|
EAST TIMOR - 2ND VISIT, 2005 For an explanation of the request to teach Christian Meditation, background on East Timor and a report on the first visit in 2004, see CHRISTIAN MEDITATION IN EAST TIMOR The three involved in this visit were Angela Finnigan, Richard Cogswell and Michael Kelly with our translator from last time, Joćo Moniz . Owing to commitments at home and difficulties with flights our travel plans varied. Angela and Richard flew up on 26 September and had done much foundation work, particularly in the parish of Becora where they held sessions and found a promising local leader, before Michael's arrival on 30 September. Accommodation this time was with the Salesians at Comoro, not far from the airport. The community welcomed us warmly and there was the advantage of being able to join, when our agenda allowed, their morning prayer, meditation and Mass. We usually joined them for breakfast and occasionally for another meal, though we usually set out early and returned late, making use of one of the US$3.50 eating places in Dili. It also gave us the opportunity for some networking and hearing the local stories. We learned, for example, that at the time of the referendum there were 10,000 people in their 5ha. compound. These were eventually evacuated with few lives lost. Our quarters were comfortable with airconditioning, a '3 in 1' ensuite and running cold water. As this was normally warm and the temperature extreme, there was certainly no need for hot water. A couple of surprises were finding a scorpion in the room and water failing on a couple of occasions, but in many parts of Dili people were weeks without it owing to the last rainy season being poor and it now being the end of the dry.
Accommodation at Salesians Presentations were kept very simple, usually each of us contributing to an introduction, followed by meditation and questions. Powerpoint was used when circumstances allowed, the visual aspect being important. Otherwise the posters with local images seemed to be appreciated, as were the various cards distributed. Saturday involved some planning, a couple of unsuccessful visits owing to absences and a successful visit to the Dominican sisters' orphanage where we were able to use some of the video material for children prepared in Australia. On Sunday morning we attended 7.30am Mass at the Cathedral at which the number of communions was estimated at 1200, and afterwards had a session with a group consisting mainly of university students from the choir. After a visit to Motael parish we set out for Baucau, the second main town, a journey of three hours along the windy coast road in a small bus. From there by mikrolet to the Salesians at Baucau for the night. Benediction was sung by the 200 technical students in Latin, English and Tetun. In the evening we also had a session with the novices. The next morning back at Baucau we met with the executive of the teacher training college, represented by Marist Brothers, ACU and local members. They welcomed our involvement next visit with the student body and the Religious Education and Pastoral units. The local parish priest was also very welcoming. On the way back our bus broke down, necessitating a return to Baucau and picking up a later bus with the result that we missed the evening session back in Balide parish.
Orphanage Bus breakdown Baucau Bus Station On Tuesday morning there was an invitation to a clinic attached to a village on the outskirts of Dili in typical thatched structures. In the evening was the first of three sessions at Balide parish.
Balide Here Village Clinic St Cecilia's Choir Richard departed Wednesday morning. Angela and Michael started with 6.30am Mass at the Dominicans, followed by the blessing of a bridge over the drainage canal between the orphanage and the road. As the mikrolets had gone on strike in protest against the increase in petrol price, we were lucky to get a lift in the sisters' 4WD all the way to Dare. On the way we stopped at a plaque erected in gratitude for help given to Australian soldiers during World War II. We paid a short visit to Mana Lu (Sister Maria Lourdes), known as the Mother Teresa of East Timor, foundress of the Secular Institute of Brothers and Sisters in Christ. From there it was a 30 minute walk up a steep track to Joćo's house where a group of all ages had gathered ready for a presentation. We were again fortunate to get a lift back with Mana Lu, visiting one of her new complexes for the sick at Tibar before returning to Balide.
With Mana Lu Dare Memorial Thursday saw yet another revision of the Tetun Powerpoint presentation and then a session with the staff of Fokupers, a group working with domestic and sexual abuse. We than met up with Sr Tess Ward who agreed to keep and make accessible some of the resource material that we wanted to leave behind. In the afternoon there was a meeting with the Bishop who was again very welcoming and emphasised the need for meditation in the schools.
Friday was Angela's turn to depart. Michael spent the day housebound owing to an intestinal bug. Saturday saw some computer and internet work with Joćo and fulfilling some shopping requests. On Sunday Michael presided at the English Mass at Ai Mutin and in the afternoon there was a final session at Becora. Some of the positive things from the visit are the emergence of local leaders in several of the parishes who either have English and email access or others who can help with these, thus enabling communication and support. Then there is the bishop's emphasis on schools and, coupled with this, the opening at the teacher training college in Baucau. We are grateful again for the support that made this visit possible and the prayer that accompanied it and pray that God will give growth to the seed that seems now to have found good soil. |
