E. Timorese hold Mass on mountain

E. Timorese hold Mass on mountain

DILI, East Timor (JP): Tens of thousands of Catholics flocked
yesterday to Hato Builico, a hamlet 100 kilometers south of here,
preparing an overnight climb for a mass on top of Mt. Ramelau
today.

The congregation, from various parts of East Timor and
neighboring East Nusa Tenggara province, will pray for the
blessing of Mary, the Mother of Christ. The rite will be led by
Dili Bishop Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo and Baucau Bishop Basilio
do Nascimento.

"We carry out the annual pilgrimage to pray for Her compassion
for the East Timorese," Belo told The Jakarta Post here
yesterday.

Mt. Ramelau is the highest point in East Timor.

East Timor Military Commander Col. Salamat Sidabutar said no
special military measures would be taken to safeguard the
pilgrimage.

He said it was the police's duty to maintain order, along with
volunteers from the Catholic Youth Organization, and that troops
from the Armed Forces (ABRI) would only be deployed if necessary.
About 100 personnel have also been prepared for the purpose.

He added the military would be on alert for possible attacks
on the pilgrims by Fretilin separatist guerrillas, especially in
the forested areas of the mountain.

"This is a major religious activity, so even though we're not
waging any specific security measures, we're still on the alert
because it's our responsibility," he said. (33/09)