The Cathedral of Macau and Marian devotion

Macau, China

Macau, the former Portuguese colony, has been a center of Marian devotion in southern China since the 16th century. The Cathedral of the Sé, the church of San Domingos and other Macedonian churches retain a rich Marian heritage that testifies centuries of Catholic faith.

History of the Catholic presence in Macau

The first Catholic missionaries arrived in Macao in 1557, when the Portuguese established their colony on the peninsula. The Jesuits, Dominicans and Franciscans built churches, convents and schools that made Macao a center of missionary activity in East Asia.

The Cathedral of the Sé, built in the 16th century and rebuilt in the 19th century, is the main church of the diocese of Macau. The cathedral houses an image of the Immaculate Conception that has been venerated for centuries by the Macedonian Catholics.

The church of San Domingos

The church of San Domingos, built in the 16th century by the Dominicans, is one of the oldest religious buildings in Macau. The church houses an image of Our Lady of the Rosary that has been the object of a deep popular devotion.

The image of Our Lady of the Rosary of Macau represents the Virgin with the Child Jesus, crowned and dressed in imperial clothes. The image was brought by the Dominican missionaries and has been venerated for centuries as a protector of the colony.

Our Lady of Penha

Another important Marian advocation of Macau is Our Lady of the Penha, venerated in the Penha Church. The image of the Virgin of Penha has been invoked as a protector of sailors and travellers, and is the object of a deep popular devotion.

Marian devotion in Macao today

Marian devotion is still alive in Macau. The churches of the former Portuguese colony are visited by tourists and pilgrims from all over the world, and Marian parties are held with processions, solemn masses and cultural events.