Fr Anacleto Guterres Da Costa celebrated Mass in his home town in Timor-Leste for the first time since his Ordination in Melbourne in May this year.

The mass took place at Therese of the Child Jesus parish in Ossu and was attended by Carmelites, religious, family members, friends and parishioners.

The celebration commenced with a traditional welcome ceremony at the entrance to the Church property. Clothed in the region’s cultural dress, Fr Anacleto was presented with more traditional symbols including a hat, bag, cane and traditional coloured cloths (tais).

Young children from the parish primary school then began a traditional dance of welcome as the procession moved towards the Church. A marching band, also form the school, accompanied the procession.

Also present were Frs Bruce Clark (Prior Provincial), David Hofman, Wayne Stanhope, Narcizio Da Costa Vilanova (Anacleto’s brother), Almeida Da Costa (Anacleto’s uncle) and Aniceto Maia Da Costa as well as Solemnly and Simply Professed Carmelites, novices and pre-novices, Carmelite sisters and diocesan priests including the parish priest. Anacleto’s 2 sisters and his brother were also present as well as a large number of other relatives.

During an emotional address at the end of the mass, Fr Anacleto gave thanks to his parents (both deceased), family members and the Carmelites sisters who looked after Narcizio and himself as children in the orphanage at Maubara. He also thanked the local people for their warm welcome and their hard work preparing for the mass and the feast which followed.

More photos below.