The Timor-Leste Carmelite Assembly began on 6 December with an Opening Eucharist presided over by Fr Paul Cahill (Prior Provincial).
Almost all Carmelites in Timor-Leste were present. After Mass and various reports elections were held for 2 councillors to assist Fr Aniceto Maia Da Costa in his ministry as Carmelite provincial Delegate for Timor-Leste. Frs Bruce Clark and Krisna Aji Nugroho were elected.
Among those who addressed the Assembly were: Fr Paul, Fr Bruce Clark (completing his term as Provincial Delegate) Frs Paskalis Patut & Carlito da Costa Araujo (Finance), Br Antonio Olavio (Zumalai community and Development Projects), Fr Manuel Almeida Da Costa (Zumalai Parish), Fr Aniceto Maia Da Costa (Fatuhada community) and Fr Nelinho Ferreira Soares (Police Chaplain).
Following the election of the Timor-Leste Council, the Assembly discussed possibilities for future ministries in Timor Leste and some practical matters.
On the second day of the Assembly the hopes for future ministries expressed at the Assembly in 2015 were discussed.
So far the hope of preparing brothers for formation ministry is being implemented with Frs Agostinho Exposto and Fausto Tilman De Araujo studying English in Australia prior to undertaking formation studies in the Philippines.
A second hope of developing spirituality ministry in Timor-Leste is being addressed with Fr Carlito Da Silva studying spirituality as part of his studies in Rome. Even though an institute for spirituality cannot be established at this time, brothers in Timor-Leste will continue to be available for retreats, days of recollection, etc. The new Council will also explore possibilities of working with the Hermanas Carmelitas (Carmelite Sisters) in retreat and spirituality ministry.
A third hope of establishing another parish in Timor-Leste was also discussed. It was agreed that Fr Aniceto (Provincial Delegate) would hold discussions with the Bishops to explore possibilities. In the meantime, brothers will continue to be available to assist in parishes at busy times of the year.
“The Assembly was conducted in a positive, hopeful, yet realistic and fraternal spirit,” said Fr Paul.
The Assembly concluded with Mass at which Fr Aniceto Maia Da Costa, the new Carmelite Provincial Delegate for Timor-Leste, was presider.
