Have you ever wondered what it means to live as a missionary of hope in our world today? In this podcast, we sit with Fr Ivel Mendanha, C.Ss.R. - born in Goa, India, a lifelong Redemptorist, theologian, preacher, and General Consultor serving at the heart of the Congregation in Rome. Fr. Ivel's life and ministry takes us beyond borders - inviting us to reflect on community, leadership, and the heart of mission. Tune in and let Fr. Ivel's reflections challenge and inspire our own journey of faith and vocation.

Show note:

ScalaNews YouTube: 🇬🇧 “LET US CROSS OVER TO THE OTHER SIDE” - Missionaries of Hope in Today’s WorldScalaNews: english | News from the Redemptorists WorldVocation Discernment – Novena Church, Church of St. Alphonsus, SingaporeThe Redemptorist – Asia & Oceania – Novena Church, Church of St. Alphonsus, Singapore

Have you ever caught a glimpse of Brothers Gene, Nicholas, or Handrie at Novena Church during the recent Missiological & Theological Symposium, Reds Concert, or the Annual Novena Procession?

In this podcast, we invite you to discover who they are, what led them to discern the call to join the Redemptorist vocation, the challenges, inspirations, and milestones they encountered along the way to becoming future priests.

Show notes:

Br. Gene's 1st Profession of Vows - Feast of Saint Alphonsus (6.30pm, 1 August 2025)

Bro. Nicholas Narin Martin & Bro Hilary Handie Lim's 1st Profession of Vows - First Profession of Vows. Bro. Nicholas Narin Martin & Bro Hilary Handie Lim

Novena Youth Rally Novena Youth Rally 2025 - The Chapter: Foreword

REDs (Redemptorist) Concert 2025 REDEMPTORIST CONCERT 2025 in Celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the Novena Church (Reds Concert)

Annual Novena Procession 2025 Annual Novena Procession 2025 - Gratitude and Hope: We Remember, We Rejoice, We Renew (7 Sept 2025)

Saint Gerard On the Life of St Gerard Majella - Patron of families and expectant Mothers - Fr. Joseph Royan, CSSR

Come & See the Joy of being a Redemptorist - https://youtu.be/5PJxoiWp6hg

Fr. Willy Ngongo Pala, C.Ss.R. embodies a dynamic mission of spiritual renewal and community across Southeast Asia and beyond. In Sumba, Indonesia, his hands on approach fostered deep community engagement and ownership of faith especially with the youth. Transitioning to Dalat, Sarawak (Malaysia), he formed an energetic partnership with Fr. Patrick Massang to co-lead Novena and devotional events centred on the Mother of Perpetual Help.

Join Frs Terence Wee, Antony Prabhu, and Patrick Massang in this podcast! Be inspired with the story of living mission on the move, and planting seeds of faith where communities and cultures converge.

Show notes:

Upcoming events: Events – Novena Church, Church of St. Alphonsus, Singapore

Church by the River: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75ejAjl-AKk church by the river

Christmas by the River: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAzkEz3gpSQ

In this special episode, we have Fr David Hore, C.Ss.R., an Australian Redemptorist priest, who shares his transformative journey of how by immersing himself in a new culture and language deepened his understanding of faith and service. Just as Jesus' disciples did through mission, Fr David stepped out from his familiar comfort zone and dedicated over eleven years to missions in Sri Lanka.

With Fr. Terence as the host, Fr. David also reflects on the challenges and rewards of cross-cultural ministry, highlighting the importance of listening and adapting to the needs of the local community. He fondly recalls his time in Sri Lanka, particularly local cuisine such as curry. He still misses curry even after returning to Australia.

Are we inspired then to step beyond familiar boundaries for a more profound experience of faith and missions?

Show notes:

https://cssr.org.au (Redemptorists of Oceania – Witnesses of the Redeemer in a wounded world)

https://www.cssrao.com/unit/sri-lanka-colombo/ (Sri Lanka (Colombo) – The Redemptorists – Asia & Oceania)

They travelled two months by boat, rode horses through remote villages, and built missions that still changes lives today!

From the first Redemptorist missionaries to the incredible Father Ray Foundation in Pattaya, their dedication continues to inspire. Explore their mission and its lasting impact in this episode with Fr. Terence Wee and Fr. Jittapol Plangklang.

Show notes:

Father Ray Foundation – https://www.fr-ray.org/

Sarnelli House – https://sarnellihouse.org/about-us

Never too late to learn for Thai slum kids, Father Joe Maier C.Ss.R. – https://www.cssr.news/2018/04/never-too-late-to-learn-for-thai-slum-kids-father-joe-maier-cssr/

Mercy Center - https://www.mercycentre.org/new/

RIS Ruamrudee International School, Minburi, Bangkok, Thailand - https://www.rism.ac.th/

This isn't just a "Catholic problem". Many people, regardless of faith or background, face these challenges. The term "addiction" is often used casually. Medically, addiction usually refers to substance dependency, but behavioral patterns like compulsive pornography and masturbation can share similar cycles of rewards and shame. Getting out of the addictive cycle is possible, but it requires a holistic approach - spiritual, psychological, and communal.

Join Frs. Terence Wee,C.Ss.R. and Noel Kehoe, C.Ss.R. as they discuss on the challenges, God's mercy, and healing which comes through with patience, effort, and trust. The journey out of addiction, pornography, and masturbation is not dealing with it alone.

Are all religions paths to God? This question is more complex than it first appears. At its core lies a deeper issue: the relationship between Christianity and other religions. The answer isn’t straightforward, as it touches on theological principles and the practical dynamics of interreligious dialogue.

How can we hold meaningful conversations about interfaith topics without falling into the trap of superiority—statements like, “My religion is more important than yours,” or “Mine is true, and yours is not”? Such an approach often leads to misunderstanding and division. Instead, authentic dialogue must begin with a focus on what we share in common, fostering understanding rather than conflict.

Join Fr. Ino, Fr. Terence, and Deacon Antony Prabhu in this enlightening conversation as they explore Catholic teachings on interfaith dialogue and unpack important concepts such as inclusivism and pluralism. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how we, as Catholics, can build bridges of faith and friendship across religious boundaries.

In a world dominated by smartphones, tech, and the rise of AI, answering a call to religious life can feel harder than ever. Fr. Alvinrex, who now runs the St. Alphonsus Institute of Theology in Bangalore, understands this struggle firsthand.

"Religious life is going through a period of profound change," he said. Citing the parable, he added that "maybe we need to change the old wineskin to new wineskin. We need to think in the way the younger generation thinks." Still, he urges everyone to take a moment to listen to that call from God amidst all the distractions and "noise" in the world for their own "God experience". "Life will always challenge you. But the more important thing is don't run away from the challenge." Show notes: Talk to the Redemptorist - vocationdirectorcssr@novenachurch.com Latest Updates for Mass and events at Novena Church - https://novenachurch.com/updates-2/; https://novenachurch.com/events/