The Historical Significance of Motael Parish Church in Timor: From Pro-Cathedral to Symbol of Resistance

The Parish of Santo António Motael is the oldest parish in Timor, following the Church of the Holy Rosary. Motael Parish Church became an important church in the Diocese of Dili when the matrix church (main church) dedicated to the Patron Saint of the Holy Rosary began construction in 1860. However, it burned down on August 24, 1866, and was repaired three times: in 1879 and again from 1880 to 1933. The church is now the location of the Government Palace. The matrix church was ultimately destroyed by the Japanese military during aerial bombardment in 1945. Since then, Motael Church has served as the Pro-Cathedral of the Archdiocese of Dili, with all Diocesan activities commencing from Motael Church, including processions organized at the Diocesan level. The Parish Church of Motael functioned as the Pro-Cathedral of Dili until the Diocese of Dili constructed a new Cathedral Church in Vila Verde.

When the first Bishop of Timor and Macau, D. António Joaquim de Medeiros, died in Lahane on January 7, 1897, his remains were buried in the Motael Matrix Church, next to the altar on the east side (near the Sacraments), close to the reading area.

In addition to these historical reasons, Motael Church and Parish are also recognized for their role in the resistance to independence, particularly highlighted by the Santa Cruz massacre that occurred on November 12, 1991, which was initiated by Motael Parish Church. The Santa Cruz massacre was preceded by an event on October 28, 1991, when the Indonesian military attacked young people who had sought refuge in Motael Church, resulting in several injuries and the death of Sebastião Gomes in front of the church, along the road to the sea.