The Carmelite Friars have been in East Timor since January 1999. Two friars from the Indonesian Province, Frs Gerta and Mandius, lived first with the Carmelite Sisters at Maubara about 60 kilometers from Dili. During the struggle for independence they witnessed the suffering and hardship of the people and the destruction of the country.In 2000 Bishop Belo asked the Carmelites to go to Zumalai.

In January 2001, the Indonesian Carmelites asked the Australian Carmelites to take responsibility for the East Timor mission and the Parish of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Zumalai. On 16 August 2001, the Australian Carmelites formally took responsibility for the East Timor Mission.

The Carmelite friars work closely with the Carmelite Sisters in providing pastoral care, health and education services and in community building.

The Current Situation of the People of East Timor

  • East Timor is the poorest country in Asia
  • Life expectancy is just 57 years
  • One in seven children die before the age of 5
  • 80% of the people are unemployed
  • only 15% of people have access to clean water
  • About 46% of people have never had any schooling
  • 60% of women and 44% of men are illiterate
  • The mortality rate is 200 times higher than in Australia

Frs Wayne & Bruce with East Timorese Carmelites

Two Carmelite centres - Dili and Zumalai

Dili

There are two main Carmelite centres in East Timor. In Dili, the capital of East Timor, Carmelites have three communities: one for young men in their first year of formation as Carmelites (postulants), and one for novices (those in the second year of their formation). Both these houses are rented. We are currently building a new formation centre at Hera (about 20 minutes drive from Dili) where all those in formation as Carmelites will live.

The Carmelites also have another house in Dili, opposite the Carmelite Sisters' convent in Fatuhada. This house was completed in 2005 and serves as the mission centre. As well as providing accommodation for four Carmelites, there are six rooms for high school students from Zumalai. There are few senior high schools in East Timor. By providing accommodation in Dili, the Carmelites are making it possible for at least some students from Zumalai to complete their secondary education. Dili also has the only university in East Timor.

Click here for further information on the Carmelites in Dili

The Parish of Zumalai

The Parish of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Zumalai, is situated on the opposite side of East Timor from Dili. The parish comprises 17 villages with about 14,000 people. The Carmelites visit each of the village centres to celebrate mass and the sacraments for the people. During the wet season it is only possible to visit some of the villages.

In the main centre of Zumalai, the Carmelites are providing resources for the people of the region. There is a small primary school, health clinic, youth centre and workshop.

Click here for further information about the Carmelites in Zumalai.

Carmelite Mission Support Groups

The Carmelites have established a number of support groups in Australia who are providing friendship and material support to help the people of East Timor. Click below for the latest Mission Updates from Sr Rosemary Patterson, our East Timor Mission Coordinator.

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

For further information about the Carmelites in East Timor, please contact:

Sr Rosemary Patterson
Carmelite Mission Coordinator
75 Wright Street
Middle Park Vic 3205

Telephone: (03) 9699 1922
Fax: (03) 9699 1944