Dili, 24 April 2026 (Media Democracia) – Virgílio Cardeal do Carmo da Silva, Arcebispo Metropolitana de Dili, Presidi Misa Abertura ba selebrasaun loron Jubileu 800 Santo Francisco de Assis nian iha Igreja Catedral Dili.
In his homily, Cardinal Archbishop Dom Virgílio said, with great joy we gather together in Dili Cathedral on this blessed occasion, in an activity where the Mother Superiors share with everyone, with our brothers and sisters in one Liturgy, and the participants are like the Mother of God through the Liturgy.
“The faithful who participate in this opening ceremony of Saint Francis of Assisi in this church are reminded of the holy mother and holy father, especially regarding the importance of conversion and spiritual renewal in this jubilee, it is an important moment because it helps the faithful to rise up to Christ, for all of us who are still living, this is a beautiful moment to renew ourselves, to spend time on our spirituality. Last January we received a spiritual grace of prevention during the jubilee, but also with this we have received one year of a plenary jubilee by the decree of justice.” said Cardinal Virgílio do Carmo in his homily on April 22.
He added that God gives His holy grace. Although we felt last year was a jubilee year of grace that gave us opportunities, this year we have already received a grace in the seminary regarding how the plenary indulgence is connected to Saint Francis of Assisi, from his life into the Kingdom of Heaven.
“Saint Francis of Assisi lived and died in a difficult time, he lived in the world to fulfill Francis’ life as a merchant, but he preferred to live well, not for food, but to show Christ’s marks, he truly offered his image as a young man.” the Cardinal continued.
He emphasized, when we find peace, it is a reality that we feel every day, this reality is what made Saint John the Baptist follow Saint Francis to seek to improve himself. God is the only one in this church, therefore, this year of Saint Francis is not only a holy year for Franciscans, but for everyone. Everyone must go to Mass everyone must participate willingly to seek to become better.
In addition, Father Mateus Soares added that the opening of this Jubilee Mass means that the faithful can have the will to make pilgrimages, for the youth and all the faithful throughout Timor.
“During this year the Franciscan activities have already been doing good, and today with the opening Mass it means that going forward, those faithful who have the will can make a pilgrimage to gain a plenary indulgence for the youth and all the faithful throughout Timor. We ask that you all participate in the activities we carry out for the pilgrimages. Each group will go to the same places. As I already announced in the speech today, in Baucau Diocese the faithful there can make a pilgrimage to receive a plenary indulgence.” said Father Mateus Soares.
Father Mateus also added that Saint Francis of Assisi is not only for Franciscan families but for all the faithful in the whole world, to create peace for the world.
“When the Holy Father announced that this year is dedicated to Saint Francis of Assisi, it does not mean it is only for Franciscan families, it means for all the faithful in the world. All of them are included in this pilgrimage, so it is not only Franciscan families who make the pilgrimage, but all the faithful, especially the youth of Timor-Leste, because Saint Francis of Assisi is a saint who created peace in the world, peace is not only peace for people, but peace for all creation and peace for everything God created in the world, therefore, especially for the youth in Timor-Leste, this is a good opportunity for us in this year of grace. Rather than wasting our time on problems, this grace is for all of us to give our time to make pilgrimages to the places I mentioned today, so that we may receive forgiveness for our sins and so our world may have peace.” Father Mateus added.
The Opening Mass Ceremony for the 800th Jubilee Year of Saint Francis of Assisi is an important moment for the Catholic Church and the faithful to celebrate the life, work, and spirituality of the saint who showed an example of simplicity, peace, and love for nature.
This Mass marks the beginning of a time of grace and spiritual renewal, in which communities are invited to draw closer to God, do penance, and follow the values of the 800th Jubilee of Saint Francis of Assisi, the event also promotes unity, solidarity, and service to the small and the poor, following Saint Francis’ teachings.
Report By: Trainees Leozalia and Novita
Photo By: Trainee Novita