Dressed in Timorese traditional costume, Salesian Father Angel Fernandes Artime is welcomed like a king in Timor-Leste. (Photo by Thomas Ora)
Salesians of Don Bosco superior-general, Father Angel Fernandes Artime, has wrapped up a week-long visit to Timor-Leste.
The Jan. 30- Feb 5 visit was to mark 90 years of Salesian missionary work in Asia's most Catholic nation.
During his trip Father Artime visited several areas where Salesians are working to help local people, including in Baucau district, about 120 kilometers from Dili.
The congregation runs various missions in the country, such as education — from elementary to university level — pastoral work, as well as social work, agricultural projects, and training for youths through its workshops.
"I chose to visit Timor-Leste this year because the Salesian community here has grown significantly," Father Artime said during a gathering marking the feast of St. Don Bosco on Jan.31 in Dili.
Thousands of Catholics, Salesians, nuns, and alumni of Salesian schools, including President Francisco Guterres Lu-Olo and several cabinet ministers, attended the gathering.
Father Artime used the occasion to call on Salesians and the alumni to work together for the common good of the people, particularly the young.
"We have to prepare our youths to know God better and to be able to render service to our society," he said, reminding people that caring for the youth was Don Bosco's greatest concern.
Father Artime who was elected in May, 2014, is the first Spaniard and third non-Italian priest to be Salesian superior-general.
