Cardinal Virgílio do Carmo da Silva SDV celebrates Mass at the newly built chapel in Samalete
The Jesuit mission in Railaco, Timor-Leste celebrated a milestone with the inauguration of two new chapels in the communities of Samalete and Deleço in Railaco Leten, and a new Jesuit residence.
Under the leadership of Fr Roberto Madeira Encarnação SJ, Railaco parish priest, the Jesuits worked in partnership with the local community, the Archdiocese of Dili, and the government to build these chapels that now stand proudly on a mountain—a witness to the people’s strong faith and relationship with God.
The community marked this special occasion on 11 October, welcoming Cardinal Virgílio do Carmo da Silva SDB with a traditional Timorese dance. The Cardinal proceeded to Deleço, where he prayed and blessed the new Maria Auxiliadora dos Cristãos chapel, before presiding over a Mass at the newly built Santa Teresinha, Mãe de Menino Jesus chapel in Samalete.
During the Mass, 300 young people—including couples preparing for marriage—received the Sacrament of Confirmation. Local Timorese Jesuits, Fr Encarnação, Fr Domingos Moreira (vicar), and Fr Nelinho Alves, concelebrated, along with Jesuit missionaries who have served the Timorese people for many years—Fr Bong Abad Santos from the Philippines, Fr Dominic Ha Quoc Huy from Vietnam, and Fr Hyoe Murayama from Japan.
In his homily, Cardinal da Silva emphasised: “Let Jesus be the owner of this church so that He may gather everyone in His love and help them deepen their faith day by day. For one day, people will be gone, but Christ remains forever.”
The joy of the people was evident in this moment of gratitude, faith, and hope. It reflected the fruits of hard work and collaboration, bearing witness to how faith can truly transform lives.
The following day, Cardinal da Silva again presided over a Mass at Railaco parish, where he confirmed 200 young Catholics in the faith. After the Mass, the Cardinal blessed the new Jesuit residence.
It took six years to build the chapels. The Xefe Suku (village chief) expressed heartfelt gratitude to all who made this mission possible — especially to the donors and benefactors, including those from Australia, who continually support the apostolic works of the Jesuits in Timor-Leste through prayers, financial assistance, and helping hands. Together, Jesuits and mission partners continue to bring Christ closer to the people of Railaco and keep Him at the centre of their daily lives.
