ETHIOPIA: Missionaries of Charity Mark Golden Jubilee of their Presence in Ethiopia
Bezawit Assefa
On 23rd November 2023, the Missionaries of Charity have officially celebrated the Golden Jubilee since they have arrived in Ethiopia in 1973. The celebration took place at the first center established in the capital of Ethiopia near Addis Ababa University which was dedicated to Our Lady, the Virgin Mary, under the title of Queen of Peace
On the occasion, His Eminence Cardinal Berhaneyesus, Metropolitan Archbishop of Addis Ababa, President of CBCE, His Excellency D/r Sheh Haji Ebrahim Tufa, President of the Ethiopian Islamic Affairs Supreme Council, Vatican Embassy to Ethiopia General Secretary Massimo Caterin, Diocesan Bishops, His Excellency Ambassador Misganu Arega, State Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, representatives from different religious denominations, representatives from embassies, priests, sisters and many good willing volunteers were present.
His Eminence Cardinal Berhaneyesus reminded the services and the true calling of Saint Mother Teresa, in giving compassionate love to the poor and the needy. Cardinal added “Mother continue to be a living example for today’s world as we’re still facing conflict here and there.”
As relief is part of the mission of Missionaries of Charity, they were able to expand their services to many parts of the countries in Dire Dawa, Jijiga, Jimma, Alamata, Addis Ababa – MC Brothers, Mekele, Adwa and Bale, Addis Ababa – Asco, Gambella, Gonder, Hawassa, Kibre Mengist, Debre Markos, Semera – Afar, Assosa, and in Soddo.
Missionaries of Charity is an exemplary place of many untold stories of love and compassion given and received, stories of goodness, of growth, of healing, stories of forgiveness, of reconciliation and peace, stories that witness that we are all children of the same Father, that it is possible to live together under the same roof because it is not the religion or tribe that unites us, nor the language or social status, but only the fact that we are brothers and sisters who desire and chose to live in God’s love.
The regional director of MOC Ethiopia quoted the saying of Saint Mother Teresa “I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things” and calls everyone to engage and support this incredible work of love for his poor.
The ceremony was concluded by a courtesy visit of the patients and kids residing at the center.
