Welcome to a special encounter in Timor-Leste with Pope Francis and his fellow Jesuits! In a heartwarming moment, the Pope shared a lively exchange with 41 Jesuits from different parts of Asia, including the 103-year-old Father João Felgueiras, a dedicated Portuguese Jesuit who has served in Timor-Leste since the time of the Indonesian occupation.
By Salvatore Cernuzio – Dili
Tradition meets modernity as Pope Francis meets his Jesuit brothers in Timor-Leste. A heartwarming gesture towards Father João Felgueiras, the 103-year-old Portuguese Jesuit who has selflessly served the local community even during challenging times.
The encounter marked the second meeting of the journey with his Jesuit brothers. On the agenda were discussions on social justice, the Church’s Social Doctrine, and the vital role of inculturation, a theme reiterated throughout the Pope’s visit. The motto “Let your faith be your culture” resonates with the message of intertwining faith and culture, a key takeaway from the Pope’s memorable visit to Timor-Leste.
The Heartfelt Encounter
Imagine the scene as Pope Francis entered the reception hall of the Apostolic Nunciature in Dili, greeted by 41 Jesuits eager to share in dialogue and camaraderie. Father João Felgueiras, a living legend at the age of 103, was visibly moved as the Pope embraced him in a touching moment of connection.
This morning’s meeting in Dili brought together a diverse group of 41 Jesuits, representing missions in Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, and primarily stationed in Timor-Leste. Their shared mission of serving the local community resonated through the discussions on inculturation and the Gospel’s embedded presence in the local culture.
A Forum for Fellowship
The meeting was filled with lively discussions, Q&A sessions, and light-hearted exchanges on the Jesuit reality and mission across different countries. Themes of social justice, Church doctrine, and the ongoing significance of Jesuit work were at the forefront of the engaging 45-minute exchange.
As the journey continues, Pope Francis’s message of unity, faith, and cultural integration resonates deeply with the Jesuit brothers gathered in Timor-Leste. The bond of fellowship and shared mission enriches the soul and invigorates the spirit of service.
