In his homily at the Mass celebrated in Dili, Pope Francis urged the faithful not to be afraid to “make themselves small before God and before one another.” In front of nearly 600,000 people gathered on the esplanade of Taci Tolu, the Pope stressed that “by becoming like children, we open our hearts to the love of God.”
A Message of Hope and Renewal
God becomes a child not only to amaze us, but also to open us to the love of the Father and to transform us. In East Timor, this reality is reflected in the abundance of children and in the vitality of the young country, where every corner pulsates with life. The presence of so many young people is an immense gift that constantly renews our energy and hope.
Pope Francis’ words resonated powerfully in Taci Tolu, a protected area on the Timorese coast near the capital Dili. This place, characterized by picturesque landscapes and rich biodiversity, was also visited by St. John Paul II in 1989. Today, Francis celebrated Mass here after a private meeting with members of the Society of Jesus at the apostolic nunciature.
The Pope’s Arrival
The Pontiff arrived on the esplanade amid a crowd of faithful who greeted him from the streets and rooftops. Francis entered a mass of white and yellow umbrellas, with many faithful who had arrived early, after long hours of travel.
The Gift of a Child
During his homily in Spanish, Francis stressed the profound meaning of the birth of a child, evoking the words of the prophet Isaiah. In a prosperous but morally decayed Jerusalem, God shines through the gift of a son.
“The birth of a child is a moment of joy and celebration,” Francis reflected, which generates “good wishes” and invites us to renew ourselves in goodness and simplicity. The heart is moved by the tenderness of a newborn, and the closeness of God through the child offers us healing and order in our lives.
Making Ourselves Small to Achieve Great Things
The Pope emphasized that, like Mary, who chose to remain small to serve and give space to Jesus, we too must make ourselves small to allow God’s action in our lives. Francis encouraged us not to fear humility and to review our plans to make them better through the gift of ourselves.
Charity and Mercy in Timorese Symbols
Francis highlighted two traditional Timorese symbols, the Kaibauk and the Belak. The Kaibauk, which represents the horns of the buffalo and the light of the sun, symbolizes the power of God, while the Belak, which refers to the glow of the moon, represents maternal tenderness. Together, these symbols reflect the kingship of God, based on charity and mercy.
A Scent of Hope
At the end of the celebration, Cardinal Virgílio do Carmo da Silva recalled that the visit of Saint John Paul II marked a milestone in the independence of Timor, while the presence of Francis represents a crucial step in the construction of the country’s identity. The reference to sandalwood, which in the past attracted explorers and missionaries, is intertwined with the Gospel and the mission of the missionaries.
Pope Francis, mentioning the good “perfume” of the Timorese people, praised the joy of the children and stressed that “a people that teaches its children to smile and love is a people that looks to the future.” With a joke about crocodiles, Francis urged people to protect the country’s culture and history, wishing for peace and encouraging everyone to move forward with hope.
