Christian News,World Christian News,Malaysia Church,Religion Christianity
Pope to Timorese children: Thank you for teaching us to care and be cared for Pope Francis, seated beside Timor-Leste’s President Jose Ramos-Horta , greets children in traditional attire during his welcoming ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Dili on Sept. 9. , where 98 percent of its 1.3 million people are Catholics, has been eagerly anticipated for many years.
The Church's contributions to health and education in Timor-Leste have been invaluable, creating a legacy of service that the Timorese people deeply appreciate and can never fully repay. The papal visit is more than a symbolic gesture; it is a powerful reminder that the Holy See has not forgotten the Timorese people who relied on the Church's support during our darkest hours.
The Church compounded this by labeling the Timorese as"godless savages," a narrative that has persisted to this day. This legacy of appropriation and marginalization continues to have profound implications. Lulik, the sacred concept that underpins Timorese spirituality, is condemned and vilified as something evil and incompatible with Christian teachings. Yet, in stark contrast to this denunciation, Church leaders themselves are addressed with titles like"Amu Lulik" or"Nai Lulik," titles that carry the sacred connotation of the very concept they denounce.
As someone pursuing a doctoral degree on the concept of Lulik at the University of Melbourne, I am engaged in exploring the true meaning and significance of this concept within Timorese culture. My research aims to uncover and reclaim the understanding of Lulik. I hope it would also contribute to a broader recognition and respect for Timorese spirituality, in both the past and present cultural landscape.
Many Timorese today carry Portuguese names, often unaware of the history of coercion that led to their adoption. Moreover, the stigmatization of indigenous names has led to a deep-seated sense of shame among the Timorese, causing them to distance themselves from their original names and, by extension, their cultural roots.
Catholic News World Christian News Malaysia Islam Muslims Allah Dioceses Parishes Pope Nuns Priests
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Custos of Holy Land joins call for prayers for peace on Solemnity of AssumptionChristian News,World Christian News,Malaysia Church,Religion Christianity
Read more »
Pope at Angelus: Faith is not true if based on our prejudicesChristian News,World Christian News,Malaysia Church,Religion Christianity
Read more »
Pope at Angelus: Faith is not true if based on our prejudicesChristian News,World Christian News,Malaysia Church,Religion Christianity
Read more »
Custos of Holy Land joins call for prayers for peace on Solemnity of AssumptionChristian News,World Christian News,Malaysia Church,Religion Christianity
Read more »
Patriarch Pizzaballa: We must urgently pray for reconciliation and peaceChristian News,World Christian News,Malaysia Church,Religion Christianity
Read more »
Father of Olympic gymnast Brody Malone speaks of son’s faith following bronze medal winChristian News,World Christian News,Malaysia Church,Religion Christianity
Read more »