ACWECA: Presence of Catholic Sisters, a Blessing to the Church in Ethiopia
Sr. Brigita Samba
A workshop by the Association of Consecrated Women in Eastern and Central Africa (ACWECA) to the Consecrated Women Association of Ethiopia (CWAE) is good news to the Church in Ethiopia, a Church official, Bishop Tesfaye Silasse, the Auxiliary of the Metropolitan See of Addis Ababa, said when he paid a visit to the women religious leaders who had congregated for a training on leadership under the auspices of CWAE.
The Bishop thanked the delegation from ACWECA Secretariat in Nairobi for journeying with the women religious in Ethiopia, saying that the relationship with local, regional and international church bodies like CMRS, ACWECA, COMSAM (Confederation of Major Superiors of Africa and Madagascar), and UISG (Union of International Superiors General) needs to be encouraged as it is through belonging to these bodies that the local association and congregation members can learn and continue to meaningfully contribute to the growth of the Church in the region.
He said the Synod on Synodality was an opportunity for Catholic Sisters to participate more in the affairs of the Church, and that he was happy to see several Sisters participate in the process, as well as at the sessions in Rome. According to Abuna Tesfaye, this brings to the fore the voice of Consecrated women in the Church – the Church we desire, where all participate, and where women religious are present in the Church in a massive way, even if not always recognised.
He encouraged the women religious leaders to continue to be that sign of love and service through their time, attention, energy, and vision, which is leadership in action.
