With palms raised in prayer, friendship and solidarity, the Coorparoo (QLD) community was alive on Palm Sunday morning with the spirit of peace that arises when diverse peoples of good will meet heart to heart, person to person..

With open arms and hearts, they welcomed Rogerio Araujo Mendonca, Timorese Secretary of State for Vocational Training and Employment, and a delegation of officials from the Timorese government and the Australian Embassy in Dili, to the celebration of Mass. In Australia to collaborate for continued improvement of the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, the group came to Mt Carmel along with many Timorese from around South Eeast Queensland.

It was a wonderful celebration of our Carmelite Family and of the special relationship between Australia and East Timor. Smiles and stories were shared long after Mass ended.

“It was a wonderful celebration of who we are as a community, in solidarity with our friends from Timor-Leste. I now head into Holy Week with a full heart,” said Liam Lunney. Judy Maguire added, “There was much joy, and sense of unity there.”

The delicious hospitality provided by so many in the community was a tangible expression of welcome. Thankyou!

Later this month, Fr Martinho, will lead a group of our parishioners on a journey to Timor-Leste. Their mission is simple. To create peace through encounter. To connect heart to heart, person to person. They will spend time in Carmelite communities in Dili, Zumalai and Hera. They will also connect with our new friends in the Australian Embassy in Dili.

More photos below.