Members of the Provincial Council met in Timor-Leste from 8-11 June. Present were Frs Bruce Clark (Prior Provincial), Paul Cahill, Martinho da Costa, David Hofman and Januario Pinto. Fr Roque Soares da Cruz joined the Council on the first day of its meeting. Among the issues discussed were the wellbeing of the brothers, appointments to communities, ministries, commissions, boards and committees, including the appointment of a new Safeguarding and Professional Standards consultant. Formation issues and planning for the 2027 Provincial Assembly and 2028 Provincial Chapter were also discussed.
The Council then met with the formators and members of the Hera and Comoro communities for master planning sessions about the ongoing development of these communities in the light of increased vocations. The planning exercise identified both the usage and the priorities for development of the sites and buildings. The planning process was led by Joe Konynenburg, our Provincial Business Manager. Also present was Ms Aida da Costa, our Timor-Leste Development Programs & Communications officer.
On the evening of our day with Comoro community, Fr Bruce blessed the buildings in a simple ceremony of prayer and sprinkling of rooms with Holy Water. The community is under the patronage of St Therea Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein), a Carmelite nun who has martyred in Auschwitz on 9 August 1942.
At dinner that evening we celebrated the 58th birthday of Fr Aniceto Maia da Costa, one of the first Timorese Carmelites to be ordained. Congratulations, Fr Aniceto!
More photos below
