The University of St Joseph’s Graduation ceremonies for the Academic Year 2025-2026 were held on July 4, 2026. Among the graduating students, there were five of our brothers, namely, Natalino Da Costa, Augustine Plyar Reh, Paul Shan Tu, Orlando Lopes, and Filipe Mouzinho. They attended the event, dressed up in their academic robes, and went up to the stage upon the calling of their names to receive their diploma from the hands of the Dean of the Faculty of Religious Studies and Philosophy, Fr Cyril Law.
Some pictures captured the memorable moment as they were sided by USJ Academic authorities, headed by the Bishop of Macau, the Rector of the University, and the Dean of the Faculty. More pictures followed outside the auditorium after the graduation ceremony.
On the other hand, the five of them successfully defended their thesis, once they were approved by their respective moderators or advisers. The defenses took place online, as they are done in collaboration and with the participation of some professors from the Catholic University of Lisbon, to which our University is affiliated.
Warmest congratulations to our graduated brothers, who are now challenged to put into action the knowledge acquired during their five years in Macau, as they are assigned to other communities of the Province to start a new stage in their religious life.
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!
Happy Feast of Blessed Jordan of Saxony (February 13th)! Student Brother Marcus Tan, OP, shares his view on vocational discernment as inspired by Blessed Jordan of Saxony’s own calling.
20 January 2026
Five brothers from our Dominican community in Macau, namely, Rolindo Tilman, Xaverio Boe, John Ai, Peter Nyi and Ephraim Nay, renewed their religious profession on Tuesday, 20th of January 2026. The event took place within our conventual Mass, presided over by the Prior, Fr. Javier Gonzalez, and con-celebrated by Frs. Hilario Plureh, Lawrence The Reh, Paul Fan and Martin Bai, members of this community of St Dominic’s. Witnesses of the ceremony were all our student brothers, plus a few Sisters and Lay Dominicans who come regularly to our chapel.
In his homily Fr. Javier stressed the point that our religious vocation is a gift from God. He is the one calling and choosing those He wants, based on His own initiative and reasons. “Not as man sees does God see, because he sees the appearance but the Lord looks into the heart” (1 Sam 16:7). Hence, our response cannot be other than sincere gratitude, day-to-day fidelity and (sacrificial) obedience to Him. The Prior invited all those present to pray for the five brothers and to spiritually renew also their own profession.
At the end of the Mass, some pictures captured the spirit of this joyful event–meaningful not just for the five brothers, but also for the community and for the entire Province. Warmest congratulations to our brothers!
