Subject: 'austraLasia' # 230

FIRST-HAND REPORTS THAT GIVE US HOPE FROM TIMOR

Julian Fox

Thanks to the Salesian Sisters, who have managed to keep an open line to

Dili, and to the efforts of the Bishop of Baucau who has been resourceful

enough to get his messages picked up by satellite communications, we now

have some better knowledge of the safety and circumstance of some Religious

in Timor:

* The Salesian Sisters in Venilale are o.k. They are not presently able to

make contact outside of their area (this message from Bishop Do Nascimento).

* The Canossian Sisters from three communities in that region (again from

the Bishop) are well and continuing their efforts on behalf of the people.

Note that there is no mention of any of those Sisters having lost their

life. It is not absolute confirmation (in the face of one report which

actually names those killed) but this source is reliable.

*Sr. Paola Battagliola (Salesian Sister) in Dili has been able to leave the

community to look for medical supplies (presumably for the refugees still in

the compund there). Sister has also been able to go to the fotthills of the

mountain area, with the help of the military, and bring supplies to people

there.

* We have no word at this point of the Salesians who went into the hills

from places like Fatumaca and Fuiloro (or perhaps they stayed put in those

places).

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