Come Encounter God
in our Spring of Living Water
Our Church History
Planting the seed at Zion
In the 1950s, the late Fr. Stephen Lee envisaged a new church to serve the spiritual needs of the growing Catholic population in the River Valley, Tiong Bahru, Alexandra and Orchard area.
Early Fruits
Fr. Anthony Ho was the first priest to be ordained in Church of Saint Bernadette.
Grotto
A grotto depicting
St Bernadette praying to Mother Mary was completed.
Dedication of
Church of Saint Bernadette
& Golden Jubilee
On 18 October 2009, more than 1000 parishioners gathered for this Mass celebrated by the late Archbishop Nicholas Chia. Read more about our Church dedication.
1950s
1959
1968
2004
2009
1958
1964
1994
2008
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2024
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Establishment of the Church dedicated to Saint Bernadette
His Grace, the late Archbishop Michael Olcomendy, MEP, decided to establish a new parish at Zion Road.
The cornerstone was laid on 14 September 1958. This church was dedicated to Saint Bernadette as it was the centennial celebration of the apparitions at Lourdes.
Kellock Convent School
In 1964, a school named Kellock Convent was placed under the Infant Jesus Sisters within the church compound.
KKIS base
1994, the Keluarga Katolik Indonesia di Singapura (KKIS) Indonesian Catholic group moved its base here.
Renovation
Last mass celebration on December 2008 and the Blessed Sacrament was transferred in a procession to the temporary Church to give way for the church renovation. Read more about the church's unique architecture.
Galerie Opening
Cardinal William Goh opened Galerie Sainte Bernadette in celebration of our 65th Feast Day. Come experience Lourdes here in Saint Bernadette.
A Spring of Living Water in the City
The Architecture
A church ahead of times, designed by pioneer architect Mr Alfred Wong
Shaped like the wingspan of an aeroplane
Shaped like the wingspan of an aeroplane
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A compressed hexagon that resembles a diamond.
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Shortened distance between entry and the altar and unusual seating plan for "perspectival foreshortening" effect.
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This helps to focus the attention of the parishioners on the altar and creates a sense of greater lay participation in the church's liturgy.
Conservation status
granted by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) in 2009, acknowledging its significance as an architectural landmark for the Zion Road area.
Unique Architecture Conserved Elements
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The Church facade with
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concrete screen walls
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geometric louvres
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staggered walls
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Front entrance and Door
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Steps with mosaic tiles
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Plaques
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Interior
It was lauded internationally for its architectural uniqueness, reflected an elegant and restrained contemporary style, which was a departure from the traditional cruciform plans of many other churches.
Crucifix imported from Italy
3 Bells inscribed with the names of St Bernadette and her parents
Marble Altar and Tabernacle
Church of Saint Bernadette dedicated on 18 Oct 2009
“ You too, the holy priesthood that offers the spiritual sacrifices may be living stones, making a spiritual house” 1 Peter 2:5-6
Are You Aware?
A strand of hair of Saint Bernadette is sealed into an aperture in the altar by the late Archibishop Nicholas Chia.
Have You Observed?
12 crosses, representing the 12 Apostles on which the Foundation of the Church is laid, are in the interior of our church.
Do You Know?
The walls and altar are anointed with the Chrism oil
Come Experience Lourdes here in our Church of Saint Bernadette
The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes in France is a revered site, home to the Grotto of Massabielle, where Saint Bernadette Soubirous experienced visions of the Blessed Virgin Mary in 1858. Every year, millions of pilgrims visit this sacred place in search of spiritual renewal and healing.
Galerie Sainte Bernadette offers a profound look into the life of our patron saint—from her birth to her passing—and highlights the lasting significance of Lourdes.
Come, Witness & Experience A Saint’s Joy!
1
Come Venerate
Take time to pray and reflect in the presence of two first-class relics of Saint Bernadette.
2
Come Witness
Walk in the path of Saint Bernadette.
3
Come Discover
The rich history of the Church of Saint Bernadette, whose cornerstone was laid in 1958—exactly 100 years after her miraculous visions.
Galerie Sainte Bernadette Opening Hours
Tuesday & Thursday 4.00pm - 6.00pm
Saturday 10.00am - 12.00pm, 3.30pm - 5.30pm
Sunday 9.00am - 1.00pm, 3.00pm - 5.00pm
Closed all other days and Public holidays
For enquiries or special arrangements email csb.galerie@catholic.org.sg
Hymn to
Saint Bernadette
This hymn was adapted from the original song "Little Bernadette" sung by Harry Belafonte.
Words & Music by P. Hart & C. Richardsson.
Hymn to St Bernadette
On a hillside far away
A little girl knelt down to pray
Now her name, we can’t forget
It’s little Bernadette
Refrain:
Sweet and gentle child was she
Destined for eternity
Bringing hope
To you and me , little Bernadette
There she saw a wondrous sight
Alovely lady dressed in white
All aglow with heav’nly light
So beautiful to see
Then she heard the Lady say
Please ask the world to kneel and pray
By the spring so fresh and clear
And build a chapel there
Where the sparkling waters flow
The people bring their care and woe
And give thanks for all they owe
To little Bernadette