The Sisters Hospitallers made their mark in Timor-Leste when they opened a Centre for Mental Health in 2019, immersing themselves in the local culture and meeting the needs of the people with compassion and dedication.
Written by Sr. Isabel Santamaría Benito, HSC
Since her teenage years, Sr. Isabel Martins harbored a dream of becoming a missionary. To her, being a missionary meant leaving behind the familiar to serve others in a profound way.
However, Isabel realized that true mission work did not necessarily entail physical distance, but rather closeness to those in need.
“I have always longed to immerse myself in different cultures and connect deeply with people, offering my own vulnerability to enrich others and be enriched in return,” she reflected on her vocation.
Answering the Call to Something New
Her dream manifested in 2019 when she received the go-ahead from her superiors to embark on a mission to Timor-Leste, a significant opportunity she embraced wholeheartedly.
Upon arriving in Timor, Sr. Isabel, along with two Sisters, began their mission work by establishing a Hospitaller Community, reaching out to the locals, forging connections, and offering hope to marginalized individuals.
After four years of dedicated service, in August 2023, they inaugurated the Saint Benito Menni Centre for Mental Health in Timor-Leste, a pivotal space for early diagnosis, treatment, and destigmatization of mental illnesses.
Witnessing God’s Miracles
With an unwavering faith and humility, Sr. Elizabeth witnessed the transformative impact of their work in Timor-Leste, particularly in the faces of the patients they serve.
Despite challenges, she observed gradual but significant improvements in their patients, attributing these transformations to God’s presence in their midst.
Celebrating Successes and Navigating Challenges
Over the years, the Sisters have cared for numerous psychiatric patients and extended spiritual support to elderly and ill individuals in Timor-Leste, showcasing their unwavering dedication.
As they continue their mission, one of their primary challenges remains ensuring access to the Occupational Therapy Service due to transportation limitations faced by many families.
Despite the hurdles, Sr. Elizabeth remains steadfast in her belief that challenges are part and parcel of their mission, with faith in God as their guiding light through it all.
