Celebrating 100 Years of SSpS Presence in Timor

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]With gratitude, we celebrate the 100 years of SSpS service in Timor. To remember the struggle of the pioneers we held various activities like prayers with the people, fund raising, humanitarian activities and pilgrimages to the tombs of the sisters of the first community in Lahurus. We ended the Jubilee year with a triduum and Jubilee Mass. The COVID-19 situation and the Malaka Flood shifted the original plan of the centenary celebration to a rather simple celebration, without invitations, in the Sacred Heart of Mary Betun community on 21 May 2021, one year after the beginning of the Jubilee year, with the participation of SSpS sisters from all communities in Timor, SVD and others.

After the Holy Eucharist, we distributed more than 1000 food packages to the flood victims. Thanks to the help of benefactors and the Vivat and JUPIC SSpS and SVD Timor teams, the flood victims feel supported: “We feel very cared for by the sisters and the priests. No matter how long we experience this flood disaster, we will not be forgotten,” said one of the victims. “The sisters and the priests shared our plight” and “motivated us to try to have hope. Every storm must pass,” they said.

Provincial Sr Aloisia Teti recalled the life of the first SSpS and how they were directed by the Holy Spirit and explained that because of their love for God and suffering people, they decided to help people rather than celebrate, and used the funds from the 100th anniversary celebration for the benefit of flood victims.

Sr. Maria Vianney Rua, SSpS – Timor – Indonesia[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]