Religious Missionaries of St. Dominic Province of St. Vincent Ferrer 聖道明傳教修女會 聖文生省會
聖道明傳教修女會 聖文生省會Religious Missionaries of St. Dominic
Province of St. Vincent Ferrer
From Vision to Discernment: Exploring New Mission Frontiers
The Provincial Chapter of 2023 entrusted the incoming leadership team with exploring the possibility of establishing a new mission in Malaysia, a proposal that received the approval of the General Council. Although this initial plan did not materialize, the vision of expanding our missionary presence remained alive.
At the suggestion of Sr. Jean Bergado, who was appointed to coordinate the project, a new opportunity emerged. Rather than focusing solely on Malaysia, it was proposed that an exploratory visit be made to Indonesia and Timor-Leste (East Timor) to discern other possible mission fields.
Embracing this new direction, the first exploratory visit took place in June 2025. Sr. Victoria Cambronero and Sr. Jean Bergado, the Vocation Promoters for Guam and Taiwan, respectively, embarked on this journey with hearts open to God's call. Their mission was one of prayerful discernment and careful evaluation, seeking to discover where the Congregation could establish a new missionary presence and respond generously to the needs of the local Church in these lands full of hope and promise.
2023 年省會議委託新一屆領導團隊探討在馬來西亞開展新傳教使命的可行性，此項提案亦獲得總參議會的批准。雖然最初的計畫未能實現，但拓展本會傳教使命的願景始終未曾熄滅。
在負責協調此計畫的Jean Bergado 修女建議下，一個新的契機逐漸浮現。與其僅聚焦於馬來西亞，不如前往印尼及**東帝汶（帝汶－Leste）**進行探索性訪問，以分辨其他可能的傳教地點。
秉持這份新的方向，首次探索之旅於2025 年 6 月展開。來自關島與臺灣的聖召推廣員——Victoria Cambronero 修女與Jean Bergado 修女——懷著對天主召叫的開放心靈踏上旅程。她們以祈禱與分辨的精神展開此次探索，細心評估在當地建立新傳教據點的可能性，並尋求本會如何能回應當地教會的需要，在這片充滿希望與潛力的土地上展開新的福傳使命。
First Visit
In March 2025, the Prioress Provincial with her council made a consensus to survey the possibilities of East Timor to scout for vocations. Hence, Sr. Victoria and Sr. Jean are then asked to arrange the said plan, and communicate with other Dominican female congregation and the Holy Rosary Province Fathers, arranging the visit scheduled in June 2025.
This visit included the Diocese of Dili headed by Card. Virgilio Do Carmo and Diocese of Baucau under Bishop Leandro Alves, both Dioceses were visited by the sisters, and personally met Bishop Leandro to discuss the objective of the visit. The mission lasted for 2 weeks, and both sisters who met many other congregations and natives feel positively of the abundant vocations in Timor, the fruit of deep religiosity and strong faith of the people to the Catholic Church. And other more possible apostolic works that the Province may think of collaboration, mainly on education.
2025 年 3 月，省會長上與其參議會達成共識，決定前往東帝汶考察聖召的可能性。為此，指派 Victoria 修女與 Jean 修女負責籌劃此行，並與其他道明會修女會及玫瑰道明會省的神父們聯繫，安排於 2025 年 6 月進行訪問。
此次訪問涵蓋由 Virgilio do Carmo 樞機主教牧養的帝力教區，以及由 Leandro Alves 主教牧養的包考教區。修女們走訪了這兩個教區，並親自會晤 Leandro Alves 主教，說明並討論此次訪問的目的。整個使命歷時兩週。在此期間，兩位修女與多個修會團體及許多當地民眾交流後，對東帝汶聖召的豐沛深感肯定，這正是人民深厚宗教情操與對天主教會堅定信仰的成果。同時，她們也看到了省會未來可考慮合作的其他使徒工作可能性，特別是在教育領域方面。
Second Visit
On November 13, the sisters met with Cardinal Virgílio do Carmo da Silva, SDB, Archbishop of Dili. This first encounter became a providential moment, offering valuable insight into the mission needs of the Diocese of Dili. Education remains a priority as Timor-Leste continues to recover from the effects of war, and possible apostolates such as after-school programs, language enrichment, and teacher formation were discussed.
At the Bishop’s suggestion, the sisters visited Maubisse on November 16, where they were warmly welcomed by Fr. João Soares, a devoted admirer of Dominican spirituality. After Sunday Mass, the sisters traveled to Horikiik, a small mountain village where the St. Dominic de Guzman Chapel is under construction to serve about 200 families.
During the visit, village elders expressed strong openness to a permanent Dominican presence. A 100-square-meter plot of land was generously offered for a future convent near the chapel site. Another possible location, overlooking Mt. Ramelau, was also presented.
This visit opened new possibilities for mission and deepened the sisters’ ongoing discernment of God’s call in Timor-Leste.
11月13日，修女們拜會了帝力教區總主教 維吉里奧．杜．卡爾莫．達．席爾瓦樞機主教。這次首次 會晤成為一個充滿天主旨意的時刻，使修女們更深入了解帝力教區的牧靈與傳教需要。由於東帝汶仍在戰後復甦中，教育依然是教區的重要優先項目，會中也探討了如課後輔導、語言培訓及師資培育等服務方向。
應主教的建議，修女們於 11月16日 前往 瑪烏比塞（Maubisse），並受到堂區神父 若昂．蘇亞雷斯神父 的熱情接待。彌撒後，修女們前往山區小村莊 霍里基克（Horikiik），當地正在興建 聖道明．古斯曼小堂，將服務約 200個家庭。
探訪期間，部落長老們對修會未來常駐表達高度歡迎，並慷慨捐出 100平方公尺土地，作為未來修院之用；另有一處可俯瞰 拉梅勞山（Mt. Ramelau） 的地點亦被提出作為可能選項。
此次探訪為未來傳教使命開啟了新的可能，同時也幫助修女們更深地在生活中持續分辨天主的召叫。
Mission begins
Growing the Mission
One step at a time
April-May 2026
First Month: Reflection on the Commencement of the Timor Leste Mission (2026)
The beginning of the mission in Timor Leste is a moment of grace marked by trust, courage, and God’s quiet providence. From the very start, the sending off of Sr. Jean was not simply a departure, but a visible sign of mission—of being sent where the need is great and the path still unfolding. The prayers, the Salve, and the accompaniment to the airport reminded us that mission is never done alone; it is always carried by the prayer of the community.
Arrival in a new land brought both consolation and challenge. The warm welcome of the SPC sisters and the rhythm of daily prayer and Eucharist created an immediate sense of belonging. In this new environment, God revealed His presence through simple gestures of hospitality, fraternity, and shared faith. The first days were filled with uncertainty—searching for housing, learning a new language, navigating unfamiliar systems. Yet, in these ordinary struggles, a deeper invitation emerged: to trust. The eventual finding of a suitable house after weeks of searching stands as a clear sign of God’s providence. What seemed difficult at first gradually unfolded according to His time. Encounters with people became a central grace of the mission. Conversations with Church leaders, especially the Cardinal, helped clarify the direction of the mission, particularly in the field of education and formation. There is a growing awareness that education—especially in English and Chinese—can become a meaningful way of serving the local Church and society. At the same time, simple encounters—meeting students, young people, and possible candidates—revealed a thirst for growth, learning, and deeper meaning. These moments highlight that mission is not only about structures and plans, but about relationships and presence.
The beginning of teaching at AROMD-TL and participation in parish life mark important first steps in apostolic engagement. Even small efforts, such as teaching a first English class or joining the choir at Mass, become seeds of a larger mission. They remind us that the mission grows quietly, often in hidden and humble ways. There are also real challenges: language barriers, cultural adjustments, and the complexity of administrative processes. Yet these are part of the journey. They invite patience, humility, and openness to learning. Each difficulty becomes an opportunity to rely more deeply on God. Looking back at these first weeks, one sees not just a list of activities, but a story of God’s faithful guidance. Doors have opened, relationships have begun, and a foundation has been laid. The mission is still young, fragile even, but full of hope. In all these, the call is clear: to continue walking in faith, to remain attentive to the signs of the times, and to serve with generosity wherever the Lord leads.
The mission in Timor Leste is not simply a project—it is a participation in God’s ongoing work among His people.
Celebrating Saint Dominic of Guzmán in Timor-Leste: A Historic Day of Fellowship!
On Saturday, May 23, 2026, the Dominican Family gathered at the Parish of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception in Maubisse for a beautiful Eucharistic Celebration, honoring the translation of Saint Dominic’s mortal remains in Bologna, Italy, back on May 24, 1233.
It was a day filled with joy, connection, and historic milestones for us!
How Our Day Began
Our day started early at 8:00 AM to pick up the cakes from the bakery—our community's delicious share of food for the OP Family Gathering!
A Full House & A Holy Mass
The Maubisse Parish was nearly full, bringing together four female OP Congregations in Timor-Leste and the Holy Rosary Fathers, alongside youth, collaborators, and formands. It was a wonderful opportunity for connecting and exchanging pleasantries!
The Holy Mass was presided over by Fr. Cesar (the first OP Priest) and concelebrated by Fr. Joao and Fr. Matthew of the Maubisse parish, together with OP Fathers Fr. Ruben, Fr. Pius, and Fr. John.
A Historic First for Our Institute!
This was a deeply special day for our Institute, as we were represented for the very first time by Sr. Jean Bergado! We pray this is the first of many beautiful celebrations to come.
We were also blessed to have our candidate, Amira, join us, and we were so happy to see the ladies from Beto—Amacu, Elvie, and Aida—who we hope find the inspiration to try the congregation!
Food and Fellowship
Following the Mass, everyone shared a wonderful agape lunch together, which was immediately followed by a joyful program.
May the spirit and legacy of Saint Dominic continue to guide, inspire, and grow our mission!
May-June 2026
Planting seeds of hope
June - July 2026
The mission in Timor-Leste continues to unfold as a journey of faith, hope, and trust in God’s providence. As the community enters its third month, each new step has become a reminder that the Lord prepares the way for those He sends.
This month marked the joyful arrival of Sr. Jackie Manuel, whose presence strengthens the newly established mission as the sisters continue to build the first Dominican community in Timor-Leste. On June 19, the community moved into its temporary convent in Taibessi, a significant milestone in the mission’s journey. The house was formally blessed on July 8, transforming a simple dwelling into a home of prayer, fraternity, and missionary service. From this humble beginning, the sisters seek to proclaim the Gospel, bear witness to God’s love, and become a living sign of hope for the people of Timor-Leste.
The sisters also continued their visits to Maubisse, the mission area entrusted to the Institute. Meeting with Church leaders and local communities has deepened relationships and opened new possibilities for the future. Plans for a permanent convent and mission center are gradually taking shape, a visible sign of the Church’s confidence in this new Dominican foundation.
Another grace during this period has been the progress toward securing a permanent property for the mission. While legal procedures continue, every step forward strengthens the hope of establishing a lasting home where future generations of Dominican sisters can live, pray, and serve the people of Timor-Leste.
Equally encouraging are the first fruits of vocation ministry. Several young women have begun their journey of discernment, expressing a sincere desire to know God’s will for their lives. Through accompaniment, family visits, and the beginning of the Aspirancy Program, the mission is already nurturing the seeds of future Dominican vocations.
Like the mustard seed in the Gospel, this mission begins in simplicity, sustained not by human strength alone but by faith in the One who called us. Every encounter, every shared prayer, every act of service, and every door that opens reminds us that the Holy Spirit continues to prepare hearts and guide our path.
As we move into the next stage of this mission, we give thanks for the prayers, generosity, and encouragement of our sisters, benefactors, and friends. Together we entrust this young foundation to the Lord, confident that the seeds being planted today will, in His time, grow into a vibrant Dominican presence that proclaims truth, builds communion, and becomes a lasting sign of hope for the people of Timor-Leste.
在東帝汶播下希望的種子
（2026年6月至7月）
東帝汶的使命持續展開，是一段充滿信德、希望與信賴天主眷顧的旅程。當團體邁入第三個月時，每一步都再次提醒我們：天主總會為祂所派遣的人預備道路。
本月，我們欣喜迎接 Jackie Manuel 修女加入使命團體。她的到來為這項新成立的使命注入新的力量，姐妹們也持續努力建立東帝汶第一個道明會修女團體。6月19日，團體遷入位於 Taibessi 的臨時會院，這是使命發展的重要里程碑。7月8日，臨時會院舉行了祝福禮，一間平凡的房舍因此成為充滿祈禱、團體共融與福傳精神的家。從這個謙卑的起點出發，姐妹們期盼在東帝汶宣講福音，見證天主的慈愛，並成為當地人民希望的標記。
姐妹們也持續前往 Maubisse——本會受託服務的福傳地區。透過與教會牧者及當地居民的交流，彼此建立了更深厚的關係，也為未來開啟更多可能。永久會院及使命中心的規劃正逐步成形，這不僅是使命發展的重要一步，也展現了地方教會對這個新道明會團體的信任與支持。
本月另一項值得感恩的進展，是尋找永久使命基地的工作持續順利推進。雖然相關法律程序仍在進行中，但每一步都讓我們更接近建立一個長久的家，使未來世代的道明會修女能在此生活、祈禱，並服務東帝汶的人民。
同樣令人鼓舞的是聖召牧靈初見成果。幾位年輕女孩已開始她們的分辨旅程，真誠尋求天主對她們生命的召叫。透過陪伴、家庭探訪，以及即將展開的慕道培育（Aspirancy Program），這項使命已開始孕育未來道明聖召的希望種子。
正如福音中的芥菜種，這項使命雖然起步微小，卻不是依靠人的力量，而是建立在對那位召叫我們的天主堅定的信德之上。每一次相遇、每一次共同祈禱、每一項服務，以及每一扇向我們敞開的門，都提醒我們：聖神持續預備人心，引領我們前行。
展望下一階段的使命，我們衷心感謝所有姐妹、恩人及朋友們持續不斷的祈禱、支持與鼓勵。我們將這個年輕的使命團體完全託付於天主，深信今天所播下的希望種子，終將在祂的時刻茁壯成長，成為東帝汶一個充滿生命力的道明會團體，宣揚真理、建立共融，並成為當地人民持久希望的標記
July- August 2026
The Timor-Leste Mission continues to make steady progress in preparation for the reception and formation of new aspirants and the establishment of the mission community.
1. Visit of Sr. Susan Predas
Sr. Susan Predas arrived in Timor-Leste on July 18 and stayed until August 17, 2026. During her month-long stay, she assisted in accompanying the candidates and was able to visit their families and homes:
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Amira Martins – Same, Dili | July 25 (Saturday)
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Belanzinha Da Costa Belo – Vinelele, Baucau | July 28 (Tuesday)
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Fellya Aurora Moreira – Ermera, Dili | August 1 (Saturday)
These family visits were important in getting to know the candidates’ backgrounds, families, and communities and in strengthening our relationship with them.
Their continued education will be an important part of their preparation and discernment.
2. Land Acquisition – Maliwana
The acquisition of the property in Maliwana has been finalized, and the contract has been signed on August 10,2026.
The property measures 55 meters in width by 120 meters in length, giving a total area of 6,600 square meters.
The next steps are the official measurement of the property and placement of boundary markers. Since the land has already been cleared, the immediate priority is to secure the property by installing a fence and clearly establishing its boundaries.
This is an important step toward providing a permanent place for the development of the Timor-Leste Mission and its future apostolic and formation activities.
We express our sincere gratitude to Fr. Ruben Martinez and the Province of the Holy Rosary for their generous assistance in facilitating the payment and signing of the land acquisition contract through their Corporation. Since our Institute is not yet officially recognized in Timor-Leste, the Province of the Holy Rosary made its corporate structure available to facilitate this important transaction.
We deeply appreciate their support and collaboration, which has made it possible for the Mission to secure the property in Maliwana and take another significant step toward establishing a permanent presence in Timor-Leste. Their fraternal assistance is a concrete expression of solidarity in supporting the growth of our mission and formation ministry.
3. Preparation of the House for the Aspirants
The house owned by Fernanda Borges is being prepared for the acceptance of the aspirants. The rooms and necessary things for their arrival and initial formation have been made ready. This preparation marks another concrete step toward welcoming the young women and beginning the community's formation journey in Timor-Leste.
Conclusion
The months of July and August have been a significant period of preparation and development for the Timor-Leste Mission. The visit and family accompaniment of the candidates, the progress in their discernment and studies, the completion of the Maliwana land acquisition, and the preparation of the house all represent important milestones.
With gratitude to God and the support of our Sisters and benefactors, we continue to move forward with faith, hope, and trust in God's providence as the mission takes root and grows in Timor-Leste.
東帝汶傳教區 2026年7月至8月更新
東帝汶傳教區目前正穩步推進，為迎接及培育新的望會生，以及建立傳教區團體作各方面的準備。
1. 蘇珊修女（Sr. Susan Predas）的探訪
蘇珊修女於2026年7月18日抵達東帝汶，並於8月17日離開。在逗留的一個月期間，她陪伴候選人，並親自探訪她們的家庭和家鄉：
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Amira Martins – Same，Dili｜7月25日（星期六）
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Belanzinha Da Costa Belo – Vinelele，Baucau｜7月28日（星期二）
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Fellya Aurora Moreira – Ermera，Dili｜8月1日（星期六）
這些家庭探訪使我們能更深入了解候選人的家庭背景、生活環境及所屬社區，也有助於與她們的家人建立更密切的關係。
繼續完成大學教育，也是她們培育、辨別聖召及準備未來使命的重要一環。
2. Maliwana 土地購置
位於 Maliwana 的土地購置已經完成，並於2026年8月10日正式簽署合約。
該土地面積為寬55公尺、長120公尺，共6,600平方公尺。
下一步將進行土地的正式測量及界標安置。由於土地已經清理完畢，目前最重要的工作是建造圍牆，以確保土地安全並清楚劃定界線。
這是東帝汶傳教區發展的重要一步，將為未來的傳教工作、使徒服務及培育工作提供一個永久而穩固的場所。
我們衷心感謝Ruben Martinez 神父及玫瑰省（Province of the Holy Rosary），慷慨協助我們透過他們的法人機構處理土地購買款項及合約簽署事宜。
由於我們的修會團體目前尚未在東帝汶取得正式法人認可，玫瑰省特別提供其法人機構協助完成這項重要的土地交易。
我們非常感謝他們的支持與合作，使傳教區能夠順利取得 Maliwana 土地，並向在東帝汶建立永久性的傳教服務邁進重要的一步。他們的兄弟般的支持，是對我們傳教及培育工作的具體團結與共融的表達。
3. 望會生住所的準備
由 Fernanda Borges 所擁有的房屋目前正準備接待望會生。房間以及迎接她們所需要的基本物品都已經準備妥當。
這項準備是另一個具體的里程碑，使我們能夠正式迎接這些年輕女性，並開始她們在東帝汶的團體生活與培育旅程。
結語
2026年7月至8月是東帝汶傳教區一段充滿進展與希望的重要時期。候選人的家庭探訪、她們在學業及聖召辨別上的持續成長、Maliwana 土地購置的完成，以及望會生住所的準備，都是傳教區發展的重要里程碑。
我們懷著對天主的感恩之心，也感謝所有修女、神父、朋友及恩人所給予的支持。我們繼續 以信德、希望和對天主上智安排的信賴向前邁進，相信天主將引領東帝汶傳教區逐步扎根、成長，並結出豐盛的果實。
