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 […]
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, […]
JCAP Migrant And Refugee Network & Social Apostolate Meeting 2026 – Walking Together Toward Integral Healing And Reconciliation.
From March 3rd to 9th, 2026, Timor-Leste hosted two important gatherings within the Jesuit Conference of Asia Pacific (JCAP): the Migrant and Refugee Network (MRN) meeting from March 3rd to 6th, followed by the Social Ministry meeting from March 6th to 9th, with one merged session in between. These meetings brought together Jesuits and lay […]
More Than a Job: The Mission of a Jesuit Collaborator
The Story of Elvino Da Silva Godinho, CSDO’s Driver What does it truly mean to be a Jesuit collaborator—and why not simply an employee? Many people who work alongside the Jesuits understand their service as more than a job. They see it as contributing to the mission for the greater glory of God. But is […]
From Unexpected Assignment to Meaningful Mission
When I first came to Railaco, I never imagined how much I would learn—not just about medicine, but about being present, listening, and walking alongside the community. My plan had been simple: finish medical school and work in Dili with NGOs. Railaco was never part of that plan, but it was God’s plan and calling. […]
Finding God in Farming
From November 29 to December 3 in Ermera, farmer groups from various villages from Railaco, Ermera and Aileu – Tarmasoru, Darema, Toilesu, Tabulasi, Aslimhati, and Hialmeta – participated in an agricultural training program facilitated by Br. Dien, SJ Director of the Agricultural Course Center at KPTT (Kursus Pertanian Taman Tani), Salatiga, Indonesia. The theme for […]
Bringing Clean Water and Hope to Timor-Leste: A Year of Blessings
The year 2025 has been a time of blessings for many families in Timor-Leste. Thanks to the dedication and compassion of many helping hands from the Jesuit Social Service (JSS) – WASH Program, and beneficiaries across the country are experiencing life-changing improvements in access to clean water and sanitation. Working hand in hand with local […]
Seeing the Work as Compassion: A Volunteer’s Reflection with Jesuit Social Service Timor-Leste (JSS)
Being a volunteer in one of the programs of Jesuit Social Service Timor-Leste (JSS) as a Jesuit candidate has been a profound opportunity to reflect the love of God and live out Christ’s mission of freedom, justice and love. Serving through this ministry has filled me with deep gratitude and joy, especially as I’ve worked […]
“We cannot focus only on the disease — we must focus on the person.”
A Journey of Growth and Gratitude — Dr. Sofia’s Experience Dr. Sofia shared her deep gratitude for the opportunity to advance her training in Family Medicine through a two-week on-site program in Cambodia. The experience, she said, was both professionally enriching and personally transformative. During her time at Mercy Medical Center (MMC) Cambodia, Dr. Sofia […]
Bringing Hope and Health to Fatuglana: More Than a Decade of Service
In the small community of Fatuglana, located in Kasait, Liquiça, Centro Saúde Daniel Ornelas (CSDO) has been a steadfast presence since 2013, when Fr. Bong, SJ first led the clinic’s outreach efforts. For over a decade, CSDO’s mobile clinic has continued its mission of serving families across Kasait and Ulmera. The team visits local communities […]