A Joyful Journey to witness a solemn event
On Friday, April 25, 2025, I departed from Addis Ababa with a sense of purpose and anticipation. My destination was the Apostolic Vicariate of Hosanna – specifically, St. Anthony Parish in Ashira. I was going there to witness a deeply moving and solemn event: the final profession of vows of two junior sisters of the Franciscan Missionary of Christ (FMOC), Sr. Desalech Getachew and Sr. Zemen Kerilos.
A Congregation Rooted in Service
The FMOC congregation traces its foundation in Rimini, Italy in 1885. The first missionaries of the congregation set foot in Ethiopia in October 1972. Since then, the number of local sisters has grown and eight communities are established across the country – in the Archdiocese of Addis Ababa, the eparchies of Emdibir and Bahir Dar-Dessie, and the apostolic vicariates of Hosanna and Hawassa, along with Bale Robe prefecture. Currently, the number of local sisters is 64, including eight junior sisters who are receiving a comprehensive formation – spiritual, pastoral, and academic.
Among these juniors, Sr. Desalech and Sr. Zemen stood ready, having completed six years of formation and discernment, to fully commit their lives to God and to serving His people. On Saturday, April 26, 2025, they joyfully and solemnly pronounced their perpetual vows filled with gratitude, reverence, and celebration.
The solemn occasion marked a significant milestone – not just for the two sisters and their families, but for the entire Catholic Church in Ethiopia. Two new laborers have entered the Lord’s vineyard, and the seeds of dedication sown years ago have come to fruition.
CNEWA: A True Partner in Formation
Since 2018, Catholic Near East Welfare Association (CNEWA) has humbly accompanied the FMOC sisters, supporting the formation program for novices and junior sisters. Both Sr. Desalech and Sr. Zemen were beneficiaries of CNEWA’s support throughout their religious formation and academic training periods. The perpetual vows witness the success of partnership on one hand and show the tangible impact of CNEWA on the support for the formation of church leadership.
Stories of vocation discernment and commitment
Sr. Desalech Getachew, born in the Tembaro district, grew up in a devout Catholic farming family. Her early faith was nurtured at St. Gabriel Parish, where she sang in the choir and began sensing her calling. After her novitiate and initial service, she enrolled at a Health Science College. There, she pursued her dream with passion – earning a diploma in nursing with distinction in her class. Today, she serves at Ashira Catholic Health Center, fulfilling a mission close to her heart.
“Before joining the congregation,” she noted, “I convinced myself that I would study nursing to care for the sick, the poor and pregnant mothers with love and compassion. Now my dream is realized as I serve people with healing ministry. I thank my congregation for entrusting me to this service and CNEWA for supporting to make my dream come true.”
Her academic journey was marked by late nights, hard work, and unshakable faith. The reward? Excellence in her studies and joy in her vocation.
Sr. Zemen Kerilos comes from Kambata Zone, where she was raised in Homa village by loving and supportive parents. She was baptized at St. Mary Parish and later joined the congregation’s novitiate. She then studied at a Montessori Kindergarten Teacher Training Center in Soddo run by Daughters of Charity Sisters. After teaching in Ashira, she was recently transferred to Addis Ababa, where she now works in the Kindergarten of the congregation teaching kids coming from underprivileged and broken families.
“I don’t have riches to give these children,” she said with a warm smile, “but I offer them love, my presence, and my attention. I teach, listen, and play with them. I am blessed to be living my dream of serving the poor.”
The Power of Collaboration
Throughout their formation, both sisters were nurtured by the love of their families, care of their formators, and unwavering support of their congregation. Their spiritual and academic paths were not always easy, but they were never alone. The support of partners like CNEWA made their long journey possible.
As Sr. Lujina Gebrewold, the former regional superior and current project coordinator, and Sr. Berhane Yoseph, the current regional superior, both said in unison: “Thank you, CNEWA! You are our true partner.”
The congregation faces growing challenges, particularly financial ones as all the Italian sisters, who were raising funds from their home country, have returned home because of age and some of them passed to eternal rest. In this time of transition, CNEWA’s presence and partnership have become even more vital.
A Day to Remember
Attending the solemn ceremony was not only a celebration of two sisters’ commitments, but it was also a powerful reminder of what happens when hearts, hands, and prayers come together in collaboration. The grace of God, the willingness of the two sisters to the call of God, the faith and inspiration of families, the dedication of the congregation, and the financial support of partners have borne a bountiful harvest: two young, vibrant, and compassionate women now fully dedicated to the service of Christ and humanity filled with radiant hope.
Truly, these are the fruits of collaboration.