On May 2, 2026, the Dominican community in East Timor celebrated a moment of profound historical and spiritual significance: the first Mass of Fr. Cesar, the first priest from East Timor since the arrival of the Province in the country in 2013.
Fr. Cesar was ordained to the priesthood on July 5, 2025, in Porto, Portugal. Following his ordination, and in light of his father’s prolonged illness, he returned to East Timor after Easter 2026 to be with his family and to offer his first Mass among his people.
The celebration took place in his native village, Uai-Mori, located in a remote area of East Timor. This site carries historical resonance, as it served as a place of refuge and resistance during the struggle against Indonesian occupation. On May 1, 2024, upon his return to Timor, Fr. Cesar was received in his village according to local custom, with traditional music and cultural attire, marking his priesthood as both a spiritual and communal event.
On May 2, 2026, he presided over his first Mass, accompanied by Dominican brothers Fr. Ruben, Fr. John, and Fr. Gaspar, together with the parish priest, his vicar, and a group of Dominican sisters. The villagers themselves organized the celebration, which was marked by simplicity, familiarity, and deep faith.
The Dominican community remained in the village for two nights, warmly welcomed and accommodated by Fr. Cesar’s family. Their hospitality reflected the joy and pride of the community in offering their son to the service of the Church.
This event stands as a testimony to the growth of the Dominican mission in East Timor, the vitality of local faith, and the enduring bond between priesthood, family, and community.
