By Fr João da Costa Boavida, SDB

Baucau, Timor Leste, 23 February 2019 -- The feast day of Salesian proto martyrs Sts. Luigi Versiglia and Callisto Caravario falls on a Monday this year. For this reason, the Salesian Community of Baucau, Timor-Leste decided to hold the celebration on Saturday, February 23, 2019. St Callisto Caravario is the patron saint of the Salesian vice Province of Timor-Leste. He was chosen to be the patron saint of the province because he belonged to one of the first Salesian missionary expeditions which began spreading the seed of Salesian charism in this half-island country in 1927.

The celebration began on the afternoon of 22 February. At 5 p.m. a missionary recollection was held in the salesian Parish of Santo Antonio de Padua. The preacher for this special recollection was Fr. Rolando Fernandez, SDB – a salesian missionary. It was attended by the members of the Salesian Family in Baucau area namely, ADMA, FMA, SDB, Salesian Past Pupils, Cooperator aspirants and some youth leaders from the Salesian Youth Movement. The recollections focused on the virtuous life of StCallisto Caravario. Then, it was followed by adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and confessions. The day terminated with an agape meal in the parish hall. It was a celebration coloured with communion and sharing.

On 23rd February a solemn Mass in honour of the Salesian proto martyrs was held in the parish. The Mass was attended by many parishioners, members of the Salesian Family and thousands of young people from Junior and Senior High School of St Antonio, Baucau and many other students from the public schools within Baucau. The Mass was celebrated by the rector of the community - Fr. Agnelo Eduardo Jeronimo Moreira, SDB. However, the homily was delivered by Fr Manuel Ximenes, SDB the parish priest of St Antonio de Padua Parish. In his homily he emphasized the virtues of Callisto Caravario such as his total availability to surrender himself to the will of God, his unconditional obedience and his prayer life. Fr Manny drew inspiration from the letters written by Callisto Caravario to his mother while he was in the mission. He invited those who were present to emulate the examples of the Salesian proto martyrs offering their lives for the well-being of others.

When the mass ended before leaving the church all those present in the Mass were given food and drink for snacks.

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