With Lent beginning today, Catholic Mission is reminding the faithful that mission takes many forms and continues to grow within communities around the world.
Lent invites people to renew their hearts, reflect on God’s love and sacrifice and respond with generosity and compassion. Wherever hope exists, mission can take root and flourish.
Even in challenging circumstances, the hope carried by a community can shine through, strengthening relationships and enabling people to face difficulties together.
Catholic Mission helps to nurture this shared hope and support communities as it takes root and grows. An example of this is Catholic Mission’s support for the dreams and aspirations of Salesian novices at St Joseph Novitiate in Dili, Timor-Leste.
In Timor-Leste, ongoing economic hardship continues to shape daily life. Many communities face limited access to education, medical care and sustainable employment, leaving families and young people uncertain about the future.
Poor quality schooling and high unemployment weigh heavily on a generation still carrying the trauma of a violent history, as they navigate poverty, instability and restricted opportunity.
Yet faith remains strong. In the midst of these challenges, the Salesian Sisters walk closely alongside their communities, offering both pastoral presence and practical support.
Through teaching, counselling and compassionate care, they provide stability and encouragement where hope can feel fragile. Their presence is not only a source of comfort but a vital pillar of community life.
This is why the formation of novices is so important. By nurturing new generations of sisters, the Church ensures that this life-giving ministry continues, strengthening communities and sustaining hope where it is needed most.
As Pope Leo XIV said, “God found not one, but many strong and courageous women who did not hesitate to take risks and confront problems in order to embrace his plans and respond ‘yes’ to his call.”
Supporting the formation of these young women invests in the future of communities in Timor-Leste. Learn more at www.catholicmission.org.au/faith
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Formation and Hope for Novices in Timor Leste (Catholic Mission)
