ETHIOPIA: Meki Vicariate gets a New Cathedral

The Apostolic Vicariate of Meki inaugurated the newly constructed Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help on May 24, 2016 – on the feast day of Our Lady of Perpetual Help (Kidanemihret feast day) according to the Ethiopian Liturgical Calendar.

The Cathedral was blessed by His Eminence Berhaneyesus D. Cardinal Souraphiel, C.M., Metropolitan Archbishop of Addis Ababa, President of CBCE and AMECEA Chairman during the Eucharistic celebration. The event was also attended by His Grace Archbishop Luigi Bianco, Apostolic Nuncio to Ethiopia, all the Catholic Bishops of Ethiopia and priests from different parts of the country.

The completion of Cathedral that has the capacity to hold more than 1,500 people at a time coincided with the Silver Jubilee of the Apostolic Vicariate of Meki since it was elevated from Apostolic Prefecture. The foundation stone of the new Cathedral was laid six years ago with the hope that Meki town, which is located central to many cities in South of Ethiopia, will be a pilgrimage center to all those who seek the intercession of Our Lady.

Speaking on the event, His Excellency Bishop Abraham Desta, Apostolic Vicar of Meki said that the completion of the Cathedral at this time is a witness that God is always with those who trust in Him throughout their most challenging time. He said this recalling the very stressful situation the Vicariate went through last year with the loss of many of its properties including the burning of a Parish.

“We have just closed the extraordinary Year of Mercy during which, our Vicariate underwent a lot of challenges and difficult situation. Meki Vicariate was tested as the gold is tested in fire in order to attest whether it is pure or not. I must say we were tested deeply to check our confidence in God. But today with a grateful heart I can proudly say that these moments of challenges have brought us more closer spiritually, mentally and physically to God, Our Loving Father,” said Bishop Abraham.

The Apostolic Vicar also recalled that when the construction of a bigger Cathedral was planned the Vicariate did not have set aside budget for it, but it was started with the encouragement of all the clergy, the religious men and women and all the faithful and friends of the Apostolic Vicariate of Meki. He thanked God for providing all the blessings that needed, through friends and family of the Vicariate in the country and beyond.

“This Cathedral which has been consecrated today is the fruit of those who journeyed with us in faith and hope. As the saying goes – a house is made of bricks but a home is made of hearts, and that is what we have experienced today when we look at it and admire this place of worship. I am speechless today because of the blessings we have received from God, the Almighty,” exclaimed the Bishop of Meki.

Ethiopia3 The Feast of Our Lady of Perpetual Help and inauguration of the Cathedral was attended by clergy, religious men and women, representatives of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church and a good number of the faithful from different parts of the country.

The Apostolic Vicariate of Meki entrusted to the Consolata Fathers in 1970. Taken from the Apostolic Vicariate of Harar, and it was erected Apostolic Prefecture on March 6, 1980 with Fr. John Bonzanimo appointed as the Apostolic Administrator. On December 8, 1981 His Excellency Bishop Yohannes Woldeghiorghis was appointed the Prefect Apostolic of Meki. Meki was elevated to Apostolic Vicariate on January 25, 1992 with His Excellency Bishop Yohannes Woldeghiorghis becoming the 1st Apostolic Vicar of Meki. Currently there are 14 Parishes and 82 outstations in the Vicariate and the number of Catholics has tripled since then.∽End∽