On Saturday morning, July 27th, 2019, was the day that marked another achievement for the community of Metinaro and also for the Society of Jesus in Timor – Leste. It was the priesthood ordination of Deacon Roberto Madeira Encarnação, SJ in Our Lady of Grace Parish of Metinaro, an outskirt village of the capital city, Dili. A crowd more than a thousand people – the community, families of Deacon Roberto, Jesuits, religious, lays, pastoral groups, local authorities, and all the guests who were present that day gathered to celebrate the ordination.
The celebration of the ordination mass preceded with a cultural moving ritual followed by turning over by the family their beloved son to the Society of Jesus and the church as represented by the Superior, Fr. Joaquim Sarmento SJ. In a unique way, as part of the Timorese culture, Roberto was wearing his white robe but also fitted with a traditional headdress with Kaibauk and also a Tais, a very typical Timorese traditional clothing, wrapped around his waist.