Macau St. Augustine's Church | A Timeless Mark of Faith

Hey everyone👋, in Macau, there's a church with over 400 years of history—St. Augustine's Church—that's absolutely worth exploring!

Originally built in 1588 by Spanish Augustinian friars as a monastery and the Chapel of Our Lady of Grace, the church dedicated to the Virgin Mary began construction in 1591. It was once known in Chinese as "Long Song Temple," a name with an interesting story behind it. In 1623, a governor sent by the Portuguese court clashed with the local community and sought refuge in the church. Angered, the locals fired cannons from the Fortaleza do Monte, destroying the church. The friars covered the ruins with palm leaves, which swayed in the wind and resembled dragon whiskers from afar, hence the name "Dragon Whisker Temple," later changed to "Long Song Temple."

After being rebuilt in 1874, the church took on its current form, facing south with a simple façade standing about 17 meters tall, designed in the classical style of the European Renaissance. Inside, two rows of columns divide the nave and side aisles, with the nave featuring a small altar and a wooden pulpit. The main altar houses a statue of the "Christ of Sorrows," adorned with ornate Baroque-style decorations.

The Procession of the Christ of Sorrows, which starts and ends at St. Augustine's Church, is a significant event during Lent before Easter. This Catholic tradition has been practiced in Macau for centuries without interruption, further enhancing the church's reputation. Step inside and experience the unique charm where history and faith intertwine~

Post by Genlyddy | Apr 24, 2025