Dili, May 16, 2025 (Média Democracia) – Catholic faithful in Timor-Leste, together with the celebrant priest, held a mass for the late Father Domingos da Silva Soares “Maubere,” who passed away in the early morning at the National Hospital Guido Valadares. The mass was celebrated in the Chapel of Our Lady of Lourdes at HNGV.
In the homily, delivered by Chaplain Father Francisco, who presided over the mass for Father Domingos da Silva Soares “Maubere,” he began by bringing together all the priests’ names to express their gratitude for Father Domingos’ full dedication over the years. He also mentioned that in some moments, priests may have wronged Father Domingos and took this opportunity to ask for forgiveness on their behalf.
“Father Maubere, throughout his life, lived according to God’s commandments. That’s why today, we all reflect together with nature to live according to God’s divine rules like Father Maubere. Today, we have lost a sacred priest who was truly good to all of us. To find someone like Father Maubere again is very difficult,” said Chaplain Father Francisco during his homily.
Father Maubere was someone who never complained of hunger, fatigue, or pain. He was very intelligent and diligent, someone who never appeared to be sick. Throughout his entire life until the age of 73, Father Domingos always did good, performed his duties, and made great efforts. But today, Father Maubere has ended his earthly pilgrimage.
“I express gratitude to all, whose names I cannot mention one by one, for your support and prayers for Father Maubere up until today as he returns to the sacred presence of God. Please continue praying for him. Today, we are gathered in this place to celebrate the Eucharist, which signifies our first act of gratitude to God because it was God who sent Father Domingos into our midst to carry out his mission with full heart and dedication. Thanks also to his family, especially to Father Domingos’ parents who are now also in the eternal presence of God, for raising and supporting him in his mission throughout his life, which now has come to an end,” added Chaplain Father Francisco.
He also conveyed, on behalf of all the parishes, their heartfelt thanks to Father Domingos Maubere for his devoted service and mission throughout the years, especially in serving not only his own family but the entire Catholic faithful, who have now lost a dedicated shepherd who served God through the Church and the people.
To further clarify, the Catholic faithful in Timor-Leste, together with the celebrant priests, are holding recurring memorial masses for the late Father Domingos da Silva Soares “Maubere” at the Chapel of Our Lady of Lourdes at HNGV. According to the schedule provided by the Archdiocese of Dili, a memorial mass will be held at 11:00 AM.
Father Domingos da Silva Soares “Maubere” will be transferred from the Administrative Post of Letefoho, Ermera Municipality on Saturday, 17 May, departing from Letefoho at 11:00 AM and arriving in Dili at 12:00 PM. On the same day, a vigil will be held at the Parish of Becora, Dili. On 19 May, a funeral mass will take place at the Cathedral Church of Vila-Verde, Dili, and Father Maubere will be buried at the Priest Cemetery in Maloa, Ailok Laran, Dili.
Report: Domingas
Photo: Domingas