Marist Brothers: 12 aspirants in Baucau

On March 30 in East Timor, in the city of Baucau, a House of Formation has been dedicated to welcoming the young candidates to the Marist religious life.

During the inauguration ceremony, together with the local Marist community, were present the Bishop of the Diocese of Baucau, Mons. Basilio; Brother Peter Gerard Carroll, Provincial of Australia; and a representative of the Municipality of Baucau. 

Brother Peter talked about the commitment of the Brothers to the people of East Timor, more especially in the district of Baucau, and he pointed out that the opening of this house marks a new chapter in the Marist presence in the country. 

During the homily, conducted in English and then in Tetun, Bishop Basilio shared his happiness at having the Marist Brothers in the diocese; first within the school, now with the formation programme and in the future with the school. 

Present at the event there were around 200 people, amongst whom Brothers of the community of Baucau, representatives of several religious congregations, the vice director of the Catholic Institute for the Formation of Professors (ICFP)  

The inauguration of the new formation house is a great achievement for the Brothers of Baucau and for the province in general. The twelve candidates for the Marist religious life who began their postulantship in March, are the first ones to carry out their religious formation in this house. Until now, the candidates were in a rented house. 

This new house is designed to welcome up to 22 applicants and it will be of great benefit for the coming years. 

On April 7, in Sri Lanka, the first three Brothers of East Timormade their profession.