Our Lady of Penha Church Macau

Built on top Colina da Penha or Penha Hill, also known as Bishop Hill because of the Bishop Residence, is a Chapel of Our Lady of Penha which was first built in 1622.

The first chapel was erected by the crew and passengers of a ship which had a narrow escape from the Dutch.

Later the chapel served as shrine for sailors embarking on often hazardous voyages.

The chapel today dates back to 1837 when it was completely rebuilt along with the Bishop's Palace.

It is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm.

The bell tower of the Church is very distinctive and can be seen anywhere from the harbor.

On one side of the large open courtyard fronting the church is a marble image of the Blessed Virgin Mary facing the border of China, as if praying for that magnificent land.

Her prayers are definitely bearing fruit because now thousands of Chinese tourist dutifully climb up her little hill.

At the foot of a flight of stone steps is a popular grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes.

Along the grotto is also a nice garden with fountains, seating and children's playground.

Nearby is a bronze gravestone with Portuguese inscriptions indicating the resting place of Bishop John Bouner of Macau who was buried here on 18 February 1918.

On a clear day the panoramic view from here includes not only Macau but across the Pearl River into China.

One can see the whole harbor and a great collection of old and modern architecture: the Chief Executive's Palace, other colonial residences, the Macau Tower, and the man-made lakes.

Every year, on the 13th of May, thousand of faithful joins the image of Our Lady of Fatima for a pilgrimage and procession.

The procession begins from Sto. Domingo Church and meanders through the narrow streets of Macau.

The procession finally ends in the little courtyard of Penha Church.

Every year at this day, thousands of devotees coming from all over, never fails to accompany the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Three children, dressed as the three child seers, lead the procession.

Check out books and videos about churches, saints, and more.

Discount Hotel Travel for your Travel and Vacations.
Before your China Travel Study Chinese Mandarin with self-study language courses.

Click here for the Best Macau Rates and Hotel Deals

TOP or go to Macau Travel Homepage

Macau Travel: Related Articles

• Macau Travel

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

• Hong Kong Hotel and Travel Guide
  Explore a unique world city, fusion of eastern and western life
  One of the most energetic places in the world.
• 

Other Catholic churches in this website
Macau Catholic Cathedral, Ruins of St. Paul, Leal Senado Square St Dominic Church, St. Anthony Parish, St. Lazarus Parish, St. Augustine Church, St. Lawrence Church, Our Lady of Fatima Parish, St. Joseph the Worker Parish, St. Joseph Seminary, St. Michael Cemetery, Mt. Carmel Parish, Francis Xavier Coloane Parish, St. Francis Macau, Kaho Chapel.

Chapels
Our Lady of Guia Chapel, Sao Tiago Fortress Chapel, Penha Chapel,

Heritage Protestant Sites: Morrison Protestant Chapel and Cementery.

Resources

Travel Resources

TravelNow Hotels

Discount Hotels

Last Minute Hotels

Hotel Reservations

Travel Deals

• Macau Discount Hotels
• Last Minute Bookings For booking within 20 days - Get your hotel deals here.
• Hotwire: Budget travel options and last minute deals.
• LinkShare is an e-commerce business solution for over 3.5 million online relationships.
• Learn Chinese!
• Luggage Online - FREE Shipping
• Worldwide booking agent from hotels to cruises can be found here.