[EN] Cathedral of the Good Shepherd , Mother Church of the Archdiocese of Singapore

As mentioned in previous post, my short layover trip to Singapore also included short visits to local churches. The opening of the Jubilee Year 2025 has kick-started my motivation to try to visit Catholic churches everywhere I go, and being in Singapore creates an opportunity to do just that. But not having much time before having to return to the airport to catch my connecting flight to Bangkok, I can only visit a couple of them, and one is a Roman Catholic church. After considering several options with timing and route in mind, I decided to visit the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd, which is actually the mother church of the 32 parishes in the Archdiocese of Singapore, the oldest Catholic church in Singapore as well as the seat of the Archbishop of Singapore. The cathedral is located in Museum Planning Area of the Civic District of the city, which can be reach within 3-minute walk from Bras Basah MRT station and less than 10-minute walk from either Bencoolen or City Hall MRT stations. The cathedral is recognized as on the Singapore's national monument as gazetted on 28 June 1973 by the National Heritage Board for its historical, social and cultural significance. I was particularly drawn to the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd not just because of its location, but because it holds deep historical and spiritual significance to the catholic community in the nation. Surrounded by trees and heritage buildings, the cathedral offers a serene atmosphere that contrasts beautifully with the surrounding bustle of the city. Its neoclassical architecture immediately hints at a long and storied past, one I was eager to explore.

Cathedral of the Good Shepherd is the oldest Roman Catholic church in Singapore

It was constructed in mid-1800s in Neo-Classical architecture design with British colonial influence

As mentioned earlier, the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd is the oldest Roman Catholic church in Singapore. Its origins date back to 1832 as it was founded by missionaries from the Société des Missions Étrangères de Paris (MEP), a Catholic missionary society founded in 1663 with the goal of evangelizing non-Christian regions, particularly in Asia. Initially, Masses were held in the home of Denis Lesley McSwiney, an Irish-born contractor. A small chapel was built the following year, before construction of the present church commenced in 1843. The church was designed by McSwiney himself in a Neo-Classical architectural style, adapted through a British colonial lens. Its symmetrical façade features a temple-like portico with Doric columns, and a triangular pediment that reflects Palladian influence, referencing ancient Greek temples. In 1847, the church's iconic steeple was added, designed by Charles Andrew Dyce, a Scottish-born civil engineer. Inside, the cathedral is elegant yet restrained, with clean classical lines. One notable feature is the Way of the Cross, depicted in fourteen antique oil paintings that line the walls. Another point of pride is the Bevington & Sons pipe organ, the oldest in Singapore, blessed in 1912 and still located on the gallery. Upon entering the cathedral, visitors are greeted by statues of Saint Anthony of Padua and Saint Francis Xavier, both prominent figures in the Roman Catholic missionary tradition. Saint Anthony is revered for his eloquent preaching and dedication to evangelization, while Saint Francis Xavier is well-known for his missionary work in Asia. The cathedral was blessed and officially opened on 6 June 1847 by Father Jean-Marie Beurel, a French MEP priest who played a crucial role in establishing the Catholic Church in Singapore. The church was elevated to cathedral status in 1888, when the Vicariate Apostolic of Malacca—based in Singapore—was raised to a diocese, and later became the Archdiocese of Malacca-Singapore. In 1972, the Archdiocese of Singapore was established as a separate ecclesiastical territory, and to this day, the Cathedral remains the seat of the Archbishop of Singapore.

Front entrance of the cathedral features a statue of Christ the Good Shepherd above the central doorway

The serene nave of the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd can accommodate up to 800 worshippers

The naming of the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd holds a profound spiritual legacy, rooted in the life and martyrdom of Saint Laurent-Marie-Joseph Imbert, a key figure in the MEP. Born in Marignane, France in 1796, Imbert was the first Catholic missionary known to have visited Singapore in 1821, after serving as a teacher in Penang, Malaysia. Some accounts even suggest that he may have celebrated the first Mass in Singapore. In 1838, Imbert was appointed Vicar Apostolic of Korea and Titular Bishop of Capsa during a time of intense persecution against Christians in Korea. He had to enter the country secretly to continue his missionary work. The following year, after being betrayed, and sensing his imminent death, he chose to celebrate one final Mass before surrendering to the authorities. In a moving gesture of self-sacrifice, he wrote to his fellow missionaries, Pierre-Philibert Maubant and Jacques-Honoré Chastan, urging them to surrender as well, in hopes of sparing their newly converted Christian communities. His letter contained the line, ‘In desperate circumstances, the good shepherd lays down his life for his sheep,’ a reference to John 10:11 — a quote now inscribed on the floor as one enters the cathedral. The three missionaries were captured, tortured for information they never gave, and ultimately beheaded on 21 September 1839 in Saenamteo, Korea. They were among the Korean martyrs beatified in 1925 and later canonized by Pope John Paul II in Seoul on 6 May 1984. Known fondly in Korea as Bishop Laurentius Bum Sehyeong, the news of Imbert’s martyrdom eventually reached Singapore, a land once visited by the young missionary himself. His witness of sacrificial love inspired the naming of the church as “The Good Shepherd.” Today, the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd houses a relic of Saint Laurent Imbert, honoring his enduring presence and spiritual influence on the region, and above all, within this very cathedral.

Consecrated in 1912, this Bevington & Sons pipe organ is the oldest one in Singapore

Constructed in 1847, this prominent steeple is where the church’s three bells are located

As the spiritual legacy of Saint Imbert lives on within the cathedral walls, the building itself has borne witness to significant chapters of history. During World War II, the cathedral was repurposed as an emergency hospital, offering care in a time of crisis. Decades later, by the early 2000s, the cathedral's foundations began to weaken due to underground tunneling works for the nearby MRT system and construction of the adjacent Singapore Management University campus, which caused the surrounding soil to destabilize. Although restoration had been considered earlier, it was postponed for several years due to financial and technical challenges. Finally, in 2013, the cathedral was closed for a major restoration project that included not only the church building, but also the rectory and other supporting facilities. The goal was to preserve the structure and ensure its continued role as a place of worship and refuge. The restoration was completed in 2016, and the cathedral reopened on 20 November that year—now fully air-conditioned, with new pews, flooring, and an updated color scheme. A new basement level was also added, featuring a crypt, prayer rooms, and meeting rooms. A series of informational panels outlining the cathedral’s history can be found along the short walkway to the Heritage Gallery, which houses various historical items and artifacts from the church’s past. If you have time, free heritage tours are offered every 1st Saturday at 11 a.m. and 3rd Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

The Cathedral's Heritage Gallery, opened in 2017, showcases historical artifacts and stories

The Archbishop’s House, a humble colonial-era residence stands beside the cathedral

Visiting the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd is more than just stepping into Singapore’s oldest Catholic church — it’s a journey through faith, resilience, and history. From its humble beginnings to its historic role, and its careful restoration in recent years, the cathedral stands as a living testament to the enduring spirit of the local Catholic community. The Good Shepherd carries a profound meaning — a reminder of Christ as the shepherd who lovingly guides, protects, and lays down His life for His flock. In the heart of the city, this cathedral continues to offer peace and purpose, welcoming all who seek comfort, prayer, or simply a moment of reflection. Whether you come to admire its beauty, explore its past, or reconnect with your faith, this sacred space leaves a quiet yet lasting impression.

Cathedral of the Good Shepherd

Mother Church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore

Location A Queen St, Singapore

Weekly Mass Schedule

Saturday, 06.00 PM 

Sunday, 08.30 AM, 10.30 AM, 06.00 PM

Website https://cathedral.catholic.sg/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/cathedral.sg/