Kolping Timor Leste celebrated its 25th anniversary in March this year. The organization celebrated this anniversary in an impressive ceremony and also made it clear to the outside world what it means to be a Kolping member:
Spiritual foundation of Kolping’s work: The national organization and local Kolping Families commenced the day with the celebration of Holy Mass in the Church of Sao Paulo Lospalos.
Kolping supports those in need, particularly the sick and vulnerable: Following the mass, the Kolping members embarked on a mission to share goods such as fruit juice, milk, biscuits and other food with patients in two hospitals. This visit showed that Kolping cares for its fellow people and gives them courage and comfort.
Kolping cares for people on the margins of society: Kolping Families also provide assistance to the elderly and disabled and underscore their commitment to inclusivity in day-to-day life.
Kolping is a community of solidarity: In the evening representatives from various Kolping Families gathered at the Kolping National Office in Lospalos to celebrate the anniversary with a dinner. Participants reflected on the past 25 years and talked about their future mission.
“The 25th-anniversary celebration of Kolping’s existence in Timor-Leste was a momentous occasion filled with reflection, gratitude, and solidarity“, reports Bonifacio de J.M. Soares, Coordinator in the National Organization. Through various activities encompassing spiritual, charitable, and communal dimensions, Kolping reaffirmed its commitment to serving the community with compassion and dedication. As the organization looks ahead to the future, it remains steadfast in its mission to empower individuals, strengthen communities, and promote social justice in Timor-Leste and beyond.“
Kolping was present in Timor Leste way before the country got its independence in 2002. Kolping Timor-Leste has currently 1541 members in 140 Kolping Families. The country is among the poorest in the world. In order to find a way out of poverty, Kolping offers its members in Timor-Leste microcredits and training, among other things. As a result, 60 members from six Kolping Families were able to start producing coconut oil and generate additional income.
