Dili, Timor Leste, 26 February 2016 - One day after the Feast of Salesian Martyrs Versiglia-Caravario, this year’s celebration in East Timor focused on St. Callixtus, being our ITM Patron. Salesians arrived on the 26 PM to begin the Farewell Party for our new Bishop elect of Dili, Right Rev. Virgilio da Silva, SDB.
The missionary celebration thus became a double homage to our new Bishop and to our Patron and founding Father, the salesian missionary pioneer who spent two years (1927-29) here as a young cleric during the first Salesian presence, later dying martyr for Christ in China (1930).
The historical presentation, held at our our Post-Novitiate and prepared by our Brothers’ Missionary Group, was attended by Salesians from all our Houses, together with a number of FMA and members of the Salesian Family. A short biography of the Saint begun the show, followed by an original video-play on Callixtus’ missionary life, taken mainly from translated portions of his letters to his mother, specially from Timor. Lively discussion followed, with suggestions for the future, rendering the event peasing and inspiring. (Fr. Manuel Fraille, SDB)
