The Scout Association of Macau invited ICCS-APR Catholic Scout leaders to visit Macau in May 2024 to attend the Procession of Our Lady of Fátima which, has been taking place in Macau since 1929, is one of the religious celebrations with local characteristics and is dedicated to the commemoration of the apparitions of Our Lady of Fátima to three shepherd kids in Fátima of Portugal in 1917. The Macau Pilgrimage is the first activity organized by The Scout Association of Macau after being the member of the ICCS in 2021.
A total of 15 Catholic Scout leaders from Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Hong Kong and Taiwan participated a 3-Days Pilgrimage Program organized by The Scout Association of Macau. On May 13, all ICCS-APR participants together with the local scout leaders attended the Memorial Mass at St Dominic’s Church celebrated by the Bishop of Macau – Bp. Stephen Lee Bun Sang, they then took part with thousands of Catholic Faithful in the procession until reaching the Chapel of Our Lady of Penha. The procession was concluded with the Eucharistic Benediction presided by Bishop Lee, to all the faithful and to Macau.
During the visit in Macau, the participants paid a courtesy visit to the Bishop’s Office where they were received by Father Cyril Jerome Law Jr., Chancellor of the Diocese of Macau; for he is also the Chaplain of the Catholic Scout Committee of The Scout Association of Macau. Fr. Cyril had introduced and explained the delegation about the history of Catholicism in Macau, also about the Macau Cathedral – Cathedral of the Nativity of our Lady, next to the Bishop’s House.
More visits in this pilgrimage were included, such as the Ruins of St. Paul’s, St. Joseph’s Seminary Church and Collection Hall, St. Lawrence Church, St. Lazarus Church etc. also a certain number attractive spots within this historical city. The whole trip was accompanied and guided by local Catholic Scout leaders.
The ICCS-APR participants were very delighted for the opportunity to take part in the Procession of Our Lady of Fatima in Macau, which would have been a wonderful experience in their memory. They were also impressed by the significant preservation work of all the majestic and magnificent churches in Macau.