Pastoral Agents in Ethiopia’s Awasa Apostolic Vicariate Lauded for Commitment to Evangelization amid Harsh Conditions

The Borana community which is located in the south of the Vicariate is reportedly one of the most affected by drought that has drove many into IDP camps.

The Borana occupy the southernmost part of Ethiopia, on the border with Kenya. Their land is an ever-arid steppe.

The normal rainfall pattern in Borana has been drastically altered. It has not rained for five consecutive years and water points in the region have dried up, one after the other. 

Bishop Merhakristos said in his March 16 reflection that he was profoundly inspired by the unwavering dedication of the missionaries who, he said, strive to uphold a minimum standard in the institutions within the Vicariate.

“Throughout my visit, I was struck by the overwhelming dedication of the Priests, Religious women, and men, Catechists, Lay people and professionals in our institutions,” he said, and added, “Their commitment to their vocations is breathtaking, as they shoulder enormous responsibilities while serving the community.”

Bishop Merhakristos further reflected on the nature and seriousness of the hindrances to evangelization in the Episcopal See, saying, “The challenges faced in the parishes are significant.”

“Many parishes struggle to meet even the minimum standards necessary for fulfilling the Church's mission,” he said.

He explained that the infrastructural and logistical arrangements within the parishes and institutions within the Episcopal See are inadequate, making it extremely difficult for dedicated Priests and missionaries to carry out their responsibilities effectively.

He said that amid the struggle, “something remarkable is happening.” Pastoral agents in the region, he observed, “are winning souls for the Lord through their unwavering commitment.”

The Bishop said that owing to the overwhelming responsibilities of the missionaries and the “enormity of the harvest”, many Christians are not receiving the pastoral care they so much desire to have.

The inability of many Christians to receive pastoral care, he said often leads them to seek solace in other evangelical churches, a situation he said presents Catholics in the region a constant struggle for maintaining their identity.

The Bishop stressed the “urgent need for more support and resources to ensure that we can adequately nurture our community in faith.”

“We must confront the realities of dwindling vocations and the increasing demands on our Priests and religious who tirelessly serve the people of God,” he said.

Bishop Merhakristos also highlighted financial constraints among other challenges that test the people of God’s resilience and commitment to their faith in the Episcopal See.

“Financial constraints have become increasingly burdensome, limiting our ability to provide essential resources for our parishes and ministries,” he said, and added, “Many of our programs, which are vital for nurturing the faith of our community and reaching out to those in need, are in jeopardy due to insufficient funding.”

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The Bishop however acknowledged with admiration the Church's vital contributions in education, health care, and works of solidarity that he said is shaped by an unconditional love that promotes integral human formation.

He explained, “These efforts transcend religious, cultural, and tribal boundaries, welcoming all individuals as human beings created in the image and likeness of God.”

Bishop Merhakristos urged the people of God under his pastoral care to take solace in the Church’s Jubilee Year of Hope. He explained that hope is “not merely an abstract concept. It is our weapon against despair, enabling us to understand, accept, and strive to improve our circumstances.”

“Pope Francis has consistently urged us to be bearers of hope, to be a light of hope for those we encounter. As we reflect on our vicariate, we recognize both our strengths and limitations,” he said.

The Bishop called for spiritual solidarity especially during the Lenten Season, saying, “We should seek to cultivate a spirit of collaboration, empowering our parishioners to take ownership of their faith communities.”

“The vibrant potential within each parish can be harnessed to strengthen our capabilities, yet we must also confront the looming threats with courage and resolve. Change is not merely desirable; it is essential, and it must come without delay,” he said.