In today's homily, we are asked to reflect on the faithfulness of Mother Mary - her loyalty, reliability, consistency, and dedication. Fr. Yosef explained the concept of fidelity, derived from the Latin word fidelitas, which encompasses loyalty and trustworthiness. These virtues were exemplified in Mary's acceptance of God's plan when the angel Gabriel announced she would bear Jesus. Despite the challenges she faced, Mary replied with deep faith and commitment saying, "Let it be."

We are encouraged to learn from Mary's example, trusting in God's plan even in difficult times. We are also reminded that just as Mary relied on Jesus through her trials, we too can find strength through her intercession.

-Novena Devotion by Fr. Yosef Andris Umbu Damu, C.Ss.R. (7 September 2024)

In all human hears, we all want peace and justice. We want to live in peace with one another. Unfortunately, there are things beyond our control, like war. We can only do our part as Christians to keep stomping heaven for peace in the world. For years, we've seen Novena petitions asking for peace in our families. Peace is not about absence of problems. What's important is to have that inner peace, so that we can bring peace to others. Let's play our role as peacemakers.

-Novena Devotion by Fr. Simon Tan, C.Ss.R. (31 August 2024)

In today's homily, Fr. Gerard shared how the Bible, particularly the book of Genesis, teaches us that living our Christian faith is to be in the right relationship with God, with one another, and with the environment. God appointed humanity as stewards of His creation. It calls for us to protect and preserve the Earth, not exploiting her for material gain.

Drawing also from the encyclicals of Pope Francis' Laudato Si and Laudato Deum, we are urged to adopt a simpler, more sustainable lifestyle which respects the natural world. Can we then do our part by consuming less, reducing waste, and educating ourselves on the importance of ecological conservation? Can we be good stewards of His creation?

-Novena Devotion by Fr. Gerard Louis, C.Ss.R. (24 August 2024)

Today's theme centers on Mary, the Prophetess of Mercy. Mother Mary leads us to her Son, showing us the way to God.

God's mercy is universal, embracing everyone without bias or discrimination. People from all walks of life, Catholics and non-Catholics, come to the Novena Church, drawn by the deep confidence that Mother Mary will intercede for them. The numerous thanksgiving letters bear witness to prayers answered, as those facing difficulties find solace and help through Our Mother of Perpetual Help.

God, who knows us intimately even before we are born, acts in His perfect timing. In God's time, all will be cared for, for this is a Novena of hope.

-Novena Devotion by Fr. Vincent Low, C.Ss.R. (17 August 2024)

What is your mission in life? One of the definitions of ‘mission’ from the Oxford dictionary is ‘the calling of one to spread one’s faith, one’s belief and convictions’; with that in mind, what is our belief? What are our convictions?

Let us take inspiration from Mother Mary, considering our mission and reflecting on scripture and the elements of her mission. These include:

1. To lead people to an encounter of God (Luke 1-The visitation)

2. To be a witness to God’s love and mercy-a witness as one who follows the will of God (Matthew 12-‘Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?’)

3. Through service and action, to help people to experience God-Mary is the mother figure of the Church, serving the Church (John 19-‘Behold,your mother!’)

- Novena Devotion by Fr. Terence Wee, C.Ss.R. (10 August 2024)

We don't always look at Mary as a model of radical faith. "Radical" is a very strong word to describe a gentle woman. But there, at the annunciation, she accepted God's will with humility and obedience, and unquestionably even when it's contrary to social norms. She chose submission and put her total trust in God's plan. Do we have Mary's courage to accept and follow God's will?

-Novena Devotion by Fr. Sikstus Bapa Atawolo, C.Ss.R. (3 August 2024)

Mary is the most Christ-centered among all the saints. She is the first bearer of Good News , our Lord Jesus Christ.

In today’s novena devotion, Fr Glenn used the story of a blind girl to illustrate what true discipleship means. True discipleship is always Christ centered.

If we are Christ centered , we are person centered as well, as we will see others as brothers and sisters in Christ.

If we are person centered, we are also Kingdom centered. A Kingdom focused on the truth of the Christ’s goodness and mercy

When Mother Teresa was asked if she would be successful, she replied, God did not ask me to be successful , God asked me to be faithful

As we strive to be true disciples of Jesus, let us look towards Mary, the perfect faithful disciple to help us keep Christ at our center, always asking ourselves, what would Jesus want me to do ?

- Novena Devotion by Fr. Glenn De Cruz, C.Ss.R. ( 27 July 2024)

Who do we consider our neighbor today? Is it only those who share our culture or speak our languages? In the parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus taught us that our neighbors extend beyond the familiar circles we are comfortable with.

In Singapore, more than two million migrants live among us, each with their own stories, struggles, hopes, and dreams. This nation was built by migrants, and many of our ancestors moved here seeking better lives. How do we embody the teaching of the Good Samaritan in our daily lives?

In today’s Novena, we reflect on the theme of Mary and the Migrants. Mother Mary sees everyone who comes to her as her neighbor and intercedes for them. We are challenged to follow her example, to see migrants as our neighbors, and to make our church and land a place of welcome for all.

-Novena Devotion by Fr. Gerard Louis, C.Ss.R. (20 July 2024)

If we look at missionaries like Hudson Taylor and even St Paul the apostle, the purpose of their lives is the Mission. In fact, the reason for the existence of the Catholic Church (which includes all of us) is the mission of Jesus Christ-spreading the good news far and wide.

Mary as the first missionary and model for missionaries

After the annunciation, Mary, with Jesus in her womb, went to visit Elizabeth. With Joseph, she brought Jesus from Nazareth to Egypt. She also brought Jesus up in Nazareth. Throughout her life, from womb to tomb, Mary was a true, zealous missionary, bringing Jesus to the entire humanity. She continues the mission even now, bringing people to Jesus ie Many have flocked to Novena Church, Christians and non-Christians alike. She is a true missionary, leading people to her son Jesus. Let us imitate Mary as we bring Jesus to others in our missionary and apostolate work, as living witnesses, spreading the good news.

-Novena Devotion by Fr. Antony Charles, C.Ss.R. (13 July 2024)

Fr Simon has been reading petitions placed at Novena and listening to the problems of churchgoers for years. He acknowledges the helplessness he faces in not knowing what to say at times. These problems range from marriages on the brink of divorce, children who are critically ill, joblessness, to parents coming to terms with their children coming out as LGBT -- to whom he says, go and love them. Not every situation has a clear cut answer, which is why he encourages everyone to ask God to embrace us in our helplessness and fill us with his love and peace.

-Novena Devotion 'LIVE' by Fr. Simon Tan, C.Ss.R. (6 July 2024)