As we enter into Holy Week, let us reflect on the passion and suffering of Christ. Many of us are suffering, be it illness, cancer, depression, isolation, or caring for sick loved ones. We also recognise that God, who loves us, also suffered -Jesus suffered false accusation, pain, persecution, humiliation and torture. The passion of Christ invites us to be open to see that that suffering is part and parcel of life.

Let us ask for the grace and strength to see the meaning and purpose of our suffering.

There are people who despite their suffering, are still joyful and trust God. They are living testimonies of faith for us. We ask our Lord, who is our redeemer, our source of strength in our pain and sorrow, to grant us the grace and strength to carry our crosses, our suffering and to unite our suffering with that of the Lord.

- Novena Devotion by Fr. Simon Tan, C.Ss.R. (12 April 2025)