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Written by Administrator
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Friday, 04 July 2008 |
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 The World's Newest Nation
Fr John Herd, from the Archdiocese of Adelaide, has been working in East Timor for two years. This has included teaching at the seminary as well doing parish work, and helping to organise for WYD.
1. What's the connection between WYD, your country and you?
Last Friday we all met in Dili. Bishop Alberto Ricardo da Silva celebrated Mass for us and sent us with his blessing. The Prime Minister came and spoke and said we should gain good things from WYD and then bring back these good things for other young people in Timor Leste. He said these young people are the hope for the nation.
2. How many pilgrims are coming to Sydney from your country?
From the two dioceses of East Timor there are about 320 pilgrims coming to WYD. At WYD in Cologne only 30 went but because Australia is so close to East Timor many more will come this time.
3. What are some of the main Dioceses, cities and groups represented?
The two dioceses of East Timor are Dili and Baucau. About 200 will come from Dili and 120 from Baucau. Fr Dionisio Sarmento from the diocese of Baucau has been organising pilgrims from hi diocese. Both bishops from East Timor will attend WYD. These young people come from different parishes and organisations. From both dioceses there is a group from the Youth Commission. Also there are many groups from religious congregations.
4. Will your country be represented in the 'Papal Plate' WYD Soccer Competition?
We do not know about Papal Plate Soccer Competition but would like be included. Many young East Timorese enjoy playing soccer and would like to be involved.
5. Is your country having a National Gathering at WYD and if so, when and where is it on?
We do not have plans for a national gathering.
6. Are there any migrants from your country living in Australia - if so how many?
There are many thousands of immigrants from East Timor living in Australia, especially in Darwin, Melbourne, Sydney and Perth. Many came during 1975 when Indonesia invaded, and many came again 1999 after the fighting.
7. Any National Foods of interest?
The national food is rice and many people also eat casava and corn. But on feasts people enjoy meat such as buffalo and chicken.
8. Any National Past-Times of interest?
There is a strong custom to come together and celebrate by eating, singing and dancing. But also the coming together has been the way of resisting the enemy.
9. Describe your country in 3 words?
Beautiful - hopeful - poor
10. What little souvenirs will your country's pilgrims bring to WYD to share their nationality with other pilgrims?
Pilgrims will bring 'tais', the traditional cloths to give to visitors. These are hand-made and include some writing like "Timor Leste".
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