Preaching the Good News to the Macao People and Beyond

Interior of St. Dominic’s Church (Photo: Marcus)

In the succeeding centuries, the Dominicans ministered to the spiritual and material needs of the people in St Dominic’s church. Likewise, the Dominicans contributed administrators to the bishopric, such as Francisco de Sena, OP, in 1634, and Pedro de S. João Baptista, OP, in 1638.[9]Teixeira, Macau vol.III, p.622 Additionally, the Dominicans provided intellectual service to the Diocese (the Order has a characteristic tendency to train friars for the scientific pursuit of truth). For example, Jose Bandeyque, OP, a professor of philosophy at the University of Santo Tomás, Manila, held a professorship in moral theology in Macau, instructing the clergy of the city.[10]Ocio and Neira, Misioneros Dominicos en el Extremo Oriente 1587-1835, p.375.

Painting with some Dominican Martyr Saints of China (Photo: Marcus)

The mission in Macao came to a sorrowful end in the mid-19^th century. In the 19^th century, new political systems and ideologies arose in continental Europe, resulting in suspicion of the Church and even religious persecution. One country after another suppressed the religious Orders. For example, Spain suppressed all Orders in 1837, while Portugal in 1834.[13]Hinnebusch, The Dominicans: A Short History, c.X. The Order of Preachers could hardly draw new missionaries to the mission in Macao. Coupled with other reasons, the Dominican mission in Macao stopped. Thus, historian Teixeira, in his 1956-61 book on the history of religious Orders in Macao, wrote that, on December 1, 1868, the last Portuguese Dominican friar, João de Sta. Teresa, OP, died in Macao.[14]Texeira, Macau vol.III, p.637. In the next 100 years, wars in continental Europe were still raging on, and East Asian countries also did not escape the scourge. The Dominican friars did not resume a stable presence in Macao until the end of the 20^th century. On May 3^rd, 1995, by the grace of God, a community was established again under St Dominic’s name.[15]Province of Our Lady of the Rosary of the Order of Preachers, “Studentate”

Since 1995, the Dominican friars of Our Lady of the Rosary Province have been collaborating with the Diocese of Macao to minister to the local residents. With the increase of Asian vocations to the Province, the Dominican house was erected into a Priory on October 7, 2008.[16]Ibid.

A significant apostolate of the Fathers is to form the students. There are a Master of Students, an Assistant Master of the Students, and a formation council living in the community. They carefully and prayerfully plan and execute a specific formation plan for the students, taking care of each brother’s needs, in their prayer life, communal life, study life, and the apostolate. Thus, through them, the Holy Spirit passes down the Dominican charism, in its characteristic manifestation in this missionary Province.

St Paul’s School is a diocesan school entrusted by the Bishop to the Dominicans since 1997.[18]Escola São Paulo, “Milestones of Saint Paul School” The school has around 3,000 students and a faculty of 350 staff.[19]Escola São Paulo, “About Our School: Home” Composed of a kindergarten, a primary school, and a secondary school, St. Paul has the following vision: “Inspiring students to become loving and compassionate leaders of [t]he 21st Century who respect the dignity of others in the spirit of Catholic tradition.”[20]Escola São Paulo, “Milestones of Saint Paul School”

St. Paul’s School during its 55th year anniversary in 2025-26 (Photo: St. Paul School)

St. Paul’s School students with Dominican Fathers (Photo: St. Paul School)

Burmese Brothers serving numerous functions in the Burmese Mass

Brother Ephream giving a talk to the Burmese Catholic community

Brother Marcus witnessing to his conversion to Form 6 students in St. Paul’s School

The Friars of the Order of Preachers have worked closely with the Diocese of Macao in the past centuries. By God’s grace, we bore tremendous fruits through endeavors from generation to generation. Many, many souls have been saved as God multiplies our little work. Although there have been numerous trials, Our Lord and Our Lady continue to bless our ministry today. They will continue to shower their love on people through our humble following of the Dominican charism. We stand on the shoulders of our forefathers. We are inspired by their centuries-long self-dedication to Macao and the Chinese. We learn from their precious experience over the centuries. We share in their companionship now and are committed to the same vision: to preach the Gospel to the beloved city and to the Chinese people.