Timorese Community Reflects on Faith

During the seasons of Lent and Easter, the East Timorese community in Cambridge (ETICC), together with their parish priest, Fr Robin Joseph CRM of St Laurence’s Church, undertook a simple yet deeply meaningful pastoral initiative. Around ten Timorese families were visited in their homes, where they received prayer, encouragement and house blessings.

For the community, this was far more than a routine programme. It became a journey of faith, moving from house to house, family to family, and heart to heart. Each visit revealed different needs. Some families sought prayer, others encouragement, and many simply welcomed the presence of the Church in their homes. In these encounters, there was a shared realisation that faith does not belong solely within the walls of a church building. It must also be lived in the home, within families, daily conversations, and acts of care for one another.

This initiative drew inspiration from the words of Pope Francis during his Apostolic Visit to Timor-Leste from 9 to 11 September 2024: “Que a vossa fé seja a vossa cultura”, “May your faith be your culture.”

For the Timorese people, these words carry profound meaning. Culture is not defined only by traditional dress, music, food or celebrations. It is expressed in daily life and in what is passed on to future generations. If faith becomes culture, then Catholic values must shape family life, guiding how young people are supported, elders respected, children nurtured, forgiveness practised, and care extended to those who feel isolated or forgotten.

Living far from Timor-Leste, the community recognises the importance of gathering together, celebrating shared traditions and maintaining cultural identity. Social events play an important role, fostering joy and unity. However, the community also understands that its strength cannot rest on social activity alone. It must be rooted in prayer, faith, service and pastoral care.

During his visit, Pope Francis reminded the people of Timor-Leste that the nation’s greatest treasure is its people, especially children, young people, families, the elderly and those most in need. This message resonates strongly with the Timorese community in Cambridge. Though geographically distant from their homeland, they remain closely connected to the faith and values that have shaped them.

The pastoral visits with Fr Robin Joseph CRM may have been modest in scale, but they carried a powerful message. The Church is present not only in times of celebration, but also in moments when families need prayer, support and blessing.

The community expresses its gratitude to Fr Robin for accompanying them in this pastoral mission, and to the families who generously opened their homes and hearts. There is hope that this initiative will continue to strengthen a community in which faith is not only spoken about, but actively lived.

May their faith truly become their culture, in their homes, their community, and wherever God calls them to be.

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