By J.Mota, SDB
Dili, Timor-Leste, 17 May 2022 -- May is a month full of blessings for Fr. Eligio Locatelli, SDB, an Italian missionary who has been living and serving the people of Timor-Leste for more than 50 years. He has already been awarded the “Ordem de Timor-Leste '' by the State of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, an award given in 2016. It was a recognition of his contribution to the independence and development of the country. Six years later, Fr. Locatelli, SDB receives another award. This time it is given by the Italian Government. Fr. Locatelli, SDB has been given the honorific title “Official Knight of the Italian Republic (Cavaliere Ufficiale dell’Ordine del Merito della Repubblica). This award is given by the Italian ambassador to Indonesia (as well as to Timor-Leste) H.E. Benedetto Latteri, accompanied by His Grace, Abp. Virgílio do Carmo da Silva, SDB, Mons. Marco Sprizzi, Fr. Apolinário Neto, SDB, Provincial of TLS, Sr. Alma Castagna, FMA , Provincial of TIN and other guests in the Nunciature in Dili.
