Fr Eugene reveals a conversation he had with his mother about his vocation, and how she wanted him to deal with the conflict and tensions he would face in the Redemptorist community. In his homily for the Vocation Sunday weekend, he started with how prophets, saints, Pope Francis to Mother Teresa all go through a stage of struggle like us when we try find the identity within ourselves. It's often a struggle when we try to walk by ourselves, but it can be different. Because if God works with us, we can be a different person. We can answer the call to our vocation. Doing that can bring us a life of transformation and fulfilment. Even when we think our lives are messy, God can still work wonders in his mysterious ways. The invitation is out there.

-Novena Devotion by Fr. Eugene Lee, C.Ss.R. (20 April 2024)

What does it mean to be Easter people? The Novena Lenten community project in aid of the Redemptorists seminary and mission church in Sri Lanka received an overwhelming response, where 91 boxes are now en-route to those in need. Some of the donations truly came from the heart, such as 10 school bags filled with brand new stationaries and exercise books. Others were at the other end, with clothing that were already disintegrating. When it comes to giving, often times, we are merely disposing, giving away things that we no longer want or need. True giving comes from finding out someone else's needs. When we donate, is it a one-off to make us feel good, or is it part of our nature where we always try to share our blessings with others out of charity. As Easter people, we are asked to be bearers of the Good News, and we're invited to give, and not to dispose of our leftovers. Are we ready to go out and start giving? Are we ready to be Easter people?

-Novena Devotion by Fr. Terence Wee, C.Ss.R. (13 April 2024)

God and mercy are synonymous. In light of the resurrection in which God's mercy is fulfilled, we have to first be mindful of our sinful state. If we want to truly repent, the repentance must move us to a desire to change. At Easter, God is inviting us to come on board with him, to look at the merciful love of God for sinners. He's withholding His just punishment on us and replace it with mercy. If we truly want to repent, we need to look mercifully at the love of God. And in return, we must be merciful as our Heavenly Father is merciful.

-Novena Devotion by Fr. Peter Wee, C.Ss.R. (6 April 2024)

For Mary and the apostles, the Holy Spirit came in the form of a gush of wind, with tongues of fire above them. The Holy Spirit is the giver of life. The gifts and fruits of the Spirit need to be exercised and activated in our lives. Only we can do it with our free will. Once our prayers are answered, that's our own Pentecost -- our own personal blessings. When we receive the Holy Spirit, it needs to activate through good works and how we live our lives.

-Novena Devotion 'LIVE' by Fr. Glenn De Cruz, C.Ss.R. (23 March 2023)

Jesus' resurrection signifies a truth and reality that all of us will one day rise from the dead. His resurrection is a prelude to what's to come for the rest of us -- a prelude to our own resurrection into a transformed life. The physical resurrection of Jesus happened only once, but the impact in our lives is enacted over and over again. It's celebrated in the eucharist as a perpetual memory of the fulfilment of the prophets and laws of the Old Testament. It means we will not be people of Good Friday alone, but joyful Christians of Easter. The resurrection is a promise of the eternal flame that will never be distinguished. Are we ready to walk in that light and be transformed?

-Novena Devotion 'LIVE' by Fr. Antony Charles, C.Ss.R. (16 March 2024)

The mystery of the empty tomb draws us to the contrast between the "Tomb" experience" and "Galilee" experience. The Tomb experience refers to the moments in our lives where we experience problems and hardship, and we turn our back on Jesus and walk down a path drawn by distractions, vices and worldly pleasures. With the Galilee experience, we see Jesus waiting for us, where we can know him intimately as a friend who gives us strength in our darkest moments. Where are we in our faith journey? Are we still at the tomb weeping, or have we received the good news that Jesus has risen? When we believe that Jesus is risen, our lives will change, like the women at the tomb and the disciples in Galilee. So let's rejoice in our empty tomb and let the Galilee experience bring us new life this Easter.

-Novena Devotion 'LIVE' by Br. Albert Khoo, C.Ss.R. (9 March 2024)

Being human, nobody wants to suffer. Unfortunately, the cross is very much a part of Christianity. Taking up the cross is not optional; it is part of our journey. Even Jesus, who's human and divine, didn't want the cross -- but almost immediately, he said, not my will but your will be done. As much as we don't want to carry the cross, the cross is part of life. Even for Mary, who was at the foot at the cross, was basically watching her son die. Life is full of crosses. We cannot escape the cross until we die and return to the Father. Rather than asking to escape it -- we should ask for the strength to pick up our cross and follow Jesus.

-Novena Devotion 'LIVE' by Fr. Vincent Low, C.Ss.R. (2 March 2024)

Every time we gather for the Eucharist, or even visit the Blessed Sacrament, we are reminded of God's immense love for each of us. As we approach the Eucharist, we bring that hunger and longing for someone who can wipe our tears away, heal our sickness, comfort us in our brokenness. As the living bread, He gives us life and hope. This Lent, let us bring God's love to others through our actions: sharing a meal with the hungry, or giving our time to someone who needs a listening ear. We are called to bring hope to others, and to share God's presence with them.

-Novena Devotion 'LIVE' by Br. Celestine Toh, C.Ss.R. (24 February 2024)

The week's theme is on the Washing of Feet on Holy Thursday. At that moment, Jesus shows his humility and servanthood. He shows us he practices what he preaches. The question is, how can we serve others? As his followers, we are called to emulate him by serving one another with lowliness of hearts and minds and build each other up with humility and love. In the mall or office, how often do we thank the people who clean the place? How often do we thank our own helper? Many of us do not even notice them. We are called to show our love through action, and to follow the footsteps of our Redeemer. Are you ready to follow Jesus' teaching?

-Novena Devotion 'LIVE' by Fr. Sikstus Bapa Atawolo, C.Ss.R. (17 February 2024)

This week, we focus on what the Palm Fronds and Colt represent. The palms that we use on Palm Sunday is a symbol of victory, to remind us to be devoted to Jesus, who has claimed victory for all our trials. The palm, through the storms in our lives, is supposed to encourage us, to make us hopeful in times of sadness. Meanwhile, the colt, a young horse, was what Jesus rode on as he entered Jerusalem -- and he did that with great faith knowing that no matter what happens, he will be victorious. With the start of the lunar new year, let it be a year of spiritual renewal, especially with our trust in the victory of Jesus.

-Novena Devotion 'LIVE' by Fr. Eugene Lee, C.Ss.R. (10 February 2024)