CatholicNews ■ Sunday January 8, 2005
LIFE & FAITH
Sister Wendy Ooi, fsp, tells
how C. S. Lewis helped her
remain in the faith,
continues to enlighten her
on the faith and delights her
literarily
“Christianity, if false, is of no
importance, and, if true, of
infinite importance. The one
thing it cannot be is moderately
important.” – C. S. Lewis
“I believe in Christianity as I
believe that the sun has risen, not
only because I see it, but because
by it I see everything else.”
– C. S. Lewis
WHEN I FIRST read “The Lion,
the Witch and the Wardrobe” as
a child, I was not aware that it
contained such rich Christian
metaphors. It was simply a
fascinating tale set in Narnia, a
magical world with extraordinary
creatures, and where chivalry and
heroism ruled.
duty, honour and responsibility.
As the only one of four friends
who survived serving in World
War I, Lewis took responsibility
for looking after the teenage
sister and mother of his deceased
roommate, “Paddy” Moore.
The Moore women lived with
Lewis and his historian brother,
retired Maj. Warren Lewis, for
years in a two-storey, six-
bedroom brick cottage near
Oxford.
Gresham witnessed an
example of Lewis’ chivalry
firsthand when, in 1956, Lewis
proposed a “paper” marriage to
his mother to prevent the family
from being deported. Lewis soon
realised how much he loved his
wife when she was diagnosed
with cancer just a few months
later, and the two were married
by an Anglican priest in 1957.
Three years after his wife
died, Lewis died on the day
President John F. Kennedy was
19
AN INCREDIBLE INDIAN PILGRIMAGE
From 7th March 2006 – 12 days
We invite you to join us in a Pilgrimage to Chennai,
Goa, Kochi, Kolkata, Salem and Veilankanni.
Fast forward to about a closely, as a religious. I find You travel by air except Veilankanni.
decade later, and I am on the myself studying Theology at the
Loyola School of Theology AT CHENNAI AND KOCHI: We visit St. Thomas’ burial place and view Our
brink of adulthood, having doubts Lady’s icon. We also see the footprints of St. Thomas and the Cross he prayed
about my Christian faith and (Loyola) in the Philippines. In each night. Pope John Paul II elevated Kochi’s Shrine to that of International
almost on the verge of becoming my Discernment course under Level – the first in Asia. This has been a Pilgrimage site for over 1000 years.
an atheist. I chanced upon a book Father Thomas Green, SJ, “The GOA: See the incorruptable body of St. Francis Xavier over 450 years.
called “Mere Christianity”. The Screwtape Letters” by C. S. KOLKATA: Visit Mother Teresa’s Home. We have invited through Mother
author was C. S. Lewis. Lewis was part of my Nirmala, Ms. Monica Besra to join us in a meal. You can see and speak to
“Hmmm, didn’t he write that compulsory reading. By then I the living miracle that made Mother Teresa a Blessed and ask questions.
fantasy tale I read a long while was more familiar with Lewis Very few people in the world has this opportunity. Ms. Monica lives about 2
days travelling by bus and train from Kolkata.
back?” and in fact had already read
SALEM: We see beautiful Churches with legends of cures and favors granted.
Not knowing much about C. S. “Screwtape” which incidentally A local Priest will show us around.
Lewis, I was intrigued by what is dedicated to J.R.R. Tolkien,
VEILANKANNI: This is also known to many locals as the second Lourdes
this author of children’s magical Lewis’ good friend. Rereading due to the numerous cures reported. We bring you to see Our Lady’s Tank
“Screwtape” – the book is about where the first miracle took place and also show you the porcelain plates
a senior devil advising a junior depicting scenes from the Bible donated by the Portuguese sailors, about
devil how to prevent a person 400 years ago, whose lives were saved by Our Lady. Hear the latest miracle
from the locals on Tsunami.
from becoming or remaining a
For more information, please call:
Christian – now with a
theological background and a
Joseph Lee 9247-8382 Ms. Ivy Koh (Dynasty Travel) 9741-4929
stories had to say about my faith deeper spiritual life gave me a
– well, whatever was left of it. As fresher appreciation of Lewis.
I poured over “Mere From the library of Loyola, I
Christianity”, I found answers to borrowed the entire “Chronicles
the many questions I had about of Narnia” and read with much
God, about Christ, about relish and delight these
Christianity. Looking back, that wonderful tales, now on a much
book was truly the key that deeper level, gaining new
released all my doubts and insights and a richer grasp of the
brought me back to be a believer. deep theological metaphors and
In fact it is beyond doubt the allegories found in them.
right book at the right time in my Further along my spiritual
life. journey, I have read other works
Published in 1943, “Mere by C. S. Lewis. His insights to
Christianity” is a compilation of Christianity have helped me to
radio talks by Lewis. It includes a grow in my faith, a faith that was
discussion of some reasons for rekindled by him. He remains a
believing that God exists, why it spiritual mentor to me as well as
matters that he does, and an inspiring literary “hero”.
continues with the redeeming It is my hope that the film
work of God in Christ. After adaptation of “The Lion, the FOR ALL YOUR . . .
reading it, I was convinced that Witch and the Wardrobe” will
God does exist! Such was and is introduce C. S. Lewis and his
the power of good media. inspiring body of work to those Essential Legal Services
For bringing me back to being who have yet to discover him. At
• Personal Injuries (including motor accidents &
a believer in Christ, I am the same time, the film could
workmen’s compensation claims)
indebted to C. S. Lewis. also be a vehicle to translate the
Fast forward again to another beauty of the Christian message • Family Matters
decade and now I’m not only a and touch the hearts of audiences • Setting-up of Businesses / Partnership Agreements
believer but one who has who may never get to hear it • Sale & Purchase of Properties (also HDB)
responded to follow Christ more otherwise. ■ • Powers of Attorney
• Deed Polls – To change names
• Civil & Criminal Litigation
• Attestation & Notarization of Documents
• Wills, Probate & Administration of Estates
shot: Nov 22, 1963. was enormously emotional when NETTO & MAGIN LLC Advocates & Solicitors
Eighteen years old when I realised he loved me as much as 111 North Bridge Road #11-01 Peninsula Plaza Singapore 179098
Lewis died, Gresham said he was I loved him,” said Gresham, who Tel: 6338-3020 Mobile: Lucy 9787-6009 Fax: 6338-3263
“moved to tears” while reading considers his stepfather to be the Website: www.nmlawcorp.com.sg
Lewis’ letters expressing best Christian he has ever known.
fondness for his stepchildren. “It ■ CNS
Getting married soon?
A short biography of C. S. Lewis Are you looking for an experienced organist and singer
BORN IN BELFAST, Ireland, on Nov 29, 1898, Clive Staples
for your church wedding? Look no further!
Lewis taught English Language and Literature in Oxford for 29 Call: Philip Ignatius Lye (6566-1683) Organist and singer
years before becoming Professor of Medieval and Renaissance
Literature in Cambridge. For a wide selection of hymns and
Lewis was for many years an atheist and describes in his songs for your special occasion.
autobiography “Surprised by Joy”, “In the Trinity Term of 1929, I
gave in, and admitted that God was God… perhaps the most dejected
and reluctant convert in all England.” Yet it was this experience
that gave him an empathy with those averted to religion.
Lewis was an exceptionally gifted writer whose works have been
read by millions and translated into over 30 languages. His wide
range of writing, beside his scholarly work on Literary Criticism
and Christian Apologetics, include poetry, novels, science-fiction,
and children’s stories – all touched by his Christian faith.
He died on Nov 22, 1963 at his home in Oxford.
(For more on the life of C. S. Lewis and his works, visit cslewis.drzeus.net)