5275(IV)_Mary Help of Christians Association (ADMA) celebrates 150th Anniversary
Timor Leste
December 16, 2019
Baucau, Timor-Leste, 16 December 2019 -- ADMA Timor-Leste celebrated the 150th anniversary of ADMA's existence in the community of Baucau. The celebration lasted for three days from 13-15 December 2019. The participants were members of ADMA coming from different communities around Timor-Leste. There were around 500 of them and they were accompanied by local animators both SDB and FMA. Fr. Manuel da Silva Ximenes, SDB as the provincial delegate for ADMA in TLS vice province welcomed the participants to Baucau. Then, an opening Mass was celebrated in the cathedral. The first day celebration was marked by competition on quiz regarding the existence of ADMA and choral competition on the theme of 150th anniversary and Marian songs.
The second day was spent in the spirit of recollection. The Superior of TLS vice-province, Rev. Fr. Apolinario Maria Ornai Neto, SDB and the provincial of FMA Sr. Alma Castagna, FMA graced the occasion with their presence. Fr. Apol gave a conference on the theme of the Salesian identity of this branch of the Salesian family. He emphasized on the fact that the Salesian family shares the same Salesian charism with distinct identity. Then, Sr. Alma also gave a talk on the family as a Domestic Church. After the conferences, the participants were distributed into smaller groups for sharing and then they returned for general assembly. In the evening, the Eucharistic adoration was held and the participants were given chance to go to confession, then followed by the Eucharistic celebration.
The celebration culminated on Sunday morning with the Eucharistic celebration presided by Bishop Basilio do Nascimento, the bishop of Baucau diocese. After the Mass, all the participants proceeded to the diocesan hall for an agape meal and for the final programs. It was really a Gaudete Sunday because all the participants were filled with joy. The three-day celebration was really an experience of communion and everything was being carried out in the family spirit.
