In the month of June, when the classes of the academic year 2025-2026 had ended, the student brothers at the Priory gathered together for a month of common studies at home. Some home professors as well as some invited professors from outside gave us a series of short courses, shared their knowledge with us and made our learning experience truly exciting.
In the first week, we had the honor of learning from Fr. Martin Bai, OP. He highlighted the power of reading and urged us to develop a reading habit. He showed us how reading can open our minds and help us understand the world more deeply. As Dominican brothers, he reminded us that knowing God’s word is crucial for sharing our messages effectively.
During the second week, Fr Javier, OP led us through Church Matrimonial Law. This knowledge is essential for us as future priests, helping our understanding in dealing with marriage issues. Fr Javier’s insights helped us see the value of the sacrament of marriage and the responsibilities embraced by the espouses.
In the third week, Fr John Mi Shen guided us in Pastoral Communication. His engaging stories made the lessons relatable and fun. He emphasized that communication is a special gift from God, allowing us to share our experiences and beliefs. He also encouraged us to use social media wisely, as a way to connect positively with others.
The fourth week introduced us to the Theology of Mission with Sr. Christine, MOP, from Myanmar. She passionately spoke about the meaning of mission work and highlighted important areas in the world that need our attention. Her discussions challenged us to think about how we can become effective ambassadors of our faith.
Finally, in the last week of June, we explored Ecology with Fr. Anthony, from Thailand. We discussed topics like biodiversity and the importance of caring for our planet. We also talked about Christian Digital Humanism and the responsible use of artificial intelligence. Father Anthony reminded us that while AI can do a lot of good, it also comes with challenges that we need to be aware of.
We are truly thankful to all the professors who took the time to share their wisdom with us this month. Each lecture deepened our understanding and inspired us to take seriously our responsibilities. Their teachings will guide us as we serve our community and embrace God’s calling to us.
Congratulations to our Dominican brothers Alphonso, Augustine, and Orlando for their solemn profession! On June 21, amidst the harmonious hymns led by our community of student brothers during the Eucharistic celebration, the three were consecrated to God until death, as friar Jesús María Hernandez, the Socius of the Prior Provincial, received their profession on behalf of the Master of the Order. The whole attending congregation exulted in joy!
“The total commitment of the Preachers to the proclamation of the Gospel by word and work is shown by the fact that at solemn profession they are united fully and permanently with Christ’s life and mission” (LCO, “The Fundamental Constitution” VI). When the three brothers, therefore, vowed to lovingly surrender their whole lives to God, in the footstep of St. Dominic, they were permanently united with Christ as consecrated preachers in the Order. Such is a profound deepening and a rich flowering of their baptismal grace. Such is how they felt the total self-giving of the Lord Jesus to themselves. And such is how they are inspired to respond by a total self-giving in their turn to the Lord in a more direct consecration.
Let us rejoice with these three brothers and pray for them and for ourselves, too, that we may ever grow in faith in and love for God!
Brother Marcus Tan, OP.
On the 9th of May, the Ministry of Lector was received by five student brothers–Rolindo, Xaverio, John Ai, Ephraim, and Peter!
The Prior Provincial, Fr. Mariano Gonzalez, officiated the institution with the brothers of St. Dominic’s Priory, Macao. A lector is commissioned to proclaim the Word during the liturgy, catechesis, and evangelization. The office carries with it abundant grace to understand, live, and preach the Word. As the Holy Spirit is invoked upon a brother during the institution, it marks a genuine milestone in his initial formation as a Preacher of God.
Let us pray for the brothers!
By: Alexandre da Costa Freitas
I was born and raised in a Catholic family where prayer was intricately woven into the fabric of daily life. From a young age, I memorized the words of the Our Father and the Hail Mary, often reciting them without fully grasping their profound significance. During those early years, prayer felt more like an obligation than a meaningful dialogue. Yet, even in its simplicity, those prayers instilled in me a deep sense of belonging and identity, planting seeds of faith that would flourish as I grew older.
As I matured, prayer began to evolve, taking on richer meanings. During moments of adversity, such as facing exams, family struggles, or personal doubts, I discovered that prayer could be so much more than a ritual. It transformed into a sanctuary, a means to express my fears and hopes, as well as a source of strength during my weakest moments. Gradually, I came to realize that prayer transcends mere words; it’s about listening, embracing silence, and opening my heart to God’s presence. It was during those quiet interludes that I began to sense His guidance and experience profound peace.
Now, prayer stands as the cornerstone of my life. As a member of the Dominican order, a religious community that places prayer at the heart of our vocation, I join my brothers and sisters each day to pray the Liturgy of the Hours, celebrate the Eucharist, and share our voices in praise. This communal aspect of prayer serves as a powerful reminder that faith thrives not in solitude, but in fellowship. It strengthens our bonds as a community and unites us in our mission to spread the Gospel.
Equally important is the practice of personal prayer. Beyond the structured prayers we share, I carve out moments to speak to God in my own words, sharing my joys and struggles, relishing the peace of simply resting in His presence. Sometimes, this takes the form of quiet meditation before the Blessed Sacrament; at other times, it’s a whispered “thank you” amid the busyness of my day. Personal prayer allows me to present my unique story, my individuality, and my innermost desires before God. It is in these intimate moments that I feel most profoundly connected to Him.
For me, here and now, prayer embodies both communal and personal dimensions. It serves as the rhythm of the Church and the heartbeat of my soul. It encompasses tradition and spontaneity, silence and song, spoken words and attentive listening. Prayer has transcended the mere lesson I was taught; it has become a living, breathing experience. It is the means through which I encounter God daily, remain anchored in faith, and draw strength for life’s journey.
Ultimately, prayer is about relationships. It is the ongoing dialogue between God and me, enriched by the community to which I belong and by the personal moments I cherish with Him. Here and now, prayer signifies being present, being open, and being transformed by the love of a God who listens, guides, and sustains me.
