By Fr. Joao da Costa Boavida

Baucau, Timor-Leste, 11 November 2020 -- On 1 November 2020, when the whole Church was celebrating the solemnity of all saints day, the Salesian Mission in Fatumaca solemnized this occasion with the blessing of a new church building in Ossoqueli Mission Station. Ossoqueli Mission station is part of a diocesan parish which is currently being served by the Salesians who are working in Fatumaca Community. It consists of two villages, namely Lolilubo and Uatulari, with around 3000-4000 lay faithful.

The whole celebration began with the reception of the Bishop of Baucau, Very Rev Basilio do Nascimento, and Archbishop Marco Spirzzi, the representative of the Holy See in Timor-Leste, together with Fr. Apolinario Maria Ornai Neto, SDB, the provincial of the Salesians of Don Bosco in TLS province. Then, the ceremony proceeded with the rite of blessing of the Church building, consecration of the altar and blessing of liturgical vessels and vestments, etc. After the rite of blessing, the celebration continued with the Solemn Mass in honor of All Saints at which the bishop with several concelebrating priests including the rector of Fatumaca Community Fr. David Savio, SDB.

The Ossoqueli Mission station church is dedicated to St. Sebastian. There was an old church constructed during Portuguese times. But due to its old age, the building was already dilapidated. Hence, it was decided to demolish it in order to build a new one. The construction of the church building was part of the pastoral project of the Salesian Community of Fatumaca carried out by Fr. Locatelli, a legendary Italian missionary in Fatumaca. The funding for construction of the church came from Papal Foundation with donations coming from some lay faithful of the local community.

The celebration terminated with a sumptuous lunch prepared by the local community. Aside from that, the celebration was also attended by the minister of health of Timor-Leste and others who are currently serving in the government.

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