A missionary parish of Saint Paul in Lospalos

By Fr. Agapito, SDB

Lospalos, Timor Leste, 21 April 2018 -- Lospalos is the most eastern Salesian parish entrusted to the Salesians in East Timor, one of the five SDB parishes in Baucau diocese (Baucau, Laga, Quelicai, Venilale and Lospalos). Although the parish was officialy established only in 1984, the Salesian religious community was established already in 1959. The tombs of three Salesians in front of the parish church remind the roots of this young parish community, evangelized just few decades ago.

The parish cares about 14 pastoral centers in Lospalos Zone: Lori, Posto, Chai, Ililapa, Kakaven, Leuro, Foema'a, Home, Malahara, Tchai-vacha and Nakroman; another 15 pastoral centers in Fuiloro zone: Tutuala, Mehara, Somocho, Nanafoe, Sepelata, Iralafai, Tititlari, Raca, Maulo'o, Bauro, Lurarai, Motara, Assalaino and Luturu. In total 30 centers with with catechists and 'zeladores' (volunteer ministers) in each of them.

Another four religious congregation communities are involved in the pastoral ministry - FMA sisters in Fuiloro, 6 Canossian sisters in Lospalos, 6 ADM (Amalkasih Darah Mulia) sisters in Nakromam and 4 Visitation Sisters in Mehara. The Catholic community is enriched by the following associations - Apostolate of Prayer, ADMA, Don Bosco Alumni, Canossian Lay Associates, Acolytes, Foska (Catholic Youth), Charismatic renewal, MSJ (Salesian Youth Movement), Oratory around each chapel and Youth Groups (Jovem ba Kristu and Kaben Nain ba Kristu).

Under the leadership of the Salesian Community (Rector Fr. Tomas + 6 SDB) and Parish priest Fr. Agapito the Parish council and Economy council are closely working for animation of the large parish community. The core of the parish is in Lospalos with the Colegio Dom Bosco Lospalos (Orphanage with 72 boys), Formation house with 25 prenovices and daily Oratory near the parish and Sunday oratory in around most of the chapels.

Main challenge shared by the lay people leaders is the education to the faith of the young and adults. Many of them are just coming to the Church only three times a year. Young people are under the impact of social media (FB addiction also here!), lack of discipline in public school and free environment in society with impact of protestant sects make this challenge still stronger.

However the Salesians and Lay Mission Partners face these challenges with the Salesian joy and optimism, organizing sports and music events to attract and involve the young (Dom Bosco Basketball and Football tournament) and the focus is also on rejuvenating the Salesian family groups.

Being the 'last' community at the edge of East of East Timor, the Lospalos Catholics appreciate any international missionary volunteers who would help with language (esp. English) teaching for the young, any exchange and connection with the other EAO provinces. Indeed this parish has the best internet connection among the 11 SDB communities.

Viva Don Bosco Missionary!

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