Subject: 'austraLasia' #226

EAST TIMOR, 17 SEP 1999 (12:27)

(Note: This report is from MISNA, the Missionary Society News Agency based

in Bologna. It is a reliable source. (Julian)

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MISSIONARIIES SAFE AND ACTIVE (STANDARD, CHURCH/RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS)

Signs of hope in the East Timor tragedy. Bishop Basilio do Nascimento,

Apostolic Administrator of Baucau, communicated that the Canosian and

Salesian Sisters present in East Timor, are safe and active in assisting the

Timorese population. The Canosian Sisters of the Manatuto, Baucau, Ossù and

Lospalos communities, are well, though day after day they share in the

sufferance, fatigue and fears of their people. Salesian Sister Paola

Battagliola, left her home in Dili for the first time yesterday to go to the

hospital in search of medicine and food. She then courageously brought the

supplies to the foot of the mountains where many are hidden after escaping

the inferno of Dili. Recent reports also indicate that the Salesian Sisters

of the Laga community, north-east of the capital of East Timor, may arrive

in Dili today. Though communications are down, also Salesian Sister Alma

Castagna of the Venilale community and the sisters with her, have been

confirmed safe for the moment. These reports are undoubtedly a sign of hope

and reassurance, given that so many missionaries have remained by their

people despite the extreme personal risk. (BO)

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