Resilience in Transition
After finishing my Novitiate—a special time of deeper reflection and solitude—and taking my Jesuit vows, I began a new chapter in my life as a Jesuit Scholastic. I stayed for a few months at our Jesuit residence in Taibesi, Dili and studied some subjects at Instituto São João de Brito (ISBJ) before coming to Manila, […]
Growing in Faith, Talent, and Community at NOSSEF
On the occasion of the Feast Day of Nossa Senhora de Fátima (Our Lady of Fátima) celebrated on May 13, the East Timor Region highlights the inspiring experiences of two outstanding students from Nossa Senhora de Fatima (NOSSEF), a Catholic school in Railaco, Timor-Leste, run by the Jesuits: Simplicio J. de C. Babo (18) and […]
Strengthening Ignatian Education and Formation in the East Timor Region
ETR Education Cluster Meeting 2026 Convened by the Regional Superior of the Independent Region of Timor-Leste (ETR-Jesuit), Fr Erik John J. Gerilla SJ (Fr EJ), the Region’s second Education Cluster Meeting took place on 23-25 April. Following from the inaugural meeting last year (2025),this gathering sought to discuss the mission goals of the educational institutions […]
ENTIRELY OF GOD AND YET SO HUMAN: Mary, Mother and Companion in Mission
Women saying “Yes” to God in the Spirit of Ignatius Today, as we mark the Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Society of Jesus, we are invited into a quiet moment of reflection. In the spirit of Ad Maiorem Dei Gloriam, we share a reflection from Fr Luis Pereira, SJ—one that gently […]
Food Security: Growing from Within—Strengthening Community through ABCD in EBF Matata
On the hills of Railaco stands a primary school—EBF (Ensino Básico Filial) Matata—which serves as the principal elementary school for Matata village, covering four neighborhoods: Titibuti, Tarmausoru, Colaco, and Mauane. Since 2023, EBF Matata has been one of the beneficiaries of Jesuit Social Service. It was then that we developed and implemented the school farm […]
Sharpening students’ journalistic skills: the ISJB Voice
Extracurricular activities and clubs in Jesuit institutions are grounded in the tradition of forming the whole person—intellectually, socially, morally, and spiritually. Inspired by the educational vision of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, Jesuit education emphasizes cura personalis or care for the whole person. This means that learning is not confined to academic endeavours alone but extends […]
Countless blessings to be remembered and cherished
After completing one year of juniorate and two years of philosophical studies, I look back at this time with a heart full of gratitude. These three years have been marked by both blessings and challenges, each shaping me in ways I continue to discover. Indeed, there are countless blessings to be remembered and cherished. One […]
Serving with Faith and Dedication at Centro de Saúde Daniel Ornelas-Kasait
Working in a supportive environment at Centro de Saúde Daniel Ornelas (CSDO)-Kasait, Olga da Costa Belo serves as a Laboratory Analyst (Primary Medical Assistant) and is deeply committed to the mission of caring for patients and promoting community health. “I feel supported by everyone, especially our director of Jesuit Social Service (JSS), Fr. Julio Sousa, […]
Bringing the Spirit of MAGIS to Railaco Parish
Over the past ten years, MAG+S Timor-Leste has quietly grown into a space where young people are invited to pause, reflect and discover a deeper meaning in their lives. What began as a simple initiative has slowly become a journey of accompaniment, walking with youth through moments of uncertainty, growth and hope. The journey has […]
Holy Week with the homeless in Belo Horizonte
This year I was deeply privileged to spend Holy Week with homeless people in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais—an experience that was profoundly significant for me. In neighbourhoods marked by economic hardship, isolation, limited resources, and vulnerability, the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Christ are felt deeply. The suffering of Christ is embodied in those who […]