35 ADMA groups in Timor Leste

By Fr. Manuel da Silva Ximenes, SDB
Timor Leste ADMA National Spiritual Animator

Fatumaca, Timor Leste, 17 May 2019 -- The Association of Devotees of Mary Help of Christian (ADMA) Timor Leste, came together on 11 May 2019 at the Sanctuary of Mary Help of Christians Fatumaca to celebrate the Admission of 218 new members of ADMA in 2019 from the 35 groups aggregated in Timor Leste. Total ADMA in this period of its150th anniversary are 1070 members. This is the first time in the history of ADMA Timor Leste that there have been such large numbers. The participants come from the different centres: Venilale, Baucau, Comoro/Dili, Balide/ Dili, Laga, Quelicai, Fuiloro, Maliana, Lospalos and Fatumaca as a host for this event.

The total participants for this event were 800 from the different houses mentioned above. There are also the National president Ms. Maria de Fatima Imaculada Correira da Costa Belo with whole National committee, including also the National Spiritual animator Fr. Manuel da Silva Ximenes, SDB, Fr. Inocencio Diamantino (local animator Lospalos), Fr. José de Sá (Venilale), Fr. Silvano de Oliveira (Dili Post-Noviciate). There are also FMA sisters present as ADMA animators: Sr Alice (Laga), Sr Ermelinda Gomes (Fuiloro), Sr Carolina, (Venilale), Sr. Sanzinha (Baucau), Sr Maria Virginia (Comoro/Dili), Sr Albina ( Maliana) and Sr Armenia (Balide/Dili).

Around 8-9 AM all the members of ADMA arrived in Fatumaca, and ADMA Fatumaca provided breakfast for those coming a long distance. At the same time the National secretary of ADMA, Mr. Joao Brito, gave orientations to the new members on how to respond the questions that would be asked by the Celebrant.

The program was formally starting with an opening prayer led by Fr. José de Sá, SDB, Rector of Maria de Fatima Imaculada Correia da Costa Belo. The National President of ADMA welcomed the members and gave a short introduction on the importance of the ADMA’s vocation by saying that Mary called us in our local language “MARIA mak BOLU ITA”. The vocation of ADMA continues to spread the two important pillars which are continue to show our love for and venerate Jesusin his real presence in the Eucharist, and by devotion to Mary Help of Christians.

At 09:45-10:45, Fr. Manuel da Silva Ximenes gave a conference on the history of ADMA for the 218 new members and the old members included, starting with the Logo for the 150th year anniversary of the foundation “Hic domus mea, inde Gloria mea”.

The history of ADMA encourages all members to be faithful to their vocation and also to be proud of their belonging, because ADMA is a part of the Salesian family. Fr. Manuel also presnted the report of ADMA World President Mr. Renato Valero and World Animator Fr. Pierlugi Cameroni: 'In this first period of its 150th anniversary, ADMA reach about 100,000 members in 50 countries organized in 800 groups. Fr. Manuel added that these 800 groups already included 35 groups from Timor Leste, therefore love your vocation as an ADMA not for just the quantity but to become a good quality members.

At the end, a short Video Message of Rector Major to the 150th annivesary of ADMA foundation was shown. ADMA Timor Leste is very grateful for the Rector Major’s greetings and his wonderful message. After that, the Secretary General, Mr Joao Brito, announced the activities for the celebrations of the 15th anniversary in Timor Leste which will end on December 13-15, 2019 in the Cathedral at Baucau. The following activities will take place both local and National level: Choirs (15-20 persons), Poetry (Holiness is also for you!) and Competition (Quiz) regarding the history of Mary Help of Christians and Saint Callisto Caravario. Those who will attain the first place at the local level will compete at the National level on December 13 2019.

To conclude this encounter there was Holy Mass presided over by Fr. Apolinario Maria Ornai Neto (TLS provincial) and with conconcelebrants, Fr. Manuel Ximenes, Fr. Anacleto Pires (Novice Master –Fatumaca), Fr. Inocencio Diamantino (Lospalos) and Fr. José de Sá (Venilale), Fr. Silvano de Oliveira (Comoro/Dili). After that we had lunch together in the Fatumaca students refectory. We thank the good Lord through the intercession of Mary Help of Christians and Saint John Bosco who always accompany each one of the members who return home safely.

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