The Jesuits in East Timor have accompanied the people ever since the struggle for independence in the late 1990s. A central work of the Jesuits in Dili has been the San Jose High School, from which the future leadership of East Timor hopefully will be drawn. The Jesuits are also working in the parishes of Railaco and Suai where they are involved in the education of village children who suffered terrible neglect during the colonial period.

East Timor is a beautiful country, but one of the poorest in the world. A number of young East Timorese are becoming Jesuits and it is hoped that through their dedication the Jesuits will be able to continue to contribute to the welfare of this fledgling nation.

Support Railaco

Sydney

Jesuit Mission, through St Canice's Parish in Sydney, supports Project Lorosae, which encompasses a medical clinic, a secondary school and a feeding program for the students of Railaco. Direct contributions meet a range of needs, from teacher's salaries to school and medical supplies, and can be made by downloading this Railaco giving form. Find out more about the work St Canice's does with Railaco here.

Melbourne

The Immaculate Conception Parish Gardening Group in the Melbourne suburb of Hawthorn maintains a nursery of colourful cottage plants, proceeds from the sale of which support the Jesuit Mission mobile medical clinic at Railaco in East Timor. Prices range from $3 to $5 per plant. Download pictures and a pricelist here.

Read more about Jesuit Mission's work in East Timor

Letter from Sister Rita

Good things commenced towards the end of June 2011 when we had a First Communion Day. Don’t think First Communion, as in Australia. Think big! Think 500, because that is the number of children who gathered to celebrate this great occasion, writes Sister Rita.

Railaco, East Timor

My visit to Timor Leste was the culmination of a long-held belief that those of us who have been blessed with health, affluence and a good education should share our time, talent and treasures with our brothers and sisters who have been less fortunate. Read more...

A student's profile: Fr Quyen Vu

From a war-ravaged Vietnam to the budding nation of East Timor, Fr Quyen Vu (ASL) seeks to educate the world's poor. Read more...