St. Anthony's Church

Chinese name: 聖安多尼堂
Location: Fa Vong Tong Street, to the south of Camoes Garden, at the north end of Historic Center of Macau, in the northwest of Macau Peninsular, Macau.
Opening time: 07:30-17:30.
Ticket: free
How to get there: take Bus No. 8A, 17, 18, 19 or 26.   
Mass time:
-Tuesday: 17:30 in Cantonese.
-Sunday: 07:30-08:30 in Cantonese; 10:00 in Portuguese.
-Saturday: 16:00 in Korean.
-Other days: 07:30 in Cantonese.
Nearby attractions: Camoes Garden; Ruins of St. Paul’s Church; Monte Fort.

St. Anthony’s Church, the Church of Flowers

St. Anthony's Church is one of three oldest churches of Macau (the other two are St. Lawrence's Church and Church of Saint Lazarus) and also a part of Historic Center of Macau. Often known as Fa Vong Tong (Church of Flowers), the St. Anthony’s Church was built by the Society of Jesus to commemorate St. Anthony, Patron Saint of Marriage of Catholics. Most followers have their wedding ceremonies held in the church. Because the brides customarily hold bouquets in their weddings, the St. Anthony’s Church is often called Church of Flowers. Every year on the June 13, procession of St. Anthony's image takes place in the church.

Church of St. Anthony was built in 1560 with thatch and bamboo shed and hailed as "the first home of God in Macau". It was not until 1638 that it was rebuilt in stone. In addition, the church is dedicated to St. Andrew Kim, the first saint of Korean who studied theologies in Macau. The church once experienced fires for two times. One was in 1809. Another was in 1874 when the church caught fire hit by thunder. The flame guided people to go ashore and rescued them from the typhoon. Therefore, the church celebrates annually "Day of Natural Disaster" on September 22. On that day, citizens take part in the procession of St. Anthony's image. St. Anthony’s church has traditional pediments on the top and in the center a niche enshrined the image of Saint Anthony. Church of St. Anthony has only one bell tower. Today, the church holds Mass in Chinese and Portuguese. In addition, a "Lifeline Caritas Counseling Center" has been established for psychological counseling.