Novena Preaching @ Novena Church

In this homily, Fr. Peter Wee reflected on Jesus' call: "You will be my witnesses." Christian life is not only about "me and Jesus," but about bringing Christ to the world through our words, character, behaviour, and daily encounters. Like Mary, whose faithful life proclaimed God's love even in silence, we are called to be credible witnesses wherever. Our patience, kindness, speech and treatment of others - at home, at work, of even while waiting in queue - should reveal God's presence.Fr. Peter reminded us that the Gospel must first transform us before it can be recognized through us. Like Mary, may we become credible witnesses of Jesus - not only by what we say, but by the lives we lead.- Saturday Novena Devotion by Fr. Peter Wee, C.Ss.R. (22 August 2026)

Fr. Glenn related a story of 2 soldiers in WWII akin to the Good Samaritan story. An American soldier, John met 2 Japanese snipers as he came out of a cave in Okinawa, carrying a wounded boy. John tended to the wounds of the Japanese boy and the 2 Japanese snipers let him go. Years later, John wrote to the Japanese newspaper relating this event and Ishibashi, one of the Japanese soldiers contacted him and they became friends. This is akin to the Good Samaritan story where a man was beaten up along the road between Jericho and Jerusalem and was left for dead. A priest and a Levite passed by, but walked away. Instead, a Samaritan, who was considered an outcast by the Israelites, tended to the man’s wounds and brought him to the inn to recuperate.On reflection, usually we should disinfect the wound with wine and then apply oil to soothe the wound. The Samaritan did the opposite. Oil before Wine- because it is sacramental. When we do something good, it is sacramental.Our challenge is-who is my neighbour? When we love our neighbour, we make Jesus know and Mary known, increasing our faith as well.Jesus’ greatest commandment is to love God and love our neighbour as ourselves.- Saturday Novena Devotion by Fr. Glenn De Cruz, C.Ss.R. (8 August 2026)

Mary stands faithfully at the foot of the cross witnessing the suffering of her son, Jesus. Before Jesus died, He loves us so much that he gave His mother to you and I as a spiritual mother. In addition to physical suffering, many of us also suffer mental and emotional suffering. However, could we be also contributing to other people’s mental torture, especially our loved ones? Our loving and caring actions and intentions can affect our children and family in a negative way. But we take comfort, with Mary as a mother, we can cultivate a positive mindset of hope and faith to in our journey towards God.If our relationship with God is constant and faithful, with personal prayer time, we will be able to start seeing the wisdom of our suffering and to recognise the power of God in our lives.Saturday Novena Devotion by Fr. Simon Tan, C.Ss.R. (24 July 2026)