On May 24, the new cathedral of the Apostolic Vicariate of Meki, in Ethiopia, was dedicated with great solemnity
Since 2013 the Community of Saint Paul has been working in the Apostolic Vicariate of Meki, which covers 45,000 square kilometers and has a population of 4,000,000 inhabitants, of which Catholics represent less than 1%. In spite of this, the vicariate is committed to pastoral work and advocacy of human dignity through multiple social initiatives that touch the entire population.
On May 24, just a couple of weeks ago, we were pleased to participate in the solemn dedication of the new cathedral of Meki. The construction of the cathedral was a project dreamt about by many people for many years. Therefore, last month’s dedication was an especially joyful celebration in which nearly 4,000 people participated. It surely was not a short festivity: given the solemnity of the occasion, the Eucharistic Celebration in which the new cathedral was formally consecrated lasted six hours! The building was filled to overflowing, and a large screen projected the celebration for those outside. In addition to the Bishop of Meki, Msgr. Abraham Desta, the Archbishop of Addis Abeba, Cardinal Berhaneyesus Souraphiel, the Apostolic Nuncio, Msgr. Luigi Bianco and the Bishop Emeritus of Trent, Italy, were all present. Also in attendance were representatives from organizations that contributed financially to the construction, such as Caritas Austria and the Diocese of Trent. The Spanish Episcopal Conference also collaborated with the project.
After the Eucharist, the reception, organized by the Community of Saint Paul, took place in our Training Center. Our students, especially those who are studying cooking and food preparation, helped with the reception. It was a great celebration. We hope that the presence of this beautiful and dignified cathedral will be a seed for the propagation of the word of God in these lands of ancient Christian tradition.
On May 24, just a couple of weeks ago, we were pleased to participate in the solemn dedication of the new cathedral of Meki. The construction of the cathedral was a project dreamt about by many people for many years. Therefore, last month’s dedication was an especially joyful celebration in which nearly 4,000 people participated. It surely was not a short festivity: given the solemnity of the occasion, the Eucharistic Celebration in which the new cathedral was formally consecrated lasted six hours! The building was filled to overflowing, and a large screen projected the celebration for those outside. In addition to the Bishop of Meki, Msgr. Abraham Desta, the Archbishop of Addis Abeba, Cardinal Berhaneyesus Souraphiel, the Apostolic Nuncio, Msgr. Luigi Bianco and the Bishop Emeritus of Trent, Italy, were all present. Also in attendance were representatives from organizations that contributed financially to the construction, such as Caritas Austria and the Diocese of Trent. The Spanish Episcopal Conference also collaborated with the project.
After the Eucharist, the reception, organized by the Community of Saint Paul, took place in our Training Center. Our students, especially those who are studying cooking and food preparation, helped with the reception. It was a great celebration. We hope that the presence of this beautiful and dignified cathedral will be a seed for the propagation of the word of God in these lands of ancient Christian tradition.
