Since February of this year, Fr. Roberto M. Encarnação, SJ, known as Fr. Robby, has been the parish priest of the Parish of Our Lady of Fátima of Railaco. This marks a new chapter for the community as Fr. Robby continues to carry out the mission of serving and uplifting the life as well as faith of the people of Railaco, located in Ermera municipality, a region rich in coffee cultivation and a strong Christian tradition.
The Jesuit presence in Railaco dates back to the establishment of a mission in the area in the early 19 century, dedicated to supporting the spiritual and material needs of the community. The first recorded Mass in Railaco took place in 1947 under the direction of the mission superior, Fr. António Gravaldo de Conceição Fernandes. Since then, the mission area has made a significant impact, helping the local community deepen their faith while offering support in education, healthcare and feeding programs.
Fr. Robby reflects on this mission, saying, “I have been blessed to be assigned in the parish of Railaco. It is truly God’s grace. I can see, talk, listen, and feel the ordinary experience of life and faith the people.” He acknowledges that his vocation as a Jesuit priest is a gift, one that has allowed him to be a vessel for God’s love and guidance to the people of Railaco.
In his ten months of service, Fr. Robby has encountered many experiences that have brought him closer to God and strengthened his understanding of the mission to serve. He shares, “Living my life as a priest is simply grace. God has indeed bestowed on me blessing, opportunity, direction, light, changes and which has been a great help for my ministry in the parish.”
He sees his role as not just as a leader of the Church, but also as an integral part of a mission to bring the kingdom of God, of love, peace and joy, closer to the people of Railaco. His desire is for the parishioners to truly experience the presence of God in their daily lives. “The people of Railaco may truly see the face of God in their daily encounters with the reality of life.” He stated.
Under Fr. Robby’s leadership, the parish has seen an active revival of Church’s life. He highlights several initiatives that have helped bring the Church closer to the community, including weekday Masses in the chapel, monthly recollections and retreats, monthly meetings with chapel leaders, and the ongoing construction and renovation of local chapels. One of the key initiatives is the youth formation program, which has been central in building a vibrant and active community.
Fr. Robby observes, “People are starting to feel like their pastors are close to them, and the Church is alive and with them.” He believes this increased sense of closeness and involvement comes from the various programs and activities that encourage greater participation and engagement in the faith.
Despite the positive developments, Fr. Robby faces challenges in his ministry. One of the biggest is finding ways to unite the community and involve more people in the Church’s work of proclaiming God’s kingdom. “The great challenge is how to involve people and form a community of people who can work together to proclaim the kingdom of God,” he shares.
To overcome this challenge, Fr. Robby has made it a priority to go beyond the parish walls, engaging directly with the people. As Fr. Robby continues his mission, we pray for his strength and dedication to continue bringing God’s love and presence to the people of Railaco.
By: Iriana Soares
(Source: Fr. Roberto M. Encarnação, SJ)