The work of St Mary MacKillop in Timor-Leste through Mary MacKillop International began with the response of the Sisters of St Joseph to the request of Bishop Carlos Belo in 1993 for help for the people of East Timor. He spoke of his hope for “the building up of a new society in peace, reconciliation and forgiveness.”

Our Mission is carried out by a variety of people who recognise the particular gift which Mary MacKillop brought to the world. She upheld the dignity of all people. She relied on the Providence of God. She devoted herself to the education of the poor.

We work together in that spirit to foster a range of opportunities for the advancement of the people of Timor-Leste, especially through literacy education in the Tetun language. We support the people in health education, advocacy, compassionate care and other educational and cultural initiatives.