Soibada is a legendary place located geographically in the centre of Timor Leste. It is overlooked by Foho Aitara, a mountain which has always been considered to be a sacred ‘lulik’ place to the Timorese people. Legend says many years ago, the Virgin Mary, a light brighter than the sun, crowned with twelve stars, appeared to several local women who were gathered under a large banyan tree on the summit of Foho Aitara. From the day of the apparition Foho Aitara is a place of great religious significance. As a result the Soibada Mission was established, which includes a shrine, church, convent and college being built over 100 years ago. The apparition is celebrated annually on the 16 October. Soibada is the destination of the yearly pilgrimage during which hundreds of people from all over Timor Leste come to visit the Marian Shrine dedicated to Our Lady of Aitara: 'Santuario Nacional de Nossa Senhora de Aitara', which was built on site near the banyan tree on the summit of Foho Aitara. Although the apparition is not officially endorsed by the Catholic Church, its significance to the people of Timor Leste was acknowledged by Pope John Paul II in his message on the occasion of the declaration of independence. He said:
“While I extend a cordial Apostolic Blessing to you all, I invoke on the authorities of the Democratic Republic of Timor Leste and those who will be working for a prosperous and peaceful, divine assistance and intercession of Mary Immaculate, lovingly raised by you under the title the VIRGIN OF AITARA” - Pope John Paul II - Vatican - May 6, 2002.
