DILI, 24 December 2025 (TATOLI) – The Archbishop of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Dili, Cardinal Virgílio do Carmo da Silva, SDB, emphasized in his Christmas homily that the birth of Jesus brings newness to humanity, offering each person the gift of divine joy, because God entered the world as a child.
“God came into the world as a child so that we may become His children. This is the newness of Christmas. God made Himself a child so that we may become God’s children,” Cardinal Virgílio said while presiding over the Christmas Mass at the Cathedral Church in Dili.
The Archbishop explained that this presence is a profound sign of God’s joy, reminding each person that humanity itself is God’s delight. He urged the faithful not to be discouraged by temptations, because God always walks with each person, and through struggles and challenges reveals the truth that “we are God’s children.”
“God’s love comes to us freely. On this holy night, we receive His grace. A Father who gives nothing less than His own Son – that is the greatest joy for humanity,” he said.
He acknowledged that human ingratitude and injustice often raise doubts, yet God never tires of helping His faithful.
“God loves us even unto death. This is His secret: to dwell in our hearts. He knows the only path to save us, to heal our wounds, because He loves us. There is no other way. His love is constant, though we often respond with contradiction,” Cardinal Virgílio added.
He stressed that only Christ’s love can transform lives, heal brokenness, and liberate people from anger, sadness, resentment, and behaviors contrary to God’s will.
“I do not speak with words alone, but I live as you live, to invite you to begin anew, to recognize yourselves as God’s children. This is the time to begin again, the time of hope,” he said.
Jesus came into the world as a humble child born in Bethlehem, in a manger, to guide God’s children in their journey through life.
“Bethlehem means ‘House of Bread.’ God was born in a place where animals feed, reminding us that we need Him as our bread of life. We must allow His love to enter our lives,” Cardinal Virgílio explained.
Jesus as Light, Love, and the Way to Salvation
In another homily, the Bishop of the Diocese of Maliana, Don Norberto do Amaral, highlighted that the birth of Jesus Christ is the tangible sign of God’s great love for humanity.
He said Jesus came into the world as light, illuminating human life and guiding people toward the right path.
“God truly loves humanity. Jesus came to correct sin, to guide us to goodness, and to lead us to eternal life as one family in God’s heart,” Bishop Norberto declared.
He explained that Jesus is the light of the world, bringing joy and peace especially to the simple, the humble, and the suffering. His presence shows that God opens His heart to all, without exclusion, gathering those who are lost.
Bishop Norberto invited the faithful to open their hearts to welcome Jesus into their daily lives. He warned that busyness and selfishness often distance people from God, but emphasized the importance of openness.
“It is important to open our hearts, because Jesus comes to bring light and joy to each of us. He walks with us and accompanies us in our daily lives,” he said.
He underlined that the risen Christ will return with great power, and therefore encouraged the faithful to continue living according to God’s will, making Christmas a moment of renewed faith and love in their lives.
Journalists: Hortencio Sanches / Sergio da Cruz
Editors: Cancio Ximenes / Maria Auxiliadora
Translation: Rafael Ximenes de A. Belo
