Procession of the Passion of Our Lord, the God Jesus (Photos: Douglas Leong)

Government Information Bureau

2025-03-24 18:09

A variety of religious observances takes place in Macao. One of them is the “Procession of the Passion of Our Lord, the God Jesus”, which can trace its history in Macao back to the 18th century. It is a religious event with characteristics specific to Macao, and representative of the city’s East-meets-West culture.
The Procession of the Passion of Our Lord takes place every year on the first Saturday and Sunday of the Catholic period of Lent. The procession attracts a large crowd along the route to experience the atmosphere of the religious observance.
The procession is primarily composed of clergy from the Macao Diocese and a large number of local and overseas faithful.
The procession follows the narrative of the "Way of the Cross", recalling the Stations of the Cross as recorded in the Bible. During the course of the procession, solemn music is provided by the Public Security Police Force Band, reinforcing the sacred nature of the occasion.
On the first evening of the event, a statue of Christ carrying the Cross is borne in a solemn procession. It sets off from St. Augustine's Church and makes its way to the Cathedral, for an overnight vigil. The following day, the procession returns to its starting point, with a solemn atmosphere maintained along the way.
On the first evening of the event, a statue of Christ carrying the Cross is borne in a solemn procession. It sets off from St. Augustine's Church and makes its way to the Cathedral, for an overnight vigil. The following day, the procession returns to its starting point, with a solemn atmosphere maintained along the way.
The statue of Christ carrying the Cross is escorted through the narrow streets and lanes of Macao by clergy and congregants dressed in long robes.
The statue of Christ carrying the Cross is escorted through the narrow streets and lanes of Macao by clergy and congregants dressed in long robes.
The Procession of the Passion of Our Lord embodies the convergence and integration in Macao of Western traditions and Eastern ones. Diversity coexists, and society is harmonious and inclusive.
Religious beliefs, folk rituals, festive events, and the lifestyle of people in Macao together form the city’s unique local customs and social landscape.