On 31 October, a delegation of our teachers and students from the different Catholic schools within the Catholic Diocese of Macau attended the Solemn Thanksgiving Mass for the 450th Anniversary of the Diocese of Macau at the Macau Forum. The solemn mass was presided over by Cardinal Luis Antonio G. Tagle, pro-prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Evangelization and dean of the College of Cardinals.
Joining the faithful of Macau, the students and teachers were with one heart and mind in prayer and gratitude to God for this historic spiritual event. A number of kindergarten and primary students were specially invited for the flower offering ceremony towards the end of the mass. Sleepy and tired after waiting for their part in the celebration, they enthusiastically offered their flowers to our Lady with much energy.
Addressing the congregation, Cardinal Tagle said the 450th anniversary was not simply a celebration of historical survival, but an act of thanksgiving for a living faith that must continue moving forward. In one of his conferences within the day, the Cardinal affirmed that no technological tool could replace genuine human encounter, deep prayer or the physical sacramental life of the parish. This has served as a constant reminder to all students to always love each other, help each other and work together to attain their goals in life. Some schools interviewed participating students for their reflections. They were overwhelmed with the entire celebration they have been part of, especially the 450th thanksgiving mass. They shared that this jubilee has given them precious experience filled with gratitude and honour; some were struck by the grandeur of the altar, the music and the ceremony upon arrival.
Catholic school students offered sincere wishes to the Diocese and to their own schools: may the light of Christ endure, may the Diocese continue to flourish, and may the faith community grow in unity. They cherished the joy of ecclesial communion and gained deeper understanding of the Diocese’s unique presence and education legacy in East Asia. Catholic schools in Macau play a crucial role in nurturing students’ faith and spiritual growth. Through religious instruction and community engagement, they instil a deep understanding of the Catholic faith and the teachings of Jesus Christ. Journeying with the Catholic Diocese of Macau, they focus on developing the whole person by instilling faith-based principles that foster character. This environment encourages students to embody virtues that promote self-discipline, moral integrity, and respect for others.