Inspired by Saint Mary MacKillop’s mission to reach the margins, the Sisters of St Joseph have continued Mary’s legacy through courageous faith, deep compassion, and a steadfast belief in the power of education through their work in Timor-Leste. A legacy your generous support is helping us to continue today.
A Call to Serve the Timorese People
The Sisters first arrived in Timor-Leste in 1994, during the Indonesian occupation. The sight of widespread poverty and the lack of educational opportunities drew them to this beautiful nation in need. Like Mary, the Sisters believed that every person has the right to learn how to read and write. This belief became the cornerstone of their work in Timor-Leste.
Preserving Local Language
Upon their arrival, the Sisters faced significant challenges. Education in the local language, Tetun, was prohibited, and most educational materials were in Indonesian. Tetun, an integral part of Timorese cultural identity, was at risk of being lost. Despite the restrictions, the Sisters were determined to develop educational resources in Tetun. They collaborated with a talented linguist to create the first set of Tetun books for children, which were discreetly printed in Australia and brought into Timor-Leste.
Building Trust and Providing Sanctuary
During the occupation between 1975 and 1999, the Sisters worked under the constant surveillance of the Indonesian military and could only meet locals safely within church grounds. The Catholic Church became a sanctuary where they could teach and hold Mass in Tetun, offering a sense of normalcy and hope to the Timorese people.
Rebuilding and Expanding Education
The violence leading up to the independence referendum in 1999 saw the destruction of many schools and educational materials. Undeterred, the Sisters rebuilt the schools and expanded their educational programs. They developed a comprehensive school curriculum in Tetun and trained teachers to use the new materials. Their efforts reached over 800 schools, significantly improving literacy rates and educational access across Timor-Leste.
Integrating Health and Education
Understanding the critical link between health and education, the Sisters also focused on health literacy. They developed resources and conducted workshops to teach basic medical care, nutrition, and overall wellbeing. This holistic approach ensured that children were not only educated but also healthy and capable of thriving in their communities.
Continued Solidarity
The work of the Sisters of St Joseph in Timor-Leste is a testament to their brave dedication and the enduring compassion of Saint Mary MacKillop. Despite the many challenges they faced, they persevered in their mission to reach the margins with education opportunities.
We invite you to watch a webinar celebrating 30 years in Timor-Leste where you will hear from Sr Josephine talk about how the Sisters of Saint Joseph came to be in Timor-Leste.
*Congregational Archive Collection. Used with permission of the Trustees of the Sisters of Saint Joseph
