The National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL) confirmed one youth had been arrested at the church and three others on Sunday morning and were being held at a police station in Caicoli.

Euclides Belo, PNTL’s Commander in Dili, said the youth had been arrested on suspicion of throwing stones inside the church that had struck several people, including injuring Sister Amanda as she delivered the Eucharist at about 23:00 on Saturday. Sister Amanda was taken to hospital where she is in stable condition.

Belo said the youth were from rival Maskarhinhas and Lahane gangs and had entered the church after a fight in nearby streets. He said they were intoxicated with alcohol at the time.  

Father Graciano da Silva, who was present at the service,  condemned the violence as a weak attack on innocent people.

"I am very disappointed that this Easter Mass celebration has been hurt because security did not support it," said Father Grasiano.

He called for people to respect each other and show charity for all people.