A Sacred Renewal: 12 Timorese Brothers Renew Their Commitment to Marist Life in Baucau

On 22 March, 12 Timorese Brothers renewed their vows of poverty, chastity and obedience in Baucau, Timor Leste.

They are Brothers Adelino Soares, Agustinho Joel da Casta, Damiao Correia Falo, Edgar da Costa Salguiero, Feliciano Cortereal Bere, Gaspar Te’un, Isac de Jesus Quintao, Jacinto Anacleto Fuli Falo, Jefriano Timo, Melquiano Obe, Norberto da Costa, Ronaldo da Costa.

Nine of the Brothers were pictured with Fr Manuel and Br Tony at the end of Mass. From the left, Brothers Edgar, (Tony), Damiao and Joel at the rear, Isac, Adelino, (Fr Manuel), Gaspar, Feliciano at the rear, Jacinto and Ronaldo.

At a ceremony held in the Chapel of the Canossian Sisters, a gathering of about 60 people witnessed the twelve Brothers renew their vows for another year. The celebrant for the Mass was Baucau parish priest, Father Manuel Ximenes Da Silva SDB, a good friend to all the Brothers.

Father Manuel Ximenes Da Silva SDB.

Some of the Brothers were fortunate to have some of their family members present, however for others, this was not possible because of distance of travel for the event. Three Brothers played keyboard, guitar and violin while the congregation sang with the usual enthusiasm and energy.

Brothers were performing on musical instruments - Jefriano, Norberto and Melquiano.

Br Tony Caddy received the vows on behalf of the Superior General, Br Ernesto. Much of the Mass was presented in the language of Tetun, with the Vows Renewal ceremony in English with Tetun translations.

The songs for the Mass were a mix of Tetun and English, a decision of the young Brothers who renewed their vows. After the Mass, lunch was held at the Melita Guest House, where many Marist groups have stayed in recent years, and which has also catered for many Marist gatherings in Timor Leste.

Br Tony Caddy received the vows on behalf of the Superior General, Br Ernesto.

Over recent months the 12 Brothers had entered into a time of careful and thorough discernment about their lives as consecrated Religious and as Marist Brothers. Each of the Brothers chose to continue his commitment for another year.

The Brothers sent letters of request for renewal of vows, and each had been accepted by the Provincial and Council and further by the Superior General and Council. Two of the Brothers, Jacinto and Joel, are now living and teaching at the new school at Lautem.

These Brothers have now moved from Stage 1 to Stage 2 of their post novitiate formation and are now in the process of preparing for their final commitment to life as Marist Brothers.

All present at the Mass were witnesses to the renewal of vows by the Brothers and celebrated with them for their commitment to the Marist and Religious way of life.

Words and picture courtesy: Br Tony Caddy and Br Greg McDonald.