Divine Word Missionaries Help Refugees
DILI, DEC 6 (ZENIT).- The Church in East Timor is in the front line of assistance to refugees coming from the other side of the island (Iryan Java), who were forced to flee from the violence unleashed by pro-Indonesian paramilitaries. The Divine Word missionaries, for instance, are in charge of assistance to refugees in the diocese of Atambua, which is led by Bishop Antonius Pain Ratu.
At Bishop Ratu's request, Fr. Wun, of the Divine Word, parish priest of St. John the Baptist's in Atambua, is in charge of 6,000 refugees. In addition to providing for health care and food, Fr. Wun teaches the catechism, celebrates Mass, administers the sacraments, and directs an nursery school.
Many refugees have no identity papers, which complicates various matters enormously, including the sacrament of matrimony. At times, recourse is taken to friends, who confirm that the persons in question are believers who have been baptized and confirmed.
The Franciscans are also carrying out impressive work among the refugees. Fr. Vitor Melicias has recently been appointed by the Portuguese government "Commissioner of the State of Portugal for the Support of East Timor in the Period of Transition." The post, which is equivalent to Under-Secretary of State, had never before been given to a religious. Fr. Melicias is responsible for coordinating humanitarian aid for reconstruction.
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Zenit