iwillbehere

.. I will be true to the promise I have made.. to your and to the One who gave you to me..

Aside from runners/joggers/walkers who exercise their heart out, Sweethearts love the tranquility of Punggol Park.  This bench has been a haven for couples.. sharing dreams, building relationships, enjoying each other’s presence, with the backdrop of nature’s serene landscape..

nativity, catholic, church, catholic-church, nativity-church,hougang,singapore

Address : 1259 Upper Serangoon Road, Singapore 534795
Tel : 62800980
Fax : 62824475
Email : Bvm1259@yahoo.com.sg
Website : http://www.nativitychurchsingapore.org

Source: http://www.catholic.org.sg/

Bus services: 62, 74, 113, 119, 136, 147

Nearest MRT station: Hougang Mrt (NEL)

Nearest Bus interchange:  Hougang Bus Interchange

Bus services: 51, 72, 74, 80, 112, 132, 151, 153, 165, 325

History of the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Nativity of the BVM is the oldest Catholic church for the Teochew community in Serangoon. The origins of this Catholic church can be traced to an attap-roof chapel that was built in 1853 on Upper Serangoon Road, its congregation comprising mainly Teochew farmers living in Serangoon and Punggol. Subsequently, a brick chapel was built in the area and named St Mary’s Church. Father Jean Casimir Saleilles, parish priest from 1881 to 1911, was responsible for building the present church in 1901.

Father Saleilles also helped to spread the Catholic faith to Johor. He founded the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes (Johor), later renamed the Church of the Immaculate Conception and subsequently designated a cathedral. His good relationship with Sultan Ibrahim of Johor led the Sultan to present the Church in Johor, as well as the Church of the Nativity in Singapore, each a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Church of the Nativity’s statue still stands in front of the church building today.

The Church of the Nativity founded many educational institutions in the region, including the Holy Innocents’ High School, Hai Seng Girls’ High School (now Hai Sing Catholic School), Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus Punggol (now CHIJ Our Lady of the Nativity), and Montfort School.

The Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary was gazetted as a national monument on 14 January 2005.

Source:Wikipedia

Hougang Avenue 7 and Hougang Avenue 8 is cut through by the long stretch of Upper Serangoon road. at the background is a catholic church (Our Lady of the Nativity). Beside the church is the a primary school for girls (Convemt Holy Infant Jesus – Nativity). Further behind are the blocks of public housing (HDB). Camera-position is by the window of a 14th-floor in ‘The Florida’ exec condominium.

Singapore Lion

In 2004, Singapore National Wushu Federation commissioned the design of the Singapore Lion with local multi-culture features. The Singapore Lion was modeled with reference to the two stone lions that were placed on the side of Nicoll Highway during the early years. The concept of Singapore Lion was suggested by Mr Goh Chok Tong (then Prime Minister of Singapore) when he officiated the opening ceremony of the new SNWF premise in 2003.

These photos were captured in ‘The Florida’ condo in Hougang to keep up with the tradition of the Chinese New Year. The residents had a great time with the Lion Dance performance, BBQ, and some wonderful music from guest performers. Kudos to the management for preparing a simple yet memorable celebration where the residents get to mingle with their neighbors.

a few minutes walk from The Florida is Punggol Park.. full of activities around the pond..full of life.. family picnic, barbeque parties, fun-fishing, cozy Bliss dining resto inside and a 24-hour food-center just across the entrance facing Hougang Ave 8.. one day we’ll be back.. just to spend some quality time, with the family and with nature..