The Church of Saint Anthony of Motael, on the Dili waterfront, is one of the oldest and most historically significant Catholic churches in Timor-Leste. In October 1991 Indonesian security forces stormed it and killed a young activist, Sebastião Gomes, and the memorial procession for him from Motael ended in the Santa Cruz massacre. It is an active parish church, so plan your visit around Mass.
History
The church is dedicated to Saint Anthony of Padua (Santo António). Motael was the centre of Portuguese life in early Dili, and the first church on the site was built around 1800. It was rebuilt in the early 20th century, partly destroyed by Japanese air raids during the Second World War, and rebuilt again in 1955. Until the Immaculate Conception Cathedral opened in 1988, Motael served in practice as Dili’s cathedral.
Motael and the events of 1991
During the Indonesian occupation the church sheltered young people involved in the clandestine resistance. On the night of 27–28 October 1991, security forces raided the church, where activists had taken refuge; Sebastião Gomes was shot dead and others were arrested.
On 12 November 1991, after a memorial Mass, a procession set off from Motael to Gomes’s grave at Santa Cruz Cemetery. There, Indonesian troops opened fire on the crowd. Read what happened in our article on the Santa Cruz massacre.
The church again became a refuge during the 2006 political crisis, when hundreds of people sheltered there.
Visiting
- Location: on the seafront road in central Dili, within walking distance of many hotels, Largo de Lecidere and the Government Palace.
- Mass: it is a working parish. The doors may be locked outside service times, so attending or quietly observing Sunday Mass is the best way to see it in use. Avoid walking around during services.
- Dress: cover shoulders and knees.
- Time needed: 20 to 30 minutes, longer if you attend Mass.
- Combine it with: the walk along the waterfront to Largo de Lecidere, Santa Cruz Cemetery, and the Centro Nacional Chega!.
More sights and practical tips are in things to do in Dili and our Dili destination guide.