ASIA/EAST TIMOR - Eucharist source of hope in years of civil strife, source of strength for the poorest of the poor

Monday, 17 October 2005

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Dili (Agenzia Fides) - The Eucharist has always been a point of reference for the people of East Timor, 800,000 people 95% Catholics. East Timor voted for and obtained independence from Indonesia in 2002.
Daily Mass and adoration of the presence of Christ in tabernacles all over the island was a source of comfort and courage in years of fierce civil strife between parties pro-Indonesia and pro-independence. Even now that this youngest Asian nation is busy searching for the path to development and prosperity and civil and moral growth, the Eucharist is still regarded and appreciated as the source and summit of Christian life and strength especially for those living in extreme material poverty . All during the dark years of civil strife the local Church encouraged Catholics to draw strength from the Eucharist and even more so in the special year of the Eucharist announced by John Paul II which will close next Sunday, Mission Sunday 23 October
“The Eucharist has always been the beating heart of our mission”, said superior general Sr Rita Burley of the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus a Spanish order founded in 1877 with many sisters in East Timor who “adore the saving presence of Christ in the Eucharist and are involved in education and assistance to the sick and the suffering and helping the people on the way to reconciliation and peace”.
The local Church encourages Catholics to draw from the Eucharist the strength to look to the future with hope. The islanders must rebuild society, homes and structures and also the economy.
Today the Island is committed to “national dialogue”, as the Bishop of Dili Alberto Ricardo da Silva said recently. Activity to promote reconciliation involves MPs, social and political organisations. The Church in East Timor has always said that “forgiveness in truth and justice” is the foundation for building national unity.
The Democratic Republic of East Timor was officially established on 20 May 2002 after a period of UN administration.
(PA) (Agenzia Fides 17/10/2005 righe 25 parole 266)