LIVING WITH PASSION IN MY HEART!

Two weeks of 2012 has already passed by. It is 2.00 a.m. Saturday as I sit here  thinking of all the things I want to do besides the work I already have. Often i get asked by friends, "Don't you think it is long enough serving in India? Is it not time to come back to your own life back home?"   It is something I really thought about in great depth since November 2010 in my mind. However, my heart reigns supreme - I still feel strongly God's call to serve here.

I believe that I need to understand and know the "pulse"  of society so that whatever I do, it is truly reaching out to a need others have for their spiritual and faith journey. It is easy to live in a cocoon here in this retreat centre. In fact, it is also easy for those of us serving here to fall into a trap where we think we know what is needed because thousands of people come to our retreat centre each week. Having spent years observing and listening to people who come here, I am even more convinced - to reach out like Jesus did to everyone He met, we cannot be satisfied only reaching to those who have come here to attend a retreat and whose lives have been touched. How do we help them to  remain close to God when they return to their homes all over the world? What about the millions who have not heard of this Centre or the mission's international outreach ministry or of Divine TV - the 24-hour Catholic Gospel Channel that is also available online across the world? From the thousands of emails that come in, one thing is clear...there are many people who feel lonely, desperate, in despair and fear and have many worries - they NEED to know of Christ's Message of Love, Hope & Peace and know they are not alone. God is with them! What drives me is  - "What can I do to help them know?" 

There has been a burning question in my heart from the very first time I came to attend a retreat in Divine in 1998 - "Why does the world not know this place - Divine Retreat Centre? Why don't Catholics know if it is the largest Catholic retreat centre in the world?"  I too was totally clueless about this retreat centre. My elder sister had passed away suddenly the year before. All I remembered was my Mum asking me a few years earlier that there was this place in Kerala, India that some church friends of hers had mentioned was a really powerful Prayer Centre and she wanted to go there. Yet out of the blue one day, for some reason, it came back to my mind as I was driving, and I asked my Mum. To say that she was speechless is an understatement! She looked shocked because she only mentioned it once when I was working for an airline in Hong Kong a few years back. Well, God works in mysterious way and as God says, "I alone know  the plan I have for you..." (Jeremiah 29:11)

This one question remains burning in my heart even till today. Now I know even more deeply how much this mission is touching and transforming lives, uniting families and giving youth and adults alike a firm purpose in life - to live joyfully for Christ! The charitable works of Divine Trust to care for 3000 of the most marginalized, sick and abandoned members of society has truly captured my heart. Whenever I go to any of these homes, my heart is filled with thankfulness that the Vincentian Fathers here have the courage and the love to  provide a loving home and refuge for all of them. One only has to be in India to know in what state of abject poverty and rejection they would otherwise face in their communities. I have never seen poverty as what I have experienced in India. It is mind-shattering.  I can never go back to the days that I just would enter shopping centres or a hotel each week and not blink an eye spending a few hundred dollars in just a couple of hours. Yet here, with  just S$100 a month,  we could feed and look after an orphan, an AIDs patient, a mentally iil patient or a terminally ill aged person! 

That is what drives my passion till today. I know that help is within reach for those who have plenty to just stop a moment and give a little to those who have nothing. One would not even miss the S$100 as we spend it on frivolous things. Yet here, the S$100 makes a difference between a loving life or a miserable death. With internet banking, there is no difficult steps to reach out to help. Yet, we often get caught up in the world. I know many friends who have very good intentions but they get caught up with their careers, their fitness regimes, social networking and even church activities - they forget that the poor cannot just wait for the season of goodwill - Christmas - to be remembered!   As St. James asked, "What good  is there in your saying to them, 'God bless you! Keep warm and eat well!'- if you don't give them the necessities of life?" (James 2:16)

This is a commitment not just to those who are working in the outside world. It is also what is expected of every one of us who serve in ministry. I do not believe there is anywhere in the bible where Christ exempted Himself. His followers shared everything -  "The group of believers was one in mind and heart. No one said that any of his belongings was his own, but they all shared with one another everything they had." (Acts 5:32). It is not enough to preach and sing for God - that is a gift of the Holy Spirit  totally unmerited that our Lord gives to a person. What we are returning to God  should be the "Fruit of the Holy Spirit" - "Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility and self-control" (Galatians 5: 22-23)  

Caring for the poor is not an option - it is our Christian call. If our church or mission runs charitable homes or activities, do  we know specific information about it, have we seen regularly  the works  first-hand so that we can  openly share the financial needs of these Homes or charitable activities with other friends to help? Most people are kind-hearted. If they know a worthy cause, they will help regardless of race or religion. All of us belong to the human race. We need to dare to speak up and bring the change! 

We cannot leave it to just something we do once a year to make ourselves feel good - that we remembered the poor! We are supposed to offer one-tenth of all we have to God - it is not just about our monthly salary and bonuses; we can offer our time, our skills, our talents, our network of friends - to make a CHRISTIAN difference in the world. As this year starts, perhaps it is a good time to really reflect how we can help others.                                 

The trouble with most of us is we think we should not interfere but just do our own "giving" quietly. I fully agree that we should give quietly - not expecting partiality or any special treatment (which should not be encouraged either!). But we must remember what St. Paul wrote to St. Timothy: "Command those who are rich in the things in life not to be proud, but to place their hope, not in riches, but in God, who generously gives us everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and share with others. ( 1 Timothy 6:17-18)

I found the YouTube video below very uplifting and challenging - "INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES BY FAMOUS PEOPLE ". May it speak to your hearts too!

"My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together."

Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu

"The Future Starts TODAY, Not Tomorrow" - Pope John Paul II

I wonder how many of us still make personal New Year resolutions. However, as the years resolutely marches on, I find that many of my friends and I are no longer focussed on "ME" as we were in our younger days but on what we can contribute to our world. 

MAHATMA GANDHI

I have always been inspired by Mahatma Gandhi's well-known  quote - "We must become the change we want to see in the world."  After all, what is the point of sitting around being pessimistic, blaming others and doing nothing ourselves? I have always felt strongly when I hear people say this - it just seems such a negative perspective towards a life we can choose to live to the full! Well, I have been blessed because I have friends and met people who are passionately doing their best to make our world a better place. They may not be world renowned  nor will they become well-known. What really matters is that they have responded fully to God's Call for their life's mission.

One thing I have personally learnt and heard from friends - for those who are faithful to their mission - regardless of trials and tribulations that come their way, they find an inner strength and  perseverance that our Lord gives them to carry on and they are more joyful people. What they have often shared is that it is in these times that they felt Jesus so close to them - and they feel His Infinite Love & Peace. That is exactly  what St. Paul shared so articulately in the following bible verses:

"Three times I prayed to the Lord about this and asked him to take it away. But his answer was:"My grace is all you need, for my power is greatest when you are weak." I am most happy, then, to be proud of my weaknesses, in order to feel the protection of Christ's power over me. I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and difficulties for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

(2 Corinthians 12:8-10)

BLESSED MOTHER TERESA

My prayer this New Year is that each of us will be Christ's Light to the world. Our faith and our commitment to God should not be part-time or to be one that we take a break from. It should be a "burning fire of love" within us - a love and commitment to Jesus we will NEVER put aside! Let us live as Blessed Mother Teresa, who said with holy wisdom, "I do not pray for success. I ask for faithfulness." This should be the prayer of our hearts. 

I would like to share a YouTube music video I prepared as a little New Year gift to all my friends  - of a song that ALWAYS perks up my spirit and revitalizes my passion - "Go Light Your World" sung by Chris Rice. I have also included pictures of past New Year memories here in Divine and of some special retreats.

Let us heed the call of Pope John Paul II of blessed memory:-

"The future starts TODAY, not tomorrow."

Have A Blessed & Glorious New Year 2012...

THE HAPPIEST BIRTHDAY ON EARTH!

The largest Christmas star in our retreat centre - outside the building I live in!

It's 6 days to Christmas Eve and everywhere I look people are getting ready for Christmas - lighted stars of so many beautiful colours and shapes are all over our retreat centre. It makes me feel happy just looking at these stars! For the past two days, I have been watching a group set up from scratch a Nativity crib - the love with which they are taking so much effort do so is really heartwarming. It makes me want to join them as poignant Christmas memories rush back of when I would make the Nativity crib in my parents' home - right up to the last Christmas I spent with both of them in 2003.

I  have always loved putting up the Christmas tree, making the crib and just putting up the Christmas decorations and all the twinkling lights! i never ever found it tedious or tiring! I remember my parents  often reminding me to get ready for the Vigil Mass as I would still be busy doing up their home - I usually arrived home the day before. At first, they would say that they are old so there was no need to make all these efforts - but after midnight mass, they would always tell me how beautiful their home looked with a joyful smile on their faces - that was always enough for me! It is something I REALLY, REALLY miss doing, as here, we have many male volunteers who do an excellent job of decorating our retreat centre. 

Well,  I have been getting ready the goodies for our annual Christmaas Divine Homes visit - so I am happy knowing the joy this annual Christmas visit bring to our Divine Family members - esp the orphaned children, the elderly destitutes, the AIDS patients and the mentally ill patients. They expect us to  show up as it has been a Divine Christmas tradition since my 1st Chrstmas here in 2004. How time flies - this will be my 8th Divine Christmas!

The YouTube music video below, "Happy Birthday, Jesus" by the group Alabama, made me feel so grateful and thankful to Jesus for being born on earth - and bringing true joy into all our lives. Jesus' birth is when God's Light & Grace shone down upon ALL of mankind on earth living in darkess - and His Light is always shining brightly waiting to be the beacon in our lives!

I hope you and all your loved ones will sing around your Christmas tree,  "Happy Birthday Jesus", as your gifts are shared with His Love in your hearts - Jesus is in our midst!

Wishing  each of you, your families and friends

        A Most JOYOUS, HOLY & BLESSED CHRISTMAS!      

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

LOOK WITH THE EYES OF LOVE!

"Look with the eyes of  Love" - this phrase struck me deeply for some reason in December last year. It was not the first time I had heard it in a homily  but on that particular day, I guess God chose to reveal to me what I should really be doing!  i am sure many of you have felt like I did after hearing a  touching homily, a phrase that seems to haunt your heart -  a "special" call from deep within your soul that God is asking something of you. 

This phrase kept repeating itself deep within me - like it was  a drip of water falling on one's forehead nonstop!One cannot ignore it. So I started reflecting on St. Paul's beautiful explanation of what " Love" is in the Bible (! Corinthians Chapter 13).  Every word in this chapter suddenly seemed to be filled with great meaning for me. It was definitely not the first time I was reflecting on this chapter but now it took on an urgency of how I must strive to live!

"Love is not ill-mannered or selfish or irritable; love does not keep a record of wrongs." (I Corinthians 13:5) Oh dear! I can distinctly recall the times I have been irritable especially with people I most care about. In those times. I have also been selfish because I was obviously thinking of myself first. Well, I do not have to explain much more what it was like with others. It gets even worse as I become judgemental too.

So as 2011 started, the GRACE I yearned for God to give in His Fullness was "Love" - His Love - the unconditional love that I felt so  deeply Jesus asking of me during the 1st Mass in Bethlehem of my Holy Land pilgrimage in June 2009. I still remember till today with great clarity the feelings that overwhelmed me and how I wept non-stop silently. As the priest said. "This is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Happy are those called to His Supper", I had a deep and profoundly touching  spiritual experience and my little heart could not contain Jesus' Love for me! As I was in meditation that night, I realized that indeed true love in its purity does bring pain. Yet, it is an exquisite pain that one will willingly bear for the joy that we receive far outweighs the pain.

So after 2 1/2 years since my Holy Land experience, I know Jesus has been able to start converting my heart - because I want Him to! I started looking with the "eyes of Love" at everyone I meet or have dealings with and to be conscious that we are all children of God.  In fact, I am also obviously irritating and offending others too! Thus, I have learnt to really try to "let go". The bible verse - "love does not keep a record of wrongs" - is another gift I started praying specially for. It is not enough to forgive, I had to learn to forget!  It is something I found more difficult when it was with people I really care for. Truly "looking with the eyes of love" is a great way to live! Now, I feel peace when I see the good in each person ... what's more I feel greater joy when I am with people I love and care about. The main point is 'peace and joy' becomes an intrinsic part of my day-to-day living because of "love". However, I expect this goal to be a "work-in-progress" throughout the rest of my life!  

God's greatest gift of Love to us - Jesus our "Emmanuel" was born on Christmas Day to save us with His Amazing Love! That is why Christmas season is such a Blessed and Joyous time of the year. It is about JOYOUS LOVE - for all of mankind. Hatred will never conquer the world for love will always triumph - "Love is eternal". (I Corinthians 13:8) 

My Christmas wish for each of us is that God's Love will be gloriously manifested in us - that all of us will be His Love "in action" to everyone around us.  The 1st YouTube video at the top of this post "Inspirational Quotes on Love" is very uplifting and  apt.

Christmas Vigil Mass

For the first time, in Divine, there will be a 2-Day Christmas Vigil and Celebration on 24 and 25 December 2011. I am greatly looking forward to this special event as we share it with retreatants from all over India and overseas to celebrate the Birth of Jesus, Our Saviour.  I feel deep joy every Christmas that I have spent here in Divine. It is always a special time seeing the joy in our large 3,000 member Divine Family cared for by our Divine Charitable Trust on a longterm basis - from the youngest orphan child, the mentally ill patients, AIDS patients, to the elderly and especially the Vincentian priests and lay volunteers who live their lives so generously that I forget to remember that at times.  So many of them serve silently day in and day out. 


Well this is a special season so I would like to share a 2nd YouTube video below "Sharing Our Divine Christmas Joy" which is of special memories I have had here with some friends and of Christmas in Divine. Many of you keep asking me where i am and what I do -  here are glimpses of our large Divine Family who have captured my heart!

Wishing each and every one of you a Most Blessed, Holy & Joyous Christmas!

"I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear."

Martin Luther King Jr.

DOES FAITH MAKE A DIFFERENCE?

Does faith make a difference to one's life? How does it make a difference? For that matter, what is faith? Over the past couple of years, I have at times asked friends and acquaintances whom I have met, what does the word "faith" mean to them? More importantly  what is the source of their faith? It has been interesting to hear different people's opinions. 

In the Merriam-Webster online dictionary, "faith" means:

1a : allegiance to duty or a person : loyalty b (1) : fidelity to one's promises (2) : sincerity of intentions

2a (1) : belief and trust in and loyalty to God (2) : belief in the traditional doctrines of a religion b (1) : firm belief in something for which there is no proof (2) : complete trust

3: something that is believed especially with strong conviction; especially : a system of religious beliefs 

To me, the best and most concise definition of faith is from the Bible - "To have faith is to be sure of the things we hope for, to be certain of things we cannot see." (Hebrews 11:1) 

What I have experienced and learnt in my life and from a few people who have been true personal inspirations to me is that when our faith is rooted in God, there is a supernatural grace from God who helps us to transcend all obstacles in our lives and to believe that "What is impossible for man is possible for God." (Luke 18:27) I also know people who have stopped practicing their religious belief and are now agnostics - they prefer to have faith in themselves, in a person, or in a secular or political philosophy. I do not say that is totally wrong -  however, in times of great difficulties or circumstances in their lives, I have often seen despair, depression, addictions and illness overwhelming them because there is one thing missing in their life - HOPE! 

My life changed when I began to try to live the Word of God. I have always found St. Paul's definition of Love (1 Corinthian Chapter 13) to be one of the best guides in how to live my life. Indeed, there have been moments in my life where the following bible verse has given me much inner strength and perseverance- "Love never gives up; and its faith, hope and patience never fail." (1 Corinthians 13:7) Where can I place my trust in this type of love? After years of soul-searching, I have finally found it in Jesus Christ "for God is love." (1 John 4:8) 

It is essentially two priests whom I met in India who are my personal inspirations to live with deep faith in God and to have hope that He will never abandon or forsake us - ever!

Fr. N. Gerard, sdb
Founder of BALPART, Chennai, India

Firstly, it is Fr. N. Gerard sdb, Founder of BALPART in Chennai, India, who more than any person in the world opened my eyes and my heart to the poor, the suffering, and the marginalized in January 1997. Father’s charitable trust took care of the destitute elderly and leprosy patients and their families. The leprosy patients and their families lived in such squalor in remote colonies that I felt traumatized mentally and emotionally initially for about 2 years knowing that human beings were reduced to live like that! I could never go back to being lukewarm or oblivious about our fellow human beings who cry out for help. What if I was in their shoes? Fr. Gerard built proper houses, ensured medical aid, education for the children, clean water supply and electricity for their homes.  But more than that is the incredible love, the great warmth and joy in Fr. Gerard. He is literally mobbed at whichever leper colonies we went to – and children will be hanging on to him and chatting away non-stop. The adults always want to be blessed by Fr. Gerard. I have always experienced the complete feeling of acceptance and being loved for who I am when I am with Fr. Gerard. He is non-judgmental. I will forever thank God for bringing Fr. Gerard into my life. He is a greatly loved priest who is selfless, inspiring and courageous. Fr. Gerard is the priest who awakened my conscience to care "for the least of our brethren.” (Matthew 25:40)

The other priest is Fr. Augustine Vallooran V.C., Director of Divine Retreat Centre, Muringoor, Kerala, India where I am serving. When  I came for my first retreat in February 1998, I was really struck by the joy that radiated from Father. It really made me want to know Jesus as Fr. Augustine seemed to know Him - an unshakeable faith in God that seemed to bring joyful hope and inner peace. Despite many great financial obstacles and persecutions that the Divine-Potta ministry has faced while I serve here, I never ever saw defeat in any of the Vincentian Fathers in this retreat centre. Instead, what I saw was them turning to deep prayer and amazingly they focussed on what they were called to do in their mission. Nothing - not a single piece of mission work was dropped!  

In this past week, I truly saw the beautiful result of a great faith in God bearing much fruit!  Ever since I came to serve here in 2004, I learnt of the Call of God placed in the hearts of the Directors of Divine Retreat Centre to start a 24-hour commercial-free Catholic Gospel Channel - Divine Television to be available worldwide. I also found  that there were many people who were sceptical about the need to start the Divine TV ministry. I heard at times from these sceptics - our charitable works to care for 3000 sick and needy members of the Divine Family on a long-term basis was already a big financial responsibility. Why was there a need for a television ministry - was it a necessity? The answer is a resounding  "YES!" I have seen countless messages written by people from around the world the past 3 years who are so grateful for the Message of God's Love, Hope and Joy that is being proclaimed by Divine Television. Lives are being transformed and people in despair have found hope in Jesus.

Fr. Augustine Vallooran V.C.
Director - Divine Retreat Centre, Muringoor, Kerala, India

Well, I have been working for Fr. Augustine for the past 7 1/2 years. More than any person, he is known as the "heart" and the "brains' of Divine Television. There were incredible obstacles: getting the licence from the Indian Government which kept dragging on, much needed long-term funding,  skilled TV crews / staff, TV programmes in English and Malayalam currently. Yet, Fr. Augustine had the unwavering faith to persevere in the face of what seemed insurmountable difficulties to finally get the licence from the Indian Government to broadcast Divine Television - after over 8 years! There was a glorious, joyful and amazing India launch here in Divine Retreat Centre just last Sunday, 20 November 2011 when 10,000 people joined the Vincentian Fathers and all of us serving here on this momentous occassion which was graced by the Kerala Chief Minister His Excellency Oomen Chandy, many other Kerala State Government leaders, His Beatitude Mar George Alenchery, Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church, many Bishops, priests, religious, and lay people too. This joyous India launch was also seen live by thousands of Divine's friends around the world online through DVN Online TV

Practically every one of us who serve here fully agree - this was an incredible mission achievement for the Divine-Potta ministry largely because of the vision, determination and unwavering faith of Fr. Augustine Vallooran! Divine Television will now be seen soon across Asia-Pacific with the India launch. It was first launched on 24 December 2008 in UK, Europe and the Middle East. On 25 May 2009, Divine Television was launched in USA and Canada and on 3rd October 2009, it went online globally as DVN Online TV. The joy I personally feel is indescribable. You have to be here to know how small the village our retreat centre is located in - it is definitely not a bustling city! Yet the Word of God to the WORLD is being broadcast from tiny Muringoor, Kerala, India – a grace-filled and amazing feat!

This is the faith lesson I have truly learnt from Fr. Augustine in my ministry here. It does not matter if others have little faith and watch sceptically from the sidelines. What matters is the faith in God we have in our own heart…and to never waver or give up in answering God’s Call!

Our faith needs to be in our words. our deeds, our commitments, our feelings and in our thinking for it to be a real, living faith in God. The YouTube music video I came across below of bible verses and inspirational quotes "Faith in Action" is definitely worth a few minutes of quiet reflection in your heart.

Personally I am very sure of one fact - faith in God gives me true joy and hope that I can make a difference in this world. Yes - every one of us can do so too!

CHRIST IN OUR CHRISTMAS GIFTS...

I am not an avid shopper. But I have written before I just love buying gifts for my loved ones especially Christmas gifts! And Christmas is  approaching fast...it is already November and all the shopping centres will soon be playing joyous Christmas carols and beautiful Christmas decorations will be up. The past few years, I have been thinking about all the gift-shopping I love doing for Christmas. And I have to very sheepishly admit  - I never used to think that I should remember Jesus  - our "EMMANUEL" - even when choosing Christmas gifts for loved ones. So I ask myself - what is Christmas without remembering Christ? Unless I consciously prepare my heart to welcome Jesus, there is no real inner joy. It will just be a fleeting moment of transient happiness. I feel we really must give at least one Christmas gift to our loved ones that helps to remind them what Christmas is really about.

What is the true meaning of Christmas to little kids, teenagers, young adults, married couples and grandparents in our families and circle of friends? While showing our love and care for them, it will be a great idea to give a Christian-themed gift that will uplift them throughout the years as they use the gift. Indeed, we are reminding them that Jesus is always present in their lives everyday!

Well, this year I decided to share some ideas of lovely, meaningful Christmas gifts to people of all ages from children to grandparenst that is currently available online. It is where I have been choosing many of my gifts these past few years.

But first, I am really excited for my friend Victor who has chosen to use his wonderful artistic talent to set up Parousian Publishing this year - Victor's dream is to publish resources to bring children closer to God. His first flagship products, The 'Tales of the Eucharist', a 3-book series is so eye-catching and lovely, I actually have my own set! The colourful illustrations and charming way the stories are retold brings alive so tangibly to little children (4-9 years) the great Wonder present in the Eucharist - Jesus! I can only admire the illustrations that so vividly share beautiful stories of our Catholic faith. What better way for little children to learn  more about Jesus - our Messiah? It is Jesus who they most need to know about during Christmas.

Bread Turned Flesh is a delightful retelling of the Eucharistic Miracle of Lanciano, Italy in the year 730AD.

 'The Invaders!' is an exciting retelling of the Eucharistic Miracle of St. Clare, which happened in Assisi, Italy. When invaders came to attack Assisi and St. Clare's monastery in the year 1240AD.

'The Proud Knight' is a humourous retelling of the Eucharistic Miracle of Seefeld, Austria.

The 'Tales of The Eucharist" book series is available online at Parousian Publishing and it is free shipping in Singapore and Malaysia and a small flat fee for international orders.

Visitng another group of girlfriends' office in Singapore is like visiting an Angels' store in Heaven!  I feel like buying most of the items - there are great gift ideas for people of all ages - from children to  our beloved grandparents. Well, I guess all of you cannot be trying to visit their office like me but their items are available in most Christian book stores in SIngapore. But with their online store JoyCatholicStore.com - Gifts of Joy, any one from any part of the globe  can do so - it is available at your fingertips right now!

                                                             

Silver Pen - Jesus is Lord
(Rm. 10:9)

   

Stainless Steel Dog Tag Pendant

                                        

                               

4.5" Wooden St. Benedict's Crucifix

Gift Packets (Red Packets)

1-Decade Car Rosary                                               Glass Square Platter - Praise The Lord!

    (Black Diamond)                                                               [30cm x 30cm x 0.5cm]

                             A7 Notebook - Strength [Pink]

Sickers With Bible Verses                              
      [Pack of 14] 

Sterling Silver St. Benedict's Crucifix
With Chain (Large)

Blank Cards of 10
Assorted Designs

Well, there are so many other gift ideas to choose from but I have just highlighted some Christian-themed gift ideas I have chosen over the past years - that brought joy to my loved ones. It was my little way of sharing the gift of Jesus for Christmas! 

For all the items bought online on JoyCatholicStore.com - Gifts of Joy, shipping is free in SIngapore. For International Orders, it is free shipping for orders of USD99/-  and above.

I came across this short meaningful YouTube video about JESUS AND SANTA which really puts Christmas into perspective.

After all, the best Christmas gift we have all received from God is His Son Jesus! 

"Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son,

and they shall call him Emmanuel," which means "God is with us."

(Matthew 1:23)