December 25: Nativity of the Lord—Solemnity

Christmas Day is among the most celebrated feasts in the world. Everything else in life stops while the Christian world, in particular, celebrates the birth of the Savior of the World that took place over 2,000 years ago in the small town of Bethlehem. The first Christmas was celebrated by Mary and Joseph, but a multitude of angels saw to it that poor shepherds from the nearby fields joined the celebration as representatives of the entire Christian world to come. Though the Incarnation took place nine months prior when the Archangel Gabriel announced to the Blessed Virgin Mary that she would conceive a Child, that Child exited her sacred womb and breathed His first breath of air on that holy night.

Christmas Message from the Bishop for the year 2025 – Passing Through the Jubilee Year: A Prayer to Persevere in Hope amid Trials

Each year at Christmas, we celebrate with gratitude and reverence the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Christmas reminds us that God is not distant or remote, but has entered human history and drawn near to our lives. When we entrust our way to the Lord and place our confidence in His guidance, we can continue our journey with hope, even when the path ahead is unclear.

3rd Sunday of Advent – Gaudete Sunday

The farmer waits for the rain—patient, steadfast, enduring the burning heat of the sun. He tills the soil, prepares the furrows, removes the stones, and lifts his prayer for heaven’s blessing. Saint James exhorts us to imitate this perseverance and trust, urging us to strengthen our hearts, for the Lord is near. The prophet Isaiah announces with joy the coming of the Messiah: “The desert and the parched land will exult; the steppe will rejoice and bloom.” This desert symbolizes the barrenness we may experience—moments of deep loneliness or spiritual dryness. A land that cannot bear fruit reflects the emptiness of a life lived without purpose, consumed by selfishness and comfort, sustained merely because the air is free. When we neglect good works, our lives resemble a field without harvest—the fruits the Lord longs to find in us. A life without fruit is squandered before God. Yet Isaiah proclaims hope: “Strengthen the hands that are feeble, make firm the knees that are weak.” The Lord comes to empower us, to enter our hearts and homes, and to guide us forward as pilgrims growing in His love.

PARISHIONERS WELCOME A STUNNING NEW PIPE ORGAN – A First-Look at the New Pipe Organ in the Cathedral

The Macau Cathedral renowned for its simple yet stunning architecture is embracing the digital age — not in its appearance, but in its sound. The Cathedral recently completed the installations of its state-of-the-art pipe organ. After some months being closed for the installations of this church instrument, the Cathedral was reopened last December 7, just a day before the Immaculate Conception and the Christmas festivities ahead. Seeing the beauty of the new pipe organ adding much dignity to the main altar of the Cathedral, an ardent parishioner blurted out with awe:   “Really amazing, it’s been a long time coming. It means a lot to the whole church goers of the Cathedral.” A young Portuguese parishioner also said: “Indeed, Christmas at the Cathedral is set to sound better than ever this year, because the Cathedral  just unveiled its brand-new, world-class pipe organ.” The new pipe organ has indeed inspired awe among the parishioners and even tourists visiting Macau. This massive musical upgrade has been years in waiting and making. The design and planning process stretched over multiple seasons, with organizers meticulously shaping every detail. 

Tropical Cyclone Senyar in Sumatra – Capuchins- In Solidarity with the Displaced and the Poor

The worst is over, but the emergency continues. Floods and landslides have swept away entire villages. Many people are homeless. Rescue teams are trying to reach the displaced: for some it is possible, for others not, because the areas remain isolated. This is the scenario still prevailing in northern Sumatra, Indonesia, after the passage of the devastating Cyclone Senyar. In the region, Tropical Cyclone Senyar brought torrential rains, floods and landslides, leaving countless dead and missing, 1.5 million people affected and more than 570,000 displaced.

IN SOLIDARITY WITH THE FIRE VICTIMS IN HONGKONG – Caritas Macau Mobilizes to Aid Victims of Tai Po Fire

Caritas Macau has raised almost 900 thousand patacas in donations for the victims of the fire at the Wang Fuk Court residential complex, in neighboring Hong Kong.  This sum adds up to the thirty million patacas that the Macau government has offered the authorities of the nearby Special Administrative Region to assist with the building’s refurbishment. 

2ND SUNDAY OF ADVENT – YEAR A – Purging the Evil from Within

Every year on the second Sunday of Advent, the liturgy offers us the preaching of John the Baptist. He prepared the people of Israel for the coming of the Messiah. So, also today, he teaches us to welcome the advent of the Lord. Today, as then, the most difficult step to take is to understand the need to get out from where we are settled in, leave the false religious and theological security that we have constructed, and welcome the newness of God’s word.