Railaco Parish in East Timor — supported by Jesuit Mission and in particular St Canice’s Parish in Kings Cross, Sydney, and with Jesuit priests in residence — has been made a full parish in East Timor this past weekend.
The Bishop of Dili, Virgílio do Carmo da Silva SDB, conferred full parish status on Railaco at the end of the Mass to celebrate the opening of the new church. Parish priest, Fr Joseph Phuong SJ, was elated after his years ‘dreaming’ of this day.
There were more than 1000 people in attendance, and all stayed on until nightfall enjoying the ensuing festa. The following day, Sunday, 600 people were confirmed by the bishop.
Crowd gathered at Railaco Parish
Fr Joseph Phuong SJ
Bishop of Dili, Virgílio do Carmo da Silva SDB joins parishioners at lunch