The inaugural Tamil Novena and Tamil Sunset Mass at Novena Church witnessed an overwhelming gathering of local Singaporeans and the migrant community, united in faith and the beauty of the Tamil language. In its 75-year history, Novena Church has hosted only a few Tamil liturgical celebrations—most notably in the 1980s by Australian missionary Fr. Martin CSsR and in the 1990s by Fr. Joe Stephen CSsR.
Now, with the blessing of a new local Redemptorist priest of the Vice Province of Singapore and Malaysia, Novena Church joyfully reintroduces the long-awaited Tamil Novena services. This initiative, currently on an experimental basis, aims to gauge the interest of the Tamil-speaking Catholic community in Singapore and explore the possibility of offering a Sunday Eucharist for migrant workers who are unable to attend Mass on Sundays.\
The inaugural celebration on 22nd February drew a large gathering of Tamil faithful. The Tamil Novena was led by Fr. Charles Santhiyagu, CSsR, marking a truly memorable occasion.
The first-ever Tamil Mass was celebrated by the newly ordained Fr. Antony Prabhu CSsR, with a stirring homily by Fr. Xavier Nathaniel, President of the Archdiocesan Commission for Tamil Speaking Catholics in Singapore (ACTS) and Vice Rector of the Good Shepherd Cathedral.
“The Tamil hymns and chants touched our hearts deeply,” shared many attendees, who also expressed joy at seeing a vibrant turnout of children and young people.
Novena Church is deeply grateful for the overwhelming support and participation. We look forward to welcoming you all again as we continue this spiritual journey together in the Tamil language.
