By TLS SocCom

Comoro, Dili, Timor-Leste, 1 April 2025 -- For three days (29-31 March 2025) around 540 members of ADMA (Association of Mary Help of Christians), Timor-Leste held a Lenten Retreat at the national level for members from all over the country with the topic “Living in faith: in the challenges of today”. Participants came from 17 associations from Lospalos (eastern part) to Cailaco (western part). This three-day retreat was held at the Don Bosco Comoro gymnasium.

The first day of reflection was facilitated by Fr Nelson Gonçalves, sdb who gave a talk on Renewal and Hope as the Church is celebrating the jubilee of Hope; the second day of reflection was facilitated by Fr Jojo San Juan, sdb with the topic “Living with Faith in Challenges” which also prepared the participants to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation. This is a beautiful moment in ADMA for all members to listen and reflect on the word of God, pray, and sing together to praise God like Our Lady Help of Christians.

On the last day, Father Apolinário Neto, sdb (Parish Priest of Mary Help of Christians parish) presided over Mass for all participants to continue reminding them of the charismatic identity of members of this Salesian Family to seek how to respond to God's invitation in their daily lives as Christians and members of the Association of Mary Help of Christians. Participating in the Mass as concelebrants were Fr Manuel Ximenes, sdb (ADMA Delegate); Fr Isaías Bonifácio, sdb (Rector of Fatumaca), Fr Albino Fernandes, sdb and Fr Mário de Sousa, sdb; also Sister Brígida de Sousa, fma (ADMA Delegate), FMA sisters, ADMA National officials, Coordinators and ADMA members.

After the Mass, the members took advantage of the opportunity in an assembly to express their thoughts and suggestions to further enrich their life experiences as ADMA members in their respective places.

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