Farewell to Br Lécio: Celebrating 13 Years in Timor-Leste - A Reflection by Br Greg McDonald

After 13 years in Timor-Leste accompanying and forming Aspirants, Br Lécio Jose Heckler has bid farewell as he returned home to Brazil earlier this year. In a heartfelt tribute, Br Greg McDonald, Provincial Delegate to Timor-Leste and Cambodia, reflects on Br Lécio’s immense contribution to the Marist mission, his dedicated mentorship, and, above all, the deep friendships he cultivated with the young and emerging Brothers. Read more.

Br Lécio's final Champagnat class with the Aspirants

“Attentive to the movements of the Spirit, and open to the needs of our world, listen with your heart to the call to go out continually as a brother on mission. With boldness and creativity, look for new ways to respond to the emerging needs of today’s world. With your brothers and other Marists, prepare to go to those places where your presence is needed the most.”

[#81, Wherever You Go, Marist Brothers Rule of Life]

After 13 fruitful years as a member of the Baucau Marist Community, Br Lécio Heckler has departed Timor-Leste to return home to his beloved country of Brazil.

Br Lécio with current Aspirants and 'Come and See' candidates

 A simple ‘despidida’ or farewell meal was held in Lécio’s honour on 10 March. Fifty Brothers, postulants and aspirants, together with the local parish priest, Marist family and friends gathered at Casa Marista Teulale to celebrate this special moment and recognise Lecio’s fine contribution to the Marist mission here. At the start of the evening, a video message was played in which the Provincial, Br Darren Burge, thanked Lécio on behalf of the Province for his generous years of missionary service in Timor-Leste.

Br Lécio receiving a farewell hug from Postulant Alarico

In 2013, Br Lécio responded to an invitation from the Superior General to come to Timor-Leste at a time when Timorese men had begun to show an interest in our Marist way of life. He worked closely with Br Tony Clark in the early years of vocations ministry and initial formation, helping to mentor and companion the young men as they took their first steps in Marist life.

Formation meeting with Brothers Paul Kane and Tony Clark

Lécio instantly connected with the Timorese people and culture, finding a resonance between the rural families and the farming heritage of his own family. As Lécio quickly mastered the Tetun language, many conversations were had as to how best to grow local vegetables and fruit trees and obtain good flowering plants for the future formation house gardens.

Br Lécio with Br Matthew visiting the family of Aspirant Felipe in Oe-Cusse

Like the good farmer, Lécio had the gift of knowing the time and place to sow Marist seeds in the rich Timorese soil. His sense of daring and adventure took him to new frontiers beyond the municipality of Baucau where, through the help of religious sisters, local priests and Marist alumni from ICFP, he was able to share with young people about Marcellin’s dream for education and evangelisation of youth.

Br Lécio with Brothers Pedrinho Tambosi and Tony Clark and Timorese (then) postulants Melquiano, Jacinto, Gabriel and Benjamin

Today we are blessed with a harvest of 20 Timorese Marist brothers and many fine Marist associates who have been inspired and invited into Marist life through Lécio’s guidance. It was appropriate that his final week of ministry in Timor-Leste concluded with the Come and See program in which 16 potential Marist candidates spent a week living together at Teulale.

Gathering at Teulale for Br Lécio’s farewell

As the vocation coordinator, Lécio’s unique gift lay in a simple three step approach to communicating the Marist message. To young Timorese men whom he encountered, Lécio inspired them with the story of Champagnat, he offered them a dream for their future lives and he taught them about our Boa Mãe, our Good Mother, through Portuguese songs.

Time for Chimarrão with the Aspirants

A story, a dream and a song.

Lécio loved nothing more than spending his free time working in the fruit and vegetable gardens at Teulale with the aspirants and afterwards, sharing a Chimarrão, a Brazilian tea, on the verandah and an easy conversation. Many alumni and local children would often join him for the afternoon Chimarrão ritual.

Br Lecio with his beloved Chimarrão and Brothers Matthew Green, Simon Serero and Greg McDonald

In recent times, the Marist Institute has clearly expressed and affirmed a vision for the contemporary Marist brother, as one who witnesses a spirit of global availability, going to new frontiers, with boldness and creativity. We can say with grateful hearts that Lécio has generously witnessed this spirit of global availability as a missionary brother in the Star of the Sea Province. His dedication and optimism have helped to lay the foundations of Marist life and mission in Timor-Leste for generations to come. For this our Province can be truly grateful.

Obrigado Irmaun Lécio!

We wish Lécio boa viajen and every blessing as he returns to his Province of Brasil Sul-Amazônia and spends quality time with his family. 

Greg McDonald

Provincial Delegate for Timor-Leste and Cambodia