Dili, Timor Leste, 20 May 2017 -- Today the Salesian Family of Timor Leste (Republica Democratica Timor Leste, RDTL) commemorates 15 years of the Restoration of Independence in 2002. And also today in Valdocco, Turin (Italy) the Rector Major presides the celebration of 100th anniversary of the VDB Secular Institute, founded by Blessed Philip Rinaldi, third successor of Don Bosco in 1917. It was also Don Rinaldi who sent the first Salesians to this remote island exactly 90 years ago in 1927. One of the first community members of community in Dili was also future martyr in China, St. Callistus Caravario (1903-1930).
On midnight (May 19) the celebrations also included the inauguration ceremony of the fourth President of the Republic, since Restoration of Independence, Francisco Guterres “Lu-Olo”, and the Global Conference on the Agenda 2030, with the theme “A Road Map for the Sustainable Development Goals in Fragile and Conflict-affected States”. This morning in all towns and cities of Timor Leste was celebrated a commemorative flag raising with the presence of local authorities including also some Salesian Parishes priests who offered their prayers in Los Palos, Laga, Quelicai, Baucau and Dili.
The history of Timor Leste is closely related with Don Bosco Salesian Family. Especially thousands of Don Bosco Past Pupils are actively involved in the country social, ecclesial, political, economic, both material and spiritual development. Many of the civil leaders are family members of our SDB, FMA, ADMA, Salesian Cooperators and Don Bosco Alumni. Also the new President has one nephew - Salesian priest.
The tiny country can boast today a functioning democracy, with regular elections and transfers of power The economy has achieved "average economic growth rates of around 10 percent over the last eight years, a justice system, civil service and social services" according to Prime Minister Rui Maria de Araujo (Washington Times, Oct 2015).
The Salesians of Don Bosco have 11 communities with mainly education works (schools, vocation training centers, formation houses) and rural and mountain parishes in the difficult districts of the country, stretching up to the most Eastern tip of East Timor - Los Palos. Almost 150 SDB with 15 novices (Fatumaca) and 26 pre-novices (Los Palos) are journeying with the young people of this young country.
With the 90% of Catholics among the 1.2 Million population East Timor is the most Catholic country of Asia. There are 3 catholic diocese. Bishop of Dili, Virglio do Carmo da Silva,SDB - former Superior of ITM Viceprovince is keeping also his youth-oriented pastoral slant. Few days ago in the Leadership course for 700 youth gathered from 30 parishes he encouraged young people to follow her example: "Mary did not keep her faith to herself but shared it with others....you must follow Mary's example of loving God through daily actions".
At the moment there is only one VDB member in Timor Leste, but she is well supported by her Ecclesiastical Assistant and active with promoting this Secular Salesian Consecrated vocation among the young women.
