On June 3, Fr. Dibyawiyata, Local Superior, wrote: It has been more than one month that we have been living in our Loyola residence with a much bigger community. The number of refugees has been changing depending on the situation.
At first there were only about 100 and after three days they left home. Then rumors spread, that dismissed soldiers were preparing an attack on Dili, the F-FDTL (the army) had distributed guns to civilians, and that several UIR and military police had left their troops, and with their guns, had gone to the countryside. Immediately after hearing these, the refugees rushed back to our residence in bigger numbers.
The number increased daily, especially when gunfire erupted in Dili for four days. Now, there are about 800 people. During the day, most of them go home to prepare food and wash clothes. In the afternoon they come back. They do not disturb us much. Sometimes they help clean the house and the environment. They also help us with security by writing down the data of refugees and by maintaining the night watch.
For our part we try to get food supplies, health care, mosquito nets, etc. from the government and NGO’s. We divided the work as follows: Fr. Venancio (da Costa Pereira) organizes the liturgy and prayers. Fr. Violanto (da Costa Soares) takes charge of the logistics and security. Fr. Lalo (Lebron) takes care of the personal assistance needed by the refugees. He and Fr. Peter Phuc like to go around the city to see if they can be some help to the people who suffer from violence, such as burning of houses and other attacks. They warn away the rascals and take the victims to a safer place. They visit the injured victims in the hospital, hear confessions and anoint the sick. The two scholastics give extra assistance after school. We manage to bear the difficult situation together by helping each other in daily activities and prayers.
Our minor seminary is another situation. It is crowded with about 2000 refugees; there is not enough space for the seminarians for their formation activities. Almost all rooms, halls and even the corridors are occupied. At first, several classrooms were spared and the classes could go in the midst of the noise. But a second wave of refugees forced us to share the classrooms with them that this week we have no classes. Yet the formation activities have been maintained as much as possible given these limitations. Next week we will begin the classes again. Fr. Rutten (Rudito) is very concerned with the spiritual direction, knowing that the seminarians must be shocked by the tense situation. He keeps it faithfully. Fr. Mouzinho, the Rector of minor seminary, was shot by a soldier. Fr. Lalo administered to him the Sacrament of Healing and he was taken to Darwin for operation and treatment. We cannot do anything more for him but assist him by prayers and doing the duties he has left behind. We do not know how long this situation will last. The problem is getting complicated. Our Bishop calls us to pray hard to the Sacred Heart for the peace of the country and unity of the people. The diocese has released three "comunicado" or public letters calling for an end to the violence, a just solution to the problems, and for national reconciliation and unity.
We have had contact with Railaco and Suai via telephone. They are well. Railaco has refugees too in their compound. After many days of considering if it is safe to go, Fr. Samuel (Dizon) comes down to Dili today.
Fr. Peter Hosking arrived in Dili yesterday to assist us through Australia Caritas. He will be here for one week, staying in a hotel where he can easily meet and discuss with his team.
Thank you for the support and prayers.
