In the 1960s, Singapore adopted its bilingual policy, emphasising the use of English, alongside the designated mother tongue languages (Mandarin, Tamil, and Malay). However, since then, the dialect-speaking communities (Hokkien, Teochew, Hainanese, etc.) have seen a steep decline as the majority of younger people have failed to inherit these dialects. Meanwhile, many among the older generations remained rooted in them, resulting in an increasing linguistic divide within society.
Mr. Andrew Goh has been teaching catechism in different languages and dialects including English, Mandarin, Malay, Hokkien, Teochew, Cantonese, and Hainanese to the population of elderly Catholics in Singapore for over 30 years.
“People leave them alone.”
Many elderly persons are unable to leave their homes to go to the nearest Catholic Church due to age and health-related concerns. Moreover, most Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) programmes are conducted in English, which can pose a significant language barrier for those who are more comfortable in dialects. As a result, some are effectively excluded from starting this journey of faith.
Determined not to let them be left behind, Andrew goes the extra mile - quite literally - by visiting them in their homes and journeying with them in a language they understand. In doing so, he brings the message of the Gospel to them (Mark 16:15)
To this day, even at nearly ninety years of age, Andrew will ride his scooter to visit his catechumens.
In accordance with the Great Commission given by our Lord Jesus Christ in the Gospel of Matthew:
>“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, to the close of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20
With the help of the Holy Spirit, Andrew has assisted in bringing more than 2,000 souls into the Holy Catholic Church, many of whom are the grandparents or parents of first-generation Singaporean Catholics.
Challenges Faced
“Sometimes after doing this, they (catechumens) say ‘no’ in the end.”
Andrew points out that journeying with the elderly, or indeed with anyone, will have its setbacks. For whatever reason, some catechumens choose not to get baptised in the end. In such instances, Andrew takes consolation from a book he read, “A quitter never wins, a winner never quits.”
He shared that it taught him not to quit and that, despite some catechumens giving up, he will persevere, relying on the power of prayer and the grace of Jesus Christ. Each night, Andrew refers to a handwritten card filled with dozens of names and intentions, which he offers up in prayer as he recites the Holy Rosary and other devotions.