By J. Mota, SDB

       Comoro, Dili, Timor-Leste 6 April 2022 -- As time moves on our great Salesian missionaries do to, one by one, as if waving and disappearing in the sight of everyone. After two years since the great late Fr. João de Deus Pires, SDB passed away, the Salesians of Don Bosco in TLS Vice-Province have once more felt the loss of another great Salesian missionary in the person of Dc. Baltasar Pires, SDB. He passed away peacefully on 4 April 2022 at the Guido Valadares National Hospital. Even though he is not as famous as the former, yet the only permanent Salesian deacon in the country gained so much affection from the young people especially those who lived in Colégio Fatumaca. 

       Deacon Baltasar Pires, SDB was born in Genísio, Portugal, on 24 February 1941. As a deacon since 1970, he dedicated his entire life as a Salesian missionary in Timor-Leste. He is known as a good educator, an active assistant, a helpful counselor, a fatherly figure, a competent teacher and a friend to all.

       After hearing the news of the passing away of our beloved Dc. Baltasar Pires, SDB, the members of the Salesian Family in Dili, namely SDBs, FMAs, ADMAs, ASCs and Past Pupils immediately came together and made arrangements for the next two days. From the hospital, many people accompanied the hearse translating the corpse to reside in the chapel at DB TVET Centre. Members of the Salesian Family have gathered, lighting candles while waiting. After the arrival, TLS Provincial, Fr. Apolinário Neto, SDB welcomed the late Dc. Baltasar Pires with a short prayer and after a brief pause, he then presided over the Eucharist.

       On the next day (April 5) the schedule was made in order to facilitate groups of people to visit and pray. From the morning, each group (mostly the students and the past pupils of Don Bosco and religious sisters) was accompanied by some priests coming to pray and celebrate the Eucharist until the evening. In the morning, the Salesian Archbishop, Most Rev. Virgílio do Carmo da Silva, SDB came to pay a visit and gave the blessing. Then in the afternoon, some National Parliament members were coming to pray together with other people. From midnight till the morning, there were assigned Post-novices brothers accompanying the late deacon while he was residing at the chapel. Some priests came over to celebrate the Eucharist and pray the Rosary.

       According to the schedule, on 6 April at 6:30 AM, Fr. Apolinário Neto, SDB, TLS Provincial will preside over the Eucharist for the last stay in Dili. After the Eucharistic celebration, the Salesian Family in Dili will bring the late deacon Baltasar Pires, SDB to Fatumaca in which after spending an overnight, his funeral will take place afterwards.

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