JOURNALIST and filmmaker Max Stahl has been honoured at a funeral Mass in St Stephen’s Cathedral in Brisbane – 30 years after he filmed a massacre in East Timor – an action that helped the tiny nation on its path to independence.
The funeral was held on November 12 – the 30th anniversary of a massacre at Santa Cruz cemetery in the capital, Dili, in which 271 youths died.
Max Stahl risked his own life as he filmed Indonesian troops firing on young protesters.
His brave action brought global attention to the massacre and highlighted the brutality of Indonesian military actions in East Timor.
He dedicated much of his life to promoting human rights and to helping East Timor (Timor-Leste).
He died in hospital in Brisbane after a long struggle with cancer.
East Timor’s ambassador to Australia, Inês Almeida, extended her deep appreciation to Mr Stahl’s wife, Dr Ingrid Bucens and children and to the Timorese community and seasonal workers who took time off work to pay their respects.
She said November 12 and Mr Stahl were forever etched in the history of Timor-Leste.
The funeral mass was presided by Brisbane’s Timorese community’s Fr Martinho da Costa and Deacon Gary Stone, co-founder of the Veterans Care Association.
Fr Da Costa described Mr Stahl’s contribution, sacrifice, and dedication to Timor-Leste’s independence: “Today we are here to celebrate the thanks giving for him with what he had shared for the other and us.”
Deacon Stone described Mr Stahl as a virtuous man and a peacemaker.
“Max inspired us to realise that how one person can change the course of history by having the courage to bring out the truth, bring out the light … He is a peacemaker … His light has shone to inspire us all.”
The funeral Mass can be viewed here including Deacon Stone’s homily.
