At the conclusion of the 2015 Regional Assembly Fr Denis Andrew (Prior Provincial) was honoured in a special ceremony.
Clothed in traditional tais Fr Denis was honoured as the ‘grandfather’ of the Carmelites in Timor-Leste. In Timor culture grandfathers hold a special place of honour, leadership and oversight of the family.
In his speech, Fr Martinho Da Costa noted that Fr Denis had attended 6 Regional Assemblies in his role as Provincial. With his term due to expire in April next year, this would be the last Assembly he would attend as Provincial.
Fr Bruce Clark (Regional Prior) presented Fr Denis with a gift to mark the occasion.
In reply, Fr Denis said how much he had enjoyed being present at the Assemblies and the strength, energy and enthusiasm he had experienced among the Carmelites in Timor. Though he would not attend another Assembly, he was looking forward to returning to Timor to celebrate the First Professions in December.
