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)