St. laorenzo church, known as Fengshun church, is one of the three oldestchurches in Macao. It is located in fengshuntang street, just opposite to MacauCiyou middle school. The actual construction year is unpredictable, butaccording to historical records, it is estimated that the church was a woodenchapel founded by Jesuits around 1569. According to the inscriptions on one ofthe stone inscriptions in the church, it was first rebuilt in 1618. As for thescale of the church, it was rebuilt in 1844.
When St. laorenzo church was built in the early years, because it was closeto the wharf, there was a flag pole in the church, which was an importantindicator for Portuguese to decide whether to go to sea or not. "A brief accountof Macao" states: "in the southwest, there is Fengxin temple. Since the Tibetanships came out, the family members came back every day and prayed for Fengxinhere." Therefore, this church is also commonly known as "fengxintang". Later,because of the homonym of "Xin" and "Shun" in Cantonese, perhaps to pray forgood weather, "Feng Xin" became "Feng Shun", and "Feng Shun Tang Street" and"Feng Shun Tang district" got their names. Different from the rose church andSt. Joseph's Chapel, St. laorenzo's building is towering and imposing. TheEuropean classical style has a baroque flavor. Because the whole building is notlocated in the square (front ground), or out of the position of a certainsection of scenery, in order to highlight the existence of the whole church andserve as the center of a residential area, a high platform with nearly one flooris added below the church to make it more upright and conspicuous. And theprocess of the faithful men and women climbing up the ladder has become a kindof ceremony before they enter the church to worship. Another difference from thefirst two churches is that St. laorenzo church covers a large area, so there isa large courtyard around the church. The courtyard is full of vibrant plants,and it is separated from the residential buildings nearby in space and vision.Therefore, the entrance to the church basically focuses on the building itself,the surrounding plants and the blue sky There is no earthly noise, quiet andpleasant.
Many years ago, Fengshun hall was called Fengxin hall among Chinese people,which means Shunfeng Shunshui. Most of the Portuguese who lived in Australiamade a living by going to sea for business. Their families prayed for the safereturn of their relatives more than this church, hoping for the protection ofthe gods. The hyacinth flagpole set up in the church provided an important indexfor the Portuguese sailing boats which were mainly driven by wind at that time."Fengshun" is the Cantonese homonym of "Fengxin", which makes the church moreChinese.
The Fengshun hall was established as early as 1569, during which it wasrebuilt several times, including one in 1618. The old church was decorated in1979, which added to its splendor. Church design, magnificent, left and rightbell tower and Qi, one is a clock, used to tell the time; one is a bronze bell,used for church mass shaking roar. The roof of the church is covered withChinese style golden tiles, and the interior decoration is full of Orientalcolor and elegant. The hall is spacious and magnificent, with huge beams andexquisite chandeliers, which is quite luxurious and grand.
In the altar, there is a statue of Saint laorenzo, wearing gorgeous robes,holding the Bible in one hand and the staff in the other. It is solemn andsolemn. In the eyes of Portuguese who often sail, it is the God of peace andgood faith.
The church is not far away from the temple of ma'ge. However, in the shortdistance, we can see the echo of Portuguese maritime patron and Chinese sea god,witness the collision and integration of Western and Chinese culture, andappreciate the tolerance of Macao people to different cultures.