PM Lawrence Wong pays tribute to Archbishop Emeritus Nicholas Chia, who died peacefully on 17 Dec
Archbishop Emeritus Nicholas Chia, the first Singapore-born priest to be appointed Archbishop of Singapore, has died at the age of 86.
His passing was announced by the current Archbishop of Singapore, William Goh, in a Facebook post on Tuesday (17 Dec) night.
Source: CatholicSg on Flickr
Cardinal Goh shared that his predecessor passed away peacefully that evening at St Theresa’s Home.
He expressed being “deeply grieved” by his passing, adding:
Let us pray for the repose of his soul.
Arrangements for the funeral proceedings, as well as details for the public to pay respects, will be announced once finalised.
Archbishop Emeritus Nicholas Chia was critically ill
Earlier on Tuesday afternoon, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore said on Facebook that Archbishop Emeritus Chia was “critically ill”.
The Archdiocese invited prayers for him and for those who cared for him.
In February 2014, he suffered a fall at Punggol Park and was found unconscious.
He sustained a head injury, with doctors later discovering a blood clot.
After several months in hospital, he was transferred to St Theresa’s Home, where he continued his recovery.
PM Wong conveys condolences to the Catholic community
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong paid tribute to Archbishop Emeritus Chia on Facebook, expressing his “deep sadness” at the news of his passing.
The PM offered his condolences to the Catholic community, describing the deceased as a “devoted shepherd and steadfast pillar”.
“His unwavering faith, humility, and compassion enriched many lives,” he added.
The first Singapore-born Archbishop of Singapore
Mr Wong noted that Archbishop Emeritus Chia was the first Singapore-born priest to be appointed Archbishop of Singapore.
He assumed the role on 7 Oct 2001 and served for nearly 12 years before stepping down on 18 May 2013, according to the Archdiocese.
Source: Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore on Facebook
Ordained as a priest in January 1964, he served the Church for over 60 years, beginning at the age of 25.
During his golden jubilee celebration Mass in 2014, Archbishop Goh spoke of Archbishop Emeritus Chia’s special love for the elderly, the poor, and the needy.
He also mentioned that the Archbishop had helped financially support random visitors who came to his house asking for money, visited the sick, and joined followers on mission trips abroad.
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Featured image adapted from CatholicSg on Flickr and Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore on Facebook.
