Apocalyptic writing is not a literal representation of what God wants to convey to us; it is not about the end of the world. It is meant to give us a better understanding and appreciation of the hurdles of life that every Christian must face in this world in order to enter into the kingdom of God.
The Catholic life is not one of apparent success. Failure seems more the stepping stone to building the kingdom of God here on earth and inevitably finding our own salvation in eternity.
The deadly sins of vainglory, avarice and lust tear down the creature of God to his base nature. It is only constant prayer, reception of the sacraments and the cardinal virtues of prudence, fortitude and temperance that will provide an able spiritual armor of protection.
The Papuans have finally been given the Catholic leader they have wanted for a long time, one who would have a deep and intrinsic understanding of their culture and the particular issues they face.
The winners of a drawing competition that was promoted by the pastoral care of the Portuguese-speaking community at the cathedral parish were announced on Sunday. The Sacred Heart of Jesus inspired contest attracted the participation of over two dozen children who attend catechesis at the Cathedral of the Nativity of Our Lady.
The parishioners requested and the parish was happy to comply. The pastoral care team of the Portuguese-speaking community of the cathedral parish recently unveiled a pack of new digital resources and announced the creation of a new monthly bulletin. The purpose is to answer the concerns of the Portuguese-speaking community that were brought to light during the diocesan phase of the Synod of Bishops.
The Macau Cardinal Newman Culture and Performing Arts Center will address and discuss death and the topic of mortality all through the month of November, a time when Catholics especially pray for souls in purgatory. Based at Calçada da Vitória, the Newman Center wants to encourage discussion about death so that our departure from this life is no longer seen as a taboo subject.
A more open, more inclusive and more dialoguing Church. Chancellor of the Diocese of Macau Father Cyril Law brought forward recently the conclusions of the diocesan phase of the 2021-2023 Synod of Bishops. Among the many recommendations collected by the teams that gauged the pulse of Macau’s Catholic communities, one rises above all else: the perception that a Church that listens is a Church more aware of its limitations. Dialogue and improved communication are seen as critical by local Catholics.
Devotions play a significant role in our spiritual growth. They aid us in experiencing God through the veneration of Mary and saints.
In mid-October, Bishop Stephen Lee Bun-sang presided over a thanksgiving Mass for the success achieved by one of the most emblematic projects developed by the Macau Catholic Culture Association, the Living in Faith short video series. The micro-documentaries were watched over 100,000 times on social media, and soon they will reach one of the largest Catholic streaming platforms in North America.