Dean of Identity | Mr Charles Brauer

A Celebration of Friendship

On Sunday 20 May, Timor-Leste celebrated 16 years since the Restoration of Independence in 2002. It is a day of great festivity in the country; celebrating their liberation from Indonesian oppression after a quarter of a century. This year, it also falls on the same day as Pentecost, which is regarded as the birthday of the Christian Church; the start of the Church’s mission to the world. As a strongly Catholic country, the congruence of the two is a sweet irony and reminds us of the hope that the day brings in both independence and in the call to mission.

Like the journey of the young men here at Terrace, the story of Timor is filled with moments of Knowledge, Humility and Wisdom; the knowledge of a harrowing past still so raw to many who still live, the humility to forgive those who have done wrong amongst them and the wisdom to move forward from this tragic history to build a place filled with peace and hope.

And so, like the disciples of Jesus who spoke to others in many languages on Pentecost, our Timor Week celebrations provide us with the time and space to acknowledge the native language of East Timor – Tetum, as we pray for our friendship of the people of Railaco, Timor-Leste to flourish.

The Tetum word for 'knowledge' is Konhesementu. We pray for those who live with the pain of the past – those who have suffered from the terrible history of violence and hurt. As a community we hear the stories of the Timorese people and work towards a future that does not repeat the mistakes of the past. May we be voices for all who are marginalised and oppressed.

The Tetum word for 'humility' is Haraik-An – or literally translated meaning to lower oneself. We pray for humility in a world where those who are humble are rarely acknowledged. May we learn from our Timorese friends by showing forgiveness and love to those with whom we might not ordinarily do so and may our community be one that celebrates compassion and justice over power and strength.

The Tetum word for 'wisdom' is Matenek. We pray for the wisdom to always strive to bring peace and compassion to our world, in every interaction we have with our fellow staff, students and others in our community. May we strive to do God’s work and accept His call to mission at this time of Pentecost, responding to the cry of the Earth and the cry of the poor.

Live Jesus in our Hearts… Forever!
The Good News of Terrace: Our Year 9 Kolega Cafe and 2017 Timor-Leste Immersion students presenting our Terrace Timor Network with funds raised form this year’s Kolega Café and Lenten Fair and Walk contributions