STATEMENT BY THE CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF MACAU
IN RESPONSE TO THE MAPPING SHOW PROJECTED ONTO THE FAÇADE OF THE RUINS OF ST PAUL’S
The Macao Government Tourism Office organised a three-day “mapping show” (from 29 September on), with projection of images onto the façade of the Church of the Mother of God (Ruins of St Paul’s). Some faithful of the Diocese have expressed strong views over the matter.
The façade of the Ruins of St Paul’s is not only an iconic landmark of the city, it is also rich in historical and religious significance. Although the façade is no longer church property, it remains a symbol of the Catholic Faith in Macau. Faithful of different nationalities have deep feelings towards and a sense of identity with it.
The show in question evoked reactions of discontent from quite a number of faithful of different nationalities, since it is deemed that the use of the historical monument ought to correspond to its intended character. As the façade of St Paul’s represents the profound and long-standing Catholic heritage in Macau, the Diocese wishes to propose that, should there be other “mapping shows” to be held in the future, their contents would do well to be related to the religious context of the said monument. The Diocese is willing to engage in dialogue and to exchange ideas with relevant agencies, in the common endeavour to preserve and promote the precious historical monuments of Macau.
Rev. Cyril Jerome LAW, Jr.
Chancellor
2 October 2019
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