Subject: 'austraLasia # 220
BISHOP BELO'S 'GOODNIGHT'
Note - for non-Salesians reading this, the 'Goodnight' is a traditional,
familiar little gesture by the father-figure of the community before each
retires in the evening. It comes from Don Bosco's own practice amongst his
boys.
Julian
Translated from ANS despatch No.6. Bishop Belo gave this 'Goodnight' to
Salesians and Sisters gathered to welcome him at the Casa Generalizia in
Rome, and after an evening of prayer and Salesian conviviality.
ROME: 14th Sept -- "This is the second time I have had to escape from my
country because of war. I won't tell you things you already know. I only
want to tell you the reasons for the voilent attack on the Church and its
structures.
1. The Indonesians were never happy with the result of the Referendum
because for them the development of East Timor lies in Integration. For the
Military it was something they couldn't abide; above all because 23,000
soldiers have lost their lives in East Timor over these years. The Catholic
Church, according to them, is the main reason for what has happened because
it has given the people spirit, hope and courage. And besides, they never
accepted the Nobel Peace Prize idea. Now is their moment of revenge.
2. The group for Autonomy had tried to convince the Bishops that the best
way forward was by autonomy.
3. The Bishops wrote a pastoral letter inviting the people to vote according
to their conscience, without fear of threats, and choosing according to each
one's point of view.
Because of all this the Military in general, and with the approval of
Defense Minister and Army General Wiranto thought up and carried out the
destruction of the Catholic Church.
When the result of the referendum was announced,they planned an attack on
the Bishop. They killed 25 people while I was talking with these people on
the Sunday afternoon. On the Sunday night they came together to plan an
attack on the Bishop at 10.00 the following morning. I was advised both of
the meeting and the plan. I sought some protection and defense, but when
they arrived at 10.30 in the morning they carried out the disaster. I was
inside with 5 or 6 young people who did not want me to go out. I went
outside and gathered with some 4,000 refugees who had come around the area
of my house and were in front of the statue of the Madonna, praying. The
police chief made it clear he wanted to speak with the Bishop. I went out
and he asked me where I would like to go to rest. I told him I preferred to
go and see Bishop Basilio in order to consult with him.
We know that when we defend freedom and dignity we run the risk of these
sorts of consequences. The Pope (who has received me with kindness and spent
2 hours with me)understands our problem and the Secretary of State will do
everything in his power to see that an international force is sent in to
save the rfefugees and help those deported to West Timor. I am living this
moment in faith and serenity and I think to the future, to the rebuilding,
so we can continue to serve the people.
My thanks to the Rector Major, to all the Congregation, and to the FMA"
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