Saint Paul School Macau held a one-day religious event on its campus on Rampa dos Cavaleiros in Areia Preta district on March 20.
Saint Paul School is well known as one of the nine Catholic Diocesan Schools.
The school’s Civic and Religious Subject Head Leong Sin Ion told the Post that the event centred around the lives of the saints, incorporating reflections on contemporary struggles, scripture copying, and the use of AI to create a video about the Stations of the Cross, allowing students to experience the faith.
Leong also said that the event, which has been held consecutively for four years, aims to integrate knowledge gained from religious classes into daily life and help students internalise “sound values”.
In response to the challenge of young people becoming overly absorbed in the online world, Leong said that the school hopes to use religious education to develop students’ Social Emotional Learning systematically.
Leong also said that this year, in conjunction with the school’s 55th anniversary, a painting and colouring competition centred on the school’s patron saint, Saint Paul, was also held, enabling students from kindergarten to Form 6 to deepen their understanding of the saint’s spirit through creative expression, adding that the event has been held annually across all school divisions with around 2,800 participants each time.
The Post also interviewed students who ran some of the event’s activities booths.
A Form 5 student surnamed Loi, who was tasked with presenting the story about Italian virgin martyr St. Maria Goretti (1890-1902), said that she learnt from the saint the importance of protecting women and children. Another Form 5 student, surnamed Lam, who presented the story about Belgian Jesuit scholastic St. John Berchmans (1599-1621), said that she learnt virtues such as honesty, obedience and respect for teachers and elders from the saint, and noted that these qualities are very beneficial for personal growth.
Students who participated in the games reflected with the Post on what they had learnt.
A Form 5 student surnamed Lio quoted the famous saying of St. John Berchmans, “If I do not become a saint in my youth, I will never have the opportunity to become one”. From this, Lio said, he realised the importance of embracing a heart orientated towards goodness.
A Form 3 student surnamed Kuan said that he drew strength from the life of Spanish missionary Saint Francis Xavier’s (1506-1552) missionary journey to the Far East a spirit of perseverance and resilience in the face of hardship.
A Form 6 student surnamed Wong said that he gained strength from the life of Italian priest, educator and writer Saint John Bosco (1815-1888) the value of committing oneself to charity and caring for others.
Fr. Lawrence The Reh, the school’s Director of Pastoral Care, told the Post that the event commenced with a prayer for peace in the Middle East, aiming to help students understand that faith extends beyond the school campus to encompass concern for the world.
He pointed out that Lent serves as a reminder to students to attend to their spiritual growth alongside their material lives, suggesting that they practise small acts of self-denial in their daily lives – such as reducing time spent on their smartphones or focusing more on their studies – as a way to cultivate self-discipline.
He emphasised that faith education should not remain merely theoretical but must be expressed through concrete acts of charity.
He also said he believed an approach combining education with fun can inspire students to actively participate.
Through Bible verses and stories of the saints embedded in games, students learn through experience, which is more effective than purely theoretical instruction, said The Reh.
He also said that he hopes the students will integrate acts of charity into their daily lives, becoming caring and compassionate individuals who can draw strength from their faith when facing future challenges.
Saint Paul School Pastoral Care Director Fr. Lawrence The Reh blesses the teachers and students on the school’s campus on Rampa dos Cavaleiros in Areia Preta district during a one-day religious event on March 20. – Photos: Armindo Neves
