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Ethiopia: The Blessing of Shashemane Church |
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Scritto da Fr. Jean-Marie Bilwala, IMC
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 Shashemane (Sion Mariam) Parish was started in 1972. Since that time, it has seen a constant growth in the number of Christians, both in the Parish and in the outstations. Due to this reason, the Parish Priest, Fr. Silvio Sordella (Imc) saw it necessary to expand the existing Church which could carry a capacity of 400 people. Recently the expansion work was completed and now the new Church has a capacity of about 700 people, well-seated.
 The solemn blessing of this expanded Church was on August 22, 2007, followed by the Eucharistic celebration by the Meki Vicariate Bishop.
In his homily, he appreciated the good work being carried out in the Vicariate by the Consolata Missionaries, and Shashemane in particular. In this Parish, we also have a school for the Blind, an Elementary school up to grade 10, a Kindergarten, a Clinic and various other activities including an orphanage.
As the numerical growth is being experienced, a new trend of mission is starting, where Christians are to understand that the Church belongs to them and they should also participate actively.As the New Millennium in Ethiopian Calendar is just at the corner, we have high hope that this historic moment will help to transform the mentality of the Catholic Church in Ethiopia. May Our Mother, St Mary, intercede for the Christians of Shashemane! |
