Commemorative events for the 450th anniversary of the establishment of the Catholic Diocese of Macau are slated to take place throughout the year, with the programme featuring events from exhibitions and symposiums to concerts.
The diocese was founded in 1576.
The celebratory activities, organised by the diocese and lasting through January 23, 2027, kicked off on Friday evening with a Mass and “Lux Vera – Passing on the True Light” launch ceremony at the Cathedral in the city centre. “Lux Vera” is a Latin phrase that translates to “True Light” in English.
Friday also saw the issuance of a set of stamps themed “450th Anniversary of the Catholic Diocese of Macau”, which, according to a Macau Post and Telecommunications Bureau (CTT) statement last week, comprises a set of four stamps with buildings closely associated with the Catholic church comprising the Diocesan Curia, St. Lazarus’ Church, St. Joseph’s Seminary Church, and the head office of Caritas Macau.
Other upcoming events listed in a Pastoral Letter by Bishop Stephen Lee Bun Sang on the Diocese de Macau website for the anniversary, which is themed “From Macau to the World: Celebrating 450 Years of Mission & Mercy”, are music concerts to be held throughout the year in addition to traditional devotions and processions.
The statement added that “The Cross of Faith - Woven in Unity” will be held during Lent*, while the highlight of this year’s festivities will be the “Grand Celebration Ceremony and Mass” slated for October 31.
The website statement also unveiled that the Catholic Centre is scheduled to open in the middle of the year and will host two exhibitions: “We Build Future with an Eye to the Past” and “Witness to the Heritage, Mission in the World”. Other upcoming events are “Diocesan Family Day Carnival” on November 28, and the “Walking Together, Setting Sail Anew” youth gathering on December 5.
Moreover, other events listed are this month’s “Diocesan Teachers’ Volleyball Friendly Match” and a symposium and a Principals’ Roundtable Conference on “Catholic Education’s Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow” set to take place in May.
One can find more details about the upcoming events by visiting the Catholic Diocese de Macau website on https://events450.catholic.org.mo/en
*Lent is a significant season in the Christian calendar that lasts for approximately 40 days, leading up to Easter. It is a time of reflection, penance, and spiritual growth, commemorating the 40 days that Jesus spent fasting in the wilderness. - Poe
Members of the public gather, take pictures of and walk past Igreja de São Domingos (玫瑰聖母堂 – St Dominic Church) in Largo do Senado. – Photo taken yesterday by Rui Pastorin
