Of a land across the ocean - Macau - Part 1

When someone mentions Macau, the first thing which pops to mind are the Casinos! Yes, there are plenty abound, for many to squander their hard earned savings away in the hope of striking it rich. The glitter of bright lights, and call of instant wealth, etc. certainly draw throngs to this unique land.

Myself, I went to see the sights instead, and certainly plenty to see, that is, if you don't mind walking quite a bit. Land of pilgrims and Catholicism, with a large Jesuit community I think.

There were certainly a lot of churches, and since coming back and reading about the historical facts, it made the whole trip even more meaningful. I guess to have read about them in the first place would be good, but may not be as interesting as couldn't put picture to fact. Should have done my research and brought details and read there and then, when the whole church and details are in front of me, but never mind. Still interesting to read post fact. And we managed to cover quite a few;
a) Macau Cathedral;
b) St. Dominic Church;
c) St. Augustine Church;
d) St. Joseph Seminary Church;
e) Penha Church;
f) St. Francis Xavier Church;
g) Ruins of St. Paul.

I think there are many other churches but we were unable to cover more given the time we had. I have heard comments that one day is enough in Macau, but seriously, there are a lot of things to see. One day perhaps, just to get a flavour of Macau, but even with three days, I thought it wasn't enough. Outskirts also had things to see, especially the St. Francis Xavier Church in Coloane. Had to take a bus there, but the sleepy town of Coloane is so peaceful.

And you know what? My friend who did the bookings for AirAsia (zero fare! yippee!) got the dates wrong and booked us one week ahead of the long weekend in Malaysia, but it was a blessing in disguise, as during the first Sunday of Lent, there's an annual procession between Macau Cathedral and St. Augustine across the streets and through Senado Square. Got to watch it first hand, but there were so many people.

When the procession started, there was a hushed silence even with the large crowd (well, except for the clicking of cameras). And as the Cathedral Bell tolled, and I watch the procession pass in initial silence, with a few god-fearing folks kneeling in front of me, I had goose pimples! I felt a deep sense of connection and awe. I guess it was a moment thing, with the reverential silence, the tolling of bells, and the beginning of chants, as well as the sombre band procession after. Cos' when I caught the procession the second time round across other streets, the feeling was absent. A magical moment for me indeed.

Of course, Macau is not only about churches, religious museums, as well as sacred artifacts and signs, it is also rich in other religious culture, with temples aplenty. And a friend commented, given the whole "religiousness" about the place, it is a contradiction in itself to see so many casinos within the vacinity as well. Well, true enough, but I guess that is what makes Macau unique. Will cover more in the coming posts.