Extra space for a pastoral approach to culture

The facilities of the Macau Catholic Culture Association are currently undergoing a major expansion to accommodate an increasing number of cultural events. The ongoing development will rehabilitate and expand the premises’ existing capacities, by adding an extra floor. From May onwards, the second floor of the Association’s headquarters will be used as extended exhibition space, O Clarim was told.

Caritas Macau launches fundraising effort for earthquake-hit Turkey and Syria

Caritas Macau has launched a fundraising campaign to collect donations for the victims of the earthquake that devastated eastern Turkey and northern Syria last week. The Catholic aid agency opened bank accounts in five local banking institutions and will place donation boxes across the city. The initiative, Paul Pun told O Clarim, will run until May.

Angel of Hope: Mexican Priest Brings Comfort and Solace to Dying Patients During Macau’s Worst COVID-19 Outbreak

From mid-December to mid-January, Father José Ángel Hernández had his hands full. Chaplain at the Conde de São Januário public hospital, the Mexican priest divided his time between Macau’s two largest health facilities. His mission? To offer spiritual comfort to those that were readying themselves to embark on their last journey. Despite being surrounded with people that were sick, he managed to evade catching COVID-19.

Superficiality and carelessness are the roots of many evils

As followers of Christ, we must strive to balance justice and mercy in our lives. Discernment and humility are key in this journey, guided by the Holy Spirit, to live a just and merciful life, fulfilling God’s law with righteousness. Let us avoid superficiality and carelessness, with the help of grace and discipline, to live a life that exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees.

Keeping the Commandments and Unable to Enter the Kingdom of Heaven

Keeping the commandments will not be enough to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus teaches that the commandments have deeper implications beyond just avoiding physical harm and that the true measure of obedience lies in the motives of the heart. Through his teachings, Jesus emphasizes the importance of reconciling with others, avoiding adulterous thoughts and relationships, remaining faithful in marriage, and speaking truthfully without the need for oaths.

BITE-SIZE THEOLOGY (209): How do we give respect to embryos, the sick and the dying?

The Catholic Church recognizes the sacredness of human life and provides guidance on how to treat embryos, the sick, and the dying with respect and dignity. The Catechism of the Catholic Church outlines the obligation to protect human life, and addresses the morality of medical experiments and organ donation, as well as guidelines for end-of-life care. Let us explore this important moral and ethical issue through the teachings of the Catholic Church.

International Day of Human Fraternity: Religious Intolerance, Abductions, Forced Conversions of Christian Minors Still Prevalent in Indian Subcontinent

The Declaration on Human Fraternity is an important annual event that celebrates the signing of the declaration by Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar. Even as religious extremism increases in some regions of the Indian subcontinent, we reflect on the importance of respecting individual freedom of choice and consent in matters of belief, in order to foster a culture of goodness, peace, and fraternity.

40 Young Catholics to Represent Macau at World Youth Day: Preparation Includes Leadership Workshops, Spiritual Retreat

Forty Catholics and catechumens aged 18-35 years old will represent Macau at the 37th edition of the World Youth Day. The Diocesan Delegation will travel to Portugal in late July and remain in the country for two weeks. The pilgrimage will include time in Fatima and an opportunity to be with thousands of other young Catholics and Pope Francis. The Diocesan Youth Commission will offer several leadership and formation workshops over the next few months to help the participants prepare for this life-changing experience.