SALESIAN MISSIONS ANIMATION FOCUS
He laughs at the stunned the 1999 rampage and during positive effect if they look at
silence that meets his the 2006 crisis. It is said that this as an opportunity of
statement and follows it up with when people fled in panic enriching their knowledge
a grin explaining, "I am so towards Don Bosco. Fr. while shying away from the
proud to have two priests and Rolando, wearing his sutana, bad effects. This is a young
several sisters who openly say was there at the gate to usher country with intelligent
that their decision to enter them in while preventing those people. This country will
My greatest contribution to Timor - Leste is
having fathered two sons and many
daughters. – Fr. Rolando Fernandez
priesthood and sisterhood was who were in a violent frenzy achieve much," Father
due to the Don Bosco school." from about to embark entering Rolando says.
Fr. Rolando is chosen as the
Outstanding Filipino in Timor-
Leste representing the
Religious Sector for a mirage of
achievements. Part of the
Salesians of Don Bosco and
currently in charge of the Social
Communication Office, he is
known for completing the
translation of the New
Testament into Tetum. He is
instrumental in the publication
of many Tetum pamphlets,
leaflets and articles on religion,
health and education. He is
actively involved in faith forma-
tion for many Timorese who in
time became priests and
sisters. He has contributed in
the promotion of low cost
alternatives including traditional
herbal-medicine, sustainable
the compound.
Fr. Rolando has been in
Timor-Leste for over 25 years
now. But when one sees him,
his excitement about his
mission makes you think that
he is about to embark on his
first day of adventure in Timor-
Leste. "I witness the changes
here that are remarkable. A
year ago the young ones
were throwing stones at each
other. Today. they live
together and play together as
they go through the
vocational courses we offer.
The change is all due to the
atmosphere of unity and
peace that we actively
promote here in Don Bosco,"
Fr. Rolando said.
His commitment to his work
is inspiring. His sense of humor
is infectious. His patience is
quite unbelievably long. His
thoughts and undertakings are
innovative. His generosity is
well known. His work with
Timorese families in the rural
areas has etched a strong
positive reputation for Filipinos.
His enthusiasm continues to
inspire his co-workers in the
religious sector and his ability
to impart his knowledge
unselfishly makes him
someone who must surely be
respected.
Despite all of these, Fr.
Rolando remains humble,
approachable and never
without his sense of humor. Fr.
agriculture, and bio-gas.
"The world is opening up to Rolando is indeed a shining
He risked his life several the Timorese. Their exposure example of what a Filipino
times for many Timorese during to the world should have a should be.
…he has been
in Timor-Leste
for over 25
years now.
But when one
sees him, his
excitement
about his
mission
makes you
think that he is
about to
embark on his
first day of
adventure …
