The Marian devotion in East-Timor
A dialogue of faith in search of identity
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15448/0103-314X.2023.1.44642Keywords:
East-Timor, Marian Devotion, Catholic Church, Cultural DialogueAbstract
East-Timor is the most Catholic country in Asia, with independence in 2002. The aim of this article is to analyze Marian devotion in the country, its cultural roots and its vocation as a Catholic expression that illuminates and inspires the region. The methodology is a literature review and dialogue between the authors, one of them being a east-timor priest. In this article, two localities stand out as Marian shrines and is reflected on their meanings: The National Shrine of Aitara, located in a sacred place, passes through resignification: from the site of the tree of the sticking, becomes the tree of healing; the place of suffering and torment becomes relief and encouragement. The "little girl" – the Virgin of Aitara – becomes the Great Protector, radiating a message of redemption and blessing to the whole region. The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima, on the Ramelau peak, brings three traditional characteristics for East-Timor people: geographically it is in the center of the country, occupies its highest place, is a sacred place of transcendence of rest of the ancestors.
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