Transfer of bishops’ remains from Portugal to Timor-Leste scheduled for September 1

DÍLI, 31 July 2026 (TATOLI) – The remains of three former Catholic bishops who played a significant role in Timor-Leste’s religious and social history are set to return to the country on September 1, 2026.

The Ministry of State Administration held a coordination meeting on Friday with relevant government institutions to prepare the official reception and transfer ceremony for the remains, including those of Bishop Alberto Ricardo da Silva, whose remains are currently kept at Maloa Cemetery in Dili.

Minister of State Administration Tomás Cabral said the government would provide logistical support throughout the process, including arrangements for transporting the remains from Bali to Timor-Leste through Aero Dili.

“The government will support the Church until the remains arrive in Timor-Leste on September 1, 2026, with Aero Dili responsible for transporting them from Bali,” Cabral said.

The repatriation process will begin in Portugal on August 18 with a thanksgiving Mass at the Church of Espírito Santo in Évora, led by Bishop of Baucau Leandro Maria Alves.

Representing Timor-Leste at the ceremony will be Minister of Planning and Strategic Investment Gastão de Sousa, who will convey the government’s appreciation to Portuguese authorities for preserving the bishops’ remains during their time in Portugal.

A second religious ceremony will be held on August 19 at Évora Cathedral, presided over by Lisbon Patriarch Rui Manuel Sousa Valério, together with representatives from the Apostolic Nunciature in Portugal and other Catholic bishops.

Cabral said a Timorese delegation would remain in Portugal to oversee administrative procedures and coordinate the transfer with Portuguese authorities.

“An official team from Timor-Leste will receive the necessary documentation and work with Portuguese authorities. On August 22, the funeral urns will be sealed and transported by a government-contracted agency to Bali before being transferred to Timor-Leste on September 1 through Aero Dili,” he said.

Upon arrival in Dili, the remains will receive military honours from the FALINTIL-Defence Force of Timor-Leste (F-FDTL) before being handed over to the Timor-Leste Episcopal Conference, which will continue the official programme of remembrance organised by the Catholic Church.

Cabral said the remains will then be taken to several locations, including Laleia, Manatuto, where a tribute ceremony will be held near the bridge, and Tasi-Tolu and other areas in Dili. The entire procession will be broadcast live by Radio and Television of Timor-Leste (RTTL).

The coordination meeting brought together representatives from the ministries of Interior, Defence, Transport and Communications, the National Civil Aviation Authority, and RTTL to ensure the necessary logistical and institutional preparations.

The three Catholic prelates whose remains will be transferred are:

• Dom Jaime Garcia Goulart (Apostolic Administrator: 1941–1945; Bishop: 1945–1967)

Dom Jaime Garcia Goulart (10 January 1908 – 15 April 1997) was the first bishop of the Diocese of Dili. Born in Candelária do Pico, Portugal, he began leading the diocese as vicar-general from 22 January 1940 to 17 January 1941.

He was appointed apostolic administrator on 18 January 1941, a role he held until 11 October 1945.

On 12 October 1945, he was formally appointed bishop of Dili. He led the diocese until 31 January 1967.

• Dom José Joaquim Ribeiro (Coadjutor Bishop: 1965–1966; Bishop: 1967–1977)

Dom José Joaquim Ribeiro (4 February 1918 – 27 July 2002) was a Portuguese Roman Catholic bishop and a strong defender of the Timorese people.

Born in Degolados, Campo Maior, Portugal, he led the Diocese of Dili during a turbulent period, including the final years of Portuguese rule and the Indonesian invasion of Timor-Leste on 7 December 1975.

He remained in the territory for nearly two years under Indonesian military occupation, standing close to the Timorese during one of the most difficult chapters in the country’s history.

• Monsignor Martinho da Costa Lopes (Apostolic Administrator: 1977–1983)

Monsignor Lopes was a prominent religious and political figure from Timor-Leste. Born on november 11, 1918, he served as the highest-ranking Catholic Church official in East Timor between 1977 and 1983.

Monsignor was appointed Apostolic Administrator of Dili after Pope Paul VI accepted his request to retire from episcopal duties in october 1977. He also served as a member of Portugal’s National Assembly in Lisbon.

Monsignor Lopes was a courageous critic of human rights violations during the Indonesian occupation. He became known as “the voice of the voiceless” and died in exile, in Lisbon, Portugal, on February 27, 1991.

Their return represents a historic moment for Timor-Leste’s Catholic community and honours the legacy of religious leaders who contributed to the country during important periods of its modern history.

TATOLI