On the 25th Anniversary of the Mission in Timor-Leste: Newly Inaugurated Colégio Marista Lautém Expands the Reach of Marist Education

September 3, 2025 marked a historic first for the Marist mission in Timor-Leste. On that day, the Brothers officially opened Colégio Marista Lautém - the country’s first Marist school.

The launch builds on the success of ICFP, Timor-Leste’s leading teacher training institute, and signals a new chapter in the Marists’ educational mission. Recognising the need to go beyond teacher formation and directly serve young people, the Mission set their sights on establishing a school that would embody the Marist tradition of education.

Br Paul Kane welcoming Br Peter Carroll, SoTS Provincial, and Bishop Dom Leandro Maria Alves.

Today, Colégio Marista Lautém stands as both a symbol of hope and a commitment to the future of Timorese youth. To learn more about the journey and vision behind the school, The Star Post spoke with Br Paul Kane, Principal of Colégio Marista Lautém.

Colégio Marista Lautém is the first Marist school in Timor-Leste. What inspired its creation, and why was it important to establish a Marist school in Lautém?

Since arriving in Timor-Leste in 2000, and particularly since the establishment of the Marist-administered Teachers’ College (Instituto Católico para Formação de Professores - ICFP) in 2003, the Marist Brothers have made a sustained contribution to education and capacity - building in Timor-Leste.

A group of Colegio Marista students wait for the arrival of the Bishop and Provincial at the Blessing and Opening Ceremony.

Recognising the importance of local leadership in advancing the Marist mission, the Brothers began accepting Timorese candidates in 2012. This step, along with a desire to expand the Marist educational mission beyond ICFP Baucau, led to the decision to write formally, in 2013, to Bishop Basilio do Nascimento, the bishop of the Diocese of Baucau, and offer to establish a Marist-owned and governed school within the Diocese.

Bishop Basilio warmly welcomed the proposal, acknowledging the high-quality teacher formation provided at ICFP under Marist leadership and expressing confidence in the Brothers’ ability to deliver an excellent education and Christian formation for future leaders in Timor-Leste.

Selecting the location for the first Marist school involved a thorough process: assessing social, educational, and spiritual needs; researching potential sites; and engaging in extensive dialogue with the Bishop, landowners, local, district, and national leaders, education officials, and other religious congregations.

Br Peter and Bishop Leandro Maria Alves signing the Blessing and Opening plaque.

In 2016, the Provincial and Council identified Lautem, located 57 kilometres east of Baucau, as the preferred site for the first Marist school in Timor-Leste.

There were several compelling reasons for selecting Lautem as the site for the first Marist school in Timor-Leste.

Bishop Basilio identified Lautem as a pastoral priority for the Church. As the easternmost district of Timor-Leste, it was the last to be served by the Church’s mission. The majority of Lautem’s residents are poor, relying on subsistence farming or fishing for their livelihoods.

The Lautem sub-district lacked Catholic schools and the local representative of the Ministry of Education identified secondary and early childhood education as the most pressing unmet needs in the District.

The Loreto Sisters were amongst the guests at the Blessing and Opening; seen here with Br Greg McDonald, the Provincial Delegate to Timor-Leste.

A local Lautem-Sika family, through Bishop Nascimento, generously offered a parcel of land for the establishment of a Marist school. Both the family and the leadership of the local suku (village) expressed strong support for the Marist Brothers’ presence and their desire to see a school that would serve families in the region and beyond. The official land ownership documents were subsequently transferred to the Marist Foundation of Timor-Leste (Fundação Marista Timor-Leste - FMTL).

Can you share some of the key challenges faced in the planning, construction, and opening of the school, and how they were overcome?

The initial challenge was to research and identify the requirements for establishing a Marist-owned and independent school in Timor-Leste. This led to the need to set up a civilly-recognised Foundation (FMTL) able to own land. It took some years before the Foundation could be established.

Br Paul delivering the occasional address at the Blessing and Opening.

An ongoing challenge is obtaining construction supplies from both Australia and Indonesia in a timely manner. This contributes to delays in construction work.

Operating in a temporary location for the first six months, prior to being able to move into the College, also limited our effective operation.

Delivering the Timor-Leste curriculum, while respectfully incorporating appropriate aspects of an Australian approach to learning, is an ongoing challenge.

Since opening, how has the school impacted the students, families, and wider community in Lautém?

Prior to 2025, the name, Marist, was synonymous with the ICFP Teachers’ College. Once a Brothers’ community was established in Lautem in January 2025, the Marists quickly became known in the wider Lautem area.

(L-R) Br Peter Carroll, Bishop Dom Leandro Maria Alves, and Br Peter Corr, the President of the Foundation.

The College is providing a quality educational alternative for the local families and has created employment opportunities for local people.

In a culture where physical punishment is commonplace, the College presents a different and positive approach to managing student behaviour.

How does Colégio Marista Lautém embody the Marist charism and values in its teaching and community life?

The College chose as its motto: Dalan Na’in Feto Nian, which translates as: In the Way of Mary. Students are being educated to come to know Mary, as the perfect disciple of Jesus and to emulate Mary’s discipleship. Values such as humility, presence, and service are promoted.

The five characteristics of Marist education underpin all our College policies and practices.

The artwork around the school has a strong Marial and Champagnat bias.

What are some memorable moments or milestones for the school since its inauguration?

Observing the growth of the students, both academically and personally, has been a source of delight for staff and families. The students have a pride in their school.

Br Peter Carroll at the entrance to the College admiring the Champagnat artwork.

Moving to the College site in July 2025 and then the Blessing and Opening of the College in September 2025 were two particular highlights thus far in this, our first year.

Looking ahead, what is your vision for the growth and future of Colégio Marista Lautém over the next decade?

Having commenced with just two levels (Year 1 and Year 3) this year, the College will grow annually to eventually offer a comprehensive education from Year 1 through Year 12 for both boys and girls.

Boarding accommodation will be provided from Year 7 onwards. This is likely to bring enrolments from further afield. Stage 1 of the physical development is nearing completion.

Thought is now being given to the detail of the upper primary and lower secondary curriculum and to the detail of the next and future stages of construction.