Betty Lei Iok Kuan dos Santos
I am Betty of Macau, retired, with five grandchildren. I am still amazed how God brought me to the Catholic faith and helped me continuously. It is like Him saying: It is I Who chose you. When I was in the secondary, my classmates in Form 4 were attending catechism to receive baptism. I did not attend catechism, but I felt strongly that God wanted me to be baptized too. A nun I knew told me I cannot join baptism without catechism. But I asked the priest and to my surprise, he agreed!… but also said that I should attend catechism after. So, I was baptized in 1974, then my Confirmation was in the following year 1975. After being a catholic, I tried to live a fervent life by being faithful to Sunday Mass, but I still want to seek more about God and enhance my understanding and connection with Him. In 1990, the women section of Opus Dei came to Macau. After some time, I met my friend Irene who knew Opus Dei. She invited me to a special mass in honor of St Josemaria Escriva. Later, she invited me to an activity at the Women Centre of Opus Dei. When I went there for the first time, I felt a family warmth and homey atmosphere, which I still feel now. I continued to attend activities and doctrine classes, I invited my former colleague, Awah, to these classes. I felt my faith was growing. I talk to other Catholics and other people who wish they had more formation or knew more about some doctrine, and I’m like, ‘Wow. I get that more often at the Women’s Center.’”
In 2005, I decided to become a cooperator of Opus Dei. I can help in their apostolic works through prayer, contribution and assist some activities. I attended talks that helped me live the Gospel and to find God in my everyday life. I appreciate much the monthly recollection, a few hours of time with God, that helps me reflect how the past month was and how to improve my daily life. I learned that it is a vocation and gift from God to be in Opus Dei. It seems St Josemaria was inviting me too. Through prayer, I freely decided and joined as a supernumerary. I had the support of others in Opus Dei, accompanying me in my journey and my faith grew deeper. As I looked back remembering my Form 4 days, where I felt I really want to be baptized but did not receive catechism, in Opus Dei, my learning process about God goes on until now. I gained confidence to share my faith. I had been giving catechism and circles to friends and cooperators. I had the joy of giving catechism to a mother, who received the Sacrament of Initiation last Easter Vigil 2024 and to a grandmother who was baptized last year. I am thankful for the teachings of St Josemaria Escriva, guiding me on my journey to live a life of holiness- like to offer up small things to God which have value before Him. When my mother and my husband got very sick, these were really hard times for me, but I felt God was with me, so I was able to keep calm and offered everything to God. I am also grateful for the daily prayer said by members of Opus Dei. its very conforming for me to know we are united through prayer even if we are far.
It’s true all people, not just religious and priests, are called to a closer relationship with God. If you call Jesus “Lord,” He cannot be relegated to just Sunday mornings or nighttime prayers. I am looking forward to 2028, when Opus Dei turns 100. I hope we can keep moving forward and be able to share to more people the simple joy of knowing more about God through ordinary ways and sharing this joy to others.
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