Baucau, Timor Leste, 13 November 2016 – The Association of Devote of Mary Help of Christians (ADMA) National Assembly was held in the Cathedral of Baucau in the Diocese of Baucau on 12-13 of November 2016 which was attended by 105 members. The objective of this assembly was to vote upon the new structures for period of 2016-2021.
The Assembly started with the opening Eucharistic Celebration at 15:00. It was presided by Fr. Apolinario Maria Ornai Neto, Provincial of ITM Vice Province, concelebrated by Fr. Manuel da Silva Ximenes, SDB (National Animator of ADMA) and Fr. Inocencio Diamantino, (local Animator of Dili).
There are some FMA present in this event like: Sr. Alma Castagna, FMA, (Provincial FMA-TIN), Sr. Brigida Sousa (Dili), Sr. Evangelina Xavier (Laga), Sr. Jacinta Gusmão (Baucau) and Sr. Teresa do Carmo (Kailako-Maliana).
Right after the Mass the participants proceeded immediately to the hall of the Diocese of Baucau for election. The type of the election is through secret ballot. Before that, there were some speeches from Fr. Apolinario Maria Ornai Neto, SDB, Sr. Alma Castagna, FMA, Fr. Manuel da Silva Ximenes, SDB. They all underlined the regulations of the ADMA in order to live their identity as member of the Church and as member of the Salesian family who are working for the growth of the family and the young in today’s world. One of the very strong words for the ADMA was to live as a Christian family, and as Salesian family, to draw up their personal plan of life in order to practice in the family life. “[The] [f]amily lives together, pray[s] together and eat together is the key [to] live family [life]. “[The] [f]amily brings each other to God and brings God to each other.”
Fr. Manuel da Silva Ximenes, SDB (National Animator) explain the process for the election for the new structure of ADMA in ITM Province will divide into regions (West and East) therefore needs two vice Presidents, two Secretaries and two Treasurers.
The election started at 18:00 in vote secret. The result of the votation: Maria Fatima Belo got 79 votes out of 105. There are two Vice Presidents: Juvita Lemos (Dili/West) and Lidia (Ftaumaca/East). Two secretaries: João de Brito (Laga/East) and Beatriz de Sousa (Dili/West); Two Treasurers: Rosa Maria Ornai (Dili/West) and Tomas (Lospalos/East).
After the votation participants accompaned the Provincial in the dine room for supper.
The following day, Sunday, at 9 o’clock, the ADMA concluded the Assembly by celebrating the Eucharist presided by the Bishop of Baucau, Mgr. Basilio do Nascimento and concelebrants: Fr. Apolinario Maria Ornai Neto, Fr. Manuel da Silva Ximenes, and Fr. Inocencio Diamento.
The Bishop challenged the ADMA to create the spirit of Solidarity among the members and to do their responsibility with free will, and work tirelessly for the Kingdom of God as committed persons in the Church and in the Congregation, according to the Salesian Charism.
