ERITREA: “You are Responsible to Share and Proclaim like the Samaritan Woman what you have Learned” – Archbishop Menghisteab Tesfamariam To Graduates
Zerayohannes Ghebrehiwet
The Institute of Religious Studies (IRS) in collaboration with the Catholic University of East Africa (CUEA), on January, 11th 2025 graduated 54 students at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual (Kidane Mehret) Asmara.
The graduation ceremony was opened with a solemn episcopal mass presided by Archbishop Menghisteab Tesfamariam.
Reflecting on the dialogue between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well, the Archbishop Tesfamariam noted that “Jesus is the true teacher, He did not lose his temper and step by step he leads the Samaritan woman to faith and even to the point of becoming the first evangelist to proclaim that she found the Messiah”, and stressed to the graduates that they responsible to share and proclaim, like the Samaritan woman, to others what they have learned in those four years.
On the other hand, the IRS School Director Br. Weldehawariat Haile said that the graduates have been educated with differences in order to go lead and transform people around them by serving them to the utmost.
“I would like to remind you that education begins, but it does not end. It continues as long as we continue to live. You are leaving this campus not only as people with certain expertise in your respective field of specialization, but also as good citizens of your country and the world” he said.
Highlighting the historical background of CUEA Distance Program that started in October 2009, the director of the IRS noted that they have been blessed with 10 graduation ceremonies and so far, they were able to graduate 85 students; 22 brothers and 63 sisters.
Finally, he concluded by extending his gratitude to CUEA Administration, the Dean of Education, the Director of Academic Linkages, the respective Department Heads and CNEWA who have been in their side for helping them in the last ten years.
Brother Esayas Tzegay, De La Sale Brothers Superior in Eritrea, expressed his happiness to the management team for holding the graduation ceremony in such colorful manner and that the celebration had been more meaningful than just a graduation ceremony.
“In this great hall of Our Lady of Perpetual Help’s Church reminds us of our unity, our communion with our church, and our commissioning, our going out for service to the people of God in our specific charisms which is the gift of the Holy Spirit to the same Church. Our celebration in this hall has more meaning than just the ceremony.”
He continued, “The mission of IRS and particularly the CUEA Asmara campus, is to give educational ministry to clergy, consecrated members of the church and also if opportunities avail to wide range of Lay citizens”.
Brother Tzegay further said that he has witnessed the IRS growing and becoming a sign of hope for many and applauded the institute for the first time to graduate big number in the history of the CUEA-Outreach, Asmara Campus program.
In his final remarks, Br. Esayas said “Though, I represent the brothers, I feel obliged to recognize the role the De LA Salle Brothers played in making sure that our students, be it at CUEA – Asmara Campus program or other programs we offer is not interrupted but come to a successful end.”
On his part, Br. Mussie Naizghi representative of the graduates from the Auxiliary brothers, also extended his special message of happiness saying, “This day is one of the most special days in our life, as it is the day, we reap the fruit of our hard work and renew our commitment to face new challenges.”
