From left to right: the Brothers Philippe Douti, Festo Maditkwo and Stéphane Le Pape
The 3 Brothers of Manatuto (East Timor), at the end of June 2026, joined the Brothers from Indonesia to live their Retreat in Kupang (Timor, Western part of Indonesia). On that occasion, the Brothers of Manatuto shared the latest News from the Mission in Timor-Leste.
Let’s listen to Brother Stéphane Le Pape
« Being here among all of you in this Retreat Atmosphere in Kupang is an Immense Joy and a Great Blessing for me. On this Precious Occasion, I would share to you the Good News, Challenges, and Hopes from Our New Mission Field in Timor-Leste.
As you already know, we are Three Brothers in Manatuto, Timor-Leste: Bro. Festo( since 19.01.2026), Bro. Philippe(since 20.01.2025) and Bro. Stef(since 13.01.2025). Bro. Philippe and Bro. Stef spent 3 Months at the SVD Convent of Culuhun-Dili and then moved( 1st May 2025) to Manatuto where Bro. Festo joined them.
I would divide this Short Presentation into Three Chapters of Our Journey: Beginnings, The First Year, and The Future.
PART 1: BEGINNINGS & WELCOMING
We begin with Our Early Days. Our very First Steps upon landing in Timor-Leste were filled with Gratitude, yet also a bit of Uncertainty. Facing a New Terrain, a New Culture, and a New Environment was a challenge in itself for us.
However, all those Anxieties vanished instantly thanks to an Extraordinary Warmth. We were welcomed with Open Arms by the SVD, the Local Church, Local Authorities, and the Entire Community. We successfully overcame the Initial Challenges regarding Logistics, finding a residence, and adapting to the Environment through their Generosity, and of course, through the Strength of the Prayers that continuously flowed from the Brothers across the Congregation, especially the Asia District.
PART 2: THE FIRST YEAR AND MISSION
Entering the First Year, Our Main Priority was to take Root. We started with the Humility to learn. Learning the Tetum Language became Our Key to breaking down Communication Barriers, allowing us to integrate and to start to truly understand the depth of the Soul and Culture of the people there.
From that Linguistic Foundation, we began to integrate ourselves into Parish Life through a Living and Tangible Presence among the Parishioners. Every Week, we received a Beautiful Trust of Faith: taking part in the Holy Mission of distributing Holy Communion to the Elderly and the Sick in their Homes. That Presence brought the Real, Comforting Presence of Christ to those who suffer.
Furthermore, in harmony with the La Mennais Charism, we took an Active Role in Formation and Education. Within the Parish Scope, we participated in providing Faith Formation for the Youth, including the Catechesis for Confirmation Preparation.
Meanwhile, in the Field of Formal Education at the Catholic School of Manatuto, we were entrusted with Teaching English and Portuguese. Through those Classrooms and Faith Formation Programs, together we were opening up horizons for a Brighter Future for the Youth of Timor-Leste. 
PART 3: THE FUTURE & OUR VISION
Dear Brothers, the Foundation of the First Year had been laid, but Our Eyes now look ahead. There are Three Major Priorities that form the future vision of Our Mission in Timor-Leste:
First, we long to establish a Self-Reliant La Mennais Community. We need to lay the First Stone to build a Sturdy Community House, which would become the Heart of Fraternity and the witness of Our Religious Life there.
Second, that Mission Field is vast and requires more Harvesters. Therefore, Our Next Major Priority would be to establish a House of Formation. That place would serve as the Official Hub to Recruit, Educate, and Accompany Local Young Men of Timor-Leste who would be called by God to become La Mennais Brothers.
Third, in the future, we would be preparing to take on the Responsibility of managing a Primary School. Through managing that Primary School, we would instill the La Mennais Educational Charism and shape the Character of Timor-Leste’s Children from the earliest possible age.
CONCLUSION
The La Mennais Mission in Timor-Leste has only just begun, and the Road ahead is still long and demanding. We recognize that that Work relies in part on the hospitality of the People and the Local Church, and especially on the decision of the Local Bishop. We therefore know with certainty that we cannot walk that Path alone.
From that Retreat House in Kupang, we earnestly ask for the Prayerful Support, Blessings, and Collaboration of all the Brothers, especially from the Asia District. Let us together guard that Dream and Future Plan in Timor-Leste, so that Our Mission may come to Fruition for the Greater Glory of God.
Obrigado (Tetum and Portuguese : Thank you very much). God Bless Our Retreat. »
Message received Loud and Clear, Bro. Stéphane. Count on Our Fraternal Support and the Support of Our Prayers.