A flight lasting four hours took Fr Augustine Mundackatt and me to Singapore in mid-May 1997. Along with a team of 30 people, under the leadership of Fr Vincent Lee, the Vicar of St Michael's Church, Singapore, we plan to hold Bible conventions in S. Korea, Australia, Malaysia and Singapore. A visit to China is also on the agenda.

As in all big cities nowadays, attendance at Saturday evening Mass exempts the faithful from the obligatory Sunday Mass in Singapore. I was included among the deacons who were privileged to distribute Holy communion. We had to don a special dress. Most people receive the Sacred Host in their hand. Those who do not wish to receive communion also come forward with the others with their hands placed in the form of a cross on their bosom. Those distributing communion place their hands on their heads and bless them. I found this a good practice as there is no need to separate the communicants from the non-communicants.

God ordained that we conduct the ministry of the word in Pusan, Teagu and Mason in Korea. In language, culture and climate, Korea is utterly different from India. Despite these differences, thousands participated in the Proclamation of the Word that we conducted. Besides, there was a great number of miracles that took place.

Once at a healing session, Fr Mundackatt told me, "God is revealing that weak legs are going to be strengthened. Just go amidst the people and observe!" He pointed out a woman seated at the far end of the auditorium. As I approached her I made a sign to her to get up and walk which she did with the help of her walker. Shortly after, she walked without its support and approached the stage. Father motioned to her to come up on the stage. She did so ! Praise the Lord!! I followed, carrying her walker. Father took it from me and handed it over to her. The woman laid it on her shoulder and walked up and down the stage several times. Alleluia!!

"Who has been healed of lumps on his body?" asked Fr Augustine. One of the organisers, named Francis, ran his hand across the back of his neck. And behold, "I can't find mine," he exclaimed.

"Who is there willing to give up alcohol and smoking, trusting in God's grace? " challenged father. The first one to respond was a young priest who surrendered his cigarette and lighter! Several others followed suit.

A man who suffered an allergy from eating red onions, came forward after the prayer and ate red onions before the assembly. People praised God clapping and singing "Alleluia!"

These are only a few of the many cases of healing that took place. The ministry of the word of God begun in Potta is a need of the times. It has become a global phenomenon. Let us praise God and pray with tears and groaning.
 

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