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Growing up in Holy Cross, Papa Chia was the Priest I have known. From my First Holy Communion and so timely he was in his first year of being Archbishop and celebrated my Confirmation at 15 years old. He knew the parishioners by name and we enjoyed having CNC gatherings within the community, particularly hosting in homes in Faber area. Dear Papa Chia, you are now with the Lord. Amen.

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Dearly Beloved Papa Chia. Thank you for being the loving , caring , kind hearted , full of compassion Father to me and my family members when our late mother, Agnes, was called back by our LORD JESUS CHRIST.

Though it was around 4plus am in a rainy morning, when i press the intercom of Church of The Holy Cross, understandably so, though you sounded very tired and sleepy, but you told me not to cry and said you will immediately go to NUH hospital to minister and do the Catholic last rites for our late mother.

My family and me are very grateful and thankful to our Triune LORD GOD For Sending you, Papa Chia, to be there for us in our grieving moments, and also being the reassuring voice with your loving presence to my family and me.

Miss you, our Dearly Beloved Papa Chia.

With love and prayers,

Ray, Phebe and Family

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Honoured and privileged to have been confirmed by the late Archbishop Emeritus Chia back in 2011 🤍

Thank you for all that you have done for the church and your many tireless years of service. May we all strive to be more like you.

Sleep well Papa Chia, may eternal rest grant unto you and may your soul rest in peace 🕊️

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Dearest Father Chia,

You were my first parish priest at Holy Cross when I arrived in Singapore in the late 1980s, and you helped give us a spiritual home - one filled with wonderful memories under your watch - on this beautiful island.

You gave us a nurturing, spiritually vibrant community with a strong, youthful presence and a welcoming environment. What I will also always remember about you is your memory! You knew all of your flock - our names, what we were doing, whether you had seen us around - and if you didn't know, you would always asked about us.

It brought us great joy when you took over as Archbishop because we felt, in our hearts, that Singapore could not have chosen a better person. It was with great pride that we could also be there to witness your installation ceremony at the Indoor Stadium.

Thank you for your service, the memories and lessons you have imprinted upon us. May you rest in peace, and let the perpetual light forever shine upon you, your grace, and most excellent of excellencies.

Love,

A former Holy Cross parishioner

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Thank you His Grace Archbishop Emeritus Nicholas Chia for your faithful and dedicated service to our Lord and to the Catholic Church of Singapore. Thank you for shepherding your flock. I remembered back then in late 1990, my family will attend mass at Holy Cross Church at times. Papa Chia, whose office is at the entrance of the Church, will have a bottle of sweets near the door. My children will always asked him for sweets and he will gladly give with a big smile. Such are the fond memories that we have of him.

May eternal rest grant unto Archbishop Emeritus Nicholas Chia O Lord, and may His soul rests in eternal peace. Amen.

John, Agnes & Family

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It was a great honor to have met Archbishop Emeritus Nicholas Chua on several occasions, including the privilege of celebrating his birthday at a dinner event. His presence always exuded a fatherly warmth, offering comfort and inspiration to those around him. May the Lord Jesus receive his faithful servant and grant him eternal rest in His peace. Thank you, Archbishop Emeritus Nicholas, for your life of devoted service.

James Lim and Family

St. Anne's Church Singapore

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I was a parishioner of Holy Cross for over 20yrs fm 1978 to 2001. He had a very good memory. He would mentioned my name whenever I received the Holy Eucharist. I felt very touched as though Jesus was calling my name.

May the Lord welcome Emeritus Archbishop Nicholas Chia into His loving embrace. And may his soul rest in peace.

Catherine Leong

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Memory eternal Archbishop emeritus Nicholas Chia. You have been a faithful Stewart of Christ our God. May your soul rest in peace

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Dearest Archbishop Emeritus Nicholas Chia.

I was feeling down, sitting in a church canteen when you walked by. I stood quietly, hesitant to say or do anything. Then, you took my hand, and a surge of warmth radiated from you. I felt profoundly grateful to have met someone who showed me such compassion.

May you rest in peace, and may the choirs of angels guide you to paradise.

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I attended the Church of the Holy Cross as a child. I remember fondly how Fr Chia would stand outside his office just adjacent to the main entrance of the church after Sunday mass without fail. He stood there with holding a jar of candies. I, along with other kids, would rush to him to collect a few sweet treats from Fr Chia.

One Sunday near Easter, Fr Chia invited me into his office and he showed me a big chocolate easter bunny. I think it was as big as me. The next thing he said made my day and has stayed with me till today. He told me to keep it. I glanced at my mum who was also surprised and immediately said a big thank you before my mum could say anything that would jeopardise my new easter gift.

Thank you Archbishop Nicholas Chia for your unwavering love and commitment to your vocation, your church, and your flock. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.

Ryan A.

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Thank you to Nicholas Chia for being the "People's Priest" of Singapore. As the first Singaporean born priest to hold the position, you have broken the glass ceiling and have been an inspiration to all of us! God has blessed you wholeheartedly by spreading His word to Singaporeans. May your soul rest in peace and we shall be reunited with you again when we go up to Heaven.

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Dear Archbishop Emeritus Nicholas Chia, thank you for your dedication and inspirational shepherding of the people of God especially those of us at Church of the Holy Cross.

I’ll fondly remember your constant supportive presence, approachability, compassionate and nurturing mannerism through the years as our shepherd and your love for children (including my daughter) whom you would hand out candies to for those who visit your office next to the then main entrance of our parish.

It was moving to witness your humility through my visits at St Theresa’s Home where you would dine with the residents as the ‘people’s bishop’.

May perpetual light shine upon you and may your soul rest in the peace of Christ.

With love and prayers,

Veronica and family

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I still recall in 1980 when, as a non-Catholic, free-thinking architectural student at NUS, I was working on a school assignment that brought me to Clementi Road. While taking photos, I noticed a senior man locking the gate. I approached him to ask for permission to take some photos of the church facade. To my surprise, the man was none other than our dear Emeritus Bishop Nicholas Chia! He graciously opened not only the gate but also the chapel, patiently waiting for me to finish taking my photos.

Just as St Peter holds the keys to heaven for Christ's disciples, dear Emeritus Bishop Chia, you have opened both the metal gate and glass doors of the Church of The Holy Cross for all of us, your Catholic parishioners and strangers alike. You will always be remembered by all of us! May peace and joy be with you always.

Amy

A Holy Cross Parishioner

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I was involved in the RCIY ministry in my parish in my late teens, and I distinctly remember one of our highlights every year was to bring all the inquirers to the Bishop's House in Victoria Street to just chat and have tea with Archie Nicky (as we affectionately called him then). I remember him being so warm and welcoming, friendly and fatherly, every time. And he was patient and wise with all the questions we'd raised, often ones we formators and facilitators struggled with!

Looking back, I'm quite amazed he made time for us like that every year... He was indeed generous with his time, and ever-willing to be with his flock. He also reflected the image of a God who is close, and approachable.

One year I remember there was a miscommunication, and it wasn't in his diary that we'd be coming (I knew because I was the first person off the bus, and I walked in to his house and knocked on his office doors to let him know we'd arrived). Nevertheless, he made time to be present to everyone, and was not only relaxed, but looked genuinely happy despite the unexpected drop-in.

Thank you for all this and every act of love for your flock, Archie Nicky. Now rest in the Father's embrace and receive your due rewards. ❤️

Keith

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Thank you His Grace Archbishop Emertitus Nicholas Chia for reciding in my Confirmation mass on 1st December 2013

Many Thanks to Archie Papa Nicholas for being the Shepherd for the people

We all miss and Love you

✝️ His Grace Archbishop Emertitus Nicholas Chia

May his soul rest in peace

Love ❤️ Daniel and Family

Church of the Risen Christ

Toa Payoh

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Dearest Archbishop Emeritus Nicholas Chia (Papa Chia!). Thank you for your unwavering dedication and spiritual leadership to the Catholic Church in SG and as Parish Priest of Church of the Holy Cross for 22 years! You will always be fondly remembered as Papa Chia who blessed and guided our growth in the faith with your little Rosary booklet and keeping a cheerful countenance during my visit to you at St Theresa’s Home in your later years. May your soul rest in the eternal love, peace and mercy of Christ in His heavenly Kingdom! ❤️

Laura

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My parents & I first met Emeritus Archbishop Nicholas Chia when he came knocking at our door way back in 1978 to raise fund to build Church of The Holy Cross.

When Holy Cross was up in 1979, it became our parish church because we were staying at Dover. Even though we move thrice, we still go to Holy Cross.

My wife and our daughter were baptised by Emeritus Archbishop Nicholas Chia in 1988 & 1995 respectively. Our marriage was solemnised by him at Holy Cross in 1988. I remembered inviting him to bless our house (including my car) in 1999 and the conversation we had. He always want me to come back to help out in the church (when I was once a Catholic Neighbour Leader) but I told him that I am serving the bigger community in West Coast GRC.

Emeritus Archbishop Nicholas Chia was very accommodating, friendly and kind man. He loved children and remembered he had a bowl of sweets at his table. Children (including my daughter and son) would go into his office after mass to get sweets.

We will all miss Emeritus Archbishop Nicholas Chia dearly and will pray to God to receive him in heaven.

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We bid a fond farewell to a remarkable shepherd, Archbishop Emeritus Nicholas Chia.

For Joseph and me, he was more than just a spiritual leader. He was a guiding light during a pivotal phase of our lives (1981-1993). As a convert, I was blessed to have him as my Catechism teacher, patiently nurturing my faith journey.

Archbishop Chia's wisdom and compassion played a significant role in our marriage. Joseph sought his counsel, and he graciously solemnized our union. His thoughtful guidance continued as he personally recommended and handpicked the godparents for our four children.

His legacy extends far beyond our personal experiences.

May his unwavering commitment to faith, compassion, and community continue to inspire us.

Rest in peace, dear Archbishop Chia. Your memory will be a blessing to us all.

#RIP #ArchbishopNicholasChia #CatholicCommunity #Singapore

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Papa Chia has been the driving force of the early days of the Charismatic Movement in Church of the Holy Cross. Miss him celebrating Masses too n saying hi to everyone after Mass. Remember his voice - loud, firm and comforting, even as he sang 😍 Wo men ai ni (we love ü) Papa Chia ❤️

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Dearest Father Nicholas,

thank you for the blessings and medal which you have given to me.

will treasure them forever.

Rest well.

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I remember fondly the many Friday evening masses His Grace celebrated in the various lecture theatres/meeting rooms in NUS; he was the Spiritual Director of the Catholic Students' Society in NUS. Those masses brought the Catholic students together and brought the hectic week to a meaningful and prayerful end.

Thank you, Fr Chia! Please keep praying for us!

Eternal rest grant unto him , O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Bernard Yee

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I first encountered His Grace when I was a kid in primary school we were there for an event at the Cathedral where he was the main celebrant for Mass, he was really kind, fatherly and quiet in his own way, he was always saying hello to people whenever he was there.

Your Grace, may angels lead you into paradise; may the martyrs receive you at your arrival and lead you to the holy city Jerusalem. May choirs of angels receive you and with Lazarus the poor man, may you have eternal rest.

Andrew Lee

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The late Archbishop looks stern but he’s really very connected with us. I remember meeting him at Majodi JB at our retreat. He was there for another meeting. When he saw us he was very interested in what & why we were there for. When we told him we are here on a retreat. With a big smile on his face, he jokingly said “No no don’t retreat, you must go forward.“ He does have a sense of humour, doesn’t he? Thank you your grace for always moving us forward for the diocese of Singapore. I am certain you have earned your place in the Father’s house! Rest in peace & please pray for us & our families.

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With heavy hearts, we bid farewell to our beloved Archbishop Emeritus Nicholas Chia.

Your kindness, sacrifices, and unwavering love have left a profound impact on my family, especially during one of the most difficult times of our lives. I will always remember how, as a priest at the Church of the Holy Cross, you visited our home at Pine Grove when our son Joe was battling cancer. You prayed with us and celebrated Mass in our home, giving us strength and comfort in our darkest hours.

The fond memories we shared—gathering for breakfast with the CNGroup, the times spent together after Mass at the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd during your years as Archbishop, and our visits to you at St Teresa’s Home—are moments we will treasure forever. Although it was bittersweet that you no longer recognized us in your later years, our gratitude and love for you remain unchanged.

On behalf of my family, especially Joe, I want to say thank you from the depths of our hearts for your prayers, your support, and the immense love you so generously shared with us.

Goodbye, Father Chia. May your beautiful soul rest peacefully in the merciful arms of our Lord Jesus. You will forever be in our hearts.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.

🙏🙏

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As my parish priest, one of my first formators, a no-nonsense priest ... I have been blessed knowing His Grace Nicholas Chia. He now has a special and well-rewarded Christmas before His Saviour.

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I am a parishioner from Holy Cross. I remembered once I was in church for holy hour (not knowing that it was cancelled) and found myself praying alone in front of the tabernacle. I stayed on for probably 2 hours. As I was leaving and walked towards the church main entrance, Reverend Father Nicholas Chia was there to greet me. He was seated in his office (back then his office was located near the main entrance of the church) waiting for me to finished my adoration. I apologised to Father Chia. He instead blessed me and bid me goodnight. He was indeed a priest for his people.

To the late Archbishop Emeritus Chia, I thank you.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let your perpetual light shine upon him. Amen.

Holy cross parishioner

Terence

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I was going to be baptised and a friend took me to visit the then Archbishop Nicholas Chia. It also happened to be his birthday. We went to greet him and were gifted with a decade rosary each. So blessed. May perpetual light shine on you and may you rest in loving peace of God's embrace.

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In 1997, my wife and I took the RCIA course in Church of the Holy Cross, conducted by the then parish priest, Father Nicholas Chia. When it was time to submit the form for baptism, I hesitated and did not submit it whilst my wife submitted hers. One evening, there was a knock on the door of my house, and I saw through the peephole to my huge surprise, Father Chia. He came to visit me to find out the reason for my hesitation to be baptised. There was no pressure from him and he merely asked me to reflect and he prayed for me before departing. After some reflection, the words of Jesus dawned on me: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will enter his house and dine with him, and he with me.” I decided and my wife and I were baptised by Fr Chia in Easter 1998.

Thank you, Archbishop Emeritus Nicholas Chia. If you had not knocked that evening, I may not have heard the voice of Jesus and let Him into my heart.

Dear God, please grant His Grace Nicholas Chia eternal rest. Amen.

Chris Cher & family

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Never forget that my family had the opportunity to pick up then His Grace Nicholas Chia from the Cathedral to an official dinner function at Mandarin Orchard in 2004. It was a special occasion to have him and an honour as well. A great man of God. And his final blessings at Mass is so unforgettable. “‘May the blessings of the Lord be upon you, I’ll bless you in the name of the Lord!”

~ Gerald Chang & Family

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My first encounter with the late Archbishop Emeritus Nicholas Chia was at the Church of the Holy Cross. He was then the Parish Priest. We were in the newly renovated canteen. Someone complimented his astuteness in business ownership, he smiled at me. What was significance was his humbleness of silent acknowledgement and added his humbleness when complimented as well.

Another beautiful moment was he, the Director of SPI, was at entrance, near his office to welcome us. We were attending the Catechetical Course in the year 1979. It was a touching encounter for a fairly new baptised Christian.

We thank and praise the Lord Jesus for blessings and glories rewarded to our late Archbishop Emeritus Nicholas Chia. May his soul rest in peace. Amen.

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I'll never forget when His Grace, Archbishop Nicholas came to Church of the Nativity for a mass. I was on EM duty for that mass and after the mass, my wife came outside the mass preparatory room to meet me. I requested for photo with His Grace. He said. "Is that your wife? Invite her for the photo too." He held our hands for the photo. You could feel the warm love of a shepherd. Then he blessed us. Will never forget that moment.

I also will always remember his final blessing which he would intone ..."And may the blessings of the Lord be upon you... I bless you in the name of the Lord.."

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My encounter with the late Archbishop Emeritus Nicholas Chia was when I attended his classes on Christian Living/Morality/Discernment courses (under SPI, which he founded) at my parish, Blessed Sacrament Church in the 1980s.

He was a good shepherd to his flock. Even as Parish Priest then, he placed importance on faith formation and brought his lectures directly to the people and personally presented the completion certificates to participants. His care and commitment to us has contributed much to our growth in faith and knowledge.

Thank you Your Grace. May you rest in peace.

Jocelyn Seow

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His Grace at ME House sharing his wisdom on marriage. 

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Worldwide Marriage Encounter (Singapore) is very thankful for Archbishop Emeritus Nicholas Chia's support. When we were leaders of ME Singapore, he would ask us to keep him updated on the schedule of our ME weekends. He wanted to pray for the participants. Also, whenever he was available during one of our ME weekends, he would get us to pick him up and send him to ME House as he wanted to support and encourage the participants and the presenting team. Whenever, he addressed the couples, he would share his analogy for marriage. He said, "Marriage is like a zipper. Husband and wife are two sides of the zipper. You need God in the middle of your marriage to draw the both sides together and tight." We will always remember his words of wisdom. God in the centre of our marriage. His Grace was a huge supporter of ME Singapore. He would always accept our invitation to celebrate our annual anniversary mass for the movement. He was also present at our ME Dinner & Dance in 2013. We were very thankful that he made time for us and supported our apostolate. We are very grateful and will always remember him fondly. We will definitely miss him. We will pray for his soul. May he rest in peace. May the Lord's perpetual light shine upon him. With love and prayers, Patrick & Rachel

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He was a man of great faith, spirituality and humility. He was also a man of humour! We shared a running joke with each other where he would ask for my name, and I would say "Nicholas" (we share the same first name - Nicholas) and his reply would be "What a nice name!" to which I would say "I agree!" . Years later when I visited him once at St Theresa's home, he asked me again for my name, and I said "It's a nice name", and he cheekily replied "must be Nicholas!". He would pray with us and for us. May he rest in everlasting peace and joy with our Lord. God bless you always Archbishop Emeritus Nicholas Chia, and yes, what a nice name you have!

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Dearest Archbishop Emeritus Nicholas Chia Thank you for your dedicated service to the Catholic fraternity. You have left us an example of how to follow in the steps Jesus faithfully and in the true spirit of love for God’s people

You will be cherished and remembered for your shepherding and embodiment of God’s values

May your rest in the arms of Jesus enjoying eternity in Heaven

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Dear archbishop chia Thank you for your pastoral guidance and service to the catholic church. We are always filled with joy when we see you. It is time to part but not forever . Keep smiling at us from heaven and continue your support n protection we pledge to be one united people full of spirit. Rest in peace wonderful shepherd! 🙏🏼

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I still have fond memories of Archbishop Emeritus Nicholas Chia faithfully partaking in the WP Tue worship sessions at CSC as he was residing there after his retirement. He would enter St Clement Auditorium quietly and sit behind to observe the proceeding and praying with us. Many times, he would hold my hands tightly and warmly as I guide him down the stairs after the session ended. Such a wonderful feeling having him with us intercession and prayer. Missed him dearly.

Roland Ang

Ex- WPM member at CSC

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Archbishop Emeritus Nicholas Chia partaking in an year end celebration at CSC in 2014.

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Today as I ponder on our Grace Nicholas Chia passing, I am fill with gratitude of knowing him as a humble bishop when he retired at CSC. He wanted to say Mass daily n he gather us to help. So we had morning mass daily n followed by breakfast. Yes maria n me certainly have fond memories of him n we look forward to our morning mass n to buy breakfast where we could fellowship with him n our helpers.

I remember one day I was having my vertigo attack n was at home resting. Then to my surprise his Grace Nicholas Chia came to visit me with the Xavier Wan as driver . As I say his Grace coming up to our house I was fill with great joy . It was like I saw Jesus in him coming to find his lost sheep 🐑 . I was tearing when he place his hands on my head to pray for me . I could feel that I am going to be well soon as I was filled with great joy. As I reflected on that time of his visit I can only thank God for sending him to me . For honesty who am I that our high ranking priest make that visit. Then I just thank God for loving me n showing me how much God loves me that he send his Grace Nicholas Chia to represent him, our Father God.

Dear God please continue to bless His Grace Nicholas Chia to have perpetual light shine upon him , amen

May His Grace Nicholas Chia rest in peace. Amen

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It was a sad moment to hear one of our loving and 'fatherly figure' person: our Archbishop Emeritus Nicholas Chia, has passed away. He was a kind and devoted man and priest to us 'people'... May his soul rest in peace and rest well in heaven. May the glorious light shine on him 🕯️🕊️❤️

"Catholics should be grateful for the blessings we have received in Singapore, and that we have a part to play to spread the faith to others by our words and examples."

- Archbishop Emeritus Nicholas Chia

Rest In Peace, Archbishop Emeritus Chia. May you will never be forgotten and may you will be remembered by us 'people'. Amen 🕊️❤️✝️

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Long time ago, my family will always visit His Grace during Chinese New Year at the Cathedral. He would let me play with his two golden retriever, one small black dog and feed two big fishes when I was a little girl. I will always cherish the gift His Grace gave me and I will cherish it forever.

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To Your Grace, the late Archbishop Emeritus Nicholas Chia

Thank you for all the warmth, love and commitment you have shown to us all, your flock in the Archdiocese in Singapore for twelve years as our bishop and for many years of your service as a priest before that.

I can still remember well my first encounter with you at the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd at the Christmas Midnight Mass of 2004 (25 December 2004) almost twenty years ago. It was the second Mass that I served as an altar server of the Cathedral.

You are well remembered by the altar servers as a loving shepherd, as someone who has shown great care for all the servers of the Cathedral, praying for us and giving us your blessings. Your presence in our midst will be greatly missed.

Rest in Peace, Your Grace. May the Lord, our Almighty God have mercy on your soul and lead you to His eternal glory, our true Home in Heaven. Amen.

Peter Canisius Michael David Kang

康銘琮

Cathedral of the Good Shepherd

Altar Servers Ministry (2004 - present)