The blessing was followed by mass in the parish church which was led by Fr Bruce with Fr Manuel, Fr Anselmus Deghu and Fr Angelino Dos Santos.

At present there are 13 boys resident in the boarding house - 2 brothers from the Carmelite Sisters orphanage at Maubara, 2 other brothers from a family in Dili and 9 boys from various places in the Zumalai parish.

Some members of their families attended as well as some parishioners and the Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Mary and the O.Carm sisters and their candidates. The choir was the 40 Catholic Zumalai High school students who attend the parish school.

After Mass there was a dinner for all in the new boarding house followed by enthusiastic traditional dancing with especially the boys and Brother Antonio and Fr Angelino joining in.

During the mass prayers of gratitude were prayed on behalf of the benefactors who have generously supported this boarding house project.

While the boarding house is itself complete, a fence to protect the property from buffalo, pigs and goats is needed urgently as well as a designated bathroom block.

At present they use an inadequate bathroom in the Carmelite community 100 metres away. A more permanent kitchen is also needed than the very temporary one also shared with the Carmelite community 100 metres away.

If you would like to help complete the boarding house project, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. at the Carmelite Fundraising & Development Office (03) 9690 8822.

 Click on the photos for a larger view.