The Catholic Centre Reconstruction Project in Macau reached a significant milestone with a topping-out ceremony, on Thursday 22 May 2025, marking the completion of the building’s exterior structure. The ceremony was presided over by Bishop Stephen Lee Bun-sang, Bishop of Macau, accompanied by Fr Joao Lau, Procurator of the Diocese, along with distinguished guests, project workers, and representatives from the main contractor, Companhia de Fomento Predial Sam Yau, Limitada.
The event began with a speech from a representative of Sam Yau, followed by a short blessing ceremony presided by Bishop Lee. In his address, the Bishop expressed heartfelt gratitude to all workers and managers involved in the project, emphasizing their invaluable contributions. “In the past few years, especially during the time of COVID, everyone has played a significant role in this building. Even a tiny screw has its purpose, and every worker has extended their role to its greatest use,” he said. He also thanked God for His blessings on the project, underscoring that the Catholic Centre is not a commercial endeavor but a hub dedicated to serving the Macau community and pilgrims with the spirit of “serving with love” to spread the Gospel.
The ceremony concluded with Bishop Lee blessing the construction site with holy water, followed by a solemn topping-out ceremony, alongside Fr Joao Lau and representatives from the contracting units.
The Catholic Centre Reconstruction Project began in September 2021, with an original completion target of 2024. Delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic during the foundation phase extended the timeline. With the exterior structure now complete, the project has entered the interior construction and furnishing phase, with an estimated completion in November 2025—six months from the ceremony. The Centre is expected to be inaugurated in 2026, coinciding with the 450th anniversary of the Catholic Diocese of Macau, and aims to serve as a Catholic informative hub for the community and visitors.
The 17-story Catholic Centre is designed to fulfil multiple functions, including exhibition spaces, faith formation programs, and hospitality services. It will feature over 130 accommodation rooms and a restaurant to welcome pilgrims and visitors in the spirit of the Catholic faith. Additionally, the Centre will house a chapel, a lecture theatre, a multi-purpose room, and a conference room with a capacity of nearly 200 people, all available for public rental to support community engagement and evangelization.
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