Dili, July 1, 2025 (Média Democracia) – The National Catholic Youth Commission of Timor-Leste (CNJCTL), as the official body of the Episcopal Conference of Timor (CET) responsible for youth pastoral care in Timor-Leste, held a press conference on Monday at the Ecclesiastical Chamber Hall of the Archdiocese of Dili, Lecidere.
Spokesperson for the CNJCTL Executive President and General Coordinator of the SINODAL Team, Fr. Francisco I. do N. Tey Seran, stated that the year 2025 is marked as an ordinary Jubilee year declared by the Holy Father Pope Francis, recognized as the Jubilee Year of Hope under the theme “Spes Non Confundit” or “Hope Does Not Disappoint.”
“This year is also a year of grace for the faithful of Timor-Leste, especially for the youth, as the faithful will receive a visit from the International Youth Cross or the World Youth Day Icon Cross, under the theme: ‘Take courage, I have conquered the world’ (John 16:33),” said Fr. Francisco.
He continued that the Episcopal Conference of Timor (CET) has entrusted CNJCTL with full responsibility for organizing the visit of the International Youth Cross to Timorese faithful.
“CNJCTL has already formed a working team called the SINODAL Team, involving youth from diocesan commissions, Catholic youth movements, and university groups to help prepare for the upcoming events,” Fr. Francisco added.
He affirmed that this year, Timorese youth will also celebrate their faith through the National Youth Gathering (JNJ), which will take place in the Diocese of Maliana, Bobonaro Parish, under the theme ‘I Am Thirsty’ (John 19:28).
“In preparation for both the visit of the International Youth Cross and the National Youth Gathering (JNJ), the SINODAL Team has made adjustments to the schedule of these two major events to be held soon,” informed Fr. Francisco.
Through the SINODAL Team, the National Catholic Youth Commission of Timor-Leste (CNJCTL) aims to inform the public and all faithful in Timor about the visit of the International Youth Cross, which will stay in Timor for a week from August 23 to 30, 2025.
“The National Youth Gathering (JNJ) will be held in the Diocese of Maliana, Bobonaro Parish, from August 26 to 29, 2025. The adjusted program will start on August 23, 2025. The welcome for the International Youth Cross in Timor will include a vigil at the Cathedral,” emphasized Fr. Francisco.
Regarding the Vocation Promotion Exhibition, it will take place on August 24, 2025, followed by a Mass with the faithful at the Cathedral, continuing with a night vigil.
“The Vocation Promotion Exhibition will be held on August 25. Pilgrimage activities will take place in the Diocese of Maliana, together with pilgrims from the Diocese of Baucau and the Archdiocese of Dili, with a joint Mass in the Pro-Cathedral of Maliana. There will also be a vigil on August 26 and a pilgrimage with the International Cross to Bobonaro Parish. The Opening Mass for the National Youth Gathering (JNJ) will be on August 27,” explained Fr. Francisco.
He highlighted that there will be a talk on the theme ‘I Am Thirsty’, sharing of the International Cross experience by the Korean delegation, catechesis, Taizé prayer, and confession. On August 28, acts of charity will be held for the faithful of Bobonaro Parish along with a talk by MJDAC. International youth participants from Malaysia will also be involved, including a Via Sacra and Eucharistic adoration.
On August 29, 2025, the final mission Mass will feature a cultural exchange between “Bobonaro and Remexio” parishes and a symbolic handover of the International Youth Cross from Bobonaro to Dili. (The International Youth Cross will be returned at the Cathedral, and the National Youth Cross handed over in Remexio). On August 30, the closing Mass will be celebrated at the Cathedral, followed by a procession to Nicolau Lobato International Airport to return the Cross to Thailand.
The message for all Timorese faithful from women to men, from east to west, from religious communities to government institutions is to walk together and contribute to the success of this faith event that will strengthen and renew the Catholic faith of young people. Christ is alive and calls us to live.
This announcement was officially made in Dili Municipality, Na’in Feto Administrative Post, at the Metropolitan Ecclesiastical Chamber of the Archdiocese of Dili, on June 30, 2025, by the Episcopal Conference of Timor (CET) through the National Catholic Youth Commission of Timor-Leste (CNJCTL), launching the Synodal Team and the adjusted program for these two major faith events, including the symbolic unveiling of the Synodal Team logo.
Report: Nelfiano
Photo: Nelfiano