The Dwelling Place: Where God Rebuilds Us Daily
“In Him you are also built into it for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.” — Ephesians 2:22
An account of the renovation work of the St. Gerard Majella Inter-Provincial Novitiate of the Conference of Asia Oceania
Remaining in God’s dwelling is more than enduring foundations of strength—it is about tending to the spaces where formation deepens, where community is lived, and where God’s presence is encountered in silence, servanthood, and fraternity.
At the St. Gerard Majella Inter-Provincial Novitiate of the Conference of Asia Oceania, a significant renovation project began in February 2025 to respond to the natural wear brought by time and the evolving needs of our growing formation community. Stories were lived, but time left its mark—and so we began the careful work of renewing the house that has served generations of Redemptorist novices.
The renovation focuses on vital communal and spiritual spaces: the chapel, common room, colloquium room, library/conference room, and the building’s ceiling. Alongside painting and some repairs, the project seeks not only structural renewal, but also spiritual refreshment.
At the centre of this effort is the chapel—the heart of the novitiate. It is here that our days begin and end in prayer. As we restore its serenity and sacredness, we are guided by the truth that with God the builder, every work becomes grace. The chapel’s renewal is a sign of our desire to let prayer remain the foundation of our community life.
Kindly view the short video on the Interprovincial Novitiate
Other areas, such as the common room, where laughter and fraternity take root; the colloquium room, where formation deepens through dialogue and reflection; and the library/conference room, a space for study and encounter with the Church’s wisdom, are also being lovingly renewed. Ceilings are repaired and spaces brightened – not just with colour, but with purpose.
In all of this, we see how our house is refreshed, our home embraced. Joy continues, love is shared, and grace quietly builds anew. As we move forward, we are reminded of the words of 1 Peter 2:5:
“And like living stones be yourselves built into a spiritual house…”
Indeed, this renovation is more than a construction project – it is a living expression of our mission, our formation, and our call to be spiritual houses where God may dwell.
This endeavour continues through the generosity of our benefactors, the support of our confreres, and the providence of God. May this renewed novitiate continue to be a place where future Redemptorists are formed in joy, faith, hope, and love, ever ready to serve the most abandoned and to preach the Gospel anew.
Fr. Brian Espejo, CSsR.
The Novice Master
