During the Mass, in the name of the TLS Provincial, the Vicar welcomed Fr Phuoc and wished him to feel at home, since it was his first visit to East Timor. Then he spoke about the particularities of this feast year, with the celebration of the 400th anniversary of the death of St. Francis de Sales and the bond of the Savoyard saint with Don Bosco. He went on to propose that the present seek humility and happiness by the wisdom of God, listening to His Word; thus, one shall find happiness, and be able to cultivate the virtue of humility.
Looking at the socio-political context, Fr Pinto observed: “Some of our alumni and veterans [of the Salesian house] are running as candidates for the Presidency because of their love for our beloved country. Let us pray for them to bring always the politics of Don Bosco, the politics of Our Father.” And on the theme of looking after the Common Home, he specified that the commitment to Creation, together with social and educational activities, are also signs of love for one's country.
Then he concluded his homily by recalling the message sent by the Pope to the Angelus the previous day, in which the Pontiff underscored that “Don Bosco did not lock himself in the sacristy ... He went out onto the street to look for young people to educate them to become Good Christians and Upright Citizens.”
At the end of the Mass, Fr Phuoc delivered a short message to the whole Salesian Family of East Timor. He first brought the affectionate greeting of the Rector Major, Fr Ángel Fernández Artime, whom he described as "in love with East Timor". He too remarked upon the kindness of the inhabitants of the country, which he had the opportunity to feel right from his arrival at the airport.
Above all, the Regional Councilor said he welcomed the possibility of celebrating the Eucharist with a large assembly, "because of your great love for Don Bosco", after two years that it had no longer been possible to do so for him due to the pandemic.
Fr Phouc concluded his speech by inviting the whole Salesian Family to work together for the young, and assured all that despite the difficulties and challenges, the Salesian charism continues to grow. And for this, he exhorted everyone to grow in the missionary spirit.
After the Eucharistic celebration in the parish, everyone was invited to a festive evening in the gymnasium of the Salesian Vocational Center in Comoro, where Fr Phuoc attended the performances of the young people, participated in their celebrations, and made himself available to the many requests for photos.
