Founded in 1990, the Secular Institute Maun Alin Iha Kristo (Brothers and Sisters of Christ) grew our of work, begun in 1960 in Dare, East Timor by Sister Maria Lourdes, dedicated to children who face social and cultural barriers to education. An educational institute grounded in the philosophy of liberation theology, Secular Institute Maun Alin Iha Kristo teaches its members to be a source of inspiration to the Timorese people, training them not only intellectually but also in hygiene, social and economic skills, cultural activities and spiritual formation.

The Institute runs six schools for women and girls, an informal popular education program, and self-sufficient agricultural work. The Institute maintains several health care centers which include the operation of a popular clinic, a hospice, as well as other medical services and hands-on training of East Timorese health personnel. The Institute seeks to promote real social change and community awareness. It is providing both emergency aid and long-term assistance.

Secular Institute Maun Alin Iha Kristo is building a center for community education and reconciliation. One of the institute's goals is to preserve local languages and culture, which are being overwhelmed by Indonesian language, history and culture taught in schools and the Indonesian transmigration program. Because the people of East Timor have had little control over their lives for many years, leadership skills are lacking, and the Institute works to build leadership among the youth. Lourdes also collects traditional music, and is an expert in traditional food and medicine.

The Institute was officially approved by Bishop Belo - the East Timorese Bishop and Nobel Peace Prize winner-- in 1998, and Lourdes took her perpetual vows in February of that year. At the same time eleven of her candidates took their first vows. Once trained, candidates are sent out into the community. There is no habit. The regulations are informal.

Maria Lourdes has been honored with the Pax Christi Peace Award by Cardinal Godfried Daneels, Archbishop of Mechelen- Brussels and international president of the movement.