Introduction:
The Procession of the Dead Lord (also known as the “Procession of the Lord’s Burial”) is a religious ceremony that is held annually by the Catholic Diocese of Macau on the Friday preceding Easter (Good Friday) to honor the crucifixion and death of Jesus. Before the procession, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Macau makes use of a thurible to disperse smoke in honor of the Lord, in a ritual performed in front of the main-altar of the Cathedral. Led by a procession flag and a cross and accompanied by the Bishop, members of the Society of Jesus then carry the statue of the dead Lord, followed by other members carrying the statue of Saint Mary, to proceed from Travessa do Roquete, Rua de S. Domingos to Travessa Do Bispo before going back to the Cathedral. After the procession, the Bishop again uses the thurible to disperse smoke in front of the statue of the dead Lord.
Conservation Status:
The Procession of the Dead Lord is an important religious event for local Catholic churches. On Good Friday every year, a large number of Catholic devotees, local or foreign, gather to honor the crucifixion and death of Jesus. This practice continues to this day, with a long-standing tradition, in the context of an event with great religious and cultural significance.
Heritage Value:
The Procession of the Dead Lord is a religious ceremony that endured the passage of time and integrated local characteristics of Macao, being attended by a large number of devotees every year. This tradition has been preserved by the local Catholic churches and the community. The way in which this event is practiced and its cultural dimension have great significance of the local religious culture.