ERITREA: Church celebrates World Youth Day National Level
As the youth of Eritrea could not participate at the WYD in Panama due to among other reasons, the distance, economic strains and Government policy, the National Pastoral Office, together with the Organizing committee, has celebrated the occasion in the Arch-Eparchy of Asmara from 8th-10th of Feb 2019.
The Youth of the four Eparchies, comprising of 550 delegates came together for the occasion, which was the first of its kind in the history of the Church in Eritrea.
The importance of the event was evidenced by the presence of the Apostolic Nuncio of Eritrea and Sudan who is now appointed to Kenya, His Grace Archbishop Hubertus Matheus Maria van Megen. He delivered the message which Pope Francis gave to the World Youth in Panama, which made the Eritrea Catholic youth feel part of the world youth.
“Pope Francis loves you, the beautiful people of Eritrea. Your faith is in your blood and in your soil. He often asks me about you and he prays for you since he understands your situation,” said Archbishop van Megen.
The main speakers for the occasion was Rt. Rev. Abune Fikremariam Hagos who attended the Youth Synod in Rome last October. He took the opportunity to share his experience at the Synod and how the church wants to help the youth grow in faith and in discern their vocation.
On Sunday the 10th Feb, 2019, the WYD celebration was concluded with the Eucharistic presided by His Grace, Archbishop Menghesteab Teasfamariam together with the Apostolic Nuncio, the Bishops and several other priests.
During his homily which was based on the Gospel of Saint Lk 2:41-58, Archbishop Menghesteab stressed that even though Jesus was God, “… he listened and asked questions to the elders and to the priests. Following his example, all the youth should learn to listen to the wisdom of the elders and ask questions so as to know more, without blocking themselves and say; ‘I know everything’.”
The Archbishop also explained how Mary and Joseph obeyed God in their lives and that Jesus, as a true man, remained obedient to his parents as he grew grew in Wisdom, stature and grace. “The Youth of our time too, must be obedient to their parents so that they may find grace in the eyes of God and men.”
Expressing their gratitude, the youth said that they too love Pope Francis and promised to continue praying for him and the Church. They also expressed their hope and deep desire that one day, Pope Francis may visit Eritrea.
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Sr. Mehret Tzeggay-
National Pastoral Coordinator
