Dear Friends,

I am filled with fond memories of my visit to and stay in Timor-Leste from January to April 2015, after I had served for 11 fruitful years in the Chinese Province—the Mainland as well as Taiwan. Most of my time was spent at the Novitiate in Dili, where I had the joy of teaching English to our juniors. I was blessed to have Fr. Joaquim Sarmento, SJ, and Fr. Dibiyo, SJ, as my companions during this enriching experience. Every Wednesday evening, I joined our neighbouring community for MASS and supper. I was happy to befriend many Jesuits there.

I will always remember the two Sundays when Fr. Dibiyo took me to the Central Jail to celebrate MASS with the prisoners. I was deeply moved by their unwavering faith and devotion. In many ways, they reminded me of our Jesuit novices from the past—full of commitment and spirit, despite their circumstances.

During my time in Timor-Leste, I also had the privilege of celebrating MASS at several convents, as well as in our parish in Railaco and in three other parishes. It was a truly humbling experience to witness the vibrant faith of the people there.

More recently, at the end of July 2024, I had the wonderful opportunity to once again reconnect with Fr. Joaquim, while we were both in Singapore. I had travelled there to give a program at our Church of St. Ignatius in preparation for the Annual Feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola. During earlier visits to Singapore, I had made friends with Fr. Philip Heng, SJ, who was then Novice Master in the Jesuit Novitiate Singapore. It is a beautiful reminder of how small the world truly is, as Fr. Heng is now the Novice Master in Dili, Timor-Leste!

As we are now in the NEW YEAR OF GRACE 2025, the JUBILEE YEAR, I take this opportunity to send my heartfelt greetings and blessings to all of you, our Jesuit Companions in Timor-Leste, to all our team members, and to all the people we are serving. May God shower His blessings upon each and everyone of you throughout this NEW YEAR, and, as Pilgrims of Hope, may we all look forward to a YEAR OF GRACE and RENEWAL —especially as we have entered into this JUBILEE YEAR!

With love, best wishes, and prayers, 

Fr. John FJ Manipadam, SJ