MANILA, Philippines - Where else can a Filipino Marian devotee better observe one of the world’s most popular and beloved religious festivals than in a former Portuguese colony, only a skip and a hop away from Manila?
Devotees of Our Lady of Fatima will be happy to hear that the revered feast of Our Lady’s apparition is considered a special annual festival in Macau every May 13.
In fact, a couple of years ago, former President Corazon Aquino, with two daughters and two granddaughters, led the Filipino community in the Fatima procession, which started from St. Dominic’s Church at Senado Square, meandered through the quaint, narrow streets of Macau and ended in the little courtyard of Penha Church on top of Penha Hill.
On the same occasion, she and her entourage also attended a Filipino Mass at the beautiful St. Lawrence’s Church, which was built in 1560, with a European classic and baroque style.
Any Marian devotee’s visit to Macau at that time of the year provides a rare opportunity to be part of the Fatima celebration, a favorite of the Catholic faithful who have attributed many personal miracles and healings from illnesses, to their devotion to Our Lady of Fatima.
Since Portugal may be too far away for the Filipino devotee, Macau would be the perfect cost-effective alternative, where the Blessed Mother’s apparition to the peasant children in Fatima is marked with as much pomp and panoply as in the old country.
Additional information on this popular Catholic celebration may be obtained from the Macau Government Tourist Office at 812-2595. For affordable tour packages, call your favorite travel agent.