Dili, May 17, 2025 (Média Democracia) – The Parish Priest of Nossa Senhora do Carmo in Letefoho, Father Helio, declared that the Catholic faithful of Timor-Leste have lost a shepherd who served them wholeheartedly and lovingly throughout his life journey until the end of his pilgrimage in this world.
In an interview, Father Helio Fernandez said that today all the faithful have heard and seen through social media the news of the passing of Father Domingos da Silva Soares “Maubere,” who concluded his earthly pilgrimage this morning at 7:05 AM Timor-Leste time. This news has prompted dioceses and Father Maubere’s family to come together and explain the upcoming arrangements and events related to his passing.
“Yesterday, we were still in communication with Father Maubere’s family in a very positive exchange, and today, some of us have already gathered with the faithful to celebrate the Eucharist in honor of Father Maubere’s passing. In the communication from the family, the Cardinal’s family expressed their concern and wishes for Father Maubere to be given a night of rest together with the faithful from Letefoho Parish, as he was a good shepherd who served his people wholeheartedly and with complete love,” said Father Helio Fernandez.
He further explained that Father Maubere’s body will be transported by a plane supported by Timor Gap to the Letefoho Administrative Post, where the faithful from Letefoho Parish will gather in the evening to pay their final tribute to Father Maubere. Father Maubere was a person known for his goodness and tireless service, never showing signs of weariness or anger towards his faithful throughout his priestly vocation in the parishes he served.
“We all feel sorrow and loss because Father Maubere was a good shepherd who served without knowing fatigue, without becoming weary or bitter, and without illness. He fully dedicated his life to serve his faithful, and now we have lost him as he has concluded his pilgrimage in this world,” continued Father Helio Fernandez.
He also added that the schedule at the Letefoho Parish in Ermera Municipality will involve coordination with the local villages in the Letefoho Administrative Post, allowing them to come and offer their respects and prayers for Father Maubere. Tomorrow, a Mass will be presided over at the Nossa Senhora do Carmo Parish in Letefoho in the morning, and at 11:00 AM the body of Father Domingos Maubere will be transported back to Dili for the continuation of the funeral rites and his final burial at Maloa Cemetery in Dili.
Reported by: Domingas
Photo by: Domingas