The Catholic Centre reconstruction project in the city centre reached a significant milestone with a topping-out ceremony yesterday morning, marking the completion of the building’s exterior structure. The ceremony was presided over by Bishop Stephen Lee Bun Sang, accompanied by Fr João Lau Him Sang, procurator of the Macau Catholic Diocese, along with guests, workers, and representatives from the main contractor, Real Estate Development Company Sam Yau Ltd.
The event began with a speech by a representative of Sam Yau, followed by a short blessing ceremony presided by Bishop Lee. In his address, the bishop expressed heartfelt gratitude to all workers and managers involved in the project, emphasising their invaluable contributions. “In the past few years, especially during the time of COVID, everyone played a significant role in this building project. Even a tiny screw has its purpose, and every worker has extended their role to its greatest use,” he said. He also thanked God for His blessings of the project, underscoring that the Catholic Centre is not a commercial endeavour but a hub dedicated to serving the Macau community and pilgrims with the spirit of “serving with love” to spread the Gospel.
The ceremony concluded with Bishop Lee sprinkling holy water around the construction site, followed by a solemn topping-out ceremony, alongside Fr Lau and representatives from the various contracting units.
The project began in September 2021, with an original completion target of 2024. Delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic during the foundation phase extended the timeline. With the exterior structure now complete, the project has entered the interior construction and furnishing phase, with an estimated completion in November – six months after yesterday’s ceremony. The centre is poised to open in 2026, coinciding with the 450th Anniversary of the Catholic Diocese of Macau, and aims to serve as a Catholic hub for the community and visitors.
The 17-story building is designed to fulfil multiple functions, including exhibition spaces, faith formation programmes, and hospitality services. It will feature over 130 guestrooms and a restaurant to welcome pilgrims and visitors in the spirit of the Catholic faith. Additionally, the centre will house a chapel, a lecture theatre, a multi-purpose room, and a conference room with a capacity of nearly 200 attendees, all available for public rental to support community engagement and evangelisation.
Pedestrians walk past the Catholic Centre redevelopment project yesterday. – Photos: Maria Cheang Ut Meng
Macau Catholic Diocese Bishop Stephen Lee Bun Sang (fifth from right) is flanked by other representatives during yesterday’s topping-out ceremony of the Catholic Centre redevelopment project in the city centre.
