Orthodontist Jean, a supporter of Jesuit Mission, first travelled to Timor-Leste in 2017 as part of an Australian initiative providing orthodontic care to rural communities.
Originally from Ireland, Jean was educated by the Loreto Sisters, who instilled in her the importance of service and compassion. Today, her son Patrick attends Saint Ignatius’ College Riverview.
In September last year, Jean and Patrick spent five days visiting the oral health clinic in Dili, where they were welcomed by our local Jesuit partner providing vital community health services. Working alongside the clinic’s team, they supported free dental check-ups for students from the Jesuit-run NOSSEF School in Railaco, part of Jesuit Mission’s commitment to holistic development and cura personalis, or care for the whole person.
For Jean, witnessing the students’ spirit reaffirmed the impact of Jesuit education in even the most remote settings.
“Our visit brought these values to life for my son, as he saw students learning in simple classrooms with an incredible thirst for knowledge and deep gratitude for education,” Jean says.
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This story comes from Reflections Summer 2026.
Contents include:
- A future takes flight in Thailand
- Honouring dignity in Cambodia
- Healing with heart in Timor-Leste
- Finding safety and hope in the midst of war, Ukraine
- Lighting the way through education in Myanmar
- Fr Bob’s Fifty Years in Hazaribag
