Fr Leonard E Dollentas
Renovation works in the Cathedral Parish of the Nativity of Lady are steadily progressing. If one could just get a chance to see the Cathedral’s interiors, he/she will be amazed at the enhancements being made. But the work area is off-limits to the public, for safety reasons. Let’s highlight some updates.
At the beginning of the renovation works last winter, despite the chilly weather, the construction crew completed the preparation of areas to be enhanced and the foundation works were put in place for the much-needed revitalization of the insides of the Cathedral.
Towards the end of the cold season, the workers sustained the initial refurbishing works, careful to maintain the elegance in its interiors and cautious to preserve all its historical grandeur.
The onset of the summer season seems to provide a more favorable environment for the refurbishing project. Thus, despite the considerable work still to be accomplished, a beautifully refurbished Cathedral interior is now visibly and gently emerging.
The Cathedral has undergone some significant developments and redesigning in the past. In the early seventeenth century it was a small wooden chapel. The first cathedral built in stone was consecrated in 1850 by Jerónimo José da Mata, the then bishop of Macau. This cathedral with concrete structures was almost destroyed in a typhoon some years later.
The reconstruction in 1937 provided it with a magnificent appearance. The present interior renovation work will represent an effort to restore and maintain its noble beauty, to unify design elements, and to create a warm and hospitable environment for its diverse parishioners comprising the Chinese, Portuguese, and English-speaking communities. On its reopening after the refurbishing, the cathedral will be ready for all vital religious programming opportunities to serve the parishioners and the various faith communities in the Diocese Macau that are diverse and growing. The restoration and renovation will provide the impetus for renewal and inspiration as we move forward as a community of disciples of Jesus Christ facing the challenges of our present time.
Meanwhile, it is more inspiring to feel the patience and generosity of all the Cathedral churchgoer communities as construction continues. Their prayers have made it possible to complete the first steps of the renovations needed. We look forward to finishing the rest of the project in the coming months of 2021. Despite all the challenges of 2020, and the still surging COVID 19 pandemic this year, it’s inspiring to see how parishioners and the faithful of Macau continue to bless this parish and our community.
Those who haven’t had the chance to pledge to take part in this renovation project or would like to increase their participation may do so by contacting the Cathedral Parish Office:
Sé Cathedral Macau Repairs Project Fundraising
Donation Account: B.C.M. Bank MOP a/c: 4702404; HKD a/c: 4702429
Cheque Payable to: Paróquia da Sé Catedral
Inquiries: 853 2837 3643
(Please write the donor’s name and telephone number at the back of the cheque. Kindly take the deposit slip to the Cathedral office for the donation receipt.)
Thank you again for the many ways that you give, and all the work that you do in service to our Lord!
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