Dili, April 23, 2025 (Média Democracia) – The priests and faithful of Balide Parish gathered this morning, April 22, 2025, at 6:00 AM to celebrate a Mass dedicated specially to Pope Francis following news of his passing at the Vatican in Rome, praying that his soul may become an angel in the new world.
Father Cesar Magno, Vicar of Balide Parish, stated that today all the Catholics gathered with the parish priest to celebrate Mass as a sign of condolences for the death of Pope Francis. Afterward, they held a procession from the Balide Church to light candles and pray together at the monument of Our Lady of Lecidere in Dili.
“All Catholics who came today to the Our Lady monument to pay tribute continued to pray for the Pope’s soul, as a way to express the love Timorese Catholics have for the Pope. That love was clearly shown during his visit, and this connection continues even now that he has returned to join the Heavenly Father and the communion of saints,” said Father Cesar Magno.
He continued by expressing that as a spiritual father and fellow Catholic in this beloved land, he feels deep sorrow due to the loss of a good shepherd who served wholeheartedly and loved everyone in his humble way, embracing the whole world.
“I feel truly saddened by the loss of this good shepherd, who served and loved all people with humility, showing himself as God’s servant who continued to care for all of God’s children in a simple and loving manner,” he said.
He added that Pope Francis’ visit to Timor-Leste in recent years left behind a good message for the youth, especially for the entire population. He encouraged young people to continue to show their identity as Christian youth, to live out their true selves, and to keep searching for purpose and faith in daily life.
Julia Maria, representing the Balide Parish Catholic community, expressed her deep sadness and offered condolences as a Catholic for the loss of Pope Francis, who has left behind the faithful across the entire world.
“I am deeply saddened, because during his visit to our beloved land, we felt great joy. Now, our hearts are heavy because the Pope, who brought a beautiful message to all of us in Timor-Leste, has departed, showing us the path of faith, love, and peace,” said Julia Maria.
She went on to say that as Catholics, they must continue to walk in the path of faith, living according to the message left behind by Pope Francis during his visit to Timor-Leste, that all Catholics must walk in Christ and in God’s love.
“We are very saddened because the Pope had just visited our land a few months ago, and now this month we are struck by great sorrow upon hearing that he has left us, the Catholics of this world, especially here in Timor-Leste,” she said.
She emphasized that Catholics in Timor-Leste are grieving the loss of a spiritual father for the whole world, especially for Timor-Leste, who, during his visit, left behind a beautiful message for the faithful.
She concluded by saying that even though the good shepherd who served the people of the world has passed away, she believes that through the prayers of every Catholic, the path is opened for the Pope’s soul to continue to serve as an angel and guardian in God’s holy presence.
Reporting : Nelfiano
Photo : Nelfiano