All hands on deck as Catholics in S'pore count down to Pope's visit

5,000 volunteers recruited as part of operation to pull off three-day papal visit

- Carmen Sin

How does a flock receive its shepherd? In 1986, when Pope John Paul II made a five-hour visit to Singapore, a seven-member organising committee was assigned the task.

More than three times that number now make up the group that has, since January, drawn up the grand and granular plans to host Pope Francis, the man they call Papa, from Sept 11 to 13.

In their charge are 5,000 volunteers resident Catholics recruited to sing, cheer, document and otherwise execute the massive logistical operation that is a three-day papal visit.

In keeping with the times, an original theme song, professionally directed music video, new web series and behind-the-scenes clips of the fastidious preparations have been produced for the occasion.

There have been brisk sales of memorabilia including canary yellow bucket hats, T-shirts and a foldable fan with a USB port, with second runs on some items after the first batch sold out.

All proceeds will go towards defraying the cost of the Pope's visit, said head of the souvenirs and fund-raising committee Lilian Kong.

But the community's offerings go beyond the glossy to the child-like and handmade.

In mission schools, children as young as four have been making art inspired by the watchwords of the Pope's Asia tour - unity and hope. A competition open to all primary schools received more than 250 entries, of which the best 20 have been selected to be framed at the pontiff's lodgings in Singapore.

A non-Catholic girl who completed her drawing over four days took the top prize.