ETHIOPIA: Digital Disciples for Digital Evangelization, a training held in the Vicariate of Soddo, Ethiopia
Habtamu Abrdew Beture
In a landmark move toward modernizing the Church’s outreach, a specialized training program titled “Digital Evangelization” successfully concluded on Sunday, March 8, at the Holy Trinity Catholic Cathedral in the Vicariate of Sodo.
The initiative, aimed at empowering social media users within the diocese, was organized by the Pastoral Office of the Vicariate of Soddo in collaboration with the International Movement of Catholic Students (IMCS).
The training kicked off on Friday March 06, 2026, with an opening prayer and an insightful keynote by H.E. Bishop Dejene Hidoto. Over two intensive days, participants engaged with digital media experts. The sessions challenged participants to transition from casual social media usage to becoming purposeful “Digital Disciples.” The speakers emphasized the urgent need to spread the Gospel, share authentic information, and remain vigilant against the spread of misinformation and “fake news” online.
The program reached a powerful spiritual climax on the final day. In a moving ceremony, representatives from various deaneries stood before Bishop Dejene to light candles and recite a formal oath of digital integrity. Participants knelt in a collective act of humility, asking for forgiveness for past misuse of digital platforms and pledging to use their online presence for the glory of God and the building up of the Church. This pledge was formally submitted to the bishop alongside the symbolic lit candles.
“We are no longer just users; we are witnesses of the Word in the digital wilderness,” a participant reflected.
The event concluded on March 08 2026 with a celebratory dinner, where Bishop Dejene joined the trainees in a spirit of synodality and joy. Following the meal, the bishop offered his final apostolic blessing, marking the official end of the sessions.
Special gratitude was extended to Rev. Abba Matewos Tegegn, Coordinator of the Pastoral Office of the Vicariate, and Mr. Fasika Lachore the General Secretary of IMCS International, for their vision and leadership in organizing this transformative event.
