URGENT NOTICE



Some of you may have heard or read the news of a legal suit instituted by a lady against Fr. Simon, Fr. Jacob Ong and 7 other attendees of the Novena Church. Some of the attendees are members of the music ministry.

This note to you is to assure you of the integrity of the conduct of the 2 priests and the 7 others named in the suit and to dispel any speculation that may arise from the allegations.

On the 10th August 2004, a lady and her family was at the Novena Church premises at around 10.30pm. She was in hysteria and her family members sought help. Frs Simon and Jacob with the help of the 7 prayed over her and after she recovered she left the premises.

Unfortunately, without going into specifics, bizarre allegations by the lady have now been levelled against the 2 priests and 7 attendees for trespass, assault, and false imprisonment. She had also lodged a police report but after the police investigated they took no further action as they found no wrong doing. In the last two years the lady and some of her family members through their lawyers have attempted to negotiate a monetary settlement with the 2 priests. As Frs. Simon & Jacob had at all times conducted themselves properly in line with their responsibilities and duties as Redemptorists priests of the Novena Church, they flatly refused to entertain any settlement for allegations that were untrue. In her suit she is now claiming damages in excess of $250,000.00.

The original lawyers that acted for the lady in attempting to effect a monetary settlement with the priests is no longer acting for her. The lady’s new lawyers took over and commenced a civil suit and served the suit on Fr. Simon and Fr, Jacob last week and the media got wind of the suit. Denis, one of our facilitators has informed me that the press will not have access to the details of suits filed unless they are informed and furnished a copy of the suit. We leave you to draw your own conclusions.

I can understand the concerns some of you may feel and particularly the enquirers, and possibly, their family members. Please reassure them of the integrity of our Redemptorist priests and in particular our Spiritual Director, Fr. Simon.



Milly Chia/Clarice Wong
Co-Ordinators
RCIA Novena Church


30/8/2006

(i shant gif comments on tis case.. leave it up to u ppl hu read my blog to decide.. haha... )