NEW Railaco Parish Church

BLESSING OF THE NEW PARISH CHURCH IN RAILACO AND
CELEBRATING BISHOP DA SILVA’S PROCLAMATION THAT RAILACO IS ELEVATED TO THE STATUS OF A FULL PARISH
UNDER THE CARE OF THE JESUITS

Fr Erik John Gerilla SJ combines his photographic skills with an easy writing style to illustrate how aspects of Timorese culture combine with Catholic tradition at the opening of the new parish church in Railaco.

People waiting for the arrival of the Bishop and to make a traditional welcome before processing along the road for the Opening of the new Railaco Church.
People waiting for the arrival of the Bishop and to make a traditional welcome before processing along the road for the Opening of the new Railaco Church.

After Blessing the Church and its people, Bishop da Silva of Dili proclaims that Railaco has been elevated to full parish status under the care of the Jesuits – a dream for parish priest Fr Joseph Phuong SJ, who has worked tirelessly for years with his catechists and villagers in this remote mountainous area to make the dream a reality for all.

The day commences with the arrival of the Bishop in Railaco, who alights by the roadside to be greeted by the village chiefs and robed in traditional Timorese garments of locally woven Tais cloth before processing through the crowds to the church.

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Feel the excitement in the air.

Enjoy the colour and celebration.

And Fr EJ’s photos, and story.

(Michael Musgrave dares ‘pepper’ Fr EJ’s work with a few photos of his own taken from different vantage points, to add to the ‘story’.)

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