Origins and Historical Development
The Salesians first arrived in East Timor in 1927, coming from China and Macau. However, this initial mission ended in 1929. In 1946, a new group of Salesians arrived from Portugal and settled in Fuiloro, beginning a more structured presence. By 1948, they had established a school in Los Palos. Over the years, the mission expanded with schools, social works, and outreach programs, focusing especially on rural areas and disadvantaged youth. Key milestones included the foundation of the Baucau center in 1960 and the Fatumaca center in 1962.
During the Indonesian occupation (1975–1999), the Salesian mission faced many challenges, including the looting of some institutions. Despite these hardships, the religious community continued its educational, pastoral, and training efforts. The novitiate was opened in Fatumaca in 1980, and parishes were established in Laga and Venilale in 1988. That same year, the Vocational and Agricultural Training Center in Fuiloro was revived.
The creation of the “San Callisto Caravario” Vice-Province of Indonesia–East Timor (ITM) in 1998 marked a significant step in consolidating the Salesian mission. During the unrest following the 1999 independence referendum, the Salesians played an active role in promoting peace and reconciliation. The mission expanded further with the establishment of the Vocational Training Center in Dili-Centec (2002), the Pre-Novitiate in Los Palos (2005), and the Post-Novitiate in Dili (2007).
In 2011, as the Salesian mission in Indonesia also flourished, it became a Delegation, preparing for its eventual administrative separation from East Timor. Before this, in 2013, the Salesians established a technical school in Maliana.
Since 2018, the Salesian presence in East Timor (TLS) has functioned as an autonomous Vice-Province—just as Indonesia (INA) does—each with its own patron saint. The TLS Vice-Province is dedicated to St. Callisto Caravario, while INA is under the patronage of St. Luigi Versiglia, both of whom were the first Salesian martyrs.
The Salesian Community
Currently, the TLS Vice-Province has 200 Salesians (107 perpetually professed and 93 temporarily professed), engaged in different stages of formation and ministry:
- 75 priests
- 21 coadjutors
- 29 clerics
- 17 practical trainees
- 58 philosophy students
New vocations continue to bring hope to the Vice-Province, with 7 novices and 22 pre-novices preparing for their religious journey.
Salesian Works and Activities
The 11 Salesian institutions spread across East Timor oversee a wide range of apostolic activities, including:
- 4 primary schools
- 8 secondary schools
- 5 boarding houses
- 6 parishes
- 1 shrine
- 8 oratories
- 3 youth centers
- 4 social missions
- 1 orphanage
- 3 Salesian formation centers
The Salesian Family
Beyond the Salesian Congregation itself, the Salesian Family in East Timor includes various groups that share St. John Bosco’s mission and spirituality. Among them are:
The Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA) The Association of Salesian Cooperators (ASC) The Association of Don Bosco Alumni (Ex.DB) The Federation of FMA Alumnae (Ex.FMA) The Association of Mary Help of Christians (ADMA) The Volunteers of Don Bosco (VDB)
These groups actively contribute to the local Church, promoting educational, social, and spiritual initiatives. Their presence strengthens the sense of community and shared mission within the Salesian charism.
