SINGAPORE – As the Year for Priests drew to an end, a musical staged in conjunction with the theme caused many to reflect more deeply about religious vocations.
In particular, Archbishop Nicholas Chia expressed hopes that the musical “13:34” would inspire the young generation to the priesthood and religious vocations. “The timing of the production at the end of the Year for Priests is a reminder for all to pray for priests and vocations. We pray that young people will be inspired,” he told CatholicNews on the sidelines of the one-night-only performance on Jun 10 at the Singapore Expo Hall 1.
In his speech to the 5,000 people present, he thanked the cast for “making use of their talents to help grow the Kingdom of God and disseminate ideas of religious vocation and priesthood”.
“13:34” is about how three young men respond to Jesus’ commandment to “love one another as I have loved you” (Jn 13:34).
One of the characters, Samuel (Timothy Wong) wants to become a priest but faces objections from his mother, who fears having no one to care for her during old age. Samuel eventually becomes a husband and father.
Frankie or Francis (Hwang Eu Jin) leads a vice-filled life of alcohol and women in order to forget his misery over his father’s death. But this man, initially angry at God for not answering his prayers for his father to get better, rediscovers his faith and returns to Church. He is eventually ordained a priest.
As for the character John (Jeremy Lee), he is torn between his love for Michelle (Jurane Solano), who wants to marry him, and his calling to the priesthood. He eventually enters the seminary with Michelle’s well-wishes.
The musical helped 16-year-old Gerard Bong from Church of the Holy Spirit to understand that vocation is not just about the priesthood, but also relevant to family life as a parent and spouse.
It also inspired him to think about a vocation as a priest. He said that while his peers might see priesthood as drudgery, the musical took a look at priesthood from a different view.
Father Henry Siew, who was amongst the audience, said the musical was “an interesting and non-pressurising way” to highlight the issue of vocation.
“It touches on the psychology and spirituality of parents, children, young adults in response to God’s invitation to His calling. It certainly provides relevant materials for reflection,” he said.
Father Siew also listed several situations encountered by the characters as being present in one’s journey towards answering the call to the priesthood: Hesitation, fear, doubt, joy, consultation, objection or support from family and friends, prayer and discernment, readiness to give up some options, decision making, letting go.
Father Erbin Fernandez, who had a role in the production, said the Church should encourage the use of drama as a way to impart faith to the younger generation. “I think a musical like ‘13:34’ really helps people to process the real issues of life and come to terms with their own struggles about faith and life,” he said.
Actors, too, undergo a discernment process as they strive to make their characters true to life and authentic, he added.
Darren Ee, 35, from the Church of St. Ignatius, was glad to see the Church try to convey a key message via entertainment forms such as a musical, a form of outreach which he felt Catholics had fallen behind compared to many Protestant churches.
“It’s a modern way to reach out to people. I appreciate the efforts of the organisers to reach out to the community in a different way,” Mr Ee said.
Another musical coming up in early September will be on the life of St. Alphonsus. To be staged by the Redemptorists, it will be held in celebration of the community’s 75 years in Singapore and in aid of the affected Haiti Redemptorist community.
By Darren Boon
darrenboon@catholic.org.sg
In praise of ‘13:34’
AUDIENCE COMMENTS ON the musical:
The acting and singing were good. The priests’ involvement brought a sense of togetherness between clergy and lay. The whole atmosphere was homely and intimate.
Father Henry Siew
The show had some humour in it. Not bad. A lot of effort was put into the production. Certain feelings evoked during the show touched my heart – such as the part of the boyfriend going to the seminary. The older adults seated around me were crying at certain things involving the other characters.
Pearlyn Neo
The priests’ participation added a lot of spice and life to the musical. It was definitely an incentive that they came forward to sing and dance and through this, reach out to the people. We see that priests can also have fun and are incredibly talented in other areas as well.
Leonard Neo
It was an awesome show! I was a bit worried that my kids (aged 11 and 13) who are used to the whole Disney Channel treatment would find it boring but they totally enjoyed it. The music rocked. The priests rocked. Great show everybody!
Nicholas Lee
It was a wonderful, moving tribute to the priesthood vocation. The singing and acting was so touching and real. It was as if the spirit was alive … and the atmosphere of love, servitude and our Catholic faith just filled the hall and the 5,000 people who were blessed to be there.
Jennifer Lim
Will there be DVDs for sale? I was there for the musical and enjoyed it very much.
Joel Koh
