Catholic Mission Annual Appeal
Catholic Mission is the international mission agency of the Catholic Church in Australia.
On 23-24 September 2023, the parish will hold the annual Catholic Mission Church Appeal. This year, we are invited to support the Church in Timor-Leste as they provide ongoing support to the development of rural communities.
Timor-Leste is a small island nation about 730 km north-west of Darwin, with Indonesia as its closest neighbour. After decades of violent conflict with Indonesia and the massacre of tens of thousands of Timorese, the country secured its independence from Indonesia in 1999. However, independence came at a high cost for local communities and a harsh impact on rural economic development.
Healthcare for the Venilale community
Venilale is a town of 16,000 inhabitants 150 km east of Dili. Following decades of unrest, Venilale has limited access to resources and infrastructure, and faces a range of difficulties including lack of access to healthcare professionals.
In Venilale, the Salesian Sisters created the Maria Auxiliadora Clinic, a centre dedicated to healing and health education.
In providing people with physical and psychological care, the Clinic takes a holistic approach by sharing healthy lifestyle skills and habits. Through health promotion, the community is empowered to have autonomy over their well-being.
One key task for the Sisters is promoting good nutrition. Targeting schools, this program ensures that children are developing healthy nutrition habits for themselves and their families.
This year, the Sisters are looking to implement this program in 24 schools in Venilale and in the surrounding communities. Currently, 51 children in 1,000 under the age of five are dying prematurely, with malnutrition one of the main contributing factors. Teaching healthy habits enables this new generation to make informed choices about their health and to pass on vital knowledge to their families and future children.
Sr Alma: From Italy to Timor-Leste
Sr Alma Castagna is the Provincial of the Salesian Sisters in Timor-Leste and Indonesia. Growing up in Italy, Sr Alma studied medicine to become a doctor. Guided by her faith, she joined the Mission and dedicated her life to serving others. She arrived in Timor-Leste, 30 years ago, and began to work as a doctor among local communities struggling to access health services and medical personnel. Her skills and training were vital.
In 1992, she was asked to go to the small town of Venilale to assist Sr Paola to run the local clinic established in 1989, the Maria Auxiliadora Clinic. Alongside the clinic and thanks to the resourcefulness of Sr Paola, the St Mary Mazzarello Vocational School was being built to offer vocational training to young girls and boys, creating a foundation to employment. In 1995, Sr Alma took on the role of Director for the school's community.
Her work as a missionary has been driven by her passion for people and her faith. She is reminded of the presence of Christ through every encounter and as she sees people walk toward a better future in their own capacity. In her own words, Sr Alma describes the importance of taking action,
"Everywhere we can make something, small things, but we can do what God wants from us."
Sr Alma's devotion to helping others continues to be an inspiration for many missionaries.
Sr Alma Castagna speaks from Timor-Leste
Are You Able to Help?
While there is important progress in Timor-Leste, many difficulties remain in keeping the Venilale Clinic running. Doctors are difficult to find and retain, and the cost of maintaining the Clinic continues to rise. The support of Catholic Mission's friends and supporters remain an important factor in carrying on this life-giving work.
You have an opportunity to personally support the Church in Timor-Leste via your donations. All donations are specifically directed to the life-saving projects outlined above. Please help support the rural communities of Timor-Leste.
Donations may be made via envelopes available in our churches or directly via the link below.
Donate
www.catholicmission.org.au
Catholic Mission telephone 1800 25 7296.
Catholic Mission ABN 52 945 927 066