The Diocese of Macau begins a year of celebrations for its 450th anniversary

Established by Pope Gregory XIII on 23 January 1576, it was the first in East Asia in the modern era and played a key role in the region’s evangelisation. St. Joseph's Seminary Church has been  designated as a place of pilgrimage due to a special indulgence granted by the pope for this occasion. “Let the memory of the past become a compass for” today’s mission, writes Bishop Stephen Lee Bun-sang.

Macau (AsiaNews) – The Catholic Church in Macau is preparing to celebrate a very important anniversary for all of Asia; in fact, 23 January marks the 450th anniversary of the papal bull issued by Pope Gregory XIII in 1576, creating the diocese. It was the first diocese set up in East Asia in modern times, after the two short-lived dioceses created in China in the 14th century by the Franciscans under the Yuan Dynasty.

With the arrival of the Portuguese in the mid-16th century, Macau became a hub of evangelisation in the East. The Jesuits settled in the area as early as 1565, opening their own college. The first apostolic administrator, Fr Melchior Carneiro, was also a Jesuit. He founded the Holy House of Mercy in Macau, St Raphael Hospital, and the leper colony near St Lazarus Church, which is still in use. Fr Matteo Ricci studied Chinese in Macau in 1582, before leaving for mainland China.

“Countless diocesan priests, missionaries from various lands, and members of male and female religious orders and societies of apostolic life – especially those missionaries who came to the East from Portugal in the past – used Macau as a base to sow the seeds of the Gospel in Mainland China, Japan, Korea, and throughout Southeast Asia, including Singapore, Malacca, and Timor-Leste,” notes Bishop Stephen Lee Bun-sang of Macau in a letter sent to the faithful last 6 January, in which he presents the initiatives set to take place during a local Jubilee proclaimed for this anniversary.

This extraordinary year, which will last until 23 January 2027 is titled “From Macau to the World: We Build Future with an Eye to the Past”. It is intended, above all, as an opportunity to consider the current vocation of this Church, which today has nine parishes, 31 schools, and 23 welfare institutions in what is now the Macau Special Administrative Region, following the return of the former Portuguese colony to China in December 1999.

“Perhaps some may ask, why must we celebrate the 450th Anniversary in so grand a way? This is by no means to boast of past glory, but to discern the future direction in Christ. ‘Think back on the days of old, reflect on the years of age upon age’ (Deut 32:7). Celebrating a Jubilee that belongs to the Diocese is an act of “Anamnesis” (Memory), to give thanks in memory for God’s work of redemption,” reads the letter.

“As Pope Leo XIV reminded us in his Apostolic Letter Drawing New Maps of Hope: ‘The Gospel does not grow old, but makes ‘all things new’ (Rev 21:5). Every generation listens to it with regenerative freshness and is responsible for discovering its vital power’ (Drawing New Maps of Hope, 1). The Pope exhorts us that in a changing generation, we must not build high walls, but build bridges; let this memory of the past become a compass for us to draw a map of hope for the future, rather than remaining merely in the photo albums of history.”

The celebrations opening this week will culminate in a solemn Eucharistic service that will bring together the entire Church of Macau on 31 October.

On the occasion of the local Jubilee, St. Joseph's Seminary Church has been designated a place of pilgrimage where it will be possible to obtain a plenary indulgence under the usual conditions required by the Church for this extraordinary gift (confession, Eucharistic communion, and prayer for the Pope).

Another very important event this spring will be the inauguration of the new Catholic centre, a large, multi-story building destined to become a hub for the diocese's activities.

The building will host two special exhibitions titled “We Build Future with an Eye to the Past” and “Witness to the Heritage, Mission in the World”, showcasing, from historical and contemporary perspectives, the development of the diocese and society before and after the establishment of the Macau Special Administrative Region.

“I invite every faithful in Macau, young and old alike, to fully immerse themselves in this 450th Anniversary celebration that belongs to us all. Do not be mere onlookers, but be participants and witnesses. Let us join hands and hearts to embody the fragrance of Christ in our respective roles—in families, schools, parishes, and society,” Bishop Stephen Lee Bun-sang’s letter goes on to say.

In concluding, “We ask Mary, Mother of God, St. Joseph, and all the Patron Saints of the Diocese of Macau to intercede for us. May Almighty God bless you, making this 450th Anniversary a year of grace for all, so that the light of the Gospel may continue to shine and be passed on in this land of Macau.”

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• macau
• diocese
• anniversary
• 450th
• jubilee
• plenary indulgence
• bishop stephen lee bun-sang