In 2006 camps for internally displaced people occupied by thousands of East Timorese families who fled their homes in the civil strife which broke out in April–May, were located in or around Dili, including the seminary.
[5] Now Carmelite students in East Timor who are preparing for the priesthood no longer need to travel to Indonesia but can study at the diocesan seminary at Fatumeta.
The seminary has grown to the extent that the first year students, the largest group, have to use the dining hall and recreation room for their studies.
Alberto Ricardo da Silva, a rector of the major seminary, was named bishop of Dili in 2004.
Norberto do Amaral, who was Professor of Dogmatic Theology and Prefect of Studies at the major seminary from 2007 to 2008, was appointed as the first Bishop of Maliana.