The Region of Malaysia-Singapore had occasion to celebrate when Fr Stanley Goh SJ was ordained to the ministerial priesthood in a very simple Mass on 28 January at the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd in Singapore by Most Rev William Goh, Archbishop of Singapore. The liturgy was necessarily pared down due to Covid-19 restrictions but many found a certain elegance in an ordination that had all the essentials and nothing more.
“I found myself focusing more on the moments that mattered: the litany of the Saints, the laying on of hands, the beauty of the prayer of ordination, the oil of chrism dripping through my fingers, and extending the same hands at the sanctuary while concelebrating with the Archbishop. It is strange to say this but there was a certain intimacy with the Lord that came with the required physical distancing,” said Fr Goh.
Even though there were less than 50 people in attendance, hundreds more from all around the world were able to join in the Mass through the livestream that was kindly provided by the Archdiocesan Communications Office.
In his homily, Archbishop Goh emphasised that the person of a priest is one who brings the Lord’s mercy to people and went on to describe how mercy is about accompanying others, helping to feel God’s love in a real way. Mercy is also expressed through one’s integrity, fully accepting God’s love and seeking always to show this, in spite of our faults and frailties.
At the end of the Mass, he thanked Fr Goh for “taking this step forward” and wished him a fruitful ministry. “With all the joys of the ministry, we have tremendous crosses. I pray that God will give you the grace to endure them, carry them with joy even when we are suffering,” the Archbishop said.
He also acknowledged Fr Goh’s parents for offering their only child to the priesthood, assuring them that it is also their love that is expressed in the priestly ministry of their son.
Fr Goh most recently completed his licentiate studies at the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University in Berkeley, California. Prior to that, he did his theological studies in Rome and first studies in Manila.
Photos from the Singapore Archdiocese Communications office