Singapore’s churches are an eclectic architectural mix, with four notable churches located within walking distance in the Bras Basah area. Among them are the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd, known for its restrained Renaissance Revival style, and St. Joseph’s Church, with its Gothic-inspired spires. Catholic art, such as the grotto with a statue of Mother Mary and St. Bernadette, is also present on the grounds. But why are Singaporean churches so diverse in their architecture and art? How have they influenced Singaporean Catholicism, and how has Singapore’s multicultural background inspired the church?
Singaporean heritage and Catholic art
Temenggong Artist-in-Residence, a non-profit art company, is collaborating with the National University of Singapore’s Asia Research Institute (ARI) to hold a free public talk on 28 September 2024, at 28 Temenggong Road. The talk, titled “Crossways of Catholic Art,” will explore the history of Singaporean Catholicism through urban art, bodily senses, and materiality. It will discuss how Catholic buildings, holy objects, and religious statues create shared spaces that orient emotions and how Singapore has become a creative recipient and producer of Catholic devotions. The multicultural background of Singaporean Catholic devotions, influenced by Chinese, Indian, and Western traditions, will also be examined.
Theologians and heritage ministries
The main speaker will be Michel Chambon, a Catholic theologian and cultural anthropologist specialising in Christianity in Asia. Chambon, a research fellow at ARI, has published research on the agency of Christian buildings and Chinese Pentecostalism and Catholicism. He will be joined by Jevon Liew, co-leader of the heritage ministry at the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd, and Lynn Desker, a member of the heritage and tours ministry at St. Joseph Church on Victoria Street. The talk will feature two main commentaries on architecture and devotions.
Catholic architecture throughout Singapore
The first commentary will focus on Catholic architecture, with Chambon introducing Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles, which he grew up with in France. These styles, introduced by French missionaries, have significantly influenced Singaporean Catholic churches for many decades and can be seen in churches such as Our Lady of Lourdes and Novena Church. The commentary will also cover the architecture of the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd and St. Joseph’s Church, both located near the historical heart of the city, as well as more modernist styled churches like the Church of the Holy Cross in Clementi.
The second commentary will discuss devotions, focusing on three Catholic statues of Mother Mary and how Singapore’s influences and culture have shaped Singaporean Catholicism. Chambon will also speak about church grottos, which house devotional statues of Mother Mary commonly found on the grounds of many Singaporean churches.
Did we mention it’s free?
The event will be held at Temenggong Artist-in-Residence’s main premises, a colonial-era black and white bungalow at 28 Temenggong Road, on Mount Faber near Harbourfront MRT station. The event is free to the public.
Details:
Location: 28 Temenggong Road, Singapore 098775
Date and Time: 28 September 2024, from 1 pm to 5.30 pm
Fathership is the event’s media partner.
