AMECEA: Executive Board Commends AMECEA and ECS Secretariats for outstanding Plenary Assembly Preparations
AMECEA Executive Board Members During their Meeting in Addis Ababa Ethiopia
AMECEA Executive Board members have expressed satisfaction with the preparatory work done by the host conference of AMECEA 19th Plenary Assembly. Ethiopian Bishops Conference is scheduled to host for the first time in the history of AMECEA, the 19th Plenary Assembly whose theme is Vibrant Diversity, Equal dignity, Peaceful Unity in God in the AMECEA Region.
The board members expressed these sentiments during their meeting in Addis Ababa Ethiopia with preparatory committees from both AMECEA Secretariat in Nairobi and the Preparatory committee members from Ethiopian Bishops Conference.
of AMECEA 19th Plenary Assembly
The work done by the two preparatory committees was evident from the reports given by AMECEA Secretary General, Very Rev. Fr. Ferdinand Lugonzo and Secretary General of Ethiopian Catholic Secretariat (ECS) Very Rev. Abba Hagos Hayis.
According to Fr. Lugonzo, among the tasks that have successfully been accomplished by AMECEA Secretariat included the generation of a concept paper which will guide the whole plenary assembly and help with the understanding of what the plenary is about as well as the theme.
“The concept paper was also to give guidance to those who are preparing presentations on the various topics so that they are within the context of the theme,” Fr. Lugonzo explained adding that the concept paper was raised and was actually endorsed by the steering committee at the AMECEA Secretariat and has been shared by those who will be making presentations.
Staff from AMECEA Secretariat and Ethiopia Catholic Secretariat
Outside the Venue of AMECEA Plenary Assembly Meeting
Fr. Lugonzo also confirmed that the majority of the delegates invited have confirmed participation and the logistic team at AMECEA Secretariat is currently compiling the list of all delegates expected to attend the Plenary Assembly. Among the delegates expected to attend the Plenary Assembly includes all the patrons of AMECEA, representatives from USCCB, Missio Aachen, Missio Munich, CAMECO, Church-in-Need, CAFOD, Miserior, Porticus Africa, Healey Foundation, CRS, International Medical Missionary Skills, Prefect of the Congregation of the Catholic Education, Congregation of Propagation of Faith, Dicastery on Promotion of Integral Human development, Prefect for the Congregation for Oriental Churches, Italian Bishops Conference, President for the Commission for Interreligious Dialogue, Radio Vatican, SECAM as well as neighboring Bishops conferences of Rwanda, Burundi, DRC and IMBISA.
The Secretary General of AMECEA also explained that they are co-fundraising with the host conference and the efforts are so far encouraging although they are yet to meet their targets. “We applied for funds from nine various partners and the response has been quite encouraging. We therefore greatly appreciate all those who have supported us while at the same time we remain open to all those who are willing to partner with us in this important event of our region,” Fr. Lugonzo said.
According to the Secretary General of Ethiopian Catholic Secretariat Rev. Abba Hagos, the activities the conference was mandated with included preparation for the liturgical vestments which is spearheaded by the Liturgy Subcommittee and the work is almost finalized. The Liturgical vestments including the stole and the chasuble bearing Ethiopian Cross and the AMECEA Logo for the clergy as well as the choir vestments
He further explained that the Liturgy Subcommittee is also preparing the Missal for the Eucharistic celebrations as well as the morning and evening prayers. The Conference has also identified and confirmed places for the opening and closing Mass where by the opening Mass will be at the Ethiopian Millennium hall which is a government facility with a capacity of more than 30,000 people while the closing Mass will be held at the Nativity Cathedral in Addis. The plenary Assembly Meeting will take place at the UN Economic Commission for Africa. Bishops and Cardinals will be accommodated at one of the hotels while the rest of the delegates will be accommodated at various Catholic Church facilities such seminaries, religious congregation facilities.
During the AMECEA Board meeting which took place from 15th to 19th May, 2018, the board members had the opportunity to visit all the already identified and confirmed venues for the various activities during the plenary assembly as well as the hotel where Cardinals, Archbishops and Bishops will be residing during the period.
Having interacted with management committees of these venues, the AMECEA Executive Board members expressed their satisfaction and are highly looking forward to a smoothly running and successful plenary Assembly.
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