ETHIOPIA: Vicariate of Meki Launches Three-Day Assembly on Synodality
Habtamu Abrdew Beture
The Vicariate of Meki officially commenced a significant three-day assembly on March 26, 2026, focused on the Journey of Synodality and the unveiling of its Strategic Plan for the next three years.
The gathering opened with a Solemn Holy Mass presided over by Bishop Abraham Desta, Apostolic Vicar of Meki. In his homily, Bishop Abraham emphasized that synodality is not a recent innovation, but a long-standing practice of the Church guided by the Holy Spirit.
“The synodal journey is one of prayer, reflection, and unity,” Bishop Abraham remarked, urging participants to take the spiritual fruits of this assembly back to their respective parishes and families.
A keynote presentation was delivered by Fr. Misrak Tiyu, who highlighted that synodality is a call for all Catholics to pray deeply for the Church, listen attentively to one another, and walk together in unity.
He further explained that this process aims to renew the Church’s spiritual life and organizational structure, making it more inclusive and mission-driven.
The assembly, which runs until March 28, serves as the platform for launching the Vicariate’s new three-year strategic plan. This roadmap is designed to integrate Synodal Values, ensuring the Church’s mission is participatory, utilizing past lessons to address current challenges, improving efficiency across all diocesan activities and centering all efforts on the core evangelical mission of the Church.
The event saw a high-level turnout of Church leadership and partners, including: Rev. Fr. Ketema Asfaw, Secretary General of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Ethiopia (CBCE), Fr. Abraham the Pastoral Works Coordinator, representatives from partner organizations, including Caritas, numerous priests, religious sisters, catechists, and lay representatives from across the Vicariate’s parishes.
The first day concluded with interactive sessions in which participants raised questions and shared reflections, setting a collaborative tone for the remainder of the summit.
