On Saturday 29 July Brothers Januario Pinto and Pedro Amaral were ordained priests by Bishop Basilio do Nascimento in their local parish church at Luro, Timor-Leste.

The celebrations began with a formal welcome of the Bishop and Fr Paul Cahill (Prior Provincial). Motor cycle and horse riders, marchers and dancers led the procession from the road to the sports ground for the formalities.

Next day, Januario and Pedro, wearing traditional dress, were brought to the Church by their families and a large group of people. Their mothers removed the traditional dress and helped them into their albs and stoles, ready for the Ordination.

An outdoor altar had been built by the families of Januario and Pedro for the Ordination mass. Over 1,000 people crammed into every available vantage point around the altar. A Large choir from the parish of Maubisse, where Pedro had served as a Deacon, came to sing at the Ordination and Mass of Thanksgiving. During the Ordination Januario and Pedro were each presented with a chalice and paten and a set of vestments - gifts from the people of Maubisse.

Thanks to our photographers: Fr Carlito, Br Estevao De Deus Gomes, Br Paulo & Br Elias