Returning to Timor-Leste for his third time, the 13th Jesuit Provincial of the Philippines, Fr. Xavier “Xave” L. Olin, SJ, met with the Filipino Jesuit missionaries serving in the East Timor Jesuit Region. His visit provided also an opportunity to witness firsthand how our Jesuit mission, supported by collaborators and local communities, continues to bring hope through education, pastoral ministry, and social outreach.
During his stay, Fr. Xavier visited several ministries in Railaco, including the Jesuit Feeding Program, the Clínica Na’in Feto Virgem Maria (CNFVM), various Railaco Parish chapels, and the Jesuit Education Project in Kasait, Liquiçá. He also celebrated the Eucharist with local communities and spent time listening to the stories and experiences of the missionaries serving in the region.
Reflecting on what he observed, Fr. Xavier expressed his appreciation for the way our Jesuit ministries here continue to respond to the needs of the people, especially those living in rural communities.
“I see that the mission is truly serving the people, particularly those who are poor and in need. Every time I come to Railaco, I witness the good work being done—from the feeding program to celebrating the Eucharist in many remote chapels. These are simple but meaningful ways of keeping the faith alive in the community.”
He also visited NOSSEF School and the boys’ dormitory run by the Jesuits in Railaco. “I am happy that we are able to help form young people through education by providing food, shelter, and a supportive environment”, Fr Xavier said.
Throughout his visit, Fr. Xavier noticed that the Jesuit mission in Timor-Leste continues to attract generous support from friends, volunteers, and benefactors from different countries who, among other things, contribute through dental missions, volunteer teachers, and young people who generously assist in the Railaco Parish and around the residence. “It shows that many people believe in our mission here.”
One of the experiences that left a lasting impression on him was the deep and vibrant faith of the Timorese people. Whether in the town of Gleno, Ermera, or in the remote chapels of Railaco, he was moved by the number of faithful participating in the Eucharist, even on ordinary weekdays.
“I see many people attending Mass. Even daily Mass is well attended and also people greet you even when they do not know you. It reminds me of my first visit, when Fr. Martin ‘Bong’ Abad Santos, SJ and I travelled through the mountains. Along the way, people would call out, ‘Amu! Amu!’ as we went to the chapels to celebrate Mass.”
Fr. Xavier explained that the primary purpose of his visit was to spend time with the Filipino Jesuit missionaries serving in Timor-Leste, listen to them, and share stories with them.
These two Jesuits missionaries are Fr. Erik John J. Gerilla, SJ, who is the current Regional Superior of the East Timor Region and Fr. Martin Abad Santos, SJ, who has served in Railaco Mission for more than 20 years, especially through his ministry in the Clínica Na’in Feto Virgem Maria.
Another encouraging sign for Fr. Xavier was the strong collaboration between Jesuits and lay partners throughout the region. He observed that many local people willingly dedicate their time and talents to parish ministries, education, and social outreach.
“I see that the Jesuits here inspire collaborators and local communities to become active partners in the mission, like for example, a catechist helping with the baptism of several children. That tells me the Jesuits have invested in forming local leaders who are ready to share responsibility for the Church’s mission.”
As Provincial, Fr. Xavier is in charge of many Jesuits serving beyond the Philippines, including missionaries in Pakistan, Myanmar, Lebanon, and other countries. He believes that a shared mission outside the country strengthens the universal mission of the Society of Jesus and expressed openness to deeper collaboration with the East Timor Region.
He also reflected on the many cultural similarities shared by the Philippines and Timor-Leste.
“Our cultures are very similar and both our countries are deeply Catholic. We enjoy music, celebrating together, and keeping our traditions alive”, he said.
Looking ahead, Fr. Xavier hopes the East Timor Region will also have opportunities to send its own Jesuits to serve in the universal mission of the Society.
“I believe we always have something to share with one another.”
Before returning to the Philippines on 25 July 2026, Fr. Xavi, SJ, also gave a presentation during the Regional Cluster Meeting of the Social and Media Ministries.
Fr. Xavier’s visit remind us that the Jesuit mission in Timor-Leste continues to flourish through faith, generous collaboration, and a shared commitment to accompany communities on the margins. As partnerships continue to grow, the mission remains a living expression of the Society of Jesus’ call to serve with and for others, bringing hope where it is needed most.
Written by:
Iriana Soares, ETR Communications Officer