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Macau CatholicsCelebrate the Year of the Dragon

2024 Lunar New Year

Just after the Christmas season ends, the new celebration begins with the Lunar New Year festivities. It is the most important holiday in China, and it is also widely celebrated in South Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei, and countries with a significant overseas Chinese population. 

Macau welcomes the spring festival with colourful red lanterns amidst joys and smiles of children with their “lai si” (a red packet containing money). And of course, they don’t forget about the amazing foods, such as dumplings, long noodles symbolizing longevity, sticky rice, and fish are among the delicious festive foods for the occasion.

Unlike the Western New Year, which is celebrated for one day, the Lunar New Year is celebrated for 15 days. In the year 2024, the Lunar New Year begins on Saturday, February 10^th, and the populace welcomes the Year of the Dragon. In Chinese culture, the dragon is a powerful and auspicious symbol representing good fortune, wisdom, and strength. The Year of the Dragon is believed to bring prosperity and success in various aspects of life. While the Chinese zodiac is deeply rooted in ancient Chinese traditions, its appeal and impact extend far beyond the borders of China. People from different backgrounds and religious affiliations are drawn to value and respect the symbolism associated with each zodiac animal of the ancient Chinese traditions.

The Church recognizes and appreciates the importance of cultural traditions, also encourages its followers to embrace and respect different customs. As such,  non-Chinese Catholics in Macau see the Year of the Dragon New Year celebration as an opportunity to engage with the cultural practices of their Chinese brothers and sisters in faith.

Thus, with one faith and one heart, Macau Catholics celebrate the Lunar New Year integrating their faith into the festivities. The liturgical celebrations incorporate elements of Chinese culture while remaining rooted in Catholic traditions. On the first day of the Lunar New Year it is customary for the parishes in Macau to celebrate the masses in honor of Our Lady of China. As we begin the Lunar New Year, the Church invites the people to live a life of renewal and gratitude, and to entrust the new year to Mary’s guidance and protection. 

Having a diverse community, the Year of the Lunar New Year celebration within Macau’s Catholic communities emphasize the importance of unity and solidarity. It serves as a reminder that, despite our diverse backgrounds, we are all part of a larger human family. By embracing the customs and traditions associated with the Year of the Dragon, Catholics demonstrate their commitment to building bridges, fostering harmony, and respecting cultural differences. Locals, Portuguese and a large number of Filipinos gathered to share in the Eucharist, as well as the priests’ red packet distribution and the food get-together. 

Each parish organizes events for the Lunar New Year celebration in various ways, depending on the size and resources available to the community. Catholic communities may organize cultural performances that showcase traditional Chinese dances, music, and other artistic expressions. These performances not only entertain but also educate attendees about Chinese culture and traditions. The event featured captivating lion dance, colorful fireworks, and a delightful spread of local Macau cuisine shared by the church goers. It’s heartwarming to witness communities coming together to celebrate cultural heritage and share in the spirit of unity during this auspicious time.

  The Year of the Dragon in 2024 also inspired some Catholic communities to engage in outreach and charity initiatives. They organized fundraisers or collection drives to support causes that align with the spirit of the Lunar New Year, such as helping those in need, promoting environmental cleaning, or supporting education. These initiatives reflect the Catholic values of compassion, solidarity, and service to others. This creates an inclusive and respectful environment that allows Catholics and others to come together in celebration and foster understanding and unity.

May the Year of the Dragon bring prosperity, courage, and blessings to all.

From: “O Clarim” Year 76 Issue 17

Publication Date: 23^rd February 2024

Chinese New Year celebration in different parishes 

The Annual Procession of “Our Lord Bom Jesus dos Passos” in Macau

Spiritual and Cultural Heritage 

Macau, the enchanting blend of Chinese and Portuguese cultures, possesses a rich history of religious traditions. Among the various devotions cherished by the Catholics of Macau, the veneration of Senhor Bom Jesus dos Passos (the Passion of Our Lord Good Jesus) stands out as a remarkable testament to the enduring faith and cultural heritage of this vibrant city.

The devotion to the Passion of Our Lord Good Jesus has its roots in the Augustinian missionaries who came to Macau in 1586 and brought with them this homage to the suffering Christ. Yet, some devotees claimed that the procession can be traced back earlier to 1708 when a group of pious Portuguese faithful started the procession. The statue depicts Jesus Christ in a partially standing position, with the heavy cross on his shoulders, mirroring sorrow in his heart and the burden of the cross. This remarkable representation evokes a profound sense of love, compassion, and redemption, captivating the hearts of the faithful.

The procession takes place every year on the first Saturday and Sunday of Lent. The Bishop of Macau Stephen Lee, clergy, and the faithful joined the procession. The celebration begins with a solemn Mass, followed by a grand procession through the streets of Macau. A group of devotees, dressed in traditional purple attire, carry the statue on a dolorously decorated platform. The procession is accompanied by the local Police marching band, playing melancholic music that resembles a funeral parade. The devotees follow while praying the “Way of the Cross”, recalling only seven (7) stations of the Passion and Death of Jesus. The procession commences on a Saturday from  Saint Augustine’s Church heading to the Cathedral and returns on the following day to Saint Augustine’s Church. On the second day, a girl taking the role of Veronica sings a sorrowful song in Latin taken from Lamentations 1:12, “Come, all who pass by the way, pay attention and see: Is there any pain like my pain, which has been ruthlessly inflicted upon me, with which the LORD has tormented me on the day of his blazing wrath?” The devotees respond by singing “Parce Domine, parce populo tuo, ne in aeternum irascaris nobis.” This vibrant devotion is most dear to the locals, especially the Macanese community. It also attracts devotees from Hong Kong, Taiwan, and other tourists, who participate with reverence and awe, creating an atmosphere of spiritual unity. 

The devotion to this miraculous and iconic image represents a spiritual connection with Jesus Christ and serves as a source of solace, hope, and inspiration. The sorrowful gaze of the statue symbolizes Christ's love and His invitation to all to seek comfort and salvation from Him. The image fosters a powerful bond between the divine and the devoted, encouraging believers to deepen their faith and find strength in times of adversity.

The procession is a vast assembly of people of every culture, they carry candles, and flowers, and offer personal prayers to the Passion of Our Lord Good Jesus expressing their gratitude, seeking intercession, and making requests for divine blessings. Some believers also undertake acts of penance, such as walking barefoot or wearing simple sandals as a demonstration of their devotion and commitment.

Moreover, the devotion to the Passion of Our Lord Good Jesus has played a significant role in preserving Macau's cultural heritage. It serves as a poignant reminder of the city's colonial past and the enduring influence of Portuguese traditions. The devotion has been passed down through generations, sustaining its relevance and ensuring its continuity as an integral part of Macau's identity.

The devotion also exemplifies the profound faith, cultural richness, and enduring spirit of its people. As a symbol of love, compassion, and redemption, the Passion of Our Lord Good Jesus continues to inspire and unite believers, fostering a sense of spiritual connectedness and cultural heritage. The annual festivities and devotional practices associated with the Passion of Our Lord Good Jesus serve as a powerful testament to the enduring legacy of this venerated image in Macau.

From: “O Clarim” Year 76 Issue 17Publication Date: 23^rd February 2024

The girl playing the role of Veronica sings a sorrowful song in Latin 

Procession of the Passion of Our Lord Good Jesus

We are Easter People

Experiencing Christ’s transforming presence

Saint Paul writes, “Remember the Gospel I preach: Jesus Christ is risen from the dead” (2 Tim 2:8). The Resurrection of Christ is the central mystery of our faith. We profess in our Creed, “On the third day, He rose from the dead.” We believers in the Crucified and Risen Lord proclaim the Good News (Acts 13:32-34), the news of “first importance” (I Cor 15:3-4): the Lord is risen! And therefore, we are Easter People and Alleluia is our song!  

The Unique Resurrection of Jesus 

The Resurrection of Christ is intimately linked to his incarnation and the fulfillment of the incarnation. It is utterly different from other “resurrections” the same Lord had done (and later on, some saints did by the power of God). Those who were raised up from death went back to their earthly and finite life, and later on, they died with finality.

The resurrection of Christ is absolutely unique. Jesus came back to life, not to an earthly life, but to an incorruptible and glorious divine life. How beautiful and consoling the description of death by Saint John the Evangelist: “Jesus knew that His hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father” (Jn 13:1). Our Savior rose from death by his own power and will, or by the power of the Father, or of the Holy Spirit, but a power which is also Jesus’ power.

After Jesus’ passion and death on the cross, the first disciples were depressed, sad, demoralized (remember the two disciples of Emmaus). With that understandable negative attitude, the apostles could not invent at all a resurrection that would then be “fake news.” The first disciples’ faith in the resurrection followed a gradual process. The whole process starts with the empty tomb (cf. Jn 20:2, 6-8; cf. CCC 640). The fact of the empty tomb is immediately followed by about ten apparitions of the glorious Jesus to the apostles which confirmed and strengthened their faith in the Risen Lord: He is the same crucified Lord, now gloriously different but the same Jesus, God and man. Through this gradual process, some disciples doubted then but thereafter strongly believed in it.

To strengthen our faith in Jesus’ Resurrection, we have most credible witnesses. In the first place, the apostles and other disciples who proclaimed the Word, centered on the death and resurrection of Jesus, in an incredibly bold and joyful manner. Peter and John were asked by the Jewish religious authorities not to talk about the name Jesus. Peter answered them, “We cannot keep from speaking about what we have seen and heard” (Acts, 4:20).

How did the first Christian communities show that they had experienced Christ’s transforming presence? Simply by being faithful to Jesus and his Gospel: “They remained faithful to the teaching of the apostles, to fraternity, to the breaking of the bread, and to prayer… They shared their food gladly and generously, praised God and were looked up to by everyone” (cf. Acts, 2:42-47).

With the first disciples, millions and millions of Christians through centuries have proclaimed in words and deeds that the Lord is Risen! Thank God, we are among these disciples, and know that the best way to show our faith in the Risen Lord – yesterday, today and always – is “the faithful following Jesus” (J. M. Pagola). We are witnesses of the Resurrection. We have experienced the presence of the Risen Lord; we are utterly convinced by faith that He lives, and that we are asked to give testimony: to tell the world of his love. 

Our encounter with the Risen Lord

We believe in the Resurrection of Christ because our merciful God has donated to us the amazing gift of faith! Faith in the Risen Lord is a personal encounter with him.

We are asked by our faith in Jesus to be witnesses of his resurrection, to be able to say “I have seen the Lord,” that is, I have experienced an encounter with the Risen Lord. Our faith is not mainly a doctrine or a morality but the paschal experience: the personal encounter with Jesus in the Church Sacraments, in the Eucharist, in the poor, in communitarian and personal prayer… Above all, in love – the love of Jesus in us: “We love because He first loved us” (1 Jn 4:19). And with Jesus’ love, we are able to love all: “We are well aware that we have passed over from death to life because we love one another” (1 Jn 3:14). We should not live, then, for ourselves “but for Him who for our sake died and was raised” (2 Cor 5:15).

As believers, we are committed to be witnesses of the Risen Lord in our world: a world of irrational consumerism, growing atheism, gender ideology, climate change ideology, transhumanism, populist nationalism, injustice, violence and inequality. For this awesome task, we need to pray always, and be compassionate. But we are sure of one thing: Christ wins!

Our living faith in Christ’s resurrection and in our own resurrection grows more fervently – like the faith of the first disciples – gradually, little by little, like the grass in the field. It grows by practicing love in concrete good deeds: an act of kindness, a sincere smile, a silent presence, a gesture of loving concern, a humble word of consolation, a prayer of petition, an act of detachment.

Pedro Reyero OP, who was a zealous and fiery charismatic, connects marvelously the resurrection of Christ with the three theological virtues: the virtues of faith, hope and charity are seeds of the resurrection of Jesus in us. He told us in a Retreat: “In faith, God illumines our misery – our sins – that scandalize us and take us to humility.  In hope, God takes us to look for the goods of heaven and not for the goods of the earth; God helps us to reject idols. In charity, God heals our selfishness to make us new men and women for others. This is the way of the Resurrection.

Easter calls us to a new, renewed life, which means death to sin and alive in love. If I really want to live a new life, and walk in the newness of life that leads to the glory of heaven, then I truly believe in the Resurrection of the Lord and in my own resurrection. We are citizens of heaven. Here on earth, we are pilgrims who one day shall depart to our Father’s home.

Truly, we are Easter People and Alleluia is our song!

From: “O Clarim” Year 76

https://www.oclarim.com.mo/en/2024/04/11/we-are-easter-people-2/

Baptism in Our Lady of Sorrows Church

The faithful with Fr. Michael Chueng Chun Kin, parish priest of Our Lady of Fatima’s Church

The faithful with two Sisters and Fr. José Oliveira Marques, the assistant parish priest of Our Lady of Carmel’s Church

Our Lady of Fatima Procession 2024 in Macau

A call to our genuine change of heart

This year’s annual procession honoring Our Lady of Fatima in Macau took place on its liturgical feast day on May 13^th, 2024. The evening celebration generated a large number of local and international Catholic devotees. 

The event commemorates a series of Marian apparitions witnessed by three shepherd children in the Portuguese village of Fatima in 1917. Looking back on its history, this religious event was organized in Macao in 1929, and from then on, the procession is held every year on 13^th May, where the devotees carry the statue of Our Lady of Fatima from Saint Dominic's Church to the Chapel of Our Lady of Penha, now a Trappistine monastery.

The celebration began at 5 p.m. with a mass presided by the Bishop Stephen Lee of the Catholic Diocese of Macao. The mass was celebrated in both Chinese and Portuguese. This was followed by the procession, headed by three children dressed as the original young shepherds of Fatima. The faithful devotedly participated the candle-lit procession while praying the rosary and singing hymns to Mary.

Although many Catholics have the devotion to join the procession and given at least a cursory glance to these apparitions of Our Lady, very few know Fatima in detail. Perhaps the most basic question is: Why should we learn about Mary’s apparitions at  Fatima? True, the Fatima message adds nothing to, but rather complements, our Catholic faith. It is in accord with God’s revelation to us. It offers to us a contemporary lens through which we may consider Our Lord, all that has been disclosed about Him and His benevolent plan for us.

Our Lord, fully aware of the challenges of our era, allowed His mother to grace our earth with her appearances to Lucia, Francisco and Jacinta. Christ gave Mary this singular mission: to go to Fatima to proclaim the holy Gospel in a way that would attract modern ears.

Since God never does anything without reason, He intends that the Fatima  messages find root deep within us. He has done His part. The time has come for us to do ours. Gratitude is always to be our response to who God is and what He does for us. That He sent Our Lady to Fatima in order to remind us of what is truly important is only another reason to be thankful to Him.

What most concerns the Mother of God is our everlasting salvation. She wants each of us to be able to enter paradise! Such maternal compassion for her sons and daughters can only move our hearts to joy and gratitude. The best and most lasting appreciation that we can show Our Lord for the Fatima message is our sincere conversion. Nothing compares to our genuine change of heart.

From: “O Clarim” Year 76 Issue 1

Publication Date: 24^th May 2024

The procession of Our Lady of Fatima from Saint Dominic’s Church to the Chapel of Our Lady of Penha

Igniting the Flame of Mission Awareness among Macau Youth

Faith is strengthened when it is shared

In a world that is increasingly secularized and individualistic, it is more important than ever to foster a strong sense of Catholic mission awareness among young people. The future of the Church depends on the next generation carrying forward the call to evangelize and serve others.

O Clarim director, Fr Eduardo Emilio Agüero, SCJ, explores this importance of Mission Work by organizing a group of young people from Macau to experience it firsthand. Fr Eduardo guided the youth not only to appreciate mission work as seen on social media but also to engage in real mission exposure in a real-world situation. He planned and organized a mission trip to Cabo Verde in Africa for this group of youngsters. Cabo Verde is a picturesque island nation located off the coast of West Africa. The presence of Catholicism in Cabo Verde dates back to the 15^th century when Portuguese explorers first arrived on the islands. As the explorers established settlements and trade routes, they brought with them their religious beliefs, leading to the introduction of Catholicism to the local population. Over the centuries, the Catholic Church became deeply ingrained in the fabric of Cabo Verdean society, shaping its traditions, values, and practices.

According to Fr Eduardo, this mission trip from Macau will allow the Catholic youth to engage directly in service projects and Catholic mission work. Mission work, whether at home or abroad, is a core part of living out one's Catholic faith. Through engaging in ministries that serve the spiritual and material needs of others, these young Catholics can deepen their relationship with God and live out the Great Commission to "go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19).

The aspiration for this organized mission work is to allow the Spirit to bring young people to the realities faced by the world's poor and marginalized, inspiring them to greater acts of charity, justice and mercy. Through the promptings of the Spirit, this may foster in them virtues like humility, generosity, and compassion. And for many young people, mission experiences serve as a pivotal moment of spiritual awakening and a catalyst for discerning their vocation.

When asked why he initiated this mission awareness among the young from Macau, when Macau is itself a mission area, the veteran missionary replied, “Faith is strengthened when it is given to others, when it is shared! It is in commitment to the Church's universal mission that the new evangelization of Christian peoples will find inspiration and support. We have to guide our young people to be part of this.”

The group is currently in the initial stage of their mission journey: preparing their hearts and minds for the mission trip. Spiritual preparation is key for a mission. Two of the most important steps to prepare spiritually for a mission trip are to analyze intentions and to pray.

From: “O Clarim” Year 76 Issue 1

Publication Date: 24^th May 2024

Faith is strengthened when it is shared: Fr Eduardo Emilio Agüero guided the Portuguese-speaking youth to participate in youth evangelization activities in Cabo Verde, Africa

The Eucharist and the Sacred Heart of Christ

The Eucharistic Adoration

In the eighth century AD, a Basilian monk was saying Mass in the Church of Saint Legontian in modern-day Lan-ciano, Italy. As he was saying Mass, he doubted the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. After the consecration of the bread and wine into the Most Precious Body and Blood of Christ, the host became Flesh and the wine became Blood. The Eucharist is a twofold miracle. First, bread and wine are substantially changed into the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ at the consecration during Mass. Second, the presence of Jesus Christ is veiled behind the accidents (the taste, shape, smell, etc.) of bread and wine. At the miracle of Lanciano, the veil that normally shrouds the Real Presence was lifted, the accidents of the bread and wine departed, and the substance of Jesus Christ - his Body and Blood - were seen.

The Flesh and Blood were kept safe for many centuries and were investigated by the Vatican on a number of occasions. In the 1970s, two scientists, professors Odoardo Linoli and Ruggero Bertelli, examined the Flesh. They determined a number of things. The Flesh was that of a human, and it was specifically heart tissue. They also found that the blood type was AB (the same found on the Shroud of Turin). The fact that the Flesh and Blood have lasted through so many centuries is a miracle in and of itself.

What can this tell us about the Sacred Heart and the Eucharist? Namely, that devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus is oriented to the Eucharist. The miracle of Lanciano tells us that we receive the very heart of Christ when we receive the Eucharist at Holy Communion. The heart is one of the most vital organs of the body. Thus, when we receive Jesus, we receive his very heart with which he loves us and calls us to follow him. It is clear from Sacred Scripture, and indeed from various Eucharistic miracles, that when one thinks of the Sacred Heart, they should also be thinking of the Eucharist.

In the Passion narrative in the Gospel of John, we read, "But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. Instead, one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once blood and water came out (John 19:33-34). Many of the Church Fathers have made an allegorical connection between the blood and water that flowed from the heart of Christ and the sacraments of Baptism and the Eucharist. In his Commentary on the Gospel of John, Saint Thomas Aquinas does a good job of summarizing this.

This happened to show that by the passion of Christ we acquire a complete cleansing from our sins and stains. We are cleansed from our sins by His blood, which is the price of our redemption: you know that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your fathers, not with perishable things, such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot (1 Pet. 1:18). And we are cleansed from our stains by the water, which is the bath of our rebirth: I will sprinkle clean water upon you, and you will be clean from all your filthiness (Ezek. 36:25); on that day there will be a fountain opened for the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to cleanse them from sin and un-cleanness (Zech. 13:1). And so it is these two things which are especially associated with two sacraments: water with the sacrament of Baptism, and blood with the Eucharist. Or, both blood and water are associated with the Eucharist because in this sacrament water is mixed with wine, although water is not of the substance of the sacrament.

The sacrament of Baptism is the most important sacrament not only because it washes us of original sin and makes us members of the Mystical Body of Christ, but also because it is the gateway to the rest of the sacraments. Without Baptism, one cannot receive any of the other sacraments. But once one has received Baptism, they must continue to be nourished with spiritual food. The sacrament of the Eucharist is that nourishment, and it flows directly from the heart of Christ on the cross.

Again, the Gospel of Saint John offers us another insight into the Sacred Heart when John the Evangelist rests on the heart of Christ at the Last Supper: "He leaned back against Jesus' chest and said to him, 'Master, who is it?’'' (John 13:25 NABRE). Aquinas also offers insight into this passage.

As for the mystical interpretation, we can see from this that the more a person wants to grasp the secrets of divine wisdom, the more he should try to get closer to Christ, according to: come to him and be enlightened (Ps. 34:5). For the secrets of divine wisdom are especially revealed to those who are joined to God by love: he shows his friend that it is his possession (Job 36:33); his friend comes and searches into him (Prov. 18:17).

It is said that Saint Thomas Aquinas would go to the tabernacle and rest his head against it as if he was resting his head against the heart of Christ. In a General Audience, Pope Benedict XVI wrote, "In speaking of the sacraments, Saint Thomas reflects in a special way on the Mystery of the Eucharist, for which he had such great devotion, the early biographers claimed, that he would lean his head against the Tabernacle, as if to feel the throbbing of Jesus' divine and human heart."

We too, can rest on the heart of Christ— in Eucharistic Adoration. So many of the saints have recommended this practice, and the benefits are innumerable. It is in Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament that the Sacred Heart of Jesus speaks with, comforts, and guides us along our life's journey to fulfilling his will. If we wish to remain close to the Sacred Heart of Christ, we must remain close to the Eucharist.

From: “O Clarim” Year 76 Issue 2

Publication Date: 28^th June 2024

Corpus Christi Procession across the streets

Two New Priests Ordained for the Diocese of Macau

Grace of the Priesthood

On 31^st August 2024 the Catholic Diocese of Macau welcomed two new Catholic priests at a joyous ordination ceremony held at the Cathedral. Bishop Stephen Lee presided over the solemn rite, which was attended by clergy, religious, and a congregation of faithful, family members, friends, and local parishioners.

The two men being ordained were Deacon Adriano Serro Agostinho and Deacon Chan Pak Lam Bosco. Both had undergone years of intensive study and spiritual formation at the Diocesan Seminary of Saint Jospeh in preparation for this momentous day.

In his homily, Bishop Stephen Lee emphasized the sacred responsibility that the priesthood entailed. "The grace of the sacrament you are about to receive will fortify you for the challenges ahead," he told the candidates. "You are being called to be servant leaders, to offer the sacraments, to preach the Gospel, and to shepherd the flock entrusted to your care with wisdom, compassion, and unwavering faith."

As their family members looked on with pride, Reverend Bosco and Reverend Adriano each made a solemn promise of obedience to the Bishop and his successors. They then prostrated themselves on the cathedral floor as the Litany of the Saints was sung, a sign of their total surrender to God's will.

The highpoint came when Bishop Lee laid his hands on the heads of the candidates, invoking the Holy Spirit to descend upon them and impart the grace of the priesthood. Father Bosco and Father Adriano rose as newly ordained priests, their hands anointed with holy chrism oil, empowered to celebrate Mass, hear confessions, baptize, and carry out the other duties of the ministerial priesthood.

In his first blessing as a priest, Adriano said, "I am humbled and overjoyed to begin this new chapter of service to God's people. With the help of the Holy Spirit, I will strive each day to be a faithful, compassionate, and dedicated shepherd." Then he added, "This is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. I look forward to walking alongside the faithful of this diocese, bringing them the sacraments and the healing presence of Christ."

The crowd erupted in thunderous applause as the new priests made their way down the cathedral aisle, greeting well-wishers. Priests, deacons, and the people of God then joined the newly ordained for the celebration of the Eucharist.

It was a day of great joy and thanksgiving for the Diocese of Macau, which now has two more young spiritual Fathers to guide its faithful on the path to heaven.

From: “O Clarim” Year 76 Issue 4

Publication Date: 6^th September 2024

Deacon Adriano Agostinho and Deacon Bosco Chan prostrated themselves on the floor of the Cathedral during the Ordination

Two new priests to serve the Catholic Diocese of Macau, Fr Adriano Serro Agostinho and Fr Chan Pak Lam Bosco 

Anointing the hands with Holy Chrism Oil

Grace of the Priesthood, picture taken after the ordination

Bishop Stephen Lee Celebrates Mass for Deceased Priests

A sacred tribute

In a deeply moving ceremony, Bishop Stephen Lee celebrated a special Mass on 16^th November 2024, for the repose of the deceased priests of the Catholic Diocese of Macau, recognizing their lifelong dedication to the Church and to their communities. This solemn event took place at Saint Miguel Arcanjo’s Cemetery, drawing a number of faithful who gathered to pay their respects, pray and to reflect on the spiritual legacy of those who had served and loved them.

The Mass for the deceased priests is a time-honored tradition in the Diocese in November, the month dedicated to remembering the dead. It serves not only as a prayerful remembrance but also as a reminder of the enduring impact that these priests have had on the faith and lives of many. During the homily, Bishop Lee emphasized the significance of remembering those who had passed, stating, “We gather today not just to mourn and remember, but to celebrate the lives and vocations of our brothers in Christ.”

During the Mass, the Bishop reminded the faithful on the examples and dedications of the deceased priests, as well as their contributions to the Church and their communities. From pastoral care to educational initiatives, these priests dedicated their lives to serving others, embodying the teachings of Jesus Christ. The Bishop encouraged those present to carry forward the legacy of service and compassion exemplified by the priests of the Diocese who had died, and to pray for them. 

As part of the Mass, prayers were offered for the souls of the deceased priests, invoking God's mercy and grace. The faithful present joined the commendation prayers, reinforcing the sense of community and shared faith. The liturgy included traditional hymns that resonated with themes of hope and eternal life, providing comfort to those in attendance.

The annual gathering served as a poignant reminder of the strong bonds within the Catholic community. Many faithful who were present shared personal anecdotes about the impact that these priests had on their lives, fostering a spirit of hope and remembrance. The event concluded with an invitation for members of the faithful to reflect on their own spiritual journeys and the role that faith plays in their lives.

The Mass was a powerful affirmation of faith, service, and community. As the Church continues to navigate its path, events like these remind the faithful of the importance of remembering those who have gone before and the enduring influence they have on future generations. In honoring their memory, the Church reinforces its commitment to the values and teachings that these priests upheld throughout their lives and their ministry to the Catholic Diocese of Macau.

From: “O Clarim” Year 76 Issue 7

Publication Date: 22^nd November 2024

Celebrating mass for deceased priests at Saint Miguel Arcanjo’s Cemetery

Year of Vocations closes with Mass at Cathedral

Diocesan Year of Vocations

On 30^th April 2023 (4^th Sunday of Easter, Good Shepherd Sunday), the Church celebrated the World Day of Prayer for Vocations. It was also on this day, Bishop Stephen Lee, the Bishop of Macao announced that from 30^th April 2023 to 8^th December 2024 will be marked as the Diocesan Year of Vocations to encourage young people to generously respond to God’s calling.

The Year of Vocations was celebrated with reflections, prayers for the grace of more vocation in the diocese, and renewed commitment to the call of God in our lives. This special year has been dedicated to recognizing and nurturing the diverse vocations within our Church, including the priesthood, religious life, and lay ministry. The closing ceremonies provide an opportunity to honor those who have answered this call and to inspire the faithful to embrace their own vocations.

Throughout the year, various events and activities have been organized to promote awareness of vocations. From workshops and retreats to prayer services and youth pilgrimage programs, the Catholic Diocese of Macao actively engaged its members in discussions about the importance of recognizing and fostering vocations. The culmination of these efforts was marked by a special closing Mass, attended by clergy, religious, and the youth of the diocese, celebrating the journey of faith and service.

The closing Mass on 9^th December 2024, the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception held at the Cathedral, was a profound expression of gratitude for those who have chosen the path of service. Bishop Stephen Lee delivered a heartfelt homily, emphasizing the significance of each vocation in the life of the Church. He reminded the faithful that every Christian is called to holiness and that each vocation—whether as a priest, nun, or layperson—serves a unique purpose in God’s plan.

After the mass a get-together was organized at CDSJ compound where a light refreshment was served, testimonials from individuals who have embraced their vocations were shared, highlighting their journeys and the impact of their service on the community. These stories served to inspire many presents, encouraging them to reflect on their own lives and consider how they might respond to God’s call.

The closing of the Year of Vocations is not an end but a new beginning. The Diocesan Vocation Commission of the Catholic Diocese of Macao has committed to continuing its efforts in vocation promotion, ensuring that the seeds planted during this year bear fruit in the years to come. Plans are underway for ongoing programs that will support discernment and formation for those considering a vocation.

Educational initiatives will play a crucial role in this ongoing commitment. The diocese plans to implement programs in schools and parishes that focus on the importance of discernment and the various paths to holiness. Workshops will be offered to both youth and adults, providing them with the tools to understand and respond to God’s call in their lives.

Additionally, fostering a supportive community is vital. Parishes will be encouraged to create environments where discussions about vocations can flourish. This includes forming vocation committees, hosting discernment groups, and organizing events that celebrate the diverse expressions of faith within the community.

The closing of the Year of Vocations serves as a reminder of the beauty and richness of the call to serve in the Catholic Church. As our diocese reflects on the experiences and stories shared throughout the year, we are called to embrace our individual vocations with renewed vigor. By supporting each other in our journeys of faith and encouraging one another to listen to God’s call, we can build a vibrant community that fosters and celebrates diverse vocations for generations to come.

From: “O Clarim” Year 76 Issue 8

Publication Date: 19^th December 2024

Priests entering the Cathedral for the closing of the Year of Vocations Mass

Praying for Vocations