ICFP 2025 Graduation: A Milestone Event with Over 600 Attendees

On Saturday, 15 March 2025, over six hundred people gathered for the 18th ICFP Graduation ceremony.

The day started with the celebration of a beautiful Mass at the Baucau Cathedral, led by the Vicar General, Padre Everisto António da Costa who was representing the Bishop of Baucau, Dom Leandro Maria Alves, the Governor of the Institute.

The three Brothers, Gaspar, Isac and Jacinto who graduated, with Brothers Salvador, Julio, Edgar, Paul and Joel.

After the Mass, and numerous photographs in front of the Cathedral, the people moved to the Merkadu – the local entertainment centre – just across the road from the Cathedral for the official awarding of degrees.

Once everyone was settled, the national anthem, was sung with great gusto by the students, and Br Paul, the Director of the Institute, welcomed the special guests, the graduates and their families.

Padres Manuel, Everisto and Bernardo concelebrated the Mass.

The guests included the President of Timor-Leste, His Excellency Dr José Ramos Horta, the Australian Ambassador for Timor-Leste, Her Excellency Senora Caitlin Wilson, the Minister for Higher Education, Dr José Honório, the Executive Director of ANAAA, the national accreditation agency, Dr Nilton Paiva Mau, the Director General of Higher Education, Senhor Higino Alves, and several visitors from Australia; Mr and Mrs Ian and Marionne MacRichie and Mr Matt Dell from the eMerge Foundation in Sydney and Br Tony Caddy represented the Star of the Sea Provincial, Br Peter Carroll.

President José Ramos Horta with Ana Nafiliana.

Following the awarding of 130 degrees, and the presentation of prizes to the top students, the President, Dr José Ramos Horta, gave an entertaining address and spoke about the importance of education for the development of Timor-Leste. He was followed by Ambassador Wilson who outlined Australia’s on-going contribution to Education in Timor Leste.

Then, the main guest speaker, Dr Nilton Pava, spoke about what he saw as the essential qualities needed to be a good teacher and the importance of research in education. Finally, Licentiate graduate, Salustiano Ximenes da Costa, thanked the families and staff for their support during their studies.

Guest speaker Dr Nilton Paiva with Br Paul.

Salesian Sister, Madre Onesiana do Rosario Batista Soares da Costa, was named the top student in the Bachelor of Teaching course, and Emanuel Madeira was first in the Licentiate degree. The ceremony concluded with a scripture reading and the singing of; “Iha dadeer kmanek furak ida” (It’s a beautiful morning). With the formalities over, there was the cutting of the graduation cake and a lavish lunch was provided for everyone.

The Minister for Higher Education, Dr José Honório with Br Paul.

Three Marist Brothers received degrees; Br Jacinto Anecleto Fuli Falo completed the Licentiate degree while Br Gaspar Te’un and Br Isac de Jesus Quintão were awarded Bachelor of Teaching degrees.

Ambassador Caitlin Wilson with Br Peter Corr.

The Graduation ceremony is one of the major events on the ICFP calendar. It was a very successful gathering and a special day for the families of the graduates. It was also a tribute to the preparation and hard work of the staff and students who organised this memorable occasion.

Words and photos courtesy of Br Paul Gilchrist, Director ICFP, Baucau, Timor-Leste.