My Story: Isaura Norberta Soares Aquino

A UN Translator escaping war in East Timor with a young family.

My name is Isaura Norberta Soares Aquino, known to many as “Izzy”.

I was born in the Viqueque district of East Timor, in Southeast Asia (a neighbouring country to Australia & Indonesia). I am the second daughter in a family of seven (four girls & 3 boys). One of my brothers became a priest in 2023 and is now a director of Caritas in a Diocese in East Timor.

East Timor is a poor country but with very rich traditions, with a majority following the Catholic faith. My church was called Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception where I was head of the Altar servers and also involved in the Charismatic, Choir & Scouts Groups.

I began my schooling at St. Maria Gorrety Primary School and later went to the public high school. I progressed onto University but, due to the Civil war in 2007, could not complete my studies.

During the Civil War my husband and I served as translators in the UN Peace Keeping Forces, also working as a Public Information Outreach for UN Media until 2012.

With our young family (Clara, Gloricea and Deotore) we decided to move to the UK. We settled in Crewe, as there were families already here from East Timor. we found work at Wright Pies, and when we sought out the local Catholic Church were amazed that it, too, was called St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception.

We were made very welcome in this parish. With a love of singing I asked Joe & Janet Baccelierre about joining the 11am Mass choir where I was very warmly welcomed and still sing in the choir.

Our children settled in well at St. Mary’s Catholic Primary School later progressing onto St Thomas More. They received their First Communion & Confirmation here at St Mary’s Parish and have since served as Altar Servers. When Fr. Nick arrived he asked me to join the Parish Pastoral Team.

During my spare time, I volunteer as a translator (at the Hospital, School and Council) to help East Timorese & Indonesian people in need.

As a family, we love going hiking, to the beach and to visit historical places, and love sport,often watching football games together. We recently visited St. Winefrides inHolywell and it has now become our favorite place to visit.

Locally, our East Timor group, inspired by our faith traditions back in our country, have dedicated the months of May, June & October to Our Lady, and the Sacred Heart of Jesus, daily visiting families in the Parish, taking with us Our Lady’s statue from our Parish Blue Room, when we sing and pray the Rosary and

together. Through this we have raised donations to help our Parish.

I hope, in the future, that more families and friends in this Parish will join with us.

Above all, I would like to thank God for His many blessings through the people who have helped us settle here and tell our story.