Novena Preaching @ Novena Church

Tomorrow being Mother’s Day brings to mind a reflection on the symbolism of a flower gift on this special day.The gift of a flower reminds us of:1. Thanksgiving - A symbolic way to represent our thankfulness.2. A way of life - like how we are able to take random stalks of flowers and reconfigure it into a bouquet. Similarly, our random acts of thanksgiving can be collected and reconfigured into a new attitude and way of life.3. Reconciliation - our mothers may not be perfect, and we remember to not focus on imperfections of others but on growth and the call for forgiveness and reconciliation.Novena Church wishes all mothers and Mama Mary a Happy Mother’s Day.- Saturday Novena Devotion by Fr. Terence Wee, C.Ss.R. (9 May 2026)

"Never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, or sought your intercession was left unaided..." are not poetic lines, but lived realities of countless faithful.Fr. Prabhu invites us into the heart of May - the Church's Marian month - not as a duty, but as a relationship of love. He reminds us that this tradition, rooted since the 13th century, flows from a simple insight. Just as creation offers its beauty in full bloom, we too are called to offer our best to God through Mary. Through traditions like Flores de Mayo, we see how simple gestures like offering flowers become powerful expressions of the heart. Each flower we offer carry something personal. It could be our struggles, gratitude, wounds, or hopes. Henceforth, Fr. Prabhu leaves us with a question: what is the "flower" we will offer this May in expression of our prayer and love? Because through Mary, even the smallest offering reaches Jesus.- Saturday Novena Devotion by Fr. Antony Prabhu, C.Ss.R. (2 May 2026)

Action speaks louder than words. To be a witness, we have to live our life as a Christian. People trust experiences over words. Let us Love through actions.The mass has to be celebrated in our life, the sharing and the communion that we celebrate in the mass has to overflow into our daily life, as Fr. Ino reminds.Communion is not only when I receive the body of Christ, but communion is when I go back home to my family and community and try to be an instrument of the love of God. That is proclaiming by witnessing.No one is left behind. We are living witnesses of the love of God to one another. Life fully lived in practice and action.Preach the gospel at all times to the whole of creation.- Saturday Novena devotion by Fr. Victorino Cueto , C.Ss.R. ( 25 April 2026)

In this homily, Fr. Peter Wee reflects on the Gospel scene of Jesus walking on water, where the disciples are caught in fear amid the storm. He draws our attention to Jesus’ simple yet powerful invitation: “It is I. Do not be afraid.”Fear, he reminds us, is a natural response to the uncertainties and storms of life—whether personal struggles, family challenges, or even global tensions. Yet Jesus teaches us how to face them with inner steadiness. We are also reminded that if we are steady inside, we can manage the unsteadiness outside.Fr Peter encourages us not to remain trapped in fear, but to learn how to manage it by deepening our relationship with God and learning to trust Him more each day - "do not be trapped in fear, but gaze on the Lord."Drawing inspiration from our Blessed Mother, who remained steadfast even at the foot of the Cross, this reflection calls us to journey with the Lord daily and trust in Him. - Saturday Novena Devotion by Fr. Peter Wee, C.Ss.R. (18 April 2026)

As we move into the Easter octave, we reflect on the meaning of Easter and being Easter people. The corresponding readings of the Easter Octave show how various people respond to the reality of the passion, death and resurrection of Christ. The chief priests responded negatively by trying to cover up the resurrection as fake, the disciples didn’t understand and were confused, but later encountered Jesus and with his explanation, finally understood. How do we receive the Holy Spirit and became Easter people? We bear good news and being light to world.The Divine Mercy Sunday was instituted by Pope John Paul II. One of effects of resurrection is that God’s mercy is to be spread to rest of the world. It offers a concrete promise of hope, and this is an invitation for us to understand what God’s mercy is all about, and to share this mercy with rest of world. It is a call to action, not just prayer alone.- Saturday Novena Devotion by Fr. Terence Wee, C.Ss.R. (11 April 2026)

Week 6: Embracing the cross, Redemption through Jesus’ sacrifice; Redemptive suffering - no cross, no resurrection. "Not I, Rabbi, surely?"- Judas’ response to Jesus serves as a reminder to all of us that we sometimes betray Jesus in many ways. Our repeated sins crucify Jesus over and over again. Judas separated himself from Jesus’ love. When we cut ourselves from the source of love, Jesus, there is a high tendency to fall into sin again and again.Jesus is always faithful even when we are not. God always loves us as who we are, and He is always waiting for us to come home to him.The crosses in our lives will always tempt us to give up our faith. In facing these challenges, we can choose to run away or turn back to Jesus and ask Him to send His Holy Spirit to guide us to enable us to carry our crosses everyday. And we always have our mother, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, who understands our suffering, we pray to Mother Mary to continue to journey with us. Novena devotion by Fr Sikstus Bapa Atawolo, C.Ss.R. ( 28 March 2026)

In this homily, Fr. Terence reflects on the Gospel of the raising of Lazarus (John 11:1-45) during this Fifth Week of the Lenten Novena - "Jesus leads us to true choices."Reflecting on the Lazarus story, he emphasizes two key insights. First, God sometimes seems to delay. In moments when hope fades and prayer feels dry, we are challenged to hold onto faith. As he notes, "the opposite of faith is not doubt...it is certainty." Secondly, like Martha, we struggle with a mix of faith, disappointment, and longing. Yet, it is in this very uncertainty that transformation is formed. Transformation is not only a future hope but a present invitation. When Jesus declares, "I am the resurrection and the life," it is an invitation to change now.The homily concludes with a powerful reflection: What in our lives is slowly dying and are we ready to surrender and be transformed by Christ today?Saturday Novena Devotion by Fr. Terence Wee, C.Ss.R. (21 March 2026)

We reflect on this week’s gospel of the healing of the blind man by Jesus as well as last week’s gospel of Jesus’ encounter with Samaritan woman at the well.The healing of the blind man symbolizes the healing and transformative power of Jesus Christ. Born blind, sitting on roadside begging for alms before Jesus entered his life, and after Jesus heals him, he gains sight, follows Jesus and gives testimony. Similarly, the Samaritan woman was living a sinful life until she met Jesus Christ. After the encounter, when she received the living water, she went back different. She left the jar behind - the jar of anxiety, worries, rejection and accusations - she doesn’t need the jar anymore after she received the living water. She has transformed and went back to the village to testify.The blind man calls Jesus a man, prophet and then messiah which finds parallelism with the Samaritan woman who first called Jesus' ‘sir’ and then ‘prophet’ and ‘messiah’ when she was testifying to the village.Both the blind man and Samaritan woman were transformed and likewise, we should move forward in our faith as we encounter Jesus. It is a testimony of how an encounter with Jesus can transform our lives.- Saturday Novena Devotion by Fr. Antony Charles, C.Ss.R. (14 March 2026)

In today's homily, Fr. Glenn reflects on the encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well. Although Jews and Samaritans avoided each other, and men rarely spoke publicly with women, Jesus crosses these social boundaries and begins a conversation with her.Instead of accusing her of her past or her broken relationships, Jesus speaks first to the deeper thirst of her heart. He offers her "living water" - a life - giving grace that satisfies the soul beyond physical water or desires of the world. Transformed by Christ's compassion, she leaves her water jug behind and runs to tell others, "I'm healed." She becomes the first missionary in John's Gospel. Fr. Glenn reminds us that the most powerful witnesses are often "wounded healers" - people who have encountered God's forgiveness and therefore understand the suffering of others.Fr. Glenn concludes with an invitation to reflect on our own lives: what wells do we keep returning to that never truly satisfy? Are we allowing Christ to meet us in our brokenness, to give us the living water that transforms and enables us to become witnesses of His love?- Saturday Novena Devotion by Fr. Glenn De Cruz, C.Ss.R. (7 March 2026)

Longing for Mystery, trusting in the unexplained presence of GodWe are still in the season of the lunar New Year, and this year is the year of the horse, the horse symbolizes strength and determination How can the horse inspire us in our Christian faith?One feature is its focus. The horse that wins the race actually wins not just by strength but by its focus. And just as blinkers keep a racehorse fixed on the finishing line, our Christian life is fixed on Christ who leads us to our finishing line, which is the promise of eternal life, the promise of salvation.In Matt 17:1-9, The Transfiguration was for the disciples to focus intently on Jesus who shone brightly before them giving them hope against hope. Just like disciples, with Jesus as our jockey let us learn to say, “Lord, you see the entire track, not me, into your hands I commend my spirit."Novena devotion by Fr Eugene Lee, C.Ss.R. (28 February 2026)

In this homily, Fr Simon Tan reminds us that temptation is part of every human life — regardless of age or vocation. Even Jesus faced temptation during His 40 days in the desert. Temptation itself is not a sin, but giving in weakens our relationship with God.During this Lenten season, Fr Simon invites us to become more conscious of the spiritual struggles within our hearts. Through prayer, sacrifice, and penance, we receive the strength to resist temptation. He reflects on common struggles such as anger, gossip, addictions, and unforgiveness, reminding us that while we cannot always control our thoughts, we can choose not to let them take root.True conversion begins in the heart that sincerely desires God. When we trust in God’s grace rather than our own strength, He purifies and renews us. With perseverance in prayer and faith, we can overcome temptation and experience spiritual renewal and freedom.- Saturday Novena Devotion by Fr. Simon Tan, C.Ss.R. (21 February 2026)

Today’s theme is ‘To God be the glory’. Ultimately the goal of Christian life is to glorify God eternally. How do we give glory to God? How do we glorify God when everything belongs to God. We can taste and experience God’s glory and take part in giving glory to God. We look to our blessed mother and St Irenaeus of Lyon who said, ‘The glory of God is when humanity is full alive.’We are not fully alive as sin is within us. What does being fully alive mean?In the Magnificat- ‘my soul glorifies the Lord’- Mary did that by living a God-centred life, in God’s grace, allowing the attributes of God in her person.What do we mean when we say, ‘Glory be to God’?It means that we radiate attributes of God and are loving to people such that others are able to experience the lovingness of God- that’s how we glorify God. Let us be vessels, instruments to radiate the love of God.- Saturday Novena Devotion by Fr. Peter Wee, C.Ss.R. (14 February 2026)

Beginning with the story of a little girl drawing God, Fr. Glenn reminds us that although we cannot see God directly, we encounter Him in the love we show one another.Through the painful story associated with Holocaust and "Where is God?", Fr. Glenn points to the Cross, where God is present in love and sacrifices. Doubt is not the opposite of faith. Even Jesus experienced abandonment on the Cross, and saints endured the "dark night of the soul." These moments do not destroy faith; they purify and deepen it.True faith is never passive as shown with the centurion's trust and Mary's loving service to Elizabeth. Fr. Glenn invites us, in our own struggles, to pray with the faith: "Lord, just say the word, and it will be healed."- Saturday Novena Devotion by Fr. Glenn De Cruz, C.Ss.R. (2 February 2026)

Fr. Terence shares candidly about receiving both appreciation and complaint letters in the Church. While genuine feedback is always welcomed, a recent letter stirred something deeper in him — not because of the issue raised, but because of the spirit in which it was written.This experience led him to invite everyone to reflect on how we discern and challenge one another as a faith community. Do we come to Church with gratitude, seeing it as a privilege to worship together? Or do we come with entitlement, expecting everything to be done according to our comfort and preferences?Fr. Terence reminds us that true discernment is rooted in humility, love, and openness in a Christ-like way, and are we willing to be part of the solution.Growth in a faith community requires each of us to take shared responsibility — and to challenge one another with humility and love.- Saturday Novena Devotion by Fr. Terence Wee, C.Ss.R. (31 January 2026)

The parable of the rich fool - Luke 12:16-21 Is faith still relevant in a world of modern technology and AI? Where is God’s place when resources are abundant and information readily available?Br. Celestine reflects that worldly wealth should not become idols. Pride and despair are the devil’s work. Prayer is an expression of our love and trust in God.We pray “that we may never grow so proud as to think we can do without God or religion “. Let us mean what we say and pray what we mean.Novena devotion by Br Celestine Toh, C.Ss.R. (24 Jan 2026)

In today's homily, Fr. Vincent directs us to St John the Baptist who points us to Christ, the Lamb of God—gentle and sacrificial—who takes away the sins of the world. Fr. Vincent reminds us that God sent His Son not to condemn us, but to redeem us, offering hope, peace, and love.Life is filled with struggles—health, work, family, and studies—but God continues to love us as sinners and desires our redemption. Our weekly Saturday devotions to Mother Mary show our trust in her intercession and our confidence in God’s mercy.May we remain encouraged and hopeful, living not for ourselves alone, but as disciples of Jesus, for the good of all.- Saturday Novena Devotion by Fr. Vincent Low, C.Ss.R. (17 January 2026)

As we embark on this new year of 2026, we look towards the new year. We are optimistic and wish for a better year ahead, but is there such a thing as a better year? Instead of that, we ask - "will I become a better person this year?" or "someone freer, liberated, more trusting, joyful, more rooted in relationship with God and one another." A better year may not mean no setbacks, no suffering. Yet we must acknowledge that anxieties and worries are part of our human condition and we can be plagued by them.St Paul reminds us in Phil 4:6-7 – Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.Let us force on God and let God do what He does.We can’t stop the storm or the heatwave or disasters or nasty people. Let us depend on Christ and let God shape us. Let us have God at the centre of our being - so that in trusting the will of God, we go through our lives still being joyful and celebrating what life has in front of us. Our worries do not save us, but trust saves us, when we rely on God. Our smallest concerns and greatest fear then become our greatest confidence; our anxieties lose its grip on us and this year becomes a better year because we have a better me.- Saturday Novena Devotion by Fr. Eugene Lee, C.Ss.R. (10 January 2026)

On Christmas Eve 2024, the late Pope Francis opened the Jubilee Year by opening the Holy Doors, which now draw to a close on the Solemnity of the Epiphany. While the physical doors close, we are reminded that the door that truly matters is the door of our hearts - called to remain open in mercy, love, and forgiveness. Crossing the Holy Doors was an invitation to encounter God's mercy and to become doors of mercy to others. As we begin the new year with the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, we are assured that we are not alone - Jesus is Emmanuel, God is with us. Guided by Mary, we entrust ourselves to the Lord, praying that His face may shine upon us and grant us peace.- Saturday Novena Devotion by Fr. Sikstus Bapa Atawolo, C.Ss.R. (3 January 2026)

For our Lord, this phrase refers to mothers. The first person every human being relates to is your mother. And Mary is the mother who rocked the cradle of Jesus. In this Christmas season, Fr Glenn reflects on the birth of Jesus, the truth that changes everything. God has chosen to come close to us. “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us”God did not save us from afar, through Mary, He entered our human condition to share in our joys, struggles, hopes and our fears.Yet on Christmas Eve, there was no room for the Holy Family at the inn, every room was occupied. Similarly, most of us do not reject Jesus, we are simply too busy, our lives are too full of everything else. However, the innkeeper offered what he could, a stable. This gives us hope, because all Jesus needs is a small space, a humble heart that be made holy by welcoming Jesus. Pope Leo calls us to make room for Jesus in our hearts, to help one another. Mary is the hand that rocks the cradle, that’s why we ask for her intercession. Let us ask ourselves, with the help of Mary, the mother of Jesus, what small space can I offer Jesus?Novena Devotion by Fr Glenn De Cruz, C.Ss.R. (27 December 2025)

In this advent homily, Fr. Ino reflects on the candle of love. He invites listeners to contemplate the depth of God's love through what he calls "reverse creation" - when God becomes human. The all powerful, all perfect God chooses not to appear as an angel or a mighty being, but as one like us - fragile, human, and vulnerable. This, Fr. Ino emphasizes, is the clearest and most tangible proof of God's profound, self-giving love.This divine love is all embracing and inclusive, showing Jesus' encounters with those rejected by society, such as the Samaritan woman and Zacchaeus. Hence, Fr. Ino challenges us to reflect on the boundaries place around our own hearts, sometimes mistaking isolation for security. This Christmas, he invites everyone to pray for the grace to frow in love - to be a little kinder, more caring, and more open.Saturday Novena Devotion by Fr. Victorino Cueto, C.Ss.R. (20 December 2025)

The theme of the 3rd week of Advent is joy. How do we feel the joy of Christmas in the midst of all our struggles?Fr Simon reflects on his upcoming 28th Sacerdotal anniversary and the word ‘appreciation’ comes to mind. Appreciation of encounters with people of faith who still trust in God despite their sufferings, people who have supported the Novena church and all these have contributed to the joy of his priesthood. With this attitude, let us appreciate whatever blessings others have brought unto us and lift us up in joy.We also ask God to give us joy in the midst of suffering.- Saturday Novena Devotion by Fr. Simon Tan, C.Ss.R. (13 Dec 2025)

In this second week of Advent, Fr. Prabhu reflects on the Bethlehem Candle, the candle of peace. Just as Bethlehem—small, noisy, and unnoticed—was chosen to receive the Prince of Peace, so too our own hearts, often messy and overwhelmed, are the very places where Christ desires to enter. True peace, he reminds us, is not the absence of problems nor the ability to control life’s circumstances. Christian peace is not something but Someone—Christ Himself.Through the story of a child assembling a world-map puzzle by focusing on the image of the Good Shepherd behind it, Fr. Prabhu shows that when Christ is at the center, the pieces of our lives come together. Peace begins in the heart, then flows to families and the world. As we light the Bethlehem candle, we pray: “Lord Jesus, enter the Bethlehem of our heart and bring peace to every broken piece of our lives.”- Saturday Novena Devotion by Fr. Antony Prabhu, C.Ss.R. (6 December 2025)

In today's homily, Fr. Antony Prabhu shares that he once felt lost and directionless, unsure of his vocation and carrying an emptiness nothing can fill. Yet he kept returning to Novena Church, where through Our Mother of Perpetual Help, God worked quietly within him - like a hidden seed growing beneath the soil. This, he says, is the meaning of Advent: Christ who come, who will come again, and who is here present now in all our struggles. We observe four weeks of Advent because spiritual growth cannot be rushed. Week by week, the candles of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love slowly brighten our hearts. This first week focuses on Hope. Christian hope is not wishful thinking but trusting in God's faithfulness even without answers. And we are called to share this hope with others.- Novena Devotion by Fr. Antony Prabhu, C.Ss.R. (29 November 2025)

We celebrate The Solemnity of Christ the King tomorrow. Fr. Vincent reflects on a portion of the gospel reading from Luke 23:35-43 about the crucifixion scene with Jesus and the two thieves. The first thief was unrepentant, but the second thief (the “good” thief) showed 2 qualities that were praiseworthy -1. Sincerity - he was sincere to admit his wrongdoing and accept punishment for his crime. I messed up and deserve to be punished 2. Humility - he is humble enough to turn to Jesus and say, “remember me as you enter into your Kingdom" and hence Jesus gave him the most precious of all gifts, the gift of redemption at the final moment of his life.What has this story got to do with us? When we make a mistake, are we sincere to admit our wrongdoing and apologize? Do we reach out to those we have wronged?Most of us don’t, instead we tell “white” lies; we try to cover it and minimize our mistake, but a lie is a lie, a lie is not telling the truth.When we tell lies, it causes great pain and undermines our relationships with others because of insincerity and dishonesty.Repentance and remorsefulness gained the good thief the blessing of redemption for Jesus.Let us ask Mother Mary to intercede for us to follow these qualities of sincerity and humility which are also found in Our Mother of Perpetual Help.- Novena Devotion by Fr Vincent Low, C.Ss.R. (22 November 2025)

In today’s homily, Br. Albert Khoo reflects on the call to care for God’s creation. From Genesis, we are reminded that God brought beauty and order out of chaos and entrusted humanity with the mission to be faithful stewards of the Earth. Creation is not just a backdrop to our lives but a sacred gift that sustains us, and its care remains our responsibility today.Through the example of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we see how to live as humble stewards. Mary’s simple, open-hearted “yes” to God shows us how to live in harmony with His will and to receive creation as a gift, not something to exploit.Caring for creation is ultimately a spiritual journey. By living with gratitude, reducing waste, and making choices that protect the Earth, we echo Mary’s openness and say our own “yes” to God-Novena Devotion by Br. Albert Khoo, C.Ss.R. (15 November 2025)

‘Lord increase our faith’ - this was the disciples’ request to Jesus, despite living with him and witnessing all the miracles.Have you asked Jesus to increase your faith?We may pray intensely, do novena devotion, come to church, attend mass regularly and be involved in ministries but none of these guarantees genuine faith. This is because the way we live our lives is opposite to practice of our faith.Pope John Paul II outlines 4 important aspects of faith:1. Seeking- faith is a gift from God but we need to seek and let it grow and increase our understanding. We can do that by reading the bible, religious books and listening to homilies2. Accepting the truth of the teaching- even if it is difficult3. Consistency-how do we put into practice? We show our faith throughout daily interactions4. Constancy-we live our faith for eternity, like Mother Mary, always saying yes to GodLet us learn from Mother Mary to stand strong in our faith in Jesus no matter how bad things are. If we put all things in God’s hands, we will see God’s hands in everything.- Novena Devotion by Fr. Sikstus Bapa Atawolo, C.Ss.R. (8 November 2025)

This weekend, the Church celebrates two deeply meaningful feasts - All Saints Day and All Souls Day. Though different in focus, both reveal one unified truth - our call to holiness and our unbreakable connection with all who have gone before us in faith.Our Common Call - we are called to be saints in our daily lives, not perfect but faithful and persevering.The Communion of Saints - we are connected in one big community with the saints and all souls in purgatory. This bond of love, forged in Christ, is stronger than death itself. While the saints intercede, for us, we in turn, pray for souls awaiting union with God. This serves as a reminder of the power of intercession.Hope Anchored in God - death is not the end but a beginning. God's grace surpasses our imperfections, and hope keeps us moving forward. Through the weekly devotion letters, we are reminded to be a community of hope.Fr Terence invites us to put our faith into action. Each action enables us to move closer towards sainthood and our heavenly destination.- Novena Devotion by Fr. Terence Wee, C.Ss.R. (1 November 2025)

Victor Franco who is a psychiatrist who witnessed tremendous suffering in Auschwitz who discovered that our greatest prison lies in our mind and so does our greatest liberation.The way we perceive our hardships can either be hopefully or hopelessly.Fr Eugene reflects that for those who have hope they can still feel joy and peace in the struggles as they feel God accompanying them, they are not abandoned. They believe in eternal life as God has promised. In the acceptance and finding meaning amid the suffering, we detach from the unnecessary and direct us to put God back in the centre of our lives.Everyone has struggles. No one here is immune to difficulties but everyone can find meaning through God especially in times of sufferingIn Philippians 4:11-13, St Paul says “I have learnt to be content in whatever the circumstances. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”May this be our prayer and direction today.Novena devotion by Fr Eugene Lee , C.Ss.R. (25 Oct 2025)

in today's homily, Fr. Antony Prabhu reflects on Pope Leo XIV's title for Mother Mary "Mary, the Synodal Woman, one who never walks alone but journeys with all people in faith." Drawing from Scripture and her quiet strength, from the Annunciation to the Wedding at Cana and Calvary, Mary shows herself to be a model of listening, bridge-building, and unity, guiding the Church to walk together as one.Linking this to Singapore's own story of racial and religious harmony, Fr. Antony reminds us that true communication s built when we open doors with genuine welcome, build bridges through listening, and tear down walls through reconciliation. Like Mary, we are called to choose unity over division and walk together in faith towards Jesus, who unites all hearts.- Saturday Novena Devotion by Fr. Antony Prabhu, C.Ss.R. (18 October 2025)

Br. Celestine tells of St Gerard Majella who inspired his vocation. This year we commemorate the 300th birth anniversary of St Gerard Majella. Saint Gerard was a Redemptorist lay brother known as a miracle worker with deep relationship with the Lord and also a patron for expectant mothers and childless couples. There was a legend of a lady with a difficult pregnancy who, with the help of his handkerchief, eventually had a safe delivery of a baby boy.This Thursday 16/10/25, we celebrate his special feast day, the 3rd centennial anniversary of St Gerard’s birth, do join us.- Novena Devotion by Br. Celestine Toh, C.Ss.R. (11 October 2025)

In this homily, Fr Vincent reflects on the recent 6.9 magnitude earthquake in Cebu and the remarkable resilience of the Filipino people. Despite devastation, loss of lives, and homes destroyed, their faith in God remains unshakable. Fr Vincent reminds us that faith is not a feeling but a conviction: trusting in God even when we don't understand, surrendering control, and believing that with God nothing is impossible. He challenges us to reflect on our own journey - do we truly trust God, or do we rely only on ourselves? Like the mustard seed that can move mountains, our faith, however small, can make the impossible possible.He concludes with a call to pray for the people of Cebu and for our own hearts, that we may grow in faith and trust in God.- Novena Devotion by Fr. Vincent Low, C.Ss.R. (4 October 2025)

In September, the church commemorates two important events - the Season of Creation and the World Day for Migrants and Refugees The Redemptorist charism is to bring the good news to those who are most abandoned and these two groups are among the most abandoned in the world today.The first is God’s creation which we have used, abused and destroyed, and migrants and refugees are one of the most vulnerable people in our country. Do we respect them both?Our Christian faith does not see God’s creation or people as commodities to be used for our own needs, but our faith teaches us to value the dignity and goodness of each person and everything that God has created.These events are a challenge to conversion. It is a call to change how we relate to creation and to our neighbour.Let us be reminded that God has given us the responsibility to cherish, to protect and to nurture them. Amen Novena Devotion by Fr Gerard Louis, C.Ss.R. (27 Sept 2025)

In this Jubilee Year 2025, Pope Leo XIV gives Mary a new title: the Jubilee Woman. From her "yes" at the Annunciation to her faith at Calvary, Mary embodies renewal and new beginnings. Fr. Antony Prabhu reminds us that Mary is showing us how we can live jubilee by listening more than speaking, welcoming more than judging, and starting again when life is broken. Each Novena Devotion becomes a "little jubilee," where God's mercy restores us. Through Mary's intercession, we discover that no failure is beyond God's grace, and every ending can become a new beginning.- Saturday Novena Devotion by Fr. Antony Prabhu, C.Ss.R. (20 September 2025)

We celebrate the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross tomorrow (14th September). At first, the cross looks like a sheer tragedy: Jesus nailed between thieves, mocked, abandoned, and dying in agony. His mother, Mother Mary, stood pale and shaken, just meters away from the cross. But there is something more - the Triumph of the Cross.The cross is life: from death comes new life in Christ. The cross is love: Jesus gave His life out of love for us, and in every Eucharist, He gives us Himself again. The cross is joy: not joy in suffering, but joy in the gift that death has been defected, and in Him, we live forever.Novena Devotion by Fr. Glenn De Cruz, C.Ss.R. (13 September 2024)

Fr Paul recalls a homeless lady who danced with joy and gave thanks to our heavenly Father when she was given a meal and tiramisu. How often do we do that when we receive blessings?Similarly in this 75 years, our Novena Church has received plentiful blessings and we stand in solidarity with our mother to give thanks to our Lord as we reflect on the Magnificat and savour the words.‘My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my saviour for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.From this day all generations will call me blessed:the Almighty has done great things for me,and holy is his Name.’- Novena Devotion by Fr. Paul Vinh, C.Ss.R. (6 September 2025)

As we celebrate 75 years of Novena Church, Fr. Charles Antony, invites us to remember God's abundant blessings, rejoice in His faithfulness, and renew our commitment to His mission. Novena Church, through the intercession of Our Mother of Perpetual Help, has become a refuge for all - welcoming people of every race, religion, and background as beloved children of God.Fr Charles reminds us that everything begins and ends with God. Creation is not a finished work but an ongoing mystery in which we are continually renewed and reborn into the life Jesus promises. Mary plays a central role in this plan as well: chosen to be the Mother of Jesus, she leads all of us to her Son. The greatest gifts humanity has received are Jesus in the Eucharist, and His mother, given to us at the Cross as our Mother and intercessor. He urges the faithful to continue to bring the Good News, strengthened by Mary's guidance and God's enduring love, as Novena Church journeys into the future.- Novena Devotion by Fr. Charles Antony, C.Ss.R. (30 August 2025)

Mary our Mother - She is the mother to all of Jesus’ disciples The term Mother is in fact a symbol of unconditional love, intimacy, care, affection, and sacrificial loveFr Gerard reflects on three ways that Mary shows us unconditional love, care and how she nurtures us. With our reflection today of how Mary shows her motherly love for us, she is also showing us how to live our Christian mission by showing our love to others, to offer the example and witness of our lives, that all people may experience the redemption that Jesus brings and they might have eternal life with God forever. AmenNovena Devotion by Fr. Gerard Louis, C.Ss.R. (23 Aug 2025)

In this homily, Fr Glenn de Cruz reflects on the theme “Pastoral heritage of the Redemptorist, mission of hope from Mary to Jesus.” Drawing from Mary’s own journey of rejection, exile, widowhood, and the suffering of her Son, he reminds us that she understands the struggles of the marginalized and broken. Entrusted to us by Jesus as our Mother, she continues to intercede and offer hope for all generations. Fr Glenn reminds us that we too are called to follow her example, becoming missionaries of hope by lightening the burdens of others and sharing God’s plentiful redemption. As Fr Glenn puts it, “If you want to lighten the weight of your cross, try help someone carry theirs.”- Novena Devotion by Fr. Glenn De Cruz, C.Ss.R. (16 August 2025)

Today’s theme is Remembering our blessing and God’s faithfulness: What is the significance of celebrating Singapore’s 60th year of Independence as well as Novena Church’s 75th anniversary?Those early days marked times of uncertainty and anxiety, and milestone anniversaries are days to remember and acknowledge that what we have received as a church and nation are blessings from God and how God has been faithful to us. When we remember that, we are able to share these blessings with others. Secondly, we are called to remind society that the blessings that we have received are blessings to be shared, with our society and with the world that is vulnerable and the least. It is our mission to share God’s plentiful redemption with others- our mission as church and nation.- Novena Devotion by Fr. Gerard Louis, C.Ss.R. (9 August 2025)

In today’s reflection, we draw from Matthew 28:19–20, where Jesus commands us to “Go and make disciples of all nations.” This call to mission is brought to life in a true story shared by Br Celestine of an 18-year-old girl who, after suffering abuse and slavery, found hope at Novena Church through a stranger’s simple invitation to pray to Mother Mary. Though not yet Catholic, she encountered love, support, and healing within the church community.This moving story highlights our theme: Novena Church, A Missionary Place. Inspired by St. Alphonsus Liguori, founder of the Redemptorist, this Church has embodied a mission to bring God’s abundant love and mercy to the most abandoned — migrants, the homeless, youth, and families in need.As we celebrate 75 years of missionary presence, we honor Mary, the perfect missionary, who leads us to Jesus and teaches us to serve others with compassion.Let us be modern-day missionaries—not just by converting others, but by sharing our stories of God’s love, and by becoming instruments of hope and healing.- Novena Devotion by Br. Celestine Toh, C.Ss.R. (2 August 2025)

What is Hope?A mental and emotional conviction? The mind and heart is one conviction that ultimate good will prevail over the many difficulties, problems or evil that surrounds lifeIt is not just being positive. Hope rooted in something more than just our human self is God. It is sacred.Hope is founded in our relationship with God. Our Novena Church community can help each other sense the message of faith and hope that God wants to convey to us through Jesus with the help of our Mother Mary.Together let’s stay with God constantly. Feet on the ground but always gazing.Novena devotion by Fr. Peter Wee, C.Ss.R. ( 26 July 2025 )

This week’s theme is ‘gratitude’, why it matters and how we can live it out. Gratitude is a spiritual virtue present across all faiths and cultures, often expressed through offerings or acts of thanksgiving. For Catholics, the Eucharist is our greatest act of thanksgiving.As Scripture reminds us, “My grace is sufficient for you.” Even in weakness and suffering, God remains present and active. A grateful heart helps us recognize His grace and draw strength from it.Inspired by Mary’s Magnificat and the story of the one leper who returned to thank Jesus, Fr Eugene invites us to move beyond comparison and complaint, and to give thanks for the blessings already in our lives: our health, relationships, daily provisions, and the quiet presence of God.- Novena Devotion by Fr. Eugene Lee, C.Ss.R. (19 July 2025)

Many families in Singapore are not happy families, there are quarrels and fighting which though can be normal, but can sometimes be excessive, continuous and hence the family is not a peaceful sanctuary. This sad reality can be seen in the recent unfathomable cases of parents killing their own young children.Some people do not know how to love themselves and some are perpetually angry and scold others. If so, we have to recognise that we are angry people and realise that it doesn’t give us permission to behave badly. We are not bad people, but we can make bad choices. We have to own what we have done, without blaming others all the time for our troubles. In fact, are we contributing to the trouble or to the peace?Are we the trouble maker or the peacemaker?Let us pray for courage and strength to follow Christ and to choose the way of God, to love our neighbours as ourselves.- Novena Devotion by Fr. Vincent Low, C.Ss.R. (12 July 2025)

In today's reflection from Matthew 19:16, we revisit the story of the rich young man who walked away sad because he could not part with his wealth to follow Jesus. This challenge reminds us of the cost of true discipleship: detachment, compassion, and wholehearted following. We are also invited to reflect on the loneliness found in modern society - the song "The Most Peculiar Man" by Simon and Garfunkel or the Straits Times forum on seniors dying alone - and how technology, while helpful, can lead to emotional disconnection.So, how can we live differently? Br. Celestine invites us to reflect on these 2 points:1. Share family meals - be fully present, no handphones or TV, just sacred time together2. Pray together - even a simple prayer like Our Father or Hail Pary can strengthen bondsJust like topping up an MRT card gets us closer to our destination, topping up our relationships with time, prayer, and love brings us closer to one another and to God.- Novena Devotion by Br. Celestine Toh, C.Ss.R. (5 July 2025)

We are not able to run away from death; it is a reality that will happen to all of us sooner or later. The sacrament of the anointing of the sick is for healing and it is not the same as the commendation for the dying. The commendation prayer is a beautiful prayer with the litany of the saints employing all the saints to come and assist the dying person to really encounter God and go peacefully.In our faith, a meaningful death, is recognizing that it is our earthly life is completed, and we are going back to The Father who has promised us eternal life.So as a Christian, if we are journeying with a family or friend who is dying especially from terminal illnesses like cancer, we have the responsibility and faith to help a person to die peacefully when their time comes.This is a very difficult and painful topic but let us all try to have the courage to support and pray with them to open all hearts to receive God’s peace.Novena Devotion by Fr. Simon Tan, C.Ss.R. (28 June 2025)

Fr. Antony Charles shares a moving image of a hesitant child at the seashore near the Velankanni Shrine (Tamil Nadu, India), finding courage only when her mother takes her hand. This reflects how we, too, find strength in the presence of Our Lady of Perpetual Help.In moments of fear, loneliness, or struggle, Mary walks with us, just as she did with Elizabeth and the early disciples. At the cross, Jesus gave us His mother—not just for then, but for always.Mary continues to comfort, intercede, and guide us. When all seems lost, she reminds us that God is still at work in quiet, mysterious ways. Let us place our lives in her maternal care and trust in her constant presence.- Novena Devotion by Fr. Antony Charles, C.Ss.R. (21 June 2025)

Let us reflect on Hope and Unity. In the current situation where we see division and fragmentation, wars, trade and tariff wars, or even conflict within ourselves, without the God factor in our lives, we can go into despair and despondency. Let us hold onto Hope as we acknowledge that we cannot control the situation, but with hope in God, things may be better- not just in the here-and-now, but in life after the here-and-now.- Novena Devotion by Fr. Peter Wee, C.Ss.R. (14 June 2025)

This Pentecost, we look at the message of St Paul, where he asked Timothy to fan into a flame of the gift God has given us. The spirit is like a flame that needs to be fanned by our good works. Once we begin to be judgmental, once we don't forgive, once we gossip to destroy the image and name of someone, once we claim to be self-righteous, the wind becomes weak. It becomes a light breeze. With our good works, our healing, the flame burns. - Novena Devotion by Fr. Glenn De Cruz, C.Ss.R. (7 June 2025)

Fr. Simon reflects on three struggles many of us face daily: frustration, anger, and the inability to listen. Drawing from real-life experiences and pastoral encounters, he invites us to confront the ego that says, “I am always right”—an attitude that blocks love, forgiveness, and true communication in our relationships.Fr. Simon reminds us that while we often pray for others to change, the deeper Christian response is to ask God for the grace to love again, to forgive, and to grow. With humor, realism, and spiritual depth, he calls us to return to the original love God planted in our hearts, and to journey—despite setbacks—toward healing and reconciliation in our families and communities.- Novena Devotion by Fr. Simon Tan, C.Ss.R. (31 May 2025)

We all want to be popular, to be seen and to be liked.In this celebrity culture we live in, we desire applause and affirmation. But in the gospel today, John 15:18-19, Fr. Ino reflects on Jesus’ farewell discourse.In contrast to our current culture, Jesus spoke about not being popular, not being liked, not being affirmed but being hated, despised and disliked.Cardinal Tobin from the US as bullied and bashed when he tried to protect the migrants. The late Fr Picx Picardal had to flee from the Philippines defending human rightsWe will be hated because we stand for Christ, the lost and the least.Let us pray that we do not just want to be popular, but to choose to embrace Christ Jesus loved us first and He has chosen us out of the world. - Novena Devotion by Fr. Victorino Cueto, C.Ss.R. ( 24 May 2025 )