Br Agustinho Exposto was ordained Deacon on Monday 28 September at the Church of  Nossa Senhora do Monte Carmelo (Our Lady of Mount Carmel) in Zumalai, Timor-Leste.

Early in the morning a large crowd began to gather as Agustinho's parents, relatives and friends processed towards the church for the 9.00am ceremony. By the time the Mass was to begin over 1,000 people had joined the procession.

Surrounded by family, friends and parishioners Agustinho was brought into the Church and presented to Bishop Norberto do Armaral, Bishop of Maliana Diocese, for ordination as a Deacon.

Fr Bruce Clark (Regional Prior), Br Antonio Olivio (Prior of Zumalai), Fr Manuel Almeida da Costa (Parish Priest) were also present for the ceremony together with Carmelite Deacons, Brs Fausto and Carlito.

Since July Augustinho has been ministering in Zumalai, a large rural parish with 21 villages. He will continue to minister as a Deacon in Zumalai parish for teh rest of this year.

Our congratulations and prayers for his ministry as a Deacon go out to Augustinho. We look forward to his ordination as a priest next year.