ASIA/MACAO - Macao city centre with its Catholic churches and seminary, Buddhist temple and protestant cemetery declared “world heritage” by UNESCO

Macao (Fides Service) - Macao’s old city centre with its Catholic churches and other historic buildings is now “world heritage” for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation. Monuments listed at number 31 of the UNESCO list of places to protect as world heritage include the central Jesuit Square, the church of St Lawrence, the church of the Rose, the church of St Augustine, the Catholic Charity Home, the church of St Anthony and the church of Our Lady of the Snows, the Buddhist temple and the Protestant cemetery. Commenting UNESCO’s decision the Vicar general of Macao diocese Mgr Chung told Kong Ko Bao (Hong Kong diocesan bulletin): “all these buildings bear witness to Macao’s culture. This recognition by UNESCO is good for the Catholic Church in Macao it is a reminder for the people and the authorities of the great contribution which the Catholic Church has made to the terrioty’s society and culture”. (Agenzia Fides 23/7/2005 Righe: 12 Parole: 164)