DILI, 4 november 2021 (TATOLI) – Prime Minister, Taur Matan Ruak attended the funeral rites of the metropolitan Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Baucau, Basilio Do Nascimento, at St. Anthony Cathedral Baucau, on thursday (4/11).
The funeral ceremony commenced at around 10am and terminated at around 2pm local time.
“We pay our last tribute to Archbishop Nascimento, who dedicated his whole life to serve Jesus Crist. He left Timor-Leste to pursue his education overseas but returned to the country to spread and show God’s love to all Catholic followers in Timor-Leste,” Ruak made the comments in his remarks at the funeral ceremony held at St. Anthony Cathedral, in Baucau.
Ruak said Nascimento always showed courage to denounce evil actions and defend the people and the nation of Timor-Leste until august 30, 1999.
“Nascimento played a crucial role in Timor-Leste’s clandestine front to promote the link between FALINTIL and the International Community, which made a significant contribution to many movements around the world in supporting Timor-Leste’s independence,” said Ruak.
Following the 1999 referendum, Nascimento tried hard to protect pro-independence supporters and the St. Anthony Cathedral Baucau from the brutal action of the Indonesian militia, where he was the Archbishop himself at that time.
“Nascimento made all of these to defend our core Christian values of dignifying the human rights, liberty, and justice. Thus, he was awarded the Order of the Cross of Liberty, on december 7, 1999.
Nascimento was nominated as Episcopal Church bishop of Archdiocese of Baucau, in which he became the first President of the Episcopal Conference of Timor-Leste.
“Catholic Church’s role in the 24-year resistance demonstrated Nascimento’s generosity and kindness. For instance, his dedication and sacrifice saved many Timorese from suffering and being the voice for the voiceless,” said Ruak.
“All in all, let’s express our gratitude to recognize the heroic and altruistic leadership of Archbishop Nascimento,” said Ruak.
Journalist: Filomeno Martins
Editor: Nelia Borges Rosario
