Covalima, December 5, 2025 – In the morning, following the ceremony of spreading the large mat (nahe biti-boot), a mass of thanksgiving was conducted at Kasabauk Chapel, Tilomar, Covalima Municipality, led by Fr. Jovito Rêgo de Jesus Araújo, in the afternoon.
During the mass, at the Rite of Peace, Fr. Jovito invited a victim and a perpetrator of past human rights violations to stand before the holy altar for a moment of handshakes and embraces. The congregation served as witnesses to this act of reconciliation.
In his homily, Fr. Jovito expressed that their reconciliation at the holy altar is significant because of the death and resurrection of Lord Jesus Christ, which is referred to as the Easter mystery and is central to our reconciliation.
“Reconciliation at the altar is significant because the death and resurrection of Lord Jesus Christ, known as the Easter mystery, serves as the core of our reconciliation with our people and together with our people,” stated Fr. Jovito in his homily.
Fr. Jovito further stated that as human beings, we often encounter problems; some may be hurt and others may appear stern and confrontational, but we are united in solving these issues in accordance with our culture. We express gratitude to God for His love towards us, even as sinners, and assure us that He will never abandon us.
He mentioned that this occasion represents a moment of hope. This year marks the Jubilee year of hope, which is coming to a close. Today, we embrace reconciliation as a demonstration of hope.
“Today, brother and sister (perpetrator and victim) are exemplifying a pathway, a testimony of what embodies hope. This reflects on Jesus’ words, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do,” proclaimed Fr. Jovito.
He emphasized that receiving God’s forgiveness is insufficient; we must extend forgiveness to one another, as forgiveness embodies hope. Prioritizing forgiveness is essential for Christians. Moreover, the Eucharist serves as a foundation of love, resonating with the words, “This is My body, which is given for you.”
The mass of thanksgiving was held within the context of the Timorese Reconciliation Process (PRT) for past human rights violations that occurred in 1999, facilitated by the Centro Nacional Chega!I.P in collaboration with the Timorese Reconciliation Process Task Force (GT-PRT), the Political Conflict Victims Association 1974-1999, local authorities, traditional elders, churches, youth, defense and security forces, and community members.
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