A Mass of Thanksgiving and High Tea for Donors was held last Tuesday at St Joseph's, Port Melbourne to celebrate 15 years of Australian involvement in the Carmelite Mission in Timor-Leste.

Fr Paul Cahill (Prior Provincial) was principal celebrant at the mass which was concelebrated by Frs Pat Harney and Matthew McPhee. Our Carmelite students led the singing accompanied by Fr David Hofman on the organ.

The event was attended by 55 supporters and their guests.  Our supporters then enjoyed a visual presentation in the adjoining hall given by Fr David Hofman, Michael Calmer (a Whitefriars College teacher), and Thomas Cantwell and Jack Schroder, two students at the College who visited East Timor in September this year.

Fr David spoke about how the australian Carmelites first became involved in Timor-Leste. Michael Calmerspoke about the school’s immersion program in East Timor for year 11 students and how the school is looking to build on these experiences into the future. College students Thomas and Jack shared their experience of visiting Timor-Leste, the people they met, what they learnt and how the experience has enriched their lives and prompted them to look at ways of strengthening their friendship with the Timorese into the future.

The presentation was then follow by a lovely High Tea which was enjoyed by all. Overwhelmingly the response we have received either on the day itself or afterwards spoke of how much people enjoyed the whole experience.

To compliment this event, 108 wonderful supporters from around Australia responded to their invitation to attend the event by including a gift in celebration of our 15 years of mission. Over $7,600 has been received so far in gifts.

The Melbourne Media and Communications Office also covered thie event. You can see their coverage here.