Ethiopia: Melaku Wolde Tekle’s perpetual profession and deaconate

The solemn celebration was witnessed by twelve priests — ten Comboni Missionaries and two diocesan priests from the Eparchy of Emdibir. Melaku’s family and friends were also present together with some Comboni Missionary Sisters. The celebration was presided over by the Provincial Superior, Fr. Asfaha Yohannes.

Before the Eucharistic celebration, the superior of the community, Fr Joseph Anane, welcomed all the participants. He expressed his joy for hosting such a great event, which, in essence, motivates the postulants in their vocational discernment.

In his introduction to the ceremony, the provincial superior thanked the Lord for the gift bestowed on the Ethiopian Province through Melaku's decision to make a permanent commitment to the Comboni Missionary Institute, noting that Melaku had begun his formation process in the very same postulancy where he was now about to complete it.

The Gospel passage chosen is Matthew 19:16-23, where it is told that a young man approaches Jesus to ask: “What good must I do to obtain eternal life?”. Challenged by Jesus to seek “perfection” by selling everything he owns, giving the proceeds to the poor and then following him, the young man goes away sad because he is attached to his many riches. Father Asfafa commented: “In order to commit our lives entirely to Christ, we must be ready to detach ourselves from what is earthly and to free ourselves inwardly from it”. He then invited Melaku to follow in the footsteps of St Daniel Comboni, abandoning himself totally to Divine Providence.

The homily was followed by the solemn profession, where Melaku professed his final commitment to the Institute through the vows of poverty, obedience and chastity, and received the Crucifix. The celebration was beautifully animated by the choir of the postulancy.

After Mass, a time was set aside for photos with the newly perpetually professed. A dinner followed.

Three days later, on Sunday, November 19, 2023, Melaku was ordained the deaconate by Bishop Lesanuchristos Matheos, Eparch of Bahirdar-Dessie, in Genete-Selam Kidanemihret Parish Church, Bahirdar. The celebration, conducted in the Ethiopian Catholic Rite, was attended by a diverse congregation consisting of sisters, local clergy, Jesuits, Vincentians, Comboni Missionaries and faithful of the parish.

During his insightful homily, Bishop Lesanuchristos emphasised the role of the deacon as a ‘minister of service’. He reminded Melaku of the immense responsibility that comes with this esteemed position of service, urging him to be a beacon of Christ's love, compassion and service to his brothers and sisters and the Christian community.

On behalf of the Comboni family, father Asfaha Yohannes expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Bishop Lesanuchristos, as well as to all the attendees who offered their prayers and support for Deacon Melaku.

The newly ordained deacon will continue his ministry in Gublak, one of the two missions entrusted to the Comboni Missionaries within the Eparchy of Bahirdar-Dessie.

Fr Joseph Anane, mccj
Fr Asfaha Yohannes, mccj