NEWS & VIEWS
from a CATHOLIC perspective

    ROME, 2 (NE) A group of faithful in East Timor commemorated last Sunday the apparition of Our Lady of Fatima, with a procession that began some hours after the last Indonesian troops left the oriental part of the island. The Marian feast, which is celebrated in many parts of the world on October 13, could not be celebrated in East Timor on that date due to the lack of security and had to be postponed.

    The Apostolic Administrator of Dili, Bishop Carlos Belo, thanked during the celebration for the horizon of hope that opens for the people of East Timor. Before and image of the Virgin of Fatima, he thanked the international community for its support, which prevented a total massacre of the people by pro Indonesian militias.

    The Prelate praised as well the effort that the peace forces stationed in East Timor are accomplishing. He stated that this is an example that armies can also serve "to construct," as well as for "solidarity, humanity and justice."

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