Macao embodied the centuries-long histories of cultural exchange between Portugal and China. To explore its historic value, Chung Chi College organised the “Macao Cultural Exploration Tour” from 2 to 4 January. Together with the other 15 participants, Ms. Olivia Cheng, a year-three student from the Faculty of Law, recognised the deep meaning of Christianity, Catholicism and Buddhism, and how cultural integration between China and the West has shaped today’s Macao.

Q: What kind of place is Tung Sin Tong, the first stop of the trip?

A: Founded in 1892, Tung Sin Tong is one of Macao’s oldest Chinese charitable institutions. We visited its Historical Archives Exhibition Hall, where the blend of Chinese and Portuguese architectural style symbolised the cultural integration in Macao over the past century.

The old photos and historic relics on display in the hall recorded Tung Sin Tong’s efforts to provide free medicine and education, which made me think about how its founder could bring the Chinese communities together to respond to the social needs under colonial administration. Its story also made me understand the real meaning of benevolence – a sustained care for other people and communities. Faith without action remains hollow.

The tour visited The Church of Christ in China Chi To Church (Macao). The image showed a plague presented by its founding members in 1906.

Q:How did you treat the “conversation” between Chinese and Western religions in Macao?

A: The development of religion in Macao is diverse, and Buddhism, Christianity and Catholicism coexist and even influence each other. For example, the Ruins of St. Paul’s, the most iconic landmark in Macao, is carved not only with the Virgin Mary and angels, but also with Chinese characters and peonies. This was a deliberate effort by Christianity to integrate into local culture as it spread throughout the East.

At St. Anthony’s Church, we learned about its history of being burnt three times and rebuilt several times, with the most notable incident being that the church was hit by thunder and caught fire during a typhoon in 1874. Amid the storm’s darkness, the blaze served as an unintended lighthouse, guiding lost fishermen safely back to shore. From that year onward, the Procession of Saint Anthony became a regular event among Macao residents, during which the statue of Saint Anthony is carried in procession.

Stepping into Kun Iam Tong, also named Templo de Pou Chai, we learned it was also the site where the Treaty of Wanghia was signed. While local devotees offered incense, our Christian group members observed with profound respect, which made me understand the importance of “conversation”. Both the compassion of Buddhism and the redemption of Christianity concern those who suffer, and Macao’s diverse religious landscape reminds us that true unity flourishes through mutual appreciation and respect rather than diminishing differences among mankind.

Group photo at the St. Anthony’s Church. The Church was hit by thunder and caught fire during a typhoon in 1874, and the blaze guided lost fishermen safely back to shore. Macao residents still commemorate this event.

Q: Through this tour, how do you realise the role that religion plays in modern society?

A: This journey allowed us to see how religion continues its social function by spreading its faith through education and charitable service. At the University of Saint Joseph, we saw how the Jesuit educational tradition has evolved into the modern university system, emphasising both knowledge and virtue. The University is not only a bridge for academic exchanges between the East and West but also spreads the gospel and truth through its education.

We also visited New Life Fellowship, a Christian organisation that provides drug rehabilitation and counselling services. Seeing volunteers provide guidance, help and encouragement to the young people who were lost, I discovered that the gospel is not just doctrines but a power that can reshape lives.

At The Church of Christ in China Chi To Church (Macao), we attended a worship service where that a warm atmosphere allowed students of different faiths to engage. We also explored The Hong Kong Council of the Church of Christ in China Morrison Memorial Centre of Macao, discovering how it contributed to the development of local churches and professionals. Society changes rapidly, but this trip made me understand that religion is always caring for the communities.

Q: How would you conclude the 3-day trip in Macao?

A: The tour is a path of faith from past to present. Starting from the Ruins of St. Paul’s, we realised how to act in faith at Tung Sin Tong, witnessed how faith transforms others at New Life Fellowship, and felt the universal value of faith at Chi To Church.

Macao’s religion is not an outdated exhibit in a museum but a dynamic, adaptive, and responsive group of people. The actions of the communities reflect the essence of the interaction between East and West: love – loving your faith, loving others, and loving your society. Meanwhile, besides knowledge, the trip has also made me more modest, beneficent and inclusive.