By Ms. Juvita Rodrigues Barreto de Ataíde Gonçalves

 

Timor-Leste, 4 September 2020 -- On the morning of 28 August 2020, Pope Francis received the credentials of the new RDTL (East Timor) Ambassador to the Holy See. We are happy to share an interview with Ms Juvita Rodrigues with the austraLasia readership. She brings her strong experience of the Salesian Family to Rome as a member of ADMA back home for the past 26 years.

 

What are your feelings as the fresh, new ambassador of your young and majority Catholic country to the Holy See?

I am proud and honored by the trust to be able represent my Government and my country of East Timor (RDTL) together at the Holy See. It is known that the people of Timor Leste hold a strong belief in the Roman Catholic Church. During our struggle for independence, the Holy See has shown its great contribution and enormous support in finding our way to self-determination. As it is recorded, back in 1989, His Holiness St. John Paul II, made a visit to East Timor that marked a new history in our long struggles in fighting for our freedom and independence. That papal visit was considered as one of the moments and opportunities to introduce to the international community the story of the people of East Timor in fighting colonialism. Furthermore, I feel privileged to represent East Timor with the Holy See and hope that the great relationship between the people of East Timor and the Holy See will become stronger. I pray that the blessing of Our Lord Jesus Christ will always be alive in our hearts.

As mother of five children and committed member of the Salesian Family, an ADMA member, what brings the Salesian spirit to your family life, to your Catholic faith and to the work within society in RDTL?

I grew up in a devout Catholic family, and as a member of ADMA (Association of Mary Help of Christians). Hence the Salesian Family has contributed and formed my personality. When I was young, I participated in many Salesian activities, like the Youth organizations. Through that program I have had the opportunity to meet new people and learn new social skills. My personal experience with ADMA was a great experience: beside strengthening my faith and devotion to Mother Mary, I personally experienced many concrete blessings from Mother Mary for me and in my family. I will continue to bring the spirit of ADMA and the Salesian Family to my own family and will continue to introduce the Salesian spirit to other families as well.

God willing, in 2021 the Timor Leste ADMA members will be welcoming the 2nd ADMA Congress of East Asia-Oceania. Would you like to address them?

“To all of you, ADMA members living in many countries of East Asia – Oceania, and especially the ADMA of Timor Leste: to all of you keep praying and keep disseminating devotion to Our Lady Mary Help of Christians, and what you know about miracles because miracles are real.

I joined ADMA (Association of Mary help of Christians) in 1994, when I was still young., I have had many experiences and seen many miracles in my life. Today when I become a new ambassador to the Holy See, this is another bigger reality, another miracle in my life. Indeed, I never thought to be an ambassador, but with God nothing is impossible!

And I believe that with Mary you will see what the miracles are! So for all you, don’t forget pray to Mary and entrust everything in your life to Mary!”

Obrigada! Thank you very much!

Ms Juvita Rodrigues Barreto de Ataíde Gonçalves

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