Friday, April 01, 2016

Lenten Pilgrimage to Macau

Pilgrims from Epiphany Parish with Fr. Jojo and Fr. Jose in St. Lawrence Church 
26 parishioners of Epiphany Parish, Mui Wo went on a one-day pilgrimage to the cradle of Catholic Faith in East Asia - Macau during the season of Lent. Although small in geographical area, Macau is home to over 30,000 catholics spread across Nine parishes, situated with in 30 km². The Total population of this former Portuguese colony is just over 600,000.
Pilgrims at the famous statue of the Black Nazarene, St. Augustine's Church 
The Catholic Diocese of Macau was established in 1576 and this year it celebrates 440 anniversary of the establishment of the diocese. It was from here the missionaries moved out to Japan, Korea and rest of the regions of the East Asia for evangelizing the region.
In Front of the Grotto of St. Joseph's Seminary
On 12 March a group of parishioners from Mui Wo set off on a pilgrimage to this historical city and its beautiful Churches. We have visited five Churches - St. Lawrence, St. Joseph's Seminary Chapel, St. Augustine's Church, St. Antony's Church and the Cathedral of the Nativity of Our Lady Church. Holy Eucharist was celebrated in St. Lawrence Church and then the Pilgrims visited St. Joseph's Seminary which houses the relic of St. Francis Xavier. All of these Churches are World Heritage Sites and the Cathedral Church is also the Church of Holy Doors for the Jubilee Year of Mercy. 


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