Church of St Bernadette

Completed in 1961, the Church of St. Bernadette stands as a unique landmark on Zion Road. It is a testament to modern architecture and community spirit. The church was designed by Alfred Wong, a distinguished local architect. He crafted this modern masterpiece using steel beams and a distinctive hexagonal plan. This design brought the congregation closer to the altar. The Church of St. Bernadette was built with funds raised by the Catholic community. This showcases their dedication and faith. The church’s exterior is equally striking. A skeletal steeple rises above the sanctuary. This creates a dramatic vertical accent. The sanctuary roof itself projects outwards, adding another layer of visual interest. Inside the Church of St. Bernadette, the seating arrangement is unconventional. Seats in the central section face the entrance, while side seats are perpendicular. According to architectural historian Raymond Quek, this design creates an interesting “perspectival foreshortening”. The church wasn’t always the sprawling complex it is today. Initially, the Church of St. Bernadette was a much smaller structure. In 1997, the adjacent CHIJ Kellock Convent relocated. This allowed the church to expand into the former convent’s premises. The renovated building became the Parish Centre. It houses a canteen, meeting rooms, and classrooms. The Church of St. Bernadette also boasts a peaceful grotto. Completed in 2004, it depicts St. Bernadette in prayer. This serene spot offers a quiet place for reflection. The church has been served by eight parish priests over the years. Father Eugene Chong holds the record for the longest tenure, serving for fifteen years. The current parish priest is Father Aloysius Ong. He assumed the role in 2021. The Church of St. Bernadette has evolved alongside Singapore. From serving the local community, it now embraces a diverse congregation. About 35% of its parishioners are from overseas. This reflects Singapore’s increasingly cosmopolitan nature. The Church of St. Bernadette continues to be a beacon of faith and community. It stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of its namesake, St. Bernadette of Lourdes. The church’s conserved status ensures its legacy for future generations.