Six of our Brothers graduated from their studies at the University of Saint Joseph, in Macau, last 12th of September 2020. They were the following: our Prior, Fr Paul Fan (Bachelor Business Administration), Fr Ignatius Ngo Van (Master in Education), Brothers Stephen Saw Lej, Marko Thoe Reh, and Francis Bu Ling (Bachelor in Philosophy and Theology), and Luke Jeon Seok Hoon (Master in Education). Congratulations to all of them.
The graduation ceremony and the giving of Diplomas were held at the Tower of Macau. It was a solemn, formal, colorful event, with speeches from the Chancellor of the University, the Rector, and the Government representative. Also rounded up by some words of gratitude, on behalf of the Graduates, by one of the Students.
The picturesque note was caused by the safety measures imposed by the current pandemic: On the stage were religious, civil, and academic authorities all dressed up in their gowns and regalia, but with their faces semi-covered with a mask So were the graduating students as they went up to receive their diplomas. No choice, no exception, it was protocol; the only choice allowed was the color of the mask, which was not regulated! What will the next generation think when they see those pictures? For sure, they will laugh at their rather comic appearance, only until someone may manage to have to explain to them that in 2020 an invisible guest, in a virus form, managed to leave its mark printed in our faces and in our souls.
As every good Christian, I have to keep asking myself where do I come from, what is my identity and what is the basis of my belief in Jesus Christ as my Savior.
As I enter our chapel and see the cross in front of the altar, my eyes gaze on Jesus, nailed on it. And I ask myself, “Why had this righteous man die in this painful way?†“If he defended the rights of the people who went astray, then why did have to die on the cross?â€
Searching for an answer, some childhood memories come to my mind. I remember that, as a young boy, once going to school with a friend of mine, along the way, we talked about Jesus. He said to me that Jesus is our Master; that He loved his disciples and taught them many things; and that Jesus teaches us how to imitate him. Furthermore, my friend said that if we wanted to be good students we should also imitate Him…, adding that he had learned those things from the Catechism. At that time I knew nothing about Catechism, so right there in my school, I began to learn Catechism. I enjoyed my classes very much and was interested in learning more and more about Jesus, who was called Master. However, one thing that I never forget in my life is what our Catechist taught us about love: how to love our parents, friends, and neighbors. This was the fruit of those classes focused on love: “Children, you have to love your father and mother and do your duty as a child, and don’t forget to love your friends and neighbor as well.†From those words, I began to understand how much Jesus loves us, and his teaching on “love your neighbor as yourself.â€
Thus, whenever I look at the cross and feel the immeasurable love with which Jesus loves us, I come to understand also that we are human beings, sinners, too weak and limited. And that, even in our sins, He still loves us and saves us. After all, He came into this world to bring us back from sinfulness to righteousness.
John the Baptist, Jesus’ messenger, cried out loudly in the wilderness “Repent and prepare yourselves, the Lord and Savior is near at hand.†Many people believed in his preaching, repented, and were baptized, while many others did not. Jesus came after him and began his ministry with teaching and preaching in the synagogues, calling those who were listening to him to repent from their evil ways and to do good. Through his preaching, many people believed and public sinners repented. But Jesus’ never-ending love went on for those going astray, to the point of giving up his life for his people, accepting death on the cross as a criminal. He accepted this pain out of love, forgiving those who persecuted him and nailed him to the cross: “Father forgives them for they do not know what they do†(Luke 23:34). On that cross, carried on his shoulders on the way to Calvary… we put all our sins.
Jesus is an example for us. He teaches us how to forgive when we are in a bad situation, and to pray for the salvation of all. He made no distinction between Catholics or non-Catholics, Christians or pagans, believers or non-believers. He put us in the same boat; that is why He became truly the Savior of the world.
We say we are sinners yes! But this does not make us lose our faith and trust in Him as our Savior. The covenant that God made with the chosen people of Israel (“I will make you my people and I will be your God†(Jer 30:22)) reaches us, as we are all children of God from the beginning of creation, “created in the image of God†(Gen 1:26-28). This is truly manifest by Jesus Christ who came to save all the people in the world, not just the chosen people.
On Ash Wednesday, as we receive the ashes marked on our foreheads, we are reminded that we are “dustâ€. It is important for us to know our identity as human beings, and to become aware of where we are coming from. God made us equal: we share the same origin and dignity as children of God. Henceforth, we are not to allow any discrimination, racism, hatred, etc., reign among us… White or black skins, different cultures, and countries, these elements complement each other and make the world more beautiful, as we share the same humanity and we are the proudest God’s creatures. God loves us all with the same tenderness, based not in our color, but in the fact of being his children.
Regular classes in the new Academic Year 2020-2021 at the USJ Faculty of Religious Studies resumed on the 7th of September. Following the Covid-19 regulations (wearing of masks, social distancing, etc.), classes are face-to-face. However, they also cater simultaneously to some 15 enrolled students who, caught abroad (Hong Kong, Taiwan, Philippines, Spain, Italy) without the possibility of traveling to Macau by now, can follow the classes online. Among them are six of our Dominican newly professed brothers who are in Hong Kong.
Two particular activities have taken place during the past few days in this regard. One was the Convocation of Students and Faculty members on the morning of September 14th. The program followed online by our students in Hong Kong, including an address by the Rector of the University; some information by the Dean of the Faculty (Fr Franz Gassner), by the Director of Students Affairs Office (Ms. Teresa Loong), and by the President of Faculty Student Council (Simon Sherman Luk); and a Lecture by Prof. Tyler McNabb entitled Faith and Philosophy with some corollaries applied to the current pandemic situation created by the covid19.
The other was the Opening Mass of USJ in the Holy Cross chapel celebrated by the Chancellor of our University, Bishop Stephen Lee. Very well attended by the Faculty professors (some of them concelebrant priests), administrative staff, and, of course, the students, who had beforehand been tasked to assist at the liturgical celebration as servers, lectors, prayer leaders, and with the music. They did a very good job. The bishop inspiring words in his homily, related to the solemnity of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, were words of confirmation in our faith in the risen Lord, and of encouragement in the face of challenges
As a Dominican, I would say that I am always instigated by the dream of St. Dominic’s mother before she had him; a dog jumped from her womb holding a torch and set everything around them on fire. This kind of vision is not only impressive but also awesome! Given the Order charism for zealous preaching of the Gospel, the story and the play on words seemed fitting!
But I never had such an illusion to initiate a Confraternity of lay Dominicans anywhere, much less a head trip in Macau. And yet, we say that God’s thoughts are not our thoughts and His ways are not our ways, either. And I want to figure out that the God of surprise was in cahoots with our Father St. Dominic de Guzman’s wish in augmenting the members of the Order.
This is my simple story:
 A Dominican lay from Hong Kong, who was unfamiliar to me, approached me after the mass suggesting if we could start a lay Dominican group here in Macau. I was not only astounded but I could not give her a reply. On my way home, I thought: Is this not a God-given design? It was then that I started discerning about this matter, and truly I have thought This is not a joke. And so I proposed this matter to Fr. Jose Luis de Miguel, Prior of Macau to which he made some dubious comments since the participants are not residents of Macau and because of the unstable work they might be touch-and-go members.
I was working in the Pastoral Center for Migrant Filipino Workers and was in charge of their Christian Formation. And so, I thought of inviting young men and women regardless of their status to lay eyes on our Dominican style of life. The response was not spontaneous, given the fact that they didn’t know what I was up to. I did not give up the ship; rather I leave no stone without any compromise. And so, to my surprise, and maybe for curiosity’s sake, 15 members came, but 8 hung loose, and 7 persevered. As they went along in formation, they were all enticed by the way our Dominican life as a family lives. The Dominican Family is where we all feel at home. That means we do not have to justify being there but feel at ease. We feel accepted just the way we are, was their general comment.
The first batch after a period of three years decided to make their first commitment with the consent of Fr. Provincial, Fr. Javier Gonzalez, O.P. They are Ana Francia de Guzman, O.P., France de Guzman, O.P., Miriam Zingapan, O.P., and Selina Ebora, O.P.
Thinking of how to name the group, I did not hesitate since the dream was prescient due to a play of words in Latin: although Father Dominic named it Order of Preachers, it would later come to be known as the Dominicans; in Latin, that Dominican, which is very similar to Domini Canis, or dog/hound of the Lord. Timely, Macau is drenched in materialism because of the presence of casinos all around. And so I have thought of a name suitable to what will become the mission of our Lay in Macau, to be faithful like our Father Dominic de Guzman in proclaiming the Gospel and guarding the faith and the truth from modern heresy; and to rouse people from today’s blind adherence to an ephemeral world; undoubtedly my brother priests agreed with me.
Indeed, this time was magnificent because the Lord’s preaching hounds unleashed a force meant to further fire up an already splendid 800-year-old service to the Catholic faith when the Order Our Lady of the Rosary Province celebrated a solemn mass in the Cathedral with the presence of the bishop, priests, religious, Lay Dominicans (from Hong Kong and Macau), the faithful, in this momentous event of the Order. That was a superb celebration!
Last April 29, the feast of our Sister Catherine of Siena, our Dominican Family was blessed by 4 Professed Lay Sisters who renewed their promise for a year, 4 Novices and 6 Postulants seeking a richer, deeper spiritual life while living in the world in personal and liturgical prayer, especially the Eucharist, in the common study and in everyday life experiences. They discern ways, with the help of a Spiritual guide and community of believers, to deliver the Word according to their abilities and the urging of the Holy Spirit. Although they are OFW workers, they are living a positive response to the Gospel message, sharing their faith to their families and even the family of their employers and friends, trying to combat the evil of the age by preaching the Truth of Christ. They are aware that Lay Dominican life is all about having a passion for the Word of God. It is about committing oneself to a community of like-minded brothers and sisters that immerse themselves in the Word of God. If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples, you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free (St. John 8:31-32).
Lastly, they are here with us now not only to enrich the Order, the Church, and the World around us through the richness of their vocation but to journey with us through the path that our Father Dominic had trudged.
We pray for these new members of our Order, the Lay Dominican- Torch of Macau, for their zeal and enthusiasm in illuminating at least this little corner of the world- Macau as faithful hounds of the Lord.
Father Dominic, pray for your sons and daughters, pray!
The Community of Friars Preachers in Macau gathered this morning to honor the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ. A child is born in Bethlehem, alleluia; o come, rejoice Jerusalem, alleluia. Let grateful hearts now sing, a song of joy and holy praise, to Christ the newborn.
Following our community custom, which is the tradition in our Province, Brother Aloysius Thurein Htun, OP., on behalf of all the student Brothers greeted our Prior, Fr. Paul Fan, OP., followed by our Subprior Fr. Javier Gonzalez, OP., on behalf of the Fathers. It is important to mention that Fr. Paul is our new Prior, which fills us with joy and hopes because the new generation is taking offices of great responsibility; the example is palpable: the guidance of such a dynamic and complex community as our priory is. A community that as a family accepts and loves one another as brothers around our Prior.
Brother Aloysius reminded us that Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year; that is the time for all of us to show gratitude and to acknowledge the presence of one another in our community. Addressing Fr, Paul, Br., Aloysius said that it is nice to have a Prior who, like a tender father, guides this community which is our home; this is particularly necessary since we are far away from our own families. To this idea, Fr. Javier added: As religious, far away from our native homes, we remember with affection our relatives and beloved ones. They continue to be in our hearts and prayers.
Fr. Paul, a prayer of this community for you: May God blessings of peace be upon you not only during this season, but also during the entire year (and years as Prior) enabling you to carry out those meaningful words you adopted as program on your taking of office: the Prior should not consider himself happy because of the power he exercises over the community, but because of the charity with which he serves (LCO, 299).
Peace and good health, strength and joy, happiness without alloy, is our prayer and wishes for you, Father Prior and for all the members of the Province of Our Lady of the Rosary.
Since 1914, when the Catholic Church established the World Day for Migrants and Refugees, every year it is celebrated throughout the world. This year 2019, upon the initiative of the Diocese coordinated by the Catholic Pastoral care for Philippine migrants, here in Macau the celebration took place on Sunday, 27th of October. The venue was Saint Paul School.
His Excellency Stephen Lee, the bishop of Macau, began the program of activities in the morning with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist at the school main auditorium. Ten priests from different nationalities, Orders and Congregations, concelebrated with him.
Before the Mass there was an entrance procession, led by migrants from several nationalities present in Macau, to the image of Our Lady placed near the stage, while a song was performed by a Philippines choir. It was a sign and expression of trust in our Mother Mary, our refuge. To our Lady we brought our worries, our difficulties and problems, trusting always in her. Then we proceeded with the Mass, which was attended by more than a thousand people from different nationalities who reside in Macau, as well as by local people. The main choir members for this Mass were the Dominican Brothers and Sisters.
During the homily, the Bishop talked about the challenges that migrants face in Macau. He said something like this: You may feel excluded and mistreated by the local people, and so forth, but remember you are Christians, children of God; therefore, you should not retaliate these things to them because God never excludes or mistreats you. Moreover, you may worry about your families or feel isolated and lonely because of being away from your family and from your own countries, but remember that you are here with a mission, working to support your family and help the local people to become more charitable. Bishop cited an example he had seen. A family started to be converted to the faith because the housemaid brought their children to Sunday school. The children shared their faith with their parents and eventually they were converted. If I am too exaggerated, the Bishop said, you are not only migrants: you are missionaries; therefore your role is to shine with your faith.
After the Mass, lunch break: an agape-fellowship was served with cuisines from Vietnam, Myanmar, Indonesia and the Philippines. Moreover, the Brazilian community also brought cakes for dessert.
At 1:30 pm we gathered again in Saint Paul School auditorium for the performances of the different artists in representation of 11 countries and communities, including Portugal, Brazil, East Timor and Venezuela. All in all there were 150 performers. Some nationalities performed some of their traditional dances, such as Burmese bamboo dancing, Indonesian dancing, etc. Other groups sang and danced, reflecting in their singing and dancing different life-styles of society nowadays. For instance, some people travel by air while others had to walk barefoot on the ground. Some people seem to be happy, while others are depressed with the difficulties and problems that they face in their lives; some people seem to be satisfied with what they have, while others are never satisfied, and so on.
In conclusion, the World Day for Migrants and refugees remind us that we may have many different cultures and languages but we all belong to one human race. Hence, we should not exclude anyone from our society, whether he or she is newly arrived or permanent resident, because God never excludes anyone. This day is not only for migrants but it is for all of us to come together and celebrate the day of our humanity.
