At the invitation of  Bishop Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo (Nobel Peace Prize winner in 1996), the first five Maryknoll Sisters, arrived in East Timor in February, 1991. They had spent many years in urban ministry in the Muslim country of Indonesia; Bishop Belo asked them to work in Aileu, a rural community in the mountains, forty-seven kilometers south of Dili.

One Sister became principal of the Catholic high school, the others began community-based health programs, catechetics and pastoral work in this predominantly Christian country. In September, 1999 when the “Popular Consultation” results were an overwhelming vote for independence from Indonesia, the people cheered and hugged one another, but within half an hour they had to flee for their lives. They witnessed burnings everywhere.

The Sisters were advised to flee to Dili. After some harrowing experiences, they were able to leave on the last Australian Hercules to fly out during the evacuation. In Darwin they joined a Timorese ministry team and a task force for West Timor refugees to get to safety. When the Sisters returned to Aileu in November, 1999, they found everything destroyed except the spirit of the people.

Very slowly, with the people, the social service center, school, etc. were rebuilt. Today two newly assigned Sisters (bringing to twelve the Maryknoll Sisters who have served in East Timor) are teaching in the parish high school and the public high school. The other Sisters continue the Community-based Health Program, Family Service Center  and workshop run by physically challenged young Timorese; training center for computer classes, literacy training and library services. Despite obstacles the Timorese and the Sisters work every day for justice and peace, and that all may have “life and life in abundance.”