New Beginnings: Postulants from Timor-Leste and the Pacific Begin Their Novitiate Journey in Sri Lanka

On Wednesday, 30 April, eight Timorese postulants, accompanied by Br Matthew Green, departed Dili, capital of Timor-Leste, for the Novitiate in Tudella, Sri Lanka. Joining them on route in transit at Singapore’s Changi Airport were our four Pasifikan postulants - Benjamin Alua and Abram Jeremiah from Papua New Guinea, John Chipuruka from the Solomons, and Teweia Orea from Kiribati.

Timorese departing Teulale for Dili on way to Sri Lanka.

Successfully reunited (all having had time with family at home before commencing their novitiate), this “band of brothers” continued on their way to Colombo arriving late in the night on 1 May.

At airport in Dili, Timor-Leste.

For the Timorese, it was not only their first experience of international travel but also their first time on a plane.  The weeks ahead will be a time of many “firsts” for all twelve young men as they experience and navigate a new country, culture, and community. These are exciting times for them and a source of rich blessings for our province as these twelve men begin their Marist life as novices.

Postulants from Pasifika departing Port Moresby. 

With Br John Curry in Port Moresby.

Parabéns (congratulations) to the young men - our prayers are with you.

By Br Matthew Green