Society
Of The Divine Word

Each catechist was personally handed a crucifix by the Pope, commissioning them to be “missionaries of hope” in their communities.

Marçal began his service as a catechist in 1997 and has since been deeply involved in pastoral ministry and education in Timor-Leste.

A graduate of SVD educational institutions, he continues to embody the SVD spirit of evangelization through teaching, formation, and lay leadership.

“The first feeling was pride — I never imagined I would come to the Vatican to receive this mission as a catechist,” Marçal shared. “But alongside that joy came a deep sense of unworthiness. I believe it is God who calls and sends me, and I rely entirely on the Holy Spirit and the prayers of the faithful to live out this mission.”

A Sacred Mission Rooted in Faith and Family
For Marçal, receiving the mission cross from the Pope carries profound spiritual meaning. He sees it as a sacred mandate, rooted in apostolic tradition, to proclaim the Gospel in word and deed. As both a catechist and a father, he emphasizes that the family is his first field of mission.

“I want to be a mirror of faith for my family. Evangelization must be lived authentically — not only through teaching but through daily witness,” he said.

Witnessing Faith in a Changing Timor-Leste
Timor-Leste, a young nation that gained independence in 2002, faces new cultural and ideological challenges brought by globalization. Marçal recognizes the pressures of secularism and the lure of “instant happiness” that often distances people from faith. Yet he sees in this mission a renewed strength to accompany communities in faith.

He recalls the prophetic words of Saint John Paul II during his 1989 visit: “You are the salt and light of the world,” and Pope Francis’ 2024 exhortation: “Let your faith be your culture.” For Marçal, these messages guide his mission of making faith integral to Timorese identity.

“This mission shows that the Church in Timor-Leste has a rightful place in the universal mission of the Church. We are called to bring the light of the Gospel to every corner, including the most remote areas,” he said.

Inspiring the Young and Continuing the Mission
As a teacher and formator, Marçal hopes to inspire young Timorese to cherish their faith and use their youth for good.

He encourages them to plant seeds of virtue early, echoing the words of Psalm 126:5 — “Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.”

Upon returning from Rome, Marçal will continue his work in schools, seminaries, and parishes, forming catechists and accompanying children, youth, and families in their faith journey.

“I may not do extraordinary things,” he reflected, “but I will faithfully carry out small tasks with great love. We are only pencils in God’s hands — He is the one writing His story through us.”