Tomorrow, 14 November, Frs Aniçeto Maia da Costa and Nelinho Americo Ferreira Soares will celebrate the 25th anniversary of their Ordination to the Priesthood in Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Dili, where they were ordained in 2001. They were the first Timorese Carmelites to be ordained priests.
They completed their Carmelite formation and ministry preparation with the Indonesian Carmelites in Batu and Malang (Indo). Following his ordination, Fr Aniceto has been involved in formation, justice and peace ministry, various retreats and seminars as well as being parish priest of Our Lady of Mount Carmel parish in Zumalai for several years. Fr Aniceto continues his retreat and seminar ministry and also serves as Episcopal Vicar for Social Services in the Archdiocese of Dili. Fr Nelinho has also been involved in formation ministry and was chaplain to the National Police for some 18 years. He is currently prior of the community in Zumalai.
We thank both these brothers for their years of service to the Carmelites and the Church of Timor-Leste and send them prayerful good wishes for the future.
