Timor-Leste: Six Marist Brothers Renew Their Vows during Eucharist at Vila Marista Boa Mae, Triloka
On 3 October, six Marist Brothers from Timor-Leste renewed their vows of poverty, chastity and obedience for a further year during a Mass at the Star of the Sea Chapel in Triloka, Timor-Leste.
Brothers Clementino Xavier fms, Dionisio Madeira Martins fms, Filomeno Mendonça fms, Julio Brites fms, Juvencio Hanjam Nia fms and Salvador Baptista Fereira fms were joined by around 60 people for the ceremony, celebrated by Salesian priest Fr Aderito Manuel Victor da Costa SDB, a long-time friend of the Brothers.
Br Rod Thomson welcomed those gathered and introduced the six Brothers renewing their vows. Family members of several Brothers were present, while others were unable to attend because of the distance. They were joined by staff from ICFP, as well as Brothers, postulants and aspirants, who formed a choir that brought music and song to the liturgical celebration.
Community Leader Br Tony Caddy received the vows on behalf of the Superior General, Br Peter Carroll. The Mass was celebrated primarily in Tetun, while the vows were renewed in English, with music throughout the liturgy reflecting both languages.
Following the Mass, the community gathered for a celebratory dinner in the Scholastic Community dining room. Br Clementino thanked Fr Aderito, the guests and all those involved in the formation of the Brothers. Br Dionisio served as Master of Ceremonies, helping to guide the evening's celebrations, which continued with music and singing, accompanied by Fr Aderito on saxophone.
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The evening also marked the 80th birthday of Margie Beck, a Champagnat Marist and longtime collaborator of the Brothers in Timor-Leste. A birthday card was presented in her honour, and cakes prepared by Br Peter Corr were shared among those present.
In the months leading up to the ceremony, the six Brothers had taken time to discern their future as Marist Brothers and consecrated religious. Following their request to renew their vows, each received approval from the Provincial and Council, followed by the Superior General and Council.
Their renewal of vows marked a further year of commitment to religious life and the Marist mission, an occasion shared and celebrated by the community gathered in Triloka.
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