The celebration, presided over by Abune Tesfaye Tadesse Gebresilasie, the new Archeparch of Addis Ababa, took place on June 28 according to the Gregorian calendar, and on the 21st of Ginbot (the ninth month) according to the Ethiopian calendar. The 21st of every month in Ethiopia is dedicated to Our Lady, so a better day could not have been chosen to celebrate the feast of the Consolata.
By Marco Marini *
A considerable number of priests and religious from the Archeparchy of Addis Ababa and other vicariates were present. The Mass was celebrated in the Ge’ez rite, which is proper to the Ethiopian Eastern tradition. Several thousand Christians from parishes in Addis Ababa and the surrounding areas participated.
In his homily, Abune Tesfaye recalled the history of the discovery of the image of the Consolata, how she became the patron saint of the city of Turin, and how the Consolata Missionaries got their name from their founder, Saint Joseph Allamano, who served as the rector of the Consolata shrine for many years.
Furthermore, he reminded everyone that Mary is the mother of all; indeed, beneath the cross, she was given by her Son to all of humanity in the person of the Apostle John. Even though we venerate her under different names, she is always the same – our mother, to whom we can always turn and ask for protection. The bishop then reminded the faithful that while Mary is venerated by us in a very special way, we have only one Redeemer, our Lord Jesus Christ.
Turning to parents and catechists, he thanked them for their commitment to preparing the children for First Communion and the youth for Confirmation. Around 20 young people and children received the sacraments of Confirmation and First Communion.
Addressing the assembly regarding the sacrament of Confirmation, Abune Tesfaye posed this question: “Let us examine ourselves and ask: What have I done with the Holy Spirit that I received? Where is He at this moment? It is clear that if the Holy Spirit were not here, we would not have come; He is at work within us. If the Holy Spirit were not here, the choir would not sing; if the Holy Spirit were not here, we would not welcome the Word of God as such; if the Holy Spirit were not here, the act of worship we are performing would have no meaning. The Holy Spirit is here, active, and present in our lives. However, we must stop and reflect: to what extent do I let Him act? How much space am I giving Him?”
At the end of the Eucharistic celebration, Abba Petros Berga of the Archeparchy of Addis Ababa informed the assembly of a change in the episcopal see of Addis Ababa. Cardinal Berhaneyesus Demerew Souraphiel submitted his resignation to the Holy Father upon reaching the age limit, and Abune Tesfaye Tadesse Gebresilasie is the new Archeparch of Addis Ababa, though he will officially enter into his full functions after a three-month transition period.
Father Tamene Asaro,IMC, the Regional Superior of Ethiopia, then took the floor to thank everyone present for participating in the celebration of the Feast of the Consolata, reminding them that the charism of the Consolata Missionaries is for the evangelization of those who do not know Christ. He also revealed that there has long been a project to expand the current chapel by 16 meters to accommodate the growing number of Christians who attend the Latin Rite Holy Mass every Sunday at the regional house of the Consolata Missionaries. He asked the assembly to pray so that this project can be realized as soon as possible.
At the conclusion of the Mass, the Blessed Sacrament was carried in a procession from the outdoor courtyard – where the Mass was celebrated due to the large number of participants -to the chapel, where Abune Tesfaye blessed the congregation.
As is customary, the committee of the quasi-parish of the Consolata Chapel offered lunch to all participants. While many adults returned to their respective homes after sharing the meal, many young people stayed behind to sing and dance together with the Consolata choir.
The celebration of the Consolata Feast, well-established over the years, has become a point of reference for many Catholics living in Addis Ababa. The prayer is that Our Lady Consolata may continue to remain close to the many people, Christians and non-Christians alike, who are living through difficult times in a country still tormented by ethnic tensions and insecurity.
* Father Marco Marini, IMC, missionary in Ethiopia.
