“1928” etched into the stone above the door. That’s the year the Chapel of Saint Francis Xavier was built. It stands here on Coloane Island. This chapel holds a special place in Macau’s history.
The Chapel of Saint Francis Xavier sits on the southwestern coast. It is near a monument. The monument commemorates a victory over pirates in 1910. Imagine the stories these stones could tell.
This chapel once housed sacred relics. These relics were some of the most important Christian items in Asia. Among them were the remains of 26 Catholic priests. They were crucified in Nagasaki in 1597. Also, there were remains of Japanese Christians. They were killed during the Shimabara Rebellion in 1637. These relics are now in the Museum of Sacred Art and Crypt. It opened in 1996. It is located behind the Ruins of St. Paul’s.
Another significant relic was a bone. It was from the arm of St. Francis Xavier. He died in 1552 on Shangchuan Island. That island is 50 miles from Macau. This relic is now in St. Joseph’s Church.
The Chapel of Saint Francis Xavier has paintings inside. One shows the infant Christ with a Chinese Madonna. Another depicts a Korean missionary in period clothing. These images remind us of Christianity’s spread in Asia. They also remind us of colonialism.
Notice the chapel’s colors. It is painted yellow. It has red lanterns. This quirky combination makes it unique.
Before you stands a monument with a fountain. Four cannonballs surround it. It commemorates the final routing of pirates in 1910. This victory brought peace to the area.
To get here you can take several buses to Coloane Village. Buses 15, 21A, 25, 26, 26A, 50, and N3 will bring you here. Get off at Villa De Coloane. From there it is a short walk to the Chapel of Saint Francis Xavier.
Take a moment to appreciate this building. The Chapel of Saint Francis Xavier is more than just a church. It is a symbol of Macau’s complex past. It reflects faith, history, and culture. Its walls have witnessed centuries of change. It stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of this island.