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2024 Easter Message from Bishop Stephen Lee Bun Sang

Risen Lord, teach us to pray

Dear  brothers and sisters,

Alleluia!

Christ’s resurrection makes our faith real (cf 1 Cor 15:14). Whenever we profess this faith anew, we participate in His death and resurrection, through the reception of the Sacraments (cf Rom 6:5-8; Jn 6:54). But it is never enough just to believe and profess this faith; it is necessary to establish a relationship with God, through the means of prayers.

In preparation for the Jubilee Year, Pope Francis has designated this year as the "Year of Prayer", and through the Dicastery for Evangelization, has published a guidebook to encourage the faithful to live out their lives of prayer faithfully. The Year of Prayer is an invitation to grow in our relationship with God, and an opportunity to reflect on the quality of our faith.

In our everyday life, we may face different situations, either good or bad, or even in our busiest schedule, we must make time for prayer. “To pray is the way to let God act within us, to understand what He wants to communicate to us even in the most difficult situations, to pray to have the strength to go forward.” (Pope Francis, Angelus, 9^th January 2023)

“Lord, teach us to pray!” (Luke 11:1) This request and pledge of the disciples certainly reflects an awareness of their inadequacy, and of the need for even practical guidance on how to pray. Prayer is not just a devotional habit, but a spiritual “breath of life”, where “breathing” is the most basic human need (cf Pope Francis, Wednesday Audience, 9^th June 2021). Every time we pray, it is an opportunity for a deeper communion with God, as well as an opportunity to listen to God’s words towards us.

Prayer is the way to get in touch with our deepest truth, where God’s own light is present; and this light will extend into our lives, so that we can live out the Presence of God. Prayer is like a compass that guides (cf Handbook for the Year of Prayer, “Teach us to pray”), and an anchor that prevents us from being strayed by the winds and waves.

Regular and constant prayer nourishes our daily lives, and helps us to live out the Presence of God at all times. Prayer requires perseverance, since when a soul loves, and is persistent in prayer, the heart can be transformed and converted, and hence transforming others: our community, our society, and even the whole world.

In response to Pope Francis, I invite all members in the Diocese to promote the centrality of individual and community prayer, in order to prepare for the Jubilee Year. The first step is to revisit the teaching of Pope Francis on the theme of “Prayer” from his Wednesday Audiences in the past few years, and to enter the school of prayer through meditation.

Prayer in the Parish Community 

At the level of the parish community, we should be mindful of every detail of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, because “taking part in the Eucharistic sacrifice is the fount and apex of the whole Christian life” (Lumen Gentium, 11); we may organize different prayer meetings such as the Liturgy of the Hours, Eucharistic Adoration, Reconciliation etc., allowing every member within the parish to understand and participate in the public prayer life of the Church.

Prayer in the Family 

The family is a school of prayer, and is the first place to nurture children's life of prayer; only through the pastoral care for families can we enable them to be both domestic churches and a leaven of evangelization in society (cf Amoris Laetitia, 290). A family’s living space could turn into a domestic church, a setting for the Eucharist, the presence of Christ seated at its table.  Here we see a home filled with the presence of God, common prayer and every blessing. (AL 15)

Young People’s Prayer

Young people are often confused and may encounter numerous ups and downs in their lives, it is more important to accompany them and discover with them that comfort originates from prayer. “Young men and women can meet one another, where they can share music, games, sports, but also reflection and prayer.” (Christus Vivit, 218)

Retreats on Prayer 

“[Jesus] went out to a deserted place, and there He prayed.” (Mk 1:35) The Evangelist gives us an image of Jesus that points to two essential dimensions of Christian prayer: 1) removing oneself from the daily routine - necessary for seeking personal dialogue with the Father - and 2) a silent heart - indispensable for listening for God’s voice and hearing what He wants. In this perspective and in the context of the Year of Prayer, a spiritual retreat can provide an unparalleled opportunity for spiritual conversion and a renewal of heart (cf Handbook for the Year of Prayer, “Teach us to pray”). 

Catechesis on Prayer 

As a key step in the process of evangelization, of promoting growth and maturation in the faith, Catechesis has the task of educating for prayer and in prayer, developing the contemplative dimension of Christians. Through catechetical formation , the faithful can understand the deeper meaning of prayer and thus live out the spirit of prayer.

In this Year of Prayer, let us rediscover the centrality of prayer and cultivate a life of prayer and a soul of prayer, which will extend to our future lives and bring us closer to God. May we also rely on our heavenly Mother, and imitate her to maintain a sincere and humble heart to pray, in order to become Pilgrims of Hope towards the Jubilee Year.

† Bishop Stephen Lee Bun Sang

Catholic Diocese of Macau

Letter from Bishop Stephen LEE regarding the "Survey on the Current Situation of Elderly Catholics in Macau" (2024)

Brothers and sisters in Christ:

On 28^th July, the 4^th World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly, Pope Francis has chosen the theme of his message for this year, ‘Do not cast me off in my old age’ (Ps. 71:9).

The Holy Father points out that loneliness and isolation are key factors affecting the health and well-being of the elderly today. He reminds us to cherish every moment of encounter with the elderly and to recognise their contribution. The Pope calls on us to care not only for their physical health but also for their spiritual needs. He emphasises that loneliness is not an inevitable part of old age, but a shadow that society needs to work together to dispel. Therefore, all of us Catholics should be open-minded and take the initiative to reach out and support the elderly around us, so that they can feel valued and loved.

At present, Macau is facing the challenge of aging, and the number of elderly Catholics in the community is steadily increasing. According to the Statistics and Census Service of Macao, by the end of 2023, there will be about 100,000 elderly people aged 65 and above in Macao, and the aging index has climbed to 106.1%, which means that for every 100 young people, there will be about 106 elderly people. As the number of elderly continues to grow, we must think more carefully about how to provide support so that every elderly person can live in dignity, love and enjoy every moment of their lives.

In view of this, the Catholic Diocese of Macau has initiated a project entitled "Survey on the Current Health Situation and Life Support for Elderly Catholics in Macau", funded by the Social Welfare Bureau, in order to have a more comprehensive understanding of the actual needs of local elderly Catholics, and to set the course of our pastoral care and services to meet their needs. The Diocesan Commission for Life, together with the Faculty of Health Sciences of the University of Saint Joseph, plans to launch this extensive survey in October. Through face-to-face questionnaires, the survey aims to identify Catholics aged 60 or above in the community and their current situation, especially those who are socially inactive or do not receive social services.

This diocesan project depends on your prayers and support. All parishioners are cordially invited to co-operate in this survey. You are also welcome to volunteer to help elderly Catholics in your parish to complete the survey. Later on, we will arrange volunteers to visit each parish in phases to conduct the survey and, if necessary, to visit the homes of elderly Catholics with limited mobility to collect relevant information. For details of the programme and the specific dates of the survey, please refer to the parish announcements and information released by the Diocesan Commission for Life.

We ask our Heavenly Father to give us His Holy Spirit to illuminate our wisdom, to inflame our hearts, and to strengthen our wills. Let us walk hand in hand, cherishing each and every one of our elderly, so that they may feel the beauty of life in our care.

† Bishop Stephen Lee Bun Sang

Catholic Diocese of Macau

Christmas Message from the Bishop for the year 2024

Preparing for the Jubilee Year - Embarking Together on a Journey of Mercy and Hope

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me; He has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, and to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.” (Lk 4:18-19)

“Hope in the Lord! Hold firm, take heart and hope in the Lord!” (Ps 27:14)

Each Christmas, we reverently celebrate the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. This year’s Christmas holds extraordinary significance as we stand on the threshold of the Jubilee Year 2025—a time centered on the theme of “hope”, filled with mercy and grace. As we anticipate this Jubilee, the Diocese invites each of you to prepare your hearts through prayer, pilgrimage, and community communion, embracing faith, charity, and hope as we welcome the blessings of the Lord. (cf. Bull of Indiction, 1, 3)

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Let us all start with the reflection on the meaning of the 2025 Jubilee: A Jubilee is a special period symbolizing liberation, forgiveness, and the boundless mercy of God. It is not only a personal invitation but also a communal call. Each of us is a fellow pilgrim on this sacred journey of “hope”, responding to God’s call to move towards a world that is more just, peaceful, and filled with hope. A key grace of the Jubilee is the granting of indulgences, an extraordinary gift that signifies the discovery of God’s infinite mercy: “Mercy and indulgence are expressions of the fullness of God’s forgiveness, which knows no bounds.” (Bull, 23)

Following the guidance of Pope Francis as outlined in the Bull of Indiction for the Jubilee, our Diocese has identified four key areas for pastoral focus: education, social services, family, and youth. Through concrete actions in these areas, we hope to help everyone live out the values of the Jubilee, sharing the hope-filled graces of God.

1. Education: Forming Witnesses to “The Way, the Truth, and the Life”

   
   

   Education shapes souls and values. Our Catholic schools will initiate a campaign centered on the core values of Jesus Christ as “The Way, the Truth, and the Life,” striving to nurture students into individuals of moral integrity, faith, and compassion. I invite all who contribute to this mission - particularly the Diocesan Commissions for Catholic Education and for Catechesis, the Catholic University, and school communities—to pay special attention to young people’s recognition of the value of life and their spiritual needs, to let each of them see the hope in the future, “for the future depends on their enthusiasm. It is gratifying to see the energy they demonstrate.” (Bull, 12)

   
   

2. Social Services: Practicing Mercy and Justice

   The Jubilee calls us to care for the vulnerable, including the elderly, the sick, the poor, prisoners, migrants, refugees, and others in difficulty. We are summoned to embody God’s love and compassion, bringing hope through acts of mercy. I invite all involved—particularly the Social Care Group in the Diocesan Commission for Life, Catholic organizations for elderly care and residential services—to pay special attention to the health and well-being of the elderly in sight, to let them feel the warmth even in the setting sun, because “those who frequently feel lonely and abandoned, also deserve signs of hope”. (Bull, 14) Let us offer comprehensive care and acceptance to those in dire situations, bringing them a hymn to human dignity, a song of hope (cf. Bull, 11, 14).

   
   

3. Church: Rebuilding Communities of Love in Families and in our Church

   Families are the cornerstone of the Church and the first school of faith. Likewise, communities within the Church—whether consecrated men and women, societies, or movements—serve as “the forefront in pointing out the need for a social covenant to support and foster hope, one that is inclusive and not ideological, working for a future filled with the laughter of babies and children, in order to fill the empty cradles in so many parts of our world.” I encourage organisations like the Catholic Family Advisory Council and parent-teacher associations in our Catholic schools to evangelize in a spirit of synodality. Our Pope Francis has repeatedly reminded us “how crucial marriage and family are to the lives of people.” The beauty of the family lies in the sharing of faithful love, trust, co-operation, and mutual support. Leaders of all Catholic families should “ensure that manifold signs of hope bear witness to God’s presence in the world with their respective charisms and ministries.” (Bull, 17) This is the responsibility of building a culture of charity within the family.

   
   

4. Youth: The Hope and Strength of the Future

   The youth represent the hope of the Church’s future, yet they need guidance and support to become positive contributors to society and faith. Pope Francis encourages young people to be “witnesses of the beauty and novelty of life.” I invite all who work with young people—particularly the Diocesan Commissions for Youth and for Vocations, Catechism classes in each Parish, and youth groups within the Diocese—to “make greater efforts to reach out to the youth. With renewed passion, let us demonstrate care and concern for adolescents, students and the rising generation. Let us draw close to the young, for they are the joy and hope of the Church and of the world!” (Bull, 12) Let us also strive to build platforms where young people can actively participate and express themselves, to hear their voices and understand their needs. May they be empowered with the courage to “hope in the Lord!” and become “artisans of hope” in Christ. (As Pope Francis exhorted during his address to the representatives of the Italian Youth Council on 16^th November 2024.)

This Christmas, let us embrace the spirit of pilgrims and explore the nativity scenes spread across Macao, immersing ourselves in the tender image of the birth of Infant Jesus—the sacred source of boundless love and enduring hope. As this holy season leads us into the Jubilee Year, may we manifest the profound joy of faith through our heartfelt words and meaningful actions, walking together as fellow pilgrims on a shared journey to receive and celebrate the abundant blessings of this special Jubilee.

May this Christmas and the Jubilee Year of 2025 bring peace and God’s blessings to all.

† D. Stephen Lee Bun Sang

Catholic Diocese of Macau