Liquica, 05 April 2025 – During the 26th commemoration of the Massacre at Liquica Church on April 6, 1999, on “Memorialization as a Path to Peace to Honor and Dignify Our National Heroes,” where the CNC I.P., in collaboration with the Municipal Authority of Liquica, the Organizing Committee for the Commemoration, Victims, and Survivors, and communities celebrated the Holy Eucharist held at São João de Brito Liquica Church, which was presided over by Fr. Francisco Barreto. After mass, flowers were taken to be scattered to honor and dignify the sacrifices of National Heroes.
During his homily, Father emphasized that everyone has a history, including those who lost their lives at Liquica Church as they fought for the truth and the quest for independence. He urged the younger generation to learn from their past and understand that freedom was attained through sacrifice, not simply granted.
“As we remember this massacre, we shed tears for those who lost their lives in 1999. The younger generation must understand our history to recognize that independence was not simply handed to us,” said Fr. Francisco.
He stated that younger generations cannot fully enjoy independence but must learn from their history, prepare for the present, and plan for the future to contribute to national development. He reminded everyone that this liberation comes from faith in God, who provides strength and guidance.
The Massacre of Likisa resulted in numerous deaths, injuries, and disappearances, with many remains still undiscovered. We must take time to reflect on those who lost their lives, as well as the survivors. We mustn’t ignore this tragedy; instead, we should be mindful of our rights and responsibilities to contribute to the development of our country and not let it be. People of Likisa are requested to leave behind egocentrism and not think only of themselves. However, mutual support is needed to develop this land and its people through national development.
After mass, the flowers were taken to be scattered at various memorial sites, including the Liquica Parish Residence, the National Garden of Heroes of Liquica, and the Pond of Maubara Salt, where the remains of those killed by the Besi Merah Putih, the Indonesian National Police, and the military, were discarded.
Read: Tetum Version
