Thousands of people participated in a Mass at the Esplanade of Tasi-Tolu, in Dili, which preceded the burial in the cathedral of three former prelates of the diocese: D. Jaime Garcia Goulart, D. José Joaquim Ribeiro and monsignor Martinho da Costa Lopes. The three Portuguese leaders headed the diocese between 1941 and 1983 and were buried alongside former bishop D. Alberto Ricardo da Silva.
Cardinal D. Virgílio do Carmo da Silva presided over the Eucharist and in his homily spoke about the meaning of death and life, asking what values people use in life and what legacy they leave behind. The Timorese Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão read a tribute message to the former Catholic leaders, underscoring that their love and sacrifice are the foundations of the Church and the homeland.
The celebration coincided with the second anniversary of the mass that Pope Francis presided over at the same location during his visit to Timor-Leste. The transfer of the mortal remains of the prelates was preceded by a celebration in August at the Archdiocese of Évora, which the apostolic nuncio presided over before the definitive departure from Portuguese soil.
