The Mary MacKillop East Timor Mission, a ministry of Mary MacKillop International Mission Inc, began with the response of the Sisters of St Joseph to the request by 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.
2009 - Centenary of the death of Mary MacKillop
At least 40,000 Timorese civilians died in World War II as a result of assisting Australian soldiers. Timor-Leste deserves the recognition of an Award.
You could print off the petition to have the "Companion of the Order of Australia" bestowed on Timor-Leste, tell the story and get people to sign. Click here for the petition.
Read a briefing paper for background information on the Timorese sacrifice for Australia in World War II.
Signatures at 02.07.09...... 7 135
