Posted by Project of the Week on 16/7/2012, 12:56 pm
Board Administrator

Ethiopia: Ongoing formation for priests in Addis Abeba At the Saint Francis Institute in Addis Abeba seminarians, religious sisters and lay people all study theology. Even during break times one still sees groups of young people sitting together in the garden, studying their books together or discussing a point from the lecture. The library is also well attended. One of the students is particularly hard-working. Jote, now aged 30, suffered severe burns to his hands and feet in an accident. For almost 3 years this young Protestant, who had already completed his studies in law, was unable to use his hands, and during those long months he was cared for by the Missionaries of Charity, the sisters of Mother Teresa. He was converted, became a Catholic and made up his mind to study theology. "In my suffering, I found light and hope in the Faith", he recalls today. "Whatever may happen, I can endure it. My faith has become strong. Now, in my studies here, I am nurturing this faith which I acquired during the time of my suffering." (On-going formation for priests at the Capuchin Franciscan Institute of Philosophy and Theology at Addis Abeba) The institute also offers ongoing formation for priests. In Ethiopia priests are regarded with great respect. The faithful kiss their hands in greeting and treat them with great honor and love. At the same time, however, they expect a great deal from their priests. In all their spiritual and physical sufferings the people expect help from them. They come with requests for money, food, medicines, a school place or study place for their children; they come looking for advice about how to cultivate their crops better or support their families better, for guidance about how to earn their daily bread. In this country marked by severe poverty, the priest is the person of first recourse for the people in everything. They look to him with great hope and trust. And it is precisely because they are called to be all things to all men that these shepherds of souls need to have not only their basic formation as priests but also an additional ongoing formation. They need to be able to deepen their own vocation, to renew and develop their spirituality and extend their knowledge. Of particular importance here is the pastoral care of families and young people and the deeper study of the Scriptures. The Rector of the Institute, Capuchin Father Daniel Assefa emphasises the vital importance of strengthening this pastoral outreach. "We want to help priests to rediscover their joy in the priesthood and in this way to be able to encounter the challenges of the modern world", he explains. The international Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) is contributing $12,000 towards the cost of their formation. The vital work of Catholic charities like Aid to the Church In Need provide a lifeline to the Church wherever she is poor, persecuted or threatened. Please help our work by donating online or send your donation to Aid to the Church in Need, PO Box 7246 Baulkham Hills NSW 2153. Ph: (02) 9679-1929