On 25 May, three Sisters Hospitallers travelled to East Timor to promote the Institution’s new presence in the Southeast Asian country.
The sisters who travelled to East Timor to address the nation’s need for mental health care, are:
- María Isabel da Costa Martins, from the Province of Portugal
- Andrea Calvo, from the Province of France
- Mary Joy Palomillo, from the Delegation of the Philippines.
We conducted a brief interview with the sisters to learn more about the initial impressions of their journey:
- What does it mean for you to represent the Congregation’s new presence in East Timor?
The new presence of the Sisters Hospitallers in East Timor is in response to the calling of the Holy Spirit to take responsibility and help cover the needs of the inhabitants of this Southeast Asian country. This is God’s way of drawing on an opportunity to spread the Hospitaller charism.
This new presence in East Timor means that the Congregation is “still alive.” Being a part of this experience brings us a feeling of immense joy.
- Explain the mission you will undertake
To undertake this mission, it is first essential to spread the Hospitaller charism, so the inhabitants of East Timor understand the true identity of the Congregation.
Our mission will be carried out in the field of mental health and will include prevention and awareness of these illnesses. Moreover, we will offer users direct consultation and support in coordination with local healthcare agencies. We do not want any limitations when providing our services to those who need them.
We will also work with the Vocational Youth Ministry by training young people in the parishes, providing support in their discernment and their desire to help others.
- One wish for the future…
After a period of adjustment, we would like to build a Hospitaller mission open to everyone.
We hope the seed that is planted on this new journey bears the fruit of hospitality and that those people with challenges can live the experience of a God who is love, through our charity. Finally, we hope that the Lord will grant us what we ask of him: that he send us young people interested in joining the Congregation and becoming the messengers of the Hospitaller charism.
We recognise this mission as a challenge for the Institution, but with the grace of God, we will achieve it.
The entire Hospitaller Community wishes you a good and fruitful mission, and we thank you for your dedication and generosity. ONWARD, ONWARD, EVER ONWARD!
