Subject: 'austraLasia' #255

TIMOR UPDATE

(from resources of ANS and Fr. Reinoso (Phil).

Last night Bro. Ephrem Santos, presently in Dili, spoke with Fr. Reinoso who

was kindly in touch with 'austraLasia'. His news is as follows:

- Fr. Antonio Rodriguez T., Regional for Africa, is making the Canonical

Visitation to the Vice-Province;

- Fr. Andy Wong is already in Dili.

- Fr. Edmond Barreta is arriving today in Dili from Kupang (West Timor,

Indonesian territory)with sick refugees belonging to his Parish, located in

Dili. He has been with the refugees since they abandoned Dili and went to

Kupang, escaping from the militias.

- 60% of the people of the parish has returned. Many are still dispersed.

- One novice seems to have chosen to stay with his family, leaving therefore

the Novitiate.

- All the Salesians are well. Their basic necessities are taken care of.

- All the SDB schools are functioning within the constrains of the

situation, except the one in Dili (destroyed).

This is supported and further elaborated by way of ANS who have received and

made calls of their own. ANS has the following to say:

Fr. Carbonell writes: "A sincere thanks via ANS to all those who have

expressed solidarity with the Salesians and Sisters in East Timor duuring

the critical days following the Referendum for Self-determination....with

the violent reaction of pro-Indonesian Militias who could not accept the

crushing victory of those choosing independence.

Although communication with the Salesians in Dili and those amongst the

refugees in Kupang is still difficult, nevertheless the situation in the

territory is calmer, with the presence of INTERFET forces. These are

keeping in check the intentions of those Militias desirous of reprisals,

especially in rural areas bordering West Timor.

The situation of our communities and those of the FMA are, up to today,as

follows: no victims amongst our confreres or the Sisters; one must note the

heroic presence of the Dili community which stayed put during all the time

of violence and the almost complete destruction of the city of Dili.

Those communities most hard-hit are those of Dili-Comoro (SDB)and to some

extent the nearby FMA work, along with the FMA House at Fuiloro. In both

places there has been sever damage to buildings: dormitories, refectories,

kitchens, laboratories; to machinery, furniture and installations. What

remains are only rusted iron and twisted walls. Getting all this nto action

again (materials, labour, tools) is estimated to cost around USD 1 million

for Dili-Comoro and 500,000 for Fuiloro (FMA)

Meanwhile attention and help has turned to the refugees who wer forced to

leave Dili for Kupang accompanied by 6 Salesians from the Dili community.

They have stayed there a month, and now preparations are underway for their

return. Two have already returned to Dili, helped by the community at

Fatumaka. The others, including Fr. Wong (but a phone call indicates he has

already returned to Dili) are still in Kupang close to the refugees. When

these refugess return some thought will have to be given to their homes,

almost all completely destroyed by the militias.

In the other communities, except for those days when the confreres and

sisters took refuge in the mountains and forests, life has returned somewhat

to normal especially in the houses of formation at Fatumaka (novitiate,

aspirantate and college) and Venilale (minor seminary). The other shcools,

with the few teachers that have remained, are refinding their normal rhythm.

They now need to adapt to new curriula different from those in force under

the Indonesians."

TIME NOW FOR PRACTICAL SOLIDARITY

Some efforts are already underway:

'Salesian Missions' (Australia)has been active for some time. Bro.Michael

Lynch has launched a strong East Timor campaign a poster, advertising in the

Catholic weekly paper The Catholic Leader (Brisbane). It is encouraging the

support of the people. He has made known the details of the Salesian work

in Timor as also the most immediate needs. There has been a significant

response from the general population.

VIS has sent out two communications and promoted a campaign: "Let us give

hope to East Timor".

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