DILI, 5 september 2022 (TATOLI) – The President of the Republic, José Ramos Horta congratulated His Eminence Cardinal Virgílio do Carmo da Silva after he arrived in Timor-Leste as the first cardinal of the second predominantly Catholic country of Asia.
“Receiving the title of Cardinal is an order of merit and a privilege given by the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God to the Church of Timor-Leste and the Timorese people,” said President Horta after Cardinal Virgílio’s arrival today at Dili Cathedral.
On behalf of the Timorese people, Horta congratulated Cardinal Virgílio do Carmo da Silva: “I would like to express our congratulations to his Eminence Cardinal Virgílio do Carmo da Silva who is now a member of the College of Cardinals”.
“I would like to take this opportunity to extend the congratulatory messages of the Higher Committee of the Human Fraternity in Abu Dhabi to His Eminence Cardinal Virgilio. They wish that Timor-Leste may become a good example for promoting the adoption of the Human Fraternity document,” said Horta.
Timor-Leste was the first country in the world to adopt The Human Fraternity document, a document promoting peace and harmony between Christians and Muslims that has been endorsed by both Pope Francis and Ahmed el-Tayyeb, the grand imam of Al-Azhar.
“Together with the Bishop of Maliana and the future Bishop of Baucau and our Cardinal, we will work together to promote the Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together,” he said.
His Eminence Cardinal Virgílio do Carmo da Silva arrived, today, at Dili International Airport around 7 a.m. local time and was received by the Head of the Organizing Committee Fr. Guilhermino da Silva, and the Minister of State Administration, Miguel Pereira de Carvalho, accompanied by the President of the Republic José Ramos Horta, members of the government, members of parliament, the former major-general of the F-FDTL, Lere Anan Timor, the representative of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Atambua, Chargé d’affaires at the Apostolic Nunciature of Timor-Leste, Monsignor Marco Sprizzi and thousands of Timorese.
Speaking at the VIP Conference Room of Dili Airport, His Eminence Cardinal Virgílio do Carmo da Silva appreciated all the Timorese people for their prayers, love, and support.
“I would like to take this special opportunity to thank all the Timorese people for their immense support and love and thank you for your prayers from the day of my appointment till today,” Cardinal Silva said in the VIP Conference Room after arriving at Dili airport, today.
Short Biography of His Eminence Cardinal Virgílio do Carmo da Silva
His Most Reverend Excellency Archbishop Virgílio do Carmo da Silva, son of José do Carmo and Isabel da Silva was born in Venilale on November 27th, 1968.
He made his aspirancy, pre-Seminary, in Fatumaca in 1983. He entered the novitiate, also in Fatumaca, in the year 1989-1990. He took his first vows on May 31st, 1990.
Carmo did his philosophical studies and theology in the Philippines, in Canlubang and Parañaque, respectively. He took his final vows on March 19th, 1997.
He received his sacerdotal ordination in Parañaque, in the Philippines, on December 18th, 1998.
Carmo was then assigned to the Salesian house in Venilale as bursar and vicar. In 2005, he was sent to Rome where he studied Spiritual Theology at the Salesian Pontifical University.
Upon his return to Timor-Leste, he was appointed Master of Novices and Director of Fatumaca House, positions he held from 2008 until January 2014, when he took over as Provincial Superior.
On March 19th, 2016, His Most Reverend Excellency Archbishop Virgílio do Carmo da Silva was appointed Bishop of the Diocese of Dili and on September 11th, 2019 he was appointed the first Archbishop of Dili.
On 29 May 2022, Pope Francis announced he would make Archbishop Virgilio do Carmo da Silva a cardinal at a consistory scheduled for 27 August.
On august 27, 2022, His Grace Virgílio do Carmo da Silva was elevated to cardinal among others in a consistory ceremony that took place in St. Peter’s Basilica church.
Journalist: Filomeno Martins
Editor: Nelia Borges
