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Seminarians Visit Places of Worship (September 2025)

Seminarians visit places of worship on interreligious learning journey



Two first-year seminarians from Saint Francis Xavier Major Seminary–Anselm Tan, 27, and Colin Arriola, 29–visited the Masjid Abdul Gafoor on 3 September 2025, and Palelai Buddhist Temple on 10 September 2025 and interacted with their hosts as part of their interreligious learning journeys last month.


They were accompanied by Father Edward Seah, the seminary’s spiritual father, and Mr Gerald Kong, Executive Secretary of the Archdiocesan Interreligious Dialogue and Ecumenism Centre of Singapore (AIRDECS).


Mr Amr Esa (R) introducing the interactive display of the 99 names of God in Arabic found in the Qu'ran at the heritage centre.
Mr Amr Esa (R) introducing the interactive display of the 99 names of God in Arabic found in the Qu'ran at the heritage centre.

Common threads


At Masjid Abdul Gafoor in Little India, docent Mr Amr Esa introduced the 99 names of God in Arabic. These included Ar-Rahman (The Most Merciful) and Al-Hakim (The Wise One).


He explained to the seminarians that each name expresses a dimension of God’s nature and carries deep spiritual significance for the Muslims.


Both seminarians upon reflection, felt that this paralleled Catholic tradition where names also hold meaning, for example, Jesus naming Simon Peter meaning “rock”, signifying his foundational role in the Church.


The seminarians were intrigued to learn that figures such as Abraham, Moses, and Mary appear significantly in both the Qur’an and the Bible, highlighting possibilities for deeper dialogue and understanding between the two faiths.


Observing Muslim practices of prayer and gratitude, the seminarians also gained a renewed appreciation for how devotion can be woven into everyday life.


Across borders


At Palelai Buddhist Temple in Bedok, Phra Goh Chun Kiang (Venerable Adhibalo) shared aspects of the contemplative and meditative life of the Theravada tradition. The monks’ humility, calm, and discipline reminded the seminarians of Catholic contemplative orders such as the Carmelites.


Phra Goh introducing the Palelai Buddha Hall. He also explained the story of the Buddha, sitting in Pārileyyaka Forest and receiving offerings from two animals, a monkey and an elephant.
Phra Goh introducing the Palelai Buddha Hall. He also explained the story of the Buddha, sitting in Pārileyyaka Forest and receiving offerings from two animals, a monkey and an elephant.

The seminarians also learnt how Buddhism spread across Asia from its roots in India.

“It’s like how Christianity began in the Middle East and reached all parts of the world, and reminded me of how faith can transcend borders, connecting people across cultures and time,” said Seminarian Anselm.


“These encounters made me recognise how religions are interconnected, and how dialogue, respect, and understanding is so important in nurturing peace and unity in diversity within Singapore’s multireligious society,” said Seminarian Colin.


The visits, an annual affair led and arranged by Mr Gerald Kong, aim to help the seminarians better appreciate Singapore’s diverse religious traditions while reflecting on their own faith journeys.


Contributed by AIRDECS and seminarians Anselm Tan and Colin Arriola.

 
 
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