DILI, 01 April 2026 (TATOLI) — The Council of Ministers has approved a resolution to allocate up to US$600,000 to facilitate the transfer of the remains of prominent Catholic prelates from Portugal to Dili.
The resolution, presented by Minister of State Administration Tomás do Rosário Cabral, established a maximum amount “for expenses related to the transfer of the remains of Catholic prelates who served in pastoral roles in Timor-Leste.”
This decision aims to ensure the necessary conditions for the transfer to Dili Cathedral of the remains of Bishop Jaime Garcia Goulart, Bishop José Joaquim Ribeiro, Monsignor Martinho da Costa Lopes, and Bishop Alberto Ricardo da Silva, in recognition of the spiritual, historical, and national legacy of these prominent figures of the Catholic Church in Timor-Leste.
“The intention is therefore to allow their remains to rest alongside the people they served, who may pay them due homage there, as a gesture of recognition for the role they played and the legacy they left behind, which extends beyond the religious sphere and forms part of Timorese national identity,” Government said in a statement.
The Government Resolution sets out the financial framework to cover expenses related to the relocation process, as well as the funeral and memorial ceremonies.
It also states that the construction, reconstruction, repair, renovation, or maintenance work required for this process shall be undertaken by the Ministry of Public Works and the Ministry of Planning and Strategic Investment, with the option to utilise the Infrastructure Fund for funding.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
