Pilgrimage to France - in the footsteps of St Louise Marie de Monfort

On 30th May 2015 till 12 Jun 2015, my wife and I went on a pilgrimage in France with some Monfort brothers and those working in the various Monfortian schools.

I'll not say much about St Louise Marie de Monfort as you can search for information about him from the Internet.  What I'll show here are some photos and what is my takeaway.

To me, St Louise Marie de Monfort showed what is essential to be a Saint - make personal choice to be faithful to the baptismal promise in one's daily life.  There will be difficulties and challenges in life but by making up one's mind to be faithful (which only human can), one shows forth the glory of God in one's humanity.

Being a saint is to be truly human - simple but not easy.

View from Mont St Michel

An enactment of Monfort

The Brothers of Monfort and the Sisters of Daughters of Wisdom were really wonderful hosts.  We also want to thank Fr. Raja who came down from Rome to be the Spiritual Director of the pilgrimage.

Lovers' Concerto, I'll Never Find Another You

Some songs that I arranged.

Lovers' Concerto

I'll Never Find Another You

Jane Walk on 1st May 2015 around Queenstown area

On 1st May 2015, my wife and I participated in a Jane Walk event hosted by my son, Daniel.  The walk took us around Queenstown - the first new town in Singapore.

We saw some of the first HDB flats, the first sport complex and gain insights into the way the town was built.

During the tour, one nice lady even allowed us to view his new flat - flat she acquired when her old flat was due to be demolished and rebuilt.  There are really nice people in Singapore.

I felt that the area has evolved into a really nice "kampong (village)" atmosphere.  However certain the neighborhood centre is being targeted for upgrading.  Hopefully the atmosphere and ethos of the place can be preserved.

Briefing by the tour leader, my son.  

A view of Queenstown from a high rise HDB flat. 

Vacant old HDB flats due to be demolished and rebuilt

SIT flats

A view around the neighborhood centre

Landed HDB flats

The background shows some of the buildings and trees being preserved

 The newest HDB flats

View from the 33rd floor of the newest HDB flats

Park above a canal

A well deserved rest and drink below one of the 1st HDB flats

Chinese New Year Songs

It is Chinese New Year time and I arranged 2 songs.

Da Di Huai Chun

Gong Xi Gong Xi

You can download my transcription here.

Christmas in the hospital

My mom was hospitalized on Christmas day (2014).  What to do?  Let's have Christmas in the hospital!  We did that by singing Christmas songs in the ward and gave each patient a gift wishing them speedy recovery.  We also treated the nurses to ice-cream.

It was very meaningful for me - especially when I am backed up by my family members and seeing the patients clapping along.

Christmas in Singapore 2014

Orchard Road is a busy (main) shopping belt in Singapore.  In Christmas, it is decorated with lights to liven the celebration.  Below is a video and 2 shots of the street.

Besides Christmas, different parts of Singapore are also decorated with lights depending on the festival and races.  For example, little India (Serangoon Road) is decorated during Deepavali, Chinatown is lighted up during the Lunar New Year and Geylang Serai is lighted up during Hari Raya Puasa.