Thousands worship the Virgin Mary

DILI, East Timor: Thousands of Catholics joined services Monday to commemorate the Day of Immaculate Conception in worship of the Virgin Mary, Antara reported.

Religious services were held from 6 a.m. at the churches of Motael, Becora, Balide, Komoro and at the Immaculata Cathedral in Dili.

To honor the day, offices were closed so that employees could join in the worship. But several public services such as the post and telecommunications offices remained open.

Streets were deserted and schools were also closed. (swe)