St. Alphonsus Church (Novena Church), Singapore
A visit to the ‘holy ground’
Introduction
The past weeks have been difficult on me. My husband, Roy, has returned to work after a four month sabbatical. As a result, most of the child-rearing and housekeeping duties now fall on my shoulders. The burden is heavy.
In addition, some unhappy events have transpired in my family and have left me riddled with self-doubt and shame. The peace in my heart has diminished. I feel distant from God’s love.
All these have thrown me into abit of a frenzy. I desire to be close to God again. Being Catholic, I am convinced that attending daily masses would lead me to God.
Nonetheless, attending mass is a difficult affair for me. My 21 month old toddler is fidgety and cannot stay quiet in church. In my desperation, God sent aid – my dear friend Stella.
With her help, I attended mass at Novena church for the first time in my life. It was a magical experience.
Notably, Stella is not Catholic but she was kind enough to attend mass with me in order to help me to look after my toddler Benedict. (She spent most of the mass entertaining Benedict outside the main church.) I felt God’s love strongly through her act of self-sacrifice.
Brief History St. Alphonsus Church (Novena Church)
Novena Church is a Roman Catholic Church. It is a landmark architecture which holds much significance for Catholics in Singapore.
It was first constructed and opened on the 15th May 1950. In recent years, it went through extensive reconstructions and was officially reopened and blessed by Archbishop William Goh on 25 oct 2017.
In Singapore, this church holds great evangelical significance. For decades, many Catholics and non-Catholics alike have come to the church to offer their petitions to the Lord Jesus via Mother Mary.
The legend goes that when one offers a petition and attends Saturday service 9 weeks in a row, God will grant them their petitions. (The word Novena comes from the number nine.)
Through the years, many petitions offered at this church have been answered. As a result, many riddled with illness, depression and hopelessness have flocked to the church for help.
In response to the successful intercessions, many petitioners have written letters to the church to thank Mother Mary for her intercession. These letters are read during Novena services on Saturdays.
Notably, as a result of the ‘effectiveness’ of Mother Mary’s intercession associated with this church, many have converted to the Catholic faith.
Correspondingly, the church have received more and more visits and have been referred to by many (especially the elderly) as ‘holy ground’.
To Note: The official teaching of the Catholic church categorises such belief (i.e. strict adherence to 9 sessions of service) as superstition. Nonetheless, the Novena Church has been without doubt, a beacon of hope and evangelism to many Singaporeans.
A more detailed account of the history of Novena church may be found on their website: http://novenachurch.com/history-of-novena-church-and-the-devotion/
Photographs of the Church
This is the front of the main church where the procession enters at the start of mass and exits at the end of mass.
I really like the two angelic statues at the front of the church. It adds a grand and medieval charm to the place.
The pews and angelic statues also do an excellent job framing the stained glass panels above the altar. The entire church looks like a painting – absolutely breathtaking.
My dear friend April once told me – “The Novena Church is so beautiful and so holy that that one can feel the love of God in the place.” Indeed, that was exactly what I felt when I was there.
I loved the soft yellowish light that lit up the altar at the front of the church. It was warm and inviting.
During mass, the doors were closed and the air conditioning was on. The cool interior of the church accompanied with the faint scent of incense had a calming and reassuring effect on me.
Though I was a little intimated by the beauty of the church, I also felt very much at home. It was a wonderful feeling to have – especially now that I am facing a rough patch in life.
In my time at the church, I noticed many Christian faithful kneeling in front of the ‘lady of perpetual Succour’ seeking her intercession. It was a inspiring and moving sight.
This is the Christmas display found at the exterior of the church. If you notice, the manger is currently empty. That is because we are now in the period of advent – we are awaiting the arrival of the Infant Jesus. The statue of the Infant Jesus will be placed there on Christmas Day.
Basic Etiquette at Church
I hope that this article has inspired you to pay the church a visit. I have included a few basic etiquettes for your perusal (in case you are non-catholic and wish to visit the church). These should help you fit in nicely without feeling awkward:
1) Attire – no shorts, slippers or revealing clothing
2) No food or drink allowed in church
3) No use of cell phones during mass
4) No reading of non-Catholic books
5) The front of the church – near the altar is considered ‘holy ground’. Please refrain from stepping up.
6) Gestures during mass– simply follow what the others are doing.
7) Holy communion – only for baptised Catholics. If you are non-Catholic and wish to be blessed by the priest, you may go forward with your arms crossed.
Most importantly, if you are feeling hopeless and in need of God’s love, come without hesitation. Come and offer your pains to the Lord. He will take them all.
Have a blessed evening. Jesus loves you!
