The Catholic Church in Singapore is preparing for a historic Easter Vigil as it set to welcome its largest group of new Catholics in ten years. According to the Office for Catechesis (OFC), over 1,200 individuals are currently in the final stages of their journey to enter the Church. This surge in interest includes 978 catechumens and 155 candidates from English-speaking rites, along with 111 catechumens and six candidates from the Mandarin-speaking community.
The final stage of this journey was marked by the Rite of Election, traditionally held on the first Sundays of Lent. During these ceremonies, held at the Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the Church of Christ the King, those seeking baptism (catechumens) and those already baptized in other traditions (candidates) were formally presented to the Church. A highlight of the liturgy involved participants inscribing their names in the “Book of the Elect,” a symbolic act signifying their commitment to follow Christ and their readiness for full initiation.
Spiritual leaders have emphasized that this journey is a response to a divine calling. OFC Catechetical Director Fr. Terence Kesavan reminded the participants that while they chose to seek the faith, the rite ultimately celebrates “God choosing them.” Similarly, Cardinal William Goh urged the newcomers to ground their faith in daily discipline, recommending at least thirty minutes of scripture reflection each day. He framed the Lenten season as a vital time for humility and acknowledging one’s “brokenness” to truly share in the joy of the Resurrection.