The Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC) has authorized the Macau General Union of Neighborhood Associations, commonly referred to as “Kai Fong,” to oversee the removal and temporary storing of the statues representing revered gods at the prominent altar located on the corner of the old Hotel Estoril building.
The removal of a large number of statues, most of them depicting the goddess Guanyin (Kun Iam), the Chinese representation of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Mercy, and one of the most important and venerated deities by locals, was undertaken by several staff members who proceeded with an inventory of the images at the location before they were stored.
A notice was also displayed at the site outlining the reasons for the statutes’ removal.
“To facilitate the construction works of the New Central Library and to provide support for the adjacent pagoda tree (Ficus microcarpa), it is necessary to temporarily remove the statues of deities located under the tree to guarantee their safety throughout the construction period,” the notice reads.
It further explained, “The Macau General Union of Neighborhood Associations has been entrusted by the IC to coordinate the removal and temporary storage of these statues. Religious rites regarding the removal of the statues will be carried out from 10:00 to 12:00 on Nov. 25 (Saturday).”
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