DILI: 23 February 2011 -- 18 February marked a new
moment in Timor Leste's history, most specially for the
Salesian Family. As the Superior of the Vice Province, Fr
Joao, put it, "after independence (2002) DB is the first
ambassador of God to visit Timor Leste!".
The flight which brought the Relic
landed at Dili's international airport towards evening,
though not without incident, as the aircraft had earlier
developed problems and landed at Kupang, on Indonesia's side
of Timor. It required direct intervention by the Prime
Minister of RDTL, Mr. Xanana Gusmao, to enable the flight to
proceed to Dili.
The highest authorities of the country
were at the airport, except for President Ramos Horta who
was still abroad, however he did present at the Solemn Mass
the following day. Many young people were gathered at or
near the airport to receive Don Bosco. Around 15,000 of
them. “Viva Don Bosco” was heard along the road.
Traditional ceremonies were held to honor
the Casket, which was received by the authorities in the VIP
hall. The Prime Minister spoke on behalf of the government,
followed by the Parliamentary President speaking on behalf
of the absent President of the Republic. The Bishop of Dili
spoke finally and gave the blessing.
DB Fatumaca Band played a hymn to Don
Bosco which the assembled crowd joined in with, then the
Casket was b brought on foot and in procession to nearby Don
Bosco Comoro, the Vice Province Centre. Late as it was, the
Welcoming Mass was celebrated at 11.00pm in the Parish of
Mary Help of Christians, followed by the vigil to honor the
Relic.
On 19 February, a special Mass was again
celebrated in the Parish of Mary Help of Christians at which
the Superior of the Vice Province presided. This Mass was
especially for the students in Dili. It was followed by a
procession to the Dili Cathedral. Before that the Relic
visited “Kristal school” which belongs to the Past Pupils of
Don Bosco. Here too the spirit and love for DB is
overwhelming. Solemn Mass at the Immaculate Conception
Cathedral was celebrated in the evening, at which the Bishop
of Dili presided and some 50 priests concalebrated. The
cathedral was packed both inside and out with some 25,000
people, mostly young people.
The Relic has then moved on to Lospalos
in the eastern part of the country.
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