The Annual Novena Procession (ANP), a cherished Marian Catholic tradition honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary, has been held every year since 1953 on the first Sunday of September at the Church of Saint Alphonsus, commonly known as Novena Church, in Singapore. This deeply significant event attracts thousands of pilgrims from both Singapore and abroad, who come to seek the intercession of Mother Mary.
This year’s procession, themed “Mary, Missionary of Perpetual Help,” took place on September 1, 2024, following a nine-week spiritual preparation through novena devotions. Each novena focused on a different outreach group which included themes such as Family Life, Migrants, Refugees, and others, aligning with the ANP 2024 theme of Mary, Missionary of Perpetual Help with pastoral care for the most abandoned. The procession featured the recitation of the Holy Rosary, a Marian floral wall, a float bearing the icon of Our Mother of Perpetual Help and culminated with the crowning of the icon and the consecration of families to the maternal care of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The Redemptorists of the Vice Province of Malaysia and Singapore, alongside confreres from Manila, India, and Burkina Faso, were present, along with members of various religious groups in Singapore.
The Eucharistic Celebration was led by Fr. Victorino Cueto CSsR, Vice Provincial Superior of Malaysia (and Singapore), who delivered a powerful homily on the theme “Mary, Missionary of Perpetual Help.” He highlighted Mary’s role as a disciple and missionary, urging the congregation to reflect on her unwavering dedication. Fr. Ino also offered a moving reflection on Mary as a single parent, explaining that after the death of St. Joseph, Mary would have raised Jesus on her own. This portrayal deeply resonated with the faithful, offering a unique perspective on her spiritual strength as a mother.
Adding to the solemnity, Fr. Paul Pang CSsR, the first local Redemptorist from Singapore, had the honor of crowning the Blessed Mother, marking a special moment in the celebration. Others present at the crowning were the novena community vicar Fr. Terence Wee CSsR, formation community rector Fr. Gerard Louis CSsR, the church’s prefect Fr. Sikstus Atawolo CSsR and the newly ordained Deacon Rev. Antony Prabhu CSsR.
The Annual Novena Procession is a deeply significant event for Singapore’s Catholic community, especially for the faithful at Novena Church. This year the devotees and pilgrims began arriving as early as 11:30 a.m. for the evening procession, which starts at 6 p.m.
The event’s outreach is evident as it consistently attracts large crowds, including many international pilgrims. This diverse turnout highlights the widespread devotion to Mary’s maternal care and intercession, highlighting the event’s profound spiritual impact.
For the Redemptorist community, the congregation, and Novena Church, the Annual Novena Procession (ANP) summarizes their mission as a welcoming spiritual sanctuary. Novena Church thus serves as a place where individuals can seek and find peace, prayer, hope, healing, and love.
The procession not only fosters a sense of unity and faith among the participants but also provides essential pastoral care to the most marginalized and abandoned. Through this annual celebration, Novena Church reinforces its role as a center of Marian devotion and spiritual renewal, offering comfort and strength to all who come seeking it.
Deacon Antony Charles Prabhu, C.Ss.R.
