Ethiopian Bishop Enthusiastic about Meeting Pope Leo XIV, Prays for “renewal” in New Year Message

The Vicar Apostolic of Hawassa encouraged the people of God in Ethiopia to embrace their new year as “a year of hope and renewal.”

“Reflecting on the past year, we are filled with gratitude for the many blessings bestowed upon us,” he said, and added, “Our Vicariate has been greatly enriched by the unwavering dedication of our wonderful missionaries. In one way or another, we are all fruits of their labor, and we thank them sincerely for their unparalleled commitment. Their work and dedication remains a source of our inspiration in our ministry!”

He expressed gratitude to the people under his Pastoral care, noting that the Vicariate had grown stronger, and was in a better position than last year.

Underlining the need for the Vicariate to be more self-reliant, Bishop Yilma said, “We trust that the God of abundance is always with us, and we believe that our sustainability flows from our trust in the Lord.”

He noted that leading the vast Catholic community within the country presents challenges, but also the Vicariate the opportunity to deepen the local Church’s resilience and independence. 

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“As leading team of the new year and being at the start of this new year, I wish for our Vicariate to blossom with self-confidence and sustainability,” he said, adding that such a goal would also be achieved through transparency, accountability, and “a willingness to embrace systems that uphold responsibility at every level.”

“Let us work together with faith, hope, and determination,” the Ethiopian Church leader said, and added, “May this new year bring transformation to our Vicariate, healing for the sick, hope for the despairing, and peace for our country and our church. May all your resolutions be fulfilled through the mercy and grace of God.”

Sabrine Amboka is a Kenyan journalist with a passion for Catholic church communication. She holds a bachelor’s degree in mass communication from St. Paul's University in Kenya.