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Pope Francis’ Singapore visit unites thousands for historic mass

During his visit, the pope highlighted the plight of migrant workers, saying they contribute a lot to society and should be paid a fair wage

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Pope Francis leads holy mass at the National Stadium in Singapore. Photo: AFP
When Annabelle Siena Lim heard about a last minute opening to serve at a mass Pope Francis was presiding over in Singapore’s National Stadium, she immediately put her hand up for the role.
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The 25-year-old saw it as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to worship and celebrate her Catholic faith. Watching some 50,000 people say the rosary, a set of Catholic prayers, together left her in awe.

“In a world that’s so fragmented by individualistic beliefs and ideology – today has shown me a glimpse of something greater than myself. This is the beauty of the Catholic Church, that we are united in faith, hope and love for one another,” the associate in media entertainment said.

Lim was one of the 390 Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion at the service.

Annabelle Siena Lim at the National Stadium in Singapore for the pope’s mass. Annabelle Siena Lim
Annabelle Siena Lim at the National Stadium in Singapore for the pope’s mass. Annabelle Siena Lim

A soprano in the choir, Lim Li Ann, 58, told This Week in Asia that she and her husband joined the choir to volunteer because they were excited to sing with 1,500 others, give praise and worship and welcome Pope Francis to Singapore.

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