Provincial Council’s Timor-Leste Visit: Celebrating Community and New Developments

The SoTS Provincial Council - Br Peter Carroll, Br Darren Burge, Br Greg McDonald, and Br Kevin Wanden - accompanied by General Councillors from Rome, Br Ben Consigli and Br Josep Maria Soteras, are in Timor-Leste for a Council meeting.

Br Graham Neist, Br Peter Horide and Br John Hazelman could not travel to Timor due to other commitments and are joining the meetings online from Australia, Aotearoa-New Zealand and the Philippines, respectively.

Upon their arrival in Baucau, the Council was greeted with a heartfelt cultural welcome, featuring vibrant traditional dances performed by young men and women. The evening concluded with a warm reception dinner hosted by the Baucau Community, setting the tone for a meaningful week ahead.

A Day of Progress and Vision

On their first full day, the Provincial Council had the privilege of visiting two significant Marist projects nearing completion.

The Marist Formation Centre at Triloka: This center is poised to house the Scholasticate and Postulancy programs, providing a vital space for the formation and development of future Marist Brothers.

Colégio Marista Lautem: The Council toured the school alongside its first Principal,
Br Paul Kane, and staff member, Br Jacinto Fuli-Falo. Witnessing the extensive progress on the school's infrastructure highlighted the dedication and vision driving the Marist mission in Timor-Leste.

Community and Encouragement

The visit wasn’t just about infrastructure - it was also a time to connect with the vibrant Marist community. The three Marist Formation houses - Scholasticate, Postulancy, and Aspirancy - were excited to welcome the Provincial Council to experience community prayer and local Timorese cuisine.

SoTS Provincial Br Peter Carroll took the opportunity to encourage and inspire the Timorese Brothers and candidates in formation, affirming their vital role in the future of the Marist mission.

Visit to ICFP

The team also visited the Instituto Católico Para Formação de Professores (ICFP) on November 19, where they were warmly welcomed with traditional dances and refreshments.

The Brothers toured the ICFP facilities and met with staff and students, gaining insights into the institute's history and operations. Br Paul Gilchrist provided an informative presentation on the Institute's background and led a guided tour of the facilities. Additionally, they held meetings with local religious leaders, including Bishop Leandro Maria Alves.