A memorable 25th anniversary celebration for Msgr Bernard Paul

Aug 07, 2014

By Gregory R Warrier
It was indeed a special occasion for Msgr Bernard Paul and the parishioners of the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit as they celebrated his 25th Sacerdotal Anniversary during the sunset Mass on Saturday July 19. Almost 2,000 parishioners filled the Cathedral as well as the chapel and the adjoining classrooms where live-feed on LED screens was provided. In the congregation were Msgr Bernard’s relatives and friends.

The main celebrant was Msgr Bernard himself, with Bishop Sebastian Francis, Archbishop Emeritus Anthony Soter Fernandez, Archbishop-Elect Julian Leow, Msgr Michael Cheah, Fr John Gnanapiragasam, Fr Joe Matthews, OFM Cap., Fr Stanislaus Soosaimariam, Fr Joseph Arulnathan, Fr Stanley Antoni, and Fr Anthony Liew concelebrating.

Msgr Bernard began his homily by saying that “within all of us, there are four “drivers” that determine our response to every situation, i.e. ‘get it right’; ‘get it done’; ‘get along’; ‘get appreciated’. We push for this. When we are unable to maintain these “drivers” we begin to see them as weaknesses and then we are reluctant to make a move.”

He reminded us that God’s “caring, lenient, unjudging and just ways are not signs of weakness, but rather they are manifestations of God’s inner strength. The strength of God is manifested when His sovereign power is questioned. Secondly, never take the unyielding ways in us as weaknesses. The darnel among the wheat reflects this struggle or crisis or unfruitfulness. They humble us. They make us meek. They make us view our life under the light of God’s mercy. Only in the Spirit and in Christ Jesus do they yield much.”

He went on to stress that “We can go on living with ‘weaknesses under wraps’ or face life with ‘strengths that withstand stresses.’ So if our option is for the latter, then we must:

-- allow ourselves to be open to the presence of God
-- allow God to work in us, from whence comes all encouragement and
-- all creativity
-- allow the weeds to grow with or within us till harvest time
-- allow the sowings of the enemy to ‘disturb’ us

In God, our weaknesses are transformed to strengths. God is saying “Come as you are. Come with your weaknesses”.

Bishop Sebastian, in congratulating Msgr Bernard, began by describing him as “a Father, Priest, Shepherd, Friend, Confessor, …” and ended by saying “Enabler A Disciplinarian and a Fun Guy, etc. One thing he is not, stressed the prelate, “he is not a BOSS.” Bishop Sebastian stated that he discouraged the clergy and laity from addressing Bishops and priests as Boss. “It is not scriptural neither is it in our Tradition. Like St Paul, we too can say Bernard Paul is Omnia Omnibus — all things to all men and women. But in terms of priority, he is first the representative of Christ and all that implies” He then thanked Msgr. Bernard for being his priest, Son and Vicar General. He concluded by saying, “Continue to enjoy your priesthood and share this joy with others.”

PPC chairman Pedro Geronimo referred to Luke 6:43-45, which tells us that each tree is recognised by the fruit it produces, and a good man, out of the treasure of his heart, brings forth what is good. “Likewise when we see the fruits in our parish, the vibrant and active participation at our parish events, the good response to planned-giving programmes, we can see the fruits of a good man who leads without fear or favour.” Pedro also described Msgr Bernard as “a man of vision and highly organised. Through his vision for our parish we have run many effective and powerful programmes. Our youth are also blessed to have a parish priest who is caring and friendly.”

After this, a song entitled “Thank you” was sung, accompanied by a humorously-captioned LCD presentation of photographs of Msgr. Bernard and his family and friends through the years.

Then Msgr Bernard called the youth to come forward. He spoke to them briefly and then humbly knelt down in front of them while the congregation stood up and stretched out their hand over them and prayed for blessings from God Almighty.

Finally, Msgr. Bernard then gave a short speech thanking God for having called him more than 33 years ago. He thanked his family and friends who came from near and far, especially Molly who has been a special friend for more than 35 years. He concluded by thanking the organising committee and all the parishioners of CHS.

After Mass, everyone adjourned for the dinner when being entertained by the Youth and parish organisations.