How is growing the Catholic faith in Timor Leste

By Fr. Joao Boavida
Youth Ministry Delegate

Baucau, Timor Leste, 6 June 2018 -- The Catholic Church history of Timor Leste is well documented in the recent publication of our confrere, Bishop emeritus of Dili, Mons. Carlos Ximenes Belo SDB. Few years ago the three dioceses of East Timor (Dili - Baucau - Maliana) celebrated the 500th anniversary of evangelization since the Portuguese times (1515-2015).

Although during the Portuguese colonial times were present some missionaries under the Portugal government - Church system of the 'Patronage' (Padroado), before 1975 the Catholic community in our country was just only about 20%. Only during very hard times of Indonesian invasion (1975-1999) thanks to the suffering, hard work of few local diocesan priests and many missionaries both religious and priests the Catholic population reached almost 95%.

There are many ways how to explain the incredible growth of the Catholic community, but surely the hidden, humble but decive presence and consistent action of many hundreds of lay Catechists, Volunteers (Zeladores) in the mission stations, leaders of different Associations and parish groups the faith was growing day by day. Not only the physical structure of hundreds of chapels, preparation for baptism, first communion, confirmation and marriage would be almost impossible without our catechists of Baucau, Laga, Quelicai, Los Palos - Fuiloro and Venilale parishes.

The incoming General Chapter 28 is inviting us to walk more motivated 'together with lay people in the mission and in formation'. We are encouraged to appreciate more their contribution to the Salesian mission of education and evangelization, in spite of great difficulties. Their faith, zeal, consistent effort in God's vineyard is a great encouragement also for us consecrated people to be more faithful to our vocation and mission. Before the GC28 we try to listen to them and to share their stories.

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