By Fr. Joao da Costa Boavida

Baucau, Timor-Leste, 26 February 2020 -- On 25 February 2020, the Salesian Family of Baucau area came together to celebrate the feast day of Salesian proto-martyrs, Sts Luigi Versiglia and Callisto Caravario. St Callisto Caravario is the patron saint of the Salesian Vice-Province of Timor-Leste (TLS). He was one of the first missionaries who brought Don Bosco’s charism to the half-island country of Timor-Leste. He stayed in Timor-Leste from 1927 – 1929 before he was martyred in China with Bishop Luigi Versiglia. The celebration began at 9.00 a.m. with the Eucharistic celebration which was held in Santo António de Padua parish (which is also the cathedral of Baucau diocese) and presided at by Fr João Boavida, SDB and concelebrated by the Salesian priests of Baucau community. The Eucharistic celebration was marked with the presence of numerous young people coming from the Salesian School of Santo António Baucau, students of public schools and Portuguese school in Baucau, municipal authorities and members of the Salesian family such as FMA, the aspirants of Salesian Cooperators, ADMA and Salesian Past Pupils.

After the Eucharistic celebration, all were invited to gather together in front of the Cathedral church for the awarding of prizes for the winners of Don Bosco and Caravario Cup. Since 31 January 2020, basketball and volleyball competitions were held in honor of Don Bosco and St Callisto Caravario. Fr Agnelo Moreira, SDB, as the rector of the community in his remarks thanked the Salesian past pupils who dedicated their time and energy to organize sports competitions and other related events. The celebration terminated with distribution of snacks for those present there. It was really a celebration highlighted with the family spirit.

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