The Seminario Diocesano de Sao Jose marked a joyful beginning to the academic year 2026 2027 as 6 seminarians from East Timor joined the seminary on 26 August. The seminarians were accompanied by Fr Augusto do Carmo Martins who will serve as their formator in the seminary and guardian in Macau. Welcoming the young seminarians, strengthening the brotherhood bond of the present 3 seminarians of the Diocese of Macau. The arrival of the new seminarians has brought not only rich cultural diversity, but also a renewed sense of purpose – especially among the seminarians of the Catholic Diocese of Macau. They (new seminarians) are younger and bring with them enthusiasm and fresh energy. This has activated the present seminarians into a nurturing and caring role.
Bishop Stephen Lee presided a welcome mass for them of 28 August. The mass was a moment of thanksgiving as well, as the Church community of East Timor entrusts these men to God’s guidance while they undertake the journey of discernment, study and pastoral formation in the diocesan seminary in Macau.
For the Timorese seminarians, the start of the new formation year is a time of prayer and openness. “I am praying to God to bless and equip me with more grace for my vocations,” one young Timorese seminarian said. Although these Timorese seminarians will complete their studies and will be ordained for their respective dioceses in East Timor, their presence have brought new lively joy to the seminary community. Fr Leonard, the Filipino priest member of the formation team of the seminary said: “We are blessed with new seminarians from Timor-Leste. I pray that God will guide us as we explore, immerse ourselves in, and be enriched by the new culture, language, customs, people, and ministry these young people will share with the seminary community. One of the present seminarians said that his hope for the year ahead is rooted in community and service. “I hope we will work together to ‘go into the deep’ and support each other on our faith journey, especially through studies and apostolate works.” Another seminarian said: “I am praying for the gift of perseverance and interior strength to give myself fully to my seminary formation, studies, and spiritual growth.”
As the Seminario Diocesano de Sao Jose begins another year of formation, the faithful are reminded that vocations flourish within a praying and supportive community. All are encouraged to continue keeping the seminarians in their prayers, asking that they may be strengthened in faith, enriched in wisdom, and formed into compassionate shepherds for the people of God. The journey to becoming a Catholic priest is one marked by discernment, dedication and a deep commitment to serving God and His people. Seminary formation involves academic study, spiritual direction, pastoral experience and community life, all designed to help each man discern his suitability for priesthood and to be shaped into a shepherd after Christ’s own heart.