Tesfaye Tadesse, former Superior General of the Comboni Missionaries, was ordained Auxiliary Bishop of the Archeparchy of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on 2 February. Cardinal Berhaneyesus Souraphiel, Archeparchial Vicar of Addis Ababa, was the main ordinand, assisted by Comboni Bishop Menghesteab Tesfamariam, Archeparchial Vicar of Asmara, Eritrea, and Bishop Abraham Desta of the Apostolic Vicariate of Meki, Ethiopia.
The ordination took place in the Catholic Cathedral of the Nativity during a very colourful liturgy according to the Ethiopian rite, which lasted more than five hours. The cathedral and its grounds were packed.
Among the attendance were almost all the bishops of Ethiopia, the Vicar General of the Comboni Missionaries, Fr David Domingues, Comboni bishops Wokorach Raphael P’Mony, Archbishop of Gulu, Uganda, and Ndjadi Ndjate Léonard, Auxiliary Bishop of Kisangani, DR Congo. There were also some Comboni provincial superiors from English-speaking African provinces, many confreres and Comboni sisters from Ethiopia and abroad, a huge number of local and religious priests, sisters, faithful, representatives from other Christian Churches, and representatives from the government and the diplomatic corps.
The liturgy was conducted in Ge’ez, with the English translation on the screens. Some hymns were in Amharic, including a song written by Fr Dawit Wubishet, a Comboni from Ethiopia.
During his homily, Cardinal Berhaneyesus spoke about the episcopal ministry. “‘We are happy to receive the new auxiliary bishop today from the Holy Father and the Comboni missionaries,” he said. Cardinal Berhaneyesus urged Bishop Tesfaye to be a good shepherd, especially for those in need, “a father for the poor, displaced and refugees.” The offertory procession was animated by dancers from the refugee community of Kunama people of Eritrea.
The ordination ceremony was followed by several speeches. Mons Massimo Catterin, charge d’affaires at the Addis Ababa Nunciature, was the first speaker. “Episcopate is the name of a service,” he underlined. Fr David Domingues, Vicar General of the Comboni Missionaries, thanked God for the gift, the life and the ministry of Bishop Tesfaye in the Institute and in the Church. “We are indeed proud of you,” he exclaimed.
Archeparch Menghesteab recalled that it was him who invited Bishop Tesfaye to join the Comboni Missionaries. “Many years ago, I thought I fished a small fish, but gradually he became a big fish. I see Bishop Tesfaye as my dear son”, he explained.
The Provincial Superior of the Combonis in Ethiopia, Fr Asfaha Yohannes, and the leader of all Evangelical Churches in the country were among the speakers.
Bishop Tesfaye concluded the speeches with a word of thanks in Amharic, English, Italian, Spanish and French. “I continue to count on your prayers and support”, the newly ordained bishop said.
After the liturgical celebration guests were served a delicious lunch with traditional Ethiopian dishes and some entertainment.
Fr Tesfaye made his profession of faith during an evening prayer in the Cathedral on the eve of his ordination. (José Viera)
