Dili, Timor-Leste – On the occasion of the Feast of Saint Francis de Sales, the patron saint of the Salesian Congregation and the Institute of Philosophy of St. Francis de Sales (IFFS), the newly appointed leadership of Instituto Superior Dom Bosco (ISDB) was formally sworn in at a ceremony attended by faculty, students, and members of the local community.

The ceremony, which took place on January 24, commenced with a solemn prayer led by Fr. Jose San Juan Dwight, SDB, invoking blessings upon the new leadership. The national anthem was then sung by the students, with great pride and reverence for the nation. Following the anthem, the hymn of the Institute of Philosophy of St. Francis de Sales (IFFS) resonated through the halls, highlighting the significance of the occasion.

The Gran Chancellor of ISDB, Fr. Anacleto Pires, SDB, who is also the Superior of the Salesian Vice Province of Timor-Leste, gave the opening discourse, thanking the members of the new structure of ISDB for their generosity and their commitment to the ISDB. He highlighted that the newly appointed structure would lead the institute toward a bright future grounded in the principles of Don Bosco.

The presentation of the new leadership team followed, delivered by Fr. Julio Mota, who introduced the members of the new structure to the assembly. They are as follows:

• Fr. Manuel Pinto, SDB as Rector
• Fr. Silvano Oliveira, SDB as Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy
• Fr. Acácio Domingos de Castro, SDB as Dean of the Faculty of Science of Education
• Fr. Gui do Carmo, SDB as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
• Fr. Casimiro Morais, SDB as Prefect for Student and Alumni Affairs
• Fr. João da Costa, SDB as Secretary
• Fr. Plácido T. Freitas, SDB as Prefect for the Library

The highlight of the ceremony was the swearing-in itself, as each member of the new leadership team took their oath to serve the institute with dedication and commitment. Their signatures were affixed to the official documents, sealing their promise to uphold the mission of ISDB.

After the swearing-in, the Rector, Fr. Manuel Pinto, SDB, delivered a speech, expressing gratitude to the Salesian congregation for entrusting him and his team with the leadership of ISDB. He reiterated the importance of maintaining the institute's legacy of academic excellence, spiritual formation, and commitment to serving the community.

The ceremony concluded with a Mass celebration presided by Fr Placido, SDB, marking both the swearing-in and the Feast of Saint Francis de Sales, who has been an enduring source of inspiration to the Salesian family worldwide. The Mass was celebrated with joy and reflection, as the ISDB community prayed for the success of the new leadership and the future of the institution.

This milestone event signifies a new chapter for Instituto Superior Dom Bosco as it continues its mission of providing quality education and fostering moral and spiritual growth for its students.