The Cathedral of Dili was filled with prayerful joy and a spirit of communion as nine men from various religious congregations in the Diocese of Dili received the sacrament of Holy Orders on 19 March. Among them was Scholastic Justino Boavida Soares SJ, who was ordained a deacon, marking a significant milestone both in his personal vocation and the Society of Jesus in Timor-Leste.

The ordination Mass was presided over by His Eminence Dom Virgílio do Carmo da Silva SDB, Archbishop of Dili, and concelebrated by Dom Norberto do Amaral, Bishop of the Diocese of Maliana and President of the Episcopal Conference of Timor, along with a host of priests from across the country.

Members of the Jesuit community, priests and religious, lay collaborators, friends, and family of the ordinands gathered in celebration of the occasion.

The Jesuits in Timor-Leste expressed profound joy and deep gratitude to the Lord for Justino’s generous “yes” to serve the Church, embracing his vocation within the Ignatian spirit of mission and service.

Deacon Justino now enters a sacred phase of his vocation journey as he prepares for priesthood. In his ministry as a transitional deacon, he will proclaim the Word of God, serve at the altar, and minister to the people with compassion and humility.

As he continues to grow in faith and service, the Jesuits in Timor-Leste invite the faithful to accompany him in prayer, entrusting his path to the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the tender care of Our Lady, that he may always serve with zeal for the Gospel and a heart open to God’s people.