Every year the Diocese of Macau celebrates the World Day of Migrants during the first month of the year. This year of 2012 the day of the celebration was held on January 15 with the theme “Migrants and New Evangelization.†The celebration started with the Holy Mass, which was presided by His Excellency the Bishop of Macau Jose Lai, DD, and concelebrated by seven priests from different religious congregations including Fr. Fausto Gomez OP. Four Dominican brothers served at the Mass: Brothers Matthew, Mariano, Pakhu and Gabriel. The Holy Mass started at 10:30 in the morning at St. Augustine Church. The Church was packed with hundreds of people from many countries.
During the Mass, the Bishop shared the message of the Holy Father for the migrants of the world. He encouraged us to do God’s will unceasingly. He urged that we migrant workers and missionaries to live with the people of Macau in harmony and peace, and respect the different cultures and faiths. He urged us all, Catholics, to live our evangelical values and show the face of Christ to all. As migrants, we have to try to evangelize those with whom we are working. Thus, we are to bear witness of Christ by living out our Catholic faith. Finally, he closed his homily by saying that we have to serve one another with love and witness our faith in God.
It was a rainy morning, but the rain was no obstacle to enjoy the varied celebration. After the Mass, we all were invited to go to the St. Joseph auditorium for Lunch and the program of entertainment. Plenty of foods were served inside and outside of the auditorium. We all enjoyed our lunch very much while we were watching the different performances. There were many representatives from many communities and countries. It was indeed a great celebration. Some Dominican postulants and sisters from Burma and East Timor performed the lovely dances of their own culture. It was indeed magnificent and varied program of joyful entertainment. Moreover, it was a great chance to see the unity and harmonious relationship among the migrants from different countries. The celebration ended with the presentation of gifts to those who performed various kinds of dances. The celebration ended at 3:45 PM in the afternoon.
Matthew Shing Mang Tun, O.P.