ETHIOPIA: Cardinal Berhaneyesus Receives a Grand Reception in Addis Ababa

H.E. Cardinal Berhaneyesus
His Eminence Berhaneyesus Cardinal Souraphiel has received a Grand Reception in Addis Ababa following his installation as the new Cardinal in Rome. 
The celebrations began on February
21, 2015 upon his arrival at the Addis Ababa, Bole international airport where all the Bishops of the Conference including the Apostolic Nuncio to Ethiopia Archbishop Luigi Bianco and representatives of various religious leaders welcomed him at the VIP Red Salon.
State
Minister of the Ministry of Federal Affairs H.E. Mr. Mulugeta Wuletaw, who was
at the airport to receive the New Cardinal, said that the Cardinalate has great
relevance for Ethiopia. “The elevation of H.E. Cardinal Berhaneyesus, C.M to
the Cardinalate is very significant for the positive image building of our
country. Our government recognizes this and we call on upon him and the
Catholic Church in Ethiopia to continue with our positive collaboration” he
said.
The Catholic
faithful, priests, nuns, Geez Choir and youth choir were chanting and singing
joyously waiting for him just outside the VIP Salon expressing their gratitude
to God and to the Holy Father Pope Francis for the honor given to the Catholic
Church in Ethiopia. Other faithful who turned up in big number were also
waiting for the Cardinal near the Catholic Cathedral of the Nativity of the
Blessed Virgin Mary.
The streets were
filled up with people, eagerly waiting to greet the new Cardinal.
The new Cardinal was accompanied to the Cathedral by all the Bishops, the Apostolic Nuncio,
representatives of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, Protestant Churches and
Secretary General of the Ethiopian Interreligious Council, clergy, religious
and many faithful and invited guests.
The message
of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference was read by Rt. Rev. Bishop Tesfassilassie Medhin,
of the Eparchy of Adigrat. Through the message all the Bishops expressed
their readiness to collaborate with the Cardinal for the better ministry of the
Catholic Church in Ethiopia and Her service to the people of God.
The
celebration continued on the following day Sunday February 22, 2015 with a
thanksgiving Mass and a luncheon buffet. Among the concelebrants were all the Catholic Bishops of Ethiopia, Apostolic Nuncio to Ethiopia Most Rev Luigi Bianco, Vice Chairman of AMECEA, Most Rev. Thomas Msusa, Archbishop
of Blantyre, Malawi and Vice-Chancellor of Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA,) Msgr. Pius Rutechura.
The Holy
Mass was also attended by Former FDRE President H.E. Dr. Girma Weldeghiorgis, State
Minister of Industry H. E. Mr. Tadesse Haile, and African Union Commission
Chairperson H.E. Dr. Dlamini Zuma among others.
During the
occasion the former President asked Cardinal to play his influence to bring
closer the sisterly countries of Ethiopia and Eritrea so that brothers and
sisters begin to reunite and to normalize relations for the good of the people of two countries.
The AU Commission
Chairperson Dr. Zuma on her part stated that the elevation of Cardinal
Berhaneyesus creates more opportunities to the continent. “He will be our
direct link to the Holy See,” she said. Dr. Zuma also called on His Eminence to
work on creating more opportunities for women in Africa so they can play part in
improving the economy of the continent. She also expressed the AU-C’s desire to
strengthen collaboration with the Church in many sectors such as conflict
management, Justice and peace building.
The luncheon
ceremony was attended by the FDRE Minister of Foreign Affairs H.E. Dr. Tedros
Adhanom who expressed his appreciation to the Catholic Church’s role in the
integral development of human person throughout the continent.
H.E.
Cardinal Berhaneyesus, C.M on his part expressed his gratitude for the warm
welcome and love given to him by the government and all the peoples of
Ethiopia. He said that the Catholic Church will continue her efforts in
bringing about development and peace in the Continent. He also said that as
Chairman of AMECEA and a Cardinal he will work devotedly to achieving integral
human development in the Continent.
By Makeda Yohannes, Social Communications and
Public Relations Officer, Ethiopian Bishops Conference

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