Teachers from Sergio Vieira de Mello High School in Dili carry the statue of St. John Paul II to another high school in Dili, in this Feb. 10 photo. (Thomas Ora)
Timor-Leste has chosen St. John Paul II as the country’s patron saint for education and young people.
The move comes as the country marks 30 years since his visit, as pope on Oct.12, 1989.
During the visit — ten years before the referendum that led to independence from Indonesia — the pope appealed to Timor-Leste youths to be the salt and light of the world, which was perceived as a call for self-determination.
Dulce de Jesus Soares, minister of Education, Youth and Sports, said the ministry — in cooperation with the bishops of Dili, Baucau, and Maliana — launched a nine-month devotion to the saint in February which ends in October.
The goal is to educate the younger generation on the country’s history, particularly the historic visit of St. John Paul II that opened the world’s eyes to the people’s independence struggle at that time.
As part of the devotion, a life size statue of St. John Paul II in a glass case is touring schools in the country and has so far been to several schools in Dili.
“We hope seeing John Paul’s image will increase their love for the church and the nation,” she said.
Zelia Pinto, 18, a high school student, said she has a strong drive to study at university, and praying for the intercession of St. John Paul II will help her achieve that goal.
“I have heard of many healing miracles happening with his intercession,” Pinto said. “This is my chance to get closer to him, to draw from his healing power.”
Francisco Barreto dos Santos, 16, a student at Sergio Vieira de Mello Public High School in Dili said he joined other students and teachers in the devotion to St. John Paul II.
“I was touched and something is telling me that I must change,” said Santos, the fifth of seven children in a farming family.
“I was stubborn and often skipped classes. But now [because of the devotion] I feel a difference. I must succeed in my studies,” he told ucanews.com.
“I want to be a good Catholic as well,” said Barreto who hopes to be a soldier one day.
The school’s principal, Manuel Pinto, said the presence of the statue at the school recently has boosted the spirits of his almost 1,500 students, 52 teachers and staff.
“It is a source of inspiration for students and teachers. I hope it gives extra spirit for teachers to excel in their jobs,” he said.
Joao da Silva Pereira, deputy principal of Esperanca da Patria High School in Dili, said the devotion to the saint's image was very symbolic for students at his school.
“This kind of devotion is needed to help students find meaning to their lives,” he said.
They are not only challenged to grow academically, but also in faith and their social life.
Manuel Verdial, headteacher at 5 de Maio (Fifth of May) High School, said the devotion to the statue has had some positive effects on some of his students who prayed before it.
“I’ve noticed some students who were often absent from classes are now attending regularly since the statue visited to the school some weeks ago,” he told ucanews.com.
He said St. John Paul II is a very important figure for Timor-Leste and to honor him, the school will place a statue of him in its compound.
“The goal is to have students spare 5-10 minutes to pray before classes start. I believe it will minimize conflict among students,” he said.
Father Luis Bonaparte celebrates a Mass at a high school in Dili on March 10. (Photo by Thomas Ora)
Young people need to grow spiritually
Father Luis Bonaparte, who heads Dili Diocese’s education commission, told ucanews.com that the church appreciated the Education and Sports Ministry’s to make St. John Paul II the patron saint of Timor-Leste education.
The priest said the impact of his pastoral visit 30 years ago is still felt now, and the ministry’s recognition of this will certainly inspire the younger generation.
“The devotion is a good way to motivate students to grow intellectually and spiritually,” he said. “It’s hoped that their faith will grow amidst the influx of new technology and information.”
The priest said he has witnessed the enthusiasm of students and teachers in welcoming the statue to their schools.
“It shows that the students are hungry for God,” Father Bonaparte said.
Marcal das Neves, the father of a student and a community leader, said St. John Paul II has a special place in the hearts of Timor-Leste people.
“He gave hope to the people of Timor-Leste when we were struggling for independence. And now we see the results,” he said.
When the statue went to Sergio Veira de Mello High School, which his child attends, he also organized a group of parents to pray.
“St. John Paul has a special charisma. I believe that a special devotion to him will help young people to walk on the right path.”
