In today’s reflection, we draw from Matthew 28:19–20, where Jesus commands us to “Go and make disciples of all nations.” This call to mission is brought to life in a true story shared by Br Celestine of an 18-year-old girl who, after suffering abuse and slavery, found hope at Novena Church through a stranger’s simple invitation to pray to Mother Mary. Though not yet Catholic, she encountered love, support, and healing within the church community.

This moving story highlights our theme: Novena Church, A Missionary Place. Inspired by St. Alphonsus Liguori, founder of the Redemptorist, this Church has embodied a mission to bring God’s abundant love and mercy to the most abandoned — migrants, the homeless, youth, and families in need.

As we celebrate 75 years of missionary presence, we honor Mary, the perfect missionary, who leads us to Jesus and teaches us to serve others with compassion.

Let us be modern-day missionaries—not just by converting others, but by sharing our stories of God’s love, and by becoming instruments of hope and healing.

- Novena Devotion by Br. Celestine Toh, C.Ss.R. (2 August 2025)