ETHIOPIA: Emdibir Eparchy Concludes Assembly with Call to Pastoral Zeal and Synodality
Habtamu Abrdew Beture
Deepening commitment to the “Synodal journey,” the clergy and Religious men and women of the Eparchy of Emdibir, Ethiopia, gathered at the Galila Retreat Center in Debre Zeyit for a three-day spiritual assembly focused on continuous formation and pastoral renewal.
Concluding on Thursday, March 19, the intensive retreat served as a vital forum for prayer and coordination, aimed at strengthening the Eparchy’s mission through shared spiritual reflection and collaborative planning.
The assembly, presided over by His Excellency Abune Lukas, was organized by the Eparchy’s Office for Clergy, Religious, and Vocations, in collaboration with the Office for Evangelization and Liturgy.
The keynote talks were delivered by His Excellency Abune Tesphasellassie, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Addis Ababa. His message centered on the fundamental Gospel truth that a priest’s effectiveness lies not in busywork but in the centrality of prayer.
Abune Tesphasellassie emphasized that for the Gospel to resonate in the modern world, clergy must commit to continuous formation in strengthening their own spiritual lives to better serve the faithful, moving together as one Church, empowering the laity to take their rightful place in the mission of evangelization, bringing the word of God to the people with renewed energy and heart.
The participants engaged in deep group reflections, seeking practical ways to implement these spiritual lessons into the daily lives of their respective parishes.
A significant highlight of the assembly was the introduction of the New Missal (Metsihafe Qidase), recently approved by the Holy See. Rev. Fr. Tlaye Alemshet led the presentation, marking a historic step in the liturgical life of the Ethiopian Catholic Church.
Discussions focused on the harmony between the existing liturgy and the newly approved text. The assembly concluded with a strategic plan to provide ongoing training for clergy, religious, and parish liturgical committees to ensure a smooth and reverent transition for the entire community of faithful.
Closing the event, Abune Lukas expressed his profound gratitude to the speakers and the 26 participating clergy and religious. He offered special recognition to Rev. Fr. Tesfa-Amlak, coordinator of the Eparchy’s Office for Clergy, Religious, Vocations, and Laity, for his instrumental role in organizing the retreat.
As the participants return to their ministries, they do so with a refreshed commitment to the Gospel, ready to lead their flocks toward spiritual growth through unity, prayer, and the transformative power of the Eucharist.
