Location
:
Dili, Timor Leste
Initially, there was only one SCMM community in Timor-Leste, which was located in Ossu. In order to purchase supplies for the community, dormitory, and the orphanage, and to conduct administrative matters, the sisters had to travel to Dili which was the provincial capital at that time. The distance from Ossu to Dili is approximately 172 kilometers, a journey that takes six hours by public transport. Due to the long journey, the sisters usually stayed at the PRR convent in Dili.
As the ministries in Ossu continued to grow, the sisters travelled to Dili more frequently to handle administrative matters with the government. The bishop also took notice of the SCMM sisters' presence and proposed opening a new community in Dili. This was well received by the sisters in Ossu, so Sister Lusia began looking for a suitable location. With the help of one of the sisters' families, they found a place easily. It was in a strategic location, close to the diocese and the city centre, making it easier for the sisters to shop for their daily needs. It was in Akadiruhun.
Once the sisters had made their decision, the Provincial, Sr. Rosalina Kusnoharjono and the sisters in Ossu visited the owner and conducted the sale and purchase transaction in front of a notary in Dili. Once the administrative matters had been finalised, the sisters began occupying the house — an old Portuguese building intended as a transit point for the sisters in Ossu.
Over time, Dili underwent rapid development. Many universities were built. Seeing this growth, the sisters decided to turn the transit house into a community for students and workers. After much consideration, the old house was gradually demolished in 1993 and a multi-storey convent with thirteen bedrooms was built in its place.
At the start of the new school year in July 1993, Sister Kornelia Manaö, who had already gained experience working with the new community in Maumere-Flores, was sent to establish a new community in Dili under the patronage of St John. Sister Krispina, originally assigned to Ossu, was sent to the new community to continue her work in family pastoral care. Sr. Kornelia began teaching mathematics at St. Paul's High School. Shortly afterwards, in the same month, Sr. Lambertin Manalu, who had been in charge of the school's financial administration in Medan, arrived in Dili, bringing the number of community members to three. Initially, the two young sisters provided assistance at UNTIM (the University of East Timor), but later they required further education, so they worked part-time while studying at the university.
From 1993 to 2015, many sisters from the Indonesian Province served in this community, carrying out the congregation's mission. On 2 February 2016, the General Council issued a declaration letter establishing this community as the Regionalate of SCMM Timor Leste, a status which it retains to this day. This community will celebrate its 33rd anniversary in July 2026.
Rua Belarmino Lobo
Bidau Akadiruhun
Posto Administrativo Nain Feto
Municipiu de DILI
TIMOR LESTE
Phone: +670-75306541
E-mail: podeus200103013@gmail.com