Shenglao lengzuo Hall

St. laorenzo Church

synonym

St. laorenzo church generally refers to St. laorenzo church

St. laorenzo church, known as Fengshun church, is one of the three oldest churches in Macao, China. The actual construction year is unpredictable, but according to historical records, it is estimated that the church was a wooden chapel founded by Jesuits around 1569. According to the inscriptions on one of the stone inscriptions in the church, it was first rebuilt in 1618. As for the scale of the church, it was rebuilt in 1844.

Name and origin

Founded in the middle of the 16th century, St. laorenzo church is one of the three ancient churches in Macao, China. The church was rebuilt several times later, and its current scale was formed in 1846. The Chinese call it "fengxintang" and the Cantonese homonym "fengshuntang", implying "good weather".

"A brief account of Macao" states: "in the southwest, there is Fengxin temple. Since the Tibetan ships came out, the family members came back every day, praying for Fengxin here." In the era of sailing powered by wind, ocean sailing is very dangerous. In the past, Portuguese people went to sea according to their good luck. Gong Xianglin of the Qing Dynasty described in detail the Portuguese's actions of praying for the wind in his "Pearl River Fengshi Ji": "the Tibetan ships came out in the winter moon, which was mostly northerly; they came in April and may, which was mostly southerly. Once out, there will be no black and white ghosts in Australia and China. When it comes to returning, women and children call on the house to pray for the south wind. His helmsman Su and Hai Xi, although he died of a hurricane mother floating pepper, but also never lost the cloud

Later, because of the homonym of "Xin" and "Shun" in Cantonese, perhaps to pray for good weather, "Feng Xin" became "Feng Shun", and "Feng Shun Tang Street" and "Feng Shun Tang district" got their names. Because the whole building is not located in the square (front ground), or out of the position of a certain section of scenery, in order to highlight the existence of the whole church and serve as the center of a residential area, a high platform with nearly one floor is added below the church to make it more upright and conspicuous. And the process of the faithful men and women climbing up the ladder has become a kind of ceremony before they enter the church to worship. Another difference from the first two churches is that St. laorenzo church covers a large area, so there is a large courtyard around the church. The courtyard is full of vibrant plants, and it is separated from the residential buildings nearby in space and vision. Therefore, the entrance to the church basically focuses on the building itself, the surrounding plants and the blue sky There is no earthly noise, quiet and pleasant.

Structural layout

St. laorenzo church is a one story building with a mezzanine entrance and a three story bell tower. The plane of the church is a Latin cross, and the middle hall with a span of 15 meters is in the middle. There is no colonnade barrier, and it is covered with a wooden vault. Several gorgeous branch shaped chandeliers are hung from the ceiling. The interior decoration is full of Oriental color and elegant. In the altar of the church, there is a statue of St. laorenzo, wearing gorgeous robes, holding the Bible in one hand and the staff in the other, solemn and solemn. In the eyes of Portuguese who often sail, Saint laorenzo is the God of peace and good faith. There are many small altars on both sides of the church, and the main altar is decorated with stained glass windows and dense pilasters. The blue ceiling, yellow walls and stained glass windows not only depict the complex patterns of Biblical themes, but also have simple and bright modern shapes. The color contrast is bright, which adds highlights to the church.

Like other churches in Macao, there are many small altars on both sides for Catholic saints. The main altar at the end and the chapel on both arms are semicircular spaces, covered with tubular arches made of reinforced concrete. The main altar is set with stained glass windows and decorated with dense new Colin pilasters. The dim light makes the Saint laorenzo hall immersed in a mysterious atmosphere. The wall is divided by pilasters and connected by eaves. A circular hole is set at the junction of the vault and the wall to play the role of natural lighting and ventilation. The total height of the mountain flowers on the facade is about 18 meters, and the height of the two bell towers is about 21 meters. The mountain flowers are symmetrically arranged in the middle. Because the roof of the choir above the entrance is lower than the middle hall of the church, the appearance of the church is characterized by Baroque style on the basis of European classical style. The exterior walls are painted in yellow. The roof is slope roof and tile roof. The main body is brick structure and the interlayer is reinforced concrete structure.

Historical evolution

Founded in the middle of the 16th century, it is one of the three ancient churches in Macao, China.

As early as the establishment of Fengshun hall in 1569, it was rebuilt several times,

The maintenance in 1618 was of a relatively large scale.

In 1844, the church was rebuilt and completed two years later, forming today's Church scale.

It was formed in 1846 on the current scale. The Chinese call it "Fengshun hall", which means praying for "good weather".

The old church was decorated in 1979. Church design, magnificent, left and right bell tower and Qi, one is a clock, used to tell the time; one is a bronze bell, used for church mass shaking roar. The roof of the church is covered with Chinese style golden tiles, and the interior decoration is full of Oriental color and elegant. The hall is spacious and magnificent, with huge beams and exquisite chandeliers, which is quite luxurious and grand.

In the altar, there is a statue of Saint laorenzo, wearing gorgeous robes, holding the Bible in one hand and the staff in the other. It is solemn and solemn. In the eyes of Portuguese who often sail, it is the God of peace and good faith.

In 1954, father Costa Vaz raised money again to decorate the interior of the church.

On April 30, 2002, the latest church maintenance was funded by the government.

location

Shenglaolengzuo hall is located in the core area of Macao's Historic District, above the headquarters of Macao SAR government and the former seat of Macao governor. From the church, you can see the most beautiful harbor in Macao, Nanwan. Among the churches in Macao, the name, cultural connotation and geographical location of the church are closely related to the marine culture.

St. laorenzo church is located in fengshuntang street, just opposite to Macau Ciyou middle school. It's not far from mage temple, but in the short distance, we can see the echo of Portuguese sailing patron and Chinese sea god, witness the collision and integration of Western and Chinese culture, and appreciate Macao people's tolerance of different cultures.

Adjacent to Nanwan and Xiwan, the church is a hot spot for dating. Now the coastal area is transformed into Nanwan lake, which has another elegance. Many bars and restaurants nearby are not only suitable for lovers, but also good places for friends and families. Have a meal of Indian, Italian or French food, and then enjoy the laser music fountain to embrace Macao's unique casual feelings.

Tourism information

Address

Fengshuntang Street (from guanyinju Street)

Opening Hours

Monday to Friday: 6.30 am to 6.30 pm

Saturday and Sunday: 6:30 am to 9:00 pm

Address: shenglaolengzuo hall, fengshuntang street, Macao

Longitude: 113.541762

Latitude: 22.187631

Tel. + 853-28573760

Ticket information: free.

Chinese PinYin : Sheng Lao Leng Zuo Tang