ETHIOPIA: Eritreans animate Holy Mass at AMECEA Plenary

Eritrean from the Love and Peace Choir based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on 20th July, 2018, had the opportunity to animate Holy Mass for the first time in the AMECEA Plenary history.

The refugees, who initially lived in various camps; Hitsats, Mai-aini and Adi-Harush upon arrival in Ethiopia several years ago, animated the Holy Mass that was led by the Uganda Episcopal Conference, at the 19th AMECEA (Association Member Conferences of Eastern Africa) Plenary Assembly that is underway in Addis Ababa city.

In an interview with AMECEA Online News, Amanuel Kidane, one of the choir directors of the Love and Peace Choir, said he felt privileged to be part of the choir from the Eritrean refugees’ community, which sang in the 19th AMECEA Plenary.

“We feel so much privileged for this rare opportunity and we are proud to be Catholics. We have been practicing for this big day for about four to five months, and today we have witnessed the love that Ethiopians have for us,” Kidane said.

Kidane also said that the Ethiopian Catholic Church have always invited them to animate other Church celebrations in the past years, something he believes is ‘a sign of acceptance’ from the Ethiopian community, even though the government leaders from the two countries: Ethiopia and Eritrea have not been in good terms for quite a while.

“When we first came here as refugees, the people of Ethiopia welcomed us warmly and made us feel safe and secure,” he stated.

According to the Bishop of Emdeber Diocese in Ethiopia, Rt. Rev. Musie Ghebreghiorghis the two countries have been in war since 1998 and as a result many families separated for more than two decades.

“The effects of the war forced these two countries to close down their borders for 20 years making it difficult for citizens to have proper connection. But, we now thank God for His intervention as a few weeks ago the leaders of the two nations reconciled and signed a Peace Agreement to open the borders, to allow free movement and also to collaborate economically, socially and politically,” the prelate explained.

He further called upon the citizens of the two countries to embrace unity, peace and reconciliation so that they can live in harmony.

“Love builds while war destroys. Let us all talk about love, peace, reconciliation and dialogue. What is important for us is to collaborate and fight the challenges that lead to division” said Bishop Ghebreghiorghis.

The refugees currently live in Addis Ababa City with relatives, well-wishers and friends.

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By Sr. Antoinette Jecinter Okoth, FSSA