Bishop Antonio Vitalino OCarm, Bishop of Beja in Portugal, visited our Carmelites in Hera yesterday. The Bishop was on a visit to Timor as Papal Envoy and requested a meeting with his Carmelite brothers and sisters. He was greeted at the entrance to Santo Elias community in traditional Timorese style with music and singing and being presented with a tais.
After a short rest Bishop Antonio addressed everyone present and charmed everyone with his bubbly personality. Madre Madelena from the Hermanas Carmelitas Sisters at Fatuhada acted as translator and her Sisters cooked a sumptuous feast, enjoyed by all, to the accompaniment of music and song from the Carmelite students.
After lunch Bishop Antonio thanked everyone by singing a traditional Potugese song to the delight of all present. After a final Blessing he returned to Dili, where this morning he celebrated Mass with the Hermanas Carmelitas in Fatuhada.
Story & photos: Sue Stuckey
