Category: Local

As the new year arrives, our Catholic Diocese of Macau also welcomes a historic moment of grace—the 450th Anniversary of the establishment of the Diocese (1576-2026). “Behold, new things have come” (2 Cor 5:17).  We have taken “From Macau to the World” as the theme for this 450th Anniversary commemoration. With this as our departure point, “We Build Future with an Eye to the Past”; and “Witness to the Heritage, Mission in the World”. In this memorable year, I sincerely wish all the faithful in Macau health and an abundance of the Lord’s grace under the light of Christ. May this Diocesan Jubilee become an opportunity for us to rekindle the fire of faith, deepen the light of hope, and spread the warmth of charity.

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. 

It´s one of the world’s most renowned choral ensembles and it performed in Macau late last month. The Choeur Grégorien de Paris performed, who performed in the 100th Anniversary Concert of the University of Fu-Hen, has included the territory on its Asian Tour. The group sang at Saint Lawrence’s Church and at the Saint Joseph’s Seminary and Church. Author of several books about Gregorian chant, Pierre Loiret is also one of the oldest members of the Parisian ensemble. A former member of the French Navy with a PhD in Economy and Finance, Mr. Loiret told “O Clarim” that Gregorian Chant is not a thing of the past: in Europe there’s a revival being fueled by the younger generations.

On Sunday 19 October 2025, the Church in  Macau celebrates World Day of Migrants and Refugees spearheaded by the Pastoral Center of Filipino Migrants, the celebration was highlighted with a mass presided by the Bishop of Macau, Bishop Stephen Lee. Fr. Raymund Gaspar, the priest in charge of the Filipino migrants and a number of missionary priests concelebrated during the holy mass. The celebration was also a day  set aside to raise awareness about the challenges faced by migrants in Macau  and around the world, in order to promote solidarity and compassion toward them

October 13th is significant for Catholics as it marks the anniversary of the Miracle of the Sun, witnessed by thousands in Fatima, Portugal, in 1917, during the final apparition of Our Lady of Fatima.

Nearly nine years after opening its doors, the Treasure of Sacred Art of Saint Joseph’s Seminary closed for good in mid-September, as requested by the Catholic Diocese of Macau. The local Church cites the need to repurpose the project’s amenities as a justification for the decision. The facilities will be used both by the newly-founded Catholic Institute of Theology in Macau and by Saint Joseph’s Diocesan School. 

At least 15 children and youth from the Portuguese-speaking Catholic community of the Sé Cathedral parish joined, earlier this week, thousands of children from around the world to pray for peace. The Catholic Diocese of Macau joined the “One Million Children Praying the Rosary” campaign, organized by the Aid to the Church in Need Pontifical Foundation, for the fourth consecutive year. 

The Congregation of the Priests of the Sacred Heart of Jesus established earlier this week a new Formation House in Taipa island. The project was officially inaugurated and blessed last Monday and brought Father Carlos Luis Suárez Codorníu once again to Macau. The Superior General of the Priests of the Sacred Heart introduced the vocational center, whose fundamental purpose is to prepare postulants “so that they can better serve the Church in China”. The new Blessed Juan María de la Cruz Formation House is currently home to four young men, three from Vietnam and one from India, but the number may increase as early as next year, Father Carlos Luis Codorniú told “O Clarim”.

It’s back to the classroom for students at the Catholic schools across the Catholic Diocese of Macau, where the new academic year holds the hope for the continuous fulfillment of its mission: a distinctive holistic approach that involves the education of the whole person by integrating faith, culture and life. “We are excited to see our students’ joyful faces and renewed energy fill our classrooms and hallways once again,” said Fr Leonard Dollentas, vice principal of the English section at Colégio Diocesano de São José 2, in his traditional opening speech in the school. “We begin this school year with a renewed sense of hope,” he said. “The last years brought many challenges for families and for schools. I am looking forward to seeing our school communities prosper in their mission for the church.”