This May, the Macao Catholic Culture Association (ACCM) had organized a series of “Ave Maria” Catholic cultural activities, and the grand finale of the series, “A Mystical Rose” Sacred Music Recital was held from 3pm to 4pm on May 28, 2023 at the St Joseph’s Seminary Church (Entrance at Rua do Seminário). The guests who attended the event included Ms. Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, the Director of the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), Bishop Stephen Lee Bun Sang, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Macao and Chairman of ACCM, and other prestige guests.
“A Mystical Rose” Sacred Music Recital featured various Marian hymns, and was performed by Macao local young artists Wai Hang Vivian Ng (Soprano), SamIn Lao (Organ), honouring the Blessed Virgin Mary and praising God through music.
During the sacred vocal recital, Ms. Wai Hang Vivian Ng sang the world premier of Stabat Mater Dolorosa, composed especially for “A Mystical Rose” Sacred Music Recital by Dr. Viola Yuen, Resident Composer of the St. Pius X Music Academy in Macao and Council Member of the Hong Kong Composers' Guild. The piece was commissioned by the Macao Catholic Culture Association in 2023. Stabat Mater Dolorosa is considered one of the seven greatest Latin hymns of all time. It is based upon the prophecy of Simeon that a sword was to pierce the heart of Our Lord’s mother, Mary (Lk 2:35). The message of the Stabat Mater focuses on the spiritual and emotional bond which unites Mary and all Christians to the death of her Son on the Cross.
The success of “A Mystical Rose” Sacred Music Recital provided a wonderful opportunity for music and culture lovers in Macao to learn more about the Catholic “Month of Mary” this May through art and beauty.