By J. Mota SDB

       Comoro, Dili, Timor-Leste, 1 March 2022 -- The members of the Salesian Family in TLS Vice-Province joined in thanksgiving to God for the gift of St Callistus Caravario on 25 February. Together with S. Louis Versiglia, both shared martyrdom on the same day way back on 25 February 1930. The celebration started with the holy Mass celebrated by Fr Apolinário Neto, SDB and 12 concelebrating priests including the missionary legend, Fr Eligio Locatelli, SDB. In his homily, he invited the Salesian Family to imitate the saint who willingly offered his life for others in the footsteps of our Lord Jesus. Recalling the mission here in the country, he counted on all missionaries who came and worked even for some years, like those who were part of the first missionary expedition (1927) including the most prominent, Callistus Caravario, who is now a saint. From the second expedition until today there are few living missionaries who continue to carry out the mission of spreading the Gospel (evangelization) and education to the poor youth of Timor-Leste.

       After the Mass, there was a special dinner and fundraising night organized by the Don Bosco Past Pupils. This event was held in the portico of the Post Novitiate community. Before the dinner, Fr. Locatelli gave a short yet meaningful talk and a burning call to all DB Past Pupils and distinguished guests to contribute in whatever ways and means to finalize the construction of a church dedicated to Saint Callistus Caravario in Uaimori. This Salesian protomartyr saint spent almost three years in Timorese land compared to Pope St. John Paul II who spent some hours during his 1989 visit. After the dinner, each group of Salesian Family actively participated and gave their contributions. It was a memorable night for the DB Past Pupils enjoying the presence of the great salesian missionaries, Fr. Locatelli, SDB and Deacon Baltasar Pires, SDB.

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