In an interview with EWTN’s Matthew Bunson, Cardinal William Goh of Singapore emphasized the importance of a personal relationship with Jesus in cultivating and passing on the Catholic faith.
Leading Singapore’s Catholic community since 2013, Cardinal Goh became a cardinal in 2022. With Pope Francis set to visit Southeast Asia in September, Cardinal Goh discussed the significance of the trip, the challenges the Church faces in Singapore, and the need for unity among the College of Cardinals.
Sharing his personal journey, Cardinal Goh noted the impact of a relationship with Jesus. He stressed the need for the Church to create opportunities for Catholics to encounter Jesus.
“We need to have a personal relationship, and the Church has to provide the opportunity, so it’s not just preaching, teaching; that is important, but that comes after,” he said.
Through his “conversion-experience retreats,” Cardinal Goh seeks to help Catholics renew their faith by directly encountering Christ’s mercy and love.
Singapore’s multicultural society faces secularism and a decline in traditional values like family unity and respect for the elderly. Cardinal Goh emphasized the need for the Church to proclaim the Gospel truth clearly while showing charity.
“I don’t believe that we should try to compromise the Gospel. And that is my fear: that, today, even Church leaders are compromising the Gospel. I don’t think Jesus ever compromised the Gospel,” said the prelate.
Pope Francis’ upcoming visit to Singapore, his first since becoming pope, is expected to inspire unity and renew faith among Catholics in the region.
Cardinal Goh noted that the pope is respected by Catholics and non-Catholics for his messages of mercy and inclusivity.
“Francis is always popular with many of our Catholics, and I think he is a beacon of hope, a beacon of mercy and compassion. That is his forte, really, to try to continue the work of Pope St. John Paul II, Pope Benedict,” he said.
Regarding the Synod on Synodality, Cardinal Goh expressed appreciation for the retreat and small-group format that allowed bishops to journey together in shared faith.
He suggested another level of consultation among bishops could help the Church delve deeper into theological matters requiring discernment.
“I think, most of all … at the end of the day, although it has been underscored that the synod is not a parliamentary session … there is voting at the end. So the voting … most people would take the votes as a kind of consensus making,” he said.
Cardinal Goh believes young Catholics must be part of faith communities where they receive support and spiritual guidance. “We need to build faith communities. They need to be supported in their faith,” he said.
Cardinal Goh believes a deep encounter with Jesus is central to strong faith. Building relationships with Christ and nurturing supportive faith communities will help the Church face challenges and lead Catholics toward a renewed, unified faith.
