Centro de Cultura e Artes Performativas Cardeal Newman de Macau (CCCN)
CCCN Macau used to be the mansion of an overseas Chinese businessman which was built in 1926, and became the property of the Catholic Diocese of Macau. In the early 1940s, with the expansion of the adjacent school Yuet Wah College, the Macau Diocese loaned the mansion for classrooms and staff rooms. In memory of an outstanding student, Fr. Mario Acquistapace, S.D.B., the principal of Yuet Wah College, decided to name the mansion “Kam Yuen Building”, reminding a student Mak Kam Yuen of his hardwork, humility, as well as his strong and pious faith. Eventually, it was returned to the Macau Diocese.
In 2020, to continue the spirit of moral education, His Excellency Bishop Stephen Lee Bun Sang of Macau Diocese decided to assign the historic building as the location of Associação Diocesana das Artes Performativas e Culturais de Macau (ADAPEC). Then, ADAPEC renamed the mansion to“Centro de Cultura e Artes Performativas Cardeal Newman de Macau”. To practice the concept of “COR AD COR LOQUITUR” (Heart Speaks to Heart) - St. John Henry Newman’s spirit of searching for truth and obeying the freedom of conscience. Through various arts and cultural activities, to develop a space for enhancing more interaction and cultural exchange within the community; and through an environment of creation, to provide a place for people to share and to enjoy, creating an atmosphere of mutual respect, warmth and love.
Mak Kam Yuen, John
(19 July 1925 - 25 March 1944)
Mak Kam Yuen was born in GuangZhou, China. In 1939, he enrolled into Colégio Dom Bosco and is highly impressed by spiritual life of his fellow classmates, who were devout Catholics. Even though Mak was not baptized, he still participated in Eucharistic adorations, received Holy Communion spiritually, doing the prayers, and so did worship God. Every week he would confess his sins to Father Mario Acquistapace, S.D.B., who was the principal of Dom Bosco, in the principal office. Mak was baptized by Fr. Charles Braga, S.D.B. in the year following, and named as “John”. He was able to receive Holy communion from then on, and Jesus would always be with him.
Mak was transferred to Yuet Wah College in 1942. With the gifted talent and vigorous skills, Mak involved in various sports. He won his trophies by cheating in the very beginning. Later, he learnt about modesty and humility throughout his religious life. Mak even volunteered to assist in the operation of the Oratory, and taking care of other Lower Forms fellows. Apart from living his Apostolistic life, John understood the importance of knowledge and was diligent.
In 1944, John suffered from Pneumonia, which brought him high fever and unclear mind. However, due to the severity of the sickness and pain, it could not lead him to say a single word against immorality. On the contrary, he prayed sincerely. Unfortunately, Mak passed away on the Feast Day of The Annunciation of the Lord, at the age of 19. His assiduous, modest, and devotion moved Fr. Mario Acquistapace, S.D.B. and decided to commemorate Mak by naming the mansion as “Kam Yuen Building”.
Reference
1. Written and edited by Fr. Mario Acquistapace.“A flower in China: Biography of John Mak Kam Yuen”. Published by Editora Salesiana de Macau.
2. Edited by Fr. Mario Acquistapace.“25 Pieces from the Diaries of John Mak Kam Yuen”. Unknown publisher.
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Centro de Cultura e Artes Performativas Cardeal Newman de Macau (CCCN)
is a historical Chinese-style mansion located at Calçada da Vitória.
This two-storey mansion is constructed in a classical yet eclectic architectural style. The main building adopts a cloister design with shading and ventilation. The interior layout is condensed and clear with simple decorated facade columns and arch lines, which are geometrically distributed.
A Baroque pediment is curved in front with the matching curved lines throughout the entire building; and the ground is covered with colourful cement tiles. The structures of the arch-shaped rooms are built in Victorian style, whereas the interior is influenced by Lingnan architectural style – using exquisite and delicate Manchurian windows. “Double Phoenix Facing the Sun” at the staircase is unique to its cultural style. With the wooden handrails, and traditional hanging fascia, the oriental cravings on the ceiling in Western tints reflects the collision of the contemporary Chinese and the Western culture.
The kapok tree at the courtyard is a widespread symbol of Calçada da Vitória. Kapok Tree, which means “a gentleman” in Chinese culture, coincides with CCCN’s commitment to the nurturing of ladies and gentlemen.
Chronology of Changes
“Fear not that thy life shall come to an end,
but rather fear that it shall never have a beginning.”
— Saint John Henry Newman
Saint John Henry Newman
(1801.02.21 – 1890.08.11)
Saint John Henry Newman was one of the most controversial theologians, thinkers, liturgists and writers in the English-speaking countries of the Nineteenth Century. Newman was courageous to pursue truth and practice boldly throughout his life, and he dared to criticize the secular society at that time and the phenomenon of honesty under authority. His ideology can be embodied in the development of Christianity, layman’s role in the religious life, rationality and faith, education and religion, etc., which have far-reached inspiration and guidance for future generations.
Newman was born in London, England. He was fond of classical literature and philosophy since he was a child. He was admitted into Oxford University at the age of sixteen. He was later appointed by the Anglican Church as a deacon and taught at Oxford University. Newman was the first person to research in Patristics. By digging deep into Patristics in the early ages, he had a thorough understanding in the significant existence and core value of the church, and thus began his self-criticism and examination. Owing to his persistent towards truth and historical research, Newman increasingly believes that Christianity Branches should be emerged into the Roman Catholics Church.
In 1845, Newman was baptized conditionally and converted to Catholicism. This shocked the entire European continent. Although he has been constantly criticized and suspected, he aimed to follow the self-thought and surrender to truth during the process. Reputation, social status and prestige could never be the reason to escape from the pursuit of truth. The core value of Christianity is the man’s response to his conscience – provided that man follows his conscience, he will find God. God is the origin of absolute truth; conscience is the commandments nailed in the hearts by Him. He was very clear by his pursuit and practice of truth which was to follow the Light in his heart.
When Newman was 78, he was consecrated as Cardinal by Pope Leo PP. XII, and used “COR AD COR LOQUITUR” as his motto, meaning “his heart seeks the heart of God” and how he encounters God, obeys God and executes the apostolistic calling. He was passionate in his pastoral calling. Newman aimed to serve Birmingham residents, especially the sick, prisoners and poor, and was highly respected.
Newman was very enthusiastic about education throughout his life, and set up a primary and secondary school. He was instrumental in the founding of the Catholic University of Ireland (CUI in time evolved into University College Dublin). Newman’s teaching of philosophy was to guide students to understand the model of how a society operates, so as to be well-prepared for their career path in the near future. He emphasized on the comprehensive education instead of specialization in a certain subject, of which moral education was inclusive. Religion should be the fundamental of the university, it would become secular otherwise with the absence of faith. Newman’s “The Idea of a University” has been listed as classics to the Liberal Arts Education.
