On Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 November the outdoor Sanctuary at Emera parish, Timor-Leste, was filled with thousands of people for the Ordination and Mass of Thanksgiving of Fr Agostinho Dos Santos, O.Carm.
More than 50 Carmelite, Diocesan and other religious priests concelebrated the Ordination Mass with Cardinal Virgilio Do Carmo Da Silva (Archbishop of Dili) and Bishop Leandro Alves (Bishop of Bacau). Other religious and lay members of the Carmelite family joined Agostinho’s family as well as Emera parishioners, village leaders, government officials, police and civil protection officers.
The long procession began some distance from the outdoor Sanctuary with Bishop Leandro, Fr Bruce Clark (Prior Provincial) and Fr Agostinho in traditional dress and a huge crowd of people following, including Agostinho’s parents. There were several welcome ceremonies by leaders along the way.
The procession was met by Cardinal Virgilio upon arrival at the Sanctuary. A choir of more than 70 led the 4 hour ceremony in song.
Following the mass there was a huge feast for all present as well as dancing and music well into the night.
Next day, almost as many gathered again as Fr Agostinho celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving. Once again, there were traditional cultural welcomes as the procession was ‘danced’ into the outdoor Sanctuary. During the Mass gifts of flowers, fruit, bread, wine, a chicken and a goat were brought in procession to the altar – offerings of local parishioners.
Food and drink for the huge crowd was provided together with entertainment, song and dancing – a true celebration of the joy that the people felt at having one of their own ordained to the priesthood.
The Carmelites of Australia & Timor-Leste gratefully acknowledge our Carmelite brothers in the Pure Heart of Mary, the British and Irish Provinces and the Commissariat of Portugal and our benefactors and friends who are making so much possible in Timor-Leste, especially the formation of young Timorese Carmelites. Without you we would not be celebrating wonderful occasions like Fr Agostinho’s Ordination and Mass of Thanksgiving. Obrigadu barak!
Photos: Metropolitan Archdiocese of Dili Media; David Hofman, O.Carm.
