Fr. Anacleto Pires was born in Afaloicai, Baguai, Baucau on 20 August 1967. After completing his high school studies (at ASALES Fatumaca), he was immediately admitted to the novitiate on June 13, 1991. He made his first profession as Salesian Cleric on 13 June, 1992. From 1992 to 1995 he was sent to continue his formation and his philosophical studies at STF Driyakara Jakarta. After he completed his philosophical studies in Jakarta, Indonesia, he returned to Timor-Leste again and was tasked as the assistant for novices from 1995 to 1997. When the practical training period was over, he was sent to Paranaque, the Philippines, to continue his theological formation from 1997 to 2001.
During his theological studies in the Philippines, he also received minor ministries as follows:
- He was instituted to the ministry of lector on 14 September 1999
- He was instituted to the ministry of acolyte in September 2000
He made his perpetual profession to live as a Salesian for the rest of his life on 24 March 2000.
Ordinations:
- He was ordained to the order of diaconate on March 24, 2001.
- He was ordained into the priesthood on December 8, 2001.
From 2002 to 2008 he was assigned as the in-charge-person of ASALES Fatumaca. He was appointed as Rector of the community of Lospalos for two three-year terms: the first term from 2008 to 2011 (completed); the second from 2011 to 2014 (not completed, as he was sent to do his further studies in Italy).
In Lospalos, he also assumed the responsibility as vicar of the parish priest and the in-charge of pre-novices. From 2013 to 2015, he was sent by his Superior for further studies and completed his licentiate in Salesian spirituality.
On his return to his home province, he was appointed as novice master for two periods: 2015 – 2018, and 2018 – 2021 (which he did not complete due to his appointment as the new Rector of the post-novitiate, Comoro, Dili). In 2021, he was appointed as the Rector of the post-novitiate community.
On 22 June 2022, he was appointed by the Rector Major to be the Superior of the TLS Vice-Province for 2022 – 2027.
"Congratulations Fr. Anacleto Pires, SDB. May God bless and protect you always in your ministry as Father, Brother, Friend, and Teacher for all Salesians, Salesian Family, and most specifically young people!” said the TLS Salesians.
