On Sunday morning, 5^th March 2023, staff, fellows and students of Moon Chun Memorial College, University of Macau organised a trip to a quaint part of Coloane – Village of Our Lady. The Chapel of Our Lady of Sorrows is located in Ka Ho Village, which lies on the southernmost tip of the island, and where residents continue to enjoy the solitude of its simple, yet historical local culture. Although the idyllic historical architecture is beautifully restored, it was once a leprosarium for patients suffering from leprosy.

Initially in the late 1880s, the former Portuguese government constructed one or two housing facilities. However, by the 1930s, the facility was rebuilt which included five new residential houses, and the Chapel of Our Lady of Sorrows was completed in 1966. It served mainly as a safe haven for the settlers at Ka Ho village. They became a small catholic minority, some learned to read and write, and eventually becoming followers themselves. The site served as a village for leprosy patients from 1930 to the late 1990s.

Land of Hope – Exhibition on Leprosariums in Macao

Before and after restoration of the leprosariums

Visiting the confession room at the Chapel of Our Lady of Sorrows

Demonstrating washing clothes at the old laundry area

Walking along the trail, overlooking the runway of the airport

Photographing the plane landing at the airport

Taking a group photo in front of the Chapel of Our Lady of Sorrows