Ignatian Spirituality Centre promotes peace, reconciliation, and a culture of dialogue
DÍLI, 31 July 2026 (TATOLI) — Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão on Friday inaugurated the Ignatian Spirituality Centre for Peace and Reconciliation in Hera, in the municipality of Dili.
He said that this inauguration is not merely the opening of new facilities but also a renewed commitment by Timor-Leste to strengthen the values of faith, peace, solidarity, and respect for all people.
The Prime Minister stressed that the history of Timor-Leste teaches us that peace is not easily achieved but requires sacrifice, perseverance, forgiveness, and a willingness to rebuild relationships among people. He also said that, although the Timorese people have endured many years of suffering and conflict, through their faith in God and their love for this land, they have managed to build a free and sovereign nation.
He emphasised that the Ignatian Spirituality Centre will be a place of silence, prayer, and reflection, and will also contribute to the formation of consciences, the strengthening of leadership, and the promotion of a culture of dialogue. According to the Prime Minister, the country’s development cannot be measured solely by economic growth and infrastructure. Still, it must also prioritise human development through education, spirituality, ethics, and human formation.
Prime Minister Xanana expressed his appreciation to the Society of Jesus for its longstanding contributions to Timor-Leste through education, spiritual guidance, social service, and the training of young people. He also expressed his hope that the centre would become a heritage site for the people of Timor-Leste, open to all, to promote encounter, dialogue, reconciliation, and hope, especially among the youngest members of society.
At the ceremony, Cardinal Virgílio do Carmo da Silva, S.D.B., Metropolitan Archbishop of Dili, stated that this centre is not merely a building but a place where people encounter God, strengthen their faith, and are formed as instruments of peace. He also emphasised that Ignatian spirituality teaches people to practise spiritual discernment and to seek God in all things, so that their decisions may bring hope, justice, and peace to the family, the community, and the nation.
The Regional Superior of the Independent Region of Timor-Leste, Father Erick, also emphasised that the centre will be a place of prayer, silence, discernment, formation, and commitment, dedicated to promoting peace and reconciliation. He emphasised that Timor-Leste needs people ready to engage in dialogue, listen to one another, and work for the common good, since peace must be built day by day through love, forgiveness, solidarity, and service to others.
The Ignatian Spirituality Centre for Peace and Reconciliation, established in Hera in the municipality of Dili, was supported by Catholic benefactors and donors from Singapore. The centre will promote spirituality, peace, and reconciliation and strengthen relationships among people through the Ignatian values of service, solidarity, and respect for all people.
State officials, Catholic Church leaders, members of the Society of Jesus, clergy, benefactors, donors from Singapore, and other guests attended the inauguration.
TATOLI
