SINGAPORE: The Catholic community in Singapore is mourning the loss of Archbishop Emeritus Nicholas Chia, who passed away peacefully at the age of 86 on Tuesday, December 17. His successor, Cardinal William Goh, confirmed the news through a heartfelt Facebook post, revealing that Archbishop Chia spent his final moments at St Theresa’s Home.

In light of this significant loss, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore is preparing arrangements for the public to pay their respects, with details on the funeral proceedings to be announced soon. Earlier on the day of his passing, the Archdiocese had informed the public of Archbishop Chia's critical health condition, stirring concern among the faithful.

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong paid tribute to the late Archbishop, describing him as "a devoted shepherd and steadfast pillar of the Catholic community." He emphasized how Archbishop Chia's unwavering faith, humility, and compassion touched the lives of countless individuals throughout his ministry.

Archbishop Chia, the first Singapore-born priest to hold the title of Archbishop, led the Catholic Church in Singapore for nearly 12 years, from October 2001 until his retirement in May 2013. Known affectionately as "a people's priest," he worked diligently to foster deep connections within the community.

Born on April 8, 1938, into a devout Catholic family, Archbishop Chia's educational journey began at Holy Innocents' English School. He was ordained as a priest in 1964. His early ministry saw him serving as an assistant parish priest at the Church of Saints Peter and Paul, where he notably preached in both English and Teochew.

In 1966, Archbishop Chia embarked on a journey to Kuala Lumpur to study Mandarin, showcasing his commitment to reaching varied demographics within the congregation. His pursuit of knowledge took him to the prestigious Gregorian University in Rome in 1969, where he deepened his theological understanding.

Upon his return to Singapore, he played a pivotal role in establishing the Singapore Pastoral Institute and served as its director from 1978 to 1990, reflecting his dedication to pastoral education and formation. In 1995, he took on the critical roles of chancellor and procurator of the Archdiocese, overseeing clergy, financial, and business matters, effectively steering the Church through complex challenges.

Archbishop Chia's leadership was marked by compassion and a focus on community service, which will forever be remembered. In 2014, a tragic fall left him in a coma, but after extensive rehabilitation, he transitioned to St Theresa’s Home, where he continued his recovery until his passing.

His legacy as a devoted leader, educator, and compassionate servant of God will undoubtedly endure within the hearts of many in Singapore and beyond. As the community gathers to commemorate his life, it is clear that Archbishop Nicholas Chia's influence will resonate for generations to come.