In a solemn and joyous liturgical celebration filled with songs and prayer, the Dominican Province of Our Lady of the Rosary witnessed the ordination as Deacons of three of its friars. The ceremony took place at St. Joseph Seminary church, at 3:00 p.m. on October 7th, a date of profound significance as it was the Solemnity of Our Lady of the Rosary, the Patroness of the Province.
The three newly ordained deacons were: Brother João Baptista Pereira, OP; Brother Gaspar De Jesus, OP; and Brother Matthew He Yue Sai, OP.
The ordination ceremony was presided over by His Excellency Stephen Lee Bun Sang, Bishop of Macau, who conferred the sacrament of Holy Order of the Diaconate through the laying on of hands and the prayer of consecration. In his homily, he underscored the diaconate’s call to a life of service, both at the altar and in the world, encouraging those being ordained to embody the charity of Christ in their ministries.
The event was a powerful display of the universal and communal nature of the Church. The presence of Bro. João Baptista Pereira’s father, who traveled from East Timor to witness his son’s ordination, added a poignant touch of familial love and support. The congregation was a vibrant tapestry of the wider religious family in Macau, including members of the Jesuits, Comboni, Divine Word Missionaries, etc. The Dominican family was strongly represented by friars from the two Hong Kong communities, Dominican Sisters from Macau and Lay Dominicans both from Hong Kong and Macau, underscoring the deep bonds within the Order.
The liturgy was marked by its solemnity and reverence. The sacred songs, beautifully rendered by the Dominican student brothers, elevated the celebration and inspired the faithful in attendance.
At the end of the ceremony the newly ordained Deacon Gaspar addressed the congregation on behalf of his fellow deacons. In a heartfelt speech of thanksgiving, he expressed their profound gratitude to God, to the members of their families, to their formators…, and the entire community for their prayers and support throughout their years of formation.
After the liturgical celebration, all attendees were invited to a friendly tea reception at the adjacent St. Joseph School Hall. This provided a warm and fraternal atmosphere for the congregation to offer their personal congratulations to the new deacons and to share in the joy of this momentous occasion with the Dominican Family and the Church.
The ordination of Brothers João, Gaspar, and Matthew as Deacons marked a significant step in their journey of service to the Church, as they now take on new responsibilities in the ministries of the Word, the Altar, and Charity. The Dominicans of Our Lady of the Rosary Province give thanks to God for the gift of these three new deacons and pray for their fruitful ministries as they continue their journey of service in the Lord’s vineyard.