Singapore couple appointed to Vatican Dicastery

Singaporean couple Daniel and Shelley Ee have been appointed members of the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life. The announcement was made by the Vatican on Oct 6.

The couple, who have been the Worldwide Marriage Encounter’s global leaders since 2014, said that they are “truly humbled by this appointment and it is certainly an honour for Worldwide Marriage Encounter.

We believe it is in recognition of the work of our movement throughout the world. We will certainly do our best to serve the dicastery by drawing on our experiences in the movement as well as from our own life experiences.”

In his letter to them, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life, said that they would be expected to contribute to Pope Francis’ universal apostolic ministry and the Dicastery’s “promotion of life and the apostolate of the lay faithful, for the pastoral care of the young, the family and its mission following God’s plan and for the protection and support of human life.”

Congratulatory message

In a congratulatory message to the couple, Archbishop William Goh said that “it is with great joy that we received news of your appointment to the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life. It is a recognition of the good work you have done in promoting the Worldwide Marriage Encounter Movement. The Archdiocese is proud of you both and honoured that you have been chosen to serve the Universal Church in one of its Curia.

“Your work in the dicastery will not just be your contribution to Church and society but it will certainly enrich your grasp of the challenges of the family and the young in the world, facing problems perhaps quite different from ours. May your time with the dicastery be a fruitful journey in your spiritual growth and apostolate. Assuring you of my prayers and support.”