Church of Our Lady Star of the Sea

Hidden amidst the bustling heart of Yishun, the Church of Our Lady Star of the Sea has a captivating story to tell. A story of humble beginnings, unwavering faith, and dedicated missionaries. The Church of Our Lady Star of the Sea wasn’t always here. Its journey began in 1949, in the Sembawang Naval Base area. Imagine a simple, repurposed Japanese language school from World War II. This unassuming building, located on Jalan Kedai off Canberra Road, became the first sanctuary for the growing Catholic community. The congregation initially relied on priests from the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes. They held Sunday Mass within the confines of the old Naval Base School. By 1952, the old school building had deteriorated. The British colonial authorities urged Father Fortier to build a new church. He secured a 21-year lease for a plot of land on Jalan Sendudok, within the Naval Base. A new Church of Our Lady Star of the Sea was dedicated on December 13, 1953. The church cost S$53,000. A parish house was added in May 1954. The Church of Our Lady Star of the Sea flourished under the leadership of various priests. Fathers Innocent Fernandez and Bernard Binet each served for a time. Father Fortier eventually returned, serving until his retirement in 1986. Father Amiotte-Suchet Louis then took the helm. As Yishun grew, the church needed a new home. The present site at Yishun Street 22 was chosen. The new building cost $6.3 million. It was officially opened by Archbishop Gregory Yong on May 30, 1992. This date also marked Father Fortier’s Sacerdotal Golden Jubilee. Sadly, both Father Fortier and Father Amiotte-Suchet passed away shortly after the new church opened. Their legacies, however, live on in the vibrant community of the Church of Our Lady Star of the Sea. The church’s name, “Star of the Sea,” is an ancient title for the Virgin Mary. It symbolizes her role as a guide and protector, particularly for seafarers. The title, derived from the Latin “Stella Maris,” has been used since the early medieval period. The Church of Our Lady Star of the Sea stands as a testament to the dedication and resilience of the Catholic community in Yishun. It’s a place where faith, community, and history intertwine, creating a beacon of hope in the north.