SINGAPORE The death of Nicholas Chia, the “people’s priest” and first native archbishop of Singapore

He headed the local Church from 2001 to 2013 and is remembered for his spirituality and interreligious dialogue. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong: “Devoted pastor and solid pillar of the Catholic community.” Imam of the Baalwie Mosque: “A firm believer in harmony between our communities” Tomorrow the ceremony will take place in his memory at the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd and later the cremation.

Singapore () – The motto he chose for his episcopal consecration was “Omnia omnibus”, that is, “Everything for everyone”. Archbishop Emeritus of Singapore, Bishop Nicholas Chia, who died on December 17 at the age of 86, was known as “the people’s priest.” He was the first member of the city-state’s native clergy to be visited by the Pope. Francis last September – in exercising the ministry of archbishop of Singapore, now entrusted to Cardinal William Seng Chye Goh “As shepherd of the flock, he highlighted the importance of spirituality for the people. Catholics, both clergy and laity, to combat the challenges to moral values ​​posed by secularism and materialism in society,” reads a report from the archdiocese of singapore.

On December 18, Card. Goh posted on social media that Chia “died peacefully” at St. Teresa House (which was also visited by Pope Francis on his trip), where he was cared for until his death. The celebration in memory of the deceased will be held tomorrow, December 21, at the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd. Cremation of the body will later take place at a facility in Mandai district.

Nicholas Chia was born on April 8, 1938 in Singapore, into a devout Catholic family. She studied at Holy Innocents’ English School and sang in the choir of the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Ordained a priest in 1964, he was a parish priest, teacher and finally archbishop between 2001 and 2013, until he retired at the age of 75 because he had reached the age limit. In 2004 he founded the Catholic Spirituality Center in Hougang to help lay people grow in spirituality. “He also worked tirelessly to promote priestly vocations,” the archdiocese message notes, and in 2011 the archbishop created the Professional Standards Office “to guide the professionalism of clergy and Church workers, including volunteers, especially those who work with children.”

In recent days many people have expressed their gratitude for the ministry of Bishop Chia. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong also paid tribute to Chia on social media: “A devoted pastor and a strong pillar of the Catholic community. His unwavering faith, humility, and compassion have enriched many lives. My deepest condolences to the Catholic community.” For his part, Minister Lee Hsien Loong recalled the moments they shared to confront ideas and projects. “More than once we had to deal with sensitive issues related to racial and religious harmony,” he wrote. “On those occasions I always found him clear and coherent, with a full understanding of the situation and what was at stake, exercising strong leadership in his work with the government to resolve the problem.” And he also praises the efforts of Archbishop Emeritus Chia to promote interreligious dialogue. “Singapore has lost one of its illustrious Catholic sons. “We will miss him deeply,” he said.

One of the testimonies about Chia’s ministry that was shared on the archdiocese website is that of Syed Hassan Bin Syed Mohamed Al-Attas, imam and head of the Ba’alwie mosque. This underlines his commitment to interreligious dialogue. “The harmony we have created between the different communities in Singapore has been possible thanks to the continuous commitment of religious and community leaders – he says -. Chia has been a fervent supporter of such interfaith dialogue and we have deeply appreciated the close relationship we have developed over the years.” Tan Thiam Lye, president of the Taoist Federation (Singapore), also shared his reflection: “His legacy of kindness, wisdom and collaboration will continue to guide and inspire those who strive to build a more harmonious society. “We believe that a life lived in the service of others leaves a lasting legacy.”