Marco Carvalho
The International Institute of Macau (IIM) announced on Thursday to bestow the 2026 “Prémio Identidade” to “O Clarim”, the trilingual weekly newspaper – Portuguese, Chinese and English – of the Catholic Diocese of Macau. The date for the award presentation will be revealed in due course.
Founded in 1948, “O Clarim” is the oldest Portuguese-newspaper still being published in Macau. Over more than seven decades, the publication has played a key role in affirming the singularity of the Macanese community, which is predominantly Catholic. The addition of a Chinese-language edition first – and an English-language supplement later – reflects the multicultural nature of the local Catholic community and the demographic changes Macau has undergone in recent decades.
According to the IIM’s statement, the jury highlighted the newspaper’s historical contribution to the preservation of Macanese identity, as well as its coverage of educational, social and welfare issues. The coverage, the International Institute recalls, is always framed within a Christian perspective that promotes social cohesion and ecumenical values: “Serving as the primary communication organ of the Diocese, “O Clarim” continues to foster cohesion around ecumenical values and to publicize the relevant actions of religious congregations, as well as the multiple activities in support of the community developed by the Catholic Church. Its role is particularly significant at this special moment, as the Diocese celebrates its 450th anniversary,” the IIM notes.
Awarded by the IIM since 2003, the “Prémio Identidade” (the Identity Prize, in a free translation) recognizes individuals or institutions whose work, actions and example have made a significant contribution to strengthening, preserving and enhancing Macau’s identity. Past recipients include Father Manuel Teixeira, Macau’s most renowned historian, writer Henrique de Senna Fernandes, Hong Kong businessman Arnaldo de Oliveira Sales, architect António Manuel Pacheco Jorge da Silva, as well as institutions such as the Catholic Diocese of Macau, the Holy House of Mercy and the University of Macau.
The date of the award ceremony will be announced in due course. The distinction underscores “O Clarim”’s role as an essential vehicle for safeguarding the memory and cultural expression of the Macanese community and, more broadly, the Catholic community in Macau.
Follow
