USJ’s Faculty of Religious Studies and Philosophy Celebrates Faculty Day with Prayer Ceremony for the establishment of the Catholic Institute of Theology in Macao (CITM)
USJ's Faculty of Religious Studies and Philosophy Celebrates Faculty Day with Prayer Ceremony for the establishment of the Catholic Institute of Theology in Macao (CITM)
14
Oct
14/10/2025
The USJ Faculty of Religious Studies and Philosophy (FRSP) hosted its Faculty Day at the St. Joseph Seminary Chapel and included a prayer ceremony for the establishment of the new Catholic Institute of Theology in Macao (CITM) on 8 October 2025.
On Wednesday afternoon, 8th October, the Faculty of Religious Studies and Philosophy (FRSP) at the University of Saint Joseph (USJ) hosted its Faculty Day at the St. Joseph Seminary Chapel. This event included a prayer ceremony for the establishment of the new Catholic Institute of Theology in Macao (CITM), presided over by the Most Rev’d Bishop Stephen Lee Bun-Sang.
During his homily, Bishop Lee reflected on the Gospel, stating that whether as a faculty, professor, or student, all are blessed because they can manifest God’s great love through the knowledge of truth. His words resonated deeply with the attendees, reinforcing the Faculty’s mission.
Following this, under the leadership of Fr. Cyril Law, Dean of FRSP and Director of CITM,led the faculty professors in a solemn profession of faith and the oath of fidelity, pledging to serve in their roles as educators in communion with the Church.
After the ceremony, Bishop Lee, alongside faculty and students, blessed the new faculty premises, marking a new chapter for the FRSP. The day concluded with a garden tea gathering, fostering communication and camaraderie among teachers and students.
The Faculty of Religious Studies and Philosophy offers two bachelor’s degree programmes, alongside the Catholic Institute’s canonical first cycle Bachelor of Sacred Theology, recognised by the Holy See. Additionally, it provides two master’s programmes and currently serves a diverse student body of 95 individuals, including doctoral candidates, exchange students, and lifelong learners. The faculty is supported by 22 full-time faculty members, comprising diocesan priests, seminarians, and laypeople from various religious orders and backgrounds, representing countries such as Mainland China, Macao, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Portugal, Italy, the Philippines, Argentina, Austria, France, Spain, the Dominican Republic, Myanmar, Timor-Leste, Malaysia, Vietnam, Korea, India, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Ecuador.
In collaboration with the HKSKH Ming Hua Theological College, USJ has also established a cooperation agreement that brings four visiting professors to the faculty. Through the USJ Executive Training and Lifelong Learning office, both FRSP and CITM offer a range of evening courses for the general public, promoting inclusive access to theological education.
