Dili, September 8, 2026 (Media Democracia) – Joint Organizing Committee, composed of the Catholic Church and the Government of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, announces traffic arrangements, the procession/convoy route, and the rules for the final ceremony, transfer and burial of the mortal remains of the Four Prelates, which will take place on Thursday, 10 September 2026, at the Sé Cathedral, Dili.
The President of the Organizing Committee, Fr. Guilermino da Silva, said these measures are important to ensure public order, safety, and dignity during the ceremony. Therefore, he asks the entire population to comply with the guidance and information issued by the Committee.
“The Holy Mass and Official Act at Tasi-Tolu, the Holy Mass will be held at the Tasi-Tolu Esplanade, starting at 17:00 (5:00 PM), and will be presided over by His Eminence Cardinal Dom Virgílio do Carmo da Silva, Archbishop of Dili and President of the Episcopal Conference of Timor-Leste (CET), together with the Bishops of the Dioceses of Maliana and Baucau, and religious men and women.” said the President of the Organizing Committee, Fr. Guilermino (08/09/2026).
He explained that after the Holy Mass, there will be official acts and speeches, which will include the reading of a dispatch from the Secretary-General of CET, a speech by the Vice-President of CET, and a speech by the President of the Republic, Fr. Guilermino gave this information to journalists at the Tasi-Tolu altar.
Procession and Road Closures
“After the final blessing at the Holy Mass, around 18:30 PM, the procession or convoy for the transfer of the mortal remains will begin from the Tasi-Tolu Esplanade, passing through Nicolau Lobato Roundabout in Comoro, Fatuhada, Kampung Alor, Aitarak-Laran, near Rua Colmera, and continue to the Parish of Nossa Senhora da Imaculada Conceição (Sé Cathedral Dili). The main roads along the procession route will be completely closed to private and public vehicles, starting at 18:00 PM until the procession/convoy ends at the Sé Cathedral. The road closures will also include the streets in front of the Cathedral Church, on both the right and left sides.” He reported.
He also informed about the Traditional Reception and Burial at the Cathedral
When the urn with the mortal remains arrives in front of the Cathedral Church, there will be a traditional reception (Dadolin), and there will be a flower-scattering ritual by children and the local community.
After that, the burial ceremony inside the Cathedral will be presided over by Dom Leandro Maria Alves, Bishop of Baucau and Secretary-General of CET, accompanied by the choir.
He further emphasized Mobility for Government Members and High Dignitaries
To avoid traffic congestion and long vehicle convoys on the roads, government members and high dignitaries will use buses provided by the Organizing Committee from Tasi-Tolu to the Sé Cathedral.
Fr. Guilermino asks the faithful and community members who are at Tasi-Tolu and cannot walk to the Sé Cathedral to stay at Tasi-Tolu, because there will be live streaming of the ceremony.
“The Committee asks the faithful and community members who are at Tasi-Tolu and cannot make it to the Cathedral to please stay at Tasi-Tolu and follow the ceremony through live streaming,” said Fr. Guilermino.
The President of the Organizing Committee also explained that there are specific regulations for media and journalists during the ceremony inside the Cathedral.
He said that space inside the Cathedral is very limited, because the burial ceremony for the Four Prelates will be held with military protocol and honors.
“Because space is limited, the media and journalists who will be allowed access inside the Cathedral are RTTL and some from GMN TV who will do live broadcasting. Other media will only cover up to the entrance of the Cathedral,” said Fr. Guilermino.
He asks other media to use the link or output from the official broadcast by RTTL and GMN TV, to continue broadcasting or publishing about the burial ceremony of the mortal remains at the Sé Cathedral.
All ceremonies and activities on 10 September will be directed, guided and coordinated by the Joint Organizing Committee of the Church and Government.
The Government and Catholic Church ask for full cooperation, understanding and support from the population, especially the faithful, to comply with the guidance given. This is to ensure that the transfer and burial process of the mortal remains of the Four Prelates can take place with dignity, peace and calm.
Reporting: Estefánia Cardoso
Photo: Estefánia Cardoso