religions in Singapore

Ng Pei Ling, a Buddhist and one of the students who put up the dove installation artwork, said that she would “engage in respectful dialogue with peoples of different faiths, participate in interreligious events in school, and encourage understanding within my family and community.” She hopes to build stronger and more inclusive relationships through dialogue and collaboration.

The CJ Community came together to paint a batik art piece depicting the major religions in Singapore. His Holiness, Pope Francis, will paint the final strokes with four students from Catholic Junior College and two others from St Anthony’s Canossian Secondary School during the interreligious youth meeting with Pope Francis on 13 September. Mrs Woo Soo Min, Principal, CJC, noted that the journey of preparation has been a humbling experience of “encountering one’s own faith and understanding of others’.”

From left to right: Isaac Tan, Mr Tan Jek Suan (VP Student Devt), Rev Fr Shaun Lim, Rev Fr Justin Yip (College Chaplain), Mrs Woo Soo Min (Principal, CJC), Mrs Poon Wai Chin (VP Academic), staff and students

Jeremiah Ng, a Catholic student, said that “with all the anticipation and curiosity, I would like to see what Pope Francis has to say about the state of the world's inter-religious harmony and how I can promote such harmony in action and thought in school and the world.”

Students taking turns to paint the batik art piece

Teachers and staff joining in to paint the communal batik art piece

The almost complete batik art piece, awaiting the final strokes from His Holiness

Echoing the thoughts of many, Isaac Tan, a student who professes a belief in Taoism, said that “contributing to the batik painting allows me to contribute to something much larger. It is an honour to be part of something that not only celebrates our differences but also brings us together in a shared vision of peace and humanity.”

In Veritate et Caritate