13 Aug 2025
πΉπ±β¨ Timor-Leste Immersion 2025 β Reflections β¨πΉπ±
Over the recent school holidays, students and staff from Marian, Santa Sophia, and St Andrews embarked on an unforgettable journey to Timor-Leste, visiting Dili, Baguia, and Atauro Island.
Through teaching English, connecting with local communities, sharing stories, and learning from the lived experiences of the Timorese people, our students encountered a culture of hospitality, faith, joy, and remarkable resilience. In a nation shaped by a challenging history, they witnessed strength and hope in every classroom, village, and conversation β a reminder that building a more just world begins with listening, learning, and walking together.
Patrick (Yr 12) returned with a deeper appreciation for the joy and fulfillment of the Timorese people, despite their limited resources, and was inspired by the unique ways Catholicism draws people to God across cultures.
Mrs Thomas described the immersion as life-changing, teaching her to βtrust in Godβ and approach challenges with gratitude. Meeting locals like Manna Leo β who survived years in hiding during the Indonesian invasion and now leads her community with generosity β was both humbling and inspiring.