Rest in peace sir..
Archbishop Emeritus Nicholas Chia, the third leader of the Catholic Church in Singapore, passed away at the age of 86. His successor, Cardinal William Goh, announced Archbishop Chia’s peaceful demise on Tuesday evening at St Theresa’s Home. The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore conveyed, “Arrangements for the public to pay respects and for the funeral proceedings will be announced when these are ready.”
In a tribute to the late Archbishop Chia, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong recognized him as “a devoted shepherd and steadfast pillar of the Catholic community.” Mr. Wong reflected on Archbishop Chia’s qualities, stating, “His unwavering faith, humility, and compassion enriched many lives.”
Archbishop Chia was a significant figure in the Catholic Church in Singapore, serving as its leader for nearly 12 years before Cardinal Goh succeeded him on May 18, 2013. Being the first Singapore-born clergyman to be appointed archbishop, Archbishop Chia was known for his reputation as “a people’s priest.”
Born on April 8, 1938, into a Catholic family, Archbishop Chia embarked on his journey in the ministry as an assistant parish priest at the Church of Saints Peter and Paul. He preached in English and Teochew before pursuing Mandarin studies in Kuala Lumpur. Upon his return, he served at the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour.
Archbishop Chia furthered his studies at the Gregorian University in Rome in 1969. Upon returning to Singapore, he played a significant role in establishing the Singapore Pastoral Institute and served as its director from 1978 to 1990. Archbishop Chia also held the positions of chancellor and procurator of the Archdiocese, overseeing its clergy, financial, and business affairs.
In 2001, Archbishop Chia succeeded Archbishop Gregory Yong in a ceremony at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. Despite facing health challenges, including a serious fall in 2014 that left him in a coma, Archbishop Chia persevered. Following rehabilitation, he continued his recovery journey at St Theresa’s Home, where he passed away, leaving behind a legacy of faith, compassion, and service to the Catholic community in Singapore.
