The Jesuits in Timor-Leste joyfully celebrated the presbyteral ordination of two new Jesuit priests, Fr Justino Soares Boavida SJ and Fr Marcos Apu Colo SJ, on 13 June. The celebration took place at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Vila Verde, Dili, and gathered family members, friends, fellow Jesuits, religious brothers and sisters, and many faithful who came to witness this grace-filled occasion.
The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by His Eminence, Cardinal Virgílio do Carmo da Silva SDB, who reflected on the meaning of vocation in his homily. He emphasised that vocation is not limited to religious life but extends to every state of life and profession.
“Vocations do not refer only to religious life. They also include parents, doctors, workers, communicators, and many other professions. We are all called to serve God through our work and professionalism,” he said.
The Cardinal encouraged everyone present to recognise their own calling and to respond generously to God’s invitation in their daily lives.
Following the homily, Fr Erik John J Gerilla SJ, Regional Superior of the Jesuits in Timor-Leste, addressed the newly ordained priests. Speaking in Tetum, he echoed the Cardinal’s message and reminded them of the heart of their priestly vocation:
“Fr Justino and Fr Apu, as the Cardinal said in his homily, ‘O Sacerdócio é o amor do Coração de Jesus’ (‘The priesthood is the love of the Heart of Jesus’). Love God’s people with a compassionate and generous heart. May your mission and apostolate be fruitful.”
Following their ordination, the two newly ordained priests received their first apostolic assignments within the region.
Fr Marcos Apu Colo SJ and Fr Justino Soares Boavida SJ
Fr Justino Soares Boavida SJ has been assigned to the newly established Centro de Espiritualidade Inaciana para a Paz e Reconciliação (CEIPAR) in Hera. There, he will contribute to the promotion of Ignatian spirituality, peacebuilding, and reconciliation ministries while also assisting in parish pastoral work.
Meanwhile, Fr Marcos Apu Colo SJ has been assigned to Nossa Senhora de Fátima Secondary School in Railaco. Alongside his teaching responsibilities, he will support the school’s pastoral and apostolic activities, accompanying students and the wider community in their educational and spiritual growth.
The ordination of these two Jesuit priests and their joyful “yes” to God’s call remind us that vocation is a journey of listening, discernment, and commitment. As Catholics, we are all invited to reflect on God’s call in our own lives and to ask ourselves:
“To what is God calling me, and how will I respond?”
May the witness of Fr Justino and Fr Marcos inspire many young people to courageously seek God’s will and to answer His call with faith, hope, and love.
