Bishop Don Virgílio do Carmo da Silva call for non-violence on the most joyful celebration in the Christian calendar echoed the sentiment delivered by Pope Francis in Rome who called on the Christian faithful to cast aside the pessimism that can “imprison” people inside of themselves.

“We see and will continue to see problems both inside and out. They will always be there,” Francis said. But he insisted: “Let us not allow darkness and fear to distract us and control our hearts. Today is the celebration of our hope.”

Addressing the large congregation in Balide Church on Sunday, Bishop said charity and patience must run strong through Timor-Leste’s culture.

“We have to let the culture of dialogue rule, to not let violence come into our culture and destroy the peace in our own lives, our family, our community and in the place of work,” Bishop Silva said.