Today we share with deep sorrow that our Holy Father, Pope Francis, has completed his earthly pilgrimage.

In the Catholic tradition, we believe in the communion of saints and the power of prayer to assist the faithful departed. The Book of Wisdom reminds us:

“The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and no torment will ever touch them. In the eyes of the foolish they seemed to have died, and their departure was thought to be a disaster, and their going from us to be their destruction; but they are at peace.” (3:1-3)

Let us accompany him with our prayers, entrusting him to the gentle care of our Heavenly Father:

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

This year in February, Trevor visited the Saburai mission, and while there distributed rosaries to the very poor and the leprosy community at Saburai village. This has become a regular annual event and this year another 200 rosaries were distributed. The people of the village really appreciate receiving the rosaries and very much look forward to receiving them once they know that a visitor from Australia has arrived. As usual, all the children would love to receive a rosary as well but we just cannot bring up enough for distribution to all.

What special people the people of Timor Leste are. God bless them.

Next time we will report on the distribution of hairclips for the elderly ladies of the village

Till then

God bless all

Trevor and Tina