Dear Friends in Christ,
In one of the most deeply Catholic nations in the world, we will travel to Dili to serve vulnerable communities together with the Canossian Daughters of Charity, who have been caring for the poor, the marginalized, and the forgotten for generations.
This mission will be carried out in the days leading up to the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on 15 August, one of the most important Marian celebrations in the Catholic Church.
On this feast, the Church celebrates how God raised Our Blessed Mother, body and soul, into heavenly glory. It reminds us that Mary continues to accompany the Church with her maternal love, always leading us closer to her Son.
Just as Our Lady hastened to help her cousin Elizabeth in her time of need, we too are called to go forth in love and service to those who need help.
Our mission will therefore be carried out under the mantle of Our Blessed Mother, entrusting all that we do to her loving care.
As Jesus reminds us:
“Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” — Matthew 25:40
And St. Josemaría Escrivá encouraged us to live generously:
“Don’t let your life be sterile. Be useful. Blaze a trail.”
This mission is one way to blaze that trail.
For more information, please click
ABOUT THE MISSION
Despite its strong Catholic faith, many communities in Timor-Leste still face serious challenges such as poverty, limited healthcare access, and lack of economic opportunities.
Working closely with the Canossian Sisters, our mission aims to support women, children, and vulnerable families through programs that restore dignity and create opportunities.
This mission is not simply about providing aid. It is about encountering Christ in others and sharing the love of God through service.
HOW WE WILL SERVE
During our mission, volunteers will participate in several initiatives to empower communities and improve lives.
Education
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Introduce online English education programs to expand opportunities for youth.
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Encourage learning through digital tools and mentoring.
Healthcare
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Support initiatives to enhance medical services for underserved communities.
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Explore opportunities for teleconsultation and health outreach.
Women’s Empowerment
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Conduct menstrual health education for underprivileged women and girls.
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Introduce the production of reusable sanitary pads, helping women maintain dignity while creating income-generating opportunities.
Livelihood Development
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Introduce data entry and outsourced digital services training to create new employment opportunities.
Community Support
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Distribute essential humanitarian supplies to vulnerable families.
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Spend time listening, encouraging, and building relationships with local communities.
Often the greatest gift we bring is not material assistance, but our presence, compassion, and solidarity.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
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Volunteer: Be a part of the mission and experience the joy of serving Christ by bringing hope to this community.
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Donate: Support by donating preloved or surplus items. Please do not buy these items as they can be purchased much cheaper in Timor Leste and would not add to our baggage allowance.
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Sponsor a Volunteer: If you cannot join, consider sponsoring someone willing to serve but unable to afford the expenses.
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Pray for Us: Offer your spiritual support and pray for the refugees and the missioners on this trip.
🌹PILGRIMAGE TO CRISTO REI
At the end of our mission, we will make a pilgrimage to the iconic Cristo Rei of Dili, one of the most beloved Catholic landmarks in Timor-Leste.
Standing 27 metres high on a hill overlooking the sea, Christ the King stretches His arms over the nation as if embracing its people.
To reach the summit, pilgrims climb over 500 steps, passing the Stations of the Cross along the way. As we ascend together in prayer, we will reflect on Christ’s Passion and offer our mission, the people we have served, and our own lives to God.
At the summit, with breathtaking views over the ocean and the city of Dili, we will give thanks to God for the grace of this mission and entrust the people of Timor-Leste to His loving care.
For more information, please click
🌹A Special Tradition: Offering Petitions to Our Lady
One of the customs we have in Gebirah Missions is to invite family and friends to submit petitions to Mother Mary during our pilgrimage.
On the last day of our Timor-Leste mission, we will visit Cristo Rei to give thanks to God and to entrust our intentions to Our Blessed Mother.
If someone you know would like to seek her intercession—for healing, reconciliation, financial difficulties, family challenges, or any other intention—you may invite them to write their petition to Mother Mary, seal it in an envelope, and entrust it to us.
During our pilgrimage, we will prayerfully offer these sealed petitions before Our Lady.
Afterwards, I will respectfully burn the envelopes, ensuring that every petition remains completely private.
In this way, our mission carries not only our service but also the hopes, prayers, and faith of many people back home.
For more information, please click
A MISSION ROOTED IN FAITH
This mission flows from the heart of our Catholic faith. The Church upholds the dignity of all human life, particularly the poor, the sick and the vulnerable. In supporting them, we are living out the Gospel call to "love thy neighbor" (Mark 12:31) and embrace those on the margins of society.
As Pope Francis emphasized, we must be "a Church that goes forth" to accompany the suffering and offer hope where it is needed most.
By joining this mission, you not only help meet physical needs but restore dignity, offering companionship, love, and support to those who need it most. Let’s come together and make a lasting impact in their lives.
No specific qualifications are necessary.
Volunteers should be prepared for:
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simple living
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teamwork and flexibility
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active participation in mission activities
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respect for local culture and communities
Most importantly, come with an open heart ready to encounter Christ in the people we meet.
