Timor Leste: Second Independence Day celebration, May 20th 2004

DILI: 25th May '04 --  The youngest republic in the world, The Democratic Republic of Timor Leste (aka East Timor) celebrated its second Independence day on May 20th. The public holiday was for many people an occasion to refresh the memories of many who laid down their lives during the long struggle for independence especially most recently in 1999.

The contrast this year was in evidence, particularly the official celebrations in the Capital, Dili, with some 200,000 inhabitants, or 25% of the population.  There there were cultural displays of dances while in the headquarters of  FRETILIN,  the ruling party with a social-democratic stamp, a commemorative supper was held  for the Government of Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri and his officials, President Gusmao Xanana and members of the diplomatic corps. The only priest present at this dinner was Fr. Aderito Da Costa, SDB – on behalf of the Salesian Youth Movement.

After two years of independence the country is trying to build its infrastructure, focused on education and sanity, and trying to revive the economy.  But everyday life seems be deteriorating – in the second city of Baucau there has been no electricity, little water, no provincial government, no pay for teachers for six months.  The Catholic schools that received Government support during Indonesian rule, are now literally abandoned. The Salesians have already been constrained to close down two of the primary schools which they administer for the poor rural youth, motivated by lack of funds.

The Salesian Regional Superior, Fr. Klement, celebrated the day with the formation community in Fatumaca.  This is a Technical High school with 180 boarders, of whom 65 are aspirants,13 prenovices - senior students, 11 novices. Fourteen Salesians run  the school.  The day featured a solemn, passionately celebrated Eucharist and sermon by Fr. Anacleto Pires (in spite of the deteriorating situation in the countrym the biggest asset is still the young people).  A modest exhibition was prepared by the six practical trainees – with memories of 1999, photos of the Falintil Movement, and ample documentation about recent development in the country.

The Salesians are now preparing for the forthcoming visit of the Rector Major in October (23rd-27th)of tis year.

_______________________________________