By CIN SocCom

Hong Kong and Macau, China, 21 November 2023 - To celebrate the Memorial of St. Artemide Zatti, the China Province organizes an event for the Salesian Brothers every year on November 13th. This year, the good weather provided an opportunity for an outing.

In the morning, the Brothers from different communities in Hong Kong gathered at the Salesian Missionary House in Shau Kei Wan. Twelve of them got into two vans and embarked on a journey of prayer and sightseeing to Macau.

The first stop was the Instituto Salesiano in Macau, which is currently under construction. It is about halfway through the whole project and is expected to be finished by the year 2024. The new school buildings are modern and well-designed by architects for the new era. They are not only well-equipped but also beautiful, meeting the needs of students in every aspect. The Salesian community and the school's superior have prepared for years, solving problems and overcoming difficulties to finally turn the dream school into reality. The whole project is costly, with a budget of over hundreds of millions.

At noon, the Brothers had lunch with the Supervisor of Instituto Salesiano, Fr. Martin Yip, and the professor of The University St Joseph, Fr. Albert Ho. The atmosphere was very friendly, and they had great conversations, enjoying the friendship between the confreres. Due to the epidemic, some of the priests and brothers have not met for years, so it was a great moment to exchange greetings and feel the warmth of the family spirit again.

In the afternoon, they visited Ká Hó Don Bosco Youth Village (campsite) and Jardins Versiglia (boarding service) in Coloane. The services provided are in line with the needs of Macau society, and the government provides considerable funding. The facilities are advanced and fashionable, and the staff upholds the spirit of Don Bosco, working hard to benefit the young.

One of the must-visit places in Macau for the Salesians is Our Lady's Village in Coloane, a place to commemorate the late Fr. Nicosia, who loved and worked in this village for the leper asylum. Fr. Francis Hung told the life story of Fr. Nicosia in the Chapel of Our Lady of Sorrows; this increased the affection and admiration for this beloved missionary.

Around 5 pm, a Mass in memory of the Salesian Brother Saint Zatti was celebrated at the Esola Dom Luis Versiglia. After vespers, they had a great supper with the Rector of the Macau Community, Fr. Joseph Chow.

After that, they set out on their way back with grateful hearts. They recited the Rosary together on the way, thanking Our Lady for all the grace they had received that day.

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