Eventful February in Timor-Leste: Br Rod Thomson Arrives in Triloka, Postulants Complete Katilosa Placement
- maristbrothers
- 5 hours ago
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The new year has begun with energy and vitality across the Marist communities in Timor-Leste. From the arrival of new members in Triloka to joyful school celebrations, meaningful pastoral experiences, and ongoing formation initiatives, recent weeks have reflected a strong spirit of mission and fraternity. The following updates offer a glimpse into the life and work unfolding across the district.
Welcome to Triloka, Br Rod Thomson
The Triloka community was delighted to welcome Br Rod Thomson as their newest international member from the SoTS Province in late January. Br Rod is well known to many Timorese brothers, having previously served on the Novitiate staff as a formator at the International Novitiate in Tudella, Sri Lanka, for many years. Prior to that, he was involved in education, youth ministry, and vocations ministry in Australia.
Br Rod will work with Br Tony Caddy in post-novitiate formation, with a particular focus on the formation and accompaniment of Brothers who have completed their scholastic formation and are now engaged in full-time ministry in schools.
Br Rod brings many gifts to the community, including a background in Scripture, prayer, and liturgical music. He is looking forward to learning Tetun and visiting some of the beautiful natural places in Timor-Leste. Welcome, Br Rod!
Carnivale Day at Mary Wilson School
In 2026, Br Melquiano Obe and Br Isac de Jesus Quintao are involved in full-time secondary teaching at Mary Wilson Catholic School, conducted by the Vitoriana Sisters at Aubaca in the suco (village) of Triloka. Br Melquiano provides a report on the recent Carnivale festival at the school prior to the season of Lent.
Br Isac and I are currently engaged in our teaching ministry at Mary Wilson School. Last Monday, we had a very happy day celebrating Carnivale with all our students. This festival day took place before the start of Cinzas (Ash Wednesday) and the season of Quaresma (Lent).
The day began with an explosion of colour. Every student painted their faces with bright colours and flags. It was wonderful to see the children so excited and proud to show their school spirit.
After the preparations, we all joined together for a special march. We walked from the school all the way to Aubaca Church. During the walk, the students waved their flags and sang joyfully, filling the streets with smiles and laughter.
Once we arrived, we continued the celebration with dancing and tebe-tebe (our traditional dance), gathering as one big family. It was a great moment to be with our students and share this joy. We will always remember this special Carnival Day.
A Month of Love and Friendship Celebrated at the Lautem School
February was celebrated as the month of love and friendship at Colégio Marista Lautem. One special day was chosen for students to show their love for one another. As well as loving our families, we are also called to love each other and to express that love in practical ways.
It was a wonderful opportunity for the Year 3 students at Colégio Marista to demonstrate their care and appreciation for one another. Exchanging gifts helped to strengthen the bonds of friendship.
Postulants Conclude Pastoral Experience at Fundasaun Katilosa
Our postulants have recently concluded their pastoral experience at Fundasaun Katilosa, an educational and training facility for children and young people with disabilities. The Marists have supported Katilosa for 20 years, especially through AMS.
The postulants’ final day of pastoral exposure was marked by heartfelt moments and meaningful encounters. For many, the experience was both challenging and deeply formative, offering valuable lessons in faith, service, and personal growth.
On their last day at the centre, the postulants expressed gratitude and shared emotional farewells with the staff and the children they had come to know as their “little friends.” With these goodbyes, they now prepare to leave the shores of Timor-Leste and embark on the next stage of their initial formation journey.
Postulants’ Outing and Faith Sharing at the Beach
The postulants recently enjoyed a day of recreation and reflection at the beach, stepping outside the confines of the formation house for a refreshing change of environment. This outing gave them the opportunity to take a break, appreciate the beauty of creation, and experience a setting different from Triloka.
Beyond the joy of fellowship and relaxation, the day became a meaningful occasion for faith sharing. The postulants spoke openly about their spiritual journeys and formation experiences, deepening their bonds of community and mutual support. Their gratitude for this opportunity was evident, as they recognised the grace of renewing themselves both physically and spiritually.
The outing was marked by joy, laughter, and a spirit-filled atmosphere, leaving the postulants enriched and strengthened for the path ahead.
Education in Music and Technology
The Aspirancy program emphasises holistic education and training in areas that help to develop the whole person. This includes building skills and competence in both music and technology.
For the past five months, Maun Jano and Maun Ruben have been teaching guitar and keyboard respectively to the aspirants. In Timorese Church culture, there is often an expectation that religious can play music and lead a choir for weekend liturgies in the parish. It has been wonderful to see the aspirants find their rhythm and grow in skill and confidence. Thanks to our two teachers for their enthusiasm and dedication in bringing out the best in the aspirants.
The future is indeed “sounding” good!
They have developed competency in using Microsoft Word and PowerPoint. The aspirants have translated their autobiographies from Tetun into English using Word and have recently prepared presentations in English about their home municipalities.
Thanks to Mestre Higino for his dedication and encouragement.
-Contributed by Br Greg McDonal, Br Paul Kane, Br Raphael Fakaia, and Br Melquiano Obe
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