Celebrations in East Timor

Wednesday 8 August was celebrated in a special way this year in Dili with the blessing and opening of a new building of Mary MacKillop Institute, the name by which we are known in East Timor.

Sr Anne Derwin Unveiling the Monument

The new centre is the first permanent base in East Timor and was made possible because of an agreement with the Diocese of Dili for the Sisters of St Joseph to lease a section of land in the Becora parish for 25 years.

The facilities include a three bedroomed convent for Sisters, classrooms, offices, music suites, toilets, areas for woodworking and other projects. In line with local tradition, the whole area is a secure area with a guard post at the entry. Sr Julian Langton and her two dogs, Kiwi and Anzac live permanently on site and other Sisters visit from time to time.

The Feast Day Mass on 8 August was followed by the official ceremonies in which Bishop Ricardo from Dili and Bishop Eugene Hurley from Darwin blessed all buildings before Anne Derwin as Congregational Leader helped to cut the ribbon across the gate leading into the new areas.

Many of the staff and students associated with the Mary MacKillop Institute shared in the festivities along with several Sisters and friends who travelled from Australia for the occasion.

Whilst in Dili, the visitors had an opportunity to visit one of the local parishes, Remixio which is being assisted by Mary MacKillop Institute. Some photos of these events are included.

Sr Sheila McCreanor