Aileu, October 12, 2026 – The Minister of Education, Dr. Dulce de Jesus Soares, accompanied by the President of the Aileu Municipal Authority, Mr. Jacinto Ribeiro Dias, inaugurated the Saint John Paul II Shrine—dedicated to the school’s patron saint—at the Saboria Branch Elementary School (EBF). The initiative aims to strengthen the values of faith, wisdom, and solidarity among students and the school community. The ceremony took place this Monday in the Aileu-Vila Administrative Post, within the Municipality of Aileu.
In her address, the Minister of Education highlighted that His Holiness Pope John Paul II remains a source of inspiration, guidance, and hope for the Timorese people, particularly for all those working in the education sector.
The Minister recalled that Pope John Paul II’s visit to Tasi Tolu on October 12, 1989, marked a historic moment in the Timorese people’s struggle for the right to self-determination. His presence brought renewed energy and courage to continue the struggle, conveying a clear message to the world that the people of Timor-Leste existed and possessed both dignity and worth.
The Minister further emphasized that the Holy Father’s message on that occasion reaffirmed the Timorese people’s right to dignity and freedom, just as any other people. His words—which remain alive in the collective memory—encouraged the youth to be the “salt of the earth and the light of the world,” offering hope to a population that, at the time, was enduring suffering and persecution.
According to the Minister, this message serves as a reminder that God walks with the Timorese people and that every individual plays an important role in building a society that is more just, free, and rooted in solidarity. Addressing the students, the Minister emphasized that the best way to honor the sacrifices of previous generations is through dedication to one’s studies, respect for others, and preparation to assume responsibilities as active and accountable citizens.
“You are not combatants who use weapons to win independence; rather, you are combatants for the development, knowledge, and progress of our country. You were not yet born when your grandparents suffered, but it was their sacrifices that allowed us all to live better and in freedom. This freedom is not a gift that we can simply receive and then forget its value. The best way to remember and honor those who made sacrifices is to be dedicated and respectful students, preparing yourselves to become active and responsible citizens,” the Minister said.
The official also noted that Saint John Paul II holds a permanent place in Timorese schools, serving as the Official Patron of Education and Youth. Following the decision to bestow this national honor upon him in 2019, the Ministry of Education began circulating a statue of him among schools across the country, with the aim of reminding students that each individual is special in the eyes of God and possesses unique talents that can contribute to the development of society.
Finally, the Minister highlighted Saint John Paul II as a figure of great wisdom and intellectual capacity, whose example demonstrates the importance of study, critical analysis, and hard work. She pointed out, however, that knowledge only attains its true value when accompanied by faith, integrity, and love for one’s neighbor.
The inauguration of the shrine thus serves as an opportunity to reinforce the holistic development of students, promoting not only academic success but also the human, moral, and spiritual values essential to building a more conscious, responsible, and compassionate Timorese society.
