I am a cradle-born Catholic, my mum decided the best for me that is baptism and schooling. I went to St. Patrick’s Katong; a missionary school where I received my early religious input. We read a simplified version of the Bible without numbering or footnotes.In those days Masses were in Latin as it is the official language of the Catholic Church; before Vatican allowed the use of vernacular languages.
St. Patrick’s School (Katong) 1951
My first test of faith came when I worked in the Agency Department of a shipping company in the 1970’s. On one occasion when on board I was asked by the Russians, who became Communists after taking up arms in the 'Bolshevik Revolution' in October in 1917; whether I had a religion. I replied that I am a Christian, they were inquisitive and wanting to hear more.
Meeting on Board with the Russians.
As Atheists, to them religion is a waste of time and money as they did not believe in God; ‘there is no God.’ Religion is based on beliefs (faith) whereas Atheism relies upon explanation from science. Success in life depended upon your own ability to excel, in making sacrifices and of course indulging in hard work. That is to say you decide or make your own destiny through your capability. They asked me, “Have you seen God?” of course my answer was negative; they were amused and burst into laughter. The enquirer was the 1st Officer of the ship, who was also known as the 'Political Commissar': whose role was akin to that of a 'priest' as guardian of the Communist 'ideology'. He teaches socialism, equality, common ownership or state-own, so 'private property' is the yardstick of problems and fiercely un-acceptable.
At that time my faith was shallow and therefore unable, unprepared or rather dare not try to convince them that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the second person of ‘Holy Trinity’, yet human, he was crucified, died and was buried. On the third day he rose again from the dead and later ascended into heaven. The Salvation story would have sounded terribly ridiculous and totally absurd. An incredible tale, sheer stupidity for it is not humanly possible – wishful thinking more like a fairy tale, a myth. I acknowledged that they the Communists are not fools but intelligent people who happened to in 1961 sent the first man into space (Yuri Gagarin}.
I remember a big religious event in 1950’s when the Statue of ‘Our Lady of Fatima’ on Global tour, came to Singapore. It was held at my school ground and the Catholic faithful turned out in strength in support. There was a procession and all were praying for the ‘conversion of Russia,’I worked 20 years for the Russians as assistant manager from 1973 to 1994. I handled crew matters that included death occurring onboard their vessels. Normally it would involved arranging removal of the corpse to the Mortuary. It is a Government requirement for the purpose to determine the cause of death. I would then collect the clothing from the vessel and hand over to the casket company. They would arrange making-up, dressing the corpse before placing in the coffin. For export purposes it had to be hermetically sealed and wooden crated before sending by air back to their country. Usually I would run through the pockets to ensure that there is nothing (drugs or illegal stuff).
Things changed when Mikhail Gorbachev became President (1985-1994), he introduced ‘Gladnost’ the policy of openness and ‘Perestroika’ for re-structuring. He even said that not to expect miracles because he is not Jesus Christ. Eventually the ‘iron curtain’ was lifted, the Berlin Wall that physically separated the East from the West came down; religion being tolerated. The Russian Orthodox Church once suppressed with churches turning into Museums; now allowed to emerge and revive.
During this period when death occurred on board and in collecting the clothing; something un-usual happening. I found ‘Holy Pictures of St. George’ and rather surprised at the appearance of religious items as they are Communists so I asked them. They answered that the reason was that St. George is the ‘Patron Saint’ for sailors/seamen; my jaws almost dropped as I did not expect the turn-around. Then I begun questioning myself, am I witnessing the fulfillment of a prayerful crusade that begun at Fatima (Portugal) in 1917 when Our Lady appeared to the 3 children on 13th May..
Visiting Russian T.S. “Nadezhda’ to Singapore (Sail training ship)
Sinsov staff invited on board.
Icon/Byzantine Art/Portrait of Jesus in the mess-room.
Icon/Byzantine Art (Certified copy of Virgin Mary with child Jesus) given to me.
I truly believe in the power of prayers for it had happened to me at the brink of death for serious injuries sustained in 2006 road accident where my pillion died. I had ‘heart attack’ twice, many good people prayed for me and I was given the ‘Last Rites’ /Extreme Unction (Anointing) a Catholic ritual in preparation for dying. However by the grace of God I managed to pull through, and thank the Almighty that I have another lease of life.
Praise the Lord, Alleluia!
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