Bishop Michael Kennedy visits Timor-Leste with Caritas Australia

Bishop Michael Kennedy of the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle joined Caritas Australia CEO Kirsten Sayers on a visit to Timor-Leste to meet with Church, community, and government leaders. During the trip, the Bishop met with Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão and Cardinal Virgílio do Carmo da Silva.

The visit aimed to strengthen the partnership between Caritas Australia and the people of Timor-Leste. Bishop Kennedy, who serves as a director on the Caritas Australia board, met with farmers, women’s groups, and community leaders participating in Caritas programs. These programs address poverty, food security, climate change, and disaster resilience.

Kirsten Sayers stated that the organization works to support locally led solutions by walking alongside communities that are adapting to climate change and strengthening livelihoods. Bishop Kennedy noted that the local Church serves as a source of hope for people facing various hardships.