Comboni Day 2024 in Ethiopia

Fr Joe Vieira opened the meeting with a reflection of the Missionary Heart of Jesus inspired on Dilexit nos 205-216. Each participant received a copy of the Encyclical Letter on the human and divine love of the heart of Jesus Christ and had two hours of personal prayer with it.The days’ activities were concluded with the Eucharist.

On the morning of the second day, Abune Lesanuchristos reported on the situation of his Eparchy of Bahir Dar-Dessie and shared his experience as its first bishop. The territory is suffering very much from war between the Amhara rebels and the Government forces for the last twenty months.

He underlined desire that the Ethiopian Rite be used in all the parishes of the Eparchy and catechumenate time decreased to six months. The MCCJ have two communities among the Gumuz people in the eparchy: Gilgel Beles and Gublak.

In the afternoon, Dr Mekdem presented the Ethiopian Catholic Church Ten-year Plan, for 2023-2032. The document intends to guide and coordinate the efforts of the General Secretariat, dioceses and religious congregations to strive “towards its vision and mission” and achieve sustainability through accountability, adaptation and resilience.

Its implementation is divided into three periods of three years each. The last year is for evaluation. The Bishops’ Conference is working with the Government in order to achieve juridical personality. The Eucharist summed up the day’s activities.

The last day was animated by Fr Giorgetti. He presented a very interesting reflection on Finances from the 2022 Chapter Acts. He enlightened the assembly on the financial status of the Institute and the Province. He assisted on the change of Provincial Treasurer and audited the accounts. On the afternoon, after a session with all the participants, Fr Giorgetti met with the community bursars for practical issues. The Provincial Superior presided to the closing Eucharist, that was followed by supper and social.

Joe Vieira, mccj