From Triloka to Lautem: Marist Community in Timor-Leste Welcomes New Year with Spirit and Purpose

maristbrothers
12 minutes ago
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The first gathering of Brothers at Triloka, the joyful start of a new school year at Lautem, new visitors welcomed into the community, and celebrations at religious events - January was a month full of excitement for the Marist family in Timor-Leste.

Brothers come together to discuss the Province Chapter calls

Twenty-seven Brothers gathered at Vila Marista Boa Mãe in Triloka on 27 January for the first community assembly of the year, taking time to reflect on the future direction of Marist life.

The gathering also marked the return of Brothers Manecas Dos Santos and Simon Mendonca Maia from MAPAC, along with the arrival of the newly appointed Br Rod Thomson in Timor-Leste. Br Roger Vallance, who is currently working with the postulants, was also present.

The centrepiece of the day was a reflection on the Second Star of the Sea Provincial Chapter Delegates’ Statement, led by those who attended the recent Chapter in Fiji. Br Jacinto Fuli Falo and Br Paul Kane shared their personal experiences and insights from the Chapter.

**Br Jacinto share their experience as delegates at the second SoTS Chapter in Fiji**

Br Matthew Green then facilitated a Synodal process similar to the one used in Province Chapter in Nadi, guiding participants through quiet reading followed by three rounds of sharing, listening, and reflecting on what resonated within their small groups.

The process tested the Brothers' listening skills and ability to identify common threads emerging from their discussions.

**Br Matthew Green explaining the Synodal method to the brothers to explore the Chapter Statement**

Each small group concluded by crafting a collective discernment statement addressing the question: "Where is the Spirit drawing us as a community through this statement?"

The gathering ended with evening prayer in the Chapel, featuring a procession of Marist symbols including the heart and the icon of Star of the Sea. The names of all Brothers, novices, postulants, aspirants, and several Champagnat Lay Marists were placed in the Marist heart during the ceremony.

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Br Roger Vallace returns to Timor-Leste

Following a successful visit in July 2025, Br Roger Vallance has returned to Timor-Leste to continue his work with the postulants.

During his July visit in 2025, Roger introduced the Myers - Briggs Personality Type Indicator to the postulants. In this follow-up visit, he is conducting individual interviews and undertaking psychological assessments in preparation for their applications to commence the novitiate.

Roger has endeared himself to the postulants through his friendly, chatty, and good-humoured manner. Consequently, the assessment interviews have been well received, and the postulants are looking forward to the helpful feedback they will receive in their individual reports.

Roger will return later in the year to undertake similar work with the next group of postulants following the commencement of their postulancy in May. Thank you, Roger.

Conferência dos Superiores Maiores Timor-Leste

CSM-TL or Conferência dos Superiores Maiores Timor-Leste is the major superiors conference of Provincials and Provincial Delegates who act on behalf of their respective congregations in Timor-Leste. CSM holds two plenary assemblies each year.

Br Greg McDonald attended the first plenary assembly on 17 January at the school of the Charles Borromeo Sisters in Manleuana. During the assembly they heard reports from the various commissions of Religious including

Formation of Timorese Religious
Protection of Trafficked Women and Children
Catholic Education
Pastoral work in Parishes.

There are over 90 religious congregations in Timor-Leste and they do incredible work for the nation and the Church. Br Greg was delighted to meet Mgr. Marcel Smejkal, the new Apostolic Chargé d’Affaires ad interim in Timor-Leste. He is from Czechoslovakia and is an energetic and engaging man.

On 2 February the new CSM Office will be opened in Suco Manleuana, Dili.

Colegio Marist Lautem Begins New School Year

Colegio Marist Lautem, the first Marist school in Timor-Leste, has re-opened for the new academic year following the Christmas break, welcoming staff, parents, and students back to campus.

Teaching staff orientation commenced on 8 January, preparing educators for the year ahead. The following morning, the school hosted parents of enrolled students, providing an important opportunity to meet families and communicate key information about their children's education.

Students began classes on Monday, 12 January, with enrollment reaching 113 students for the current academic year.

Br Gaspar Te'un has settled in well alongside five other new teachers who have joined the school community. To foster camaraderie and help staff get acquainted, the school organised a beach BBQ at sunset during the first week, providing a relaxed social atmosphere for teachers to connect.

"There is a good atmosphere during these early weeks which we anticipate will last," said Br Paul Kane, Principal of the school.

The school appointed two gardeners this year to maintain the property, and they are successfully managing the grounds, gardens, and lawns after significant growth during the holiday period.

In a collaborative effort, Br Lecio Heckler and the aspirants have been planting fruit trees across the school property.